Wow, How do I even begin to explain why I have not posted here in so long. All I can say is it’s been an interesting year. I’ve had some ups and downs over the past several months and I am learning that a road full of bumps is a normal thing- that’s why we have shock absorbers.
Well, here I am and this feels right now like one of the most difficult days in my life, much of what I brought on myself. I didn’t sleep at all last night. I really wanted to and my alarm clock kept staring back at me, so I finally tossed it under my bed. (didn’t need the mean reminder)
I bought a new bike. I can’t afford it and one could certainly argue that I don’t need it, but I am keeping it. I’ve named her Azul. She is a deep sapphire blue like the desert sky or the water that you see when you look down over La Jolla Cove in San Diego. So Azul is the name- it came to me this morning.
Speaking of which, I did something this morning I haven’t taken the time to do in months, it was dark and I quietly went down to the kitchen at 5 am and looked out the window. It’s cloudy out so I couldn’t see any stars but the day was so new and a gift to me. I used to do this ritual every morning, sometimes I would feel lonely, but I always felt hopeful. Today I felt hopeful. Love is this thing that feels wonderful but it also feels like it can kill you at times. I just have not found the balance here. But I do have this new day and I’ll have another one tomorrow and thereafter.
So my new Azul, she is a tough Cannondale cyclocross and she will be dependable and safe enough for me to commute to work. I didn’t ride her in today because I didn’t have any sleep, but when I am stronger I will ride her in and it will put a smile on this face.
I don’t have lost hope and I don’t want readers to think this. Quite the opposite. I am just writing to say I’m having a tough time right now, my heart is a bit heavy but I have many wonderful things in my life, and friends and good family- so things will be better.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. brand new days
2. really really trying to be strong- it’s so hard but it’s worth the effort
3. the kind people in this world who so often get overlooked
4. angst- (it makes me lose weight)
5. being able to get through things, abeit 15 minutes at a time.
ENJOY LIFE! FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR THE BAD CHOICES YOU MAKE AND KEEP TRAVELING THIS ROAD CALLED LIFE. A FLAT ROAD WITH NO TURNS OR BUMPS IS NOT A CHALLENGE.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Saturday, April 07, 2007
SWIMMING/OLD FRIENDS
I swam a mile today at the YMCA at an easy pace, in about 40 minutes. I had the pool to myself up until my last ten laps- and I looked over and it was a friend who was a roomate of mine in 1986!
I hadn't seen her in more than five years and here we were swimming at the YMCA. Obviously a lot has changed in my life and I had much to tell. Trips to New York etc. all good stuff. It's funny, my older friends when they see me now, they see me as I was when I was in my 20s or even younger. I feel like I took a break from being me for the past ten years. It feels very good to be back.
Anyway, we will be having cosmopolitans at her place soon enough. I ride my bike nearby her house everyday on my way home from work.
We will be coloring Easter Eggs tonight. I'm going to also do some beautiful tissue paper collage and painting on some of them. I'm looking forward to it. I have been doing a lot of painting lately. I will do this as long as I can.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. plump raisins
2. old friends
3. diversity
4. diet coke
5. a good hair day (I'm having one today!)
I hadn't seen her in more than five years and here we were swimming at the YMCA. Obviously a lot has changed in my life and I had much to tell. Trips to New York etc. all good stuff. It's funny, my older friends when they see me now, they see me as I was when I was in my 20s or even younger. I feel like I took a break from being me for the past ten years. It feels very good to be back.
Anyway, we will be having cosmopolitans at her place soon enough. I ride my bike nearby her house everyday on my way home from work.
We will be coloring Easter Eggs tonight. I'm going to also do some beautiful tissue paper collage and painting on some of them. I'm looking forward to it. I have been doing a lot of painting lately. I will do this as long as I can.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. plump raisins
2. old friends
3. diversity
4. diet coke
5. a good hair day (I'm having one today!)
Friday, April 06, 2007
I'm Back
It's terrible that I've been so neglectful here. I've certainly been hearing about it too.
Well, where do I begin. I've already had two races so far this year. A triathlon in March in Arizona and just this past weekend a 10-miler running race. (a total freak show with all these olympic types running it in under five minute miles). The Arizona trip was fabulous. Sapphire blue skies, warm sun and great time with my friend Leslie, who is quite skilled at the whole car dancing thing. What could be better?
So much has happened over the last few months it's hard to begin. Suffice to say I'm quite happy in a roller coaster sort of way. I'm eating, breathing, and loving this life. It is a good life indeed. It is so different than what I expected, but maybe that is what makes it so fun. One thing that is so good to know is that hearts mend and friendships last and what strength you have will make you even more strong.
I have another race in a few weeks. It's a local race and I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully my personal trainer, Jason, will be able to work with me a few times I've lost a good bit of my muscle strength- no iron maidens lifting recently. He put me through this terrible ab exercise stuff and I felt like I had abdominal surgery-- it hurt when i would cough.
Anyway, over the next few postings I will try and fill you in as much as possible. I'm still going strong, still doing the races, still self improving and still journeying on this road called life. more to come.
here is my race schedule: (i will update it with more accurate dates when I am able to do so)
March 12- Tucson triathlon
April 2- Cherry Blossom ten miler
April 29 Herndon triathlon
May- nuttin
June- 10 Delaware Flatlands century
June 17- Great Chesapeake Bay Swim (4.4 miles across!)
July 15-- tentative- Colonial Beach triathlon (olympic length)
Aug. 5- Culpepper Triathlon--
August 29- Iron Girl-- (hardest race)
Sept. 15/ either Dewey Beach Triathlon or the Washington Triathlon-- can't decide
Oct. 15 - the tinfoilman triathlon in Tucson
Nov- 16-- El'Tour- 110 mile bike race.
Freedom not mine
I would have you, but only in this heart
quiet, alone and unnoticed. Then changed.
But now eyes can see, and oh that these lips have been touched
sweet and strong.
But as a secret, can this be, and only
for a short while.
Then the day will indeed be gone.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. this cozy warm bed
2. joyful imbalances
3. emails
4. diet mountain dew drinkers
5. germ freaks
Well, where do I begin. I've already had two races so far this year. A triathlon in March in Arizona and just this past weekend a 10-miler running race. (a total freak show with all these olympic types running it in under five minute miles). The Arizona trip was fabulous. Sapphire blue skies, warm sun and great time with my friend Leslie, who is quite skilled at the whole car dancing thing. What could be better?
