February was a HUGE month for me. I only missed 7 workouts. As a runner, that's like a whole week. But as a triathlete, that's like 3-4 days. I had a great month and am feeling faster, stronger, and fitter.
Swim = 16,150 meters (just over 10 miles of swimming!!!)
Bike = 180.26 miles
Run = 52.9 miles
Other = 1.5 hours
March is starting out with a rest week (hallelujah) and a race. Yes, a race!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
My friends made up a word in college: "not-a-girl". A "not-a-girl" is a girl who is somewhat tomboy and not really girly-girl at all. My college friends all claimed themselves to be "not-a-girls" but claimed me to be girly-girl. What? Their explanation, I was the only girl in the group who wore lip gloss or any makeup at all. Since that time, they've all gone on to have babies and I've gone on to pursue athletics. I would like think this definitely makes me a "not-a-girl" but in their eyes I'm still girly-girl. With Facebook as our form of communication now, my friends are finding out things about me like I like to blow snot rockets while running and yes I have talent enough to pee on myself while competing.
Just this week I had dinner with a friend from college who always thought of me as a girly-girl. He said, Meredith, I thought you were the one who always needed to shower and be made up. I think so differently of you now. :)
What's something about yourself that would shock your friends?
Just this week I had dinner with a friend from college who always thought of me as a girly-girl. He said, Meredith, I thought you were the one who always needed to shower and be made up. I think so differently of you now. :)
What's something about yourself that would shock your friends?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday Adventures
Yesterday was full of crazies and Dave and I were included.
The locker room at our gym has a digital scale. A woman got on the scale yesterday and stood for one minute or more staring at it. Now, I don't think she was in disbelief at the weight, she was waiting on the tenths to stop moving. The funny part was, she did this three different times. What cracked me up is that it looked like she was waiting on the weight to jump off her. Dude, those tenths aren't going to stop moving. You're breathing!!!
Dave and I got in the pool about 5:20pm. As soon as we got in the lifeguard put the sign out that our lane and the lane beside ours would be unavailable starting at 6:00 for water aerobics. I knew I could get my workout done, but Dave wasn't so sure. I finished my workout with about 10 minutes to go and Dave said he thought he was going to make it. As soon as I got out of the pool, however, the lifeguard was over undoing the lane lines and the class began moving into the pool with Dave. I approached the lifeguard and told her that Dave was almost done and that he was going to be done by 6:00. I said, if the lane was only available until 5:50 that the sign should have reflected it. She said not to worry. That Dave would be able to finish his workout. But, the class moved in and Dave splashed around them (and splashed them purposely too). What made me mad after all this was that this class not only pushy, only had three people in it and they took up two lanes. I kid you not, there were nearly 12 people waiting on a lane when Dave finished.
I went into the locker room and it was packed. I opened my locker and began to dry off and change. Let me do a little explaining. There are upper and lower lockers, which are pretty sizable. I always choose a lower locker because, well, I'm too short to reach the hooks in the upper lockers. As I'm disrobing this gigantor woman walks into my row and opens the upper locker two down from mine. She decides she doesn't like that one and opens the one right above mine. Now, I know I'm short, but I'm not invisible. She decides she doesn't like that one and then opens the upper one right beside me. She then looks at me and says, "I'm sorry." What the hell? Did you not notice me standing there? She then left all three of those lockers open and then went to another row to find another one. Wow!
Finally, Dave and I finish off the crazies. As much of the midwest and east coast this winter we have had a TON of snow. We have had snow on our lawn for the entire month of February which is just unheard of in Columbus. Yesterday we got some rain which began to melt the snow. Being that everything is frozen, Dave and I worried a little about our sump pump and our basement. Monday morning Dave did a little digging around the curbs to find the drain that goes from our sump pump to our street. He didn't find it before he went to work. When we came home from the gym we checked the basement and the walls were damp and the floor was changing colors. Despite our sump pump running, we needed to find that drain. After dinner (say around 9:30pm) Dave headed outside and began digging the snow again. By 10:00pm he still hadn't found the drain and he had almost gone the length of our yard along the curb. With my pajamas on, I put on my boots, hat and gloves and headed out to help. I took the flashlight and continued to help Dave look. At 10:30, I called my dad and asked for some help. He told us exactly where it should be, we dug there and nothing. With my dad on the phone we dug around our whole house and found nothing. NOTHING!! What? We were (and still are) completely stumped. Luckily, despite us being in the street, digging in the middle of the night, no one called the cops. :)
Maybe it was a full moon last night?
The locker room at our gym has a digital scale. A woman got on the scale yesterday and stood for one minute or more staring at it. Now, I don't think she was in disbelief at the weight, she was waiting on the tenths to stop moving. The funny part was, she did this three different times. What cracked me up is that it looked like she was waiting on the weight to jump off her. Dude, those tenths aren't going to stop moving. You're breathing!!!
