My Life on the Run

Runnin' on.......

2015-11-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

Like everyone else in the world, I have been occupied with work, life, and living, some motorcycling, plus a little running from time to time.

Since I last posted in June, I have completed 5 more races and will be doing the Rock and Roll San Antonio 1/2 marathon in December.

In June, I completed the Wounded Warrior 10K in Las Colinas, Texas and finished 14th in my age group. This is one of my favorite events, so I try to do it every year.

Another event I did in June is the HEB Summer Run to Fun 5K, and I placed 2nd in my age group and got a nice medal for my efforts.

In July, I ran the Endurance Outfitters Hot to Trot 5K and placed 3rd in my age group and got another medal.

Age Group Placers

In August, I ran the Schlotzsky's Hot Bunz Run 5K and finished 4th.

I had two races in September. First was the Gallop or Trot 5K, and I got 3rd in my age group once again and another cool medal. The next day was the Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival and 1/2 marathon which was a race I had never done before. Many of my friends signed up for the event, too, so we all got to gather together for before and after race pictures. I also did something else I had never done before, and that was to ride in a hot air balloon! Great experience!

My 1st hot air balloon ride!

I have been keeping up with my 2,015 miles in 2105 challenge, and as of today, I have completed 819.36 miles. I am on a team with two other women, so my portion was to complete 672 of those,miles, but I am on a roll and want to keep up the momentum. I just signed up to do 2,016 in 2016, and I am already looking forward to completing that, too.

Lots of trips in the near future: Seattle this month, Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italy next month, will be running my first FULL marathon in Little Rock in March, and then in June, my family and I will be doing the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon in San Diego.

In between all of this, I keep working away and try to maintain my friendships and go on as many group and solo motorcycle rides as I can fit in.

My jacket on my Triumph

Lots of great opportunities both personally and professionally are on the horizon, and as always, I am excited about the whole lot of it!

Birthdays, Bush's Spring Chicken 10K, BBQ, Bluebonnets, and Bicycling

2015-06-09T21:21:00.003-07:00

March and April were super busy months for celebrating and adventure. I picked up a friend at the Dallas airport on March 20th, his 52nd birthday. I had celebrated my 56th birthday on March 10th.

Edible arrangement birthday surprise!

To celebrate his arrival, we drove to Waco before stopping for a birthday dinner at Ninfa's, a wonderful Mexican restaurant.

On March 28, we both geared up to run the Bush's Spring Chicken 10K in Temple, Texas. We supported Team RW&B and wore our shirts for the team picture before the race.

Wearing the Eagle

With Ernie's encouragement and with him jogging with me the entire route, I had a personal best for a 10K!

Along the route...

Photo op!

I am also a part of the 2,015 miles in 2015 challenge, and we logged 107 miles during the month of April to include 10 miles done on Good Friday! It's always nice to have someone to encourage and push you toward your goals.

Ernie's friend's brother passed away in a diving incident in the Cayman Islands (it made the local news here since his brother was a native Texan), and we drove down to Conroe to support Paul at the funeral service. It was heart-wrenching and very emotional hearing this man's kids and step-kids say such beautiful things abut him. I wish I had known him while he was living. He definitely knew how to appreciate life while loving and supporting his family.

After the service, we headed over to the little town of Cut and Shoot, Texas, a place I had long wanted to visit because of the cool name.

We stopped at the local motor cycle shop and bought t-shirts to wear with the Cut and Shoot name.

Afterwards driving home, we came across the most gorgeous field of bluebonnets and stopped to take some pictures.

In April, we had tickets to the MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas F1 track in Austin. It was an AMAZING weekend, and it was the first time I had ridden two up on my own bike. We got to ride a parade lap around the track on Saturday night, and Ernie's thought was that we would always remember this night and our first ride two up. On that, he is 100% correct. It was incredible.

Gassing up for the ride to COTA

Two up...and liking it!

Waiting in line for the parade lap to begin......

MotoGP at COTA

The lean.....

Playing around with the GoPro...

Unsuspecting of hidden camera....

The Finish Line

After the races were over, we went to the Cheap Trick concert on the grounds. I had never seen them in concert before. Great music and good times!

Robin Zander

While I was at work, Ernie would take my Triumph out for a spin........

Oatmeal, Texas

Lampasas mural.....

We went hiking at Colorado Bend out to Gorman Falls (something we had also done a few years ago), strawberry picking, strolling through Fredericksburg, cycling, and a group motorcycle ride for motorcycle awareness called Do You See Me Now where we also bought shirts to support the cause.

Strawberry fields forever....

The Auslander...a nice German restaurant in Fredericksburg.....Mmmmmm

Rouladen

Do You See Me Now?

Lining up for the ride from Temple to Copperas Cove...

Mesmerizing Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park...great hike out and back!

...

Krause Springs....a nice day for sunning on the rocks, cooling off in the springs, or walking the paths

Cycling with Team Roadkill

We did so many things here in the Hill Country of Texas, and I enjoyed every moment and every experience. There is so much to be happy about and thankful for, which reminds me.....BBQ!

