What happens when I have too much time on my hands...

Yesterday afternoon I went to the gym to get in a good cardio workout before heading to Pilates class at 530. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do; run, bike, run and bike, or run/bike/run. I left the house and figured I would play it by ear, seeing how hard I could push myself and what I was in the mood for...

Well, I think I got to the gym a little too early and had plenty of time to kill before pilates class started. I started on the treadmill with the idea of doing a couple miles, doing a short bike, and then another couple miles on the treadmill.

Here's how it turned out:


Run - 2.25 miles (26:00)
Bike - 10 miles (30:00)
Run - 2.57 miles (30:00)

Afterwards I ventured to Pilates class and remembered that class was going to be outside today. Even though there were a few that weren't very excited about it being outside, I was stoked!

It was great to get outside, roll our mats out, and get a little Vitamin D while strengthing and lengthening our body! The traffic wasn't distracting, the birds were chirping, there was a slight cool breeze, and we got to watch the rain clouds rolling in.

Could it be any better than this?

9 done, 2 to go!

Another week of training is in the books. Geez, I can't believe how fast time has gone by. Here's this past week's training, and then some...

Week 9 of Triathlon Training:

Monday:

Run - 4.75 miles, 58:00, 12:12/mi. avg.

Volleyball

Tuesday:

Adult Swim Team: 2400M Total

4x200M w/:10RI (1. Free, 2. Kick, 3. 50Drill/50swim, 4. Free)

4x400M w/:30RI (1. Breathing every 3 strokes, 2. Sprinting over lines, 3. 50's - alternating between breathing on every 3rd stroke and every 5th stroke, 4. Sprinting over lines)

Volleyball

Wednesday:

Bike 15.2 miles

Thursday:

Adult Swim Team: Total 2400M

1000M: Mix

12x50's: Choice (building)

4x200: odds - pull bouy and paddles, evens - freestyle

Volleyball

Friday:

REST

Saturday:

Run - 2.5 miles, 27:00, 10:48/mi. avg.

Soccer

Sunday:

Bike - 12.81 miles

Run - 1.72 mile

Looking back on all of my training, I am a bit disappointed that I haven't got in many brick workouts. I know that I will do fine in each discipline on it's own, it's just putting the three together that start to make me a wee bit anxious!

Other than training, I played sand volleyball three nights this past week. I am on two different teams, and subbed in on thursday night as well. All three nights the weather was great - sunny, super warm, and not really windy! No softball this past week, it was a bye week.

Yesterday I got talked into playing soccer. A friend of mine that I play volleyball with has been trying to get a group together to play some casual soccer. I have never played in my life and was a bit hesitant with my knee. There were about 12 of us, both men and women, and we just went out there and had some fun. Some players have been playing for a while, and there were a handful of us that had never played before. I had a lot of fun, and even scored 2 goals! I might have to play again sometime!

I will leave you with a few pictures from some of interesting weather yesterday. It would be sunny one minute, and the next it was down-pouring. Actually, when we were playing soccer some nastly clouds were rolling in. We left when the lightening started to appear and on the ride home we drove through torrential rain and hail. It was nasty. But it left behind a pretty nice full rainbow!

Long Weekend

Easter break has come and gone. It was a nice break and was our last one until summer. 34 more days.

Unfortunately, my sister and brother-in-law weren't able to be home. (I am hoping if she see's me plugging her blog in here she just might update it!) On the bright side, Steph was able to head out to Seattle to see her hubby. He has been there since February, preparing to head oveseas. If I remember correctly, he leaves the states sometime in the next week or so. We will wait anxiously for his return home next February. We love you B!


Most of the weekend was spent relaxing, but I was able to get in a handful of good workouts and keep up with Jillian's 30-day shred. I have done more biking than usual in the past week and a half, so my primary focus this week will be running, then swimming. Running is starting to feel a little better, but I am still taking it easy and haven't done much more then 3.5 miles at a time.


The temps are starting to rise and it feels wonderful. The snow has pretty much melted. Tomorrow it is supposed to be close to 60 degrees and I look forward to taking advantange of an outdoor run!


Flooding is still an issue and worry across the state. While driving back from Bismarck this morning, I noticed more standing water in ditches and farm fields than I have ever seen in my life. Twice I had to slow down because of a foot plus of water running across the interstate. Kind of scary if you think about it. Here are a couple pics...





