Here I go again...

All my gear is set out for tomorrow morning. It's amazing how much more stuff I need for a winter run. Then there's the blanket and backpack with my post-race dry clothes. Probably took me about as long to go over everything as it will to run from Doraville to Downtown.


Looking at this, I obviously have very little brand loyalty:
Thermal Tights, Performance Cycle (usually pulled over padded shorts - love multipurpose items!)
Sports Bra, C9 (Target)
Balega Socks (If you wonder why they're spread out, I was checking to see I had a left and right big toe indent.)
Cotton Gloves, Asics ($10. Didn't want to lose my heavy duty pair from Brooks)
LS Technical Tee (Atlanta Track Club/Women on the Move - happens to be Nike)
Half-zip LS Pullover, Moving Comfort (Marvelously big zipper pocket in back)
Race Belt, Fuel Belt (Number already attached)
Headband, Saucony
Sunglasses, Tifosi
HRM Watch, Nike (Minus HR strap for the day)
Raspberry & Cream Power Bar Gel
Asics 2130 shoes (D strap for timing threaded thru laces)

Plus, earbuds for the iPhone. The playlist has been loaded, is set to shuffle, as I couldn't decide on a particular order. And a neoprene sleeve for my left knee. The discomfort is worse when I'm cold, so this ought to keep my joint warm & toasty. (Fingers crossed.)

I'm tired. But also completely wired. I'm off to shower and wash my hair, so I don't have to deal with wet hair at 5:00. Hopefully, the hot water will make drifting off to sleep a little easier.

As for my knee, if there's a repeat of the pain in the last few miles, and I have to walk more than I'd planned... I'm reminding myself that a 13.1 mile run/walk is still 13.1 miles more than 99% of people will be doing this Thanksgiving.

In the post-race, dry clothing bag:

Half Marathon - I did it!

I'm weeks late posting this, and I have reasons, but no good excuse. Busy with kids, freelancing, and working part time in a client's office, to fill the gap until they can find a full time employee for a particular job. Loads of moms manage that, I just wasn't one of them during the first few weeks in November.

The race started at the Arts Center in Mableton, about a mile or two south of the Silver Comet Depot. We got there in time to find parking within a decent walking distance, at a church somewhere. Can't remember exactly, as it was dark and I'd had no coffee before leaving the house.

The port-a-potty lines were L-O-N-G. Turned out not to be a big deal, since they waited for the skies to go from black to gray for the actual start

First photo, with the youngest kidlets, pre-race. Oldest (B1) was at home, sound asleep, like a sensible teen. B2 & G were in extra huggy mode. They were thrilled about being able to ride school buses from the start line to the finish line at the Depot, where they'd be running in the 2-mile Fun Run. Between general excitement, and the s'mores granola bars stashed in their pockets for later, they considered the morning a success, no matter what.

Second photo, back of the pack, where I started the race. Wasn't sure if I'd be ready to take off at a run in the cold, or if I'd walk for the first three to five minutes, so I hung back. I'd rather pass walkers later, when the crowd thins than worry about being stuck if I need to slow down in the middle of the crush.

Stuck with a 12-minute run, 3-minute walk for most of the race. After the first 6-7 miles, I noticed I was running with the same group of people. We were at different walk/run intervals, but all about the same pace. Water stops were well placed. Needed each about the time I saw the line of cups. Grabbed gatorade at the turnaround point, but never needed the gu packet or sport beans I'd brought along. The temps being below 60 made a tremendous difference. Didn't take anywhere near as much out of me as all the summer running in 80-90 degree days of training. In fact, without all the excess sweating I'm used to on the summer long runs, I actually had to run off the trail and hopped in line at the pit stop area, around mile 10. (Yes, I stopped my watch, so I'd know my real pace.)

The last three miles were rough, though not for the reasons I'd expected. My left knee was numb and in pain. I adjusted to a 5:00/2:00 break, and it was tolerable... just.

This last photo is of me and the Fun Runners, post race. They wouldn't hug me, even though I assured them I was nowhere near as disgusting as after all the July & August training runs.


Official finishing time, according to the clock, and the beaming faces of my support crew at the finish line: 2:18:22,

Time on my watch, which reflected my start at the very back of pack, and my time in line for a "nature break":
2:14:37

My goal was under 2:30, so I was very happy. The Weather Channel Atlanta Half Marathon is up next, and I'm shooting for a time between 2:20 and 2:30. It's a hilly course, where the Silver Comet Half was just about as close to flat as you can get in this area.

