Know how hard it is to get a puppy to go outside in this ???
I do. My golden mix was a humane rescue - she was found tied up inside a garbage can in the back of a vacant rowhouse. She's always been very funny about the rain, I think because of that experience. If it was pouring she would absolutely refuse to go to the bathroom and instead hold it until she got inside. A dog trainer told me to teach her the phrase "Go potty!" On a good weather day take her outside and wait for her to begin her squat. The second she begins to squat, say "Go potty!" When she finishes, praise and follow-up with a yummy treat. This worked like a charm. To this day (eight years later) if it's raining or even if Daisy is distracted and I need her to hurry up I can get her to focus and go by saying "Go potty!"
Friends, we're in for a world of hurt here in DC in a few hours. I usually scoff at snow estimates because people from this area are very Chicken Little when it comes to snow... but after 48 hours of watching the forecast get more and more certain, I think we are fairly screwed. My kitchen is stocked and ready to go and I'm planning to make cookies for the guys who shovel our community - I can't imagine they get paid well and they're out there at all hours doing such a great job when I'm sure they want to be bundled up with their families too. I had grand plans to fit in a run this morning as I know I won't be getting out this weekend but I woke up to legs that were desperately in need of a recovery day. Sometimes our bodies' schedules are inconveniently mismatched with the rest of the world, right?
Suzanne- There is a place in heaven for people that rescue dogs!! My "off the charts" rescue is now 17 !! ( 92 in people years). And, If I had a $ for every time I've said, "Let's go HURRY", I could buy a new powermeter.
If the rain we are getting is any indicator of your impending snow, you better hunker down!!!!!!
Kris, Thanks for your kind words. Have a great trail race tomorrow. Is there a chance of losing your shoe in mud? Happened to me once. Crazy. Tie them snug or duct tape them to your ankles
Olivia- We can do this. One workout at a time. I sat down this morning and wrote out a schedule I can do based on my life and training partners. Once I did that it seemed more doable. I moved the workouts all around. For example I have a day off mid week at work usually so ABP ride mid week with friends, Long ride Sat and short interval ride Monday. Then long run Sunday with friends( not true EN format but works better for me). I have so much "friend" support here and they already have slated helping me with all my long runs, tempo, track etc so that is best for me. Swim is masters : m,w,f,sat with all friends..again motivation factor is high and coach is a dear friend. I can breathe now. I see a pattern and a pattern is repeatable and thus you can fall into a groove more easily. Or atleast what I am telling myself
Gina- not sure if I should give a peak to the plan exactly but first week- 16 hours....
Oh Kris!!! It is just awful out there - YUCK. Hopefully we'll get the snow they are forecasting (not that I would ever WISH for snow), but that would have to be better than trying to run in what's happening now! Good luck and I hope you enjoy it.
Yes, I know ALL about how hard it is to get those puppies to go potty in this kind of weather! Funny, I have always used the phrase "go hurry" I think that just came about from me standing around shivering and saying "would you please hurry it up already!" and that just got shortened to "go hurry". I still have to get out and flag the yard and start training Esther on the electric fence, but between the rain and the snow coming it looks like that will be put off until the next time I can see the yard. Amazing how some people will treat animals - just makes me sick. Sounds like she is lucky to have you Suzanne . I grew up in McLean so I am all too familiar with the famous Washington snow storms.
Olivia and Carrie - you girls are gonna rock IMSG! I am so looking forward to following along and cheering you on! Just try to take it week by week. I know you have to look ahead at the schedule to plan, but just try to eat that elephant one bite at a time - okay? Says she who hasn't ever trained for an IM before
I have taken a few days off because my body said so. Sucks when my mojo is really good and I want to go do, but I know that missing a few days in favor of being sound is the "smart" thing to do. I am about to go bonkers though!!!! I feel like a loaded spring - so I am going to a Bikram Yoga class - which I better get going if I am going to be there on time - and they lock the door so I better be there on time if I am going to make the effort to drive all the way to Lexington.
My boys have Pinewood Derby on Saturday, we have DH's daughter and BF coming for dinner Sat and Boy Scout Sunday at church this weekend. Let's see that's at least 2 cakes I need to bake and a few meals to plan. Time to get hoppin'.......
Oh Kris, if your still willing to do a trail race in the mud & rain, I'd say your MOJO is much better than mine!!!
Gina- if you think getting a puppy to go potty outside in the rain is tough, try getting a cat to head out there! HA! Lilly turned her tail up at me and walked away with a look of disdain on her face this morning!
Suzanne- I've been watching the weather channel and giggling- DC is gonna be a mess! At least it's Superbowl Sunday weekend and most folks will be sitting in their living rooms most of the time anyway. I hope you can enjoy it a little bit- DC really is very pretty in the snow (says someone who can now appreciate it 'cause she doesn't actually have to live through it anymore).
Speaking of which- any of you ladies going to a Super Bowl party this weekend? Who is rooting for who?
Nemo- it's ALL about the swag... my friend is the RD for this and first 100 got buffs that she personally designed and are highly coveted.. very cool (pics forthcoming) and was promised lots of food after!! At last with the mud, some of the fast guys will have to slow down :-)
Do you ever realize how many potty conversations we have around here? (hence the owi, owi talk post IM time) he he he..... and you guys have to stop the cake and cookies talk... clean diet week 2 and my tummy is growling.... one more week and I'm usually over the cravings so much.
Kris, good luck on your trail race! You are more woman than I am to run in those conditions.