So much has happened over the last few months it's hard to begin. Suffice to say I'm quite happy in a roller coaster sort of way. I'm eating, breathing, and loving this life. It is a good life indeed. It is so different than what I expected, but maybe that is what makes it so fun. One thing that is so good to know is that hearts mend and friendships last and what strength you have will make you even more strong.
I have another race in a few weeks. It's a local race and I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully my personal trainer, Jason, will be able to work with me a few times I've lost a good bit of my muscle strength- no iron maidens lifting recently. He put me through this terrible ab exercise stuff and I felt like I had abdominal surgery-- it hurt when i would cough.
Anyway, over the next few postings I will try and fill you in as much as possible. I'm still going strong, still doing the races, still self improving and still journeying on this road called life. more to come.
here is my race schedule: (i will update it with more accurate dates when I am able to do so)
March 12- Tucson triathlon
April 2- Cherry Blossom ten miler
April 29 Herndon triathlon
May- nuttin
June- 10 Delaware Flatlands century
June 17- Great Chesapeake Bay Swim (4.4 miles across!)
July 15-- tentative- Colonial Beach triathlon (olympic length)
Aug. 5- Culpepper Triathlon--
August 29- Iron Girl-- (hardest race)
Sept. 15/ either Dewey Beach Triathlon or the Washington Triathlon-- can't decide
Oct. 15 - the tinfoilman triathlon in Tucson
Nov- 16-- El'Tour- 110 mile bike race.
Freedom not mine
I would have you, but only in this heart
quiet, alone and unnoticed. Then changed.
But now eyes can see, and oh that these lips have been touched
sweet and strong.
But as a secret, can this be, and only
for a short while.
Then the day will indeed be gone.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. this cozy warm bed
2. joyful imbalances
3. emails
4. diet mountain dew drinkers
5. germ freaks
Friday, January 19, 2007
Happiness when you least expect it
One can never tell when good things come about and sometimes they just grab you buy surprise and you just go with it.
This year is a year of change. There is too much to explain here so I will just sum it up by saying that it's all about change and new beginnings. I plan to do at least seven triathlons this season, one of which will be olympic length, two century bike races, a ten mile running race oh and yes I will swim across the Chesapeake Bay.
It's started off well. I am only a few weeks into the new year and I've met a new friend-- Fun, thus far. But it's always important to take life in small steps and enjoy the moment. I wish I could follow my own advice and I will certainly try, Hmm what else. Well, work is boring but it's a good paycheck and I don't hate it too much.
It's very cold but I've still been managing to run a couple of times a week and I am getting stronger each time I do it.
Motto for this year, soak every bit of happiness up.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1, ignoring unsolicited advice
2. old fashioned delis and all that comes with that
3. roasted asparagus
4. the thought of being able to have a hot shower
5. unliimited access to cold diet cokes
This year is a year of change. There is too much to explain here so I will just sum it up by saying that it's all about change and new beginnings. I plan to do at least seven triathlons this season, one of which will be olympic length, two century bike races, a ten mile running race oh and yes I will swim across the Chesapeake Bay.
It's started off well. I am only a few weeks into the new year and I've met a new friend-- Fun, thus far. But it's always important to take life in small steps and enjoy the moment. I wish I could follow my own advice and I will certainly try, Hmm what else. Well, work is boring but it's a good paycheck and I don't hate it too much.
It's very cold but I've still been managing to run a couple of times a week and I am getting stronger each time I do it.
Motto for this year, soak every bit of happiness up.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1, ignoring unsolicited advice
2. old fashioned delis and all that comes with that
3. roasted asparagus
4. the thought of being able to have a hot shower
5. unliimited access to cold diet cokes
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
SPINNING AND MARTINIS
Life was looking very rosy after having the perfect martini. I was waiting for my takeout dinner at this local independent restaurant, which makes a perfect Argentinian-style steak with chimi churi. I met actually a very lovely woman who works for the National Cathedral, sitting there drinking a much more drab glass of white wine.
To offset my gin indulgence I was up at 5:30 and at the gym for a spinning class. It was the first I've taken at the YMCA, as I usually do them downtown at my other gym. I rather enjoyed it and it came at a good time, because I was feeling a bit aimless about what my workout would be this morning. Yesterday I lifted weights and it will come as a relief to know that yes I am indeed still an Iron Maiden, I can bench well in excess of 100 lbs. I have this gorgeous dress I am planning to wear at Christmas time but it is sleeveless so I am keeping up with the weight-lifting.
What else, well my good friend Leslie in Tucson finished a grueling 100 mile bike race. I am so proud of her and she is indeed puttting me to shame with all this.
Please give me a bit of a pat on the back because for more than a week now I have been drinking soy milk in my coffee instead of cream. This may seem like a small thing, but it is a huge thing actually.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. soy milk in coffee (kind of)
2. finishing spin class
3. a good martini
4. a good friend with whom I can enjoy that martini
5. not eating the dark chocolate/pecan/caramel/shortbread tart I brought in to work today
To offset my gin indulgence I was up at 5:30 and at the gym for a spinning class. It was the first I've taken at the YMCA, as I usually do them downtown at my other gym. I rather enjoyed it and it came at a good time, because I was feeling a bit aimless about what my workout would be this morning. Yesterday I lifted weights and it will come as a relief to know that yes I am indeed still an Iron Maiden, I can bench well in excess of 100 lbs. I have this gorgeous dress I am planning to wear at Christmas time but it is sleeveless so I am keeping up with the weight-lifting.
What else, well my good friend Leslie in Tucson finished a grueling 100 mile bike race. I am so proud of her and she is indeed puttting me to shame with all this.
Please give me a bit of a pat on the back because for more than a week now I have been drinking soy milk in my coffee instead of cream. This may seem like a small thing, but it is a huge thing actually.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. soy milk in coffee (kind of)
2. finishing spin class
3. a good martini
4. a good friend with whom I can enjoy that martini
5. not eating the dark chocolate/pecan/caramel/shortbread tart I brought in to work today
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
MID-TERM ELECTIONS
I do not have to stay up all night tallying the mid-term elections. I am actually happy about that. I will be doing a "what does this mean for the middle-class" story probably tomorrow or Thursday if we get a real sense of things.
