Starfish & Coffee

Running for Cupcakes

2014-01-20T09:16:00.002-08:00

Just over a year ago, I posted about my intentions for 2013, particularly to participate in the California Half Marathon series. My goal was to resume training and to thereby run 4 half marathons. Well, needless to say. It didn't happen. I continued to run erratically and took part in only one race - the Moonshine Trail Race - which was brutal! Sadly, I didn't blog about it then - I may have to write a reflective post someday.

As 2014 approached, I reflected upon my failed effort to run 4 halves and I began to reevaluate my goals for the new year. I really, really miss running. I miss the strength it provided my spirit and body. I miss how connected I feel to the earth when running. Anyway ...

Since we moved to Northern California, the Redding Marathon has intrigued me. I knew I wasn't ready for the full this year but I thought perhaps the relay would be the ticket to rediscovering my love of running and thereby making running a priority in my life.

I recruited two other runners, both of whom backed out (one the day after I registered our team and the other just 3 weeks prior to the race). Fortunately, a former student whom I hadn't seen since she was in 4th grade answered by plea for help on Facebook and volunteered. Proudly, my daughter stepped up to run the final leg.

While training and helping my daughter to up her mileage prior to race day - I rediscovered my running mojo. I had such fun training with her.

Come race day - the weather was perfect and all three of us had strong runs. I even managed to maintain a 9:03 pace for my entire leg (9+ miles). I was pleased with my effort and so very proud of my daughter who was laughing and smiling when we saw her midway and again at the finish. She looked so strong and was having a blast!

Jessica, my former student, also blogs (We Run for Cupcakes) and she motivated me to continue blogging myself. "I love reading running blogs," she stated. I knew she was right. While I blog regularly for homeschool - my goal there is to inspire and help other homeschool families. My running blog is for me. To stay motivated .. I need this outlet.

One of the best things about race day was reconnecting with not one former student, but two! Jessica had flown to San Francisco and then drove up the morning of the race with a friend of hers, Steven, who to my surprise, was another former student. He ran cross country all through high school and college and while we were running the relay, he put in 14 miles of his own! Impressive.

I had a great time catching up with them both and loved talking about running. It reinvigorated me. To our surprise and delight, Jessica presented us with cupcakes at the finish. Love!! I will be running for cupcakes forever more.

California Half Marathon Series

2012-12-13T08:21:00.002-08:00

It has been a very long time since I have been active on this blog. My training has been erratic and I just haven't felt the inspiration, desire, or need to blog here. I really miss it though and strongly feel that blogging about my training or lack thereof correlates strongly to how committed I am to actually working out. Like anything, if I am public about my goals and intents, I am much more likely to actually see it through and thereby succeed.

One of the stumbling blocks I have encountered the past couple of years is that now that my children are older, it is not as easy to get outside for a run and like most, the treadmill is monotonous and I view it as a necessary evil to assure my training stays on course on days of inclement weather or when necessary to squeeze in a quickie. However, I much prefer to run outside ... on a trail preferably ... particularly for long runs (in other words, anything longer than an hour).

Since my last race (Eugene Half Marathon in May of 2012), my brother and I have batted around the idea of running Eugene again - together - in 2013. Sadly, circumstances have come up ... the stars have NOT aligned ... and we will not be able to do so. We both have conflicts and he isn't even sure he can go the distance as his knees have been troubling him. Thus, we won't make plans to run one together until he finishes a half independently (Eugene 2013 would have been his first). I'll keep hoping that we can someday run a race together again - we ran cross country in high school together - so it would be very memorable.

In the mean time, I have been trying to find motivation to keep myself focused on training. It is sooooo very easy to talk myself out of a workout when I have no carrot or race in front of me to keep me honest. As we are new to California, there are numerous races throughout the state that appeal to me. When I stumbled upon the California Half and Full Marathon Series ... I knew immediately that this was the challenge I needed.

