one more day

left in the year 2007... the year hasn't been too bad. The last couple months my fitness efforts really dropped off. Motivation still needs a good kick start. Now is the time to get moving and just do it!!!

only two weeks left in 2007

Yes, the end of the year is so near now... I am glad to report I am getting back in the groove again. Friday I rode for a bit with some 'real' cyclists. Actually, I followed behind and realized how slow I ride, really. Almost depressing but definitely motivating. I will keep meeting them on Friday mornings and continue trying to tag along. Tomorrow is a run/walk day -- my canine partner has a hurt paw so I don't think she will be able to join me. I know she will want to try - but I am worried she will hurt herself even more.

My resolution stays the same -- Get Fit, Get Strong, Get Lean but never mean :-)

November is nearly finished

My cold last week kept me off the bike and no running either... I am finally back in the groove again. My canine partner and I had a nice run yesterday, hopefully I will back on two wheels again tomorrow. The weather is promising clear skies for the next few days -- Life is good.

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Thanksgiving notes

Thanksgiving was nice... mother, sister & brother in-law came to my house! We had a nice meal, I did pretty good job feeding everyone. My guests also included friend with her teenage son... all in all I fed 10 people!

Still recovering from a nasty head cold, no running or training of any kind all week. My appetite has been minimal at best. I have lost nearly five pounds! Not the best way to do it. I am eating again so hopefully I can get back in the groove soon.

Thankful to be alive and happy to have a good life with so much love -- family and friends.
Peace.

Another week begins

This morning Chyenne & I hooked up with T and her daughter. Off we went, felt pretty strong most of the way -- I was able to talk some while running so I guess I didn't push it too hard. I have decided to take the other dogs on alternating days for my warm-ups -- they do not have the legs to run with me. Hopefully, the weather will continue to hold and I can ride my bike to work (and back) after a longggg break from the bike commuting. Livestrong!

hard to get going this morning

Had the day off from work... finally managed to get going by 7:30am the dog had completely given up all hope of a run today. today was hard, I have got to start drinking more water. I have made the effort to drink the good stuff all day. I am sure my aches are a lack of hydration. Got lots of chores done today, now I am a little tired. Going out tonight to a comedy show, can't be too late as this is my weekend to work. I will try to get out with the dog Sunday morning before work and do a long brisk walk, no running for a change. Keep it loose and limber. After reviewing how I have felt lately, I am pretty sure I need more H2O and more stretching afterwards. I will keep going, I will get stronger! As long as I stick with it and listen to my body I know I will reach my goals... currently, my goal is 3 miles at a steady pace. I still feel like I take too many walk breaks but maybe I am just too hard on myself.

Awesome run today!

This morning was fantastic! The running is still hard but I have to admit I do enjoy my canine training partner. We started later today and I think Chyenne was convinced we weren't going out this morning until I grabbed her leash then she believed me! She loves it so much! The temperature was just a little nippy at first so I started out with a warmup jacket ... a light sprinkling of rain started about 10 minutes into the run. I figured as long as it didn't thunder (translation: no lightning!) we were ok. The lights rain stayed with us about 15 minutes then stopped, by then I had given up the jacket. As I am re-adjusting the jacket around my waist I see the most awesome sight, a beautiful rainbow overhead! Looked like the rainbow was just for us at the park!

I am still struggling with running without walk breaks. I haven't figured out how to get my breathing on track so it's not such a battle. I try to keep the walk breaks to aprox one minute and then run some more. I keep working at it, surely I will eventually "get it" and manage to run consistently for more than 5 minutes at a time! When I ran on the treadmill I seemed to do better with the breathing and running... I could run for 20 minutes solid on a treadmill before taking a walk break... Outdoors is much harder for me but I won't give up!!!

Friday was short run

Had a late start on Friday morning with my canine running partner... we barely had time for 30 minutes including warm-up and cool-down... Once again Chyenne proved to be good companion on the road. She is loving it, she can barely contain herself when she sees me lace up my sneakers first thing in the morning.

Go Dog Go! (or runs with canine)

Another runing day today... again with my canine training partner. Went pretty well, it was cooler this morning and I started with a light jacket. About 15 minutes into it, I tied the jacket around my waist. There is one issue I need to figure out, lighting is a problem - in my neighborhood less than half of the streets have streetlights so I have to bring some sort of lighting with us. I have a headlamp but it gets uncomfortable after awhile I guess I need to wear a headband or something for the lamp strap to go over. Also, I need to get a blinkie to attach to the dog's collar. I am enjoying her company and I know she enjoys getting out and having fun with me. A win-win situation!