Dave and I got in the pool about 5:20pm. As soon as we got in the lifeguard put the sign out that our lane and the lane beside ours would be unavailable starting at 6:00 for water aerobics. I knew I could get my workout done, but Dave wasn't so sure. I finished my workout with about 10 minutes to go and Dave said he thought he was going to make it. As soon as I got out of the pool, however, the lifeguard was over undoing the lane lines and the class began moving into the pool with Dave. I approached the lifeguard and told her that Dave was almost done and that he was going to be done by 6:00. I said, if the lane was only available until 5:50 that the sign should have reflected it. She said not to worry. That Dave would be able to finish his workout. But, the class moved in and Dave splashed around them (and splashed them purposely too). What made me mad after all this was that this class not only pushy, only had three people in it and they took up two lanes. I kid you not, there were nearly 12 people waiting on a lane when Dave finished.
I went into the locker room and it was packed. I opened my locker and began to dry off and change. Let me do a little explaining. There are upper and lower lockers, which are pretty sizable. I always choose a lower locker because, well, I'm too short to reach the hooks in the upper lockers. As I'm disrobing this gigantor woman walks into my row and opens the upper locker two down from mine. She decides she doesn't like that one and opens the one right above mine. Now, I know I'm short, but I'm not invisible. She decides she doesn't like that one and then opens the upper one right beside me. She then looks at me and says, "I'm sorry." What the hell? Did you not notice me standing there? She then left all three of those lockers open and then went to another row to find another one. Wow!
Finally, Dave and I finish off the crazies. As much of the midwest and east coast this winter we have had a TON of snow. We have had snow on our lawn for the entire month of February which is just unheard of in Columbus. Yesterday we got some rain which began to melt the snow. Being that everything is frozen, Dave and I worried a little about our sump pump and our basement. Monday morning Dave did a little digging around the curbs to find the drain that goes from our sump pump to our street. He didn't find it before he went to work. When we came home from the gym we checked the basement and the walls were damp and the floor was changing colors. Despite our sump pump running, we needed to find that drain. After dinner (say around 9:30pm) Dave headed outside and began digging the snow again. By 10:00pm he still hadn't found the drain and he had almost gone the length of our yard along the curb. With my pajamas on, I put on my boots, hat and gloves and headed out to help. I took the flashlight and continued to help Dave look. At 10:30, I called my dad and asked for some help. He told us exactly where it should be, we dug there and nothing. With my dad on the phone we dug around our whole house and found nothing. NOTHING!! What? We were (and still are) completely stumped. Luckily, despite us being in the street, digging in the middle of the night, no one called the cops. :)
Maybe it was a full moon last night?
Friday, February 19, 2010
Foto Friday
Because my dog has the best smile...
Also, happy birthday to my nephew who turned 7 last week...
Also, happy birthday to my nephew who turned 7 last week...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
Dave and I are really enjoying watching the winter Olympics. I'm totally loving all the snowboard sports and all the crazy super fast, super daring stuff. So we were talking the other day how death defying the winter sports are. And we were wondering, are there any other sports, specifically summer Olympic sports, that are as fearless as the winter sports?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I Ruined Valentine's Day
A few years ago I ruined my birthday present two months before my birthday. It was around Valentine's day and I had heard on the radio that Michael Buble was coming in concert. I wanted to go so badly. I asked Dave to get tickets and he kind of danced around the idea. Then I got an e-card from my mom that said, Happy Birthday. It wasn't my birthday. Not even close. As it turns out, my parents had already bought me tickets to the concert for my birthday.
This year instead of my birthday, I ruined Valentine's Day.
Dave and I decided to do a month of no spending. The only spending we would do would be bills, gasoline, and groceries. That meant, there would be no Valentine's presents for each other. We agreed on it and assumed that would be the case.
For the last year and a half, Dave and I have been sharing a Garmin 405. It hasn't really been a problem as Dave was training for Ironman and I was training for my marathons. Plus, I've always been kind of anti-Garmin. I like to think of myself as a purist runner...just shoes. But since we are now training Iron-distance together it's becoming increasingly obvious that we both need a Garmin. There are just too many heart rate zones to keep track of and WAY too many intervals than my watch will program. I've been eying the Garmin 310XT for a while, but it's mighty expensive and while I was saving my pennies, I just didn't have enough.
Last Friday I had a breakdown. I went to Dave's office and tried to convince him that we needed to go to the store that night and buy me a Garmin. The bike rides were just getting too complicated to not have one. He said no. We were doing too goo on our month of no spending to break our pact. But, I said, it's my money!!! He said no and I left without saying goodbye. As I was walking back to my car, he called me and told me he already got me one for Valentine's Day. Great! I didn't buy him anything. And what happened to the month of no spending? Turns out, he didn't spend anything.
What?!
Our bank gives us points and rewards for every dollar we spend on our credit card. Considering we don't use cash or debit, we earn A LOT of reward points. We reached a limit where we could cash-out and Dave was going to but found out he could order the Garmin through the bank's reward program for a HUGE discount. So he did. And therefore, didn't spend any money that we already had. Essentially, he got that Garmin for free. :)
It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm so excited for my new present.
