MS150 Day 1

Where does the time go? Well, in my case, I've been busy with keeping our house tidy and clean as it's listed on the market, taking my boys to various activities (T-ball is finally over!), and all sorts of other things that life presents to me. I feel like I've been exhausted since the MS150, and I've been sleeping a lot this holiday weekend hoping to remedy that feeling.

Speaking of the MS150, I never wrote anything but a short blip about it. I have so many runs and events to talk about, and I wondered if I should start with my most recent event (Saturday's long run) and work backward. Instead, I decided to go chronologically, so we'll now jump back to Friday, April 11. I guess six weeks late is better than no report at all. :o)

MS150 - The Long Version, albeit not as long as it would have been 6 weeks ago, lucky you, but it's still ridiculously long.

David drove me, my bike, and gear down to Houston Friday afternoon. I don't remember being nervous, which is a good thing for me. Ah, Houston traffic greeted us as we found our hotel (the hotel with the expo). We unloaded bikes and gears and found our rooms, and then wandered around the expo. We went to the St. David's room which had some food and drinks for the team members. It was all fairly boring, especially for David, and we eventually headed out for dinner. I can't remember where we ate, but it was an overpriced Mexican restaurant. I can't even remember what I ordered! See the details you get 6 weeks later?? Amazing!

I was sad for David to leave, sad to be without someone there who loved me, sad to be alone with my impending nervousness. Michelle, Lynette, and Lonnie are very nice, and all made me feel welcome and wanted. We went to our rooms to get our gear ready, and I got a bed to myself, which made sleeping a little easier. I actually slept fairly well considering my normal anxiety. 5:00am chimed, and we were up and at 'em.

We were supposed to meet the St. David's group in the parking garage at 6:15am, but it was pitch black at 6:15. I was ready, but Michelle and Lynette weren't quite done. I think we finally headed down around 6:30am. We loaded our bags into an SUV. I thought all the St. David's peeps got to put their bags in this SUV, and I wondered how 160 people's stuff was going to fit. I later learned that just those folks who donated to the Jabboury Foundation put their things there.

Me, Lonnie, Lynette & Michelle in the parking garage, ready to go:



If you want to see maps of the route as you read, click here. These include elevation maps, as well.

As soon as it was light, we headed out from the parking garage. We avoided the start at Tully stadium, but within a street or two, we had merged with those riders. I have never seen so many people on bikes in my entire life. I was nervous and gripping my handlebars so tightly. I didn't realize this until we were stopped several miles in to the ride at a stop light. I am still amazed that there weren't more bike wrecks.

I finally settled down. We didn't stop at the first break point. My gears were making lots of noise even though I had just had them checked and fixed the week before (after the Rosedale ride). We made it to the 2nd break point (BP from here on out). I took my bike to the repair section, where I was informed about my "half-gear." The mechanic clicked my gear half-way and the clanking stopped. I felt like an idiot. I had tried that, b/c I did indeed know about my "half-gear." Of course it magically stops for him. Relieved nonetheless, I thanked him and weaved through the masses to get a snack and drink.

Here's a picture of the 2nd BP, our first stop. I used a disposable camera, and this picture doesn't do the crowd any justice:


The first 40 or so miles of the ride were flat and pleasant. Honeysuckle was growing along the road (FM 529) for a good 20-30 miles, and it was sweet bliss. I let the aroma of those yellow and white flowers wrap around my like a shawl, and with each inhale I was taken back to the honeysuckle vines in our yard growing up, popping off the tiny green tip of the flower and sucking the wee drop of nectar.

The last 10 miles before our lunch stop in Belville had some hills. I think this is around the time the wind picked up. It may have been there the first 40 miles, but I don't remember it causing a problem. The hills were manageable, but I was surprised how many people were already struggling up the hills.