There are in fact three distinct challenges to choose from:

4 Race Challenge :: Run any combination of half or full marathons on the series in the North or South Region to qualify for the series finishers medal. (Need 3 races or 3 points minimum). Complete the series and receive a very special award by earning a 4th point at a final medal qualifying race.

7 Race Challenge :: Run seven or more races on the series and receive a very special reward…You will be glad you did. Runners running this challenge will receive the medal as well.

Top Points Challenge :: At the end of the year, we add the points up and see who has the most. Winners get a nice award for this. Male and Female Open and Masters 3 deep for the State. (12 awards total).

I doubt I'll be in contention for Top Points but I am definitely aiming for the 7 Race Challenge. Wish me luck!!

I Am a Swimmer.

2012-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

I found this very motivational.

I participated in the 1-hour Postal swim earlier this year. I look forward to re-discovering my athletic self this year.

Enough Excuses

2011-11-21T07:06:00.001-08:00

It's been over a year since I last posted about an actual run that I logged. It has always been a dream of mine to someday run Boston ... that is never going to happen if I don't resume logging the miles and doing the work. I keep making excuses. I have become lazy.

When we moved to NorCal ... one of the thoughts that crossed my mind was, "Sweet! I won't have to buy a new cocktail or party dress because I can simply wear my old ones and no one will know." I'm not a shopper ... I spend more money on books and curriculum materials than I do on the latest fashions. When I was avidly running, race fees were also a top contender. But most girls and the guys who love them know that every year around November, a girl needs a new party dress ... sometimes 2 or 3 ... as was my case (hospital administration/board party, auxiliary/guild fundraiser, chamber dinner, etc.).

Another thought was, "I should be able to get into pretty good shape. I won't know anyone and won't have social obligations or other fun outings with friends to sway me from working out. What else would I do?" Yeah ... right!

So ... the first holiday party is now behind me and it was a kick in the face for me ... or perhaps, more apropos ... a kick in the gut. I didn't shop for a party dress. I didn't even try on the dresses that were hanging in my closet until Saturday morning ... the morning of the fundraiser. Little did I know that I wouldn't be able to zip it !!

I wallowed in self pity. I made more excuses. Then this morning, though I awoke with a mild head cold - the first of the season no doubt - I made a decision.

I HAVE registered for the Eugene Marathon.

I WILL begin training NOW.

Mind over Matter :: Norseman 2010

2011-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

On my bucket list is to complete an triathlon ... the Norwegian in me says it should be this one.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

My brothers and our father

Marathon Training Plan 2011

2011-03-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Enough is enough. I have been skipping swim workouts left and right. I've been sleeping in on the weekends rather than taking advantage of the opportunity to get outdoors for a long run .. alone! I need motivation. I've thereby set my eyes the Portland and Tri-Cities Marathons in October. A few smaller races to prepare me for my ultimate goal ... a Boston qualifying time.

My training plan, shown above, will get me through Portland. I'm not sure yet what the workouts should look like the few weeks following .. in preparation for Tri-Cities. I've never done back-to-back marathons before so I'll need to do some research. I hoping one of you all ... perhaps Michelle? or Tracy? ... can give me some input.

Life is hectic until the end of May ... so this plan should work perfectly. Between now and then .. I just need to focus on getting my feet under me again. Resuming a regular workout regime .. and desist skipping them!

The Diary of Ma Yan :: Book Sharing Monday

2011-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Ma Yan is a young girl determined to continue her education despite the hardships and struggles that ensue. Knowing that an education is the only thing that could rescue her from a life of poverty, Ma Yan continues her fight to stay in school. Her resilience is inspiring.

Some of her journals were lost, as a result, the entries are broken (September - December 2000 and July - December 2001). All entries are brief and from the heart as she writes of poverty, hunger, frustration, desire for an education, and the hope for a better future for herself and her family.

