Contrary to what it seems, I have not fallen off the face the earth! Been very busy with work and dealing with relationship stress/issues, and not 100% consistent with the OS workouts, but hitting them at about 75% of the time. I just spent the past hour (ok, two hours) catching up on this forum, and it made me realize I need to get back here more often. You all crack me up, and make me smile!
Love the talk about the holidays. I really dislike this time of year because of the materialistic, self-inflicted stress frenzy that people create for themselves. Luckily I convinced my family a long time ago to no longer exchange gifts with me, and they're all ok with it. I do love winter, and love spending times with friends and family, and like bright shiny objects(!), so I don't entirely dislike December...just the commercialized aspect of the holidays that I truly despise. I love the donating to charity ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Welcome to all the new members! Congrats to those of you who've done races in the past 2 months!
Still looking forward to meeting lots of you at the IMWI training camp, when you descend upon MadCity in July! And the offer still stands for any of you in the area before then to meet up for a workout or just a chat at a coffee shop.
Thanks for being such a great, supportive resource. Hopefully I'll be here a little more often now.
-m (aka the "other M", and aka the "other michele"!)
I was just rereading the many thoughts about the holidays here. A landscape of views. But, how wonderful that we can all come here, and speak our mind, no matter the sentiment.
G--I agree. I have to say reading your love of the holiday makes me smile and helps me reconnect with the good part. I enjoyed the lights very much driving about tonight. I do have a wreath up, and it looks nice on the freshly painted house.
Michele--welcome back!!! Nice to hear from you! Madison is going to be rockin'!
Welcome back the other Michele!! did I spell it right? okay rambling Friday night conversation...
yes looking forward to WI camp and nope haven't got the sig thing done... since new forum! but yes I am still in for WI....
well the dog fell in our pool, yes in the deep and andrew rescued him, I mean to tell ya, he is worse than the kids! of course cold and wet and we were all shaking!! bought new collar so he won't pull and will test out tomorrow after my lesson today. he hasn't regressed but not much progress admittedly!! and he is quite the Drama King as he was really milking almost drowning! this morning's 1 mile run, there were just a few moments of "zen" like dog/person running but they felt good and motivated me to keep on trying.
I am going to sleep in tomorrow!! no school! yeah and nothing scheduled. watch it will only be 7 a.m.! but still.
*okay.....
Christmas around here, traditional. In fact, everybody loves to be at home for the holiday, likes the normal baked goodies, love presents and other trinkets to include stuffed stockings, I have a big tree, decorations in many of the rooms and loads of pics of Christmas past in my house. Joe and I are both Christian and believe in Jesus so this holiday is special, as so is Easter. Yes the Nativity story is told but the whole concept of "God with Us" is mind boggling and intriguing at the same time..... for us not to be perfect but have a perfect God who loves us, is just so liberating no matter the time of year!! Christmas Eve Service is quite spiritual as it normally ends with a candlelit sanctuary and a hushness falls over the place as revelation occurs on a year ending and a new one beginning, reflection on what was important and what really wasn't....and a peace that surpasses all, descends and warms and with tears glistening, God's perfect love is reiterated as evidenced by Jesus making his appearance on this Earth and then dying on the cross taking on our sins so that we might all have the opportunity for eternity in heaven if we believe!. I am absolutely in love with God and as many of you know, running puts me in contact with some special early morning quiet times with HIM. well now that I think of it, I have felt God's presence while swimming and just today talked to Him while I rode! I have made many mistakes and need forgiveness, or don't have the wisdom and need guidance, or ask for healing, or just desire a perfect being to have a personal relationship with... God who loves me no matter what, will never change on me, will always be there for me so I go to HIM for comfort, wisdom, passion renewed, friendship, laughter, wonderment and I marvel at the things he has done for me and wonder what the future holds..... Christmas is the holiday where I can focus just a bit more on His LOVE for me....and praise Him with all the great songs, services, books and etc. It is a time when my family draws together and we just know each other's faults but connect yet again as this holiday is a "rally point"! the Bible is online, in the bookstores and in the grocery stores, and the Nativity story is in the first few books of the New Testament but talked about in the Old!
well, that is a wrap and again Blessings to each of you and welcome to the Chickas who haven't been here in awhile! Healing to those in recovery! and Power to those who are NOT!! ha.
I was just rereading the many thoughts about the holidays here. A landscape of views. But, how wonderful that we can all come here, and speak our mind, no matter the sentiment.
I could not agree more! Love to all of you Chickas! And welcome back Michele! Marianne- I'll be "Sleeping In" to 7:00 with ya tomorrow! Wooohooo!
went to bed at 8 and got up at 8!! nights of prednisone came to an end and i crashed!! coffee now and dog let out of kennel with grace taking him out! 36 outside high of 47 so about to get dressed in winter garb for run with dog with new "gentle collar"...! christmas party tonight with other Mission Guatemala group, "Fiesta" and tomorrow night serving a meal at a Veteran House, I am looking forward to both! all kids and hubby home... Sun is out! m
I am so glad to hear everyone else's Christmas stories! Once I make it to church on Christmas Eve I am in awe and wonder of the season and as Marianne pointed out all of the things in life that we have to be so grateful for and the day to day gifts. Like Michele most of the things I want are more expensive than what I would ever be comfortable asking for - ie my Power Tap that I got in July. That was my Christmas and that's when I really WANTED it! We have managed to transition a lot of our gifting to donations. Heifer Int. is one of our favorites as is Living Waters for the World and the church camp in our Presbytery is in dire need as well. I always donate to USO too. So each year more and more people get a card saying what we have donated to in their honor along with some home baked cookies and stolen. All that said I am aspiring to a Christmas like Lindas - no tree or decorating to deal with! The boys really love all of it though and they are so happy to be out of school and just be able to have fun and sleep in for a few weeks. What I would like more than anything would be just to spend time with the family - preferable on a warm island with sand between my toes ! We are working our way toward that I hope - taking the boys for an overnight to an indoor waterpark as part of their gift in lieu of gifts under the tree this year, thinking of renting a cabin in the Smokies next year for New Year and having family come join us (work is too busy at Christmas for us to be gone on the day just yet) and the following year a Dec. trip to Australia w/ the kids!! So heading in the right direction.