This year instead of my birthday, I ruined Valentine's Day.
Dave and I decided to do a month of no spending. The only spending we would do would be bills, gasoline, and groceries. That meant, there would be no Valentine's presents for each other. We agreed on it and assumed that would be the case.
For the last year and a half, Dave and I have been sharing a Garmin 405. It hasn't really been a problem as Dave was training for Ironman and I was training for my marathons. Plus, I've always been kind of anti-Garmin. I like to think of myself as a purist runner...just shoes. But since we are now training Iron-distance together it's becoming increasingly obvious that we both need a Garmin. There are just too many heart rate zones to keep track of and WAY too many intervals than my watch will program. I've been eying the Garmin 310XT for a while, but it's mighty expensive and while I was saving my pennies, I just didn't have enough.
Last Friday I had a breakdown. I went to Dave's office and tried to convince him that we needed to go to the store that night and buy me a Garmin. The bike rides were just getting too complicated to not have one. He said no. We were doing too goo on our month of no spending to break our pact. But, I said, it's my money!!! He said no and I left without saying goodbye. As I was walking back to my car, he called me and told me he already got me one for Valentine's Day. Great! I didn't buy him anything. And what happened to the month of no spending? Turns out, he didn't spend anything.
What?!
Our bank gives us points and rewards for every dollar we spend on our credit card. Considering we don't use cash or debit, we earn A LOT of reward points. We reached a limit where we could cash-out and Dave was going to but found out he could order the Garmin through the bank's reward program for a HUGE discount. So he did. And therefore, didn't spend any money that we already had. Essentially, he got that Garmin for free. :)
It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm so excited for my new present.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I Love the UPS Man!
The UPS man brought me goodies this week. First it started with some EFS Liquid Shot from First Endurance. I used it on my ride today and I will be reviewing it next week.
Then yesterday I got some awesome stuff from another one of my sponsors, Tri-Swim. I got some shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, Foggle, and Tri-Slide. I'm looking forward to trying this stuff out next week after a swim.
And next week, there will be the best package of all. Tune in tomorrow for that story...
Then yesterday I got some awesome stuff from another one of my sponsors, Tri-Swim. I got some shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, Foggle, and Tri-Slide. I'm looking forward to trying this stuff out next week after a swim.
And next week, there will be the best package of all. Tune in tomorrow for that story...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I am sooo excited that the Olympics are starting tomorrow. I absolutely love the Olympics. I wish they were every year. Of course, they wouldn't be so special if they were every year. I have enjoyed being on the treadmill and trainer and watching the news with information leading up to Games beginning. It motivates me. I have always dreamed of going to the Olympics. Obviously, now it would be as a spectator.
The sports I'm looking forward to watching are speed skating (short and long track), alpine skiing, snowboarding, and hockey.
What sport are you anxious to watch and who will you be cheering for?
The sports I'm looking forward to watching are speed skating (short and long track), alpine skiing, snowboarding, and hockey.
What sport are you anxious to watch and who will you be cheering for?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Team Trakkers News
Every day I get a flurry of emails about the team that I'm on, Team Trakkers. As the season quickly gets under way, the sponsors are gearing up and things are falling into place. I'm both super excited and completely nerve-wracked to be on this team. I'm also super excited and completely nervous to be taking on the challenge of triathlon this year. Anyway, back on topic, here's a nice article about the team and it's members and sponsors. And here's another article about one of our sponsors, First Endurance. I have just ordered my first stuff from First Endurance, the EFS Liquid Shot. I'm going to give it a try on my bike ride this weekend and will write a review about it next week.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Staying on Task
I recently read "Born to Run". It's a book about ultrarunning, a true life story about a tribe in Mexico, some of the best ultra runners in the US, and a race between them. A lot of people have interpretted this book to be about barefoot running. That's not what I got AT ALL from this book. To me the book was about the simplicity of running and why we do it, how natural running is, and the absolute love for it. Between reading this book and reading the most recent Runner's World magazine, I realized how much I miss running.
One part of the book that really struck me was about how over time humans became sedentary and how hard it is to get back running or doing any exercise after time off. I work out 6 days a week and LOVE my one day off, but even just one day off makes it difficult for me to get back on track the next day. When marathons were my game, I could fake my way through workouts. I would switch things around to better suit me or blow off workouts when I didn't want to do them. Now that I'm training for Ironman, though, I feel like I just can't do that. I've really been working hard this month to stay on track, do all my workouts, and do them on the days they are assigned and as they are assigned. This has required EXTREME discipline for me.
No matter how many marathons I've done, the distance never scared me. Ironman scares me. Like, seriously scares me. Therefore, I'm really going to make it my goal to stay on task. Swim, bike, run, eat, sleep, rinse, repeat.
