Mantra Monday - Accept Nothing Less Than The Best

Okay before you think I've died and gone to perfectionist hell, let me clarify my mantra this week.





I will accept nothing less than my best effort for house work.

Right or wrong, a dirty house stresses me out.  However when I get in that cleaning superstar mood?  I'm able to clean the house thoroughly in almost no time.  10 minutes spent properly sorting the mail is well worth it in the long run.  Also?  Clean sheets are their own reward.

I will accept nothing less than my best in workouts.

I took last week off.  Well unless you count walking, which I don't.  If I can do it and not workup a sweat it hardly seems like exercise.  I needed a few days to let my blisters heal, but then I took a few extra because my pride was hurt. 

As a result I carried around extra stress and sadness that I didn't deserve.  A quick run or a good weights class would have fixed that quickly, yet I chose to wallow.  Nothing good ever comes from wallowing.

This morning I got up early and got my first run in over a week marked in the books.  It felt great.  I may crash come 8:30 tonight but emotionally I feel great.  Also?  My pace wasn't too far off my 5K PR.  I think I've finally taken the "I'm just slow" stamp off my forehead.

I hope that means great things for the upcoming 5K I'm registered for, but since my training hasn't been what I would have liked I'm fairly certain I won't be getting the sub 30 min time I wanted.  I'm okay with that because quite frankly I haven't earned it.

I will feed my body nothing but the best.

This is not a call for strict calorie counting.  I'm not in a place to deal with that right now, and I'm honestly glad that's the case.  This weekend was a hard one, busy every moment practically with very little time to consider good food options.  My energy has suffered as a result, as well as just overall giving me a blah feeling.

Does that mean I won't enjoy the bag of twizzlers I bought this weekend that my sister promised me she'd help me eat then left w/o her fair share?  Of course I'm going to partake and enjoy, but I'm not downing the whole bag.  In one day at least.  :P

I will give my family nothing but the best of time I can spend with them.

The people I love most in this world deserve to get more than my crankiness and hatefulness.  Although I maintain I was right when I told Mother she needed Jesus.  She'd obviously left Him at home the day we met for lunch.

God gave up The Best (Jesus) for sad little sinful people like me - He deserves my best daily.

Despite my rotten mood last week, I was able to read and glean knowledge from a book I was reading.  While my best is like filthy rags compared to the righteousness of the Lord, Easter proves that He can take the worst scenario possible and turn it into something beautiful.

The Parable of the Lost IPod Charger

There once was a girl who was training for a very important, very long race.  As she began to prepare the week before, she wouldn't located the charger for her IPod shuffle.  Her battery was getting low and certainly didn't have the 7 hour life left she'd need to get her through the race.

Also?  The charger was necessary to transfer the audio book she'd hoped to purchase/listen to during the race.  She frantically searched for the lost charger. 

She looked in the first aid zippy pouch where she normally stored it - not there.

She looked in all her luggage, wondering if she'd forgotten to unpack it - not there.

She check all her gym bags - not there.

She took every item out of her desk drawer at work - not there.

The girl began to panic.  What would she do for 7 hours if she had no music or book plugged into her ears?  Sure she could talk with the best of them, but the course was long and she anticipated find herself alone much of the way.  Also, her cell phone being an older model, she doubted if it, fully charged, would last the whole race if she had to use it to talk a good portion of the way.

She began to ask strangers for advice.

She begged off coworkers.  "Do you have a charger to fit my shuffle?"  Person after person had their own MP3 player, but none that fit this girl's tiny little IPod.

Finally a coworker offered use of his IPod.  Sure it was different than hers, but it was better than nothing.  This comforted the racer, but she realized she would be at his mercy.  What if he forgot it?  What if it wasn't full charged?  What if she couldn't figure out how to use it.

One last time she searched her house.  When was the last time I saw it?  She asked herself.  Maui.  Okay where did I have it in Maui?  She re-searched all the same bags, then stopped to consider that she hadn't searched some of the smaller cosmetic bags she had packed for Maui.

Looking in the linen closet, she found the charger - hidden in the pocket of her toiletries kit.  Excited, she return to the gym bag in order to retrieve the IPod and charge it.

Only the IPod was no where to be found.  After searching the whole house (yet again) she came up empty handed.  Where was the last place I had it? She (yet again) asked herself.  She decided it must have been left one of two places.  She either had it in her lunch bag (that was at her desk at work) or else she'd accidentally left it in the locker room.

Were it in the locker room she knew her IPod - a treasured gift from her sister - was long gone.  She resolved to look first thing when she got to work the next day.

She arrived at work to her normal routine: checking email, arranging the paperwork on her desk, making her "to do list".  About an hour into her day, she remembered the IPod.  The bag was two feet away.  She grabbed it, but hesitated in anticipation. 

She reached her hand into the front flap.

And...

And...

And...

And...

Pulled out the IPod.  She had found it!  Both pieces were reunited and set to charge.  Much rejoicing was done by all her. 

What does this have to do with you?  I think we could all stand to learn the following lessons:

1. You are unique (just like everyone else :P).  There is only one you, so don't assume you can slack off and someone else can do your job.
2. The borrower is slave to the lender.
3. Fulfilling half the requirements still leaves the task completely unfinished. 
4. DON'T GIVE UP HOPE - THINGS WILL WORK OUT!

I hope you're living a story of rejoicing and redemption today.

Covenant 5K - Race report

It takes a certain kinda crazy to set your alarm for 5:45 and leave the house before the sun rises.  Just so that you can make it early morning run you've paid $30 for the privilege of running.

Especially when said morning is unseasonably cool. 

All your insanity is justified when you arrive race day to see that the starting line is beside a national regional local landmark.

The dedication of the elite athletes as well as the hand chair competitors is enough to get you pumped for the start.

My goal for this race was to beat last year's time.  Actually it was a new PR, but I was so nervous that I wouldn't be able to meet that, I padded it by giving lip service to the slightly easier goal.

Either way this was my corral.

Too bad I was the only one that really paid attention to the corrals.  I spent the first half mile of the race passing people.  I mean really?  The dude walking in jeans thought that he belonged in the sub 10 m/m corral? 

The down hill portion of the race started shortly before the 1 mile marker.  I checked my watch: 10:15 - on pace for a PR.  I knew that the uphill was coming though, so I wasn't going to get excited just yet.  I tried to ride out the downhill, but still the congestion of the crowd made it difficult for me to pick up any good momentum.  Then again the lack of that speed also kept me from tumbling down the hill.  I guess that's a lose/win situation.

At the bottom of the hill it was time to turn around and head back.  I can tell that I haven't been doing any hill work lately because my breathing got a lot tougher during this part.  Just short of the top of the hill was the 2 mile marker. 

Watch check - 20: 29.  I was still on pace for a PR.  Then another downhill.  This time the crowd had thinned out enough that I was able to run my race and go the faster downhill speed that I wanted.  Rounding the corner at Cumberland and Kingston Pike I had one last downhill, then the end was near.

As ominous as that sounds - its really that bad.

This is the home stretch.  I'd guess its the 2.5 mark or so.  Towards the top of this hill there is a  26 mile marker for the marathon folks.  I took that as my "almost there" tip off to kick it up a notch.  Then of course the 3/13 mile marker told me it was time to sprint.  I passed several people sprinting into the stadium.  I hadn't known how I was going pace wise, so just before I crossed I noticed that the 5K clock read 32 minutes and some change.

A NEW PR!!

I kept sprinting until after the finish line (not stopping my watch immediately for pictures) and a moment later I stopped my watch.

