runninmomma

Ooh Rah Baby!

2006-10-30T21:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, this is going to be a several part recap. I'm not sure what part to start at...The super support team that I had, the amazing RBF meet up, my generous hostess, the marathon...

The marathon, First Half Recap:
The night before the marathon I had a very restless sleep. I was busy worrying about race strategy, worrying about the time change, worrying about breakfast, worrying about meeting up with David before the race. All the worrying did a number on my tummy and I was up out of bed several times to visit the potty. When I finally got up in the morning it was more upset tummy and more visits to the potty. I thought the feeling would pass as I got closer to the start. I did forget about it for a bit when Hubby, Dad, AnneMarie and I arrived at the Metro and was surrounded by other marathoners and their supporters. The Marathon Buzz was in the air and it was catchy. When we got off the train at Arlington cemetery and made our way over to the start the nerves were gone and it was full fledge excitement.
A couple pictures and we headed straight for the porto potties. The prayer, the national anthem and the fly over were next. It was a moving moment to see so many people standing at attention as soon as the National Anthem came over the speakers. I was able to find David and we again went over our gold, silver and bronze times. I talked to the Little Miss over the phone and got one last "Run fast Mom, Good Luck" and we headed into the crowd to await the cannon start. We were in the second wave so we had a bit to wait and then they announced that there was a hold up on the course and the start would be delayed slightly. Turned out that someone went down 100 yrds out from the start. (I haven't seen anything more on it).
Once we were finally off it was very slow and very tight. I found it hard to get my footing and stride moving smoothly. No worries we were running and a slow start is good. It was right after the start line that I looked up to the bridge above and noticed my race crew. I started waving and yelling and as soon as they heard and saw me they were holding up the signs. Only problem was my Dad was so excited that he didn't realize he was holding it upside down. Everyone around us was yelling to him to turn it around and making gestures. Dad didn't get it and thought they wanted him to cheer louder!
The first mile marker came upon us at 11:11. Slow but okay. We found more room in the second mile and gained 16 sec for a 10:55 mile then up another hill and were amazed by the man pushing a triple jog stroller. Mile 3 still making up time with a 9:59 mile. It was starting to warm up and I was looking forward to meeting up with the support team at mile 4 to dump my gloves and long sleeve shirt. David was thinking the same thing. Sure enough with their military navigational skills Hubby and dad were right where they said they were going to be at Mile 4 and David and stripped a layer.
Over Key Bridge and into Georgetown we finally clocked our goal pace of 9:50. Mile 5 more steady pace with a 9:55. The course was still a bit crowded but we were finding our zone. Mile 6 got a little fast at 9:22 and Mile 7 10:35-it was time for a potty break. As I went into the woods I reached out to grab a branch for support and found that this bathroom had already been used -EWWWWWW!!! No bother, I finished my business and found David. Here comes the big mistake we picked up the pace and did a 9:17 mile for Mile 8. I think part of it was that I was feeling relieved after using the potty and we knew we were due to see Studdly and Sr Studdly anytime. Sure enough when we passed by them we were moving so fast that Hubby didn't have time to get a photo. Mile 9 9:31, Mile 10 9:32. Slow Down!!! I kept saying it in my head but my body wasn't responding and the next mile was 9:08. I was starting to feel worried that I wasn't going to be able to hold out later in the race and I tried to reel us in. Mile 12 9:33 and Mile 13 9:58 and a 2:09 Half time.

I'm Heading Out!

2006-10-29T06:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, real quick. I'm in DC. I've met Rex, and Rich and met up with Dave. Soon to meet Jeanne. I've carb loaded, watched the Marine Corp silent drill team and had a restless night sleep. I'm ready. Now, let's go have some fun! You can track your RBF friends for free and get emails or text messages when we cross 5 different mile markers. Check it out here and then go to spectators then virtual runner.

