I am a lady of leisure until January 19. Oh, fantastic vacation. The best part is that it is Thursday, so I can wait to run until this afternoon, when it will be light.
Marianne - Doode. Who knew holiday shopping could turn into an action movie with lots of ninjas in disguise? Be careful out there.
Linda - Rock. On. I'm also excited for RnP's plan modifications in the "they'll get us to ten, and we can choose to go to eleven" spirit.
Beth's triathlon lesson of yesterday? Make sure your trainer tire is properly inflated. It does make a difference. It was so much easier to hold watts yesterday that during my test.
Challenge of the day? Get ready to leave for three weeks and host Christmas tomorrow. This isn't quite as bad as it sounds because Mac's the lead on dinner and I'm around for moral support and sous chef duty. It may involve cleaning the sports equipment/coat closet because I can't seem to find my favorite winter hat. There's peace in knowing I'll come back from vacation and there will be clean sheets on the bed and no two-month-old leftovers in the refrigerator.
Linda- thank you so much for your post! I've been a bit worried about the Jan OS and my lack of fitness right now going into it. Your post has really given me a boost of confidence!
Michele- love the story of you just dropping down to demonstrate while everyone elses jaws drop to the floor! Gotta believe that core strength will help keep you healthy and strong this season.
Marianne- geeeeze, I didn't realize shopping could be so dangerous!!! I'm sticking with internet buying!!
Have a safe holiday everyone. We'll be driving to DC this weekend and hope the "wintry mix" that's being called for on Christmas Day won't cause too many problems with getting the family together. Oh- and hopefully won't interupt my ability to hit the Challenge!!! Is a run around the parking lot for 10 min worth any points?
rain and more rain, overally yuckiness and I need boots and rain parka to take dog for a walk!! which I don't have... no combat shopping today but here is this morning's funny at PT!!
so they are short staffed today so he sets me up with my 2nd go at what I call inverted clam shells. my ankle is attached to a wide band that is on a cable attached to a weight machine and I am laying on my back on a bench in unladylike sprawl while I go out and in with my bent legs, think frog... well so like I said short staffed so he was seeing another person and I am left on my own for a few mins.... so there are three pieces of equipment and although I had listened to him... I pick the wrong piece of equipment and put on cable and then ping goes my leg out,, now my ankle is caught in the wrong cable machine (I think for arms or hands), my body is laying on the bench and my leg is now pulled off to the right and UP, but due to the weight I can't get my leg back and can't seem to get up to my ankle to get off the cable! so I just start laughing, there I am Christmas Eve morning, at PT with my right leg caught up... oh shoot, what a ditz!! I shoulda gone for the equipment on the left of it.. hmm, now what to do?.. I try all sorts of gangly positions trying to get to my leg now held up high wide out!! I guess my laughing was heard cuz out comes my person, and I look sheepish and he hooks me up to correct one!! I also did back extensions, hip hikes, wall squats, one legged planks, one legged bridge, leg extensions with ankle weights....
Hit the bakery on way home for almond filled croissant and coffee, picked up DH's new bike cleats, home now and have made lobster bisque soup and out the door in 30' for dog lesson and checking out hamster equipment for daughter! rain and rain and the dog is drenched outside whining to come in, but he has eaten the front side of the gingerbread house while I was gone this a.m!! I can see the funny side of that too and we just vacuumed up the mess! and I have another boo boo, from holiday wrapping, cut myself quite deeply on my finger with the scotch tape!!
Beth....good job you on all you are getting done! I am hoping to change sheets before the drive to the airport tomorrow but I suspect I will be riding herd on the packing (teenage girls). My girls were grumbling because I made them vacuum, dust and generally clean up around here so that I can come home to a semi clean house on the 4th of January. Hope you have a great trip!
Marianne- Oh boy! LOL! Glad ur OK. I can totally picture that and had a good chuckle. Where are the pics when you REALLY need them???
Ladies- I am with you! Clean before you go and come home to a clean house. If you stay with family, doing laundry the night before you come home and unpack clean clothes is even better!
Very quiet day at work. Lots of calls and texts from my crazy family as they are all home. I guess none of them worked today. Gotta ignore it for now. Can't get wrapped up in the controversies- real and imagined.
Gonna hit the grocery store before I get home and cook/ relax.
We start run challenge tomorrow!! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends. I'm about to head out to kick off the holiday run challenge - on the track, temp 34, wind chill factor apparently 24 degrees. Brrr! Then, up to work to check on all the boarding pets, and then off to T's family's house for Christmas dinner. Stay safe and warm, my friends!
Morning ladies! I'm off on vacation and not taking the Internet with me. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and has splendid plans for the New Year. Talk to you all in a few weeks!
p.s. Santa brought me an aero helmet. I guess that makes me a total tri geek now.
Beth- aero helmets = good! Bad news- if you already own swim, bike & run attire which you live in most of the time, the tri geek thing kicked in long ago! There is just no way I've found that anyone can truly pull off the "goggle" look. The best part, during the height of training season, everyone gets a good kick from my goggle eyes which last long past the workout
Hope everyone had a great Holiday thus far. The En Chicka's Rule team is kickin tail- the power of the pink nation is taking over. Looking for some good clothing bargins- non tri stuff that I can wear to work or casual. We can wear things from super dressy to sporty at work so pants, skirts and dresses are great. Since one of my fav local store Petite Sophisticate went out of business, I've had trouble finding much I like. Something between my hiney hanging out and polyester suits seems to be tough to find. Anyone got any good recommendations? Please..... this is a fashion emergency (if you saw my closet, you'd concur!) Ordered a few things from Athleta and looking for some dressier pieces.
Beth - I love my aero helmet! It makes me feel fast.
Kris - have you tried Banana Republic petites? They sometimes have good stuff, and they are having a big sale right now.
We went out shopping and movie-going yesterday. The line at Banana Republic wound from the checkout counter all the way down the stairs (it's a 2 story store), and sweaters were thrown everywhere. No thanks. Somehow we wound up purchasing a new 26 inch flat screen LCD TV/DVD player to go on the wall of the pain cave! Pics when we finally mount it on the wall. We finished up the day with the new movie "It's Complicated" with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. It was really cute and enjoyable.
Today it's time to post some good numbers on the board for En Chicas Rule, and then football! Our Houston Texans are in a do-or-die situation. Knowing our team they will probably roll over and quit.
Yuck...rain in Maine....Couldn't it be piles and piles of snow since we are here until the 4th?? Did do the Holiday run challenge in the rain this morning. It's great to run with my 17 year old daughter because it means that most of my miles are run at the 10K pace giving me more points . She just kept looping around buildings while I caught up.
Hope those of you heading back to work tomorrow are having a wonderful Sunday! I'm going to snuggle down with my study books and watch the rain.
Kristen - That is funny that you ended up with a new TV!! I'm sorry if that wasn't meant to be funny. But isn't it crazy how we sometimes don't plan to get certain stuff...but then we do...and it can end up being a big ticket item???
You gals would be proud of me....I bagged MOST of my workout yesterday. (I know, that sounds weird) My body was screaming at me to stop the madness. The power numbers on my second bike interval were low, low, low. Not even close to 95-100%. I was mentally not in the game either; nothing was working to push me along. Not self talk, not music selection, not thinking about what treats I could enjoy post workout. Nada. So I bailed. Good thing too. After a snack I crawled in bed and slept. Then B and I headed out for some errands and when I came home I crashed again. Little snoozer on the couch. I know without a doubt that not pushing through that work was the right choice. I think I suffer at this time of the month and it makes the training load that much harder to assimilate. I feel soooo much better now though! Now I'm ready to run today! Gotta make my contribution to the Chicka total on the challenge spreadsheet!!