So I am really really procrastinating here. I should be suiting up for a run, but it is snowing and cold and rained all day yesterday so it's muddy and yucky outside! I usually run on "trails" which are more like mowed paths out in some fields so pretty slippery out there today. I haven't figured out how best to protect my feet in these kinds of conditions and I am still a little afraid to run on the roads (hard surfaces) so it looks like a trip to gym for the dreadmill . Also, had my first Reynauds attack of the year yesterday - need to go pick up a bottle of the L- Arginine while I am out. How much do you take Linda? and do you spread it out through the day?
Here is a virtual Christmas Card for all of you Chicas! we sent this out on our Christmas Card this year - Merry Christmas!!!
a gorgeous card and family!!! so handsome too. Heifer Intl is located right here in LR!! yep their HQ is one of the places my kids go to for field trips. Yes my favorite Christmas was 3 years ago when we took a cruise as a family and I was on the beach!! we flew back on Christmas Day and went to my mother in laws but my family likes it here! but no kidding, the warm sand two days before Christmas, divine!!! That was the trip that my suitcase was left in Houston port.. which we didn't know until the hotel morning, Christmas Day when I didn't have anything to wear , so had to wear the day before's clothes!
I'm soooooo glad you gals mentioned Heifer International. That's one of the orgs I originally looked at to "buy a goat" for Dad. But my initial investigation showed a lot of the donation went to administrative fees. I did another search (since you all mentioned it again) and found there's actually TWO Heifer organizations (both in Little Rock). One is Heifer Foundation (basically an organization that manages an endowment for Heifer International- so it makes sense lots of it's $ goes to admin) and the OTHER is Heifer International- which is the actual group that does the work of providing animals to families all over the world as a way to help them create an economic benefit to their community and end hunger.
Thanks ladies- I think I might just be adding a Goat to Dad's Road ID for his present this year!
I am trying to get information on admin costs for a group called Pigs for Peace. Very similar to the goat and cow programs, it was started in part by a nurse. If I get an answer, I will post the data.
Just waiting for the snow and already planning to ski once it is dark out tomorrow night.
Got a pedicure. Have decided to try and be better to my feet in the coming year. But wearing sandals in winter is CRAZY! My toes were freezing waiting for the polish to dry! I had a vibrant purple color put on. Ands thanks to Marianne's advice, I waited until after my run (and shower).
Mailed off gifts to the niece and nephews, friend in NC. Tomorrow is an all day bake and cook fest. I am really looking forward to that. Monday at work we are having a potluck that will be finger foods. I am making a beef crostini. Very yummy. It will be one of the few days when I will allow my self to eat ANYTHING I want. I will likely regret it at the Wednesday morning weigh-in, but at least I have maintained until this point.
I love Heifer International! One year, my cousin gave everyone in the family farm animals. It is surprisingly entertaining to "get' a goat for Christmas. My boss made a donation to the Art Institute in my name and work made another to one of my favorite small theaters. I found this to be very cool.
The four-foot vintage aluminum Christmas tree is up and my sister is one her way over so we can cook tradiitonal Ukrainian Christmas Eve food. She knows how to make one of the things and I know how to make the other, so we are going to teach each other our recipes tonight. Mm. Borsht. Good food and probably lots of stories about our Grandpa Walter, who was the definition of zen farmer. His cows also only understood ukrainian. I don't think anyone ever taught them cow commands in english. ;-)
Last night, Mac and I watched "Holiday Inn." Bing Crosby singing, Fred Astaire dancing. Edith Head designing costumes Mmm. So much fun. I've been humming "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and the Easter Parade song all day.
To dispel any lingering rumor that I'm a total grinch , we're about to fire up White Christmas. I watch it at least twice every year. I remain enraptured with Vera Ellen's dancing--what that impossibly small body can do. Anywho, that woman can move, and every time I watch it I think she would have been one fasssst athlete. You can just tell. That, and the snow at the end gets me every time.
Robin, that's a beautiful picture! For what I see at least in that photo, those two cute boys look just like YOU! I love boys that age. It's quite the best.
OK, some of my chicka friends here laid down the smack on FB about my winter dog-walking burka. Pix or it didn't happen, huh? Well, here you go--me and Cali walking at 7 degrees with windchill! OMG, it cracks me up every time I look at it.
Here's the the complete wardrobe debriefing:
Fleece shirt
My flannel jammie bottoms
A pair of my boys old snow pants--take a look at the little boy knee wear for a laugh
Patagonia down "sweater"--this is the best thing ever
Marmot winter coat--300 Polartec jacket inside with Gortex over
Fleece next gator
Crazy shearling trapper hat--Nothing penetrates that--no cold, no wind. That thing is lined with like 2" of shearling. Makes my head look like a watermelon, but I do not care.
Shearling mittens--as good as the hat, leaving me with warm hands.
Shearling boots--so warm I do wear them with no socks
I was out for an hour and 15 minutes, and was just as comfy as could be. I good thing I'm not trying to get a date, huh?
Linda- Oh yes! I remember those dog walking days. And I do miss them! You can not tell it's you!
I heard from the nurse that started Pigs for Peace.
Below is her response to my question about admin costs. I think I have a winner this year.
The Pigs for Peace project is led by my colleague Mitima Remy, who is the Director of PAIDEK, a congolese led microfinance organization. PAIDEK has been providing economic empowerment programs in Eastern DRC since 1996. I do want to emphasize the project is led by Congolese, who have a commitment to the health, economic empowerment and security of women and their families. Since Pigs for Peace is directed and managed by an existing Congolese microfinance organization, our administrative costs are minimal. Specifically, for a the $50 donation, $40 is used to purchase the pig at the market and $10 is used to support transportation of the pigs to the village to provide to the family, as well as the initial support such as food, materials to build the pen and vet support as needed. We have no paid staff. All involved with the project are doing this work because we know the pig will be a start for the family in rebuilding their lives - and we hope rebuilding peace in the region.
Linda- I would NEVER think of you as a Grinch!! But you do look like a burgler all dressed in black with that "mask" on! Thank goodness you have Cali with you or I'd be scared of you!
Michele- I'm so glad you found a great org. for this years gift. It doesn't surprise me in the least how much all of the ladies here are doing with charities this year! Such a wonderful group!
Loved all the different stories and views on Holidays, and even more so, like Gina said- this is such a great forum that we can all express our views and still be accepted and loved.