Random Thoughts and Rambles

2006-10-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, so by now we all know that the Running Chick qualified for Boston and kicked the Hartford course's ass. In case you missed the epic length race report head over and check it out. I had left her a comment saying:
"Di, I am so proud to have shared in the day! You are truly amazing and I am so lucky to have such a strong, motivated, inspiring woman in my life as well as influencing the life and character of my daughter. So proud!!!"
I share this with you because it's so true and something that's been on my mind lately. There are so many influences and outside factors impacting the kind of person my daughter will grow up to be, the media, teachers, classmates, the people I surround myself with, my own actions and sense of self.
This week marks the one year anniversary that Hubby has been home from Iraq. The last year has been almost as difficult as the year he was gone. There was so much to "figure out" and reconnecting that needed to be done slowly. The last two years have been the hardest of my life but through it all I have found that I have an enormous amount of strength and determination to fight for the ones I love, to be patient in letting them find their way back, and not settle for an easier way out. Through it all I am constantly trying to be the best role model I can be to mold Little Miss into a strong, confident, proud woman. I love the feeling at the end of a race when she is cheering everyone over the finish line or says "Someday I'm going to run like Mommy". I can't help but puff out my feathers after hearing at parent- teacher conference that she is independent, caring, kind and so funny. And to feel accomplished when she wants to stay an extra night at Grandpa's that she is a well adjusted kid. People ask all the time how we can afford to live on one salary and there is the answer. I am paid over and over for the "work" I do at home. With good friends like Di and AA to surround myself it's no wonder the job feels easy.

Today, I ran my last long run before the marathon next week. I am looking forward to surrounding myself next weekend with the determined and motivated people of the RBF and supportive people, my dad and the Hubby as well as being hosted by a strong leader in John's former commander.

I'm going to kick some marathon butt of my own!

Focus Now

2006-10-16T06:57:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since my last post. Since my last post I have completed another 20 mile training run, got a cold that won't quit, watched a close friend/ running partner/ inspiration qualify for Boston and fell off the training wagon. So I've been busy, you see.

The cold lingered and is still lingering going on 3 weeks. Di convinced me that running the 2nd 20 miler would help to feel better and it did for a day or two and then the cold was back but meaner and greener than before. Really put a damper on the speed workout for that week. Then I was supposed to do 15 miles this week which was I was going to cut back to 13.1 and run the Hartford Half. I blew that off because I was still not feeling "right" and didn't want to end up in the hospital with pneumonia or worse and I couldn't run it slow because then I wouldn't have been able to see the ever speedy Running Chick pass mile 20. So I decided to go and be a spectator/race crew/ friend instead and cheer on the Running Chick to her kick ass destruction of the Hartford Marathon and her PR!!!!

So here I sit two weeks out from my own marathon. I feel very confident in my training. I am not too concerned about the last week in training. I will jump back onto the wagon this week and follow it through to the end. I just hope I can keep up with David!

That Wasn't So Bad

2006-09-24T19:29:00.000-05:00

The 20 miler that is...
I wasn't sure how the beast was going to play out when the events leading up to the run went anything but smooth. I had asked for a Fuel Belt for my birthday but did not get one so, as a last minute effort I tried to catch up with April Anne and borrow hers (since she is on hiatus). That didn't work out and then I couldn't get in touch with the host of the run to find out the route to plant my Powerade and Clifshots so I began to worry about hydration and whether I was going to be prepared. Then the morning of I was late to the meet up spot which caused a rushed and discombobulated start.
Once the running began the morning began to smooth out. I started slow in the back of the pack and found my rhythm comfortable immediately. Until it started to rain that is then I played the hot/cold game- shirt on, shirt off, sleeves up, shirt off, high beams on, well, you get the picture. Immediately I blamed the Running Chick for she has doomed all that run with her for rain on 20 milers and marathons. The miles ticked by and before I knew it she was calling back to me to remind me to eat. I took my first Clifshot at mile 7 and then another at 11. At mile 14 we said goodbye to the other runners and I watched Di speed off for her last 4 miles at MP. I plugged in my Ipod and enjoyed my collection of songs as I trudged on for the last 6 miles. I was so engrossed in the tunes that I missed my turn and by the time I realized it and turned back I had added on an extra mile and change on to the run. I took my last Clifshot and was feeling strong. A little bit later when Di pulled up next to me in my car to say I had less than a mile to go I was floored. I felt great! I felt strong and I was almost done- PHEW!!!
After a nap, a hot shower and a good lunch it was off for my birthday finale which consisted of my closest friends, Corona and a lot of laughs. As tired as I am tonight I can't help but smile- BRING IT ON MARINE CORP MARATHON... I'm ready this time...