When Ma Yan's mother gave her daughter's diaries to a foreign journalist ... it paved the way for an incredible outpouring of love and financial support ... not only for Ma Yan but for other poverty-stricken children in China.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will encourage my daughter, who is passionate about Chinese culture, to read it for herself. Ma Yan proves herself an articulate young woman and through her journal, we see glimpses of life in rural China. This book also instills a greater appreciation for Americans' access to education and opportunity.

Finding the Time

2011-02-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine recently posted [When Does Mommy Read?] about her realization that, "I laughed at myself, today, when I realized I have a book hidden in every room of this house. You never know when you might have a moment to escape!" I couldn't help but smile for I do the exact same thing.

I have books scattered all about the house .. in hopes that I may be able to steal away even a few minutes to myself. Here is a sample of what I'm currently reading:

In the Bathroom: There's always a USMS Swimmer or Runner's World magazine nearby when I need my space. Just last week, the latest Viking magazine arrived and I promptly placed it in the basket.
In Bed: Currently, I am reading Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. To be honest though, it has been on my bedside table for some time now. The old style verse is rather difficult to follow and I tend to get swayed by more modern books.
In the Hallway: Can you believe I actually have a book here?! Every evening, as the kiddos brush their teeth and prepare for bed (at least that is what they are supposed to be doing - it doesn't usually happen as easily as I wrote it) - I lay on the floor between the room and read aloud. Presently, I am reading Who is William Shakespeare? (a short biography my daughter selected) but in the next day or two, I will begin Julie of the Wolves.
In the Office: Though all our books are here as it serves as our library as well .. the only thing I actually read here are the many blogs of yours .. and those of other homeschooling moms. I glean so much inspiration from others. Thank you! Oh and Facebook! It drains more time than I care to admit, and I don't even play the games!
In the Kitchen: I'm always reading a cookbook or two. Right now, I am continuing to work on my Cultural Skills pin in Cooking (level 2) through Sons of Norway. I thereby regularly review Beatrice Okanagas' Scandinavian Feasts. I also am very fond of the cookbook, Fix It and Forget It with which I am becoming quite skilled with the crock pot. A good thing considering how frequently we are out & about for extracurriculars and school activities.

So, what are you reading, friends? I'd love to hear what reading material sits by your bed, or on your kitchen table. Where do you most enjoy reading? When do you most enjoy curling up with a good book?

52 Books 52 Weeks :: 2010 Review

2011-01-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

When 2010 began, I set off with a goal of reading 52 books, essentially 52 books in 52 weeks. A book a week. As I read avidly myself as well as aloud to the kids, I felt sure that I could accomplish this. I made a mental note, however, that I would only count chapter books - not everybody books or picture books that I could read cover to cover in under an hour.

I started off well and many months, I read more than what was necessary each week to meet my goal. By mid-year, however, wouldn't you know it ... I began to lose steam. In November, I started The Pillars of the Earth, a book I had been wanting to read for years. Though I really enjoyed the story, it took me several weeks to complete. I would pick it up for a few days and then set it down for a week. It thereby took me forever to complete.

I am quite impressed however ... In the end, I was just 4 books shy of my goal. I enjoyed this challenge much more than the reading / book challenges I have done in the past. It was far more flexible than the 888 or the 999 challenges. Therefore, I will again strive to achieve this goal in 2011.

52 Books 52 Weeks :: Catch Up

2010-10-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Early in the year, I challenged myself to read one book each week for the entire year. I started out really well and then as summer came upon me, I found myself out doors more frequently and was less inclined to curl up on the couch or in bed with a book. This morning, I came across a blog of a friend, my corner, and discovered that she, too, was taking part in a similar challenge. I hadn't even realized that there was an online community doing this same challenge ... though I should have suspected.

52 Books in 52 Weeks

I thereby jumped over to the spreadsheet I created in the early part of the year and along with my Goodreads account, brought it was up to date. 38 books thus far (assuming I didn't overlook one). Not too shabby. I should be able to succeed if I continue forth and resume reading as avidly as I had at the start of the year. Now if I could just stop reading twaddle and resume my quest to read the classics I never read in school.

