So today, Steph, my darling cutie of a bike buddy invited me to her day of fantastic fitness.
Steph had an all day pass. As a better mom and athlete than me because, not only does she do it with 2 kids, she also does it while working part time. Which btw, when you are lawyer is really full time. She is also a lot nicer than me.
I had to do the reading centers in Carmella's classroom this morning so I couldn't join her for her swim portion of the day. Since she was nearby I stalked her at the pool and suggested we do the Comet rather than battle the mean streets of Marietta and Roswell. She readily agreed.
However it took us longer than I thought to get to the Comet. So I called on Lala to pick up Beau from school since Carmella would be at dance until 4. That would give us even more time. Greedy greedy, I know.
Lala agreed. And I told her if Beau got no checks (he is allowed 2 but usually gets in the neighborhood of oh, 12 or so for various infractions.) to please get him a treat--say McDonald's fries or a toy at the dollar store. See, Beau is on a one day streak of no checks and I promised a special treat if he got no checks again today. Lala agreed to see to a special treat.
Steph and I had a great ride and rode 40 miles-- which is definitely further than I have ever ridden and I think so for her too. And, I discovered that after, oh say 30miles-- that padded bike shorts? Yeah, they might be a good idea.
My poor smushed girly bits. Don't know how you boyz do it.
Hmmm. Maybe men are tougher than women.
Yeah, right.
Hello. Childbirth?
Then we ran a 3 mile brick.
Eh.
The run was not so great but after 6 straight days of running and a 2 and half hour bike I suppose that is okay. The calf cramped up and I had to walk. Steph was suppose to reign me into a recovery run but at the half mile she report a 7:29 pace.
Sheesh. My legs have no idea what they are doing after they get off the bike. It felt like a 12 minute pace. Like we were wading through molasses. So she graciously walked with me for a bit and at the turn around we ran back--slower. Everything was starting to feel better but I was glad to be done. She also, rightly so, insisted we get powerade. I even bought a Cliff bar-- even though I was not hungry-- since I would not be able to eat until at least 6pm.
We parted ways and I drove to collect Carmella and Abby from dance and then Beau from Lala's. We dropped Abby at home and I hit the gym for a 30 minute swim to finish off Steph's fantastic fitness day.
And yes, Lala was true to her word as Beau did have another no check day. He insisted on a Happy Meal and she obliged. With a coke to boot. And this is that horse's mouth part that I am looking into. I am seeing all those dirty horse teeth as I never give the kids coke. I mean, you know, unless they are going to grandma's--not the other way around! And as if the coke wasn't enough caffeine Beau also indulged in handfuls of chocolate covered espresso beans.
And that my friends is why my 4 year old is sitting in his bed right now--an hour past bedtime, talking about imaginary spiders on the wall.
And I am thinking that tomorrow?
Tomorrow will not be a no check day for Beau.
His streak ends and possibly mine too.
But for now: 30/0.
Showing posts with label biking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biking. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Routines keep you regular
I am, if nothing else, a woman who likes her routine. I feel anxious and out of sorts when I don't have my schedule--even if it is a schedule I make up. Christmas break--while a very welcome reprieve-- had me very out of sorts.
Yesterday the kids went back to school and I dived right back into my training regime with a 14 miler. It has been almost a month since I last ran that distance and I won't lie: it was tough.
Mostly because I was so unbelievably sore from my Suicide swim the day before. Those push-ups did a real number on me. I didn't think my sore chest muscles would be a problem since I was running. Wow. I was wrong. It felt like someone was going at me with a jack hammer. And thank goodness Ryan was home when I finished because otherwise I would have remained stuck in my sweaty sports bra. Apparently lifting and pulling it over my head was not something I could manage alone yesterday. But regardless of my upper body handicap I still came away with a respectable 8:37 avg pace. Well, at least respectable in my opinion. Certainly I would have prefered sub 8minute miles but eh, another day.
So yeah, not ideal.
But not terrible either.
Getting the kids up and going yesterday wasn't easy either. We had been backing ourselves last week into their 7:30 bedtime/6:30 wake up routine. But nevertheless it is still hard to go from no routine back to a routine. I read somewhere once that it takes 3 weeks to break a habit but only 2 to form one. Lucky for us we were only off our routine for 2 weeks so it didn't totally wreck us and our morning went fairly seamlessly. But we were well on our way to a habit of sleeping past 7 and doing nothing until 10 am.
Okay, you know what I mean. As seamless of a morning as you can get with a 6 yr old and 4 yr old.
Of course there were snaggles.
Carmella had a bit of a melt down because she felt her shirt-- from her most favorite outfit, an outfit which she picked, not me-- was too short. When she lifted her arms you could catch the teeniest glimpse at her tummy. I told her for me that was usually a selling point in a shirt. She pleaded with me to make her shirt longer. Understandably, after seeing me stitch Ryan's Santa sweater, she sees me as a gifted seamstress who can fix/make anything. After I explained that I couldn't make it longer and she would either have to deal or wear another shirt she decided to stick with her outfit and just wouldn't raise her arms all day. It completely amazes me that I gave birth to such a modest child. Hopefully this modesty will out last her teenage years.
Then there was the task of waking Beau. Really this can ruin my mood for the whole day if he proves particularly difficult. To say Beau is not a morning person is like saying I'm not more than a little self absorbed.
Surprisingly when I went in his room he was already up. But upon seeing me told me "No clothes today! Clothes are stupid."
After a good bit of arguing--on his part-- and a lot of threatening--on my part-- he put his clothes on. But not his shoes. He wasn't ready for shoes.
Whatever.
Amazingly they both ate their breakfast without any prodding so as it turned out we had extra time. Extra time means we get to walk/run to school. Beau mistakenly chose to wear his cowboy boots. I advised against it and told him not even cowboys go running in their cowboy boots but he reminded me that he did win the Chimney Springs tot trot in them.
Halfway to the school Beau told me his leg hurt. I told him that was just the weakness leaving his body and to keep going. Carmella said it was probably the cowboy boots.
We got Carmella to school and on the way back Beau insisted on taking Lola and I's picture--a picture in which I clearly look still half asleep. Hey, looking good takes some effort. And as Steph and I discussed today; often times this effort is not a priority for me. Especially when all I am going to do is run or swim or bike.
Oh, well, at least Lola looks good.
During the photo shoot Beau fell in the mud.
Sigh.
So after an outfit change for him and putting the dog up I was able to drive and drop him at school and get on with my day.
And today I finally got to enjoy some of this awesomely weird and wonderful weather we are having with a bike ride. Hooked up with Steph and we rode around Roswell for 2hours. She is claiming she has a bad attitude lately but don't listen to her. She is always a delight to be around and complains way less than anyone else I know. We finished up our ride with a super short 2 mile brick. The first mile was terrible for me with my calfs all crampy on all those darn punishing hills in her hood but the second mile came in faster and once I finished I felt absolutely fantastic.
