Updates!

Wow, the past couple of weeks have been quite the whirlwind. I don't know if I am coming or going!

Last week Thursday the fiance, I, and another couple took a nice 4 day/4 night trip to Las Vegas! The weather was a perfect 75 degrees or so each day! We enjoyed some comedy/magic, a cirque du soleil show, dueling pianos, time at the pool, sun and warmth, and lots of good food and drinks. It was my second trip and their first, so it was definitely a new experience!

I cam back to a short week of school, but it has been long enough with evening conferences Tuesday night, and then again tonight. 12 hour days are not my style!

Some of you gave me a hard time for slipping my engagement announcement into my last post as if it wasn't a big deal! Well, I just want to clarify that it is a huge deal! BIG DEAL! I just didn't know how much I wanted to put out there, just yet!

This spring/summer is going to be a busy one with me finishing my spring grad class, starting a summer grad class, finishing out the school year, selling my twinhome, moving back home, finding a new teaching job back home... oh, and planning a late fall wedding! It's going to be an exciting 8 months! The thing that makes me the most nervous right now is trying to sell my home with everything else going on!

With everything going on in the past week or so, training has been so darn sporadic and oftentimes non-existance, but I am hoping next week will be a bit better! I was excited to get in a solid run while in Vegas... I guess we did do a lot of walking!

WEEK 5 HALF MARATHON TRAINING:
MONDAY (3/7):
REST

TUESDAY (3/8):
Bike 10.8 mi (30:00)

WEDNESDAY (3/9):
Run 2 mi (25:00)
BODYPUMP (1:00:00)

THURSDAY (3/10):
Bike 15.07 mi (42:00)
SSC 20:00

FRIDAY (3/11):
REST - walking in Vegas

SATURDAY (3/12):
Run 4.5 miles (52:00)

SUNDAY (3/13):
REST - walking in Vegas

Maybe I will have a little time to check into your worlds next week?! Who knows!

40 days ... and a random update

Let the Lenten season begin. I am a firm believer that Lent is not all about what you give up, but what you do to better yourself. So, I will be trying to do a little bit of both by doing the following:

• Cutting back on soda - hopefully to nothing :)
• Drinking more water
• Cutting back on Caribou and Starbucks... allowing maybe one a week
• Taking my vitamins and supplements on a regular basis again
• cutting back on sweets - no baked goodies, bars, cookies, donuts, etc. The work place is consumed by it and I need to stay away!
• doing more yoga

Are any of you giving up or doing anything to better yourself?

Other random updates:

• Maybe I should be giving up running for the next 40 days. After my okay 6.4 miler on Sunday, I attempted to run today and the shin/ankle was bothering me again. It's weird and I am afraid if I keep running on it, it will get worse. Maybe time to see the doc?
• I got engaged over the weekend! Time to start planning a wedding!!!
• It's been snowing like crazy here and I can't wait to leave for Las Vegas tomorrow with the fiance and another couple. We will miss the cold weather and yet another storm system rolling through on Friday/Saturday! 70 degree weather will be greatly appreciated for 4 days!

Tuesday Tidbits

Because there's so much going on, and so much on my mind, I bring you my random tidbits via da bullets:

• One step forward, two steps back - Sunday I had a glorious 3.36 mile run, the first run that was longer than 2 miles in weeks. It was completely pain free and followed by a good 35 minutes on the bike. Today I went to run 2-3 miles and couldn't go past 1 mile due to some achy pain in my shin/ankle area. Either I need rest for another couple weeks and then try again, or schedule an appointment. Suggestions?


• dealing with the blues? - no not really. However, a couple times in the past week I dealt with my left hand fingers turning blue. No lie. The first time this happened was a week ago saturday, after sitting on bleachers and leaning on my hand for over an hour while watching high school wrestling. A sharp pain on the top of my hand followed by intense tingling and fingers turning white and blue. It was scary. Then, it happened a little bit last monday afternoon, without the tingling. Then again, This Saturday afternoon, where I began to panic and took a trip to the walk-in clinic. Diagnosis? Raynaud's disorder. I am not quite sold on this, because my elbow, wrist, and shoulder, were in bit of pain/discomfort, so I thought there was a pinched nerve. If it happens again, I don't know what I will do....


• Don't mess with me - Today I have a day long training in CPI. Crisis Prevention Institute, that is. I have had this training before, but now that I am one of the official members of our CPI team at our school, I have to have the 8 hour training again.
  