Nemo, T and I love football, and are having a Super Bowl party for 3! My sister is coming over with the understanding that we will actually be watching the game and not just the commercials. We are making baked (fake-fried) chicken tenders and onion rings, crostini with white bean, garlic, and tomato spread, a veggie tray with fat free dip, shrimp and cocktail sauce, and low-fat ice cream cones for dessert. We're wine people rather than beer people, so we'll open a bottle (or two!) for the game. We want the Saints to win because our hometown team, the Texans, are always being beaten by Peyton and the Colts.
Best wishes to everyone with impending bad weather, and, Suzanne, how nice of you to make cookies for the hardworking guys!
Gina, wow, 17! Daisy - who is more deserving of heaven than me, trust me - is 9 this month or thereabouts:
Mackenzie is easing her way into elderly status at age 12 or 13 (I don't know exactly) with diminished hearing and a desire to sleep all the time. However, check out how happy she was during December's snowpocalypse:
We're gonna have so much fun this weekend! I'm hoping for a solid two feet only because that just sounds nice and horrific.
Our phrase for Cali is "Get Busy." She will go pretty much on command, which makes getting into the car and going somewhere much easier that she will take care of business. Every trainer I've talked do says to use your particular phrase, and praise them every single time they go--their whole their lives. I mean, what can it hurt? Catch 'em being good whenever possible. Just like kids.
Good luck on the trails, Kris!!! Full report. Trail running...I cannot even imagine.
Re the IM plan--I want to say, whoa, whoa whoa, back the truck up! 16 hours in week 1 of race prep???? The top is what, 18? That must be the Adv plan, but still. I, personally, could never do it. Sounds, um, very hard. A month in, you'll be knocking them off left and right, but be goos to yourselves as you gear up. It's going to take some getting used to!
G--structure has helped me a lot too. If only I wouldn't have dug this bit of a hole. It's not too bad, nothing like last year, but damn. I was cruising along, feeling the power, enjoying myself, and now I need to step back. I absolutely HATE this place I get to, but I'll deal. At least I caught it sooner than usual, but have to err even more on the side of caution I think.
Suzanne--doesn't that mismatch this SUCK???? I know exactly what you mean. Force fitting the run, however, was likely not the best idea, so good on you. It's only Feb. and we've been working hard. I actually do believe you're going to get hammered--they're not making it up this time. Hunker down, and talk to us here!
Kris- Trail running terrifies me. I am certain I would destroy my ankles. Two different PTs told me I was very "loose jointed". Sounds like a recipe for an ankle roll to me. Have fun though. I hope this dreaded rain stops!!
Kristen & Nemo- Have fun with your respective parties. We are not so much about pro ball, but, in the spirit of things, I will make some soy tacos. I am more into planning V-Day dinner right now!!
Linda- Any swimming on the docket this weekend?
Robin- I think you, Linda, and Marianne are neck and neck for who is the busiest Mom
Suzanne- Daisy and Mackenzie ( love the snow pic) are precious. Below are some pictures of the crew
Little Bit (17) letting Anabelle know who is in charge. L' Bit is blind due to a chronic eye problem, but she gets around very well considering. Found her on NY Eve on the side of the road a lonnnnnnng time ago.
A compromise of sorts
Indie and A'Belle playing, Little Bit "watching"
My Mom and sister should be here within the hour. I told my sister to bring her bike. Gonna load her up on the other CT and give her a taste of work, EN style
Kris! Your rainy run streak is continuing in 2010??? What the? I thought that was over with last year. Good luck sister! Be careful on that slippy-sloppy mud.
Can't believe the east coast is going to get slammed again with snow. So strange! We've got NOTHING here. Even our ski/snowboardi spots in the mountains and XC trails are suffering with a shortage of the white stuff. Everyone be careful on snowy roads...or should I say, icy roads? My memories of DC area snows from my youth were of ICE ICE baby (Eeew, I know. that was a bad one. Ha!)
Wait so Lily and Otto go potty outside?! My sister and BIL are trying to train their two kittens to go outside. I think they're nuts, but maybe not.
Suzanne, your doggies look very sweet! Hadn't seen them before.
Robin - your IM advice is very well taken, even if you haven't been through it before. I think the fresh perspective is as valuable as veteran sage advice.
G- what protien do you use for your soy tacos? Seitan?
And yes, Carrie, we WILL do this!!!!! I have to do the planning and calendar overview later today. I woke up this AM at 4:30 thinking about where I'd fit stuff in....Gotta just get that out of the way so I can sleep this weekend and be ready.
Wait so Lily and Otto go potty outside?! My sister and BIL are trying to train their two kittens to go outside. I think they're nuts, but maybe not.
Well, not always. We started letting them outside (for a limited time, once in the morning, once in the evening) when we moved to OBX (we live on a cul-de-sac surrounded by water on 3 sides- very quite and pretty safe). In the beginning, they would dig holes in the sand (my yard is all sand- no dirt) and then they would squat in the little hole, deposit NOTHING, and then cover it up! Then they'd go back inside to go potty! It's taken some time, but now they will go outside when they are let out for their short visit in the morning/evening each day. We still have a litter box for when they are inside and days when it's too nasty outside for them to go out (or if we are away for a weekend). But it does help make the litter box last a little longer.
My first cat, BB, wouldn't use a litter box- ever. Even as a kitten he refused and would only go potty outside. He once got in a bad cat fight and had to be stitched up. The doc said he couldn't go out on his own, and I knew he wouldn't use the litterbox. So we made a deal with each other and he let me put him on a leash and walk him around the block for his bathroom break. I'd look the other way- he'd do his business- and we'd move on. BB was simply the best cat ever!
then they would squat in the little hole, deposit NOTHING, and then cover it up!