I Needed to Pullover

2006-09-20T19:09:00.000-05:00

Ya know that commercial, the one that says "Life comes at you fast..." I am living it. I feel like since hubby's injury in June, (no wait since Hubby was deployed Oct '04) I have been nonstop. Taxi to Dr and PT, working, caring for the family, fitting in runs.... I couldn't wait for the "kiddies" to go back to school. I could just taste those 3 hrs of ME time in the morning. Well, it's been 3 weeks and I have yet to find the ME time. Between work and work, I've haven't gotten a thing done. Something needed to change so...
Hubby took me on a Renaissance weekend for my birthday and we had lots and lots of me time . It was fabulous. We stayed at a quaint B &B in Harwich Port, MA and spent one day on Nantucket. It was restful and relaxing and just what I needed. So this week I felt I would be recharged and ready for my runs. I was slightly disappointed when I went to do my 4x 1600's and felt like I had lead legs. The times didn't improve or slow over the 4 repeats, so I guess consistency counts for something. 20 miles on the schedule for the weekend!!!

18 Miles Whooped My Butt

2006-09-11T05:55:00.000-05:00

Ok... as if getting up at 5:30 on a Saturday is bad enough I had a wapping 18 miles ahead of me. The plus side was that I knew I would have company along the way. So I dragged my butt out of bed and force fed myself before heading out to meet some members of the Windham Athletic Club. There were some blogger friendly folks among the mix...the every cheery AA, Di and Beth. We headed out for a 6.5 mile trail run first with a couple nice size hills, some really wet fields and as a nice suprise the loop runs right by the house that I rented when I was at UCONN 11 years ago.
Since we were going to be running on trails and I don't have a "geeky" fuel belt I carried my Powerade for this portion of the run. For the most part that worked out fine but on the way back I could feel the strain in my neck. After dropping off some of the group, had a Clif Shot more Powerade and we headed out for another 8. This time there was water planted so no lugging water necessary. About 1 mile out I wiped my runny nose with my brand new white shirt to find I had a bloody nose- UGH and YUCK! I had the same problem last year around this time of year and never figured quite out why. It's not a gushing thing, more like a runny nose but bloody... any ideas?
Anywho... we kept on grinding and found our water about mile 5, had another ClifShot, some water and back at it. My legs were definately feeling the effects from the race on Monday and my quads felt like lead. The hills were great on the glutes but not on my mental toughness. I just wanted to be done. I couldn't think of anything else to talk about, I just kept focusing on the hill which was beating me.
Back to the car with still 3 miles to be completed I contemplated calling it a day. After all, I had to get home to get ready for my neice's 1 yr bday party and I didn't want to be out of commission for the hokey pokey!! But looking at Dianna all rearing to go I couldn't say no. 3 more miles, no big deal until we went up the BIGGEST HILL I have ever seen. I was seeing red, Dianna was fearing my anger but... we made it and I made my 18 for the day. Sore body but good peace of mind that I stuck it out, met my goal and did it on an extremely tough course. I am going to kick the MCM's a**!!!! I hope you are ready David!!!