One part of the book that really struck me was about how over time humans became sedentary and how hard it is to get back running or doing any exercise after time off. I work out 6 days a week and LOVE my one day off, but even just one day off makes it difficult for me to get back on track the next day. When marathons were my game, I could fake my way through workouts. I would switch things around to better suit me or blow off workouts when I didn't want to do them. Now that I'm training for Ironman, though, I feel like I just can't do that. I've really been working hard this month to stay on track, do all my workouts, and do them on the days they are assigned and as they are assigned. This has required EXTREME discipline for me.
No matter how many marathons I've done, the distance never scared me. Ironman scares me. Like, seriously scares me. Therefore, I'm really going to make it my goal to stay on task. Swim, bike, run, eat, sleep, rinse, repeat.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Foto Friday
Dave and I have been playing around in our new home studio. Today we were taking self family portraits:
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I'm stepping on my soapbox for this one...
I have had acne for as long as I can remember. I started seeing a fantastic dermatologist right around the age of 15. I've tried every potion and lotion. When I was in college the acne got really bad and I went through two rounds of Accutane. That was torture. But, it cleared it up enough that I didn't need to see my dermatologist anymore. Unfortunately, about two years later the acne came back. I tried to clear it up with my own remedies, did 4 microdermabrasions and 4 chemical peels. That cleared it up for a while too. Inevitably my skin was still bad so I decided to consult the dermatologist again. My dermatologist only works part time and getting into her practice was next to impossible. The wait time was nearly 6 months. For someone who was embarrassed to go outside, 6 months was too long. So, I called another dermatologist on a recommendation.
A year ago I started seeing a new dermatologist who's practice did both dermatology and cosmetic procedures. Every time I had an appointment they would try to up-sell me on items I didn't need. Some I bought, some I just couldn't. After another round of antibiotics last spring the acne had cleared up again and I didn't need to go back for several months. This week I had a recheck appointment. Here's what happened (I'm on the soapbox now)...
So, I went back on birth control about 6 months again so there would be no woopses before Ironman. For most people, the pill clears up any acne problems. Unfortunately, I am not blessed that way, although I do think my skin is passable at this time. My dermatologist yesterday thought otherwise. She wants to put me on yet another antibiotic. Um, excuse me? Don't antibiotics and birth control counteract? I asked her about it and she said not to worry. If I wasn't taking my birth control properly then I would get pregnant anyway. Duh! Then she put me on another topical prescription and recommended to me two more expensive topical solutions including face wash. I mentioned I was already using an acne wash that had 2% salicylic acid but she felt I NEEDED the new face wash. So, I bought it. I brought it home, opened it up, and realized the main ingredient in it was 2% salicylic acid. WTF! That wash cost me over $36 when I was using the exact same thing from the drug store that cost maybe $4. I'm pissed! I really feel like I got taken for a ride. Frankly, as an athlete and someone who's had acne my entire life, right now my face looks pretty good. So, I've decided not to fill the antibiotic prescription and I'm really debating if I'll go back to this dermatologist when my next appointment comes up or if my acne breaks out again.
I bet you're wondering where the question of the day in all of this is? My question in, when was the last time you were taken for a fool and what were the circumstances?
I have had acne for as long as I can remember. I started seeing a fantastic dermatologist right around the age of 15. I've tried every potion and lotion. When I was in college the acne got really bad and I went through two rounds of Accutane. That was torture. But, it cleared it up enough that I didn't need to see my dermatologist anymore. Unfortunately, about two years later the acne came back. I tried to clear it up with my own remedies, did 4 microdermabrasions and 4 chemical peels. That cleared it up for a while too. Inevitably my skin was still bad so I decided to consult the dermatologist again. My dermatologist only works part time and getting into her practice was next to impossible. The wait time was nearly 6 months. For someone who was embarrassed to go outside, 6 months was too long. So, I called another dermatologist on a recommendation.
A year ago I started seeing a new dermatologist who's practice did both dermatology and cosmetic procedures. Every time I had an appointment they would try to up-sell me on items I didn't need. Some I bought, some I just couldn't. After another round of antibiotics last spring the acne had cleared up again and I didn't need to go back for several months. This week I had a recheck appointment. Here's what happened (I'm on the soapbox now)...
So, I went back on birth control about 6 months again so there would be no woopses before Ironman. For most people, the pill clears up any acne problems. Unfortunately, I am not blessed that way, although I do think my skin is passable at this time. My dermatologist yesterday thought otherwise. She wants to put me on yet another antibiotic. Um, excuse me? Don't antibiotics and birth control counteract? I asked her about it and she said not to worry. If I wasn't taking my birth control properly then I would get pregnant anyway. Duh! Then she put me on another topical prescription and recommended to me two more expensive topical solutions including face wash. I mentioned I was already using an acne wash that had 2% salicylic acid but she felt I NEEDED the new face wash. So, I bought it. I brought it home, opened it up, and realized the main ingredient in it was 2% salicylic acid. WTF! That wash cost me over $36 when I was using the exact same thing from the drug store that cost maybe $4. I'm pissed! I really feel like I got taken for a ride. Frankly, as an athlete and someone who's had acne my entire life, right now my face looks pretty good. So, I've decided not to fill the antibiotic prescription and I'm really debating if I'll go back to this dermatologist when my next appointment comes up or if my acne breaks out again.