I did nothing athletic yesterday. (well nothing terribly athletic.) I will run this evening before I vote and get in some weight lifting. Have to keep up my strength even though I am not racing until next year.
What else? Hmm. Nothing much really. I'm sick of eating salads every day from Au Bon Pain. I am going to start packing my lunches I think.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. this picture
2. not having to tally election returns all night
3. a good long run
4. good strong french roast coffee
5. not having to eat a salad tomorrow for lunch
Sunday, November 05, 2006
RUNNING, RUNNING, RUNNING
I had a very long run on Saturday. It was a very good thing for me. Not only good for my physical well-being but I could clear my thoughts and really focus on what is important.
After singing in the choir and then visiting with my brother, his wife and son here for a couple of hours I then went for a quick three mile run. I am feeling a bit stiff but good. I can't wait to take a nice long shower and then climb into bed for a good read. It's going to be another busy week, particularly with the mid-term elections. I am sure I will be given some stupid writing assignments this week.
I have eaten pretty well this week. I am not going to weigh myself but once a week instead of every day. I tend to fluctuate widely with my weight so I think it's better to weigh in once a week. My clothing and how they fit is always a good barometer of how I'm doing. Also, I'm not going to eat a lot. case closed. no candy, no sugar, no processed carbs. The gorilla girl diet-- fruit, vegetables, lean meats and nuts.
My plans are to run every day. A long run one day and then a shorter one the next with a focus on running at a faster pace. I am pondering, PONDERING, doing a marathon next fall. We will have to see how I do and how things are going. I do indeed like running long distance it is very relaxing to me but I need to be able to pick up my speed a bit. If I could get down to a consistent 8:30 miles, I would consider doing a marathon. I just don't want to make a complete fool of myself.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. running a very long distance
2. running the very next day
3. feeling these good aches like I had a good workout
4. a good night's sleep
5. walking away from the bad stuff and not feeling too bad about it.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
NEW DAYS, BLUE SKIES
It's a new day and the sky is as sapphire blue as it could be. I'm setting out for a very long run today and I'm looking forward to it. Today is a new start. I'm sure you are sick of reading that because I've had a lot of "new starts" but that's how it is. I am fortunate enough to have new starts. That's better than a downward spiral I suppose.
So down this road, there are new faces, new places, new hurdles, new joys and new saddnesses to be had. Such is life. So what's a tough triathlete girl to do? Get up, get out there and run. Tomorrow I will ride and the next day I will continue on with something else. That's how it goes.
Sometimes life is hard and you have to just take it in 15 minute segments. That's what I'm doing right now and it's working somewhat. Everything has a purpose.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. blue skies
2. a deep long sleep
3. new running shoes (badly needed)
4. retail therapy
5. that little bit of strength.
So down this road, there are new faces, new places, new hurdles, new joys and new saddnesses to be had. Such is life. So what's a tough triathlete girl to do? Get up, get out there and run. Tomorrow I will ride and the next day I will continue on with something else. That's how it goes.
Sometimes life is hard and you have to just take it in 15 minute segments. That's what I'm doing right now and it's working somewhat. Everything has a purpose.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. blue skies
2. a deep long sleep
3. new running shoes (badly needed)
4. retail therapy
5. that little bit of strength.
Friday, November 03, 2006
DRIVING DOWN HILL
A friend gave me some poinant advice this week. "A car pointed down hill has to be driven a little further down hill before you can turn it around."
This has been a tough week. This road called life is not flat and it is indeed not smooth but progress is made all the while that I travel on it. It was a very busy week at work and also a bit humbling. I did write a very good story about the plight of the middle class and it got wide play but there were some other disappointments this week, both at work and in other areas.
Such is life. What's a tough triathlete gal to do? Well, get up, dust yourself off and keep moving. Happiness is found in strength and persistence and staying on the right path. Sometimes it is hard to keep my feet on the ground. I have the capacity to find such joy in things, perhaps too much and prematurely so, but I do-- To be able to do that is important and I am grateful for the ability to do so even if it is ill-delivered.
This weekend. Well, it didn't start off as I had hoped but it's sure going to get better. I am doing a long run tomorrow morning. The last time I felt this way I managed to run 10 miles! So yes, there is good in everything. I then have a bike racing clinic I'm doing later in the weekend. This will be a good way to see if this whole biking racing (beyond triathlons) is for me. I am looking forward to my long weekend in Florida which is coming up. It is good to find support in one's friends and I am blessed with many of them indeed.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. strength
2. good friends
3. a path that lies ahead
4. new running shoes
5. me
Friday, October 27, 2006
INTERESTING WEEK
I made some good progress this week on many fronts. I managed to go to the gym and get some good workouts done, Met some interesting people. In particular, I had a great meeting with a source in Chinatown. I should get lots of stories out of that.
I am working the night shift here at work. I really miss doing this shift. It is very cold lately and the leaves are all turning. Our maple is a blazing red. It's nice to be reminded that everything is a cycle and that when things get difficult, that too is just part of a cycle. Anger, resentment and fear are things that add poison to one's outlook. It is best to fix things or move on from them and not hold a grudge. It is also better to take the high road and not always try to seek justice. This can be very hard to do at times, but I am going to put my best foot forward on this front.
Regarding weight loss. Nada this week. It's a slow process and I am working at it at a comfortable pace. I don't think the dark chocolate bar infused with orange that I ate tonight could have helped on this front but it sure was good. I love dark chocolate. I have a big feature story I am working on regarding the middle class. I am very excited about it and hope to make good progress in writing it tonight although I have indeed been dragging my heels. My hopes tomorrow are to go and get in a nice long run and then perhaps a 20 mile bike ride in. I have my bike racing clinic the weekend of Nov. 5 and I am looking forward to that. It will be on a velodrome track with one of those scary bikes that has no brakes. Totally excited- totally!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. making peace over the bad stuff
2. orange/dark chocolate bars
3. not eating a punch bowl full of peanut m/m s
4. source lunches in chinatown
5. just getting to this point in one piece with a smile on this face!
I am working the night shift here at work. I really miss doing this shift. It is very cold lately and the leaves are all turning. Our maple is a blazing red. It's nice to be reminded that everything is a cycle and that when things get difficult, that too is just part of a cycle. Anger, resentment and fear are things that add poison to one's outlook. It is best to fix things or move on from them and not hold a grudge. It is also better to take the high road and not always try to seek justice. This can be very hard to do at times, but I am going to put my best foot forward on this front.
