Reading:
Still reading the Janet Evanovich bounty hunter series…almost done with book 10. I will go into mourning once I’m done with the series, I swear… I have to admit I’m getting frustrated with some of the stupid decisions this gal makes because you’d think by now she’d learn but I have a goal to read all 16 books & the “in between” books by the 1st of the year. We’ll see how that goes with everything else going on…
Moving:
I dragged my desk until it fell to pieces to the front door Sat afternoon.
It’s at the road to be picked up now. I put this cheap desk bought in ‘97 out of it’s misery, seriously. I now have my computer on an antique dresser that belonged to my great grandmother…less clutter & oh the old pics I’ve found over the last week. Gesh! So many memories… Nice to know I have found some important stuff like my divorce papers, my Motlow degree & MTSU degree!!!
Football:
There is no way to explain how glad I was that Bama finally lost last weekend!
The annoying as hell bama fans were pretty quiet about it on Facebook. Ha!
Too bad the same UT team that nearly beat LSU didn’t show up to beat UGA.
Oh & don’t get me started on how GREAT it was to watch the Titans make the Cowgirls have a bad hair day in that over-priced stadium in Texas. Ha!
Running & the bike:
Since we’re making a quick trip to WI, I won’t get a bike ride in this weekend.
Due to the “Mexican-puke” 3.67 miler this past Sat night, that run put me at 26+ miles for last week. (Most miles logged in a VERY long time in 1 week post cracked shin). Below is this week so far....
Sunday: 7.75 (9:00 pace) felt awesome!
Monday: 30 mins of yoga, 5 lb free weights, & crunches
Tuesday: 6.03 miles (9:18 pace) & weight machines in the evening
Wednesday: 4.68 miles (9:13 pace) Was going for 3.5 but decided on a new route just to see how lighted it was… 30 mins of yoga after work
Thursday: 5.2 miles (8:53 pace) & weight machines in the evening
Friday: 30 mins of yoga in the morning, hopefully….
I’m going to “over-analyze” Wed morning’s run vs. Thurs morning’s run. The main difference…Wed, I didn’t wear my zenzah calf sleeves or my swiftwick compression socks. My legs hurt most of the day Wed. I honestly didn’t think I could get up & run Thurs morning but I did & I wore my zenzah calf sleeves. As I type this late Thurs afternoon, my legs feel great. For now on, I don’t care if it’s 100 degrees, I’m going to wear some type of “compression” on my calves. They have given me fits & caused injuries over the years. NO MORE! Santa, if you’re listening, all I want are compression socks/sleeves from Christmas. That is all!
Not sure what/if we’ll run at all this weekend since we’re in Wisconsin.
If there’s time, we’ll get out even if it’s just for 3 miles.
We have plans to do a Miller brewery tour in Milwaukee Sat afternoon & possibly the Kohler design center in Kohler, WI on Monday. We’ll be back sometime Tues afternoon.
October seems to be flying & we’ll start November out with a bang with the relay & end it with the Boulevard Bolt 5 miler (need to register soon!).
December will start out with a HUGE celebration.
I signed us up for the Great Santa run Dec 4th in Vegas. It’s the day before our “wedding race”. They give you a free Santa suit & you just have to be counted. You can run the 5k, 1 miler, or just stand there. The $35 entry fee goes to a good cause & you get to be a part of a world record attempt. (The most Santas in one place…going up against Liverpool, Hungary, & a few other places.) Hannah, Jeff, Jake, & Chrissy may join in on this little adventure, too. So far we have tentative plans to go to the Gold & Silver Pawn shop that’s on TV. I’ve never seen the show but Jeff wants to go & it should be interesting.
We also may go to the Ethel M Chocolate factory (& Hoover dam). Apparently, Ethel was/is a Mars relative & Hannah works for Mars. Ha! Of course Joe & I will do the Eiffel Tower thing but I’m staying away from the scary ass Stratosphere rides. Apparently Dec is a bad time of the year to go to Vegas to see “BIG” shows…like Cher or I would totally look into getting tickets. I’m ok with that. The cheaper this wedding the better… I’ve never had the urge to put Vegas on my travel list but what better way to get married a 2nd time around then to do it in the middle of a half marathon. We’re starting to get excited about it.
Goal: Get Faster!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Late night run & early morning run...Relay training
So, after we totally sucked at trivia & ate too much mexican, we decided to get out & run at 9pm on a Saturday night. (3.67 at 9:55 pace) Blah! Joe threw up a couple of times & I had the good sense to walk a few times before we decided to cut it short. I was surprised we had a sub-10 pace! LOL!
This morning, we rocked a somewhat hilly 7.75 mi run at a 9:00 min pace.
The first 5 I know I did sub-9. Every time I looked at the garmin, it was 8's. (we obviously got out before it got HOT today.) At least we weren't in Chicago...poor Chicago marathon runners...man, I may take that marathon OFF my want-to-do list. Gesh!
So, 3.67 + 7.75 = 11.42 (we got in our planned 11 for the weekend. LOL!)
This morning, we rocked a somewhat hilly 7.75 mi run at a 9:00 min pace.
The first 5 I know I did sub-9. Every time I looked at the garmin, it was 8's. (we obviously got out before it got HOT today.) At least we weren't in Chicago...poor Chicago marathon runners...man, I may take that marathon OFF my want-to-do list. Gesh!
So, 3.67 + 7.75 = 11.42 (we got in our planned 11 for the weekend. LOL!)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Some afternoon runs, a bike ride, & a whole lotta cleaning...
Monday…recovery run?
I know a lot of people do “recovery runs” or they cross train the day after a longish run. (I usually cross train) Since I was given the go ahead to start running, I’ve made myself NOT run the day before/after my longish runs. Well, here we are…I’ve done one 8, two 9’s, & one 10 mile run… This weekend will be 11. Since the weather was GREAT Monday, I cut myself some slack & allowed myself to run 3.25 flat miles SLOWLY (10:09 pace) out East area. Just the thoughts of running in daylight AFTER work made me smile. I said “Ouch” a few times & kept it slow. It was easy to keep it slow since my quads & the left knee area were still sore from Sunday’s run. The IT Band still reminds me that it is a son of a biotch…I also did crunches, 5 lb free weights, & stretched when I got home…
Tuesday…should I? No, I should NOT.
The plan was not to run Tuesday IF I ran Monday evening.
After doing workout #1 of Jillian Michael’s yoga in the morning, I thought I could handle my 4 miler that I had planned for Wed morning that afternoon. My better judgment took over instead. I did weight machines, crunches, & got my much needed grocery shopping done in the afternoon.
Wednesday: Slept In….
I got tied up trying to open OLD floppy discs with pics from 8-10 yrs ago on them. No Jillian yoga for me Wed morning. Ran 6.5 miles after work out at UTSI & totally soaked up the nature. The pace was slow. Took me 2 miles to get my legs moving, ugh!
Mi 1-9:48, Mi 2-9:21, Mi 3-9:16, Mi 4- 9:07, Mi 5- 9:13, Mi 6-9:08, didn’t pay attention to the last .5 time….9:18 overall.
Thursday: early AM Jillian Michael’s yoga & weight machines at DW Wilson
Friday: 4 miles (9:01 pace) EARLY AM (out the door at 4:55am)
Saw Fara’s little Anna Belle after work. What a cutie!
She arrived Wed at 12:34pm, 7 lbs 2 oz & 20 inches long.
Fara basically had her in 6 hours. Anna Belle came out running!
Saturday: 20.23 mi on bike (15.9 mph) Great weather for a bike ride!
Did a short 20 min yoga dvd that came with my yoga mat before I left.
About to tear down my 13 yr old computer desk, shoot it, put it out of it's misery, & put it out to the road. ha! This house echoes now, I've got rid of so much stuff.
Sunday: we run 11.
Hope to get out EARLY since Summer is back.
I'm tempted to get out late tonight to run a few miles & then get out early in the morning for a run just to prepare for the relay. Crazy, eh? Umm, what to do, what to do???
One things for sure trivia in the 'homa with Hannah & Jeff tonight. :)
I know a lot of people do “recovery runs” or they cross train the day after a longish run. (I usually cross train) Since I was given the go ahead to start running, I’ve made myself NOT run the day before/after my longish runs. Well, here we are…I’ve done one 8, two 9’s, & one 10 mile run… This weekend will be 11. Since the weather was GREAT Monday, I cut myself some slack & allowed myself to run 3.25 flat miles SLOWLY (10:09 pace) out East area. Just the thoughts of running in daylight AFTER work made me smile. I said “Ouch” a few times & kept it slow. It was easy to keep it slow since my quads & the left knee area were still sore from Sunday’s run. The IT Band still reminds me that it is a son of a biotch…I also did crunches, 5 lb free weights, & stretched when I got home…
Tuesday…should I? No, I should NOT.
The plan was not to run Tuesday IF I ran Monday evening.
After doing workout #1 of Jillian Michael’s yoga in the morning, I thought I could handle my 4 miler that I had planned for Wed morning that afternoon. My better judgment took over instead. I did weight machines, crunches, & got my much needed grocery shopping done in the afternoon.
Wednesday: Slept In….
I got tied up trying to open OLD floppy discs with pics from 8-10 yrs ago on them. No Jillian yoga for me Wed morning. Ran 6.5 miles after work out at UTSI & totally soaked up the nature. The pace was slow. Took me 2 miles to get my legs moving, ugh!
Mi 1-9:48, Mi 2-9:21, Mi 3-9:16, Mi 4- 9:07, Mi 5- 9:13, Mi 6-9:08, didn’t pay attention to the last .5 time….9:18 overall.
Thursday: early AM Jillian Michael’s yoga & weight machines at DW Wilson
Friday: 4 miles (9:01 pace) EARLY AM (out the door at 4:55am)
Saw Fara’s little Anna Belle after work. What a cutie!
She arrived Wed at 12:34pm, 7 lbs 2 oz & 20 inches long.
Fara basically had her in 6 hours. Anna Belle came out running!
Saturday: 20.23 mi on bike (15.9 mph) Great weather for a bike ride!
Did a short 20 min yoga dvd that came with my yoga mat before I left.
About to tear down my 13 yr old computer desk, shoot it, put it out of it's misery, & put it out to the road. ha! This house echoes now, I've got rid of so much stuff.
Sunday: we run 11.
Hope to get out EARLY since Summer is back.
I'm tempted to get out late tonight to run a few miles & then get out early in the morning for a run just to prepare for the relay. Crazy, eh? Umm, what to do, what to do???
One things for sure trivia in the 'homa with Hannah & Jeff tonight. :)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Cranking up October...
First off, my heart is still HEAVY for those UT players...that damn LSU game made me chew my left thumbnail completely off. Words just can't describe the range of emotions at the end. Just sad. If Daniel Lincoln, the kicker, hadn't been injured, they might have won, plus the too many players on the field is not the players fault. That's coaching...oh well....so many YOUNG players playing their hearts out...they will be hell on wheels next year.
2nd, THS is beating all the "neighbors"...they need to learn how to beat the BIG 'boro & nashville teams. We'll see....
3rd, glad we ended up staying home for the Broncos game....9.25 miles early, then some rest is EXACTLY what we needed after the kids ball games & a trip to the GRAND OLE OPRY Saturday night. Joe was given 4 tickets from Hands on Nashville for volunteering. We had a great time....Charlie Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, Craig Morgan, Mike Snider, Whispering Bill Anderson, the Opry dancers, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, & Kevin Costner & his band Modern West. Who would have thought?! I LOVE Kevin Costner. He didn't sing that bad either. All week I thought to myself, "If they rebuild it, he will come..." Too funny!!!
My week in review:
Last Tues: 5.55 mi AM @ 9:18 pace
Last Thur: 6.28 mi AM @ 9:08
Did 2 afternoons of weights & 2 yoga sessions & crunches.
