Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015 Running Year in Review


My 10.5 mile run this morning brought the 2015 running year to a close.  My total mileage for the year was 1867.2 - well below the 2100+ miles of the prior two years, 2014 and 2013.  A decent chunk of that shortfall is attributable to the eye surgery this summer - I literally didn't run a step for 3+ weeks.  A more general reason, however, is the lower monthly mileage as the year went on.  The year kicked off with 220 miles in January, but that was the only 200 mile month of the year.  For the rest of the year my monthly mileage mostly bounced between 150 and 175 miles (a couple over and a couple under that range).

As for races, I ran 31 this year - 4 fewer than 2014's 35 races (which was then the fewest races I've run in more than a decade).  The longest distances were the 31 miles at the B.U.S. Trail Mix-up in September and the NYC Marathon in November (1 ultra and 1 marathon).  I also ran 20 miles at the B.U.S. 3 Hour Run back in January (an event notable for it's sub-zero wind chills!).  Just below 20 miles are a pair a 30ks (1 road, 1 trail). 

The Escarpment Trail Run was the highlight of the running year.  It was Escarpment #6 for me - and, once it was in the books, I earned my 100 mile shirt!  But the most interesting thing about that race was whether I'd even run it!  The 30k was less than a week after my doctor cleared me to get back to running following the surgery on the second eye!  Just getting to the start was an accomplishment.

Other race highlights - I ran my 13th NYC Marathon and my 6th NYC Half Marathon this year.  The NYC Marathon is my favorite race - and my goal is to keep running it every year (for the foreseeable future). I like the NYC Half too, but it's not something I'll run every year (and I haven't signed up for the 2016 edition).

To wrap up, even with the lower mileage - it was a good year!  In fact, any run (or race) is good in my book :D

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope your running years have been just as happy and productive... and that your 2016 running years are even better!

Witte Torando and Lady Netherlands medium wave pirate radio 1647 khz (via SDR) eQSL


I received this great eQSL this morning, from Witte Tornado and Lady!  I tuned in to their broadcast from the Netherlands on 1647 kHz (just above the standard medium wave band), via the SDR at Twente (also in the Netherlands).  Mixed in with the Dutch music played were various shout outs to listeners!

Thanks Gerard!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Radio Merlin International British shortwave pirate radio 6210 khz (via SDR) Holiday eQSL

 

This great Holiday eQSL arrived from Radio Merlin International this morning (just after a more traditional one)!  This time they were on 6210 kHz (conditions made this broadcast a bit tougher to receive than the earlier one). 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Radio Merlin!




 

Radio Merlin International British shortwave pirate radio 6280 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This great eQSL was the first of a pair that arrived this morning from Radio Merlin International (the second was a special holiday eQSL).  I tuned in to their broadcast from England, on 6280 kHz, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  They were playing some excellent music - "Bette Davis Eyes," "San Francisco," and the Kinks, "All Day and All of the Night!"

Thanks Paul!



Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Radio Oliebollenbakkers Netherlands mediumwave pirate radio 1645 khz (via SDR) Holiday eQSL


This great eQSL arrived last night from Radio Oliebollenbakkers (within half hour of submitting reception report)!  If it wasn't for at heads up via Facebook, would not have heard this broadcast!  I tuned in to their show on 1645 kHz (just north of the standard AM band), not only were they giving shout out to listeners (one from Finland, I noted) - but they gave one out to me (yours truly) as well!  In addition to the various shout outs to listeners, they requested reception reports and said special eQSLs would be sent out.

Many thanks for the show - and eQSL - Radio Oliebollenbakkers!

Monday, December 28, 2015

Pink Panther Radio Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6803 khz (via SDR) Holiday eQSL


I received this great holiday themed eQSL from Pink Panther Radio this morning!  Conditions made for at tough reception - but somehow Air Supply's "Even the Nights are Better..." (an 80's FM radio classic) came through!

Thanks Pink Panther - and Happy Holidays!

Here is the fantastic eQSL Pink Panther sent me back in October!

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Felicidades - Feliz Ano Nuevo from Radio Habana Cuba shortwave!

 

This beautiful holiday (foldout) card, along with 2016 pocket calendars and broadcast schedules arrived in the mail yesterday from Radio Habana Cuba! 

Many thank - and Happy New Year - Radio Habana Cuba!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

U-Boat 66 Radio Italian shortwave pirate radio 7300 khz (via SDR) eQSL


I received this fantastic holiday eQSL from U-Boat 66 Radio today!  I tuned in to their broadcast, from Milan, Italy, on 7300 kHz, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  The eclectic music selection included Whitesnake's "Fool for Your Loving."

Many thanks - and Happy Holidays - Captain Zapp!

Radio Verona Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6295 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This fantastic, Merry Christmas eQSL just arrived from Radio Verona!  I tuned in to their broadcast, from the Netherlands, on 6295 kHz via the SDR at Twente.  In addition to emailing a reception report, I also messaged Radio Verona via Facebook!