Have had to take a bit of a break this last month on the exercise. Between my schedule, and the occasional knee pain, I've kept the runs and rides shorter, with a day or two in between, depending how I feel. Have a knee sleeve for Thanksgiving run, and am really hoping that helps.

Happy Halloween

Picked up this bewitching bicycle photo from Cyclelicious. Love it! Not sure I could steer it, but it'd be a heck of a lot of fun trying. While wearing a black dress and pointy hat, of course.




I just noticed the mount attaching the broom to the front wheel. Clever. I want one!

Escape Plan...

Not just another presidential debate

I've been watching all the political goings on. I'm not voting for either of the two annointed candidates, so I've not been talking much about them. It's a case of "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." The presidential debates, especially the VP debate, were purely entertainment for me. Frankly, they haven't even been good entertainment. I got more out of the various bloggers (Vodkapundit, Reason) liveblogging the debates then I did from the questions and answers on the television. Not just because I like my substance served with a garnish of snark, either.

It's not that I don't like either Obama or McCain. I think they are both charismatic men with incredible personal stories, and I would gladly sit down for a beer with either one. They both have ideas. Good ones, bad ones, and ideas that aren't even theirs, but make an interest group swoon in supportive fervor.

On many issues, I'm completely neutral, mildly opposed or mildly supportive. I know that should put me in with the elusive undecided voter group that gets all the attention in focus groups, but I'm not undecided. There are issues about which I hold strong opinions, but neither candidate addresses those to my satisfaction.

I'm very decided. I will not vote for either Obama or McCain. McCain might be a little closer to my economic and smaller government views, but only in the way that a gentle snowfall is closer to a July afternoon than a blizzard. Same goes for Obama on social issues. With McCain's support of the financial bailout and general economic rescues (a.k.a meddling), I don't trust him to protect my wallet. I agree with almost nothing Obama has said about our economy, but that's nothing new. I do expect better from democrats on protecting my individual rights. I don't see the conviction from Obama I need to give me any confidence he'd start rolling back the invasions of privacy and lessening of freedom on the slippery slope of the Patriot Act(s). One or the other might be better on particular issues, but there's no choice when you look at the big picture. Each would be disasterous, just in different ways.

Which brings me to Sunday night. The 3rd party candidates will be taking to the stage for a debate, sponsored by Free and Equal. Ralph Nader (Independent), Cynthia McKinney (Green), Chuck Baldwin (Constitution), and maybe Bob Barr (Libertarian). Bob Barr's a maybe, because he says he'll only debate Nader. That's rather hypocritical of him, as he bitched about not being included with the big boys in the official debates, but has no problem trying to snub the lesser known 3rd party candidates when it is his turn.

It should be a load of fun. These three (or four) folks won't agree on much of anything, and they will argue. I expect politeness, but there will be claws. There is no carefully chosen tightrope for them to walk, in order to fall in line with the highest number of voters possible. They will talk about what they actually think and believe, sans focus group approval.

I'm not voting for any of these presidential hopefuls either, but I'm going to watch their debate with something I've missed in the debates thus far. Genuine Interest. Maybe even a bit of enthusiasm.

Business Casual Biking

It occurred to me as I was checking the tire pressure on my knock about commuter (Patty the Hybrid), that this was not going to be a normal day on the bike. Weather's cool enough to ride in my street clothes now, and today's street clothes happened to be work, errands and lunch wear. What the heck - good time for using that self-timer again.

Who says you can't commute without official cycling clothes?!

Proofs copied, bank deposits readied, and shopping bag ready... Oh! Almost forgot the red purse. Pulled my hair back, ready for the helmet. Didn't put the helmet on for the photo. I'm all for safety on the road, but I think I'm pretty safe in my carport. After, I'm the most dangerous driver on my little stretch of driveway.

I ride all the time in dress slacks and stacked heel loafers, but the skirt and heels was new. Took off for my first stop. Wind wasn't bad at all, so no worries about skirt flips. (Just in case though, I had pulled on a pair of spandex bike shorts.) The boots were comfier than I feared. I had enough room in the calf, and the narrower heel didn't cause any trouble. Pedal popped right into the arch of my foot, just like in the other shoes. In fact, the sole of this shoe does a slightly better job of gripping the pedals than the loafers.

