tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89253376653410568132024-03-13T12:48:50.956-04:00Age Groups Rockajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.comBlogger829125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-48817849986300338172015-07-27T15:38:00.001-04:002015-07-31T17:30:00.563-04:00Eugene VS Vermont<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Eugene and Vermont are both alike and different. While I did some hiking and walking this week I thought about how. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-430eek2bqBI/VbaInahyhQI/AAAAAAAAOZY/-dxDEajULI0/s640/blogger-image--120301166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-430eek2bqBI/VbaInahyhQI/AAAAAAAAOZY/-dxDEajULI0/s640/blogger-image--120301166.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eugene has crossing signals that talk. Vermont does not. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EoqzKtZ4NBw/VbaIrTQNNdI/AAAAAAAAOZg/gaMypciZJ9w/s640/blogger-image--192993050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EoqzKtZ4NBw/VbaIrTQNNdI/AAAAAAAAOZg/gaMypciZJ9w/s640/blogger-image--192993050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eugene has brown grass. Vermont lives up to it's name with very green grass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pVM6HtldQGs/VbaIjyVFnXI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/3NJgN1xoaRM/s640/blogger-image-1400869388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pVM6HtldQGs/VbaIjyVFnXI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/3NJgN1xoaRM/s640/blogger-image-1400869388.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div>Eugene has Ninkasi. While Vermont had many awesome breweries it does not have Ninkasi. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MP7zv1btMng/VbaJVx_JpwI/AAAAAAAAOZo/Qzc2b1qe8fc/s640/blogger-image-1926965781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MP7zv1btMng/VbaJVx_JpwI/AAAAAAAAOZo/Qzc2b1qe8fc/s640/blogger-image-1926965781.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9GnliAXhoMI/Vbvotd6f6VI/AAAAAAAAOa8/xp-MWj1iLSM/s640/blogger-image--675630699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9GnliAXhoMI/Vbvotd6f6VI/AAAAAAAAOa8/xp-MWj1iLSM/s640/blogger-image--675630699.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Eugene has a beautiful bike path system. It's near a river. Vermont's nicest one is near a lake. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vaMEE6eUG4c/Vbhf_GDGd6I/AAAAAAAAOaE/BKieMdLxcYM/s640/blogger-image--1973678379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vaMEE6eUG4c/Vbhf_GDGd6I/AAAAAAAAOaE/BKieMdLxcYM/s640/blogger-image--1973678379.jpg"></a></div> Eugene is a bit stuck in the 60s. Vermont is not IMO. I</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBS-ih5y-xg/Vbhf9P_hf7I/AAAAAAAAOZ8/kJ5mIg0dr8w/s640/blogger-image--1009523559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBS-ih5y-xg/Vbhf9P_hf7I/AAAAAAAAOZ8/kJ5mIg0dr8w/s640/blogger-image--1009523559.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Eugene has a large homeless population. Vermont is way too cold for year round outside living. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZP-ukSkWLo/VbvopeqWu4I/AAAAAAAAOas/6ws0Wog7f5c/s640/blogger-image--1577025047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZP-ukSkWLo/VbvopeqWu4I/AAAAAAAAOas/6ws0Wog7f5c/s640/blogger-image--1577025047.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eugene has wonderful hiking trails as does Vermont. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMa7uNPoM0Q/VbvorTu7Q0I/AAAAAAAAOa0/9J8X6HkrCIM/s640/blogger-image-740415455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMa7uNPoM0Q/VbvorTu7Q0I/AAAAAAAAOa0/9J8X6HkrCIM/s640/blogger-image-740415455.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBAY2rC_zew/Vbvox_YHZuI/AAAAAAAAObM/-hsc9wAMusA/s640/blogger-image-642686294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBAY2rC_zew/Vbvox_YHZuI/AAAAAAAAObM/-hsc9wAMusA/s640/blogger-image-642686294.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hEQ-0JLF2WE/VbvonEpV_kI/AAAAAAAAOak/UP1O5En4oPY/s640/blogger-image-743080777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hEQ-0JLF2WE/VbvonEpV_kI/AAAAAAAAOak/UP1O5En4oPY/s640/blogger-image-743080777.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And sadly, Eugene has my daughter. Vermont no longer does. Thank goodness for visits. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0a7qVbhskMI/VbvovvcaoPI/AAAAAAAAObE/yRQVUavBo5o/s640/blogger-image-837081332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0a7qVbhskMI/VbvovvcaoPI/AAAAAAAAObE/yRQVUavBo5o/s640/blogger-image-837081332.jpg"></a></div></div>ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-28784377511859879562015-07-24T14:32:00.001-04:002015-07-24T14:32:03.986-04:00Give Peace a Tri<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eVaBDDZCDIE/VbKEOig6AkI/AAAAAAAAOYo/2DotsHkC7Po/s640/blogger-image-98800124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eVaBDDZCDIE/VbKEOig6AkI/AAAAAAAAOYo/2DotsHkC7Po/s640/blogger-image-98800124.jpg"></a></div>Last Saturday I did this tri for my second time. It's a fun one with lots of beginners. When I heard a woman talk about doing the breast stroke or the side stroke I thought, "These are my people." My swimming and running times were quite a bit slower than last year but my bike was right on with a good pace. I was 141 / 205 and 2/4 in my age group. I had fun doing it so I guess I'll sign up for more. I kind of liked the swim. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aYIOOn39mgA/VbKEL8T4ZXI/AAAAAAAAOYg/GiVgeGEU0sc/s640/blogger-image--1342449613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aYIOOn39mgA/VbKEL8T4ZXI/AAAAAAAAOYg/GiVgeGEU0sc/s640/blogger-image--1342449613.jpg"></a></div><div>I left there to head to Maine where I stayed with a friend on Bailey Island and had a very relaxing time. It was all lighthouses, beach, seafood and porch sitting with daily running and riding thrown in too. I loved watching the lobster men check their traps right in front of the </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sjj4hSb4O9k/VbKEQtZqmwI/AAAAAAAAOYw/4jcpwqcKSzI/s640/blogger-image--1627964952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sjj4hSb4O9k/VbKEQtZqmwI/AAAAAAAAOYw/4jcpwqcKSzI/s640/blogger-image--1627964952.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HfPJNv8kkbU/VbKEorKEm5I/AAAAAAAAOY4/FWNtEbK5X5c/s640/blogger-image-658163751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HfPJNv8kkbU/VbKEorKEm5I/AAAAAAAAOY4/FWNtEbK5X5c/s640/blogger-image-658163751.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6LFVc7XKbW8/VbKEHVFcknI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/VTxJS5krHXM/s640/blogger-image-372154499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6LFVc7XKbW8/VbKEHVFcknI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/VTxJS5krHXM/s640/blogger-image-372154499.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now I'm in Oregon visiting Emily. We got up this morning and did a sunrise run up Mt Pisgah. July has been a busy month. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ZYysoJVVO0/VbKEJc1HxVI/AAAAAAAAOYY/_36e0z6n2vs/s640/blogger-image-1529082117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ZYysoJVVO0/VbKEJc1HxVI/AAAAAAAAOYY/_36e0z6n2vs/s640/blogger-image-1529082117.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-74353842447386568702015-07-13T17:33:00.001-04:002015-07-13T18:23:28.343-04:00Racing/Biking/Tagged/New York CityI haven't blogged in a long time. I am not quite sure how I view my blog anymore. I don't seem quite ready to give it up but I am certainly not a good blogger, as a writer or as a reader. <br />
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So here are a few brief things. <br />
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I raced in my town on July 4th. I almost didn't but I was glad I did. The race always has a good feeling. It is in memory of a young woman who died. Her husband runs the race and all of her children participate. Her father runs it and other siblings and they all come from out of state I believe. I had the best time of the year. I was not under 30 minutes but my pace was under 10 minutes a mile so yay!<br />
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I have been doing a lot of biking and it is as wonderful as always. Biking certainly feeds my soul. I miss running when I am injured and I can't and I don't want to break up with it but when biking enters the picture I feel complete.<br />
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I have another tri this Saturday and hope I love it. That is my main goal.<br />
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I just got back from NYC which was wonderful as always. There is something about that city that also feeds my soul.<br />
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Now I noticed today that Darlene tagged me for a post and it looked like fun so I thought I would do it. If you like the questions go for it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?</b></span><br />
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Hmm. Nothing comes quickly to mind. Perhaps people would be surprised to know that I really hate cooking and would not care if I never had to cook another meal.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Have you met someone famous?</b></span><br />
Not really. I always like to tell people I had eye contact with Arnold Palmer back in the day. I followed him for all 18 holes and I was up on a rock to see better when he walked by me and looked up. Be still my heart.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">What is something you hope will never come back in style?</span><br />
I don't worry a lot about what is in style.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">What is on your travel bucket list?</span></b><br />
Ireland is #1 on my bucket list. <br />
Alaska is a place that was on it. I went and thought it would get out of my system but I want to go back.<br />
I would like to go to Switzerland. <br />
I would like to go to Iceland.<br />
I would like to spend time in Northwest Canada.<br />
I want to go to Acadia in Maine. You would think I have done it. Well, I went but it was brief and foggy and I'm not counting it. <br />
I prefer mountains and ocean in cooler climates overall.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?</span><br />
Jennifer Lawrence<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Who is your favorite Disney princess?</span><br />
I don't know them as well as I once did. I'm going to pass.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">What would you sing at karaoke night?</span><br />