I am so happy to be back in my routine of run, swim, bike, drive kids around and do errands. But most of all I am so happy to be feeling healthy and much like my normal self again. I need to remember to try to be careful and not wear myself out too much in my exuberance. Tomorrow I will do an easy day. Probably just a swim. Okay, and probably a really short treadmill run. Really short, like 2 miles.
And yes, I am proud to say I am still streaking. Today makes 10 days of consistent workouts for the Kindzia Challenge.
And at midweek this is where I find myself:
Running: 22 miles
Swimming: 3 miles
Biking: 28+ miles
Kid running/walking miles: 6 miles
Not too shabby for mid week if I do say so myself.
Best wishes to Wes and Dee Dee at Disney! Kick some Mickey ass guys!
Yesterday the kids went back to school and I dived right back into my training regime with a 14 miler. It has been almost a month since I last ran that distance and I won't lie: it was tough.
Mostly because I was so unbelievably sore from my Suicide swim the day before. Those push-ups did a real number on me. I didn't think my sore chest muscles would be a problem since I was running. Wow. I was wrong. It felt like someone was going at me with a jack hammer. And thank goodness Ryan was home when I finished because otherwise I would have remained stuck in my sweaty sports bra. Apparently lifting and pulling it over my head was not something I could manage alone yesterday. But regardless of my upper body handicap I still came away with a respectable 8:37 avg pace. Well, at least respectable in my opinion. Certainly I would have prefered sub 8minute miles but eh, another day.
So yeah, not ideal.
But not terrible either.
Getting the kids up and going yesterday wasn't easy either. We had been backing ourselves last week into their 7:30 bedtime/6:30 wake up routine. But nevertheless it is still hard to go from no routine back to a routine. I read somewhere once that it takes 3 weeks to break a habit but only 2 to form one. Lucky for us we were only off our routine for 2 weeks so it didn't totally wreck us and our morning went fairly seamlessly. But we were well on our way to a habit of sleeping past 7 and doing nothing until 10 am. Okay, you know what I mean. As seamless of a morning as you can get with a 6 yr old and 4 yr old.
Of course there were snaggles.
Carmella had a bit of a melt down because she felt her shirt-- from her most favorite outfit, an outfit which she picked, not me-- was too short. When she lifted her arms you could catch the teeniest glimpse at her tummy. I told her for me that was usually a selling point in a shirt. She pleaded with me to make her shirt longer. Understandably, after seeing me stitch Ryan's Santa sweater, she sees me as a gifted seamstress who can fix/make anything. After I explained that I couldn't make it longer and she would either have to deal or wear another shirt she decided to stick with her outfit and just wouldn't raise her arms all day. It completely amazes me that I gave birth to such a modest child. Hopefully this modesty will out last her teenage years.
Then there was the task of waking Beau. Really this can ruin my mood for the whole day if he proves particularly difficult. To say Beau is not a morning person is like saying I'm not more than a little self absorbed.
Surprisingly when I went in his room he was already up. But upon seeing me told me "No clothes today! Clothes are stupid."
After a good bit of arguing--on his part-- and a lot of threatening--on my part-- he put his clothes on. But not his shoes. He wasn't ready for shoes.
Whatever.
Amazingly they both ate their breakfast without any prodding so as it turned out we had extra time. Extra time means we get to walk/run to school. Beau mistakenly chose to wear his cowboy boots. I advised against it and told him not even cowboys go running in their cowboy boots but he reminded me that he did win the Chimney Springs tot trot in them.
Halfway to the school Beau told me his leg hurt. I told him that was just the weakness leaving his body and to keep going. Carmella said it was probably the cowboy boots.
We got Carmella to school and on the way back Beau insisted on taking Lola and I's picture--a picture in which I clearly look still half asleep. Hey, looking good takes some effort. And as Steph and I discussed today; often times this effort is not a priority for me. Especially when all I am going to do is run or swim or bike.
Oh, well, at least Lola looks good.
During the photo shoot Beau fell in the mud.
Sigh.
So after an outfit change for him and putting the dog up I was able to drive and drop him at school and get on with my day.
And today I finally got to enjoy some of this awesomely weird and wonderful weather we are having with a bike ride. Hooked up with Steph and we rode around Roswell for 2hours. She is claiming she has a bad attitude lately but don't listen to her. She is always a delight to be around and complains way less than anyone else I know. We finished up our ride with a super short 2 mile brick. The first mile was terrible for me with my calfs all crampy on all those darn punishing hills in her hood but the second mile came in faster and once I finished I felt absolutely fantastic.
I am so happy to be back in my routine of run, swim, bike, drive kids around and do errands. But most of all I am so happy to be feeling healthy and much like my normal self again. I need to remember to try to be careful and not wear myself out too much in my exuberance. Tomorrow I will do an easy day. Probably just a swim. Okay, and probably a really short treadmill run. Really short, like 2 miles.
And yes, I am proud to say I am still streaking. Today makes 10 days of consistent workouts for the Kindzia Challenge.
And at midweek this is where I find myself:
Running: 22 miles
Swimming: 3 miles
Biking: 28+ miles
Kid running/walking miles: 6 miles
Not too shabby for mid week if I do say so myself.
Best wishes to Wes and Dee Dee at Disney! Kick some Mickey ass guys!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Last Dance
Today was my last workout before the Chickamauga marathon on Saturday. Ready or not I am trained. Now only 2 more days of not getting hurt or sick. Kids keep doing stuff like sneezing and coughing and saying they are sick. I know they are just picking on me but they better keep their runny noses away from me.
My plan this morning was an easy 10 miles--yesterday I had a 7 mile general aerobic pace run and it was very easy. This morning though I found I had a text from my bike honey. She was dangling an easy short ride in front of me and cheater that I am I gladly accepted.
Only problem was that it was very cold today. Okay, right, sorry, very Georgia cold --my car said 32 degrees. That is cold for November in Atlanta. It was probably high 30's low 40's for our ride. That is pretty perfect running weather but not so for the bike.
I spent the better half of my morning before meeting Steph trying to figure out what would be most appropriate attire. See, I've got running clothes, I've got ski clothes and I've got hiking clothes. Warm bike clothes I do not have. I dressed in my favorite running Nike tights. I never wear the padded bike shorts anyway--though I have a pair-- so I am okay with running tights to ride in. I have found the upper limit of my comfort level without a padded crotch is around 30 miles. No comments please.
Finding the right top proved more difficult. I have extra anxiety about bike attire because of Wes, my brother in law who does the criteriums and buys himself $400 jeans. My sister, his wife, has told me that for the bike people that it is all about the outfit. See, this is most definitely not the case with runners. Anyone who has toed the start line at any race can tell you that.
I settled on my underarmour turtleneck--I call it my scuba shirt--and a ski fleece. I had a hat on too but ended up ditching it. Then I also brought a light weight technical running top, my sleeveless bike jersey, my Nike windbreaker--I call it my Discobreaker cause it is pink and shiny-- and 2 hats.