I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday!

More Snow?

I am still in Bismarck at my parents. As much as I am unhappy about being away from my daily routine, it's kind of a nice retreat. Even if I am living out of an oversized suitcase.

The Red River in Fargo appears to be going down, but we are still playing the waiting game, hoping and praying that the dikes will hold.

I am still planning on trying to head back to Fargo Wednesday, weather depending. There's a winter storm system going through the region and we received 11 inches overnight here in Bismarck. Many more inches are expected to fall over the next day or so. I know that Fargo is expected to get some snow as well, but I don't know how much.

With all the snowfall, many businesses and offices are closed. Getting to the gym is not an option and running outdoors is out of the question! I guess I am just going to have to do some shoveling to get the heart pumping!

This winter is getting old. I am so over it.


On a running note, I have made the decision to NOT do the Fargo Half Marathon. I am just not ready. I still have an occasional 3 mile run that is hard on my knee, so I am going to focus on the 5K only, maybe working to improve it over the next 6 weeks. Now, I just need to decide if I am going to pay the $15 to change from the HM to the 5K , or just wear my original bib and do the 5k..... any thoughts?

It's Melting

After doing 20 minutes of shredding with Jillian this morning, I ventured outdoors for another run. It was 40 degrees, the snow was melting, and the fresh air felt wonderful. I jumped over snow banks, ran through puddles, and only almost biffed it on a hidden icy patch once. I caught myself, gracefully.

Yesterday Jill and I did a swim/bike brick. My arms were a bit sore from shoveling the snow bank out my front door Friday night (note pics in last post). All considered, swimming loosened up those muscles a bit. I wasn't too impressed with the spin instructor and I didn't want to aggrevate my knee so I just sat on the bike, adjusting the tension here and there, and rode in aero position every once and a while.


As for the rest of the day, I watched the Tar Heels get beat by Florida State University and almost cried. Fo reals. Then I went with a couple friends to the State basketball tournament. We caught the second half of the girls first place game. The Bismarck Demons, my high school, took first! And, I realized one of the girls on the team was a girl I babysat when I was in middle school. Feelin' a bit old here. Then, we cheered on our West Fargo Boys, but they got beat. It was still a good game and fun basketball.




Some of you asked about the snow bank out my front door and if I was able to get out or how I got out .... I also have another entrance through the garage, from my basement. No worries! However, shoveling it a couple days later was a pain in the ars. It had shrunk about a foot, as it was melting... and heavier then cow pie.

Another made comment how I was running outdoors just a couple days after the blizzard.... For those of you not from the Midwest, let me educate you a bit: This is probably the most frustrating part about living here this time of year. As we progress into "so-called-Spring" we get all kinds of weather: Blizzards, rain, melting snow, temps below freezing, temps 20-30 degrees above freezing, snow, slush, ice, etc. So even though I was out running in 40 degrees this morning, and temps are supposed to stay in the 40's all week, that doesn't mean we are done with snow, or ice, or slush. I have lived here long enough to not get my hopes up, but to take advantage of these nice days!


I am off to take my bike into get a spring tune-up! The temps are rising, and us ND cyclists are anxious to get out there and ride!

***Please head over to Steve's blog and check out the Tales of the Virgin Althete Contest!!! There are some great stories there!***

Yesterday's Workout:
Swim/Bike Brick
Swim 1600M, 33:00, 2:03/100M
Bike 22.31 miles, 57:00, 23.48mph

Today's Workout:
Jillian's 30-day Shred (Day 12 - Level 2)
Run - 3.3 miles, outdoors, no time

Today's Song:
Eminem - Crack a Bottle (ft. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent)
....I secretly HEART Eminem

Gone Stir Crazy

Yesterday I slept in, caught the Today show, watched the drifts grow, listened to the wind howl, finished reading Eclipse and started Breaking Dawn.

I took a mid-afternoon nap and then proceeded to do some canvas painting. My sister and brother-in-law got me some fancy new paintbrushes, acrylics, and canvas' for Christmas and I couldn't wait to dive in!

I didn't have anything in mind but just started playing around with colors. It's been a while. It's no where near done, and who knows, I might paint right over it, rather than building from it. I stopped when I lost the natural daylight.