Kitima - I don't remember where you put that awesome pic of you on your MTB-snow-ride...but THAT was a phenomenal photo!!
You're right, Olivia, it was funny! I went into Best Buy just to get my yearly antivirus software. The guy in line in front of me had the TV/DVD combo, told me the price, and that they had a stack of them. I bought my software and went out to the car where Tabitha was waiting. I told her about my little exchange and she said "You know, I was just thinking that we needed a TV on the wall down there". I went right back into the store.
O, glad you quit the hard work and took a couple of naps! It sounds like your body knew what it needed and decided to demand it.
Susanna and I started the week in B'ham. We celebrated with her family on Sunday night. Below are her neices Lily and Ella, and nephew Ben. SO cute and SO busy.
We then spent Monday running errands for me to begin my preparation for Christmas Eve eve dinner. A dinner for 12 @ ;my Mom's, but she was only anticipating 6!! More on that to follow. Monday night we met our friends Larry and Bec for some Mexican. Larry got me into the whole IM delio a few years ago. Thanks Larry. I think.
Tuesday morning I began the wait for my lobsters to arrive from Boston and also worked on the many parts of my menu. All the while trying to hide the quantity from my Mom. She anticipated being by herself for Christmas as Su and I were leaving Christmas Eve morning. What was happening behind the scenes though, was my older sisters were coming to town Wed afternoon in order to spend Christmas with Mom. With my Dad's death just in Feb., none of us wanted her to be alone.
Finally, at 2:30 Tues, my lobsters arrived and I set out to make my bisque.
So, there was the time lapse evolution of the bisque!!
Wednesday morning I went for a short run and took Indie (6 year old Lab) for the first time. Due to supposed knee issues for her, I've never taken her. She did great though and has run with me every day of the challenge this week!Me with a Santa hat OVER my Tri Bike Transport visor and Indie with her bells.
I continued cooking and my Mom busied herself with setting the table. Meanwhile my sisters are texting me from the car. One driving from MS and one from GA. I was about to pop trying to keep it a secret!! So, my sister Cathy calls as she is pulling in, asks my mom if she has room for 2 more for dinner, and then walks through the door.
Then, my sister Susie, bro in law, and niece ring the front door and are singing carols!
And then here is my Mom resetting the table for 12 !!!
Anyway, it turned out to a be a wonderful evening. Bittersweet for us all without my Dad, but we were all happy to be together!!
Christmas Eve Susanna and I came back to Chattanooga and had our traditional grilled cheese, tomato soup, and champagne dinner.
Hope ALL of you had a wonderful holiday with your friends and family!!!
GINA!!!! What a great story. I was getting chills reading it. The meal looks incredible--exquisite! What a wonderful tribute to your mom , and all of you as a family. Plus a PUPPY!!!!! Details, details!!!! Another Lab? So happy about that too. AND running with Indie ! Could there be enough good news? I bet she LOVES it! As my vet asked, "at your pace, is she really 'running?' Don't fret about her safety--less stress than throwing the tennis balls on her ligaments and joints." Don't know about Indie, but Cali is barely at a trot. Ooooo, so much more good stuff to share!
Olivia--the hardest thing to swallow is that truly sometimes less is more, and how to calculate the risk vs. benefit of carrying on. I have erred way too many times in my training life and paid dearly. I think I finally have the EN stuff dialed in. When I need to back off, I do not ignore. I don't shrug the hard work off either. I am tough, I work hard, but now I am zeroing in the smart--and for many of us committed, type-A's, the "smart" can mean knowing when to dial it down. This will be my song and dance around here. Plenty of rah-rah, go-till-you-drop motivation--which we need, and I truly appreciate. But sometimes....living in the the paradox of less-is-more is the place to be Zennnnnn......
Kristen--hysterical about the TV! That's when the best shopping happens!
We had a wonderful Christmas with all four boys here, and Ryan's GF, Delilah. I love Delilah. She is a wonderful young woman, and they seem very happy together. Cali LOVED Delilah, and you can count on animals to know what's what. Sleeping with her head in D's lap within a couple of hours of being here. The brothers has such a good time being together. Our only regret is that we listened to the STUPID WEATHERMAN!!!! It sounded like the ice apocolypse was about to descend on VT, and they were afraid of the conditions. They left Xmas night so they would be safe, and the ICE NEVER CAME!!!!! Arghhhh! They called the next day, and we were all still heartbroken. We'll go up to VT in a few weeks to see them again.
Gina - your holiday festivities look so fun!! I love that surprise that you pulled on your mom. What a spectacular treat for her! That's what this time of year is all about. Everyone looks happy and joyful!! Thanks for sharing with us. I did have tears in my eyes reading about your sister calling your mom....
Linda - I'm so glad you loved Ryan's GF! I love her name. So great! What did you end up cooking for them for feasting. If you discovered a new recipe please share!
I'm starting to itch for a pet big time!! LITERALLY! I'm horribly allergic to every thing cute and fuzzy...but I've spent so much time over the last few days with cats, dachshunds, German shepherds, and you girls with all your labs...I want a cold nose to play with! Won't happen, especially not during training. But I can live vicariously through all of you!
Did my Z5 intervals on snow in 25 degree weather. I'm sure that was nuts, but I couldn't face the dark pain cave with the sun shining like it was today. It was good to be out there. Got us a few more points in the challenge, too!
Olivia--I put a good new sweet potato/kale dish in the Recipe thread here. It was a huge hit, and the platter was cleared. And, yes, Delilah is a doll. They have been together since senior year of college. They changed their lives around to be together in VT, which meant Ryan giving up a grad degree at Cambridge in the UK, but that's a long story for another day. At the core, Delilah is just a good person and beautiful--inside and out. I actually think this may last long term.
husband took the pic so he isn't in it, but this is after the stockings before the presents! with the ages of the kids spread out from 21 to 8 we had to compromise and pick 9:30 for opening time forcing two to wait patiently while three were forced out of bed! this gave me time to start the Holiday run challenge and get a shower and get dressed! coffee too so a pleasant start to a nice day! then a brunch and then the guyz went to see Avatar while Grace and I stayed home so she could play with her new hamster, a first for us! she named him Snuggles and so far the dog hasn't been allowed in her room so Snuggles is safe in his "Disneyland" hamster home! it is purple and pink! yes I know I think it is funny that I have traps set for the mouse that lives under my pantry and then I pay good money for a hamster! the guys said movie was good but I wasnt for sure if it was okay for Grace.... so I uploaded all December pics and got them organized into Smug Mug but have yet to order!
well I have embarrassed my boys to death and not sure what they make of me... I had Daniel count my pushups for the Pushup Challenge and he just stared and laughed when I could only do 8 and I have casually kept him alerted of my progress but until I can do more consecutively he isn't impressed! and then the other day I asked him for his ankle weights for my leg lifts! Andrew is way used to me transitioning in the front driveway, cleaning my bike in the garage all the while when his friends are over...David was a high school swimmer and still doesn't understand what my problem is and why I have to continue getting lessons! and my youngest two are used to me doing my thang! and except for me dancing and singing to music in the car, Joshua doesn't get embarrassed and Grace?? why she is in it with me!! hula hooping in our back yard near the pool, playing loud music and listening to the same song over and over, matching clothes, and showing each other stretches we have learned as she takes gymnastics!! Life is not dull over here and a good thing but by Christmas EVE Eve afternoon, I was whoooped with holiday prep. I was almost at the "TIPPING POINT" and for those moments, I am so thankful that I have exercise as an outlet, some "me" time and some "quiet" time....
and of course this season, we have Rudy and I bought him a brush and while evening TV, I brush him, I have to shower with him to get him cleaned!! lol and he has been doing the Holiday challenge too! He got some squeaky toys so I can teach him "drop it" and rotate the two toys, and he got some chew bones so while we are eating he can be chewing and not pestering us! now when son goes to college and takes Rudy back with him? yep I will be blue for sure as my running has picked up cuz I take him out every morning. and in fact Christmas morning, I put the whoop on him and let him run leash free and I bet he did 4 - 5 miles at full gallop! so he was chilled the rest of the day!!
