Please Share: Someone, you may know, with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's

Please Share

Someone, you may know, with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's

It was in 2011 and 2012 that I began to notice. I can't give an exact date since, unlike other ailments, there is no specific time to pinpoint; no doctor visit where you hear the dreaded word ”cancer” or, like me, “heart murmur.” In those years, I would talk for hours about work, running, or our travel plans, and I started to notice that, from time to time, Catherine would ask me a question that seemed a bit odd. I just chalked it up to my big mouth: there I go running off at the mouth and all she was hearing was blah, blah, blah. But that was the first clue. 

I had taken a job that now required me to travel more than usual, so when we were together, I felt compelled to bring her up to date on all that went on while we were apart. She would  listen, but more and more, she would ask questions to which I was sure she knew the answer. As time progressed, I started to make comments to her about asking the same question twice, though it was not all the time and it was never more than a few times on a specific topic.

Just prior to my heart valve surgery, Catherine had gotten a new boss who was a very shake-things-up type of guy. Her routine was her cornerstone, so stress at work went way up. Over time, we became increasingly convinced that she might lose her job, since her boss had now put her on probation and entered her into an employee improvement program. 

That is when we started actually going to doctors to try to figure out what was going on. Some test were done to rule out other possibilities. After a cognitive test that lasted several hours we were now starting to put the pieces to the puzzle together. 

While in the hospital for my surgery I really started to notice something serious: Catherine was staying at a nearby hotel, sometimes she would forget to call me when she arrived at the hotel or would take several hours to get back to the hospital.  Catherine can always recall things in the past way better than I, but it was what happened yesterday or earlier that day that was unavailable for instant recall.

After my surgery, it slowly became a reality that Catherine was going to lose her job one way or another, and we now had quite a bit of documentation concerning her condition. The diagnosis given, since she was 53 at the time, was Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s.

I am sure that some of you are very surprised to learn this, which is why we think it’s so important to share: in other words, there might be folks around you that you would never know that they have this condition, especially in the early stages. Our hopes are that our story will find its way to someone that would find this information useful since we strongly believe that the sooner the better is the best policy.

Now I must make a disclaimer. Neither of us are experts on this subject and I do not plan on giving a lot of facts and figures. This is about what we feel to be true: 

The Importance of Social Engagement

As time goes on people with this condition have a tendency to withdraw socially but we have found that it is very important to keep engaged. The social interaction helps to make stronger  connections, and, in turn, stronger memories. She might seem a bit aloof, at first, but her smile is captivating, she knows no strangers, and as a pet and baby lover she is very easy to talk to.  She loves telling others about our adventures, and I fill in the details when asked questions to which she may not know the answer. It’s important to note, though, large groups can be problematic since multiple conversation can come in as simply white noise.

The Importance of Early Detection

I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection.  It is not very obvious at first, but if you suspect that someone close to you is struggling, get the testing done. As in Catherine’s case, documentation can protect one from losing their job.  Like many others disabilities, there are benefits available, but first you have to prove that such a disability exists.

Treatment plans are based on getting them started as early as possible since there is presently no cure. Such treatments don’t restore the damage already done but simply reduce the symptoms of Dementia.  

Presently Catherine is taking the following:

Escitalopram, 20MG

Donepezil (more commonly known as Aricept), 10mg 

In addition to pharmaceutical remedies, there are all sorts of supplements on the market to increase brain function and we have tried most of them, including vitamin B-12, C, D3 and E; turmeric; resveratrol, coconut oil, peppermint oil, and probiotics.

Some of you might have heard Catherine talk about a book called The Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs and Sugar—Your Brain’s Silent Killers.  The premise is that there is a connection between your gut and your brain, and that Wheat/Gluten can cause an array of cognitive issues.  It is one of the reasons that she is gluten-free and the book in general, is a great read. 

The Importance of Having Fun

You read all the time about the benefits of red wine, but some studies even suggest a shot of whiskey has benefits for the brain.  Moderation is the best course of action, though, as the more you drink the more you forget.

We are also firm believers in the benefits of travel, as we feel that exciting new experiences go into the long term memory unaffected by the condition. When an individual sees the same thing everyday, these experience go into the short term memory part of the brain and there it disappears.  Their partner comes home and asks, “What did you do today?” and the answer is, “I can’t remember.”  The frustration begins for both and the spiral downward is reinforced.  

Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that the answer is to Run All Over The World. It can simply be a 5K in a nearby city and a visit to a monument or museum, but the premise is that exercise coupled with a memorable experience is the key. 

The Importance of Dedicated Support

Support might be the most difficult for me, as you have to be all in and realize that you probably will be together 24/7. I am not the type of person that rushes to others for aid. However, leaving the affected person home alone only accelerates the progression of the disease, and in such cases, you won’t be there to see the signs until it is too late.  Additionally, the affected person may need assistance financially, with work, and with medication: I have seen there is a difference when Catherine misses a dose or two of her medication, and this is when the partner needs to take an active role. Furthermore, it is good to have someone to encourage social involvement when the affected person wants to withdraw.  

Much has been said about support groups, too.  I have gone online several times looking for support groups, but frankly, we have been too busy enjoying life to take advantage of them, so here I will just say that it is very important to support loved ones with this condition.

Sleep and Exercise

The last two are critical, the first one being exercise. Catherine and I try our best to get some form of exercise everyday, as it stimulates the brain and the sense of accomplishment goes along way when other things in life might not being going as planned.

