10/28- Back to Day 1. AM- Sunrise 3 miler at Montreat in 26:28 (8:49 pace). Even pace but no energy and not much left at the end. I may take a step backwards over the next 2 days.
PM- Just a half mile cool. A bit of withdrawal but nothing severe.
Distance=3.5
10/29- Day 2 is often the toughest but not so this time probably because I didn't binge on caffeine.
AM- Gained a good chunk of time. Repeated the sunrise 3 miler and my time was down to 25:32 (8:31 pace). MINUS 18. I expect to be in the 24s by the evening and maybe under the Mendoza line by tomorrow.
PM- Gold's 3 and my time is down to 23:49 (7:56 pace). Below the Mendoza line but I won't even begin to hope until I am below 23 with steady improvements. Added a half mile cool. I did celebrate with a Mike's Hard Lemonade this evening but was both caffeine and sugar free. An occasional treat should not hurt me. Just don't make a habit of it.
Distance=6.5
10/30- Took the morning off then repeated the Gold's 3 in the evening. Improved only marginally to 23:22 (7:47 pace). A gain is a gain and the sum of small gains is a big improvement over the long haul but I am not real pleased with this one. Have I plateaued? As recently as February of this year before the detox, I could go mid-22s. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
2 things could have held me back. It's possible that I was knicked a little bit by the alcohol last night but at least it didn't trigger a relapse. Also, I took a low dose of TRS in the morning because I didn't run so I didn't have the full TRS in my system. Tomorrow is critical.
Distance=3.0
10/31- AM Only had time for a quickie. Did 1.5 miles in 11:37 (7:45 pace) plus a cool. I figure that the full distance would have yielded a time similar to yesterday. Not too pleased.
PM- Felt noticeably better this session in spite of cheating a bit at lunch. Gold's 3 again and my time is down to 22:36 (7:32 pace). MINUS 15. FINALLY, I am back to where I was before starting the TRS. Sugars won't hurt me too much as long as I don't binge but it's still best to steer clear because it is addictive. 400 mcg methyl folate IS TOLERATED AS WELL. That's good. Just don't exceed that amount. The difference today was clearly the extra TRS. That's what I've got to do and DAMN the costs. Hopefully, I will gradually become less dependent on this stuff.
Distance=5.0
11/1- Weather has turned cold but that's okay. This will be my last evening run in the daylight until mid-late February due to the upcoming time change. Did the full 5 on Lakeshore in 40:08 (8:02 pace). Getting under 40 was not a goal today. In fact, I deliberately cut back on the effort to make sure I finished the distance comfortably and I did. Once again, I didn't feel very well in the morning but was a good deal better after the 2nd dose of TRS. TRS is my last and best hope for sustained improvement.
Distance=5.0
Monday, October 28, 2019
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
2020 Travel Plans
I turn 40 in September of next year and really want to treat myself to something special. There is usually a Marathon/10K in Cape Town, South Africa that can be booked as part of a tourism group called Marathon Tours and Travel. It is most definitely on my bucket list for the 10K. Yes, I'd like to run another marathon but just can't do it now. I can barely finish a half nowadays. For 2020 however, the date of the Cape Town race has been moved to October. There is NO way that I can do both South Africa and Hawaii (November) in the same year. I'm warming up to the idea of finishing in 2020 instead of 2021. At the rate that I am declining, I may not be able to run half marathons 2 years from now so there is a sense of urgency to finish this challenge as soon as possible. We'll see how it shakes out with my work schedule but it seems doable.
January or February-
Costa Rica. No race here. Purely for fun. I need to get a passport that allows for air travel.
April- Salisbury or Ocean City, Maryland. This is a 3 or 4 day trip so nothing epic. I could fly into either Baltimore or Philadelphia. Baltimore is a little closer but only by about a half hour and Philly could allow a meet up with a friend. Stops will be made in VA Beach, Richmond and Point Lookout, Maryland.
May- Cottonwood, Utah. Again, nothing too long here. I'd like to go to Twin Falls in Idaho and see Moab/Canyonlands after the race. Probably another 4 day affair.