I am somewhere in the middle. I despise the commercialization of Christmas and undo stress people impose upon themselves. Love all the ideas on charity. My big thing is to be with family. last year was rough because it was the first without my father. My aunt did something special and made photo albums , with pics of each of us with my dad over the years.
Gina- sound like you have something special planned for your mom and family
Welcome back Michele
Robin- loved the family picture, beautiful family.
Linda- loved the pic of you bundled up with Cali!
M-Happy to hear post steroid sleep, and little bits of running?
My knee over last few days is feeling better. here was a day earlier in week it just started throbbing. i think i was getting better blood flow to those tendons. My ART guys says it is moving better, improved ROM, not as gritty. Today I can actually press on tendons and inner thigh muscles without much tenderness. Monday may try a short zone 1-2 ride and pool run.
Ok here are some vids of me pre-shovel out my car and post- shovel . I posted on FB about shoveling out my car- Gina said pics or it didn't happen. So did so with phone. Glad I have a subaru, it will be my first time driving all wheel drive in snow. It has been just about 24 hrs and still snowing.
I never thought of you as Grinch!! although my favorite cartoon holiday style!! yes I love White Christmas and one time I met Bing Crosby in the airport! I was so enthralled with all of his movies but he was an "old man" when I met him!! and about to open a golf tournament! I was 13! on my way to England by myself with my sister so were in the VIP lounge along with him.
loved the snow and dog pics!! very funny dog pic. and I am about to wear my own layers to walk Rudy, but not as cold as that! ok coffee is ready so read everything but gotta scoot
OMG Tracy- did you actually get the car out and down that ally this morning???? I think I would have just walked!
Yes, Got it out Nemo, thanks to my subaru outback and all-wheel drive. Love that car! Was nervous at first, but when I felt how car was responding, felt better. Left a little earlier to try to hit the starbucks that is usually open, but they were closed. Gasp!!!!!!
Now, having some somewhat reasonable coffee and breakfast
Tracy- Glad to hear you made it to work safely. Your area got more snow than where I am, although it's still snowing here. I miss Baltimore. Big storm in 2001 or 2002 closed down stuff for 3 days. I was hating not having a garage. Now I own a subaru and have no problems, but love my garage- even without doors!
Getting ready to go for a ski. Last year I was yelled at by the plow guy, so I will head down to the conservation area and behave. This is my favorite part! Gotta go duct tape my ski binding! Will try to take pics later.
love the triathlete post! unfortunately i don't have PM either, can't swing one this year but maybe next~ love reading everyone's post. now out the door for a run in the cold. at least it's 40degF
Mary glad you posted in here cuz I got 29 Dec your surgery in my mind!! I am having a mole removed off my scalp that same day (me = big chicken!!! ), small potatoes, but it helped me remember your date!!!
and no I don't have 7 degrees but here is me and Rudy this morning!
and fashion report: underarmour "bike shorts" under Brooks tights, these are the first pair I ever bought and they won't die!, smartwool socks, Sugoi jog top with built in bra, then Nike warm turtleneck, then purple top by Target (also wont' die), then Target black jacket that was left at my house!!! lol... but hey nobody claimed it and it was my size, headband also by Target and liner gloves cuz couldn't find others in messy car!! I knew I would be walking some of it trying to get Rudy to stop pulling, every time he does, I stop and then say "heel" again!! so a bit overdressed but I was "comfy" as Linda says. and I got to thinking and I have run about 1 - 2 miles every day since Last Saturday = 9 days! yep having a dog is a great thing and I thanked God for Rudy this morning!! he rides in the car quite intent cuz he knows we are heading for a run!! anyways we did this before church and both of us were happy at the end!! I bought him another bone, ($6 per week habit of his!!) today and some more dog food! m
Linda: I like your Ninja Dog Walker outfit. You and Cali match!
Robin: That's a lovely family picture---the boys look like they're ready for an adventure.
Michele M: Welcome back! Are you in NOS? I basically took this last week as "recovery". Did some short runs, the Power Hack test..but that's it. At first, I fretted about missing the workouts, but IMMoo is >9 months away. So poof! about 95% of the guilt is gone.
Marianne: Great to hear you're able to run without pain...makes the Prednisone stint worth it.
Tracy: Same to you...any day without knee pain is a good one! Hope you've dug yourself out of all that snow.
So after going out with friends (friends that are semi-retired and spend their days skiing, snowboarding, wind-surfing, and mountain biking), the DH says to me,"Do you ever feel like triathlon gets in the way with life?" My first thought was,"Doode, we must check your PMC chart and make sure you haven't dug yourself into a hole!'Ha! What a geek! My answer was: If you're asking me if there's something else I'd rather being doing right now besides training for IMMoo, I'd have to say No. So no, triathlon isn't getting in the way with life. Which is not to say that come springtime when all my mtb buddies are out riding in the dirt and I'm doing some ABP ride with my nose in the PM or doing Coach Rich's swim drills and golf, I just might be slightly bitter about it. I know that the whole IM thing will sometimes feel like a burden. I also know that all this training may not result in the time goals that I set for myself. However, the opportunity to meet/bond with/share the training and race experience with all the EN chickas is such a rare and wonderful thing that it really is what I'd rather be doing with my free time. Which is to then say that my time goals are secondary to the race experience. This is first for me, gals. I've adjusted my goals in the middle of races due to a bad swim, weather, mechanical problem and have told myself that I can salvage the day by "just having fun"/"being grateful"/"making race friends and thanking volunteers". But at the end of the day, I am all about the numbers and will be disappointed with missing my goals. Thank goodness for FTP and Vdot, because I can at least comfort myself with those numbers when I fall short on a race to validate my fitness and all the work I put into it.
I'm not sure when this shift happened, but I'm sure that not having IMWI on my radar until the promise of >10 En chicas being at the race and Coach Rich in a pink speedo was part of it. Also, recovering from this running injury has tempered my expectations too. Another thing was my whole experience racing cyclocross this fall---Despite coming in DEAD LAST in every single race, I had sooo much fun and made some really nice friends. I can't wait to do it all again next Oct.
I thought I'd share that with y'all since I'm dragging all of you with me on this long, strange journey...