And yes, sometimes I paint with my fingers.

I was excited to spend my evening watching tv, since I spent most of the afternoon reading, napping, and painting. I caught the beginning of American Idol and then lost cable and internet. I thought I was going to lose it. Fortunately it returned about an hour later. I caught the end of AI, as well as a basketball game. Turns out, NDSU (my college's rival) made it into the NCAA tournment tonight. It's kind of exciting to have a ND team in the tournament, but I still hate the Bison.

I have been locked in my house since 4pm Monday afternoon. I have not been able to get to the gym, leaving me with only a few sessions of Jillian's 30-day Shred. School starts 2 hours late today. They say most side roads will probably not be cleaned and I worry that I won't be able to get out of my neighborhood.

Here are a couple pics I took around 530 yesterday evening....

Drifts higher than fences?

That's not right.

You can see a tiny bit of daylight...
peeking through the top of that window...

That's not right.
Good thing that's not my ONLY entrance to my house.

Even if the roads get plowed, I am going to have snow drifts to remove in my driveway as well as the crap they leave behind at the end of my driveway.

Update: We have switched from a LATE START today, to school being CANCELLED... again. I have heard snow plows since 11pm last night, and woke up to the sound of snow blowers at 4am.

I am getting out of my house. I have a gym date with a friend at 11ish, and then lunch with some others to follow....

Warning Warning Warning....UPDATED

... a dangerous storm is heading our way.

What the?

Yesterday a Blizzard Watch was put into affect.
This morning it was raining.
Then the rain turned to snow.
The first of TWO storms made it's appearance today.
It has snowed all day.
The temperatures have been dropping.
The wind picked up this afternoon.
I had to take a longer route home,
to avoid large snow piles at the corners of side streets.
I had to gun-it into my driveway.
I have 4-6 foot drifts on the south side of my house.
I currently hear snow plows,
which means I will have a good pile at the end of my driveway.
Now, we are under a Blizzard warning.


And tomorrow?

That's when the real storm is supposed to hit us.
Not until noon, though.
7-14 inches of snow expected.
Winds will be picking up,
gusts up to 40mph.
Windchills are expected to drop temperatures to 30-40 below zero.

I am thinking we will be staying home from school tomorrow,
making it up on Friday, and
making up Tuesday's conferences a week from tomorrow.
We should know by later this evening.

UPDATE: Interstate-94 closed at 7pm from Jamestown to Fargo,
about 120 miles west of here,
and school was cancelled at 9pm,
This never happens the night before.

What will I do with myself tomorrow?
No work... probably not able to get to a gym...
I guess I will do some reading and try to do some painting on a canvas...



The flip side?

My neighbors are currently blowing the snow
from my sidewalk and driveway.
Time to bake more cookies for them.

And...temps should get to above freezing this weekend...
...so this chica will be running outdoors Saturday or Sunday!

Da weather and stuff

It's still cold here. I think 90% of our staff were wearing black and grey today, with most tops consisting of turtleneck sweaters. I wonder how many had on their cuddle duds?!

Temps are supposed to start rising after tomorrow. It's a good thing because I am so darn sick of it already. Our principal has been nice enough to grant us a "comfy clothes" day on Friday. I look forward to wearing my sweatpants and hoody.

I got this in my email today....

On a more disappointing note, yes, something more disappointing then -30 degree temps... I think I am getting... something. Last friday I just felt a bit run down from getting back into the swing of things but felt fine until monday morning. The last couple of days I have had that dry burning feeling in the back of my throat and nose. Today I have that and the face and teeth pain. I have had enough sinus infections in my time to know exactly where this is going. I have been suffocating myself with fluids and airborne, as well as moving my workouts around so I could sleep more. I hope that I can keep whatever this is at bay. I am moving my swim to friday, because I can't bear the thought of getting in the pool with my head feeling like this. I will fight this!

As for the rest of this blistery cold night... I will be in bed catching up on some blogs and reading Eclipse.

I've been tagged!

For a change in our regular scheduled programming (ie. constantly talking about training)... I have been tagged by the wonderful miss Kelsalynn! Here goes!



