A side of GRITS

Thinking of returning...

2009-07-31T13:15:00.002-04:00

Well, I've been gone way too long, and probably have lost all my favorite readers. But, I think I am going to come back. I need to have some accountability on my fitness again and I like Ya'll.

a new nose, please

2009-01-14T18:43:00.007-05:00

Honestly, I can't get over how often I've been "sick" lately. As soon as I get better, someone around me leaves their germs out for me to catch and I'm sick again. I started feeling like poo on Tuesday and it's gone downhill. It didn't help that I had started a fasting and wasn't in a great mood to begin with. Well, I was so congested, had a headache and felt like snot, that I had start taking meds to clear it up. So, it doesn't help to be trying to cleanse your system, and take drugs. Doesn't really work that way. Last night, I decided to stop the fast. I think that today, I'm finally starting to feel better even though I'm still congested. I keep popping my cold medicine every 4 hrs. My poor nose is red and very sore.

I've had a few small runs since the fall. It was no big deal, but had to take a few days off of running because I had pain in my knees. Since my last run (last tuesday), I have been quite the lazy lady. Seriously, it's been really hard to get/stay motivated. I can't put my finger on it. I was all set Monday to start a consistent routine, whatever it may be. I got up early, got to the gym on a MONDAY morning (not typical of me) and did some time on the elliptical. I thought "this feels good and I'm going to do this everyday". Well, that was short-lived. Cause, I got sick.

Speaking of sick - monday night, we were out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants and Grace kept telling us her sweatshirt was choking her (even though it wasn't). It was too late when I caught on to what was really happening - her throat was tight. She blew chunks on the carpeted restaurant floor. Luckily, we were waiting on the check. Once we got home, 2 more times and she's been fine ever since. Ahhh... the joys of having a child in daycare.

Last week, I mentioned that we went to sign up for Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon and it was sold out. We waited too long. Well, I had lost hope in doing the half, and that was part of my lack-of-motivational issues as well as other things. Well, I shouldn't have stopped running because we are registered! I guess it helps to work for one of the sponsors. We both thought we were registered for the full, until we opened the email and looked further at it and saw it was the Half. Anyhoo... we'll be there running. Which means, I've GOT to get my behind in gear.

We have NO major plans for the weekend but to finish up our small projects in the house, & nail down our house plans. Monday we have someone stretching the carpet in our place (yeah, it was installed lazily), and then we'll list our place for sale. Very exciting about our next "home" steps!

Our temps are hitting the teens tonight, which for this area, doesn't happen that often. So, it's supah cold for the upstate. With that said, it's not nearly as bad as some of you.
So, my hat's off to you for running in that crazy cold weather. Try to stay warm, ya'll.

toodles!!

Clumsy Mendy

2009-01-04T20:42:00.005-05:00

Grace's Birthday was awesome! Ringing in the 2009 was great as well. We went to a good friend's house and just hung out. Grace will always have a celebration on her Birthday. This scares David for when she is a teenager. Oh well!

New Year's Day, we spent the day at a friend's house to watch Clemson give away the game in the 3rd quarter (as almost always). There were 6 couples there and a lot of kids. Very relaxing. So relaxing, after we left and got home I headed out for a 4 mile run.

I run all the time on a specific road, and am used to it so much so that I know where the holes, the dips in the sidewalk, the large cracks and such. You know what I'm talking about... We live right off this road, and so I'm used to running on it at night (when I like to run), so I'm really careful. I did this Thurs night, and turned off the road onto a lighted road, and must have just zoned out. About 200 feet down the hill, my left foot went into a hole and I fell HARD and rolled. I moved off the road onto the curb, and sat for a minute to make sure my ankle wasn't twisted or whatnot. I had on tights and gloves and I knew my knees were bleeding because they were burning, and my right hand. When I realized my ankle was okay, and that I could walk - I got up and continued my run. I could have either run the 1.2 miles back home or just keep going. Either way, I had to keep running. I finished the 4 miles in not a good time at all. Ya'll, I'm so clumsy. Poor Grace - she's just like me. That evening, I just iced the knees. But, over the last few days they have been very sore. Yesterday, I could start to feel them getting better. So, tonight I'm heading out for a short run to see how it goes.

Friday we took the day off, got carpets cleaned, took another trip to the storage unit, got the house ready to either sell privately or put on the market. I am SO ready, and I bet you guys are too, so I'd shut it about this house crap I keep talking about. I can't help it as it is consuming us right now. I'm not stressed that much because we don't have a solid committment on the building of our new home yet. I'd realistically like to sell this one first, but we at least want it on the market.

Everyone in running/triathlon blog land is talking about race calendars and upcoming races. I don't have a calendar of events yet. David and I went online last week to sign up for the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on Valentine's weekend and it's SOLD OUT. We were shocked. Bummed we waited too long to sign up. This would have been our 3rd year doing it. So, I still would like to do a Half in late Feb or early Mar in the South. Any suggestions?

Shortly after I saw that, I got an email from a friend (the one we've done MB with the last 2 years). She is planning an all girls getaway to Disney to do the Princess Half marathon in March. I'm considering it if David wouldn't mind me doing that. It's 75% full, so we have to decide soon.

I have a few other races I'm considering, but other than that - I think I'm going to have a light racing year. We'll see.

I'm going to get my 2009 goals together soon. I want to put some thought into them, and they don't just list running/tri goals either. We have a huge year planned for us!

Happy New Year everyone!

It's a GREAT day!

2008-12-31T11:48:00.009-05:00

for 2 reasons:

Grace was born 4 years ago today and blessed my life more than words can ever say. Her due date was late Jan, but God had other plans.

Happy Birthday Baby Grace!

Grace - 5 days old

Today at Red Robin. The crown is beautiful as is a gift from my good friend, Alice.

We took Grace and her friend, Maddi to Build a Bear workshop.

Happy New Year everyone!!! Looking forward to starting clean with some new goals for 2009! Ready to put 2008 to rest.

Have a great time bringing in the New Year. We are going to our good friends' Chris and Jennifer's house to celebrate!

Be safe, and have a great evening!

The tree is down...

2008-12-30T09:02:00.010-05:00

... and on the porch ready to be taken away. Although, I’m not a scrooge, I am glad it’s gone. The decorations are put away and ready to go in our temporary storage unit. That’s the thing about selling your place, so I’ve heard (read) – you’ve got to get rid of much of your clutter, furniture, life – so that people can see that as their place when shopping for a new home.

We have been talking about putting it on the market for, oh, about 8 months – well too long if you ask me. We have plans to meet with a realtor this weekend, so I think we’re finally there! I couldn’t be happier about it. We are meeting with some banks in the next week, met with our builder, and a possible developer, and getting our carpets cleaned on Friday. Woo Hoo!

We had a house plan picked out and priced for us, and now we’ve decided to possibly take a different approach (different location), and the lot we like can’t accommodate our house plan, so it’s back to the drawing board. We have looked at a TON of house plans over the last week, and since we couldn’t find the exact one (or one close so we can get it modified), we hit up Best Buy for software so we can do our own plan. David has spent a LOT of time on it.

Our Christmas was great! Christmas Eve is when my side of the family does the get-togethers. David took Grace to work with him for the morning, while I went out for a very pleasant weather 6 mile run. I loved it – the weather, the fact it was Christmas Eve, and to top it all off – running 6 miles again. I think that’s my favorite run – not too short, and not too long. I’m still stopping for whatever reason. I know it’s mental and just need to crush through that. We went to my Dad’s side of the family for lunch then to my Aunt’s house for supper. We had a nice time, and one of the best parts of Christmas to me is seeing people open what you got them. I love giving more than receiving, and especially seeing Grace open her gifts. She is in toy heaven right now. And the week isn’t over for her – her Birthday is tomorrow. Whew……

No Christmas goes without David buying me some cycling accessory. I think he’s still trying to “convert” me to a cyclist. Should I tell him that I actually enjoy it now? And, he loves buying me Hincapie clothes. Hey, I’m not going to complain, even though I know how expensive those items are. He also hooked me up with a rolling briefcase. Yes, I’ve become one of “those” people. But, not for everyday. This one isn’t for my day-to-day job. It’s for my drill weekends. The more responsibility you gain, the more crap you carry to a 2 day a month job. So, this way – I can roll my briefcase, with laptop, binders, and other crap in it. Ta-Da.

For the first Christmas eva, David didn’t guess what I got him. I wrapped the small nano in a box, in a box, in a box – you know that old trick. He had no clue – thought I got him a bike computer.

The rest of Christmas day was preparing for my Mom, Butch, my brother and his new girlfriend to come over. We had Caribbean Christmas (Christie – I’ll get you the list of stuff we had – I haven’t forgotten). It was delish! We opened more gifts, enjoyed each other’s company, and ended the evening by watching Elf. Fun times!

Grace in one of her presents from Santa

Yesterday, we woke to Grace having a high temp, so I stayed home with her, and ended up getting a lot done in the house. Lots of organization and packing stuff up got completed. I had hoped to make it to the gym, but didn’t have the opportunity. I hope to get a short run in today, before we go to our Church small group tonight.

So, between Christmas parties, cleaning, organizing, looking at house plans, and the like - I haven’t read any blogs since Christmas Eve, so I’m going to catch up today. Hope you all are doing fantastic!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T08:07:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish you ALL a Merry Christmas!

I really enjoy reading your blogs, learning about your lives, and also learning from you all. You all are very special!

I haven't been on blogs in the last few days. It was pretty hectic with preparing for Christmas, but I plan on reading some today and tomorrow. We are actually home all day, and will celebrate with my Mom, and Brother and their significant others tonight with a Carribean Christmas meal. Yesterday, we had Christmas with my Dad's side of the family at lunch and my Mom's for supper. Too. Much. Food.

I'm up a little early waiting on Grace to see what she got from Santa. You all have a WONDERFUL Christmas!!! and take the time to create some special memories for you and your families.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Back in the game (hopefully)

2008-12-19T20:28:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday!!!!

I've been babying my shins like crazy lately. Icing them almost every night for around 30 min. I've also been trying to make sure I stretch well after running.

I really hope I'm back to running. We'll see within the next few days, for sure. Yesterday here in Greenville, our temps rised to about 70 degrees, probably record high for this time of the year. I had to quickly get out the door for 4 miles. Honestly, I can't tell you the last time I've ran 4 miles consistenly. Isn't that sad? The shins were fine during the run. Now, I just need to re-work on my aerobic engine. Even though I was slow (and this time my last mile was my slowest), I felt great to not have the pain. If all goes well in the next week and a half and I can successfully run, I'm going to sign up for the Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon, for the 3rd yr. :-)

This morning (early in the morning), Grace, the ninja, showed up in our bed in the middle of the night. She woke this morning after sleeping on David's arm all evening to a knot in her neck. After an hr of babying her, and massaging her neck, we thought she'd be okay. She was turning her head and seemed just stressed about the morning. Well, I got a call at 3:30pm saying she was still not feeling well. The Dr. said that other than the muscular issue, she seemed to be coming down with something, a small fever. So, she has been milking this ALL evening. Things like "can you walk me to the bathroom?", "help me sit up". Come on.... We're letting her milk it. After all, she had a rough day. Hopefully, she'll be better when she wakes up tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, we have a busy weekend. Hopefully, our lousy internet service gets fixed in the morning (for really reals this time). We need to finish shopping, and I want to do a 6 miler.

Have a great weekend, Ya'll!

Come on, Friday!

2008-12-18T09:53:00.005-05:00

Hi Ya'll!

Let me get the complaints out of the way. AT&T interenet service is sucking bad at our house and has been going down for about a month, but here lately, it's all the freakin' time. We had someone come out and “fix” it. Well, it’s not fixed, jackhole. I'm gonna call tonight and give them a early holiday gift. I was reading blogs last night, and trying to update my own blog and boom - Out - Zipp. Both David and I (at opposite ends of the house) were trying to fix it. For those of you in our area, what do you use? I'm ready to switch.

tidbits:

* I was going to run last night a 4 miler and was looking forward to it. But, while at work yesterday morning, I started feeling a bit under the weather. Headache, back aching, very tired, just not good. So, I left work early to rest. And, before any of you ask - No, I'm not pregnant. That already came up on facebook. So, I'm going to try 4 miles tonight and see how I do. I did run Monday night around 9ish. Right after supper, I told David on the way home - "It's a nice night to go for a run". He basically dared me, so I laced up when I got home. Only 3 miles, and with the exception of a side stitch, I felt fine. I'm VERY slow these days, trying to ease back into it. But, my last mile (as always) was my fastest and by almost a minute. David calls me a "sandbagger".

* I NEED to get back in the pool soon. nuff said.

* I was going to ride my bike during lunch on Tuesday. I had everything I needed, plus my tri partner, Denine was going to ride with me. The weather was going to be nice.... Ahhh.... getting back on the bike sounded oh - so - good. Until... Bam - got to work and I have a vendor lunch meeting. Nice. Plus, friend called me at 7 something and said "I think it's going to rain today". Oh well, bike ride canceled. I would LOVE to get to ride this weekend.

* We went to our good friend's house Sat night for a cocktail party. Fun times! Daivd got to wear his "Cocktail pants" he bought back in the summer on our trip to Iron Girl. Some of you bloggers might remember these... I just had to post this picture, cause it shows his personality perfectly.

Love their lamp! It's a hit.

* Little Grace started dancing 2 wks ago. She LOVES it. This was ALL HER idea. I say this because I took dancing my entire childhood. It's something I didn't want to get her into unless she wanted it. Daycare takes the girls to dance on Wednesday mornings. She got started later than the other girls. We didn't know she wanted to until day after day for about 2 wks - she came home "I want to go dancing". So, we got her in the class. She's having a blast, and loves wearing her dance clothes around the house ALL the time. BTW, Grace is NOT graceful, so the recital will be interesting!

* David did a 5K one week after his Marathon and did really well. Especially, for someone who couldn't walk straight until like Wednesday. Congrats!

* Thanks for all the sweet comments and advice on the mole situation. I've decided not to worry about it. I could use that money on a couple of needed Dr's appointments. I just need to make the calls today.

* We've made some decisions about the house situation and selling. I'll let you know that shortly.

* This weekend is already becomine busy for us. We've got:
- party friday night to swing by
- packing and taking stuff to storage (as always)
- visit a development we're interested in, but realistically probably can't afford.
- finish Christmas shopping - nope - not done yet.
- get a package shipped off to England. Yes, I know it won't make it there before xmas.

I'm SOOOOO ready for the weekend to be here. Not feeling very motivated at work right now. Don't get me wrong, I've got a ton on my plate and glad to have a job especially with our current economy. This week has just dragged on.....

Check out our hippie! Her hair looked so cute the other night. Parted down the middle and just hanging. She did look like a hippie.

mole-y - mole-y -- mole

2008-12-11T18:59:00.008-05:00

Ya'll, It seems we are so far behind in everything this year, including the Christmas spirit. We finally decorated the tree. Well, I use "we" loosely as Grace has to do everything by herself. I did wrap some gifts with the other kids decorated. It looks nice!

(doesn't everyone decorate their tree in their princess dress, with crown and magic wand?)

This is how Grace puts her ornaments on. -- All together on the same limb. Too cute.

Why has Christmas become so stinkin' stressful? I am going to try to not give in to it. I am no where near done shopping, not even close to done with my wrapping. We JUST got the tree decorated, and received the Christmas cards in the mail today. So, they are not even ready to go out yet. Oh well.

Like Jess, after getting home today, the rain was gone. It rained all freakin' day here. So, as I was pulling in to get Grace I thought for a second about going for a short run, then I see David running down the road. It was beautiful. Not like the sky was pretty or anything, but the after rain crisp was in the air and it was still wet, and getting dark - really, my favorite running scene. I decided against it, because we've put off decorating the tree for a few nights now.

I wasn't a complete waste today. I did get over the gym at lunch and hopped on the elliptical.

We are trying to eat more at home. We seem to eat out all the time, and unfortunately for me - it's put the weight on, which I'm quite embarrassed about. Until I get more comfortable, you won't be seeing any pictures of me. Anyhoo, we had chicken last night with veggies, and chicken tonight but with couscous. Now, I've had it one other time at a friends house, and really enjoyed it then. Tonight, we had the sundried tomato stuff. Yummy.... I've been living a bubble, I suppose.

I did have a Dr. appt yesterday, that I canceled. I was going to go for something, and at the same time get a referral to see someone about x-rays (for my shin). My original reason for going was to have my mole on my face (left cheek) removed. I rescheduled the appt to today, then canceled. I've been debating back and forth. See, I have about 100$ left in my FSA account (that would cover the mole removal) that I have to use or loose. I do have a few Dr's appts I could try to schedule between now and end of year, or I can just have my mole removed and make the appts in early Jan. I don't like it - never really have and of course, as I get older - I am more critical of everything. I don't know what to do. David seems to not care one way or another.
Here's a crappy up close picture to show you guys. It's winter, so that means my nose is breaking out again.... so disregard that crap. What do you guys think?

Kiawah Island

2008-12-09T20:31:00.008-05:00

This past weekend, David and I traveled to Kiawah Island for a little running. I was registered to run it, but because of my issues with my shins, I bailed out of training several weeks ago. I had started running last week, completing 2 runs semi-successfully. However, after the Marathon festivities the others were in on Saturday, I went out for my run. It. Sucked. When I returned, and after discusstions with the others, it was suggested that I get x-rays. So, I have a Dr. appt tommorrow (to have my facial cheek mole removed), and will get a referrel.

David, however, had a great first Marathon!, at least by my account. Then again, I'm on the sidelines. I think he did terrific!

Kiawah Island is such a beautiful place. Being from SC and having spent a lot of time down in Charleston (living there as well), I had never made it to the Island. David and I stayed in a house with Chris and several others. We had a great time with lots of laughs.

Congrats to all those completing the Half and Full Marathon in Kiawah - David, Chris, Ashley, and Tiffany.

Since I've been gone for so long, you all haven't got to see my sweet little angel (riiighhht), so here are a few of my favorite over the last month. She's quite the little model - I don't ask her to pose these ways.

Ta-ta - off to read your blogs.

Our Veterans

2008-11-11T17:35:00.002-05:00

Happy Veterans Day to all those who've served, died for our Country, and those who are serving.

Just visited Stacy's blog. She has a fantastic tribute on it. That song takes me back to 93 when I first joined the Navy. It was played throughout boot camp and made us weak in the knees every single time for Our Country.

Happy Veterans Day!!!!

New month + new outlook = sucess

2008-11-01T20:02:00.002-04:00

Hey Ya'll. Remember me?

My absence has been too long and it's way overdue for me to reconnect with you, find out what I've missed in your lives, and see what races are on your fall calender.

I've started back running, and it's been okay. Yeah, Just o-kay... I'm still having shin issues, and icing them regularly and stretching. So, don't know what else to do. I'm going to keep at it and just keep running, but only small numbers for now. I've done a few 3-4 mile runs and even though my shins hurt in the first mile, I'm feeling better after a mile into it. I'm gonna bite the bullet and get new shoes soon too - maybe subconsiously, it will make me feel new on the road again and just (in my daydreams), it will be all good again. :-) It really sucks, because this is my favorite time of the year to run. I just want to be out there in the dark, cold nights... trying to push my problems away step by step.

I'm at home now and got the whole place to myself. So what do I do? Surf the net and am watching a chic flick. My riding partner and I rode 22 miles today in the beautiful afternoon we had here in the upstate. I haven't been on my bike since Sept, so it felt FANTASTIC to be out there riding again.

Let's just say we've been crazy busy with life lately and I just hope it is slowing down soon, for me.

With the start of the new month (btw, can't believe we are already in Nov), I've got to define a new outlook for myself. It just involves bettering myself and becoming more healthy, which I've slacked lately. That's all for now.

Ta-Ta - and have a great weekend! Lots of races this weekend! :-) Several friends doing Ironman. Woo Hoo! Simply amazing.

Suck at bloggin'

2008-10-02T13:58:00.005-04:00

Gosh - it's been like 4-ever since I've been on here. You could say I'm way to busy being a great Mommy or being the best employee, wife or training for like a long-distance race or something, but I'm not going to place blame on those. Pure laziness has slipped in, somehow, plus my addiction to Facebook has grown somewhat... Our lives have been busy. I could count an entire 6-8 wk span of weekends we had something major going on. Crazy, but I think it's actually slowing down somehow.

I'm in a challenging place right now with training for NOTHING and what to do with my workout time. It is harder to NOT be on a training plan than to be on one and having to go out for those runs, bikes, swims, whatever. So, I've been doing cross-training and toning. Specifically, a 3-day per week weight routine with cardio in between each days. I also joined a gym that is only 5 min from work, so I can maximize my lunch workouts. And, unfortunately because the Y is the only pool around (that is cheaper than any other gym), I'm keeping my membership there for only the pool. I've been doing the weight/cardio routine for 3 wks now and have gotten on a good schedule and am luvin' it.

After 3 wks of being dry, I finally got myself back in the pool this week and decided on 1500. I think that's my short distance swim from here on out... I just like that distance, and after the 3 wks, I didn't loose any speed (not that I'me speedy to begin with) --- just didn't loose any of my speed. Felt good.

Everything is going alright, bloggers. Just have missed this place. I look forward to reading your recent race reports and whatcha' been up to.

Peace

p.s. Good luck to Lisa doing the Scottsdale ride (70miles) tomorrow (Well, today - I'm up LATE).

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

2008-09-10T19:27:00.007-04:00

That was on my voicemail after I got back from my run (Yeah, peeps I said RUN - that's right). More on that later. Grace sang; Happy Birthday to Mommy, etc, and after she was done, she said "She's not saying anything". Guess she doesn't quite know what voicemail is yet. Rightfully so. She's 3. It was the sweetest thing!

To be all alone on my Birthday, I've tried to make it a decent one. I had planned on going out to dinner and have a glass of wine, a nice one. No crappy wine. But, I needed to eat early enough and quickly in order to get all the things I wanted to do, so no biggie. After I left the command after staring at CBT's (required online courses for me) all afternoon, it drained me. All the words were sounding the same, so I left at 1500 again today, and immediately got on the bike once I got back to my room. I got weird looks leaving, and not the the regulary looks I get because of the spandex, but because all the clouds were dark and it looked as if it could start pouring any second. I'll take my chances. So, it sprinkled a little but a great time to ride. It was freaky windy though and the base sits on the water, so everytime I hit a dead end (at the water), and turned around I was hit with heavy winds.

For those of you that are new bloggers, new stalkers, or new posters - my running has unfortunately been derailed lately. Specifically, at the end of July I was told by Dr. Bob to not run for 3 months because I could possibly have stress fracture in my tibia. I had swollen facia and a pulled hamstring too. I'd have to give the shins some TLC. I did that, not as religiously as I needed to (I must admit), but I have stayed off them as far as no running goes.

Until now.

I have been surrounded with running since I got here on base last weekend. This is a fit base, with a lot of special forces commands here like, EOD and just lots of people running, and staying fit. Every morning, after I get my venti skinny mocha no whip, I head to the other side of the base and pass lots of lots of sailors PT'ing - running. It's made me miss it even more, knowing I shouldn't run just yet. Well, tonight after my subway dinner, I played the dumb blonde and did it anyway. I set out to do a slow pace, of just 2 miles to see how I felt, while listening to my booty shaking music. Mentally I was 100% there, you know? But, physically my legs aren't 100% back yet. I know that. But, regardless - it felt GREAT! Well, that Dr. pepper was still sloshing around in the bottom of my tummy but whatev.

Tommorow before I pack up my car, I plan on a 15 mile bike ride and a 1.7 mile run.

After the run, I went to the exchange for some water. Only water. Well, I got in there and my instincts led me to the purse section. They pride themselves on have a good selection of Coach and Dooney purses and boy-oh-boy they do. Sa-weet! I've been visiting them a lot, well everytime I enter the exchange.

I left with my water.

And, a little present for me. She'll look cute with her big sistah! After all, it is my Birthday!!

Today:
Bike: 19 miles
Run: 2.3 miles

I haven't had a chance to read blogs tonight, so I will have to catch ya tomorrow blog homies!

I ROCKED my swim today!

2008-09-09T21:38:00.002-04:00

After I was cut loose from work today at 1500, I quickly changed and headed to my delicious temporary pool. Goal was 2000meters. Once I hit 2000, I decided to keep going until I reached 3000. I was tired, people, exhausted, winded, and ready to stop. I definately pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, something I admit to not doing often, which BTW I am one of those that are content with it that way. I started feeling that the line in my lane was going diagnolly instead of straight. Anyhoo, I did it and finished 5 minutes before the pool closed. If I would have done 2 more laps, it would have been 2 miles. It felt great!! This was the furthest swim I've had to date (so far). I had the same pace for 3000m that I had on Friday for 1500m. Go figure.

I. Love. Swimming. Really, really do.

Yesterday, still being as sore as I was from the weights the other day. Stupid me... I just did some Pilates, and went for a walk at dusk. As I needed to cross an intersection on base, I ran across it and, freakin' A, I still have a bad shin. I've given them time and the TLC needed, so why do they still hurt? This so sucks.

Today and some of yesterday was spent doing courses to prepare me to work (well 2 wks a yr, anyway) in that particular command. It's a lot of security related stuff, stuff that would bore you all, but really peaks my interest. If I was on Active Duty, I'd love to get stationed there.

Tommorrow after I get cut loose, I am going for a ride. I have no idea how far yet as it all depends on when they let me go. I'll be spending the entire morning getting CPR re-qual, which I need to anyway. Hopefully, they'll feel a little sorry for me having to work on the 10th of Sept and let me leave for the day at lunchtime. :-)

Am I a nerd because I just watched the new 90210?

Ta-Ta

My lonesome weekend in Va Beach

2008-09-07T22:51:00.003-04:00

Has been.

Nice.

Not as nice as home but still, I made it nice.

I had an epic weekend of doing not much, except a lot of working out. I can say I have definately made the best of my time here. I did some shopping as well.

Weekend in pics ~

Aircraft carrier (don't know which one, and this is a horrible pic too - people were giving me weird looks) Wha? haven't you seen another Sailor oggling over a carrier homies?

My Sa-weet scruptious 50meter pool for my visiting pleasure. Ya, I loves dat pool. I know I'm a little weird, but if you saw the thing we swim in and the fact that kiddos are peeing in it all the time - it's got a mucky, foggy water. This pool is clear, clean and all for LAP swimming swimmers. Yippee... I'm going back on tuesday.