I don't ever feel sorry for my boys having to get up early cuz then they just crash wherever!! and the couch is a favorite! and you know Rudy loves David....
well then another time husband is also asleep!! while other son plays Call of Duty
now my husband really got me some neat gifts and these ornaments were a favorite!
along with requested Gore bike gloves and he also added in a helmet cover, and a new Garmin! with some swimsuit and pool stuff as well and it was a fitness christmas! and he is sponsoring my mission trip to Guatemala but considering he was sick all of December and we have an ENT to see this week, he did well online shopping!
so Grace tells me "I was born for the camera!" and here she is wearing her new outfit and headband, earrings and shoes to match.
she is now eight and a half and I told Joe, are you ready for 7 more years from now and she will be dating?? he sorta groaned and said he couldn't think about it! good thing she has four older brothers to protect her!
see that little finger on her hand??? that is where she has her Daddy wrapped!!
my youngest two... now Joshua is ten years old. they get along most of the time and have been a real joy to us. can't imagine ... well I know life would be boring with just the three as they are now teenagers and are gone with their friends a lot.
and yes I am running every day and yes it is cold.. somehow this view doesn't look bad on a run but on a ride?? hard to get the mental fu working...! but with new cold weather gear?? why I ran yesterday morning in sub 32 at 7:45 a.m. and ran 4.5 miles and then by myself hopped on a bike and rode about 9:20 for an hour!!! and in fact I was the only cyclist out on the trail!! well, I just had to laugh at myself, I had on about $550 worth of cold weather bike gear, riding a $$ bike = I was committed to the sport! and enjoyed it too ... I knew the rest of America was out shopping the day after Christmas sales but instead I was runnin by myself with a dog and riding by myself with 14mph winds in 36 degrees!! what had I become??? you know, I don't think I became anything... I think I am just the same as when I was a girl, I loved to be outside then, riding my bike and being by myself sometimes even climbing trees for the best vantage.... years later, I got married and had all these children and got some fancy stuff! Parenting takes up the majority of my time and the tri stuff just keeps me sane!!
The Ironman is a vehicle to keep me physically fit, mentally strong and spiritually sound and that is why I am still in love with triathlons!
m--great pix and a great holiday! That pic of Grace and Joe--says it all doesn't it? I too love having this house full like it is right now--laughing and carrying on in the other room! Wonderful days. And what have you become? Well, for starters, incredibly important to all of us here. I can't imagine doing all of this without you. Here's to many happy miles ahead of us again in 2010!
Gina- wonderful surprise for your mom! Can't believe you packed all that in and Holiday run challenge to boot! You are an inspiration!
Linda- My next career will be a weatherman- where else can you be wrong 50% of the time and still have a job. Sorry it backfired on your Christmas!
Here's a few pics from our weekend here in KY. No snow (until today) but lots and lots of WIND!!
My neice Claire in front of Mom's tree Christmas eve dinner.
Dinner at Mom's Christmas Eve- 2 kinds of Ham, scalloped Potatoes, brocolli slaw, brocolli casserole & 2 kinds of bread (including my aunts sourdough YUM)
My daughter Meagan- soon to be 25 next month. Seems just the other day she was Claire's age!!
My sister's tree Christmas Morning My "baby" Michael (who was really excited abt being up early)
My youngest neice Caroline (just up from her nap) My Dad got the best present- Ductigami - The Art of The Tape
You have to know my family has a past history of fixing just abt anything with duct tape- although my dad denies has pass down to him. My grandfather once held a bumper on the car with duct tape. Somehow I didn't manage to get a pic of the gift my daughter made for Caleb & Claire. She took a wooden letter "C" abt 18" high she got from a craft store and painted it with blackboard paint and painted a really cute border on each a door hanger on each and wrapped them up with a box of color chalk. They were absolutely adorable! Meg has totally got the artistic, creative gene!!
Kris: I second the petites selection at Ann Taylor loft. Talbot's also has a petite clothes too---very conservative though.
Kristin: What an awesome addition to your pain cave! My nose is buried in the PM on my rides---but a flat screen TV...that would help strengthen neck muscles for staying in aero.
Gina: That's a wonderful surprise for your Mom! Also, loved your evolution of lobster bisque pics. Okay...some puppy details please...
Linda: Good to hear that you like Ryan's gf. I've always said that it's hard to be a daughter-in-law (not that Delilah is at that point yet!)---as my relationship with my ex-husband's mother made the situation in the Gaza Strip seem peaceful. It's nice to hear that you and Cali find her to be a lovely person
Olivia: Sounds like you really needed the rest. Good on ya for doing the right thing! I'm sure the stress from your oral surgeries and dealing with all the dontists takes it's toll too---in it's own TSS = Teeth Stress Score.
Marianne: Such great holiday pics! Doesn't seem like you ever have a dull moment. Sounds like you've transformed yourself into a Tundra Force chica---might have to consider getting snowshoes?!
My DH and I have had a wonderful holiday. For the first time in 3 years, we were both off for Christmas. We rode mtb in the snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day---so pretty to be out there together! I cooked up an 8 pound prime rib roast with scalloped potatoes that put us into a food coma for most of the weekend. He got me a great video game for our PS3: Mortal Kombat vs DC Comics Universe. I really, really enjoy violent martial arts video games---so in this one I can fight Superman against some classic Kombat characters. So cool! As I get older, I'm finding my lifestyle to be that of a 20 year old boy: always jonesing to ride in the dirt and playing video games!
Marianne- great pics of the family, as always. And you hold the record in EN for no treadmill, no trainer workouts. Always outside!Rudy has a beautiful coat!!
Kris- your "kids" are gorgeous and your Mom's table looks so inviting
Linda- i believe whole heartedly that dogs can read people. Indie in her lifetime has growled @ ;one person only- a "friend" in B'ham that was always stirring up relationship issues
Kristin- perfect addition to the pain cave. I am exploring a new computer for ours, as the old Dell is quivering. I have gone MAC years ago with our laptops, but still need WIndows for WKO and the CT.
Kit- 8 lb rib roast for 2!! You guys still eating prime rib?
Olivia- Z5 intervals on snow??? How do you not bust your a**?
Puppy lowdown- female, black lab, born 12/18. She will be named Anabelle. I feel a bit guilty as Indie is my precious baby, but I know they will be good for each other. Already working on baby proofing the house! Here is a link to pics taken today of her litter:
Gina- my precious lab we had to put to sleep this past year was named Anna. (also female black lab). I'm sure you, Su & Indie will have a blast! Nothing like puppy breath!
Linda- does Cali still like the snow? Mine hated the rain and loved the snow!
Hello Ladies!!! We're finally home from our weekend trip to DC for Christmas and I had to check in with my BFFs here before going to bed! I had the netbook with me in DC but with all the visiting didn't have a chance to read or post until now.
Kris- Petite Sophisticate was my all time favorite store for work cloths. When they went out of business I rushed to every store in the DC area and bought whatever I could find! I find Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft Petites make a reasonable substitute- but I'd give a year's salary to have Petite Sophisticate back in business again!
Gina- what an amazingly wonderful Christmas story!! Such a wonderful gift you gave your mom- thank you so much for sharing the story with us! I'm looking forward to hearing all about the new puppy and seeing lots of pics too!