LMAO
Snowmaggedon update: About 8 inches so far and it's not actually supposed to "start" until 11 p.m. Opened the door to let the dogs out and all I heard were sirens. Lights are flickering madly. Cookies turned out disastrously due to the fact that I have a new cookie tray (which sucks, apparently) and only egg whites in the fridge. I think I'm most upset about the cookies.
HA HA! Otto & Lily probably thought they were pulling something over on you with that phantom burying. Crazy that BB was so dog-like with the leash etc.
Got email from my sister and BIL in C'ville, VA this AM. They apparently heard a noise outside and when they looked out they found that one of their huge trees had fallen on the little cottage that sits directly behind their house. The damage looks pretty bad. They didn't say if it was related to the snow, or if it was ice, or if it was just dumb luck. Ugh!!
Sorry about the cookies Suzanne!!
Fitting with our constant conversation about peeing, etc. We're going toilet shopping today!! Hooray! I know you're all painfully jealous.
OH and I got my EN tri top yesterday!! I was so psyched to try it on!! It really looks cool. Can't wait to race in it!
girls posted some about ride this morning in Jan OS but I so have to laugh... okay so I tell Rudy "wee wee" as when it is raining he doesn't wanna go.. so now I need to reward him, he still squats and doesn't hit every tree but can hold it for hours... all night long and won't go as he is too excited to hop into kennel to ride in car to then go running! so he is bustin' by the time we get to run start!!! yep I have stood outside in my PJs freezing waiting for him, silly dog. and recently he has been on a barking binge!! what is up with that..??? 45' until I finally said to him, you are not a human baby, and out in the kennel in the garage you go!" disturbed my sleep and I wasn't happy!! and the last two days been barking... so gotta work on the "quiet" command as well! well what I did this week training wise only counts as one of something during regular training!! how is that for perspective!! 3000 yards of swimming, 65 miles of riding and 12 miles of running amounts to about just 3 workouts and two of those probably on one day!!! how did I do this again?? smile. anyways I am glad for the progress and right now happy that I signed up for a later Ironman. I love trail running too but haven't ever raced. might not like it!! cleaning out car right now due to the junk and gear everywhere in car!!! horrible in there. oh, and I am really happy to have Heather to ride with this morning..... we knocked out 40 and that reminds me how I can do this... I haven't ridden that far since mid November and from out of the hat... we knock it out, yes painful and dogged me out.... but from rides of 15 miles to 40 and next time it will be easier!! I love riding with her, talk about easy going and strong too! we never get upset with each other... like uh oh, we have gone too far and no way are we gonna make it back in time!!! and the $$ gloves??? they don't work nah... nope, I like her so much cuz I just have to say! I gotta stop cuz I can't do anything with these big fingered gloves and I can't get in my pockets to get out my calories!! oh and way yuck but so edible.... natural almond butter on whole wheat healthy grain bread with Simply Fruit jam... I am sure another acquired taste!!! so she says to me "does that taste good?" and I quip "NOPE!" and then she says well I was gonna bring you a Cadbury's egg cuz you like 'em but knew you had cut out sugar!!! see what a good friend she is!!!? anyways, thanks for the online friendship received here... I laugh at all of your tales. and nope I don't want to be the busiest Mom out there!! but yes I hopped in my car, quick shower at home and onto a basketball game of son's then on to buy him shoes and then lunch and then carwash and now home..... m "
Hope everybody had a great weekend! I benefited big time from my two days off last week. Even though I somehow got mixed up on my weeks and discovered I was doing week 6 instead of 5 of Jan OS. DUH! Had a great bike Sun AM on the trainer before church (totally bonked in church as I forgot to eat before we left the house!) and did my "run" on the elliptical machine on Saturday.
So the weekend began with a lot of time in the kitchen on Friday night! I made a red velvet cake for the Boy Scout Pinewood Derby on Saturday, and cooked up an awesome Chili con Carne for Saturday night's dinner, pre made apps for Super Bowl party last night and cooked dinner for Friday night. I walked in the door at 5:30 pm on Friday night and got out of the kitchen about 9 - Whew!
The Red Velvet Cake
Then it was on to the Pinewood Derby on Saturday - the boys went with DH to weigh the cars and check them in and then we went back after lunch for the races. Of course there were computer problems, etc. so the races were 45 mins late starting! It turned out to be a great day though because Jack won!! He was overall winner in the Pack and get's to go represent the Pack at the District . The only bad thing about this is that Distric happens while I am in Boston next month . Kevin was just nosed out for 3rd overall so just missed going to district, but was 2nd in his Den - so he still gets a nice trophy.
My stepdaughter came with her BF on Saturday and we had a great game of Spades. They absolutely killed us so we told them next time we would provide the cards! (they brought a deck knowing that we usually have a hard time coming up with a full deck!) So we ate the Chili con Carne and it was delish, but this was even more delish!!!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Then of course the Super Bowl party last night - so I am feelin very FAT today from all this yummy food over the weekend.
I hope Kris is recovering well from that trail race - it did stop raining, but there wasn't enough snow that it probably changed the mud situation too much. I imagine they were a slippin' and slidin' all over the place!
big snowflakes are coming down, school is out and we woke up unexpectedly to snow!! supposed to be rain when I checked weather last night! but just the right temp... anyways kids have made snowmen but right now it looks like a Colorado snow coming down! this will mess up all tng for the next few days as ours tends to get icy too. anyways, took Rudy for 2.5 mile walk this morning....remember we don't have the snow equipment like the yanks do... so I just stay home rather than risk wrecking.
