Call me a chicken. Call me a fool. I don't care, as long as I still have my limbs, which I do. Open water swimming Florida is a test of courage. When every lake is inhabited by alligators (over 2 million of the suckers in Florida), it takes a bit of courage to go jump in a lake and start doing laps. Especially when the water's so murky it's the color of coca cola and you can't see your hand in front of your face underwater AND you're swimming right next to a bunch of marshy grasses. That was me on Sunday at Lake Mary Jane, the lake in which my triathlon will be held.
I'm registered for the Moss Park Triathlon on August 18th. Moss Park is located in SE Orlando and is home to Lake Mary Jane. The water was a toasty 82 degrees, but it was slightly scary. I managed to swim laps for 30 minutes and got used to putting my face in the dark water. That was my goal for the day - swim laps in the lake without having a panic attack. As sick as this sounds, I was happy when a family with little kids jumped in for a swim....I figure gators prefer human veal over the chewy old Bessies like myself.
I also did an open water swim at Wekiva Springs last week - it was fantastic. There's actually a swimming hole right over the actual spring. 45 million gallons of pristine water pour out of a rocks spring every day and feed into the Wekiva river. The water is a crisp 72 degrees, but it feels so good on a hot day. And, the water is crystal clear. It's stunning and not scary at all. I will happily swim endless laps in that spring.
I've actually signed up with two coaches to help me prepare for the triathlon. I meet with them on Monday mornings for a 1.5 hour cardio workout - swim, bike and run all in 1.5 hours. Then on Wednesday mornings I meet them for an hour of strength training specific for triathletes. The rest of the week I do additional swimming, biking and running on my own.
Whew...I'm tired!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Bloggus Interruptus
When I converted my ‘old’ blogger account to a ‘new’ blogger account way back in January, all of the sudden I couldn’t access my account to add or edit posts. Then all of the sudden I could.
So I am not participating in the Danskin triathlon as planned. I waited and waited and waited for registration to open and then suddenly while away on a business trip registration opened, filled and closed in THREE STINKIN’ DAYS!!!! Can you believe that BS? Three days? Oh baby, was I mad. Oh well.
In my frustration I abandoned all tri training and focused on running. I’m running a 15k on Sunday. It’s the Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend, Women Run the World 15k. Two friends from my book club are running with me. I’m also kayaking the Wekiva River in Central Florida on Saturday, so I should be pooped come Sunday night. Between the race and the kayaking, I’ll get a nice upper body workout on Saturday and lower body on Sunday!
Depending on how the 15k goes, I’ll either find another 15k a few months out and see if I can improve my time or register for a half marathon and train for that distance. I’ve found that for me I get more enjoyment out of running longer distances rather than running faster. I’m a slow running, but I don’t mind. When I go for long runs I listen to an episode or two of This American Life and find myself chugging along with a big grin on my face while Ira Glass entertains me.
So I am not participating in the Danskin triathlon as planned. I waited and waited and waited for registration to open and then suddenly while away on a business trip registration opened, filled and closed in THREE STINKIN’ DAYS!!!! Can you believe that BS? Three days? Oh baby, was I mad. Oh well.
In my frustration I abandoned all tri training and focused on running. I’m running a 15k on Sunday. It’s the Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend, Women Run the World 15k. Two friends from my book club are running with me. I’m also kayaking the Wekiva River in Central Florida on Saturday, so I should be pooped come Sunday night. Between the race and the kayaking, I’ll get a nice upper body workout on Saturday and lower body on Sunday!
Depending on how the 15k goes, I’ll either find another 15k a few months out and see if I can improve my time or register for a half marathon and train for that distance. I’ve found that for me I get more enjoyment out of running longer distances rather than running faster. I’m a slow running, but I don’t mind. When I go for long runs I listen to an episode or two of This American Life and find myself chugging along with a big grin on my face while Ira Glass entertains me.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
First Tri Workout
I did my first official triathlon training workout. Back-to-back 12 mile bike ride, 3.5 mile run & quarter mile swim. I'm pooped!!!!
I've set a new mileage goal for January. I've cut back on my miles in order to accomodate the biking and swimming I'll be doing. I don't want to kill myself!
January Goal = 80 miles
Miles Completed = 11 (run/walk = 8.5/2.5)
Miles to Go = 69
I've set a new mileage goal for January. I've cut back on my miles in order to accomodate the biking and swimming I'll be doing. I don't want to kill myself!