Regarding weight loss. Nada this week. It's a slow process and I am working at it at a comfortable pace. I don't think the dark chocolate bar infused with orange that I ate tonight could have helped on this front but it sure was good. I love dark chocolate. I have a big feature story I am working on regarding the middle class. I am very excited about it and hope to make good progress in writing it tonight although I have indeed been dragging my heels. My hopes tomorrow are to go and get in a nice long run and then perhaps a 20 mile bike ride in. I have my bike racing clinic the weekend of Nov. 5 and I am looking forward to that. It will be on a velodrome track with one of those scary bikes that has no brakes. Totally excited- totally!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS
1. making peace over the bad stuff
2. orange/dark chocolate bars
3. not eating a punch bowl full of peanut m/m s
4. source lunches in chinatown
5. just getting to this point in one piece with a smile on this face!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Back on the Wagon
Today started out very well. I was at the gym before 6:00 am. I lifted weights, ran on the treadmill then did 30 hard minutes on the ARC trainer. I felt great and it is a wonderful way to start the day. I try to do it this way daily but my job and just being too tired to get out of bed at 5:15 often preclude me from doing so.
I have no more races this year, so my plan is to focus on improving my running and also shaving off 30 pounds for the next season so I can do category four bike racing and be a bit lighter. I could buy a lighter bike but it's been pointed out that making myself lighter would be helpful as well. If I shave off 30 lbs I will be lighter than I was in college. Not too shabby for this 42 yr old.
Today I've been very good on the diet front. I've had about a quart of water so far and for breakfast I had half a whole wheat bagel plain and a plate of berries and melon. For lunch I had field greens with a SMALL amount of dressing, with grilled chicken and tomatoes. That was followed up with a plate of fresh fruit- water for my beverage.
I had a good weekend. I went apple picking with my boys, which was quite fun until I had to pay for the 20 lbs of apples. Now I have no idea what to do with all these apples. They are very good and huge. Perhaps I will make a pie for my neighbors, I can be nice sometimes.
I have been thinking recently about taking up Karate lessons, at a place in Beltsville I think. Should be fun and will probably get my heart rate up and be a good way to stay toned and entertained over the winter months. I need a new change I think. I will look into this more tomorrow.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1.this iced java I'm sucking on right now
2. chilly fall days
3. karate arms
4. more time to put off writing an analysis my editor is expecting
5. these hot new shoes I am wearing right now.
I have no more races this year, so my plan is to focus on improving my running and also shaving off 30 pounds for the next season so I can do category four bike racing and be a bit lighter. I could buy a lighter bike but it's been pointed out that making myself lighter would be helpful as well. If I shave off 30 lbs I will be lighter than I was in college. Not too shabby for this 42 yr old.
Today I've been very good on the diet front. I've had about a quart of water so far and for breakfast I had half a whole wheat bagel plain and a plate of berries and melon. For lunch I had field greens with a SMALL amount of dressing, with grilled chicken and tomatoes. That was followed up with a plate of fresh fruit- water for my beverage.
I had a good weekend. I went apple picking with my boys, which was quite fun until I had to pay for the 20 lbs of apples. Now I have no idea what to do with all these apples. They are very good and huge. Perhaps I will make a pie for my neighbors, I can be nice sometimes.
I have been thinking recently about taking up Karate lessons, at a place in Beltsville I think. Should be fun and will probably get my heart rate up and be a good way to stay toned and entertained over the winter months. I need a new change I think. I will look into this more tomorrow.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1.this iced java I'm sucking on right now
2. chilly fall days
3. karate arms
4. more time to put off writing an analysis my editor is expecting
5. these hot new shoes I am wearing right now.
Friday, October 20, 2006
TUCSON TRIATHLON
It was a great race, my last for this year and I did it with my friend Leslie, who got me into these crazy races. She flew into D.C. to do my first race this past April with me, so it's only fitting that we finished off the season together.
I will post pictures when I get them. It was also an important race because my parents and my sister drove to see the race from San Diego. I am so pleased they did that. It meant a lot to me.
Leslie and I also rode up Mt. Lemmon, which is a 9000 ft elevation mountain. That was quite a climb but an amazing ride down. Words cannot explain that at all.
Today I am setting out to do more regular postings to this blog and to keep on focus. Since January I set out to share my struggles through weight loss and training for these races. At the time, I didn't really think I could do a triathlon and now with five of these races under my belt, I can tell you there is no turning back. I've come very far and I've been over some big bumps, both physically and emotionally. Nothing is a straight and easy path, but when you achieve your goals through all the hard work, it all seems worth it.
My goal over the next six months is to lose 30 pounds and I will be mapping my progress here on this blog. I welcome suggestions and words of encouragement. I am 100 lbs lighter than I was in April 2005, but I have more to lose.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. having five triathlons under my belt
2. being able to say I survived the bad stuff
3. still walking forward with all the good stuff
4. a sunny outlook on what lies ahead
5. new commitments toward self improvement.
I
I will post pictures when I get them. It was also an important race because my parents and my sister drove to see the race from San Diego. I am so pleased they did that. It meant a lot to me.
Leslie and I also rode up Mt. Lemmon, which is a 9000 ft elevation mountain. That was quite a climb but an amazing ride down. Words cannot explain that at all.
Today I am setting out to do more regular postings to this blog and to keep on focus. Since January I set out to share my struggles through weight loss and training for these races. At the time, I didn't really think I could do a triathlon and now with five of these races under my belt, I can tell you there is no turning back. I've come very far and I've been over some big bumps, both physically and emotionally. Nothing is a straight and easy path, but when you achieve your goals through all the hard work, it all seems worth it.
My goal over the next six months is to lose 30 pounds and I will be mapping my progress here on this blog. I welcome suggestions and words of encouragement. I am 100 lbs lighter than I was in April 2005, but I have more to lose.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. having five triathlons under my belt
2. being able to say I survived the bad stuff
3. still walking forward with all the good stuff
4. a sunny outlook on what lies ahead
5. new commitments toward self improvement.