I’ve decided the pace won’t lower (more consistently) until I’m running AFTER work. Seriously, I’m just too sleepy to continue these AM runs but who knows…I may not completely rule them out when the time changes. When I do move to mostly afternoon runs, I’ll do 1 day a week of weight machines. Ted has cut back his schedule & he’s my “free” way into the gym, anyway…He’s retiring from the Dept of Safety next Monday but will continue to work a few days a week for D W Wilson. He’s debt free, sitting on a nice nest egg, & still has some sense about him. A good way to retire!
When I did Jillian Michael’s yoga this week, I noticed my catarangas are getting stronger. That’s a crazy move that’s given me fits ever since I started doing pilates/yoga. Mine are far from perfect but I’m getting there with “my practice”. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do the “crow”. That’s where you lean forward on your hands & put your knees on the back of your elbows balancing on your hands only. I try, though…just not strong enough or I’m approaching it wrong. Who knows….
I’ve started using Jillian Michael’s chocolate protein mix in fat free/lactose free milk in the mornings after I run. YUMMY!
Friday after work, I rode just over 12 miles for like 47 minutes...15.2 mph. Rode right after work, jetted home for a shower, & met Hannah for Mexican in the 'boro.
Saturday was spent in Springhill watching Joey's fall ball team while Joe took Jessica to soccer.
Sunday morning, we did 9.25 miles in the headwinds & most of it was hills. (Nolensville Pike to be precise). Thinking we'll run all the way to the little town area of Nolensville on the next longish run. I was totally pleased with the 9:21 pace. Going out was great. I was zoning...coming back I got beat up in mile 7-8 by the winds. My pace slowed dramatically until we were back in the village.
Got my Saucony Omni Progrid 8’s in from Amazon & wore them this morning.
$40 cheaper than the Progrid 9’s I bought at Team Nashville. (Gotta save somewhere!)
LOVE these shoes! All I need is another pair of compression socks to finish refurbishing the running gear. While going through things, I was amazed at the running related contraptions I’ve accumulated over the last 5-7 yrs. I found the Strasberg sock that I bought in the summer of ’04. That thing really didn’t do much for me when I tried it. I think I tried to sleep in it once & that didn’t work well. I hope I never need it again but I know where it is now! Ha!
Crossing my fingers on a few irons I have in the fire!
2nd, THS is beating all the "neighbors"...they need to learn how to beat the BIG 'boro & nashville teams. We'll see....
3rd, glad we ended up staying home for the Broncos game....9.25 miles early, then some rest is EXACTLY what we needed after the kids ball games & a trip to the GRAND OLE OPRY Saturday night. Joe was given 4 tickets from Hands on Nashville for volunteering. We had a great time....Charlie Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, Craig Morgan, Mike Snider, Whispering Bill Anderson, the Opry dancers, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, & Kevin Costner & his band Modern West. Who would have thought?! I LOVE Kevin Costner. He didn't sing that bad either. All week I thought to myself, "If they rebuild it, he will come..." Too funny!!!
My week in review:
Last Tues: 5.55 mi AM @ 9:18 pace
Last Thur: 6.28 mi AM @ 9:08
Did 2 afternoons of weights & 2 yoga sessions & crunches.
I’ve decided the pace won’t lower (more consistently) until I’m running AFTER work. Seriously, I’m just too sleepy to continue these AM runs but who knows…I may not completely rule them out when the time changes. When I do move to mostly afternoon runs, I’ll do 1 day a week of weight machines. Ted has cut back his schedule & he’s my “free” way into the gym, anyway…He’s retiring from the Dept of Safety next Monday but will continue to work a few days a week for D W Wilson. He’s debt free, sitting on a nice nest egg, & still has some sense about him. A good way to retire!
When I did Jillian Michael’s yoga this week, I noticed my catarangas are getting stronger. That’s a crazy move that’s given me fits ever since I started doing pilates/yoga. Mine are far from perfect but I’m getting there with “my practice”. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do the “crow”. That’s where you lean forward on your hands & put your knees on the back of your elbows balancing on your hands only. I try, though…just not strong enough or I’m approaching it wrong. Who knows….
I’ve started using Jillian Michael’s chocolate protein mix in fat free/lactose free milk in the mornings after I run. YUMMY!
Friday after work, I rode just over 12 miles for like 47 minutes...15.2 mph. Rode right after work, jetted home for a shower, & met Hannah for Mexican in the 'boro.
Saturday was spent in Springhill watching Joey's fall ball team while Joe took Jessica to soccer.
Sunday morning, we did 9.25 miles in the headwinds & most of it was hills. (Nolensville Pike to be precise). Thinking we'll run all the way to the little town area of Nolensville on the next longish run. I was totally pleased with the 9:21 pace. Going out was great. I was zoning...coming back I got beat up in mile 7-8 by the winds. My pace slowed dramatically until we were back in the village.
Got my Saucony Omni Progrid 8’s in from Amazon & wore them this morning.
$40 cheaper than the Progrid 9’s I bought at Team Nashville. (Gotta save somewhere!)
LOVE these shoes! All I need is another pair of compression socks to finish refurbishing the running gear. While going through things, I was amazed at the running related contraptions I’ve accumulated over the last 5-7 yrs. I found the Strasberg sock that I bought in the summer of ’04. That thing really didn’t do much for me when I tried it. I think I tried to sleep in it once & that didn’t work well. I hope I never need it again but I know where it is now! Ha!
Crossing my fingers on a few irons I have in the fire!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
10 miles....
We decided to run 10 instead of 9 early this morning since we didn't have the kids at the house.
No big deal since I've been careful not to go over the 10% increase till now. I knew I could handle it ok. We had some big hills the first 6 miles of it so I knew we'd be slower. (me, not Joe, that is...) We finished with a 9:51 pace. Again, I was just happy to have it under 10 minutes.
My bike ride was rained out yesterday so I did a 45 min spinerval DVD. I think it wore me out more so than my bike rides do. I opted to stay at home & do Jillian Michael's yoga instead of Carla's class. Those two factors alone probably caused my legs to feel a little more tired than they have been...no big deal.
Next weekend, we'll hit our 9 miles with a little less hills, I hope. I have an 11.5, 12, & 13 miler in our schedule to do sometime before Dec 5th.
No big deal since I've been careful not to go over the 10% increase till now. I knew I could handle it ok. We had some big hills the first 6 miles of it so I knew we'd be slower. (me, not Joe, that is...) We finished with a 9:51 pace. Again, I was just happy to have it under 10 minutes.
My bike ride was rained out yesterday so I did a 45 min spinerval DVD. I think it wore me out more so than my bike rides do. I opted to stay at home & do Jillian Michael's yoga instead of Carla's class. Those two factors alone probably caused my legs to feel a little more tired than they have been...no big deal.
Next weekend, we'll hit our 9 miles with a little less hills, I hope. I have an 11.5, 12, & 13 miler in our schedule to do sometime before Dec 5th.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Making lists & checking them twice!
Running:
I’ve had some decent training runs lately…
Did 3 Five milers in the early AM hrs last week wearing the headlamp on two of them.
Sat, was 20+ miles on the bike & pilates…
Sun, was 8 rolling miles with Joe in his ‘hood.
We managed to hold onto a 9:26 pace.
I was happy it was well under 10!
This weekend, we have 9 on our agenda.
Looks like 40% chance of rain on Sun so I’ll have to watch the weather.
I hope to get the bike out again early Sat morning & get to pilates.
My legs have been tired this week but my tummy has been giving me fits also.
Two mornings in a row, I’ve had the urge for the bathroom come at around mile 3! Not a good thing…both my 5.27 miler & 3.5 miler were 9:15 & should’ve been faster. I wish there was a lighted porta-pottie on my little routes in the morning. Ha!
Had some dogs try to scare me Tues morning but when I yelled at them, they wimpered. Wimpy ass dogs…I almost said, “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you!” I love dogs but not in the dark at 5-5:45am. The headlamp seems to be attracting them & waking up the yard dogs.
Ragnar Relay:
I can’t even begin to say how much I’m fired up for this…it’s going to be an experience to remember. We’ve replaced one injured runner with a volunteer (Jill M.) & replaced the volunteer,(Jeff H.) & found yet another van for the VAN 1 runners all in one week. I pray nobody gets injured. I’ve lowered my pace to 9:15 because I have the easiest legs of anybody & I am pretty certain I’m not going to get any slower than I am right now come Nov 5/6th. If all goes well, it probably won’t take more than 30-30.5 hours to complete according to our pace levels. We are “Agony of de Feet”. I think the best names I’ve seen on the site have to be “What? We thought it was a 5k?!!” That is too funny along with “The last time I was in a van with 11 people, we all had on orange jumpsuits”. Ha!
Moving:
We’ve moved quite a bit in two cars/two weekends.
The plan is to move a little each week in my or Joe’s car.
Gradually go through things & find a place for everything.
His attic will be completely full by time we’re done, I’m sure!
This along with other things on the agenda, we’ve just NOT had time for any extra curricular stuff. Plus I’ve refurbished my shoes, sports bras, & still replacing running socks. That stuff is expensive but I’m great at finding deals! I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. I love my Saucony Omni Progrid shoes & swiftwick compression socks. My calves aren’t nearly as tight on days I run in them. All that said, no real time for much football watching unless we find ourselves in front of the TV. I actually fell asleep during the 4th quarter of the fiasco that went on at LP Field last Sunday. OMG, the Titans have got to get better! As far as moving goes…until I’m employed closer to Joe’s, I’ll keep my rental. I’m not putting my body through 2 hrs a day of driving for my salary. I’m not putting my Honda through it either. She’s about to hit 134,000 miles & I LOVE my Honda. I’m the person you know that “Loves a Honda”. Ha! So, the plan is to get the rental down to the bare basics/bare essentials & when I do move, I can do it pretty quickly in one day. My bestest friend ever, Elaine, has offered to store some of my bigger stuff in her Lynchburg cabin so I don’t have to rent storage or even a UHaul. I don’t know what I would do without her!
Janet Evanovich, etc:
I cannot even begin to say how much I’m enjoying her Bounty Hunter series…I’m on book 7 out of 16 books. (She has a few in between books I need to read). I’m addicted. I can’t wait until next July when the first movie comes out for “One for the Money” with Katherine Heigl. Also, I highly recommend renting “Date Night” with Tina Fey & Steve Carell. They are HILARIOUS in that crazy movie!
So VERY glad that “Grey’s Anatomy” & the other shows I watch are coming back on this week. Another reason to LOVE Fall!
Can’t believe we’re basically 3 months away from Christmas?!
I’ve had some decent training runs lately…
Did 3 Five milers in the early AM hrs last week wearing the headlamp on two of them.
Sat, was 20+ miles on the bike & pilates…
Sun, was 8 rolling miles with Joe in his ‘hood.
We managed to hold onto a 9:26 pace.
I was happy it was well under 10!
This weekend, we have 9 on our agenda.
Looks like 40% chance of rain on Sun so I’ll have to watch the weather.
I hope to get the bike out again early Sat morning & get to pilates.
My legs have been tired this week but my tummy has been giving me fits also.
Two mornings in a row, I’ve had the urge for the bathroom come at around mile 3! Not a good thing…both my 5.27 miler & 3.5 miler were 9:15 & should’ve been faster. I wish there was a lighted porta-pottie on my little routes in the morning. Ha!
Had some dogs try to scare me Tues morning but when I yelled at them, they wimpered. Wimpy ass dogs…I almost said, “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you!” I love dogs but not in the dark at 5-5:45am. The headlamp seems to be attracting them & waking up the yard dogs.
Ragnar Relay:
I can’t even begin to say how much I’m fired up for this…it’s going to be an experience to remember. We’ve replaced one injured runner with a volunteer (Jill M.) & replaced the volunteer,(Jeff H.) & found yet another van for the VAN 1 runners all in one week. I pray nobody gets injured. I’ve lowered my pace to 9:15 because I have the easiest legs of anybody & I am pretty certain I’m not going to get any slower than I am right now come Nov 5/6th. If all goes well, it probably won’t take more than 30-30.5 hours to complete according to our pace levels. We are “Agony of de Feet”. I think the best names I’ve seen on the site have to be “What? We thought it was a 5k?!!” That is too funny along with “The last time I was in a van with 11 people, we all had on orange jumpsuits”. Ha!