I ran before Steph got there. I decided immediately that I needed mittens. So I ran over to Kohl's and bought some mittens. Much better but after that first mile I was dying I was so hot. The run ended up being 3 miles at an 8:03 pace. My plan was marathon pace but I should have started Garmin after I warmed up. To get to close to marathon pace I had to run the other 2 miles more in the 6:30-7:30 range. So not exactly a marathon pace run. Oh well. Short and sweet. Marathon pace, I guess, will be a bit of surprise. The minutes will fall where they do.
I was so freaking hot after my run that I ditched the fleece and went for the Discobreaker. The mittens I kept. This proved a pretty decent combination. I was comfortable, even a little warm at the end. But my toes were Popsicles. Maybe just some warmer socks next time? Steph suggested plastic bags per her husband but I am thinking he hasn't heard how important the outfit is otherwise he would know that plastic bags are not tres bike chic.
Anyway we did about 20 miles. I think pace was around 15mph. I forgot to stop Garmin at many lights. At rate we certainly weren't going to break any records but it was a great ride. I'm glad I got it in.
Now? 2 full days rest. I should also mention that my appetite is out of this world. I am eating good; just way too much. I am thinking I might not even need Gu's as I am fairly certain by race day I will have reached camel status. Only my food store will be on my stomach, ass, thighs--basically everywhere but my back or unfortunately, not my chest.
Good luck to anyone else who is reading and will be out there Saturday at Chickamuaga. And good luck to Charlie at Richmond-- yeah, only 2 weeks after Marine Corps. He is only a little insane. And, yeah, I respect that.
Psst: Race goals . . .
1) To finish
2.) To PR-- sub 3:42
3.) Under 3:40 (okay really, close to 3:30)
Week's totals:
Run: 41 miles--assuming I finish the marathon
Bike: 45 miles
Swim: 1 mile
We are doing the whole See Rock City and Ruby Falls and the Chattanooga Choo Choo and renting a cabin for the weekend. Don't know if I'll have internet or not so I may not post until Monday.
My plan this morning was an easy 10 miles--yesterday I had a 7 mile general aerobic pace run and it was very easy. This morning though I found I had a text from my bike honey. She was dangling an easy short ride in front of me and cheater that I am I gladly accepted.
Only problem was that it was very cold today. Okay, right, sorry, very Georgia cold --my car said 32 degrees. That is cold for November in Atlanta. It was probably high 30's low 40's for our ride. That is pretty perfect running weather but not so for the bike.
I spent the better half of my morning before meeting Steph trying to figure out what would be most appropriate attire. See, I've got running clothes, I've got ski clothes and I've got hiking clothes. Warm bike clothes I do not have. I dressed in my favorite running Nike tights. I never wear the padded bike shorts anyway--though I have a pair-- so I am okay with running tights to ride in. I have found the upper limit of my comfort level without a padded crotch is around 30 miles. No comments please.
Finding the right top proved more difficult. I have extra anxiety about bike attire because of Wes, my brother in law who does the criteriums and buys himself $400 jeans. My sister, his wife, has told me that for the bike people that it is all about the outfit. See, this is most definitely not the case with runners. Anyone who has toed the start line at any race can tell you that.
I settled on my underarmour turtleneck--I call it my scuba shirt--and a ski fleece. I had a hat on too but ended up ditching it. Then I also brought a light weight technical running top, my sleeveless bike jersey, my Nike windbreaker--I call it my Discobreaker cause it is pink and shiny-- and 2 hats.
I ran before Steph got there. I decided immediately that I needed mittens. So I ran over to Kohl's and bought some mittens. Much better but after that first mile I was dying I was so hot. The run ended up being 3 miles at an 8:03 pace. My plan was marathon pace but I should have started Garmin after I warmed up. To get to close to marathon pace I had to run the other 2 miles more in the 6:30-7:30 range. So not exactly a marathon pace run. Oh well. Short and sweet. Marathon pace, I guess, will be a bit of surprise. The minutes will fall where they do.
I was so freaking hot after my run that I ditched the fleece and went for the Discobreaker. The mittens I kept. This proved a pretty decent combination. I was comfortable, even a little warm at the end. But my toes were Popsicles. Maybe just some warmer socks next time? Steph suggested plastic bags per her husband but I am thinking he hasn't heard how important the outfit is otherwise he would know that plastic bags are not tres bike chic.
Anyway we did about 20 miles. I think pace was around 15mph. I forgot to stop Garmin at many lights. At rate we certainly weren't going to break any records but it was a great ride. I'm glad I got it in.
Now? 2 full days rest. I should also mention that my appetite is out of this world. I am eating good; just way too much. I am thinking I might not even need Gu's as I am fairly certain by race day I will have reached camel status. Only my food store will be on my stomach, ass, thighs--basically everywhere but my back or unfortunately, not my chest.
Good luck to anyone else who is reading and will be out there Saturday at Chickamuaga. And good luck to Charlie at Richmond-- yeah, only 2 weeks after Marine Corps. He is only a little insane. And, yeah, I respect that.
Psst: Race goals . . .
1) To finish
2.) To PR-- sub 3:42
3.) Under 3:40 (okay really, close to 3:30)
Week's totals:
Run: 41 miles--assuming I finish the marathon
Bike: 45 miles
Swim: 1 mile
We are doing the whole See Rock City and Ruby Falls and the Chattanooga Choo Choo and renting a cabin for the weekend. Don't know if I'll have internet or not so I may not post until Monday.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Bored
Sigh, boring taper workouts. Time to fold laundry, time to make fancy yummy dinners, time to wipe counters and scrub bathrooms; time to do all the housewifely things that I really do not love--time I would rather be spending doing hardcore workouts.
Yesterday, though not ass kicking, was nice on the bike. Easy. Little annoying because Greenway was packed. Apparently other parents do not find it necessary to scream at their kids to "Get to right! Get over! Biker coming through!" And said kids that do not scoot look petrified when you yell "Hey! Pay attention! Don't hit me!" Cause, like I don't know if they know left from right. So calling out "On your left!" is just confusing to them. Then their parents make eye contact and offer a sheepish grin as apology. Whatever, fine with me. So be it if it has to be me who teaches your kids trail etiquette. My goal is not to wreck. So be it if I gotta be the bitch on the bike who is the trail compliance officer. There are clearly posted rules and I am obeying and so can you. And yes, I do have some anger issues. But see, I look so non-threatening. And I think that is what is so confusing. Grrr.
But yeah, it was a nice bike. Almost 25 miles in an hour 24. Easy peasy.