Robin -- Those cakes look torturously delicious! The last time I made one of those was for a 1950's-themed dinner party. I was skeptical of how it would turn out, but it is now one of my favorites. And Boy Scouts in uniform!
I am all moved. Dash is set up in his swank, new pain cave (whole room. ridiculous luxury). Now I get to unpack. Perhaps oddly, this is one of my favorite things to do. I like to make new spaces. I've dubbed Saturday's move a 30+x3 workout. Thirty trips up three flights of stairs with bags of books and boxes? Definitely counts as a workout. Every time I move, I am reminded I am a book person, with lots and lots of heavy art and architecture monographs. My brother-in-law, who was helping me move, offered to buy me a Kindle to reduce the heavy lifting for next time.
Robin: An entire cake that's Red Velvet---Holy cow! I would've eaten the whole thing if I was within 10 feet of it. Congrats to your pine box derby champs!
Beth: Great to hear you're redefining your space. I'm a book girl too---I think it's sacrilege to throw a book away.
Well, I'm packing for my Argentina trip. In one check in bag (with a 33 pound weight limit), I need to pack for hiking/camping in Patagonia (temps are 40-60 degrees) and Punto Valdes (it's on the ocean with penguins and elephant seals...so windy?) and Iguazu Falls (which is 96 degrees and humid). I'm treating my Iguazu Falls clothes with permethrin as I've read that it's buggy there too. Also, just picked up my malaria pills---My pharmacy had them in stock! Who knew! And just when I thought I owned EVERY plug adaptor out there, Argentina uses one that I don't have. A quick run to the travel store fixed that. I'm boning up on my Spanish--took it in high school and college: I can conjugate verbs, but I still have to learn how to order a steak rare. Oh and lastly, I've read that the red meat, red wine, and ice cream there are exquisite. Thoughts about W/kg are going out the window!
Kit- I guess it is a good thing that tech wear is generally light weight!! I can't WAIT to see your pics. Red meat, red wine, ice cream. How good can it get ?!
Beth- We need some pics of your new space when you get all settled!!
Marianne- Unexpected snow this way as well! And in true southern fashion, the schools were emptied by 1pm. Now, the sun is out!!
Robin- Congrats to your boys!! Do you know, I have never had Red Velvet cake?! Crazy.
Olivia- Glad your Sis and BIL weren't in the path of that tree.
Today was my first day back to work since getting Anabelle. I am happy to report she had ZERO accidents. The "go hurry" and dog door seemed to really click in the last 48 hours. Also, she and Indie are clearly going to be buddies! Makes me happy.
I think I just gained 5 pounds reading this thread!!!! Kitboo- I can't wait to see your vacay pics. We had similar big weather swing concerns with NZ- high tech fibers and layers are the key to happiness- oh yeah, and be willing to wash cloths in the sink!
Beth, congrats on the move and making a new space!
Kitima - I think sometimes I could live very happily on a diet consisting solely of Malbec and empanadas. Enjoy your time in Argentina!
Still snowed in here. Saturday morning was fun - I woke up in the middle of a lull in the storm and the dogs had a blast running up and down the sidewalks. The snow was so high that it felt like walking through a maze. I had a great bike on the trainer, cleaned the house from top to bottom, bundled up in fuzzy socks, settled in for some Tivo...and then the power went out. Ohhhhhhhh fuuuuuuuudge. Luckily I have some fun neighbor friends and we kept each other warm and entertained for most of the day until the power came back on around midnight (thermostat reading: 55 degrees, brr). Yesterday was spent digging out and making chili. Today involved Tuesday's bike, a hike to the grocery store for supplies (they were pretty well stocked, surprisingly), and now the dogs and I are about to head to the frou-frou pet store before the three of us go insane with boredom. AND we're getting up to ten inches tomorrow night. Did I move back to Rochester and forget...?
Suzanne--I think y'all teleported to Nome. Sheesh, that's incredible, and more coming!
m--sure we have the equipment, but it doesn't always get used well--esp sidewalks. The little plow comes by, makes it passable, then people don't shovel and it's adeath trap out there. We're always half a sec away from a rec.
Robin and G--you are BOTH killing me. What means love more than cake and puppies?! I want both. Congrats, Robin on the pinewood win. Honestly, that sounds like so much fun!
Kit--you lucky dawg. Fantastic trip awaiting--really looking forward to that VR--vaycay report.
Moi--not much to report. Breaking the workout rules and did my own thing this weekend. I wanted to ride the CT TT course and get to know it a bit before the TT with the team next month. Instead of the regular workouts, I might just ride that as a weekly boobs-to-the-tube challenge from now to then. I've decided that 20 weeks of OS is too long for me. Time to mix it up with something else. It's a long year right? It's long, plus I have had just about 0 movement in run and bike improvemnet. I'm back to where I was at the end of OS '08. Would lbe nice to be a little further along. I don't get it. Ever onward, right?
Suzanne--I think y'all teleported to Nome. Sheesh, that's incredible, and more coming!
m--sure we have the equipment, but it doesn't always get used well--esp sidewalks. The little plow comes by, makes it passable, then people don't shovel and it's a death trap out there. We're always half a sec away from a rec.
Robin and G--you are BOTH killing me. What means love more than cake and puppies?! I want both. Congrats, Robin on the pinewood win. Honestly, that sounds like so much fun!