I did ride a bit slower in the skirt. I don't think it had anything to do with the outfit being uncomfortable. I really think I was just being more "ladylike", and going into slow bike mode.

The ride to the bank was pretty normal. I got a few more comments than usual. Stupid things, yelled from the window incoherently. Sometimes, it's an attempt at clever comments, sometimes remarks about my usage of the driving lane, by people who don't know the white line painted at the shoulder does not a bike lane make. Sometimes it's outright rude. "Get a car!" is always one of my favorites. Today, some genius yelled "Where's Toto?" three or four times. I'm not sure how that's supposed to be clever, but... I hope it was the highlight of his day.

There's no place to chain up at Bank of America, so I pedaled into the drive thru lanes. A couple of the customers did a double-take, but the tellers were awesome. Extra cheery good morning, questions about my gas mileage (he asks me that every time), weather perfect for riding, be on the lookout for those crazy drivers on Roswell Rd, where was I off to next, etc. Conversations happen on the bike. I like that. Best part of being on a bike at the teller window? No worrying about being able to reach the tube.

Lunch at Rumi was excellent. Had the eggplant and veal stew with saffron rice. OMG, it was so very good. I ate too much, and was glad I'd be getting home using power from all the rice and flatbread. The valet was quite nice about helping me find a place to lock up. He and I chatted about Sandy Springs traffic, and he asked me a few questions about routes and how long it takes to get around. I like questions like that. Any chance to let people know how very easy it is to start is worth taking. They might actually give it a try sometime.

Trader Joes was next. Normal grocery shopping. A sweet little old lady mentioned how nice it was I did my shopping that way, and warned me (again) to watch out for the crazies on the road. She's lived in the area since long before there were shops on every corner, and I think she misses being able to get out without worrying about being run down. We complimented each other on our outfits, another fun part of seeing her. She's always so well put together. I hope I keep running into her, because I have the feeling she has some cool stories to tell. And even if she doesn't, her smile and hello brighten my shopping trips.

Home again. Groceries put away. I'm getting a bit more of a map drawn before I head off to pick up the kids at elementary school. I do wish there were bicycle lanes between here and there, because I'd love for my rugrats to roll over the crunchy leaves with me along the way. Until then, we'll have to pack the bikes up for path rides once every week or two. This weekend will need to be one of those times.

In summary:
Commuting by bicycle for multiple errands, instead of using car? YES
Commuting by bicycle great for inspiring pleasant conversations with complete strangers? YES
Commuting by bicycle in skirt and heels? YES
Commuting by bicycle to Rumi for big plates of delicious Persian cuisine? YES

Half Training, Weeks 12-13

Week 12 (9/22-9/28)
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 3 miles, Bike (commute)
Wednesday - 21.77 miles, Bike (group)
Thursday - 3.16 miles, Easy run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 9.51 miles, Long run
Sunday - 2 miles, walk

Total Miles: Run - 12.66; Ride - 24.77; Walk - 2

Week 13 (9/29-10/5)
Monday - 4 miles, Hill run
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - 3 miles, Bike (commute); 13 miles (road); 2 mile, Easy run
Thursday - 10 miles, Bike (road)
Friday - 4 miles, Bike (commute); 15.23 miles, Bike (road)
Saturday - 8.3 miles, Long run
Sunday - 9.78 miles, Bike (road/fun)

Total Miles: Run - 14.3; Ride - 51.01

Running on Empty

I'm seriously late this week on my updates. It's been busy. I need to get my weekly total up for my training, but am starting with my Saturday long run. I'd slacked a bit during the week, in anticipation of the weekend's big push being the 61.5 Silver Comet ride. I wasn't sure I'd make it, as the normal truck fill up was not possible in Sandy Springs on Friday. The family was not going to be able to meet me at the Alabama state line to bring me home when there was no way to guarantee we'd find a station somewhere along the way.

I popped out of bed at 5:30 Saturday morning. Checked the local website, to see who had gas near me. Pulled into the line for the BP at Roswell and Hammond at 5:59 a.m. Made it to the pumps at 7:48. The line wasn't really that long; the pressure on the Regular was just that low. It was taking 10-15 minutes for each car to fill. I noticed nobody was using the Ultimate. It wasn't bagged. I tried it. Filled my 26 gallon tank super fast, and I was on the way out of the station long before my fellow drivers had even hit the halfway point on regular. Made it home a few minutes after 8:00. No way to make the 7-7:30 kickoff of the ride in Smyrna.

