A Great Political Ad

So Close

A Rare Sight In Spokane

I took the long way home after work and spotted this guy on the Centennial Trail. Turns out he started running barefoot two years ago after having his fourth knee surgery. He went through the you're-doing-it-wrong experiences like I did, blisters and top of foot pain, before getting it down. Rock on, dude!

Fifth Congressional District Debate

Tonight's debate between Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Rich Cowan was very disappointing for me. Steph's reaction essentially sums it up.

"They're not even answering the question!"

Yes, Steph. Welcome to politics. Nothing specific came out until the question concerning what each candidate would do to help fix Social Security. Cowan offered up raising the payroll tax cap and then held McMorris Rodgers' feet to the fire because she gave a vague answer. She finally ponied up with raising the retirement age. Other than a couple of other moments where Cowan pressed McMorris Rodgers, the entire debate essentially consisted of McMorris Rodgers spouting redundant and repetitious filler to go with the talking points and Cowan lacking somewhat in his language skills. I thought his use of the word "thing" was a bad thing. Plus, he needs to improve how he stops speaking. Sometimes he would trail off and sometimes he'd stop but look like he still had something to say. I'm sure he was feeling the pressure of being on the spot.

The incredulous meter shot way off into the red zone on the final question about global warming. Cowan sees it as a jobs issue and McMorris Rodgers says scientists don't agree.

Really?

To his credit, Cowan did point out Congress's low approval rating and how broken Congress is, but I don't think he made a very solid case for his candidacy. Many times McMorris Rodgers said she was fighting for our district and stuck to the talking points we're used to hearing from her. Yawn.

One Can Only Hope

Cyclocross racing at Riverside State Park this Saturday. Will we have mud instead of dust? Regardless, there will be apple pies.

Barefoot Running Mojo Is Back

I've been nursing a hamstring injury most of the year and curtailed my running because it was affecting my running form. During the last month I've been working on my form and it's been paying off. I've done three or four 4-mile runs each week for the last four weeks. Today I did a 6-miler and it felt great. It's good to have it back now because running-to-work season is almost here.

Just for grins here is what my feet looked like...

...when I started three years and four months ago...

...and how they look today.