What the crappola is this? The artwork of some drunken sailors, I guess. I saw this on my way to my car.

This is where I'm staying on the base. Typical military barracks - old, dingy, but still at least I have my own room and bathroom.

This is where we would have been running last weekend, had we hadn't been cripled. Va beach boardwalk.

My purty bike's resting place. Our bond has gotten closer since I've learned more about maintaining her.

With my birthday upon me this coming week (getting older), and all the time I'm spending alone - it's given me a lot of time to think about things going on in my life, and within my head. I guess as the older we get, sometimes it's a time to either reflect or regret and look forward to either some changes or improvements. One of my desired changes is my self image. It's bad, both inside and out and quite frankly - has been like that my whole life (I beleive). So I'm going to work on it inside first and hopefully the outside will come. That's just one of many thoughts going on. But, it's a starting place.

Although I'm sort of bored, I am getting in some great time in the gym. So much so, that I'm So So So sore right now as I sit here. I spent 1 hr 20 min in the weight room yesterday. I did too much and it shows right now. I'm taking a somewhat rest day tomorrow, just doing some yoga or pilates. I realized that I missed the weightroom. I used to have a consistent weight routine before I got pulled into this triathlon/racing multisport world. I need to do more, and get a routine planned. You know me -- I have to have a plan.

My time here has (to me) been somewhat of a waste. I'm not being maximized as much as I'd like during my 2 wk AT. It's been a little disorganized, but they are doing the best they can with their resources with me. Hopefully, if I come back here next year - it will be a lot different and I'll be able to get some quality training in.

I'm trying to catch up on reading my blogroll, but I'm tired, sore, and the VMA's are on so it's time to turn in. I'll have to continue reading tomorrow after work.

1st week of Sept lowdown:
Mon - bike ride 1 hr; Elliptical 35 min; Yoga 15 min
Tue - swim 40 min; Walk 35 min
Wed - bike 30 min; elliptical 35 min
Thur - Elliptical 40 min; abs 10 min
Fri - Walk/run 40 min; swim 41 min; weights 33 min
Sat - weights and core 1 hr 21 min; crossfit 30 min
Sun - bike 1 hr; walk 2 hrs

Reserve duty calls

2008-09-06T10:00:00.001-04:00

Believe it or not, the Navy Reserves pulled it through and I'm sitting up in Virgnia Beach on the base in my barracks room. I left last Sunday around noon and got in town around 8pm, finally getting settled in my room at 9ish. Luckily, I didn't have to check into the command Monday morning due to it being a holiday, so I just explored the area. I went for a ride on the base, walked through the Navy Exchange and then went back to the gym. Other than working out, and working it's been pretty boring. To top it all off, they have no idea what to do with me. Until I get some of the required courses I have to complete in order to "work" there, I can't do much. It makes sense, I suppose but to me, it seems like a wasted AT (annual training). By the time I get the courses completed or even close, I'll be leaving thus having no real training. The people I work with are nice and trying to accommodate me the best they can. It could be worse, I'm sure.

One day this week after I got off, I got my bike in the trunk and headed out for a ride. I had to take the wheels off and I realize the more time I'm left alone with her to do things all by myself, the more I learn about her. I drove to the boardwalk and rode on the bike path for 30 min. I had to cover ground almost twice, and there are a lot of stops because of leisurely bicyclists, but no biggie. It was fun and nice to get it in before Hannah came to visit.

The other day, I went to the pool outside the Naval Station base, not the one I'm at. See, up here there are a lot of Naval bases. It is a 50 meter pool and I struggled in it. I'm just not used to swimming in that long of a pool. It's a very NICE pool, and huge. All the lane ropes are in and every lane was taken.

I went back out there yesterday. We got off early because of Hannah and I had nothing to do but workout, so I hit the gym for some strength training, walking (and even some running) on the treadmill. Which, btw, still bothers my shins. As much as I'm wanting to run, I need to give it more time. I did 40 min on the treadmill, running about 13 min of it. Then I went to the big pool for 1600m swim. I'm really enjoying that pool. It's super clean and clear and just so big. I've found the more I swim, the more I realize I'm better at the longer distances. I don't start feeling good until I'm at least 500meters (yards back home) into it.

This morning I was awoken to the wind outside my 4th floor window. The big trees were swaying a LOT. But now, an hour after being up, it seems to be calming down some then it picks up again. They expect a lot of rain and wind today, so when it clears up, I'll head out of my room. I don't want to be stuck in here all day. David said I should go shopping - sounds like a plan to me! I hope to ride my bike tomorrow.

Boring, boring - that's pretty much my life right now, but I gotta admit as much as I miss being away from home right now, the downtime is nice. Not having anything on my agenda but work and workout. It's nice. I've finished 2 books I wanted to complete and I'm just relaxing and may just watch chic-flicks all day today. Thank goodness this room has a DVD player and wireless. I'm all set.

I'll be leaving friday probably, depends on what time I get released. If it's too late, I'll wait and leave first thing Sat morning.

I hope all is well with all of you. Take care!

a love of the south'

2008-08-27T13:03:00.015-04:00

I love visiting places with an emphasis on history. I am happy to have finally taken an interest in history, as I never did take advantage of it while living in Charleston, SC, like I should have. We visited another beautiful historic city last weekend.

Last Thursday 6 of us women in my family (and Grace) headed for the coast to Savannah, Ga. We had a nice time together. It seems it’s more precious that we do this as every year passes. We were on a schedule and had a lot to do, and even though we did everything on the schedule but 1 tour – we still had some relaxing time in the evenings. A big highlight was eating at Paula Dean's restaurant and it was everything I expected it to be - good ole' southern cooking. Yummy! We didn't eat for the rest of the day if that tells you how much we enjoyed it. We toured River Street, ate seafood at Uncle Bubba's, visited the city market (in the rain), took a carriage ride through the historic district, saw the Return to the 50's show, made a quick visit to Tybee Island lighthouse and the beach, toured the Juliette Gordon birthplace (founder of the girl scouts) and topped our evenings off relaxing in the beautiful house we rented in the historic district.

Next year, we've decided to go to DC and I'm the tour guide. Funny, the last time I was there was in middle school. Thank goodness for internet, right?

Grace posing on the porch - she did this all on her own...

Grace was a guest dancer at the show we went to and was not shy at all.

Grace loves the beach but this day, the wind was bad and was throwing sand all over her. She said "when we going".

Our home for the weekend. I love those wrap around porches.

Monday night, Denine talked me into taking a Zumba class at the Y and let me tell ya - I haven't danced like that since I danced on the bars in Tijuana (j/k). What fun, and the teacher (who is pregnant btw), can really shake it. It was a mix of all kinds of dancing. I definately want to go back, but this time I'm not going to wear running shorts, running shirt and a cap. I felt so out of place with all the ladies in their tanks and yoga pants.

This weekend our little trip to VA beach for the half is a no-go. After me bailing out because of my leg, Chris now can't run it because of his IT band. So, we all decided to bag it and stay here to watch the USA Pro Cycling Championship. The time trial Saturday is where I ride most of my rides, so we're just about 4 miles away from it. David is thrilled and even has Grace talking about watching Hincapie race.

I've been getting in some workouts, nothing exciting to note. I did a few walks while in Savannah and on one of them in one of the parks, I tried to run about 50 feet and could tell from my tibia that I'm not ready to run yet. I'm going to wait until I have no pain there to start again. I'm really itching to start again...

My Navy AT is supposed to start Sunday, when I leave for Va Beach for 2 wks. Yet, my orders (what I need approved) hasn't been approved yet due to the Navy running out of money. Go figure, right? So, as of right now - I have no idea if I leave Sunday or not. This really sucks, as I was looking forward to some quality training and an AT I needed to do. We'll see. I'm still sending emails like crazy trying to figure out what's next...

A friend of ours who I mentioned in my last post of graciously hosting a party at her home had a bike wreck this past weekend on a ride with Chris. She has a broken collarbone and a broken rib. Ashley is one of the best athletes in our area and just a real sweetheart. I hope she heals fast and gets back at it soon. Please send prayers or healing vibes her way and if you have a minute, stop by her blog to wish her well. Ashley, hope you are welcoming visitors with goodies this weekend? :-)

Duathlon maybe, NO – triathlon!

2008-08-19T10:55:00.020-04:00

Greenville Sprint Tri (about 700 participants - the largest in the series)

By the time 0700 rolled around Sunday morning, we didn’t think there was going to be a race. We woke up around 5 somethin’ to heavy rain and bad thunderstorms. A part of me was thinking that this race wasn’t meant to be for me, and David was thinking it wasn’t meant for him to do Greenville at all (last year the race was right after his wreck). We packed up, ate a little something, put the bikes on the car and was off.

We got there a little later than we wanted, setup transition, said our good lucks and Hi’s! to our friends. Rumor was if there was lighting at 700, it was going to be a duathlon at which I told David that if that’s the case, I’m bailing. I wasn’t going to start off walking, to get on my bike, then walk again. At 7, they called it a triathlon. The roads were still wet, it was still raining, but there was no lightening. As much as David felt he didn't want to do it, I sort of wanted to do what I could. However, I probably could have easily been talked out of it. :-)

I walked around, chit-chatted with people, used the (real) restrooms before my time in the pool of 7:44, which came pretty quick. The swim went okay for me. I felt like I couldn’t get my breathing together under water. I don’t know if it was nerves or what, but other than that it was a good swim. I didn’t have any issues with bottlenecks or what in the water. I thought I had 2 more laps to go and looked up and realized I was on my last lap. Cha-ching!

I'm smiling

T1 was okay. I got my helmet on faster than at Iron girl, and was off. The roads were wet, and sketchy in some areas. I took advantage of the downhill speed (and unlike last year, I didn’t brake once downhill). I enjoyed the course. It’s a lot of long gradual climbs, not steap – just forever…. And it’s through the area I grew up in so that’s kinda cool. At about mile 10.5, it’s pretty much flat until the end. I came into transition, put my running shoes on and walked out with my friend Denine who was our spectator photographer.

The best part (to me) of these tri’s is the socializing afterwards. We got some food, and talked to almost everyone we knew there. We hung out for the awards to watch friends walk away with wine. Yes, wine. Team Long (Ashley) took 2nd in the relay. They are the fittest family I know.

I did improve some from last year, shaving 7:45 off of swim and bike combined. I do want to get more time on both, and hopefully start running again next month.

After the tri, we had appetizers with David’s teammate, and his wife, then went to what’s gonna be the new “go tri sports” store in Greenville. They were having a par-tay, to celebrate the new store opening soon. We stayed a while, stuffed our faces, and had to hurry home for showers. Before heading over to Ashley’s party for all the tri peeps, we picked up our little lady. Ashley was the ideal host, opening up her home for us to invade and feeding us food from Salsarita’s. Yum-Yum. We had a great time at her place, so thanks for the invite, girl! Grace got to play wii with some other kids. Thanks to Ashley, Grace also went home with a bunch of cookies for the evening. She’s already a night owl, but with extra sugar in her – Oh my!

Yesterday Grace started her 2nd set of swimming lessons, and while she was in – I got in to do a few laps. Plan was to go as far as I felt. After a few laps, I felt I couldn’t get it together and my shoulders were even a little sore. So, I called it a day at 1000yds.

I also got to see Dr. Bob again yesterday about my legs. My right leg (which was the culprit) is doing a lot better. My left shin is acting up, probably due to compensation, so I need to apply the same therapy to it as I did my right, and he said when they both start to feel better when I power walk, I can start running. He said, probably sometime mid Sept. I’d have to start with a run/walk for like 15 min at a time. That was great news for me! I am really taking this injury serious. I've seen myself go through many years having what Dr. Bob hates to call shin splints. I'm sick of going through this. I can remember my first race about 13 years ago. I was told 2 wks before the race (by a military doc, so not the best dr's, imo) to NOT run on it for a month or 2. I didn't listen and did the race, anyway and throughout the years - ran through it. Recently, it just got unbearable. So, I really want to clear this thing up, once and for all. I'm even considering buying new shoes, maybe even switching brands (Marcy, I might even try your Nike's), just to see if it helps when I ease back into running. I have one more running race on my calendar for the year. Of course, if I heal and start running I might add more. So, with all that said - Thank you - thank you - to all of you out in blogosphere for lending your advice and having an ear to listen to me whine during all this. It's been a roller coaster for me. ---- I want to run.

Well, I have no idea what my next triathlon is going to be. It really all depends on my legs and when I start running again. I really want to do another one by end of season.

Catch up with all you bloggers tomorrow. I'm beat down and ready to turn in.

Walk the run - or drop out?

2008-08-16T21:47:00.004-04:00

That is the question. With the Greenville Sprint tri tomrrow morning at a crappy time of 0700. Due to my leg problems and possible stress fracture, I've decided pretty much to just stop after the bike. I've been going back and forth on weather or not to walk the run portion or just stop. And, well, I'm leaning more towards finish up with the bike. I just don't want to start the run walking it and all the spectators, motivators telling me "you can do it", "run it", when I can't run right now. I do have my running shoes packed though, so I will end up making my decision while riding.

My week went well with the workouts. I did at least an hour a day almost everyday except yesterday. I had a long day at work, working over, then we had dinner with our builder last night to talk about plans and such.

Today we had the pleasure of spending some time at our friends, Chris and Jennifer's house for a surprise Birthday party for Jennifer. It was a great time! Grace didn't want to leave at all.

We are soooo caught up in the Olympics! Just watched the ending to the Women's marathon. That lady just kept on running after she passed through the ribbon. I think I'd want to stop after 26 miles. Wow. Phelps is up next, and time for me to turn in.

Transition bags are packed, and bikes are at the door. We're ready for tomorrow!
Have a great remaining weekend, ya'll!

Thanks to all of you that gave me advice about the race. I appreciate it!

Overwhelmed

2008-08-11T21:04:00.009-04:00

My life has just become overwhelming lately.

To put it lightly.

I can’t explain it entirely, and as though I should see it as “I put myself in these positions” position, It doesn’t make it any easier. Our schedule really won’t be slowing down until October, and that’s as far out in my calendar as I’ve looked. When I started looking at each weekend, I had to stop at the end of Sept thinking that if I didn’t look any further, there wouldn’t be anything after that. That doesn’t mean it’s not booked after that either – I just refuse to say I have something major going on for the next 3 months every-single-weekend, and would rather say that I do for the next 6 wks, instead.

This weekend is the Greenville sprint tri, which I should be ecstatic about, but I’m not. I’m still indecisive as to what to do about it. I’ve taken all of your suggestions in, my husband, my friends, and even talked with super-speedy-swimmer-Pam yesterday about it at the Y, because although she’s on such a different and faster level than I, a running injury made her decide to give up her spot and volunteer. She just couldn’t see herself doing it and being entirely happy with her results. This is just a race, some may say – and I’m not into it so much to be actually competing. But, I enjoy it. That's MY time out there on the course and it’s the ONE thing I do for ME. I know this - and mostly because of you all (because I actually do listen to you, or I wouldn't seek out your advice), I am either walking the run or not doing it at all. I don't want to go into it knowing I'd have a DNF. I do know that I won't do anything more to set myself (my legs) back anymore. I have a Half-Mary in Dec. :-)

I had drill weekend this weekend, and it makes the week before, the weekend (of course) and the next week so tiresome for me. I’ve spent many times over my Naval career day-in-day-out for 3/4/even 5 weeks of working every single day in the field and to top it off - with no showers/bathrooms, sleeping in tents. So, this is cake, right? I mean it’s not that hard going into the Reserve Center, do some paperwork, do some courses online, ~~boss some people around~~ delegate, and even get in some workouts then actually go home for the evening. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

I sat down with my Command Master Chief, whom I admire and respect. He is Mr. Navy more than anyone I’ve ever met in our service. We started talking about David and some things he needs to do to make the next rank (Senior Chief Petty Officer). We then talked about my career. The first thing that brought it up was him saying “I was highly disappointed that you didn’t make Chief this year, I just knew you had it. I knew I was going to pin anchors on you next month”. He wasn’t disappointed in my ability, it’s the board that decided I wasn’t worthy enough. I didn’t talk about this in my blog when I found out I wasn’t on that list I stalked day in-day out for weeks. It just hurt too much to the core. There are those in the service just doing their time, waiting for their retirement, to get that check, checking off boxes just to get by and there are those like me – wanting the next step in leadership so bad. Chief isn’t JUST the next rank either. There is such a jump in responsibility, respect, and leadership. Of course, then there are those that don’t care about making it and actually do get advanced. Master Chief and I talked a long time. I have a duty to serve my country, and I know I’m meant to put on those Khakis. I guess it wasn’t meant to be this year. I’m lucky and blessed that almost every Chief I’ve worked with in some way at that reserve center is behind me 100% trying to make me the best 1st class PO I can be, so I can be the next CPO. Master Chief gave me ideas of boxes to check out so I’m doing everything I can. I, along with a lot of others, thought that I had every box checked (i.e. leadership, collateral duties, volunteering, education, college, fitness, etc, etc). I guess I just need to work harder between now and Jan/Feb. He keeps telling me he Can’t retire until he pins me at my ceremony. He’s been in the Navy for over 30yrs. That’s an honor. I know that regardless of me making it or not, I'm going to do the best I can for my Navy. After watching a Senior Chief's retirement over the weekend, I just know that the day I retire - I hope it is as a Chief (or Senior, or Master).

This coming weekend, David will be volunteering at the kids tri on Saturday, and Grace and I are going to help as much as possible. I’m excited about seeing all these youngsters having fun, participating in their tri. Then Sunday is the tri and then we’re off to Party it up as Ashley’s with other tri peeps. That will be a blast!

Next weekend, I’ll be leaving on Thursday morning to go with the ladies in our family for our annual trip. This year we’re going to Savannah, GA. I love Savannah; so much charm, southernness (is that a word) and just the hospitality. We’re actually renting a house called “The Southern Belle” that is also right beside Forsyth Park. How bad is it of me to be looking for the routes around the park by cycling? Anyway, If I take my bike – I’m gonna have to drive separate. We’ll see. I’m excited and know that they will all have a great time being around Grace. We’re also going to be eating Paula Deens restaurant.

Weekend after that is our Virginia Beach trip for the Half (that I won’t be participating in). I received my corral info and bib number in the mail yesterday. It sort of bummed me out. But, I’ll be delighted to go and watch Chris come in shortly after the gun goes off (he's that fast), and for David to be a little behind him. We’re planning on having a great time! On Sunday (or Monday – depends on my duty for the reserves), they will drop me off at a car rental place for me to go to my temporarily home for 2 wks in Little Creek, VA. I’ll be staying there for my annual training (AT) with the reserves and am really looking forward to some quality training that will help me out immensely on my evaluation in Nov, and hopefully in turn, help me make Chief next cycle.

I’ll be driving back on a Friday, then maybe turn around and drive to Charleston, SC to spend the weekend with David and Grace. He will be starting a 1 week reserve duty down there on that Monday.

The weekend after that is drill again. Then, the weekend after that is David’s Half-Ironman in Greenwood. That will end the month of Sept. Like I said, I’m not even looking at October yet.

And, to top this all off – we are trying to get our place listed on the market, which includes moving stuff in storage, cleaning and showing the place. Then after it sells – we'll be moving into a temporarily place, and working with our builder on our plans.

I have deadlines at work that I have stuff I have to finish before I leave for my 2 wks. I honestly think I can finish them, but it may be in lieu of some long hrs.

Sorry to dump (some of) my thoughts all over this blog. I'm just having a rough time these days. There's so much going on in my head - just random thoughts. Stuff about friends, relationships, schedules, Grace, family, job, training, career, etc. etc.

Hope everyone else is having a great week.

Sun: Cycle 15.62 mi
Mon: Swim 1000 yds, Yoga

just thoughts

2008-08-08T21:27:00.005-04:00

A few things on my mind.

Bloggin' - Gosh, I just seem to have been taking advantage of having my own blog lately, and haven't put in some quality time reading what you all are doing in your lives. When I feel so disconnected from you all, I truly miss you. That said, I'm finally caught up.

Beginner Triathlete - LUV it. I really enjoy going to it and putting in time I'm working on my body, training my body for the next race, etc. It's just a great sense of accomplishment. It's my log and I learn so much about myself and my improvements in my disciplines by looking at it and looking back on it. And, not to mention - I can stalk Lisa and her training.

The gym - I usually am not a gym rat, probably never will be but last night, I hopped on the ole' elliptical for an hr, then decided to do some chest/arms weight workout. As I was laying on the bench during sets, with my eyes closed, listening to my "pump me up" music, I was at peace. I don't know how to explain it.

Olympics - Every year, I seem to be loving them more. It's inspiring to see what they have gone through to get to where they are and finally seeing dreams come true. What an awesomeness! On that subject, isn't Dara Torres unbeleiveable? Just W.O.W. That woman is simply amazing. I just watched the medal ceremony for Michael Phelps first Gold medal. Seeing his Mom in the stands during his last lap of that race was priceless.

I got on the elliptical again today but only for 12 minutes while at the Reserve center before it was time for us to muster for quarters. I didn't feel that I got a workout at all, so after I got home I went for a fast walk. I'm not much of a "walker" but have to take it all in stride (no pun intended) during my setback with my shins. So, during this "no running" phase of my training, I'm resorting to walking and trying to welcome it. I did 4.11 miles in an hr. Not too shabby.

Tomorrow is drill again. I'm tired. I watched the Olympics last night very late and am up W-A-Y later than normal for me to watch the swimming right now. Oh well. I have a ride scheduled for tomorrow and looking forward to getting on the bike.

Have a great weekend, people! chit-chat with ya later on.

Out.

Finally over it

2008-08-05T20:00:00.008-04:00

I had soooo many people ask me if my "sickness" last week was due to being preggo. I can, fo sho, say that No, I'm not pregnant. I must have caught something down in Charleston. I was sick from Mon-Wed, then Thursday I started feeling better only to get nausea again Thursday night. I went to the Dr. Friday and got 3 days of antibiotics that nipped that sickness in the bud. I had either food poisoning or gastrointestinal bacteria type infection stuff. Whatev. I’m over it, and started to feel a lot better on Sunday.

I obviously didn’t have the energy to workout and felt the need to jump on the workout train Monday. I am still not running (see post) so I went to the gym Monday night and did the Elliptical for 33:00, then got in the pool . I honestly didn’t know what to expect with either distance and/or speed, so I just swam and counted my laps. I figured that when I got tired, I’d quit. I ended up doing 2200yds (1.25 miles), and still felt that I could keep trucking along. But, it was already 8pm, and I had not had any supper yet, so I left feeling great! My pace was the same as it has been for my 1500yd swims, so I know I have some endurance with it, but just need to start doing drills again.

Yesterday, friend and I went for a speed walk type thingy. I so felt like I should have been running instead, but it was a nice time and something I need to do right now.

I’m the jerk David mentioned into talking him into doing the RnR Half in Va Beach labor day weekend, and now I’m bailing because of this shin I have. Why can’t I just have it replaced? Anyhoo, on a whim and because of an email we got from Gman the other night, AND because the Kiawah half/marathon closes so freaking fast –we both signed up for the race. I, however only signed up for the Half. Mr I-hate-running-,-running-is-the-devil David signed up for the Mary. That's okay, David Tiff and I will have your after-race beverages for you, since you'll still be on the course. :-)

Other tiny stuff going on right now:
- Grace has become little miss slim “lady” lately, wearing a sweater jacking inside the house because she’s “cold”. Not only that, having to wear the hoodie too. Here she is with her PJ's on and the jacket.

- I got to see some great friends I’ve known my entire adult life (and when were were nutso teens) the other night, with all our kiddos. We agreed we need a night without the kids so we’re going to see a chic flick tomorrow night. Woo hoo!

- I’m still semi-icing/heating my shins still. We’ll see how it all goes soon.

- I bailed out on the push-up challenge due to the crappola I had last week, but I fully intend to start it again this week.

- Grace got a haircut this past weekend – not just “a” haircut, but her very first Haircut. She now keeps saying “don’t buckle my haircut up”, while buckling her in her car seat. Funny little girl.

- We finally got a storage unit to store all of our excess junk and stuff from the house to declutter it to make it look like no one lives in it - to get it ready for selling. Great timing too - HS football season is about to begin. Why, you say - I say this? I'll tell ya (in my best sarcastic tone), because we live directly beside the stadium. That's such a good selling point. Anyway, it was a step that has pushed us to get it finally ready to list. Hopefully VERY soon.

- I’m stoked – my bike is on the back of ride right now waiting patiently for me. I’m heading out of the parking lot here at work for a nice ride with my buddy, then I hope to do a ~~run~~ walk. That is, as long as the weather holds up for us.

- Lastly, but certainly not least - The Greenville sprint is coming up and I have no idea what to do with regards to my stress fracture. I can do the swim and the bike course, but I’m not really allowed to run and don't want to go backwards with this injury/pain I have. Help me, bloggin’ buddies.

Online Surveys & Market Research

On to finish up some stuff here at work. Hump day to us is Mexican night, and Target shopping - so hopefully after that, I can read some blogs.

Have a terrific Wednesday!

some kind o'sick

2008-07-30T21:56:00.002-04:00

I have no idea what is wrong with me but I've been sick since Monday morning. Feeling nausea constantly but not vomiting at all, feeling very week and my tummy rumbles constantly. It's totally taken me out of any idea of exercising, and basically getting up the stairs at work has been a struggle. I feel that whatever I caught, I'm finally getting over it. I got a much needed rest this afternoon - just sitting around on the couch not doing a thang and hit the sack early last night. I hope to start working out to some extent tomorrow.

As mentioned, we took a trip to Charleston, SC for the weekend and had a great time. We relaxed, shopped, walked the market, went to the beach, hit the pool every night at the hotel, ate at some fantastic restaurants (2 of which were on Shem Creek which we LOVE and got to watch Dolphins play down the creek), and even fit in some exercise.

I got a nice 20 mile bike ride in on Sunday morning riding from Mt Pleasant to Isle of Palms over the connector, which can get a little hairy. I think they go 60 over the bridge. I'm glad the shoulder was wide. I then rode on the Island a few laps and returned. A flat route is so much different than what I'm used to, but I welcomed it.

You know I can't go on a vacation without coming back to share a lot of pictures of Grace with you so here ya go...