Well I did this on my Alaskan cruise. I sang Leader of the Pack. Great choice. My second choice would be Love Potion Number Nine. Yeah, I'm old.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Who would you want to be stranded on a desert island with?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">I would so hate being on a desert island it would need to be someone with a lot of patience. My friend, Bonnie, is patient and very handy so I'll go with her.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">What clothing item/accessory/shoes do you have way too many of in your closet.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Race shirts, Keen shoes (just bought some more today), and running socks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">What is your biggest pet peeve?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span">I have tons.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">I HATE the negativity of comments on social media.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">I HATE the incorrect spelling and grammar of comments on social media.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">I particularly hate the misuse of your/you're. Not hard to get correct.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">I hate people standing too close in my personal space.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">I hate it when people don't respect others in their jobs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Okay that's it. Join in if you want. Let me know you did it. Or just give your opinion in the comments.</span><br />
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A few pictures from NYC.<br />
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-17147185735584435152015-06-21T08:43:00.000-04:002015-06-21T08:43:44.955-04:00First Triathlon of the SeasonIt's done. It was fun now that I'm looking back on it but I was disappointed with my times. They were all slow. No results out yet but when I<strike> studied </strike>glanced at the results board everything was slow. I was most disappointed in my bike as it felt good. Oh well. I felt like I put a lot of effort into everything and that is good.<br />
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My swim was a debacle. My goggles fogged up and I was swimming blind particularly once I turned around and was going into the sun. I had to keep lifting them up and I always found myself off course. I am slow enough without swimming extra distance. I finally put them on my cap and just dealt with having none on. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">But it took longer than forever. </span> The good part is I am fairly comfortable in this lake and knew basically the course. Then I ran out and took off my wet suit only to rip it. Yikes. How much of a disaster is that? Do people swim with ripped wet suits? I plan to.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>I am at the back of this crowd feeling </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>very nervous.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>I made it. I actually like this pic that</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>my friend took.</i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>This is early and they have just put out the first buoy.</i></b></span></div>
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Transitions. Yeah, I need some practice there.</div>
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The bike felt good. I passed a decent number of people. This was a small race. I took longer than usual but it was fun for sure. But still disappointed with time.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>My happy place.</i></b></span></div>
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The run. All my runs are slow these days. It could have been worse, it could have been better. I like this run. It's in the shade and not too hilly but near the end you enter the park on a downhill. I have to say I can't wait to do another one. This left me hungry to do better. This tri is repeated 3 times in the summer. I will be away for the July one but hope to do the August one as long as I am here. I am going to start scouring the internet to find a new tri too. I have conflicts with the ones I usually do so am looking for a good July one. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Who doesn't want a pint glass that says </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>triathlon champion?</i></b></span></div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-61622455745206437602015-06-07T21:16:00.000-04:002015-06-07T21:17:08.059-04:00Rye by the Sea Duathlon<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I did this race last year and loved it. In spite of that I wasn't overly excited as it approached this year. As soon as I was on my bike for the second leg, I regretted not having that sweet feeling of fun anticipation. WHAT A FREAKIN FUN RACE!<br />
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You run for 5k, bike for 17+ and run again for 5K. What saves the 5K is that when you repeat it you do it in the other direction and that really does lend a new route feel to it. There is the road, trails through the woods and kind of a combo of the two for the three miles. <br />
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The weather was cool and therefore perfect. I came out of the run in 135th place and there were just 148 of us out there. Yep, that's not a whole lot of people behind me. I have been slow lately and doing this with a 10 anywhere in the pace was fine with me. I did it in 31:45 with a 10:35 pace. Then it was onto the bike.<br />
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OMG! It was so much fun. I had a zen experience as I was just going along the road through the neighborhoods thinking I was put on this Earth to race my bike! Some woman told me I was looking strong and I grinned from ear to ear and thanked her. She grinned right back at me. I was feeling great and loving all the spectators and other races. I thanked every policeman directing traffic. I was having so much fun.<br />
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Then I got to the marshes and the ocean! Now I could really hardly stand it. As I passed one woman I exclaimed over the delightful ocean smell. She laughed and said yeah it was great but she probably lives there and was amused at my eagerness. Speaking of passing, I passed lots of people. I guess that is the advantage of being so far back in the run. I counted, I always do, it motivates me to keep passing. I passed 27 people, 1 passed me but I passed him back on the run. A good amount of this run was RIGHT ALONG THE OCEAN! A lot of it was where I ran the half marathon a few weeks ago. Then I was back ready to run again. <br />
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My time was slightly under an hour with a speed of 17.7 mph. That is lightning fast in my world. I had worked hard on the bike to keep pushing it and it paid off. I was 84th on the bike, a huge difference from the run. <br />
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Then I had my last run. It felt slow but it was fine. I ended up doing it in 31:46 just 1 second slower than the first time. I was in 122nd place for this leg. I guess some people slowed down. <br />
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Overall I was 112 out of the 148, nothing spectacular at all but I was so happy with how the bike moved me up. I won my age group. Okay, I was the only one but I was out there doing it. I am taking it! <br />
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My overall time was 2:05:57 which was exactly 1 minute slower than last year. I expected more of a difference with my slowness and I was not trained as well as I have been missing workouts resting my knee. <br />
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The fun didn't stop there. My friend went with me to the beach where we relaxed and read. Heaven. Heaven. Heaven. The temperature was perfect, not too hot or too cold. Then we went to the Nubble where two weddings were happening! This was followed by a lobster roll and a teensy bit of shopping. <br />
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I was exhausted today but what fun it was!!! <br />
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ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-83430107239059205752015-05-30T19:43:00.001-04:002015-05-30T19:43:56.788-04:00Why Am I Not Upset at My PW at Vermont City Marathon?Last weekend I ran the VCM 2 person relay. I have run this race many times, both the full marathon and the 2 person relay. I believe this was my 33rd half. And this time my time was the slowest it has ever been for a half. But I wasn't particularly upset or really upset at all.<br />
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Why?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Coming into the finish.</i></b></span></div>
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1. It is an outstanding race and I just plain had fun. Yes, for me it's a local race but I think it can be fun no matter what. The crowd support is unreal throughout most of the race. The city comes out to support you. People in the neighborhoods you run through provide water, food, watermelon, FREEZER POPS and more. They have bands, signs and just plain hoot and holler to cheer you on. The crowds line the start and Church Street. The finish area is packed. I can't say enough about the feeling in the city when this race is going on.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/">Darlene </a>and I meeting Deena Kastor at the Expo!</i></span></b></div>
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2. I had done a half the week before and felt quite good about my time. It was unrealistic to expect to do it again. I didn't run at all (or bike or swim) at all during the week. My knee is not all recovered and I wanted it to be an easier week. It is hard to run and not race but I did my best.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The morning of the race...... at Battery Park.</i></b></span></div>
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3. I am slow these days. Truthfully slow. Perhaps when I am all recovered I will put in some harder training but for now it's how it is.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Darlene did the first half and is on her way.</i></b></span></div>
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4. As mentioned my knee isn't what it could be.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I waited at Oakledge Park for the Darlene.</i></b></span></div>
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5. Any day you race (pretty much) is a good day. I try really hard to be happy about each race I do. I love racing and I try to find the good parts of the races I do. I think I do a fairly good job at this. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Yep, it's a pretty one.</i></b></span></div>
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6. There were so many people running this race to be celebrated. I saw a woman with a prosthetic. I saw mentally challenged racers. I saw an older woman being wildly cheered by her daughters. There are people who do the 5 person relay with shorter legs who ordinarily wouldn't be involved in a marathon. The cyclists/wheelchair athletes are highly celebrated on a hard course. Quite simply so many people are so happy.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Coming into the finish at the Waterfront.</i></b></span></div>