Kit--you lucky dawg. Fantastic trip awaiting--really looking forward to that VR--vaycay report.
Moi--not much to report. Breaking the workout rules and did my own thing this weekend. I wanted to ride the CT TT course and get to know it a bit before the TT with the team next month. Instead of the regular workouts, I might just ride that as a weekly boobs-to-the-tube challenge from now to then. I've decided that 20 weeks of OS is too long for me. Time to mix it up with something else. It's a long year right? It's long, plus I have had just about 0 movement in run and bike improvement. I'm back to where I was at the end of '08 right before FL. That was at a pretty high, strong point for me that's true, but is that my outer limit??? Ever onward, right?
Ignore this. I went in to fix some spelling, and reposted, and realize I do not know where the "delete" function is. Do you?
I haven't been on the forum for about a week.....the class I'm taking just completely consumed me and I couldn't even think about anything else. I did check in once to cheer myself up with cute puppy pictures then I saw the CAKE and the cute boy scouts. Everyone is so busy!!!!!
It is snowing here and school was out for the day. The kids are always so excited until they have to make the day up. Daughter was supposed to have further testing on her abdominal issues today but we decided not to risk the roads. Just so you know....I hate it when I make a decision like that and some pompous you know what has to say..."Yeah...(insert spitting on the sidewalk here)....I headed down thar this morning. Roads weren't bad. I made it just fine." Whatever....risking our safety and well being isn't worth it if the tests can be rescheduled to another day. Bad thing is it would have been perfect since she wouldn't have missed a day of school. Oh well, the pregnant girl at work called her to come in for her as soon as she heard school was closed so she made some money. Ok...more about my life than anyone wanted to know.
Linda- I have no idea! I could swear there was a delete button at one point.
OK ladies- who all is in for the challenge this weekend? Now, I don't want anyone training into a brick wall or doing more than they should. But the gals training for IMSG will already be riding Sat/Sun- right? And for those of us in the OS, consider just shuffling up the workouts this week so you can ride Sat/Sun or Sat/Mon. Time for some fun! Just be sure you get yourself signed up on the tracking spreadsheet over in the Challenge thread.
Suzanne thought about you when I read about your snowstorm in the paper.. well we have one down here Arkansas style..... I bet schools will be closed tomorrow and the ower Just came on!! yep it didn't get down to 55 though but without anything better to do.. having run out of energy and light and power, I took a one hour nap and woke up to the heat kicking back on!! four kids in the house and they entertained themselves... cuz my teenage 18 year ol woke up at 2 p.m.!!! he is a bunch of fun so I think they were chasing each other with nerf guns!! not sure... meanwhile, my car was stuck two feet out of my garage on smallincine as I was gonna go to store before it got worse... but nah, we are doing fine just outta bread but who needs it right!!? anyways.... the puppy pics are downright adorable!! and I will check the Challenge thread.... weather here is poor this whole week honestly with rain and low temps......
Comments
Friends, we're in for a world of hurt here in DC in a few hours. I usually scoff at snow estimates because people from this area are very Chicken Little when it comes to snow... but after 48 hours of watching the forecast get more and more certain, I think we are fairly screwed. My kitchen is stocked and ready to go and I'm planning to make cookies for the guys who shovel our community - I can't imagine they get paid well and they're out there at all hours doing such a great job when I'm sure they want to be bundled up with their families too. I had grand plans to fit in a run this morning as I know I won't be getting out this weekend but I woke up to legs that were desperately in need of a recovery day. Sometimes our bodies' schedules are inconveniently mismatched with the rest of the world, right?
Suzanne- There is a place in heaven for people that rescue dogs!! My "off the charts" rescue is now 17 !! ( 92 in people years). And, If I had a $ for every time I've said, "Let's go HURRY", I could buy a new powermeter.
If the rain we are getting is any indicator of your impending snow, you better hunker down!!!!!!
Hi Ladies,
Thanks for the support.
Kris, Thanks for your kind words. Have a great trail race tomorrow. Is there a chance of losing your shoe in mud? Happened to me once. Crazy. Tie them snug or duct tape them to your ankles
Olivia- We can do this. One workout at a time. I sat down this morning and wrote out a schedule I can do based on my life and training partners. Once I did that it seemed more doable. I moved the workouts all around. For example I have a day off mid week at work usually so ABP ride mid week with friends, Long ride Sat and short interval ride Monday. Then long run Sunday with friends( not true EN format but works better for me). I have so much "friend" support here and they already have slated helping me with all my long runs, tempo, track etc so that is best for me. Swim is masters : m,w,f,sat with all friends..again motivation factor is high and coach is a dear friend. I can breathe now. I see a pattern and a pattern is repeatable and thus you can fall into a groove more easily. Or atleast what I am telling myself
Gina- not sure if I should give a peak to the plan exactly but first week- 16 hours....
CC
Oh Kris!!! It is just awful out there - YUCK. Hopefully we'll get the snow they are forecasting (not that I would ever WISH for snow), but that would have to be better than trying to run in what's happening now! Good luck and I hope you enjoy it.