Many thanks Roberto!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas - 2015!


Merry Christmas Everyone!

Since I've posted a lot of eQSL's this year, though I would stay with the radio theme and find a vintage radio inspired image!  This one hails back to a radio  magazine cover from 1922 - and Santa working with the then "relatively" new technology to work up his toy lists :D

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas from Atlantic 2000 International Shortwave :D


Received this great eChristmas and Happy New Year card from Atlantic 2000 International today!


Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Merry Christmas from Blue Dragon AM Shortwave Italian Pirate Radio


Received this fantastic eChristmas card from Blue Dragon AM Shortwave this morning (together with a new eQSL). 

Merry Christmas (and Happy New Year) Mr. Blue!

Blue Dragon AM Italian shortwave pirate radio 6975 khz (via SDR) eQSL


Received this great (new design) eQSL from Blue Dragon AM this morning!  I had tuned in to their Christmas show (John Lennon's "Happy Xmas [The War is Over]" - has become a classic on free radio)!  They broadcast from Italy and I tuned on 6975 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.

This is my second eQSL from Blue Dragon AM (my first was for their maiden broadcast at the start of this month).  In addition, they sent a great Christmas greeting (which I'll post shortly).

Many thanks Mr. Blue!

Merry Christmas from Radio Mi Amigo Shortwave :D

 

This great holiday card arrived from Radio Mi Amigo this morning!  The email also included a schedule of extra holiday broadcasts.  I've listened to many Radio Mi Amigo shows.  Below is an eQSL from this summer (and I've also received an old school QSL card from them).

Merry Christmas Radio Mi Amigo!

Happy Festivus - 2015!


Happy Festivus - a holiday for the rest of us!

It seems like Festivus - even as a Seinfeld fan - has almost become an annual post with me! 

As I wrote (posted) last year:

for seinfeld fans out there, this is the december holiday tradition to observe. whether it gets you into the proper holiday spirit is another matter entirely (especially if your festivus centers around the airing of grievances). either way, it's a great reason to watch some seinfeld in the midst of all the airings of "it's a wonderful life," "miracle on 34th street" (either version), "white christmast," "elf" - you get the picture!

so have a great festivus - and christmas is just 48 hours away :D

And it still holds true for 2015!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Radio Romania International shortwave Holiday Greetings!

 
 
This beautiful Holiday Greetings card from Radio Romania International arrived in my email today!  I received an old school QSL card from them this summer  (see below).  There signal is a reliable cross Atlantic reception here on the east coast.  I logged them on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver.
 
Many thanks Radio Romania!
 


King Shortwave Netherlands pirate radio 6205 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This great eQSL arrived from King Shortwave this morning!  I tuned in to their broadcast, from the Netherlands, this weekend on 6205 kHz via the SDR in the Netherlands.  The music included a classic from Billy Joel, "She's always a Woman to Me"- following one from Adele!

Thanks King Shortwave!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Happy Winter Solstice - 2015!


Happy Winter Solstice!

Winter officially arrives in a couple of hours (11:48) here on the east coast.  Officially, it arrives at 4:48 UTC tomorrow.  Either way it hardly seems like winter (even with the chilly weekend that just passed).  In fact, if weather forecasts are to be believed... we're looking at a Christmas day that may reach into the 60s!

Happy Solstice... winter-like or not :D

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Radio Good Ship Venus (GSV) Scotland shortwave pirate radio 6396 khz (via SDR) eQSL


I just received this fantastic eQSL from Radio Good Ship Venus!  I tuned in to their broadcast from Scotland this morning, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  Of the music they played, I recognized Bonnie St. Claire's "Clap your Hands, Stamp your Feet."  They also mentioned other radio stations and gave shout out to listeners!

Many thanks Jim Kirk!


Friday, December 18, 2015

Radio Barracuda Italian shortwave pirate radio Holiday Greetings!



Just received this fantastic holiday greetings card from Radio Barracuda (and a non-data eQSL as well).  I've tuned into Radio Barracuda, broadcasting from Italy, a couple of times - via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands (but on 6210 kHz, not 6240 kHz).  The programming was mostly dance music!

Many thanks Radio Barracuda!  Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo :D


Monday, December 14, 2015

SuperClan Radio German shortwave radio 6070 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This great eQSL just arrived from SuperClan Radio!  I tuned in to their broadcast from Germany (via Channel 292 relay) on the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  One of the musical highlights of the show was "Sister Golden Hair" by America :D

Thanks SuperClan!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Pioneer AM Netherlands shortwave pirate radio 6382 khz (via SDR) eQSL


This great Holiday inspired eQSL arrived today from Pioneer AM Radio!  I tuned in to their broadcast, from the Netherlands, on 6382 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  At that time they were playing the Ramone's "Rock and Roll High School" - into an eclectic mix that included country western -- and the Stray Cats!