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7. The course is beautiful. The bike path is one of my happy places and here I was racing on it.<br />
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8. Maybe I'll see one of you here next year.</div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-19595584752274085992015-05-20T19:04:00.003-04:002015-05-20T19:04:21.377-04:00Wallis Sands Half MarathonI better do this post before my next race. Did I really use to post a few times a week?<br />
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I have another half this weekend through poor and ignorant planning. My knee is kind of sore so I am doing nothing and will take it really slow this weekend with no expectations this weekend. None!<br />
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But last weekend I was hoping to do better than my half in March. I did by almost a minute faster per mile. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Inside the lighthouse.</i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Portsmouth Headlight</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">This half was in Rye Beach and I did it last year.
I stayed in Hampton Beach which is not where I usually stay. It was
nice to be on the beach but I do like York, Maine better. When my friend
and I got there it was raining. We did some shopping in Kittery which was a
huge score. I have a worn a new skirt every day this week. I wish I had gotten
more as they are comfortable, cute and cheap. Then we went to see
Portsmouth Headlight and I went to the top. I love lighthouses so this
was a big score. Then it was to the hotel to check in. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Biking on Hampton Beach</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Next I rode up the coast! Yes! Yes! Yes! I rode to the race site. Then it was out for my first lobster roll of the weekend. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A small part of the bike path</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc0T3Q8Kltg/VV0R-9z1qcI/AAAAAAAAOSA/hJTXJ64KWOo/s1600/DSC07119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc0T3Q8Kltg/VV0R-9z1qcI/AAAAAAAAOSA/hJTXJ64KWOo/s320/DSC07119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Coming into the finish</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7XMW0zVhi0/VV0SFSk3B3I/AAAAAAAAOSI/j5EVaKmB9D0/s1600/DSC07125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7XMW0zVhi0/VV0SFSk3B3I/AAAAAAAAOSI/j5EVaKmB9D0/s320/DSC07125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>At the finish</i></b></span></div>
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Then it was time to race on Sunday. It was very foggy when we started out. But within an hour it was sunny and warm. I was a little overdressed but not too bad. I stayed around some people but passed others. I was feeling good, not as fast as I used to be but way faster than my training runs were. I kept a reasonably steady pace. I walked a minute every mile which worked great. I missed the mile marker for mile 9 so all of a sudden I was at 10 with only 3 left to go. </div>
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The first few miles were along the ocean and then it veered inland past the marshes and into the village. The last few were back through the marshes, then along a bike path and finally along the ocean again. I loved the bike path. Everything was in bloom and so pretty. I tried to appreciate the scenery and not think about being tired. Truthfully, I was feeling great and not that tired so it wasn't hard. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-am5OFnGvqHY/VV0SSQ0zDgI/AAAAAAAAOSc/UQi2b-2ofg4/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-am5OFnGvqHY/VV0SSQ0zDgI/AAAAAAAAOSc/UQi2b-2ofg4/s320/unnamed-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Approaching the finish</i></b></span></div>
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My stats weren't great but okay. I did not win an age group award. I was 5/8. My other stats were so so but like I said, I was thrilled with my time and running. I felt good and had a great time. What more could I ask for? </div>
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Now this weekend I get to do it again but at a much slower pace.</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-11062552893162893632015-04-29T21:00:00.001-04:002015-04-29T21:00:51.629-04:00Vacationing on the Cape.I spent most of my April break biking and running on Cape Cod. It's not everyone's idea to exercise madly while on vacation but it's definitely mine. The rain held off for the most part but it was quite cold and we wore lots of clothes! But if that's what it takes to bike in a beautiful setting so be it.<br />
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My rides were from 60 to 17 miles with a total of 222 miles. Oddly enough I ran 22 miles. I am not sure what it is with all the 2s. To me this was a great vacation. It could have been warmer but the scenery made up for it. Riding along or near the ocean is so sweet in my world. A lot of our rides were on bike trails that were not next to the ocean but we often ended up there. The ocean, beaches, and lighthouses were everywhere! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSNFboDua6g/VUF7K0UgzvI/AAAAAAAAOPM/DsXhVUqJjE4/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSNFboDua6g/VUF7K0UgzvI/AAAAAAAAOPM/DsXhVUqJjE4/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is the bike trail we rode the most.</div>
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Some of the cranberry bogs.</div>
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Look at the bikes on top of this trellis. One</div>
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of my favorite sites on the Shining Sea</div>
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Bike Trail. Some of this trail</div>
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went right along the ocean.</div>
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The bike trail coming back from the Coast Guard Beach in Nauset.</div>
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At the Nauset Lighthouse.</div>
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One of my morning runs on the beach. </div>
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We used this to get back up.</div>
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I enjoyed my runs. The terrain was quite different than what I am used to. I either ran along the road overlooking the ocean or on the beach. Truthfully, the tide always seemed to be coming in no matter what the tide charts said and I wasn't totally comfortable with the small distance between the water and the dunes. The dunes were steep with limited access to get up and down and I didn't want to be caught down there. There was a lot of evidence of where houses used to be as the dunes have receded! </div>
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My knee is doing quite well. The chiropractor I am currently going to twice a week seems to be making a difference. So far she has treated other things and hasn't even started on the knee itself yet but the neck bones connected to the............</div>
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I'm still slower than I can believe but I am very happy to be running. I still can't do my favorite breast stroke when swimming but biking is very possible and I can run quite well without repercussions. It's not all better but it is so much closer. When I can't run I miss it more than I would expect.</div>
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I have been doing lots of new routes with running which I love. On the Cape of course. When I go to my chiro appts. I run after one of them in Middlebury. I've run around the college some and even on the track. I throw the track into the middle and enjoy watching all that is going on. I go in different directions out of town depending on how far I want to go. It will be even nicer now that the snow is gone. </div>
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So that's my life now. I haven't been reading blogs and I apologize. I hope to get back to them this weekend. </div>
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ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-87278490617725174422015-04-12T09:40:00.000-04:002015-04-12T09:40:08.485-04:00Running Favorites<a href="https://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/">Darlene</a> tagged me to write about my running favorites and I'm doing it right away so I don't forget.<br />
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1. Location: trail, road or indoors<br />
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I am definitely a road person although many of my roads are dirt. Is that like a hybrid? I like bike paths too but I'm not a trails in the woods runner.<br />
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2. Time of day: morning, noon or evening. </div>
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I prefer morning but work and life interfere and it is often evening.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>This was taken the other day and it was around 5 PM.</i></span></b></div>
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3. Weather: mild or hot?</div>
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I prefer mild although really I most prefer crisp cool fall days. I would never never say hot.</div>
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4. Fuel: before, after or sometimes during.</div>
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I prefer after. </div>
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5. Accessories: music, watch or more? I love my music when I am on the treadmill. In fact it is a necessity. Generally outdoors I listen to podcasts when I run. When I am near the ocean I listen to the ocean. I like a watch if I am not running on a route that I know the mileage of. I am rather anal about this. I need my phone to take pictures. The other day my phone died in the middle of my run and I changed my route! I wanted to wait until I could take pictures on the route I had planned. I am still stewing over the missed pictures of the route I did take!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYIpGMPTmLU/VSpzkM8Lk4I/AAAAAAAAON8/oJ75NX-K-S0/s1600/pho%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vYIpGMPTmLU/VSpzkM8Lk4I/AAAAAAAAON8/oJ75NX-K-S0/s1600/pho%2B1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I have been running after my chiro appts. (for my knee) </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>and really enjoying the new places. </i></b></span></div>
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6. Rewards: food, wine or?? </div>
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That's a tough one. I have no regular reward. There is certainly no place to get anything near my home. The other day after my run I did go to a favorite place to get sandwiches for dinner and while there got a Monument Farms chocolate milk which is often a reward especially while biking.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>This is after the same chiro appointment and it was</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>an easy run that was delightful.</i></span></b></div>