Yes, I know ALL about how hard it is to get those puppies to go potty in this kind of weather! Funny, I have always used the phrase "go hurry" I think that just came about from me standing around shivering and saying "would you please hurry it up already!" and that just got shortened to "go hurry". I still have to get out and flag the yard and start training Esther on the electric fence, but between the rain and the snow coming it looks like that will be put off until the next time I can see the yard. Amazing how some people will treat animals - just makes me sick. Sounds like she is lucky to have you Suzanne
Olivia and Carrie - you girls are gonna rock IMSG! I am so looking forward to following along and cheering you on! Just try to take it week by week. I know you have to look ahead at the schedule to plan, but just try to eat that elephant one bite at a time - okay? Says she who hasn't ever trained for an IM before
I have taken a few days off because my body said so. Sucks when my mojo is really good and I want to go do, but I know that missing a few days in favor of being sound is the "smart" thing to do. I am about to go bonkers though!!!! I feel like a loaded spring - so I am going to a Bikram Yoga class - which I better get going if I am going to be there on time - and they lock the door so I better be there on time if I am going to make the effort to drive all the way to Lexington.
My boys have Pinewood Derby on Saturday, we have DH's daughter and BF coming for dinner Sat and Boy Scout Sunday at church this weekend. Let's see that's at least 2 cakes I need to bake and a few meals to plan. Time to get hoppin'.......
Have a wonderful weekend everyone
Gina- if you think getting a puppy to go potty outside in the rain is tough, try getting a cat to head out there! HA! Lilly turned her tail up at me and walked away with a look of disdain on her face this morning!
Suzanne- I've been watching the weather channel and giggling- DC is gonna be a mess! At least it's Superbowl Sunday weekend and most folks will be sitting in their living rooms most of the time anyway. I hope you can enjoy it a little bit- DC really is very pretty in the snow (says someone who can now appreciate it 'cause she doesn't actually have to live through it anymore).
Speaking of which- any of you ladies going to a Super Bowl party this weekend? Who is rooting for who?
Do you ever realize how many potty conversations we have around here? (hence the owi, owi talk post IM time) he he he..... and you guys have to stop the cake and cookies talk... clean diet week 2 and my tummy is growling.... one more week and I'm usually over the cravings so much.
Kris, good luck on your trail race! You are more woman than I am to run in those conditions.
Nemo, T and I love football, and are having a Super Bowl party for 3! My sister is coming over with the understanding that we will actually be watching the game and not just the commercials. We are making baked (fake-fried) chicken tenders and onion rings, crostini with white bean, garlic, and tomato spread, a veggie tray with fat free dip, shrimp and cocktail sauce, and low-fat ice cream cones for dessert. We're wine people rather than beer people, so we'll open a bottle (or two!) for the game. We want the Saints to win because our hometown team, the Texans, are always being beaten by Peyton and the Colts.
Best wishes to everyone with impending bad weather, and, Suzanne, how nice of you to make cookies for the hardworking guys!
Have a great weekend, ladies!
Gina, wow, 17! Daisy - who is more deserving of heaven than me, trust me - is 9 this month or thereabouts:
Mackenzie is easing her way into elderly status at age 12 or 13 (I don't know exactly) with diminished hearing and a desire to sleep all the time. However, check out how happy she was during December's snowpocalypse:
We're gonna have so much fun this weekend! I'm hoping for a solid two feet only because that just sounds nice and horrific.
Our phrase for Cali is "Get Busy."
She will go pretty much on command, which makes getting into the car and going somewhere much easier that she will take care of business. Every trainer I've talked do says to use your particular phrase, and praise them every single time they go--their whole their lives. 
I mean, what can it hurt? Catch 'em being good whenever possible. Just like kids.
Good luck on the trails, Kris!!! Full report. Trail running...I cannot even imagine.
Re the IM plan--I want to say, whoa, whoa whoa, back the truck up! 16 hours in week 1 of race prep???? The top is what, 18? That must be the Adv plan, but still. I, personally, could never do it. Sounds, um, very hard. A month in, you'll be knocking them off left and right, but be goos to yourselves as you gear up. It's going to take some getting used to!
G--structure has helped me a lot too. If only I wouldn't have dug this bit of a hole. It's not too bad, nothing like last year, but damn. I was cruising along, feeling the power, enjoying myself, and now I need to step back. I absolutely HATE this place I get to, but I'll deal. At least I caught it sooner than usual, but have to err even more on the side of caution I think.
Suzanne--doesn't that mismatch this SUCK???? I know exactly what you mean. Force fitting the run, however, was likely not the best idea, so good on you. It's only Feb. and we've been working hard. I actually do believe you're going to get hammered--they're not making it up this time. Hunker down, and talk to us here!
Kris- Trail running terrifies me. I am certain I would destroy my ankles. Two different PTs told me I was very "loose jointed". Sounds like a recipe for an ankle roll to me. Have fun though. I hope this dreaded rain stops!!
Kristen & Nemo- Have fun with your respective parties. We are not so much about pro ball, but, in the spirit of things, I will make some soy tacos. I am more into planning V-Day dinner right now!!
Linda- Any swimming on the docket this weekend?
Robin- I think you, Linda, and Marianne are neck and neck for who is the busiest Mom
Suzanne- Daisy and Mackenzie ( love the snow pic) are precious. Below are some pictures of the crew
My Mom and sister should be here within the hour. I told my sister to bring her bike. Gonna load her up on the other CT and give her a taste of work, EN style
Can't believe the east coast is going to get slammed again with snow. So strange! We've got NOTHING here. Even our ski/snowboardi spots in the mountains and XC trails are suffering with a shortage of the white stuff. Everyone be careful on snowy roads...or should I say, icy roads? My memories of DC area snows from my youth were of ICE ICE baby (Eeew, I know. that was a bad one. Ha!)
Wait so Lily and Otto go potty outside?! My sister and BIL are trying to train their two kittens to go outside. I think they're nuts, but maybe not.