Sigh.

I made myself some oatmeal while getting the kids breakfast. Tried to figure out a route for my long run which would let everyone have a mini adventure. I decided to run the long way from home to the Chattahoochee River. Not my normal route by the river, but up toward Roswell. Riverside Park would be a great place for my support crew to meet me for the drive home. I started out around 11:00, and was planning to call them about five miles in, so they'd have time to play.

Lots to see on my route. And at 9.51 (or 9.35, depending on which website I use to measure - I'm going with 9.51), I had lots of time to see it. Red Baron Antiques on Roswell Road was having an auction, with military vehicles and cool old cars. I'm posting a few photos. A 1965 Armored Car, pretty roadster. The red one next to the military jeep is called a Jeepster. And last, but not least, an amphibious transport, of some sort.All this, and less than three miles into my run! Miles 3-5 were nice. Rolling hills, steady pace. I saw more people out walking than I'm used to, and a few more gas stations with bagged pumps, police tape, and 0.00 on the price board. Saw a few people on bikes. One of them wasn't even a teenager.

At 5.5 miles, I made the call home to my team. Then, stopped at the QT to use the restroom and buy a water bottle. The station had gas. And lines. Of cranky people. The pumps were jammed. After leaving the station to continue up Roswell Rd., I was running next to the line of cars for about five minutes. That makes for about a half-mile line, give or take. They were bumper to bumper, blocking drives and side streets. I smiled at a few people. No one smiled back.

The downhill to the river was fanatastic. Hit at a point where I was really dragging. I think I was close to seven miles. Ran across the bridge, turned left and hopped onto the Riverwalk trail that joins Azalea and Riverside Parks. My final 2.5 (or 2.35) along the trail, and met my gang at the dinosaur forest playground at Riverside.


The kids decided I was far too disgusting for a mere shirt change and face wash, so I was driven home. After shower and gatorade, it was off to celebrate with salty, spicy food.

Woo Hoo! My longest run... EVER!

I hear the Silver Comet Trail ride was great on Saturday. I wish I'd been able to make it, but am pretty happy with how the day turned out. I am looking forward to making the trek another day, hopefully not too far in the future. Jett, of Atlanta Intown Cycling, has a slide show of his trip with the official PATH riders, and a ride report.

*%!$@#@ Gas Shortages

I can't put gas in my truck. 15 gas stations near my home, and the only gas is diesel. The one gas station which did have regular gas, had waits of 30-45 minutes, a $50 limit, and was expecting to be out of fuel by the time I could have made it there.

I'm ticked. 

I don't put that many miles on my gas guzzler. I usually fill up every two or three weeks. I run to the post office. Ride the bike to the grocery store. I heard about the shortages, and the gas panic a few days ago, but didn't think much of it. I figured it would be over by the time I needed gas again, no problem. 

I was wrong.

Drove out to Douglasville to the orthodontist today for the regular bracket/retainer checks. I even combined appointments for multiple family members, to reduce the number of trips. My gas gauge dropped below 1/4, so it was time to refill. The five stations along my path back to I-20? All out. The gas stations after I got back to Sandy Springs? Empty.

Unless I check channel 11's website at 6 a.m. and find a gas station near my house with fuel, I won't be going on the big 61.5 mile ride for the opening of the final section of the Silver Comet Trail at the Alabama state line. My family was going to drive out and meet me at the state line for lunch, then we'd all drive back together. If I can't know we'll be able to either fill up the truck, or refill the car, no go.

My back up plan is to run my newest "longest run of my life" tomorrow. If  can't make the ride to AL, I'll be running 9 miles, and meeting my munchkins a little closer to home for a celebratory lunch at Slopes or KC Pit BBQ.

Fall Flowers

It's fall. That means so many wonderful things are ahead, including weather which is perfect for running my bike errands in regular street clothes. Yea!

Today, as I realized there were two things I needed to get for tonight's dinner, I checked tires, tossed my Trader Joe bag in the basket, and was off. Jeans, loafers, starched shirt. No changing, no sweaty mess in the 90+ degree heat and high humidity.

WooHoo!