4 favorite memories of 2008:
1. Purchasing my first road bike
2. Learning how to ride my road bike
3. Closing on my first home
4. Moving into my home



4 favorite movies of 2008:
1. Sex & the City
2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
3. Baby Mama
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince



4 favorite foods of 2008:
1. Spaghetti
2. Chicken Caesar Salad
3. Diablo Chicken
4. Chicken and veggies


4 favorite places in 2008:
1. Trip to AZ with Steph
2. Numerous trips to the Twin Cities with the fam
3. Going home to the Biz
4. The gym



4 events of 2008:
1. my first triathlon
2. my first half marathon
3. THREE beautiful weddings
4. Jonny Lang concert with Jodes



4 Things I liked in 2008:
1. Moving out of my apartment and into a house
2. traveling
3. long workouts
4. riding the open roads


4 reasons I'm looking forward to 2009:
1. triathlon training
2. heading to NYC with the fam
3. road-tripping to MT
4. just livin' life!


4 people I tag:
1. Jess
2. Ms. Math
3. Chad
4. Sherry
....and anyone else who would like to be tagged.


On a different note, the weather is nasty here today with Blizzard like conditions (snow and nasty wind) requiring many rural towns to close school for the day. On top of that, it is currently -6 degrees, but feels like-29. The highs all week will be in the negatives, without the wind chill. I look forward to Friday, when it should pop back up to about 4 degrees. geez.

Hopefully I can get my but out of bed for a morning swim tomorrow! eeks!

I am off to read Eclipse in bed, until I fall asleep reading... it's just so addicting!

Stacy + traveling = weather related issues

Whenever I try to travel, somehow nasty weather conditions like to get in the way. Just to name a few examples....

In April when heading to the cities to fly out to AZ with the sis, I brought a winter storm that caused our flight to be delayed; last spring we got 9 inches of snow on the day I planned on traveling home for Easter; this summer when traveling to the cities with a cousin we drove through tornado cells; and last week we were under a winter storm watch when I left Fargo to head home to Bismarck for Christmas.

Now, we are under a winter storm warning until 1pm today.... when I was planning on heading back to Fargo later this morning. If the weather is decent around noon, I will leave, but I am keeping an eye on the ND DOT website and watching the road conditions. I had plans to head to the cities tomorrow and spend 2 or 3 days there with my sister and brother-in-law, but that might have to wait until Thursday.

---

Yesterday morning I went to the gym and had a short Brick workout planned. 45 minutes on the bike and 15 minute run-off on the thrillmill. It's been so long since I have done a Brick workout and it felt great to get one in. The transition from cycling to running can be quite difficult and my legs definitely felt heavy and tight, but it was only a matter of a few minute before I felt comfortable with my stride. I look forward to doing more of these in 2009!

Monday Workout:
BRICK:
Bike 16.21 miles, 45:00, 21.63mph
Run 1.25 mile, 15:00, 12:00/mile average

It's just beginning

For those of you who read my post from yesterday.... remember how I said kids are like walking barometers? Well, today they were even worse then yesterday. It's was freakin' out of control today!

It has been raining and windy here in Fargo ND all day. The wind is getting worse. Before leaving work today I was emailed pictures of southwestern part of ND and they have received inches and inches of snow.

Just 2.5 hours west of here, in Bismarck (aka The Bizz), they have already been hit with snow as well... don't believe me? Just check it out here, at Ms. Math's Snapshots.

Hopefully tomorrow I won't be posting pictures of all the snow. I don't think it is supposed to get much below freezing. But, let's not hold our breath. I think the 2008-2009 winter season is just beginning.

A little of this... a little of that...

Feeling Better
Looking back on my post yesterday, I realized how stressed and tired I was. Talk about a crabby patty. Geeez! When I finally pulled myself off the couch to get ready for bed shortly after 8pm, my whole body was just sore. I knew I was going to sleep like a baby. And I did. It's amazing what sleep can do for me.... especially 9 hours. Supposedly I had a bit more color in my face today...

On the House Front
I was finally able to get a copy of my 2005 taxes and W-2's. I seriously don't know where mine went (I am afriad they got tossed in the move a year ago). With that note, I have everything checked off the list of things I need to get to my mortgage councelor prior to closing, except for another pay stub. That will have to wait until next friday.

Work-related
I have to clarify... my comment about a student of mine biting. He didn't bite me, it was another student. He has never bit a student before. This happened at recess for god-knows-what-reason. I am hoping it was just a fluke and it will never happen again.