I had forgotten about the delayed start.  I didn't just set a new PR - I crushed the old one!  My old PR was 33:08 - not a bad improvement for someone who hasn't trained all that much!

My official chip time was 31:35. 

Which means my goal of a sub 30 minute 5K isn't all that out of reach.  If only I could find a flat course around here! (Fat chance.)

I'm excited to see the official race photos - I hope mine crossing the finish line turns out.

Now its time to get back to training for the SMARM 5K.  Maybe with a consistent month I'll hit my goal for that race too.

Flashback Friday - the 2010 5K Edition

This weekend I have my first 5K of the year.  I'm hoping for a new PR...but I know after the disappointment I felt at this same race last year to not get my hopes up.  I've been through a lot this past year or so, so I'm interested to see how this year's time compares with last year's.

I started the year with the Race Against Racism 5K on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  After a bit of prerace drama, I set a new (and my current) PR of 33:08.

For those non-runner types out there PR = personal record. 

Was I anemic then?  Its possible, but if so it was definitely mild and in the early stages. 

My next 5K was the doosy for the year - the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.  I chose the 5K option.  All Knoxville races are hilly.  This one was a monster.  Right down to the last uphill heading into Neyland Stadium.

Despite my speed work, training, and prediction on my motivational board, I didn't PR on this race.  I was pretty disgusted with my time until I sat down to write out my race report.  It was super cool to have my husband and my parents join me for the race.

That's an honor I don't have this year - my mom still isn't back to 100% on her walking game since her thyroid surgery and my dad just had shoulder surgery this week.  (He's doing pretty good.  Thanks for all the prayers.)

Was I anemic then?  Most likely.  Although once again it wasn't as bad as it would eventually get.

Next up on my training schedule was the SMARM 5K.  I was still bummed about my Covenant short fall and determined to PR in this race.  The previous year was the inaugural race as well as my first race ever.  Surely a new personal best would be fitting for the race. 

Only I struggled more than I ever had.  Even more so than fresh off the Couch to 5K program.  There were times I had to stop and walk - unheard of for me at the 5K distance.  I thought it was allergies, because I kept having trouble catching my breath.  It was scary, although I had no clue how scared I should have been.

Was I anemic then?  Most definitely.  I'm luck that I didn't do serious damage to my body pushing through the lack of oxygen getting to my brain.  Yes, at points in the race I was light headed.

The following week I did my worst 5K ever.  Thankfully it wasn't a timed race and as soon as I crossed the finish line I erased that awful time off my watch.

I don't remember the timing on it, but I do know that shortly there after I got my blood work done for the wellness program at work and found out my hemoglobin was dangerously low.  I was promptly told to stop training (two weeks shy of my first triathlon).

It took a couple months of test and a few rounds of B12 shots and iron infusions to get me filled back up to normal levels.

My first race back was the Marine Corp Mud Run.  It was a 5K, but with a few challenges along the way.  Definitely not a PR course, but probably the most fun race I've ever done.

Last fall I finally tackled my first triathlon, set a new half marathon PR, and trained for the Disney marathon.  Through all of that I didn't run a single 5K. 

I did run the On Cosby Moonshine Run - a 3.2 mile race.  Why in the world they added that 0.1 I have no clue.  It was an insanely flat course.  I placed 2nd in my age group and my 3.2 mile time (30:23) would have been sub 30 at the 5K distance.

That leads us to this weekend. Once again I'll be running the Covenant 5K.  Once again there will be killer hills.  My goal is to beat last years chip time 33:37.  I would be thrilled with a PR.  I'll be highly disappointed with a slower time.

I'll certainly let you know!

Financial...erm...scratch that...Fitness Friday

In my head, there is a battle. 

To iPhone or not to iPhone.

If I did, I would choose the $50 out of date iPhone3.  So what's the big deal?  The $25 a month extra for a data plan terrifies me.  Sure its not a lot on a monthly basis, but I hate the idea of being tied down to charges each month.  That's over $300 a year (over half our monthly mortgage payment) to have Internet on my phone.

The reason this isn't going to be a financial Friday post where I ask for your advice is that I already know what you're going to say.  You'll tell me to go for it.  That its no big deal.  We've got the money might as well enjoy it.  Welcome to 2010!

(Yes I realize its 2011, but I'm only getting the phone for $50 because its soooooo last year!)

You'll all tell me to go for it.  Well everyone but Live Simply - Live Well.  She'll tell me to run far, far away - clutching my 2005 Razr tightly.

So instead, I'm going to tell you about how (and why) I spent $150 today to prove that I'm better than my husband.

Last year I was involved in the Mountain Man Memorial March.  A friend's husband was serving in Iraq and she wanted to form a team to walk in honor of him.  We started training in January for this even, doing long walks every other weekend. 

My darling husband made fun every step of the way.  Sure its 26.2 miles, but its just walking.  Why do you need to train for that?  You could do it tomorrow and be just fine.

What he failed to realize was that it wasn't just a marathon walk.  It was, as the name suggested, more of a march...a hike.  Military types traveled to G-burg in order to  participate in this even.  Most wore 40 pound packs and were dressed in full military gear.

This event isn't "just" anything.

So at the end of last year as he was massaging my tired little tootsies, he made a bold move.  My husband challenged me to a race.  He & I would both compete, but this time as individuals, racing against each other. 

If he wins, he gets 300 points.  Sorta like a token at Chuck E. Cheese.  Not really worth anything until you get enough. 

The system is fairly complicated, but if we ever get to +300 I get to go on a $300 shopping spree.  If we ever get to -300 points, he gets a TV in the bedroom.  There are various things that can earn points, but this will be the single largest batch of points awarded.

He currently needs over 400 points to get his TV.  On the other hand, I only need 150 or so before I hit my shopping spreed.  Winning this event will be the equivalent of putting cash in my hand.  He's that confident that he - a couch potato who thinks 5K is a "long run" - can beat me.

I've given him a 0.6% chance of winning.  I'm that confident, although as it approaches my confidence is waning. 

Since I'm a list person, let's break out the bullet points to see in who's favor the odds lie.

Reasons he could beat me:

• He's legs are longer than mine.
• He's got stronger quads for climbing those steep inclines.
• He's determined.
• He always is faster than me running, even with zero training.
• He's a man, and sometimes they just suck like that.

Reasons I will win:

• I've completed the 26.2 mile distance twice: once in the march last year, and once running the Disney marathon.
• I've been training.
• He thinks 5K is a long run and gets bored easily.
• I've study nutrition needs for endurance running & walking.  I know what and how much I need to put in my back pack for what will probably be a 7-8 hour jaunt.
• I have already told him that I'm not packing snacks for him like I typically do on hikes.  He's on his own.
• I have good shoes that are broken in.  His shoes are worn out and cause blisters. (& he's too cheap to buy new ones.)
• The most distance he's ever covered was on this hike with breaks along the way, including completely stopping for lunch at the top.  Yes he did better than me.  Yes I wanted to stab him along the way, but I was probably anemic at the time.
• He's a mutant.  The chances of him pulling a muscle that hasn't been exercised in over a month is great.  Cold of me to say, but over and over I've begged him to train for this.  Then I asked him to call it off because he hasn't trained.  I've done my part and am washing my hands of it.  Until of course its time to drive him to the hematologist.

Now the countdown begins.  In 4 weeks we'll know the answer to the question that's burning in every one's mind - who's the better endurance athlete in the Mutant family!

Power of One Check-in Time!

Let's go ahead and get the numbers thing out of the way.