Great ride, feeling comfy in my favorite jeans. And, on the way home, the flowers in the picture were within easy sniffing distance at each red light. (And, I did catch every red light on the way home.) Now, to pop my bottle of chardonnay and green beans in the fridge, and go on about my "happy, happy, joy, joy!" afternoon.

Half Training, Week 11

Week 11 (9/15-9/21):

Monday: Stretch/Strength
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: 3 miles, Easy
Thursday: 5.2 miles, Easy (but hilly)
Friday: Off
Saturday: 20.53 miles, Ride; 2.7 mile, Trail run
Sunday: 30 miles (approx), Group road ride

Total: Run - 10.9 miles; Bike - 50.53 miles

I backed off a bit on my running this week, to allow for a bit more riding. I'm hoping to ride the full 61.5 mile Silver Comet Trail out to the Alabama state line this coming weekend, so wanted to make sure I hadn't forgotten how to pace myself on the bike. (I won't be going as part of the officially invited pack of cyclists, but as part of the big group of tag-a-longs welcomed by the PATH foundation.) The Silver Comet Trail is a nice, evenly paved surface, without much of anything resembling hills. I figure if I could survive road riding conditions two days in a row, then the Trail should be a snap. Saturday was a Ride & Run day; Sunday a group ride through Cobb & Paulding counties.

The Sunday course crisscrosses the Silver Comet several times, but is 90-95% roads. I really enjoyed the ride this week. It was a bit of a wildlife excursion. Horses, small furry creatures, and wild turkeys. After the duo day Saturday, the hills were tougher than I expected. Had it been a flat course, I could probably have gone 45-50 miles without a problem. Was feeling good, no pains or stiffness, except on the hills. Oh well, this is why I go, to push myself out of my comfort zone.

Weather was great. Needed jacket for the first hour, until the sun came out. I'm starting to think about fall gear now. I think a wrap skirt might be in order, to give me the option of cycling shorts, capris, or full length tights as the weather gets colder. Yes, it might be lame and girly to prefer a skirt flapping around while I ride... but I'm 37, and have "issues" with running around in just spandex, thank you very much.

W.W.A.R.H.D?

What Would Ayn Rand Have Done?
From Time/CNN, 9/19/08

I know it's not as warm and spiritually fulfilling as the WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? bumper stickers, but I think it's a really good question, especially in today's social and political climate.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of thinking about living my life in a "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" fashion , and think the world would be a better place if more individuals thought in the terms of The Golden Rule. That's a rule for the individual, though, not for the Government.

The Government's job is to protect my life, my liberty, and my property from invaders, both of the foreign and domestic variety. Someone breaking into my house? I want the police to show up and arrest him - assuming I didn't exercise my 2nd amendment right before calling 911. Should Canada decide it's a good idea to march south in order to seize our excellent health care facilities, I'd expect the US armed forces to fend them off at the border. (Sorry. Had to clean up the coffee I snorted towards the monitor at this thought.) If a bank or investment institution lies to my grandfather about the securities backing his accounts, I want the weasels to either make it right through restitution, or go to jail.

That's it. That's all I want my government to do. I do not want the government to seize a portion of my income to fund the bailout of mortgage backed securities. That job is for the individual corporations to handle, while being accountable to stockholders and customers.

I do not want government wasting my time, tax dollars and patience to come up with bridge loans for struggling corporations. Not even if, as I've heard pointed out in several interviews this last week, the government stands to make money on the deal as the assets are sold off. That's not quite accurate. I should have said Especially if... as the government is not supposed to be a profitable enterprise. The only money making the government is allowed is the minting of currency, and even that it's been doing to excess lately.

If regulatory agencies set up the "guidelines" under which all these failing companies have been operating, how exactly are these same bureaucrats qualified to fix the even bigger problems we have now? They take over more of the operations and asset management, all in the name of the "public good". I'm not that far into my stack of economic books, but I'm pretty sure public (government) ownership of industry is called Socialism. And the government management of ostensibly privately held companies? That's Nationalism.

The Fed and Treasury are taking the step of removing from power the company heads who were in charge during the plunge into the current mess. As more companies approach the government for help, and from industries other than banking, who is going to pull the plug on Paulson and Bernanke for their gross mismanagement?

Things I love...

Today was a multi-sport day for me. Rode around the neighborhood, and did a few loops on Columns drive; followed with a 2.6-2.8 mile run around the trail at the Johnson Ferry Chattahoochee Rec. Area. It was good.