Weather
I am glad to hear I am not the only one missing summer already.... mostly the warmer temps for me. The temps have not only been cool the past couple of weeks, but gloomy as well. It rained today and we are in a flood advisory, again. I am afraid that ND is going to get screwed and miss out on fall... winter will be here before we know it. Hopefully the snow can wait until after my move.

Afternoon workout
I was reminded today why I absolutely despise working-out between the hours of 4 and 6. PM, that is. So freakin' busy that I wasn't able to get a treadmill for more than 30 minutes. That totally killed my idea of doing a longer run. However, I improvised. I lifted first, focusing on the lower body, doing an extra rep on all machines. Feel the burn. THen, I got on the treadmill, for my allotted 30 stinkin' minutes. I wanted to work on some speed, so I had an idea. First 10 minutes, run atleast 5.5 miles/hour; second 10 minutes a little faster, and then the third 10 minutes, slower again. Here's what it looked like when you break it down.
10:00 - .86 miles
10:00 - .97 miles (kept going until I reached 1 mile = 10:11)
10:00 - .92 miles
TOTAL = 2.78 miles
I had fun with this run. Next time I try this, I think I will try to push myself a little harder during that second 10 minute session. I was so freakin' hot and sweatin' like crazy afterwards.

Today's Song: Nelly - Hot in Here

UPDATE: When I woke this morning (Thursday) at 4:45, my throat was swolen. Yep. I think I am sick. I couldn't pull myself out of bed to head to the pool. Just the thought of trying to swim with such head congestion was enough to keep me in bed.

*** And the new header... is a picture of the UND Campus, from the UND Homecoming Race I did last September. Unfortunately I won't be able to do it this year as I will be moving into my house that weekend!***

The past few days....

Wednesday I went in for a haircut. Mind you, my hair was getting very long (middle of back), and with it being so heaving and thick, I had to get it chopped. I wanted it just long enough to still get in a low ponytail for when it's hot, working out, and when I am just too plain lazy to do it. And that is exactly what she did...and then some. Damn, it turned out shorter than I was envisioning. However, I figure it will be back to my shoulders by the time school starts back up.

Thursday night I didn't get to the cycle group ride. I actually did my bike workout earlier in the day as the forcast predicted rain. Sure enough, it ended up raining (briefly) while we would have been out on our bikes. Instead I opted to watch the Celtics and their unbelievable comeback (in hi-def) with a couple friends. That was an amazing game. Period.

Friday night a few of us went bowling and I was quite surprised to see how well I did considering there was no alchohol involved! I bowled 117 in the first game and 109 in the second. Anything above 100 is good for me!

Last night we had a nice little tornado warning here. I am extremely fascinated by weather, but as soon as it is too close for comfort, I am scared shitless. The sirens were going off like crazy and the black clouds outside my patio were rotating. Supposedly a funnel was located about 7 miles southwest of my apartment. I grabbed my purse, keys and shoes and joined a handful of other neighbors in the basement. Luckily nothing came of the storm and in less than a half hour the sun was shining. Ahhh.

The streaking lives on! I am actually enjoying this, because to be honest, I have been a bit bored with all the extra free time. I am not as productive as one would like to be with all my free time. Here's what the streak looks like 15 days into it....

Total days: 15 (12:19:45)
# of Swims: 5 (2:54:00)
# of Rides: 6 (3:52:00)
# of Runs: 6 (2:45:45)
# of ST: 3 (1:02:00)
# of Walks: 1 (32:00)
# of Turbo Sculpt Sessions: 1 (40:00)


It's another gloomy/rainy/cool day and I look forward to relaxing a bit; reading, watching the Twins, reading, and watching the 5th game of the NBA Finals. Do the Lakers even have a smidgen of a chance? Because I love a good playoff game, it would be fun to see the Laker's win tonight in Boston territory... plus it would probably make my Dad a happy camper! .... come on... it's Father's day people! Happy Father's Day, Dad! I hope you have a great day! Same goes for all the other father's out there as well.

Don't worry, once the finals are over, this blog will have a new look with new colors! :)

Thursday: Bike 15.63 miles, 46:00, 20.38mph
Friday: Turbo Sculpt, 40 minutes;
Swim 1200M, 26:00, 2:10min/100M
Saturday: Run 3.2 miles, 40:22, 12:36 min/mile
Sunday: Bike 15.24 miles, 42:00, 21.77mph;
Lift arms/core

weather permitting ...