The second is sleep. With Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s, deposits of beta-amyloid protein fragments (plaques) and tau protein strands (tangles) form in the brain, causing nerve cell damage.  While Catherine sleeps, however, some of these plaques and tangles are removed, so I try my best to make sure she is able to get 8-9 hours of sleep a night. 

Some of you may be asking, why are you Running All Over The World, given Catherine’s condition? Very simply, we have decided to see as much of the world as long as we can and to stay fit at the same time. Constantly changing environments seems counter-intuitive, but it is our belief that all the exciting destinations and new friends along the way help to form long term memories since that part of the brain is not affected.

And what about what I call “the blue days?”  Make no mistake, there will be bad days, and I can’t say I have the perfect solution. Simply saying, “I love you,” will not always work since, from the point of view of the affected loved one, they are a burden. I recorded a voice memo for Catherine to listen to on those blue days, and have our song, You and Me, by the Dave Matthews Band playing in the background. Two lines in this song really sets the tone for us:  When we get to the ocean, going to take a boat, to the end of the world, all the way to the end of the world. You me together, we can do anything.

By now some of you may be wondering what to do with this information.  First, talk about it with people you may know and share this information with others that might have the same situation at home. Give them my contact information listed below so we can then network and share best practices. There is plenty of information available at ALZ.org as well. As I said before, the earlier the better since the present drugs simply reduce the symptoms of Dementia.  

For concerned family, friends and acquaintances, rest assured that nothing really has changed.  You can email me at flyprkr@aol.com or Catherine at ceapopp@gmail.com.  If you have a particular question I would be more than happy to answer.  No tears please, though prayers would be greatly appreciated.  We ask that you don’t feel sorry for us because, as you can see, we are really enjoying life.  The usual hug would be nice the next time we see each other, but try not to dwell on the situation. Our long term plan is to keep going till a cure is found, and until then, we are going to see as much of the world as we can.

Why Would Anyone Go To Tele Aviv To Run A Half Marathon?

Why Would Anyone Go To Tele Aviv To Run A Half Marathon?

A couple of answers come to mind, in no particular order.

Because I can.

Sounded like a good idea at the time.  That one has gotten me into plenty of trouble over the years, but that is a book in itself.

Because it was on the calendar of Marathonguide.com, the road racer's bible.

Had a tough race schedule last year so wanted to start off easy.  8 marathons, 3 half marathons and 1 very hilly 21 miler.
Great training for this years marathon schedule.  5 marathons and 6 half marathons, so far as I know.
Blog says Run All Over The World.   I did not say how long each run might be.

Because I had some miles and points to use.
Because we don't have a home and have to be somewhere.

Well I am sure I will be asking myself that question plenty of times between now and when we get back in a week.  

The trip to Tele Aviv is like an endurance race itself.  I figure it will be about 27 hours from the time we checked out of the hotel in Atlanta to when we check back in to another Marriott hotel.  A mere 6,420 miles apart.  Even with a late check out we were on our way at 2 pm, so since it was National Margarita Day we stopped by Chili's for happy hour.  

Cheers

With a 8:40 pm departure, it was now time for us to walk the entire length of the ATL airport to concourse F.  3 hour stop in the Delta lounge and off we were on time to CDG, Charles De Gaulle, Paris.  This is my least favorite airport.  I actually left my oldest son, Aaron, there one day, after he missed our flight.  Maybe I should write a book.  I never schedule less than 2 hours to make it thru that maze but 6 hours was a bit much.  Just my luck, we were at the gate in 45 minutes so time to walk the terminal.

Cheers

The Air France lounge in concourse L has showers, so far so good.

The world has changed a lot since I was a kid.  A trip overseas was a piece of cake but now it is a totally different story.  Each airport has their own way to combat terrorism and as I have often said, "I really don't care what they make me do, just as long as the plane does not blow up.  You hear folks complain all the time, but I like the fact that they keep us passengers guessing.  Better safe than sorry, is my motto.  Our flight to Tele Aviv was 45 minutes late.  A passenger did not make the flight so they had to dig in the baggage hold to pull their bag.  Not sure how a bag makes the connection but the person does not.  Back to what I said early, "just as long as the plane does not blow up."

The terrorist wants us to stay home and fear the world but not I.  I refuse to stop doing what I love to do and going to Israel is another example for my list at the beginning of this blog.  Not only that, they were the ones that invented airport security.  It should be interesting to see it up close and personal.  I must admit I will keep my eyes open and also very aware of my surroundings.  I think I might even start the race from the back of the pack.  More about that later.

Customs and immigration was one of those examples where you always pick the slowest line.  The lady we were in line for gave everyone the 10th degree.  "Why are you here, where are you staying, for how long, let me see you return ticket."  The other folks were only getting stamps and smiles in their lines.  No problem, I was prepared and as always, one question and we were on our way in seconds.  That question being, "why are you here?"  "To run the half marathon on Friday",  I think she was impressed.

Check in at the Renaissance Hotel, a Marriott brand hotel, Duh, was smooth as silk.  I decided that the title of the Trip Advisor review will be Location, Location, Location.  I will insert the review itself, when done, later.  Suffice to say, for now, it is on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea and smack, dap in the middle of it all.  Plenty of runs along the sea are highly anticipated.

View of the Med from our balcony

Catherine is in Doggie Heaven

This was a first for me.  At the packet pickup a gentleman walked up to me, while I was getting Catherine's race number and asked me for my name.  He was showing me his ID and kept saying, "I am with the police and I want to know your name."  Pretty strange, I am use to people asking me how tall I am, "do you play basketball" and "are you someone famous but simple", what is your name was new to me.  He was dressed like everyone else in the place picking up their race numbers, so it took me a moment for it all to compute.  I gave him my full, nice and long, name, and just as fast he appeared, he was gone.  Welcome to Israel.