Today the kids had no school. Teacher workday or something. Steph had work meeting. No bikie with my girlie. So I gymed it. Again, easy peasy. Treadmill run. Purposely reigned myself in so as to not screw myself for the Chickamauga marathon that will be taking names and kicking my ass on Saturday. I had intentions to practice marathon pace--8 minute miles-- but it that feels too slow on the treadmill. So it was 7:50 pace for first mile. Hit 2 miles in 14:50. 5k in 22:20 and 4 miles in 29:20. Finished the whole 5.25 miles in 38 minutes. Even still, I think 8 minute miles for 26.2 miles is going to be very hard for me. I know how it will go down: first half split: 1:40. Second half split: 2 hours. Joe? I will be channeling you. Mr. Thank you very much I ran a negative split 3:30 marathon in an Iron man. Hello hero. Promise me it wasn't as easy as you made it look.
Yeah, okay. I am a teensy bit jealous.
So what.
Anyway, I spent sometime on the mat stretching. Man. I am tight. Ridiculous. I am thinking I should devote a little time each day to some stretching. Thought about lifting some weights but figured nothing but hunger would come out of it so I decided to swim.
Changed for the pool. Thought about the 10 x100's in 2 minutes but since I had no Steph to motivate me I just swam solid for 30 minutes. I lost count around 600 meters. We'll call it a mile but I am sure it was a little over. Changed and collected kids.
We did our errands. The kids were soooooooooooo good at the grocery store. I actually got compliments on how cute and well behaved my kids were--moi--my kids--Carmella--and--Beau--from several people. I kept looking around thinking surely they are not talking to moi. Totally weird. Hey, maybe we've finally turned "that corner." You know, the corner that people keep assuring me that Beau will turn. Seriously, I am sure it was just a fluke. Wait, is there a full moon tonight? Are there cameras on me or something? I'm suspicious now.
Then more cleaning, boring house-wifely stuff, more laundry folding (just so you know I could fold for everyday for 2 hours and there would still be more to fold, put away. Gag. Who are these people and where do they find the time to dirty so many clothes?). Then a long walk with dog and kids on bike. Then playing with kids and all the neighborhood kids (we apparently are that house, you know the one where kids migrate, multiply) in the yard.
So this is what people do when they don't run/bike/swim for 2+ hours a day. Huh. You know. This isn't so bad. . .
P.S. I heart italics
Yesterday, though not ass kicking, was nice on the bike. Easy. Little annoying because Greenway was packed. Apparently other parents do not find it necessary to scream at their kids to "Get to right! Get over! Biker coming through!" And said kids that do not scoot look petrified when you yell "Hey! Pay attention! Don't hit me!" Cause, like I don't know if they know left from right. So calling out "On your left!" is just confusing to them. Then their parents make eye contact and offer a sheepish grin as apology. Whatever, fine with me. So be it if it has to be me who teaches your kids trail etiquette. My goal is not to wreck. So be it if I gotta be the bitch on the bike who is the trail compliance officer. There are clearly posted rules and I am obeying and so can you. And yes, I do have some anger issues. But see, I look so non-threatening. And I think that is what is so confusing. Grrr.
But yeah, it was a nice bike. Almost 25 miles in an hour 24. Easy peasy.
Today the kids had no school. Teacher workday or something. Steph had work meeting. No bikie with my girlie. So I gymed it. Again, easy peasy. Treadmill run. Purposely reigned myself in so as to not screw myself for the Chickamauga marathon that will be taking names and kicking my ass on Saturday. I had intentions to practice marathon pace--8 minute miles-- but it that feels too slow on the treadmill. So it was 7:50 pace for first mile. Hit 2 miles in 14:50. 5k in 22:20 and 4 miles in 29:20. Finished the whole 5.25 miles in 38 minutes. Even still, I think 8 minute miles for 26.2 miles is going to be very hard for me. I know how it will go down: first half split: 1:40. Second half split: 2 hours. Joe? I will be channeling you. Mr. Thank you very much I ran a negative split 3:30 marathon in an Iron man. Hello hero. Promise me it wasn't as easy as you made it look.
Yeah, okay. I am a teensy bit jealous.
So what.
Anyway, I spent sometime on the mat stretching. Man. I am tight. Ridiculous. I am thinking I should devote a little time each day to some stretching. Thought about lifting some weights but figured nothing but hunger would come out of it so I decided to swim.
Changed for the pool. Thought about the 10 x100's in 2 minutes but since I had no Steph to motivate me I just swam solid for 30 minutes. I lost count around 600 meters. We'll call it a mile but I am sure it was a little over. Changed and collected kids.
We did our errands. The kids were soooooooooooo good at the grocery store. I actually got compliments on how cute and well behaved my kids were--moi--my kids--Carmella--and--Beau--from several people. I kept looking around thinking surely they are not talking to moi. Totally weird. Hey, maybe we've finally turned "that corner." You know, the corner that people keep assuring me that Beau will turn. Seriously, I am sure it was just a fluke. Wait, is there a full moon tonight? Are there cameras on me or something? I'm suspicious now.
Then more cleaning, boring house-wifely stuff, more laundry folding (just so you know I could fold for everyday for 2 hours and there would still be more to fold, put away. Gag. Who are these people and where do they find the time to dirty so many clothes?). Then a long walk with dog and kids on bike. Then playing with kids and all the neighborhood kids (we apparently are that house, you know the one where kids migrate, multiply) in the yard.
So this is what people do when they don't run/bike/swim for 2+ hours a day. Huh. You know. This isn't so bad. . .
P.S. I heart italics
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Curses, Foiled Again!
Blasted Aqua fit.
Went to the gym to swim Saturday AM. No easy feat herding the cats to the gym by 9 am on a weekend. Especially when they don't want to go. Well, Carmella did but Beau had other ideas. We were having one of those strong willed child days where he disagrees with everything I want him to do-- even if he really does want to do it. It is so annoying.
I just shove him in Kids Klub and he collapses on the floor and sobs with his head buried in his arms(he is an Oscar worthy actor). I tell them I will be back in 30 minutes. Carmella is already off playing and Beau just carries on. I leave him there to his tears and go the locker room. I get my stuff together and walk out to the pool. And much to my dismay is the Aqua Fit class bobbing up and down. Curses.
So I collect my stuff and go to get the kids. In the 3 minutes I have been gone Beau has miraculously overcome his devastation and is quite happily playing with his friends. That is until he sees me. And then he starts in about how he most definitely does not want to go to Kids Klub. Kids Klub is dumb. Boring even. And I tell him that is fine. We are leaving.
He rapid fired switches his gears and now throws a fit about how he most definitely does NOT want to leave Kids Klub. I cut the theatrics short and tell him he is going to Meme's. He rapid fire changes his tune again and we all walk to the car--Beau happily skipping now and Carmella and I just roll our eyes at him. He is just so fun when he acts like this. I just love it. Really, it is so cute!
NOT!
AT.
ALL.