Fall Favorites :: Thursday Thirteen

2010-10-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

After a seemingly short summer, we are getting a taste of fall. I love fall! It is, hands down, my favorite time of year, so I'm loving this weather. As I have neglected this blog ... not having too much to talk about (my life revolves around the kids' homeschool activities) ... I figured this was the perfect time to sit back and share a little more about me.

1. The cooler weather. I love the cool, crisp days of fall when the weather is just perfect -- those days when you can decide between jeans and Capri's, long-sleeves or short-sleeves, and whichever way you go, you can still be comfortable. Mostly - it is the perfect weather for a run ... anytime of the day.

2. The colorful leaves. I love the colors of changing leaves -- the deep reds, the bright yellows, and the glorious oranges. Gorgeous.

3. Travel. We frequently travel during this time of the year ... the prices drop, the resorts and attractions are less chaotic with fewer tourists ... no long lines and perfect weather.

4. Open windows. Ahhhh...having my windows and doors open while a cool breeze wafts through the house is my idea of heaven.

5. Football games. I love football .. but we haven't gone to a game in a long, long time. I'm hoping we'll resume this tradition soon.

6. Renewed enthusiasm for lessons. All the kids go back to school and we can resume our regular lessons without the interruptions at the door.

7. Cerulean skies. Seriously? Is there any blue as brilliant as a cloudless fall afternoon?

8. Falling back. So it's only one night. I love that extra hour that we get each fall.

9. Thanksgiving. It's one of my favorite holidays because it's the one where I get to see family that we often see only once or twice a year, without all the stress of Christmas. (Isn't it sad that we've made Christmas such a stressful time of year?)

10. The food. Pumpkin pies. Acorn squash. Apple crisp. Cinnamon scents wafting through the house. Need I say more?

11. The bounty. This time of year always reminds me of the time my mom spent canning and putting food away in the pantry. Little by little, I have been trying to return to some of these more traditional pastimes.

Well ... not quite 13 but close enough. What are you favorite things about fall?

2nd Dirty Half :: Race Report

2010-10-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I signed up for the Footzone's 2nd Dirty Half. The Footzone does a remarkable job coordinating their races ... there is frequently a cap on participants due to the logistics of running on the trails within the national forest ... their shirt designs rock ... and the finishers receive cool mugs as opposed to a medal that is draped around our necks and then tucked away in a drawer or hanging in some remote location collecting dust.

As the race came I didn't know what to expect. I had not been as sedulous with my training as I have been in the past. I was thereby unsure of my condition and I had not previewed the course, though I rarely do. I had signed up to assure that I would stay on track with training ... without the proverbial carrot, I tend to slack off and talk myself out of runs, preferring to stay curled up in bed with a book or engage the kiddos in lessons.

Come race day, it was cold. I don't recall the exact temperature but I believe it was about 20 degrees or it at least felt that way. I found myself wishing that I had worn a tights and a long-sleeved shirt rather than the shorts and capped sleeves I donned. I figured I'd warm up within the first mile or two so I didn't worry too much. Instead, I allowed my sons exhuberance to distract me ... we had purchased his Halloween costume just the day before and he insisted on wearing his fire-fighter uniform to the race. "There might be a fire, Mommy. You never know."

I am comfortable in the middle of the pack and had no high aspirations other than to enjoy myself. I knew I wouldn't PR and really didn't even have a finish time in mind. My thought was to start slow not knowing the course and only hearing that the first 6 miles climbs up then you come down. Most of that was right and it was a slow steady climb for about 6 miles. I just got into an easy groove trying to keep the pack within reach.

I continued in my groove and once we made the lollipop and started heading back down I picked it up. I like the deep steep technical stuff but since I have suffered two scary falls in the past (one that curtailed my training for my first marathon and one that resulted in a severely broken wrist) on these Central Oregon trails, I have also learned to take it easy. I had to stop around my 7 to re-tie my shoe. The tongue had slipped and the lacing was now causing the top of my foot to really trouble me. As a result of my delay, I lost the pack I had been clinging to and was alone for several miles.