We rolled into lunch and found the St. David's tent, where we were treated to Jason's Deli boxed lunches (rather than the PBJ sack lunch provided for all riders). We sat in the shade, and it was actually chilly. The weather thus far had been ideal temperature-wise. Standing around was chilly, but after riding and getting warm, it was perfect. It was sunny and mild...highs in the low 70s. I was warned that the next 50 miles to La Grange were hilly...all the flat was behind us.

Small aside - we rode together in a sense. We always met back up at the BPs, but due to differences in speed and ability and how we were feeling, we always separated. Lonnie always finished first (to ride with us, he was riding much slower than his usual pace). Second was usually Lynette, with me third, and Michelle last. Michelle wasn't feeling 100% on day 1.

Lunch was over too soon, and we were headed out again. I wanted to stop at every single BP from lunch to La Grange, but my riding buddies wanted to skip some. I told them fine, but that I was stopping. The wind was brutal, and at BP 4 (approx 10 miles), all of us stopped. We lamented the head-wind that made the hills that much more challenging. All the riders felt it, and those that aren't used to hills or didn't train much, were suffering.

What I remember of those 2nd 50 miles on day 1 was lots of head-down-into-the-wind, slow riding. I just went from BP to BP. I told myself, "only X many miles to the next stop." I was texting David and Sarah at every stop to let them know of my progress. My right knee had been hurting since around lunch time or after. Even though it was windy, I still took the time to enjoy the scenery. We rode through some beautiful areas, and one town in particular touched my heart. I want to say it was Fayetteville, but my memory is poor. The entire town came out, it seemed, to cheer us on as we rode through their downtown streets. Many were yelling "Thank you for riding!" and one man was out in a wheel chair cheering and yelling "Thank you!" They had flags and banners and all-around goodwill. I was so moved that I teared up and choked back a sob. I felt that the emotion from that town would carry me through to La Grange...another 20 miles away.

The emotion did carry me, but the wind and fatigue overpowered it after a few miles. I tried to hold onto those faces cheering, I thought of David struggling through the last miles of his sub-3 marathon, I thought of Elijah's and Joshua's sweet faces chanting "Go, Mommy!", I remembered Sarah saying, "If I can do it, then you can do it," when she first talked me into riding the MS150, and I talked to God a lot. My right knee would hurt, so I'd try to use only my left leg for pedaling. I never felt like quitting. My neck and shoulders were aching beyond anything I had imagined.

We finally made it to La Grange. I was elated to see the city limit sign. I begged Lynette, Lonnie and Michelle to stop and take a picture. Lynette and Michelle weren't thrilled, but thankfully Lonnie backed my idea up as a good one. We stopped for a photo. This one is of me and Lynette with Michelle in the background.


Because we were with team St. David's, we didn't go the fair grounds. We rode ride passed them and headed to Pink's. I didn't really know what Pink's was, but I did know it was a house. A house that had food and a massage therapist. A house that I wanted to get to in a bad way. We made it there, and I finally figured out that only those who donated to Jabboury went to Pink's house. Pink is a woman who is active in the Jabboury Foundation. The suburban was only for those of us who donated and had host families. Ah...I understand now. There were team St. David's folks who did go to the fair grounds and camp or have family members drive them to a motel.

Our host, Hugh, was waiting for us (I honestly can't remember if that is his name!). We rolled in at 6pm - 2 hours later than the year before when Sarah rode with Lynette and Michelle. 2 hours later than we thought we'd arrive, and we were beat. We found out that everyone was later than years prior thanks to the wind. I heard over and over how much harder this year's ride was due to the wind. I heard folks say it was the hardest year they could remember. Yea for me, I thought sarcastically.

We ate delicious Carraba's food, and I waited a long time for my 20-minute massage. It was so worth it. My back, shoulders, and arms were stiff and sore. Our host had taken our bikes and bags to the house we were to stay at, and he was coming back for us. His daughter, Dana, was preparing a lasagna dinner for us at her house.

It turns out that our host is a very interesting man. He's a retired professor of Physics at Sam Houston (but still has an office there), he owns several houses and property in and around Winchester, where we stayed. At first, one might think he was a good ol' Texas country boy, but then he talked and told us of his jobs and Physics professorship, and we soon learned that this was not a typical good ol' boy. I wanted to ask him about String Theory, but I was too tired and shy.

