Michael: A Clothing Addendum

The orange breasted
Female compliments her black
And red feathered mate.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Looking down on my slowly fading chigger bites, I’ve decided it would be wise to amend my clothing recommendations for living in the Panama Highlands. Though to be fair, chiggers and other nasty little biting creatures are pretty widespread throughout the world, so the additions I’m going to add would apply to many living and travel situations.

Next month when we visit the states, I’m going to head to an REI store and pick up bug repellent socks, pants and a shirt. I won’t use them often, but if I’m going on a trail or property that has damp grass or brush or is known to be particularly buggy, I’d rather wear clothing that has insect repellent woven into the fabric instead of dousing myself with chemical sprays.

I have seen one or two people wear bug netting over there head to cover their face and neck, and though I’ve never felt the need to go that route, if I were doing a multi-day hiking trip into an unknown area, it might not be a bad idea to have one in the pack.

Chiggers - bring the right clothes, leave them in the brush.

Michael: Short but not Forgotten

Chased across the yard
By the galloping brown beast
The dog barks and flees.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

When I first started trail running I ran into a guy who had just run the L.A. Marathon. Wow, I thought, I’ve never run more than raced more than a 10k. This guy is going to kick my butt up this short 3 ½ mile hill. But he didn’t. I held my own and that’s when it really punched home that long isn’t speed and roads aren’t trails.

Now I’m trying to play both roles, reminding myself just because I’ve done some pretty long runs lately, that doesn’t mean a short race like a 5k is going to be a piece of cake.

Though both mentally and physically, I’ve had far more failures at longer distances and am far more focused on the 100k next month as opposed to the 5k the week before. It’s beginning to dawn on me that the 5k embodies it’s own unique gauge of age and conditioning and may be a much more insightful event than the 100k.

Why? Because at ultra distances the races can be as much if not more about strategy and mental outlook than age or physical conditioning. That’s why there’s some very competitive old folks doing so well. But in a race like a 5k, if you don’t have the legs to spin well under 6 minutes per mile, it doesn’t matter how tough or strategic you are, you’re going to get beat out.

I haven’t run a 5k in two years. Two years ago I’m pretty sure I could hang right around a 6 minute pace on a flat course. I’ve been training consistently at that pace and am anxious to see just how much leg speed has been drained out of my legs these past two years.

If anything goes wrong in the 100k next month, I could probably figure it out and make corrections. But I’m not sure that’s as true of the 5k, and that’s becoming a bit worrisome.

Michael: Another Long Experiment

Sparkles of mist drift
Through the random beams of light
And mottled gray skies.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Yesterday, the 21 mile run was the longest road run I’ll do before next month’s races in the states and it was another great opportunity to throw in some variables and see how they worked. I was even fortunate enough to have the weather cooperate by mixing it up with strong gusts of wind and a steady drizzle. Never know what race day will be like at the end of February in So. Cal.

The experimentation actually started on Wednesday when I began to fatigue my legs for Sunday’s long run. Wednesday we did a two hour trail/road run. Thursday was a 2 hour bike ride with some decent climbs. Friday was the usual 9 mile interval run and Saturday was a 2 ½ hour challenging bike ride. That felt adequate enough to start Sunday’s run nice and tired. In fact if it wasn’t for Kimme’s nudging I’m not sure when I would’ve made it out the door.

I know runners in the states that train by doing hard back to back runs on Saturday and Sunday to prepare for an utltra, but I just feel that would beat my body up too much, so I prefer to do a ride on Saturday followed by a run on Sunday. It’s just more enjoyable for me even if it doesn’t quite replicate the same fatigue as back to back long runs.

On mornings before long rides or runs I’ve been throwing in a few extra calories to see how that sits on my stomach and so far so good.  Before yesterday’s run, along with my usual granola, banana and several cups of coffee, I threw in a Reese’s Nutrageous bar. Damned tasty and no stomach issues during or after the run. Ah, experimentation can have it’s rewards.

On the run nutrition was my usual mixture of honey, sugar and peanut butter in a 5 oz flask. I took a little swig every half an hour. I also took a salt tab every hour. Everything went fine. I won’t have the home brew for the race, but Honey Stinger gels will be available and I’ll have GU and salt tabs on hand. Not sure yet what solid fuels I’ll have in the tent, but I’m sure Baby Ruth’s and Reeses will be available at the gas station quicky marts, if I need to stock up.

I used my Osprey Rev 1.5 pack for water and I’ll start with that on my back for the 100k race. That way I can wear a headlamp around my waist since the race starts in the dark and I prefer the light at my waist as opposed to my head.

I have a couple of Injinji socks that I rarely wear, but gave them a try and was pretty pleased. So that complicates race day sock decisions.

And I discovered that my Cannondale windbreaker is exactly that, which is fine but I was hoping for a little drizzle protection, but it soaked through within minutes. Not the jacket’s fault. Just a live and learn opportunity for me.

The home made two-in-one shorts I made from a pair of old very short race shorts which I cut the lining out of worked great. Not only can I pair them with whatever race underwear I prefer (yesterday, an old pair of 2XUs that are very comfortable), but now I can cover up on the bus here, which sometimes can get very crowded and have me standing with my naughty bits very close to a woman’s or child’s face if I’m happen to be wearing running tights. Now I can slip these running shorts over tights and not worry about offending anyone.