I don't know about you, but I like to change things up a bit when I head to the gym, especially if I am confined to the gym. (I am sure this is part of the reason why I enjoy tri training so much.)

Today was no different. I didn't want to run too much as we are supposedto have softball later tonight (weather permitting). I didn't want to just bike and I didn't want to swim two days in a row. So I tried something different ... ran 1 mile, biked approximately 30 minutes, ran another 1 mile. To top it off, I did some strength training (ST) on the upper body and core region. I was dying at the end of my second run. It was already after 1pm and I was so hungry. I hadn't eaten since breakfast at 7. oops.

It's supposed to rain for the next four days starting later tonight. This drives me crazy because I was hoping to join the cycle group thursday evening. But, a part of me hopes the rain comes earlier tonight, so softball is cancelled .... which means I would be able to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals on a friend's new HD TV! Go Celtics!

Today's Workout: Streak Day 10
ORN: 1 mile, 11:07
OCN: 9.79 miles, 27:00, 21.75mph
ORN: 1 mile, 11:40
ST: 22 minutes (upper body and core)

You can take this weather and shove it ... UPDATED

I am still in the process of packing for my trip. It's been almost 2 years since my last flight anywhere, and I feel like I don't know how to pack or what to pack. Who knew it could be so much work!

I will be leaving tomorrow for the cities. But, like every time I travel, the weather takes a turn for the worst. We are under yet another winter storm watch. Damn! 6 more freakin' inches of snowy slushy crap!?! I am about to blow my top! For reals. I have to get to the cities tomorrow, as we fly out of MSP at 7am Friday morning!

Let's all pray for good weather! I am not letting this crap get in my way of sunny ArIzOnA!


*******UPDATE************

The 3 hour drive from Fargo to the cities yesterday afternoon/evening was horrible. I drove through almost every kind of weather; snow, sleet, ice pellets, rain, horizontal rain/snow, 30-60 mph wind gusts, slush, ice, etc. And, once I got to my sister's place, it was raining and we heard thunder. geez.

Our 7am flight departure out of MSP to PHX was CANCELED! We are pissed! We luckily were able to snag a later flight, departing at 11am. But, that has been delayed until noon. This is so frustrating.

I am just thinking of the nice weather I will be flying into ... ahhh..

David, bottled water only? Are you crazy?!? I will need a stiff drink once I get into Phoenix!

Expect lots of pictures when I return next wednesday!

Like Riding a Rollercoaster

For those of you who have followed my posts regularly, you may have somewhat of an idea as to what the weather has been like here in the past 3 weeks or so. Let's just recap a bit.

March 17: Gloomy and rainy. The temp was barely in the 30's.

March 18: The temp was 44 when I got home from work. The sun was shining and almost all of the snow was gone. I was able to take advantage of the nicer weather and run outside.

March 21: 3 days later and this is what we got. 7+ inches of snow and I was afraid I wasn't going to make it home for Easter.

March 28-30: In the cities and the temps were in the 40's... nice enough for jeans and sweatshirts. Ditch the winter jacket, right?

April 2: 47 degrees and a nice 3 mile run outdoors. yep. getting warmer. Spring is here?!

April 3: 56 degrees and a 9 miler ... tank top and pants. 'nuff said.

Today ... April 6th: We're under a Winter Weather Advisory. Blech. It's 30 degrees, and this is what it looks like right now ...I am so stinkin' sick of this rollercoaster ride of weather! But that didn't stop me from getting to the gym. It just took me longer to get there. I hit up the pool, shooting for a nice 45 minutes and was able to pull off a swim better and longer then evah before!! It felt soooo good!

OSN: 1800M
45:00
(2:30min./100M)
wu - 4x50M, 1 min/RI
2x100M, 1 min/RI
400M, 1 min/RI
1000M
no cool down

Afterwards, I was planning on getting on the bike for a half hour. But all the good bikes were taken. I didn't want to wait 20 minutes for a good bike, so instead I got on the thrillmill and walked a good 20 minutes ... with some hills.