January Goal = 80 miles
Miles Completed = 11 (run/walk = 8.5/2.5)
Miles to Go = 69
Thursday, December 21, 2006
I ran, I ran so far away
So I'm running more now than I ever have in my life. That's really not saying much, but for me it's a big deal. Being able to just open my front door and run for 4 or 5 miles feels really good. My walking buddy, Julie, and I are running a 5k together in February. Oddly enough, the 5k goes through my old neighborhood in Winter Park, FL. We lived in an area called the Winter Park Pines and the race is called the Run Around the Pines. I plan to run an upcoming 10k as well.
I keep waiting for registration to open for the Danskin triathlon in May at Disney World. I need to get my butt in gear and start my training. Running isn't enough. I've asked for a trunk mounted bike rack for my car and a wireless odometer for my bike for Xmas. I hate riding on the street, so once I get my bike rack I can take my bike to a nearby trail called the Little Econ and go for nice, long rides.
I'm very happy with the Orlando park's department. They are linking a bunch of trails in the greater Orlando area to form one massive multi-use trail system. Yipee!
I keep waiting for registration to open for the Danskin triathlon in May at Disney World. I need to get my butt in gear and start my training. Running isn't enough. I've asked for a trunk mounted bike rack for my car and a wireless odometer for my bike for Xmas. I hate riding on the street, so once I get my bike rack I can take my bike to a nearby trail called the Little Econ and go for nice, long rides.
I'm very happy with the Orlando park's department. They are linking a bunch of trails in the greater Orlando area to form one massive multi-use trail system. Yipee!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Next Challenge?
Ok, I have four events I'm mulling over....
Danskin Triathlon Why??? I've always wanted to do a triathlon and this particular race comes to Disney World in the spring of '07. I've already purchased a racing suit for my swimming workouts. I'm fairly certain I'm going to do this race.
The Out of the Darkness Overnight Why??? This is a 20 mile walk through NYC that starts at dusk and ends at dawn. How cool would that be? And proceeds benefit a suicide prevention and mental health charity.
Race for Hope Why??? This is a 5k race in Washington DC raising funds for brain tumor research. My grandmother recently passed away from a brain tumor, one of my best friends is a brain tumor survivor, and another good friend of mine is currently battling a recurring brain tumor. This is a cause I am 100% behind.
The 3-Day Why??? Because I had such an AMAZING 3-Day experience this year! I may not do another 3-Day in 2007, but I will walk again some day.
I've been enjoying expanding my workouts from walking, walking, walking, to walking, swimming, belly dancing, weight lifting, etc. Yes, I've started a belly dancing class and it is so much fun!
Danskin Triathlon Why??? I've always wanted to do a triathlon and this particular race comes to Disney World in the spring of '07. I've already purchased a racing suit for my swimming workouts. I'm fairly certain I'm going to do this race.
The Out of the Darkness Overnight Why??? This is a 20 mile walk through NYC that starts at dusk and ends at dawn. How cool would that be? And proceeds benefit a suicide prevention and mental health charity.
Race for Hope Why??? This is a 5k race in Washington DC raising funds for brain tumor research. My grandmother recently passed away from a brain tumor, one of my best friends is a brain tumor survivor, and another good friend of mine is currently battling a recurring brain tumor. This is a cause I am 100% behind.
The 3-Day Why??? Because I had such an AMAZING 3-Day experience this year! I may not do another 3-Day in 2007, but I will walk again some day.
I've been enjoying expanding my workouts from walking, walking, walking, to walking, swimming, belly dancing, weight lifting, etc. Yes, I've started a belly dancing class and it is so much fun!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Team Julie Survived the Breast Cancer 3-Day
We’re back from our wonderful 3-Day weekend. I want to thank you all for your tremendous support during our training and fundraising. I managed to complete all 60 miles with zero blisters or injuries. I feel very lucky as I was one of the few on day three who was walking without the aid of an ace bandage, ice pack, or blister dressing. The other half of Team Julie flew through the 60 miles with nothing more than a slightly sore ankle!
Amazing!
Day one began with a beautiful sunrise on Clearwater beach. Opening ceremonies were emotional and invigorating, setting the tone for our phenomenal weekend.
We were on the road shortly after 8:00 am. It was slow going at first, with 1,700+ walkers trying to make it down one sidewalk. We were entertained by gracious passersby who greeted us with horn honks, waves, thumbs up, and shouts of support and encouragement. This road-side support continued for all 60 miles!
Walking 60 miles in three days is made much easier by the many pit-stops along the way. Every 2 to 3 miles you can stop to “Refuel, Relieve and Rehydrate!” There were several slogans repeated all weekend to make sure the walkers took care of themselves. We heard the phrase “Drink and Pee, no IV” many, many times.
The 3-Day would not be the amazing event it is without the fabulous staff and volunteer crew. If you ever want to participate in a 3-Day but don’t think you can walk 60 miles, consider volunteering to be a crew member.
