A Rhode Island Tourist - After the Race

Saturday afternoon we took a boat tour around the harbor.  The guide was informative and humorous. It was a gorgeous day and a very enjoyable experience.  I will show you some of the things we saw.  If I had a better memory I would tell you some of the things I learned. Oh well, that's not going to happen.

First these flowers are everywhere.  Gorgeous!

Beautiful boats everywhere.

A house on your own island.  This one can be rented

for several thousand a week.

And of course there are all the mansions.

Apparently used in Pirates of the Caribbean for background

shots.

Beach time in the evening - cooler and not crowded

and parking is free.

Question - there was a guy running on the beach who would

run 10 steps or so and stop and jump up.  Then he would repeat

it.  After awhile he also threw in a side to side head twist.

Any idea why?  He was a very fit looking, normal 

looking person if there is such a thing.

Lots of red tide.  Kept me from going in the water.

Up Around the Bend 7 Miler Race Report

It was very foggy the night before the race but race morning

was nice and clear.

Another July race done!  Today I ran my first race in Rhode Island, a hot sweaty 7 Miler that I expected to have more beach views.  That part was disappointing but it did end near The Towers in Narraganesett right on the beach.

If you have really good eyes you can see I am in

this picture taken after the race.

 Overall the race was poorly organized with not enough volunteers.  It started late and people got lost and ran too far because turns were not well marked. The director apologized and was looking for feedback. Would I do this race again? If I lived close, sure.  It was fairly flat and a fun distance. But it is not one I would drive back to.

Once I started out I quickly revised my time thoughts due to the heat.  I thought maybe I would finish around 1:05 but I was 1:06:48 with an overall pace of 9:28 according to my new Garmin.  My splits were: 8:56, 9:31, 9:53, 9:21, 9:48, 9:35, 9:22. So I stayed under 10 although I got close. I set my sights on a lady in a bright green shirt. I decided I would try to stay with her for two reasons.  I was having a hard time staying motivated and this helped me and I didn't know the course and didn't want to get far behind people.

This was a very pretty  shady road we were on.

Green shirt lady is ahead of me. 

 I passed her near a water stop but once I stopped at it she passed me.  I had to ask for help from a spectator as it was an unmanned water stop with bottles and I could not get the top off as I was too sweaty.  Once back on the course it took me awhile to catch back up to green shirt lady but eventually I passed her and stayed ahead of her the rest of the way.  Then I wasn't close to anyone but could see in the distance where they turned so I didn't get lost.

Approaching the finish - I was not smiling

as I was very hot!

My friend, H, came with me and got some shots of

me finishing, always fun to have.  She is 

the one who got the great shot at the Hampton

Half this winter that I had as my header for quite awhile.

 I had thought from looking at the course map that we would be running along the ocean but that never happened. I was carrying my camera so I could get some pictures of it. Oh well.  After the race a lady came up to tell me that she set  her eyes on me and kept track of my outfit to keep her going.  I always like hearing that!

I LOVED my new Garmin. It was so much easier to see my pace as I was running. It is very easy to use.  I will have to see how the battery holds up but I love how easy it is to see and use.  Big hit.

I did get a tech shirt.  The first 50 people registered got one. The people at registration had no idea who the first 50 were and gave them to the people with bibs 1 - 50 even though it appeared the bibs were given out alphabetically.  I scored!

Overall I was 95/135 and in my age group I was 4/6.  Would have liked to have been higher but still happy overall.

Don't forget to vote for Emily. Six more days!

http://www.refuelwithchocolatemilk.com/grants/vote/

Random Thursday

Random Thoughts

1. I have ALWAYS driven a standard or a car with a manual transmission. My new car is automatic so more than once I have tried to use the clutch and shift down (seem to have no problem accelerating) to no avail.  I'll get used to it and it is often quite nice. But it still feels bizarre to just turn on a car and have nothing else to do but turn the key.