2 X 1 hr spin workouts, 15' brick and an 8 mile run today- woohoo! Hitting the Holiday Run Challenge (so if any of you gals wanna put together a team let me know!! I also think we should have extra points available for style..) the off to JAN OS!! Got my nails done this week (a lovely Christmas red) and I've also found that OPI I'm not really a waitress (dark wine/red color) also works on those black nails! Also got my hair done, so we're back to a shade darker than the pics below. My natural color is as dark brown as you can get without being black. Love having fun with the color!
Haven't wrapped a single present yet and still procrastinating so posting up some pics from the marathon. Here's the start, a chilly one low to mid 30's
Started with the pace group- I can't image running 26 holding up these little signs. These folks are awesome
me in the middle- there's a gel flask in my back jacket pocket
Can't tell ya GOOD this choc milk was!!!!
And from my family to yours, Wishing you and your families the Happiest of Holidays!
Kris - I love I'm Not Really a Waitress. My toes were that color for Steelhead.
And the winter fashion? Fabulous! Linda, your outfit looks almost like Mac's ski outfit -- you just need to add yellow boots.
Kitima - Rock on. Who else gets to do Ironman with so many other chickas? And from all over the country? We're like the olympics.
I have a suitcase half-packed for skiing. So leaving for a vacation and having Christmas the same week? May have been a little ambitious. Fortunately, I'm going to a place where I can go out for dinner in my snow pants. Mac and I realized it was also possible to go on vacation without computers. The macbook is staying home for three weeks. That, I believe, the the twenty-first century definition of "roughing it."
Kit--that's a great perspective. Nemo reminds me all the time that we can have fun, share an amazing experience, and still try to do well. That's a novel idea, isn't it? I'm with you. This is a new course for me, and the weather in WI can be all over the place. I'm not sure what I can expect from myself. I feel I KNOW that in FL, on a good day, I could make sub-13 happen. There is not a doubt in my mind. But this time, I will absolutely refuse to fret over the outcome. I will be as prepared as I can, race as smartly as I can, and the results will take care of themselves. But the connection and comaraderie here--how could that ever be repeated? This is about something different for me too.
Kris--that is one rockin' day! Nice race pix too. You did SO great there. Proud of you, GF--always! My hair is dark like yours too. It's still colored dark brown, but the natural color that comes is in even blacker! If I tried to match it, it would look like a teenage Emo color! Gorgeous kids too. That's a great shot!
Off to bundle up in the winter burka, and take the dog a-romping. Then back home for the bike test. Not a nail biter this time--I'm ready. Keith has these two weeks off, so it's really nice not having to shoulder the load here alone during the day for the next bit! Scootin' off!
GIRLS!! I've been lurking but just haven't had the energy to post. You've all been prolific in your stories, and I've just been unable to bring myself to write much. Maybe it's because my legs are so spent from this week's workouts....I know, "but you type with your fingers, not your legs." I don't know. I'm making excuses, I guess. But the fact is I miss you all and I need to reach back out....here we go!!
Beth - If you want to do anything in Denver or Summit County (or use Summit County as a launch pad to get to Vail for a day) while you're in CO, let me know. For you and Mac I'm hopeful that we get some snow. We're warm and sunny and dry here in CO. While the rest of the country is snowbound. Snow dancing will commence at 2:30 PM MST Seriously touch base with me if you want no obligation of course. I know that it can be good to just be on vacay and not have to connect or coordinate anything with anyone, but if we have an opportunity to meet. That'd be cool-eeeee-oh!
The dogs are so cute! Always are! I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle right now...Not very far in yet, but loving the dogs and the fact that some of the story seems to be written from the POV of a dog.
Kris you look as great in your run pics as you do in the family pic! I look like ick in pretty much every run/tri pic there is.
Kitima - I love your thought process on whether IM gets in the way of life or vice versa. I sometimes think IM and training creates opportunities to REALLY LIVE. Sometimes I think without it life could get pretty dull. And as you pointed out, maybe the goal isn't always a time or a particular performance goal. Maybe it really is just about THIS! All of us coming together and supporting each other, laughing about stuff, etc.
I'm sorry all of you are buried in snow, but hope that you are finding some joy in it! It can be fun to be socked in under tons of that stuff! It was sooooo different talking with my parent's (DC) and my sister (C'ville, VA) this weekend and having them tell us about how much snow they had and being able to tell them that it was in the 50s here. Definitely different. Odd weather patterns.
Let me be clear, this week triathlon for me was just plain hard. I hurt! Went to my ART friend on Thursday and she felt like she was torturning me, I think. I could barely breathe when she was working on me and she kept asking whether I was OK or if she was hurting me too much.
I'm hoping that it really is true; that work really is speed entering the body. Right now all it feels like is stuff EXITING my body....
Off to Periodontist this morning....I think that's officially ALL of the "dontists."
KrisF, great pics and yes I am doing the holiday run challenge if you wanna team up. mileage is low though but should be no problem every day since Rudy is here!. nice family, good looking kids AND the Mama!!
Olivia, sorry you are whooped , I guess something is working right? good luck at the Dontist!
dog is whining in kennel so gotta layer up and go outside! talk at ya later. m
Olivia- your journey simply has been amazing! I envy you having an ART buddy at your disposal- I'd have to drive 2 hours to find one!!! Good luck at the dentist today!
Kit- you expressed how I feel about IMWI so nicely. Yes, I have a goal to go sub 13. But I'm so excited to be doing IMWI with all of these fabulous woman that I get excited just thinking about race day and how much fun it will be to see everyone on the course that I know- whatever will be will be- and I'm gonna have a BLAST in the process. In my dreams I imagine running the marathon with nearly all of you at some point or another and then crossing that finish line at 12:59 holding hands with Linda and having the biggest smiles on our faces. I get choked up just thinking about it!!!
Kris- that's one big medal!!! Love the pics, and that your having fun with the hair color. I stopped highlighting mine about 10 years ago and have been trying to age gracefully allowing the grey to show through. What I don't understand is why my hair color gets darker as the greys increase! What's up with that? They would be so much easier to camoflage if my auburn hair were still auburn!!!!
Finally- my shoulders are KILLING me! Oy- that 100 push up challenge is something else! What ever happened to the EN mantra of not adding anything to the OS plans? Geeeeze I'm glad I don't start the OS for another few weeks!