When you first turn on the TV in the hotel it is qued up for their commercial that plays on a loop.  Showing some of their great hotels all over the world and they use the banner,

Live Life to Discover

In the background a song is playing called Eyes Be Closed by Washed Out, one line sticks out to me.

See the world clearly now

All very appropriate for me at the time.

Here is the review

Location, Location, Location

This hotel is well situated in the heart of Tele Aviv and right on the beach.  I would have preferred a mini fridge instead of a mini bar but the Club Level Access more than compensated.  The A/C and heating system leaves a lot to be desired since there were only three switches for low, medium and high fan speeds.  Once again the balcony view of the meditraien sea and the surrounding beaches more than made up for it.  A very healthy breakfast buffet was included with a state of an art fitness center kept the calories in check.  An added benefit was the full size pool long enough for laps and there is an Olympic size pool, which is large enough to accommodate several dozen people at a time, within walking distance.  The Tel-O-Fun Bike rental system station, right down the street, made it effortless to get around town easily.

The next day we were off for a full day tour of Jerusalem.  The pick up at the hotel did not go well, with our tour guide not having our names on his list and leaving us behind.  To make it more confusing their were a number of tour guides that came by to pick up guests, at our hotel, so it was hard to know who our guide exactly was.  I was well prepared and when the designated time came and went, a quick phone call to the tour operator, was all that was needed for them to dispatch the tour bus back in our direction.  

It was a hour drive to our panoramic view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.  We also had a great view of Mount of Mariah, where Jesus was crucified.  From there we stopped at Mount Zion to visit King David’s tomb, the room of the Last Supper and the Dormition Abbey.  Another short ride and the walking tour continued with a visit to the Old City and walk through the Armenian and Jewish Quarters to the recently excavated and restored Cardo, the Roman Road.

View from Mount of Olives

View of Mount of Mariah, my daughter's name

We went on to see the Western Wall and continued to the Christian Quarter and walk along the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  After the Old City we went for a nice leisurly self guided tour of Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust.  A number that will forever stick in my mind was that of 1.5 million children that had perished one way or another.

The Last Super Left and where Jesus was buried right

The one way road back down the mountain was harrowing but the entire trip was well paced.  We had a quick 20 minutes for lunch in an area that reminded me of the Grand Bazar in Turkey.  Did not much like the 30 minute stop, at the tour guides designated store, for us to buy souvenirs.  Since we are on the road all the time, if we can’t eat it or drink it, we don’t buy it.  This is typical for all tours, so you kind of get use to it.  Over half the people in our group bought something, so I guess it was worth the stop, for them, at least.

The packet pickup was within walking distance from our hotel but getting to the start was going to be a bit tricky.  Since all the roads to the start were closed, a taxi would only get us but so close, so that was an option, but not a very good one.  The train stop was near the start and finish, but the nearest station was over 2 miles away.  Walking the four miles was also an option, but the suggested Tel-O-Fun bike, rental system, seemed to be the best bet.

There was a station on the way to the start, so with a swipe of a credit card, we were on our way.  They charge a daily access fee and then start charging for usage after 30 minutes.  So if you get it to the next station by then you are only charged a small fee for that day.  They had a large holding pin, set up at the start, and you were able to check the bike in and then check out another bike and take it back to the hotel area.

That was simple enough and was a good four mile warm up and cool down before and after the race.  The race itself was fantastic.  One of the best I have ever done and I am really starting to prefer half marathons over full marathons.  No real issues with the body and recovery was a snap.

They stagered the start in two different sections, for each race, and wave within that race.  The Marathon started first and the 10K was right after them.  There was a 5K that started about the time we were finishing up with the half. 

All smiles at the start

We decided to start at the very back of the pack for several reasons.  I figured if anything strange was to happen that would have already had occurred before we had even arrived.  I felt very safe but with all that is going on in the world, better safe than sorry.  Also a very good friend and running coach, John, Then Penguin, Bingham, has always talked about starting at the very end of a race.  

We had plenty of time to complete the half so I figured this would be a good race to do so.  I have done it before and it gives you a different perspective.  You get to see all of those that this might be there first attempt at such a distance and you are able to give them the much needed encouragement along the way.

For us, since we were only doing the half it solidified in my mind why I might want to take the time at age 60 to start the transition from full marathons to half marathons from now on.  It was not a pretty site seeing those, that are typically me, trying to get across the finish.  I use to say I have a love, like relationship with the two distances.  I like half marathons but I love the sense of accomplishment after completing a full marathon.

There was plenty of support along the way and our course took us right by our hotel twice with several miles being along the road adjacent to the beach.  There was not a lot of fan support but I figured with all the races they had going on that day everyone must had been running or walking in one.  The race is held on a Friday simply because Saturday and Sunday, with road closures, was out of the question.  Sunday is actually the start of their work week, with Friday and Saturday, being their weekends.

They are big into their pubs, in Tele Aviv, so there were several nearby giving me plenty of opportunities to enjoy my two favorite beers, Kilkenny and Guiness.  Something else, that was a stand out, for me, was their cocktail bars where they take pride in mixing some one of the kind drinks.  We found two of such, the first one being a place called Moonshine.  All of their drinks were based on the moon shine concept and with happy hour we were able to sample four different drinks and they all seemed to come in different, very unique glasses.