• Sandbag Central - Monday marks the first day of Sandbag Central here in the Fargo area. Yes, we are already starting to fill sandbags in preparation for the 2011 Flood. Remember what we dealt with a couple years ago? Last year wasn't as bad, but we have more snow and ground moisture than we did a couple years ago. This should make for quite the interesting spring...


• Stressed much? I am trying to gauge how stressed I am right now. I don't think I am that stressed, but when I think about my blue fingers, everything going on at work, grad school, etch... maybe I am a bit overwhelmed? I need a vacay.... March can't come soon enough!

Random Update

It has become apparent to me that I am struggling to keep up with this blog, but I am no where near ready to leave the blog world. I peek into your worlds from time to time but don't always leave a comment. Please accept my appologies.

Moving on.

What can I say, the new year has been a busy one at work and at play. January has been an exceptionally busy month of assessments, meetings, trainings, committee meetings, with some good workouts and fun times in the mix. Life IS good.

I haven't run at all for the past week and a half and have enjoyed the time to get in some more time in the saddle and under water. I have been going to BODYPUMP class at least once every week, if not every five days. I went to a Yoga class last week on my day off and it left little to be desired. I was truly disappointed with the instructors desire to fill us with random yoga facts and his personal believes on cleansing and so forth. I would have much rather enjoyed an hour of intense stretching, strengthening, and flexibility. Silly instructor let us know of all the times he teaches Yoga, so now I know which classes to AVOID at all costs.

This past weekend I was inflicted with the flu bug and it pretty much came out of nowhere. I had traveled back west to attend the BF's Christmas party and see family, but ended up spending most of the weekend on the down low. By Saturday night, I was feeling a lot better and we still attended the Christmas party for a few hours. I was present, but wasn't able to really take advantage of ALL of the wonderful appetizers and OPEN BAR. Oh well, it was fun to meet some of the BF's co-workers and their spouses. The BF took good care of my sick self all weekend. What can I say, I am a lucky girl!

Today I am finally at 100% and was able to hit the gym for a short ride. Next week, I hope to get back into a running routine and jump start my Go Far Challenge training schedule! Let's hope that my shin gives me the good-to-go sign and we can get rollin'!

Are you training for anything specific at the moment?

2011 up and running

It's been over a week since I have posted last and I am struggling to take the time (and effort) to post anything with relative meaning. So, a random post it is. *smile*

2011 is off to a good start. Work is extremely busy and overwhelming right now. It seems tom go in streaks for weeks on ends, so I look forward to when things slow down. At least I hope things will slow down a bit - maybe in the end of February.

My graduate class for this semester is just starting. I am taking my fourth class, of six; working towards to my Autism Credential. This course is an elective and we will be focusing on Autism assessments and screening tools.

The workouts/training for 2011 is going well so far. I have spent the last week and a half working on getting back into a comfortable routine and a base for my running. I hope to begin half marathon training in early February. Ironically, my left shin has been bothering me on and off for the past couple of weeks and I am wondering if I should just lay off running for a complete week and let it heal, rather than making it worse? I think I just answered my own question.

As of yesterday morning, the Fargo area had 51 inches of snow this winter. A year ago this date, we had 29 inches of snow. Last year we were worried about flooding; not as bad as two springs ago, but still worried. Add in the fact that we had a really wet fall and almost double the snow we did last winter, I hate to think what March and April is going to be like. To top things off, I think we are expected to get another few inches over the next few days.

Quote of the day:

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; in optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. -Winston Churchill

Tuesday Bullets

Sorry so long since my last post. I guess living life is just getting in the way a bit! I have tried to sit down and write a cohesive post at least a half dozen times in the past week or so, but no luck. So, all you are getting bullets in typical-Teacherwoman-catch-up-style:

• Even though I am not training for anything specific right now (but thinking WAY too much about 2011), my running is going really well. Really well. *knock on wood*. On the flip side, I haven't been in the pool yet this month. Actually I have only been in the pool ONCE since August 24th. I guess I just haven't had the desire to swim. Don't know exactly what the deal is.
• Last weekend while back home visiting the BF and family, I got to experience two things for the first time - jelly and summer sausage sandwhiches and UFC. The BF was talking about those sandwhiches and how his family would eat them while working on the farm, so I had to try them. Very interesting combination, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! Saturday night we watched some UFC fighting at a friend's house. I was a little leary because I have never really watched it before and it was actually pretty fun. Brock Lesnar got his booty kicked in the first round - probably deserved it for all the smack talk he did.
• Work is going well. I have a great group of kiddos this year, all very unique, but I love working with each and every one of them. With that, I am learning to read 6 year old body language a lot better and don'tt ell me you don't have to go to the bathroom when I ask three times while you are wiggling in your chair like fish out of water and proceed to grab your rear while running for the bathroom after I demanded that you atleast try. Thank goodness I have my own bathroom in my classroom. However, we are still working on remember to close the door behind you, flushing when you are done, and washing your hands. *smiles*
• I want to shout out to my baby sister Susie who is working hard on losing weight. She joined LA Weightloss 9 weeks ago and has lost just a little over 26 pounds already! She is a determined woman!! I couldn't be more proud of her.
• How many of you are thinking about 2011 already? Asside from potential races, I am just looking forward to what the year may bring. I turn 30 in about 7 weeks and I am excited for a new era!
• Update: Forgot to mention that we are gearing up for some nasty winter weather here in North Dakota tonight and tomorrow. It's raining now, but wind gusts are between 26 and 39 mph. It's supposed to turn to snow tonight and tomorrow... with a possibility of 4 to 8 inches. WTH?! Have I mention that our days are getting even shorter by the minute? We currenlty only have about 10 hours of daylight here and I am at work for most of it! grrrrr...

Wednesday Catch Up Post

Yesterday I woke with nasty sore throat. Just on the left side. Asside from that I didn't really feel crummy. However, as the day went on, I realized how tired I had felt for the past couple of days and went home to sleep. Plus, I was hot one minute and cold the next. I ended up sleeping 2 hours and skipping my run. Boo.

Today is the BF's birthday! Just want to give a quick shout out to him - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you have a great day and can't wait to celebrate this weeekend with friends and the Brad Paisley Concert (w/Dairus Rucker and Justin Moore)! It will be a great time!

This morning I got up, felt a bit rested, and hit the gym for a run/Bodypump combo. It was just what I needed to jump start this hump day. I ran 2.55 miles with many intervals (at speeds some of you consider slow) and off to an hour of pumping iron. Actually, I was pretty excited because I upped some of my weights today (on squats, triceps, and biceps)! However, before doing that again, I am going to focus on going to class more regularly - ever 3-5 days instead of every 7 days. I topped my workout off with a nice protein smoothie for breakfast!

Tonight I look forward to curling up on the couch to watch the first game of the ALDS between my Twins and those Yankees. The Twins have to win this first one, for sure!

Tomorrow I was hoping to get to the pool or bike. I need to take a day or two off from running, as I am starting to feel it in my shins. Maybe this is a sign that I need new shoes. I haven't bought new shoes since May and even though I haven't put A LOT of running miles in them, I have worn them on the bike and at Bodypump class. Anyone looking to get rid of a SIZE 8 BROOKS TRANCE?? Sure would have been nice to win those in one of the giveaways out there, but oh well!

Happy Hump Day, y'all!

Catching up... bullet style

Sorry for the partial MIA.


I have done some random blog stalking recently, but nothing significant. It's not that I haven't had anything to post about, I just haven't had much time or desire to sit on front of the computer over the past few weeks.


In attempt to catch up with you all, here's some bullets of what I have been up to:

• Finished up my 5th year teaching special education - 3rd year in this district.


• Spent two very long days my first week of summer preparing for spec. ed. summer school.


• Started teaching special ed. summer school this monday - 4 weeks, M-F, half days. I think I could work half-time year round.


• Getting ready for my 8 week online grad class... it's going to be crazy busy.


• Did you see it only took me 2 weeks to post my GoFar Challenge race report? It wasn't the best race report I've written either, but I got it up there.


• Still haven't written up my May Stats yet... to come soon.


• Took a couple weeks off from swimming. Swim team finished a couple weeks ago - started back up this week - but I decided not to join the team this time. I have more time and flexibility with my schedule now that school is out. I am okay with this.


• Spent a long weekend back in the Biz for Memorial weekend... did some camping with the BF and friends, graduation party, watched the 'rents dogs for a couple days, grilled with family at Grandpa's house. It was a great weekend.