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7. Type of runs: long, intervals, hill repeats, tempo, progression or recovery/easy.</div>
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I am the easy run lover for sure. I like long runs too but most of my runs are easy ones.</div>
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Feel free to do this or let me know in the comments some of your preferences. </div>
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Today I am happy to say I am heading out for a bike ride. It is finally going to warm up. Yesterday was freezing and I wore multiple layers while running and still froze! </div>
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Enjoy the rest of the weekend.</div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-48995708891543011112015-03-29T09:18:00.001-04:002015-03-29T09:18:20.243-04:00Currently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Currently</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Not running</b></span> - ugh. I haven't run since the NYC Half Marathon. Although my knee didn't hurt during it, it hurt a lot after it and it was time to rest it. I have been disappointed that 2 weeks off hasn't done more for it than it has. Yesterday though I did walk/run a mile. It felt okay the rest of the day and is feeling okay today. I didn't have knee pain last night. Generally sleeping is the worst time. It feels okay today so maybe I am turning a corner. I may try a short distance today. I am seeing a chiropractor who told me to listen to my body. How does it feel while I am using the knee and how does it feel after and the next day? So I am trying to do that. Ugh. <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Swimming</span></b> - I feel like swimming is going better. Some random guy at the pool helped me with my stroke and I can see a difference. You would think I would be swimming more but I'm not. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Biking</b></span> - My bike is tuned up and ready to go but the weather isn't cooperating. I may get out there today but maybe not. Although I ride into the cold weather in the fall I want to begin in the spring with it being reasonable. When I do start it will be with my older bike as there is so much crap on the roads. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Signing up for races</b></span> - I have two tris/dus I worry might fill up but I am hesitant on signing up for more while injured. But maybe today I'll bite the bullet and do it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Eating</b></span> - As with swimming which I should be doing more you would think I would be doing less while not exercising much. Nope. Having a hard time with this one.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Reading </b></span>- I'm doing lots of reading. I finished a book a week or so ago that I loved. It was The Art Forger by Barbara Shapiro. I loved it. Right after I read it they did a piece on the art theft that the book is based on on NPR. If you read it and like it let me know.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Listening -</b></span> I'm listening to lots of podcasts as usual. My new favorite one is Invisibilia. I am dying for Serial to start up again.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Vacationing </span></b>- I am not going to be going to Florida to ride to New Orleans. Flights are too expensive. My friend that I was going with is going to Cape Cod instead. I will probably go for part of the week to bike there. I am hoping to be running too as running by the ocean is one of my favorite things in the world. ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-894263876858838922015-03-21T19:50:00.000-04:002015-03-21T19:50:38.849-04:00New York City Half MarathonLast weekend I raced in the NYC Half Marathon. It is one of the three biggest races I have been in. I went down on Friday and made a 3 day weekend of it. Love NYC and I hadn't been in awhile so it was great.<br />
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I arrived with my friend early on Friday. We left stuff at the hotel which was right in Times Square and headed off to the expo. The expo was good although it wasn't as big as I thought it would be. I got a couple of shirts that I liked a lot and a new waist pack. One of the shirts has the race course on the back in case I forget where I ran. <br />
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Then we became tourists by first going to the top of the Empire State Building. I have been up a couple of times but it was a clear day and there were no crowds and no lines!<br />
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Then we played near the jumbo tron (???) in Times Square for the Revlon Ad. You keep showing up and it is addictive to try and get the best picture. It was hard! Here are a couple of the tries. I have the hood on.</div>
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We ended up at the ticket booth getting tickets for a show Friday night even though we were already going Saturday night. We got tickets for <i>If Then</i> with Idina Menzel (did I get that right?) which is ending soon. It was superb. I enjoyed it so much! Saturday night we saw Aladdin and IMO you can't go wrong with Disney on Broadway. </div>
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Saturday we spent a lot of time trying to figure out where the race was ending and where to meet.</div>
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I don't like that this race didn't have a family meet up area. Sat. was rainy and cold so trudging around trying to figure this out was a pain. Then we went to just below Central Park to hit up F.A.O Schwartz, the Apple store and Nike. We also went to the Public Library which has the most fun store. I was exhausted and ready to go back and rest before the show. </div>
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I must admit I was nervous about getting to the race in the morning. I changed my mind several times about how I would get there but ended up going up very early. I took the Metro and got off not quite where I should have but it all worked out.</div>
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I was in wave 3 which was the last wave to start. It was much colder than predicted so I did not have the clothes I wished I had. It was cold waiting and I never took off my throw away top. Once I was ready to I thought about hitting the windy road along the river and decided to keep it on. <b>Smart move!</b></div>
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Once we began I was finally running through Central Park which has been on my bucket list for so long! I was in heaven. There were 20,000 runners in the race but it truly wasn't too crowded. We ran through CP for a few miles and yes it was hilly. Then we went into Harlem for an out and back before going back into CP.</div>
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When we were going back through CP I spotted the only person I know from NYC. It was Ali (the one who blogs) and I have only met her once. But I yelled to her and told her I was Emily's mom and she went crazy. She was spectating and cheering on runners. Her enthusiasm left a smile on my face for several miles. Then we left Central Park. I was looking for a bathroom without lines and shortly after we left I found one. Score.</div>
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Then it was up 7th Avenue on the way to Times Square which was incredible. I loved this the most by far which surprised me because I thought Central Park would be my favorite. But Times Square with no traffic and people cheering you on......epic!</div>
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We turned and ran down 42nd Street which was great.</div>
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I was not running fast but I had a pace I wanted to maintain. My long runs had been so so so slow that I was a bit worried. I had been running a mile and walking a minute and had planned to do this during the race but I felt so good I didn't. I have been having a lot of trouble with my knee but it didn't bother me at all during the race. It was going to be a very tight time getting back to the hotel to catch the shuttle to the airport. I had this in the back of my mind throughout the race.</div>
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Then we turned onto the West Side Highway which runs along the Hudson. It was open and windy but I was okay. I loved all of the course. We went through a tunnel which was pretty cool. This is a picture of coming out of the tunnel.</div>
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I thought I was still doing well but my last mile was slow. </div>
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I did finish in the time I wanted, somehow met up with my friend and then we took the Metro back. I was freezing and sore. Stairs were a problem. The worst part was the walk back outside in the wind to the hotel. We got back and thankfully there was time to change before the shuttle got there. I made it by about 10 minutes. </div>
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Then it was a long day at the airport but our flight wasn't canceled although that was in some question. </div>
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Overall I loved this race. I wouldn't do it again (probably). It was expensive and there are lots of races out there. Next year I 'd like to do the half in DC that is the same weekend. Plus the race is on a Saturday which would be more relaxing. I'm glad I did it though, it was a great weekend. </div>
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My knee has given me a lot of grief since the race. I have not run since. I have a PT and a chiropractic appointment this week (long story). I am discouraged as I have been working on it for awhile and cut back my training considerably. It doesn't hurt to run generally but getting up after sitting or sleeping and driving are the worst. I have two more halves in May. I don't care about them AS MUCH as this one but I do care. It's time to heal. </div>
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ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-69320009885871622412015-02-19T10:01:00.000-05:002015-02-19T10:01:54.035-05:00Running in Snowy MaineI spent a few days in Maine and did some winter running there. Man, do they have snow. In fact our first day there, we were literally snowed in for awhile. It was fun to laze around and not be able to get out. I had brought my coffee maker anticipating this so life was good.<br />
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Yeah, I could have gotten through this snow but being snowed in was</div>
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so much more fun.</div>