I am thankful for:

The beautiful, breezy, 75 degree ride weather late this morning. It was as close to perfect as any day can be.

This view from the bridge on Columns Drive, which I pass so often, and always makes me happy. The whole area between the two sections of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, really. Marked bike lane, pleasant runners, walkers and cyclists, and lots of opportunities to watch beautiful bikes - and legs - zip by. (And occasionally, zip past someone myself.)

The considerate drivers on Johnson Ferry this morning, who gave me a little bit of extra space as I bravely (insanely) tackled the hill coming up from the river. Super slow, granny gears, heart racing, labored breathing, screaming quads... and to the lady in the gray suv, who did not give me any room at all, even though there was little traffic, and she had plenty of space to edge over... thanks to you, too. The adrenaline rush of almost being clipped by you gave me what I needed to make it to my turnaround point.

The mechanics over at the Silver Comet Depot. Thanks to the great care they take of Bloo, I knew my brakes were in good working order, and I was not quite as terrified on the way back down to the river.

The folks at Apple, for the iPod & the new iTunes Genius playlist feature. No, I was not blaring music while riding on the street. My legs were like lead on the run, after having been on the bike. Having a couple of oddball songs pop up while I was slogging down the trail made the whole thing bearable.
Henry Mancini - Peter Gunn
Cake - Mahna Mahna
The Mattoid - Burn and Rob

And, a big Thank You to my children, for not utterly destroying the house (or their dad) during the two-and-a-half hours I was out.

And now, back to my regularly scheduled Saturday. And maybe a few fig newtons, and aspirin. Two other things for which I am thankful.

Counting Calories: My new hate/love relationship with food

Odd things are happening to my relationship with food. I used to not think of calories at all, or when I did, in a vague "ooh, I probably shouldn't eat this" way. Even as I was losing weight, I made myself think about healthy food choices and moderation, not calorie counts. That was a couple years ago, before I started cycling, then running. Even a few months ago, I was focusing on food choices and variety, not diet and weight loss.

But now that I'm playing outside (don't think of it as workout - too much fun) five or six times each week? I think about calories and food constantly.

My normal calorie intake for age, weight, and sex at a "normal" rate of activity should be in the 1650-1800 range. To offset the running and riding, I need to average 2,800 per day.

That's an extra 1,000 per day! I don't eat fast food. I don't load up on sweet coffee drinks with whipped cream. My idea of a good snack is a handful of almonds, or a couple fig newtons. That's nowhere near enough calories. So, I spend time each day thinking:

How much do I need to eat today?
I should probably grab some chips to eat with my veggies and hummus.
These miles mean how much extra food?
Will tossing avocado in my salad be enough?
What if I use the whole avocado?
I forgot my mid afternoon snack. Gotta eat.
Ugh. This yogurt's only 140 calories. What can I add?

It's exhausting. It's also necessary. After being in a very comfortable little range for almost one year, I've dropped weight fast this month. In the last six or seven weeks, almost 9 pounds. I think I might have just hit a point where my body was done at a certain plateau, and had decided it was okay to kick the metabolism up, since the increased exercise and food patterns were established. The body fat dropped by a full percentage point, so I think that seems reasonable.

My rings are loose. My clothes, other than running/cycling gear, are loose. My face seems different, too. I can see in the mirror which collarbone was broken when I was 12, and that bugs me. I feel pretty good, and have plenty of energy. (Not today, but that's normal girl stuff).

I'm still well within the healthy BMI, but am starting to grow a little concerned. It's probably nothing more than my body reshaping itself. I could keep researching online, reading the food discussions at Runners World, and pick up a couple books... I think it may be time to talk to a nutritionist. Build a good plan for the next several months. Between the half marathons this fall, then starting an official multi-sport training plan over the winter (duathalon - I'm a lousy swimmer), I'm not sure this is a time for me to stick with my normal trial & error methods.

Speaking of food, it's noon. I'd better go and grab some lunch, right now. Be a shame to ruin my appetite for that three o'clock snack.

Half Training, Week 10

Week 10 (9/8-9/14):

Monday: XT / Strength (rowing & upper body)
Tuesday: 3.6 miles, Easy
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 5.7 miles, Hill
Friday: 3.3 miles, Hill
Saturday: 22 miles, Ride
Sunday: 8.1 miles, Long

Total: Run - 20.7 miles; Bike - 22 miles

Good week of running. I also got a chance to go for a ride on Bloo Saturday morning. I was a happy girl, as our last ride was over two weeks ago. Beautiful day, strong legs, all good stuff.