Speaking of puppies- I finally got a little doggie time of my own this weekend. My GF in MD (Michele) recently got a Viszla (I'm not sure if that's spelled right). Anyway- Chase is now 8 months old and quite well behaved. Michele and I went for a run (well, really it was a walk because the roads/sidewalks were ice rinks) with Chase this morning. It was so wonderful to run with my buddy again and to have the fun of Chase as well. When we got back to her house, Joe and her hubby, Chuck, had b-fast waiting for us and before I could say anything the first words out of Joe's mouth when we walked through the house were "No- you are not getting a dog!!!!"
The trip to DC was very busy but good. We drove to Fairfax, VA on Thurs night and spent X-mas morning with Joe's Brother (Steve) and his family on Friday morning. After breakfast we drove 2 hours to Cumberland, MD to visit with Joe's Brother (Marty) who is in the 28 day rehab center (he looked good- but frankly I think he still has a looooooong way to go). After our visit with Marty we drove another 2 hours to Charles Town, WV to his sister, Carrie's place where the remaining Brauch families (Steve, Tom, Mike, and their respective spouses & kids) all joined us to celebrate for the evening. Joe & I crashed at Carries house and on Saturday we spent the morning playing board games with her two pre-teen girls. We then drove 1.5 hours back down to Germantown, MD to spend the evening with my friends Michele & Chuck. We had sushi for dinner and watched "The Hangover" on payperview (yeah- I had already seen it with Kris in Louisville, but Joe hadn't seen it and I was happy to watch it again!). Sunday morning Michele & I ran together just like the old days and after breakfast we all hopped in the hot tub! AAAAAAAH! It was such a wonderful morning- but then Joe and I drove home and our 5 hour drive turned into 7 hours with the traffic. Yuck!
SO there you have it- that was my holiday! Oh- and no, we haven't opened our stockings yet! We got home so late we decided to wait until tomorrow when we'll be able to enjoy it a little more. So Santa doesn't come to my house until tomorrow.
Great Christmas day pics, M and Kris! Looks like a wonderful day for everyone. Such a good looking kids you all have!
Nemo - your last few days sound rather tiring. All of that driving in the DC metro area...ugh!! That can be such a drag. Sounds like all the stops in between were fun and worth it though. And Joe had breakfast waiting for you??? Wow! That's a treat!
Gina - Anabelle is a GREAT doggie name! It will be interesting to see how Indie adjusts.
Linda - Sounds like an interesting story with Ryan's education decisions....another day it is. Those things are so tough.
The Z5 intervals are fine on snow, as long as it's packed snow. Here in CO ice issues under/with/on top of snow don't happen nearly as much as they do everywhere else. It does happen, but on lots of days the snow provides pretty good traction. Let's be clear though on most days the conditions aren't exactly perfect for that kind of work on the white stuff. This was a bit more the exception. I have, however, done lots of long runs in snow/blizzard conditions...that can be kinda fun...in that sick sort of way that I know you all understand.
Gina--OMG, those pix! The little tails are too much. Anabelle is a perfect name. So you'll get her in mid-late Feb? Oh boy, going back to the chewing days! You're a vet dog owner, but here's my one bit of chew toy advice. Next times you are in Lowe's, pick up a length of nylon rope ~5-feet long. The nice, big chunky diameter kind. Cali chewed on that for hours. They can't bite it to pieces, so there's no choking hazard. And it goes crunch, crunch! Saved many a day. Mike Hedman advised me when looking for chew toys--"think truck tire." Made me laugh! Can't wait to see her pix as she grows!
Kris--that looks so cozy and homey! Great pix.
Nemo--that sounds like a really nice weekend. I wanted a Viszla--I think they are gorgeous. But, as far as I know, their exercise needs are prodigious. Labs need plenty, but I thought that breed may have been beyond me. Thing is about people like us having active dogs is that you can fit them right into the lifestyle. It's working really well so far, and Cali's exercise needs mostly get integrated into where I'm going and what I'm doing. It's nice. As far as "NO" goes, getting a dog was the one thing that would turn Keith into "ice-man!" He would completely frost over, and he meant NO. Now he's totally devoted and loves Cali. Took until this point in our lives, however. (Plus, truth be told, I wasn't ready either. )
Formal apologies to my Chicka crew, but I just can't run today. Remind me NOT to sign up for this next year. The testing week took A LOT out of me, and I feel like I'm balancing on a fulcrum, and am about to drop into that dark place. Physically, yesterday I had zero. Mentally, I was feeling like "I hate all this." With VO2 max work coming up for me, this is exactly the point last year when I started going downhill. I just can't risk it again because I really am enjoying the work, and doing so well. At 52, sometimes I still think I'm 27, but backing down today is important for me to do. I feel bad, but I know you all will understand.
Off to drive some donations to the animal shelter!
okay so you know I am not gadget girl so only because I did, and can I show you my 4 mile run today!! and you can see that I am making progress!! below 32 and 14mph winds made the 27 degrees seem a bit chilly so my first mile is always slow, see 10:57 and I don't worry about it, I can feel my butt ache and my hamstring! but I look ahead and see Rudy running off leash having the time of his life so I press on... and yep I can feel the heat course up my body as I finish my first mile, it always takes me that long before I feel any heat!!! and lo and behold I feel the warmth course thru my legs and 2nd mile is 10:04 and then I turn around and right into vicious headwind and see that mile is 10:13 but felt like faster!! and then just to see? I picked up the pace and ran that at 9:04 and 8:56 is my marathon pace... it felt like a lot faster with my effort but I haven't "worked" a bit in awhile and was heading straight to PT! but I am making progress not only with being able to run 4 miles without stopping but just running and not feeling so much pain!!!
on to PT... and he pressed even harder with torture device and weight has been increased and I am doing well! could it be the bakery that I stop at afterwards and today ?? a raisin scone!! with coffee.
I have read everybody's posts and KRISF I love the pic of you and daughter and did everybody notice how YOUNG you look??? why you just look like older sister to me!!! yep your son looked like my son "what this early for Christmas?"!!! darlin nieces though and funny book title on the duct tape, firm believer in that stuff and after Kitima told us, I wrapped some around a golf pencil and put in my seat bag!!
Dogs!! love the name Annabelle and so excited about other dog running with you Gina!! way cool and isn't it fun! and Cali too....with Linda. yes a lot of activity over here. Thanks for kudos too. I need them. no problem on not running today!! you know that. we have enough of us to be considered a force in the challenge!! we got your back, girl!! none of us wants to get injured at all! message to the other chicaks, when in doubt DON"T do it!!! we are all driven, type A people anyways!! so it is always a wrestle to back down.... save it for race day!! then watch out, all those times of "standing down" pay off. and yes keep reminding me.. and that is why I tell you what I am doing!!! y'all keep me honest!
right now the one legged planks are putting the whoop on me.. the one legged bridges are getting easier but the one legged planks, hold each leg 10" and then switch, and do ten of them and I am ready to quit~~
we need pics of this Colorado Snow and you running on it!! loved the holiday pics of you and Kitima out in the snow on bikes!! very cool.
okay housework and etc are calling me... gotta scoot! yes me and the inverted clamshell machine are still at war, today when I finished 30 on each side, I went to get up and it still had my leg and I was pulled off the bench and an asst. had to come relieve me!! when I screamed "aaaah"....I just cut up in there as it is way too quiet!! and say things to the newbies coming in "they are torturing me in here, watch out!"
I have read everybody's posts and KRISF I love the pic of you and daughter and did everybody notice how YOUNG you look??? why you just look like older sister to me!!!
I had to laugh when I read this! YES, I noticed how young KRISF looks! In fact, when I originally read Kris's post, I figured the woman on the left side of the pic was the 25-yr-old daughter, and the other was a younger relative! No kidding...
Great pics, everyone, btw. I really enjoy reading about everyone's adventures and seeing the pics to go along with it. Can't wait to meet you guys some day!