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After we got shoveled out I went for one of three snowy/cold runs in Maine. I just dressed for it, put on the Yak Trax and loved it. There was so much snow! The banks were unreal. I ran by Nubble Light every day and took multiple pictures. I think it is a law that you can't pass it without taking a photo. I knew where there was an open hotel with clean bathrooms about half way so that was good. </div>
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It did not feel like -22 at all. </div>
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I was fascinated by all the snow and one run I took pics of a few of the summer places no one would be</div>
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One of many pics I took but this is the one NBC news wanted to use.</div>
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Signs also amused me - the ones you could still see.</div>
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There was one sunny day where the ocean was just stunning. I was also fascinated</div>
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by all the colors of the water and the ice in the ocean.</div>
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This is one of many big banks. Driving was tricky because you had to get out in the</div>
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road to see.</div>
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We did a little shopping and I had lobster rolls every night.</div>
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Then I came down with this rotten cold I have now and I was ready to come home. </div>
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I've had some good runs at home too although my knee has been bothering me. I went to the PT yesterday and I was rather encouraged by her assessment. I was very worried she was going to tell me not to run. My NYC half marathon is a month away! I am not running right now because I am in bed feeling less than stellar but I am hoping to be back at it tomorrow. There is supposed to be snow here over the next few days but I am going to try to do one speed work session on the TM and my long run outside. I do love snow and Maine was like it used to be with such huge amounts of it! I know they are sick of it but it certainly worked for me!</div>
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Hope you are all healthy and running and doing what you love.</div>
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ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-41225150989796686742015-02-07T20:52:00.002-05:002015-02-07T20:52:21.291-05:00Polar Cap Four MilerAnother year of running the Polar Cap Four Miler - another age group win! I have run this race 8 years in a row and I have won an age group award every year. I thought this year might be the year I didn't win but I got 3rd! Darlene beat me by a lot and she was second. I have definitely slowed down even though I am doing speed workouts, tempo runs and pace runs. I am not bothered enough by it to do more. I will keep trying. I did not meet my goal of 10 minutes a mile. I was 10:10. It was a better pace than my 5K on New Year's Day so that is good! <br />
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It's a pretty course although hilly. Some years it is terribly cold but actually this year it was pretty perfect. I think it was around 20 ( a heat wave.) I got there early because roads were bad in Vermont and I wanted to be sure I had enough time. I listened to some great podcasts on the way and saw a nice sunrise. It was all good. <br />
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After the race I went to shop at Target and two of the outlets. It is always a treat to go to Target. I picked up a few things I needed. (cough, cough) I resisted a running jacket so that is good right. I made it up to the cash register with it but then told the cashier I wouldn't be getting it. </div>
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Tomorrow I need to run 10 and it supposed to be snowy. I'm looking forward to it. I was going to drive to Middlebury and run there for a change but I am guessing the roads might be bad so I'll do my "new" route here. It is bound to be pretty. </div>
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Last Monday we had a snow day so I got another great snowy day run in. I truly thrive in those conditions. I am not fast, just having the time of my life. Here are a few pictures from that run.</div>
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Yep, it's my kind of weather.</div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-18565468842692952522015-01-31T17:44:00.000-05:002015-01-31T17:44:13.406-05:00Do You Take Chances/Risks to Get Your Run In?I posted this picture from my run last night and got a lecture from a relative.<br />
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I posted: The roads were too bad to do my usual errands so I did my Saturday run tonight. It wasn't as cold as tomorrow will be but my phone did shut off due to the cold. I love running in a storm so that was a win. I misjudged time so I was in the dark near the end. I was glad to reach my road.</div>
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She posted: That's not sounding safe. Roads too bad to drive, so cold you lose your phone and in the dark. In a storm. Where it is not safe for drivers. I have the funny feeling you wouldn't want your kids in the same conditions.</div>
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Okay, I did respond to her. Not all of this did I say to her but I gave a very polite response saying the only thing that bothered me was the dark.</div>
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First - she is mistaken if she thinks I have influence over my adult children and decisions they make to work out. I know that Emily is in situations I wouldn't dream of putting myself. I'm thinking in particular of her multi rim Grand Canyon run and her 100 miler that went up and down mountains and she had to scale some scary rocks and there were many scary creatures around. Did I encourage her not to do it? No, it is who she is. She is an adult and makes her own decisions. If asked I would answer but I don't volunteer. If I was very worried I would but....? I get it. I ride my bike and many bicyclists are killed on the road. I am not going to let that stop me. I have told friends, if it happens to me I was doing something I love. I am not willing to live that careful a life.</div>
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Yes, the roads were too bad to drive. So I didn't. But I had my Yak Trax on and traction was good.When cars came I stepped to the side. (Okay, mostly) I went on roads not busy at all with traffic.</div>
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Yeah, my phone died which bothered me because I couldn't take pictures. I did think I couldn't call my husband (who knew where I was and what I was doing. I told him not to worry until 6.) I put my phone in my mitten and got it to turn on again. </div>
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Personally, except heading into the wind gusts I was toasty. For a Vermont winter.</div>
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Saturday (today) was bitter bitter cold. I am so glad I did this last night.</div>
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As far as the dark that didn't thrill me. Many of you run in the dark. I don't like to. I altered my route as it got darker and didn't go down one road I planned to. I didn't even stop and pee! The snow helped a lot. I had a flashing arm band. Stupidly I had not brought my head lamp. The thing with the dark is I watch too much Criminal Minds and imagine too many awful things happening from humans. The roads I was on are pretty isolated. I did see cars. One stopped ahead and that put many thoughts into my head. I ran by it and just kept going. I imagine they were waiting for someone from a house in the woods as they never went back by me. I will say I ran too fast for the light and the conditions. I am lucky I didn't fall. I felt like I had great footing and just went for it. It was mostly downhill at this point. I got to my road which is more open and "friendly" so I went in a loop on it until I had my mileage. (I'm that person.) I knew I was doing a mile more than last week but I had thought I had done 7 last week and needed to do 8. I went on the same route and extended it but I was shocked when I saw 9 miles. Part of the problem with misjudging the time.</div>
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In a storm . Completely guilty. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE running in a storm.</span></b> It exhilarates me. I can't really describe how much I like it. Vermont winter storms and running just float my boat. </div>
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So there it is. To me .........a chance worth taking.</div>
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Here are a few more pics from when my phone was working.</div>
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This is near the beginning.</div>
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This sheep bleated as I went by so I went back to say hi and take a picture.</div>
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A beautiful spot where I seem to keep taking pictures from different angles.</div>
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It was starting to get dark but not too badly yet. I was hoofing it for me!</div>
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The top picture was just before I finished. I got home and was tired but felt great! </div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-27387640199745987062015-01-30T06:41:00.004-05:002015-01-30T06:41:41.680-05:00CurrentlyHere's a quick update of sorts. <br />
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<b>Reading</b> - <u>The Theory of Opposites</u> by Allison Winn Scott. Not recommending it. I'll finish it but that's about it.<br />
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<b>Reading</b> - I always have a "gym book" going to and I'm loving this one. I heard this guy speak in Alaska and he was very entertaining. The book is just as good with fantastic pictures. <u>Cold Hands, Warm Heart </u>by Jeff King.<br />
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<b>Watching</b> - Snow fall outside my window. The porch light is on, it's dark, and snow is falling. A truly beautiful sight in my opinion.<br />
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<b>Eating </b>- kind of Paleo, kind of whole 30. Dinner suggestions needed. Trying to take off weight I gained this fall.<br />
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<b>Listening to </b>- Serial. Loving it. I have 4 episodes left and I'm saving this for my long run(s) as a treat! Any recommendations for similar podcasts?<br />