• Spent another long weekend back home last weekend. It was another jam-packed weekend -- Friday, the BF and I grilled with the 'rents and then hit up the driving range for a bit. The weather couldn't have been better - not a breeze in sight. Saturday the BF and I headed to a campsite to meet up with some others - we spent some time on the boat, the boys did some fishing, grilled, took the pontoon across the bay to get to the casino for the Bret Michael's concert (awesome!), tented it that night, and headed home later Sunday afternoon.


• Less than 3 weeks away before my first outdoor triathlon. I am starting to feel like I am not as ready as I would like.


• I tested out the Y's Pilates class last night with a friend and I think it might be a new part of my regular schedule! If I can fit the Y's Yoga class into my schedule, I will!

Now... it's time for me to do a little catch up with you all! It's raining here, and it's a perfect day to sit inside and watch some Twins baseball and the Celtics/Lakers game tonight! Go Celtics! I have a bet riding on this so I hope I come out on top!

Tuesday Ten - Random Bits of Info

1. Sorry I have been MIA from blogland a bit in the past week. The weekends have been busy, and the weekdays have been just as busy. The last thing I have wanted to do when I come home from work is sit in front of the computer, again.

2. School is starting to wind down. Kids are talking about field trips, cleaning out their desks, summer plans, and I am just hoping we make it through the next 8 days (including today).

3. The weather is wonderful. Last week it rained almost all week and the temps were in the 40's and 50's. Now the temps are in the 70's and the sun feel's great!

4. I did my first outdoor run yesterday. Yes, my first of 2010... crazy, I know. It was 78 degrees and I just had to take advantage of that and the fact that there was really no wind.

5. I got some more Vitamin D when I returned home from my run and mowed my lawn. I then proceeded to spend just as much time trying to kill dandy lions as it takes me to mow my lawn.

6. It's Facebook official. For those of you who are not friends with me of FB, or are friends with me of FB but never on there, I have changed my status. Yes, my friends.. it's facebook official. I am in a relationship. There are two things that I don't spend a lot of time talking about on here in depth: my work and my personal/dating life. But, I figured I would spill the beans in regards to my long distance relationship. Yes, approximately 200 miles. Any questions?

7. It's Fargo Marathon week here and it's crazy busy! I am on the Youth Run Committee and we have the 1/2 mile and 1 mile run Thursday evening. As of Sunday, I believe we had 1200 registrations filled out for kids 5-12. Then, last night I think we had 150 walk-up registrations. We are accepting registrations up until the race day, so I can only imagine how many kids are going to be running!

8. I am looking forward to my Fargo Marathon Challenge! Friday night is the 5K and Saturday morning is the 10K. The weather will be nice and hot for the 5K and cool for the 10K (at 7am). My plan is to just go out there and enjoy both races. No desire to break any world records, here!

9. I am itching to get to the brand-spankin-new Target Field. I think we have plans to go down and catch a Twins game on the 3rd of July! They will be playing Tampa Bay and I am pretty much counting down the days!

10. NBA playoffs are here! I don't watch too much pro ball anymore, but I do enjoy the playoffs. Especially with the idea of a possible repeat of 2008! What do you have bets on? Let's go Celtics!

(Another reason why the number 5 is my favorite number....)

Bullet Randoms

• A couple days ago, Joel over at TriMadness! informed me that I WILL be participating in swim team next session. Who knew some dude from Florida would have such an impact on me? Actually, I won the TriSwim giveaway he was promoting! The gift pack consists of 2 oz. bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. I can't wait to try it out!

• Lil Runner is doing a giveaway! CEP Compression Socks! Check it out HERE!

• And yes, I will be participating in Swim Team next session - four week session, 3 weeks off, and then we start outdoors the 2nd week in June! Yikes!

• Training still is going well. I didn't want to crawl out of bed for my 3 miler this morning but fought the urge to stay in bed, knowing that it would mess up my schedule for the next couple of days. I ended up kicking out 3.3 miles before 6am.

• 6 weeks left of school. But, I am not counting.

• 2 weeks until my first tri of the season - an indoor tri with my sister and a couple friends. That following Monday marks the beginning of my 16-week training plan for my first Olympic Triathlon! Woot woot!

• 30 days of school left. Actually 29 with the kiddos -the last day is a teacher work day.