I
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
LAST RACE
There is nothing worse than watching the clock all day long. That's what I've been doing. I was given an assignment to write up a rather technical analysis piece on the government's latest data estimates and I just can't bring myself together to finish it. I will tomorrow.It will be a fairly good story, but it has been painful to say the least.
I have one more triathlon. It's this weekend and it's in Tucson with my friend Leslie. She helped me kick off my season here doing the Cure Autism Now race with me in April and I can think of no better way to end the 2006 triathlon season than with her. I am excited because some of my family will be there to watch the race. My parents haven't really understood this whole racing thing, so they will get a good view of the excitement. I hope they enjoy the race.
I've been single-parenting this week. No problem. But I fly out on Friday morning for my race and I can't wait. My friend Leslie is planning a Saturday morning warmup ride up Mt. Lemmon. This should be very interesting to say the least-- I am pretty much a light weight compared to her.
After eating and drinking way too much this weekend I am being good this week but it's been very hard. Today for breakfast I had fresh berries, melon and coffee. For lunch I had roasted vegetables and I have no idea what I will have for dinner. Something light I think because I don't want to feel full. HOWEVER, I have been thinking about food all day.
Every 20 minutes or so I keep wandering back to the kitchen at work, hoping that the TV people have dropped off their leftovers -- cookies and other junk. No such luck. Out of desperation I even decided to have hot chocolate, but when I pushed the button on the machine, this cloudy water came out -- Oh well, no junk for me. That's a good thing I suppose.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. the prospects of finishing this horrible analysis piece
2. leaving here before it gets cold for Tucson
3. coffee every couple of hours to keep me from eating too much
4. skinny pants that fit
5. good weight lifting session
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
ANNOYING BIKE REPAIRS
I had a fabulous bike ride yesterday. It's getting just cool enough and it's fabulous cycling weather. had a nice 38 mile ride. This was after having to shell out $55 to have my handlebars fixed.
A jerk back in June who is obviously uncoordinated and an idiot with a junky piece of crap bike for no logical reason wiped out onto my racing bike. I've already shelled out money a couple of times now to get the rims fixed from that and yesterday I paid to have the handlebars fixed. Very annoying. People like that need to stay out of the way of the rest of the world. (ok this is a bit negative but the accident was completely avoidable)
I have spinning class in a few minutes. It's so lovely out, I'd rather spin around outside but it's a good class. I haven't weight lifted in almost a week-- but last night I did this water running/aerobics class with a good friend of mine and there was a good bit of pretty tough resistance work with floatable dumbbells in the water. I thought it was a nice workout and I can feel a bit of it today in my shoulders. It was fun to be with my friend too-- I think this will be a regular Tuesday night thing for me.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. breakfast on top of the Hotel Washington
2. being sleuth when I need to be
3. blue skies
4. these lovely pink roses on my desk
5. having smallest pair of pants fit nicely (ok second to smallest pair)
A jerk back in June who is obviously uncoordinated and an idiot with a junky piece of crap bike for no logical reason wiped out onto my racing bike. I've already shelled out money a couple of times now to get the rims fixed from that and yesterday I paid to have the handlebars fixed. Very annoying. People like that need to stay out of the way of the rest of the world. (ok this is a bit negative but the accident was completely avoidable)
I have spinning class in a few minutes. It's so lovely out, I'd rather spin around outside but it's a good class. I haven't weight lifted in almost a week-- but last night I did this water running/aerobics class with a good friend of mine and there was a good bit of pretty tough resistance work with floatable dumbbells in the water. I thought it was a nice workout and I can feel a bit of it today in my shoulders. It was fun to be with my friend too-- I think this will be a regular Tuesday night thing for me.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. breakfast on top of the Hotel Washington
2. being sleuth when I need to be
3. blue skies
4. these lovely pink roses on my desk
5. having smallest pair of pants fit nicely (ok second to smallest pair)
Monday, September 25, 2006
UNBELIEVABLE!!
Today is a new start! I have been in the throws of racing season, working full time and dealing wih some other issues and I feel like I've gotten away from my true focus. It's all about improvement, discipline and feeling better exponentially. I feel like I've been a bit distant from this goal and today I am back on track and feeling wonderful.
I was at the gym this morning at 5:30 for a great run and then some leg strength work on the arc trainer. All in all a great way to start the day, then I rushed back home and made for my colleagues at work raspberry/pistachio scones. I had one, it was great and yes full of butter and cream. Life can be very rewarding this way. You gotta have a scone every once in a while.
Then, because I am recomitted to doing as much as I can to stay on track, I slipped out and went to spinning class at noon at the gym here near my office. It was just two of us in the class, which was strange but the instructor showed up. This attractive, unassuming woman with long blonde hair wearing teva sandals and baggy shorts. I'll admit I was kind of doubtful about her because she never got on the bike. Let me tell you. THAT WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST SPINNING CLASSES I HAVE TAKEN. Why, well, she's a professional bike racer.
She spent the entire time working with us on our form and we did not ease up at all throughout the class-- We had to maintain 90 cycles per minute throughout the entire thing. She gave me some great pointers throughout the class about my form and I feel like I learned so much.
After class, I talked with her and it turns out she lost 170 lbs!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I was so excited to meet her. She lost it seven years ago when she decided to get into charity bike rides her first century being the Seagull Century (interesting huh???) Anyway, she met up with some professional racers on the Seagull Century ride and they got her into racing and she hasn't stopped.
I have all her information, because she is a personal trainer and I am thinking about taking her on this winter so I can train for the spring bike racing season-- Isn't this great???? I'm totally totally totally into this.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. getting back on course
2. free salad in the kitchen at work
3. being strong
4. meeting people who are strong
5. a really good outlook!
KEEP RIDING ON!, KEEP GOING. GET BACK ON THAT BIKE!
I was at the gym this morning at 5:30 for a great run and then some leg strength work on the arc trainer. All in all a great way to start the day, then I rushed back home and made for my colleagues at work raspberry/pistachio scones. I had one, it was great and yes full of butter and cream. Life can be very rewarding this way. You gotta have a scone every once in a while.
Then, because I am recomitted to doing as much as I can to stay on track, I slipped out and went to spinning class at noon at the gym here near my office. It was just two of us in the class, which was strange but the instructor showed up. This attractive, unassuming woman with long blonde hair wearing teva sandals and baggy shorts. I'll admit I was kind of doubtful about her because she never got on the bike. Let me tell you. THAT WAS ONE OF THE HARDEST SPINNING CLASSES I HAVE TAKEN. Why, well, she's a professional bike racer.