David & Grace swimming

Grace spitting in her goggles - go figure. Guess, they really do watch what we do. :-)

Watching the boats on Shem Creek

Wanting badly to run through it - we had to put our foot down.

But, we let her run through the Pineapple fountain.

Grace with David, walking the Battery.

Funny picture.

Boone Hall Plantation

Grace in the boat shack.

I hope the rest of my week goes a little better. I have 2 very busy days tomorrow and friday with a vendor coming in and I expect long days. I hope to start some sort of workout tomorrow too.

Chucktown

2008-07-25T08:19:00.001-04:00

Thanks for all the comments, ya'll about my injury. I appreciate it.

Woo Hoo! We're off today for Charleston, SC. We love it down there and David always talks about moving back there after we return from every trip. I just love the history, the landmarks, the sunsets, the food, the wine, the beaches - Oh I could go on.

Yesterday was just a bad day all around. A project I'm working on isn't going so well with the vendor. There were a lot of my hrs devoted to it today, that really shouldn't have been. So, I needed to brush off some frustration and decided to swim during lunch. As much as I wanted to have a good swim, it sucked. I hate to be so negative, but that's the truth. So, after work - David's suggestion to go have pizza (thin, sort'a healthy) and beer - I was all in. I needed to ride, but just wasn't feeling it - honestly. Yesterday was 11 days in a row and I really need a break.

I have a short morning today at work, then a (hopefully) nice swim around lunchtime, then we're off. I will be taking my laptop and read some blogs tonight after we're in for the evening.

We are taking our bikes to take turns going for rides and David will be running on the Isle of Palms connector (which is just a beautiful run to the Island). So, we plan on getting in some exercise as well.

Thanks to viv for the weightloss challenge. I happen to land a longsleeve shirt from runners lounge and I love it! I need to make my way by their site more.

Have a great weekend!!!

Swim: 1500yds, 34:52, 2:19/100yds

3 months

2008-07-23T21:46:00.007-04:00

Of. No. Running.

Yes, that's about it in a nutshell, but it could be less time. I had my appt today and told Dr. Bob the years off and on of my shin problems. I had them when I was living in Texas oh so many years ago, and just got through them with Icy hot most of the time. I haven't had them this bad evah though. Last thursday, Denine and I went for a run of 5 miles, and after 1 mile - we walked the rest of the way (having to cut it to 4 miles in order to get home in time for work). My shins were hurting as I was just walking. Well, I've about had it with this and want to heal them once and for all. I'm a stubborn girl. Yes, I know - hard to beleive about me, right? :-) So, my own personal diagnosis and healing myself was to take a week or 10(ish) days off of running, then start back. Well, it wasn't not long enough.

So, I possibly have a stress fracture based on my explanation of pain, where the pain is and that it is triggered by pushing down on my tibia, or in some cases - you don't even have to push down on it. I also have a strained calf muscle, and my facia (sp?) is swollen. I guess this is the tissue between my calf muscle and tibia. I don't speak medgeek, k - so bare with me.

So, after our talk - it was "no running for 3 months" to heal the stress fracture. And he said he would assume it was. If I want to make sure it's a stress fracture, I could drop some excessive cash on an MRI or X-ray to see. But then, it might not even show up on them. I'm not gonna do that. That would dip into my race money budget. hehe After he massaged my legs, he said my calf was strained and that it could be tissue/muscle damage. So, right now - we don't know. But, he said let's go with worst case scenerio. I go back in 3 weeks and I had homework when I left. I have to do certain daily stretches, and icing/heating. I'll start tomorrow with a 7-day ice/heat treatment.

Days 1-3: Ice only, 15 min, remove for 5-8 min, repeat ice 15 more
Days 4/5: Ice/heat contrast, Ice 15, remove, apply heat pad 5 min, repeat
Days 6/7: Heat only 15-20 min, repeat 2-4 times daily

After 7 days, I get to choose ice or heat. What a joy?

As far as workouts, I can do whatever I want that doesn't impact my shins. I can't even walk for exercise right now. I need to wait about 2 wks then I can start walking for fitness. So, I suppose I get to work on my cycling shorts tan line more now. Seriously, I'm gonna have to show my bike some much needed love and attention. I will probably do a lot more elliptical too.

I briefly mentioned that I signed up for a half. So, that money's gone down the drain. We were exciting about going to Virgina Beach to do the half. I guess I'll be a spectator/photographer for David and Chris (Gman) at this year's RnR half there.

Since I was there later than expected and wasn't able to meet my training buddy at 5 (I showed up where she was riding at 5:50), I didn't get my ride in. But, guilt got to me peeps. I got home, we did our usual Wed night-Mexican night dinner, and had to get a few groceries. We got home at 8pm, and by 8:15 I had talked myself into riding outside. Yep, you heard that right. I didn't want to get on the trainer tonight. So, I put my reflective vest on and was off. Since, it was getting dark, I wanted to stay nearby so I did loops of this over and over, up and down the same roads here, parking lots there - basically a lot of stopping and starting - but at the same time, I wanted to get used to my new gearing. It workout out well.

I knew what I was in store for when I stepped into the massage joint today. I knew something was wrong, and the best way to heal would be time off of running, which would bum me out. I have been wanting to run badly lately and every run I set out on has been a disappointment because it hurts. So, I want to heal up and will listen to what he says. But, the good news is - is that once healed, I will run again and I will do more races. This time will also give me a chance to work more on my cycling and swimming. So, this is just a bump in the road.

To show you all how a typical ride goes for myself. I can't seem to have a ride that doesn't involve either flipping my bike over and having to replace the chain (dropping it from gearing wrong), or just getting grease on my legs for no reason. My nose and neck had grease too. I'm such a noobie still.

Good night!

OCN: 10.14 mi, 44:54, 13.55 mph

bike week

2008-07-22T15:35:00.003-04:00

So, this week is my riding focus week. I don’t ride as often as I’d like to or should, for that matter. I’m still deathly afraid of getting killed while on my bike, so my time out on the fo’really reals roads are limited to my sceeredness.

So, last night was a boring trainer ride. Nothing to report. Just that David upgraded my bike to a 10-speed over the weekend, but I didn’t gear up or down during that ride much. I mainly spin with resistance and stay steady.

This morning I woke up to the stupid alarm going off at 5:45. Luckily, I’m getting used to it. We set out for a run/walk. I’m trying to take it easy until tomorrow’s diagnosis of my shins. I know, I know – more ice, ice, ice, no running, blah, blah, blah. Another friend joined us, and she’s going to start running with us regularly. I actually felt great while running today, so maybe the key is to really slow down.

For lunch today, I got back on the trainer and caught up on Hollywood gossip. I really need to figure out this seat situation I have. I can’t find a seat that I love. I may just have to buy one from LBS this week, and take it back if it doesn’t work. I feel like I keep moving back on it, but then I scoot back up cause my lady region hurts.

Mentioned earlier, but I’m stoked about finally seeing someone about my shins. My appt is tomorrow afternoon and I know I may just hear “don’t do the half marathon in 5 weeks”. If so, I think I will cry. Seriously. I signed up for it already and paid that money. We’ll see.

So, this whole Push-up challenge that’s being talked about amongst all my bloggin’ buddies has peaked my interest and I think I’m gonna join the cool kid club. Our Navy PRT test consists of doing as many push-ups in 2:00 as you can. There is a minimum for each sex/age. I don't even know what it is. Everyone always knocks as many as they can out then quits before the 2:00 is up, because you can only rest in the push-up position. No butt in the air, or no resting on the ground. So, you basically just do what you can then stop. I usually do about 20, then rest in the up position and do about 15 more. So, I did my 20 push-ups. I'm looking forward to improving them.

Tomorrow, I finally hit the pool to see if I’ve improved any. If not, I’ll be okay, but if I have – I’ll be stoked (this is obviously my word of the week). I also will be riding after work, hopefully. This depends on David’s training schedule though. I may be getting back on the trainer.

Blogger won't let me comment on anyone's blog right now. I was reading Bob's and started to comment and not so much.

TaTa

Mon: OCN: 10.02 miles, 36:11, 16.62 mph
Tues: ORN: 3.34 miles, 41:51, 12:32 min/mi
Tues: OCR: 10.01 miles, 36:25, 16:49 mph

shape up the nation

2008-07-21T16:34:00.010-04:00

As mentioned previously, our company is participating in Shape up the nation. We have some competitive teams, and our team seems to be holding their own. I did really well for the week. I’ve come to learn that I need serious discipline when it comes to eating healthy/training. I either have to have peer pressure or an upcoming race. Fortunately, this time I have both. Several races are on my calendar (which BTW needs to be updated, I see). And, as a certified fitness instructor in the Navy, I feel the need to always set the example. To top that off, my team views me as a workout aholic (even though I'm not), so I feel the same need to set the example.

With that said, my week 1 was fantastic! We have 12 weeks of this challenge and by the end of it, I WILL be in the size jeans I want to be, and I will be FIT. How ‘bout dat? I mentioned that the challenge is based on steps per week, lbs lost, and hrs workout. So, here's the scoop.

Stats – (Monday 14 – Sunday 20)
Steps – 99,239
Lbs lost – 4.8 lbs
Hrs workout – 8 hrs 3 min 30 sec (Yes, I can be that detailed)

I mentioned in my last post of how I was going to swim 5 days in a row, to try to get my body swimming decently through fatigue and to try to improve my pace. I’ve been stuck at the same pace for quite a while and just want to see some adjustment. To give you an idea, here’s how my week of swimming was. I did 1500yds each day. It was 4.2 miles for the week. Yah for me! I didn't think I'd finish the week off, honestly.

Mon – 2:20s/100yds
Tues – 2:16s/100yds
Wed – 2:17s/100yds
Thur – 2:16s/100yds
Fri – 2:16s/100yds

See, 3 days out of 5 – I was exactly on 2:16s/100. I can say this about my swimming, it’s pretty consistent – just not fast I hope I see some improvement on tomorrow’s swim.

I also ran a few times, got on the elliptical, some yoga and some core, and rode some. I did 21 miles at Donaldson Center sat morning, and I could have easily done another 21 miles but time was of a constraint. Grace had to get her pics taken.

This week is bike focus. I will do another 5 days in a row, and the least amount will be 10 miles. I may have to succumb to the trainer tonight, though. Yuck… but it’s gotta be done.

I have an appt on Wed with a sports massage place to have my shins looked at. I was told to not run over the weekend, so I did an hr elliptical.

I'm thinking of joining all you crazies out there on that Push-Up challenge. I'll take a look at the site tonight and figure out when to start. Tomorrow might work. It will definately benefit me, since I have to do Push-ups in my Navy Fitness test. That is by far, the worst part of it for me anyhow. So, some extra work on them will do me good.

Happy Birthday, Chris L.!!!!!
(friend of mine - don't know if he reads my nonsense on here, but his wife and good friend, Jennifer does).

Here's a few of the little ~~devil's~~ princess's pics from the weekend!

This one, we got in Black and White.

That's it for now - I'm taking off from work. Have a great Monday!

slacker alert

2008-07-17T09:17:00.007-04:00

I’m such a (blog)slacker.

I can’t believe it’s been this long since I last updated my blog. Life just seems to keep getting in the way. At least I’m still training/working out, right? I’m sorry you kind blogging friends. I will get caught up this week fo’ sho.

Since I’ve been giving old friends I’ve come across on facebook, and new friends my blog address, I suppose I better update it regularly.

LOTS o’ stuff going on.

We both are training and it seems to be going well. David hit a new PR for his 500’s in the pool and is now attempting to break that PR. As you may have read on his blog, he did 5 straight days of swimming in an attempt to get more efficient and what’s better – faster. So, not that I will ever be a fast swimmer, I’m attempting the same thing. I did day 3 in a row yesterday and I can feel it. I’m tired, and just plain whipped. I have 2 more to go. I've been doing 2 training sessions a day and I think my body is used to it. I'm either running/swimming, or biking/swimming. Next week, I will focus on the bike more. Then, the week after - Running.

On the subject of swimming, Grace started her first set of swim lessons last week. Today is her last day of the first session. She will probably do another (same) class just to make sure she’s ready to move up. We’ll get her progress report tomorrow and just go ahead and get her signed up for the next class, maybe. So far, she is doing great and LOVES the water. It’s giving us a chance to take turns getting in some laps too.

At my employer, there is a “Shape up the Nation” competition. Our company has around 28 teams of 5-11 people. There are 3 categories to compete in: weightloss, hrs per week exercise, and steps per day. We all got a bag of goodies that included water bottle and pedometer and some other stuff. Everyone has to compete in the steps division. Our team (5 of us) joined as a team. We are a tight-knit team. This is the first week and it goes for 12 wks. Our leader has put together a spreadsheet so we can daily input everything then at the end of every 2 wks, we update the site. So far, there’s trash talking and such (of course) between teams. So far, we’re doing great. At the end of the first 2 wks, we will be able to see where our competition lies.

Speaking or work, I survived layoffs!!!! Yippee for me! They happened last Tuesday, and I guess all the work I do for the company has paid off, cause they decided to keep me. It really puts things in perspective and I’m just blessed to have a job. I’m making myself more valuable too.

The getting-the-house-ready-for-sale situation is poking along quite slow. But, that’s none other than our own fault. We both had drill last weekend, so nothing got accomplished. We did finish all of our major painting. And, I packed up a lot of junk. We’re going to work more on it this weekend and get more stuff packed up. Hopefully, we can get stuff in storage next week if all goes well this weekend. We want it listed by Aug 1. We met with a bank, and are meeting with another one on Monday. We hope something comes from it. We have our builder pricing our plan so keep your fingers crossed for us for what we hope it gets priced at. 

David, Grace and I never seem to take a vacation that doesn’t include a race. So, we are going to go to Chucktown (Charleston, SC) next weekend for a little mini-vacation playing on the beach, jumping around in the pool, and eating at some fabulous restaurants in the low-country, and enjoying the history we love about Charleston.

That said, we are going to flip a coin to see who gets to do the triathlon down there next weekend. 

Ya’ll my shins are killing me. I mean I run, they start hurting after several runs, I rest, ice, etc, etc and I still get them. I know I’m in the right shoes, as I’ve done that test several times. I’ve got a call in to a sports massage place that specializes in sports related injuries.

I got my hair “done up” yesterday. I got it highlighted, layers trimmed and some dark streaks in it too. I don’t have pictures yet, but will get David to snap one tonight so I could show ya’ll.

Loving the morning workouts and hope to keep my body used to it. I get up at 5:45 on tues, wed, and thur to run and bike. We run tues and thur and bike wed. It’s great to get the workout done and over with so I can swim or do something else at lunch and have my evening available.

I found out 2 wks ago that I didn’t get advanced to CPO. I don’t know why. My record was spotless and a lot of Chiefs and other s don’t know why I wasn’t chosen. Next year is going to be my year! I did get more responsibility and a promotion in my leadership within my unit so that will help my evaluation look better.

Our workplace is going through major changes with people moving out of other buildings and back into the original building. So cubes were moved, and I had a huge task of moving my lab area. The new lab is almost set up and ready to go, but these last 2 wks at work has been tough on all of us with all the moving. I’m in my new cube and love it, but still have boxes to unpack.

This weekend Grace is getting her picture taken, and we are working on packing and finishing projects, and 2 cookouts to go too – one for David’s triathlon team and one with our Church friends. I plan on a long ride and a medium run, if I can. I may just have to wrap my shin up. If I can get into the massage place this week, we’ll see what he says.

I’ve been so out of touch with you all and really, truly miss reading about your training and lives. It’s not by choice. With Grace’s lessons finishing up this week, we should have a slower week next week and this weekend shouldn’t be too bad. I will definitely read all my favorite blogs this weekend. Until then, I hope you all are doing well.

Iron Girl triathlon low-down

2008-06-29T20:04:00.019-04:00

3 words, people! Had. A. Blast....

Great race venue, fun time with awesome people. Isn't that what it's all about?

No matter what my pace was, or how slow I was - it was a fun time and that trumps it all! I realize more and more about myself the more I do these.

Lots of pictures - David (my cameraman did fantastic at taking tons of pics), so apologize up front about the loads of pics, but I just had to share.

David, friend Denine, and I headed out fairly early to Lake Lanier on Sat AM, not so much to get to the race site early but to do more important things - like SHOPPING at the outlet, specifically Nike. So, after only 3 stores we scoured and walked out with less in all of our wallets - we were off. We thought we had plenty of time to get there to get our race packets by cutoff at 4PM, and we did - it was 3:55 when we arrived! Yowza.... We also dropped bikes off at transition.

...and checked out the hill we had to run up to transition after the swim. Complete suckage.

After packet pickup and hotel check-in, we had a lovely dinner with great company at an Italian place. Wes and Dee Dee, Lauren, Kevin and Cathy, Scott, Robin, and Jackie, and us with our friend Denine. It was nice to unwind and since I've done my previous triathlons with no beer the night before, I thought it wouldn't hurt to go the other route this time. Yum-O.

(from left side of table)-Jackie, Robin, Scott, Dee Dee, Wes, Lauren, Cathy, Kevin, Denine, Me, and David)

Girl power!

Morning came really early, 5:15 to be exact. We were out the door by 5:30. By the time we arrived, parked and walked the 10 min walk to transition, we were only 15 min from when they were closing transition. I quickly got my junk organized, body marked and left no time for a bathroom break - Ohhh me. I had to pee from the time we got there til WAY after the race when we had lunch. But, we had time for a photo-op at the Aflac duckie...

No way am I really this serious about this race....

See?

This pic is for Lisa, Marcy, Lori, and Karen!

Swim start:

Lauren and I - red'to'go!

Swim went okay for me. First time I had some really bad congestion in the water, but once I got out off to the left, it wasn't as bad until this one chic kept doing back stroke and running (so to speak) into me. It wasn't "HER" lake... anyhoo. It was so short, and congested that you couldn't quite get into your groove as much as a longer swim. My time (including long climb up the beach and hill) to transition was 14:38.

Swim finish (I'm back right)

T1 just sucked. I used a different helmet and didn't practice buckling it that much, and it took me a while to get it all figured out. Longest transition to date: 2:59.

Bike: (I'm in the middle of the pic) I put on a grey shirt during T1.

The 18 mile bike was, by far, my favorite event today. I'm just really enjoying riding regardless of how fast/slow I go. I'm comfortable shifting, climbing, doing downhills without braking :-), and even getting aero. It was a very nice course, albeit EXTREMELY hilly. There was a hill at about mile 8.5 that was steep, and the majority of the women around me were walking their bikes up. I stayed on mine, even though I was probably going the same speed as they were. We had issues with congested road at about mile 15-16.5 where we got stuck behind a line of cars. That, of course sucked some time out of us.

T2: Better than T1 - First time I didn't put socks on in T2. 1:45, time still not my best. The long way in/out of transition has a lot to do with this as well.

Run: Everytime here lately I get off my bike and run, my lower back is killing me. Today, I didn't have shin splint pains, but back pain. I'm dealing with it, and am going to start rolling my back or just do some consistent stretching. The course was pretty, in the Lake Lanier resort area but again - hilly. I did a run/walk and although I'm disappointed (again), I did what I can. 33:40.

Finally - done!

After some socializing, shopping at the IronGirl tent, and some mimosa and snacks - we were off to get Denine's new bike. She bought a used bike that was up for sale by owner on Sat afternoon. We think she got a great deal on it. We left, and as quickly as we could, we found a place for lunch and had a nice relaxing time out on the balcony.

My idea for unwinding... aka carb re-loading

Big thanks to our chaeffeur, photographer, and race groupie!

We got back to my Mother's house to get Grace and I'd say she was excited to see us.

Looks like we have a future triathlete on our hands...

My buddy, Denine and I train together, especially our rides/runs. We have become good friends and have such a wonderful friendship that I hope continues to grow. I'm glad to have found her. We started off in different waves (she was 5 min ahead of me), and we had a very similar finishing time - about 1 min apart. I wish we could have started together - we would have done the entire tri side-by-side.

Thanks Lisa, for the call, chica! You are such a dear friend!

It's so easy to look at the negative in any race, and look back and say "Why didn't I do this/that?", what if? and have regrets either about training or racing but, it's all a learning experience and no matter how much I seem to complain about this/that, I enjoy what I'm doing. However, I am learning from my mistakes and lack of training. One of the best things about it is that fact that I can just do this - I'm healthy, and I'm setting a good example for my daughter. But, the BEST thing about these sports is the people I've met. I can honestly tell you that everyone of you that I've met has been great and I've enjoyed your company.

I'm blessed.

(off to read your blogs - soooooo far behind).

Wassup!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-22T19:40:00.008-04:00

It's been almost a month since my last update. Wow! I almost forgot the link to "blogger". What's up with that?

All I can say is that I'm sorry. I know and understand everyone's lives are busy, so I shouldn't use that excuse, but I am anyway, so suck it up. J/k. We are on the verge of building a home and it has taken all of our spare time in the evenings, plus our sproadic workouts, and getting our own place ready for selling -- it's just been tiring.

With that said, I'm ready to actually sit down and read your blogs. I know I have several hrs ahead of me on catching up. Thanks to Lisa for getting our tails back in gear and back into the community that we adore. My intention wasn't going to be gone this long. Time just snuck away from us. Lisa, you're the best, girl!

Lots going on, so I'll quickly sum it up:
* I'm on pins and needles right now in anticipation of the Navy to release the E7 Selectees list. It's far overdue for release and there's been a ton of rumors going on as to why. The board convened over 2 wks ago. Hopefully, this week I'll know if I impressed the board enough with my charm and wit (of course, it's all on paper). :-)

* Lots going on or shall I say, will be going on shortly, at work. "Rumors" have it layoffs will happen again in the next few weeks. I am just praying I'm not affected and if so, I will deal with it. So, that said - I'm making sure I do nothing to put any spotlight on me. So, my workouts at lunch haven't been going on as much, even though I rush through it and don't take advantage of the opportunity I am given to workout. I am just blessed to have a job and want to keep it.

* My ride today had some firsts! I went out all by myself and left the house, and dealt with our local traffic without any company. I also came home and had NO grease on my legs (also a first). It went pleasantly and am starting to get really comfortable on the bike, shifting between rings when needed, climbing out of the saddle when needed and have mastered going over the many railroad tracks I have to quite flawlessly.

* I mentioned that my workouts have been sproadic, and I must admit I have somewhat lost my motivation mo-jo, but am not putting too much pressure on myself. Sometimes others things in my life take priority and I'm not going to beat myself up too much over it. This week is going to be an awesome week though. I have 2 of each disciplines planning in preparation for an upcoming tri.

* Iron Girl is this weekend and I'm super excited. My friend, Denine and I are gonna have a blast. We have been training together and are on the same level of fitness and not competitive at all so we work well together. We do push each other and it seems to go back and forth, so that works well for us.

* Viv's weightloss challeng is awesome and the fact that she has put this together is just amazing and has been a great motivator for me. I've made some healthy choices and feel I'm making progress. Thanks, Viv.

* About 2 wks ago I got to play golf for a charity event for our company and had a great time. We got to play in one of the most beautiful courses in the upstate and as embarrassing as this may be, I will share the best golf picture my teammates took that day.

Yep, that's me swinging - and yet the purty little ball is still there. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only time that happened. Apparantly, I have a great swing and nice power but if I do, in fact, hit the ball, it always goes left - even on the Wii. I do enjoy playing golf and hope that we, as a team, can have an offsite meeting every now and then, playing golf.

* Grace went to a sweet Princess Birthday party today for her best friend. All the little girls had so much fun, with games, and lots of dress-up. Grace changed dresses 5 times, as did all the others. It was fun to see. Here are the princesses! Grace is in the middle.

Well, that's about it for now ladies and gents. I hope to read some blogs tonight homies and the rest tomorrow night. I won't be reading at work tomorrow - I'm swamped with required completion on a few projects. I'll be lucky if I get to leave for my lunchtime swim session.

Week low-down

2008-05-29T16:52:00.014-04:00

Happy Friday!!

First off, I want to say congrats to our friends from Church, Tommy and Lenna for baby #2 today. It was scheduled this morning and little Reeves (4yr old) welcomed baby brother, Levi. He was a big boy - 9lbs 9oz. Congrats!

It seems like we're busy, but I suppose we're not that busy. Well, as much as I used to be while in school. I just haven't had much time to read/write blogs. So, here I am wanting to catch up with you all.

I mentioned that I got the wii and my wii fit came in the other day. That sucka said I'm overweight. Of course, I know that - but it sucks to hear it from a skinny chic on the TV telling me. But, more on that later.... I like it so far, but haven't explored it entirely yet. We rented the Diego game from blockbuster for Grace. She likes it, so we may end up buying her one.

I did the CT group ride last week and it went superb. I was in the C group that later became the C+ group, aka "slow"
peeps. There were too many people in the group to begin with and we just split off. Since it was my first group ride, I just hung somewhere in the back for most of the 30ish mile ride. If David doesn't do a last minute tri tomorrow, my friend, Denine and I will go together to do the group ride.

I've had issues with my seat lately, just not feeling comfortable and hurting my girly region after a long time sitting on it. I can't seem to get down in aero for that long while riding the trainer without hurting. So, a girl I work with is on the local ladies cycling team and she hooked me up with 2 of her older seats to at least try out. I think they are made more for the ladies, versus the one I have on my bike, which David had bought for himself but it didn't work out. So, I may be switching that seat out tonight. I did 2 rides the other day on the trainer (35min each - 1 at lunch, 1 at 9pm) and was just very uncomfortable.

Swimming is going okay and my running is suffering. I think I'm just not used to the heat yet. I've trimmed my workouts down to 2 days a week each discipline. Honestly, ya'll as much as you all say I seem to fit it all in, I feel like I've been hit with a brick lately. I need to tone it down a notch so I can breathe a little. With working til 5 daily, a toddler that I want to spend time with, husband training for longer distances, Church obligations, getting our place ready to put on the market etc, etc, I just didn't see how I could do 3 workouts a week/each discipline for the next 20 wks. So, I've switched my plan up and now training for the Oly Aug 2. This will be my A race! All others are just for prep and fun...