Moving:
We’ve moved quite a bit in two cars/two weekends.
The plan is to move a little each week in my or Joe’s car.
Gradually go through things & find a place for everything.
His attic will be completely full by time we’re done, I’m sure!
This along with other things on the agenda, we’ve just NOT had time for any extra curricular stuff. Plus I’ve refurbished my shoes, sports bras, & still replacing running socks. That stuff is expensive but I’m great at finding deals! I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again. I love my Saucony Omni Progrid shoes & swiftwick compression socks. My calves aren’t nearly as tight on days I run in them. All that said, no real time for much football watching unless we find ourselves in front of the TV. I actually fell asleep during the 4th quarter of the fiasco that went on at LP Field last Sunday. OMG, the Titans have got to get better! As far as moving goes…until I’m employed closer to Joe’s, I’ll keep my rental. I’m not putting my body through 2 hrs a day of driving for my salary. I’m not putting my Honda through it either. She’s about to hit 134,000 miles & I LOVE my Honda. I’m the person you know that “Loves a Honda”. Ha! So, the plan is to get the rental down to the bare basics/bare essentials & when I do move, I can do it pretty quickly in one day. My bestest friend ever, Elaine, has offered to store some of my bigger stuff in her Lynchburg cabin so I don’t have to rent storage or even a UHaul. I don’t know what I would do without her!
Janet Evanovich, etc:
I cannot even begin to say how much I’m enjoying her Bounty Hunter series…I’m on book 7 out of 16 books. (She has a few in between books I need to read). I’m addicted. I can’t wait until next July when the first movie comes out for “One for the Money” with Katherine Heigl. Also, I highly recommend renting “Date Night” with Tina Fey & Steve Carell. They are HILARIOUS in that crazy movie!
So VERY glad that “Grey’s Anatomy” & the other shows I watch are coming back on this week. Another reason to LOVE Fall!
Can’t believe we’re basically 3 months away from Christmas?!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Muscle confusion, the head lamp, & relay transportation issues…
My first workout with the “30-day shred” left my quads screaming Monday night. Jillian Michael’s yoga is hard enough but I’ve adjusted now this… I’m starting to believe that I’m getting more of a workout doing her dvds than when I was at Harvey’s. For the time being, I’m keeping my Tues/Thur weight machine days at DW Wilson. When I do move, I may try for a while to do without a gym. I feel like I’ve got quite an arsenal of dvds these days if you include my spinerval dvds, too. There’s really no excuse not to exercise at home even if it’s only 20 mins of “Shred” or 30 mins of yoga. Like we’ve all heard before, it’s all about making time for it. I can definitely tell that my upper arms are changing. I ran 5 this morning with the head lamp. I tightened it before I started but it slipped. I tightened it again but that just didn’t feel comfortable. I had a red mark on my forehead when I finished but it did go away. I’m not a hat wearing runner unless it’s pouring down rain so this head lamp thing is going to be a challenge. This morning’s 5 went a little faster than Monday’s 5. (9:21 pace this morning) I’m still feeling some soreness from Saturday’s 10k but I’m betting Jillian Michael’s is to blame too. Ha!
Cousin Pam’s van was hit by a deer Monday night…nobody hurt but we now are depending on Paul’s brother’s ‘97 Suburban. It’s had lots of mechanical issues lately. Wonder what the rules are if the relay members have to push, pull, & drag their transportation around? One of the other runners in our van sent me an email about her van so maybe hers might be more reliable. We’ll see when we can ALL get together & get these details worked out…
Middle of September…this year seems to be slipping away…so much to do!
Cousin Pam’s van was hit by a deer Monday night…nobody hurt but we now are depending on Paul’s brother’s ‘97 Suburban. It’s had lots of mechanical issues lately. Wonder what the rules are if the relay members have to push, pull, & drag their transportation around? One of the other runners in our van sent me an email about her van so maybe hers might be more reliable. We’ll see when we can ALL get together & get these details worked out…
Middle of September…this year seems to be slipping away…so much to do!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Just another weekend....
I finished out the weekend with TONS of football viewing & a 20 mi bike ride EARLY Sunday morning. I could really tell my lower half was sore. So the bike ride was slow. I think it was 14.7 - 14.9 mph. Much better weather on Sunday than Saturday…figures!
Tullahoma kept the Coffee Pot by winning a thriller over Manchester!
I could hear the roaring crowd at the house Friday night. I probably would’ve gone to the game had I not had the race Saturday morning.
I’m starting book 5 of the Janet Jovanvich series today, “High Five”.
I’ve decided to sell the books to the “Mysteries n’ More” store in Joe’s neighborhood just to get them out of the way. Joe’s taking a car load of my stuff to his place today.
The goal: Move everything I want to keep to his attic or find a place for it in the garage or in the condo a little at a time over the next few months. That condo probably won’t go up for sale until some time next year anyway. Might as well scale down everything & make it fit for now. Praying that I’m living there at least by the first of the year…who knows…I do know I’m not going to spend 2 hrs in the car every day so as long as I’m “here” I’ll keep the house in the ‘homa.
Joe was kind enough to try out the head lamp & run 5 with me this morning from the house down to Kings Lane, left down Country Club, left into Kingsridge, & back to the house. (I think we woke up every yard dog on my street with that thing. I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe right for a few minutes.) We had to run just past the drive way a bit to get 5:03 in a 9:50 pace. My legs were draggin’ & I had to take a short walk break around 3.5. The ragweed is killing me. To add insult to injury, when I saw the chikin run results, I realized I was 21 secs away from getting a cow bell & a pair of swiftwick socks. Arg! Krista gave out some GREAT stuff! I got my 30-day Jillian Michael’s shred in the mail so I did workout #1 this afternoon. I can sure feel it in my quads.
My latest 2nd cousin, Estella Grace, was born 9-5-10 at 5 lbs 8 ounces. Her parents couldn’t be any prouder! I cannot wait to hold her at Christmas. My Aunt Diane with the happy Daddy, Rob, below.
Tullahoma kept the Coffee Pot by winning a thriller over Manchester!
I could hear the roaring crowd at the house Friday night. I probably would’ve gone to the game had I not had the race Saturday morning.
I’m starting book 5 of the Janet Jovanvich series today, “High Five”.
I’ve decided to sell the books to the “Mysteries n’ More” store in Joe’s neighborhood just to get them out of the way. Joe’s taking a car load of my stuff to his place today.
The goal: Move everything I want to keep to his attic or find a place for it in the garage or in the condo a little at a time over the next few months. That condo probably won’t go up for sale until some time next year anyway. Might as well scale down everything & make it fit for now. Praying that I’m living there at least by the first of the year…who knows…I do know I’m not going to spend 2 hrs in the car every day so as long as I’m “here” I’ll keep the house in the ‘homa.
Joe was kind enough to try out the head lamp & run 5 with me this morning from the house down to Kings Lane, left down Country Club, left into Kingsridge, & back to the house. (I think we woke up every yard dog on my street with that thing. I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe right for a few minutes.) We had to run just past the drive way a bit to get 5:03 in a 9:50 pace. My legs were draggin’ & I had to take a short walk break around 3.5. The ragweed is killing me. To add insult to injury, when I saw the chikin run results, I realized I was 21 secs away from getting a cow bell & a pair of swiftwick socks. Arg! Krista gave out some GREAT stuff! I got my 30-day Jillian Michael’s shred in the mail so I did workout #1 this afternoon. I can sure feel it in my quads.
My latest 2nd cousin, Estella Grace, was born 9-5-10 at 5 lbs 8 ounces. Her parents couldn’t be any prouder! I cannot wait to hold her at Christmas. My Aunt Diane with the happy Daddy, Rob, below.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Remembering 9-11 & running with the chikins...
9-11-01
Most, if not all of us, are thinking where we were 9-11-01. I was sitting at my desk in the purchasing dept of the Tennessee Correction Academy calling everyone I knew or so it seemed. That week I feel like we all went numb, I know I did. I pray this country never has to go through something like that ever again. I guess that's why I love NYC so much. Those people are tough, resilient, & they're fighters. I do not know how they did it. You just never know how strong you are until you are tested that is for sure. That could have happened anywhere but it happened in one of the busiest places in the world. The gate to the U.S.
RunChikinRun 10k-Murfreesboro Greenway
I'll start with my excuses....yeah, it was my first race COMPLETELY healed from the dreaded crack. It's still anyone's guess if my IT Band issues are under control but I can tell I really need to stretch after this mornings race. I parked what seemed like a mile away from the packet pick up so I got in a little warm up when I arrived & boy was I sweating. That's never a good thing BEFORE a race. Luckily I went to the bathroom first before packet pick up. Personally, I think they needed more portapotties but that's just me. I had to go back to the car & come back so I know I was ready to roll once we headed to the start line. Kim C. found me & said "Hi". I ran into Diana B. & talked to her briefly. I looked at my watch & it said 7:02am. We were supposed to start at 7:00am but they wanted us to watch 4 guys in chicken suits run a 100 yard dash first. I'm thinking to myself, do that at 6:45am or do it AFTER the race. It was heating up! I started with the 10 min mile people. They had people trying to corral us which was smart. I think it really helped get everyone lined up according to their levels. When we took off, I started my garmin & hoped I'd keep it slow. It felt fairly easy & there were so many folks around me, it's not like I could take off anyway. We got to the first mile marker. (8:32) Oh shit, I need to slow it down. Mile 2 came & I was at an even 17:00. I didn't really look again until we were about to the 5k area. (26:something) By mile 4, I could feel the toll of it setting in... The humidity was awful & I thought about how nice it would have been if we had last Saturday's weather. Oh well, I walked through two water stations after mile 4. They had plenty of water stations, which was a good thing!! I ran with a paper towel in my hand knowing full well I'd have to spit quite a bit around miles 3-4-5. Believe me, it came in handy. The ragweed is killing me right now. A tissue would have been mush by mile 4 but the towel held up fine. I dug down deep when I realized I would definitely be under 57 minutes. I didn't leave anything out there that's for sure. This wasn't going to be a personal worst for sure. (55:43) Considering the weather & that it's pretty much a flat course, I will take that! I squeaked an 8:59 pace somehow. It sure felt good to be in a race again! I remembered the spin class buddies talking about it last year & I wanted to do it so bad. GREAT door prizes & food!
Next race...ummm, we'll see how training goes....maybe Halloween Hunt 5 miler....it's cheap, I know the course, etc...
Happy weekend!
Most, if not all of us, are thinking where we were 9-11-01. I was sitting at my desk in the purchasing dept of the Tennessee Correction Academy calling everyone I knew or so it seemed. That week I feel like we all went numb, I know I did. I pray this country never has to go through something like that ever again. I guess that's why I love NYC so much. Those people are tough, resilient, & they're fighters. I do not know how they did it. You just never know how strong you are until you are tested that is for sure. That could have happened anywhere but it happened in one of the busiest places in the world. The gate to the U.S.