• The 3 Changes Challenge is going well. I am already noticing how many treats are brought to work and how many I have turned down! Yikes! I would do a week 1 recap next Tuesday.

• I am looking forward to happy hour with co-workers and friends after school. When you work with 10 and 11 year olds all week, it's nice to get out and have adult conversations! lol

• The weekend is quickly approaching! Even though I don't have any crazy going on (or traveling), I do have some relatives in town - including my wonderful 11 year old god-daughter. Geez, now I feel old. I hope to spend some time relaxing and chatting with them this weekend... asside from a longer run and bike ride Sunday!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Tuesday Tidbits

Random thoughts... and shout-outs...

• Amanda over at RunToTheFinish is trying to get a feel for who would be interested in attending a Runner's Workshop. Stop by and read her post regarding this, and give her some feedback if you are interested! I think it's a great idea!
• Joel over at TriMadness is doing a giveaway! Check it out HERE!
• ShutUpAndRun! is giving away cool gear for both men and women! Check it out HERE!

• The 40 days of Lent didn't go as I would have liked. I gave up sweets (including chocolate, baked goods, and soda) for the first 15 days and then kind of fell off the wagon, so to speak. I also gave up the scale but am afraid to get back on. Maybe I need to get back on track over the next week or so to see where I am at. eeks!
• I think swimming is killing my skin. The winter is extremely hard on my skin and I think the chlorine is making it worse. I have noticed a handful pink itchy patches on my arms. Then about a month ago I noticed that my ears were burning and itchy - pink in color and cracking. And then yesterday, I noticed I have the same kind of pink patches on my face - one on the corner of my left eye, and one on the lid of my right eye. It is very annoying. On average I am in the pool for 2-2.5 hours per week. This is a lot of time to soak in the chlorine. I am thinking I am going to have to take a break from swim team after the last week of practice for this session - next week.
• I need to schedule a massage, bad. I last had one in October and swore to myself I would try to get one in every couple of months. My body is begging for one! I am having a hard time finding a time to get it in.
• I need to make a decision for the Fargo Marathon this week! I should have done this last week before the registration prices went up April 1st. I think I know what I am going to do. I think.
• I "upped" my weights in BodyPump class last night. Even though it wasn't much, I was able to add some weight to the bar when doing the routines for triceps, biceps, and "clean and press". I could really feel the burn by the end of these drills, but it was well worth it. On the flip side - I still haven't added any weight for squats or lunges. I think my body weight plus what I am currently using is plenty for now. Usually my legs and butt are the things that are really sore the couple days to follow BP class.
• 8 weeks left of school ... including this short week! 39 days, including today... if I were counting. Time is going to just fly by, and summer will be here before I know it!

A Whole Bunch of Randomness

3 weeks until the 32 mile Tour de Cure ride. Thanks again to all those who have donated thus far, and if YOU would like to donate, please feel free to check out my website!

I haven't been outside to ride my bike YET! That is rediculous. But, things have been crazy busy with end of school year stuff and busy weekends. Next week, I look forward to getting out there and enjoying the warmer temps!



Well I gone and did it. Just when I didn't think I could go and get any crazier, I joined a local swim team.

A few months ago, a friend-of-a-friend's was hoping to get some sort of adult swim sessions set up Tues/Thurs mornings with the Y, but it never worked out. Now this, my friends, couldn't have come at a more perfect time. It's 4 weeks long, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6-715am, and will finish up the week prior to my triathlon! And, it's at the outdoor pool so I hope it warms up by June 9th because it's going to be shock to the system at 6am!

Here's what it looks like:

Adult Swim Team: This program is for swimmers ages 19 and over who can swim 50 meters or more without stopping. It is for participants who wish to stay fit or who aggressively competein swimming or triathlons. Coaches will be on deck to improve stroke technique, endurance and speed. Workouts will be written specifically for all levels on the team.

I am so excited, but nervous at the same time. I really hope this is going to help with my swimming! I know that I have lots to work on and look forward to hearing what the coaches have to say! (I think)

Other than that, this week has been uber busy and I have been barely able to post, let alone comment on a few blogs here and there. Tuesday night I was busy with volleyball and I didn't go to softball because my Dad was in town on his way to the cities. Last night I had plans to grab a drink with the ladies from work, get groceries, mow my lawn, and get in my trainer ride. Today I was able to get in a 2-a-day with a morning speed work and afternoon trainer ride. And shortly, I am off to meet a couple dear friends for dinner!