Olivia--as a vet I just want to say sometimes you have to be careful with this EN stuff. It's not a straight line, and sometimes it just becomes too much. This is as hard as any of us have every worked in training, I would argue, and from time to time you have to stand down--don't care if it's in the middle of OS. By stand down, I mean maybe three days in a row of shorter or easier or both--then pick it back up full throttle. Don't run into that brick wall--sounds like you might be clunking your head against it just a tad? You really have to figure out when to push through, and when to back off. There's a difference in the body, and figuring it out is one of the smarter things you can do training here. It's kind of the like epic stuff that will get fired up once the weather gets nice--it works for some, not for others. Some thrive, others need to stay away. Personally, I would no more stick in an epic block than a man in the moon. I'd love to, but it's a recipe for me to get burned out and hurt. Just clearly assess where you are, and take a few days (it's just a few days) easier if you need to. Don't wait until you're forced to. Says mom.
BTW, on FB Mancona's sweet wife Theresa put up this poll to guess the baby's gender, due date, etc. I put in my guess! Let's have an EN contingent on there. It will make them smile. http://www.expectnet.com/game...wbr>Ancona
Ice dam leaking in the dining room has delayed take off on the bike test. About to launch ASAP!
Comments
Contrary to what it seems, I have not fallen off the face the earth! Been very busy with work and dealing with relationship stress/issues, and not 100% consistent with the OS workouts, but hitting them at about 75% of the time. I just spent the past hour (ok, two hours) catching up on this forum, and it made me realize I need to get back here more often. You all crack me up, and make me smile!
Love the talk about the holidays. I really dislike this time of year because of the materialistic, self-inflicted stress frenzy that people create for themselves. Luckily I convinced my family a long time ago to no longer exchange gifts with me, and they're all ok with it. I do love winter, and love spending times with friends and family, and like bright shiny objects(!), so I don't entirely dislike December...just the commercialized aspect of the holidays that I truly despise. I love the donating to charity ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Welcome to all the new members! Congrats to those of you who've done races in the past 2 months!
Still looking forward to meeting lots of you at the IMWI training camp, when you descend upon MadCity in July! And the offer still stands for any of you in the area before then to meet up for a workout or just a chat at a coffee shop.
Thanks for being such a great, supportive resource. Hopefully I'll be here a little more often now.
-m (aka the "other M", and aka the "other michele"!)
I was just rereading the many thoughts about the holidays here. A landscape of views. But, how wonderful that we can all come here, and speak our mind, no matter the sentiment.
G--I agree. I have to say reading your love of the holiday makes me smile and helps me reconnect with the good part.
I enjoyed the lights very much driving about tonight. I do have a wreath up, and it looks nice on the freshly painted house. 
Michele--welcome back!!! Nice to hear from you! Madison is going to be rockin'!
Welcome back the other Michele!! did I spell it right? okay rambling Friday night conversation...
yes looking forward to WI camp and nope haven't got the sig thing done... since new forum! but yes I am still in for WI....
well the dog fell in our pool, yes in the deep and andrew rescued him, I mean to tell ya, he is worse than the kids! of course cold and wet and we were all shaking!! bought new collar so he won't pull and will test out tomorrow after my lesson today. he hasn't regressed but not much progress admittedly!! and he is quite the Drama King as he was really milking almost drowning! this morning's 1 mile run, there were just a few moments of "zen" like dog/person running but they felt good and motivated me to keep on trying.
I am going to sleep in tomorrow!! no school! yeah and nothing scheduled. watch it will only be 7 a.m.! but still.
*okay.....
Christmas around here, traditional. In fact, everybody loves to be at home for the holiday, likes the normal baked goodies, love presents and other trinkets to include stuffed stockings, I have a big tree, decorations in many of the rooms and loads of pics of Christmas past in my house. Joe and I are both Christian and believe in Jesus so this holiday is special, as so is Easter. Yes the Nativity story is told but the whole concept of "God with Us" is mind boggling and intriguing at the same time..... for us not to be perfect but have a perfect God who loves us, is just so liberating no matter the time of year!! Christmas Eve Service is quite spiritual as it normally ends with a candlelit sanctuary and a hushness falls over the place as revelation occurs on a year ending and a new one beginning, reflection on what was important and what really wasn't....and a peace that surpasses all, descends and warms and with tears glistening, God's perfect love is reiterated as evidenced by Jesus making his appearance on this Earth and then dying on the cross taking on our sins so that we might all have the opportunity for eternity in heaven if we believe!. I am absolutely in love with God and as many of you know, running puts me in contact with some special early morning quiet times with HIM.
well now that I think of it, I have felt God's presence while swimming and just today talked to Him while I rode! I have made many mistakes and need forgiveness, or don't have the wisdom and need guidance, or ask for healing, or just desire a perfect being to have a personal relationship with... God who loves me no matter what, will never change on me, will always be there for me so I go to HIM for comfort, wisdom, passion renewed, friendship, laughter, wonderment and I marvel at the things he has done for me and wonder what the future holds..... Christmas is the holiday where I can focus just a bit more on His LOVE for me....and praise Him with all the great songs, services, books and etc. It is a time when my family draws together and we just know each other's faults but connect yet again as this holiday is a "rally point"! the Bible is online, in the bookstores and in the grocery stores, and the Nativity story is in the first few books of the New Testament but talked about in the Old!
well, that is a wrap and again Blessings to each of you and welcome to the Chickas who haven't been here in awhile! Healing to those in recovery! and Power to those who are NOT!! ha.
I could not agree more! Love to all of you Chickas! And welcome back Michele! Marianne- I'll be "Sleeping In" to 7:00 with ya tomorrow! Wooohooo!
went to bed at 8 and got up at 8!! nights of prednisone came to an end and i crashed!! coffee now and dog let out of kennel with grace taking him out! 36 outside high of 47 so about to get dressed in winter garb for run with dog with new "gentle collar"...! christmas party tonight with other Mission Guatemala group, "Fiesta" and tomorrow night serving a meal at a Veteran House, I am looking forward to both! all kids and hubby home... Sun is out! m
I am so glad to hear everyone else's Christmas stories! Once I make it to church on Christmas Eve I am in awe and wonder of the season and as Marianne pointed out all of the things in life that we have to be so grateful for and the day to day gifts. Like Michele most of the things I want are more expensive than what I would ever be comfortable asking for - ie my Power Tap that I got in July. That was my Christmas and that's when I really WANTED it! We have managed to transition a lot of our gifting to donations. Heifer Int. is one of our favorites as is Living Waters for the World and the church camp in our Presbytery is in dire need as well. I always donate to USO too. So each year more and more people get a card saying what we have donated to in their honor along with some home baked cookies and stolen. All that said I am aspiring to a Christmas like Lindas - no tree or decorating to deal with! The boys really love all of it though and they are so happy to be out of school and just be able to have fun and sleep in for a few weeks. What I would like more than anything would be just to spend time with the family - preferable on a warm island with sand between my toes
! We are working our way toward that I hope - taking the boys for an overnight to an indoor waterpark as part of their gift in lieu of gifts under the tree this year, thinking of renting a cabin in the Smokies next year for New Year and having family come join us (work is too busy at Christmas for us to be gone on the day just yet) and the following year a Dec. trip to Australia w/ the kids!! So heading in the right direction.