RunChikinRun 10k-Murfreesboro Greenway
I'll start with my excuses....yeah, it was my first race COMPLETELY healed from the dreaded crack. It's still anyone's guess if my IT Band issues are under control but I can tell I really need to stretch after this mornings race. I parked what seemed like a mile away from the packet pick up so I got in a little warm up when I arrived & boy was I sweating. That's never a good thing BEFORE a race. Luckily I went to the bathroom first before packet pick up. Personally, I think they needed more portapotties but that's just me. I had to go back to the car & come back so I know I was ready to roll once we headed to the start line. Kim C. found me & said "Hi". I ran into Diana B. & talked to her briefly. I looked at my watch & it said 7:02am. We were supposed to start at 7:00am but they wanted us to watch 4 guys in chicken suits run a 100 yard dash first. I'm thinking to myself, do that at 6:45am or do it AFTER the race. It was heating up! I started with the 10 min mile people. They had people trying to corral us which was smart. I think it really helped get everyone lined up according to their levels. When we took off, I started my garmin & hoped I'd keep it slow. It felt fairly easy & there were so many folks around me, it's not like I could take off anyway. We got to the first mile marker. (8:32) Oh shit, I need to slow it down. Mile 2 came & I was at an even 17:00. I didn't really look again until we were about to the 5k area. (26:something) By mile 4, I could feel the toll of it setting in... The humidity was awful & I thought about how nice it would have been if we had last Saturday's weather. Oh well, I walked through two water stations after mile 4. They had plenty of water stations, which was a good thing!! I ran with a paper towel in my hand knowing full well I'd have to spit quite a bit around miles 3-4-5. Believe me, it came in handy. The ragweed is killing me right now. A tissue would have been mush by mile 4 but the towel held up fine. I dug down deep when I realized I would definitely be under 57 minutes. I didn't leave anything out there that's for sure. This wasn't going to be a personal worst for sure. (55:43) Considering the weather & that it's pretty much a flat course, I will take that! I squeaked an 8:59 pace somehow. It sure felt good to be in a race again! I remembered the spin class buddies talking about it last year & I wanted to do it so bad. GREAT door prizes & food!
Next race...ummm, we'll see how training goes....maybe Halloween Hunt 5 miler....it's cheap, I know the course, etc...
Happy weekend!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Running in the afternoon heat…Always hated it!
It actually feels weird to me to running in daylight.
I thought that was sort of funny when I realized it.
Yes, it’s been daylight on the wkends when we get our run in but during the week I’ve been getting out the door at 5am.
This week, since Labor Day sort of screwed my schedule, I ran Tues afternoon with Paul for 4 miles out East area. I wanted to puke. I think we had a 9:26 pace when we finished. When I went straight to DW for weights afterwards, I had to lower my weights in order to do them. (Weak after running in the heat!)
Since I’ve had a stiff/sore neck the last couple of mornings, I decided to go ahead & run Wed after work also. My legs just didn’t want to deal with it but I got 5 miles in at a 9:32 pace with a lot of walk breaks. I’ve had to lay off the Jillian Michael’s yoga this week since that’s how I strained my neck last week. This afternoon, I was fine & I nailed her workout #1.
Now it's time for a little bit of Saints vs. Vikings!
I thought that was sort of funny when I realized it.
Yes, it’s been daylight on the wkends when we get our run in but during the week I’ve been getting out the door at 5am.
This week, since Labor Day sort of screwed my schedule, I ran Tues afternoon with Paul for 4 miles out East area. I wanted to puke. I think we had a 9:26 pace when we finished. When I went straight to DW for weights afterwards, I had to lower my weights in order to do them. (Weak after running in the heat!)
Since I’ve had a stiff/sore neck the last couple of mornings, I decided to go ahead & run Wed after work also. My legs just didn’t want to deal with it but I got 5 miles in at a 9:32 pace with a lot of walk breaks. I’ve had to lay off the Jillian Michael’s yoga this week since that’s how I strained my neck last week. This afternoon, I was fine & I nailed her workout #1.
Now it's time for a little bit of Saints vs. Vikings!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
What a nice week...
I got in some decent runs this week, nothing to write home about... but totally enjoying this cooler weather...I did get a little crazy with my back bend move during a yoga dvd & strained my neck a bit...Today, Joe & I ran 7 miles in his 'hood, which rivals the Moon Pie course, seriously! My hip is not happy right now. We did it my pace...9:31 pace & I'll take it. Thank God, RunChikinRun is flat! All I want is under an hour and/or close to 9 min miles as I can get. Is that too much to ask? Probably?! Who knows....just excited about running a race I've never done. (got new Saucony Progrid Omi 9's from Team Nashville & some compression socks. I sooooo needed them!)
Tuesday morning, I got an email that I had won tickets to the Saints preseason game with the Titans.
(ebay, $62 tickets for $20 ea-sec 120) I was thrilled since that was really the only game that stood out to me but it wasn't regular season. No guarantee that we'd see started play very long if at all.) I took off early from work & we were near the visitors tunnel by about 5:20pm watching warm ups. I got the Saint's punter (gotta figure out his name!), Reggie Bush, & Drew Brees to sign Drew's book, "Coming Back Stronger". Loved the book as I have said before...very inspirational. I told him that it was a great book & he said "thank you" & I promptly turned to mush... ha! Joe took the pic below with my cell as he was signing it.
Yesterday, a 20.33 mi bike ride at just over 15 mph...(just wasn't feeling it), pilates class, some weights, & 20 min elliptical. I was ready for baby shower cake! Fara, who has run many races with me in the past is due with her first child Oct 8th. She is absolutely glowing & so excited! Can't wait to meet Anna Belle Mullins!
My MI cousin, Susan, is having Estella Grace Dey as I type this...Patti & Rob (Suz's hubby) are coaching her. Girls, Girls, Girls...a guy at work is having a boy (Hunter Johnson) in Dec. His wife is due right about the time we shut down for Christmas. At least I know of one little boy coming! ha!
Happy Labor Day!
Tuesday morning, I got an email that I had won tickets to the Saints preseason game with the Titans.
(ebay, $62 tickets for $20 ea-sec 120) I was thrilled since that was really the only game that stood out to me but it wasn't regular season. No guarantee that we'd see started play very long if at all.) I took off early from work & we were near the visitors tunnel by about 5:20pm watching warm ups. I got the Saint's punter (gotta figure out his name!), Reggie Bush, & Drew Brees to sign Drew's book, "Coming Back Stronger". Loved the book as I have said before...very inspirational. I told him that it was a great book & he said "thank you" & I promptly turned to mush... ha! Joe took the pic below with my cell as he was signing it.
Yesterday, a 20.33 mi bike ride at just over 15 mph...(just wasn't feeling it), pilates class, some weights, & 20 min elliptical. I was ready for baby shower cake! Fara, who has run many races with me in the past is due with her first child Oct 8th. She is absolutely glowing & so excited! Can't wait to meet Anna Belle Mullins!
My MI cousin, Susan, is having Estella Grace Dey as I type this...Patti & Rob (Suz's hubby) are coaching her. Girls, Girls, Girls...a guy at work is having a boy (Hunter Johnson) in Dec. His wife is due right about the time we shut down for Christmas. At least I know of one little boy coming! ha!
Happy Labor Day!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Productive weekend...
Joe & I got in 6.5 rolling miles in a 9:23 pace early Sat morning.
(my pace/not his). I moved it to Sat morning since it was supposed to be cooler. I also did Carla's pilates class. I rode my bike today, 25 miles 16 mph.
Last night Hannah & Jeff did trivia with us.
We got 3rd place, FINALLY! ha!
Got the house cleaned & a little more organized, I think...
Yet another Goodwill drop off. My worldly possessions are shrinking.
(my pace/not his). I moved it to Sat morning since it was supposed to be cooler. I also did Carla's pilates class. I rode my bike today, 25 miles 16 mph.
Last night Hannah & Jeff did trivia with us.
We got 3rd place, FINALLY! ha!
Got the house cleaned & a little more organized, I think...
Yet another Goodwill drop off. My worldly possessions are shrinking.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Keeping me & my feet busy....
Yes, we have 6.5 miles planned for Sunday morning…True we did about 7 hilly miles at Tim’s Ford w/Carla about a month ago but we didn’t run the entire route. I plan to run at least 90% of the planned 6.5.
We will start from the house, head to the back of the Fairways, & out to Country Club drive. We will head to East Middle School until my garmin says 3.25, then we will retrace our steps back to the house. No fuss, no muss….
The IT Band reared it’s ugly head yesterday after I did a 45 min spinerval dvd.
I don’t know why it did since it hasn’t been bothering me outside on the bike.
Strange!
Did my planned 4 mi run this morning but it turned into 4.3.
I think I fell asleep & forgot to stop at 4. My stomach felt too empty.
The coolness felt great but I just wasn’t feeling it…tired, stressed, hungry…(9:03 pace:4.3 mi). I’m not running an inch until Sunday morning.
Registered for RunChikinRun in the ‘boro…surely to goodness it won’t be my slowest 10k ever. I hope I never suffer like I did at the ’08 Purity 10k. That was simply awful!
There’s going to be a 5k literally minutes from where I live on Oct 30th.
Ummm…Robert E. Lee Elementary School Pumpkin 5k. How cute!
Planning on the “Boulevard Bolt” Thanksgiving morning…provided everything still snaps together…we’ll call it the “Pre-Wedding tune up race” for the Las Vegas ½.
In other news & in my opinion....
*Nope, I do NOT think the mosque should be allowed anywhere near "Ground Zero"
*Can you believe that Macauley Culkin is turning 30!!!???
*I've thrown my resume out there in a big way with my old stomping grounds...the State. I'm vested. I need 13 yrs & I can draw a retirement from them. Nuff said!
*Mom is home & supposedly doing well. We shall see how this woman who's worked like a dog since I started 1st grade adjusts to retirement.
*Tullahoma nephew got his license back after a 3 month suspension for drag racing down the main street of the 'homa. He is just like his GRANDFATHER!
*My buddy Ted at DW Wilson made me laugh like an idiot today. Boy, did I need that! Will miss the hell out of him when I move.
*Deana Kastor is pregnant. Paula Radcliffe is pregnant for the 2nd time. Who's leading the elite women in the NYC marathon this year?
*Looking forward to my weekend with my future husband...he has a play date with Ella "boo bear" this weekend. (cousin Pam's daughter)
*Reading book 3 in the Janet Jovanovich series, "Three to get Deadly"
*Love, love, love the fact that I can taste football in the air (much like Eric Berry said this week.) ha!
We will start from the house, head to the back of the Fairways, & out to Country Club drive. We will head to East Middle School until my garmin says 3.25, then we will retrace our steps back to the house. No fuss, no muss….
The IT Band reared it’s ugly head yesterday after I did a 45 min spinerval dvd.
I don’t know why it did since it hasn’t been bothering me outside on the bike.
Strange!
Did my planned 4 mi run this morning but it turned into 4.3.
I think I fell asleep & forgot to stop at 4. My stomach felt too empty.
The coolness felt great but I just wasn’t feeling it…tired, stressed, hungry…(9:03 pace:4.3 mi). I’m not running an inch until Sunday morning.
Registered for RunChikinRun in the ‘boro…surely to goodness it won’t be my slowest 10k ever. I hope I never suffer like I did at the ’08 Purity 10k. That was simply awful!
There’s going to be a 5k literally minutes from where I live on Oct 30th.
Ummm…Robert E. Lee Elementary School Pumpkin 5k. How cute!
Planning on the “Boulevard Bolt” Thanksgiving morning…provided everything still snaps together…we’ll call it the “Pre-Wedding tune up race” for the Las Vegas ½.
In other news & in my opinion....
*Nope, I do NOT think the mosque should be allowed anywhere near "Ground Zero"
*Can you believe that Macauley Culkin is turning 30!!!???
*I've thrown my resume out there in a big way with my old stomping grounds...the State. I'm vested. I need 13 yrs & I can draw a retirement from them. Nuff said!
*Mom is home & supposedly doing well. We shall see how this woman who's worked like a dog since I started 1st grade adjusts to retirement.
*Tullahoma nephew got his license back after a 3 month suspension for drag racing down the main street of the 'homa. He is just like his GRANDFATHER!
*My buddy Ted at DW Wilson made me laugh like an idiot today. Boy, did I need that! Will miss the hell out of him when I move.
*Deana Kastor is pregnant. Paula Radcliffe is pregnant for the 2nd time. Who's leading the elite women in the NYC marathon this year?