Since I could not decide, left one first

Corn on the cob inside the drink and popcorn around the glass

The other one was called Imperial Craft Cocktail bar and it is actually suggested that you have reservations.  The place holds about 30 and lucky for us there were two seats available at the bar for about an hour.  That was plenty of time for us, since we had an early departure the next day.  They had one champagne type drink called Honey Bunny.  I had to send a message that included a picture and ingredients to Millie Orr since that is her pet name for her husband Capt. Jack, whom I worked with, in Miami.

Catherine favorite was Smugglers Crusta, I am going to have to do some research on that one.  They say it was their version of a whiskey sour with the glass covered on the outside with sugar.  Catherine got caught licking the glass clean.

The Brandy Crusta was originally made with Cognac but can also be made with brandy, bourbon or rye whiskey. It’s also one of the few cocktails that you garnish before making the drink.

2 oz. Cognac
1 tsp. orange Curaçao
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: cocktail
Garnish: sugar rim and lemon curl

Cut a lemon in half. Pare the full peel off half and squize the juice from the lemon. Prepare a glass by moistening the rim with lemon and dipping it in sugar, then carefully curling the lemon peel around the inside of the glass. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and strain into glass and add 1 small cube of ice.

Her's was made with Rye Whiskey and powered sugar all over the outside of the glass without the ice cube.

Thriller had to get in the act with Smugglers Crusta on the left and Honey Bunny on the right

This usually does not happen but I must say, 7 nights, was just not long enough.  The people are incredibly friendly.  It was kind of odd, in a way.  They seem to be in their own world, speaking Hebrew, but when asked a question they spoke some of the best English and went out of their way to help you.  There were to many examples to list here, but it was a pleasant surprise to be on the other side of the world, but in many respects, to be that welcomed.  Yes, you had a few that were not so courteous but that was by far the exception, instead of the rule.

We only went out once, to eat dinner, since the Club Lounge, at the hotel, provided dinner and drinks but unfortunately that meal was not so good.  They, Fitzroy, was across the street from the hotel, got very high rating from trip advisor.  Since I do a lot of reviews on them, I was very surprised.  

The gentleman mixing the drinks at Moonshine asked me to review them, which I did.  I find it very helpful to hone my travel writing skills, since I have pretty much decided to see where that takes me.

Here is the review for Moonshine

"This is the place if looking for some unique drinks”

Reviewed yesterdayNEW

The atmosphere was great and everyone went out of their way to make you feel at home. The drinks were great and the music was fantastic. We signed our dollar and hung it up near our table and look forward to coming back.

I figure I am going to be traveling for quite awhile so if I can get some benefit from it then no skin off my nose.  I am also thinking seriously about writing a book and presently working on moving this blog to a more suitable site.  I will be sure to flood the airwaves when that move is complete.

Well the journey back to ATL is in progress.  It started with a 3:30 am local wake up and sad face by Catherine, as we got in the cab to the airport.  I gave myself plenty of time but once again was not really needed, since it was a quick process.  They do have a check point for all cars to enter the airport property with a peak inside the cab by an armed guard.  Nothing much out of the ordinary except for just going to a machine for immigration.  There you put in your passport and got a ticket to be scanned to open the gate for you to continue on.

With two hours to spare we had breakfast at their equivalent of a Delta Sky lounge, as we waited for our 4 hour flight back to Paris.  Another 4 hours on the ground and then 10 hour flight back to ATL.   When it is all said and done we should arrive back at the Marriott at 9 pm which will be 4 am body clock time just over 24 hours since I got up.

CHEERS

Our next trip is in 3 days with another motor home tour of Florida.  The plan is to pick it up in Orlando and stay a few day in Kissimmee then south to the Fort Pierce area.  Put it back in storage after a few days and then transition to a hotel for a night in West Palm Beach.  Cross alligator alley for Bonita Springs for a few days.  Short drive up to Fort Myers for our flight back to ATL to complete our 10 day Southern Adventure.  Not to sure when I will get back down to Florida to meet up with the Motor Home, AKA, The Crib, but I am sure I will be able to find a week here and there later in the year.

The calendar is pretty much filled up but there are a few weeks that are not accounted for.  Catherine and I have decided that we are going to modify our goals moving forward.  I will do the Boston Marathon in April and that will have us both complete the 6 world major marathons, those being, Boston, Chicago and NY in the states and London, Berlin and Tokyo, internationally.  

Catherine is only 5 states away from completing a marathon in all 50 states.  May 1, we go to Colorado, since both of us need that state, but instead we will only do the half.  Our goal now being to complete either a full or half marathon in all 50 states.  I am 7 states behind her.  Then we will do a full marathon in Prague, only because they don’t have a half distance.  They do have a relay so we are going to ask if there is a way we can do a two person team.

The end of May we will go to Easter Island in South America and there, we will only do the half marathon.  Our goal once again being modified to accomplish either a full or half marathon in all 7 continents.  The only ones left will be Africa, which we will do in July and Antartica, which we will do in March 2017.

I do not usually modify my goals but as I have learned in life, especially as time moves on you have to remain flexible.  I am sure we could still do 5-8 marathons a year but the half marathon, here in Tele Aviv, has taught both of us that half marathons are much more fun and you can have much more fun afterwards.  

We will probably do at least one more in the next 5 years after the two mentioned earlier since I am a number type person and the goal of 65 marathons at the age of 65 sounds real good.  I am sure we can find one that is real special for that one.  It might be hard to find since we have done all the great ones that are out there already.  Worst case, I will just use the marathon distance I ran during the Iron Man back in 2011 to count for number 65.