I've joined 2 weightloss challenges for the month of June (along with Lisa). One is on BT and the other is Viv/Pokey's challenge. I'm excited! I know I can do it. And I know many of you are shaking your heads for the fact that I've been on here a dozen times talking about my weight. I just know that my weight is limiting my ability to speed up on anything I do and I want to improve! Overall, I'm fit, and I know that, but this is something I NEED to do for Me. Lisa's already talking smack and making it a friendly challenge with me at BT. :-) On both challenges, I think it's based on percentage. It starts Sunday!

Go to Viv's blog if you're interested!

To all the product Ho's out there - (P.O.M and Tayrn first come to mind),I need a new straightening iron. I have rough thick curly hair and I like to straighten it to lighten it up some, cause it's so heavy sometimes. And, I like how it makes me look younger too. :-) I had the Sedu which is a good iron, Fo sho. But, the plug I think decided to croak and it won't turn on anymore, so I just don't want to buy another Sedu. It sucks cause I don't want to drop another Franklin bill + some on one, but if I have to - I will. I am leaning towards the T3 Tourmaline because it also has the wet-to-dry feature. Those of you that straighten your thick hair - would love to hear your opinion.

Alrighty now, I think that's all folks. Time for the weekend!!! Well, after 6 more hrs of work. I have an hr swim tonight - Blah. I should be able to get in 2800yds. That's a LOT of counting.

A few pics...

Grace and friend, Maddi last friday night. Grace ADORES her. They had their first sleepover last weekend.

If anyone is interested in seeing how I looked as a kid, this is it! summer dress, stringy hair hanging all over the place. One thing is different though - I never wore shoes as a kid - just didn't like them.

Our princess Grace - trying out her new princess dress she will be wearing to a birthday tea party next month. She puts that thing on daily now.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend ya'll!

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T08:19:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day Tribute - (Video courtesy of Military.com)

Following in Lisa's footsteps

2008-05-23T15:27:00.005-04:00

Lisa just happily finished her first Oly last weekend, and she has been such an inspiration to me. You ALL have, but Lisa and I are on the same levels of our fitness, our complaints about our weight, etc and it's good to be able to share some of that with someone.

So, I was talking to David about my races, my future (this yr) plan with what I want and I've got my eye on a race in the Sept timeframe (my Birthday month), but I was talked into doing an Olympic distance. I'm looking at one in Canton, NC in Lake Logan. It's part of the "Triathlon Development Series" which is more up my alley, considering my slow arse pace and my non-competitiveness. This series is for FUN. Specifically: The TrySports Triathlon Development Series is open to all athletes, but is designed to welcome beginner and novice athletes. With special features at all the series events including pre-event participant Q & A meetings, smaller swim waves, beginner friendly courses and an emphasis on fun, the TrySports Triathlon Development Series events are a great way to introduce yourself to the sport of triathlon.

Now THAT is what I'm talking about, homies. Short swims, decent bike length, and flat'ish running terrain. David was telling me "You've picked some of the hardest and most popular races in the SCTS", so I was looking for an Olympic distance that isn't Jun 8 (the Oly he's signing up to do - too soon for me), and found the Lake Logan one. It's Aug 2. I'm gonna sign me up, and I've decided to throw in the Asheville, NC triathlon too. It looks fun! Why not, right?

People, I was a such a workout slacker this week. I had a visit from mother nature and it just zapped any energy I had out of me. I know - TMI. So, I blew off my swim on Wed, and I blew off my 60 min run yesterday. I won't make up the swim, but I will do my run this weekend. I did get back in the pool today and all went okay with the 1400yds. I will be doing my first EVA group ride tomorrow. I'm doing a lot of first these days... solo ride last week, group ride this week... I'm a wee bit nervous, but I hope to be able to hang with them. I want to do at least 1.5 hrs since that's my long ride for the weekend. I will also have a 45 min bike ride this weekend at some point.

My little lady is growing up, Ya'll. She's gone to her first sleepover tonight at her friend's house. We all had dinner tonight and she took off with them home. So, that means David and I will be both doing the group ride tomorrow morning. Tomorrow late afternoon, we plan on hitting up the balloon festival here in G'ville with Grace. She's gonna love it!

I fell victim to the disease that has hit my team at work. It's been manifesting itself around slowly and by way of my VP, it got to me too. I swore I would be immune to this thing, but not so.
........
I bought a wii. The dealio was that I was going to go out and get the Wii fit for my VP, and co-worker Cindy went with me. Long story short, we had to swing by Best Buy afterwards for her to get her Wii. I ended up walking out of the store with one. I haven't played with it much, but I'm waiting until the my ordered Wii fit comes in. :-)

While most of you have Monday off, our company sees that if we Gots to sell groceries, then we need to be open at corporate for support, so I gotta work. I'm not complaining, as I'm just happy to have a job, especially these days at my company.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, Ya'll!

Come on - Weekend....

2008-05-21T08:26:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know - it's been a while since I last updated. David has been gone and I was in my last week of class, so it was a little hectic with working out and taking care of the little one. He returned Monday night, so all is well. I'll bullet really quickly what's been going on:

- David left for work to Boston on Monday night (last week), and returned Wed. I was standing there waiting on him to come out of the security area at the airport and the first person I see was Luke Wilson. He was here for the BMW Pro Am charity celebrity golf tournament.

- He then left first thing Thur morning and returned Monday night.

- I finished my class last week, and thus I finally have my Associates degree. It's been a long time coming with a class here, a class there for years. Now, on to the Bachelor's but like in the past, I'll take some time off from classes, in case David wants to get some in.

- Even though I had Grace all to myself, worked 8-5 last week, and had drill weekend to prepare for, I did manage to get in 7.5 hrs of swimming/biking/running. I was pretty happy about that. It's tough to do all the training I want to do, tough to do it with a toddler, and was extremely tough to do it without David around. I was actually surprised when I looked at my BT log and saw that I hit every scheduled workout.

- The U.S. Navy CPO Selection board started meeting Monday to hand pick the next Chief's (E7) of the Navy Reserve. I hope that after the weeks of deliberating, my name ends up on that list. I should find out in June sometime, probably end of the month. I checked for quotas last night and they're picking 68 people from my rate. I don't know what the % is because I don't have a list of us that made it this far to the board.

- I did my first ride alone this past Saturday. My cycle partner had scheduling conflicts, so it was me and the hills and roads of Donaldson Center. I did 4 laps that ended up being 30 miles. I embraced those hills, and learned I need to focus more on hill work. If it weren't for the constant crosswind no matter where I was on the road, I'd say it was a decent time.

- Yesterday morning I woke at 6:00 to head outside to meet friend for a short 3 miler. I can't believe I'm gonna have to become a morning person again but to have the workout over and done with is a relief. I swam at lunch yesterday too.

- My new wheels came in the day of Clemson tri. Go figure? Anyway, they're still in their lovely large box sitting in our dining room.

- I'm getting used to this 3 day/week each discipline. Although, last week I didn't run at all because of the shin'ish area of pain I'm having. But, I didn't slack folks and replaced each run with an elliptical session.

- TONS of bloggers and friends had races this past weekend and all did very well! The list is long, so I'm just gonna mention names and race. But, to all of you - CONGRATULATIONS - You all did so great and I've enjoyed reading your reports. I'm so proud of each and every one of you. I hope I didn't forget anyone...

- Jess - Another Half Marathon under her belt.
- Wes - First Half-Ironman in Fla.
- Ashley - Placed 1st in the Open/Elite cat at the Lake Murray Sprint.
- Stacy added her first Half-Marathon to the list of races.
- Viv - Also had her first Half-Marathon.
- Chris - Can add "National Champion" title to his name after the Duathlon Long Course National Championships in Cali.
- Marcy placed 2nd in her AG for a 5K.
- Lisa - Can add her first Olympic Triathlon to her races.
- Randy - Completed another Half-Marathon.
- Steve - Placed 2nd in a Duathlon relay.
- Chris - Completed his first Half-Ironman in Fla (same one Wes did).
- Nick - Placed 1st in AG at Lake Murray Tri.

One other - Laura - even though she didn't finish her race (due to some dude landing on her head and making her black out), her report is interesting.

Gosh, that's a lot of peeps that raced! That's all I gots to say for now. I'm tired, and ready for the weekend. Happy Hump day Ya'll!

Clemson Sprint Tri Race Report

2008-05-13T14:21:00.012-04:00

I have been SUPER busy this week and really don't have the time to do this now, but I will try.

Yes, that's aero bars on my bike. David put them on the night before the tri, and I tried them out on Saturday. Yeah, I know the rules of don't try things for the first time in an event, but I don't listen very well. Check out my pic ---> Yeah, I'm in aero (sort of). I need to work on this some. :-)

We headed out quite early, 5:30ish A.M to get to Clemson, about an hr away. We brought my training partner with us. It was early, and I didn't get nervous at all until Denine and I went to the port o johns and saw the lake. It was huge and the buoy's looked SOOOO far out there. I got butterflies, as I suppose I should since this was my first lake swim tri. I kept thinking that since our wave wasn't that huge, at least one of those kayak peeps would save me if I started to drown. As eminem was playing in the background, I was wishing David's team mates and friends good luck, then Denine and I started to do the rap wave, knowing we looked like fools. I tell ya, the music and how loud it is, and the bullhorn is a great combo to take the nervous shakes away. An inspired feeling brushed across me, thinking back to a year ago, Robin and I standing there watching David start. I think I told her "I wouldn't do that swim". Here I was... and I was STOKED!

Swim:
David's wave went off right before us female age-groupers. As soon as they were off, we got in the C-O-L-D water. As I mentioned in a previous post, my strategy was to get to the outside (far left), and just try to stay there. As soon as I got in the water, I had that panic feeling from the cold, taking my breathe away. I think we had 3 minutes before our start. I thought that that was enough time, but it took me a a few times of putting my face in the water trying to breathe under water. It was so cold, I couldn't blow out the first few times. I was like "this ain't happening, I gotta breathe under water". So, after a few more times, I was all set. After the horn blew, I really think it took me about 1 min before I got into a good pace for myself. I just hung onto it, and pretty much stayed in my left lane of the lake without much hassle from the other ladies. I didn't site much neither. I breathe right so every stroke of breathe, I could see the others and as long as I stayed somewhat a few feet from them I knew I was on course. I rounded the buoy still feeling strong and kept going. I think I drifted out further than I should have. When I rounded the 2nd and final buoy, I had 1/3 of the 750m to go, and I could tell the next wave was catching up with me, which is fine. It just caught me off guard, and we encountered some choppy waters too all the way in. After I got out of the water, it was a long climb up the hill, and around the corner, into transition in the back. I'd say that added quite a few minutes.

T1 was 1:17, easy. The wetsuit came off rather nicely, and I took off. I took my gel as I headed out on the course.

Bike:
I think overall I had a decent bike ride. It was VERY hilly and they weren't joking when they said there was a steep climb at mile 3. I just kept shifting until I could climb it. At mile 5, I must have messed with my gears too much, because I dropped the chain. I stopped, got off my bike, fixed it and was off. I had grease ALL over my hands, and legs. Don't ask me how.... Anyway, I enjoyed the ride and didn't stress too much over going fast. I knew I had a run to do, and with how my right leg has been giving me crap lately, I took it fairly easy on the ride.

T2 was the EXACT same as T1: 1:17, and easy.

Run:
I couldn't believe when I saw "mile 1" marked on the road. I thought for sure we were at the half way point already. You've got to be kidding me. Then, Jeremy (race director) made us climb a wall, aka VERY steep hill and out onto a narrow piece of land surrounded by water. This was our turn around point, and I was heading back. I did Okay on the run, but not great. I had to just shuffle because of my left shin pain (it's on the inside of my leg). We had a 3/4 mile gradual uphill climb then a left to the finish line. When I came into site, I could see David smiling at me. I was thrilled to be done with it, and had that feeling of "I want more".

That feeling lasted until I saw the results. I'm quite disappointed in the final results, not because of anyone else but because of me. But, It's something I'm going to improve on, if I continue with the sport. I know what I need to do, to do well (for me) at Irongirl. It's just 6 1/2 wks away. Then after that, who knows?

Results: Swim 750m (20:23) - includes the long trek to transition
Bike 11 miles (43:02)
Run 5K (33:27)

After the race, we went to Wild Wings for some munchies with friends Chris and Janice, Denine, and spectator friend Margaret. It was a fun time, with lots of laughs, food, adult beverages and fun. We had a great weekend spending it with family. I didn't do the Virtual 10K because I'm giving my leg a whole week of no running, and icing it nightly. Since my plan calls for several runs this week, I'm substituting elliptical for the running until next week.

Last night I got in a 2000yd swim of mixed drills, with a main set (1x1000) and some cool down yardage. It went alrighty! The plan also called for 40min of running, that I switched to elliptical right after the swim.

Today for lunch was 30 min of elliptical, and tonight I'm spinning my bike while watching Dora with Grace for an hr. Blah.... dislike the trainer.

David is in Boston for a few days, then he returns and heads to Sunny SoCal (again) for a few days. Total looser... ;-)
So, I have to be creative with my workouts this week. :-)

I know I say this A LOT, but I'm super busy. But, get this? It will be WAY better next week. This is my last week in class, and I have super duper reserves this weekend, and then I hope to slow down some, increase my mileage on the bike, and start running again next week. With that said, I'll try to read blogs at some point this week. It's just me and the little lady, so I can't promise anything.

Happy "Mutha's time"

2008-05-11T17:24:00.005-04:00

This is the first thing I heard from Grace this morning! Cute, huh!

Happy Mother's Day
...to all you Mom's out there, and for those of you with no kids, Happy Mother's day to your Mothers. Hope you all had a great weekend! I'm looking forward to catching up with you later on tonight after school stuff is complete.

My little love and I today at Lunch.

Ready or not?

2008-05-07T19:18:00.013-04:00

Here I come Clem(p)son!!! I think more of "I'm not ready" for this tri. Oh well. I'm having right leg pain issues now, that just about put me out yesterday. I'm icing and popping pain pills. I'll elaborate later. I know it's my style of running that's caused it. I may have to take some running rest days next week altogether.

Mizuno pulled up Tuesday at Fleet Feet, here in G'ville and set up shop to do an in-depth gait analysis. Let me tell ya peeps, it's worth it if you get a chance to do this. Both David and I had our gait analysis and fortunately we both were around the "right" shoes for our feet, runnning pace/weight, style, etc. I have bought a lot of different Mizuno's over the past 2/3 yrs, so I do have the recommended shoe they recommend for me - the Wave Inspire, but since mine were older and I have NO clue how many miles were on them, I bought the newest ones. Here's the schedule if you have any interest on it. Mizuno Run with us. It's free and we got a Mizuno tech shirt out of the deal. Of course, the store got my money on some new kicks.

I've had a slow workout week this week, just kind of taking it easy. Today is definately a rest day, as I did 5 days in a row. I typically try to do 5 days, then rest if it falls within my schedule. After Clemson, I will focus on Irongirl tri, healing my leg, and adding more bike mileage.

We had a terrific evening out with friends the other night. There were 3 of us couples that met at the park, ate, and let the kids (Men included) roam the park. The highlight was watching the guys scope out for the "right" rocks to make them skip in the river. Wow!

We're gonna have a great evening out with friends and some grape juice, with some apps and an early evening for a 5:15 wake-up. OUCH! I'm not used to this kind of discipline homies. Tomorrow is gonna be fun. Lots of people we know will be racing. So, looking forward to it.

Good luck to local cool chick triathlete, Ashley - as she is doing HIM this weekend in Fla! I know she'll kick that course's tail!!
Good luck to P.O.M - doing a Half marathon this weekend! I know you'll do great! Can't wait to read your report.
Locals, Eric,Olivier, and Chris are gonna be at Clemson with the rest of us and I know they'll do terrific!! Of course Chris will be on his 5-10 mile cool-down run while I'm still out on the bike course, I'm sure. :-)
I know a LOT of you (maybe me too) are doing Nancy's virtual 10K - Good luck!!!!

The lone swimmer

2008-05-06T16:01:00.012-04:00

That was me on Sunday afternoon at the Clem(p)son lake for our practice OWS at Saturday's tri. Overall, I had a terrific time there, and after a few minutes of getting acclimated to the cold water by putting my face in the cold water, I felt fine. Just like Lisa said not too long ago, that seems to be the hardest part and for me, it was. After that it was cake! I'm overall surprised at my comfortableness (wow, that is a word?!?) in the water. We did approx 200yds from one side of the beach (lake-beach) past buoys and come out down the beach, walk back to the beginning and so forth. We did this 4 times then a few of us (David included) did a ~400yd where we didn't exit the water. We just turned around at the buoy and headed back. I could have stayed out there for a much longer time swimming, but we had an hr drive back home. My confidence in the lake swim for this weekend has risen a little. I feel much better. However, we didn't have the crowds we will this weekend. But, I have a strategy. I'm going to start a few seconds after the mass start and stay on the outside of the pool of fishes. I don't need to be in that mess to shave 5 seconds off my swim. No, thank you! Grace got to enjoy the lake afternoon too. I think she's gonna be into water sports, for sure. She loves the water, much more than I do. But, I think it's really growing on me. :-) *Note - my arms look super huge in that pic. I'm practicing unzipping my wetsuit.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new Mother's Day gift (the wetsuit). Yeah, yeah, I know it's not Mothers Day ---- Yet. But, I got my gift already and let me just tell ya.... Wearing a wetsuit in that lake was AWESOME. So worth it.... The buoyancy was just amazing. So, thanks David and Grace for my present! Isn't a Wetsuit what all Mom's want for Mother's Day? Hehe... My virtual tri twin, Lisa got one too.

I'm glad that swim went okay, cause today I was drained and just down-right exhausted. I didn't have time to do my usual 2000yd long swim at lunch. That just ain't happening. So, I settled for 30 min, and that happened to be a 1500yd swim. I felt like I was pushing myself harder and after I plugged in my time, I was slower. Oh well.

I just recently bought myself some presents for my bikey-bike. She deserves it as she's been so good to me lately. This week (hopefully), she gets new tri bars.

...and I just ordered these puppies. Aren't they sweeet!! I know they look like all other wheels out there, but David tells me "They're good wheels", and apparently my wheels suck. So, okay. Cha-ching...

I also hooked myself up with some new bike shorts. I needed them - wearing them twice in one week is just icky... I really need to start working at BK Lounge at night. This sport is getting expensive!!!

I have a new training partner and I couldn't be happier. We did Greenville tri together last year, and am doing Clemson this weekend, and Irongirl too. What I like so much about training with her is that we're both on the same level, except she's way faster in the water that I, and that we support each other. She's not competitive at all, neither am I, and we're just doing this for the fun of it and the sanity. We work for the same company and live across the street from each other. She's great! and I look forward to many months of us training together. We decided to ride from work yesterday after work to ICAR and do a few laps of it, then run 3 miles. It's a VERY hilly course and requires some "out of the saddle" time for me, which I'm mastering quite well. Our mileage plan got cut short due to some rain, and since we didn't know how bad it was going to get, we did 1 full loop and headed back in. We hit a paved trail behind our work, which was awesome. The rain was coming down in between the trees and there were lots of twists and turns. Fun times. We got back, stowed our dirty bikes and did a run/walk. I'm having mental issues lately with my running and hope to tackle that head on soon.

David mentioned in his blog the other day about my self-doubt issues. It's very true, as I've always had those feelings in my head, not just about training for Tri's or running, but everything. I don't know if it's deeply rooted from my childhood or not, but whatever it is - it's limiting me. I know it's all mental, and that mental part is holding me back. At least I know that, but how do you change? Here's my struggle. Friend and I were talking last night about this very thing. She's very positive and it's super enlightening. Maybe this will help. And, I couldn't have a better supporter than David. He always pats me on the back regardless if he's thinking in his head "Man, that's turtle slow - I can do that in my sleep". Lisa has been a HUGE help too. Our weekly chats are helping and I think that we are on the same level in many aspects of the crazy multisport world, so thanks David and Lisa. So, David was talking about "Why we do this to ourselves?". I've been asking myself this question over the last few weeks, so it's ironic he wrote what he did here. I think sometimes it's the sanity, or the challenge, or to feel a sense of worth. Whatever the reason - make sure "it" makes you happy. That's what I'm trying to convince myself of. We'll see how I feel after Saturday.

We went to Target the other night and when we checked out - I looked at him and said "Grace is growing up". We know she's getting older, and smarter and just so darn snottier but, she's R-E-A-L-L-Y Growing. Grace is a big girl, in fact she's VERY big for her age. She turned 3 on New Year's eve. Grace got her very first C9 workout outfit. They are black/hotpink pants with a wicking (Duo Dry) C9 shirt. Guess what size they are? XS from the big girls dept. CRAZY! Speaking of the little snot. Here's a few pics from the weekend.

She "baked" us a cake. She's wearing her apron and bunny slippers.

After the OWS, we went to Wild Wings for some grub.

Showing her super-cool look, with her "toothpack" hanging out of her mouth. Her Nike hat is her "super cool" hat, so she says.

Tonight, we're meeting friends from Church in the Reedy River Falls Park for some supper. Should be an enjoyable time, and after that I'll have my head stuck in my textbook. Only 11 more days left in this class, then I can start reading gossip magazines again. Until then, I'm relying on you Marcy for the celebrity gossip updates.

Catch ya later, homies.

Hoo-Yah for fridays!

2008-05-02T13:00:00.009-04:00

It's pretty bad when you're excited about a weekend that doesn't have much planned. We have a few things on the list but for the most part, it's going to be a little relaxing.

Yesterday, I did drills in the pool. Nothing too exciting to report other than I am now doing the drill for the 1st 25yds, and swim back the other 25yds. I like this a lot, because 1) your winded from drilling and 2) you can practice your form on the return leg. So, I did 1000yds in total, taking a small break in between each drill. I felt pretty strong on my cooldown.

Tonight - NADA. We have NO plans. I may ride the trainer, but I needed a full rest day so, so far that's what today is. We'll see. I know if I ride the trainer tonight, then I probably won't take a full rest day until next Friday. I'm riding tomorrow and swimming on Sunday.

Tomorrow, we are helping friends from Church move into their new house. They are excited. She is 1 month from delivering, so she better not do a thang. :-) David will be doing the group ride first thing in the AM, so I can do mine with friend from work in the afternoon. Looking forward to that! I don't know the plan or miles yet.

Sunday after Church, we'll quickly get changed and head out to Clemson to join the tri clinic for my first Open water swim. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous. I have a fear of open water, and I guess I need to get over it in order to be ready for the Tri next weekend. I am hoping to get in the 750m swim, since I'm ditching my speed work swim this week. I don't want to overdo the swimming right now, since I'm really enjoying it.

My class is going well. After I pretty much flunked my quiz 2 wks ago (67ish %), I studied hard last week and scored a 100% on the quiz. This week the reading was for 3 chapters and I'm only at the end of the 2nd one. I still have 30 pgs to read by Sunday night to take my quiz. After this week, only 2 more weeks left! :-)

Our free time lately has been looking around at local neighborhoods, trying to find something that we can love now and love in 10/15 yrs. We've had suggestions to find a house to have for about 5 yrs or more, but we are looking at it for longer. It's easy to think "Where do I want to live for the next 5 yrs, or what kind of house to I want for the next 5 yrs". But, it's a bit harder doing what we're doing. We've found several developments we like, but there's always 1 or 2 things that draws us away from it. One lot we REALLY like has a lot of land, and is in a community but, doesn't have a community pool, etc. and I desire to have that for Grace to grow up with. I didn't as a kid (even though we had a pool at our house as a teenager), and that's something we want for her. Location is bad for cycling, and running as well. (VERY important to us). Another lot we found was on the other side of town (away from our lives), and even though we can afford the land, we couldn't afford to pick their builders and build there. So OUT. We found a community the other night out in the sticks of where David rides, and it's GREAT, with nice homes, and good prices on lots but after we timed it, just too long of a drive in compared to our #1 pick. We keep comparing it all to this one piece of land in a developed community that has NO other lots available. It's a FSBO piece of property and it's in PRIME location of everything we do. Close to work, close to the YMCA, close to Church (Our new Church home), and easy to get almost everywhere. It's also got a decent length trail around the community, pool, tennis courts, etc. So, we're trying to get the community covenants and building requirements. We're tossing around the idea because we could choose any builder around here. Wish us luck in this quest! We need it... It's hard to find something we like within our budget. Trust me - our eyes are way bigger than our wallets. Our plan is to sell our place by end of Summer, and move into an apartment until we move on.

Hope everyone out there in blogland has an Awesome weekend and if you're racing - good luck and have fun!!!

Stellar Month

2008-04-30T10:19:00.007-04:00

IMO, I had a GREAT month of training and I rarely pat myself on the back, but I'm gonna give in and do so.

Stats:
Bike: 83.31 miles
Run: 50.12 miles
Swim: 16,500 freakin' yards (Mar 8946 yds) = 9.375 miles

Yup that's right! I rock! Okay, this is SOOO not me. Enough of the self-praises.

I almost doubled the swimming from Mar to Apr, and I think all that crappy time in the pool is starting to pay off.

With all that said, I know I need to work on a few things in May:
* Increase the miles on my feet. I just need to run more. 3 times a week/at least a 6-10 mile run on the weekends.

* Continue my swim workouts. I like the long/drill/speedwork sessions and just need to sustain that. I have to do my long swim in the evenings now (well, until I speed up), and will continue my others at lunch.

* Biking - Well, just need to do more of it. I'm finally comfortable riding, and I just want to build off of that. Speed on the bike isn't that important to me, but I do want to improve distance and consistency. 3 times a week.

So, there ya have it. 3 times a week for each discipline. How in the world am I gonna fit it in? I'll figure it out.

I signed up for another Tri today. It's an Iron Girl event, therefore David is a spectator. It's in Georgia 6/29.
* 1/3 mile swim - 18 mi bike - 3 mi run
My kind of distance! I'm stoked.

I ran 3 miles at lunch today, and I've decided to take the rest of the week off of running. I've got a small injury in my right leg that's been bothering me for about a week (I know, I know - too long). It's on the inside of my calf, below it and it now hurts to walk, especially if I've been sitting for a longish period of time. I have Clemson tri in over a week and I don't want to do too much to aggravate it more than it already is. I'm going to ice and stretch tonight and skip my scheduled trainer ride tonight. I'll fit it in with my long ride this week somehow.

coughupdateyourblogcough

2008-04-29T14:39:00.016-04:00

This was sent to me by David just a few minutes ago. Okay, I will. Then will ya leave me alone? j/k :-)

The swimming, biking, running is going spectacularly. Is that a word? Anyhoo... it does seem that once I start improving in one of the sports, I fall behind in the others. I am getting better and more efficient in the pool, but my running seems to be suffering. I am getting more comfortable on the bike too, which I'm all smiles about.