June- Fergus Falls, Minnesota. I fly to Fargo and the race is less than an hour away. The side trip here is Winnipeg, Manitoba and Moose Mountain Park in Saskatchewan, which would take me up to 9 Canadian provinces. Only Newfoundland would remain. Probably a 5 day trip but there is a built State holiday so that means only 2 days off work.
July- Spearfish, South Dakota- Key attractions here are Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands NP but this can be done in just 3 days because they are close together. No need to visit Regina, Saskatchewan or even leave South Dakota if I hit Moose Mountain the previous month.
September- Bar Harbor, Maine. I may or may not go to Quebec City. I've already got Quebec checked off after my visit to Montreal and Gatineau. If I skip it, this could be a quick trip. I fly to Bangor then it's only 1 hour to Bar Harbor so it's just a 3 day trip.
November- Honolulu, Hawaii. That's number 50. I'd want at least 5 days including 2 for travel.
Thoughts:
4 in 4 months could be tough. I may just have to choose 2 out of 4 for the year. Any flexibility? Yes, there are several other options in Utah as well as an alternative in both Minnesota and South Dakota. Maine can be pushed back to October. Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland are both in April but the former is in the early part of the month while the latter is later.
I suppose that I could go to Hawaii and make it state #48 then finish in 2021 as originally planned. Sure, I'd like to make Hawaii #50 but I also want to go somewhere really special after I turn 40.
Any thoughts?
January or February-
Costa Rica. No race here. Purely for fun. I need to get a passport that allows for air travel.
April- Salisbury or Ocean City, Maryland. This is a 3 or 4 day trip so nothing epic. I could fly into either Baltimore or Philadelphia. Baltimore is a little closer but only by about a half hour and Philly could allow a meet up with a friend. Stops will be made in VA Beach, Richmond and Point Lookout, Maryland.
May- Cottonwood, Utah. Again, nothing too long here. I'd like to go to Twin Falls in Idaho and see Moab/Canyonlands after the race. Probably another 4 day affair.
June- Fergus Falls, Minnesota. I fly to Fargo and the race is less than an hour away. The side trip here is Winnipeg, Manitoba and Moose Mountain Park in Saskatchewan, which would take me up to 9 Canadian provinces. Only Newfoundland would remain. Probably a 5 day trip but there is a built State holiday so that means only 2 days off work.
July- Spearfish, South Dakota- Key attractions here are Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills and Badlands NP but this can be done in just 3 days because they are close together. No need to visit Regina, Saskatchewan or even leave South Dakota if I hit Moose Mountain the previous month.
September- Bar Harbor, Maine. I may or may not go to Quebec City. I've already got Quebec checked off after my visit to Montreal and Gatineau. If I skip it, this could be a quick trip. I fly to Bangor then it's only 1 hour to Bar Harbor so it's just a 3 day trip.
November- Honolulu, Hawaii. That's number 50. I'd want at least 5 days including 2 for travel.
Thoughts:
4 in 4 months could be tough. I may just have to choose 2 out of 4 for the year. Any flexibility? Yes, there are several other options in Utah as well as an alternative in both Minnesota and South Dakota. Maine can be pushed back to October. Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland are both in April but the former is in the early part of the month while the latter is later.
I suppose that I could go to Hawaii and make it state #48 then finish in 2021 as originally planned. Sure, I'd like to make Hawaii #50 but I also want to go somewhere really special after I turn 40.
Any thoughts?
Monday, October 21, 2019
Training 10/21-10/27
UPDATE:
A 24 oz. can of Raspberry Tea triggered a relapse. Sprite made it WORSE. The former contains just 24 mg of caffeine while the latter is caffeine free. All sugared drinks are BAD! 1 or 2 cheat days per week are tolerated but not more. This time however, the withdrawal and the adrenal spike were a bit less severe. This post starts with Day 2 clean, which is often the worst day of all.
10/21- AM- 1 mile at Montreat in 9:52 and it took an all out sprint to get under 10.
PM- Gold's 3 in 28:27 (9:29 pace). Improved the pace over triple the distance so I'll take it. Even pace but didn't have much left at the end.
Distance=4.0
10/22- AM- Sunrise 3 miler at Montreat. Improved to 25:48 (8:36 pace). MINUS 53. 1st half-13:01, 2nd half- 12:47. This was fully expected. The big question is whether or not I will continue to improve steadily. I know I can run below 24 but might plateau in the mid 23s, which is not acceptable.