Chasing Skirt

2006-09-08T06:46:00.000-05:00

Ok, here it is quick... My version of the New Haven Road Race Report!
It started with a meeting in the early morning to pick AA up and bring her to the race. The car ride was great AA was the closest to Little Miss and was "it" the whole ride, she was even asked to draw the perfect pic of my van ;).
When we arrived at the race we semi quickly met up with Dianna, Jon, David and Beth. Picked up the race number and visited the portapotties and then Di was racing us off to the start. I of course ghaffed her off and took the more laid back approach which I payed for after clocking in a 9:45 first mile- ughh! David and I decided we could make up the time in the next 11 miles and started chatting with Beth about the other skirts on the course. There were some really short ones, there were some tennis skirts, but I decided I liked mine the best.
The miles were flying by as David and I talked about life, life in the military, the upcoming Marine Corp Marathon and tattoos. Soon we were on the 10k point and David told me to go on he would find me at the beer tent. The next 6.2 were not as fun and I was wishing for my music, a race day friend or some other distraction. My pace became a bit erratic going from 8:10 to 8:41 back to 8:16. At mile 8ish I passed another girl wearing a Running Skirt, she gave me a "Nice skirt" and I nodded with a smile and kept on trucking. We later met up in the beer line and she agreed that our running skirt was the best and most comfortable.
I was able to pull off a PR and ran a pace of 8:37 which I am very pleased with. Must be all the track workouts and training long with the "speedy" Running Chick. The post race festivities which included FREE Red Hook beer, Jon's truffles, David's photography and lots of shared race stories- oh and we found Danny and his gang.
So fun, we'll see more of you next year!!!! I gotta go get ready for my 18 miler tomorrow. David, I want the full report. Remember you promised me 13.1 in DC...

2006-09-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

Here is a pre race photo from the New Haven 20k Road Race that April Anne, David, Jon, Jank, Beth, Dianna and I rocked today!!!! Race report to follow soon...

2006-08-23T16:52:00.000-05:00

The skirt and Little Miss with her "My Mom is a Rockstar" tshirt on :)

2006-08-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

Break Away 5k Old Orchard Beach, ME

It's Gotta be the Skirt or a Maine Thing

2006-08-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

Loaded up the fam in the van for another trip up north for a race. In the past this weekend has been a weekend of friends, competition and a small pub crawl in Old Orchard Beach but this year because of new jobs, new babies and babies on the way it was just me and my family for a weekend of relaxation, some back to school outlet shopping and a 15 mile long run with a 5k race tucked in the middle.
We arrived late Fri night and ordered pizza for convenience but not the best prerace dinner or a long run for that matter, but it sure did taste yummy. I got to bed early and as I set my alarm I went over my prerace plan that I developed on the advice of the Running Chick. Run to the race 3miles and then the 5k leaving 6 miles along the beach and 3 miles back to the camp ground.
Everything went as scheduled, I had a nice easy run to start area, met up with some race day friends and lined up at the front of the midpack. As the gun went off I was off like a dart and had to slow myself down in my head. Mile 1 starts with a up a big hill with a turn around at the top. As I came down I spied my cheering squad and a high five from my Little Miss cruised me to a 7:44 first mile. Mile 2 was nice and flat with a water stop that I took advantage of, 7:49 and Mile 3 the home stretch, 7:46 and the .1 was 41 sec for a finishing time of 24:02 and 2nd place for my age group.
The last of the 15 were uneventful with great people watching and wondering if a lot of the beach goers had looked in the mirror before heading to the beach :). The outlet shopping was washed out by the rain that took out power in downtown Freeport so we were forced back to the campground to listen to my sad Red Sox get beat again by the Yanks. As if the rain wasn't depressing enough!
So I continue to ride the wave of excitement in my new level of running and am actually looking forward to the 17 miles on the schedule for Sat followed by a swim and lounging on the new deck!!

Oh What a Feeling

2006-08-18T11:59:00.000-05:00

The feeling that you are entering the next stage of your running:

when you are trying to eat better and eat more.
when you are passing up the beers on a Fri night
and getting to bed earlier for your Sat. morning long run
when you have the running high even if it's not race day- when you finish an awesome track workout and flew through the 5x 1200s on the schedule, or running up a street appropriately named Stearns Mtn
When you don't mind the hills because it's making you a stronger runner and tightening up the fanny.
When you no longer feel "geeky" about wearing a fuel belt (AA).