Still working on an "overtime" schedule. All my normal schedule, plus school drop offs and taxi service to and from the office for the broken driver. Plus, all kitchen cleaning, and any other chores which require two hands.


I hit a fun little milestone with this past week's long run. Right about the time I was crossing this bridge, I realized that every footfall from this point, back to the truck, would be the farthest I have ever run. I've run a few 7 's, and a couple 7.5's, then walked an extra 10-15 minutes, for cool down. That wasn't an official 8-mile run though. On Sunday though, I crossed the 8 mile mark on a run.

I'd better be careful, or I'm going to start to think of myself as an actual, honest-to-goodness runner.

Go me!

Thoughtfulness

I am the proudest mom in at least a five block radius today. My daughter will be attending a birthday party for a classmate this weekend, and when we were ready to go shopping for a present, I asked D if she had any ideas. I expected anything from panda bears to barbie, or even bratz. The answer I heard, surprised me.

"Mom, I want to get her a journal. She really likes to write. A pretty one, not just a notebook. And maybe some pretty pens and pencils, so it's always like writing something special."

Off we went to Target, and here's what she ended up buying (along with D's comments):
1 - Woven Ribbon Journal with lined, rose colored paper
1 - Pack of pretty mechanical pencils (so she doesn't need a sharpener)
1 - Pack of colored pens
1 - Post it travel pack, with two sizes and a pen in small case (she can carry it in her backpack, for when she has great story ideas away from home)

Isn't my little girl the bestest?

Homework Hour(s)

I'm really beginning to like homework time around my house. I get asked real questions now, about how to find synonyms for words to be used in paragraphs about the planets, word origins, algebra. That's not to say I sometimes long for the days of coloring pictures which go with specific letters of the alphabet, but at least I no longer have to answer the impossible questions, like "What happened to all the blue crayons?"

From Wednesday evening, I present the incredible Double Fudge vocabulary girl:


And her brother, the Esperanza Rising vocabulary kid:


And the biggest brother, who.... oh wait. He finished his homework on the school bus, and spent the afternoon wandering around, taking pictures of all the poor souls who had to do actual work. Including me:


He managed to hide the camera from me, before I could take any photos of him. That's okay. His time is coming. When he least expects it, maybe when all gross and disgusting in the yard, or sitting upside down in the armchair doing algebra in his room (don't know why he wont use his perfectly good desk), "click!"

Half Training, Week 9

Week 9 (9/1-9/7):
Monday: 11.5 miles, bike
Tuesday: Off
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 3.1 miles, Hill
Friday: Off
Saturday: 1.5 miles, Speed (YMCA Track)
Sunday: 7.5 miles, Long

Total: Run - 12.1 miles; Bike - 11.5 miles

With the rough week, I didn't make my mileage. Did get in the long run on Sunday, thanks to my very helpful 14 year old son. In planning for the half marathons this fall, I tried to build in an extra three or four weeks, to make up for all the various school activities and minor kid illnesses which typically pop up. Never figured I'd need one of those weeks for something this big. I'm glad I planned ahead?

Tough Week

Now that we've made it through the surgery, and the orthopedic post-op is looking good, I'm ready to talk about our Labor Day adventure. It started out with a simple premise: Let's get the kids to round up their gear and go for a family ride on the Silver Comet Trail.

I thought it would be a little crowded, and a great opportunity for the little ones to practice signaling walkers and joggers when we pass, to practice passing safely in busy stretches, and to pay attention to where they are in relation to the center line. (The little ones drift a bit much for me to try bike lanes on even low traffic roads yet.)

While we're at it, why don't we have them supervise the safety & equipment check? Tires, orange safety flag on back of D's trail-a-bike, helmet adjustments, mini first aid kit, water bottles, the works. Get them thinking about being prepared, right?

Started off great. Parked at the elementary school. Unloaded, started tire check, then moved to helmets. All ready to go.

5-1/2 miles out, with a stop by the Depot for ice cream bars on the way back. Things were going great. Until B2 had a panic attack about his balance, and knocked Dad off the paved trail, a couple miles before we got back to the truck. If this had happened by the grassy shoulder, it would have been easy to recover. It happened where the shoulder was non-existent. Dad went straight into the graveled ditch. Caught himself, and the weight of his bike, on his left arm.