2. While at the parade the other day my husband was bragging telling someone I had done a duathlon. The insensitive overweight sedentary clod person asked me how I did. I replied that I did great. He said well that's how you feel but how did you really do? Was there a winner?  I went on to say of course there was but it wasn't like there was one winner and the rest of us were losers.  We were both guests at someone else's house so I held my tongue beyond that.  But what a jerk.  I might expect my third graders to think this way but an adult?  If I teach nothing else I hope I teach my students the value of participating and the satisfaction of doing your best regardless of where you come in.  There is NOT only one winner.

3. Wednesday morning I went to the gym to do a speed workout for my half marathon. This is the first week of training.  I may have had the best treadmill workout I have ever had.  I did much more than the workout called for and felt great. If only all workouts went like this.

4. I used to always put on my list of goals for the year to race in a new state in New England. I stopped putting it so of course this is the year I am going to do it.  This weekend I am going to Rhode Island to race. I picked this race because I have never raced in Rhode Island (last New England state I need) and it looks to be  a very scenic run on the ocean.  It is called Up Around The Bend and is a 7 Miler.

5. This morning I was up early riding my bike because I was on an interview committee at work.  I am 100% sure that there is no place that can be as good as BIKING IN VERMONT especially early on a beautiful summer morning.  Biking in Vermont is the BOMB!

6.  But with less than one hour of biking Garmin failed again. I looked at Garmins the other day at my local running/bike shop.  I had decided I would go with the 210 after talking to the store guy, Joe, who everyone assured me was the guy with the info.  I came home and read yet more reviews and decided that yes this one would work. I don't need a lot of bells and whistles and this one sounds like it has exactly what I want.  It was 200, then I got 15% off for my running club membership, and then  you can send the old one in for a 50 dollar rebate.  I did know that now that I have had one, I really need my Garmin. I am completely anal about wanting to know the distance I have gone. I know the distance of many of my running routes but  I don't know my bike routes.  I will be trying out the new Garmin on Saturday. It was super easy to set up.  Plus I can charge it through a USB cable which I can do in my car if necessary!

7. I spent the better part of an hour two different days sitting on Church Street in Burlington at an outside table with a good cup of coffee, a book and many people to watch. Today my son joined me for a late lunch.  One day I was waiting for my bike to be fixed. Today - a good excuse to spend some time with my son!

8.  Last night in the middle of the night the phone rang.  That is never something you want to hear. Of course I thought of my adult children. But when I answered it was a voice I had never heard telling me they were calling for ................., someone I had never heard of.  It was a business type call in the middle of the night. As annoying as it possibly could have been. I did not easily get back to sleep.

Tomorrow is Friday! Enjoy your weekend!  If you are racing in any form good luck and have fun!

A Sweet Sweet Bike Ride and a not so sweet run

Looking back on the ferry from the New York Side

I asked for and received two books for Christmas with bicycle routes in Vermont.  Today I used this one to do what sounded like a very promising ride. It said there were lots of dirt roads and the women I have been riding with on Wednesdays don't like dirt roads.  No one could ride this week so it seemed like a good week to try this route.  I only had two days as possibilities and today the weather was awesome.  So I was up early and off to Grand Isle, a county in Vermont that is all islands in the middle of Lake Champlain in the northern part of our state. I don't go there very often and it isn't that far beyond Burlington and is really a treasure.  I went alone which doesn't bother me at all.  I discovered a long time ago that if I wanted to do something it didn't always jive with others desires or schedules so just go for it.

I rode in the southern part so I have a lot left to explore.

I got there around 9 and parked my car at the town offices in South Hero.  Where I was going to park was a cause of some anxiety for me.  I didn't want to have my car towed or dinged and I wanted it on the bike route.  I asked the town clerk if this would be okay and she said absolutely with a smile on her face. Good start.

I had to ride on US 2 for a few miles which is the main route through the islands and has the most traffic.  There is a good shoulder and before I knew it I was headed for the East Shore.  Gorgeous. I was now in the town of Grand Isle and was biking along with stunning view after stunning view. I know I was biking with an foolish grin on my face but what a day.