Comments
Morning everyone!
I am a lady of leisure until January 19. Oh, fantastic vacation. The best part is that it is Thursday, so I can wait to run until this afternoon, when it will be light.
Marianne - Doode. Who knew holiday shopping could turn into an action movie with lots of ninjas in disguise? Be careful out there.
Linda - Rock. On. I'm also excited for RnP's plan modifications in the "they'll get us to ten, and we can choose to go to eleven" spirit.
Beth's triathlon lesson of yesterday? Make sure your trainer tire is properly inflated. It does make a difference. It was so much easier to hold watts yesterday that during my test.
Challenge of the day? Get ready to leave for three weeks and host Christmas tomorrow. This isn't quite as bad as it sounds because Mac's the lead on dinner and I'm around for moral support and sous chef duty. It may involve cleaning the sports equipment/coat closet because I can't seem to find my favorite winter hat. There's peace in knowing I'll come back from vacation and there will be clean sheets on the bed and no two-month-old leftovers in the refrigerator.
Linda- thank you so much for your post! I've been a bit worried about the Jan OS and my lack of fitness right now going into it. Your post has really given me a boost of confidence!
Michele- love the story of you just dropping down to demonstrate while everyone elses jaws drop to the floor! Gotta believe that core strength will help keep you healthy and strong this season.
Marianne- geeeeze, I didn't realize shopping could be so dangerous!!! I'm sticking with internet buying!!
Have a safe holiday everyone. We'll be driving to DC this weekend and hope the "wintry mix" that's being called for on Christmas Day won't cause too many problems with getting the family together. Oh- and hopefully won't interupt my ability to hit the Challenge!!! Is a run around the parking lot for 10 min worth any points?
rain and more rain, overally yuckiness and I need boots and rain parka to take dog for a walk!! which I don't have... no combat shopping today but here is this morning's funny at PT!!
so they are short staffed today so he sets me up with my 2nd go at what I call inverted clam shells. my ankle is attached to a wide band that is on a cable attached to a weight machine and I am laying on my back on a bench in unladylike sprawl while I go out and in with my bent legs, think frog... well so like I said short staffed so he was seeing another person and I am left on my own for a few mins....
so there are three pieces of equipment and although I had listened to him... I pick the wrong piece of equipment and put on cable and then ping goes my leg out,, now my ankle is caught in the wrong cable machine (I think for arms or hands), my body is laying on the bench and my leg is now pulled off to the right and UP, but due to the weight I can't get my leg back and can't seem to get up to my ankle to get off the cable! so I just start laughing, there I am Christmas Eve morning, at PT with my right leg caught up... oh shoot, what a ditz!! I shoulda gone for the equipment on the left of it.. hmm, now what to do?.. I try all sorts of gangly positions trying to get to my leg now held up high wide out!! I guess my laughing was heard cuz out comes my person, and I look sheepish and he hooks me up to correct one!! I also did back extensions, hip hikes, wall squats, one legged planks, one legged bridge, leg extensions with ankle weights....
Hit the bakery on way home for almond filled croissant and coffee, picked up DH's new bike cleats, home now and have made lobster bisque soup and out the door in 30' for dog lesson and checking out hamster equipment for daughter! rain and rain and the dog is drenched outside whining to come in, but he has eaten the front side of the gingerbread house while I was gone this a.m!!
I can see the funny side of that too and we just vacuumed up the mess! and I have another boo boo, from holiday wrapping, cut myself quite deeply on my finger with the scotch tape!! 
Holiday laughter sent to you. m
Marianne- Oh boy! LOL! Glad ur OK. I can totally picture that and had a good chuckle. Where are the pics when you REALLY need them???
Ladies- I am with you! Clean before you go and come home to a clean house. If you stay with family, doing laundry the night before you come home and unpack clean clothes is even better!
Very quiet day at work. Lots of calls and texts from my crazy family as they are all home. I guess none of them worked today. Gotta ignore it for now. Can't get wrapped up in the controversies- real and imagined.
Gonna hit the grocery store before I get home and cook/ relax.
We start run challenge tomorrow!!
Merry Christmas!
Morning ladies! I'm off on vacation and not taking the Internet with me. I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and has splendid plans for the New Year. Talk to you all in a few weeks!
p.s. Santa brought me an aero helmet. I guess that makes me a total tri geek now.
Beth- aero helmets = good! Bad news- if you already own swim, bike & run attire which you live in most of the time, the tri geek thing kicked in long ago! There is just no way I've found that anyone can truly pull off the "goggle" look. The best part, during the height of training season, everyone gets a good kick from my goggle eyes which last long past the workout
Hope everyone had a great Holiday thus far. The En Chicka's Rule team is kickin tail- the power of the pink nation is taking over. Looking for some good clothing bargins- non tri stuff that I can wear to work or casual. We can wear things from super dressy to sporty at work so pants, skirts and dresses are great. Since one of my fav local store Petite Sophisticate went out of business, I've had trouble finding much I like. Something between my hiney hanging out and polyester suits seems to be tough to find. Anyone got any good recommendations? Please..... this is a fashion emergency (if you saw my closet, you'd concur!) Ordered a few things from Athleta and looking for some dressier pieces.
Beth - I love my aero helmet! It makes me feel fast.
Kris - have you tried Banana Republic petites? They sometimes have good stuff, and they are having a big sale right now.
We went out shopping and movie-going yesterday. The line at Banana Republic wound from the checkout counter all the way down the stairs (it's a 2 story store), and sweaters were thrown everywhere. No thanks. Somehow we wound up purchasing a new 26 inch flat screen LCD TV/DVD player to go on the wall of the pain cave! Pics when we finally mount it on the wall. We finished up the day with the new movie "It's Complicated" with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. It was really cute and enjoyable.
Today it's time to post some good numbers on the board for En Chicas Rule, and then football! Our Houston Texans are in a do-or-die situation.
Knowing our team they will probably roll over and quit.
Have a great Sunday, ladies!
Beth we will miss you!
Yuck...rain in Maine....Couldn't it be piles and piles of snow since we are here until the 4th?? Did do the Holiday run challenge in the rain this morning. It's great to run with my 17 year old daughter because it means that most of my miles are run at the 10K pace giving me more points
. She just kept looping around buildings while I caught up.
Hope those of you heading back to work tomorrow are having a wonderful Sunday! I'm going to snuggle down with my study books and watch the rain.
Kristen - That is funny that you ended up with a new TV!! I'm sorry if that wasn't meant to be funny. But isn't it crazy how we sometimes don't plan to get certain stuff...but then we do...and it can end up being a big ticket item???
You gals would be proud of me....I bagged MOST of my workout yesterday. (I know, that sounds weird) My body was screaming at me to stop the madness. The power numbers on my second bike interval were low, low, low. Not even close to 95-100%. I was mentally not in the game either; nothing was working to push me along. Not self talk, not music selection, not thinking about what treats I could enjoy post workout. Nada. So I bailed. Good thing too. After a snack I crawled in bed and slept. Then B and I headed out for some errands and when I came home I crashed again. Little snoozer on the couch. I know without a doubt that not pushing through that work was the right choice. I think I suffer at this time of the month and it makes the training load that much harder to assimilate. I feel soooo much better now though! Now I'm ready to run today! Gotta make my contribution to the Chicka total on the challenge spreadsheet!!
Kitima - I don't remember where you put that awesome pic of you on your MTB-snow-ride...but THAT was a phenomenal photo!!
You're right, Olivia, it was funny! I went into Best Buy just to get my yearly antivirus software. The guy in line in front of me had the TV/DVD combo, told me the price, and that they had a stack of them. I bought my software and went out to the car where Tabitha was waiting. I told her about my little exchange and she said "You know, I was just thinking that we needed a TV on the wall down there". I went right back into the store.