Last Thursday, friend and I attended the triathlon clinic. It went very well. I did my scheduled run early in the day (3.10 miles), then with the clinic we wanted to do a 10 mi bike / 2 mi run. We got some instructions from one of the best cyclists around Greenville, Jim Cunningham, and he took us all out for a slow ride, to show us "the ropes", so to speak. Denine and I decided that after our 10.97 mi ride, we'd run about 2.5 miles. I wasn't feeling it all, since I ran earlier, but I knew she wanted to do it. So, we headed out through Cleveland Park and when it was almost over, we realized we were in the pitch black darkness of the night in a park. We did 2.88 miles and headed home! Thanks to my buddy, I did a run I didn't want to do.

David had his first Oly distance Tri of the season this weekend and it was a blast! Except that we could have done without the thunderstorms at race time. We saw so many people that we know and/or know of and got to know some. It is such a great community to be involved in. Lots of wonderful peeps.

Highlights:
* David had a great race for his training ability right now!! Congrats on a great finish!
* After first getting to the pond (packet pickup) about 5 min before closing, we finally got to meet Ashley and she is a true gem! Very friendly, sweet person and super FAST. Placed 3rd in the Elite category. Congrats!!!
* We got to have dinner with Wes and Dee Dee. Again, they are some really nice people and fun to hang out with! If you get the chance, don't pass up the opportunity. It was a very nice time. Dee Dee even took pictures of the tri guys and gals I knew for me because my camera died.
* Teammate of David's, Chris had a challenging time at the tri, due to the swim being long still after the storms, and the bike being cut short. Bummer, but he still produced an awesome time and in my eyes, one of the fastest guys around!
* The other Chris placed 1st in Clydesdale category and he deserved it, producing a great time and was thrilled. Nice guy! Congrats Chris!
* We got to see Robin's friends, Jackie and Eric, there after the event was over. I mentioned Iron Girl Tri to her and I think she's in. My friend from work and training buddy and I will be doing it, and now it looks like Jackie will too, and I think Robin has been convinced to join in too. Over the weekend, I tried to talk Dee Dee into it too, but she would have 3 tri's really close together. That's a lot to do!! I don't know if I'd want to do it either.
* My daughter is just a great trooper! She is the best! She cheers everyone on, and even with the crazy weather (she got really scared of the thunderstorms), she hung in there for a somewhat long morning with a smile to the end.

Wes and Dee Dee

Grace's favorite part of this triathlon - the playground. ...and she's off!!

Although, we seem to do a lot for ourselves, we do do a lot for and with Grace. After her support this weekend, we took her to Putt-Putt (aka Golf to her) and she had a blast. Of course, she's a cheater at the sport and we'll let her be for a few more years, then it's ON like Donkey Kong. (like that, Lisa).

After breakfast, Sunday. This one is for Jess, since she likes Grace's hats.

Grace & David at the coffee place.

She's a cheater...

but of course, she won!

I did get to get a run in on Sunday night and it went well. Legs felt great, weather was nice, light traffic and almost no wind! I did 6 miles, which I haven't done that distance since the Cooper River Bridge run.

Last night, I headed to the pool for a long swim. I'm gonna stick to 2000-2300yds from now on for a while for my long swim, while I try to improve my technique and speed. I decided to time my 500's to see if it's worth doing the swim for my Navy PRT coming up next month and it is. Swim went very well and I'm starting to shave off seconds here and there.
500yds 11:18, 11:32, 11:43, 11:56. I kept getting slower, but they are pretty consistent.

Today at lunch, I did 3.5 miles and it was uneventful, but it's done. Tonight, We have our Church small group, so I'm done working out for the day.

David hinted the other day that he got me a wetsuit, and although I'm thrilled to have it for my much anticipated (sarcasm here) lake swims, I look like a beach whale in it. But, here it is. Looks like both Lisa and I have wetsuits for our Mother's Day gifts. Luvin' it!

Lisa, where's your pic?

I'm Baaaackkkkk!

2008-04-23T13:33:00.003-04:00

I'm Here, all. And, I'm trying to catch up reading everyone's blogs. I've started down my list, and if I haven't made it to your blog yet, I will today or this evening. Although, I am commenting mostly on the most recent post, I read all that I have missed. I had wanted to read them all before posting myself because that's just how I am. I love to read comments on my blog. However, I love to comment more on yours. :-) But, since I'm being asked if I still exists and whatnot, I decided to write a quickie post.

Although, I've been missing for a while, my workouts have gone well. I just hope that I start seeing some of the work payoff with some improvement. If you want details (which I highly doubt you do), you can always check out my training log. Quick breakdown of my days since I last posted.

Fri 4/11 - Swim 1000yds - Intervals
Sat 4/12 - rest day
Sun 4/13 - Bike 10.54 miles / run 1 mile
Mon 4/14 - Swim 2000yds - 48:33
Tue 4/15 - run 4 miles / 30 push-ups
Wed 4/16 - Swim 1200yds (drills) / bike 10.04 miles / run 2 miles
thu 4/17 - Run 3 miles / 25 push-ups / Run 2.5 miles (PM) in the tri clinic
fri 4/18 - Swim 1000yds - Intervals
sat 4/19 - rest day
sun 4/20 - Bike 21.69 miles
mon 4/21 - Swim 2300yds - 53:41 :-)
tue 4/22 - Run 3.5 miles
today - swim 1000yds (drills)

Wow, can't believe I have posted in THAT long. Anyway.......

The proudest moment of the above is my longest swim to date on Monday evening around 7:30pm. I wanted to go beyond the 2000yds I've been doing recently, and I wanted to see if I could do the Half-Ironman distance swim and Yep, I did it. 2300yds (1.3 miles). I was stoked and tired when I got home. So much so, my run yesterday reflected how tired my body was from the evening before.

So, as you can see - I'm still training for Clemson Sprint and can't believe it's just over 2 wks away. I have maybe 2 bricks, 2 swims and 1 more run scheduled this week, and a run and ride this weekend (~30 miles), then taper a little next week.

I tell ya, it's been hard lately to get everything I need to do in a schedule. I've had a rough time with this class. It is, by far, the most difficult class I've taken. I haven't been doing well on the quizzes. So for the last 2 wks I've had to take lots of notes as I am reading the chapters, which BTW are LONG. So, this has taken up a LOT of time, and I had to take that time from blogging.

David has Langley Pond Olympic Distance Tri this weekend and Grace and I will be the support crew and photographers. We get to finally meet Ashley, who's actually from Greenville. And, I get to meet Wes for the first time. Chris, teammate of David's and a very good guy, will be there and another Chris, whom we've recently met will be tri'ing as well. Should be a fun time!

I think that's about it for now, folks. I gotta go to some meetings then read some blogs. OH, BTW - David did buy me a wetsuit for Clemson and I tried it on. He took a goofy pic of me in it, and it sucked bad, so I'm not posting it. But, I'm so happy I have one and was shocked he bought me one. Nice hubby!

I'm here

2008-04-16T08:11:00.001-04:00

Sorry all, I've been missing for a while. Life is just really busy and I fell behind in my class because I had reserves this weekend. After I get caught up, I'll be back and reading/responding/writing on blogs.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Catching up

2008-04-11T13:25:00.000-04:00

In my last blogpost, the picture was a gum poll. We stepped outside the market to wait on the others, and saw it. David pointed and said "Look at that". Grace almost went over to get some gum off of it. Yeah, she doesn't quite get it yet. Funny thing is, there's another one starting across the street. It's even more gross up close. I can imagine a lot of people resting up against that pole waiting to cross the street, only to not know what they are resting against.

Although, I've been quite the busy lady lately with work, home life, school, and small vacations, I did get in some decent workouts this week even with my sluggishness feelings.

Tue - I did a 3 mile run and it was just horrible. I had that leg pain thing going on below my knee (calf, shin, and even a numb foot). I keep saying to myself that I'm going to go to at least get a massage, and have the local running store looking at my running to determine if it's anything to be concerned with.

Run - 3 miles 29:29

Wed AM - It was a swim of drills. I improved on time on every drill from last week. I did the exact same sets. The comparison times are on my beginner triathlete log - over there ----> down the page somewhere.

200yd warm-up
200yd sidekicks
200yd catch-up
200yd kickboard
200yd cooldown
200yd bilateral

total 1200yds

PM, I needed to get on the bike cause - well, I needed bike minutes for the week and some green in my log. I can multi task like a rock star. I read for my class while riding. Makes the time fly by...

Bike (trainer) - 11.49 miles 40:06 (17.19mi/hr)

Thur - I stayed out with Grace all day. She woke with a fever and it just got worse throughout the day so late yesterday afternoon, we got her an appt with the Dr. Apparently, she's got a virus that's going around (already forgot the name of it). So, after being so lazy during the day, I planned on blowing off my workout. We ate dinner around 7 - homemade burgers (lowfat, of course) and I just felt that guilt of not doing any exercise, so I went out into the nice night for a short run. It went very well. I had just a little shin pain, and a stitch in my side (from the food), but running that time of night is just pleasant. The sun was going down and the skies were really pretty.

Run - 3 miles 29:22
25 push-ups

The office was awesome last night! We were cracking up. And, you ought to see my husband when he's cracking up. I laugh at him laughing at the TV. He has that silent sort of laugh in the beginning. It's actually cute!

A while back, I was tagged by Jen.
The tag version is "Six Word Memoir".
Here's the rules:
(1) Write your own six word memoir.
(2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
(3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogs-universe.
(4) Tag at least five more blogs with links.
(5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Like Jen said, this is tough. And it's especially tough for someone that does not have a clever way with words. Trust me on this one. Ask my husband. I really don't know what to say. As I type this, I have no clue... So let me think about it....

This is what David would say about me:
stubborn southerner with lack of confidence

My co-workers would pin me as this:
She doesn't have an inner filter
(Meaning I speak my mind, all the time - I'm getting better at NOT doing this).
At least I warn them when the filter is not on.

But, me - hmmm....
independently strong-willed southern sailor mommy

Sorry, that's all I can come up with at work while I'm supposed to be working. I won't tag anyone else, cause I think you all got tagged by someone else already. I'm late in the game.

I finally got caught up on blogs this morning while laying around the couch with Grace. Hoenstly, I've been so busy with school homework at night that I haven't read that much online, unless it's marketing related. But, I blew some of it off last night and this morning to read. Grace is better today, but at home just in case she's contagious. We're not some of those parents that take their kids to school when sick to infect all the others. She has NO fever today at all and is just a little snuggly bear.

Have a wonderful weekend! Mine is more work - Navy reserves! It's gonna be a busy one, so maybe it will go by fast. I found out yesterday that I am E7 board eligible for the Navy Reserves. That means that I did well enough on my exam back in Feb to have my record viewed before a board of members to determine if I'm worthy of advancing into the the CPO (Chief Petty Officer) grade this summer. I am stoked because I want to advance so badly! I didn't make it to board last year. So, I think that this year is my year!!!!

Hopefully, I can get in a swim today, a run tomorrow night and a 21 miler bike ride Sunday afternoon before traditional Pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Yum-O

See ya!

Crossing the Cooper

2008-04-07T14:29:00.016-04:00

River, that is.

Cooper River Bridge Run 10K was a fantastic race for 2 groups: walkers and Kenyans. If you're not either, and are an actual 10K runner, don't expect this race to be your running race.

I'll explain. There were 6 seeding groups, as follows: (quoted from the site) You were seeded with a colored race bib to tell you what area to slide into.
Walkers (or people walk-running)
Runners with an expected time of over 1 hour
Runners with an expected time of 49 min to 1 hour
Runners expecting to run under 49 min (and any age-group contenders)
Runners sub 40 minutes
Invited/Elite runners

I signed up under my REAL prediction for runners over 1 hr and had a purple bib. The walkers were supposed to be pretty far back behind the last running group. Nah... some were, but not all of them. I knew I had a challenge ahead of me when I saw a man and his baby stroller next to me when we were taking the 10 min walk to the start line, after the gun went off. He had his baby in a stroller, not jogging stroller either and a backpack on. I think it's safe to assume he was not running this race. And, baby strollers apparently were not allowed. I probably saw about 6 more.

From the beginning of the race, I was dodging the leisurely strolling folks out for their Saturday walk over the Cooper River. Now, don't get me wrong. I think it's great to walk for exercise and think it is even better to do it for 6 miles and who can resist the gorgeous bridge to walk over? However, I think they should have some consideration for those that want to run the race from the start and have stayed back. I really couldn't get over how many people I passed walking. At the base of the bridge there was such a bottleneck that it was hard to get around anyone, then after I got almost to the crest of the bridge, I was on the far left side (as far left as you can go - see pic), and I got stuck and couldn't get around anyone for like a minute. Then, I just pushed myself through. That's not normally me, but I wanted to run ... and I felt GOOD.

Like David mentioned, the bridge wasn't bad at all. The incline didn't feel tough and the slope downhill didn't feel like a downhill at all. It's a 2.5 mile long bridge (roughly), so I suppose it's so gradual you don't feel the slope at all. Really, I ran the entire bridge except for the part I got stuck behind some walkers, and there was one walk where I stopped to get these pics. I, however moved to the far right so I could be out of the runners' way. :-)

All in all, the race is great! Yeah, it is a big crowd and I typically don't like big crowds either, but this race is one we've been wanting to participate in for years. I really like Charleston, and always have, so I'd definately do it again. I will just be faster and sign up for a better corral, or I'll walk it completely. Obviously, I didn't PR at this race, but I would have. I know it. I had a good race, and I rarely walked. My legs felt great. At my last 10K (Mar 1), my time was 1:06:29, and this 10K I was at 1:07:27. So, I need to find another 10K to do, because I know I can better these times.

The rest of the weekend was fantastic! My Mom and her boyfriend went with us and babysat the little one while we ran. We got back to the house at lunchtime, showered quickly and went to get some yummy food, then headed downtown to walk the market. We barely made it to the truck before the storm swept through and poured rain out of nowhere, or so it seemed. Sunday was another great day filled with a little shopping, enjoying Charleston and driving along the battery. We also stopped by Folly Beach to see some waves. We got back pretty late, and I had to quickly sit down, study and then take my quiz for my class for the week. Luckily, the drive home let me finish the needed reading I had to do. Some 40ish pages.... Blah.... So, after that - it was time for me to turn in. I'll catch up on blogs today sometime.

Long swim today - done!
2000yds - 51:52 (2:35/100yd)
This is the exact same pace I did last week for 1600yds and the longest swim I've had. :-)

Here are some pics from the weekend!

Sweet little lady... Yeah, right?

Waiting for breakfast Sunday.

Ahhh.... the beach (Folly Beach)

David and Grace

Mom, Grace, and I

I think she likes the beach

Can anyone guess what this is?

Gotta go and do some work. Plus David keeps sending me links to real estate in Charleston. Something about wanting to move back....

Race pics can be seen here.
Weekend pics can be seen here.

BI - What???

2008-04-03T22:56:00.006-04:00

Bilateral breathing, that is. It just sucks. Well, maybe not. I'm new at it and I know I need to give it more time. But I gotta tell ya - I drank a lot pool water while bilateral breathing on my left side today. Now, you'd think that that would be my dominant side to breathe huh, since I am left (wrong-whatevah!) handed. But, when I started lap swimming last year and decided to go from the doggy swimming style to actually putting my face in the water, I naturally started unilateral breathing on my right side. Now, after reading a couple of articles about unilateral breathing possibly being related to some shoulder pain, I am going to have to start tying this crap more often. Over my last few swim sessions, I've had shoulder pain afterwards and think it could be related. So, they're ya have it! Another freakin' reason to slow my arse down EVEN more. More technique changes... Blah.............. One day, one day, maybe I'll become a faster swimmer after all this technique changes. I know what I'm doing is gonna make me more efficient.

Last night, I had a 4 or 5 mile on my schedule. Time was tight. I had planned a 6ish gathering at the Hippie Mellow Mushroom. Mmmm.... loves me some pizza. Our sweet friend, Robin stopped by to say Hi and Happy Birthday to David. We got to chatting, and laughing and time flew away from us. I headed out for my run while David went to get the little lady. It was around 75 yesterday, and I could tell fo SHO. What's happened with our weather lately? Anyway, it was HOT for me (so far) and the humidity was around 50. Time for pollen season here... and my car can sure tell. After I left, I didn't know how much time I had to run, so I cut it short and did 3, but they were really the worst 3 miles I have done in a while. I had to stop several times to catch my breathe and stretch my calf. I'm glad I did just 3, because I started out at 5 and we left the house at 6, after my quick shower.

Run 3 miles - 31:49 (10:16/mi)

Today at lunch, I did lap drills. It was pretty boring, and I already mentioned the bilateral breathing drama.

200yd wu
200yd sidekicks
200yd catch-up
200yd kickboard
200yd cd
200yd bilateral breathing

Swim 1200yds

After work, we both needed to get in some exercise, so David went for a quick run that was in the 40's and light rain. See what I'm saying about our weather!!!! While I hopped on the trainer for 35 min. We had to hurry, so we could go to dinner and then for me to head out to meet a friend for a cup o' java! It was a fantastic time!

Bike (trainer) - 35:00 10:18 miles (17.45 mi/hr)

The bridge run had some obstacles for us last night. Long story short, our plans for a babysitter (friend and owner of the condo we're staying at) fell through and she had no reason to go down to Charleston. I told her that's okay, we'll figure something out. It's wonderful she's letting us stay in their vacation home for the weekend. So, last night - David nor I would say "I won't run it, so you can". But, I started to think that one of us would not run it. But plans change and my Mother and boyfriend are joining us for the entire weekend, so we're making a nice trip out of it. Yehaww.....

Time to pack for the trip. I'll read blogs first thing in the morning with my morning coffee and bagel.

Happy Birthday, David!

2008-04-02T09:44:00.005-04:00

Today, my husband turns 34 (but still acts like a kid :-)! Yep, he didn't quite make it as an April fool's baby. Unfortunately, I can't put up any videos here. Something about videos not allowed while working. So, he'll have to settle for a pic of Mickey. Oh well. Happy Birthday David!

Yesterday I went for my "long" swim at lunch and from now on, I gotta find another time to do this in. It just doesn't fit into my lunch hour any longer. I started off slow, so I could get to a distance I'd be happy with and it just felt right. I felt great, even though I'm suffering from a little congestion. It just seemed to hit the spot. I am going to add 100yds each week. I did 1600yds but felt as though I could have kept going, but, time prevented me from doing so.

Swim 1600yds - 41:27 (2:35 /100yd)

I quickly picked up Grace after work, headed home, gave her a quick bath and then got on the trainer in the living room while she ate and watched Dora. I was sweating way more than usual. In the basement when we ride, we have a fan that's on us, and I didn't have that upstairs, so I know that's why I was sweating so bad. I only had time to do 30 min, then had to hop in the shower, change and grab a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before Grace and I left for our Church small group. It was great last night, as always.

Bike (trainer) 8.40 miles - 30:00 (16.8 mi/hr) (Again, I think my cateye computer is jacked up and this isn't accurate). David will have to look at it and see if it's hosed up. I am thinking of getting another one just because I've had so many issues lately.

Well, that's about it for now. Today, I have a run scheduled for after work, somewhere around 4 or 5 miles. Hope you all have a great hump day! I'm still trying to catch up on blogs and now I have a meeting to go to. Blah....

ta-ta and don't forget to pop on over to my Hubby's blog and wish him a Happy Birthday!

While the mouse is away....

2008-03-31T19:47:00.006-04:00

...the cats will play. Is that the saying?

No, not really. It's been a challenging week since David left on Wed with many areas to include, house cleaning and painting, working, spending 1 on 1 time with Grace, college class, and training. Blah... and now it seems I've got that crappy cold - again. It's GOT to be the weather here. In the last 2 wks, I've had a run where it's been hot then the next run, it's cold again. Very crazy weather, we've had. Enough of the complaining, right?

Wow, what a response I got from my last post (ehh... venting post). I feel a lot better about the whole situation. Thank you all very much for your responses. I've read them over and over, and they are just very comforting. I'm not a boastful person at all, but I'd like to be proud of what I've accomplished and in some situations feel as though I shouldn't express it. I know how much further in both endurance and speed I have to go before I can feel a wee bit satisfied, but also see how far I've come. You all are a great bunch of people to be around in this virtual disneyland.

I haven't been online much lately other than my college class, so I need to spend a little time tonight trying to read through blogs and see how you all are doing. I have been working out some as much as I can find the time for.

On thursday, I went to the pool for drills and started to work some on bilateral breathing. It will take some time getting used to it, but I was able to do 2 full laps of bilateral breathing at the end of my drills.

200wu
4x50 side kick
4x50 catch up
4x50 kickboard
200cd
100 bilateral breathing

total: 1100 yds

Friday, I went for a longer than usual lunch run. Everyone I work with was either on vacation or unable to locate, so I took an extra long lunch and treated myself to a stress reliever lunch. Like I mentioned earlier, it was hot to me. It wasn't hot, just the hottest day so far in spring here, and thus hard for my body to adjust.

Run 5 miles 49:30 (9:54/mi)

After Grace and I got home for the day, I brought the ole' trainer and bike upstairs and watched SpongeBob while on the trainer. Well, Grace watched it and I put my Marketing book on a stool next to the bike and studied while riding. I sweated like a pig! I think I jacked up my cateye a little, because the speed on it showed way faster than my ability. So, I don't think the pace is accurate.

Bike (trainer) 9.97 miles 35:00 (17.09 mi/hr)

Training contined saturday morning. Grace and I headed to the gym early in the morning for a swim. I did 100yd sprints. Well, I tried to. I am just so winded when I speed up just a little bit. 100yd swims are pretty close in time. After I finished with my workout, I got Grace and she got in some pool time wearing her new goggles. Dora, of course.

Swim 1000yds
200yd wu
100yd 2:14, 2:17, 2:16, 2:15, 2:17, 2:17
200yd cd

Sunday, I woke up feeling pretty icky and with a headache that I couldn't shake all day. My Mom came over to go to Church with us, then watch Grace while I ran my scheduled (my schedule, since I'm not on a running plan right now) 7 miles. I just felt horrible, and not really up for it. So, after Church, we went to PF Changs and had lunch, then did a little shopping.

Unfortunately, I slept like poo last night. I think I finally fell asleep around 1:30am, and didn't sleep consistently at all. I woke up with my tummy sore, and congested. CRAP! So, Grace and I slept in a little, then I headed to work (late). After a few hrs there, I took off to go home and get some rest, with the promise that I would write a paper I need to write for work. That didn't happen, and I am working on it now. Oh well.

IMO, my monthly totals ROCKED like Duran Duran and I am a crazy triathlete training nut. Not really, but you can see I am proud of it and hope the trend continues and totals rise!

Bike - 78.55 miles
Run - 50.04 miles
Swim - 8946 yards

This weekend is the big 10K, so as I go into Tuesday, I am trying to figure out how to get in 3 swims, 2 cycle sessions, and 1 more run between Tues-Thur. Friday will be a rest day and we'll be traveling to the low country. We're taking Grace and plan on letting her run loose on the beach. I absolutely adore Chucktown and look forward to it. Maybe, we'll take our bikes. :-)

David's returning from Sunny SoCal tomorrow night. I'm sure he's bummed... He'll be arriving around 11:30pm.

Can't leave a weekend rundown without showing off my little snot. She told me she wanted sugar for supper. Yeah, that's all I need.

Shhhh..... Let you in on a little secret -

David's Birthday is Wed!!

Time for me to watch House Hunters, study for class, write a paper for work, and read your blogs!

Who here "Gets it"?

2008-03-27T08:59:00.005-04:00

Laura's recent post got me thinking about my own life and how my fitness or drive doesn't "fit" or is not understood in my circle of (supposedly) good friends and family. She recently spoke about how she's trying to eat healthy and live a corporate consulting life, that people don't "get". She gets semi-picked on or chastised for trying to choose healthy options at team, dinners/outings. That is the rough of it.

She got a comment that goes like this: From Julie. "And, yes, I've found people can go either way: they support you (and, in many cases, are inspired enough to start making better choices for themselves) or they trash you for trying if they're threatened. Thankfully, most people are either the former or neutral."

I wish the crowds I run with (figuratively speaking here, of course), were at least neutral. Seriously, here lately that's come up with me and I just need to talk about and since my husband is out of town, and my daughter hears "yada, yada, yada" from me while watching Spongebob or Dora, I'm letting loose here. My situation though isn't about food choices, but about my active lifestyle. I workout a lot - Well, to people around me - of course, not to you bloggers. I swim at lunch, or run, or cycle so I can spend more time in the evening with my family and I don't get asked to lunch "because you're always working out". Okay, no biggie. I understand that. But, just the other day a few people I work with ganged up on me and my workout dedication. I was picked, poked and prodded quite a bit, to where I felt tense. What made me feel a bit on the defense was that 4 people at one time were chastising my commitment to working out, bashing me like the paparazzi do Britney. I ended up saying something to the effect that "I'm committed to fitness so that I can set an example to my daughter and so I can have a possible life expectancy higher than most". At one point, I did let loose that I workout more than all of them combined and at that point, I became "holier than thou". What?? That's what I was told. I wish I wouldn't have said that. I think the conversation ended with the possibility is higher of me loosing my life way earlier than normal cause "someone will run me over while I'm out riding or hit me while I'm running on a sidewalk". Huh???? You've got to be kidding me. I made sure that once the conversation was over, It was back to normal.

MOST of our friends (not including those of you online, of course) and family couldn't care less about what David and I are doing to improve our fitness, and in return improving our lives. Not just the races, or the distances we cover, but even the fact that David was picked to be on a sponsored team. For his 2nd year ever of competing in triathlons, he's hanging with some of the best of the best in SC on a team. This is part of our lives and something we enjoy. I mean, look at my calendar. Do you think I care about what I'm doing? So why is it that it seems people want to care about you, just NOT what's important to you, if it's not understood by them. It's easy to find that connection with those that you have something in common with. I really try hard to understand or have some sort of compassion for what a friend/family member of mine enjoys/loves. After all, if I care about them, I should care about their lives as well.

