Shuffling Through Paradise by foggydoggy

For the benefit of our UK friends on this site I should probably mention that today is the day that State and Federal Income taxes are due (that's right we pay twice).  Consequently Instead of running here:

Which was what I wanted to do after work today (getting there the hard way) I ended up dealing with this:

Yep, that Martini glass is empty.  And both my state and federal taxes are now done.

But while waiting on hold for 45 minutes to talk to IRS because I didn't have something I needed to e-file I had plenty time to think.  Given that we have pleasure taxes on things like booze and cigarettes what if we taxed pleasures like running? ? ?  So here's my proposal on how such taxes might work:

To keep it simple, taxes would be regressive based on mileage:  20 miles a week is taxed at $1 per mile.  100 miles a week .50 per mile.

Beware the dreaded Alternative Minimum Mileage Tax-- 10 miles a week pays a flat $15 plus penalty.

A PR nets a $50 tax credit.  As part of the stimulus package a PR by anyone over 45 nets a one-time $500 credit.

Lying about PRs or cutting the course deliberately == Jail

Shoes are deductible, Headbands look silly and aren't.

Since runners shouldn't have to bail out the country on our footwork I propose some other changes to the tax code.

Anyone cheering at a Marathon who says "You're almost there" when less than 80% of the race has been completed shall moved upward one tax bracket.  This rule does not apply to races of less than 200 meters.

Asking any runner "How many miles is your next marathon" or any derivative therof shall be assessed an immediate $5,000 penalty.

Any non-runner who swallows the big bite of jelly donut, takes a drag on their 5th cigarette of the day and then states, "You shouldn't run, don't you know you're going to ruin your knees if you don't have a heart attack first," Shall be required to pay their entire net income in taxes during the next tax year.  During the following year they shall pay the taxes of the runner so addressed.

Actually I shouldn't complain.  This year I am the beneficiary of some of that stimulus money.  Turbo Tax helpfully informed me that I should expect my deposit on April 24th.  If that happens some vendors at the Big Sur Expo are going to get stimulated too.  Race Ready clothes, Addidas Trail Shoes. . There's plenty of stuff I can use.

Happy Trails

Big Sur Marathon Musings: Miles 9 and 10.  These are two of my favorite miles in the race.  This is the point where the scenery starts getting really beautiful and its got some downhill.  Just ignore that massive mountain looming ahead.  (and remember-- the road doesn't go all the way to the top).  Also its further than it looks.  Miles 10 and 11 are a giant U-turn.  You turn east for 10 so the start of hurricane point is farther than it looks at the 9 mile mark.  Take some energy from the relay exchange point at 9.75 and let the taiko drummers set your cadence.  Its time to rock Hurricane Point.

I think this is about the 9 mile mark,  pretty huh?

2007 Coming into the relay exchange point.  Hurricane Point is out of the frame to the left.

HP. . . That-a-way! ! !