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<b>Trying</b> - to cross country ski again. Last weekend I went south (to Peru, VT) and met friends from my Alaska trip to cross country ski. I had never gone to an area and paid but it was very fun. I did fine and sort of want to get new equipment to do more. It was fun being out in the woods enjoying the winter I love. It was so great to connect with people I met last summer and see them again. I spent the night and went to the ski lodge for game night (be still my heart, I LOVE GAMES), and a good meal. It was a great time. <br />
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<b>Frustrated with</b> - my body. My knee still hurts although it is improving. I have made an appointment with a PT but can't get in for a bit. Oddly it feels fine when running. Sitting is not good at all. It stiffens up. I also have a sore elbow which has gone on for more than two months. I know exactly how I did it and wish I could relive those ten seconds. It is certainly taking it's time to get better. I will get my money's worth from the PT.<br />
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<b>Indifferent </b>- to the Super Bowl. Sorry. I'll watch some of it with my husband but really? <br />
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<b>Loving</b> - going to the movies more. Again, any recommendations? <br />
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<b>Enjoying</b>..... Vermont's beauty. It's making those long runs much more enjoyable. </div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-16755555110466986302015-01-17T18:16:00.000-05:002015-01-17T18:16:46.184-05:00Running and Upcoming TripsI'm almost done my 4th week of training for NYC half marathon. BUT my knee is bothering me. It seemed better so I ran again and it still seemed better but today it hurts. Hate injuries. <b>Hate them.</b> It is so hard not to run. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>This is from my hillier route.</b></span></div>
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Today I ran inside because it was -16 and I am not that hard core. It still hasn't warmed up much and I am huddled by the woodstove. <br />
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I am trying to run new routes or at least <i>not run in a long time routes</i> and I am really enjoying it. My route at home is much hillier now but I definitely needed to change it up some. I am actually kind of liking the treadmill too. I seem to like it better when I am on a training plan. I certainly push myself harder. Come on knee, play along.<br />
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One of my New Year's Resolutions is to go to the movies more. Isn't that a smart one? Today we went and saw American Sniper. Part way through there was a fire alarm. And did I already say it is freezing out? We were probably out there about 15 minutes - much harder when you're standing still. The good news was we got back in and finished it. I didn't want to come back another time and watch the first two hours again. Many people left.<br />
<br />
School is going great. I love my class this year. The two grades I work with are full of such good kids. What a difference it makes in your attitude going to work. We're studying the rain forest which is fun and very motivating to them.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">This is from when I was leaving school the other night.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I have not one but three trips planned. One is my usual trip to Maine in February. One is a weekend in NYC to run the half. We already have show tickets for Saturday night. Not the best for the night before but I'm not going to be walking away with any of the prize money. The third one is for a biking trip over April vacation with the same friends from last year. We'll be biking from Pensacola to New Orleans. The sister of one of my friends is going to be the sag wagon! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Hope all of you are healthy. The flu is nasty stuff around here!</span></div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-81224111714196902662015-01-02T16:56:00.001-05:002015-01-02T16:56:50.715-05:002014 by the numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I swam more than twice as much last year. I took a long break this fall where I didn't swim at all. </div>
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Last year I tried to hit 1000 and didn't quite make it. Glad to do it this year. This is way under old totals but that was before I threw biking and swimming into the mix. My body likes the 4 days of running better than the 5 or 6.</div>
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Last year I had no goal but almost hit 2000. So that became this year's goal. I wasn't sure if I would make it since I was gone to Alaska during some prime biking time. But I also upped my days per week from 3 to 4 once back and it was pure pleasure to make time for it. </div>
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<b>Numbers Pure and Simple</b></div>
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<b>17 Races Done</b></div>
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2 halves</div>
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5 triathlons</div>
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2 duathlons</div>
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1 virtual</div>
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5 new races - something I like to do</div>
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<b>12 Age Group Awards</b></div>
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Sounds ridiculous but it's true - benefit of being older</div>
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3 of the awards were first place</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>1 National Qualifying Race</b></div>
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I qualified for the age group national championships in triathlon</div>
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Like I said - it's great to get older</div>
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<b>2 races with family members</b></div>
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This is way down. :( </div>
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<b>One race a month at least except for April</b></div>
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Love this one too. One of the ways I do new races.</div>
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<b>6 states biked in</b></div>
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Alaska, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, Virginia</div>
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<b>One Century Ride</b></div>
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The same as last year. Loved it.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2015?</span></b></div>
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I already did one race with my husband. It was fun but freezing! And I was slow! So why was it fun? I guess I just like to race. I am trying to run more on different routes and change it up. Tomorrow I have an errand in another town so I am plotting a new route. Finding some love in running right now which always surprises me when I get it back because the running love is so absent when I am biking.</div>
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I want to keep racing, hopefully one a month. I want to ride 3000 miles. Is that possible? Not sure but I'm reaching high. I want to tri in a new state. I want to run 1000 again with a little extra. I want to keep not letting those scary weeds get the better of me and continue to tri. </div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-70844265723959148882014-12-22T18:16:00.001-05:002014-12-22T18:16:12.244-05:00Currently - Yep AgainI don't have much to say again so here goes..............<br />
<br />
Currently.....<br />
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<br />
1. <b>Loving</b> that my brother has had his surgery and it went very well. He is recovering nicely and is beyond relieved that he survived it. Best Christmas present ever. <br />
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2. <b>Anticipating</b> Christmas. I love Christmas but this year it will be bittersweet with Emily on the other side of the country. <br />
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3. <b>Relieved </b>- that the winter storm is over. We got a lot of snow and had 3 snow days - unheard of. A great deal of time was spent without electricity which took away some of the fun. But it was a true winter wonderland for over a week. Generally the snow sticks to the trees for a day but this year it stayed and stayed. Of course that didn't help the electricity problem but it was certainly gorgeous.<br />
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4. <b>Reading</b> - Jodi Picoult's new book - leaving time. So far I am liking it.<br />
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5. <b>Watching</b> Scandal. Totally hooked. <br />
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6.<b> Beginning </b> my half marathon training. I got in by lottery to the NYC half marathon. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I did my first speed workout today so I'm on my way!<br />
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7.<b> Excited</b> that I also am signed up for a June half marathon I did last year. The one I did in Rye, NH which was a gorgeous and fairly flat course. I loved it. It's full now much sooner than last year.<br />
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8.<b> Loving </b>- how easy this format is. ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-90908038581971414382014-12-09T06:45:00.000-05:002014-12-09T06:47:51.368-05:00Currently.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I'm copying this format from Christy at <a href="http://www.planestrainsandrunningshoes.com/">Planes, Trains and Running Shoes</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always like</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her posts like
this so I'm going to copy!<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>Currently...</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Feeling</b>...all over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mosty sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
brother is in the hospital pretty sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm </div>
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putting this out there as he could use all the positive
thoughts and prayers you want to </div>
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send. He was supposed to have surgery today but now it is
next Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please please </div>
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please don't let him get pneumonia in the meantime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Feeling</b>... extremely grateful for the wonderful people I
work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last Monday when my
brother</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was first
admitted to ICU colleagues IMMEDIATELY took over my classroom so I could leave.
