So, here’s the update. My kids and wife were in Japan for most of June, and all of July as our daughter attended Preschool there over her summer vacation. She had a great experience, and it was well worth it, but it left me a bachelor for about 6 weeks. During that six weeks, and 10 days following that I visited Japan the following has been accomplished: Gained 6 pounds. Made progress on my CGMS/workout tracking site. Lost total control over my BG. Ran like 1 or 2 times. Begged to get back to my normal life. Now we’re all home and life can resume as normal. WHEW!!!! Easy to fall into the path of self-destruction I guess, what with Costco selling beer by the case and all….
Japan was excellent. I’ve been there many times before but this trip was pretty cool. Busy & HOT though. We took the Shinkansen all over while there since we bought Rail Passes. Nagano/Hakuba to visit some friends. Nagoya to visit my sister/brother in-law and their new baby boy. On to Hiroshima for my first time. Stop in Kobe for a (expensive) Kobe Beef lunch. Tokyo Disneyland for our daughter’s birthday, and then prepping and partying at grandma/grandpa’s house with our daughter’s new classmates for her birhtday and goodbyes. My only complaint was the intense heat and humidity - that was the one thing that made me REALLY glad to be back home.
Finally, when I returned home this week, there was a letter from the running store I frequent, Runner’s Feet. They are closing shop here, and having a big sale, inviting customers first to take advantage of discounts. Doors opened at 10AM this morning, and I was number 18 in line, arriving 20 minutes before 10. Doors opened and chaos ensued. When I left there must have been over 50 people inside the small store. I bought 2 boxes of GU gels, 2 running shirts and a running bra. HMMMM….. I know you’re getting worried about me Charlie, but I swear it was per my sister’s request that I bought this…. 
Kinda bummed to see them go - now I’ll have to go to a chain like store until I find another mom & pop sort of place that has comparable service. These sort of shops are perfect for dedicated runners as they don’t pretend to be everything to everyone! I’ll miss them.
Good to be back,
Jamie, The Diabetic Runner
P.S. Huge shout out to Ed at Ring The Bolus for becoming an Ironman while I was gone. WAY TO GO ED!
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One of my brothers retired from the Naval Reserve. He was over to Japan many times and has returned since. He speaks highly of it.
I am glad that you were able to get that sports bra for your (umm… err…) sister!
I am now at 927 miles for the calendar year…