I'm excited about the new phase I am entering. Tomorrow, is the OOB Breakaway 5k in Maine and I'm hoping for a PR and a day at the beach to complete a "Beautiful Day". Enjoy the weekend everyone, Labor Day is creeping up on us!

Beach to the Beacon 10k Report

2006-08-08T05:58:00.000-05:00

Friday afternoon, Hubby, Little Miss and I loaded up the minivan for our weekend getaway to Maine so I could participate with 5,000 others in the TD Banknorth Beach to the Beacon. The ride up wasn't as dreadful as I had envisioned as we enjoyed some shopping in Kittery outlets to break up the ride. Then it was onward to the race expo to pick up my packet and to the campsite to get ready for bed.
I've been training hard for the MCM so I was curious to see if it was going to pay off in in the 10k. I went to bed early and even abstained from having a local microbrew, the Shipyard Summer Ale and chanted in my head that I was in training!! I had my race bag packed, my racing outfit laid out which included my new Running Skirt that I got for Mother's Day and my new IPod Nano that I got for being such a good girl.
At the race start there was a buzz in the air. There were plenty of people around so many in fact that I couldn't get up any where near to the start and had to line up closer to the walkers which I knew was going to call for a lot of weaving in the first couple of miles (one of the reasons I like my smaller, yokel local races). I found my old running partner John that had recent knee surgery... We talked race strategy and upcoming races and then we were off.
Mile 1 and 2 were just as I predicted- felt slow and like I was exerting way too much energy trying not to trip on some and pass others but I was feeling my music and the scenery too much to care. At Mile 3 we ran under too ladder trucks holding the American Flag and just as I went under U2 Beautiful Day came on and I couldn't help get a chill. Then we were running through the center of town and the cow bells were ringing and I thought this is why I do this- It is fun!!! I hate to admit it but I was having fun and my my mile 3 split was a sub 8! With half the race behind me I knew I could come in with a PR and kept the pace steady. I powered up the last miles hills and crossed the finish line with a huge grin! After finding the fam, having some pics of my skirt we headed down to the beach for a relaxing day of digging holes, jumping waves and lots of sun.
On a side note I loved my new IPod and the 10k mix I created was perfect getting me through the different spots on the course. It's about 52-54 minutes of music.
Clocks Coldplay
Naked The Goo Goo Dolls
In the End Linkin Park
Naughty Girl BeyoncÃ©
Ii seen different days DJ Icey/Jen Lasher
Typical Situation Dave Matthews Band
Beautiful Day U2
Too Funky George Michael
Vertigo U2
Discotheque U2
LET'S GET RETARDED Black Eyed Peas
Sex Machine James Brown

Take A Moment

2006-07-31T07:22:00.000-05:00

Following the footsteps of Dawn, and April Anne ...Forget the complaints, the whines, the things going wrong in your life. Let’s take a moment to list a few things that are great.

1. A beautiful, imaginitive, caring daughter.
2. A roof over my head even when I complain about it being Snow White's cottage in the woods.
3. Friends and family to share the good times, the bad times and the dull times.
4. Faith that the bad times will turn to good times, sickness will develop health both with the right amount of nurturing.
5. New sneakers and the ability to run.
6. New running partners.
7. Lazy, summer days spent on the river with a picnic under a shady tree.
8. Friends that donate to all my "causes"!

What's on your list?

Track, Tempo and Trails

2006-07-23T07:18:00.000-05:00

Training is going well! Fundraising is going well. I am only $60 short of my $500 goal for the Fisher House Foundation Military Spouse/ Marathon Team. You can read more about the Fisher House here. You can make a donation in my name here. Don't forget to include my name -Michelle Bolduc.