I turned off US 2 to be greeted by this view,

a sign of things to come.

This was one of many roads where there was evidence

of work that had been done when Lake Champlain

was several feet above flood stage.

I continued through Grand Isle and it was all stunning.  One way to make this ride longer was to take the ferry to New York State and do a short ride there.  Of course I was going to do this.  It was such a gorgeous day for a ferry ride.  The ride itself wasn't very long, maybe about 20 minutes.  I was amazed at the number of vehicles including 3 tractor trailers.  Once in New York there was a peninsula to ride on to add about 6 miles.  I didn't quite go on the intended route. I still don't know what I did wrong. I am sure I will do this ride again and hopefully can figure it out.  

On the way to the ferry.

When I was riding to the ferry I could see probably 30 geese on both sides of the road with SEVERAL babies.  I saw cars get through them but wondered how I would accomplish it.  After one car zoomed past the geese on the right scattered.  I zoomed as much as I could and did get by.  I do not like geese.

My other animal thought was about snakes.  They shouldn't be on islands should they?  

On the way back!

Looking back towards New York

Once back in Vermont I headed toward South Hero.  All of the directions had been very clear but now they were a little less so.  I was never quite sure if I was on the right road and was pretty much guessing which way to go. I was on an island and it was a small island so I was not too worried.  Soon enough I could hear traffic on Route Two. Once there I didn't know if I should go north or south. I chose north but before too long I came upon a really tacky July 4 decoration that I had seen earlier so I knew I needed to turn around. I arrived back in South Hero and saw my car (all safe) and continued on.  I wanted to see where I went wrong. I added some miles in but before too long I turned around as I knew I might run so thought I should head for my car. I ended up riding 36 miles, the highest this year and there aren't many times (1 0r 2) when I have ever gone farther. Once at my car I drank a bunch of water, ate a banana, some fig newtons and rested for a bit. Then I drove the route until I found where I made the mistake.  If I ride it again I will know what to do. I actually think I made the route shorter which if you know me at all I would not do on purpose.  Once a goal is set I want to do it, not take short cuts.

I drove over the causeway which is the only road onto the islands.  This was shored up again and again during the flood to keep a way open for people to get on and off the island.  I drove to the fishing access on the other side and went for a run.  My Garmin stopped working (but it had done well on the bike ride) but I had checked the mileage as I was driving. I ran 2 over and turned around to come back. I must admit I started feeling not so great.  The heat?  Lack of enough  water?  Lack of enough to eat? All 3?  When I got to the other side I met a friend of mine riding her bike.  I knew she was heading up to a campground on Grand Isle today so it wasn't a total shock but still not that likely a meet up. She lives in the same town I do and recognized my running style!  I didn't talk too long as I really started feeling crummy. Further evidence - I walked the rest of the way to my car!  Once there I drank some chocolate milk and headed into Burlington to get my front brake repaired where I had bought the bike.

You can still see evidence of some of the damage.

The picture below shows where the water is now.

It is hard to see the depth. It is much lower

than the road. Hard to imagine

such a huge lake rising so much.

Looking down the Causeway on the way back.

In spite of a not so stellar run, A GREAT DAY!

Don't forget to vote for Emily.

http://www.refuelwithchocolatemilk.com/grants/vote/

I DID IT!

I finally got in the 8s for a race pace!  Today was our local Fourth of July race.  It was a hot one but at least it started early.  There was a great turn out.  This race was started by a young couple who moved to town and thought Bristol had a great Fourth of July but needed a road race.  It has grown every year. It is very casual and lots of adults and kids who don't race often do it.  I had one student running :) and one former student. Both ran with their parents.

This year the race was more special due to sad circumstances.  The wife of the couple died slightly less than a year ago of Hodgekins lymphoma at the age of 41.  She left behind her husband and 3 sons. The oldest will be an 8th grader and the youngest will be in third grade next year. (in my class)  I haven't taught either of the other boys but our school is small enough that I know them.  Many of Pam's relatives raced including her father.  The race was renamed the Pam Paradee Bristol 5K.  It was nice to see so many people turn out for it.  It's a well organized low key race.