People don't get it, so they tend to talk down to you to make them feel better. Unfortunately, I've either had the feeling of when I'm talking passionately about an upcoming race or one that just passed, that I get the blank stare, the I hear blah, blah, blah, stare. OR, I'm told not to talk about it, in which this shuts me down, not just with the conversation but I shut down in talking about myself at all. I know I take it personally, but it IS personal.

All this venting, and I had a positive experience the other day with this very subject. While at my Aunt's house, I brought up that on our upcoming trip, I will probably be taking my vehicle so I can take my bike with me. This started the triathlon/racing conversation with the ladies in my family. They were asking questions, and my Mom, even though she knows nothing about triathlons except it involves the 3 sports, was so proud of David and I. She talked about how "we do these things all the time (she meant races), etc and kept going about it". I know she's my Mom and wouldn't expect anything less, right. After all, I'm her favorite daughter. :-) I don't expect that reaction from everyone, well no-one else, for that matter but it made me feel good, that even though she doesn't understand it, she cares about us - therefore, she cares about what we care about. She's also started a workout routine, which I'm very proud of her for doing so. Amazing!

I have come a long way, and know I have a ways to go. After having Grace 3 yr 3 mos ago, David and I sat on the couch all the time for a long time. We did no fitness whatsoever. I don't know what lit our fires, but somehow we got off the couch and started working out. In 2006, we including most of my team at work, signed up for a local 5K and that's what got us going. I used to run up to 10 miles years ago in the Navy while I was on Active Duty, but when I started training for the 5K, I had to start all over. And now, it's about showing Grace that she can grow up with fitness in her life instead of years down the road, having someone other than us tell her she needs to add fitness to her life. It will be normal for her to workout and make her body healthy. I wish I would have had someone while I was younger to get me to do some 5K's, or kids triathlons, or whatever. If so, I think I could be a whole lot further than I am now and know that I would be better at what I enjoy.

Yesterday, I went out for my run at lunch and tried to do some fartleks from what Ashley suggested the other day. I ventured out to do 3 miles, and it's pretty flat for us. It's also heavily traveled, so I thought I'd run street to street at a higher turnover. I'd run a little, then back off and so forth. I quickly became tired, as I suppose you're supposed to feel. But, at one time during a pick-up pace I looked down at my watch and saw a time of about 7:58 pace and that made me smile. Now, don't expect to see any outrageous times in my run, because like I said after 3 of these I felt spent. I did about 2 more after I turned around at 1.5 miles. I would, however, hope that soon I can have a run where I'm not running in 15mph winds. Geesh.... I'm going to keep on, keeping on. :-)

Run - 3.15 miles 30:07 (9:34 /mi)

Basically, all this venting (sorry for the long post) had me wanting to say that I'm glad I've found all of you. Each and everyday that I visit your blogs, I'm touched, inspired, enlightened, humbled, and pushed to improve my physical ability. Everyone one of you help and guide me in some way. That's why I stalk your blogs. :-) The comrade here in this virtual world is amazing and I've met some fantastic friends through this blog. I sometimes feel like, other than a select few in my life here, you all understand and "get it".

swimming high

2008-03-26T10:08:00.004-04:00

Obviously, yesterday was a good swim for me. I want to do 1 long swim, 1 swim with drills, and 1 speed session of swimming per week. Since I didn't go to the pool monday, I had to yesterday. I got in the pool and from the moment I started swimming, it felt good. My goal was 1100 yds (I have done a longer distance in the past, just not recently) then add an extra 100 yds each endurance swim each week. I ended up just swimming longer, and wound up completing 30 laps. I had to get back to work, or think I could have went another 250yds. It felt fantastic!

Swim - 1500yds - 37:59 (2:32 /100yd)

After work, David set out for a brick and the little lady and I hung out. She watched Dora and I started cleaning, and kept cleaning, and kept on, until around 8:30 pm. I was beat!! My body was sore, and I wanted to rest. We had just got done with supper and know I needed some green in my beginner triathlete log (green is bike miles), so I got on the trainer for 30 min. After 5 min on it, I wanted OFF.

Bike (trainer) - 7.44 mi 30:00 (14.88 mi/hr)

Today is a run at lunch, and since I have Grace all to myself for the next week, no after work workout. David flew out of town this morning for a few days.

Happy hump day folks!

Easter weekend

2008-03-25T10:13:00.005-04:00

We had a great weekend!

Saturday morning we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel with family. Yum-O.

Our Easter, as always was a fun time. We went to Church and even had my brother and his girlfriend attend. Service was great, then we took the country road trip to my Aunt's (only about 20 miles away), but feels like eternity sometimes. I had went up there twice this weekend. Grace and her 2nd cousins did some egg hunting, and we all ate WAY too much!

Tyler, Grace, and Colby

Apparently, she wore herself out.

I didn't get in ANY workouts this weekend. Friday, I did go to the pool for a 100yd repeats, and it was quite a struggle. Especially since the kids that were swimming in the large open area of the pool kept bouncing their beach ball in my lane. It wasn't that bad, until the kid would get in my lane while I was swimming a lap and prevent me from continuing . He really could have waited until I passed it. I had to stop and he says "oh, I'm sorry" - and stood there. Yeah, get the ball and move, please. Then, it happened about 3/4 more times.

Swim 1000 yds - 23:18 (2m 20s /100yd)

Since I was a lazy bum with workouts Sat and Sun, I felt the need to get back in the grind yesterday. I know I needed to swim, but I know my swims lately have left me with little energy the rest of the day, and since I know I NEEDED a run, I decided to skip the swim yesterday and go for my run last night. It's crazy, just the other day I was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and yesterday it was tights, long-sleeves, and headpiece to cover my ears. It was a bit windy (~15mph) and I did hill repeats (sort of). It's a long uphill of about .75 mile, and I did the entire loop 3 times.

Run 6.2 miles - 1:05:51

On my next run (shorter distance), I'm gonna work on what Ashley left in my last post. She told me to do some fartleks. I know I need to do this, but have been reluctant because of the left leg pain I get when I run. I'll do a 3 or 4 miler tomorrow, try to run a flat course and work on it some. So, thanks for the advice! In my blog, advice is always welcomed with open arms!

As if I didn't have enough on my plate these days, I signed up for another college class that started yesterday, so blogging may take a small back seat at times. I'm gonna try to read and catch up with you all today.

Today for lunch is swimming, for sure, even though this is how I feel.

Good Friday

2008-03-20T21:13:00.009-04:00

Isn't every Friday a good Friday?

Happy Good Friday to everyone and if you're traveling for the Easter holidays, be careful and have a great weekend! If you can't tell, I'm excited for the weekend. We don't have a jam packed schedule of events to do, but we do have some things on the list.
* Grace is gonna see Grandpa. She doesn't see him that much.
* The ladies in my family are having lunch tomorrow. This happens every few months.
* We're having Easter lunch at my Aunt's house out in the sticks on Sunday.
* Church is gonna be awesome and I've invited some people to come with us.
* I'm running 7 miles for a "long" run with all hills. Totally different route.
* David is doing the group ride tomorrow.
* House projects are getting completed even if it is just 1 project. We've got to work harder on getting these things done.

Yesterday after work I ventured out into the world of crazy East Butler Rd. drivers for a 5 miler and instead of doing hill repeats, I'd thought I would just do some long gradual hills within my run. Back behind where David works, there is a hill like that of about .5 long that's just draining (to me, that is), and the wind felt like it was kicking like karate at about 15 mph. David informed me that it was more like 10. Oh well... it felt worse. All in all, it was challenging for me and I stopped a few times to stretch my calf, then had to stop for lights and freeways and such. But, the run was done, and my splits were pretty consistent, except for the last mile. David says I'm sandbagging in the beginning of my run if I can shave off that much time for my last mile. I'm pretty proud of it, and feel that I'm starting to improve my running. It feels good that maybe soon, I'll be back where I was a few months ago.

Run 5 miles 50:21 (10:04 /mi)
10:12
10:12
10:14
10:16
9:26

I think the reason I pick up the pace so much on my last miles, is I see our neighborhood road for the last mile, and I'm ready to get back. But, yeah, it does look like I'm sandbagging some of the pace in the beginning.

I really need to take a rest day soon and prefer to do it over the weekend. But, I need to do a run and ride plus Pilates. I gotta figure it all out soon, and do double days so I can fit it all in. Today is swimming at lunch. David will be there doing his laps, then get Grace in the pool so she can go swimming. She's very excited about it!

We got our race packets for Cooper River Bridge 10K in the mail yesterday! Woo Hoo! It's official. We got 2 sets of T-shirts for the race. Once from the company I work for, who's a huge sponsor for the event and the official race T-shirt. So, now we don't have to go to packet pickup at all. I think they are expecting 45K participants for this year! I read that the coolest part of the run is when you crest the 2.5 mile long bridge and you can see all runners, thousands of runners in front and behind you. I'm so taking my camera with me. I'm really looking forward to it!!!

Have a great Easter weekend everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pimp my ride

2008-03-19T10:26:00.006-04:00

Please! When I bought my bike, I thought it was pricey - well, for me it was. I didn't plan on riding it that much, so the cheap route I went. However, I didn't think it was cheap. It still costs way more than I wanted to spend. But, I still got a good bike, a felt, and a red one at that. I like it, and have made some minor changes to it, thanks to my hubby. He put a different crank set on it, (I think that's what it's called). So, I have 2 rings instead of 3. Whateva, still don't know what this means. At least, now I know what I'm doing when I switch gears. He changed the pedals to clipless which meant I had to buy shoes, and cleats. Blah! I (well, David) also spiced it up by replacing the black bar tape with some sweet purty red tape! It's smoking!

Not really. But, I now want to upgrade the thing. So, he's telling me my tires are heavy which makes me slower on the bike. That's what my excuse is as to why I'm soooo slow. ;-) Also, BTW my body is heavy which makes me slower (Which I am working on, folks). So, it's time for upgrades!!! woo hoo. Who knew this freakin' sport could be so expensive. I just bought tri bars. I need new goggles, new cleats, cleat covers, and now a wetsuit for Clemson tri. Man.... There goes my money for clothes for work. Who needs to look good at work anyhow?

Today at lunch, I did my 2nd of 3rd swim workout this week. I finished it. I had a rough time breathing during this session. I just couldn't get it together. From this week on, it's 3 swim workouts of at least 1000yds each visit. Next week, I will start doing drills. I know that there is something within my form that is keeping me from speeding up, so I gotta work on it.

1000 yds - 25:33

Time to turn in for the night, after I read a few more blogs. Have a g'night!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No negativity in this post :-)

2008-03-17T21:17:00.014-04:00

I don't mean to always sound like a "negative nancy" and by that, I don't actually mean our favorite Nancy. I had asked David yesterday when he was going to put up a race report (cause I think he did great despite his small obstacles he had), and he said "I don't want to sound like a negative nancy", which sometimes is what he calls me.

It's true.

I'm not that positive, but I am going to try to work on it.

So, I was commenting on blogs last night and saw Stacy put a comment on Lisa's blog. It was something like this "I love how you posted those positives at the end of your post! So often we find ourselves always focussed on the negatives, or worse, looking for a negative in something that others would see as good!". Thanks, Stacy! I really liked that, and it made me sit back and think. I know I'm not fast (or middle of the pack, for that matter) in the tri-sport or running by any means, but I am doing it and that in itself is a LOT, for me. 1 yr ago while Grace and I were watching David do his first ever sprint tri at Parris Island, I had no desire or feeling that I could ever complete one, especially since I didn't even own a road bike at the time and had never completed 1 lap of swimming in a pool. I've improved, and that's only going to go up more. This is going to be my year with improving my capabilities!

Recently, David and I both have realized that the time we spend on swimming each week just isn't cutting it for the results we want. I usually go twice a week for about a 20 min session each. I KNOW this isn't enough. So, we've got to come up with a plan that doesn't hinder our time with the little lady. This means morning workouts are in the near future. Since I'm so slow in the water, I wouldn't be able to cover the distance I need in my 20 min lunchtime swim, so that's got to change. I need to get a new watch that will do laps too, so I can keep track of my drills, etc. My current one only does the stopwatch. While I'm at it, my goggles need replacing. They are ick. Yesterday, we were both in the pool. It went okay, but afterwards I was whooped for the remainder of the day. So, I didn't run last night.

Mon: Swim 750yds 18:20 (2:26 /100yds)

Today at lunch, I went for a short run. It went fantabulous. I am having some tightness in my left (of course - left leg always) calf and had to stop a few times to rub it down some. We've GOT to find that stick Grace lost. I'm just gonna buy another one today!

Tues: Run 3.0 mi 28:33 (9:31/mi)
Splits 9:44 / 9:24 / 9:17 Woo Hoo!!!

Details of the workouts are in my log (over there ---->).

In other boring news, I bought some aero bars for my bike! David did the shopping for me. I think this will help especially while I'm on the trainer. So many times, I'd like to lean down and just don't. I think these will help as I possibly get into the longer distances.

I think that's about it for terrific Tuesday! Tonight is our long awaited return to our Church group get-together. We haven't been together in 3 wks, so I'm looking forward to seeing our good friends, and Grace is excited about seeing her friend, Maddi. Have a great day, Ya'll!

Parris Island Sprint Triathlon

2008-03-16T22:40:00.013-04:00

The good, the bad and the ugly.

Glad that race is done and over with. As much as I was looking forward to it, it didn't turn out like I'd hoped. But, I only have "ME" to blame. We both were pumped on the way down, cranking tunes like Linkin Park and Audioslave, talking about how great it was gonna be - the start of the triathlon season. All to fall apart by lunchtime on Saturday.

I say fall apart, but we both finished so no DNF's. So, all in all - that's good, right? I'll let David tell you all his story.

I went into the race thinking "It's for fun" and "I hope I do better than last Aug". Well, I had fun and did better than G'ville in a few categories, but have realized like the running races, that's it's got to be more than that for me. I want to be pleased with my time, not so much pleased with it stacked up against everyone else (because that would be a LONG time away from now), just with myself. I wasn't.

We got there fairly early, in plenty of time to do everything we needed, sit and wait, and chat with friends. David even went on a pre-race ride with some team guys. We were in high spirits and even "I" had a positive attitude. Yes, I know - hard to believe. Picture of us before the swim, taken by Robin's friend J. The tri started at the nice hr of 9. David's swim time was 9:30 and mine was wayyy later at 10:15. I watched some of the team guys leave the pool, into transition to the bike, and even caught David leaving the pool before I needed to go in and get myself situated in the water. Despite all the people saying the pool is usually VERY hot, it was quite a little colder than what I'm used to at the Y. Anyhoo.....

Swim:
The swim, I think was okay. Not great, not bad - just ok. I had thought I'd do the 500meter in 12:00, but I came out in of the pool, ran outside and hit the transition mat at 13:13. I didn't have people trample or swim over me, so that's good. I had 3 people at the most pass me, at the wall and I even waited for someone to pass me at the wall. I passed 1 guy at the wall, so all in all - it was okay. I think I didn't consider the time of leaving the pool, and transitioning in my overall 12:00.

Bike:
As I started on the bike, I could see what seemed like EVERYONE returning from the run. The run and beginning of the bike course were on the same route, which IMO can be good and bad. I saw David returning from the run and a few other friends, so that was nice. This course is pancake flat so there was hardly any gear shifting at all, except when I first started out. I had expected to do 15mph, but ended up with a 16.24mph for an 11.9 mile course (Supposed to be 13 miles). Not bad, for me.

Run:
I bonked on the run totally! I started out, not feeling good as it was, and it was getting hot. I just felt tired. I did a run/walk which I'm not proud of, but that's just how it goes. My time was not great, and 3 min over what I wanted to do this in. I trained harder with the bike/run than I actually performed Saturday on the course. I know it's all mental and know that it was my self-doubt I have about myself that drove me to sort of give up. I have ALWAYS had low self-esteem for myself and it's been hard in every area of my life, to get past some of it. Obviously, I have a long way to go.

Transitions were faster this race than last year. In G'ville I had a 2:10 (T1) and 1:38 (T2). In PI, I had 1:32 (T1) and 1:19 (T2).

Lessons learned:
1) Don't give up on the run! You can run, Mendy
2) MORE bricks!!
3) More swimming, and more focus on technique.
4) More biking - better yet, harder biking.
5) Need aero bars for my bike.

My goal going into this was 1:37, and I did it in 1:33:05. However, the bike course was 1 mile short. But, at 15mph on the 11.9 mile course, I would have been coming in at 47:36 and I came in at 43:55. So, for this event the bike was my strongest - Yea, for all you FAST triathlete's, that's a stroll in the park. Remember, I'm just starting this multi-sport world. If I had signed up in the Athena category (cause I'm overweight), I'd placed 3rd in that category. I signed up in Age group. Oh well.

After a disappointing finish, and some lunch, we attempted our 3.5 hr drive home, and quickly realized it was gonna take longer than expected. With storms, a parking lot on I95, tornados, and some back tracking to come up through Charleston, it was a LONG way home. Grace stayed with Grandma another night, and we got to go out for a recovery ride yesterday morning. Yes, David stayed with my slow arse for the almost 10 mile ride.

Today is some swimming and running. I need to work on both, so from the mouth of David "It's on like donkey kong".

Time to kick the training up a notch!

PI ready

2008-03-13T21:41:00.009-04:00

I think we're ready for Parris Island!! Do I sound excited? I know, No. I'm tired.

As we're sitting on the couch with the munchkin, I think we're packed mostly for our trip to Parris Island for the tri. We'll be taking off tomorrow around lunchtime to get down there, pick up race packets, and meet with the newest and greatest triathlon team at Applebees. David is thrilled with the team, and the upcoming season. I'm nervous and excited to do my 2nd tri.

I am ready for a rest day tomorrow, as should be. Today, we had temps in the low 70's and to me, it was hot. Or at least, the hotest day this year yet. When I went back to work, I kept getting weird looks from people cause my face was beat red!

Wed: Swim 550yds - 13:10
Thur: Easy Run 4 miles - 41:14 (10:19)
Strength training - 30 min

Good luck to Viv on her Half-relay this weekend! You're gonna do so wonderful!!!!!
To EVERYONE out there - Train smartly and/or Race hard!!!!

Beautiful day

2008-03-11T19:59:00.010-04:00

We couldn't have asked for better weather today here in the Upstate for both of us to complete our bricks. Right now, my little weather icon in my tray says 57 degrees, and it's 8:05pm. Luvin' it!

Grace's bike ride went well last night. :-) She had a blast, did 2 loops of the path we have behind our home. It was 1 loop more than the last time.

Lunch today was a quick jet home from work to work on my core. I have been doing this video by Ana for a while, although not as consistent as I'd like. I'm going to do Pilates and strength training twice a week. I think it will be easy to fit into the schedule because it's only 30 min and I can do that in the AM before going to work.

After work, I had a brick scheduled and was actually looking forward to it all day. I rode the trainer, then headed outdoors. My cateye (bicycle computer) is jacked up. It wasn't user error on Sunday when it stopped working. David is gonna look at it, but I'm sure it's just decided to stop working. So, I'll need to get a new one. Because of that, I dont know my exact pace. The miles, and time weren't working but pace was. Of course, I was all over the place with it. I don't think I pushed as hard on the trainer as I should have considering the run went well. After I finished, I came upstairs, changed shorts, grabbed Garmie and headed out. I've been doing a few runs (including the 10K I did a few wks back) without the ipod and it was quite nice. I think from now on, I'll do my short runs with no ipod. The hill out of our neighborhood didn't phase my legs as much as it has. I felt awesome on the run, came in the door smiling. I feel somewhat ready for Saturday!

Bike (trainer) 40:00 ~9.71 miles
Run 2.4 miles 23:33 (9:50)

9:59
9:57
9:06 (.4 mi)

Tomorrow is a short, hopefully intense swim of about 550yds and strength training. Thursday will be a easy run, 4 miles and about 20 min of stretching. Friday will be a rest day, finally. After 7 days of working out, I'll embrace it.

Afte the tri this weekend, we have exactly 3 wks to prepare for the Charleston Bridge 10K. So, the running will increase for the both of us with hill work. The bridge is 4% incline for about a mile and challenging, but I look forward to it.

Off to relax (more) and read ya'lls blogs!

Drained

2008-03-10T14:23:00.004-04:00

Weird to say this, but I'm glad it's Monday. I actually look forward to Monday's after my reserve weekends. I'm tired, exhausted, my brain hurts from taking a 2-hr advancement exam, and now I smell of chlorine while I slouch in my cubie. I'm drained, my mind is drained, and my legs hurt a little, too. I'm looking forward to getting things back to normal this week at work and at home, then comes another trip Friday afternoon to Beaufort, SC.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes for Grace. It seems as soon as she got her medicine, she started to feel better and hasn't complained about her ears since. She's on it for 10 days, and is taking it like a champ. Must be delicioso.

As much as I seem to complain about Drill weekends, it's really not that bad. I'm in a leadership role and it can be a little babysitting, but my department seems really squared away and self-sufficient. And, I'm busy the entire time I'm there, so it goes by pretty fast. I've got some responsibility thrown back into my lap over the weekend for the next few months. A job I gladly resigned from 6 months ago that I held for over 4 yrs. I think having that title for that long was holding me back from advancement, so I had to move on. Anyway, it's going to be a busy month for me to get ready to facilitate the Fitness test for the entire center next month. It's a mountain of paperwork, and tracking spreadsheets, etc. So, all in all - I enjoy what I do, Love the Navy, and am proud to serve my Country. It's just draining to work 5 days, drill 2 days, then back to work for 5 days, and this week, Sat is a triathlon.

Saturday was a planned bike ride with a friend from work. But, the 22 mph wind threw that out the window. I couldn't just not do anything, and the pool closed at 4. So, I opted for 35 min of strength training (including 3 planks :-) ) and 30 min of Pilates. It's all in the log.

My friend and I rode the Donaldson Center loop yesterday, and David even made it back in time from Atlanta to join us. His ride was leisurely, occasionally sticking his bum in the air to show us his spandex. We did the loop twice, and my bike computer decided not to work for the first 1-2 miles, then I screwed it up when we got back by hitting it again, before our run. So, I don't have an accurate time/exact distance. But, we estimated. Afterwards, friend and I ran 1 mile.

Bike (really reals roads) 14.6 miles ~1 hr
Run 1 mile (10:04)

Today I swam at lunch and it wasn't great. I had time issues again, but with my watch. During a lap somewhere near the end of the swim I must have hit stop, somehow. A great triathlete, swimmer, and Y lifeguard, Pam, gave me pointers on my stroke. Apparently, I was bringing my right arm all the way back but was cutting my left stroke short, bringing my arm out of the water in the middle, instead of following the stroke through. Who knew? So, after she told me to try it that way - It felt awesome. I could feel a difference, felt stronger during the entire stroke, and felt more level to the water. Amazing! I welcome her swimming tips. I think I sped up some too, but not sure. I will swim 1 more time before the tri this Sat, probably in my tri get-up.

500 yds - 13:06
250 yds - ~5:24

So, 5 more days before Big Parris Island Triathlon. It is a filled triathlon, capped at 500 participants and the first one of the season for the SC tri series. More importantly, (Yes, I'm biased), it's the 1st tri for team TYB Racing . There are quite of few doing the event so it should be fun! A few local friends doing the tri are Chris, and Eric, great guys! I'm a bit nervous, but feel more prepared than I was last Aug at Greenville tri. I don't think I'm totally prepared for this, but am expecting and WILL absolutely push myself beyond my comfort zone.

Tonight, Grace gets to get on her bike and ride. She's excited about it and of course, I'll take pictures.

Congrats to bloggers: Lisa, Tayrn and Karen for having an awesome Half-Marathon event that turned out very positive for all! Jess and Michelle had fantastic 4 mile races that ended with PR's and speedy times!!! You all are winners!

It is what it is

2008-03-07T19:38:00.007-05:00

I know. I haven't been around much lately. But, I got 'scuses. We've had a lot going on this week. I've been in a class all week for work, and although I'm excused from my cube, I'm not excused from my work. So, I have let a lot slide, and need to get back on track. It also doesn't help that I have my reserve weekend this weekend, but I think it will go eventful less and hopefully quickly. :-)

I took too many rest days this week, that I shouldn't have, but other things come up and from the mouth of a co-worker "It is what it is". Tuesday was an unplanned day off from exercise. As I went into class that morning, I started to feel some back pain in my upper right side of my back, right behind my lungs. I then started to notice that every time I took a bigger breath than normal, my back would hurt. As the day went on, it got worse to the point of, every time I moved the right side of my body, I would get a shooting pain. To spare all the painful details, I'll just say that after I got home, David made me lay down on the floor on my tummy, and he sat on my back and just pushed on the area that was hurting, over and over again. I was crying like a baby and thus, Grace was yelling at David "Don't hurt my mommy".... Poor lil' thing, she though he was beating me. Anyway, he gave me a muscle relaxer and I was out by 8:30 pm. I woke up Wed feeling better but not 100%. I still have some pain there, but it isn't bad at all. Thankfully.

So, Wed I went to swim and almost lost it at the pool. There were 2 lanes only available for lap swimming and I waited for 20-25 min for a half lane. I was getting ready to bail, but when I got my flick-flacks (what Grace calls flip-flops) on, someone finally got out. I only had a few minutes to swim. It's unfortunate, because I was feeling good and felt as if I could have gone another 750 yds, or even more. Too bad.

750 yds - 19:53

To top off the crap I went through, Grace woke up in the middle of Wed night/Thur morning with her ear hurting. So, David took her into the Dr yesterday morning and yup - ear infection. I was out with her yesterday afternoon and didn't get a run/workout in. So, after dropping her off at her own Disney World earlier (aka Grandma's), I got home to a cool, misty, low wind evening and headed outside. Glad I did, because I had a decent feeling 4 miler. So, thank you - new shoes!

10:01
10:25
10:09
9:37

Looks like a lot of racing going on this weekend. It's weird so many 4 miler races going on: Marcy, Jess and Michelle.
Also, for those half-marathoners out there, Lisa, Karen, and Tayrn. Good Luck and have fun!! I know you all will do fantastic!!! Can't wait to read your reports.

The only race I'll be running this weekend is to see how quick I can exit the Navy Reserve center on Sunday!

Of to some bloggin', and getting ready for my early morning. I hope to have a nice day tomorrow for some bike riding, and a brick. If not, it's trainer time! Blah....