Dana, his daughter, is interesting, too. She rescues animals and had about 9 dogs on her property that had been rescued. We ate dinner at her house and then headed back to the "town house" in Winchester proper to sleep. We had the house to ourselves, and I again got my own bed. We all took turns taking a shower and using the 1 bathroom before collapsing into bed. The house was literally right next to the first BP for day 2. It was also right next to a train track.

Trains rolled through and blew their horn about 4 times during the night. I was lucky and fell right back asleep after it woke me. Lynette, Lonnie and Michelle had a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep. The grandfather clock in the house also chimed and kept them awake, but I never heard the clock. I was determined to sleep until 6am, but I heard the others awake and moving around around about 5:15am. I did lay in the bed until 5:45am. It was a decent night's sleep considering.

Upcoming highlights from Day 2:

* 38 degrees and no long sleeves or pants
* insane hills in Beuscher State Park
* skipping lunch and bonking really, really hard
* Hello, Austin! You sure look good to me!

Short-n-Sweet

I had a fairly lame blog typed up, but it's not worth printing. To keep it short, familyvance has been swamped with house duties as we prep to list our house this week.

I still plan to write something further about the MS150 because I do want to remember it, even if everyone else has forgotten they wanted more details.

DV and I ran The Maze on Sunday, which is a very fun trail run that we ran last year. That race is so darn fun, but I am so out of shape for running. That 10K run was the longest run I've done in weeks and weeks. Barb and Allison ran with me, and we had so much fun. Trail runs are so fun (or at least this one is fun). The next race in the series is The Loop, and last year, it was so difficult for me. I said I'd never run it again, but I'm probably running it again.

I love power washing. I could be a professional power washer, I think. And if I didn't marry a handyman, then I'm married to one now. Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Good Times

After looking at my "official" MS150 photos from Brightroom, I have once again vowed to lose 10 pounds. Of course, my birthday is Monday, and I'll be stuffing down oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and lemon cake. Perhaps Tuesday I'll get right on that weight loss goal. I have told myself before to carry around a really unflattering picture of myself and look at it before I eat a cookie or whatnot.

A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, I was sewing a Jedi Robe. Remember that? Well, Joshua didn't forget, and he asked about it a couple of weeks ago. He asked on a Sunday late afternoon, so I sighed and decided to bite the light saber and finish that robe. I only had to sew the sleeve hems and attach the sleeves. It went rather quickly and in under an hour, the robe was done. Fortunately, my client didn't care about all the horrible sewing. He thinks his robe is the greatest thing ever.



Last Thursday, David and I celebrated our whopping 9th anniversary. I've been wanting to go to the Melting Pot for a long time, so that's what we did. Of course we loved the cheese and dessert fondue. We didn't particularly care for the entree fondue. I guess we aren't big "raw food at the table" kind of folks. We were too impatient to cook it all, and we didn't like seeing the raw meat. It was an enjoyable experience overall, and we will doubtfully go again unless it's with friends or family.

I was a neglectful spouse and forgot to get David a card. I did send him some delicious cookies from Tiff's Treats. He sent roses to my place of employment, which we all know is required when sending flowers because why else do you send them if not for others to see you receive flowers and ooh and ahhh over them and think you're such a lucky person for getting flowers and wow, he must luv you and why are you getting flowers today, blah, blah, blah.

The real treat was the card he gave me at dinner. It wasn't an anniversary card, but rather a pig card. Inside was a printed slip of paper with a picture of David Beckham on it. He got me David Beckham for our anniversary! Awesome! Actually, he got us 2 tickets to see the LA Galaxy play Dallas on May 18. Truly awesome. I get a weekend away with my Darling of Darlings, I get to watch a soccer game, and I better get to see David Beckham on the field. Let's all think positive thoughts for no injuries or shenanigans.