With all that said I guess I will have to modify my list from above

2 marathons

8 Half marathons

Thriller enjoying one last sunset in Tele Aviv

Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.

Hindsight being 20/20 I have come up with the answer to the question above.  It is a great city with outstanding people and a fantastic race

What Do You Get For 50,000 Aveda Points

What Do You Get For 50,000 Aveda Points

My partner, Catherine Popp, saved up and was able to convert her 50,000 Aveda points for the  Pure Privilege, 7 Tier, Sugar Ridge Resorts, 3 night stay, for two, in Antigua.  

Getting the points converted was easy enough but in the back of your mind you always wonder what you are actually going to get with such a deal. The flight was a bit pricey and trying to book the flights in March and April were more costly if not impossible. Transportation was not included but I did tried to use our regional upgrades for Business class but the demand for those seats outweighed our current Double Diamond Status. But the black out dates were reasonable and a standard room with breakfast included sounded like a great deal.  Throw in a 60 minute massage for each of us and full use of the facilities there and seemed like the potentially perfect Valentine’s Day gift, so we took the chance. As it just so happens, Delta, our carrier of choice, was advertising the gift of travel for this occasion as opposed to the typical flowers and/or candy.

When arriving in a foreign land for the first time, there can be a lot of guesswork and apprehension, but in Antingua, the entire experience from getting off the airplane to getting to the resort was flawless, though it does help to be near the front of the plane. Antigua has a very upscale airport for a Caribbean destination. Our bags were waiting for us instead of the other way around and the airport had plenty of customs and immigration agents to keep everyone moving along.  A dispatcher working for the government-run taxi gave us a fare quote, and even though we shared a van, the ride to the hotel was quick and efficient.

The resort claimed to cater to the world’s most discerning travelers in a secluded hillside setting overlooking the lush natural beauty of the west coast of Antigua and the Caribbean Sea. Check in was first class: everyone asked our names and shook our hands, and the rum punch offered while we waited was a very nice touch.  Transportation to our room was required since the 60 guest rooms are built on the hill for the great views of the surrounding area and harbour.

View from our Terrace

The resort had four types of rooms and I was not expecting the deluxe suite, but to our surprise, the standard room included an outdoor, private, plunge pool which was especially nice after our 5-mile run the next day.  

Beautiful view of the pool area and The Captain Club

Dinner at Sugar Club that night was well prepared and reasonably priced, and once again all the staff members were delightful and attentive.  Local entertainment could be heard from our terrace so after dinner we made the short walk to Jolly Harbor to listen to the live band. We had to buy tickets for drinks and the somewhat arbitrary exchange rate was a bit confusing since the entire island seems to enjoy going back and forth between US and the East Caribbean dollar on a whim, but turns out the Valentine’s Regatta was taking place that weekend, so it did not take long for the outdoor dance floor to fill up.  

The next morning, the buffet-style breakfast at the hotel, complete with a cook to take your egg order made, made breakfast a worthwhile trip after our slow 5-mile run.  

The pool and exercise room were both very inviting, but since I had already run that morning, the pool won. It was long enough to do some laps, so I didn't feel so bad about enjoying a frozen drink afterward while taking in some Vitamin D from the sun.

Long enough to do some laps

By this time, I was starting to learn why so many people love Antigua.

We were really looking forward to our Valentine’s Dinner at their formal dining room, Carmichael's, located on the top of the hill behind our room.The hotel seemed to provide transportation to just about anywhere nearby, including three beaches, and so a van to and from the restaurant was provided. The walk up the stairs to the restaurant was not required but we could not resist getting in a bit more exercise prior to dinner.  We are always looking for any and all types of exercise, so after dinner, so the 1-mile walk to the nearest beach was right down our alley.

Nice Views from Carmichael's 

The Valentine’s meal did not disappoint, and with the sunset in the distance I can easily say I hit this one right out of the park. Our waitress was exceptional, quickly alleviating our fears about Catherine’s meal choice since she is Gluten sensitive.  Her smile was captivating and she really seemed to enjoy her job. She greeted us again at the Captain’s Club for breakfast the next morning and she even still had a big smile on her face.

Pool right outside Carmichael's and sunset right before dinner 

A word of caution about making appointments for your 60 minute massage treatments, however.  We failed to do so upon check in and the parlor closes at 5 pm and are not open on Sunday.  Not to fear, though-- we were there when they opened on Monday at 8 am and were able to get the last two appointments later that day. In the worst case scenario, they would have tried to fit us in on Tuesday, the day of our departure, but everything worked out okay.

The Jolly Harbour area had plenty of restaurants, bars and shop, but it was admittedly sad to see the once majestic Grand Princess Casino abandoned and for sale. I hope, one day, that someone will buy give this huge building a true facelift, but the Jolly Harbour resort and Tranquillity Bay were also nearby so there seemed to be plenty of alternative options.

We looked at extending our stay, which can be easily done through the Sugar Ridge Website, but $595 per night was out of our price range, and so our last night started out with the manager’s reception. The newly appointed manager made his way around to most of us which was a nice personal touch. A hard downpour of rain tried to dampen our spirits but the rum punch, too, flowed like water. During the raffle, we met our new best friends for this trip, Christie and Jim.  They were a unique pair, with Christie being a Air Traffic Controller in Philadelphia and Jim a Captain at Johnson and Johnson. Hearing Christie’s stories of controlling several of Jim’s flights was very entertaining.   