I was passed again around mile 10. This time I vowed to keep the young woman within my reach. Though I went into this race promising myself I wouldn't let competition carry me away, I found it impossible to adhere to this while the adrenaline ran through me. As we came up to mile 13 there was a nasty short steep hill to climb. I had had a feeling we would encounter another killer hill ... it had been eluded to in the course description. The woman ahead of me and I both walked a significant portion of this hill and resumed our pace on the crest.

With just a little more than 2 miles to go, I began to slowly increase my pace to diminish the gap. I was right on her tail for a few tenths of a mile ... waiting for the trail to widen as I didn't feel like hurdling the sagebrush and knew that breathing down her neck would take a little zest away from her psychologically. I finally passed her with about 1/2 mile to go. It was a struggle to hang on ... my legs were so heavy.

Rounding the corner at the Seventh Mountain Resort, I saw my family awaiting me. They turned just as I called out and began cheering loudly. The kiddos ran alongside me for a moment and I tried to put in a little kick but I didn't have much in me for once ... 2:18 - not a PR but I'm pleased. I truly had given this race my all.

The post race celebration featured delicious burritos and beer. I know some of my readers will be aghast to discover I don't like beer ... I imbibed in the berry smoothies instead.

So ... what next?

Rediscovering the Joy

2010-08-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have been slowly resuming my training. As all has been going well (knock on wood), I finally took the leap and registered for a half-marathon in October. A part of me really, really wanted to sign up for a full but my head won out ... and I told myself to take it slow. I think I pushed to hard in the past to go longer and thereby developed the injury that set me back so far. Though, I can't blame the past 2 years of non-running solely to the injury, I know.

But I am running again! I can't believe how much I have missed it! My enthusiasm is partly due to my new interest in barefoot running. I am learning so much about my running form .. about the proper stride length. In fact, I'll be attending a clinic next week ... I am really looking forward to it. I'll take notes and be sure to report back what I discover.

As before, my training plan incorporates 3 days of running and 3 days of swimming. I am also still trying to include core / abdominal work and strength training but alas ... one step at a time.

On my running days, I try to run 2 with my Vibrams or completely barefoot (one easy and one speed work or tempo). I continue to wear shoes for my long run. Right now, I am still using my Brooks but I plan to buy a pair of racing flats next month. I'm definitely going minimalist.

The fact that the kiddos can ride alongside me on their bike has completely reinvigorated my running as well. I no longer have to find a sitter. I don't have to struggle to push the double jogger. Their bikes are small enough, in fact, that I can throw them in the back of my Volvo and hit the trails that are so popular amongst the runners here.

The Sail Beneath My Wings

2010-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my plan was to participate in the Cascade Lakes Open Water Swim at Elk Lake, an event that other obligations have always prevented me from taking part in the past. This year looked to be no different ... I struggled for awhile with the decision whether to attend my high school reunion or swim at Elk Lake. In the end, I elected to swim as those I was closest to were not able to attend the reunion.

I volunteered to bring bagels up on Saturday morning which come to find out, assured me an awesome parking space near the day use area where the races would take place. I arrived early which allowed me time to take everything in and visit with my teammates as they began to arrive (they had all camped the night before and had walked over from Little Fawn Campground to the day use area). As we talked race strategy and caught up with one another - I hadn't been able to swim since Monday so we hadn't talked in a while. They were captivated by my story of calling 911 and the paramedics coming to my home the previous morning (my neighbors 13-month old had had a seizure in reaction to a high fever - apparently relatively normal for young children - and she had come to me in panic). As a result, I had opted to stay home on Friday to help with her older children and allow her time to attend to her youngest. I thereby didn't swim on Friday as I had planned.