I held a 10 minute per mile pace for the run which is exactly what I wanted to do, and though I was pretty fatigued at the end, nothing was hurting. I’m still doubtful as to how I’ll do come race day, but the test runs have gone well and I’m looking forward to going out there injury free and see what happens.

Michael: Shelter

Yesterday, today
And tomorrow are flowers
That color our lives.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Our lease expired at the beginning of this month. But this isn’t like in the states where we would’ve been given a notice the month before, usually indicating a rent increase. From what we’ve heard from other ex-pats, it’s very likely that we could live here as long as we’d like without expecting a rent increase. Actually our landlord decreased our rent by $50 after we’d been here a few months. That wasn’t done contractually, but that’s the way it is, and we’re very appreciative.

Last month, when we told our landlord, who’s also our next door neighbor, we were looking for land she did say to give her two months notice before we move. I don’t know if that’s in the lease agreement and I’m not going to bother to look to find out. She’s been a great landlord and if she wanted 6 months notice, we’d be happy to comply.

Despite a few quirks that have either been resolved or we‘ve found a way to work around, we’ve been very happy here and are mainly looking to move so we’ll have space to set up a work shop.

Michael: Crazier

The volcano wears
The crown of white clouds as it
Commands the highlands.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

With 5 weeks to go before the Sycamore 100k, it’s beginning to dawn on me what a crazy distance that is to run.

“Let’s see…For the first 24 miles I’ll wear my Hoka ATR Challengers, then for the next half marathon I’ll change into the Topo MT2s, then I’ll run the last 24 miles in Montrail Fluidflex 2s if they feel good when I break them in in the states…”

Marathon, then a half marathon, followed by another marathon; and we’re not talking months, weeks or even days apart, but done within a 12 hour period. That’s beginning to sound nuts to me.

“Now what if it rains. Will these shoes hold up or should I have a pair or two there that can handle the mud?… And socks; better have some ultra thin pairs ready in case my feet swell…”

I’m thinking it might be best to lose myself in the details of planning, which I love, as opposed to looking at the big scary insane picture.

Michael: Breaking into the Bank

The river of veins
Running through the arms and legs
Is fascinating.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Now that we’ve been able to open a checking account here, the next step is figure out how to use it.

I thought I’d be able to make a transfer from my bank in the states to our bank in Panama. That would mean I wouldn’t have to pay an ATM fee and I would therefore make smaller withdrawals and not have to deal with the nervousness of walking around with large amounts of cash.

I could do that but it’ll cost me $35 a transfer. That seems pretty steep.

But there is another option. I can write a check of up to $9000 from my U.S. Bank to the bank in Panama and that would only cost me a $10 processing fee. If I write a large enough check it could be worth it.

The other catch, along with the processing fee, is that the check will take 15 days to clear. To start I’m going to test this system with a small check and in three weeks, if all goes well, I’ll write a larger check that’ll allow us to make us of our Panamanian ATM card.

Slowly, sometimes it seems painfully slow, we’re getting there.

Michael: The Bottoms and What Not

The last rooster crows
With neither competition
Nor hens to care for.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Yesterday was tops so today lets finish up with the bottoms.

Again, I’ll start with what I’m lounging around the house in early in the cool dark of the morning; a pair of running pants. They’re black and a little more sleek than sweats, but sweats would serve the same purpose.

I have several pairs of Lulu Lemon commuter pants. They’re very comfortable and can pass as dress pants, but I rarely wear them. Again they’re more bank/fiesta pants than everyday wear.

For out and about bottoms I prefer performance knickers. Most men wear pants, but some Panamanian men wear knickers so I don’t look like a complete foreigner wearing them. I can also use my knickers to run and hike in so it makes them more versatile than shorts.

I do have a couple pair of casual shorts and running shorts, but I rarely wear the casual shorts and could easily get by without them. To my surprise I do see quite a few tourists and Panamanians hiking on the forests trails in shorts. They must either be more tolerant of bug bites than I am or slather on much more bug spray than I would care to. When I’m out on the trail it’s in knickers if I’m jogging and hiking pants if I’m walking.

Underneath the pants/knickers are underwear. I have several pairs of running boxers as again, I find these to be more comfortable and versatile than your old fashioned bun hugging briefs.

When I run or hike in knickers I usually wear calf sleeves or long socks, but if I’m just going shopping I can skip the socks and sleeves and stroll around in my Teva sandals - a very popular ex-pat shoe choice. I also have a pair of flip flops to walk around the house. And, again for those occasional visits to government offices or party invites, I have a pair of closed toe comfortable, but reasonably dressy, Birkenstocks.

At one point in my life I did like to hike in sandals, but even if I still did that in the states, I wouldn’t do it here. I like my toes and it’s very rocky here. Also, even if you’re not worried about rocks and snakes, the ants here can pack quite a bite.

Lastly, there’s the head. The sun is pretty intense here so I always have on either a running cap or a Panamanian style hat; and sunglasses, though not common here, are a good idea.

Head protection is an area where women seem to be a bit brighter than men. They’ll use an umbrella to protect themselves from the sun, whereas men seem to be too macho to go that route. Though just like in the states, some women make ridiculous choices in footwear, so I guess it kind of balances out.

Outside of running gloves to protect my hands on trail runs, which is as uncommon here as it is in the states, that about does it. A couple of pairs of pants, a few knickers, running or gym attire if you’re so inclined, underwear, socks, sandals and flip flops, a hat and a pair of sunglasses and you should be ready to dress comfortably while you’re living the good life in the Panama Highlands.