Our new best friends

Once again the small world theory came into play when we learned that we all had a mutual friend.  We sent pictures and text messages back and forth to our mutual friend as she is also a UPSer that retired several years before me. We all had a relaxing dinner at Miracle’s, right across the street from the hotel. There the Grilled Whole Lobster dish was to die for. Time flew by and it started to sink in that we will be back because it was now clear that Antigua is a true Gem in the Caribbean.

The presentation was outstanding

Check out and taxi back to the airport were simple enough. We returned the survey they slipped under our door along with the preliminary bill the night before. The airport bar had a drink called, Negroni, so I could not resist. I had to go to the trusty web to assist the bartender on the actual ingredients. Campari is an acquired taste and he had to improvise, and instead of the orange slice, which he did not have, he tossed in a lime slice and a cherry, too, for good measure.

Try one for yourself:

1 1/2 ounces, Sweet Vermouth

1 1/2 ounces, Campari

1 1/2 ounces, Gin

Orange slice or twist for garnish

Thriller approved

It was sad to hear the announcement at the gate for other individuals who would take the last business class seats for the flight home.  (Not really, I will just use regional upgrade requests for our trip to Cancun in April, and Delta does an excellent job no matter where you sit in the airplane.)  

Looking back, it was a fantastic weekend and the entire experience. What we got for 50,000 Aveda points was well worth it. Next time, we will have save up 100K points, as Christie did, so we can stay even longer.

Antigua, we will be back.

Enough Said

How Not To Go Overboard On A Cruise Ship

How Not To Go Overboard On A Cruise Ship

You hear it all the time.  I put on 10 pounds plus, while on the cruise ship, and now it will take me a month to get back into those jeans that I love.

The other misgiving of the typical cruise ship experience is the many hours of just sitting or laying around.  At the dinner table, during the many off Broadway type shows, in the lounge chairs, deck side, at the casino and being rocked to sleep in your 2X4 cabin.  John, the Penguin, Bingham and Jenny, The Coach, Hadfield have the answer for you.  

The idea that these two life coaches came up with 10 years ago is to combine all the benefits of cruising and staying fit into a 7-8 day adventure that you will write home about.  My running mate, life partner and 75 marathoner, Catherine Popp and I met up with J and J, John and Jenny back in 2011-ish.  This will be our 6th outing with them, which has taken us to different parts of the Caribbean, 3 times, and Alaska once.  The other two trips were a bit more far flung, with a land base tour with Florence Italy as the hub with places like Pisa, Sitka and Luka as the spokes.  The other very unique destination, was a river cruise along the Danube starting in Budapest.  We have a similar river cruise in the Southern France region, beginning near Marseille, this coming October.

The gist of the program is to bring a manageable group of like minded runners/walkers to venture in the different regions to do a staged Marathon or half Marathon over 7-8 days.  The great part is it is not done all at once, but when it is all said and done each individual has completed either 26.2 or 13.1 miles.  If you are the traditional competitor this might not be for you.  Each race has a first place winner for both male and female but how that is actually calculated if left up to J and J.  We are briefed each day and with the extra benefit of being the first off the ship, each day, and we are then given the opportunity to strategist how to get the coveted yellow hat.

Wearing ours proudly during the run in Key West

It might be the absolute fastest, both male and female, on a short distance, 1 mile to 5/10k, or something as random as who gets the King of Hearts out of the deck of cards as they are handed out, when you cross the finish.  You have to hear John tell the hilarious background story, as only he can, during one of his inspirational talks.

The last race on the trip is the one we all look forward to, is classified as the Amazing Race.  Similar theme but with an added twist when done on a Caribbean cruise.  That being, we all dress up in a pirates theme.  Just image 100 plus pirates running/walking around San Juan trying to follow the clues and get all required pictures taken in order along the way.  So groups of 2-4 are crisscrossing the major tourist attractions, be it church, fountain, etc just so they are the first ones across the finish with a picture of the group in front of the object, in order.  One year, a boy genius, put in all the GPS coordinates, after google search, and ended up going thru a hospital to get first place for the group.  Catherine and I usually take a more laid back approach and just go bar hopping in preparation for the award ceremony at Senior Frogs or the like.

 How we do the amazing race

The overall winner is pretty cut and dry.  In the first briefing we are all given a rough outline of races for the week and the approximate, ISH, a term coined by Jenny, example, 5 mile-ish course that is somewhat hilly-ish.  Depending on which distance you select for each day for the marathon of half course you then have to calculate your exact time.  I forgot to mention that most, if not all, of these races are done without any time keeping device.  It is the classic tortoise and the hare with the slow and steady usually coming out on top.

Both Catherine and I already have our autographed yellow hats so for us it is the ability to enjoy the company of like minded individuals in the most picturesque of settings while keeping a reasonable exercise routine going, that brings us back.  That surely comes in handy when trying to counter balance the endless opportunities to eat, lounge and sleep.

This particular venture started in Tampa with an 7 day itinerary consisting of the following.

TAMPA, FLORIDA

KEY WEST, FLORIDA

CRUISING AT SEA

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE 

PUERTO COSTA MAYA, MEXICO

COZUMEL, MEXICO

CRUISING AT SEA

TAMPA, FLORIDA   

A very important quality each participant most possess is flexibility.  You are on and off an cruise ship for 7-8 days so if you are one of those that insists on the race start at 8 am sharp you might want to keep collecting states or continents.  The most memorable upside was another Caribbean excursion a few years back where, not only were we the first ones off the ship, but also got a police escort, in Aruba, to the race start where the roads were closed for our 10K-ish race along coast.  The local running group but the race together for us including an official clock at the beach finish with a coolers full of beer and soft drinks, barbecue type items to eat, as we cooled down our legs, in the water.