I bet you're wondering where the question of the day in all of this is? My question in, when was the last time you were taken for a fool and what were the circumstances?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Miscellany for Wednesday
Two weeks ago I ordered a grab bag swimsuit through Splish. They were super on sale and I just couldn't pass it up. But, I was super nervous to find out what it looked like. Let's face it. I've seen those suits on the website and some of the are downright scary. Well, I got my suit while I was in Florida. My mom called me and told me what it looked like it. It's Pepto Bismal pink. Yikes! It's TIGHT! Yikes! And it says YIKES! across the butt. YIKES! But, I swam in it yesterday and absolutely loved it.
I cute 6 inches off my hair yesterday. I have absolutely NO idea what I am going to do with it when I am working out, but it looks so much better. I think it looks a little '60s mod. Hopefully I'll have pictures very soon.
Dave and I went surfing while in Florida. I can't wait to blog about it. But Dave's dad took video on his own camera and we won't be able to get that video until at least the middle of the month. Unfortunately, the wetsuit I was wearing has caused me a huge rash on my knees. I love that I'm allergic to rubber!!!
Last week I mentioned 10 things that made me happy. I want to add another one: authentic people. Today I dealt with several "sales-type" of people. I was exhausted by mid afternoon. Thankfully I was able to take a break in the middle of the day to see my friend Gini from gymnastics. She's the most authentic person I know and can ALWAYS put a smile on my face.
Coming soon....more talk about triathlon. I promise.
I cute 6 inches off my hair yesterday. I have absolutely NO idea what I am going to do with it when I am working out, but it looks so much better. I think it looks a little '60s mod. Hopefully I'll have pictures very soon.
Dave and I went surfing while in Florida. I can't wait to blog about it. But Dave's dad took video on his own camera and we won't be able to get that video until at least the middle of the month. Unfortunately, the wetsuit I was wearing has caused me a huge rash on my knees. I love that I'm allergic to rubber!!!
Last week I mentioned 10 things that made me happy. I want to add another one: authentic people. Today I dealt with several "sales-type" of people. I was exhausted by mid afternoon. Thankfully I was able to take a break in the middle of the day to see my friend Gini from gymnastics. She's the most authentic person I know and can ALWAYS put a smile on my face.
Coming soon....more talk about triathlon. I promise.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
January Totals
It was a pretty strong month of training. I was really on the ball until this week when I went on a last minute vacation and didn't have a way to bike (except on a recumbent) and swim (but surfing was a great workout). I'm looking forward to the challenge of my miles and hours continuing to climb and figuring out how to live real life in the process.
Swimming = 13,900 meters
Biking = 168.61 miles
Running = 52.56 miles
Other = 2.5 hours (this was all on a bosu ball)
Swimming = 13,900 meters
Biking = 168.61 miles
Running = 52.56 miles
Other = 2.5 hours (this was all on a bosu ball)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Maybe Not the Happiest Place on Earth
Remember in the movie "You've Got Mail" when Tom Hanks's character is trying to think up excuses as to why he didn't show up to meet Meg Ryan's character (even though he did)? He keeps trying to type the sentences but keeps deleting them one letter at a time? Keep that in mind...
We have a friend from college who moved to the Orlando area shortly after getting married. We haven't seen him in about 8 years and got in touch while we were down here to get together for dinner. We emailed back and forth and agreed to meet Friday (yesterday) at 6:30pm at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney. Here's the problem, Dave and I don't have a car while we're down in Orlando and his parents would be taking the car and going down to Tampa on Friday. We asked at the front desk at the resort we are staying if there was a shuttle and yes, there was but it was $18 per person and ran at very limited times. The recommended taking a cab, which was the fastest way, but costs $22 per direction. (You have got to be kidding me!!!). We are within walking distance of the public bus so we decided to look to see if there was a way to take the public bus, which would only cost us $2 per person per direction. Dave researched it and yep, we would be taking the bus.
The funny thing is, whenever we travel we always look up public transportation and ALWAYS take it. It's easy and cheap. We NEVER take the bus at home. NEVER!
Anyway, we left the house somewhere between 3:30 and 3:45pm yesterday afternoon. We were at the bus stop when we decided we were thirsty and went inside the convenience store to get some beverages. When we waited for the bus for another 30 minutes, we were certain we missed the first bus. This was our first mistake. After getting off at the first stop (in total we would be riding three buses), we had to figure out where the correct bus stop was for us to get on. We turned in circles for a while until we spotted it across the street. Again there we waited another half hour. In all that turning in circles, I'm sure we missed a bus. Mistake #2. The third bus we would catch was actually inside of Disney property at the Magic Kingdom. There were several people waiting for the #50 bus when we arrive there. We waited nearly an HOUR for the #50. Every time a bus would come up and it wasn't a #50, the people would get restless and a bit snippy with the bus drivers. Dave and I were quickly discovering, perhaps Disney was not the happiest place on earth. :) Finally at 6:20pm we got our bus and were heading to Downtown Disney.