*Looking forward to my weekend with my future husband...he has a play date with Ella "boo bear" this weekend. (cousin Pam's daughter)
*Reading book 3 in the Janet Jovanovich series, "Three to get Deadly"
*Love, love, love the fact that I can taste football in the air (much like Eric Berry said this week.) ha!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
loggin' n' bloggin'
My goal was to log roughly 13 mi last week. I got in 13.25.
This week my goal is around 14.5. I need 4 miles on Thursday & I’m there.
I’ve got a Fall running plan to lead me though the Ragnar relay, a couple of short races, & the Las Vegas ½ marathon.
Last week:
Sunday:
Absolutely nothing
Monday:
Rode 12 mi to loosen legs (may have done crunches but can’t remember!)
Tuesday:
Ran 5 mi in am (9:18 pace)
Weights/crunches in the pm along with Jillian Michael’s 30 minute yoga (Ouch!)
Wednesday:
Ran 3.13 in the am (8:55 pace)
Jillian kicked my butt again but I can almost get the back bend up high now!
Did crunches until they burned…
Thursday:
Ran 2.11 before the Manchester group assembled (9:26 pace w/1 walk break)
Ran 3 mi with Chad (9:23 pace NO walk break)
My first run in the afternoon heat. Blah! Plus I mowed when I got home!
Friday:
Absolutely nothing…
Saturday:
23 mi bike ride
Jillian Michael’s kick butt yoga
Crunches & worked with my 5 lb free weights.
Sunday:
6 mile run around Joe’s hilly neighborhood.
It’s impossible to run totally flat there so we suffered a bit.
4 short walk breaks gave us an overall pace of 9:36.
I’ll take that right now!
Monday:
12 mi bike ride to loosen my legs
Crunches & stretched IT Band (so far so good!)
Tuesday: Today
4.53 almost totally flat run @ 8:54 pace
30 mins of hell yoga w/ Jillian Michaels
Weight machines at DW Wilson
Wednesday:
Planning on a 45 min spinerval dvd in the am
Gotta mow after work
Thursday:
4 mile run planned in the am, hopefully well under 9 min miles
Weights at DW Wilson & more Jillian, crunches, etc...
Friday:
Not sure since I have errands after work...
Saturday:
Probably a bike ride in the early am...
Possibly pilates class afterwards
Until it’s cool enough to for me to run after work, my afternoons belong to Jillian Michael's yoga and/or DW Wilson’s weight room. I hope to continue early morning runs through Aug, Sept, & maybe early Oct. Note to self: find head lamp!!! All I wear right now is my reflective vest. I stopped being modest & ditched my shirts in the mornings. God, I feel better!
Loving the coooooollll down in the morning temps!!!!
This week my goal is around 14.5. I need 4 miles on Thursday & I’m there.
I’ve got a Fall running plan to lead me though the Ragnar relay, a couple of short races, & the Las Vegas ½ marathon.
Last week:
Sunday:
Absolutely nothing
Monday:
Rode 12 mi to loosen legs (may have done crunches but can’t remember!)
Tuesday:
Ran 5 mi in am (9:18 pace)
Weights/crunches in the pm along with Jillian Michael’s 30 minute yoga (Ouch!)
Wednesday:
Ran 3.13 in the am (8:55 pace)
Jillian kicked my butt again but I can almost get the back bend up high now!
Did crunches until they burned…
Thursday:
Ran 2.11 before the Manchester group assembled (9:26 pace w/1 walk break)
Ran 3 mi with Chad (9:23 pace NO walk break)
My first run in the afternoon heat. Blah! Plus I mowed when I got home!
Friday:
Absolutely nothing…
Saturday:
23 mi bike ride
Jillian Michael’s kick butt yoga
Crunches & worked with my 5 lb free weights.
Sunday:
6 mile run around Joe’s hilly neighborhood.
It’s impossible to run totally flat there so we suffered a bit.
4 short walk breaks gave us an overall pace of 9:36.
I’ll take that right now!
Monday:
12 mi bike ride to loosen my legs
Crunches & stretched IT Band (so far so good!)
Tuesday: Today
4.53 almost totally flat run @ 8:54 pace
30 mins of hell yoga w/ Jillian Michaels
Weight machines at DW Wilson
Wednesday:
Planning on a 45 min spinerval dvd in the am
Gotta mow after work
Thursday:
4 mile run planned in the am, hopefully well under 9 min miles
Weights at DW Wilson & more Jillian, crunches, etc...
Friday:
Not sure since I have errands after work...
Saturday:
Probably a bike ride in the early am...
Possibly pilates class afterwards
Until it’s cool enough to for me to run after work, my afternoons belong to Jillian Michael's yoga and/or DW Wilson’s weight room. I hope to continue early morning runs through Aug, Sept, & maybe early Oct. Note to self: find head lamp!!! All I wear right now is my reflective vest. I stopped being modest & ditched my shirts in the mornings. God, I feel better!
Loving the coooooollll down in the morning temps!!!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Riding, Running, & Reading
I did the free “Women & Wine Winery ride” this past Saturday in Arrington. It was free but I’m going to complain about the 20 min late start in the heat anyway. It would have been a little better on me personally if it had started at least 2 hours earlier. I was dying a slow death in the heat. I’m used to being on my bike on Saturday mornings by 6:30-7:00am. (Not 10:20am in this hot August heat) The course was not as flat as I would have liked but I tried to get into the correct gear, stand, etc...to get up those damn hills. I dropped my chain once on one hill & then there was another hill where I got off & pushed my bike for roughly 5 - 6 minutes. It was brutal. I ended up taking a migraine pill when I got home. The water/heed stop at mile 16 was quite welcomed because my 2 bottles needed to be filled up again. For some odd reason, I got my 2nd wind on the last 7 miles & kicked it in….I wanted to get to a shower! I never stopped my garmin the entire time & it read 2:17:33 when I got off at the car. (Total Mileage 31.3) There was some confusion out on the course about whether to go to Arno Rd or go straight. (The GREEN arrow was straight). I followed the green arrow along with a few others & the photo taking car guys came after us to tell us to turn around. By that time, a lot of others had caught up & everyone was confused. I took off like I was going to begin with before they stopped us. I wasn’t about to argue with them in that heat. I’m thinking maybe the cue sheets were correct & the road was marked wrong or vice versa. No big deal! I’m just glad it wasn’t longer than the expected 32. Did I say it was hot?!
As for running, paranoid me had my shin X ray’d Monday morning just to be sure I’m not “re-cracking” it. It’s A-OK!! Dr. Holmes said there was definitely an improvement over April’s X ray, too. The sore/swollen area on the side of the right calf is just from the weak ankle that I turned off the front porch in May ‘09. He assured me that I will get it stronger with time & some strength exercises. I am ready to increase the miles. I’ve been averaging only 12 a week. It’s time! Last week I finally saw an “8” on my garmin for 3.18 miles. (8:58 pace) It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve seen “8”s on my garmin. Even though I don’t have the 5k race PR showing it, I used to do 3 mi training runs squeaking the pace just under 8 min miles. (Actually, I think I have one 5k race showing a 7:58 pace) This morning I did 5 mi at a 9:18 pace & that’s with several 30-40 sec walk breaks to bring down the heart rate. So far that’s the longest run before work this year for sure. I’m hoping to get a 6 miler in soon before work. I’m just so glad to be running again!!!!
I’m totally into the Janet Evanovich books right now.
I read “One for the Money” and LOVED IT! I was told they would have you laughing out loud. So true! I can’t wait for the movie next year with Katherine Heigl in the lead role.
As for other things……
I have a cockatiel bird story to write about but I’ll keep it short. “Rocky” (mom’s bird) survived the great outdoors thanks to her neighbors who had a yard sale this past Saturday. Mom’s got dementia & other issues going on these days. She’s in the hospital right now so we’re all hoping for the best. She let her bird out to seek a “better life”. He somehow ended up at the neighbor’s yard sale. The neighbors returned him to dad. So, Rocky’s living with Dad for the time being. Thank you God for taking care of that bird!
Our wedding in Las Vegas during the ½ marathon is pretty much planned.
We have more folks coming than I thought would show & others looking into it. December is just around the corner…As usual, I’m ready for this hellish hot summer to end & Fall to begin…let the leaves turn & crunch under my feet. It’s time for some cooler weather & football in the air!
As for running, paranoid me had my shin X ray’d Monday morning just to be sure I’m not “re-cracking” it. It’s A-OK!! Dr. Holmes said there was definitely an improvement over April’s X ray, too. The sore/swollen area on the side of the right calf is just from the weak ankle that I turned off the front porch in May ‘09. He assured me that I will get it stronger with time & some strength exercises. I am ready to increase the miles. I’ve been averaging only 12 a week. It’s time! Last week I finally saw an “8” on my garmin for 3.18 miles. (8:58 pace) It’s been a VERY long time since I’ve seen “8”s on my garmin. Even though I don’t have the 5k race PR showing it, I used to do 3 mi training runs squeaking the pace just under 8 min miles. (Actually, I think I have one 5k race showing a 7:58 pace) This morning I did 5 mi at a 9:18 pace & that’s with several 30-40 sec walk breaks to bring down the heart rate. So far that’s the longest run before work this year for sure. I’m hoping to get a 6 miler in soon before work. I’m just so glad to be running again!!!!
I’m totally into the Janet Evanovich books right now.
I read “One for the Money” and LOVED IT! I was told they would have you laughing out loud. So true! I can’t wait for the movie next year with Katherine Heigl in the lead role.
As for other things……
I have a cockatiel bird story to write about but I’ll keep it short. “Rocky” (mom’s bird) survived the great outdoors thanks to her neighbors who had a yard sale this past Saturday. Mom’s got dementia & other issues going on these days. She’s in the hospital right now so we’re all hoping for the best. She let her bird out to seek a “better life”. He somehow ended up at the neighbor’s yard sale. The neighbors returned him to dad. So, Rocky’s living with Dad for the time being. Thank you God for taking care of that bird!
Our wedding in Las Vegas during the ½ marathon is pretty much planned.
We have more folks coming than I thought would show & others looking into it. December is just around the corner…As usual, I’m ready for this hellish hot summer to end & Fall to begin…let the leaves turn & crunch under my feet. It’s time for some cooler weather & football in the air!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ouch!
Since Harvey’s finally deactivated me, I started doing weights at DW Wilson.
Went 2X last week. Their nautilus equipment came from Top Rehab, which closed. Nice equipment but it’s taking some getting used to…I was sore but throw in 3 sessions of a 30 minute Jillian Michael’s yoga DVD into the week & I was hurting by Friday. I did get up EARLY & run 3.25 last Tues, 4.54 last Wed, & 3:03 on Fri, though. Jillian’s yoga DVD is hard! I keep the house at 76 degrees in the summer, which isn’t exactly cold but I’m still amazed at how much sweat I have coming off me doing her 30 min workouts. There are some moves I cannot even begin to do!
Due to some soreness on the outside of my shin, I decided to try to slow it down a bit & get back to the walk breaks last week. I’m still averaging the same pace pretty much even with breaks. (All the runs have been between 9:16-9:47 pace lately) Yes, it hurts to stop n’ start like that for me but it’s helping to keep my heart rate in control for now. (Knock on wood, the IT Band seems to be calm for the most part these days.) Overall, I’m still slow & won’t waste any $ on races right now but I’m pleased as peaches with the training runs. My only run goal right now is not to pass out in the middle of nowhere the first weekend of November during our relay. (Today, no early run...due to severe lack of sleep last night.)
Since I’ve registered for the FREE Women & Wine bike ride at the Arrington winery, I’ve made myself get the bike back out more than I had been earlier this summer. Still slow at the gear changes & averaging 15.2-15.9 mph turtle slow speeds. (July 31st-29.1 miles, Aug 6th-25.14 miles & Aug 7th-17.4 miles) Hopefully, this will be a scenic, safe route with no dogs, idiot teenagers screaming, or people driving 2 inches away from me while talking on cell phones. I just want to have fun & not get knocked off my bike. Praying for 10am to NOT be miserably HOT!