Aunt Meme had graciously volunteered to take the kids to her nephew's b-ball game the night before. And before she could second guess her offer I accepted. So I had nearly 2 free hours--pretty much unheard of for me on a Saturday. So I took Lance for a little ride. We did a tour de Roswell that came in at 23 miles and was quite enjoyable. Well except for the brief jaunt down HWY 92 where after the first big truck doing 50+mph blew past me I hopped on the sidewalk with my tail tucked. But the rest of the ride was very nice and not at all humiliating. Anyway . . .Thanks Meme!
Week's end tally
Run: 51 miles
Bike: 46 miles
Swim: 600 meters
Went to the gym to swim Saturday AM. No easy feat herding the cats to the gym by 9 am on a weekend. Especially when they don't want to go. Well, Carmella did but Beau had other ideas. We were having one of those strong willed child days where he disagrees with everything I want him to do-- even if he really does want to do it. It is so annoying.
I just shove him in Kids Klub and he collapses on the floor and sobs with his head buried in his arms(he is an Oscar worthy actor). I tell them I will be back in 30 minutes. Carmella is already off playing and Beau just carries on. I leave him there to his tears and go the locker room. I get my stuff together and walk out to the pool. And much to my dismay is the Aqua Fit class bobbing up and down. Curses.
So I collect my stuff and go to get the kids. In the 3 minutes I have been gone Beau has miraculously overcome his devastation and is quite happily playing with his friends. That is until he sees me. And then he starts in about how he most definitely does not want to go to Kids Klub. Kids Klub is dumb. Boring even. And I tell him that is fine. We are leaving.
He rapid fired switches his gears and now throws a fit about how he most definitely does NOT want to leave Kids Klub. I cut the theatrics short and tell him he is going to Meme's. He rapid fire changes his tune again and we all walk to the car--Beau happily skipping now and Carmella and I just roll our eyes at him. He is just so fun when he acts like this. I just love it. Really, it is so cute!
NOT!
AT.
ALL.
Aunt Meme had graciously volunteered to take the kids to her nephew's b-ball game the night before. And before she could second guess her offer I accepted. So I had nearly 2 free hours--pretty much unheard of for me on a Saturday. So I took Lance for a little ride. We did a tour de Roswell that came in at 23 miles and was quite enjoyable. Well except for the brief jaunt down HWY 92 where after the first big truck doing 50+mph blew past me I hopped on the sidewalk with my tail tucked. But the rest of the ride was very nice and not at all humiliating. Anyway . . .Thanks Meme!
Week's end tally
Run: 51 miles
Bike: 46 miles
Swim: 600 meters
Thursday, September 06, 2007
My Cheating Heart
I feel a little like I am cheating on my lover with my new crushes. (You do know I am talking about running right?)
Yesterday I rode bikes with Steph. It was great fun and I had a blast. Tuesday I had gotten in a 16 miler and decided I needed a day off from running if I wanted to get a 18-20 miler in this week too. Besides, who actually rests on their off days? Not me.
I heard a rumor yesterday morning that Steph had a free 2 hour window so I coerced her into hooking up with me for a ride. I met her at her kids' school in Roswell and rode out towards Crabapple and then came back Crabapple Rd through Roswell proper down to the river. Rather than doing the same-old same-old loop along Azalea and Riverside we headed up Timberbridge to Little Willeo and that spit us out onto Johnson Ferry Road. We stopped by Big Peach for some GU and chatting with Kate, Todd and Joe. Kate is becoming quite the tri chica. Todd was lamenting moving up in the age group and getting older. And biggest news it that Joe is planning on doing the Chicago Marathon with aims of qualifying for the Olympic trials. Joe has been a verified fountainhead of training advice for me this past year and has politely and patiently answered all my inane racing questions. I wish him the best of luck in this new endeavor.
We chatted a bit too long because Steph realized we only had 30 minutes to get back to pick up the girls. We were over 14 miles in and after some discussion we guessed the quickest way back to Roswell was straight out Johnson Ferry Rd to Shallowford. I've ridden JF solo before and while it wasn't great fun it is manageable. Really, I was way more nervous about the curves and steep downhill on Childers Rd. In the end the hairpin turns proved not worth worrying about but the uphill after the bridge that never even occured to me until I was on it was the biggest bitch ever. All I can say is thank God we had stopped for some Gu's. Even still my quads were screaming something nasty at me.
The ride back was a mad dash. We covered the nine miles in just under 30 minutes. Not sure of overall pace--probably around 16-17 mph--both our Garmins suffered from inaccurate timing because neither of us are proficient in remembering to hit pause or start. Doesn't really matter. It was hard and I G-mapped it for the distance. I came up with 23 and some change. Best of all we made it back not a second too late. I cheered Steph on like she was in transition and told her to Go! Go! Go! Get Dags out of kiddie hock! I racked her bike (put in car) and got her shoes and shirt out.
Who cares what the other mom's thought?
And Steph, just think of it as practice for 2 bridges. Next time, (assuming you'll go with me) I promise to better plan the route and be more mindful of our time.
So the ride was a bit tougher than I had planned but totally worth it. I decided to switch my long run to Friday since yesterday was a harder "rest" day than I planned on it being. However, on today's rest day I not only cheated on my boyfriend again (but just a little) but I also screwed myself trying to make it up to him. The plan today was just to do an easy 6 miles.
It would seem that I have problems with running an easy pace on the treadmill. My mentality is to get it done and get it done as quickly as possible. And it has been a few weeks since I have run any run under an 8 minute pace so it did feel good to crank it out. I guess I let it go to my head. I was just enjoying the run and my new playlist that I just kept going. When I hit 8 miles I decided to call it a day-- though I definitely could have gone on. It was 8 miles in 57 minutes and 12 seconds. Felt awesome.
But as soon as I walked it out I started to feel the drag. Uh oh. I brilliantly thought a cool down swim make me rebound. So I headed to locker room and changed for the pool. I got about 600 meters in and decided if I still had any hope of having a decent run tomorrow I better get out of the pool. It was hard because the water felt so good and the swim just effortless. After running hard and then switching to swimming you feel like you are gliding.
I was little down for quitting the swim but it was the right thing to do. Hopefully I will have a nice long run tomorrow. If so, I'll reward myself and make it right with the swim on Saturday. All these boyfriends. What's a girl to do?
Oh and for those of you that do ipod and like me are always on the look out for new tunes here is my current On-the-Go playlist. Great for a ladder workout like I did today.
1.Clocks by Coldplay
2.Well Thoughtout Twinkles by Silversun Pickups
3.Ruby Sees All by Cake
4. The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth but Clap Your Hands
5.The Sunnyside of the Street by the Pogues
6.The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists
7.Kissing Families by Silversun Pickups:
8. Whisky in the Jar by the Pogues
9.I Still Remember by Bloc Party
10. Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
11. The Underdog by Spoon:
12. Eyes by Rogue Wave:
Yesterday I rode bikes with Steph. It was great fun and I had a blast. Tuesday I had gotten in a 16 miler and decided I needed a day off from running if I wanted to get a 18-20 miler in this week too. Besides, who actually rests on their off days? Not me.