OWN: 1.2 miles
20 minutes

Now, it's time to clean my apartment. I have some errands to run and I am starting to think that I should have done that yesterday.

Who asked for this crap?

What the....

5 inches of snow already, it's still snowing, and bad driving conditions? Three days ago this stuff was almost gone. I swear this only happens when I have to drive home!
Now, I didn't get my 9.5 miles in this morning. I was too tired, up late with some friends, and my right calf muscle is bothering me when I step off. grr. I am not too worried though because my plan calls for 14 miles two weeks prior to the half and I am not going to do more than 13 miles prior to the half. All is good .... and will fall into place!

Happy Easter weekend, y'all!

Saint Patrick's Day Crapalicious

I was up later than expected last night watching my Sioux beat Michigan Tech putting them into the WCHA Frozen Five Tournament this coming weekend. Therefore, I didn't have the motivation or desire to get up prior to 5am to swim, leaving it for later. Since that was an option.

I have seen so much green today I could puke. If you have worked or did work in a elementary school setting, you know exactly what I am talking about. Today was "wear green and jeans" day. Needless to say, I was happy to be wearing jeans on a Monday. I think some sort of Leprechaun came and took our semi-spring weather from us and I am absolutely peturbed. The weather was so gloomy today I could scream. It couldn't decide whether it should spit snow or drool raindrops. yuck.But, I am going to make the most of this gloomy ass day! An hour of pilates (check) and I off to the pool here shortly!

Maybe I will catch me-self a handsome lad!

Polar Bear Weather

Current Temp: -19, feels like -35 .... or in layman's terms for most of you who don't get to experience this kind of weather on a regular basis (or 2-3 months out of the year) and most of you are probably currently 100 degrees warmer ---

• so cold the moisture in the corner of your eyes begin to freeze your eyes shut,
  
• you breathe in through your nose as you step outside and instantly you can feel the snot freeze within your nose hairs,
  
• your teeth hurt, thus causing you to breathe through your nose which is already a problem (see note above)
  
• Gloves don't cut it, and some mittens aren't going to help your finger tips from beginning to sting or become numb within a matter of 30 seconds,
• you face and ears become so numb that after a half hour of being indoors, you finally start to get feeling in your skin ... and possibly some stinging sensation.

So cold... that it made gasing up my vehicle tens times more miserable ... especially when it seemed as if the gas cap was frozen on, the buttons on the pump were broken, and then I proceeded to get gas all over my North Face Gloves. Yes, I was wearing wearing gloves rather than my heavy duty mittens... but I don't think that would have made a difference.

And yes, Mr. at the pump next to me with a smirk on your face, I was jammin' out to Unskinny Bop (by Poison) ... and loud... in my car.

I will admit. I am still on my 80's kick.

Give me a couple more weeks. By then I am sure I will be back to my rap phase...

A Night at Home

I was supposed to be participating in a 3 hour CPR training today from 430-730, and then I was hoping that I would get to the pool afterwards. At about 10am this morning, they had canceled the CPR training due to the weather forcasts for this afternoon.

I new it was going to snow today, but didn't realize that it was going to be that bad. Well, it has been snowing steady since noon. I new that if the forecast was true and it was going to snow this steady until 7pm it was going to pile up and I didn't want to be driving home from the gym (across town) at 9pm.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST THURSDAY.

SNOW HAS SPREAD INTO THE SOUTHERN RED RIVER VALLEY AND IS MOVING INTO WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES THIS EVENING. THE SNOW WILL END LATE TONIGHT WITH TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 8 INCHES LIKELY. THE HEAVIEST ACCUMULATIONS APPEAR LIKELY NEAR A FARGO TO FERGUS FALLS LINE.

NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 15 TO 25 MPH TONIGHT CAUSING AREAS OF REDUCED VISIBILITIES IN BLOWING SNOW AND DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS OF 25 BELOW TO 35 BELOW ZERO.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...BLOWING SNOW...AND DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS ARE OCCURRING OR WILL OCCUR WITHIN THE NEXT 12 HOURS. THESE ELEMENTS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

As much as I am disappointed about not getting to the gym today, I am kind of excited. This will be my first evening without something to do with work or the gym since last Wednesday. What ever will I do with my evening? Possibly catch up on some Runners World Magazine, watch some basketball, catch up on some blog reading, and .... chill!

Rock out, people!