Day two took us back to the beautiful gulf beaches. The weather was prefect – not too hot and not too cold. The highs topped out in the mid-80s and the overnight lows in the mid-60s. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Part of the 3-Day experience is camping out with your fellow walkers and crew. I am not a camper, but the 3-Day camp was a blast! One side of camp housed the sleeping tents, port-a-potties, mobile showers and mobile sinks. The other side of camp held all of the social activities, such as our meals, the evening entertainment, the 3-Day gear shop, the foot massage tent, etc.
On the course each day we were amazed by the tremendous community support. They don’t call this walk the 60 mile buffet for nothing! You cannot walk a quarter mile without being offered cookies, popsicles, candy, fruit, etc. by cheering supporters. Girl Scout troops handed out Girl Scout cookies. One man was even handing out free beers to walkers while holding a sign that read “Beers for Boobies.” Fortunately, no flashing was required.
Closing ceremonies in St. Petersburg wrapped up our prefect 3-Day weekend. The Tampa Bay walkers alone raised over $4.6 million for breast cancer research. Near the end of closing ceremonies every walker removed a shoe in honor of the breast cancer survivors who participated in the walk. It was an amazing sight.
Thank you again for your support. I know I will walk in another Breast Cancer 3-Day and I encourage everybody, women and men, to walk or volunteer to be a crew member in a 3-Day near you. They have already announced the 2007 dates, which you can find online at www.the3day.org. I guarantee it will be a wonderful experience you will never forget!
Amazing!
Day one began with a beautiful sunrise on Clearwater beach. Opening ceremonies were emotional and invigorating, setting the tone for our phenomenal weekend.
We were on the road shortly after 8:00 am. It was slow going at first, with 1,700+ walkers trying to make it down one sidewalk. We were entertained by gracious passersby who greeted us with horn honks, waves, thumbs up, and shouts of support and encouragement. This road-side support continued for all 60 miles!
Walking 60 miles in three days is made much easier by the many pit-stops along the way. Every 2 to 3 miles you can stop to “Refuel, Relieve and Rehydrate!” There were several slogans repeated all weekend to make sure the walkers took care of themselves. We heard the phrase “Drink and Pee, no IV” many, many times.
The 3-Day would not be the amazing event it is without the fabulous staff and volunteer crew. If you ever want to participate in a 3-Day but don’t think you can walk 60 miles, consider volunteering to be a crew member.
Day two took us back to the beautiful gulf beaches. The weather was prefect – not too hot and not too cold. The highs topped out in the mid-80s and the overnight lows in the mid-60s. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Part of the 3-Day experience is camping out with your fellow walkers and crew. I am not a camper, but the 3-Day camp was a blast! One side of camp housed the sleeping tents, port-a-potties, mobile showers and mobile sinks. The other side of camp held all of the social activities, such as our meals, the evening entertainment, the 3-Day gear shop, the foot massage tent, etc.
On the course each day we were amazed by the tremendous community support. They don’t call this walk the 60 mile buffet for nothing! You cannot walk a quarter mile without being offered cookies, popsicles, candy, fruit, etc. by cheering supporters. Girl Scout troops handed out Girl Scout cookies. One man was even handing out free beers to walkers while holding a sign that read “Beers for Boobies.” Fortunately, no flashing was required.
Closing ceremonies in St. Petersburg wrapped up our prefect 3-Day weekend. The Tampa Bay walkers alone raised over $4.6 million for breast cancer research. Near the end of closing ceremonies every walker removed a shoe in honor of the breast cancer survivors who participated in the walk. It was an amazing sight.
Thank you again for your support. I know I will walk in another Breast Cancer 3-Day and I encourage everybody, women and men, to walk or volunteer to be a crew member in a 3-Day near you. They have already announced the 2007 dates, which you can find online at www.the3day.org. I guarantee it will be a wonderful experience you will never forget!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
See you on the flip side!
Tonight is my last night at home before I leave for the 3-Day. I’m pretty much all packed. I miraculously fit all of the following into a 25 inch long duffel bag.
twin air mattress with pump (takes 4 D batteries)
sleeping bag
pillow (normal size)
8 by 10 tarp
3 days clothing – including 8 pairs of socks (2 each day & 2 spares)
one pair runners
one pair tevas
gallon zip-loc bag full of medical supplies
toiletry case
disposable camera
5 luna bars
journal & pen
2 rain ponchos
mylar emergency blanket
flash light & extra batteries
alarm clock
spool of twine
peppermint tea
tent flag (so I can find my tent in a sea of 2,000 tents)
extra plastic bags
Hopefully the zipper doesn’t burst.