</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No time spent
making plans- just left!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
is willing to help anytime I need to go.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Feeling</b>... even more grateful for my son and all his
support. He lives near the hospital and is going </div>
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to be able to go visit while<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fight this nasty cold during the coming storm.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Reading</b>... Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde. . She is a
favorite author and I needed</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a light book.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Eating.</b>.. everything....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm having a hard time getting my eating under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Year?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Watching</b>... I recently finished Nashville Season 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love that series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Declan and
Reena.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Working on</b>... getting gifts ready to mail across the
country. It's going to be my first</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas
without Emily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another reason
tears are near the surface ready to spill out at a</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>moment's
notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year it is going to be so different.</div>
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<b>Anticipating</b>... next week when Dennis can have his surgery
and move on.</div>
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Sorry this isn't a more positive post.</div>
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On a lighter note I did the Santa 5K this weekend and that
was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also fun to drive</div>
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to the hospital and walk in in my Santa costume.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn't the only one. There were 1500</div>
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Santas around that day!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-18314246722226015422014-11-29T19:32:00.000-05:002014-11-29T19:32:16.873-05:00Three Things To Tell - ONE BIG ONEI love three things post as they are nice and concise. So here goes......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. I did the annual turkey trot a week ago. It was so much warmer than the year before. Warm, no but warmer. I did okay - slow. But apparently well enough to get 3 and out of quite a few too. But I didn't hang around for prizes as they take forever. All racers finish first including the 10K and then it takes forever as they have lots of random prizes. The prizes are great but I didn't have the time. Monday I got an email from the race director offering to mail me my medal, which I actually didn't know I had won. I was thrilled because I hate not getting a prize I have won! </div>
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2. Bike goals - </div>
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C. I stated that I wanted to ride at least once in November - check!</div>
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B. I wanted to ride past November 17 which was my last day of riding last year. Check.</div>
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A. I wanted to ride at least once a week in November. Check.</div>
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AA. I want to ride at least once in December. We'll see. I am hoping to ride tomorrow but I don't know. </div>
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I am really hating giving up the bike this year.</div>
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3. Last night I got an email which first caused me to laugh and then just be astounded. <i><b>I qualified for the USA Triathlon 2015 Age Group National Championships. </b></i> It was from the Pumpkinman when I won my age group. There were very few of us soooo. But I'm going to be proud. First, I am out there doing it. Second, I haven't been doing tris long so hey! Third, I had a really horrible triathlon experience this summer and I didn't quit that race or let that experience stop me from doing more this summer. The championships are in Milwaukee and I can't see spending the money to come in last! The odd thing is I qualified for the Olympic distance which I have never done. But it's neat to be able to say I qualified for a national event. </div>
ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-61832485292254251312014-11-11T06:50:00.002-05:002014-11-11T06:50:36.756-05:00Back To Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am still a resident of the Green Mountain State but with the number of pictures I post of Maine on my IG account people might wonder.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Stayed in a new hotel. The ocean was right out the window!</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I have to say it kept me awake.</i></b></span></div>
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I did some night work and got Friday off so my biking friend and I headed to Maine. We knew it would be cold but we were prepared. We actually lucked out in the weather department. We decided to go two nights instead of 3 which worked out well in many ways. When we got there on Friday it was raining but after a short stop at Eddie Bauer (and some great scores) we got to the hotel and it was not raining. Friday became sunny, Saturday was glorious and Sunday was cloudy. All days were cold with Saturday being the coldest. I am not sure if it reached 40 but if it did it was the low 40s. It was basically 44ish most days we rode. It was also quite windy on Saturday.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>One can't take too many pictures of the Nubble.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Ogunquit Beach</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Love the marshes.</i></b></span></div>
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Friday we did one of my favorite rides up past Nubble (always go past Nubble - in any direction) and then up to Ogunquit to the beach with a spin around Perkins Pier. We were savoring the salt air and the sight and sound of the ocean.<br />
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After some wonderful lobster mac and cheese we fell asleep super early, the theme for the weekend. Up early, exercise all day, eat, sleep, repeat.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>On Short Sands</i></b></span></div>
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Saturday I had a WONDERFUL run. Maybe I can fall in love with running again. It was too cold to stand at the Nubble for the best sunrise so no great pictures there but I had fun on Short Sands getting some good shots. When I got back to the hotel we went out to breakfast but didn't hurry because it was still so cold. We really should have hurried more but........ (foreshadowing) We finally started out BUT I forgot my helmet and we had to go back. I had my headband on so it "felt" right until I felt the wind in my hair. What? Oops, no helmet. Back to the hotel. We stopped at the suspension bridge where I have run but never "biked" and played a little. My friend that I was riding with seems to delight in some of the same things I do which makes it more fun. It was just gorgeous with lots of foliage left. We went on Route 103, a new route to me, which was just wonderful. We crossed into NH over the Memorial Bridge, the bridge I ran a race from a month ago. It helped me know where I was. I have never ridden south from York. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Along the river.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I have run on this but never "biked"</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A great blue heron</i></b></span></div>
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Our next major stop was New Castle, where I have raced many times, and ridden once. It is a great island, a perfect place for a snack and some viewing of the ocean. The whole ride south was stunningly beautiful. I didn't take a lot of pictures as I could have stopped all the time. It was cold but very bearable. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>New Castle</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Hampton Beach</i></b></span></div>
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At some point I realized time was going to be tight but our goal was Hampton Beach and I wanted to get there. We actually had grander ideas of going farther south for a lobster roll but there was no way. When we reached the turn around we had gone 40 miles. The most I have been going in quite some time is just over 20. I knew I'd be tired but we were going farther than I had planned. But the biggest problem was the time and the DARK! Cathy said we would have to be back by 4:30. It was 2:30 and I cannot ride that fast. We were going to take a more direct route BUT. I wasn't sure how far it was but I knew it was quite a ways. It turned out to be 32. After a snack and use of a public bathroom off we went. We averaged a good speed for the first section along the ocean. The wind was at our back and it is flat. <i>No time for pictures! That killed me but was reality. </i> I have done lots of races here and it was great to be riding. We reached Portsmouth which was quite busy and a bridge was out. But we found our way through back to the Memorial Bridge. We were doing quite well when Cathy lost her chain and had a hard time getting it back on. Route 103 is more wooded and was getting dark rapidly. We finally reached 1A. I told Cathy to take off (she was wearing sunglasses) and I would go on my own from here. She's a faster rider and I thought she should take advantage of it. It was a straight shot and I just went carefully. Once back at the hotel we looked out the window in 15 minutes or so and it was PITCH BLACK. Yikes. Lesson learned. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>My favorite picture!</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>One more beach shot on Sunday.</i></b></span></div>
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We drove the to the Maine Diner and had a wonderful meal. Then an early bedtime again. I was exhausted. I ran 6 and rode 72! <br />
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Another early run on Sunday and a bike ride back to Ogunquit. Hated to leave but it was cloudy which made it easier! Love love love Maine.<br />