We finally got to Downtown Disney three hours after we left home. We were a whopping 10-15 minutes late and we were speed walking to meet our friends. But, when we got to the restaurant our friends weren't there. We waited for another hour and a half until 8:00pm and they never showed up. Worst, they don't have a cell phone so we had no way to connect with them. We called their house three times and got their answering machine each time. So, we went ahead and ate and then got dessert afterwards. And two super cute pictures...
We missed our return bus, but luckily Dave's parents came and got us from Downtown Disney. We didn't hear from our friend until this morning when he told us that his kids were sick and his phone and email were out until 10pm. Sure sounds like something out of "You've Got Mail", huh?
We have a friend from college who moved to the Orlando area shortly after getting married. We haven't seen him in about 8 years and got in touch while we were down here to get together for dinner. We emailed back and forth and agreed to meet Friday (yesterday) at 6:30pm at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney. Here's the problem, Dave and I don't have a car while we're down in Orlando and his parents would be taking the car and going down to Tampa on Friday. We asked at the front desk at the resort we are staying if there was a shuttle and yes, there was but it was $18 per person and ran at very limited times. The recommended taking a cab, which was the fastest way, but costs $22 per direction. (You have got to be kidding me!!!). We are within walking distance of the public bus so we decided to look to see if there was a way to take the public bus, which would only cost us $2 per person per direction. Dave researched it and yep, we would be taking the bus.
The funny thing is, whenever we travel we always look up public transportation and ALWAYS take it. It's easy and cheap. We NEVER take the bus at home. NEVER!
Anyway, we left the house somewhere between 3:30 and 3:45pm yesterday afternoon. We were at the bus stop when we decided we were thirsty and went inside the convenience store to get some beverages. When we waited for the bus for another 30 minutes, we were certain we missed the first bus. This was our first mistake. After getting off at the first stop (in total we would be riding three buses), we had to figure out where the correct bus stop was for us to get on. We turned in circles for a while until we spotted it across the street. Again there we waited another half hour. In all that turning in circles, I'm sure we missed a bus. Mistake #2. The third bus we would catch was actually inside of Disney property at the Magic Kingdom. There were several people waiting for the #50 bus when we arrive there. We waited nearly an HOUR for the #50. Every time a bus would come up and it wasn't a #50, the people would get restless and a bit snippy with the bus drivers. Dave and I were quickly discovering, perhaps Disney was not the happiest place on earth. :) Finally at 6:20pm we got our bus and were heading to Downtown Disney.
We finally got to Downtown Disney three hours after we left home. We were a whopping 10-15 minutes late and we were speed walking to meet our friends. But, when we got to the restaurant our friends weren't there. We waited for another hour and a half until 8:00pm and they never showed up. Worst, they don't have a cell phone so we had no way to connect with them. We called their house three times and got their answering machine each time. So, we went ahead and ate and then got dessert afterwards. And two super cute pictures...
We missed our return bus, but luckily Dave's parents came and got us from Downtown Disney. We didn't hear from our friend until this morning when he told us that his kids were sick and his phone and email were out until 10pm. Sure sounds like something out of "You've Got Mail", huh?
Friday, January 29, 2010
I'M ON VACATION!!!
My week started with a little de-icing...
But, now it's looking sunny and bright...
But, now it's looking sunny and bright...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tag You're It!
I got tagged and didn't even know it. I SUCK at keeping up with blogs!
Anyway, Megan (my Team Trakkers teammate) tagged me with ten things that make me happy. Here we go...
1. Not having to work a full time job anymore. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED studying engineering in school. And if I went back to do it all again I would still choose engineering. But, I really HATED being an engineering. Sure, owning a business has been stressful and financially straining, but I'm so glad I took the leap.
2. Appreciative clients. I know business shouldn't be personal, but running my business well, I think, is a reflection on me personally. I love receiving nice cards, notes, and compliments about the photo booth. I love that we are able to do most of our business through referrals. We strive really hard for good personalized service and I think we've succeeded.
3. Swimming. My parents wanted my sister and I to know water safety and be competent swimmers, but I don't think they'd ever envisioned that we would be the fish we turned into. I LOVE to swim and I'm so glad I finally get to incorporate it into my daily workouts.
4. Successful workouts. Don't you love finishing a run or any other workout and feeling like it all clicked and that you could continue working out for another hour or more?
5. Sloopy! I didn't know how badly I wanted a dog. She melts my heart. Yes, I might have a candy hard shell, but inside I'm mushy gushy!