She spent the entire time working with us on our form and we did not ease up at all throughout the class-- We had to maintain 90 cycles per minute throughout the entire thing. She gave me some great pointers throughout the class about my form and I feel like I learned so much.
After class, I talked with her and it turns out she lost 170 lbs!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I was so excited to meet her. She lost it seven years ago when she decided to get into charity bike rides her first century being the Seagull Century (interesting huh???) Anyway, she met up with some professional racers on the Seagull Century ride and they got her into racing and she hasn't stopped.
I have all her information, because she is a personal trainer and I am thinking about taking her on this winter so I can train for the spring bike racing season-- Isn't this great???? I'm totally totally totally into this.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. getting back on course
2. free salad in the kitchen at work
3. being strong
4. meeting people who are strong
5. a really good outlook!
KEEP RIDING ON!, KEEP GOING. GET BACK ON THAT BIKE!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Ode to the Muscadine
Oh but to think of you, big, firm, so very sweet
and not here for too long it seems.
One brief taste sits on these lips,
but forever you are on this mind.
A year of dark winter, spring rains, and summer heat
will again bring this sweetness to me.
And yes, all the while
it is indeed worth the wait.
It was a great weekend. I was busy working on Friday night, but it paid off, I have a nice clip today in the New York Times. On Saturday I had some great time with my family, well needed. And then it was a lovely and speedy bike jaunt on Sligo Creek Parkway. The scenery at the beginning of the ride was not so great but as I quickly rode off, it got much better. I hooked up with this young bike racing guy and we were talking and speeding along- It was really nice and yes, I did manage to keep up with him. His last words "How do manage to do all this?" It's easy- I love it and I have a great network of family and friends who make me very happy.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. Muscadine Grape season
2. $200 dresses being on sale for $99
3. Iced Coffee
4. Fun weekends
5. Perspective
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Scary Ocean Swim
Ok, so I did my FOURTH triathlon this weekend. It was truly a sprint in distance but I have to tell you it was likely the scariest one-- It started with a half mile ocean swim. I don't know what it is about my luck but everytime I've had an open water swim in any kind of salt water, it has always been very rough waters. The Atlantic ocean was incredibly rough on Saturday. In fact, they were considering calling off the swim part of the triathlon and changing it out for a one mile beach run (yuck). They didn't-- we had to swim out about 150 yards past a buoy and then swim due south parallel to the shoreline (but mighty far out there) for half a mile. Getting out there was the hardest part-- many of the triathletes quit at this point or had to be rescued by the coast guard or lifeguards. I even pondered going this route myself but by the grace of God made it through the swimming portion. There was one point during this swim where I really thought I might actually be in danger. I was happy to finish the swimming part. The biking part was very very brief, only seven miles. This is short compared to the typical 19 miles I do on a traditional sprint triathlon-- But they were doing construction on the Indian River Inlet bridge so it was a quick short jaunt. I focussed on keeping my speed up because I knew I'd be slow in the running part.
The running portion, five kilometers, was mostly flat, running through downtown Dewey Beach into Rehobeth. It was fun, spectators lined the streets cheering us on (I was too embarassed to stop running, which was good). I finished the running part, but probably at the speed a 90 year old could do it walking!!!! The running is not my strong point and I have to say I was really a bit shaken up still by that ocean swim.
I will do this race again next year, but I will be much more respectful of that Atlantic Ocean. Oh, and this time I'll remember to bring my wetsuit. 72 degrees is chilly for a distance swim!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. not drowning
2. completing 4 triathlons
3. sunny skies
4. tan lines
5. caramel popcorn
Friday, September 15, 2006
RACES RACES RACES
Geez, I've been terrible at this! Since I've last posted I've done two triathlons and now I'm off to do another.
In Early August I did the Culpepper triathlon. It was great, in the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains-- The lake was beautiful-- steam was rising off of it just minutes before my toes touched the water. The bike ride, 30K, was very very hilly but all the while I was smiling as I looked at farmland and the Shenandoah off in the distance. I was really worried the night before because all these stuffy triathletes were in the town with really fancy bikes. Turns out, just a lot of uppity Bethesda, Md types who just like to spend money-- I passed many of them on the bike ride and a lot folks just didn't know how to use their equipment- snapping chains etc. Hmm. Oh well. I crawled to the finish line for the running part. I hate running.
In late august, the joy of my life, i did the Iron Girl in Columbia-- wowwee, what a race-- what a killer-- I ranked 1208 out of 1800 racers though-- wld have been better if I were better at running. It was am 850 meter swim in the lake- lovely. 30K bike- the hardest I've ever done-- the first hill was a 1000 ft incline over a mile and a half and then about a 4 mile hilly run around the lake (very mean running course)-- i did it-- I ranked 848 in the biking and 870 in the swimming so I'm a fast average in those areas. I had a great time and Tom Ben, Jack and Kathy were there at the finish line cheering me on-- it was great fun. We then went out and got really big burgers at this place in columbia and decadent decadent onion rings-- good stuff.
Last weekend I ran a 5K race with the Reuters running team. I am very slow but I ran the entire course-- I did about 12 minute miles. but i did not stop! that's the main thing. I kept going- ran down Pennsylvania Ave up to Capitol Hill and then back toward the White House-- great fun!!!!!!! We had a big pancake breakfast at the National Press Club afterwards--
I've been doing a good bit of running lately-- I think I've finally gotten religion on that. I've had some good influences in that area too. My goal at this point is to shave off at least 30 pounds over the winter so I am lean and mean for the spring/summer/fall 2007 racing season. I will intermittently add some 5Ks,10Ks and I'm likely to throw in a 10 miler or a half marathon-- it's all about fun. Obviously the Seagull Century, which is coming up in a few weeks will be a great highlight as well. My friend Dean is doing that with me and we are meeting up with my friend Rob Wells who is a great cyclist and his friend-- forgot his name. That shld be a great day more than 6000 riders for that.