This picture shows the course for the 500m time trial ... each buoy was 25m apart. From shore, they seemed much closer than they were once we were in the water. I swam an easy 200m or so as a warm-up about 40 minutes prior to the start. As our start times were seeded 20 seconds apart, I didn't begin until 31 minutes after the first swimmer. Earlier in the week, I had purchased a rash guard but discovered the morning of the swim that because it had 1mm of neoprene, it constituted as a wetsuit. Coach said, "Hey! You might even be in contention for age group wins because of it!" It was a little too large and since it was a shirt and not a full body suit, it created a lot of drag. I noticed this right away and could feel the pull and the flap of the fabric all along the course.

The 500m race began on shore just beneath the sign shown in the photo and upon the word 'go' each swimmer ran out approximately 20-25m before the water was deep enough to actually swim. In doing so, I went out too fast. By the time I had swam about 200m, I was out of breath. I swam a few breast strokes and tried to find my comfort zone. Having difficulty breathing brings upon a bit of a panic feeling and in turn breathing is difficult again - making it nearly impossible to recover. I tried swimming a little backstroke as well after I had gone around the last buoy.

I was being passed left and right ... somehow my seed time was 8:25 for the 500m - I doubt I could swim that in the pool let alone open water. I don't know how I got seeded so high. My comfort level doesn't abate when I see my team mate pass me on the right, knowing she had started nearly 2 minutes behind me. I'm not enjoying this.

Somehow or another, I manage to make it to shore. With relief, I stood up as soon as my hands touched bottom in the down stroke. I was upright ... I was running. Relief! I crossed the finish strong and recorded a 12:13 finish. Because I was the only one in my age group wearing a wetsuit, I got first. All I could do was chuckle.

As I sat on shore contemplating the next swim ... the 1500m ... I knew I wasn't up to swimming 3x the distance with which I had already struggled. I opted to scratch and headed home to pack up for the evening - the plan now was to return to Little Fawn Campground - the kids would get to play with their friends and I'd get to visit with my girlfriend. The following day, I would swim the last swim in the short series - the 1000m. I don't give up easily. I wanted to give it another go. This time I would go out slower ... and sans wetsuit or rash guard.

This didn't work out either. One thing after another ... plans were derailed. Cold night. Shivering. Didn't sleep well. Depressed. Blah blah blah. Come Sunday morning, I didn't have it in me.

99 Things on the Wall Meme - An Update

2010-07-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

I originally posted this in December 2008. I came across it just recently and realized that there were a few more that I could cross off so I figured it was time to re-post. Items I have completed are in orange.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (5th grade - 12th)
4. Visited Hawaii (5 times: Oahu & Kauai / Maui / Big Island / Kauai / Maui)

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (both)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (I can't hold a tune!)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked (in Ecuador)
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (with my mom when I was about 12)
27. Run a Marathon (I've done 3!)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (I've seen a partial)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (on a Wii)
32. Been on a cruise (doing so in May 2011!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (hopefully, 2012)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (sign language & working on Mandarin)
37. Have enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (as a kid at the beach - not with equipment)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (with a group of friends in college)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (charcoal & pencil)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (snorkeling, hope to scuba in future)
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (many times as a child and still do with my own)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (but it was closed down - no movie was playing)
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (Science Logic)
58. Taken a martial arts class (though my peeps have)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
63. Got flowers for no reason (from my son)

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter (in Kauai)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades (doing so in May 2011!)
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (multiple times when I was teaching as a grant recipient)
85. Read the entire Bible.l
86. Visited the White House (I've seen it, but never went in it)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (technically, my dad did the killing but I helped in the preparation)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (Bill Nye, Jane Goodall, & Barbara Morgan)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (twice)
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Own a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

3 Things Thursday :: 3rd Edition

2010-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Health & Training :: The kiddos and I have began a new weekly tradition ... every Thursday morning, they lace up their shoes, clip on their bike helmet and accompany me on their bikes as I run an easy 3-8 mile loop through the neighborhood. Just two weeks ago, a delightful little neighborhood grocery store opened ... they have a wonderful bakery ... so we stop there at the end of the run for donuts, muffins and chocolate milk (my favorite recovery drink)! Best of all, it is locally owned but friends of ours - their prices are competitively priced and they go the extra mile!