Challenge start: 137

Last week: 136
This week: 137.6


 
On the exercise front, I went almost an entire week without exercising.  The morning of my mom's surgery (last Monday) I did the Shred (level).  Then Tuesday I went to stay with her after work, and Wednesday I took her to the doctor and we hung out all day.  Blah,blah, blah, blah, blah.  One thing after another happened until it was the next Monday and I'd gone 6 days without a single workout.
 
Thankfully it was a gorgeous day and I got outside for a walk.  Then I did the same yesterday.  And today I have a lunch date with a friend for spin class. 
 
I promised myself that after the marathon I would give myself 2 months to just exercise, not train.  I'm trying to make the most of it.  Sure walking isn't the most challenging exercise I've ever done, but I enjoy it.  Especially on a warm, sunny day. 
 
That freedom also gives me the opportunity to participate in this years Olympic games.  I've already signed up for quite a few of the challenges.  I hope to medal in at least one activity in the next week an a half, but I don't really have high hopes for myself over all.

If you haven't already, don't forget to check out all the different challenges you can participate in for the Sisterhood Olympics!  I'm trying to put together a team for the 4 mile relay.  I'm looking for 3 other people to join me, then each of us will take 1 mile.  Let me know in the comments if you're interested.

Okay that's all the standard stuff.  Most of which was typed up yesterday.

So now let's get to the heart of it.

*Sigh*

I knew I hadn't lossed this week.  I knew that I'd probably gain.  I was okay with that.  Looking back, I can't point to one thing I wish I hadn't eaten.  One indulgence that I would have put back.

Maybe a bit more movement would have helped, but I'm really not disappointed in myself for that either.

I was fine with all of it until this morning.  When I got dressed knowing that I was going to get on the scale.  Knowing that I wasn't going to like what it had to say.

The logical answer is don't weigh.  I know that.  But I also know that the last time I chose that route, I gained 10 pounds.  I can't gain 10 pounds from this point - I'm already at my highest recorded weight.

Then again I'm tired.  Have been tired all week.  I don't know if I'm trying to fight a bug off or something, but I fell asleep at 8:30 last night.  I just couldn't keep my head up any more.

With his wife asleep early and having total control of the TV what does my husband choose to watch?  A CNBC special about some investment fraud scandal.

We're a wild and crazy bunch I'll tell ya!

Back to the point of all this.  (There is a point right?)  When my alarm went off 10 hours later I was still exhausted and had to drag myself out of be.  I'm tired.  So maybe my moodiness re: my weight is just a byproduct of feeling physically drained.

Before you say it - no I'm not pregnant.  I promise. 

I'm going to try to not read too much into it.  Not binge because I'm depressed.  Not run to manic exercise to try and burn extra calories.  I'm gonna try to let it ride, but its not gonna be easy.

Hopefully you had a more productive week than I did.  I'll be visiting to see how you did shortly!

Power of One Week #4

How long is this challenge?  Cause I ain't movin much of any where and need to get my act in gear!  I've been out of the losing game for so long I guess I forgot how it works.



Oh yeah, well not this week - maybe next week!?!

Challenge start: 137
Last week: 137.2
This week: 138

What's up with me?  I'm so hungry from all my mileage.  No, that can't be right.  I logged a grand total of 8 miles last week.

I'm so tired from getting my runs in.  Erm...didn't run at all last week.  Haven't since the marathon actually.
I don't know how to "do" moderation.  And doing what I know makes me lose weight terrifies me.

I really don't know what to do with that.  I mean obsession and moderation are my only 2 weight loss choices, and I don't see either as a viable working plan for me. 

I considered "doing" South Beach.  It was even recommended by my Dad's doctor (we are both hypogluacemic)  but Intuitive Eating principals are still in my head.  Carbs aren't bad.  No food is.  I'm not even bad for enjoying a Pizza Hut double punch Monday buffet + Pepsi with friends.  Probably not the smartest choice for my body, but it doesn't make me a bad person.
Really, so what if I'm chubby?  I'm back to my former size 2 top, size 8 pants circus freak proportions.  Is that such a horrible thing??

Jay and I watched The Devil Wears Prada the other night.  Later I commented to friends that the movie was meh:

was insulted by the "size 6 is the new 14", but even more insulted that they wanted us to believe that ann hathaway was a size 6.

I was surprised and taken aback for a moment when I got the following response:

Or that size 6 and below is a good thing to shoot for. Feh.

It got me thinking, what did a size 4 get me?  Did I get the mortgage on my house paid off?  Did it take me to Europe and to Australia?  Did it bring my husband closer to the Lord?

None of those things happened.  Those things on my bucket list that I supposedly want more than anything occured.

So what was the point?

I'm not saying I'm giving up.  Or that I'm meant to be this size.  I just don't know where all of this leaves me.

I said once that even if I gained all my weight back, the journey was worth it because I found my love of running and how great I felt when I exercised.  Well that's me right now.

I'm going to be participating in a challenge issued by April.   A mile a day for 100 days.  Some days (like today in spin class) that will be easy peasy.  Other days (like on the weekends) I'm sure I'll really struggle.  But it'll be good for me.

In other news:
If you get a second Take a moment to head over to RR Mama's play ground.  She's looking for a bit of accountability and I have just the friends to help her! (Also, she thinks I'm cool.  So I'm kinda partial to her.)

Goooooooooooals!!

The stress excitement of the holidays have worn off, along with marathon training.  Its time to settle in and take a look at my goals for 2011.

Each year, I want to be able to mark something off my bucket list.  Let's take a look to see what I've got on there.

Physical

Run a marathon 01/09/11

Complete a triathlon 09/29/10

Find that happy weight both my body & mind like

Hike the Appalachian Trail

Okay good.  Got two things done.  The AT ain't happening while I'm working full time, so that's not an option for this year. 
 
Which only leaves finding my happy weight.  I hesitate to put a time limit on that because its not easy to measure.  But surely a year should be plenty of time right? DUE DATE: 12/31/2011. 
The How: Toy with different strategies - see if I can handle intuative eating when I'm not training for a marathon or else calorie count one day a week (ish)  to see if I'm on track.  I'd like to not return to full time calorie counting, but we'll see how the other two options go.

Jay has challenged me to compete in the Mountain Man Memorial March against him.  You'll remember from last year that's its quite the challenging course.  Its more of a hike than a run.   Jay's convinced that he can run a good portion of it and beat me.  I'm convinced that a marathon distance (walking or running) is the only distance that he can't beat me at.  My goal is to whoop my husband's hiney.  DUE DATE: 04/16/2011.

The How: Maintain my current fitness level and add in some weekend hikes.  My experience, training and over all fitness level should give me the edge over my sit-on-the-couch-and-eat-chex-mix hubby. 
 
I'd like to add to that a 5K PR for the year.  I'd like to run a sub-30 minute 5K.  I'm going to rest up from the marathon and give myself a bit of time off.  My 5K training will start up in March and hopefully I'll be able to achieve those two goals at the SMARM 5K in May.  That was my first race ever 2 years ago and I'd like it to also be my fastest.  DUE DATE: 05/07/2011

The How: This training plan should help, although a PR is almost guaranteed since I was broken for most of my races last year.  My Moonshine Run 3.2 mile race time means that sub 30 minutes isn't out of the question, but since that was the flattest East Tennessee course I've ever raced on it will still take some work. 
 