I will say if you are one of those types that calcululates all of your marathons down to the penny, since you are doing 30-50 a year, you will need to take a chill pill, before signing up.  They say money can’t buy happiness but this comes pretty darn close.  The pricing is not outrageous but as I look at life in my 60’s, as long as I get what I pay for, I am a happy man.  If the fact that I am planning my 7th trip with them in Oct and signed up for another Caribbean cruise while on board, is any indication, then I am sure you will agree this is a very cost effective way to enjoy the benefits of Cruising and living an active lifestyle.

We do have one individual, Ernst, that has done the most, 11 trips with them.  He has won several yellow hats over the years and he is also the keeper of the #1 bib number, most of the time, and all the perks that entails.  My understanding of the premise of the yellow hat is to mimic the Tour De France yellow jersey but with the one distinct exception, that being, you get to keep the hat.

Sporting his jazzy calf compression socks

There is a yeng and yang when it comes to team of J and J with the Cruise and Vacation Authority doing a bit of the heavy lifting on the logistic end.  John and Jenny, are the proverbial who’s who when it comes to running.  John has brought millions off their couches to the sport of running/walking and Jenny coaches just as many to reach their goals from just completing their first marathon to qualifying for the prestigious, Boston Marathon.  Here are their bios for your reading pleasure.

John “The Penguin” Bingham is a featured columnist for Competitor Magazine, spokesman for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training” program, and race announcer of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon Series. His popular column, The Penguin Chronicles, ran for 14 years in Runner’s World Magazine. 

Known by fans as “The Penguin” for his back-of-the-pack speed, John is the unlikely hero of the modern running boom. A best selling author and magazine columnist, he writes and speaks about his childhood dreams of athletic glory, sedentary years of unhealthy excess, and a life-changing transformation from couch potato to “adult-onset athlete”. 

Once overweight, uninspired and saddled with a pack-and-a-half-a-day smoking habit, Bingham found himself firmly wedged into a middle-age slump. Then he discovered the active lifestyle and it all changed. 

He is the author of The Courage to Start and No Need for Speed and co- author with Coach Jenny Hadfield of Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals. His most recent book, An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age, was released September 1, 2011. 

In turns inspiring, poignant, hilarious and heartbreaking, John is a warm and engaging speaker. In his books and columns, Bingham shares stories of the joys of running, such as, the pride of the finisher’s medal, a bureau-busting t-shirt collection, and intense back-of-the-pack strategizing. John’s story is about one man’s discovery that middle age was not the finish line after all; it was only the beginning. 

During his Rock and Roll Marathon series announcer days

Jenny, The Coach, Hadfield is the co-author of the best- selling Running for Mortals and Marathoning for Mortals book series as well as a columnist for Women's Running Magazine and RunnersWorld.com. She is a certified personal trainer and coach, who has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Health Promotion and a Masters Degree in Exercise Science. 

Jenny began her running journey overweight and unable to make it to the end of the block. Her unique approach to coaching draws from her struggles to get started, lose over 30 pounds, reach the finish line of a her first 5K and go on to qualify for the Boston Marathon. 

Jenny practices what she preaches and is an accomplished endurance athlete, having competed in over forty marathons all over the world including the Boston Marathon, the Antarctica Marathon and three of Mark Burnett’s Eco-Challenge Expeditions (Survivor Producer). She recently broke the women’s ElliptiGO One-Day World Distance Record by riding 152 miles. Her curiosity to find out what is around the next corner continues to fuel her adventurous spirit and desire to explore the world under her own power. 

Running changed Jenny's life. She fell in love with the process of training, quit her job in corporate fitness, and dedicated the rest of her life to coaching, writing, competing, and inventing active vacations. She loves to learn and teach but, perhaps, derives the most gratification from helping people accomplish goals they never thought possible. Consider Jenny your personal coach for the week; please feel free to ask her plenty of questions at any time. 

Hard to vision she was once overweight

My personal take on this duo is that John is the inspiration and Jenny is the brain's of the pair.  Many a debrief was had with Jenny quizzing us over a beverage in the crows nest on where else we could possibly go and from those intense back and forth blossomed the Florence, Danube and soon to be Southern France adventures.  John keeps us inspired, in between bouts of sheer laughter along the way.  For the Caribbean Cruise they utilize Royal Caribbean and AMA waterways is the river cruise line of chose.  I keep joking about switching over to the Windstar Cruise line since I have been on them 3 times and envision the entire ship of “us” on board.  Of course, I only mention such to Jenny.  I also keep whispering, Hawaii, in her ear from time to time.

Thriller joining them at the Mayan ruins in Belize City

Our particular adventure had plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep the dynamic duo on their toes.  It started out very calm with the evening welcome event at the Embassy Suites hotel where the hotel offered drinks and snacks to loosen up those of us that came in a day early.  Little did we know that the Gasparilla festival was going on that weekend and we got our fill of much needed pirate outfits ideas.

The next morning we were off to stretch out the old legs along the water for a slow 2-ish run.  The Vision of the seas cruise ship and our home for the next 7 days was a short walk away.   Transportation by bus was provided which was great since we were dragging 3, 50 pound bags with us.