So I am really really procrastinating here. I should be suiting up for a run, but it is snowing and cold and rained all day yesterday so it's muddy and yucky outside! I usually run on "trails" which are more like mowed paths out in some fields so pretty slippery out there today. I haven't figured out how best to protect my feet in these kinds of conditions and I am still a little afraid to run on the roads (hard surfaces) so it looks like a trip to gym for the dreadmill
. Also, had my first Reynauds attack of the year yesterday - need to go pick up a bottle of the L- Arginine while I am out. How much do you take Linda? and do you spread it out through the day?
Here is a virtual Christmas Card for all of you Chicas! we sent this out on our Christmas Card this year - Merry Christmas!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thanks ladies- I think I might just be adding a Goat to Dad's Road ID for his present this year!
I am trying to get information on admin costs for a group called Pigs for Peace. Very similar to the goat and cow programs, it was started in part by a nurse. If I get an answer, I will post the data.
Just waiting for the snow and already planning to ski once it is dark out tomorrow night.
Got a pedicure. Have decided to try and be better to my feet in the coming year. But wearing sandals in winter is CRAZY! My toes were freezing waiting for the polish to dry! I had a vibrant purple color put on. Ands thanks to Marianne's advice, I waited until after my run (and shower).
Mailed off gifts to the niece and nephews, friend in NC. Tomorrow is an all day bake and cook fest. I am really looking forward to that. Monday at work we are having a potluck that will be finger foods. I am making a beef crostini. Very yummy. It will be one of the few days when I will allow my self to eat ANYTHING I want. I will likely regret it at the Wednesday morning weigh-in, but at least I have maintained until this point.
I hear the couch calling me...
I love Heifer International! One year, my cousin gave everyone in the family farm animals. It is surprisingly entertaining to "get' a goat for Christmas. My boss made a donation to the Art Institute in my name and work made another to one of my favorite small theaters. I found this to be very cool.
The four-foot vintage aluminum Christmas tree is up and my sister is one her way over so we can cook tradiitonal Ukrainian Christmas Eve food. She knows how to make one of the things and I know how to make the other, so we are going to teach each other our recipes tonight. Mm. Borsht. Good food and probably lots of stories about our Grandpa Walter, who was the definition of zen farmer. His cows also only understood ukrainian. I don't think anyone ever taught them cow commands in english. ;-)
Last night, Mac and I watched "Holiday Inn." Bing Crosby singing, Fred Astaire dancing. Edith Head designing costumes Mmm. So much fun. I've been humming "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and the Easter Parade song all day.
To dispel any lingering rumor that I'm a total grinch
, we're about to fire up White Christmas. I watch it at least twice every year. 
I remain enraptured with Vera Ellen's dancing--what that impossibly small body can do. Anywho, that woman can move, and every time I watch it I think she would have been one fasssst athlete. You can just tell. That, and the snow at the end gets me every time.
Robin, that's a beautiful picture! For what I see at least in that photo, those two cute boys look just like YOU! I love boys that age. It's quite the best.
OK, some of my chicka friends here laid down the smack on FB about my winter dog-walking burka. Pix or it didn't happen, huh? Well, here you go--me and Cali walking at 7 degrees with windchill! OMG, it cracks me up every time I look at it.
Here's the the complete wardrobe debriefing:
Fleece shirt
My flannel jammie bottoms
A pair of my boys old snow pants--take a look at the little boy knee wear for a laugh
Patagonia down "sweater"--this is the best thing ever
Marmot winter coat--300 Polartec jacket inside with Gortex over
Fleece next gator
Crazy shearling trapper hat--Nothing penetrates that--no cold, no wind. That thing is lined with like 2" of shearling. Makes my head look like a watermelon, but I do not care.
Shearling mittens--as good as the hat, leaving me with warm hands.
Shearling boots--so warm I do wear them with no socks
I was out for an hour and 15 minutes, and was just as comfy as could be. I good thing I'm not trying to get a date, huh?
Linda- Oh yes! I remember those dog walking days. And I do miss them! You can not tell it's you!
I heard from the nurse that started Pigs for Peace.
Below is her response to my question about admin costs. I think I have a winner this year.
Michele- I'm so glad you found a great org. for this years gift. It doesn't surprise me in the least how much all of the ladies here are doing with charities this year! Such a wonderful group!
Hi Everyone-
Hope you are all having a nice weekend!
Loved all the different stories and views on Holidays, and even more so, like Gina said- this is such a great forum that we can all express our views and still be accepted and loved.
I am somewhere in the middle. I despise the commercialization of Christmas and undo stress people impose upon themselves. Love all the ideas on charity. My big thing is to be with family. last year was rough because it was the first without my father. My aunt did something special and made photo albums , with pics of each of us with my dad over the years.
Gina- sound like you have something special planned for your mom and family
Welcome back Michele
Robin- loved the family picture, beautiful family.
Linda- loved the pic of you bundled up with Cali!
M-Happy to hear post steroid sleep, and little bits of running?
My knee over last few days is feeling better. here was a day earlier in week it just started throbbing. i think i was getting better blood flow to those tendons. My ART guys says it is moving better, improved ROM, not as gritty. Today I can actually press on tendons and inner thigh muscles without much tenderness. Monday may try a short zone 1-2 ride and pool run.