My nerves are just barely acting up. I would say I’m more anxious than nervous. I know it will be an amazing experience. I’ve just been building up to this weekend for so many months that I’m not quite sure what to do with myself now!
Wish me luck!
Monday, October 09, 2006
It's almost here!
The Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day will begin with Opening Ceremonies at Sand Key Park in Clearwater, FL on October 13th at 7:30 am and conclude with Closing Ceremonies at Spa Beach Park in St. Petersburg on October 15th at 5:30 pm.
The journey will highlight the most picturesque areas that Pinellas County and the state of Florida have to offer. Day One begins at Sand Key Park in Clearwater. Walkers will enjoy award-winning views of miles of Florida coastline beaches and will be energized by the warm Gulf breeze.
Day Two will include more of the same breath-taking views. Walkers will stroll down world-class beaches and intercoastal waterways. Local neighborhood beach shops will be featured as well as some of the most beautiful homes located between the water and cobblestone streets.
Day Three highlights historic St. Petersburg neighborhoods that line the Tampa Bay waterfront. Finally, we will celebrate at our closing site Spa Beach Park (close to The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg). This park provides a view and an experience you will not want to miss.
Julie and I are heading down on Thursday & spending Thursday night at the Sheraton Sand Key resort in Clearwater. Thursday will be spent swimming in the ocean and lounging by the pool with a good book. Friday morning the fun begins!
The journey will highlight the most picturesque areas that Pinellas County and the state of Florida have to offer. Day One begins at Sand Key Park in Clearwater. Walkers will enjoy award-winning views of miles of Florida coastline beaches and will be energized by the warm Gulf breeze.
Day Two will include more of the same breath-taking views. Walkers will stroll down world-class beaches and intercoastal waterways. Local neighborhood beach shops will be featured as well as some of the most beautiful homes located between the water and cobblestone streets.
Day Three highlights historic St. Petersburg neighborhoods that line the Tampa Bay waterfront. Finally, we will celebrate at our closing site Spa Beach Park (close to The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg). This park provides a view and an experience you will not want to miss.
Julie and I are heading down on Thursday & spending Thursday night at the Sheraton Sand Key resort in Clearwater. Thursday will be spent swimming in the ocean and lounging by the pool with a good book. Friday morning the fun begins!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
I'm back...quick update
Sorry I haven't posted for a loooong time. I had a great 1st half of the month & then came down with the flu. I was at 90 miles by the 16th...on track to reach 180 miles for the month. Then I had to travel to Seattle for 2 weeks for business and caught the flu on the flight to Seattle. I was SICK...I had every symptom in the book (nose, chest, stomach, fever, etc.). I was down for nearly 2 weeks, which totally derailed my mileage goal. I managed to squeeze in an additional 27 miles while sick with the flu, but that's it. Oh well, I'm feeling better now and I'm doing 15 miles in the morning with my walking buddy.
The event is quickly approaching! October 13th is right around the corner. I need to start getting my stuff togther so I can figure out what I need to buy.
The event is quickly approaching! October 13th is right around the corner. I need to start getting my stuff togther so I can figure out what I need to buy.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Quick post
September goal = 180 miles
Miles walked = 42
Miles to go = 138
Between travel and out-of-town family visiting, it has been SO HARD to fit my miles in and it shows in my monthly totals. I am terribly behind schedule. I'm going to try to fit in another 12 miles this afternoon. I want to be at 90 miles by Friday.
Miles walked = 42
Miles to go = 138
Between travel and out-of-town family visiting, it has been SO HARD to fit my miles in and it shows in my monthly totals. I am terribly behind schedule. I'm going to try to fit in another 12 miles this afternoon. I want to be at 90 miles by Friday.
Friday, September 01, 2006
September Mileage Goal
August is over and now on to the most difficult training month...September. 180 miles. I have to walk 180 miles in 4 weeks. Oy. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
August Miles DONE
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 135
Miles to go = big, fat ZERO
Yipee! I polished off my miles for the month while watching Nip Tuck season 2 on DVD. I'm excited for season 4, which starts soon!
I'm going to take this opportunity to vent about Ernesto. Sunday morning they revised the path of Ernesto and said it was going to be a category 1 headed directly for Orlando, Florida - more specifically east Orlando, which is where I live. The eye was going to go right over our neighborhood. I fretted and stressed for three days.
I stocked up on food, water, batteries, etc.
I drained water out of the pool to accommodate the 10 inches of predicted rain fall.
I dug trenches from the foundation of our house to the lake behind our house to encourage storm water run-off away from the foundation.
I moved all of our pool stuff into the garage.