Some of the finest BBQ in TEXAS....we stopped here after visiting Krause Springs and then reading reviews about BBQ places close by.

What a spread! Tater Tot casserole, cole slaw, spicy corn, and cobbler. Some of the BEST BBQ to be had, and we ate heartily and still brought leftovers home.

Many changes going on to include a new job opportunity for me and clearing up multiple personal issues for Ernie. It's an ongoing struggle for him.....

More to come!!

"We'll always have Paris...."

2015-01-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

“I guess it goes to show that you just never know where life will take you. You search for answers. You wonder what it all means. You stumble, and you soar. And, if you’re lucky, you make it to Paris for a while.”

― Amy Thomas, Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light

View from the top of the Eiffel Tower, Dec. 31, 2014

I did make it to Paris and promptly fell in love....I love the way the city seems to wrap itself around you and pull you in for a light embrace. There seems to be a much slower pace of life there, and people linger over glasses of wine and crème brûlée at sidewalk cafes.

I loved the way it was still dark out each morning around 8 when we would head out to explore, and there would be no one on the streets except us until about 10.

The early morning streets of Paris.

I loved the sense of wonder I felt seeing people walking down the streets smoking cigarettes while layered in coats and hats and scarves. I love the dichotomy of elegance and simplicity that hangs in the air.

I loved the beauty of the Eiffel Tower as I watched it light up and sparkle every night from my hotel balcony.

Eiffel Tower seen from the boat on our Seine River cruise

I loved the display of love on the Bridge of Locks and the story of how the tradition began in Paris.

The history, the people, the accents, the monuments, the museums....yes, I fell in love with it all.

Frozen Hot Chocolate 10K 2014

2014-09-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

This 10K in Austin was one of the toughest I have ever done. At the race's 8:15 AM start, it was 78 degrees with 97% humidity, and it went downhill from there.

Friends at the start

Pace guidelines at the start

Pre-race

I had done the Frozen Hot Chocolate race in Dallas three years ago in March, and at that time, we battled freezing weather: 21 degrees at starting time! Yesterday's Austin race was HOT, very hilly, and a large part of the course was over gravel.

Killer hill at mile 5!

MORE hills!

The race was held at the Circuit of the Americas race track near the airport. I had never been before, so it was very cool to get to see the complex. I met up with friends at the start, and that's always the best part of

doing these events: the camraderie we all feel.

Running along the perimeter of the race track

Motorcycle race in progress as we ran

Overall, this was a good race, but my recommendation is to start the 10K people at 7AM, have more water stops along the way, and let people know ahead of time how hilly the course is going to be given that there was a 15 minute per mile pace restriction.

Chocolate at the end

The SWAG!

Victory!!

Next up for me is the Waco Wild West bicycle ride on Septemeber 27th. I am already looking forward to another great time!

Howl at the Moon 10K

2014-08-09T17:43:00.003-07:00

Today some of my friends and I got together for an early morning run and a pot-luck breakfast. We all signed up for a "virtual race" through US Road Running online. The way it works is that you choose a medal you'd like to run for, sign up for a distance (5K, 10K, or half marathon), complete the mileage within a certain time frame, and then email your results back. This way, you can still get together and run for fun with friends without having to spend money on hotels or travel.

One of my friends hosted the event, and she and her husband went out a few days before and marked the course. We all agreed to bring a breakfast item to share after the run. Our start time was set for today at 6 AM, but life being what it is, we had a few stragglers who arrived a little later. We waited for them since it was still a little dark at 6 AM anyway. There were 8 runners in all, and there were two people who stayed back at the house to get all of the breakfast stuff together and make sure there was plenty of coffee.

The route was through a beautiful neighborhood on a perfectly clear yet humid Central Texas morning. It was a wonderful day to share fitness, friendship, and fellowship, and now we are planning future events. Once we all completed the race, had our share of breakfast and coffee, we all took a little dip in the pool.

It was a great day with sweet friends, and for that, I am so very thankful!

Pre-race

The start

Along the way

Our medals!

My race bib and medal

My breakfast. Yum!! I got the special London mug. :)

Pool time!

Fantastic after-race relaxation!

Back in the saddle again!

2014-07-22T20:47:00.002-07:00

Actually, I am back in TWO saddles: my bicycle and my motorcycle. I was sidelined for about 6 weeks and unable to ride, run, or lift weights. The flip side of that, however, is that I did get lots of rest and am now ready to take on the world!

Things are starting to come together in my short term plans, and job offers continue to come in daily. Many changes coming up for me in the next year!

For the moment I am focused in training for the Hotter Than Hell bicycle ride scheduled for August 23rd:

http://www.hh100.org/about/

I do training rides with a great group of people. Since it is now hitting the 100 degree mark here in Texas in July, we start our rides at 6 PM. There are people of varying skills, but no one is ever left behind. There are hills, hills, and more hills where we train, so it is always a great workout. I love this group!

I also ride with a motocycle group and go solo as well. There are some great things to see around here, and I love the freedom of riding my own motorcycle. I love murals and doing some "tagging" for a motorcycle site.

I couldn't believe that a pay phone still existed!