Suzanne, your doggies look very sweet! Hadn't seen them before.
Robin - your IM advice is very well taken, even if you haven't been through it before. I think the fresh perspective is as valuable as veteran sage advice.
G- what protien do you use for your soy tacos? Seitan?
And yes, Carrie, we WILL do this!!!!! I have to do the planning and calendar overview later today. I woke up this AM at 4:30 thinking about where I'd fit stuff in....Gotta just get that out of the way so I can sleep this weekend and be ready.
Happy Friday chicas!!!
Olivia & Carrie C- YOU girls are going to ROCK IMSG!!!!! Excited for you both!
Well, not always. We started letting them outside (for a limited time, once in the morning, once in the evening) when we moved to OBX (we live on a cul-de-sac surrounded by water on 3 sides- very quite and pretty safe). In the beginning, they would dig holes in the sand (my yard is all sand- no dirt) and then they would squat in the little hole, deposit NOTHING, and then cover it up!
Then they'd go back inside to go potty! It's taken some time, but now they will go outside when they are let out for their short visit in the morning/evening each day. We still have a litter box for when they are inside and days when it's too nasty outside for them to go out (or if we are away for a weekend). But it does help make the litter box last a little longer.
My first cat, BB, wouldn't use a litter box- ever. Even as a kitten he refused and would only go potty outside. He once got in a bad cat fight and had to be stitched up. The doc said he couldn't go out on his own, and I knew he wouldn't use the litterbox. So we made a deal with each other and he let me put him on a leash and walk him around the block for his bathroom break. I'd look the other way- he'd do his business- and we'd move on. BB was simply the best cat ever!
@Krisf- Good luck on the trail run. Sounds like great fun.
@Olivia- no snow! Wow! Vancouver is suffering the same. hope they get hit before opening ceremonies.
@CarrieC and Olivia- IMSG is 12 weeks, and we are here for you every step of the way.
@Kitima- 1 week 'til liftoff. Hang on there!
@Linda- Sorry to hear about the hole you're in. Glad you caught things early. Looking forward to some training together when the weather is decent.
@Gina- Lovely doggies. Oh I miss my "subservient quadriped". (Any Star Trek Geeks remember that one?)
@DC area peeps- the more the better! I love snow. But I don't think there are enough plows down there!
You ladies ROCK!
Snowmaggedon update: About 8 inches so far and it's not actually supposed to "start" until 11 p.m. Opened the door to let the dogs out and all I heard were sirens. Lights are flickering madly. Cookies turned out disastrously due to the fact that I have a new cookie tray (which sucks, apparently) and only egg whites in the fridge. I think I'm most upset about the cookies.
HA HA! Otto & Lily probably thought they were pulling something over on you with that phantom burying. Crazy that BB was so dog-like with the leash etc.
Got email from my sister and BIL in C'ville, VA this AM. They apparently heard a noise outside and when they looked out they found that one of their huge trees had fallen on the little cottage that sits directly behind their house. The damage looks pretty bad. They didn't say if it was related to the snow, or if it was ice, or if it was just dumb luck. Ugh!!
Sorry about the cookies Suzanne!!
Fitting with our constant conversation about peeing, etc. We're going toilet shopping today!! Hooray! I know you're all painfully jealous.
OH and I got my EN tri top yesterday!! I was so psyched to try it on!! It really looks cool. Can't wait to race in it!
"
Hope everybody had a great weekend! I benefited big time from my two days off last week. Even though I somehow got mixed up on my weeks and discovered I was doing week 6 instead of 5 of Jan OS. DUH! Had a great bike Sun AM on the trainer before church (totally bonked in church as I forgot to eat before we left the house!) and did my "run" on the elliptical machine on Saturday.
So the weekend began with a lot of time in the kitchen on Friday night! I made a red velvet cake for the Boy Scout Pinewood Derby on Saturday, and cooked up an awesome Chili con Carne for Saturday night's dinner, pre made apps for Super Bowl party last night and cooked dinner for Friday night. I walked in the door at 5:30 pm on Friday night and got out of the kitchen about 9 - Whew!
The Red Velvet Cake
Then it was on to the Pinewood Derby on Saturday - the boys went with DH to weigh the cars and check them in and then we went back after lunch for the races. Of course there were computer problems, etc. so the races were 45 mins late starting! It turned out to be a great day though because Jack won!! He was overall winner in the Pack and get's to go represent the Pack at the District
. The only bad thing about this is that Distric happens while I am in Boston next month 
. Kevin was just nosed out for 3rd overall so just missed going to district, but was 2nd in his Den - so he still gets a nice trophy.
My stepdaughter came with her BF on Saturday and we had a great game of Spades. They absolutely killed us so we told them next time we would provide the cards! (they brought a deck knowing that we usually have a hard time coming up with a full deck!) So we ate the Chili con Carne and it was delish, but this was even more delish!!!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Then of course the Super Bowl party last night - so I am feelin very FAT today from all this yummy food over the weekend.
I hope Kris is recovering well from that trail race - it did stop raining, but there wasn't enough snow that it probably changed the mud situation too much. I imagine they were a slippin' and slidin' all over the place!
food looks delicious! robin. m
Hi Ladies!
Robin -- Those cakes look torturously delicious! The last time I made one of those was for a 1950's-themed dinner party. I was skeptical of how it would turn out, but it is now one of my favorites. And Boy Scouts in uniform!