Our Las Vegas ½ marathon wedding is a “go-go”.
My Texas sister & husband are definitely going along with Hannah & Jeff.
Joe’s parents are looking at airline tickets & Joe’s brother & wife are a “maybe” at this point. Cousin Ben works at the Venetian so at least we’ll have a few folks there to celebrate with…looking forward to it. The next 6-12 months will be full of interesting changes.
I get to sharpen my interview skills soon. Good Lord, help me!
Went 2X last week. Their nautilus equipment came from Top Rehab, which closed. Nice equipment but it’s taking some getting used to…I was sore but throw in 3 sessions of a 30 minute Jillian Michael’s yoga DVD into the week & I was hurting by Friday. I did get up EARLY & run 3.25 last Tues, 4.54 last Wed, & 3:03 on Fri, though. Jillian’s yoga DVD is hard! I keep the house at 76 degrees in the summer, which isn’t exactly cold but I’m still amazed at how much sweat I have coming off me doing her 30 min workouts. There are some moves I cannot even begin to do!
Due to some soreness on the outside of my shin, I decided to try to slow it down a bit & get back to the walk breaks last week. I’m still averaging the same pace pretty much even with breaks. (All the runs have been between 9:16-9:47 pace lately) Yes, it hurts to stop n’ start like that for me but it’s helping to keep my heart rate in control for now. (Knock on wood, the IT Band seems to be calm for the most part these days.) Overall, I’m still slow & won’t waste any $ on races right now but I’m pleased as peaches with the training runs. My only run goal right now is not to pass out in the middle of nowhere the first weekend of November during our relay. (Today, no early run...due to severe lack of sleep last night.)
Since I’ve registered for the FREE Women & Wine bike ride at the Arrington winery, I’ve made myself get the bike back out more than I had been earlier this summer. Still slow at the gear changes & averaging 15.2-15.9 mph turtle slow speeds. (July 31st-29.1 miles, Aug 6th-25.14 miles & Aug 7th-17.4 miles) Hopefully, this will be a scenic, safe route with no dogs, idiot teenagers screaming, or people driving 2 inches away from me while talking on cell phones. I just want to have fun & not get knocked off my bike. Praying for 10am to NOT be miserably HOT!
Our Las Vegas ½ marathon wedding is a “go-go”.
My Texas sister & husband are definitely going along with Hannah & Jeff.
Joe’s parents are looking at airline tickets & Joe’s brother & wife are a “maybe” at this point. Cousin Ben works at the Venetian so at least we’ll have a few folks there to celebrate with…looking forward to it. The next 6-12 months will be full of interesting changes.
I get to sharpen my interview skills soon. Good Lord, help me!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Hello August!
Last Monday: Weights/Elliptical
Tuesday AM: 4:14 @ 9:41 pace-PM weights/abs
Wednesday AM: 3:03 @ 9:04 pace-PM ab work/mowed yard
Thursday PM: Rode Staggerwing course slow w/Kim, Paul, & Michele
Friday AM: 3:12 @ 9:14 pace
Saturday AM: 29.1 mi bike ride @ 16.2 mph & pilates class
Sunday AM: just under 4.5 constant run w/Carla & Joe at the lake.
Joe & I walk/jogged the last 2.5 with 6.92 miles at a 10:52 pace.
Calves are tight, hip is wondering what the hell I'm doing to it but again, it doesn't hurt when I run so I shall run. If I could stand all day, I swear it would never hurt.
Our relay team has come together!
Joe, Paul, Sonia (I've not met her yet), Robert, Anderson, & myself in cousin Pam's van. If Paul can come up with a 15 person van, GREAT, we'll have more room. We are all so looking forward to this event. It's different, it's for fun, it's going to be something none of us will ever forget. :)
Fall can’t get here fast enough for me!
Now off to Titans training camp..........
Tuesday AM: 4:14 @ 9:41 pace-PM weights/abs
Wednesday AM: 3:03 @ 9:04 pace-PM ab work/mowed yard
Thursday PM: Rode Staggerwing course slow w/Kim, Paul, & Michele
Friday AM: 3:12 @ 9:14 pace
Saturday AM: 29.1 mi bike ride @ 16.2 mph & pilates class
Sunday AM: just under 4.5 constant run w/Carla & Joe at the lake.
Joe & I walk/jogged the last 2.5 with 6.92 miles at a 10:52 pace.
Calves are tight, hip is wondering what the hell I'm doing to it but again, it doesn't hurt when I run so I shall run. If I could stand all day, I swear it would never hurt.
Our relay team has come together!
Joe, Paul, Sonia (I've not met her yet), Robert, Anderson, & myself in cousin Pam's van. If Paul can come up with a 15 person van, GREAT, we'll have more room. We are all so looking forward to this event. It's different, it's for fun, it's going to be something none of us will ever forget. :)
Fall can’t get here fast enough for me!
Now off to Titans training camp..........
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
NO walking...
9:41 pace for 4.14 miles this morning with no walk breaks...it was so humid!!
You could have wringed out what little clothing I wore and filled up a cup of sweat, seriously. (I started at 5am!)
IT Band has been giving me fits from the hills last Thurs & from my bike...I'm babying it but trying real hard to ignore it since it doesn't bother me when I run anyway.
You could have wringed out what little clothing I wore and filled up a cup of sweat, seriously. (I started at 5am!)
IT Band has been giving me fits from the hills last Thurs & from my bike...I'm babying it but trying real hard to ignore it since it doesn't bother me when I run anyway.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
"hello, old me"
I’ve had like 3 or 4 really hot, humid, good 4 mile runs at sub 10 min pace recently. The fastest was a 9:36 pace, walking about a min after each mile. So, I know when I am running, I’m running at a pretty good clip. I’m avoiding the big hills right now, though.
Hell froze over yesterday, I rode my bike after work 14 miles at a 15.2 speed. It was hot & that was all I could handle but I’m glad I did it.
My new read is..."Coming Back Stronger" by Drew Brees. He is one classy athlete, who’s overcome the odds with so much grace & humility. I'm a huge Manning fan but so glad that the Saints won the Super Bowl this past year. Truly amazing story behind Mr. Brees.
Exploring a bit of Atlanta over the weekend was fun. We took the Turner field tour. Loved it & I’m not even a huge baseball fan, seriously. This is only the 2nd time I’ve ever been to a major league game. First time was Memorial Day at Tigers stadium. Biggest difference between the two stadiums; Tigers stadium has a kid area with a ferris wheel, merry go round, etc… Braves stadium has a really nice area for kids to run around in up top near the $1 seats. Yes, $1 dollar seats! What I think is totally cool about Turner field is that they allow you to bring in a soft sided cooler with food/drinks in it. If you get there early enough to buy a $1 ticket, all you spend is ONE DOLLAR. They aren’t available on the net. You have to buy them on the same day of the game but what a GREAT deal. We went everywhere in that place including the 755 club named for Hank Aaron. It’s a nice bar/restaurant area.
For the game, we had seats on the 2nd row behind the visitor’s (Brewers) dugout. We rooted for the Brewers since Joe’s neighbor gets called up from the Sounds to play for them on occasion, Joe has relatives who are Brewers fans in Milwaukee so there ya go… I could have cared less who won but I sure did have fun. The fireworks that come out of the top of the coke bottle on the upper deck were cool. The scoreboard looked High Def & better than the Titans. So, we did the tour, checked into our hotel, walked to the “Underground” shopping area (overrated), & went to the game. We walked over there at our leisure & took pics of the Olympic torch Ali lit in 1996. We caught a free shuttle back near the hotel. The next day we walked to Centennial Park (Olympic Park). All I could think about was how Kerri Strug (US Gymnastics team) stuck her landing on one foot during those games.
Right across from the park is the HUGE Aquarium & the World of Coca Cola museum. We were like kids going through the coca cola museum. So cool! We plan to take the kids to the Aquarium sometime & redo Coca Cola. On our way home, we stopped at "The Varsity". (Links aren't working for some reason but you can find it at http://www.thevarsity.com/.) It's the biggest Drive In restaurant in the US & it's been around since 1928. Don't go there for the food, though. Totally go just to say you've been...Joe saw it on the food network so it's crossed off our list. lol
See random pics below.
Two things give me chills when I see them...the Statue of Liberty & the Olympic rings. It was a good weekend!
Hell froze over yesterday, I rode my bike after work 14 miles at a 15.2 speed. It was hot & that was all I could handle but I’m glad I did it.
My new read is..."Coming Back Stronger" by Drew Brees. He is one classy athlete, who’s overcome the odds with so much grace & humility. I'm a huge Manning fan but so glad that the Saints won the Super Bowl this past year. Truly amazing story behind Mr. Brees.
Exploring a bit of Atlanta over the weekend was fun. We took the Turner field tour. Loved it & I’m not even a huge baseball fan, seriously. This is only the 2nd time I’ve ever been to a major league game. First time was Memorial Day at Tigers stadium. Biggest difference between the two stadiums; Tigers stadium has a kid area with a ferris wheel, merry go round, etc… Braves stadium has a really nice area for kids to run around in up top near the $1 seats. Yes, $1 dollar seats! What I think is totally cool about Turner field is that they allow you to bring in a soft sided cooler with food/drinks in it. If you get there early enough to buy a $1 ticket, all you spend is ONE DOLLAR. They aren’t available on the net. You have to buy them on the same day of the game but what a GREAT deal. We went everywhere in that place including the 755 club named for Hank Aaron. It’s a nice bar/restaurant area.
For the game, we had seats on the 2nd row behind the visitor’s (Brewers) dugout. We rooted for the Brewers since Joe’s neighbor gets called up from the Sounds to play for them on occasion, Joe has relatives who are Brewers fans in Milwaukee so there ya go… I could have cared less who won but I sure did have fun. The fireworks that come out of the top of the coke bottle on the upper deck were cool. The scoreboard looked High Def & better than the Titans. So, we did the tour, checked into our hotel, walked to the “Underground” shopping area (overrated), & went to the game. We walked over there at our leisure & took pics of the Olympic torch Ali lit in 1996. We caught a free shuttle back near the hotel. The next day we walked to Centennial Park (Olympic Park). All I could think about was how Kerri Strug (US Gymnastics team) stuck her landing on one foot during those games.
Right across from the park is the HUGE Aquarium & the World of Coca Cola museum. We were like kids going through the coca cola museum. So cool! We plan to take the kids to the Aquarium sometime & redo Coca Cola. On our way home, we stopped at "The Varsity". (Links aren't working for some reason but you can find it at http://www.thevarsity.com/.) It's the biggest Drive In restaurant in the US & it's been around since 1928. Don't go there for the food, though. Totally go just to say you've been...Joe saw it on the food network so it's crossed off our list. lol
See random pics below.
Two things give me chills when I see them...the Statue of Liberty & the Olympic rings. It was a good weekend!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Where did that come from...?
4 miles at 5:05 am this morning.
Time 38:39-pace 9:39!
I haven't seen a sub 10 min pace in so LOOOONGGG!!!!
Time 38:39-pace 9:39!
I haven't seen a sub 10 min pace in so LOOOONGGG!!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Just stuff...
Gym:
The decision has been made.
As soon as Harvey’s deactivates me, I’m heading back to the gym I used to go before Harvey’s opened, D W Wilson community Center. My buddy, Ted, said that if he’s there I’m in free. Shhhh, keep that to yourself! They received the weight machines from Top Rehab & I know that they do have two newer treadmills there. Let’s face it, most of the time I’m using the gym for just weights anyway. I’ll still squeeze in Carla’s pilates class when I’m in town, of course. Anyway, this will hopefully spur me out of the bed to run at 5am more often & maybe get me out on my bike more.
Running:
Longest run lately: a run/walk of around 5.7 miles (mostly running). Whether the IT Band/hip wants me to or not, my goal is to be running 6.5-7 miles by the end of August. The Relay will be here before you know it!!
