Today is my 27th Wedding Anniversary. I'm 54 years old … do the math … I've spent 1/2 my life with Molly. Wouldn't change a day! (click to maximize any photo)

Move over Brett Favre and Lance Armstrong. The Northstar Nerd is unretiring from marathons! Yes, although just like my two mentors, last year I announced my retirement after running in last year's brutal black flag marathon (Grandma's Marathon). This morning, I inform the blogosphere that I am unretired!

Considering it is only five weeks to Grandma's, this action might seem stupid. After all, I have not been "road running" even one time since last year's race! All the top training regimens talk about months of preparation. This morning I ran 20.1 miles in 3 hours and 20 minutes! (not bad for a 54 year old unretiree).

Okay, I will admit in the past 11 months which has been devoid of road running, I've competed in several Nordic ski marathons including the Birkie. After the snow melted this Spring, I've been taking 50 to 60 mile bike rides (interspersed with Nordic Trail Running). However, like Brett Favre who hates training camp, I despise certain aspects of marathon training (like all of it). Thus, today was my one training run. I will return to long bike rides and trail runs. See you at Grandma's Marathon!

Here is my video from last year's marathon … where the heat was intense!

Black Flag Marathon on PhotoPeach

In early August, my son Carl and I will bike the BWCA Superior Tour (our own ride, not part of a larger effort). This bike tour is 350 miles through the Minnesota northwoods including the North Shore of Lake Superior.  It became obvious that I needed to learn how to use my Go Pro Ski Cam in conjunction with my bicycle. While you might think wearing a camera while biking would be simple, the solution was not straight forward. Here is what I learned yesterday before I took these photos this evening.

1. A handlebar direct mount of the camera did not work. The camera receives too much vibration from the road. It's amazing how much the body works as a shock absorber without ever realizing it!

2. A helmet mount did not work for the camera. With all the looking around, and checking of side streets it was dizzying to use this setup.

3. The best solution was a chest mounted camera. While one can see my arms in many pictures, if I stand up in the saddle for a video or still photos, I can eliminate the all encompassing arms.

Here is my first test run / photo set. It was part of a 20 mile bike ride. It was actually quite comfortable to wear the camera (i.e. did not restrict my breathing during heavy exercise). Link here for my Ski Cam Man photos.

Well … maybe Lawrence he is not, but my son Carl is making me remember what it was like to be a young student seeing the world! While on Spring break from his masters studies in Italy, he has been visiting Morocco. While I don't know if he had a gin and tonic at Rick's American Cafe in Casablanca, link to his blog and read some of his other exploits!

• Sleeping the night on a rooftop in Marrakesh
• Taking a caravan through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara

And of course Lawrence… and Carl of Arabia! (click to maximize)

Happy Easter! Shortly I'll head to church with my family. Unfortunately that seems to be an increasingly rare occurrence in America. Today, our church will be full with Chreasters, but by next weekend the full sanctuary will be a thing of the past.

I wish I knew why the church is losing touch in today's world. Having grown up in the 60's and 70's, it is all the more puzzling. That period was generally considered a time of unrest, protest, and counter-culture … and yet … the two most significant Christian Rock Operas both appeared on the scene in 1970, Jesus Christ, Super Star and Godspell.

Enjoy a few moments listening and watching the signature piece from Jesus Christ, Superstar. I've had this album since high school. Even if you're not Christian, I think you'll enjoy this "rock video". Peace!