different running partner today

Today I ran with Sam's dog -- 90 pound labrador retriever named Chyenne. She loved it! Was nice having such a big dog with me at 5am. It is very dark but I just felt a little safer with Chyenne by my side. She has to learn how to give me a little more space when she 'heels' -- she is so close it is hard for me to get my stride. She got better and she was very tired when we got back ... she did not even ask for her breakfast right away. (There's a reason she's 90 pounds) I will try to work with her more often and we can get in shape together. :-)

rainy day workout

Today is a running day -- Raining cats, dogs and more this morning so off to the gym to find an open treadmill. As I usually arrive before 6am I have no trouble finding an open machine. I dialed in the treadmill fairly steep for over half of my run... gives some semblance of an outdoor run. Sweating pretty good by the end. My energy levels were great for the class I taught this morning... workouts really do help fight fatigue!

Running partner

well, I now have a running partner once a week -- T & I have run/walked a few times but called it off with scheduling conflicts... we are going to try Monday mornings and see how it goes. I really want to build up some stamina and maybe a little speed. I may always be sloooow but I am willing to try. T is getting married in January so this partnership is short-lived for now. That's okay, I hope with a few more miles under my feet I will get the confidence to meet up with the local running club. I know I am not the only 'turtle' out there :-)

My Next Race...

Well, looks like I am going to try another 5k in November — on the 17th is the Draggin’ Tail in Sunny Hills — Supposed to be pretty challenging. Actually, the main race is 18 miles — I am nowhere near ready for that many miles — I still find 5k tough enough. The weather in November can be pretty decent for running so I guess I will give it a shot.

Last night I had dinner with friends @ Beef O’Brady’s (wow, what a loud place during Monday night football!) One of the group is a runner — she & I could talk about it, but the others found it boring — oh well. Running is hard work and I like being able to share that with someone. I really need a running partner.

Happy birthday to me!

Well, I finished the run for the cure 5k and this time I ran more than I walked... I actually placed 3rd in my age group. I'm happy with this, this race thought me some important lessons --- Drink gatorade at the end of the race... listen to my body -- terrible stomach cramps through the second half of the race... so much pain! Tylenol at the end of a race and better stretching... I am so stiff right now.
All in all pretty decent way to celebrate my birthday! I have decided to keep going with it, try to run couple more 5k races and then next October go for the 10k! Should be a interesting path!

race postponed --- bummer!

Due to TD 10 Sundancer Adventure race was postponed to Oct 6... unfortunately, I am already booked to run 5k for Run for the Cure at PC marina. My registration has been moved over to 2008. I am looking @ Niceville Adventure Duathlon in November... if Sam is willing we do it as a team --- this race is different 1.5 mile orienteering section/ 5 mile bike /2 mile trail run. One of the challenges is to change a bike tire. Hmmm... could be fun. If Sam decides not to participate I will prob do it by myself. Livestrong!

6 days to go

Sundancer is now just under one week away now. I have been training, I missed yesterday but I will be on the bike this afternoon with a brief run afterwards. Sunset is a good time. Tomorrow I will take my bike in the morning and ride around the cove early a.m. I have appt after work so must drive the car. Tues and Thurs will be running mornings. No workout Friday. Hopefully, this plan will keep me together for the race Saturday. I just want to do well.

Sundancer is getting closer

Just over two weeks to go! Sundancer Adventure race in Santa Rosa Beach should be fun! I have signed up for the biathlon. Not a long race but should be challenging enough. The bike ride is off-road and the last half-mile of the run is on the beach! Training is tough to get in, I seem to be fighting a cold. Just have to keep pushing ahead.

Busy lately - no excuses

not too busy to post -- just forgot I guess.
We went on vacation couple weeks ago... I was great! Went to Point Clear, AL and stayed @ Grand Marriott resort. We biked, swam, kayaked, hobie-cat sailed, took a segway tour and even went horseback riding.... what a terrific vacation.

Another weekend is here

Well, this has been a Very VERY hot week, Temps have soared into 3 digits with the heat index almost every day. I was so tired this morning I did not ride my bike as I had planned.

Thunderstorms and Bike

don't mix too well. Yesterday as I prepared to leave work a crazy storm came up! Rain pouring horizontally, Thunder & Lighting generated a wild show. I decided to take up co-worker's offer and accept a ride home. Sure glad I did, the roads were flooded everywhere! Brought my bike home today in our van. I noticed this morning during my run/walk segment my feet hurt! I think I may need new shoes. I managed to keep going and finish out my workout but my feet have been tender thru-out the day. hmmm... I may be slow as molasses but I still need happy feet. :-)

Getting Stronger

This week has been very successful -- M/W/F worked the Run/Walk program. T/Th I commuted by bike to work and back... very hot Thursday - heat index 100+ on my route home. Very hard to pedal in such heat but I managed by drinking lots! of water. Took a longer route home to stay on the shaded streets as much as possible.