For those interested in the MS150...I endeavor to provide a detailed ride report this weekend. For now, you can laugh heartily at my official pictures. You can also view my pictures from the disposable camera I took on the ride.

MS150 short version (super short!)

Thanks to everyone who thought of me this weekend and wished me well. The winds were strong and made the ride very tough for everyone, but we rode through some gorgeous views. I'll give details later. I'm a little sore (shoulders especially) and very tired thanks to two nights of little sleep. Here's a picture of me and Lynette that David snapped as we approached the finish line.



I missed my boys, but it didn't hit me how much until I saw them as I passed by them going to the finish. There were several emotional times during the ride, but nothing like when I saw I-35 (knew I was moments from my boys) and then again when I saw my boys. It's a good thing DV and the boys were far enough from the finish so that I could compose myself for the photographers. Otherwise my official finish photos would show me blubbering.

Melting Goodness

I've been without internet access for the morning, and I was planning on whipping up a magnificent post full of interesting bits on my first group class at a gym in 15+ years (Total Body Sculpting for 1.25 hours), my 9th anniversary, final MS150 training and prep, and general fun stuff about good ol' Familyvance. However, you are stuck with these few paragraphs.

David will be driving me, my bike, and my gear to Houston in less than an hour. I'm staying at the Omni Westside (Houston) with Michelle, Lynette, and Lonnie. Team member #5, Ms. Holmes, is rooting for us from New York. Hi Sarah! Love you!

We roll out around 7am tomorrow. Lunch in Belville. Overnight in LaGrange. Sunday we do the "Challenge Route" through Bastrop State Park. Think happy thoughts of me climbing every hill on my bike - no walking! Lunch in Bastrop, and then I'm heading home to sweet Austin and my boys.

If you want to see the detailed map, click here.

See ya in 180 miles.

Coming up Roses

Ah, I love Spring. Wildflowers are so lovely, and I wonder how many folks just zoom right on passed them without noticing?

That was hard to do on the Rosedale Ride on Saturday. The route was down a lot of county roads northeast of Austin (probably most of them in Williamson county). I saw lots of quaint farm houses (and many that are far from quaint), two beautiful churches, farmers mending fences, calves weaning to a bottle, a boy shooting his cap gun at cyclists, and two sweet-faced girls in their gravel driveway giddily waving at passing bikes.

It's easy to forget how close by farm land is to Austin. Ah, the sweet smell of manure on a cool, damp morning...

The ride was great. I never struggled. I enjoyed pretty much all 63.1 miles. I think there were two times I complained, and those were because I was hungry. Perhaps I'll give a more detailed report later, but for now I'll leave you with a picture of me and Sarah at the end of the ride.

Me:



Sarah:

When your knees rule the roost

Monday at Gazelle class, Gilbert stretched my legs and IT bands and showed me some strengthening exercises. He says I have no quad and butt muscles, and of course, I'm "weak in the core." My left IT band hurts when running, and my right hurts when cycling. I'm wondering now if my right knee is something else. Anyway, Coach said that my right leg was "a mess."

I've taken the week off from any strenuous exercise. My leg muscles felt like I had lifted weights after Monday's stretching with Gilbert. Tuesday, Joshua's T-ball team played their 2nd game. Go Mets! Joshua's got the best slugging percentage on his team. I'm not sure I actually know what that means, but I wanted to be an obnoxious T-ball parent and toot my kid's horn. David and I are far too quiet at games. We simply stand out in the crowd of screaming parents and coaches.

Wednesday I ran an easy fartlek at class with Sarah (Allison and Barb were ahead of us about 100 meters). My knees protested pretty much right after our warm-up. I did 4 (maybe 5) sets before walking during the "easy" minute. With 1 more set to go, I had to give up on running all together. I had caught back up to Sarah, and she kindly walked back with me to Runtex (almost a mile). Ice, Compression, and Elevation at home. Rest on Thursday and today.