PM- 4 miles on Lakeshore in 32:31 (8:07 pace). Progressing ahead of schedule. The Mendoza line for 4 miles is 8:10 pace so I came in under that. I was around 16 for 2 miles then faded a bit on the back half but did not collapse. Still too soon to get my hopes up. If I am still cutting off several seconds every day by early next week, that is a different story.
Distance=7.0
10/23- Unplanned rest day. I've learned that Lithium interacts with methyl folate and increases its absorption. It will probably be one of the other that is taken. Yes, it's a relapse but a relapse that I can accept. Cheated on the caffeine but a 1 day lapse won't hurt.
10/24- Felt HORRIBLE in the morning as expected but did get a bit better as the day progressed. Managed a very poor showing out there this afternoon. Finished 3 miles in 29:31 (9:50 pace) with splits of 13:42-15:49. UGLY! Probably still too much MF in my system.
Distance=3.0
10/25- HORRIBLE when I woke up. Got a little better only after taking MF. Then Lithium set me back again. Not able to run. If I did, it would be a 12 minute mile type of day. That answers it. Lithium must be cut out altogether and I must stay on the methyl folate. Once again, a pill that I could not get along without just 6 weeks ago has become toxic to me. I can't take this anymore and I see little chance of it getting better.
10/26- AM- Had to miss the group social again. Not pleased about this at all. Managed just 1 mile in a time of 9:24. This was a good deal better than what I could have done yesterday and did manage a negative split (4:50-4:34).
Noon- Repeated the Mile and improved to 8:32. Splits this time were 4:22-4:10 so the trend is my friend.
PM- 3 miles at Gold's in 26:01 (8:40 pace). Could have broken 26 if I kicked sooner but no big deal that I fell short. Splits this time were 13:22-12:39 with a last mile in 8:17.
Distance=5.0
A 24 oz. can of Raspberry Tea triggered a relapse. Sprite made it WORSE. The former contains just 24 mg of caffeine while the latter is caffeine free. All sugared drinks are BAD! 1 or 2 cheat days per week are tolerated but not more. This time however, the withdrawal and the adrenal spike were a bit less severe. This post starts with Day 2 clean, which is often the worst day of all.
10/21- AM- 1 mile at Montreat in 9:52 and it took an all out sprint to get under 10.
PM- Gold's 3 in 28:27 (9:29 pace). Improved the pace over triple the distance so I'll take it. Even pace but didn't have much left at the end.
Distance=4.0
10/22- AM- Sunrise 3 miler at Montreat. Improved to 25:48 (8:36 pace). MINUS 53. 1st half-13:01, 2nd half- 12:47. This was fully expected. The big question is whether or not I will continue to improve steadily. I know I can run below 24 but might plateau in the mid 23s, which is not acceptable.
PM- 4 miles on Lakeshore in 32:31 (8:07 pace). Progressing ahead of schedule. The Mendoza line for 4 miles is 8:10 pace so I came in under that. I was around 16 for 2 miles then faded a bit on the back half but did not collapse. Still too soon to get my hopes up. If I am still cutting off several seconds every day by early next week, that is a different story.
Distance=7.0
10/23- Unplanned rest day. I've learned that Lithium interacts with methyl folate and increases its absorption. It will probably be one of the other that is taken. Yes, it's a relapse but a relapse that I can accept. Cheated on the caffeine but a 1 day lapse won't hurt.
10/24- Felt HORRIBLE in the morning as expected but did get a bit better as the day progressed. Managed a very poor showing out there this afternoon. Finished 3 miles in 29:31 (9:50 pace) with splits of 13:42-15:49. UGLY! Probably still too much MF in my system.
Distance=3.0
10/25- HORRIBLE when I woke up. Got a little better only after taking MF. Then Lithium set me back again. Not able to run. If I did, it would be a 12 minute mile type of day. That answers it. Lithium must be cut out altogether and I must stay on the methyl folate. Once again, a pill that I could not get along without just 6 weeks ago has become toxic to me. I can't take this anymore and I see little chance of it getting better.