Today was the first day so we did just 3 miles ... I was completely barefoot! Loving the freedom!

Heart & Home :: I'm looking forward to a long holiday weekend with friends and family.

Education / Well-Trained Mind :: The kiddos have been really motivated to work lately. Even though it is summer, we are seemingly getting more work accomplished than we did during the school year. I think much is due to the fact that Buddy is a little older. We have been taking part in a co-op with the girls next door ... Exploring Our World :: Africa. We've also begun meeting more regularly with our Roots & Shoots club to do nature studies.

Pacific Crest :: Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

Running Dresses!!

2010-06-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I just recently discovered Nuu-Muu ... running dresses! So comfy & stylish.

Nuu-Muus are designed for maximum comfort and versatility and do not have built-in bras, shorts or panties. Nuu-Muus are designed short for two reasons: ease of movement and flattery. Due to the side slits, most women will want something more than panties underneath. Wear yours over running tights, biking shorts, yoga pants or your swimsuit. In the winter, layer lavishly over your Nuu-Muu. The skirt will peek out and flatter from underneath. Nuu-Muus are always made in small batches in the USA so you can feel good about your purchase

Barefoot Angie is sponsoring a giveaway of these dresses on her blog, Barefoot Angie Bee. Jump over and enter!

Swimming & Stroke Work

2010-06-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks, as I have swam with Masters, I have tried to pay more attention to my stroke. Today was no different. After an 800m warm-up (400m w/fins), we began with a 12 x 25m butterfly drill set. Fins were optional and of course, everyone opted for them. Everyone but me, that is. I swam half of the drill set without fins for assistance. I've been working on the fly perhaps more than any other stroke so this was good practice.

We then moved into the main set which was done in rounds. 150m freestyle focusing on breathing techniques (3 lengths breathing every 3rd stroke, 2 lengths breathing every 5th, and 1 length breathing every 7th) followed by 3 x 50m not freestyle. I've never been successful breathing every 7th stroke but I'm getting more comfortable with every 5th. For the 50s, we alternated between back and breast. In the end we completed 4 rounds which brought my total distance for the day to 2300m. My comfort zone.

There was a lot of medley work today ... coincidentally, I also completed a Squidoo lens on Swim Strokes just this morning. Jump over and take a peek!

Friends :: Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

[Admin Note: This image was Photoshopped from 2 different images. Not yet certain how to incorporate shadows.]

Making Bets

2010-06-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Monday Afternoon
When training for marathons in the past, Tuesdays have always been a run day. In fact, it has traditionally been the day I focus on speed work. These past 15 months, however, Tuesdays have also been very busy ... prepping for and teaching the GGEMS co-op and other homeschool activities for the kiddos ... ultimately, running always gets omitted.

So Monday after Masters swim practice, I told Coach Bob and two of my team mates that I intended on running on Tuesday. I asked them to check in with me on Wednesday and if I failed to follow through with my goal, I would be required to swim an additional 1600m! I'm not certain how they would have enforced this - I didn't say my plan was fool proof - but I knew that if I was accountable to someone else I would be more likely to actually get it done.

Tuesday Morning
Because he had a meeting in town at 8 a.m. at the big campus, DH opts to sleep in a little so I'm not awoken at the usual 5:20 a.m. Instead, Sweetie climbs into bed next to me at 6:30, though she generally doesn't wake until after 7. These two unusual occurrences threatened to throw my plan off course once again but I held true.

I helped everyone get their breakfast, enjoying a cup of coffee and 1/2 English muffin myself. Just as DH was leaving for work, I loaded a movie on the computer (Thank you, Netflix!), pulled on my VFF, and got busy.