Financial

Paying off the house

Developing a Million dollar + net worth

Help my niece and nephew with college

None of those are going to happen this year, but in order to get there we need to set sub goals.  We're currently paying extra on the house each month, but I'd also like to be able to pay a bigger chunk of twice this year.  DUE DATE: 04/16/2011 (after we've filed and paid our taxes) AND 12/31/2011.

I'd also like to contribute to our Roth IRAs for both 2010 DUE DATE 04/15/2011 AND for 2011 DUE DATE 12/31/2011.

Once we get the remodeling done, taxes paid, and Maui enjoyed, we really need to take a look at our money/budget and buckle down to get these things done.  Right now I feel like I'm spending with reckless abandon.  That's not truly the case, but those 3 items (the first two more so than the vacation) will take up quite a bit of money.  We can't really make a game plan going forward until we know exactly what we're looking at in those areas

The How: Keep doing what we're doing. Living on dramatically less than we make, Jay working his buns off, and me continue to be a savvy shopper/meal planner.  This also includes doing a budget plan at the first of each month, and then following up at the end of the month and reviewing our "actual spent" totals.  When possible I'll update the spreadsheet to reflect the spending for the previous week every Friday.

Spiritual

Read the entire Bible

The How: Finish this plan, that I started in 2009.  I know, I know.  Why is it so much easier to keep my physical and financial goals than my spiritual ones?  At the rate I'm going, I'm on track to finish up in a couple of months.

Other

Read 52 books in a year.

Celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary with my darling husband 

The How (books): I'm already behind for the year, but I need to be very purposeful in my reading.  Putting down the computer and committing to a chapter or two a night would help tremendously.  I read quickly, its just carving the time for it.  (I read 46 last year.)

The How (50th): A lot of variables are out of my control on this one, but I can study/read up on how to be a good wife.  I'm currently in the middle of Marla's book, and hope to find some more good marriage reading this year.  Also, a Love Dare revisit might be in order.

In order to accomplish 50 years of marriage, I need to keep us both alive that long, which would include purchasing only good healthy foods as well as encouraging him to stay active.

Travel

Europe

Alaska

Australia

None of the above are going to happen this year.  Partly because we're going to Maui next month!!!  Hopefully we can hit Alaska in the next year or two. 
The How: I booked the tickets yesterday!!

Am I leaving anything out?  I feel like I should be making more physical goals, but the ones I've got are big hairy deals so I'm not sure I could handle much more.

What are your plans for 2011??Baring something delightfully unforeseen, we won't be making it to any of those places this year.  We are, however, traveling to Maui next month thanks to a buddy of Jay's who lives there.  We'll be mooching off staying with him while we're there. 

Reaching out

When I started this blog over 2 years ago, I felt a bit like blogging was a popularity contest.  Some bloggers I read had triple digit followers and got oodles of comments every day.  I wanted that.

So I joined memes.  I would open every link in Mr. Linky and comment on every blog I ever visited. After all how else was I going to get people to visit my blog?

While that works, its all superficial.  Someone might return a comment, but they won't make your site a daily read unless you have that all important, critical blog component.

Content.

Before you think I'm trying to teach anyone how to run a blog, when quite obviously I'm no expert, I'm talking about the focal point of @StickyJesus chapter 5.  In the blogosphere content is what its all about. 

What are you putting out there for the world to see?

I strive to be transparent.  Some days I feel like I could conquer the world.  Some days I pour my heart out hoping that I won't be misunderstood.  Cause let's face it - sometimes life sucks.

As I've grown as a person, I think (hope?) I've grown as a writer and as a blogger.  Along the way blogging and commenting on blogs has become about more than popularity.  Over the past 2 years I've developed relationships with some amazing people.

I hope words I've typed have helped them through bad times and encouraged them through good. 
I do worry, however, about my blog content.  Do I talk about training too much?  My husband says I talk about running too much in real life, so maybe it spills over onto my blog. 

So as my dear, loyal, and 100 strong readers (woot - while its not all about popularity I do love now having 100 followers!) please tell me what you think.  What would you like to see more of?  Less of?

What questions are burning in your soul that you just have to know about me?

Okay so doubtful there is anything that serious, but hit me with some questions. 

And before you ask - yes, I really do think chest hair is sexy.

Mileage sign-up time!

The countdown to Disney is growing even closer!  This time tomorrow I'll be on my way to meet the Shrinking Jeans Hookers.  Tomorrow night I'll be giving them their first round of hugs.

I'm starting to get nervous.  I'm starting to get emotional.  (How could I not with people like Barb blogging for us)?

One thing I've learned battling back from anemia is that its not about me.

ITS NOT ABOUT ME!

(I had to yell because sometimes I forget.)

I love you ladies.  I love the encouragement you give me.  I love that you love me even though I probably should be smacked around a bit.  I love that you know just when that swift kick in the pants is needed.

So during this marathon - I want it to be about you.  Pick your mile.  I write down names on a postcard or something and store it in my bra.  I'll figure something out.  But pick it and let me pray for you during that mile.

If you have a specific prayer request that you don't want to put out there for the world, claim your mile in the comments then email me at stingysingleton (at) gmail (dot) com.

Or maybe you don't have a specific request.  You don't even have to believe in my God.  You can still claim a mile.   You might not get a full 12 minutes of prayer out of me.  I'll probably spend some of my time out there chasing down characters, digging for gels, and what not.  But I promise that you'll get at least part of it.

And before anyone claims it, I am going to be selfish and say that from mile 26.0 to 26.2 I'm probably just going to be focusing on me.  Forgive me m'kay?

Thank you for encouraging me along the way.  I appreciate each and every one of you!

Edited: This is open to anyone - not just the Sisterhood hookers!

Already claimed:



1- Lisa
2 - Penny
3 - Stella
4 - RR Mama
5 - Barb
6 - Tirah
7 - Butch
8 - Kim
9 - Lora
10 - Mari
12 - Tiffany
13 - Joanna
14 - Bari
21 - Amy
22 - Pubsgal
23 - Jaime
25 - Becca

Disney Marathon: T-minus 4 days and counting

Good morning all!  Hard to believe that today will be my last run before the big day.  Getting a little excited, a little nervous, but mostly I'm ready to do this thing! 



This weeks goal, as far as the scale is concerned, is for that number to not go up.  I've read about the dangers of weight gain during a taper.  Since I've been gaining wait while running full mileage, I was a scared about what would happen when the mileage started to decrease.

How did I fare?  Let's take a look shall we?

Last week: 137
This week: 136.2

Nothing to turn cartwheels over, but I'm definitely pleased.  This week I'm not focusing on weight loss, but rather properly fueling for the race.  Each dinner that I've planned has included at least one good form of carbs.  Monday night was mashed potatoes, last night spaghetti, and tonight we're going to be having stir-fry and rice.

Yes, the stir-fry was strategically placed.  I didn't want the sodium to make me retain fluids and help me record a gain for the week.  But I also want that sodium gone before race day!

I haven't done so well on cutting out soda consumption, but I'm still working.  I was soda free for 2 days, then the New Years hit.  I was soda free for 2 more days, but then the stress of my bathroom remodel caused a meltdown and I decide to have a coke at lunch.  What that does mean, is that I have only had soda 3/7 days this past week.  That's pretty good progress for the girl who was drinking one a day.

I'm also learning that the more critical I am of myself, the more poor the choices I make.  Those days I caved in and had a coke are done and over - nothing can be gained by dwelling on them.  I can however gain encouragement and momentum by congratulating myself on 4 days this week soda free.

Another example?  I saw a slight loss this week.  I also forgot my lunch today.  That small (but significant) loss will probably mean the difference between me running out and grabbing fast food, and settling for the can of chicken noodle soup in my food drawer at work.