O, glad you quit the hard work and took a couple of naps! It sounds like your body knew what it needed and decided to demand it.
Whew!! What a whirlwind of a week we have had.
Susanna and I started the week in B'ham. We celebrated with her family on Sunday night. Below are her neices Lily and Ella, and nephew Ben. SO cute and SO busy.
We then spent Monday running errands for me to begin my preparation for Christmas Eve eve dinner. A dinner for 12 @ ;my Mom's, but she was only anticipating 6!! More on that to follow. Monday night we met our friends Larry and Bec for some Mexican. Larry got me into the whole IM delio a few years ago. Thanks Larry. I think.
Tuesday morning I began the wait for my lobsters to arrive from Boston and also worked on the many parts of my menu. All the while trying to hide the quantity from my Mom. She anticipated being by herself for Christmas as Su and I were leaving Christmas Eve morning. What was happening behind the scenes though, was my older sisters were coming to town Wed afternoon in order to spend Christmas with Mom. With my Dad's death just in Feb., none of us wanted her to be alone.
Finally, at 2:30 Tues, my lobsters arrived and I set out to make my bisque.
Wednesday morning I went for a short run and took Indie (6 year old Lab) for the first time. Due to supposed knee issues for her, I've never taken her. She did great though and has run with me every day of the challenge this week!
Me with a Santa hat OVER my Tri Bike Transport visor and Indie with her bells.
I continued cooking and my Mom busied herself with setting the table. Meanwhile my sisters are texting me from the car. One driving from MS and one from GA. I was about to pop trying to keep it a secret!! So, my sister Cathy calls as she is pulling in, asks my mom if she has room for 2 more for dinner, and then walks through the door.
Then, my sister Susie, bro in law, and niece ring the front door and are singing carols!
And then here is my Mom resetting the table for 12 !!!
Anyway, it turned out to a be a wonderful evening. Bittersweet for us all without my Dad, but we were all happy to be together!!
Christmas Eve Susanna and I came back to Chattanooga and had our traditional grilled cheese, tomato soup, and champagne dinner.
Hope ALL of you had a wonderful holiday with your friends and family!!!
2010 here we come.
Oh, and by the way, WE ARE GETTING A PUPPY!!!
GINA!!!! What a great story. I was getting chills reading it. The meal looks incredible--exquisite! What a wonderful tribute to your mom , and all of you as a family. Plus a PUPPY!!!!! Details, details!!!! Another Lab? So happy about that too. AND running with Indie ! Could there be enough good news? I bet she LOVES it! As my vet asked, "at your pace, is she really 'running?' Don't fret about her safety--less stress than throwing the tennis balls on her ligaments and joints." Don't know about Indie, but Cali is barely at a trot.
Ooooo, so much more good stuff to share!
Olivia--the hardest thing to swallow is that truly sometimes less is more, and how to calculate the risk vs. benefit of carrying on. I have erred way too many times in my training life and paid dearly. I think I finally have the EN stuff dialed in. When I need to back off, I do not ignore. I don't shrug the hard work off either. I am tough, I work hard, but now I am zeroing in the smart--and for many of us committed, type-A's, the "smart" can mean knowing when to dial it down. This will be my song and dance around here. Plenty of rah-rah, go-till-you-drop motivation--which we need, and I truly appreciate. But sometimes....living in the the paradox of less-is-more is the place to be Zennnnnn......
Kristen--hysterical about the TV! That's when the best shopping happens!
We had a wonderful Christmas with all four boys here, and Ryan's GF, Delilah. I love Delilah. She is a wonderful young woman, and they seem very happy together. Cali LOVED Delilah, and you can count on animals to know what's what. Sleeping with her head in D's lap within a couple of hours of being here. The brothers has such a good time being together. Our only regret is that we listened to the STUPID WEATHERMAN!!!! It sounded like the ice apocolypse was about to descend on VT, and they were afraid of the conditions. They left Xmas night so they would be safe, and the ICE NEVER CAME!!!!! Arghhhh! They called the next day, and we were all still heartbroken. We'll go up to VT in a few weeks to see them again.
I heart you all! Off to eat again!
I love my aero helmet and you will notice a difference. You will also look geeky.I look like Gazo from the Flinstones.
Petite clothes...most department stores have good petite sections. So does Ann Taylor as well as Ann Taylor loft.
Love the holiday photos and the meal photos.
Hope everyone had a very merry.
Gina - your holiday festivities look so fun!! I love that surprise that you pulled on your mom. What a spectacular treat for her! That's what this time of year is all about. Everyone looks happy and joyful!! Thanks for sharing with us. I did have tears in my eyes reading about your sister calling your mom....
Linda - I'm so glad you loved Ryan's GF! I love her name. So great! What did you end up cooking for them for feasting. If you discovered a new recipe please share!
I'm starting to itch for a pet big time!! LITERALLY! I'm horribly allergic to every thing cute and fuzzy...but I've spent so much time over the last few days with cats, dachshunds, German shepherds, and you girls with all your labs...I want a cold nose to play with! Won't happen, especially not during training. But I can live vicariously through all of you!
Did my Z5 intervals on snow in 25 degree weather. I'm sure that was nuts, but I couldn't face the dark pain cave with the sun shining like it was today. It was good to be out there. Got us a few more points in the challenge, too!
Olivia--I put a good new sweet potato/kale dish in the Recipe thread here. It was a huge hit, and the platter was cleared. And, yes, Delilah is a doll. They have been together since senior year of college. They changed their lives around to be together in VT, which meant Ryan giving up a grad degree at Cambridge in the UK, but that's a long story for another day. At the core, Delilah is just a good person and beautiful--inside and out. I actually think this may last long term.
husband took the pic so he isn't in it, but this is after the stockings before the presents! with the ages of the kids spread out from 21 to 8 we had to compromise and pick 9:30 for opening time forcing two to wait patiently while three were forced out of bed! this gave me time to start the Holiday run challenge and get a shower and get dressed! coffee too so a pleasant start to a nice day! then a brunch and then the guyz went to see Avatar while Grace and I stayed home so she could play with her new hamster, a first for us! she named him Snuggles and so far the dog hasn't been allowed in her room so Snuggles is safe in his "Disneyland" hamster home! it is purple and pink! yes I know I think it is funny that I have traps set for the mouse that lives under my pantry and then I pay good money for a hamster! the guys said movie was good but I wasnt for sure if it was okay for Grace.... so I uploaded all December pics and got them organized into Smug Mug but have yet to order!
well I have embarrassed my boys to death and not sure what they make of me... I had Daniel count my pushups for the Pushup Challenge and he just stared and laughed when I could only do 8 and I have casually kept him alerted of my progress but until I can do more consecutively he isn't impressed! and then the other day I asked him for his ankle weights for my leg lifts! Andrew is way used to me transitioning in the front driveway, cleaning my bike in the garage all the while when his friends are over...David was a high school swimmer and still doesn't understand what my problem is and why I have to continue getting lessons! and my youngest two are used to me doing my thang! and except for me dancing and singing to music in the car, Joshua doesn't get embarrassed and Grace?? why she is in it with me!! hula hooping in our back yard near the pool, playing loud music and listening to the same song over and over, matching clothes, and showing each other stretches we have learned as she takes gymnastics!! Life is not dull over here and a good thing but by Christmas EVE Eve afternoon, I was whoooped with holiday prep. I was almost at the "TIPPING POINT" and for those moments, I am so thankful that I have exercise as an outlet, some "me" time and some "quiet" time....
and of course this season, we have Rudy and I bought him a brush and while evening TV, I brush him, I have to shower with him to get him cleaned!! lol and he has been doing the Holiday challenge too! He got some squeaky toys so I can teach him "drop it" and rotate the two toys, and he got some chew bones so while we are eating he can be chewing and not pestering us! now when son goes to college and takes Rudy back with him? yep I will be blue for sure as my running has picked up cuz I take him out every morning. and in fact Christmas morning, I put the whoop on him and let him run leash free and I bet he did 4 - 5 miles at full gallop! so he was chilled the rest of the day!!
