Old Town
Downtown Spokane reminds me of White Plains New York before White Plains went through its urban renewal. Spokane has an old musty flavor. The rejuvenated waterfront area around the Columbia River is peaceful artful with a modern touch. As you walk along Spokane Avenue the weathered look, mixed with the new, demonstrates the future potential of this little town.
Today’s Tricks of the Trade
In order to get a great start in the early morning, while the air is still crisp, and the sun is overanxious to sizzle, I try to select a motel directly on the walking route,. Then, with wake-up coffee in hand, I am off on a 6 to 8 mile warm-up. I carry water in a fanny pack sufficient for a three hour workout, and to quench a thirst, given the temperature.
“An ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of care”. I solve foot problems immediately, when I first feel their twitch. From long racing experience I know there is no long term benefit to waiting to a planned rest stop, or convenient time, to take care of a problem.
Before going to bed I lay out the specific gear I will wear in the morning. [An old working days habit]. No time is wasted snooping around for that missing sock or fresh water bottle. I also know in advance the precise route I will follow for the first session of the day.
Finally, there is the eating plan. If I think I will need nourishment before the first 7 miles are in the bank I need to know where the restaurants, or 24 hour service stations, are located. I don’t like having to carry dated or soggy food. A good early meal also refreshes the brain. That’s important for being alert to motorized traffic and, non motorized, large animals.