What are the little things you've done this week to help encourage you?

(Sorry still no "before" pictures.  I keep forgetting until I'm snuggled in on the couch.  And with inside the house temps of 60 degrees, its hard to find a good reason to come out from under my blankie.)

Wednesday Already??

I'm cranky.

Probably because of poor eating choices I've made the past few days months.  Sorry Tinsel Vixens! 

To keep the crankiness out of this post, I'll keep the words short and sweet.  I was able to log almost 6 hours of exercise this past week - half of which was spent in Jay's Pawpaw's basement on a treadmill.

For my long  run, Jay had initially said he was going to go with me.  He hasn't ran in over a month and thought somehow he could tackle 17 miles.  Oh to have that sort of self confidence!

As you can see, it took a little effort to get him up and going.

And after only 2 miles, he decided that he'd had enough.  I told him to get rested up and then check on me in 30-45 minutes.  By then I thought he would have recovered enough to save me from the dreadmill boredom and we could get a few more miles in outside.

Instead, when he came to check on me, he said he was just then recovered from those two miles.  He offered to bring me water.  I had already gotten the "low battery" warning on my IPod, and I feared what might happen if I did have music to entertain me.

I knew due to lack of Internet service, Jay wasn't using his computer.  So I asked him to set it up for me and see if Pawpaw had any DVDs at his house - other than Silent Night (a war movie set near where he was captured as a POW during WW2). 

The only other option was a movie belonging to Jay's mother "Thomas Kincade's A Christmas Cottage" based on Kincade's early years - a story about how he found his inspiration.  Because of the noise of the HVAC unit as well as the treadmill, I couldn't hear the dialog.  Jay put the captions on for me and I was on my way.

My non-scale victory of the week?  A 17 mile run (15 of which was on the treadmill).  Only 9.2 more to go!

Race Report - Secret City Half Marathon

Since last year, I've been excited to repeat my half marathon experience from last November.  It was my first 13.1 miler, I had vacationed two weeks prior (and missed a whole week of training), and almost came in last.  (But I didn't.)

I was disappointed when I went to register for the race - not only had they changed the name (it was the Oak Ridge Half Marathon last year), but also the course.  This wouldn't be an apples to apples comparison.

My tune changed, however, when I learned that a friend of mine from college would be coming in for the race.  Something new to get excited about!  I hadn't seen her in over 6 years (I'd like to think I haven't been out of college that long, unfortunately, I'll be graduated a decade this time next year.)  and was excited to be able to race with her.

I did my standard race routine - laid out my stuff the night before.  Gave myself 30 minutes to get dressed, eat breakfast and get on the road.  When I arrived at the race headquarters, my race tears arrived also.  I always cry during race.  I hate it, but that's just how I roll.

As I went to register I couldn't help but tear up.  What a difference a year makes!  At my first (and only other) half, my sister drove her family in from 2 hours away so that the Princess and the Little Man could be there at the finish line for me.

This year, Jay didn't even bother to get out of bed. 

13.1 miles was no longer a milestone.  It was just another stop on the way to 26.2.

After picking up my packet I headed back to my car.  I wondered how I was going to meet up with Lisa and her mom before the race - I hadn't even gotten her phone number. As I sat in my car pinning on my race bib, something made me look up.

Who was parked right in front of me but Lisa and her mom.  We smiled, laughed, and waved before getting out for hugs and pictures.  (Most of which are on her camera.  I plan on stealing them from Facebook as soon as she gets them posted.)

The race was fairly straight forward.  It was billed as a flat course, which was mostly the case.  There were a few tiny hills here and there, highlighted only by the flatness of the rest of the course.  I noticed another lady running beside me around miles 3-4.  At mile 5, a race volunteer said the official time was 54:58.  "I'll take that!"  I said to my new found running partner.

"Yeah, those people behind us said that you were an 11 minute-miler, and I'm wanting to finish in under 2:30 so I thought I'd pace off of you."

Big Gulp.

She was using me as a pacer?  That wasn't the moment to tell her that my Half Marathon PR was 2:44.  For the next few miles we were pretty consistent.  After the first loop, around mile 8 or so, I felt the wheels starting to loosen.  By that time, "those people behind us" joined our group.

I'll just be honest - if not for them I would have probably slowed considerably.  I kept at it though, pushing myself to keep up with them.  By my 11.5 I hit the "leaking oil stage".  My dad, who watches far too much Nascar, called it that while we were watching the New York City marathon together.  Its that part in the race where you know you've pushed yourself as much as possible and you're just hoping to coast across the finish?  Yeah that was me.

By mile 12 we started to break apart.  Our group has served all of us well.  It was weird to talk during a run.  Weird, but nice.  I had helped keep them steady during the first party, they helped me from backing off too much at the end. 

It was now time to run our own race.  They ended up finishing before me, but the 4 of us all smoked our "under 2:30 goal".   My official race time was 2:26:45.  I could have sprinted across the finish line (as is my signature in all my races) but there was a couple right before me and I would have had to pass them with 10 feet to go. 

Instead I crossed with my head held high, knowing that I'd well surpassed my hopes for a great race.  Afterward I refueled and waited on my friend Lisa to finish.

One of the ladies that I had ran with also had a friend behind her in the race, so around the 3 hour mark we decided to head back out onto the course and find our friends.

(Lisa's mom on the right, my new found running buddy on the left)

I came up on Lisa just a little before the 13 mile marker.  I'll just tell ya know that last tenth of a mile wasn't any short the 2nd time around!  She trotted for a little bit, but was having some foot pain, so we walked most of the last stretch.  As she turned the corner she picked it up to a run to the finish.  I dropped back to get some pictures.

I'm still sore.  I guess that's what happens when I think of a half marathon as a race, rather than just another training run to get through.

Next stop - 26.2 through Disney!

Thankful Thursday - Choose Your Own Adventure

Good morning all!  Its thankful Thursday.  I've got so many blessings in my life - so why am I so grumpy?





The lie I'm believing: I'm stressed/nervous/anxious about going to a semi-formal charity event tonight.

I feel like a fake, a phoney.  People are going to look through my fancy dress and see the blue collar blood running through my veins.

The Voice of Truth: My husband's business has been blessed to include a network of people hosting this event as well as money to donate to help this wonderful cause.  The only people who will care that I purchased my designer silk dress for $13 at a consignment store would be impressed about the awesome bargain I got.  And hello -  I'm wearing a designer silk dress!

The lie I'm believing: I'm fat.  I have nothing to wear.  A glimpse into the mirror is disgusting.

The Voice of Truth: I'm healthy.  Sure I'm not the 123 pounds I was at the first of the year.  But that girl was also anemic and unable to churn out the kind of mileage/pace that I'm doing now.  While I hope to find a middle ground between then and now, I'd much rather be this girl.  A little pudgy, with a bottom her hubby can't help but smack - and able to race.
 
I have plenty to wear.  Too much really.  That's why I have a hard time finding clothing.
 
As far as looking into the mirror...apparently I need a new mirror.  The mutant seems to be enjoying what he sees. 
 
The lie I'm believing: Having to get up and go to work every morning (not to mention the difficult of finding time for my medium runs) sucks.
 
The Voice of Truth: I'm incredible bless.  Not only do I have a job, I have a job with excellent benefits.  Yes, its true I get a bonus of $50 every 3 months just for working out.  I have incredible health insurance (necessary given the Mutant's hemophilia), vacation time and sick time.  I couldn't ask for anything better!  Well I could, but it wouldn't be realistic. :P
 
The lie I'm believing: I totally flaked on my run last night. As per my training schedule it was supposed to be an 8 miler. 4 miles were completed outside, then the dark forced me to retreat inside to the treadmill where I was only able to churn out another 6.2.


