Varekai

I ran 14 miles last week which was better than the past few weeks, but short of my goal of 18. I happened to be searching the internet on Friday night and came across the Go for the Gold 10k. Since my planned long run on Saturday was 6 miles, I figured I'd run this 10k for the people watching and race encouragement instead. But as soon as I turned it into a race, I had anxiety and couldn't sleep. Since I hadn't registered, all of the logistics kept creeping into my mind. What time do I have to wake up to register before the race? Where is the race? Where do I park?

Needless to say, by the time I got to sleep it was at least 3:30 am, and I needed to leave at about 6:30 am. So, I blew it off. I did, however, run my 6 miles at Town Lake at 9:00am. I need to figure out a way to relieve the pre-race anxiety. Hopefully, that will come with experience and familiarity to racing (or drugs...drugs are good).

Saturday night I went with a group of friends to Eastside Cafe. I had never been there before so it was good to see friends, meet new people, and have a new dining experience. "The Eastside Café sits on an acre of land surrounded by dozens of pecan trees. One third of the land is home to a gorgeous organic garden. For 15 years vegetables, herbs and flowers have been organically grown and harvested for use in the Eastside Café kitchen." It was delicious.

Afterwards, we went to Cirque du Soleil's Varekai at the old Austin Bergstrom airport. I was a little apprehensive at first because it was in a tent put up in a parking lot. I wasn't necessarily bothered about being in a tent, I just had visions of freak shows, bearded-women, and a three-eyed man. You know, carnies...small hands...smell like cabbage. But once inside, I forgot that I was in a tent, and the show was on par with a Vegas Cirque production. I have seen Mystere at Treasure Island in Vegas, and I preferred the tent because the venue was more intimate and our seats were better. Some of the things that they do are truly amazing!! I highly recommend the show if you get a chance to see one, but the tickets are pretty pricey at $67 (although it is still cheaper than Vegas).

We then headed down to 219 on 4th street. Downtown was packed due to SXSW. I had never been to 219 because I don't go out downtown that often, but it was pretty fun. On the way home, I did the obligatory late night stop at Taco Cabana. When I got home, my brother and some of his friends were playing Texas Hold 'em so I had to join in. I actually doubled my money and then went to bed.

Sunday, I went to Home Depot and bought a new 22", self-propelled, key start, 6.75hp, Toro lawn mower. I am a total nerd and getting way too old; I am getting all excited about a lawn mower! But, it works well. I mowed the yard and then had a little incident with my dog (which was unrelated to the lawn mower), but that is a very long and sad story for another day. Thus, I didn't get the 4 miles in that would have gotten me to my 18 mile goal.