The route was changed slightly from previous years. I ran with my IPod for the first time in a long time and I think it helped.  My first mile was 8:44. The second was 9:17. This was the one with the hill. I knew I couldn't fade if I was going to end up with a pace in the 8s.  My third mile was 8:54 with the last tenth being 8:27. I wasn't sure if I had done it until I checked my Garmin!  Yeah!  My overall pace was 8:58. I was soaked as it was humid!  I had to rush home and change to get back down for the parade. The Fourth of July is in a big thing in Bristol. I never get to see them but there are outhouse races in between the race and the parade. These were featured on the Today Show one year.  They take bets and the money must go to the Fourth of July festivities. I am not sure.

So home, clean up and I decided (along with my husband) to bike to town.  Traffic is crazy so this seemed to be the way to go. By the time we came home it was hot hot hot. I decided to continue the ride further which may not have been brilliant as I was wiped when I got home.

Back to the parade.  First when I went to the race at 7:00 I saw several people already sitting on the parade route waiting for the parade. Now it is a decent small town parade (the governor was in it)  but it isn't any Macy's Day Parade. You do not need to secure your seat at 7 in the morning. It starts at 10:30.  Yes it gets very crowded but really?   3 1/2 hours early?  Fortunately we have friends who live on the parade route so we don't need to worry.

A Few Parade Pics

Clowns

Many many many firetrucks

What would a Vermont parade be without tractors?

And even some floats!

 

The Conclusion of: As the Car Wheel Turns

The last ride - I really did feel rather sad.

Thanks P for help with the post title.

First and most important:

I HAVE A NEW CAR!

This is a very big deal.  I am replacing a car I bought at the end of 1999 which has less than 10,000 miles to reach 200,000 miles. I might have kept it longer but rust was becoming a significant factor.

I got yet another call from the original salesman now telling me he could make the payment I wanted work.  Well, it was too late as papers were signed and this baby is mine!  (at a much better rate)

Here it is!

Since it's been awhile since a new car and I have been friends all the things that many of you probably take for granted delight me.  What's the temperature? Why it's right here on the dash.  What is my miles per gallon?  ......on the dash  How many miles before I need to get gas?  .........on the dash  What time is it?  .......on the dash (My clock was broken many years ago and was very expensive to fix so I didn't do it)  It's hot in here.  I guess I'll turn the air conditioner on.  (also broken and didn't fix it  after one or two fixes)  My favorite thing is that the Ipod plays on the radio and charges as I go.  I know there are so many amenities out there that I don't have but I am thrilled with what I got.  Good cup holders, a comfortable seat and ride and everything else is gravy.

 Cleaning Out my Old Car

1. I never throw away money even if it is only a penny.

2. But all those safety pins I carry around in case I don't get them for my racing bib are history.

3. I am in love with binder clips.  (Ask my kids.) I saved every one I found and I found many.

4. I have been carrying cassette tapes around in my car forever in case I ever listen to them again.  Well, since I now no longer have a tape player they are gone!

5. I did different things with pens.  If they are the cheap variety they went in the garbage bag.  But if they were the type I like I tested them and if they work I saved them. I can never find a pen in spite of being a geek who likes office supplies and owns many. I'll blame it on my husband.

6. That new snow brush  I bought this year because I needed it so badly. Well, not really.  There may have been one or two already in my car.

7. Those clothes I carry around in case I need them.  Well, I really need to check out what I have as yeah they may have come in handy if I paid attention to what I had.

For now there is no eating in the car.  Not sure how long that will last but it won't hurt me to eat fewer places!  I did buy myself one new car present.  

I already had this running shoes key chain.

I thought I needed the bike one too. 

They are quite nice - both from Danforth's 

Pewters.

I did get a very sweet ride in on Saturday before we went to pick up my car.  Saturday was definitely the most perfect day weather wise we have had in quite awhile.  I just rode 11 miles as we had places to go and things to do but what a wonderful 11 miles it was. I just stopped for one picture as I was going up a hill near the middle of my ride.