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Ciao

Case of the mondays

2008-03-02T21:03:00.004-05:00

Today, I wasn't ME at all. I'm grumpy, and just don't want it to be Monday. To top it all off, I sat in a class all day and 4 more this week to go. So, not much "real" work getting done, especially since I'm not at my cube. I'm in one of the other buildings. I get crabby like this once a month... NO, That's not the reason. It happens the week before reserve drill weekend. I guess, going into the week having class all week, and knowing I don't have a weekend at all, just bums me out. Plus I'm not really happy with my weight/fitness level so that's depressing. Same ole' song and dance. Maybe David will forgive me for snapping at him. :-(

Yesterday was a scheduled ride of at least 15 miles. David thought it would be a good idea for us to all ride together. So, we packed up the bikes, and Grace's trailor and headed to Furman Univiersity. It's a great campus with about 3 miles around the lake with the route we took. But, I gotta tell ya, it was packed. Everyone was out walking, running or taking the dogs on the trail, and we struggled a lot to get around people that were taking up the entire width of it. I'm glad it was such a nice day to enojoy it, but it was more of a hassle than anything else. So, after we hit 6 miles, we decided to ride the "mall" + uphill through a parking lot, OVER and OVER until we got to 15 miles. The mall is just a stretch of road that has traffic circles on each side. It's about a mile around the entire thing. So, you can see where this is going... Talk about repetition. Due to the many stops for traffic, and yeilding every half mile, it ended up being way slower than I had hoped. Even with David towing Grace in the trailor (about 45ish lbs), he still kicked my tail on that uphill. When we hit the mileage and got off the bikes, David threw my running shoes out and told me to go for a short run. I really wasn't mentally prepared for that, so as first I was like "NO". But, I caved and did about 1.5 total.

Bike (really reals) 15.09 miles (1:10:04)
Run 1.5 miles (15:18)

Today after class, I went for a quick run in my new shoes. I had originally planned to do some hill work, but I knew within the first 1/2 mile, I didn't need that. My legs were very tight from the last couple of days. My left leg was just in pure pain and I had a crappy pain in the right foot. So, I decided to do my looped run with just 1 loop instead of 2, which would give me a very short run. I need to rest my legs from running tomorrow, fo sho.

Run 2.19 (21:13)

I'll leave you all with a few more cute pictures of Grace from the weekend. We can't believe how fast she has grown into a little girl.

Running the Reedy

2008-03-01T22:43:00.015-05:00

Reedy River 10K was this morning. I really haven't ever seen this many people in our Downtown for a race eva! It's the first time I've ran it and I believe this was year 31 for this race. Amazing. There were about 4K people that joined in on the fun for the 5K, 10K, and the kids mile events. It's really an awesome sight to see so many people in one place that have that common interest of fitness no matter how they got there, or what their time is. I believe Greenville has a huge amount of runners/cyclists. Again, I'm biased though. :-) These people are making a difference and I'm proud to be a part of it.

We got there fairly early, enought to stand around on main for a while, get some free coffee, stand around some more. Ahhh.... The anticipation..... I was ready to get this thing over with.

The gun went off, and so were we. Over the last few weeks, and during the first mile of the race, I kept hearing about "McDaniel", aka the HILL. I know where McDaniel st is, and have been on it many times before in a car, but I just couldn't place it in my head where the hill was. Anyway, I hit miles 1 and 2, right at 10 min/mil, but it went downhill after that while the race went uphill. It was rolling hills for quite a while, not bad. I struggled mentally like I have been in all my runs lately, with the "I have to stop for a few seconds" feeling. I really hate this, and even more, I really hate to admit it. I walked a few more times, and around mile 5, we turned onto McDaniel and WHOA, it's horrible, at least to me and from what I can tell - it's hard on everyone. After brutal McDaniel, I ran the rest of the way in. I caught my family at the corner around 5.8, and Grace was ringing her cow bell for me. Sweet!!!!!

We finish the race at the entrance to one side of the Liberty Bridge (foot-bridge - pictured, pic I found online sometime ago). I crossed at 1:06:29 for a slow 10:45 min/mil. I'm happy I did it, but am not happy with the finish. I am having to start my running all over again, but know from this and from my previous runs, I have some training to do. Overall, it's a great race and beautiful course through Falls Park.

I crossed the bridge to look for David and Grace, and he got this pic. I'm in it, can you see me?

After the regular after-race activities, eating and walking around endlessly looking for people we know, we sat down for a few and watched Grace dance to the music a little. She's quite the little clown sometimes.

We ran some errands, which include a trip to Fleet Feet. I walked out with new Mizuno's. :-))) We ended our day with a trip to see a new baby from a couple in our Church group. How sweet she is! and then we had a great meal with great friends!!

Next up - Parris Island Triathlon (2 wks).

I'm hoping to end my evening finally with a little SNL, if I can keep my eyes open long enough and some reading of the blogs. I don't have a run tomorrow morning before Church so I think I'll stay up long enough tonight. Hope you all are having a fantastic weekend!

Happy Leap year

2008-02-29T14:25:00.005-05:00

TGIF

I'm so glad the weekend is here. At lunch, David and I scurried downtown for me to pick up my race packet, and like Karen and Eric were mentioning the other day, you know you're in the running community when you run into people you know either at the running store or, in our case - packet pickup. So, we spent several minutes talking to our near future Realtor, and David's teammate on the Tri team - he was volunteering. We also ran into Fleet Feet owners, whom are awesome people, and decided to stop in their store tomorrow. I just may pick up some trail running shoes. :-) I'm sure that made Robin smile a little. Afterwards, we stopped by Salad Creations for a nice OVERSIZED salad. Yum-O.

I'm getting super excited for my first 10K in a very long time. Apparently, only 1/3 of the people registered for the race tomorrow are participating in the 10K and the rest are 5K'ers. Our friends we went to MB weekend with will be there, plus G-Man. He will be finished with the 10K before most people are finished with the 5K, I'm sure. A co-worker is doing it, and I overheard him tell someone today "what training", I did 2 runs. He DOES want to go get Ice Cream afterwards. Hmmmmm.... I'm glad he did 2, rather than 0. right? Plus a couple from our Church group will be there too.

I hear we're having nice weather, and of course, what's a race in G'ville without hills, so plenty of those to go around. Anyway, I'm going to have fun with this tomorrow. Considering how hard all runs have been lately, I'm hoping for the best feeling in my legs to get me through. I don't expect any outrageous pace for my current condition of running fitness, but it sure would be nice to surprise myself. :-)

Yesterday after work, I got in another brick. It wasn't too bad, and in fact the trainer ride was a little easier than it was on Monday. I went up a little in time/mileage, then I tacked on a 2 mile run. What sucks about our runs, is we have to exit our neighborhood and it's all uphill, and those first few minutes after riding, running up that hill is exhausting. But, I got er' done. It was very cold, a little windy and I under dressed for the short distance.

Bike (trainer) 9.01 miles - 35:40
Run 2 miles - 19:39

Golf day is postponed. I'm glad too as I didn't want to throw my back out too much (cause I can't play worth a crap) right before I do a 10K. So, it's replaced with just a work meeting (outside the work place). Nice....

We're having a relaxed evening tonight. Today is my rest day. My workout *plan* is tomorrow's race, then at least a 15 mile bike ride Sunday. I had a brick planned until coach David informed me last night after I returned, I shouldn't be doing too many bricks, that my body isn't used to it. Instead I need to get comfortable doing the bike ride. Okay... if you say so. He does know more about this multisport thang than I do.

Ta-Ta - Have a wonderful weekend, Ya'll!!! and for those of you racing, don't forget to enjoy it!

Treadmill - friend or foe?

2008-02-28T11:08:00.012-05:00

Yesterday after work, David and I met at the gym. He swam while I attempted a run on the treadmill. I gotta tell ya, I despise that awful piece of convenient machinery. I had, at several points during my run wished I was in the cold, gusty wind outside running instead of on that treadmill. But, I did an awfully long 3 mile run. Blah.... I can't even understand the amount of determination and dedication to run on it for EIGHTEEN miles, like my friend, Robin has. How in the world? I don't have that in my heart - sorry, Robin. But, you're right, you have to make peace with the treadmill and I plan on doing just that in order to use it during crappy weather. After the run, I got on the floor for a little ab work. Yes, that picture is of me. :0

3 miles (treadmill) - 31:06

For crunches (without the ball) I do regular crunches, then hold the crunch in the up position and do a pulse. I don't know what else it's called. LUV the burn!
200 crunches *
50 regular
50 pulse
50 regular
50 pulse
50 flutter kicks
25 push-ups

I'm weak on push-ups, but have to do them in 2 months for my Navy PRT, so I need to start working on them again regularly)

Jess just posted about her speedy run and I love her concept of it. She did no speed work, per se, tempos or intervals (of course, these are good for speed). She just picked up the pace. Who knew? j/k. I know it works, that's how David has sped up and I am adopting the same plan. She blames some of it on Dunkin Doughnuts coffee, and even though Marcy drinks DD religiously and is speedy herself, I doubt it's the coffee (totally). :-) Regardless, DD coffee is now on our grocery shopping list, just in case.

Speaking of speedy runs - Just last night, I was reading my RW magazine, that's probably a few months old. I am really weird, that I don't feel worthy enough to pick up the magazine at all if I'm not training. So, for a while it just sat on my nightstand, especially while I was sick. Anyway, I was reading an article on how hill training can speed you up too, plus you get the benefits of stronger legs while doing hill work. David has mentioned hill work improving speed before. Of course, this makes sense and it also means you don't have to have separate sessions of "speed work" and "hill work". You can get the 2 for 1 deal. Me likey. Anyway, instead of boring you all (that aren't interested in it) with the details, the article I read is here. It talked about 10 seconds of hill repeats on a 6-10% slope. Start out with 2, then work your way up to 8. Then start all over again. I've done hill work before, and need to adjust some runs to accommodate it. I have a great 3 mile course I do that I pass by a small neighborhood that has a nasty hill. I'm sure it would fit the qualification of at the very least 6%. I'll try it out next week. This would be good anyway, because our runs around the Greenville area all encompass hills. It's just what we have to live with here in G-vegas (luv it, haven't heard the term in a while). I borrowed that from newest blog buddy and local speedster Ashley. If you want to see what her idea of a girls weekend get-together is like, check out her post.

In other boring stories for you all, I am thinking of adding another race to my calendar. Now, before the lectures start of burning out, too much on the schedule, etc, let me just say that it fits perfectly in my race schedule, 2 wks after an 8K (woopey) and 7 wks before my local tri, aka my A triathlon. I have nothing on the calendar in July (probably because the south doesn't put much on the racing calendars that much due to the stinking humidity). And, it's an irongirl event, therefore all girls! Sweet. I stumbled upon it recently and am pondering. It's also in Hotlanta, so Wes, DeeDee might likey too. Here's the linkey link.
Details are 6/29: 1/3 mile swim (lake), 18 mile bike, 3 mile run. I'll think about it.

Thoughts?

I gotta run, well, not literally. I need more coffee, and NO it's not DD, unfortunately. Yah, Friday is tomorrow!!! and that means Golf team outing for this chica and packet pickup for my 1st 10k in 9/10 yrs (don't remember the exact yr).

Have a happy Thursday!

TGI - HD

2008-02-27T00:44:00.002-05:00

Thank goodness it's hump day. Friday's almost here. :-)

In breaking news, I signed up for a 10k this weekend here in G'ville. I'm not at all trained for it, and am thus doing it "for fun". I've been working on my swimming and biking a little lately and plan to be doing more of it, and I haven't done ANY speed work in a LONG time. So, I know everyone will blow by me at their leisurely fast pace, but I don't really care. That said, I do have a goal time, but it's a bit on the aggressive side for me right now. We'll see. It is closed for further registration, but I got in. :-) (wink)

We also are signing up for the Cooper River Bridge 10K in April this week and have (in quick passing at Church) made plans to stay with friends at their vacation home down there. They graciously volunteered to watch Grace during the 10K so no rock, paper, scissors on which one of us runs it. The both of us have wanted to run it for several years. We really didn't want to go to Charleston without taking the little munchkin with us. We will have to train for it though, because the bridge is sloped with a 4% incline for about 1 mile. The entire bridge is 2.5 miles long. They're capping it at 45K entries this year, so needless to say - it's a HUGE 10K.

Yesterday I got in the pool for a boring pool swim to find out what my average 100/yd is for the upcoming (in 17 days) Parris Island sprint tri. And, yes - you real swimmers out there, it is S-L-O-W, (for now - that is).

800 yds - 20:27

We've decided to go to the gym after work to get our workouts in. It's looking VERY breezy (18-19 mph) out there and pretty cold. I am a wimp for the combination of the two. I'm gonna get on the dreadmill for 3/4 miles.

Inspired

2008-02-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

Here lately, I've been inspired in several categories in my life, but since this blog is about fitness, I'll keep it at that. I feel that desire to work harder at my running, swimming and just get on my bike more, and I feel ready to take that leap of faith. I know that I won't be fast by the meaning that most of you use that term for, but I want to be better than where I am now. I've passed that "just finishing" phase of my journey and want to do best I can do for me. It reminds me of what Pokey said in her RnR Half report, that "the mere thought of finishing had become no longer". That's an excellent goal for a LOT of people and I commend everyone for reaching for and obtaining their fitness goals. Just finishing a Half-marathon is a HUGE accomplishment. I've done 3 half marathons now, and the first 1 was my best, but I didn't think it was at that time. I want to finish stronger at my next one, so I will be working harder.

David and I had the pleasure of having lunch with Chris friday at our favorite Thai restaurant. Chris is a fitness freak-show, and I mean that in the nicest, friendliest way, Chris. Every time we get together with him, I am inspired. He is a top-notch athlete. We, all 3, of course talk about running, cycling, and that part of the sport all 3 of us like less - that dreaded swim. However, I am much slower than the both of them in all 3 events. But, I am always inspired, not to get to their levels (respectively), but just to improve myself. I want to improve my overall fitness, loose over 20 lbs, and help decrease my self-doubt. I don't want to be dead last at every event, nor do I think I could ever be first. Just getting better at the sport. So, with that, I am going to work on working my body a little harder during each workout.

Everyone of you that I read gives me some sort of inspiration from all different angles. I learn something new all the time about the sport and myself. So, a sincere THANK YOU!

We had a most swexcellent (from Jess's own dictionary ) weekend! We didn't get much projects accomplished in the house, but it was a needed sort-of relaxing weekend and the first we spent with Grace the entire weekend in 2 wks. We were in Myrtle last weekend and had our reserves the weekend before that. She absolutely LOVES going to Grandma's. We like to do something just for her over the weekend, and swimming was this weekends choice. She LOVED the pool. So much so, she told me at one point "Mommy, don't touch me, I got it, I'm swimming". Little snot.

Sunday, before Church I got up and did a 6 mile run. It wasn't a great run, but am glad I did it. I struggled with feeling just really tired, and no energy.

run 6 miles - 1:04:12

I didn't get my planned brick in this past weekend, so I decided Sunday night I'd do it Monday afternoon. At the end of the workday yesterday, I just wasn't feeling it. However, after I walked outside I saw how nice the weather was - not too much wind, great temps. I told David, I'd do 30 min on the trainer (cause I'm too chicken to the hit the real roads at that time of day), then I'd run to our favorite Mex restaurant to meet him and Grace.

bike (trainer) 7.38 miles - 30:05
run 2 miles - 20:41

Today is supposed to be swimming but we've already had thunderstorms. I hope it clears up before the afternoon, so I can get in a short swim before our Church group tonight.

There's a glitch in the template I chose for my blog, so as you can see - I've had to switch it. When I view the layout, it only shows the first few fields in my sidebar. Therefore, in the layout I can't edit the others, nor move them around, etc. So, I messed around with the code a lot yesterday, just trying to figure it out. I'll keep working with it. It just CAN'T beat me!

baby steps

2008-02-21T21:22:00.007-05:00

I was talking to my buddy from work this morning (she did Greenville tri with me last year and we've rode together a few times), and she told me she's doing Clemson tri in May. For some reason, David thought I said a while back that I wanted to do the Clemson tri. I don't recall that, but now her and I have both committed to joining in on the fun. I needed an event for May anyway. :-) It's a lake swim of 750 meters, and will be my first lake swim. I am nervous now, but I'm sure as it gets closer, I'll become more relaxed about it.

Today at lunch, I quickly headed home for my trainer/bike workout. I rode that boring thing for 35 minutes and it is quickly becoming like the dreaded treadmill I can't stand to get on these days. I think it's that I rode on the real roads last weekend, not that I ride it a lot, cause that just ain't true. I even told David on his way out to ride at lunch (on the for really reals roads) that I may even start to like riding on the roads better than the trainer one day soon. I was counting down the time on it. Even Boston Legal didn't distract me enough nor my arse from hurting while riding.

Tonight, I had to eat supper fairly early so I could get to the pool at the end of swim lessons to start back swimming. It was pouring when I left, and I really wanted to just hang out on the couch some more, but I left. I haven't done a swim since the beginning of that 3 wk sickness crappola I had, so it's been about a month and it showed. I already know I'm SLOW but, I'm slower than the normal SLOW now and it's okay. I'm doing it, right?
700yds - 16:40

So, I'm taking these baby steps of fitness towards the Parris Island tri in a few weeks, and am feeling good about doing it. I don't recall feeling this excited about Greenville tri last year, probably primarily because I was training for Chicago at that time. I am looking forward to it, no matter how far back in the pack I land.

Recovery Run

2008-02-20T15:17:00.003-05:00

Let me just say you all are the bestest of the best! Thank you all very, very much for the comments. You all helped a lot! Seriously, I know I sounded like some ungrateful whiny 3 yr old (Yes, my 3yr old is whiny BIG Time) on my last blog entry. I'm very happy and grateful to be out there able to complete the half and know that there are not many people that do that sort of thing, plus ride the mileage I did the day after. I understand that and thank God everyday that I have that ability and some sort of fitness level to do that. I guess I was just down about how much fitness I lost, and I know I did it on my own. It's a little disappointing. I've had several people tell me and many of you blogged about how much I beat myself up. Yes, I know I do and believe me when I tell you all - that I am very happy to have done what I did this past weekend. I wish the cameraman would have gotten a picture of my smile coming into the chute after that bike ride. It probably was priceless. David could tell I was thrilled, not only to be finishing the (extra) long ride, but more so, have that sense of accomplishment of it and the day after running 13.1. I think that's one of the reasons we all do what we do.

And Lori, you're right - Virginia Beach is going to be our half!!! We almost signed up this past weekend. :-)

Lunchtime called for a recovery run. I wasn't feeling it, as my right calf is still very tight, but I know I needed to hit the pavement or ride my bike. At lunch time around where I live/work, it's better for the sake of traffic to run, IMO. Plus, the wind is just crazy: 52 degrees, gusts 23mph, wind 16mph. Oh well.

I ran an out and back, not my traditional 3 mile loop that keeps me on the same side of the freeway as my home, but I wimped out on doing the hilly loop and opted to cross the freeway and take the chance on getting hit by the loonies that enter and exit those ramps. Really, the area we run is full of some of the most horrible drivers. My right calf was very tight and other than the stops I had to make because of traffic, I stopped for a small few seconds a couple of times to massage my calf. The return leg was in your face heavy wind and it sucked.

3 miles - 29:39 (9:53 pace)
10:08
9:49
9:42

Tonight, I may be getting on the trainer to get in 35 min and I hope to go to the pool tomorrow for my first swim back in several weeks. Should be interesting.

Only 24 more days til my first tri this season. Time to turn up the workouts!

BTW - I'm going to be updating my blogger template. It's jacked up. I can't move the links button on the layout further down cause I can't even see it. So, I will be messing around with it some this afternoon.

Happy hump day ladies and gents!!!

Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon & Bike ride summary

2008-02-18T13:13:00.009-05:00

Well, to be blunt, it was a complete disaster. Due to (Yes, I'm making excuses) the 3 weeks leading up to the Half being sick the entire time, that led to absolutely NO working out. Not just no running, but nothing else. I had no energy. After going to the DR just the other day, I got meds and started getting better. I didn't think at all about not running it - but maybe I should have.

The gun started the 13.1 sucker at 0630 am. We got up at 0430 and had gotten into bed later than planned due to the traffic getting to the beach, cause in S.C. Myrtle Beach is the beach. I set off into what I'd hoped would be a steady slow pace. I did know that I wasn't where I should have been physically ready for the event and to top it off, I had a 32 mile bike ride the day after. Yeah, that's a whole other story.

Miles 1 - 3.99
The first 4 miles are several turns to get down to Ocean blvd. It's okay, and really the sun was coming up fairly quick. I was enjoying it, not even phased that everyone and their momma seemed to be passing me at the speed of light. There is no corral start for this small race. I felt like I was doing well. I think I passed the 5K clock at 31 something, not sure. Of course, not my best but at this point - I was thinking probably a 2:30 race. Not bad considering all things.

Miles 4 - 8.99
We turn onto Ocean blvd and I smile knowing the next few miles are a straight, flat course. You can see the ocean on the left and all the millions of pancake houses, crappy motels on the right, and high rises on the left. Not a bad sight, really. Unfortunately, no more port-o-potties in sight and I needed one. At about mile 6, I see 3 off to the left and a long line for them. I join in. With waiting and going potty, I probably wasted about 5 min. Then again, at about mile 8.5 I needed to go again. This time some owners of a motel were standing outside smoking and watching all the runners, I asked if they would oh so kindly let me use their restroom. I go in, get the bathroom, she tells me I need a key. Crap. So, I grab the key off the nail in the wall, and drop it on their desk, which is behind the counter, so I had to lean over and find it before heading back again to the restroom. My motivation was going downhill at this point. I knew I'd wasted so much time with the pit stops that I wasn't going to do what I wanted. At least, I'd come in in 2:40, possibly...

Miles 9-13.1

Sucked.

We turned the right off Ocean blvd, took a couple of small turns and ended up on Kings hwy. I lost it. I pretty much just gave up. I walked, I ran a little, I walked, ran a little. I almost teared up at the sense of disappointment I was feeling. I was (no offense) with the walkers and I thought I was a runner. My disappointment led to heartache, and just plain self-pity. This time last year, I did a 2:19:19, a slow half for most of you, but created a record for me, one that I think I can't PR now. Just 3 wks ago on a Sunday, I did a 10-miler. After it was over, I got to thinking that if I continued to run good the next few wks until the race, then I could possibly PR. Then I got sick.

My legs were just very heavy, sore, and I was getting some spasms in them. Probably from killing them with no cardio level workout in such a long time, then all of sudden - this. But, I just didn't have then energy, nor the determination. It had all left me.

For the last half mile, I had my eye on my garmin watching, waiting to see the chute. I finally got to where we (halfers) cut off while the marathoners keep going and it took everything I had to run through the chute. I crossed and David was of course waiting for me. He had been there over an hr, already and all my other friends were there too. They all finished in times like 1:35, 1:50, 1:58, 1:59, and 2:33. Then there was me - 2:49.

So, there you go. I have no splits because I still forgot to set up the new Garmin to do splits. I felt a lot like Lisa after she finished the RnR Half. I told all my friends that I probably wasn't ever running again. They were all very supportive (from the outside) telling me, that I "had been sick", blah, blah, blah... "I ran it anyway", blah, blah, blah... but it doesn't (in my eyes) take away what happened Saturday on the course. Regardless of all the facts, I gave up during miles 10-13 and that's what's disappointing. But, I need to leave it all on Kings Hwy in Myrtle Beach.

It's hard to come on and let the world (so to speak - well anyone that wants to read my blog) and lay it all out. But, I'm doing it, because it's what I need to do, to get past this. My fitness level has dropped dramatically. I am over-weight, under-trained, and just not in shape. Now, I just have to do something about it.

David's right - "stupid running".

Yesterday was another early morning. We all got up so sore we could barely walk, or bend our knees. I swore someone beat us all with a baseball bat during the middle of the night. I couldn't believe we were about to ride for over 30 miles. The bicycle ride started an hr later than the run at 7:30. We all got our bikes ready and got to the stadium where the ride began. Online, the MB site said this ride was 30 miles. We get there on Friday night, pick up our chip and shirt, etc and the course map said 32 miles. Okay, so it's more than 30.... blah. I kept thinking I have not ever done a ride over 20 miles. How am I going to handle this? and the day after the half, that I didn't finish training for. We started off, David up front, of course. Larry, Shelley and I rode together. Larry leading us and offering for us to draft behind him. It's a nice flat course, sort of an out and back but some cut off the end, to make it (supposedly) 32 miles, not longer. Towards the end of the course, we hit some wind that made us go even slower. We were at the 16 mile SAG stop, munching and taking in some fluids, and the volunteers saw the leaders of the 32 mile ride pass us. They were already on their way back. We still had another 5-6 miles to go before our turn around. Then we see David pass. So close to the leaders. Yay! David. and we were off again.

20 miles into the ride, Shelley and I were counting down the miles. Her computer had us further than mine, so we were hoping hers was right. At mile 25, the both of us just wanted so badly to be off that bike, so much so, we were blaming the guys for pushing us to do this ride. At about mile 28'ish, we thought we were close. We were back on Ocean blvd, and David come flying up behind us. He had already finished and came back to ride with us in. He got beside Larry, and Larry quietly said to him "the girls are mad, and I know we have more than a 32 mile course here". They just didn't tell us that. And, I knew David knew how much further we had but wouldn't tell me. Probably a good thing.

We all rode through the chute together, side by side. In the end, David's bike computer said 36.16, and mine was around 36 also. Shelley and Larry had about 36.8 miles. So, who knows? But, I do know it wasn't a 32 mile ride. I just know it was slow and much of a joy ride... well, until we hit 32 miles....It was just a ride then.

~36 mile ride (2:47:25)

We didn't get into the house to settle down until 9:30 pm, after getting back, going back out in the rainstorm and getting the munchkin. I didn't even open my laptop. If you all want to see a good report, check out David's. His is much more positive. I hope to finally catch up on your blogs today. I'm missing ya'll....

I'm very sore, taking the elevator to my 2nd floor cubie. I can barely walk straight. My glutes on down to my calves are giving me hell. And, everyone is looking at me weird. On to finish off my sore rest day. Tomorrow, it's back to the workout grind. :-)

Since Wes hasn't got to see a picture of Grace lately, I thought I'd show her off again. Here she is at the end of Jan in her Jamaica getup Daddy got her.