10/26- AM- Had to miss the group social again. Not pleased about this at all. Managed just 1 mile in a time of 9:24. This was a good deal better than what I could have done yesterday and did manage a negative split (4:50-4:34).
Noon- Repeated the Mile and improved to 8:32. Splits this time were 4:22-4:10 so the trend is my friend.
PM- 3 miles at Gold's in 26:01 (8:40 pace). Could have broken 26 if I kicked sooner but no big deal that I fell short. Splits this time were 13:22-12:39 with a last mile in 8:17.
Distance=5.0
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Another Epic Road Trip
10/11- Flew from Birmingham to Manchester, New Hampshire. It required a long layover in Philadelphia and cost more money, but it was nice to not have to spend a night in Atlanta or fight the Boston traffic. I spent the night a few miles south in Nashua to save a few bucks.
 |
| Massachusetts |
10/12- Slept in as long as I wanted and started out going south on US-3 into Massachusetts then took the interstate to the coast. My first stop was Salisbury, Mass then picked up US-1A back in New Hampshire. Needless to say, it was too cold for a swim but if it had been 20 degrees warmer, it could have been a fun day out there in the rough surf. I went for a junk run at Hampton Beach then drove on the ocean road, where I caught glimpses of the waves crashing violently against the rocks. If not for a sea wall, the water would have spilled on the road. I crossed into Maine for a seafood lunch then took a scenic walk along the black sand and cliffs of York Beach. Northern New England has a different and more chill vibe than Southern New England.
 |
| NH Beach |
 |
| Maine 1 |
 |
| Maine 2 |
10/13- The race was a point to point route from the New Hampshire Speedway to the State Capitol building in Concord. Though net downhill, it was a tough but fair course that included a very steep stretch in Mile 9. It was a beautiful route along mostly rural roads with peak foliage. My pace was steady in the mid-high 8s through the first half then slipped to the low 9s. I was still on pace for a sub-2 until the end of Mile 12 then the bottom fell out. It took over 12 minutes to complete the last mile and I was honestly trying my best. Probably a combination of under-training and detox symptoms. Nevertheless, it was a significant improvement over New Jersey the previous month.
From Concord, it was I-89 N into Vermont. I made a stop at the Capitol in Montpelier as well as Lake Champlain in Burlington. The weather had cleared so it was possible to view the Adirondack Mountains from the lake. I took a ferry to Plattsburgh, New York to save time then determined that I had just enough daylight to make a small loop in the Adirondacks. There were no real photo ops here, but I did see nice Creekside scenery with several mountain views. Lake Placid was jammed so I simply drove through and was back in Plattsburgh for the night.
 |
| Lake Champlain |
10/14- Crossed the border into Quebec and listened to some radio in French. As for the language barrier, border towns and large cities such as Quebec City and Montreal are bilingual but in small towns and rural areas, you will be expected to speak French. I had no problems myself. You will probably be greeted in French but once they realize that you are an Anglophone, they will have no problem switching to English. I know a few basic phrases but have limited comprehension. Still, when I did speak French, it was appreciated.
 |
| Canadian Parliament |
Soon, I crossed back into Ontario where the destination was the capital city of Ottawa. I walked by the Parliament, Supreme Court and the Rideau Canal on my way to the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau, Quebec. There is a nice bike trail on both sides with views of the Parliament as well as at least 3 pedestrian brides so it’s surely popular with the running community. The museum was quite interesting, but I didn’t have time to fully do it justice. At 4:00, I met up with my friend Arpita, whom I had not seen since college. We got a selfie together at the Parliament, took a long walk together then got some dinner on Sparks Street. It was great to see her again and we may do this again someday.
10/15-Hit the road early to Montreal back in Quebec. My first stop was Mount Royal and I had the perfect day to see it. The walk included a rather long trail with a seemingly endless staircase but I did have crystal clear skies and peak foliage. The pictures here are wall worthy for sure.
 |
| Mt. Royal |
After a quick lunch near my hotel, I was back out headed for Old Town, where I saw the Notre Dame cathedral and the Old Port. After dinner in a sports bar, I decided to see my first live NHL hockey game in more than 25 years. The Canadiens lost 3-1 to Tampa Bay but I still enjoyed the atmosphere.