Happy Fourth of July

Don't forget to vote for Emily.

http://www.refuelwithchocolatemilk.com/grants/vote/

Three Things Friday - Is That Allowed?

1. I am AMAZED at the number of you who do not know what a whoopie pie is. My guess is you just call them something else.  I am especially surprised Char who cooks such yummies doesn't know.  Here is the Wikipedia definition and we all know Wikipedia is always right of course.

The whoopie pie (alternatively called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or "BFO" for Big Fat Oreo) is an Americanbaked good that may be considered either a cookie, pie, or cake. It is made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake, or sometimes pumpkin cake, with a sweet, creamy filling or frosting sandwiched between them.^[1]

I have seen other flavors than the ones mentioned but the pumpkin is to die for.  Around here you can buy them in the gas station/convenience store places. I prefer the bakery ones, in fact I don't think I have bought one in a convenience store but I know my son has.

2.  The car saga: this story will continue tomorrow but may I say I think car shopping is about as stressful as it can get. I have been a mess today, a forgetful crazy ditz.  This morning I spent a good 20 minute frantically searching for the key to this new car I brought home from the dealership yesterday that wasn't mine. I knew the key had to be somewhere but damn if I could find it.  I had no idea where it was as it wasn't anywhere a key was likely to be. I even went down and went through recycling and was thinking about going through the trash.  I called my husband, I was abrupt with a friend who called, I.........couldn't............imagine.........calling...........the ......dealership..............and.........saying..........I.........did..........not..........have..............the.............key.
I went through my laundry from yesterday twice - to see if I left it in my short's pocket.  Part of the problem was it is a single key, not a bunch of fun stuff on a key chain that is easier to find.  Something finally clicked and I remembered I was wearing a jacket.  Sure enough, it was in the jacket pocket.  And it took me 20 minutes and many anxious moments to get to this realization.

(After finding the key I went for a relatively short but fast for me run that really helped with some of the stress.  The stress helped with the speed.  Yeah for running.)

Aside from the key debacle, I spent hours on the Internet last night researching cars, financing, incentives, various dealers' inventories.  For many reasons I was quite sure I didn't want the car I had.  Too much pressure to buy, it was a "used car" with 1500 miles so wasn't eligible for incentives and rebates.......(didn't know this until I researched) But there aren't many cars out there due to the tsunami so was I going to be able to find one that I did want?  My wonderful wonderful wonderful cousin did a ton of research for me and called many many dealers and salesman today to find out more, do some dealing for me. As I was at the dealers today he is on the phone with a different dealer getting exact numbers for me. It was a dealer I had requested a quote from on the Internet last night.  A salesman called this morning and was much much more low key - important to me.  He worked hard to get my business.  So I was in a good position when I went back to the original place today.  I didn't want the car.  Then he tried to make a different one work for me but bottom line was $80 more a month for the payment and higher financing. So tomorrow I am off to the other place where the car is all ready for me - once I sign a lot of papers of course. I will take pictures. Tonight I took my car out for a last ride.  I have had it since Dec. 1999(it is a 2000) and it has 192,000 miles on it so we have spent A LOT of time together. All the salesmen were astounded at those numbers. I got my money's worth out of that car.

3. And who knew there was so much to say about serial killers?  I have been asked what the series are.  My favorite is by Chelsea Cain. They take place in Portland, Oregon and pull you right in.  There are four in the series so far.  The other series is about a detective who was raised Amish.  It is by Linda Castillo.  I think there are two out and one more to come.  Thanks for the other suggestions.  Darlene had a very creepy story about serial killers. Go back and read my comments if you are interested in seeing it.

I just finished a different book I loved.  (Chris K will prefer it to the serial killer as it is more of a chick book and he prefers those.) It is The Blessings of the Animals by Katrina Kettle. I hated to finish it. It was one of those.  Many likable characters in the book which always works for me.