Tomorrow I have the Dewey Beach Triathlon-- it's my only ocean swim race this year and I'm a little nervous about all the critters! It's a short race otherwise, whch is good b/c my training has been a little lax. It's a 1/2 mile ocean swim, only a 7 mile bike ride-- i will sprint this-- and then 5 k run on absolutely flat course-- i will try and boost my speed here as well. This one will be about not drowning and then picking up some speed-- wish me luck!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. Iced coffee
2. not wearing the uncomfortable pants I wore to work yesterday
3. dark chocolate
4. driving alone
5. email
In Early August I did the Culpepper triathlon. It was great, in the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains-- The lake was beautiful-- steam was rising off of it just minutes before my toes touched the water. The bike ride, 30K, was very very hilly but all the while I was smiling as I looked at farmland and the Shenandoah off in the distance. I was really worried the night before because all these stuffy triathletes were in the town with really fancy bikes. Turns out, just a lot of uppity Bethesda, Md types who just like to spend money-- I passed many of them on the bike ride and a lot folks just didn't know how to use their equipment- snapping chains etc. Hmm. Oh well. I crawled to the finish line for the running part. I hate running.
In late august, the joy of my life, i did the Iron Girl in Columbia-- wowwee, what a race-- what a killer-- I ranked 1208 out of 1800 racers though-- wld have been better if I were better at running. It was am 850 meter swim in the lake- lovely. 30K bike- the hardest I've ever done-- the first hill was a 1000 ft incline over a mile and a half and then about a 4 mile hilly run around the lake (very mean running course)-- i did it-- I ranked 848 in the biking and 870 in the swimming so I'm a fast average in those areas. I had a great time and Tom Ben, Jack and Kathy were there at the finish line cheering me on-- it was great fun. We then went out and got really big burgers at this place in columbia and decadent decadent onion rings-- good stuff.
Last weekend I ran a 5K race with the Reuters running team. I am very slow but I ran the entire course-- I did about 12 minute miles. but i did not stop! that's the main thing. I kept going- ran down Pennsylvania Ave up to Capitol Hill and then back toward the White House-- great fun!!!!!!! We had a big pancake breakfast at the National Press Club afterwards--
I've been doing a good bit of running lately-- I think I've finally gotten religion on that. I've had some good influences in that area too. My goal at this point is to shave off at least 30 pounds over the winter so I am lean and mean for the spring/summer/fall 2007 racing season. I will intermittently add some 5Ks,10Ks and I'm likely to throw in a 10 miler or a half marathon-- it's all about fun. Obviously the Seagull Century, which is coming up in a few weeks will be a great highlight as well. My friend Dean is doing that with me and we are meeting up with my friend Rob Wells who is a great cyclist and his friend-- forgot his name. That shld be a great day more than 6000 riders for that.
Tomorrow I have the Dewey Beach Triathlon-- it's my only ocean swim race this year and I'm a little nervous about all the critters! It's a short race otherwise, whch is good b/c my training has been a little lax. It's a 1/2 mile ocean swim, only a 7 mile bike ride-- i will sprint this-- and then 5 k run on absolutely flat course-- i will try and boost my speed here as well. This one will be about not drowning and then picking up some speed-- wish me luck!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. Iced coffee
2. not wearing the uncomfortable pants I wore to work yesterday
3. dark chocolate
4. driving alone
5. email
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Sam and LIbby
It's hard to believe I havn't done a posting since I began working full-time. Or, perhaps it IS believeable. Either way, there's so much to tell but I am choosing to focus on a trip I took this past weekend to visit my old college friend Spencer.
DOGS:
He has two crazy dogs. Sam and Libby- at first greeting I thought it was strange that they didn't bark but rather jumped wildly all over me with their short little legs (about 3 inches long). This is because during the day they have to wear these collars that shock them when they bark. Sam and Libby are half Welsch Corgy and Dachsund. They are about as long as a golden retriever and about as tall as a Dachsund, very interesting-- they also have very huge long snouts- oversized for their stumpy legs.
In Spencer's little Fla. apartment there is a whole range of devices, contraptions and inventions he has used over the past year and a half to control these wild animals.-- a collar with spikes, harnesses etc. To calm them down the first evening I was there, Spencer pulled out two doggy backpacks and loaded them up with bags of beans and full water bottles.-- apparently the extra weight on these dogs is supposed to calm them down-- this after a two hour walk, tongues dragging on the ground-- Did that work? Hmm. well you would expect it to but actually n0-- wild as if it were the first of the day.--
Every morning Spencer wakes up at about 6:30 so he can assemble his bone treats for the dogs-- he took these huge bones-- (must be from the legs of a cow or something) and roasted them for several hours until they hardened-- Each morning he pulls down his blender and purees dry dog food into a mush with water-- these hollowed bones are then stuffed with this epicurian concoction and frozen-. A good invention indeed, because at night when Sam and Libby are at their wildest- these bones, (about twice their size) after a careful spreading out of old blankets and smelly t-shirts give any other inhabitants in the apartment about a half hour of peace. With full attention, both Libby and blue-eyed spotted Sammy will concentrate on extracting all of the tasty frozen dog food mush-- chewing and licking feverishly with a guarded corner-of-the-eye gaze over the room periodically.-- I don't think there is any threat that I would have taken their treats. They didn't seem that tasty to me.
Spencer has spent quite a bit of time reading about animal behavior-- I think he probably has learned enough to become a people psychologist. All of my tendencies to take control and be an Alpha female were certainly curbed for some magical reason. Very good Very good.
It was very hard for me not to make direct eye contact with those ridiculous dogs-- one does not need a television or any other form of entertainment. They are the show- and Spencer's computer is loaded with hundreds of photos of these dogs.
HERBERT and CYNTHIA
Spencer's parents live nearby in Sarasota. They are exactly the same like characters out of a Woody Allen movie. I love everything about them-- The big event was this juicer and we all sat around it as Spencer shoved pieces of various things into the shoot to be pulverized into a few drops of precious juice. This after debating for quite a while about how to put the juicing contraption together. All the while Herbert in the background with a pensive tone states that he would rather just eat the fruit.
We had a lovely dinner of swordfish and I forget what else. I liked it though. Spencer made it, which a fresh tomato chutney and a balsmic glaze.
THE BEACH
It is very hot and many people leave Florida in the summer time, but this indeed is alright with me. We made a nice drive to the beach and swam in the gulf it was warm water and both of us are complete chickens when it comes to critters. So periodically you would see us do the crab dance out of the water. The beach was nice though with lots of sand dollars and beautiful shells. After a couple of hours lazing on the beach we headed back to Tampa and stopped just past the causeway at a shack of a place and had blackened Grouper sandwiches. they were great. The place was decorated with alligator heads and one could also order alligator nuggets or sausage on the menu. What could be better?