I don't ever feel sorry for my boys having to get up early cuz then they just crash wherever!! and the couch is a favorite! and you know Rudy loves David....
well then another time husband is also asleep!! while other son plays Call of Duty
now my husband really got me some neat gifts and these ornaments were a favorite!
along with requested Gore bike gloves and he also added in a helmet cover, and a new Garmin! with some swimsuit and pool stuff as well and it was a fitness christmas! and he is sponsoring my mission trip to Guatemala but considering he was sick all of December and we have an ENT to see this week, he did well online shopping!
so Grace tells me "I was born for the camera!" and here she is wearing her new outfit and headband, earrings and shoes to match.
she is now eight and a half and I told Joe, are you ready for 7 more years from now and she will be dating?? he sorta groaned and said he couldn't think about it! good thing she has four older brothers to protect her!
see that little finger on her hand??? that is where she has her Daddy wrapped!!
my youngest two... now Joshua is ten years old. they get along most of the time and have been a real joy to us. can't imagine ... well I know life would be boring with just the three as they are now teenagers and are gone with their friends a lot.
and yes I am running every day and yes it is cold.. somehow this view doesn't look bad on a run but on a ride?? hard to get the mental fu working...! but with new cold weather gear?? why I ran yesterday morning in sub 32 at 7:45 a.m. and ran 4.5 miles and then by myself hopped on a bike and rode about 9:20 for an hour!!! and in fact I was the only cyclist out on the trail!! well, I just had to laugh at myself, I had on about $550 worth of cold weather bike gear, riding a $$ bike = I was committed to the sport! and enjoyed it too ... I knew the rest of America was out shopping the day after Christmas sales but instead I was runnin by myself with a dog and riding by myself with 14mph winds in 36 degrees!! what had I become??? you know, I don't think I became anything... I think I am just the same as when I was a girl, I loved to be outside then, riding my bike and being by myself sometimes even climbing trees for the best vantage.... years later, I got married and had all these children and got some fancy stuff! Parenting takes up the majority of my time and the tri stuff just keeps me sane!!
The Ironman is a vehicle to keep me physically fit, mentally strong and spiritually sound and that is why I am still in love with triathlons!
Marianne - you have a beautiful family! I get worn out just reading your posts about what everyone is doing!
m--great pix and a great holiday! That pic of Grace and Joe--says it all doesn't it? I too love having this house full like it is right now--laughing and carrying on in the other room! Wonderful days. And what have you become? Well, for starters, incredibly important to all of us here. I can't imagine doing all of this without you. Here's to many happy miles ahead of us again in 2010!
Gina- wonderful surprise for your mom! Can't believe you packed all that in and Holiday run challenge to boot! You are an inspiration!
Linda- My next career will be a weatherman- where else can you be wrong 50% of the time and still have a job. Sorry it backfired on your Christmas!
Here's a few pics from our weekend here in KY. No snow (until today) but lots and lots of WIND!!
My neice Claire in front of Mom's tree Christmas eve dinner.
Dinner at Mom's Christmas Eve- 2 kinds of Ham, scalloped Potatoes, brocolli slaw, brocolli casserole & 2 kinds of bread (including my aunts sourdough YUM)
My daughter Meagan- soon to be 25 next month. Seems just the other day she was Claire's age!!
My sister's tree Christmas Morning My "baby" Michael (who was really excited abt being up early)
My youngest neice Caroline (just up from her nap) My Dad got the best present- Ductigami - The Art of The Tape
You have to know my family has a past history of fixing just abt anything with duct tape- although my dad denies has pass down to him. My grandfather once held a bumper on the car with duct tape. Somehow I didn't manage to get a pic of the gift my daughter made for Caleb & Claire. She took a wooden letter "C" abt 18" high she got from a craft store and painted it with blackboard paint and painted a really cute border on each a door hanger on each and wrapped them up with a box of color chalk. They were absolutely adorable! Meg has totally got the artistic, creative gene!!
Kris: I second the petites selection at Ann Taylor loft. Talbot's also has a petite clothes too---very conservative though.
Kristin: What an awesome addition to your pain cave! My nose is buried in the PM on my rides---but a flat screen TV...that would help strengthen neck muscles for staying in aero.
Gina: That's a wonderful surprise for your Mom! Also, loved your evolution of lobster bisque pics. Okay...some puppy details please...
Linda: Good to hear that you like Ryan's gf. I've always said that it's hard to be a daughter-in-law (not that Delilah is at that point yet!)---as my relationship with my ex-husband's mother made the situation in the Gaza Strip seem peaceful. It's nice to hear that you and Cali find her to be a lovely person
Olivia: Sounds like you really needed the rest. Good on ya for doing the right thing! I'm sure the stress from your oral surgeries and dealing with all the dontists takes it's toll too---in it's own TSS = Teeth Stress Score.
Marianne: Such great holiday pics! Doesn't seem like you ever have a dull moment. Sounds like you've transformed yourself into a Tundra Force chica---might have to consider getting snowshoes?!
My DH and I have had a wonderful holiday. For the first time in 3 years, we were both off for Christmas. We rode mtb in the snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day---so pretty to be out there together! I cooked up an 8 pound prime rib roast with scalloped potatoes that put us into a food coma for most of the weekend. He got me a great video game for our PS3: Mortal Kombat vs DC Comics Universe. I really, really enjoy violent martial arts video games---so in this one I can fight Superman against some classic Kombat characters. So cool! As I get older, I'm finding my lifestyle to be that of a 20 year old boy: always jonesing to ride in the dirt and playing video games!
Love to all of you!
Marianne- great pics of the family, as always. And you hold the record in EN for no treadmill, no trainer workouts. Always outside!
Rudy has a beautiful coat!!
Kris- your "kids" are gorgeous and your Mom's table looks so inviting
Linda- i believe whole heartedly that dogs can read people. Indie in her lifetime has growled @ ;one person only- a "friend" in B'ham that was always stirring up relationship issues
Kristin- perfect addition to the pain cave. I am exploring a new computer for ours, as the old Dell is quivering. I have gone MAC years ago with our laptops, but still need WIndows for WKO and the CT.
Kit- 8 lb rib roast for 2!! You guys still eating prime rib?
Olivia- Z5 intervals on snow??? How do you not bust your a**?
Puppy lowdown- female, black lab, born 12/18. She will be named Anabelle. I feel a bit guilty as Indie is my precious baby, but I know they will be good for each other. Already working on baby proofing the house! Here is a link to pics taken today of her litter:
www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creati...w/Main.jsp
Linda- does Cali still like the snow? Mine hated the rain and loved the snow!
Hello Ladies!!! We're finally home from our weekend trip to DC for Christmas and I had to check in with my BFFs here before going to bed! I had the netbook with me in DC but with all the visiting didn't have a chance to read or post until now.
Kris- Petite Sophisticate was my all time favorite store for work cloths. When they went out of business I rushed to every store in the DC area and bought whatever I could find! I find Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft Petites make a reasonable substitute- but I'd give a year's salary to have Petite Sophisticate back in business again!
Gina- what an amazingly wonderful Christmas story!! Such a wonderful gift you gave your mom- thank you so much for sharing the story with us! I'm looking forward to hearing all about the new puppy and seeing lots of pics too!