6. Kool Aid. I gave up soda when I was 14 and don't drink coffee either so I need a vice. For me, it's Kool Aid. I LOVE the stuff. I know it's just sugar, but come on! You guys put sludge (coffee) in your body! My favorite flavors are black cherry and lemon-lime.
7. My nieces and nephews. I may never have children of my own and I certainly won't have as many as my sister has (4) but I have really enjoyed being in my nieces' and nephews' lives. They each have unique personalities, unique strengths and potentials, and their hearts are full of love.
8. The kiddos I teach. I know not everyone can tolerate little kids day in and day out. I certainly wouldn't have pegged myself as a person who could do it. But how can you not smile and be warmed inside walking away from a day of teaching gymnastics to a 3, 4, or 5 year old? They say the cutest things! And it's so rewarding to watch them learn and perfect new skills.
9. Dave. Duh!!!
10. Sleeping. I've got to admit, I sleep A LOT! I usually sleep at least 8 hours at night and I try to take a 2 hour nap every afternoon. I think it's good for my recovery and keeps my healthy. But let's be honest, I just love to sleep.
I'm not going to tag anyone specifically, but if you'd like to participate, please leave a comment with your blog name so I can go out and read your list!
Anyway, Megan (my Team Trakkers teammate) tagged me with ten things that make me happy. Here we go...
1. Not having to work a full time job anymore. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED studying engineering in school. And if I went back to do it all again I would still choose engineering. But, I really HATED being an engineering. Sure, owning a business has been stressful and financially straining, but I'm so glad I took the leap.
2. Appreciative clients. I know business shouldn't be personal, but running my business well, I think, is a reflection on me personally. I love receiving nice cards, notes, and compliments about the photo booth. I love that we are able to do most of our business through referrals. We strive really hard for good personalized service and I think we've succeeded.
3. Swimming. My parents wanted my sister and I to know water safety and be competent swimmers, but I don't think they'd ever envisioned that we would be the fish we turned into. I LOVE to swim and I'm so glad I finally get to incorporate it into my daily workouts.
4. Successful workouts. Don't you love finishing a run or any other workout and feeling like it all clicked and that you could continue working out for another hour or more?
5. Sloopy! I didn't know how badly I wanted a dog. She melts my heart. Yes, I might have a candy hard shell, but inside I'm mushy gushy!
6. Kool Aid. I gave up soda when I was 14 and don't drink coffee either so I need a vice. For me, it's Kool Aid. I LOVE the stuff. I know it's just sugar, but come on! You guys put sludge (coffee) in your body! My favorite flavors are black cherry and lemon-lime.
7. My nieces and nephews. I may never have children of my own and I certainly won't have as many as my sister has (4) but I have really enjoyed being in my nieces' and nephews' lives. They each have unique personalities, unique strengths and potentials, and their hearts are full of love.
8. The kiddos I teach. I know not everyone can tolerate little kids day in and day out. I certainly wouldn't have pegged myself as a person who could do it. But how can you not smile and be warmed inside walking away from a day of teaching gymnastics to a 3, 4, or 5 year old? They say the cutest things! And it's so rewarding to watch them learn and perfect new skills.
9. Dave. Duh!!!
10. Sleeping. I've got to admit, I sleep A LOT! I usually sleep at least 8 hours at night and I try to take a 2 hour nap every afternoon. I think it's good for my recovery and keeps my healthy. But let's be honest, I just love to sleep.
I'm not going to tag anyone specifically, but if you'd like to participate, please leave a comment with your blog name so I can go out and read your list!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Bike Ride Pictorial
I know I've been tagged and I'M WORKING ON IT!!! But for now, here's some pictures of Dave and I riding our bikes this evening. Oh yeah, I'm heading to Florida tomorrow!!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I Can't Win Them All
Those who know me in real life know that I am highly, highly competitive. The person I am most competitive with: ME! I take every workout very seriously and want all of them to be successful. I was having a GREAT week of workouts peaking yesterday with an awesome swim. I was cranking 200s in the same interval as my last swim test 100s. I was rolling!
Today was to be my long ride. I was all ready. Dave and I got together our nutrition last night; wrote down our intervals; and set our alarm mighty early. We had dinner with some friends Friday night, but did not stay out late and did not drink. We were taking this seriously. Around 5:00am Sloopy woke us up. As we tried to go back to sleep we both turned to each other and said, "I don't feel very good." We both had headaches and some serious heartburn. We both took an Advil and a Zantac and decided to do the ride later in the day. After some good family time, we finally got on our bikes around 4:30pm.
Dave must have felt better after taking the pills in the morning than I did. As we got on our bikes, I had very little energy and my stomach was still very crampy. I tried to put it out of my mind as we cranked our intervals and watched a little Mythbusters. Around the one hour mark things started to unravel for me. I couldn't get comfortable at all. My belly felt pudgy and drinking and eating was just making it worse. My stomach cramps kept me from getting aero which made everything feel longer. Side note: The OCD me must do everything with counting and times. Therefore, I ride one minute in aero, 30 seconds with my hands on my aero elbow pads, and 30 seconds with my hands on my handlebars. Seriously I have problems. :) Back to the point, I was starting to lose it. I stopped at around 1:07 and told Dave I couldn't make it anymore. I hopped off the bike and took off my shoes. He said, "just try to spin it out and then see if you can fall back into the intervals." I got back on the bike and tried to spin. I couldn't even get my RPMs to what would be considered spinning. My heart rate was high. I was just feeling awful. At an hour and 11 minutes into the ride, I called it a day.