Ok here are some vids of me pre-shovel out my car and post- shovel . I posted on FB about shoveling out my car- Gina said pics or it didn't happen. So did so with phone. Glad I have a subaru, it will be my first time driving all wheel drive in snow. It has been just about 24 hrs and still snowing.
www.youtube.com/watch
www.youtube.com/watch
I never thought of you as Grinch!! although my favorite cartoon holiday style!! yes I love White Christmas and one time I met Bing Crosby in the airport! I was so enthralled with all of his movies but he was an "old man" when I met him!! and about to open a golf tournament! I was 13! on my way to England by myself with my sister so were in the VIP lounge along with him.
loved the snow and dog pics!! very funny dog pic. and I am about to wear my own layers to walk Rudy, but not as cold as that!
ok coffee is ready so read everything but gotta scoot
Yes, Got it out Nemo, thanks to my subaru outback and all-wheel drive. Love that car!
Was nervous at first, but when I felt how car was responding, felt better. Left a little earlier to try to hit the starbucks that is usually open, but they were closed. Gasp!!!!!!
Now, having some somewhat reasonable coffee and breakfast
Tracy- Glad to hear you made it to work safely. Your area got more snow than where I am, although it's still snowing here. I miss Baltimore. Big storm in 2001 or 2002 closed down stuff for 3 days. I was hating not having a garage. Now I own a subaru and have no problems, but love my garage- even without doors!
Getting ready to go for a ski. Last year I was yelled at by the plow guy, so I will head down to the conservation area and behave. This is my favorite part! Gotta go duct tape my ski binding! Will try to take pics later.
unfortunately i don't have PM either, can't swing one this year but maybe next~ love reading everyone's post.
now out the door for a run in the cold. at least it's 40degF
Mary glad you posted in here cuz I got 29 Dec your surgery in my mind!! I am having a mole removed off my scalp that same day (me = big chicken!!! ), small potatoes, but it helped me remember your date!!!
and no I don't have 7 degrees but here is me and Rudy this morning!
and fashion report: underarmour "bike shorts" under Brooks tights, these are the first pair I ever bought and they won't die!, smartwool socks, Sugoi jog top with built in bra, then Nike warm turtleneck, then purple top by Target (also wont' die), then Target black jacket that was left at my house!!! lol... but hey nobody claimed it and it was my size, headband also by Target and liner gloves cuz couldn't find others in messy car!! I knew I would be walking some of it trying to get Rudy to stop pulling, every time he does, I stop and then say "heel" again!! so a bit overdressed but I was "comfy" as Linda says. and I got to thinking and I have run about 1 - 2 miles every day since Last Saturday = 9 days! yep having a dog is a great thing and I thanked God for Rudy this morning!! he rides in the car quite intent cuz he knows we are heading for a run!! anyways we did this before church and both of us were happy at the end!! I bought him another bone, ($6 per week habit of his!!) today and some more dog food! m
Linda: I like your Ninja Dog Walker outfit. You and Cali match!
Robin: That's a lovely family picture---the boys look like they're ready for an adventure.
Michele M: Welcome back! Are you in NOS? I basically took this last week as "recovery". Did some short runs, the Power Hack test..but that's it. At first, I fretted about missing the workouts, but IMMoo is >9 months away. So poof! about 95% of the guilt is gone.
Marianne: Great to hear you're able to run without pain...makes the Prednisone stint worth it.
Tracy: Same to you...any day without knee pain is a good one! Hope you've dug yourself out of all that snow.
So after going out with friends (friends that are semi-retired and spend their days skiing, snowboarding, wind-surfing, and mountain biking), the DH says to me,"Do you ever feel like triathlon gets in the way with life?" My first thought was,"Doode, we must check your PMC chart and make sure you haven't dug yourself into a hole!'
Ha! What a geek! My answer was: If you're asking me if there's something else I'd rather being doing right now besides training for IMMoo, I'd have to say No. So no, triathlon isn't getting in the way with life. Which is not to say that come springtime when all my mtb buddies are out riding in the dirt and I'm doing some ABP ride with my nose in the PM or doing Coach Rich's swim drills and golf, I just might be slightly bitter about it.
I know that the whole IM thing will sometimes feel like a burden. I also know that all this training may not result in the time goals that I set for myself. However, the opportunity to meet/bond with/share the training and race experience with all the EN chickas is such a rare and wonderful thing that it really is what I'd rather be doing with my free time. Which is to then say that my time goals are secondary to the race experience. This is first for me, gals. I've adjusted my goals in the middle of races due to a bad swim, weather, mechanical problem and have told myself that I can salvage the day by "just having fun"/"being grateful"/"making race friends and thanking volunteers". But at the end of the day, I am all about the numbers and will be disappointed with missing my goals. Thank goodness for FTP and Vdot, because I can at least comfort myself with those numbers when I fall short on a race to validate my fitness and all the work I put into it.
I'm not sure when this shift happened, but I'm sure that not having IMWI on my radar until the promise of >10 En chicas being at the race and Coach Rich in a pink speedo was part of it. Also, recovering from this running injury has tempered my expectations too. Another thing was my whole experience racing cyclocross this fall---Despite coming in DEAD LAST in every single race, I had sooo much fun and made some really nice friends. I can't wait to do it all again next Oct.
I thought I'd share that with y'all since I'm dragging all of you with me on this long, strange journey...
2 X 1 hr spin workouts, 15' brick and an 8 mile run today- woohoo! Hitting the Holiday Run Challenge (so if any of you gals wanna put together a team let me know!! I also think we should have extra points available for style..
) the off to JAN OS!! Got my nails done this week (a lovely Christmas red) and I've also found that OPI I'm not really a waitress (dark wine/red color) also works on those black nails! Also got my hair done, so we're back to a shade darker than the pics below. My natural color is as dark brown as you can get without being black. Love having fun with the color!
Haven't wrapped a single present yet and still procrastinating so posting up some pics from the marathon. Here's the start, a chilly one low to mid 30's
Started with the pace group- I can't image running 26 holding up these little signs. These folks are awesome
Can't tell ya GOOD this choc milk was!!!!
And from my family to yours, Wishing you and your families the Happiest of Holidays!
Kris - I love I'm Not Really a Waitress. My toes were that color for Steelhead.
And the winter fashion? Fabulous! Linda, your outfit looks almost like Mac's ski outfit -- you just need to add yellow boots.
Kitima - Rock on. Who else gets to do Ironman with so many other chickas? And from all over the country? We're like the olympics.