Speaking of puppies- I finally got a little doggie time of my own this weekend. My GF in MD (Michele) recently got a Viszla (I'm not sure if that's spelled right). Anyway- Chase is now 8 months old and quite well behaved. Michele and I went for a run (well, really it was a walk because the roads/sidewalks were ice rinks) with Chase this morning. It was so wonderful to run with my buddy again and to have the fun of Chase as well. When we got back to her house, Joe and her hubby, Chuck, had b-fast waiting for us and before I could say anything the first words out of Joe's mouth when we walked through the house were "No- you are not getting a dog!!!!"
The trip to DC was very busy but good. We drove to Fairfax, VA on Thurs night and spent X-mas morning with Joe's Brother (Steve) and his family on Friday morning. After breakfast we drove 2 hours to Cumberland, MD to visit with Joe's Brother (Marty) who is in the 28 day rehab center (he looked good- but frankly I think he still has a looooooong way to go). After our visit with Marty we drove another 2 hours to Charles Town, WV to his sister, Carrie's place where the remaining Brauch families (Steve, Tom, Mike, and their respective spouses & kids) all joined us to celebrate for the evening. Joe & I crashed at Carries house and on Saturday we spent the morning playing board games with her two pre-teen girls. We then drove 1.5 hours back down to Germantown, MD to spend the evening with my friends Michele & Chuck. We had sushi for dinner and watched "The Hangover" on payperview (yeah- I had already seen it with Kris in Louisville, but Joe hadn't seen it and I was happy to watch it again!). Sunday morning Michele & I ran together just like the old days and after breakfast we all hopped in the hot tub! AAAAAAAH! It was such a wonderful morning- but then Joe and I drove home and our 5 hour drive turned into 7 hours with the traffic. Yuck!
SO there you have it- that was my holiday! Oh- and no, we haven't opened our stockings yet! We got home so late we decided to wait until tomorrow when we'll be able to enjoy it a little more. So Santa doesn't come to my house until tomorrow.
Great Christmas day pics, M and Kris! Looks like a wonderful day for everyone. Such a good looking kids you all have!
Nemo - your last few days sound rather tiring. All of that driving in the DC metro area...ugh!! That can be such a drag. Sounds like all the stops in between were fun and worth it though. And Joe had breakfast waiting for you??? Wow! That's a treat!
Gina - Anabelle is a GREAT doggie name! It will be interesting to see how Indie adjusts.
Linda - Sounds like an interesting story with Ryan's education decisions....another day it is. Those things are so tough.
The Z5 intervals are fine on snow, as long as it's packed snow. Here in CO ice issues under/with/on top of snow don't happen nearly as much as they do everywhere else. It does happen, but on lots of days the snow provides pretty good traction. Let's be clear though on most days the conditions aren't exactly perfect for that kind of work on the white stuff. This was a bit more the exception. I have, however, done lots of long runs in snow/blizzard conditions...that can be kinda fun...in that sick sort of way that I know you all understand.
Have a great day girls!!
Gina--OMG, those pix! The little tails are too much. Anabelle is a perfect name. So you'll get her in mid-late Feb? Oh boy, going back to the chewing days! You're a vet dog owner, but here's my one bit of chew toy advice. Next times you are in Lowe's, pick up a length of nylon rope ~5-feet long. The nice, big chunky diameter kind. Cali chewed on that for hours. They can't bite it to pieces, so there's no choking hazard. And it goes crunch, crunch!
Saved many a day. Mike Hedman advised me when looking for chew toys--"think truck tire." Made me laugh! Can't wait to see her pix as she grows!
Kris--that looks so cozy and homey! Great pix.
Nemo--that sounds like a really nice weekend. I wanted a Viszla--I think they are gorgeous. But, as far as I know, their exercise needs are prodigious. Labs need plenty, but I thought that breed may have been beyond me. Thing is about people like us having active dogs is that you can fit them right into the lifestyle. It's working really well so far, and Cali's exercise needs mostly get integrated into where I'm going and what I'm doing. It's nice. As far as "NO" goes, getting a dog was the one thing that would turn Keith into "ice-man!" He would completely frost over, and he meant NO. Now he's totally devoted and loves Cali. Took until this point in our lives, however. (Plus, truth be told, I wasn't ready either.
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Formal apologies to my Chicka crew, but I just can't run today. Remind me NOT to sign up for this next year. The testing week took A LOT out of me, and I feel like I'm balancing on a fulcrum, and am about to drop into that dark place. Physically, yesterday I had zero. Mentally, I was feeling like "I hate all this." With VO2 max work coming up for me, this is exactly the point last year when I started going downhill. I just can't risk it again because I really am enjoying the work, and doing so well. At 52, sometimes I still think I'm 27, but backing down today is important for me to do. I feel bad, but I know you all will understand.
Off to drive some donations to the animal shelter!
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okay so you know I am not gadget girl so only because I did, and can I show you my 4 mile run today!! and you can see that I am making progress!! below 32 and 14mph winds made the 27 degrees seem a bit chilly so my first mile is always slow, see 10:57 and I don't worry about it, I can feel my butt ache and my hamstring! but I look ahead and see Rudy running off leash having the time of his life so I press on... and yep I can feel the heat course up my body as I finish my first mile, it always takes me that long before I feel any heat!!! and lo and behold I feel the warmth course thru my legs and 2nd mile is 10:04 and then I turn around and right into vicious headwind and see that mile is 10:13 but felt like faster!! and then just to see? I picked up the pace and ran that at 9:04 and 8:56 is my marathon pace... it felt like a lot faster with my effort but I haven't "worked" a bit in awhile and was heading straight to PT! but I am making progress not only with being able to run 4 miles without stopping but just running and not feeling so much pain!!!
on to PT... and he pressed even harder with torture device and weight has been increased and I am doing well! could it be the bakery that I stop at afterwards and today ?? a raisin scone!! with coffee.
I have read everybody's posts and KRISF I love the pic of you and daughter and did everybody notice how YOUNG you look??? why you just look like older sister to me!!! yep your son looked like my son "what this early for Christmas?"!!! darlin nieces though and funny book title on the duct tape, firm believer in that stuff and after Kitima told us, I wrapped some around a golf pencil and put in my seat bag!!
Dogs!! love the name Annabelle and so excited about other dog running with you Gina!! way cool and isn't it fun! and Cali too....with Linda. yes a lot of activity over here. Thanks for kudos too. I need them. no problem on not running today!! you know that. we have enough of us to be considered a force in the challenge!! we got your back, girl!! none of us wants to get injured at all! message to the other chicaks, when in doubt DON"T do it!!! we are all driven, type A people anyways!! so it is always a wrestle to back down.... save it for race day!! then watch out, all those times of "standing down" pay off. and yes keep reminding me.. and that is why I tell you what I am doing!!! y'all keep me honest!
right now the one legged planks are putting the whoop on me.. the one legged bridges are getting easier but the one legged planks, hold each leg 10" and then switch, and do ten of them and I am ready to quit~~
we need pics of this Colorado Snow and you running on it!! loved the holiday pics of you and Kitima out in the snow on bikes!! very cool.
okay housework and etc are calling me... gotta scoot! yes me and the inverted clamshell machine are still at war, today when I finished 30 on each side, I went to get up and it still had my leg and I was pulled off the bench and an asst. had to come relieve me!! when I screamed "aaaah"....I just cut up in there as it is way too quiet!! and say things to the newbies coming in "they are torturing me in here, watch out!"
I had to laugh when I read this! YES, I noticed how young KRISF looks! In fact, when I originally read Kris's post, I figured the woman on the left side of the pic was the 25-yr-old daughter, and the other was a younger relative! No kidding...
Great pics, everyone, btw. I really enjoy reading about everyone's adventures and seeing the pics to go along with it. Can't wait to meet you guys some day!