I heard a rumor yesterday morning that Steph had a free 2 hour window so I coerced her into hooking up with me for a ride. I met her at her kids' school in Roswell and rode out towards Crabapple and then came back Crabapple Rd through Roswell proper down to the river. Rather than doing the same-old same-old loop along Azalea and Riverside we headed up Timberbridge to Little Willeo and that spit us out onto Johnson Ferry Road. We stopped by Big Peach for some GU and chatting with Kate, Todd and Joe. Kate is becoming quite the tri chica. Todd was lamenting moving up in the age group and getting older. And biggest news it that Joe is planning on doing the Chicago Marathon with aims of qualifying for the Olympic trials. Joe has been a verified fountainhead of training advice for me this past year and has politely and patiently answered all my inane racing questions. I wish him the best of luck in this new endeavor.
We chatted a bit too long because Steph realized we only had 30 minutes to get back to pick up the girls. We were over 14 miles in and after some discussion we guessed the quickest way back to Roswell was straight out Johnson Ferry Rd to Shallowford. I've ridden JF solo before and while it wasn't great fun it is manageable. Really, I was way more nervous about the curves and steep downhill on Childers Rd. In the end the hairpin turns proved not worth worrying about but the uphill after the bridge that never even occured to me until I was on it was the biggest bitch ever. All I can say is thank God we had stopped for some Gu's. Even still my quads were screaming something nasty at me.
The ride back was a mad dash. We covered the nine miles in just under 30 minutes. Not sure of overall pace--probably around 16-17 mph--both our Garmins suffered from inaccurate timing because neither of us are proficient in remembering to hit pause or start. Doesn't really matter. It was hard and I G-mapped it for the distance. I came up with 23 and some change. Best of all we made it back not a second too late. I cheered Steph on like she was in transition and told her to Go! Go! Go! Get Dags out of kiddie hock! I racked her bike (put in car) and got her shoes and shirt out.
Who cares what the other mom's thought?
And Steph, just think of it as practice for 2 bridges. Next time, (assuming you'll go with me) I promise to better plan the route and be more mindful of our time.
So the ride was a bit tougher than I had planned but totally worth it. I decided to switch my long run to Friday since yesterday was a harder "rest" day than I planned on it being. However, on today's rest day I not only cheated on my boyfriend again (but just a little) but I also screwed myself trying to make it up to him. The plan today was just to do an easy 6 miles.
It would seem that I have problems with running an easy pace on the treadmill. My mentality is to get it done and get it done as quickly as possible. And it has been a few weeks since I have run any run under an 8 minute pace so it did feel good to crank it out. I guess I let it go to my head. I was just enjoying the run and my new playlist that I just kept going. When I hit 8 miles I decided to call it a day-- though I definitely could have gone on. It was 8 miles in 57 minutes and 12 seconds. Felt awesome.
But as soon as I walked it out I started to feel the drag. Uh oh. I brilliantly thought a cool down swim make me rebound. So I headed to locker room and changed for the pool. I got about 600 meters in and decided if I still had any hope of having a decent run tomorrow I better get out of the pool. It was hard because the water felt so good and the swim just effortless. After running hard and then switching to swimming you feel like you are gliding.
I was little down for quitting the swim but it was the right thing to do. Hopefully I will have a nice long run tomorrow. If so, I'll reward myself and make it right with the swim on Saturday. All these boyfriends. What's a girl to do?
Oh and for those of you that do ipod and like me are always on the look out for new tunes here is my current On-the-Go playlist. Great for a ladder workout like I did today.
1.Clocks by Coldplay
2.Well Thoughtout Twinkles by Silversun Pickups
3.Ruby Sees All by Cake
4. The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth but Clap Your Hands
5.The Sunnyside of the Street by the Pogues
6.The Crane Wife 3 by The Decemberists
7.Kissing Families by Silversun Pickups:
8. Whisky in the Jar by the Pogues
9.I Still Remember by Bloc Party
10. Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
11. The Underdog by Spoon:
12. Eyes by Rogue Wave:
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Dear Asshole in the shiny red truck,
I am fairly certain the make was a Dodge. Your license plate started 880 and I'm not certain of the rest but I think it was XLD. You have a Cherokee tag. You are a white overweight man in your 50's or 60's.
I saw what you did to those two cyclists on Trickum Rd today. Your were absolutely breaking the law and had I had my wits about me I would have called the police and reported you. You, at the very least, would have been charged with a misdemeanor but possibly a felony for using your vehicle with the intent to murder. I think that is what is called aggravated assault.
Because what else could have been your intent when you raced up on the those cyclists--one in a bright blue jersey and the other in a yellow jersey that said ACDC? They were both cruising along at fast clip--probably 25mph and the speed limit there is only 35 but I can tell that you didn't care about that since you were obviously in a hurry--as that can be the only reason I can figure out to why you were not only speeding but driving so aggressively. I mean, the cyclists were within their rights and were obeying the traffic laws: they were on the right side of the road-- I'll concede, possibly a little to the middle but the road there is uneven and it is their right to ride to the middle when the road presents a hazard for them. So for you to gun it and swerve as if to hit them and then cut quickly in front of them, well, I just don't think your intent was anything less than to cause them to wreck. Very lucky for you they didn't since not only was I a witness but so were the other 2 cars in front of me.
And I personally think you should consider yourself very lucky that when you got stopped at the light--which I am sure pissed you off even more-- and the two cyclists caught up to you that they only gave you a "talking to".
I could see, from where I sat in the left turning lane, that they just wanted to educate you on the State of GA's traffic laws-- as it was quite apparent from your behavior that you have no idea what they are. And while I couldn't quite hear what your response was, I can guess it was that you didn't give a rat's ass what the law is since the cyclist, in response to whatever you said (and I know it wasn't nice since I saw finger pointing on your part), yelled "It is the law!" And then threw water all over your pretty leather seats (to which, admittedly, I chuckled at).
But honestly, you know, what I think they should have done was pulled your ignoramus ass out of your shiny red truck and splayed you out across Hwy 92 to see if you liked playing chicken with cars.
So in case you have any confusion Mr.Ignorant and ill-informed driver here is a little pamphlet you might want to read. It has all these laws in it and the most important one you need to note is that cyclists have all the rights to the road as a car does.
Signed the girl in the car 2 back from you who saw the whole thing. This is your warning. Bastard.
I saw what you did to those two cyclists on Trickum Rd today. Your were absolutely breaking the law and had I had my wits about me I would have called the police and reported you. You, at the very least, would have been charged with a misdemeanor but possibly a felony for using your vehicle with the intent to murder. I think that is what is called aggravated assault.