The Voice of Truth: I didn't want to run at all yesterday. I even had an out - I had forgotten to pack my sports bra. But instead of throwing up my hands and bagging the whole thing, I completed over 3/4s of the prescribed mileage (wearing a friend's too big bra).

The lie I'm believing: I'll never be able to complete a 26.2 mile race!   What have I gotten myself into??

The Voice of Truth: To quote the bondiband I won from Christie O's giveaway - I can and I will!!


Do you know what the first song that came up on my IPod (yet another thing to be thankful for)??  "I will choose to listen and believe The Voice of Truth."
 
I'm very thankful to have a God who puts up with my fits of ungratefulness, yet still loves me.
 
What are you thankful for today?

Tinsel Vixen Checkin' in!

Good morning!  Today is the first day of the rest of my life!! Or something corny like that. 



Actually its the first day of the Holiday Hoedown Challenge.  I'm feeling hopeful!  I'm proud to say that I'm a member of a team that's focused on adopting healthy habits.  Sure most of us want to see the scale move downward, but we're not going to freak if it we don't see big losses every week.

We've agreed on the following habits:

~ 30 minutes of activity 3 times a week. 

This one should be easy peasy for me.  I'm supposed to be running 4 times a week, plus strength and cross training. 

~ 3 fruits/veggies a day

A little more difficult for me.  Sometimes I have to consider tomato based sauces as a veggie.  Must be more diligent about this one.

~ No negative self talk

Our mental challenge for the week is to be nice to ourselves.  Sadly this will probably be the most difficult of the 3 for me.

The Sisterhood has added a challenge of their own.  They're asking us to log our exercise minutes starting today through Tuesday.  I should do well in this aspect, given my long runs.  Since a couple of my teammates are training for events too, I suspect the Tinsel Vixens will represent in this challenge.

I hope to gain several things from this challenge - a good, sound nutrition plan for my marathon training.  I'm up to 16 miles already and I'm still eating crap and not hydrating like I should.  This will be my downfall if I'm not careful.  I can't ask my body to do something its not fueled for.

The challenge hasn't even started and the Vixens are at it in full force.  I'm loving the team support we already have going.

I hope to lose several pounds during this challenge.  I'm really trying not to care.  To accept the "just be healthy" label.  But it really does suck that I have several cute outfits purchased last year that I can't wear any more.  And the constant tugging at my shirt to make sure my belly isn't hanging out is getting really old.

Even if you aren't signed up for a team I encourage you to join us in our goals! 

Looooooong Weekend Update

Long referring to the fact that I had 4 days off.  Not at all related to the length of the post.  Although with 4 days to recap no promises!!

Thursday - Finally got my kitchen cleaned up and a little laundry one.  Then it was off to Sam's Club to stockpile and pick up the world's largest jug of laundry detergent.

Friday - A run, some house cleaning, and then Jay & I headed to the University town to pick out tile and fixtures for our bathroom remodel.  We came home empty handed, but I think we got a great idea what we were looking for.

After our shopping was complete, we headed to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse to enjoy our belated anniversary dinner.

We took our signature arms-length photo and headed in for one of the most expensive meals of my life.  Wanna see what $151 worth of food looks like?  (Tip not included)

Caesar salad and a glass of Guinness

T-Bone steak, shoestring fries, 2 more Guinness, a filet, mashed potatoes, and a glass of red wine.

The world's tiniest cheesecake with raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry garnish

with chocolate pecan bark on the side.

We had the waiter snap a picture of us with the river front in the background then we headed home.  I had to get up early the next morning for a long run (don't tell on me for the glass of wine 'kay?) and Jay put on a documentary that had him snoozing before 9 o'clock! 

Saturday - Woke up at 4:30 for my long run.  Jay told me that it would take 2 hours to get to Cades Cove from my house.  When I arrived in the park - this is what greeted me:

Due to the lack of traffic on the Parkway, I had arrived an hour early, before the picnic area or loop road was even open yet.  Thankfully the campground bathrooms were open, so I got to take care of business before heading out to my run.

I brought my new camera along (an anniversary gift) to see how annoying it would be in the pocket of my jacket.  I want to get pictures of Disney, but didn't want to bring it along without knowing how it would feel.

Most of the pictures were taken early on in the run, before the hills had sapped my energy.  Before I questioned if I had enough to finish 26.2 miles at Disney.  (The rest are on Facebook if you want to check them out.)

After my run I caught a quick nap then met my parents along with the Princess and Little Man to head to Dollywood.  They have their Christmas lights up now and this past week was only a $5 entrance fee for residents.

Sunday - All of my dad's  brothers and sisters met up for lunch - there are 8 of them (including my dad) still living.   As per my standard, I took a to-go plate so that I could cart off some of the best mac & cheese ever.  My cousin makes a big pot and uses a box and a half of Velveeta!  Since the Princess and LM were with us, I had a run for my money on the mac & cheese, but there was still plenty left over for me to have for leftovers this week.

Then it was time to take the kids back to my sister and BIL.  We met at a restaurant, but since we were still so full from lunch we just got salad (I boxed half up and will be eating it for lunch today) and soup.

THE END

Is it any wonder I'm still exhausted 2 days later??

Fitness Friday

While completing my long run (15 miles) last week I had what I thought to be a genius idea.  I'd love to hear what you think about it, possible logistic problems, benefits, etc.

I always carry my phone with me during long runs for safety reasons.  What if I trip and fall and can't make it back to my car?  (A long shot, I know.  Ahem)  What if someone tries to kidnap me and calling 911 then getting a picture of the car's plates is my only means of defense??

Can you tell my mind is very active during these long runs?  When you've got 3 hours and only the thoughts in your head to entertain you it takes you to some interesting places.

Last week was the one and only weekend I'm ever expected to work.  Our big Winterfest kickoff even requires some weekend planning when its on a Monday, and since I'm the coordinator's right hand gal Saturday work happens.

Since I was going to be in town for my long run anyway, I volunteered to meet the guys dropping off our tents.  I was told they would arrive from 10-12, so I had to start my run a little early.  For my long runs, I typically map an out and back course so that I don't go past the same point more than twice. 

If they called at mile 12 of 15, there would be no way for me to cut it short in order to get to them sooner.

When I heard the beep of my voicemail alert at mile 11 I almost panicked.  Sure enough it was the driver telling me he was on his way.  I called him back and he kept saying a location that was not associated with us.

Thankfully he had just gotten the tickets wrong.  He was on his way to his first stop, and called us by mistake.  I hurried and called our event coordinator - he had called her when he wasn't able to get in touch with me and she was coming into town to meet him.  Thankfully, I caught her as she was just leaving her house so she could turn back around.

While all of this was going down, I was running.  Sure its not very professional to be panting in some one's ear (at least not in my profession) but he was early so I didn't feel too bad.

Making those phone calls made the time go by much quicker, which led me to wonder.  I mean what else am I going to do for the final hour of my run??

What if I wore my blue tooth during the race?  I'd have to carry my phone any way to meet back up with Jay, Kirsten, Karena, Roo (you're still coming right??) and Christie O.   Why not clip the ear  piece in and have it turned on.

I thought about talking to friends/family and setting up a schedule.  At the top of every hour have someone different lined up to call and chat for a few minutes.  And if I hit the wall and needed someone to talk me through it, I could pull out my phone and call someone up.