Tuesday, I was up bright and early to hit the track. I had 4x 1200 on the schedule. I whipped around the track 3 times and felt awesome. According to the plan I'm supposed to go 50 sec faster than 10k time. I still haven't figured all that out and my first 1200 was 5:30. During my recovery I ws approached by a man on the track that was a track coach. He offered some advice on pulling my arms in closer to my body and then he said everything else looked good... wonder what else he was referring to ;). Anyway, the next 1200 I pulled my arms in and I flew... the first 400 was at 1:28 but I knew that was too fast to sustain for the rest of my workout. I was able to keep my intervals between 5:27 and 5:35. I did a 1/2 mile cool down before heading home to get ready for work and schlep beers for some sweaty golfers!

Thursday, I was supposed to meet up with Bill, David and April Anne. Unfortunately work required my attention and I had to go in. (With the hubby's injury and PT bills about to pour in I need the $) Not until I got my 5 mile tempo run in though. I did an out and back 2.5 mile run twice. It's a decent route with some decent hills but I felt like I was flying. I banged it out in 39min and change. I was feeling pumped as I went into work. My bar patrons could tell too there were a few comments on my chipperness. Ahhh, the power of a good run!

Saturday's long run was 8 miles on trails and the last 4 on the road. We met bright and early to beat the heat and I'm glad we did. It was very humid already at 6:30 and because we were going to be on trails there wasn't a good place to stash some water. I was hoping that I hydrated enough on Fri and that the one after shift drink that I had wouldn't come back to haunt me in the dehydration category. For the most part I felt great. The trails were challenging at times and there were many hills that a couple of times I felt like I was walking up them- oh wait I was walking! After fueling up at 8 and heading back on the roads with Dianna I felt much better. My legs were definitely tired but I banged out the last 4 miles with a 9-9:30 pace. I felt good about the run.

My tummy liked the GU. I have to figure out when to take it. Do you use them on your shorter runs or just long runs?

Ahhh, Much Better

2006-07-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

So, tomorrow begins the official MCM training and I am feeling much more confident after this weekends long run.
I decided to give myself a rest from the speedy Running Chicks and run at a more comfortable pace. I was fortunate enough to meet up with a friend that was visiting from out of town and will also participating in the MCM in late Oct. We met up early to beat the heat and because I had to be back home early to begin the construction of our new above ground swimming pool (I know, a little late in the season- but it was FREE!) As we set out, the pace was comfortable and the chit chat was light, catching up of the new things in our lives and talking strategy for training and completing the marathon...goal time, water stops, etc.
Before I knew it we had banged out 8 miles and I had a hankering for munchkins and an iced coffee.
By the time I got home the crew had begun to assemble. 2 days later I have a beautiful above ground pool. All it needs is electricity and I will be floating and swimming on my off training time.
Life is Good... sometimes

Speed Workout or Boom Box 1 Mile Race Report

2006-07-04T21:44:00.000-05:00

I had a track speed workout on the schedule today but by the time I woke up and dragged my butt out of bed it was already 83% humidity and temps in the 70s. Since I thought that my run was bagged today I called "THE" Running Chick to check that her wings were on for her race. After hanging up with her I got the urge to get out there and run and run fast and above all stick to the schedule. I decided to go and use it as my speed workout. I was happy to see that when I got there April Anne had also decided last minute to come and run. The Running Chicks were together again!
The start was fast. I kept thinking "It's only a mile" but after passing the 1/4 mile marker at 1:31 I knew I had to slow up a bit. I crossed the finish at 6:50 and was happy to take that time and a 3rd place finish in my gender/age category. It was a great little race and I was able to enjoy the rest of the day at the beach sipping on a tequila drink made with the new Jose Cuervo Tropina and feel guilt free about it.
The Running Chicks placing in respective categories didn't suck either. I think we just may be a force to be reckoned with. Who doesn't like "fast" women?
Back to the nursing now, Hubby had his surgery today to repair his ruptured achilles tendon. I guess I don't have to worry about him for competition anymore!