10/16- Took a quick tour of the Underground City, which is really just a glorified shopping mall but does serve as an extensive pedestrian network that serves the community well when the weather is foul in the winter months. I did see one runner while I was there. I was back in America by noon and enjoyed a scenic ride through White Mountain National Forest back in New Hampshire.
Yes, this was an epic road trip.
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| NH Lake |
Yes, this was an epic road trip.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Training 10/7-10/13
10/7- JUICE PLUS HAS FAILED! I was nearly 1 minute slower per mile after an extra dose. That explains a LOT! Still, it is quite unnerving to know that a food based supplement of fruits and vegetables could cause this type of reaction. I don't know!
PM- Lakeshore 3 in 25-flat (8:20 pace) with a negative split (12:40-12:20). I actually feel pretty good about this one. It was just hours after being leveled by Juice Plus. No more experimentation with pills. I will NOT cheat again with caffeine for at least until the end of the month and I will stay on the high dose TRS. We shall see what the hair test shows about the Titanium. If I am not better by November, I will see a conventional doctor.
Distance-4.0
10/8- AM- Adrenals have spiked. 1 mile in 10:40. This is as bad as it will get but the improvement may be slower than I would like. It is imperative that I do NOT cheat this week on the caffeine.
PM- Repeated the Mile and my time is down to 9:17. Faded on the back half.
Distance=2.0
10/9- AM- Another Mile at Montreat. Improved to 8:46 this time with nearly dead even splits.
PM- Lakeshore 3 in 25:25 (8:28 pace). Even pace with no real complaints. Unfortunately, the improvements will diminish from here.
Distance=4.0
10/10- 1 mile at Montreat and my time is down to 7:49. Glad my numbers continue to move in the right direction but I still have miles to go.
PM- Gold's 3 in 23:39 (7:53 pace). BELOW the Mendoza line. Splits were 7:43-7:57-7:59
Distance=4.0
10/11- AM- Montreat Mile and my time is down to 7:01. No doubt that this was worth a sub-7 on the track. Only 1 minute to go until I am back to respectability but that last minute will be tough to make up. Splits were 2:20-2:22-2:19. Just didn't quite have it in me today.
Distance=1.0
10/12- Junk run on the beach in New Hampshire.
Distance-1.0
10/13- New England Half Marathon in Concord, New Hampshire
Distance=14.0
-30 miles on the week
PM- Lakeshore 3 in 25-flat (8:20 pace) with a negative split (12:40-12:20). I actually feel pretty good about this one. It was just hours after being leveled by Juice Plus. No more experimentation with pills. I will NOT cheat again with caffeine for at least until the end of the month and I will stay on the high dose TRS. We shall see what the hair test shows about the Titanium. If I am not better by November, I will see a conventional doctor.
Distance-4.0
10/8- AM- Adrenals have spiked. 1 mile in 10:40. This is as bad as it will get but the improvement may be slower than I would like. It is imperative that I do NOT cheat this week on the caffeine.
PM- Repeated the Mile and my time is down to 9:17. Faded on the back half.
Distance=2.0
10/9- AM- Another Mile at Montreat. Improved to 8:46 this time with nearly dead even splits.
PM- Lakeshore 3 in 25:25 (8:28 pace). Even pace with no real complaints. Unfortunately, the improvements will diminish from here.
Distance=4.0
10/10- 1 mile at Montreat and my time is down to 7:49. Glad my numbers continue to move in the right direction but I still have miles to go.
PM- Gold's 3 in 23:39 (7:53 pace). BELOW the Mendoza line. Splits were 7:43-7:57-7:59
Distance=4.0
10/11- AM- Montreat Mile and my time is down to 7:01. No doubt that this was worth a sub-7 on the track. Only 1 minute to go until I am back to respectability but that last minute will be tough to make up. Splits were 2:20-2:22-2:19. Just didn't quite have it in me today.
Distance=1.0
10/12- Junk run on the beach in New Hampshire.
Distance-1.0
10/13- New England Half Marathon in Concord, New Hampshire
Distance=14.0
-30 miles on the week
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Training 9/30-10/6
9/30- 1 mile at Montreat in 8:42. That's down from 12:30 the previous day. Not the least bit excited.