What do you think?  Do you runners think its a good idea?  What sort of issues might I have?

For you non runners, how would you feel if someone asked you to do this for them?  Am I being self centered and presumptuous?

The race starts at 5:30, but I'm sure for the first hour or so I'll be just fine.  If I started the shifts at 7, my mom (an insomniac) and sister (mom to a 2 year old who doesn't believe in sleeping in) could handle the early morning hours and then normal humans could kick in.

I would love your input.  I think its a great idea, but since I came up with it I might be a little bias!!

Training, Trophy Wife, and Birthday report

This was a full weekend for Super Boo and family.  Friday night was spent...okay so Friday night I didn't do anything but play on the computer and watch TV.  But the rest of the weekend was busy!!

Saturday morning started with my 13 mile training run.  Since the mileage is getting up there I'm having to get a little more creative with where I run.  The Parkway here in town is a straight shot through 2 of the 3 major cities in my county.  I knew that I'd be able to go out and back 6.5 miles no problem.

What I didn't count on is the million and ten crosswalks I'd have to stop at along the way and almost getting ran over by a coworker's teenage daughter.  In her defense she was trying to be sweet.  What most drivers don't know about runners and bikers, is that as a general rule we'd prefer you to go first. 

Things go much more quickly (assuming everyone sees everyone else) if you go ahead.  We only have to slow up a bit then we continue on our way. If you stop, we're gonna slow up too.  We don't trust you.  Then we have to be stopped long enough to trust that you're not going to run us over.  Then we go. 

And the cars lined up behind you are cussing us both.

The route - with a good parking area as well as bathroom facility - ended up being 13.33 miles.  My longest run ever.  Hard to believe that in the next couple months I'll double that mileage.  I had more in me today (I quasi-sprinted out the last quarter mile) and could have gone further, which was encouraging.

After the run I headed back to the house to get some cleaning in.  The In-laws would be arriving later that night and I wanted to get everything picked up/clean before they got here.  Between twitter, facebook, and my messy house, it took every bit of the 3 hours I had to get the job done.

Then it was time to get showered up and play trophy wife.

One of Jay's clients had recently married, and invited us over to their house for a post wedding celebration.  They'd called it a hoedown and mentioned that polo's and khakis were too dressy.  Jay assumed that they just wanted people to be comfortable casual.

I hate my wardrobe.  It really sucks.  Especially with this up and down business my weight has been doing.  I only had one pair of jeans that fit that can be worn with flats (and I wasn't crazy enough to try heels after that morning's run).  Since they were black in color and low in rise I had to be picky about what top I put them with.  I picked out a cute white (long) polo and a sweater.

Jay took one look at me and said "I pictured you wearing something like...um...well...um" as he looked through my closet.  He ended up finding a really dressy button up shirt I wear with slacks to work.  His suggestion had been less than helpful.  He told me I'd probably get too hot inside in the sweater and to wear something else.

So I picked out a cute short sleeved top and we headed out.

I wanted to kill Jay when the host greeted us outside in a wife beater and overalls.  It was a country bumpkin themed party and we were the only ones who didn't dress to theme.  On top of that most of the party took place outside on the screened in porch in the cool fall air. Thankfully the hostess offered to lend me a jacked so I didn't freeze to death.

I was nervous since I'd never met any of the party goers, but I quickly found that everyone was friendly and easy to talk to.  In our treat bag, I found an invitation to next years event.  They want to make it a yearly thing.  Next time, we will come dressed appropriately!

We had a great time and stayed much longer than we'd anticipated.  When we got home we found Jay's parents asleep on the couch.  As per our usual, we stayed up late chatting until we finally called it a night around 3AM.

Yesterday was Jay's birthday so for lunch we headed up to the land we just sold for a picnic.

The four of us, plus my parents met up there for pizza and homemade cobbler (is it still homemade if I used canned peaches?)  After that we headed toward another development - this one with a creek - so Jay could get more pictures.

Then it was back to the house to hang out and watch the birthday boy's favorite new show - Ice Road Truckers in India. 

Is it any wonder that I'm exhausted?

How was your weekend??

Anchor Splash Triathlon - Race Report

BEEP BEEP BEEP

5:30 came pretty early Yesterday morning.  I'd been at a friend's house warming party the night before and hadn't got in bed as early as I should have.  I felt bad as Jay and I were the first to leave, but she is a runner and triathlete and said she understood.  Even leaving the party first I didn't manage to get in bed until around 11:30. 

Today I would become a triathlete.  And I would do it on 6 hours sleep.

I didn't want to drink coffee because I feared the bathroom issues it would cause.  Let's face it, going in a portapotty while wearing a 1 piece bathing suit under your tank and shorts isn't a fun prospect.

So I turned to God's natural, drug free way of waking people up - a loud stereo.  Thankfully I could crank it up downstairs.  Jay's 500 disc changer and subwoffers are a little too high tech for me, but I had him load two of my favorite CDs the night before.

Nothing like waking up to Alabama's Roll On CD.  Of course when it was recorded no one new what a CD was and my mom would put the record on her turn table and blast it while she cleaned the house. 

Anyhoo - I loaded up my stuff, ate breakfast, danced around the house, and tweeted for a bit before I woke Jay up and told him it was time to go.  We left the house around 6:30 for an 8 AM start.  I wasn't sure where we would be parking or unloaded so I wanted to get there a little early.

We'd gotten half way down our driveway and a thought occurred to me.  "Turn around." 

The Mutant: What?
Me: Turn around, I don't have the race map to know where we are going.

When I retrieved it from the house I realized that not only had I left the map, but I had tucked my bib number inside the map.  Hopefully I wasn't forgetting anything else important.

When we arrived the Police Officer informed us that there was no parking or unloading around the transition area and that we would need to go to the garage a block away.  We parked, unloaded (I love having a pit crew along side to carry my bag for me), and headed to transition.

The race was informal - a little too informal for my taste as there wasn't enough race information before hand to satisfy my obsessive type a planning nature.  But that also meant I wasn't required to purchase a one day USA Triathlon membership since the race wasn't sanctioned.  And yall know how I like saving money.

We were there early enough that the lines were short for registration and body markings, so I could have waited to pick up my packet day of. Instead I had driven out to the local running store the day before to pick it up. I was desperate for more information about the race - the official race web site only had distances and a course map that told me next to nothing.


I fought the urge to complain about what a waste of time picking up my packet early had been.  In fact it wasn't a waste at all.  I had found a really sweet pair of running shoes (which were desperately needed as my newest pair are a year old and my oldest pair were fatalities of the mud run) on sale for $59!!  Not a waste at all. 

I didn't have to wait at all to pick up my chip and the body marking girl had her big marker out waiting for me.  Humiliating telling a girl who's age your mind still thinks you are, that you are, in fact, a decade older than her.

I pinned my number to my tank (no bike numbers, so they asked that you wear the number during the bike as well as the run) then headed outside to get everything laid out.   I set up my transition area just like the youtube video had instructed me.

I saw the 2 girls nearby leer at my bike.  With her nose snarled one of them said "That's a sweet bike."  Sarcasm dripping from her voice.  "It sure is bitch."  I mumbled.  Of course it wasn't loud enough for her to hear.  It wasn't even loud enough for Jay to hear and he was standing right next to me.

I reminded myself that punching someone would most definitely get me DQed from the race.  Taking a deep breath I walked away.