As Tuesdays are speed days & track intervals ... that is what I did. After a 1 mile warm-up at 10:00 min mile pace, I started a set of repeat 800s. As I haven't been running much in a while, I didn't want to push too hard. Therefore, my paces were 8:57, 8:57, 8:49 and 8:41. Now that I write that out ... I realize how much work I have in front of me if I indeed want to qualify. I intended to warp it all up with a 1 mile cool-down at 10:00 but my right knee started to bother me and I could feel a significant blister developing on my big left toe. As I was barefoot and using different muscles .. I cut it off at 1/2 mile.

3.5 miles. A solid start.

Tuesday Evening
Despite stretching while I read the paper on the floor, I could feel my calf muscles begin to tighten up this evening. I'll be quite sore tomorrow.

I Think I Found My Inspiration

2010-05-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling to resume running on a regular basis. In the fall of 2008, I essentially stopped running due to my affliction of Plantars faciitis. I have overcome the wretchedness of being injured but am now tormented with a lack of conviction to stick with it. Some other obligation or conflict always seems to get in the way.

On Monday, I joined a few teammates in the hot tub after Masters Swim practice. While we conversed, one member who hasn't swam in some time stated he'd been absent of late because he was helping his wife at track. Intrigued, I inquired further. They invited me to join them at the track.

Yesterday afternoon, I took them up on their invitation. We were fortunate that practice began just after a lightening storm subsided. We started with a short warm-up around the school campus. We then began interval work on the track.

4 x 200m (RI: 3 min, 2 min, 1 min). 5 min recovery. Repeat.

I started out a little faster than I should have ... my splits were 40, 43, 46, 50, 46, 46, 46, and 47 if I recall correctly. I tried to use the Garmin but got all goofed up with the rest interval time. Ah well.

It felt so good to run with others particularly for speed work. The presence of other runners along side me pushed me to go a little faster. Kept me on my toes. I'll be back next week for certain. I just need to assure that I do a few more runs in between.

P.S. All the while I was running, the kiddos played on the pole vault mats. Sweetie joined us for the last 2 intervals as well, coming in about 10 sec behind us. I may look into summer track for them as well. :)

To Swim or Reunite ?

2010-05-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have a dilemma. My 20 year class reunion is this summer ... in fact, I have an opportunity to attend 2 different high school reunions. Both reunions are on the Oregon south coast and on consecutive weekends. It is thereby not really feasible to go to both as that would constitute a lot of travel. I considered staying through the week but that conflicts with our county fair. The fair is important to the kids as they have been working on projects to enter in Open Class all year.

To further complicate matters, COMA hosts the annual Cascade Lakes Swim Series the same weekend as North Bend's reunion. I have been wanting to participate each year since I started swimming but something always seems to come up. A number of my teammates are swimming this year - including my best friend. It would be so fun to camp up there and revel in the comraderie of competition.

I am, honestly, on the fence.

To give a little background, I attended schools in Bandon from preschool through 9th grade. After my freshman year, we moved to North Bend, where I graduated. While attending NB, the summer after my sophomore year, I met a guy who I started dating. He was a couple of years older than me and was a freshman at the local community college. I spent most of my free time with him ... in fact, we even worked together at Safeway and later at a video rental store. Coincidentally, he had also graduated from NB so we knew many of the same people. We continued to date through college and eventually married. Through him, I have developed numerous friendships and acquaintances from his graduating year. I even attended his reunion last summer.

As is true for many, Facebook has enabled me to re-connect with many of my friends from high school and even elementary school. I have even developed new friendships with several spouses with whom we share many common interests (running, homeschooling, etc.). In some respects, I feel I am building stronger friendships because of Facebook with friends from Bandon than from North Bend.

So - what would you do?

P.S. A teammate says ... Swim! Coach says he's conflicted because reunions are important to him and he has never missed one. Speaking of which - I didn't attend my 10 year reunion either as I had had an opportunity to take part in an all-expenses paid teacher training at NASA.

Gotta Love Him

2010-05-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Scott Jurek