Tomorrow is the Rosedale Ride. Sarah thinks we'll be on our bikes for about 5.5 hours for the 63.1 miles. The weather should be pleasant, but there's a small chance of rain. I really am not interested in cycling in the rain. I am, however, excited about the ride and am looking forward to riding with Sarah since she won't be able to do the MS150 due to her sister's surgery.

I will ask Sarah to take a picture or two of me on my bike to post here. If you want to see me on my bike right this very minute, you can look at pics of me at the 2006 CapTexTri.

Want to see Sarah? Look how cute she is (she's the one with the red hair). :o)

Still Recovering from Spring Forward

I jokingly "wrote" a blog in conversation with David the other day:

I ran, blah, blah, biked 30 miles, two flats, Enchanted Rock, how much crap can can one tiny house hold?

I think there might have been one or two other snippets in the original, but the concept is the same. It doesn't really matter if I write in this blog or not. It doesn't matter if I give detailed reports of my running or cycling or anything. I'd like to recap for my sake, so if I ever look back and wonder how I did with running/cycling, I'll have a record.

My IT bands have been hurting since I added in the cycling after 3M. Two Saturdays ago, I met Elizabeth, and we ran approx 7 miles on the trail. We met at 1:30pm b/c our Davids ran in the freezing morning with the Gazelles. We ran on the east side of the trail up to Longhorn Dam during a rowing competition. The trail looks so different when it's packed with people watching a rowing competition.

Two Sundays ago I did a 30-mile with Sarah and friends. I had a flat before we even started biking. At 4 miles into the ride, "Blowout!" (say it like the dad in A Christmas Story). I had no tube with me and sent the others on down Mopac (we started from my house and were doing Mopac and Veloway). DV came and rescued me, changed the flat properly, and drove me back to the Veloway so that I could find my group. I found them and enjoyed the rest of the ride. Later that day I tried to ride for another 15-30 minutes, and I could not sit on the seat. My butt was so very tender, I literally could barely sit. But I forced myself.

I've been attending Gazelle class. We did a horribly painful core workout the first Monday of spring break. I suck at plank and should probably do plank every day. Last Wednesday it was the ladder workout at the track (600m, 400m, 200m). I usually love this workout but it was hard to do this time. I know we started out too fast (geesh, will I ever learn?), but I quickly fixed that on the very first 400. My knees held up through the 3 sets.

Two weeks ago was circuit and fartek, two of my favorite workouts. Few folks love circuit, but I do. I do remember this being a crazy weather day with extremely strong winds. We all felt like we could lean into the wind on the back side of the track, and it would hold us up. Fartlek on that Wednesday was the 4-mile loop again, which we enjoy much better than running around Auditorium Shores.

I was planning to do my long run last Friday, but I changed my mind after my knees were jolted into pain at Enchanted Rock. We took the boys last Thursday, and it was a fabulous time. David and I were in pain coming back down the rock - him with his shin and me with my knees. I figured I'd hold off on a long run or possibly run a little on Saturday. Saturday came and went with no running b/c I really need to rest up for the longer bike rides. It's exhausting doing long runs, long rides, 24-7 kids, work, cleaning out our house and prepping it to sell, etc.

Sunday (just two days ago! see how fast I can recap?): 50 mile ride with Sarah, Lynette and Lonny. I was nervous and my stomach hurt. I am always like this when I'm doing something for the first time. I had never ridden the route we had planned (Old San Antonio Road - basically riding from Austin to San Marcos and back). I also had never biked more than 30 miles.

It was really a pleasant experience overall. The weather was superb and the terrain very do-able. The wind could have easily made this ride difficult, but there were only a couple times the wind blew hard enough to challenge us (er, me). We didn't take a break until the turn-around point in San Marcos. We all visited the restroom of the Sac-n-Pac and ate an energy bar. Between miles 34-40 I was really struggling. It was mostly mental though. My right knee smarted, my neck, arms, and hands hurt, and I felt like the other 3 riders were going so fast and riding with ease. I was grateful when Sarah (aka, SpeedRacer) pulled into a convenience store for a potty break at mile 40. It was just the boost I needed. I just needed off the bike for a few minutes. I stretched my arms, neck, legs, and hands. The last 10 miles were enjoyable, so I have faith that I'll get through the MS 150 knowing that I can get off my bike at the frequent stops. When we finished the ride, Lynette said, "Okay now we eat lunch and then get back on the bike for another 50 miles." She was referring to what will happen on Day 1 of the MS 150. Gulp.