Because what else could have been your intent when you raced up on the those cyclists--one in a bright blue jersey and the other in a yellow jersey that said ACDC? They were both cruising along at fast clip--probably 25mph and the speed limit there is only 35 but I can tell that you didn't care about that since you were obviously in a hurry--as that can be the only reason I can figure out to why you were not only speeding but driving so aggressively. I mean, the cyclists were within their rights and were obeying the traffic laws: they were on the right side of the road-- I'll concede, possibly a little to the middle but the road there is uneven and it is their right to ride to the middle when the road presents a hazard for them. So for you to gun it and swerve as if to hit them and then cut quickly in front of them, well, I just don't think your intent was anything less than to cause them to wreck. Very lucky for you they didn't since not only was I a witness but so were the other 2 cars in front of me.
And I personally think you should consider yourself very lucky that when you got stopped at the light--which I am sure pissed you off even more-- and the two cyclists caught up to you that they only gave you a "talking to".
I could see, from where I sat in the left turning lane, that they just wanted to educate you on the State of GA's traffic laws-- as it was quite apparent from your behavior that you have no idea what they are. And while I couldn't quite hear what your response was, I can guess it was that you didn't give a rat's ass what the law is since the cyclist, in response to whatever you said (and I know it wasn't nice since I saw finger pointing on your part), yelled "It is the law!" And then threw water all over your pretty leather seats (to which, admittedly, I chuckled at).
But honestly, you know, what I think they should have done was pulled your ignoramus ass out of your shiny red truck and splayed you out across Hwy 92 to see if you liked playing chicken with cars.
So in case you have any confusion Mr.Ignorant and ill-informed driver here is a little pamphlet you might want to read. It has all these laws in it and the most important one you need to note is that cyclists have all the rights to the road as a car does.
Signed the girl in the car 2 back from you who saw the whole thing. This is your warning. Bastard.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Time to get serious
I have less than a month until my first triathlon and I've been a bit slack the past few weeks.
Last week was a bit pathetic: I got in the least that I have since I started training and probably is the least I have exercised since I had that bad bout of sinusitis and bronchitis in November. Here is the week's end totals:
Run: 33 miles
Bike: 32 miles
Swim: 1 mile
Not totally terrible and part of it was because I went to the beach the last half of the week with some of my girlfriends. Pictures and details coming soon. . .
Anyway, I went to the gym this morning planning to get back on it, the training that is--not the wagon (never!)-- and really start working. My plan was 7 hard miles on the treadmill and a mile swim. Tomorrow a brick.
Well, dumbass me forgot to charge my ipod and it was dead. No way I was running so I hit the pool for a half hour and I really pushed pretty hard. I felt super strong. Probably because this was the first swim workout I did without having run or biked before it. I really need to start forcing myself to do other swim workouts other than just swimming a mile. I am so lazy in the pool. Really. So my plan is to try this month to do at least two, preferably three, swim workouts a week and one of them being drills and sprints and whatnot.
After my swim the kids and I headed out for our errands and other work I had to do. Ryan was home for a bit this afternoon so I had the opportunity to run but it was 3 in the afternoon and just so muggy and hot that I figured I'd do better on the treadmill in the air conditioning. So around 5ish I put my kids in nursery hock and hit the treadmill for 4 miles-- clocking in 29:12. Then I hopped on the bike and cranked out 11 miles in just a hair under 31 minutes. Then I got back on the treadmill to test the legs and got a mile out in 7:18. Not spectacular but I totally had my legs back and could have done 2 more miles at a similar, if not faster pace easy peasy.
So here is what my training thus far is telling me to expect, roughly, for the tri:
I think the swim will come in under 7 or right around 7 minutes. Ideally, I'd like to do closer to 6 minutes. And I have, in the pool, many times. Open water competition is a bit of mystery for me. I hope to test out an open water swim at Altoona sometime this month and that might give me a more realistic idea of what I can do.
The bike is absolutely my weak link. I hate it. Not the bike, just how sucky I am. It is frustrating. I pump my little legs but seriously can't kick it up any more than I do. I think I can expect 17 mph pace on the bike. Maybe 20 but I doubt it. So what is that for 13 miles? Around 40 minutes? Ideally I want the bike to come in under 35 and I just don't think that is realistic at all for me.
The run is what it is for me. I have never run just a 5k but in 10k's and on the treadmill I am consistently just over or exactly 21 minutes. I definitely think I am capable of sub 21. In a tri I don't know though. Probably not. I do think the run will come in under 22 minutes.
So goal time? I hope to be under 78 minutes but ideally I'd like to come in closer to the hour mark. I don't even entertain under 60.
Is that crazy?
Totally unrealistic?
I have tried to structure my training so that at least 5 days of the week my workouts for the day exceed 90 minutes. My thinking is that anything under that will feel like a walk in the park.
I am sure I am in for a rude awakening. Sand bagger I am not.
Oh, and in other news I've bought my outfit for the sprint. I bought this suit (it is so cute!) and this skirt to snap on over it for the bike and run. I have been acclimating my ass by biking in my running skirts and Nike compression shorts so hopefully my transitions will be quick.
So yeah, my ass?
It kicks itself these days.
Last week was a bit pathetic: I got in the least that I have since I started training and probably is the least I have exercised since I had that bad bout of sinusitis and bronchitis in November. Here is the week's end totals:
Run: 33 miles
Bike: 32 miles
Swim: 1 mile
Not totally terrible and part of it was because I went to the beach the last half of the week with some of my girlfriends. Pictures and details coming soon. . .
Anyway, I went to the gym this morning planning to get back on it, the training that is--not the wagon (never!)-- and really start working. My plan was 7 hard miles on the treadmill and a mile swim. Tomorrow a brick.
Well, dumbass me forgot to charge my ipod and it was dead. No way I was running so I hit the pool for a half hour and I really pushed pretty hard. I felt super strong. Probably because this was the first swim workout I did without having run or biked before it. I really need to start forcing myself to do other swim workouts other than just swimming a mile. I am so lazy in the pool. Really. So my plan is to try this month to do at least two, preferably three, swim workouts a week and one of them being drills and sprints and whatnot.
After my swim the kids and I headed out for our errands and other work I had to do. Ryan was home for a bit this afternoon so I had the opportunity to run but it was 3 in the afternoon and just so muggy and hot that I figured I'd do better on the treadmill in the air conditioning. So around 5ish I put my kids in nursery hock and hit the treadmill for 4 miles-- clocking in 29:12. Then I hopped on the bike and cranked out 11 miles in just a hair under 31 minutes. Then I got back on the treadmill to test the legs and got a mile out in 7:18. Not spectacular but I totally had my legs back and could have done 2 more miles at a similar, if not faster pace easy peasy.
So here is what my training thus far is telling me to expect, roughly, for the tri:
I think the swim will come in under 7 or right around 7 minutes. Ideally, I'd like to do closer to 6 minutes. And I have, in the pool, many times. Open water competition is a bit of mystery for me. I hope to test out an open water swim at Altoona sometime this month and that might give me a more realistic idea of what I can do.