I also belong to a couple of Lady Biker groups, and it was through these wonderful ladies that I learned about Guardian Bells. We did some exchanges, and I ended up with 4 beautiful bells from three different states and one from Canada!

Life is very, VERY good right now, and all areas of my life are falling into place. I couldn't be more excited or happy about the way things are turning out!

Ride on!

The Army 5klicks Run, 03/02/2014, Temple, TX

2014-05-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

This was the second year for the Army Marathon here at Ft. Hood, Texas. They added a half marathon and a 5k this time, so I thought I might as well try it out since they were offering a finisher's shirt, a jacket, and a medal! The 5klicks was my race of choice for the day.

Texas weather can be totally crazy, and it is not uncommon to have a 40 degree temperature difference in just a few days. The day of this race was no different, and when I pulled out of my driveway at 5 AM to head toward the starting line, my car temperature gauge registered about 60 degrees. I had heard that there was a cold front coming in, so I ran back into my house to grab a hoodie just in case. Later I would be VERY glad for that decision!

By the time I reached the parking lot where the shuttle busses were loading up people to get them to the start line, the temperature had dropped to about 30 degrees and the rain hit. The temperature just kept dropping, and by the time the starting gun went off, the wind chill was 17 degrees accompanied by sleet and lightning! Thank goodness I had my sweatshirt, but I had not thought to bring gloves, and I had worn shorts instead of long pants fearing that I would overheat if the cold front didn't hit as predicted. We froze our assets off, but I am so glad I signed up for and completed this event!

I have to say that this is one of the best organized races I have ever participated in. The organizers thought of everything to make this race run as smoothly as possible. All runners (about 1200 of them) were provided with jackets at the start of the course, and they provided heat tents at the finish line as well. The course was very well marked, police officers or volunteers were at every intersection, medical personnel were on hand, water stations every two miles with a couple of gel stations as well, and the few spectators along the route were amazing.

I will be doing this one again next year!

Calm before the storm

Waiting for the start

The SWAG!

Gwinnett schools hiring 850 teachers this fall-----always have a Plan B!

2014-04-09T21:10:00.001-07:00

This looks like a good one! Salaries are pretty sweet, too!

Gwinnett schools hiring 850 teachers this fall - CBS46 News

Ft. Worth Cowtown 1/2 Marathon, Feb. 23, 2014

2014-03-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

I ended up with three shirts and a medal for my $45 entry fee!

This was the first year for me to do the Cowtown 1/2 Marathon. Ft. Worth has so many very cool places to visit, and I had gone last year to visit the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame (a place I highly recommend!), so when my friends asked me to sign up for this event, I just couldn't resist.

Cousin's BBQ in Ft. Worth...fantastic!

I left my hotel about 5 AM to head to the race start which had a 7 AM start time. I knew that parking had the potential to be crazy, so I made sure to get there early enough to get first dibs on a good parking spot.

It's always fun to be at the start of a race and to see the excitement on people's faces as they prepare themselves mentally to run. There were different groups gathered around in the early morning darkness taking advantage of photo ops, but one of my favorite groups is Team RWB! I am a member myself, and I am proud to "wear the eagle" and support all veterans. I served in the Army myself, I have a sister and a brother-in-law who are retired from the Navy, and my youngest son is currently serving his country as a Navy pilot. I am a proud mother, veteran, and patriot.

Team RWB pre-race photo op

It's a great feeling being in a crowd of runners in the pre-dawn light where you can feel the nervous excitement in the air.

The route took us through some interesting neighborhoods and also through the historic Stockyard Station.

The Ft. Worth PD did a great job keeping us all safe!

Along the route

Crowds cheering us on at the finish line!

I enjoyed doing the 2014 Cowtown 1/2 marathon. I get such a rush from meeting up with my friends and then making new friends along the route. This was a perfect race: nice expo, gorgeous city, and perfect weather.

Life as I know it......

2014-01-19T11:37:00.002-08:00

"Whatever you are willing to put up with is exactly what you will have." ~Anonymous

I have lived long enough to know that life goes in cycles: professional cycles, friendship cycles, and relationship cycles. Perspectives and locations may change in all of these areas, but what is most important is how the above quote ties in to all three of these personal domains.

I am always amazed at how many people muddle through life enduring unsatisfactory jobs and unsatisfactory relationships without realizing how much control they have over whatever circumstances they find themselves in both personal and professional. I, too, have had my share of living life like the proverbial hamster in the wheel doing the same thing over and over and wondering how to break out of the same ol', same ol' cycle. They stick with jobs because it pays the bills, and they stick with the relationship because they are mired in the belief that even a bad relationship is better than no relationship. Believe me, I have been there, too.

One day, I had an epiphany, and I started making some changes.

To me, life is all about self-reflection and evolving, yet, as I used to do, I see so many people set themselves up for failure because they keep going through the motions of pretending to live when what is really going on is straight up survival. Some people have the mistaken notion that enduring is eqivalent to living. When we change our mindset, we open ourselves up to so much more than merely enduring and going through the motions because that's what we have always done.