Many thanks Pioneer AM!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Pirate Radio Stations Verified Certificate from L'Associazione Italiana Radioacolto (L'A.I.R.) - Level 1


Today I received my new (and final) Certificate from L'Associazione Italiana Radioascolto (roughly translated, the Italian Radio Listeners Association) for having verified reception of 100 or more pirate radio stations! It is the highest of the 4 levels of recognition, in terms of the number of pirate broadcasters heard and verified (10, 30, 50 and 100 stations).

In September I earned the 2nd level Certificate (50 or more pirate stations verified). Of the 110 submissions for this level, approximately twenty percent (25%) are North American pirate broadcasters. The remaining seventy-five percent (75%) are European pirates logged via the SDR at the University of Twente, in the Netherlands.

Thank you Fiorenzo for processing my diploma!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Happy Hanukkah Radio North American shortwave pirate radio 6950 khz eQSL


This great eQSL from Happy Hanukkah Radio was arrived in my email tonight!  I caught their special Hanakkah broadcast yesterday and send in my reception report + audio clip.  It was a tough reception (on my Sangean ATS 909 receiver) mostly because the broadcast aired just after 8 AM - with the sun already overhead, and that made conditions pretty tough going.  Although, thankfully, Happy Hanukkah Radio rebroadcast the show later in the day (just after sunset) and that reception was much clearer!

Thanks Moishe - and Happy Hanukkah!

Sunday, December 6, 2015

2015 Taconic Road Runners Team and Couples Relays: Race Photos & Results


We had great weather for the Taconic Relays this morning - both the team and couples relays!  In fact, there were 17 registered for the couples relay alone (which may be a record turnout).  It may have been the great weather - or the fantastic brunch that followed the races - that fueled the turnout.  Either way, it was a good time :D

Here are the results from the team relays.









The rest of my pictures are up on Facebook.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Radio Waves International French shortwave pirate radio 6070 khz (via SDR) QSL Card

 

This great QSL Card was in my mailbox when I got home last night - real mailbox!  Even more remarkable, it crossed the Atlantic in just 4 days - I submitted the report Sunday!  An email reply came back in a few hours after I sent in the report stating that a reply would be forthcoming.

While Radio Waves International is a French broadcaster, I tuned in via the relay on Channel 292 - which transmits from Germany.  I listened via the SDR at Twente.

Programming consisted of French music during the first part of the show, followed by a block of country western music!  In between was a promo for the QSL Award contest!

Thanks Peter!

Thursday, December 3, 2015

N.O.T. "Never on Time" Radio Southern Europe shortwave pirate radio 19300 khz (via SDR) eQSL


I received this amazing eQSL from N.O.T. Radio ("Never on Time") yesterday!  What excellent imagery it contains - with who seems like Mr. Twilight Zone himself, Rod Sterling, standing in the doorway!  I tuned in to there broadcast, from Southern Europe (possibly Italy?), on 19300 kHz, via the SDR at Twente.  According the email, they were "testing a new, very low power transmitter."  The programming included dance (techno) style music.

Many thanks N.O.T. Radio!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Blue Dragon AM Italian shortwave pirate radio 6975 khz (via SDR) eQSL

 

This fantastic eQSL arrived from Blue Dragon AM yesterday.  What makes this one especially cool is that it was from Blue Dragon's first broadcast!  I tuned in to their shortwave broadcast, from Italy, via the SDR at Twente in the Netherlands.  Programming consisted of mostly dance music, including that disco classic "Le Freak" :D

From the email:

I'm very happy that you have listened the first transmission of Blue Dragon AM.

Blue Dragon is an Italian project that I thought for a long time and I've been able to accomplish after made a 100 w transmitter and have installed some dipoles that allow me to cover various frequencies.

I hope to have you back among our listeners and thanks to share info about my blog.

Greetings.

Mr. Blue

Please take the time to check out their blog (link above)!

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

December 2015 Race Schedule


December kicks off this weekend with the Taconic Relays this weekend (and a great post-race breakfast + beer)!  It's an annual highlight.  The following weekend is the NYRR Ted Corbitt 15k (and my first opportunity to check out the new pick-up location).  It's the last team points race of the year.  After the 15k, the Taconic's regroup in the Bronx for another post-race breakfast/brunch - a theme for early December :D

The next day is a trip to Queens for the B.U.S. Fat Ass Trail Mix-Up.  The distance is 50k, with a 30k option.  In the past I've opted for the 30k - and, given the 15k + brunch on Saturday, will probably stick with that distance again :D

Another December classic is the Holiday Run for Toys 5K in Fairfield the next weekend.  Interestingly, there is a Holiday Classic 10k in Central Park the day before (12/19).  That's a new one for me and I may check it out.  Another new one (for me) is the post-Christmas Nyack Snowflake 5K (12/27) which I'm also tempted to run.

Here's how it looks so far:

12/6 - Taconic Couples Relay
12/12 - NYRR Ted Corbitt 15k
12/13 - BUS Fat Ass Trail Mix-Up 30k
12/20 - Holiday Run for Toys 5k

As always, if you're at any of these events - say hello!