Bike:
Took it out for 20.4 miles early last Sat morning & finished with an overall speed of 16.5 mph. It was overcast with a little mist when I started. When I was loading the bike the sun & heat broke through. I was glad to be finished. The hip gave me fits that night when I was trying to sleep but I felt GREAT on the bike while out. Go figure?!
Books:
Not reading a thing right now but I’m looking forward to starting Drew Bree’s new book.
Tour de France:
I’ve watched some of it & what I’ve seen has involved mostly Andy Schleck.
I’m a fan of the Schleck brothers, even though I do like Levi & LOVE Lance.
I usually know who won by the time I see it, I always end up screaming when they head to the finish line anyway. I’d give my right arm to see it in person one day.
Baseball:
We’re heading to Atlanta this weekend for the Brewers game & to explore. Sad to admit but neither one of us has ever really explored downtown Atlanta. I’ve always driven around/past it to head to Florida. We have great seats & plan to do some little tours down there. If we have time, we may stop in Helena, GA on the way back.
Football:
Wow, still reeling over Bobby Johnson’s abrupt retirement.
College football will be interesting to watch around here this fall.
The decision has been made.
As soon as Harvey’s deactivates me, I’m heading back to the gym I used to go before Harvey’s opened, D W Wilson community Center. My buddy, Ted, said that if he’s there I’m in free. Shhhh, keep that to yourself! They received the weight machines from Top Rehab & I know that they do have two newer treadmills there. Let’s face it, most of the time I’m using the gym for just weights anyway. I’ll still squeeze in Carla’s pilates class when I’m in town, of course. Anyway, this will hopefully spur me out of the bed to run at 5am more often & maybe get me out on my bike more.
Running:
Longest run lately: a run/walk of around 5.7 miles (mostly running). Whether the IT Band/hip wants me to or not, my goal is to be running 6.5-7 miles by the end of August. The Relay will be here before you know it!!
Bike:
Took it out for 20.4 miles early last Sat morning & finished with an overall speed of 16.5 mph. It was overcast with a little mist when I started. When I was loading the bike the sun & heat broke through. I was glad to be finished. The hip gave me fits that night when I was trying to sleep but I felt GREAT on the bike while out. Go figure?!
Books:
Not reading a thing right now but I’m looking forward to starting Drew Bree’s new book.
Tour de France:
I’ve watched some of it & what I’ve seen has involved mostly Andy Schleck.
I’m a fan of the Schleck brothers, even though I do like Levi & LOVE Lance.
I usually know who won by the time I see it, I always end up screaming when they head to the finish line anyway. I’d give my right arm to see it in person one day.
Baseball:
We’re heading to Atlanta this weekend for the Brewers game & to explore. Sad to admit but neither one of us has ever really explored downtown Atlanta. I’ve always driven around/past it to head to Florida. We have great seats & plan to do some little tours down there. If we have time, we may stop in Helena, GA on the way back.
Football:
Wow, still reeling over Bobby Johnson’s abrupt retirement.
College football will be interesting to watch around here this fall.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Half the year is gone!
I feel like I crammed 1/2 a year of activities into one week!
Seriously...needed...time...off....well...spent.....
Running: Ran twice since last Wednesday.
Longest run lately just over 5 miles.
Gym: Been to Harvey's & we checked out Snapfitness. I have been spoiled rotten at Harvey's but Snap has it's pluses also.
Snapfitness: Tullahoma's is way better than the one in front of Lenox Village.
Biggest difference, Tullahoma's Snap is slightly bigger with a few small, 30 min pilates classes (NOT included in membership). Tullahoma has a hydromassage machine ($15 a month). Lenox doesn't have one. Lenox Snap looks good enough for weights & cardio but that's about it.
Pro Motion: Went there Wed for an assessement on the hip/IT Band/knee crap. Going back Aug 2nd. I've been given more exercises to do. Whoopie!
White Water Rafting: We met Jeff & Skylar July 2nd at Quest Expeditions & had a wondeful time. We stopped off at the Chickamauga Battlefield for a while to explore.
Fireworks: Saw the T-town airport airshow/fireworks July 2nd. (fresh off our Ocoee trip.) We watched with Terri, Joanie, & Joanie's mom.
Nashville fireworks:
(pic from Hannah)
Couldn't have been more awesome! They spelled out "USA" high above LP Field. We watched with Jeff, Hannah, & Skylar. 4th of July is my FAVORITE holiday!
Holiday World: It's GREAT! Highly recommend it & I'm not even the scary roller coaster rider type. Joey especially loved it. Jessica & I were the wusses of the bunch but we had fun. I did mostly water rides. I got up the nerve do ride the "Wildebeast". Very cool but I sure didn't want to get on it again!
Dig the hats, especially the pizza hat on the pizza eating boy.
Lake: Spent some time out on BWaggs ever popular boat dock on Tim's Ford.
Joe took the time to toss kids in the lake...Liam looks almost as big as Joe.
I also got to spend some time with cousin, Clint's twins, Macy, & Aunt Becky. The twins are so big!
Lenox Village 4th of July street fair: We went to the "Mysteries & More" bookstore in Joe's 'hood to their 4th of july free cook out & street fair. I won a cup cake in a cake walk & we won other little things. Very cool! We split the cupcake. It reminded me of the "Magnolia Bakery" cupcakes in NYC. YUM!!
I'm going back to work tomorrow then we hope to have a quiet weekend. We may end up in the 'boro for Skylar's last weekend in TN. I plan to get the bike out before pilates Sat morning then off to LWagg's Salon Allure for a much needed haircut. :)
July 17th, Joe & I are going to Atlanta for the Braves vs. Brewers game. We're going down early enough to do the World of Coca Cola museum & to walk the underground mall.
Happy Summer yall! It'll be gone before you know it.
Seriously...needed...time...off....well...spent.....
Running: Ran twice since last Wednesday.
Longest run lately just over 5 miles.
Gym: Been to Harvey's & we checked out Snapfitness. I have been spoiled rotten at Harvey's but Snap has it's pluses also.
Snapfitness: Tullahoma's is way better than the one in front of Lenox Village.
Biggest difference, Tullahoma's Snap is slightly bigger with a few small, 30 min pilates classes (NOT included in membership). Tullahoma has a hydromassage machine ($15 a month). Lenox doesn't have one. Lenox Snap looks good enough for weights & cardio but that's about it.
Pro Motion: Went there Wed for an assessement on the hip/IT Band/knee crap. Going back Aug 2nd. I've been given more exercises to do. Whoopie!
White Water Rafting: We met Jeff & Skylar July 2nd at Quest Expeditions & had a wondeful time. We stopped off at the Chickamauga Battlefield for a while to explore.
Fireworks: Saw the T-town airport airshow/fireworks July 2nd. (fresh off our Ocoee trip.) We watched with Terri, Joanie, & Joanie's mom.
Nashville fireworks:
(pic from Hannah)
Couldn't have been more awesome! They spelled out "USA" high above LP Field. We watched with Jeff, Hannah, & Skylar. 4th of July is my FAVORITE holiday!
Holiday World: It's GREAT! Highly recommend it & I'm not even the scary roller coaster rider type. Joey especially loved it. Jessica & I were the wusses of the bunch but we had fun. I did mostly water rides. I got up the nerve do ride the "Wildebeast". Very cool but I sure didn't want to get on it again!
Dig the hats, especially the pizza hat on the pizza eating boy.
Joe took the time to toss kids in the lake...Liam looks almost as big as Joe.
I also got to spend some time with cousin, Clint's twins, Macy, & Aunt Becky. The twins are so big!
Lenox Village 4th of July street fair: We went to the "Mysteries & More" bookstore in Joe's 'hood to their 4th of july free cook out & street fair. I won a cup cake in a cake walk & we won other little things. Very cool! We split the cupcake. It reminded me of the "Magnolia Bakery" cupcakes in NYC. YUM!!
I'm going back to work tomorrow then we hope to have a quiet weekend. We may end up in the 'boro for Skylar's last weekend in TN. I plan to get the bike out before pilates Sat morning then off to LWagg's Salon Allure for a much needed haircut. :)
July 17th, Joe & I are going to Atlanta for the Braves vs. Brewers game. We're going down early enough to do the World of Coca Cola museum & to walk the underground mall.
Happy Summer yall! It'll be gone before you know it.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Nashville Rising
Wow! That’s about sums it up.
I knew it would be good but dang, Sandra Bullock showed up. She came out towards the end swinging a guitar joking about how she’d "bring down the house". When she started picking at the guitar, she said, “Who am I kidding?” She then introduced Faith Hill, who was awesome. Of course, Tim McGraw closed out the show with “Live like you are dying”. Loved it!
Below: Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, ZZ Top, Tim McGraw, & Ms. Bullock. :) I didn't have enough sense to pull out my camera sooner for Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, etc...and really I have tons of photos I took last year of Taylor Swift so I just sat back & enjoyed it. Too cool!!!
Like I’ve said many times, I’m not a huge country music fan but this was fabulous! My favorite…probably ZZ Top, Taylor Swift, & Martina McBride…they were really great. Jessica said she had a sore throat & couldn’t hear anything towards the end. Ha! That girl knows her country music. Me, I wouldn’t know Jason Aldean or Luke Bryan if they knocked on the front door.
http://www.nashvillerising.org/
What an incredible event!
I knew it would be good but dang, Sandra Bullock showed up. She came out towards the end swinging a guitar joking about how she’d "bring down the house". When she started picking at the guitar, she said, “Who am I kidding?” She then introduced Faith Hill, who was awesome. Of course, Tim McGraw closed out the show with “Live like you are dying”. Loved it!
Below: Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, ZZ Top, Tim McGraw, & Ms. Bullock. :) I didn't have enough sense to pull out my camera sooner for Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, etc...and really I have tons of photos I took last year of Taylor Swift so I just sat back & enjoyed it. Too cool!!!
Like I’ve said many times, I’m not a huge country music fan but this was fabulous! My favorite…probably ZZ Top, Taylor Swift, & Martina McBride…they were really great. Jessica said she had a sore throat & couldn’t hear anything towards the end. Ha! That girl knows her country music. Me, I wouldn’t know Jason Aldean or Luke Bryan if they knocked on the front door.
http://www.nashvillerising.org/
What an incredible event!
Monday, June 21, 2010
tryin' to wrap up june....
Book:
I love to read, plain & simple. I wish I had more time to read!
As I’ve said before, I am a biography/autobiography junkie.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Laura Bush book, “Spoken from the Heart”.
She gives a lighthearted look behind who she is, where she came from, what made her the way she is today, & how it helped her cope with life as First Lady. I love the interesting accounts of what she went through with George on their road to the White House and in the White House. When I read the parts where she describes what was going on in Washington during 9-11 & Katrina, it made me tear up. Her book gives you a whole new respect for what goes on behind the scenes. It explained a lot that the press always blows out of proportion no matter who’s in office.
Running:
Well, hell froze over & I managed to get up 2 mornings one week & run shortly after 5am. My right calf sure got tight but it felt good to sweat that early just so I didn’t have to do it after work. I’m still stretching as much as I can on the IT Band. Some days it’s fine, some days not so much. (How long does it take for a dang IT Band to heal?) I’m still doing the walk/run thing, which is working well considering how slow I’m going BUT my pace is pretty much the same even when I walk less. I tell myself it’s the heat/humidity but maybe I can train myself to stay with this method. Who knows…
Of course Moon Pie was not in my plans & I’m A-OK with that. I refuse to pay for any races until all my little injuries are gone, I’m properly trained, & gunning for a PR. The ONLY thing I’m concerned with is being ok for the relay first weekend in Nov & of course training well for 2011 NYC. If that’s all I do the next 2 yrs then that’s just fine with me… As far as the bike, I just can’t bring myself to get that thing out in this heat. Every time I think about it, I have a change in plans as usual.
Weekends:
We saw “Get Him to the Greek” with Russell Brand a couple of weekends ago.