Distance=1.0
10/1- AM- 1 mile at Montreat. Improved to 8:24 with a negative split. 1st half- 4:21, 2nd half-4:03.
PM- 3 miles at Montreat again. Finished in 24:57 (8:19 pace). This time, I was out faster but could not hold it (8:05-8:25-8:27). Legs had no power at all. Stiff as a board.
Distance=4.0
Juice Plus arrived yesterday and it's likely a non-factor. I'll finish the bottle and probably be done with it unless I notice a big difference 2 months from now. 3 options left: Trust the detox process, see a conventional doctor, get the implant removed. As for option 3, I have ordered a hair test kit but I need to let it grow for a few weeks. If Titanium comes back high, it's a viable option.
10/2- Unplanned rest day. Can't run at all. Culprit this time is an adrenal spike. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
10/3- AM- Hated interval workout at Montreat. 3x1 lap:
Low dose TRS- 3:51 (11:33 pace)
2 Thym-Adren- 3:18 (9:54 pace) MINUS 99
Extra TRS- 3:03 (9:09 pace) MINUS 45
I must be cautious with the Thym-Adren. If taken too much for too long, I will relapse again in the opposite direction. I'll go down to 1 pill tomorrow then quit. Good news is that extra TRS provided a definite boost. Mega doses are my only chance to get below the Mendoza line. Damn the costs.
PM- 3 miles at Gold's in 26:55 (8:58 pace). Adrenal spike is beginning to calm down a bit. Pace was steady right around 9 all the way.
Distance=4.0
10/4- 3 miles at Gold's in 25:21 (8:27 pace). MINUS 31 but I was really hoping for better than this. In my frustration, I binged on caffeine. It was only a 1 time slip but I paid the price.
Distance=3.0
10/5- AM- ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! Took me nearly 12 minutes to run 1 mile. Interestingly, I was better after drinking lots of water. I was better by the evening and broke 27 for 3 miles.
Distance=5.0
10/6- Lakeshore 5 in 48:36 (9:44 pace). Not pleased.
Distance=6.0
-23 miles on the week.
Distance=1.0
10/1- AM- 1 mile at Montreat. Improved to 8:24 with a negative split. 1st half- 4:21, 2nd half-4:03.
PM- 3 miles at Montreat again. Finished in 24:57 (8:19 pace). This time, I was out faster but could not hold it (8:05-8:25-8:27). Legs had no power at all. Stiff as a board.
Distance=4.0
Juice Plus arrived yesterday and it's likely a non-factor. I'll finish the bottle and probably be done with it unless I notice a big difference 2 months from now. 3 options left: Trust the detox process, see a conventional doctor, get the implant removed. As for option 3, I have ordered a hair test kit but I need to let it grow for a few weeks. If Titanium comes back high, it's a viable option.
10/2- Unplanned rest day. Can't run at all. Culprit this time is an adrenal spike. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
10/3- AM- Hated interval workout at Montreat. 3x1 lap:
Low dose TRS- 3:51 (11:33 pace)
2 Thym-Adren- 3:18 (9:54 pace) MINUS 99
Extra TRS- 3:03 (9:09 pace) MINUS 45
I must be cautious with the Thym-Adren. If taken too much for too long, I will relapse again in the opposite direction. I'll go down to 1 pill tomorrow then quit. Good news is that extra TRS provided a definite boost. Mega doses are my only chance to get below the Mendoza line. Damn the costs.
PM- 3 miles at Gold's in 26:55 (8:58 pace). Adrenal spike is beginning to calm down a bit. Pace was steady right around 9 all the way.
Distance=4.0
10/4- 3 miles at Gold's in 25:21 (8:27 pace). MINUS 31 but I was really hoping for better than this. In my frustration, I binged on caffeine. It was only a 1 time slip but I paid the price.
Distance=3.0
10/5- AM- ABSOLUTELY AWFUL! Took me nearly 12 minutes to run 1 mile. Interestingly, I was better after drinking lots of water. I was better by the evening and broke 27 for 3 miles.
Distance=5.0
10/6- Lakeshore 5 in 48:36 (9:44 pace). Not pleased.
Distance=6.0
-23 miles on the week.
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