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Back to the grind
It's my third day back at work and I'm actually quite happy. I have even managed to work out two of the three days. I hope this is a habit here. Spending can also be an issue here because there are certainly some good stores for shopping-- I've already done a little of that too.
The first day back to work I wore a new brown dress from Ann Taylor, with a Linen/Silk jacket and my Manolo Blahniks!!! I will definitely be needing foot surgery in due time- there was a group of folks here doubtful I'd make it through the day in those killer shoes-- I did.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. air conditioning
2. my Ipod
3. drinks at the end of this day
4. our nanny
5. adult interaction for a change!
The first day back to work I wore a new brown dress from Ann Taylor, with a Linen/Silk jacket and my Manolo Blahniks!!! I will definitely be needing foot surgery in due time- there was a group of folks here doubtful I'd make it through the day in those killer shoes-- I did.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. air conditioning
2. my Ipod
3. drinks at the end of this day
4. our nanny
5. adult interaction for a change!
Monday, July 10, 2006
29X30
Glory Days, Glory Days!!! Ok, sometimes things pay off-- actually managed today to stuff myself into a pair of 29X30 levis (the size I wore in college)!!!! They didn't look good, I had to nearly lie down to zip them up, but hey- they were on and zipped- Things are looking better and better for this girl in mid-life crisis.
I did a bunch of weight lifting today-- back up to my pre-surgery numbers and then I lounged by the pool for a couple of hours- reading my book, making calls and checking e-mail. I really like having a nanny-- I suppose the working part is something I will have to get used to- drat.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. 29X30
2.29X30
3.29X30
4.29X30
5.29X30
I did a bunch of weight lifting today-- back up to my pre-surgery numbers and then I lounged by the pool for a couple of hours- reading my book, making calls and checking e-mail. I really like having a nanny-- I suppose the working part is something I will have to get used to- drat.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. 29X30
2.29X30
3.29X30
4.29X30
5.29X30
Last week
This is the last week before I go back to work full-time-- It's going to be a very big change for me. A new chapter in this trip called life!
I have a triathlon less than a month away and I must still keep up my training. I am looking forward to the race and my plans are to just have fun and enjoy staying in the game. No beating myself up or killing myself to be competitive- fun, hard exercise!
That being said, I went out on a delightful ride last night on Sligo. There was a lot of flooding a week ago so the road is closed. Perfect for biking execept in one small part and I had a wonderful ride- cool, deep green and a lovely creek with the sounds of water trickling around the rocks-- Life does not get much better than this!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. my bike
2. bike rides
3. good health
4. being grounded
5. moving on
I have a triathlon less than a month away and I must still keep up my training. I am looking forward to the race and my plans are to just have fun and enjoy staying in the game. No beating myself up or killing myself to be competitive- fun, hard exercise!
That being said, I went out on a delightful ride last night on Sligo. There was a lot of flooding a week ago so the road is closed. Perfect for biking execept in one small part and I had a wonderful ride- cool, deep green and a lovely creek with the sounds of water trickling around the rocks-- Life does not get much better than this!
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. my bike
2. bike rides
3. good health
4. being grounded
5. moving on
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
100 Postings!!!!!
Ok, I've finally reached 100 today! And it's July! I am very sore after running my race yesterday- Yes, I indeed must work on the running part of my regimen. Today our new nanny started and it's very welcomed indeed, although it's kind of strange to see how bad of a parent both Tom and I are and how disorganized we are in comparison-- This is a new chapter and now there will be this great order to our lives- It's a great new beginning!
The race yesterday wore me out. It was stinking hot to say the least and the course was somewhat hilly- there were downhill parts but unfortunately for every downhill there's an uphill. Luckily it was all through residential areas so often times people would have their sprinklers on to cool off the runners-- very welcomed.
After the race-- (still before 9:00 am) they served a bunch of food including pizza- yuck- all I wanted was cold water- the smell of that hot pizza after running a race was appalling. I am very distracted today by something so I will keep this very brief.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. A good orange
2.Our new nanny (she said she will make some spicy Jamaican food for us!!!!!!!)
3. A somewhat cleaned house
4. E-mails
5. being honest
The race yesterday wore me out. It was stinking hot to say the least and the course was somewhat hilly- there were downhill parts but unfortunately for every downhill there's an uphill. Luckily it was all through residential areas so often times people would have their sprinklers on to cool off the runners-- very welcomed.
After the race-- (still before 9:00 am) they served a bunch of food including pizza- yuck- all I wanted was cold water- the smell of that hot pizza after running a race was appalling. I am very distracted today by something so I will keep this very brief.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. A good orange
2.Our new nanny (she said she will make some spicy Jamaican food for us!!!!!!!)
3. A somewhat cleaned house
4. E-mails
5. being honest
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Biking, NOT running to happiness
Okay, well in self-imposed policing of my laziness- I ran a 5K race this morning. Yuck. You will notice that my blog is titled BIKING, not Running to happiness-- there is a reason for this. I HATE RUNNING! It was very hot and I did not sleep well the night before and it was crowded. I did manage to finish although I had a very slow time 42 minutes. Usually I do these short races in about 35 minutes. It was a bit of a hilly course-- as the rule goes for every downhill, there's an uphill.
I did run into my friend Madeline, which was nice. I'm beginning to feel like I do all these races alone. (well, that's not true, Mary did the century with me) At any rate, I've got that triathlon in the Shenandoah mountains coming up-- August 6-- I don't know why I enlist myself for this torture. Although I have to say, finishing a race is fabulous. I have just 1.5 weeks before I go back to work full-time, the first time in 8 years. It should be very interesting. Many of my friends and family members are certain I will not be able to keep up my exercising. I will prove them wrong-- the YMCA opens at 5:30 am and I can also run at lunch.
It is stinking hot here and we are going to have a July 4th bicycle parade here in our neighborhood-- I don't know why I even bothered to take a shower today.
FIVE FAVORITE THINGS:
1. self esteem
2. finishing a race
3. Madeline
4. air conditioning
5. this cup of joe I'm drinking right now.