I did not attend Gazelle class yesterday b/c T-ball has started up again. Joshua is a Met again, and their first game was last night. He did great. He played 3rd base the first inning and made the throw to 1st a couple of times. He had 2 RBI singles and one awesome 3 RBI triple. He got a new bat, and I think it's making a big difference.

I've just finished a good book, and I recommend it: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (yes I can take a break from The Complete Jane Austen, lol).

Just a Thought

Have you ever tried to think at least one nice thought about every single person you see in a day? It's not so easy. You might be in traffic and see lots of drivers. Perhaps you work somewhere with hundreds of people that you pass walking here and there. Maybe you really don't like someone that you see almost every single day. However, it's a simple exercise that can show you how negatively you think.

I do this exercise every so often, and I'm amazed at what I'll think about a total stranger. Some examples are: "That's an ugly shirt," or "He needs to brush his hair." Those thoughts seem harmless enough, but why can't my one and only thought about that person be something positive and happy? Why is the first (and sometimes only thought) something negative?

Sometimes this exercise is harder when you know someone, especially if you aren't fond of that person at all. Many years ago, I didn't like a co-worker. In fact, I thought I hated this person. Hate is such a strong, strong word. I tried this exercise and couldn't come with anything. I could usually comment on someone's clothing ("That's a nice shirt" or "What a pretty color blue."), but I couldn't even let myself do that for this person. I finally resorted to picturing this person as an infant, sweet and innocent and totally loved by a mother. I was a new mother at the time so seeing this person as my own child brought forth a flood of loving feelings. I suddenly felt differently. Someone out there had loved and might still love this person the same way I loved my son.

It's an interesting exercise that I believe helps me be a happier person in general. I should probably do it every day, all day. I wonder who of you will try it?

On to boring blah, blah, blah...

My knees are really hurting after my long run yesterday with Elizabeth and Barb. We did the Lollipop route (7 mile version). My left knee was hurting so bad near the end that I was limping a bit after stopping to stretch it. I tried the dreaded foam roller (that thing hurts like hell!). I won't be biking today as I missed the morning ride with Sarah and Co., and David took my bike for it's tune up. I will try to get to FitLife for an extended stationary bike ride. I really should probably rest the knees today though.

Christina asked yesterday on the status of the Jedi Robe. I'm ashamed to say I've done nothing further. My poor child has forgotten about it, I believe. I have so many projects for Spring Break, but finishing that robe is at the top of the list.

I'm registering for the Rosedale Ride on March 29 in prep for the MS 150. It means I'll miss my kids run the Dillo 1K. I'm scared of that ride, but I think I'm more scared of the MS 150. What in the world was I thinking? I'm not positive I can ride 160+ miles, even if it's over the course of 2 days. At least my new Butterfly will make it more pleasant.

Anyone going to the Kite Festival today? March already? I see trees budding and I spotted bluebonnets yesterday. Spring is my favorite season. I'll be treating you to my favorite poem in a few weeks.

Butterflies

Would you spend $75 on a butterfly? Probably not, but I did. I could have bought the $180 butterfly or the $146 butterfly, but I won't spend that much on a butterfly. That $75 was some of the best money I've ever spent. Here's a picture of my butterfly:


Yes, yes, it's a bike saddle. Mine actually looks slightly different, but oh, it feels so good. I can't even express how much happier I am with this saddle than my old one (which came standard on my bike). I mean, I can express it, but I'm going to spare you talk of how awesome this women's specific saddle is for specific women's anatomy. Anyway, if you are a woman and have a bike and don't have a Terry Butterfly saddle, go get one! Thanks to Carol for telling me to buy a butterfly. :-)

Friday I ran 7 miles around my 'hood. It was a little rough, but I finished strong. I think it was just a bit boring for the last 4 miles. The first 3 I ran as Elijah and Joshua biked. I'm happy to get a decent long run in...first one since 3M.

