Author Archives: Al

Reamde

Pigeonholing Neal Stephenson might take as long as one of his recent novels. Starting with 1999’s Cryptonomicon, his most recent seven novels have averaged about 900 pages each. And we’re not talking large type versions. His debut effort, the sophomoric … Continue reading

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Aguas Caliente

“This topography is … breathtaking, “ I wheezed. We were trudging along at about 8500 feet above sea level, on the Inka Trail. While the thinner air might have had a little to do with my breath being taken away, … Continue reading

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EN Athlete To Attempt Kona on a Unicycle

I’ve been doing triathlons since the end of the last millennium, and this year will see my thirtieth attempt at the Ironman distance, including my sixth go-round in Hawaii. Things are getting a little stale, so I’m going to try … Continue reading

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Machu Picchu

“What’s this called again?” Cheryl asked. “It’s the Sun Gate. It’s where the Inka trail crested the pass, facing East, where the sun is, and travelers could see the city for the first time. But, really, I think it’s the … Continue reading

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The Driest Place on Earth

“Three years … Poof. It hasn’t rained here – really rained – in ten.” Alain had a bit of a smirk when he said this. He was always making jokes, like noting that a Frenchman wouldn’t need to shower for … Continue reading

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“This guy is like that cartoon character, what’s it called, in Looney Toons, the Tasmanian Devil?” I was standing next to a madly boiling geyser in the Tatio basin, up at 4300 meters (over 14,000 feet) elevation. To the east, … Continue reading

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Not Nobody

Early 2011. Leigh calls, as usual from the beach, and asks, “Are there any triathlons in Chile?” “Why?” “Well, Craig has this customer down there, Alain, who has a B & B in the high desert. We sold him his … Continue reading

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MvB Wars: Not Seeing the View For the Trees

The MvB wars, being a collection of disconnected battles, feature good guys and bad guys on each side. The billionaires are fewer in number, but higher in visibility, so they have the upper hand in poor optics, at least. “When … Continue reading

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Atrial Fibrillation and The Endurance Athlete

My wife, who, bless her, seems to care about my long-term health, sent me some articles this morning about athletes and atrial fibrillation. Now, most of us know that runners and other endurance athletes are at higher risk as they … Continue reading

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MvB Wars: Downvalley Arena

Victoria’s Secret – that all-American bastion of late night fun and frivolity – is run by Columbus based, low-key Leslie (“Les”) Wexner. He’s worth $7-8,000,000,000 according to official scorekeeper Forbes Magazine. He also controls The Limited, Pink, and Express. And … Continue reading

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