LiveStrong!

main street striders

This morning we are going downtown with the dogs for Main St. Striders walking club... after that we are shopping for new snorkeling gear, esp new masks. Hopefully, the weather will hold long enough for us to get in the water today.

Benign!

What a weird word... defined as "of a mild condition that does not threaten harm of life... having no significant effect" but so significant when you hear this word in person. What a relief!

Life is GREAT!

medical issues suck too

having to deal with doctors, nurses, and needles oh my!
pre-op today -- biopsy tuesday -- hopefully all goes well.

June is here!

This is the month Summer officially begins... along with hurricane season.
My ankle seems to be healed enough finally to get moving again. Hooray!
I have decided to go for it -- my goal is the Beach Blast 2 sprint triathlon Sept 22 in Mexico Beach, FL.

Sprained ankles suck too

Can you believe it? I got a sprained ankle missing a 2 inch step! I have not run in nearly 2 weeks now -- starting to get really squirrely. I hope to visit the gym tomorrow and try the treadmill to get back on track.

Survived the sunset 5k

Actually, I did ok... got a side stitch early -- had to walk it out then get moving again. I was not last but I was definitely not fast, either. But I did finish!!! Immediately after the race I had to start preparing for a trip to Washington, DC -- no rest for the weary. Now in DC for CIL 2007 conference (Computers In Libraries 2007). I know I can do better -- I need to commit myself more to training and training harder consistently. So much going on @ home & @ work my workouts are going to take an extra effort just to get going. Somehow I will find the determination to make it happen. LIVESTRONG!

food poisoning sucks!

got food poisoning Thursday @ dinner... yuck! Just now getting back to normal.
Hopefully, I can get back on track with my running in time for my 5k on the 7th.
I miss running but haven't had nearly enough energy to get out there.

3 weeks until my first 5k

... not much time left to get ready... the next two weeks i need to really commit myself to run/walk workouts. The last week before the race I will have 2 good workouts and one easy one on Thursday. I am sure I can finish using the run/walk method -- at least I can have a base to start with as I measure improvement with future races. Last October I walked 5k in the 'Race for a Cure' so I expect to do much better time with a run/walk. beed to add in some strength workouts to reach my overall fitness goals.

Roller blades are hard!

They're fun -- but definitely a new way of balancing. I haven't fallen too often but when I do -- it's on my backside. OUCH! Yesterday afternoon I went roller-blading (is this a word?) for the 2nd time in my life -- only fell once and it was a doozy -- my A#@ screamed at me. I did manage to get up at last and limp back to the car.

This morning my ride to work wasn't too bad except when I had to stand up and keep pedalling... that hurt. I'm hoping by Wednesday when I have my long ride my glutes will be somewhat recovered or it could be a painful long ride. I will hope for the best....

Daylight savings time is nice in the afternoon but sux in the morning -- stayed dark all the way in today. yuck! I like getting to the bay as the sun comes up and welcoming the new day feeling ready to rock. Eventually the sun will catch up to me again and my morning rides will be fun again.

Another Run/Walk Day

Today is the first day of March! Hard to get up this morning -- but I did manage to make it to my Run/walk @ the gym. Did not get my bike time yesterday :-[ I have got to make sure I get my Wednesday morning rides! I will commute tomorrow so some miles there, thank goodness. The morning run went pretty well, I am picking up the pace a bit stretching out the distance btwn walk periods. Sweating pretty good when I headed into my cool down. Great way to start the day!!!

February almost done

Unbelievable! February is almost finished already!
This month I have been trying to stay on task with my training. I have signed up for my first 5K -- The sunset 5K on April 7th. It is my hope that by signing up I will maintain my motivation to get up every morning and do what I have to... so far, so good.

Today I discovered there is a sprint triathlon on my birthday -- the Santa Rosa Island Tri @ Pensacola Beach. Hmmm... will have to think about it, Further to drive than Mexico Beach -- but it is my birthday. I will need to decide by July so I can register early.

Today is running / strength day -- my morning run went fine, after work is strength training with light weights and stretching of course.

This Saturday is run/walk event in downtown Panama City. Should be fun, will try to convince my family this is fun for everyone! ;-)

now I have too many bikes

My fav commuting bike is my Trek SU100 -- with its rack & pannier setup I can carry almost anything I need. My older commuter the Trek 7200 needs to go on to a new owner -- I have it rigged with rear reack and fenders and it is a nice comfort ride. With my recent purchase of a road bike (Giant OCR3) I have no room left to park my rides. I need space so the older Trek must go, and my friend's circa 80's Trek racing bike must go also -- the shed is a great parking garage but we can't even walk in there now.