I know that change is not easy, but I have learned that there is major growth to be had in productive struggle: breaking out of that professional or relationship rut and making the difficult yet necessary changes to really LIVE and not just endure. There is no reason to stay in a job that no longer suits you or a relationship that has outlived its shelf-life just because we are afraid of making changes or because we adhere to the belief that "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know." I say hogwash!

I do believe that we live in a world that is all about timing and opportunity, but it is up to each of us to make both of those conditions line up at the same time, and I am doing just that. Nothing just happens.

I am in the process of searching for new professional opportunities, and I have also had the good fortune to have love resurface in my life. I am ready this time.

"I have been introduced to the most incredible person. There is so much to tell yet beginning is difficult, there are so many unique qualities to describe and reflect upon.
Suffice it to say the prediction that things will never be the same, is so true. This seems to be a paradigm shift, a change in perspective, a refreshing of the spirit."

I like the image of these hearts intertwined with a latch that can be opened and closed. Take that chance and connect with love whenever you can, but be ready to release it when it is no longer working. The latch easily reopens when you are ready to let someone else in. I love the quote that "We accept the love we think we deserve." How very true!

Over hill and over dale...running, motorcycling, and travelling through life: from Cabo to Vancouver in 2014

2013-12-22T19:26:00.001-08:00

This has been an amazing year in so many ways! I started out early in the year with a visit to Seattle and other parts of Washington, from there went to Cabo in the summer, and then in November, back to Seattle, Whidbey Island, and Vancouver. Beautiful views and great people all around!

I did more bicycle rides this year and for longer distances than ever before. I have become members of Team Roadkill, Team RWB, amd just recently Team Beef, the last of which will help to offset the price of entry fees for the events that I do. There was a waiting list for almost a year, but I finally made it. Woo hoo!!

Riding for tags (on adventure rider) and riding with my motorcycle group has been a blast as well. I have also ventured out on my own in search of murals and their history. There is both excitment and solitude on a ride, and I am a fan of both.

This year had been even more interesting than most in that three former loves have come back into my life....all unannounced and out of the blue, and not one a total surprise. They all have similar memories of me, all of them flattering, and who doesn't like to know that they have made a lasting impression on another's heart? Two I thanked and politely explained that I had moved on and past them and wished them all good things. Ah, but the third? This man has long held the keys to my heart and is skilled at breaking down any barriers that may exist.....everything that was there is there still, and that's good enough for me.

Stay tuned for more changes in 2014!

March 2013 Washington

My sons on the ferry to the San Juan Islands

Art in the Sculpture Park at Friday Harbor

SUMMER VACATION: CABO!!!

The resort...

Famous Lover's Arch

Cabo Wabo

Me and Miami Vice...."The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand...."

Carnival Night!

Motorcycling to Enchanted Rock, Texas

Old school GPS!!!

Group pre-ride

A pit stop along the way...

Halfway there!

View from the top of Enchanted Rock

Texas' best BBQ!

YUM!!!

Rock and Roll San Antonio 1/2 Marathon 2013

Running for a sister!!

Cheerleaders along the route!

Cheerleaders at the finish line!

My 79 year old mom on a mission...

The rewards!

Washington and Vancouver November 2013

Vancouver Skyline

Coupeville

The wharf

Skytrain ride up Grouse Mountain, Vancouver

Capillano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

My view on my walks around the neighborhood on Whidbey Island.....

Schlotzsky's Jingle Bun Run, Dec. 2013

Lots of races already lined up for 2014....The Cowtown 1/2 marathom, Wicked Wine Run, Wounded Warrior, and I'll be heading to Raleigh in the spring to do the inaugural Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon there. I am going to do a 1/2 marathon in every state!

Tour de Cure and Waco Wild West 100

2013-10-13T20:14:00.004-07:00

2013 is quickly coming to an end, and while I have made a few goals for the year, the one I have best kept is the goal to do more biking events this year. The Tour de Cure, a ride to benefit diabetes research, and the Waco Wild West 100 were two brand new venues for me. I rode with Team Beef for the Tour and tried to represent Team Roadkill and also Team RW&B Ft. Hood Chapter. I always meet the coolest people and end up surprising myself at how much I really do enjoy cycling. I did 46 miles for the Tour and raised over $300. I rode 26 miles in Waco and got a pretty cool shirt and snazzy bike jersey. All in all, I live a pretty good life!

The jerseys

Sunrise before the start of the ride

Team BEEF lining up!

Rest stop 1 in Andice

The route

Great burgers here for a big price!

Sweet helper at Rest Stop 2

...and Queens!

My bike being taken hostage by Storm Troopers...I have seen their sister on another site!

Cove House Classic 2013 Bike Tour

2013-09-01T18:22:00.002-07:00

This was my second year to do this event, and it is for a great cause. The event is to benefit the Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter. During last year's event, it was rainy and overcast. In fact, it POURED the last 5 miles or so of my 26 mile route. This year the day dawned with one of the most gorgeous sunrises I have ever seen....unusual colors on a huge moon. I tried to take several pictures, but no camera could do it justice. As I drove through town, I saw several others (passengers in vehicles) trying to take pictures of the beautiful moon as well. It made for a good start to the ride for sure.