The bike is absolutely my weak link. I hate it. Not the bike, just how sucky I am. It is frustrating. I pump my little legs but seriously can't kick it up any more than I do. I think I can expect 17 mph pace on the bike. Maybe 20 but I doubt it. So what is that for 13 miles? Around 40 minutes? Ideally I want the bike to come in under 35 and I just don't think that is realistic at all for me.
The run is what it is for me. I have never run just a 5k but in 10k's and on the treadmill I am consistently just over or exactly 21 minutes. I definitely think I am capable of sub 21. In a tri I don't know though. Probably not. I do think the run will come in under 22 minutes.
So goal time? I hope to be under 78 minutes but ideally I'd like to come in closer to the hour mark. I don't even entertain under 60.
Is that crazy?
Totally unrealistic?
I have tried to structure my training so that at least 5 days of the week my workouts for the day exceed 90 minutes. My thinking is that anything under that will feel like a walk in the park.
I am sure I am in for a rude awakening. Sand bagger I am not.
Oh, and in other news I've bought my outfit for the sprint. I bought this suit (it is so cute!) and this skirt to snap on over it for the bike and run. I have been acclimating my ass by biking in my running skirts and Nike compression shorts so hopefully my transitions will be quick.
So yeah, my ass?
It kicks itself these days.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Today. Today is important.
Monumental in many ways.
Me, Nat.
Him, Ryan.
We.
Today, we have been married for 8 years.
Probably down to the minute here.
Seriously.
It is 7:40ish.
Our wedding started at 7 pm.
The light, right this minute, looks the same.
But me?
I am not the same.
Probably for the better.
8 years.
Wow.
This 8th year though?
Our hardest fought.
The hardest won.
Yay us!
Sigh, we are seriously weathering that "for poorer" these days. I hate it. I struggle and worry with it. But hey, we love each other-- so we are rich in the poor house . . . so we've got that, but. . .
Okay, so yeah, if someone has a job they want to offer me: I'm all ears.
Today is monumental.
Today I also rode Lance further than I have run.
28 miles on the mean and hilly streets of Marietta and Roswell. Just shy of a 15 mph pace. Getting faster.
Yesterday I ran 9 miles and swam a mile. I am planning a long run tomorrow. And I am not talking marathon training long run. I am talking summer long run which means about as long and for as far as I can handle in the heat. I need to get in a few shorter runs, a brick and another swim or 2 this week also.
Last week totals came out like this:
The run: 40 miles
The bike: 69 miles
The swim: 2 miles
And I am happy with that.
Today, I signed up for my first trithalon.
And finally, today, I downloaded the pictures from Pookie and Wes's engagement party in
Statesboro.
As mentioned before, Ryan couldn't join me.
And after I told him of all the craziness that went down he wasn't so sad he couldn't make it. I am not going to go into all the details of my jam-packed weekend since these are my sister's crazy friends that I don't know very well. No need to embarrass and piss off new acquaintances.
Well, at least not yet.
Also, it is my anniversary and Ryan just got home and he wants some Nat attention.
But I will show you some of the pictures I took before the battery on my camera went out.
On the porch at the Beaver house.
Me and ABBA
Pop and Pookie
Me, Pop and Pookie.
Please note how Pop is looking at his favorite child.
Wes's dad, Dr. Phd
Lala and Wes's Mom, Mrs. Dr. Phd
Pop and Lala: my parents.
Next Monday they will have been married 38 years.
Lala and Josh-- one of the groom's men. If I had had better sense I would have gotten his pants in the shot too: Brooks brothers with whales embrodiered on them.
Another groom's man.
Me and the Groom-to-be.
He is practicing so we can seriously cut a rug at his wedding in September.
Pookie and Mel
Me!
Me and Pookie at The French Quarter where the after party went.
Mel, Fishstick and Pookie
Fishstick signing one of her many checks at the French Quarter bar.
This was only the beginning of what would come back to bite Fishstick in the ass the next day.
Those throwing back the shots.
And I end with a quote from what ABBA said the next morning: I got to see the show and I didn't even have to buy the tickets. I can't wait for the wedding.
Me too.
Me, Nat.
Him, Ryan.
We.
Today, we have been married for 8 years.
Probably down to the minute here.
Seriously.
It is 7:40ish.
Our wedding started at 7 pm.
The light, right this minute, looks the same.
But me?
I am not the same.
Probably for the better.
8 years.
Wow.
This 8th year though?
Our hardest fought.
The hardest won.
Yay us!
Sigh, we are seriously weathering that "for poorer" these days. I hate it. I struggle and worry with it. But hey, we love each other-- so we are rich in the poor house . . . so we've got that, but. . .
Okay, so yeah, if someone has a job they want to offer me: I'm all ears.
Today is monumental.
Today I also rode Lance further than I have run.
28 miles on the mean and hilly streets of Marietta and Roswell. Just shy of a 15 mph pace. Getting faster.
Yesterday I ran 9 miles and swam a mile. I am planning a long run tomorrow. And I am not talking marathon training long run. I am talking summer long run which means about as long and for as far as I can handle in the heat. I need to get in a few shorter runs, a brick and another swim or 2 this week also.
Last week totals came out like this:
The run: 40 miles
The bike: 69 miles
The swim: 2 miles
And I am happy with that.
Today, I signed up for my first trithalon.
And finally, today, I downloaded the pictures from Pookie and Wes's engagement party in
Statesboro. As mentioned before, Ryan couldn't join me.
And after I told him of all the craziness that went down he wasn't so sad he couldn't make it. I am not going to go into all the details of my jam-packed weekend since these are my sister's crazy friends that I don't know very well. No need to embarrass and piss off new acquaintances.
Well, at least not yet.
Also, it is my anniversary and Ryan just got home and he wants some Nat attention.
But I will show you some of the pictures I took before the battery on my camera went out.
On the porch at the Beaver house.
Me and ABBA
Pop and Pookie
Me, Pop and Pookie.
Please note how Pop is looking at his favorite child. Wes's dad, Dr. Phd
Lala and Wes's Mom, Mrs. Dr. Phd
Pop and Lala: my parents.
Next Monday they will have been married 38 years. Lala and Josh-- one of the groom's men. If I had had better sense I would have gotten his pants in the shot too: Brooks brothers with whales embrodiered on them.
Another groom's man.
Me and the Groom-to-be.
He is practicing so we can seriously cut a rug at his wedding in September.Pookie and Mel
Me!
Me and Pookie at The French Quarter where the after party went.
Mel, Fishstick and Pookie
Fishstick signing one of her many checks at the French Quarter bar.
This was only the beginning of what would come back to bite Fishstick in the ass the next day.
Those throwing back the shots.
And I end with a quote from what ABBA said the next morning: I got to see the show and I didn't even have to buy the tickets. I can't wait for the wedding.
Me too.
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