I have a suitcase half-packed for skiing. So leaving for a vacation and having Christmas the same week? May have been a little ambitious. Fortunately, I'm going to a place where I can go out for dinner in my snow pants. Mac and I realized it was also possible to go on vacation without computers. The macbook is staying home for three weeks. That, I believe, the the twenty-first century definition of "roughing it."
Kit--that's a great perspective. Nemo reminds me all the time that we can have fun, share an amazing experience, and still try to do well. That's a novel idea, isn't it?
I'm with you. This is a new course for me, and the weather in WI can be all over the place. I'm not sure what I can expect from myself. I feel I KNOW that in FL, on a good day, I could make sub-13 happen. There is not a doubt in my mind. But this time, I will absolutely refuse to fret over the outcome. I will be as prepared as I can, race as smartly as I can, and the results will take care of themselves. But the connection and comaraderie here--how could that ever be repeated? This is about something different for me too.
Kris--that is one rockin' day! Nice race pix too. You did SO great there. Proud of you, GF--always! My hair is dark like yours too. It's still colored dark brown, but the natural color that comes is in even blacker! If I tried to match it, it would look like a teenage Emo color! Gorgeous kids too. That's a great shot!
Off to bundle up in the winter burka, and take the dog a-romping. Then back home for the bike test. Not a nail biter this time--I'm ready. Keith has these two weeks off, so it's really nice not having to shoulder the load here alone during the day for the next bit! Scootin' off!
GIRLS!! I've been lurking but just haven't had the energy to post. You've all been prolific in your stories, and I've just been unable to bring myself to write much. Maybe it's because my legs are so spent from this week's workouts....I know, "but you type with your fingers, not your legs." I don't know. I'm making excuses, I guess. But the fact is I miss you all and I need to reach back out....here we go!!
Beth - If you want to do anything in Denver or Summit County (or use Summit County as a launch pad to get to Vail for a day) while you're in CO, let me know. For you and Mac I'm hopeful that we get some snow. We're warm and sunny and dry here in CO. While the rest of the country is snowbound. Snow dancing will commence at 2:30 PM MST
Seriously touch base with me if you want no obligation of course. I know that it can be good to just be on vacay and not have to connect or coordinate anything with anyone, but if we have an opportunity to meet. That'd be cool-eeeee-oh!
The dogs are so cute! Always are! I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle right now...Not very far in yet, but loving the dogs and the fact that some of the story seems to be written from the POV of a dog.
Kris you look as great in your run pics as you do in the family pic! I look like ick in pretty much every run/tri pic there is.
Kitima - I love your thought process on whether IM gets in the way of life or vice versa. I sometimes think IM and training creates opportunities to REALLY LIVE. Sometimes I think without it life could get pretty dull. And as you pointed out, maybe the goal isn't always a time or a particular performance goal. Maybe it really is just about THIS! All of us coming together and supporting each other, laughing about stuff, etc.
I'm sorry all of you are buried in snow, but hope that you are finding some joy in it! It can be fun to be socked in under tons of that stuff! It was sooooo different talking with my parent's (DC) and my sister (C'ville, VA) this weekend and having them tell us about how much snow they had and being able to tell them that it was in the 50s here. Definitely different. Odd weather patterns.
Let me be clear, this week triathlon for me was just plain hard. I hurt! Went to my ART friend on Thursday and she felt like she was torturning me, I think. I could barely breathe when she was working on me and she kept asking whether I was OK or if she was hurting me too much.
I'm hoping that it really is true; that work really is speed entering the body. Right now all it feels like is stuff EXITING my body....
Off to Periodontist this morning....I think that's officially ALL of the "dontists."
KrisF, great pics and yes I am doing the holiday run challenge if you wanna team up. mileage is low though but should be no problem every day since Rudy is here!. nice family, good looking kids AND the Mama!!
Olivia, sorry you are whooped , I guess something is working right? good luck at the Dontist!
dog is whining in kennel so gotta layer up and go outside! talk at ya later. m
Olivia- your journey simply has been amazing! I envy you having an ART buddy at your disposal- I'd have to drive 2 hours to find one!!! Good luck at the dentist today!
Kit- you expressed how I feel about IMWI so nicely. Yes, I have a goal to go sub 13. But I'm so excited to be doing IMWI with all of these fabulous woman that I get excited just thinking about race day and how much fun it will be to see everyone on the course that I know- whatever will be will be- and I'm gonna have a BLAST in the process. In my dreams I imagine running the marathon with nearly all of you at some point or another and then crossing that finish line at 12:59 holding hands with Linda and having the biggest smiles on our faces. I get choked up just thinking about it!!!
Kris- that's one big medal!!! Love the pics, and that your having fun with the hair color. I stopped highlighting mine about 10 years ago and have been trying to age gracefully allowing the grey to show through. What I don't understand is why my hair color gets darker as the greys increase! What's up with that? They would be so much easier to camoflage if my auburn hair were still auburn!!!!
Finally- my shoulders are KILLING me! Oy- that 100 push up challenge is something else! What ever happened to the EN mantra of not adding anything to the OS plans? Geeeeze I'm glad I don't start the OS for another few weeks!
Olivia--as a vet I just want to say sometimes you have to be careful with this EN stuff. It's not a straight line, and sometimes it just becomes too much. This is as hard as any of us have every worked in training, I would argue, and from time to time you have to stand down--don't care if it's in the middle of OS. By stand down, I mean maybe three days in a row of shorter or easier or both--then pick it back up full throttle. Don't run into that brick wall--sounds like you might be clunking your head against it just a tad? You really have to figure out when to push through, and when to back off. There's a difference in the body, and figuring it out is one of the smarter things you can do training here. It's kind of the like epic stuff that will get fired up once the weather gets nice--it works for some, not for others. Some thrive, others need to stay away. Personally, I would no more stick in an epic block than a man in the moon. I'd love to, but it's a recipe for me to get burned out and hurt. Just clearly assess where you are, and take a few days (it's just a few days) easier if you need to. Don't wait until you're forced to. Says mom.
BTW, on FB Mancona's sweet wife Theresa put up this poll to guess the baby's gender, due date, etc. I put in my guess! Let's have an EN contingent on there. It will make them smile. http://www.expectnet.com/game...wbr>Ancona
Ice dam leaking in the dining room has delayed take off on the bike test. About to launch ASAP!