A neon moon.....

Many from my bicycle riding group were in attendance for this ride with a range in ages from 10 year-old grandkids to one of my friend's 77 year old father, and his plan was to do the 60 mile route (he did it)!

Pre-ride gearing up!

Friends and riding partners

Pre-race mingling....

Interesting ride......and leader of the pack.

Team Roadkill in the pack

Rest stop one.....some riders were surprised by the number of hils along he route. I reminded them that we ARE in the Hill Country!

I chose the 26 mile route.....

Rest stop 2.....

And finally....

My 2013 Cove House Classic Shirt and Race Number

This was another great time with some good friends and awesome bike riders. I love the camraderie of the riding group and the way each one encourages the other. My next ride will be next weekend on September 8th in Round Rock...the Tour de Cure Ride to raise funds to fight diabetes. At the end of September comes the Waco Wild West 100 ride, an event with lots of Skittles for the participants. These two events are new to me, and I am excited to see the routes and meet the people along the way!

Rivercities Triathlon 2013, Benton, Louisiana

2013-08-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

The Rivercities Triathlon Logo 2013

This was my 9th year to do the Rivercities Triathlon in Benton, Louisiana. It is a six hour drive to get to this venue, but it is so worth it. This is one of the best run events on the planet. Kudos to Matt Brown, the event director, for doing such a fantastc job! This event sells out each year within 30 minutes to an hour, and the entries are limited to 1200 participants. This year, the total value of the bicycles in T1 was an astounding 3.4 MILLION dollars!!

The SWAG (Stuff We All Get)!!!

One of the reasons I do this event almost every year is the SWAG. This year was not as good as all of the other years, but it was still good nonetheless. The backpack alone is worth almost as much as the entry fee, and the cool max shirt is colorful and bright. I love to wear the hats from these events to other events and look for people who share my passion for travelling and doing athletic events. The one thing that does get my goat, so to speak, is that the sizes run small, so even when the stuff is awesom, not all of it can be worn by me. The jacket is this picture, for instance, is nice, but the sleeves are tight and it runs short, so I will have to pass it on to someone who can use it. They have Clydesdale (men over 200 pounds) and Athena (women over 150 pounds) divisions in this race, so you would think that the clothing would fit all participants, not just the sleek and trim.

The course for the swim and run.

The course is just gorgeous, even if the lake swim is tough because it is so murky and usually runs about 84 degrees in early August, the time of the race. There are kayaks and boats out on the water to assist swimmers, and as you swim, you are kicked and splashed from the mass of swimmers all trying to break PRs. It is a given that you are going to end up swallowing some of this swamp water, and the smell of diesel and gasoline from the boats on the 2nd leg of the swim is cloying and overpowering. It never fails that my goggles fog up, and I end up swimming off course more often than not.

A stop at Soulman's BBQ in Terrell, Texas on the way to Shreveport and our hotel. The Double Barrell baked potato. Yum!

Our tradtitional night before the race meal at Monjuni's, a cute little Italian place.

The Italian Sampler. Mmmmmmmm.....

Getting set up before the race begins.

My bike, #349, and set up

Predawn at Cypress Lake Park. Beautiful area!

1200 participants strong!

The food tent at the finish line

Posing with Team RWB Shreveport after the race. Good times! I am representing Team RWB Ft. Hood, Texas

The Rivercities Traihlon 2013 medal

Another great weekend doing what I love. I am already looking forward to next year!

Layers

2013-06-25T22:13:00.001-07:00

Layered cornbread salad

Tonight as I was making this layered cornbread salad for a birthday luncheon tomorrow at work, I was reminded of how much our lives are multi-layered as well.....

I have some very close family members, some of whom I got to spend time with at my nephew's dance recital last weekend; I also have cousins and friends in various locales throughout the states and around the world. I have friends at work and friends outside of work. I have bicycling friends and motorcycling friends; I have triathlon friends, and I have running friends, and sometimes these groups overlap, like when my family members form a group to complete an athletic event together, or when my work friends get together to support a specific cause such a Relay for Life. Sometimes my tri friends will do running events or bicycling events, and sometimes my co-worker friends double up as my motorcycling friends, too.

This past weekend, several of us did a group ride together out to the Oscar Store for lunch. One of my oldest and closest friends led the ride, and it was a gorgeous day to be out and about on the roads.

The Oscar Store then.....

and now......

Some of the group gearing up after lunch....

A stop for gas along the route back home....

The ending point where we all go our separate ways.....

Getting a quick drink and relaxing in the shae before heading out to our respective homes.....

After the goup ride, I wanted to do some solo riding and thinking and hunt for some more murals in nearby places. I was fortunate to find a couple, and, you guesed it, they had layers as well.....

All of these layers...of family, of friends, of friends who became lovers and of lovers whose friendsdship ended along with the relationship. Sometimes the layers work, and sometimes we peel back one layer to find yet another, and another, and another. But the beauty of it all? Everything works just they way it was meant to do. I find comfort in that.............