I took a look at the pool set up to try and figure out how it would all go down.  Nothing in the prerace information had mentioned if I'd be sharing a lane and doing 6 laps up and back or if we'd all be traveling up one lane and down another.  Luckily I found a man who'd looked like he'd been around the block a few times.  I chatted him up for a few minutes before he headed into the pool for a warm up.  The swim would be up one lane and down another.

As it got closer to time, my nerves started to kick in.  It was a cool enough morning that I didn't want to take a few laps in the pool, then have to stand on the edge cold and wet waiting for my turn.  Instead I did some random warming up moves that I'd seen Olympic swimmers do.

At 8 o'clock, they called all the participants to the pool deck.  I kissed Jay goodbye and headed down.   You have to admit, I look pretty sexy in a swim cap don't I?

Because I was nervous, I chatted with the people around me.  See that cold looking lady beside me?  7 ironman distance races under her belt.  I was in awe.  I didn't know real people could actually do those things.  How do you work, have a family and still train?  But she did it.  7 times.

The told us to line up in bib number order, but that if we were a faster swimmer we could move around accordingly.  I tried to talk the guys behind me in line into getting in front of me but they wouldn't.

I guess they just wanted the feeling of passing someone in the race.  Or else thought that I was just being modest about my time.  I put in my ear plugs, put down my goggles, and stepped up to the starting line.

I was told that there was no diving allowed (good thing since I didn't know how to dive).  A lot of people were doing a cannon ball type run and jump in move.  I decided that I wasn't doing anything that I hadn't practiced and went for the more subdued entry. 

When I first got in the pool it took my breath away.  It wasn't the water temperature, but rather the realization that I was actually doing a triathlon!  It took a couple laps to settle in, but I finally got comfortable.  I got passed by at least 5 people (probably more) but the lanes were wide enough that it wasn't an issue.  Passing at the lane end was only a bit more tricky, but I managed to finish the swim without getting kicked or hit as I'd been warned would happen.

Exiting the pool I quickly removed my goggles, cap and ear plugs. 

Hat...erm...swim cap in hand and a competitor on my heels I headed toward the bike.  Unfortunately I don't have any T1 pictures.  Jay took a really long video of the whole process, but because its long it'd be difficult to share.  I noticed that a biker had already finished the course and was heading out on the run.  I calmed myself.  Its okay, I knew I'd be slower than most.

Thankfully I was talking to myself out loud and Jay reminded me that the first starters had entered the pool 30 minutes before me - plenty of time to get on the bike course and finished before I'd had a chance to start.

What little information I had manged to scrape up about the race said that the course was hilly.  The girls at the packet pickup hadn't been helpful in describing just what "hilly" meant.  Around here it could mean a long gradual assent or a steep sharp incline. 

I headed out on the bike course not really knowing what to expect but it was a loop so if I was going to have to walk my bike - it'd happen at least twice.  The first portion wasn't bad at all.  More flat and rolling I'd say than hilly.  The last maybe half mile was where the hills came in.  I had just passed a couple bikers (on a mountain bike - they were on road bikes.  No clue how that happened but it did.)  and there were a couple ahead of me. 

"Grannie gear time" I said aloud.  I shifted down and started the climb.  I noticed the guy in front of me had to stand for a few seconds.  I hadn't wanted to do that because I'd read it takes more energy, but I feared not getting to the top so I stood long enough to get my wheels turning again at a good pace and took my seat. 

The whole time saying out loud "For God does not give a spirit of fear, but of peace, love and a sound mind."  Over and over and over.  Who knew that races were good for scripture memorization?  As I reached the top of the hill I did have to question whether doing 3 sports back to back qualified as having a sound mind. 

I reached a small flat and put the question out of my mind.   Just a few seconds to recover and on to the next hill.  Two things I noticed about this one - it wasn't as bad as the first and it was the road I'd walked up to transition.  I'd almost made it through the first loop!

That was the point I realized I would survive.  I looked for Jay but didn't see him.  On my second pass he was right there cheering me on.  We've got it up on facebook now.  (If you aren't my FB friend yet then you deserve to miss out!  J/K but seriously!)

After the 2nd loop it was time to park the bike.  I was 2/3 done!  Well not technically since the swim didn't take nearly as long as the bike or run.  But I didn't get into semantics as I was encouraging myself on the course.

It had started to rain pretty steadily by this point and I still had my sunglasses on.  I had always kept them on through the brick workouts I had done and it hadn't crossed my mind to remove them.  I put down my kickstand and ran out of T2.

The wrong direction.

Only a few steps.

Have I mentioned I didn't get enough info about this stuff prerace?  The workers pointed me in the right direction and I was on my way.

I had put on my SPI belt (full of energy gels) before the bike, but hadn't needed them.  I had Gatorade in my water bottle and that was enough to get me through the race.  There were some pretty substantial hills on the run.  Mile 2 had a molly-whopper.  As I headed down hill preparing for the next uphill I heard a fast cadence behind me.

"On your left."  Then as he passed "But you'll get me again on the uphill.

Sure enough as I ran jogged trotted up the molly-whopper most people stopped to walk.  As I was heading the opposite direction I noticed some of the more fit competitors walking also.  I wasn't going to give in.  I'd run up the hill or die trying.

I passed him and another person on the up hill and knew I had done it - There wasn't much ground left to cover and I was feeling great.  Another down hill and I heard that quick cadence behind me again.  It was my friend passing me for a 2nd time.

"I remember when I thought 30 was really old."   Gee thanks.  (Our right calf marking was our age.)

Looking down at his leg I saw what appeared to be a 7 and a 5.  No way.

"Really?  How old are you?"

"75" He answered.

"No way - I saw that but thought it must be wrong.   I wanna be where you are some day!"

"Keep it up and you will be."  We rounded another corner, me still behind him, and he shouted back "You're not going to let a 75 year old man beat you?!"  The final corner and we saw the finish line just ahead.

I kicked it into high gear for a sprint to the finish.  I just about caught up with him and just a few steps before the finish line I said "I'm right behind you pick it up!"

The results show that with the staggered start he actually beat me by 3 minutes.  I'm still in awe of him.

After grabbing a quick snack - donuts, bananas, chicken nuggets and pancakes.  I packed up my transition area and headed to the car.  I knew I wasn't winning any awards, so there was no need to stick around.  Although I am disappointed that there was no finishers medal.

The official race report showed that my times were as follows:

Swim - 8:55
I swam the same distance in 9:45 3 days prior to the race
156/159

Bike 33:49
I thought it was supposed to be 8 miles (turns out it was 7) so this time shocked me
147/155 (people either dropped out or their chip didn't work after the swim)

Run 33:23
It was a 3 mile run (not the 3.1 of 5K races, but this blows my spring 5K times out of the water.  Considering my 5K PR is 33:08 I'd say I did pretty good on the run!
146/155

Final time: 1:16:06 a full 14 minutes faster than I'd hope to complete it!
148/155

I'm very thankful that I got the chance to do it, and feel great that I have one more accomplishment under my belt.  But I've got a secret for you.  Come close, I'd hate for it to get out to Christie O, Pubsgal, Thea or any of the rest of my triathlete buddies.

*whispers* I don't care if I ever do another.

Its not that it wasn't fun, or challenging.  It was both.  Although if I can brag a moment it wasn't nearly as difficult as I'd expected.  It just didn't provide me with anything regular running races don't.

Biking hurts my knees, running makes them feel better (completely backwards I know - tell my body that!).  Why not do the sport that I love, that makes me feel great, instead of distracting myself with 2 other sports.

Or as I said to my sister last night - why be mediocre at 3 sports when you can be mediocre at 1?