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-4923161838952428442014-10-29T20:39:00.000-04:002014-10-29T20:39:20.645-04:00Biking and A Walk Against Breast CancerI've been continuing to have some great bike rides and hate to see it come to an end. Following several days of rain there were two sunny days BUT I was stuck at school doing parent conferences. Talk about frustrating. Tonight I got out for a great ride after work but I had to hurry as it is getting dark so early. And this weekend is daylight savings and it will be even worse. Woe is me as bike season winds to a close. But I'm not giving up yet!<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">The beauty continues....from a ride on the bike path.</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>From a ride near home.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>From a run near home....once in awhile I actually run.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>From a ride near home.</i></b></span></div>
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The following is a note from a student. We do acknowledgements each week at school where you have someone to "watch" and catch being good. I find the students do a better job of remembering who they are watching if I suggest they make their person a card. This year I threw myself into the mix and the kids love it. This is my card I received last week. On Friday we write in the notebook of the person we watched and then share what we wrote at circle. I usually sweeten it with a fun sticker to add to the page. You could hear a pin drop in the room when everyone is writing. Has it made all bickering go away? Of course not. But it's an effort to make kids see positive in others and is worth the time it takes. When my friend read what he wrote in my notebook on Friday, he pretty much wrote again what he wrote on the card. He read it as best not beast but I kind of like the idea of being a beast.<br />
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This past weekend I wasn't in a race but I was in a very special walk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I was on the awesome, Christa's team, and we raised over $13,000 as the team raising the most money there. Christa raised over $10,000 herself. #cancersucks so the more we could raise for research the better. <br />
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ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-35092347661870931292014-10-21T21:09:00.003-04:002014-10-21T21:09:55.365-04:00I Got to Race My Bike Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was the third year in a row I have done this duathlon. It has ALWAYS been freezing and sometimes raining. So why do I keep doing it? As the title says I get to race on my bike! <br />
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Some nice shots Darlene got of the race area.</div>
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This year it was a new course. I think I like the old one better - more scenic - but there is no place to be inside at it. This one was at an orchard and you could get warm. <br />
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Darlene came and spectated for the third time and she appreciated the orchard building for sure. Thanks so much <a href="http://myfirst5k.wordpress.com/">Darlene</a> for coming to cheer and taking lots of pics!<br />
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The run was shorter. Each run was 2 miles which was a great distance in my opinion. <br />
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Do I always look this awkward getting on my bike?</div>
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The headband under the helmet isn't a great look but</div>
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was really necessary.</div>
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I'm just about done the bike. Can I stop now?</div>
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I was 89th after the run out of 101 people. I must admit I was surprised by how few people were behind me. Oh well, more to pass on the bike. I did pass 20 + people. You rode a mile and a half and then did a 7 mile loop twice before heading back. Bad news - the winner lapped me on the bike loop. But barely - it was just before the turn and only him. Good news - I lapped two people on the bike loop. It was somewhat hilly but not bad. It was windy which is never fun. I wasn't cold though which was great! I enjoyed the bike as I always do.<br />
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Nope, I've got to run again.</div>
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Far from last and I am done.</div>
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Then it was time to run again. Oh well. I was in much better position and only two people I passed on the bike passed me back. I ended up in 63rd place! Much better than 89th.</div>
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I did win in my age group. I was the only one in my age group. I was the oldest woman there. But I am claiming that medal. I ran hard. I biked really hard. I earned it. I didn't give into the cold and leave to shop and not bother racing.</div>
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I won a medal and a candy apple. The candy apple was nicely decorated but I didn't want it. I took it into the granddaughter of the woman who works in my room at school and she was thrilled. I won a random prize of hor d'oerves (No idea how to spell that) for 10 at a tavern in Lathem, NY. Well, sounds great but not so close to where I live. So I mailed it to Darlene who deserves something for all that cold spectating!</div>
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I did shop on the way home. I went to Target which is always a thrill. I made a couple of scores at Eddie Bauer too. I bought some crack at Target, some very cute capris on sale, some pumpkin products and odds and ends. <i>In case you are wondering about the crack it was white chocolate candy corn M+Ms.</i></div>
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I was exhausted when I got home but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">a day spent racing is a good day!</span></div>
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-15385384157820452512014-10-14T20:54:00.000-04:002014-10-14T20:54:17.482-04:00Memorial Bridge 5K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Memorial Bridge connecting Maine to NH</i></span></b></div>
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I'm always up for a new race on the ocean. This one started in Maine and quickly crosses into NH for the rest of the race. It crosses the Memorial Bridge which was just updated two years ago. <br />
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We had a hard time finding the race, actually drove over the bridge without knowing it. It's well marked on the NH side but not Maine where we entered it from. We found ourselves in Portsmouth and kept driving around looking for Badgers Island. When in doubt find some people who look like runners in a parking lot and yell to them for directions. It worked. Turned out to be near the bridge, registration, race start.....all that.<br />
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There were super clean bathrooms at registration! That's worth a mention.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Lindt chocolate for swag - a good sign</i></b></span></div>
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It was raining and cold, not so great and I wasn't sure what to wear. Not surprisingly I overdressed. I knew after we started that I didn't need the jacket I was wearing. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Taken from the bridge before the race</i></b></span></div>
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First we ran across the bridge into Portsmouth, NH. This was in the harbor and it's quite nice. I love Portsmouth although I haven't spent a lot of time there. The race went through Portsmouth which is nice. I have done other races there and went on a couple of the same streets.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I'm in the pink hat being schooled by that little kid.</i></b></span></div>
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When I would check my Garmin at mile markers I seemed to be doing well. These days I seem to have trouble getting under 30. So I was thrilled with my overall time of 28:48. It was good enough for a 2nd in my age group and there were 11 of us so not bad. Prizes were only given for the first though so I didn't hang around in my wet clothes as it was raining even harder and I wanted a hot shower. I was 233/400 overall, not quite top half but good for me! <br />
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I would do this race again especially in nicer weather as it includes a Maine weekend! <br />
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As I said it included a Maine weekend. <br />
Saturday was rainy and sort of cold so after a hot shower it was time to do a little shopping. Kittery was packed so we only hit a few stores and I bought very little.<br />
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By the time we got back to the hotel it had cleared up and it was time to try a bike ride in Wells. When I am riding near the ocean I am certainly in my happy place. Here are a few photos to share.<br />
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That was followed by a never disappointing meal at Maine Diner only to wake up on Sunday to the most glorious day ever. I got one more ride in from York to Ogunquit and back. That is a ride that feeds my soul like no other. </div>
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Maine......the way life should be.</div>
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ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8925337665341056813.post-55428122986863436412014-09-30T06:38:00.001-04:002014-09-30T06:38:07.854-04:00Loving FallThis fall is the most spectacular in quite some time. I took a short run and ride where I can hardly call it aerobic because I stopped so much for pictures. I took over 130 pictures! It is absolutely my favorite time of year. The main problem is it's way too short. I also got up to the Islands where the foliage isn't at the beauty it is around here yet, it was still an amazing day. I've gotten a couple of great rides in after school too although that is getting harder and harder. I may do a race this weekend although I seem to be putting off registering. The weather sounds like it's going to change so maybe it wouldn't take away from my biking. I'm still happily going to my strength class once a week and managing to do some on my own at least one more day. It isn't much but it's way more than what I was doing. So not much to say here but I'll throw in a few of my many pictures. Enjoy our beauty!<br />
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<br />ajhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851129364728161965noreply@blogger.com12