Saturday was Marathon Kids, and Elijah and Joshua finished their marathons. Saturday is also the day I bought my saddle, and the day Sarah saved me from buying new bike shoes and pedals that I don't really need. I did see the loveliest turquoise bike jersey at Jack and Adam's. I'll be sporting that and a new helmet very soon. Saturday we also attended the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet for Pack 395. Elijah earned his Wolf Badge, and he is now a Bear rank. Go Elijah!

Sunday, I biked 30 miles. I was set to bike with Sarah and Michelle, another woman from our St. David's MS150 team, but Sarah was suffering from food poisoning. I didn't get the message until too late, so I wasn't able to coordinate with Michelle. Fortunately, David was able to ride with me.

It was so hard at times. The wind was horrible, and I was so happy to hear David agree (as did another cyclist). We rode from our house through the neighborhood and over to the Mopac loop. We were planning to do that loop twice, but the wind just wore me down. We ended up doing two Veloway laps instead of the 2nd Mopac lap.

On the second lap, I got a flat. Boo! On the bright side, I really needed to practice changing a flat by myself. So, okay, David helped, and in fact, I wouldn't have been able to even loosen the knob thing that keeps the wheel on. He was barely able to loosen it. I did do a lot of the work myself, and I think next time, I might be able to change it on my own.

We finished back through the neighborhood. David finished with 26 miles, and I rode around for another 4 miles. Surprisingly, my legs weren't sore after that ride. I did wake up with sore shoulders and neck.

Today I did 3 very easy mile repeats at Gazelles. I didn't want another hard work-out after my long run and bike this weekend.

Sorry this is a little boring. I have nothing to report on the sewing front. I meant to sew some this weekend, but we were busy, busy, busy. That's likely to remain the status quo as T-ball is back in session and DV is training for the Cap 10K. Sometime soon I should start fundraising for the MS150.

Blah, blah, blah

Yowsers, I didn't realize it had been so long since I wrote. Something in our fridge stinks, and yet I can't find the source due to nasal congestion. I'm not congested enough to not smell it though. Oh, the irony.

No sewing whatsoever has been done since my last report. I think Joshua has actually forgotten about it, but we have a 3-day weekend which will include finishing that robe. I need to add the sleeves, hem everything, and add a fastener at the neck. Sounds simple, but I'm sure it will vex me.

Running...no good long run to mention. My family did the Cupid's Chase 6K a couple of weeks ago. David blogged about it a bit. I ran with Elijah and Joshua. They were amazing and finished the entire 3.7 miles. As DV said, 3.7 miles is a long way for a 6 and 8-year-old.

The next weekend I meant to do a long run, but David ran early and I volunteered at the Marathon Expo. Marathon morning I was at the Gazelle Water Stop and then went to the finish to cheer. Allison and I ran from the finish to mile 23.5 where we found Staley. We ran in with him, so I am counting that 4-5 miles as my long run (weak, I know). I was supposed to bike last weekend as well, but I didn't. Tsk, tsk.

My routine that I am trying to stick to is as follows:

MW - Gazelles
T/Th - stationary bike at the gym (at least one of these days)
F - running or off
Sa - long run or bike
Su - long run or bike

Monday Gazelles was hills, and I felt rather tired. Tuesday I biked for an hour at the gym. My right knee keeps bothering me, so I really should tend to it. It's just not hurting enough to force me to pay attention. Wednesday was fartlek, and I felt tired and heavy. I have felt that way since 3M, and I guess adding in biking is the cause. Thursday was too busy to do anything, and with my allergies, it felt nice to take a day off.