Aimed Too High

2006-07-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

So... I was so excited about the Running Chick long run on Sat that I set my heights high on 10 miles. I haven't been doing consistent long runs but I have been running on a consistent basis week to week for about 6 weeks now and thought I could "grind it out". We met at Dianna's house and started up the first hill with me talking about my Hubby's latest drama- the ruptured achilles tendon. We approached the down hill and I was winded. Let the girls know that I was out of shape for their pace and trudged on. About mile 6 they let me stop for a breather and about mile 7ish I told them to keep going I would meet them at the end. Mile 7 to the end was a walk/run. Took me about 44 minutes to finish the 3 miles- very sad!! The time spent with the Running Chicks were well worth the effort and discomfort.
Anyway, I'm not going to let it discourage me, it's a long 17 weeks until the marathon.

Since I've Been Gone

2006-06-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

We've been out of school one week and here's what's happenin'...

I worked 40 hrs in 3 1/2 days
I've signed up for and began training for the Marine Corp Marathon
Did a track work out and a 4 mile tempo run- neither was easy
set up a date with the Running Chicks for a long run tomorrow- WOOHOO!!

Still trying to figure out the "schedule", should be a little easier after the holiday weekend.

Happy 4th to everyone, have a safe one!! God Bless America!

Working It Out

2006-06-15T06:59:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy... with 4th bday parties, working, and running. That's correct, I've been running and lifting and tearing up the elliptical machine. I'm still working out the kinks of "fitting everything in" but for now it seems to be working.

I am enjoying the lifting but do not have an actual "program" that I am following. I'm just doing the circuit machines 2x a week, light weight, lots of reps. Right now my running program is just to run when I get the chance. Better than nothing...

So, next week when Hubby and Little Miss are out of school for the summer it will all be revamped again- UGH!

Chaplin Country 5K Race Report

2006-06-04T07:22:00.000-05:00

Well, you know the weather- RAIN, and 56F. There was a small crowd assembled in the cafetorium of Chaplin Elementary School when I arrived. There was lots of energy from all the kids that had come out to participate and lots of worried looks from the parents that were convinced to participate by their kids. Here and there around the gym there were people stretching, drinking their water and no one was complaining about the rain, "better than the heat" is what I overheard a couple of times.
As we moved out from the gym into the elements the rain subsided a bit and became more of an annoying drizzle. The first mile is uphill. I took it steady keeping my shoulders relaxed and using my pretend rope to get me to the peak. The rest of the run went well with the neighbors at the 2 mile marker and the Hubby and Little Miss at about 2.5 with my D &D iced coffee in hand. I tried to push the last downhill and take the principal on the last .1 but he had too much of a lead, I was only able to narrow the gap to 10 sec.
I was pleased to receive my trophy for 1st place in my division and will leave it on the mantle until next year when maybe we will have his and her matching if Hubby gets out of the Chicken suit. Oh, and did I mention I took about 30 sec off my time from the Race in the Park?

The official results:
24 1 Michelle Bolduc, 32*, Chaplin, CT 25:28.8 8:13

Blame it on the Rain?!

2006-06-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

OK, I tried to blame it on Dianna- the rain that is. But that doesn't seem to work seeing as she is across the country right now getting ready to run the Rock n Roll Marathon. Is it raining out there? It must be me.
I'm sitting on the computer looking out the window thinking once again how miserable this race is going to be. Hubby backed out, something about melting, so I don't even have the thrill of our own private competition to motivate me through the deluge.

Wait here for the complete race report later this afternoon from the Chaplin PTO Country Road Race.

Three Generations of Parrotheads Heart Katie

2006-05-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

This was taken at 5:30am after I had slept on the street all night to secure our spot for best viewing and best to viewed. Check us out on Today Show concert Series Jimmy Buffett sings Floridays and they do a close up of Little Miss at the end of the song right at the 2:40 minute mark.

Dtourist - the local tourist blog: Prize winning Parrotheads

2006-05-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

Dtourist - the local tourist blog: Prize winning Parrotheads

We're famous!! Someone stopped mom and I and asked to take pics of our Volcano's. Who knew we were prize winning?