Windy Spring Days
Today is yet another breezy day in Northern California. Many people assume that if it is windy on the ground than it must not be safe to fly a small airplane. It is true that extreme surface winds can be problematic when trying to land, especially if those winds are gusty or are crossing the runway. There have been many times, however, that I have departed the windy surface to find smooth air and lighter winds up above. The winds can be very strong aloft, say 50 mph, but still be quite smooth, and if you are lucky enough to be going the same direction, you get there much more quickly.
I have not mentioned in this blog that I am a regular runner. I try to run from 3 to 6 miles every morning before breakfast. It is by far the best way I can think of to begin a typical day, and the health benefits for me have been enormous. When I started running two years ago, I weighed 185 lbs and thought I was in great shape. For the last year I have been steady at 165 lbs, and headed into my mid 40s, thats a good place to be. Running is like many things that are worthwhile, in that it is very difficult and frustrating, even painful, when you are trying to get started. It is very tempting to quit early on, but if you stick it out, don't quit and learn the right way of doing things, it gets much more easy and fun. This is also true with guitar, golf, skiing, piano, marriage, parenting and a million other worthwhile pursuits.