KOM

2013-06-19T20:12:00.003-07:00

KOM......the first time I rode this bicycle route in Central Texas, I asked one of the riders with me, once I could catch my breath, what this sign painted on the road meant. "Well, Miss J, that means King of the Mountain!" I'll admit, once I completed this ride, and continue to complete this ride of varying distances but always, always with killer hills and gorgeous Texas scenery, that I felt and feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

There are days it seems I am always conquering mountains, personally, professionally, and athletically. I often put too much faith in those who are unworthy of my trust, consistently take on professional mountains in order to move up the career ladder, and challenge myself to enter a variety of athletic events that push my perserverance and stick-with-it-ness well beyond what I ever believed I could endure. And yet, I keep looking for more mountains to climb, and every time, I still feel that exhilaration each time I make it to the top. I like consistency, and it comforts me to know that in life, there is never a shortage of mountains where I can test my grit. And I DO have that quality...in spades!

Anticipating the climb........

Wide open spaces.................

Just keep pedaling.........

The wildflowers along the route.....I have seen wild turkeys and a few coyotes while riding out

here.

Fire Ant Tour 2013

2013-06-08T18:20:00.005-07:00

I did my first Fire Ant Tour bike ride this morning. Usually on this weekend in June, I am in Las Colinas doing the Wounded Warrior 10k or half marathon, but in the interest of time and money and in keeping with my goal of doing more biking events this year, I stayed closer to home this year.

I have been riding with a local bicycle club for over a year now. Some of us have been meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays and riding some killer hills out on a local military base. I have met some great people and have gotten much better at biking due to these T-Th ride dates. There is some gorgeous scenery around these parts, and it does look so very Texas-y.

Team Jersey

I got up early this morning to drive the approximately 40 minutes to the start of the bike tour. It was already beautiful at 6 AM, and it was a perfect day for a ride...not too hot and little wind.

The start....

Ride this way!

Rest Stop 1

At times I was riding all alone along some beautiful stretches of countryside.

Texas beauties...wildflowers along the route.

Rest stop 2

The bounty from the Queen of cookies....she made every one of these from scratch as she does every year. They were amazing!

Route markers...green:10 miles; yellow: 25 miles; blue: 45 miles; and red:62 miles

Final turn....

The 18th Annual Fire Ant Tour shirt. I like it!

2013 Stampede on the Chisholm Trail Bike Ride

2013-04-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

The world revolves around relationships: with family and friends, with coworkers, with those in your circle, and with yourself. I am very fortunate to have a great family and many close friends. I am often asked by friends to go here or there after work, and many times I beg off saying I have this to do or that to do, but I know that if this trend continues too long, those friendships will die off; people will get tired of being rejected. It was with this thought that I readily accepted an ivitation to dinner Friday after work. My work was caught up and I had no place to be in a hurry. We were going to a nice little restaurant a few towns over, and I knew from experience that they have the most excellent chicken fried steak.

Typically, the night before an event, I try and do the traditonal carb loading with pasta with other friends who are competing with me in the same events. No so this time. I had a hankering for some CFS and a margarita, so I ordered away. Not only that, one of my dinner companions had ordered loaded potato chips as an appetizer: potato chips smothered with bacon and cheese and sliced green onions and more cheese along with several small tubs of ranch dressing to dip the chips in. Mmmmmmmmmmmm....carbs, yes?

CFS, fried okra, and mashed potatoes

We ate our fill, went through the rituals of friendship in sharing a meal together, and then my friend and I headed back for home. I went to bed relatively early for me, and I set my alarm for 5 AM so that I could drive the 30 miles to the biking event in the morning and not feel rushed in getting there.

I woke up feeling like hell with all of those carbs from dinner the night before fighting to make their way out of my body. I had to keep fighting the gag reflex, and I did have to force myself to not wimp out and just stay home and try to sleep off the bloating and nausea. However, I knew that people were counting on me to be at this event, so I kept running to the bathroom in between getting all of my gear ready and loaded, and I finally headed out about 6:30 AM, without breakfast of course. Coffee and the repast from the night before would have to fuel me on this 25 mile bike ride I had set out before me.

The day dawned chilly but sunny, and as I pulled in to the parking lot, I could see people unracking their bikes and pumping up their bike tires in preparation for the 8 AM start time. It wasn't long until my friend showed up, and we got our things ready and headed to the starting line. There were in all about 100 bikers ready to attack the hills of Central Texas on this sunny, chilly morning.

The starting lineup

The shirt

Two modes of transportation

The camraderie of the bikers

Taking 5 in front of Belton Lake

Ahhhhhh, the bluebonnets!!

The "25 mile" route turned into 31. 62!

It was a perfect morning for biking through the Central Texas countryside, and it being the Hill Country, there were numerous hills to challenge one's endurance and riding skills. There were people of all shapes, sizes, and age groups riding, and at one point my friend and I were passed by an older couple on hybrids. My friend was incredulous, and I got the "REALLY?!" look, which meant for me to get the lead out. I had the best laugh of the day and it endured throughout the ride. My friend had orginally set out to do the 50 mile bike ride, and I had set on doing the 25. We rode together laughing and talking for about the first 14 miles until we came to the rest stop where the routes split. We said our goodbyes, and he set off one way and I, another. I was riding solo for a few miles as most people had chosen the routes of longer duration. I was kicking myself for not challenging myself in doing the 50 miler when I hear voices talking behind me. It was my friend and a couple of other riders in the local bike club who had come to join me on the25 mile route after all. It was great fun riding and chatting and sharing in this biking experience. Another phenomenal day in my life on the run!