Tomorrow is already Friday AND the last day of school! Saturday morning I am heading to the cities with a few friends to celebrate my sis' 25th birthday! Once I return Monday I will have more time to catch up with y'all in blogland!

Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday's Random thoughts and questions...

• This morning's swim was successful. 2000M in less than 50 minutes. I felt really strong and probably could have gone longer, but I guess I had to get to work.
• The past 48 hours I have felt really "gassy" in my stomach. It feels gross and I am wondering what I might be eating too much of to cause this... fiber?
• Today, about an hour after lunch I was hungry again. Could it be that my previous four days of workouts, one being a brick, were enough to increase my hunger? What's the dealio?
• So... who else is joining Viv's next challenge?
• During my lunch I spent a few minutes and was looking over my stats on my sidebar.. noticed that my running miles weren't adding up right... if I wasn't so obsessed with numbers I would probably let this slide, but it is bugging me big time.
• I thought of starting to follow a 10K or half marathon training program... just to motivate myself to get in some long runs.. even if I am not doing a race. Am I weird?

Swim - 2000M, 46:00, 2:18/100M

Today's Tidbits

I think my fifth graders are feeling too comfortable around me. I have one calling me Dawg. One calls me Dude, especially when he has something really important to say. I have one showing me how he dances to hip hop, trying to get me to join him, hahaha! I have one asking me to give her some skin followed by "Yeah, Homegirl". I think we are all ready for this so-called-spring-break this coming weekend. Yep, fo sho!

So, I am totally taking an unplanned day off from training today. I could have biked. I could have swam. I don't think I could have ran. My legs are still a bit sore and the lifting did a doozy on my body (especially my legs).

So, what am I doing instead? Well, I did some shopping for clothes for my trip, since the weather will be 30-40 degrees warmer. Now I am doing some laundry, catching up on y'alls blogs, and watching a little American Idol. I would really like to see Christy Lee Cook head home this week. Most Definitely. Either that or Syesha.

Peace, y'all!

3 Tall Beers and Yoga

Nothing like a random post on a Friday night.

The weather today was 17 degrees when I left the school at 3:45. Felt like Spring. I swear, if it would have been 10 degrees warmer, people would have lost their jackets! Not kiddin.

My sister and I are planning a long weekend away the second weekend of April.... does anyone have an ideas as to a good place to head? Possibly away from the cold weather?

Last night I did some yoga after my post... hoping to help with the right leg issue and stretch out those muscles. I think it really helped. Although, I am pretty much sure the issue is stemming from my hip flexors or something. Any suggested stretches are welcome.

Wes, the heartburn was still present today after eating lunch mostly. But not as painful as yesterday. Could it be from eating grapes?

Stephen... I knew you would find CPR hot. No comment.

Today I was up before 5am, without the alarm clock, but even though it was 50 degrees warmer than a couple days ago, I slept in rather than heading to the gym. I then proceeded to pack my bag and hope to get there for some cycling after work... all the intentions were there... it just wasn't in the cards today.

Then...

I met up with a few good friends at our local spot here in good old F. ND. We even had our regular bartender who calls us by our names :) With that note... I only made it ONE, count them, ONE Friday night without alcohol. After my first post about giving it all up, I thought maybe I would change it to just the night before a long run.

Well, now I gave that up too.

Akshaye, I have a 6.5 mile run tomorrow morning and successfully drank 3 tall beers, with clamato juice, all prior to 7pm.

Happy hour only went until 6pm people.

CPR/AED training has changed within the past couple of years, so if you are not certified any longer or never have been, now is the time to get it... supposedly it is easier than ever before. I agree.

Taryn, I am completely jealous of you... and others who were 100 degrees warmer than me. I will settle for 30 degree temps. That I can run in. I hope for that in 2 weeks when I have an 8 mile run. That, my friends, will feel like spring.

4:30 in the morning doesn't really seem that early any more. Either does heading to be before 9pm.

And yes, Nancy, you do sound like a Mom. But, it's still greatly appreciated.

Until tomorrow, signing off as...

One Chilly Polar Bear

3 days on/3 days off ... and Blogland Book Club

Last week I started off the new year with a bang. 3 workouts in a row. And then what?