After the mandatory safety drill we, all 142 of us, met in our new meeting spot, Some Enchanted Evening Lounge.  There we got an overview of the upcoming week's events and races.  After dinner many assembled in the Viking Crown Lounge.  Many a discussion on future trips had been had in the past and we always rename that lounge to the Crow's Nest.  That is where it all began for us, back in 2011 or so.

In Key West Florida we were met by the local running club and ran either a 5K or 10K with the winner being the fastest male and female in each race.  We choose the 5K so as to give us more time to view the most southern land mark and visit my name sake, Captain Tony's Saloon.

All the gang gathered at the watering hole

After all that we were back on board for a day at sea and a 5K race on the deck, which was pitching, but we have seen worst during the Alaska cruise.  This was a predicted race time so some might say the winner was somewhat random but it was a lot of fun.  Cheering was had by all.

The next day we were back in Belize City.  We were here back in April last year and it was nice to see the area from a different perspective.  I was not impressed the first time but seeing it thru the  lens of a cruiser it was somewhat of a contrast.  They know where the money is so they made sure we all had a great experience.

It turns out we made history by being the first to ever hold a race of any type at the Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha.  There it was a 4 mile relay race with Catherine and I doing 2 miles each at a half a mile at a time.  It was a bit hot and the folks there gave us a great tour after or before the race, depending on which group you were with.  The beer afterwards was cold and the price seemed to change as our group continued to show up at the one bar right up to the point when we drank them dry.

Good thing they ran out of beer or we would have never had made it back for this picture

Even Thriller enjoyed the cold beer after a long day in the heat

Long legs came in handy

I was very happy to see that some of the cruiser money went into the paving of the 14 mile section of the road leading to the ruins.  It was not an easy drive for me, back in April, but I did learn a new term on our way back to the ship this time.  DRT, Dead right there.  Our good friend and emergency nurse, Kim, coined it as a description of what we all witnessed along the side of the road.  Another bike versus car that did not turn out well.

On our last visit we were not allowed to enter the cruise thermal and it was a vast difference to the area just 1 mile away.  Money talks and nobody walks.  There was a couple of watering holes with music to choose from and anything and everything you could every want to buy on hand.  My favorite phrase was "I have all the junk you don't need at half the price."

Back to the ship for another great dinner where many have learned, by now, you can order two of each appetizer, entree, and dessert.  I even saw someone order three deserts, oh my.  Dinner seating is on an assigned rotation basis so that we could spend time with the most of the group and John and Jenny have their own separate tables where others rotate to their tables.

The next day the seas won and we were unable to make land Costa Maya or as we now called it Costa Maybe.  This was a first for J and J but the seemed to audible well and put on a couple of deck events.  The ship supplied champagne and we all race/walked a few laps around the top deck on the ship while drinking a glass of champagne in between laps.  I did make it to the final round but Harry, the professional race walker, beat me out.  I did come back with a team victory for the spoon egg carry.

Some might have noticed by now that the mileage, so far, is not near where you would think it would be, by now, for either a marathon or half marathon.  Turns out that it was decided that for the Caribbean it was no longer feasible to have people out running or walking that many miles in the heat and humidity.   No complaints here, but for those that need to accomplish more mileage in a week do as some of us did and just keep running or walking.  When I said us, I did not mean me, as you can see so far, bar time is important to me.  However, there were many that continued on or simply found a nearby race when we got back on land on Sunday.

The sea of Green

The winning team, a photo bomber and the trophy

Pool time after the deck races

Off we go now for the final race of the week, the Amazing race in Cozumel.  Catherine and I did not really get all dressed up but some of the folks on this trip went all out.  I even saw a few stuffed birds on shoulders.  Once again everyone took off in one direction each clutching their maps and clues while we went in the opposite direction to get in a good two mile run.  I had figured 2 hours to make it to the finish and the winning team was to get the King of Spades, so once again, it was a pub crawl for us.  We all finished up at Margrettiville and some took an extra stop at Senior Frogs at the cruise thermal.  I know it sounds it hard to believe but I did not win the bottle of beer, shot of tequila and ballon blowing up contest.  I think they gave me one of those clown balloons to keep me from winning.

Great Advertising for Royal Caribbean

 Thriller enjoying the view and we made it to stop number 5, Maragrettiville 

My smile says it all, Catherine is getting a message after a shot of something

About half of us made it to the second formal night at dinner that evening.  I wonder why.  We were now back at sea for the trek back to Tampa and the boat rocked and rolled the whole way back.  Not like the Mega Ship, Anthem of the Seas, off the coast of NC that had to turn around.  It did make it interesting for the awards ceremony, the last night, in the Majestic Theater, at the front of the ship.

Besides the overall winner presentation, J and J also select their Inspiration, Dedication and Perspiration awards.  It was a very pleasant surprise for Catherine and I to be awarded the Inspiration award for our cutting edge approach to Running all over the world.  I sometimes have to tell her and remind myself that if it was easy anyone would be able to do it.

If the shoe fits, wear it

Could not have said it better myself

We are off to Antigua for a long weekend on Saturday, with Valentines day on Sunday.  The three day weekend was an award Catherine received after reaching 50,000 Aveda points. Then back to ATL for a few days.  After that off we go for our first overseas trip, this year, to Tel Aviv Israel for a half marathon.  Using miles from last year for the two first class seats and points for our hotel room at the Renaissance.  If I work it right after about 5 years I should be able to travel on miles and points for the entire 6th year.

You can never plan the future by the past.

— Edmund Burke