Tour de Vineyard 2013

2013-04-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

I made a promise to myself that this year I would enter more biking events. I have been attending RPM class at my local gym, and I have become a better biker. Today was my first bike event of the year, and it was a perfect day for a ride! This was my third time doing this ride, and I have done both the 15 mile and 35 mile distances. This year I opted for the 15 miles ride so that I could complete the event and still make a noon appointment.

The Vineyard at Florence in Florence, Texas is a gorgeous place. I have been here for grape stomps, wine tastings, and Sunday brunch at their little cafe. Some of my friends joined in on this event today, and we all did varying distances from my 15 miles, to another friend's 35 miles, and another's 65 miles.

The weather could not have been more perfect: crisp and cool and sunny with little wind. There were many, many gorgeous wild flower along the way including my favorites the bluebonnet and the Indian Paintbrush. I stopped and took a few pictures along the route and said silent prayers of thanks along the way that I was both financially and physically able to ride my bike in this event. There are so many incredible and nice people who compete in these types of events, and it is always enjoyable saying hellos at each passing biker as we manuever the differing routes.

Up next weekend is the Stampede at Chisholm Trail with some challenging hills and a 25 mile route for me. I am truly looking forward to it. This is a far cry from the days when I used to say I would rather suck the snot out of a dog than ride a bicycle! ;)~

The Bluebonnets

Unloading the bikes

In front of the fountain

Lining up at the start

Rest stop at mile 9

Takin' 5

Beautiful bluebonnets!

I decided to lay my bike by the side of the road so I could get a better view of

this gorgeous outdoor Texas carpet!

Keeping Austin Weird: The Electric Run!

2013-03-31T08:09:00.002-07:00

Nothing like hanging out in neon with 10,000 of your closest friends! March 30th, 2013 was the first annual Electric Run for Austin. I travelled to the event site with three friends and then met up with several more on site. We got there early enough to set up our lawn chairs in the parking lot so that we could get our neon on. Glasses, necklaces, rings, earrings, flashing swords, whatever we could find to try and stand out in a sea on neon people.

There were groups of friends, families with children, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and even those who had come alone to join in on the fun. There was a fantastic after-party, and the volunteers did a wonderful job of getting us all out of the parking lot at the end and back on the road to home. Another grand time on the run!

Dancing Men at the starting line

Rock and Roll Dallas Half Marathon 2013

2013-03-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

This was my 4th year to do the RNR Dallas half marathon, and again, my sister-in-law joined me for the event. We stay at the posh Omni hotel one block from the starting line, and after the race, my sister-in-law treats me to a birthday massage at her favorite Dallas area spa. My brother always comes along to these races, and he meets us at various points along the route to cheer us on and to take pictures.
Texas weather is fickle, and we were not surprised to learn the night before the race that race day temps would bring us wind chills in the 20s along with wind gusts up to 40 MPH. Fun, fun!
We meet in the hotel lobby race morning at 7 so that we can grab a coffee and then head over to our corrals. There were tons of racers in the hotel lobby with our very same idea!

Dallas Omni hotel lobby race morning

Corral 1 start Dallas half marathon 2013

We trucked on over to the starting line and tried to stay warm in the crazy wind and cold.

Hanging out with some Longhorns pre-race!

In our corral ready to head out...we started in corral 12 of 21 corrals!

The wind was so strong that it knocked over many of the mile marker signs along the race route! At about mile 10, I wanted to join these signs on the ground!

Evidence of the 25-40 MPH winds!

There were bands along the way as well as people cheering on their friends and loved ones, and the area cheerleaders were there rooting for us, too!

It is very motivating to see people of all fitness levels out there chasing a dream, a personal best, or another medal for their collection. Guess who I saw once again? You got it! The tall, mohawked runner George with the GREAT legs that I first met in Seattle in 2011 and the again in Savannah 2012. Now here he is in Dallas, Texas 2013!! Howdy, George!

We leaned into the wind, braved the cold, and kept putting one foot in front of the another until we crossed the finish line at mile 13.1 I always like to get my medal and my free beer at the finish line!

We did it once again! Woo hoo!!!!

Rock and Roll Dallas Half Marathon Medal 2013

We left the race venue and headed to lunch at a trendy little Mexican restaurant called RJ's where they make excellent frozen margaritas. Afterwards we headed to the spa and our 80 minute sports massage. Mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!

Another great weekend spent on the run with family and friends!

Schlotzsky's Jingle Bun Run

2012-12-15T17:57:00.003-08:00

As usual, some of my friends signed up for an event, and they wanted me to come along. I aim to please, so I registered, got up at 6 AM on race day for the 30 minute ride to Temple to pick up my packet and race number. It was chilly and drizzling, but when I got to the race venue, I was excited to see a big crowd of participants raring to go. This would be my frst "Jingle Bun Run," and even though I was doing only the 5K, I knew I'd have a grand time.