Then, I took Friday off and went home to Bismarck. I didn't do anything Saturday morning. I had 3 miles scheduled for today and thought I was going to do it when I returned .... but was feeling quite car sick and very hungry. Now I can't get myself to do anything. I am completely wiped!

This week will be better, though. It's just those weekends away .... they completely throw me off. And I have two more weekends away... in a row!


***************************** BLOGLAND BOOK CLUB *************************************
Here's a few ideas I had:

1. Start a blog ... for the book club. (think of Blog title)
   
2. Read 1 or 2 books per month ... depending on the length? Maybe just one, since everyone is pretty busy with training?!
   
3. Write posts ... in regards to what has been read, any thoughts or questions for discussion relating to what has been read ...
   
4. Vote on ideas for which books to read (fiction, nonfiction, biographies, etc.)
5. I know I had other thoughts... but just lost them.

Let me know what you think or any ideas you have. It's all open for discussion... Maybe I should just open up a blog and we can start posting ideas/comments???

Congrats, Good Luck, and Thanks

Sunday, November 11

Congratulations to my parents
on their 29th Anniversary today!
29 years... and three wonderful girls. Hehehe.

Good luck to Mom and Dad
on there Big Sur Half Marathon in California this morning!!
(What a way to spend an Anniversary!)

Thanks to all those Veterans out there....
and especially one in particular....
close to us at home.
We appreciate all you've done.
Pictured Left to Right: me, Susan (sister), Blaine (now brother-in-law), and Steph (sister)....the night of Blaine's return from Iraq in April of 2004...

In Honor of all Veterans

They come from all corners of America,
sons and daughters of factory workers,
truck drivers, housewives, professionals and farmers.

Veterans are of different age, race, sex, color and creed.
Some are short or tall, others thin or stout,
but all are willing to sacrifice their life
to protect our country, fellow citizens and world freedom.

They join the military, some with no training,
hoping that they can in some way make a difference.
Little do they know that each individual’s sacrifice
makes a distinct impact in the preservation
of what our forefathers fought for.

A veteran is one who cries when his fellow soldier dies,
but continues on with the mission assignment.
They heal the wounded … some bury the dead.
There are those who plan the missions
and others who seek out the enemy.

Some must transport them to battle, along with those
who provide support and cover in their journey.
There are Commanders, who must give orders for war,
and Chaplains who pray for them all.

The veteran returns from battle, some injured,
others mentally scarred for life.
All are very humble, matured and not willing to share
the death and destruction they may have witnessed,
there is no need to cause others despair.

Deep inside their hearts the Veteran know
their goal of sacrifice,
was to serve their country proudly and
help bring peace for all that will follow.


W. Robb Robichaud
Vietnam Veteran
November 11, 2002

What's in your gym bag?

Somedays I feel like I spend more time getting ready for the next day's workout, taking stuff out of my gym bag, putting in into another, adding stuff to the gym bag....etc. So, in the process of putting together my gym bag for today, I was wondering if anyone else feels as if they are constanting filling and emptying their gym bag... So after work, I have a scheduled spin session with a short run afterwards.... and then to a friends for grey's anatomy night. Here's what's in my gym bag today....

• heart rate monitor and watch
• ipod
• two pairs of socks
• underwear
• three pairs of shoes ( 1 for cycling, 1 for running, and then tennis shoes for afterwards)
• tank top
• sports bra
• shorts
• a pair of jeans
• a long sleeved shirt
• shampoo and conditioner
• shower gel
• towel
  
• mousse
• headbands, bobby pins, and ponytails (can never have too many)
• lock for locker
• two packs of sports beans
• water bottle
  
• gatorade

What's in your gym bag?

I will be gone...

.... but not forever.

I am heading out tomorrow to move my stuff into my new place. I will most likely be unpacking and organizing for the few days after that. From there, we are taking off for Chicago, stopping in the Twin Cities to see my sister and her hubby. I will have internet access a week from tuesday, so you will see me then! Hehehe :)

On a side note. The knee is doing much better. It was the weirdest thing. I could turn my leg in different directions and it would crack, over and over again. Last night, it got to the point where I couldn't straighten it without something pinching. I iced, stretched, and took some ibuprofen. I went to bed with my leg propped up a bit. It was a little stiff the morning, but throughout the day it has gotten a whole lot better. Depending on how it feels after moving all my stuff, I might attempt a short run sunday night. We'll see!

Have a great weekend!