I am all moved. Dash is set up in his swank, new pain cave (whole room. ridiculous luxury). Now I get to unpack. Perhaps oddly, this is one of my favorite things to do. I like to make new spaces. I've dubbed Saturday's move a 30+x3 workout. Thirty trips up three flights of stairs with bags of books and boxes? Definitely counts as a workout.
Every time I move, I am reminded I am a book person, with lots and lots of heavy art and architecture monographs. My brother-in-law, who was helping me move, offered to buy me a Kindle to reduce the heavy lifting for next time. 
Robin: An entire cake that's Red Velvet---Holy cow! I would've eaten the whole thing if I was within 10 feet of it. Congrats to your pine box derby champs!
Beth: Great to hear you're redefining your space. I'm a book girl too---I think it's sacrilege to throw a book away.
Well, I'm packing for my Argentina trip. In one check in bag (with a 33 pound weight limit), I need to pack for hiking/camping in Patagonia (temps are 40-60 degrees) and Punto Valdes (it's on the ocean with penguins and elephant seals...so windy?) and Iguazu Falls (which is 96 degrees and humid). I'm treating my Iguazu Falls clothes with permethrin as I've read that it's buggy there too. Also, just picked up my malaria pills---My pharmacy had them in stock! Who knew! And just when I thought I owned EVERY plug adaptor out there, Argentina uses one that I don't have. A quick run to the travel store fixed that. I'm boning up on my Spanish--took it in high school and college: I can conjugate verbs, but I still have to learn how to order a steak rare.
Oh and lastly, I've read that the red meat, red wine, and ice cream there are exquisite. Thoughts about W/kg are going out the window!
Kit- I guess it is a good thing that tech wear is generally light weight!! I can't WAIT to see your pics. Red meat, red wine, ice cream. How good can it get ?!
Beth- We need some pics of your new space when you get all settled!!
Marianne- Unexpected snow this way as well! And in true southern fashion, the schools were emptied by 1pm. Now, the sun is out!!
Robin- Congrats to your boys!! Do you know, I have never had Red Velvet cake?! Crazy.
Olivia- Glad your Sis and BIL weren't in the path of that tree.
Today was my first day back to work since getting Anabelle. I am happy to report she had ZERO accidents. The "go hurry" and dog door seemed to really click in the last 48 hours. Also, she and Indie are clearly going to be buddies! Makes me happy.
Gina- the puppy pics continue to kill me!
Beth, congrats on the move and making a new space!
Kitima - I think sometimes I could live very happily on a diet consisting solely of Malbec and empanadas. Enjoy your time in Argentina!
Still snowed in here. Saturday morning was fun - I woke up in the middle of a lull in the storm and the dogs had a blast running up and down the sidewalks. The snow was so high that it felt like walking through a maze. I had a great bike on the trainer, cleaned the house from top to bottom, bundled up in fuzzy socks, settled in for some Tivo...and then the power went out. Ohhhhhhhh fuuuuuuuudge. Luckily I have some fun neighbor friends and we kept each other warm and entertained for most of the day until the power came back on around midnight (thermostat reading: 55 degrees, brr). Yesterday was spent digging out and making chili. Today involved Tuesday's bike, a hike to the grocery store for supplies (they were pretty well stocked, surprisingly), and now the dogs and I are about to head to the frou-frou pet store before the three of us go insane with boredom. AND we're getting up to ten inches tomorrow night. Did I move back to Rochester and forget...?
Suzanne--I think y'all teleported to Nome. Sheesh, that's incredible, and more coming!
m--sure we have the equipment, but it doesn't always get used well--esp sidewalks. The little plow comes by, makes it passable, then people don't shovel and it's adeath trap out there. We're always half a sec away from a rec.
Robin and G--you are BOTH killing me. What means love more than cake and puppies?! I want both. Congrats, Robin on the pinewood win. Honestly, that sounds like so much fun!
Kit--you lucky dawg. Fantastic trip awaiting--really looking forward to that VR--vaycay report.
Moi--not much to report. Breaking the workout rules and did my own thing this weekend. I wanted to ride the CT TT course and get to know it a bit before the TT with the team next month. Instead of the regular workouts, I might just ride that as a weekly boobs-to-the-tube challenge from now to then. I've decided that 20 weeks of OS is too long for me. Time to mix it up with something else. It's a long year right? It's long, plus I have had just about 0 movement in run and bike improvemnet. I'm back to where I was at the end of OS '08. Would lbe nice to be a little further along. I don't get it. Ever onward, right?
It is snowing here and school was out for the day. The kids are always so excited until they have to make the day up. Daughter was supposed to have further testing on her abdominal issues today but we decided not to risk the roads. Just so you know....I hate it when I make a decision like that and some pompous you know what has to say..."Yeah...(insert spitting on the sidewalk here)....I headed down thar this morning. Roads weren't bad. I made it just fine." Whatever....risking our safety and well being isn't worth it if the tests can be rescheduled to another day. Bad thing is it would have been perfect since she wouldn't have missed a day of school. Oh well, the pregnant girl at work called her to come in for her as soon as she heard school was closed so she made some money. Ok...more about my life than anyone wanted to know.
Have a great day! Back to the books
Linda- I have no idea! I could swear there was a delete button at one point.
OK ladies- who all is in for the challenge this weekend? Now, I don't want anyone training into a brick wall or doing more than they should. But the gals training for IMSG will already be riding Sat/Sun- right? And for those of us in the OS, consider just shuffling up the workouts this week so you can ride Sat/Sun or Sat/Mon. Time for some fun! Just be sure you get yourself signed up on the tracking spreadsheet over in the Challenge thread.
Oh- and we need more input on Coach R's speedo!