Frustrated with myself, I sent Coach a note about my disappointment and my woes. She sent me a great reply that could have been interpreted as "good, I want you to fail every once in a while." But really, I think she was saying that it's best to listen to my body and to know when to fold. I have a tendency to push, push, push and either getting hurt or wearing myself out to the point of sickness. In my 8+ years of endurance sport, I am still learning and evolving. Although I'm not happy with the way this workout turned out, I learned something new about myself and am ready to start fresh again.
Today was to be my long ride. I was all ready. Dave and I got together our nutrition last night; wrote down our intervals; and set our alarm mighty early. We had dinner with some friends Friday night, but did not stay out late and did not drink. We were taking this seriously. Around 5:00am Sloopy woke us up. As we tried to go back to sleep we both turned to each other and said, "I don't feel very good." We both had headaches and some serious heartburn. We both took an Advil and a Zantac and decided to do the ride later in the day. After some good family time, we finally got on our bikes around 4:30pm.
Dave must have felt better after taking the pills in the morning than I did. As we got on our bikes, I had very little energy and my stomach was still very crampy. I tried to put it out of my mind as we cranked our intervals and watched a little Mythbusters. Around the one hour mark things started to unravel for me. I couldn't get comfortable at all. My belly felt pudgy and drinking and eating was just making it worse. My stomach cramps kept me from getting aero which made everything feel longer. Side note: The OCD me must do everything with counting and times. Therefore, I ride one minute in aero, 30 seconds with my hands on my aero elbow pads, and 30 seconds with my hands on my handlebars. Seriously I have problems. :) Back to the point, I was starting to lose it. I stopped at around 1:07 and told Dave I couldn't make it anymore. I hopped off the bike and took off my shoes. He said, "just try to spin it out and then see if you can fall back into the intervals." I got back on the bike and tried to spin. I couldn't even get my RPMs to what would be considered spinning. My heart rate was high. I was just feeling awful. At an hour and 11 minutes into the ride, I called it a day.
Frustrated with myself, I sent Coach a note about my disappointment and my woes. She sent me a great reply that could have been interpreted as "good, I want you to fail every once in a while." But really, I think she was saying that it's best to listen to my body and to know when to fold. I have a tendency to push, push, push and either getting hurt or wearing myself out to the point of sickness. In my 8+ years of endurance sport, I am still learning and evolving. Although I'm not happy with the way this workout turned out, I learned something new about myself and am ready to start fresh again.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
Did you watch "The Buried Life" on Monday? It's a show about 4 guys who created a list of 100 things to do before they die. For every item on their list they do, they help a perfect stranger do something on the stranger's list. I too have had a life list for several years and have accomplished many, many things on it. But now I've gotten down to the really hard stuff that doesn't seem to easily come off the list. I've been thinking more and more about expanding the list and adding on with things that would be substantial and rewarding but maybe aren't quite the life changers that I currently have on my list. So I challenged Dave and now I'm challenging you...
...what are three things on your life list that you could accomplish in 2010? And let's add on to that. What could you do to help someone else on their list? If a comment on here catches your fancy, how could you help that person?
So here's the three things on my list this year...
1. Finish an Ironman--this was the very first thing I put on my list when I created it years ago.
2. Get an article written about me in the local newspaper. It could be about my business or my athletic pursuits and accomplishments. I have struggled greatly at this one while other, let's just say not-so-athletic individuals, have gotten their marathon stories published. Ooooh, it makes me mad!
3. Pose nude/semi-nude for art. I figure, if my body is going to be rockin' for this triathlon, then I want to have it photographed to look back on. I'm hoping it have it done like the ones in ESPN or in "Athlete" by Howard Schatz.
What do you want to do before you die?
...what are three things on your life list that you could accomplish in 2010? And let's add on to that. What could you do to help someone else on their list? If a comment on here catches your fancy, how could you help that person?
So here's the three things on my list this year...
1. Finish an Ironman--this was the very first thing I put on my list when I created it years ago.
2. Get an article written about me in the local newspaper. It could be about my business or my athletic pursuits and accomplishments. I have struggled greatly at this one while other, let's just say not-so-athletic individuals, have gotten their marathon stories published. Ooooh, it makes me mad!
3. Pose nude/semi-nude for art. I figure, if my body is going to be rockin' for this triathlon, then I want to have it photographed to look back on. I'm hoping it have it done like the ones in ESPN or in "Athlete" by Howard Schatz.
What do you want to do before you die?
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