D & I usually ride a bit farther than the guys. With her on the tandem/trailer, we ride a little faster. (Plus, we just like chicking the boys.) We turned around at the 30 minute mark, and so were arriving at the scene about five minutes after it happened.
Dad was stretched out on the trail, arm completely limp by his side. It was obviously very broken. Looked like Harry Potter's arm after Professor Lockhart fixed a break by making all the bones in his arm disappear. I didn't dare move it.

B2 was dazed and upset, but seemed to have nothing but scraped knees, hands and cheek. (So glad we tightened the chin straps on his helmet.) A very nice jogger had already called 911, and a cyclist rode up to the nearest access point, to wave in the ambulance. (I really wish I'd thought to get their names, but am thinking a giant THANK YOU their way.)

Less than 10 minutes later, Dad was being packed in the ambulance, with a shot of morphine, and the Cobb Co. Sherrif's deputy was helping me get four bikes (3.5, technically) and three people back to the truck.

Rest of day spent at Cobb Wellstar, where they told us it was... broken. Finally got his arm splinted, a referral to Resurgens for an orthopedic surgeon, and an Rx for pain meds. Dinner at McDonalds (I skipped, can't make myself eat that anymore.), then home to try and sleep.

Tuesday was a bit of a blur. Wednesday, still blurry, but included consult with surgeon. Thursday, less of a blur for the four uninjured people, but a gigantic blur for Dad. I got all three kids where they needed to be, homework completed, clean uniforms, and fed. Even ran once or twice (short runs, during school day), and squeezed in some work along the way. Didn't sleep much.

Friday was surgery. Left radius and ulna lined back up, then reattached with plates and screws. I forget how many screws I counted in the post-op x-ray, but I seem to remember it being way more than a few.

Now that we're past those first couple of days where we needed to worry about nerve damage, bleeding and infection, things are looking up. Work, family and sleep schedules are still a bit off for everyone, but I think we're all starting to feel human again... even Dad.

Charting a new map for my life

Tackling the utter lack of athleticism which plagued me up to the ripe old age of 35 has made me braver. I'm starting to branch out in other areas. Looking for ways to challenge myself mentally, in addition to the physical challenges.

I have a few very big decisions to make. Some of them are easy. Beginning to market my skills (maps, informational graphics) and expand my client base is one of those. For the last eight years, since I officially stopped being a full-time employee, my business plan has been more of a non-plan. My old clients (former employers) stuck with me, and when some of the people with whom I worked switched firms, I had a new client.

It’s really been a pretty cozy system. I get to keep doing work I love, and make enough money to fund things like housekeepers, the birthday mini-trips, and gear for running and riding. I get to converse with other adults about things which have no relation to my children, and a sense of accomplishment when I receive the printed sample from the press.

I work ten hours many weeks, and am rarely over twenty. The occasional flurry at the end of a full street map or an offering book might require a full forty hours one week. I follow those weeks with a week to clean house, do some extra volunteering at the schools, and go for long rides on my bicycle.

Lately, I’ve gone beyond the idea of doing this Someday. I have the gut feeling it’s become Someday. It’s not the money. It’s me. I want a challenge. The projects requiring my full mental attention these days are rare. I can crank out maps in my sleep. (When home with a sick child means switching to evening work hours, I’m pretty sure I have sleepmapped.) Even though this decision is not based on any economic worries, the extra income will be nice.

There will also be a sense of freedom to accompany the increase in projects. If I have other things waiting in the queue, I will have the peace of mind to set the timelines. I’ll do everything I can to meet my client’s expectations, but won’t have to bend over backwards and stay up until 2:00 a.m., just because I’m worried they’ll find someone else next time.

It’s a big step. Tough, but not as hard as I’d built it up to be in my mind. Get a domain and webhost, put together samples of work online, along with basic writeup of what services I’ll offer. A few emails around town, a bribe for google, so I come up higher on the search list.

Thanks to my current office setup, cell phones and eFax, I’m not going to have all that many expenses. I know who to call for my domain registration and hosting. Friend of a friend, won’t be pricey. I have over a decade of digital samples - more, if I resort to scanning in pieces from the early days. Sweat equity is the big requirement.

Thanks to the last year or so, I'm not timid about the sweat anymore.