The Schlotzsky's Bun

The shirt..too cute!

Two of my friends and I were doing the 5K and two of my friends did the half. It was great to see so many young kids running...

....and of course there were people running with their baby strollers and dogs as well. One of the dogs looked adorable in his Santa hat as he crossed the finish line!

My friend along the half marathon route

One of my friends got 2nd place and a medal in her age group! We both had personal bests for a 5K that day in spite of the rainy drizzle.

Another day well spent!

My first Turkey Trot!

2012-11-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

I like to be active, and I have a few friends who had signed up for this event this year, so I figured, why not?

I had not pre-registered, so I had to get up fairly early to drive the 40 miles north just to do a 5K. Now 5K's are not my typical distance being that I am more of an endurance/distance person and not a sprinter. But, I knew that I would love spending time with my friends and that I needed to do even as short a distance as 3.1 miles so as not to feel too guilty about the Thanksgiving feast I would be having in the afternoon.

It was pretty chilly when I arrived at 7:15 to quite a crowd for a 5K. There must have been about 500 people: kids with their parents and grandparents, school kids running for their team, and people just out to enjoy the fresh air. There were walkers, runners, and joggers, and of course there were people with their dogs and others pushing their kids in the baby strollers. It was a chilly but sunny and beautiful day, and it was one more experience that I will make an annual tradition.

My friend and me pre-race

Along the rural route

Longhorn along the route

The finish

More friends at the finish

My friend and me after the race

Rock and Roll San Antonio 2012

2012-11-21T17:07:00.001-08:00

Every year as we have done for the past 5 years, my family chooses a 1/2 marathon location where we can all meet up, spend time together, and have those who don't want to race support those of us who do.Our first half together was San Antonio 2008. That year, my mother and my two sons and my now daughter-in-law ran their first half. Two of my sisters and my sister-in-law can always be counted on to come, and two of my brothers-in-law try to make it as well, one a finisher, one a spectator/supporter. My sisters' friends come and my friends come, and they are not always the same friends who come each year, but there are always friends. My youngest nephew, now age 7, has the last few years walked the last mile or so with his mother. As soon as he is old enough (12) he will be doing his first half in San Antonio. Last year we went off in a new direction and we all flew to Savannah to do that inaugural race. We always have a great time whenever we are together with lots of laughs and even better stories. We are discussing Cleveland or Pittsburg where we will meet up for next year, both of those being inaugural Rock and Roll races.

I have done the Rock and Roll half marathons in Nashville, Seattle, Phoenix, New Orleans (twice), Savannah (twice), Dallas (three times), Virginia Beach (twice), and of course, multiple times in San Antonio (four). I have also done the OKC half marathon, and many others as well.

There is a special feeling among these thousands of people, all of us competing for any number of reasons. I love this racing community, this extended family, this group of friends. I have seen some amazing things while doing these events, from people pushing loved ones in wheelchairs throughout the route, to people with physical hardships doing whatever they can to make it to the finish line. I see people in the 70's and 80's, including my mother, pushing through to the end. Life is for the living, and we are out there on the pavement seizing the day. I love that feeling.....

My brother and mother in the hotel lobby the morning of the race. My BFF sent us Salt Lake, Utah hats, and they made us celebrities for a day (can't imagine why she was able to get them on sale for $1 a piece!). Thank goodness my family has a fantastic sense of humor!

This is the second time Jo Dee Messina has run in the same RnR I was in. The first time was the RnR Phoenix inaugural back in 2003. Wow, how the years fly by!

Rock and Roll San Antonio 2012 medal. Love it!

My 78 year old mother after the race. She is amazing and such a wonderful role model!

Two of my sisters, my brother, my mother and me after the race. Woo hoo!!!

For me, this was the greatest! Jo Dee Messina still in running gear and wearing her finisher's medal as she wows the crowd with her music. I am a new fan!!

Tomorrow I am off to do my first ever Turkey Trot before heading to my friends' house for our traditional Thanksgiving get-together. Life is so very good to me!

Till next time...

Jill

Rock and Roll Savannah 2012

2012-11-06T23:09:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful city and another great time! I love seeing some of the people whom I have seen at other races along the way wearing the t-shirts that I own, too. The camaraderie and friendliness of the runners is one of the many things that makes me keep signing up for these events. It was wonderful seeing an old friend in Savannah and discovering once again the many, many things I love about this city. I am seriously considering moving here.....but, until then, I will be back soon and often!

My wonderful hotel on Liberty Street in downtown Savannah....

Starting line crowd beginning to gather at City Hall

The excitement is in the early morning air!

         George in Seattle in June 2011

                                          .......and George in Savannah 2012!!

The after race drink of choice....

                                Moving along the streets of Savannah.....

After race concert in Forsythe Park.....and some tired runners!

It's all about the bling!

Next up: Rock and Roll San Antonio on Sunday, Nov. 11th! This is the race my family chose to do en masse this year. I can't wait!