Who knew Brand could sing? Seriously, he’s good!
We saw “Toy Story 3” this past weekend. LOVED IT more so than the first two “Toy Story” movies.
The weekend of the CMA Festival, Joe was given tickets to the Friday night concert at LP Field. I was excited even though I’m not a huge country music fan. I’ve always wanted to go just to say I’ve been…pretty much like “Bonnaroo”. I’d love to go but don’t want to spend the $$$ or roast in the heat. We will hit up Bonnaroo one day even if I volunteer for a free armband. Personally, I think that’s the way to do it since I’d never want to stay the entire time anyway.
We took the kids to Wave Country & used Joe’s buy 1, get 1 free coupon. It’s not too bad a place. The kids had fun, we stayed cool, & got plenty of sun. We also went to the Titans charity softball game that was supposed to be May 22nd. Again it was hot but the kids seemed to enjoy it. They got lots of autographs & I finally got Finnegan’s on my jersey. (my other boyfriend, ya know) ;-P I think it’s awesome that the team is still making sure that McNair’s boys get to participate in these events. Fisher had them load the bases & he ran into home plate with the youngest boy. It’s a great event but it’s too bad that the usual drama had to overshadow it. I have to agree...if Roethlisberger gets a suspension then VY deserves one too even though his incident wasn’t as bad. The commish needs to make these athletes with questionable judgment pay. I could get on a soapbox but I won’t…waste of energy but I’m starting to feel the itch for some football & can’t wait for the season to start.
This past weekend we ended up at two Sounds games (courtesy of Joe’s neighbor), lunch w/ Jeff, Hannah, & Skylar, & the “Toy Story” movie…Hope everyone had a happy Father’s Day. I can’t believe the 4th of July is staring us in the face.
Tomorrow is the "Nashville Rising" concert...if I heard correctly on the news...4-5 hrs of music?! oh my...I declare Wednesday sleep deprivation day for me at work.
A white water rafting trip is definitely in our future for 4th of July weekend! Yippee!!! Love, Love, Love it!!!!
We are also tossing around the idea of going to “Holiday World” with Hannah, Jeff, & Skylar on July 6th. I’m taking some days off but it looks like every day could be busy, except for one. I may just have to hibernate on that day & decompress.
Happy Summer Yall! Stay cool, stay hydrated, & be safe!
I love to read, plain & simple. I wish I had more time to read!
As I’ve said before, I am a biography/autobiography junkie.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Laura Bush book, “Spoken from the Heart”.
She gives a lighthearted look behind who she is, where she came from, what made her the way she is today, & how it helped her cope with life as First Lady. I love the interesting accounts of what she went through with George on their road to the White House and in the White House. When I read the parts where she describes what was going on in Washington during 9-11 & Katrina, it made me tear up. Her book gives you a whole new respect for what goes on behind the scenes. It explained a lot that the press always blows out of proportion no matter who’s in office.
Running:
Well, hell froze over & I managed to get up 2 mornings one week & run shortly after 5am. My right calf sure got tight but it felt good to sweat that early just so I didn’t have to do it after work. I’m still stretching as much as I can on the IT Band. Some days it’s fine, some days not so much. (How long does it take for a dang IT Band to heal?) I’m still doing the walk/run thing, which is working well considering how slow I’m going BUT my pace is pretty much the same even when I walk less. I tell myself it’s the heat/humidity but maybe I can train myself to stay with this method. Who knows…
Of course Moon Pie was not in my plans & I’m A-OK with that. I refuse to pay for any races until all my little injuries are gone, I’m properly trained, & gunning for a PR. The ONLY thing I’m concerned with is being ok for the relay first weekend in Nov & of course training well for 2011 NYC. If that’s all I do the next 2 yrs then that’s just fine with me… As far as the bike, I just can’t bring myself to get that thing out in this heat. Every time I think about it, I have a change in plans as usual.
Weekends:
We saw “Get Him to the Greek” with Russell Brand a couple of weekends ago.
Who knew Brand could sing? Seriously, he’s good!
We saw “Toy Story 3” this past weekend. LOVED IT more so than the first two “Toy Story” movies.
The weekend of the CMA Festival, Joe was given tickets to the Friday night concert at LP Field. I was excited even though I’m not a huge country music fan. I’ve always wanted to go just to say I’ve been…pretty much like “Bonnaroo”. I’d love to go but don’t want to spend the $$$ or roast in the heat. We will hit up Bonnaroo one day even if I volunteer for a free armband. Personally, I think that’s the way to do it since I’d never want to stay the entire time anyway.
We took the kids to Wave Country & used Joe’s buy 1, get 1 free coupon. It’s not too bad a place. The kids had fun, we stayed cool, & got plenty of sun. We also went to the Titans charity softball game that was supposed to be May 22nd. Again it was hot but the kids seemed to enjoy it. They got lots of autographs & I finally got Finnegan’s on my jersey. (my other boyfriend, ya know) ;-P I think it’s awesome that the team is still making sure that McNair’s boys get to participate in these events. Fisher had them load the bases & he ran into home plate with the youngest boy. It’s a great event but it’s too bad that the usual drama had to overshadow it. I have to agree...if Roethlisberger gets a suspension then VY deserves one too even though his incident wasn’t as bad. The commish needs to make these athletes with questionable judgment pay. I could get on a soapbox but I won’t…waste of energy but I’m starting to feel the itch for some football & can’t wait for the season to start.
This past weekend we ended up at two Sounds games (courtesy of Joe’s neighbor), lunch w/ Jeff, Hannah, & Skylar, & the “Toy Story” movie…Hope everyone had a happy Father’s Day. I can’t believe the 4th of July is staring us in the face.
Tomorrow is the "Nashville Rising" concert...if I heard correctly on the news...4-5 hrs of music?! oh my...I declare Wednesday sleep deprivation day for me at work.
A white water rafting trip is definitely in our future for 4th of July weekend! Yippee!!! Love, Love, Love it!!!!
We are also tossing around the idea of going to “Holiday World” with Hannah, Jeff, & Skylar on July 6th. I’m taking some days off but it looks like every day could be busy, except for one. I may just have to hibernate on that day & decompress.
Happy Summer Yall! Stay cool, stay hydrated, & be safe!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
June: bring it on...
As usual when I take a few days off from work, I tend to lose weight.
Call it staying busy, call it forgetting to eat, call it more time for activities, less time to sit behind a desk… My weight supposedly went down about 3-4 lbs. Anyway, I'm back at work & I feel less hungry. Guess my stomach shrunk. It’s a good thing since its bathing suit weather, ya know… Got a new patriotic bathing suit for less than $20! I spent about 4 hrs at the Kensington beach area with the cousins & got plenty of sun. I sit here typing this & I notice how dark my hands/arms are…I generally tan well even if I’m fair skinned in the winter. So, summer has officially arrived for me. Drive Ins, beach, new bathing suit, & plans for July 4th in the making. (White water rafting & a canoe trip!)
My new read is by Laura Bush, “Spoken from the Heart”. I’m only about 100 pgs into it & I already love the book. She’s always struck me as a classy woman with a lot of spunk. I find myself craving the spicy foods of West Texas as I read about what her family grew & ate when she was a little girl. Fascinating woman... I got a great deal on the book at the ½ price bookstore in Clarkston, MI during my play time with Patti. VERY cool store! Got the kids some books too.
The cousins & I saw "SATC 2". I can honestly say it wasn’t as good as the first movie & obviously not as entertaining as the tv show but I’m a fan. There was no way that I was not going to see it opening weekend. We had a lovely time at the Great Lakes Crossing mall. I got a new pr of jeans & tons of new tops at “American Eagle” for little of nothing. Seriously, I spent less than $45 on jeans & about 5-6 tops. Unfortunately, the jeans are too big for me. I need to learn that when it says skinny/stretch to go down a size. Arg! I also need to realize that the khaki shorts I wore in MI do nothing for my lower half. They were literally hanging off me at the baseball game. Note to self, try on summer clothes before you pack them for a trip. Now I need to find my belts in order to wear this stuff!
We all went to the Tigers game Memorial Day. Even with a 2+ hr rain delay, we had fun. Comerica park is pretty dang cool with it’s ferris wheel & merry go round inside the park. When the Tigers scored the tigers on top of the score board had glowing eyes & they roared. It’s too bad that Galarraga didn’t get his “perfect game”. In everyone’s hearts he has it. That was the game AFTER the one we saw this past week. I think he'll be remembered even more so just because of the controversy. I'm not a huge baseball fan but Joe is so I got him an early Father's day present (Tiger's jersey). (just another jersey to add to our closet of Titans & Preds)
I actually found time to work out in the gym twice & ran with Joe once on a trail near his parent’s house. (just 3.15 miles but it was very nice, shaded, & cool.) We had some great bbq the last night there & headed home in time for me to get ready for my short 3 day week. Ahh, glad we went but glad to be home! About 24 days till my next vacation…looking forward to some time in the water, in a lawn chair, & with great friends & family. (and yes, Susan is about 7 months along with Estella Grace. Time is flying & I'll have another 2nd cousin soon!)
Quillen car at soapbox derby on june 5th. Still don't know the outcome but it's always fun to watch it. We ran/walked there, (I did pilates), then ran/walked back in the heat for roughly 5.5 miles. ITB wasn't too happy but oh well...
And last but not least, congrats to Paul S. on his age group placement two weekends in a row. His Mach Tenn age group award was a surprise I'm sure. What a difference a year makes for him!
Call it staying busy, call it forgetting to eat, call it more time for activities, less time to sit behind a desk… My weight supposedly went down about 3-4 lbs. Anyway, I'm back at work & I feel less hungry. Guess my stomach shrunk. It’s a good thing since its bathing suit weather, ya know… Got a new patriotic bathing suit for less than $20! I spent about 4 hrs at the Kensington beach area with the cousins & got plenty of sun. I sit here typing this & I notice how dark my hands/arms are…I generally tan well even if I’m fair skinned in the winter. So, summer has officially arrived for me. Drive Ins, beach, new bathing suit, & plans for July 4th in the making. (White water rafting & a canoe trip!)
My new read is by Laura Bush, “Spoken from the Heart”. I’m only about 100 pgs into it & I already love the book. She’s always struck me as a classy woman with a lot of spunk. I find myself craving the spicy foods of West Texas as I read about what her family grew & ate when she was a little girl. Fascinating woman... I got a great deal on the book at the ½ price bookstore in Clarkston, MI during my play time with Patti. VERY cool store! Got the kids some books too.
The cousins & I saw "SATC 2". I can honestly say it wasn’t as good as the first movie & obviously not as entertaining as the tv show but I’m a fan. There was no way that I was not going to see it opening weekend. We had a lovely time at the Great Lakes Crossing mall. I got a new pr of jeans & tons of new tops at “American Eagle” for little of nothing. Seriously, I spent less than $45 on jeans & about 5-6 tops. Unfortunately, the jeans are too big for me. I need to learn that when it says skinny/stretch to go down a size. Arg! I also need to realize that the khaki shorts I wore in MI do nothing for my lower half. They were literally hanging off me at the baseball game. Note to self, try on summer clothes before you pack them for a trip. Now I need to find my belts in order to wear this stuff!
I actually found time to work out in the gym twice & ran with Joe once on a trail near his parent’s house. (just 3.15 miles but it was very nice, shaded, & cool.) We had some great bbq the last night there & headed home in time for me to get ready for my short 3 day week. Ahh, glad we went but glad to be home! About 24 days till my next vacation…looking forward to some time in the water, in a lawn chair, & with great friends & family. (and yes, Susan is about 7 months along with Estella Grace. Time is flying & I'll have another 2nd cousin soon!)
Quillen car at soapbox derby on june 5th. Still don't know the outcome but it's always fun to watch it. We ran/walked there, (I did pilates), then ran/walked back in the heat for roughly 5.5 miles. ITB wasn't too happy but oh well...