Today I'm hoping to do my long run, so I can sleep in tomorrow before Marathon Kids. If for some reason I don't run tonight, then I will meet my friends at 7am for a 7 mile run. Sunday, Sarah is coming here, and we'll bike 25-30 miles from the house down to the Mopac loop and Veloway. It won't be the flashiest ride, but we need the miles. I'm looking forward to the ride b/c I should have a new seat and shoes, as Sarah and I are shopping tomorrow. Finally, my butt might have some relief.

David found a funny blog yesterday, and I stayed up late reading many of the posts. Take a peek at it, if you are so inclined.

Oh, David also found this fabulous photo of me and Joshua from the Cupid's Chase 6K (did I mention David won 1st in his age group and 10th overall?? And that was after being really, really, REALLY sick for 2 weeks). If my eyes aren't closed in a photo then David's eyes are closed. We make quite the pair.

Things I Learned Today

I cannot parallel park a car that has no power steering.

When my child is getting over a fever and wants to go to the grocery store with me, tell him no.

Getting up and moving seems to do better for vertigo than staying in bed and reading.

I still can't choose a proper pork roast.

I can buy an already-cooked honey roasted ham.

I don't like Wal-Mart even at 7:45am on a Wednesday.

Holmes nicknamed David "Varsity" which means I must be Elementary School PE, but she still insists I'm "JV."

Hot baths can actually be too hot, especially when your feet are really cold.

It's better to send your peevish spouse out for a run then have him cook the dinner.

Shape Magazine is full of "hot girls" according to one 6-year-old I know.

An imaginative 8-year-old I know created a Star Wars/Spongebob mix called Sponge Wars. He even rattled off character names.

Running in the cold weather with friends is something I look forward to doing.

Hearing Gilbert say "rowing" reminded me of the Chinese cooks sing "Fa la la la la" in A Christmas Story (Gilbert said "roaring").

400s is still my favorite work-out even though my knee smarted.

Some women have husbands that grab and grope them all the time, according to JB and Sandy in the morning.

I very well may not be prepping properly for the MS 150. I suppose I should do more biking and less running?

Cedar Wars

My family is in full-fledged Cedar Wars. Cedar always bothers David but not usually me. It's hitting me hard this year, and I've had congestion for over a month. Just one battle after another, it seems.

Funny thing is that we had a fire last night with wood I bought weeks and weeks ago. I swear that wood was cedar the way is burned my eyes and tingle my nose in a not-feel-good-tingly way. The force was strong with David last night, and he was able to get a good fire going for some marshmallow toasting. Joshie is funny. He loved toasting them but didn't want to eat any. "I don't like marshmallows," he said. David replied, "I don't like them either." Elijah and I of course do like them.

Monday I ran mile repeats around my 'hood. I have never done this workout, so I didn't know how to pace myself. It was getting rather chilly by the time I went out, and of course, I had lots of congestion. It was a good workout, but I cut it short by one repeat. I just couldn't do another with all my coughing and runny nose. Besides, I kept starting and finishing on my street where I saw my family and all the neighbors out playing touch football. I ran the first repeat too slow, the middle too fast, and the third was probably just right, but by that time, I was so pooped so it felt fast. I'll be happy to try them again sometime.

Tuesday we had a nice New Year's Day. I made my first home-made apple pie (semi-homemade, okay). I also prepared the New Year's dinner, and we entertained David's sister and mother. We aren't usually the ones doing the cooking and hosting, but as I was planning the meal that morning, I thought how silly it was to just have it for us 4 (especially when E and J wouldn't eat much of it). The experience was pleasant, and we should probably have people over for meals more often.

Yesterday I went to the 5:15pm class, which is my usual class. We did the 4-mile loop for Fartlek, and Starr and I ran together the whole way. Very few folks showed up, so I guess everyone is still on vacation or in vacation-mode. Gilbert promised us a whole slew of folks starting next Monday. I wonder how many will stick around through February and beyond?

I've got to dust off my bike and get moving on my MS150 training. I'm not worried or concerned at all about, but I need to get going so I am not dying when I do join us with some people for longer rides.