Sorry report is so long. It's actually 2 reports... :-)

Cough, cough, sneeze, sniff, gulp,........

2008-02-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

I am SICK of being SICK.

Seriously, I thought I was getting better, then just got worse. The other day I woke up weaker, with a slight headache, and the coughing began. Ever since my swim monday (2 wks ago), that was btw just horrible, I've been congested. So much so, I've had early evenings to bed, wake up all hrs of the night because laying my head down makes the congestion feel like I can't breathe at all. On top of that, I've had no downtime at all, work or home. At work, I've worked through my lunch every day for almost 2 wks, and worked over. Blah..... I have a lot of deadlines that came up at once and there was no time for me to take off to get better. Every evening, we've had something going on.

So, finally I went to the Dr yesterday. Of course, I have a virus and he gave me a z-pack, so I'm on day 2 of the 3 day pack and starting to feel slightly better. I'm hoping that by the weekend, I'll be back to 100% ME.

Over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure of spending some time with blogging friends. We ate dinner with Scott and Robin last week, which like she mentioned was way overdue. Fun, Fun. Last wednesday night, Neese invited me to be her date to a play at Furman University playhouse. It was the play, Proof and was great! We both were under the weather and had our tissue in our laps.

I know, I know, I'm complaining about this whole cold thing, but this is my blog and I'll do what I want to.

So some of you know that we are working hard in our home to get it ready to go on the market. We are tired of living in a townhome (not that there's anything wrong with that), we said we'd live in for just a few years. It is past 6 yrs now and it's on my nerves. So, with that comes painting, finishing projects we started but never completed, and packing stuff up.

As you all may know, I haven't been online at all lately. Well, in about 2 wks. I've tried to get online and catch up on what's been going on and well, I think I get the time to do it, and it just slips away. With that said, I will try to read blogs today or tomorrow. Thursday night, we will be packing for Myrtle Beach. I haven't ran since I came down with this virus, so it'll be interesting. I thought I would be ready for this race, and I'm highly disappointed I'm not.

Tonight, we're going to the Pink Floyd Experience. This is what I asked David for valentine's day. Romantic, I know. But, it's what I wanted and better than chocolate or flowers. I'm excited. I'm still not feeling "great", but I'm taking my congested self to it anyway. :-)

Thanks, pals for the condolences, prayers, etc. I needed them. I had a rough few days after my Uncle's passing. My uncle was 48 and just seeing my Grandmother tore up because she lost her baby, was enough to make anyone breakdown.

I hope you all are doing well. I haven't forgotten about you.

little of this, little of that

2008-01-29T22:24:00.000-05:00

I've had a few rough days lately. Yesterday morning at work, I received a phone call that my uncle died. Although, we've been expecting this, it's still very sad. He was very young, and had been on machines that keep him alive for the last year. He's at peace now, and I will miss him. My father then called me really upset (this is his brother), and the call plummeted downhill fast with him. I left work abruptly to go calm down.

Thank goodness yesterday was a rest day, because I didn't feel like doing much. After dinner with my family, I had a good girlfriend from Church call me and ask if I wanted to go get a cup of coffee. It was what I needed, and we just talked, not much about my uncle or my crazy family, just talked about stuff. We had a nice time, and I'm blessed to have her in my life.

I didn't sleep well at all last night, and had hoped to get up for my 5 mile run, but I hit snooze. Today, a swim was scheduled too. 25 min in the pool. I went to the pool at lunch, and 250yds into it, I was stumped. I felt claustrophobic, took in too much water, and just sloppy swimming. So much so, I almost gave up and left. But, I kept going, and completed my swim, but not without feeling like crap and just really tired.

1000 yds
27:46

After getting back to work, I was feeling a little dizzy, and just not right, and extremely tired. It continued on into the late afternoon. I mentioned not feeling well to David, and he said he wasn't either.

So, surprise. We both have the scratchy voice, and just exhausted feeling. I have no energy. We stayed home tonight from Church group to rest, and we did nothing. At all.

Hope everyone else is doing well out there.

Rest day, please?

2008-01-27T21:57:00.000-05:00

As the weekend comes to an end, I'm dead tired. I feel like I should apply for a painter with home builders. Seriously, I feel as if I painted ALL weekend, and I'm not even done with that painting project. Anyway, we had dinner with my brother and friend tonight, and talked about our weekends. He was happy to come over today and watch Grace while I ran my scheduled 10 mile run and it went smoothly. I wish I could say David's weekend was without issues at the reserve center in Atlanta, but it was challenging for him. The good news is is that he met up with Wes for dinner and chit-chat. Oh, I meant - man talk.

I did get in a few more workouts. After my unwelcome swimming excursion Friday, I even went back to the gym Saturday morning with Grace in tow (she went into the nursery) for some bike riding. I ride the upright bike when I do it there. Not the same as my bike, but I'm moving my legs just the same.

Bike
45 min
10.7 miles

Today, after Church and a bagel outing with the little lady, we went back home for her nap, and shortly afterwards, I was out in the nice temps of about 55 degrees and decent wind for my 10 mile run. I did 2 loops of 4.2, and added on a 2.4 loop, so I ended up passing my street 3 times. Mentally, it can be tough. It went okay. I stopped at 2.6, 5.2, and 7.5 for water and shot blocks. Shot blocks are good, but I gotta tell ya, the Pina Colado. Not good. At least for me. I was gagging.

Run
10 miles
1:46:03 (10:36 pace)

I've had a terrific week with working out. I just hope I can hold on to the momentum. Although, I think I got it mentally this time. I have a thirst to do better on my 2nd tri in 7 wks. With that said, I've worked out (swimming, biking, running, pilates)for 7 days in a row. It's time for a rest day tomorrow and I'm looking forward to just relaxing, well after work that is.

I apologize for not reading up on blogs this weekend. We're working a lot on our home, and I was not only doing that, but had Grace all by myself all weekend, which she was a little angel for me. So, I didn't get online much. I plan on reading to see what you all been up to tomorrow morning!! With that, my legs feel like wood and my left leg has that crazy feeling in it it gets after long runs. So, after my small glass of Lemonchillo David poured for me, I'm turning in for some shut-eye.

Ta-ta

Swimming Etiquette

2008-01-25T22:34:00.000-05:00

It's just me and the little lady this weekend. David is out of town. After work, Grace and I drove to the gym so I could get my scheduled swim workout in. The pool was packed with lessons, with every lane taken up but 1 for lap swimmers. There were 2 men in the lane swimming, and swimming, and swimming - while I waited for 20+ minutes. I was not excited about going to the pool on a Friday afternoon anyway, and was especially tempted to just jet. But my "schedule" prevented me from doing so. It said "swim 35 min". After 1 guy left, I jumped in. After 15 min into my awkward, not feeling right swim, I was asked if 2 more people could jump in and we just circle swim. This was a first for me. I told her "I am slow and that might not work". The other gentleman I was sharing with, said no, he'd just get out, cause he is too slow, so he left. She basically ran him off. She said "there are others that want to swim too and all the lanes are taken up". I told her that I waited for 20 min for a lane, meaning I patiently waited. Anyway, I don't think it was a request, more like that's what they were doing.

So, here I am slow, finally getting into a zone during my laps, and I have 2 more people in the lane with me, which I think sort of threw me off. I gotta admit, I might have sped up a little as to not have them on my tail. I know that's what happens in the tri, but I am just training now. At first I was apprehensive about it, but, in the end, it all worked out. I wasn't lapped, that much anyway. When I finished and was getting out, she thanked me again. I apologized for being cautious in the beginning. I understand the need to do that sometimes, I just wasn't ready. I was doing a long swim (for me), and needed to just go with my own pace. But, I'm happy to oblige now if it happens again.

She said I wasn't "slow", and that I had nice smooth stroke. :-)

I think I lost count of laps so I'm not certain on the figures.

1500 yds
36:07

I had a very busy work day today, and am just dead tired now. Swimming does wear me out, so off to read ya'lls blogs and turn in. My mini-me is already out, right next to me. Sweet little thang!

Shout out goes to Jess for her Miami Half Mary this weekend! I bet that will be a fun one!

5 @ lunch

2008-01-24T13:49:00.000-05:00

Not only did I drop some cash for my new friend, Garmin Junior, I signed up today for
not 1, but 2 events. Am I crazy?

No, I'm not.

MB Half is Feb 16th, and the bike ride is the next day. Since everyone in my crew, except my brother and his friends (they are going to MB with us, but, to party), is doing the 30 mile. I said "why not"? OH WHY did I say that? I haven't rode any distance over 15 and I jumped to signing up for the 30. Okay, so I keep telling myself, it's flat and it's a joy ride. No biggie. I am going to train for it though. I have to consider that my legs will be tired that morning from the Half the day before. David and I won't be riding together, so no pressure. (Thank you) My co-worker, Cindy had a great suggestion. She said I should ride a little, stop at a bar, and so on. I think that is a swell idea. 10 miles, reward myself, 10 miles, reward myself, then 10 miles, finish and celebrate!

I also signed up for my 2nd triathlon event, Parris Island Sprint Tri. It's an easy, flat course - my favorite type. :-) I am stoked but this time, I'm training for it. I won't do the same thing I did for Greenville Tri back in Aug, by NOT training. It's the first one of the season for the SC Tri Series and the first one for Team TYB Racing, which David and some other great guys are a part of. They are going to have a terrific race season! I'm excited to see how well they do, and be their groupie and to see how great they look in their new uniforms, repra-sent-un...

I had to make an important decision today at work, and no it wasn't work-related. It had to do with my scheduled 5 mile run - lunch or after work. Now, sounds easy enough, right? No. We have our monthly off-site meeting where they serve beer, so it was either:
a) run at lunch
b)run after meeting, which means after beer
c)run after our off-site meeting, and have no beer at the meeting.

C is NOT an option. I would be griped at. We honestly have some of the best, most productive work-related discussions at our off-site meetings, especially when alcohol is involved. So, I ran at lunch and thus took a longer lunch. No sweat, I have been working over a little each day for over a week, and even working during lunch sometimes. I don't take advantage of the flexibility my boss allows me to have when it comes to exercise during lunch. He knows how much it means to me, and knows I do tend to put in more hrs. Besides, I come to work on time, and leave on time, if not later. I don't take advantage of it.

5 miles
54:32

I gotta go - have 2 hrs before heading out. Happy Thursday...
~Mendy Lou Sue

Hump Day workout(s)

2008-01-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 5:00 this morning, and just could not go back to sleep. I tossed and turned just trying my best to snooze more, but it wasn't in the cards, I suppose. So, I got up and did a Pilates session with ms Ana. I have a hard enough time following her doing those poses and such when I'm awake, but this morning I was falling all over the place. I'm so uncoordinated when it comes to those things. Oh well. I do like that video though, and will probably buy a few of her others.

After Pilates, I did 15 min of stretching my legs, then 100 crunches.

Training today was "bike 30 min" and I did it on the trainer. Easy enough.

NOT - I did it, but it sucked.

I had a numb bum the entire time. I guess I just gotta get the oh derrière used to the saddle again. It's not like I don't have enough cushion back there. But, the good news is I got to watch the first season episode of Boston Legal. I love that show. The relationship between Denny and Alan cracks me up. Since I didn't watch it from the beginning, I received the 1st season for Christmas.

Amazon received a purchase from me yesterday. Yup! I cracked down and twisted my own arm, had that conversation with myself that ultimately lead me to think I NEEDED a new Garmin. The one Mendy on my shoulder said "look at all you can do with a new Garmin, the data you can download and analyze". The other side didn't have a leg to stand on. Screw sending the 201 in. I'm getting the 205, baby. Yes, I know Wes, you mentioned the 405... but I don't roll with that kind of cash in my pockets.

To answer your comment, Jess about my shin pain. Yes, it does hurt when I touch the shin. It's funny, because just this morning, I was telling my co-worker about my shin and that it hurt to touch it lightly or rub it a little. So, I do need to my due diligence research and get it fixed. We are heading to my favorite home-away-from-home tonight, Target, and I will be picking me up a brace you mentioned. Thanks! I would like to have a pain-free run sometime soon.

It feels good to already be done with training for the day. Now, we can go enjoy some Mexican food and a trip to Target.

Happy Hump Day buddies!

2 short runs

2008-01-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

Today I had to split up my run into 2 runs. Lunch, I did 3 miles of my scheduled 5 miles, because I needed to be back for a 1:00 meeting. After work, we had errands to run, and then our church small group, so after getting home tonight at 9ish, I headed out to complete my run. It was only 1.9 miles, but at 9:30 at night and as cool as it was at 32 degrees, I was glad to complete it. I just didn't feel right cutting a run so short so early in my program. So, I'm up in bed now surfing the web with a couple of tight legs. The legs felt very heavy on the run tonight, and didn't really have enough distance to warm up.

Unfortunately, I'm still having shin pain during the first part of my runs and afterwards, but it does seem to subside a little bit into the run.

Lunch:
3.1 miles
31:27 (10:15/mi)

Evening:
1.92 miles
19:13 (10:00/mi)

Tomorrow, cycling is on the schedule for 30 min. Probably will do it on the trainer.

Nothing else going on in my noggin' tonight. I'm just tired and ready to retire for the evening.

Sleep well, everyone!

Back to training

2008-01-21T22:20:00.000-05:00

...and it feels good, so far. Hopefully, some consistency is ahead.

Well, I've take a nice relaxing week this past week, since the Half. It felt great to get back at it. Although I had planned a 8 miler this weekend, it just didn't happen. I had drill on Saturday and Sunday, we were busy, and it was very cold, so I wimped out. I had thought about doing it today, but I had swimming scheduled too. So, I chose to start Tri training and continue Half training.

My Tri training I chose was based on time, not distance, which is fine for me and my Half (last 4 wks of program) is on mileage, so I'm meshing the 2 schedules to make a challenging few weeks. It's just a plan, nothing concrete.

Friday I jumped on the elliptical for a quick 30 min workout. I like the elliptical, and it was especially nice being inside with the cold weather outside.

3 miles
280 cal

The weekend, I was a workout slacker. nuff said.

Today for lunch, I finally got back in the pool. I think it was around 12 Nov the last time I entered the water at the Y. I gotta say, I miss swimming. I am not fast, nor efficient, and have a lot of improvement ahead of me, but I was glad to be back in.

Note, I didn't say it was enjoyable. I felt awkward and out of breathe most of the time. I suppose I didn't look too good getting out either, because the lifeguard asked me If I was okay, in a medical sort of way.

750 yds - 20:36

After work, my tri training log said 25 minute run. I can't complain about that. So, in the frigid temps (to me, that is) of low 30's, I headed outside.

Run 2.41 miles 25:04, 10:25/mi

During my very busy day at work, I found about 10 min to search for a Garmin 205. I have the 201, and it has decided to retire from tracking me. He probably said he wasn't wasting his precious time on my slowness. I was 1 click away from "Buy it". I haven't yet... We'll see. I've been meaning to send mine in to see if I can get it working again, so I don't have to drop that money on one. But, for now - I'm using David's Garmin, and I just really want my own.

Couple of pics from the race:
My running partner, Marcy and I finishing!

I was so glad to be done.

Race goals

2008-01-17T22:57:00.000-05:00

Since I've been back from Javafest, I've had a lot to think of concerning races and just running in general.

I am trying to set up my race goals for the year. Yes, I am late doing this. Figuring I already did one race in Jan, I just might shoot for 1 race per month, or 12 races (any distance) total for the entire year. Because, once it gets hot here, there aren't many races to do in those summer months. Like others, I'd like to do several different distances, like the 8K, and 10K. I haven't done a 10K since living in Dallas many, many years ago. So, here's my ideas, and these are definitely "draft" as of now.

Jan - RnR Half-Marathon - done.
Feb - MB Half-Marathon
Mar - Parris Island Sprint Triathlon
Apr - Charleston Cooper River Bridge Run (10K)
Jun - Sunrise 8K
Aug - Greenville Sprint Triathlon
Aug - VA Beach Half-Marathon (right Javafesters?)
Nov - Greenville Half-Marathon

I've updated my sidebar with my wish-list, so to speak. With David and I both training for different races at the same time, and with the obligation of Reserves, and of course, our first priority, Grace, it's going to be hard to mesh our schedules. But, we'll have to meet in the middle.
I want a few 5K's, an 8K or 10-miler. I also would like 2 more Half's to make it 6 total Half-Marathons for the year. Any ideas? They have to be in this general area or at least East Coast-ish.

So, I know it's aggressive, but I'm gonna make this year my year for the Half. I really like that distance, and now I know I can even run it with severe cramps, so It's all really uphill from here, hopefully. I know I still need to see a sports Dr for my left leg, and will try to do that in a few weeks.

Here's a couple of signs, I pulled off the PFChangs RnR site. I remember seeing these, and thought they were great!

I snapped this one. My feet were hurting - it was the longest I had ran on them.

...and my favorite!

And it was good!!

Today, I finally went for a run. It snowed here last night and today wasn't quite as icy as we'd hoped. So, I had to go to work and had a very busy day. I was hoping to stay in today, and get caught up on reading blogs and surfing the net, but didn't. After work, I took off to get it done and it was refreshing running in the last bits of snow around me. Very different run. I returned so David could take off. So, I'm relaxing now.

3 miles
30:56 (10:19)

JavaFest 2008 Race/Fest reports

2008-01-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

For one of the best weekends I've had, I'm at a loss for words, so I'll just show some pictures and maybe it will all come to me. It was in Phoenix this weekend with fellow bloggers, Lisa, Lori, Marcy, Karen, Tayrn, Eric, Pat, hubby, David and many others, including Clay (Tayrn's hubby), and JavaDad. We had a crazy, fantastic time with laughs constantly, even though most of it was laughing AT Lisa, not with her... :-)

After arriving in town, we met the infamous Tewonda

A bathroom shot dedicated to Marcy from Friday night

Blogger Lunch at The Hard Rock cafe - I didn't get the "black shirt" memo

Before the race

A special pic of Marcy - to everyone that has commented on her mouth always being open

David before his first "official" Half-Marathon.

A little about the race, itself. After all, that's why we went? Well, originally....

When we started the race, I heard a guy behind us say "I don't know if it's the runners high, or VODKA", and Yes, He was talking about our crew. And, NO there was no vodka. Marcy had drank it all the night before... j/k. So, needless to say, those first few miles were a hoot. We had many bathroom breaks, rocked with the bands, high fived the cheerleaders and danced along the way.

Going into the race, our goal was to have fun. We got there and we REALLY wanted to give Lisa her PR for this race. All was going well for the first few miles for her. But, after a while (read her race report), she hit a wall, and Lori, none other than the under trained, Ms "I only did 7 miles as a long run" dug into her own tank, put aside anything else and focused on getting Lisa across that finish line no matter what... and I do mean that. Lisa was begging Lori to let her take breaks, but Julian, I mean Lori, wouldn't allow it. Lisa got her PR! Lori was amazing! in both leading Lisa to the finish, and running for 13 miles, when her longest run was half of that. Adrenaline shot blocks, and perseverance.

As for the rest of us, we scatter along the way.

Taryn had a goal time in mind, and after a few miles with us acting like lunatics, decided to do her own thing. I am always a solo runner too, Taryn, so I feel ya. I never could get focused at all, but I'm okay with that. I actually needed the support next to me during this race. You did terrific, Taryn, and I'm glad you achieved your goal! You were sweet to stay with us those first few miles, and I enjoyed running with you. Hope to see you again!

Then, there were 5.

Somewhere around 5ish, I think, Karen broke off from us. She needed to do her own thing also, and I don't blame her one bit. Sometimes it's better (physically) to go your pace. Despite the pain in her legs she had, she did terrific and even had a PR too! I was happy to see her after she crossed the line!

Miles 5ish - 7/8 were a little distorted because I had to use the ladies room BADLY. Marcy and I were looking for port-o-johns for quite a while. Why were there sooooo many in the beginning, and none to be found now. We finally found some, and told Lori and Lisa to take off around mile 8.5. They needed to to get Lisa in in her time.

Even after my bathroom break, I didn't feel like I was 100%, in fact I was more like 50% at this time. I felt a little better, but not good. Marcy and I ran through the last few miles together and she is the best, most supportive person I've met. Really, this was such a leisurely jog for her, and not once did she sigh or complain when I had to stop to straighten myself up or walk a little. The ladies have touched in their own blogs about me "not feeling well". I felt horrible the entire race, and all these girls were very supportive of me, and kept throughout the race asking me if I was okay. I wanted to so badly to catch up with Lori and Lisa for the finish, and regret now that I didn't push myself to do just that. That's the only thing I wish I could have done differently. I couldn't help that I had severe menstrual cramps (sorry if TMI) the entire 13 miles. I've had to have a surgery because of problems in this arena, so I'm not normal, when it comes to this subject. On top of that, I had GI issues too. I've never ran through anything like that before. I hardly ever even run during it, much less 13 miles. My stomach was sticking out so far, that you'd think I was 3/4 months pregnant (and NO, I'm not). I had to stop a few times and straighten my body alignment after being hunched over a bit while running. I had NO nutrition the entire race, with the exception of 1 cup of Accelerade early in the race, and then water only afterwards. I didn't want to make matters worse with my tummy so I didn't take that chance. So, that's my excuse of the not so good race (for me).

Results:
Chip Time 2:54:06
Pace 13:17

Marcy and I crossed the finish line together and I was so relived that I finished, considering how I felt the entire race. We both raised our arms in honor of Lisa, who finished ahead of us. Marcy is the BEST!!! She could have at any time in the race, ran off and did her own thing, but she chose to stay with us, and then me for the last 5 miles. I owe her!! After we found Lisa and Lori, I headed to the medical tent for some Tylenol, then headed to the beer tent to wash it down. :-)

The Ladeez and our medals!

Time to Celebrate!

One of my favorite pics...

The weekend, as most of you can tell was Fabulous! We all got along so well, laughed a lot, drank some adult beverages, ate a TON of food, and just really enjoyed each other's company. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend with these wonderful people! BTW, Lisa made us all honorary members of the Tumbleweed Running club and even got us shirts. How cool!!!

I haven't caught up on blogs, so plan on doing that today, and maybe finish tomorrow, so sorry everyone! I haven't forgotten about you. We may get ice on the roads tonight, so for SC, that means probably no work tomorrow. Yep! We Carolinians are sceered of the ice. Of course, if Grace's school is closed, she won't be going - Therefore, I won't be at work!

We have a busy time ahead of us, with my drill weekend this weekend, and getting house projects completed. I hope you all have a wonderful hump day. Hump day for us is Mexican Food night! Yum-O

As far as running goes, I haven't had another run yet. I had hoped yesterday, but didn't feel well. I was thinking this afternoon, but maybe not. Still not feeling good. I'll get one in this week then will do 8 this weekend. I have another Half in just over 4 weeks to prepare for!

Thank you, Jess for commentating all the updates on the race! Hope you can come to the next Javafest!!! We rocked a picture JUST for you. Hope you like it.

Ta-Ta (sorry for the long post)

JavaFest 2008

2008-01-15T11:34:00.000-05:00

What a blast we had in Phoenix this weekend! Don't have time now to write my race report, or weekend report, but know that we were we with some of the best people!! I enjoyed every minute we spent together, even my rough half (more to follow later).

But, here's how I feel right now. I need more sleep!!

Here we come - Rock-n-Rollers

2008-01-11T10:09:00.000-05:00

We're packed, we're ready, and we're leaving in about 15 minutes. We have 1.5 hrs ahead of us in the car to fly out of Charlotte, NC. It's just cheaper that way. People already think we're nuts to fly across the country to run a half-marathon. Oh well.

We'll be in the lovely, tourguide JavaMom's care around 7ish with Lori. She has so graciously volunteered to drive us around all weekend!

To everyone racing this weekend, whether it be in our party bus or not, have a blast! That's definitely what this is all about for me.

For Rock-n-Rollers in AZ - See you there!!!!

9 days late

2008-01-09T21:51:00.000-05:00

We're alive!

Yes, it's been busier than normal, because we've added another project in our lives that is taking up our evenings. Literally, this is the first time I think I've got on blogs in quite a while. I think I started going down my blog list the other day, trying to catch up and it just didn't happen.

Resolutions:
Okay, everyone else has done their "new years resolutions" and I haven't done jack squat. So, here goes. It's a rough idea of some of the things I want to accomplish this year. More times than not, resolutions get broken, so I'm not going to put anything down I don't think I'll accomplish. In no particular order.

* Eat better. I need to for my daughter's sake and for mine. This is more veggies and fruits. No approach that is all or nothing - all in moderation.

* Loose weight. I am fit, but I am not where I want to be. Small goals, though. Nothing drastic or unattainable.

* Exercise more consistently. I will exercise 4-6 days a week for 2 or 3 months, then slack off for a month. This isn't consistent. I want to work out, whether it be running, cycling, swimming, pilates, core, or stretching routine - 5 days a week.

* Drink more water. I used to be a water only drinker. But after I got pregnant, I was turned off by water and I never regained that desire to drink water only. It's cleaner, and I always felt better when having water, not sweet tea with my meals.

* Read my Bible. We, at Church, are diving in deep to the book of Luke and I want to really challenge myself to read more about God.

* Floss more.

* Set a good example for Grace. This is broad, I know. But, changing small things about myself that will better instill in her to be a good, decent, caring, considerate person. Example: Quit calling the high schoolers next to where we live names. I'm convinced they sleep through all driving courses AND their parents don't teach them either to read, or common courtesy - that when a sign says "Do not block entrance", that means "do NOT block entrance". I then call them stupid idiots, in which my 3yr old says "That's right you stupid idiots".

* Always have a goal in all areas to keep me motivated.

In other news:
Since the beginning of the year, I haven't ran ----- Until yesterday! Finally, you say?

I know. I know.

Let's just say our evenings had been super busy and left no time to run.

6 miles - done

We are super excited to go to Phoenix this weekend for the RnR Half Marathon!!! I really don't think I'm ready physically for it, but I'll do it - nonetheless cause I'll be with a bunch of great gals to run this with me. Just 2 more days.

Oh, BTW Lisa and Lori - I'll probably be drunk when I arrive in Phoenix. I hate to fly, so I need something to make me more comfortable.

:-)