I combed the yard with a trash bag picking up any object that could possibly be turned into a projectile with high winds.
I trimmed dead branches off of trees.
I read my hurricane and flood policies.
I super chlorinated the pool in anticipation of the introduction of organic matter with the storm water.
I stuck my fingers in areas I would prefer never to stick my fingers to ensure our pool deck drains were clear.
I set our refrigerator and freezer to the lowest setting in anticipation of a power outage.
I cooled the house waaaaay down so we wouldn't sweat to death in the event of a power outage.
I filled up my car with gas - premium gas - because the regular and mid-grade were sold out.
Then I woke up this morning and braced myself for flood control - namely continuing to drain the pool as it fills with rain water and sweeping accumulated rain water off of the pool deck and into the lawn. I even had a dorky rain poncho ready to go.
Then I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
And waited.
And nothing!
Sigh of relief.
And then a twinge of bitterness over my hyper-preparedness.
All's well in Orlando!
Bye bye Ernesto and don't come back!!!!
Miles walked = 135
Miles to go = big, fat ZERO
Yipee! I polished off my miles for the month while watching Nip Tuck season 2 on DVD. I'm excited for season 4, which starts soon!
I'm going to take this opportunity to vent about Ernesto. Sunday morning they revised the path of Ernesto and said it was going to be a category 1 headed directly for Orlando, Florida - more specifically east Orlando, which is where I live. The eye was going to go right over our neighborhood. I fretted and stressed for three days.
I stocked up on food, water, batteries, etc.
I drained water out of the pool to accommodate the 10 inches of predicted rain fall.
I dug trenches from the foundation of our house to the lake behind our house to encourage storm water run-off away from the foundation.
I moved all of our pool stuff into the garage.
I combed the yard with a trash bag picking up any object that could possibly be turned into a projectile with high winds.
I trimmed dead branches off of trees.
I read my hurricane and flood policies.
I super chlorinated the pool in anticipation of the introduction of organic matter with the storm water.
I stuck my fingers in areas I would prefer never to stick my fingers to ensure our pool deck drains were clear.
I set our refrigerator and freezer to the lowest setting in anticipation of a power outage.
I cooled the house waaaaay down so we wouldn't sweat to death in the event of a power outage.
I filled up my car with gas - premium gas - because the regular and mid-grade were sold out.
Then I woke up this morning and braced myself for flood control - namely continuing to drain the pool as it fills with rain water and sweeping accumulated rain water off of the pool deck and into the lawn. I even had a dorky rain poncho ready to go.
Then I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
And waited.
And nothing!
Sigh of relief.
And then a twinge of bitterness over my hyper-preparedness.
All's well in Orlando!
Bye bye Ernesto and don't come back!!!!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
I've earned a lazy Sunday evening...
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 121
Miles to go = 14
17 mile walk this morning followed by 2 hours of cleaning the garage and grocery shopping for the week.
I'm pooped!!!!
Miles walked = 121
Miles to go = 14
17 mile walk this morning followed by 2 hours of cleaning the garage and grocery shopping for the week.
I'm pooped!!!!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Mileage Update
Since It's been a few days since I posted my mileage for the month, I thought I'd give you a quick update.
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 104
Miles to go = 31
Julie and I are going to walk 15 miles in the morning, which means I'll only have 16 miles to walk next week to get me to goal for the month. Piece of cake! =)
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 104
Miles to go = 31
Julie and I are going to walk 15 miles in the morning, which means I'll only have 16 miles to walk next week to get me to goal for the month. Piece of cake! =)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Donations!!!!
To all of my friends and family who have emotionally and financially supported me during my 3-Day training and fundraising - here's a HUGE THANK YOU!!!! ((((HUGS)))))
If you haven't already supported me in my fundraising efforts, I am asking that you PLEASE take this opportunity to support my training partner, Julie.
Visit her fundraising page at www.the3day.org/TampaBay06/julief and make a donation. Truly, any amount helps - $5 or $500 - it all adds up.
Thank you in advance for your donations. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated.
If you haven't already supported me in my fundraising efforts, I am asking that you PLEASE take this opportunity to support my training partner, Julie.
Visit her fundraising page at www.the3day.org/TampaBay06/julief and make a donation. Truly, any amount helps - $5 or $500 - it all adds up.
Thank you in advance for your donations. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
What's next???
I hopped on the treadmill around 9:45pm last night and ran for 5 miles. It took me about 55 minutes, so I'm not breaking any speed records! But at least I ran for 5 miles. I've been doing so much walking for so long I'm trying to ease into running some more miles.
I'm staring to think ahead past the 3-Day. What's next????
I've been looking at this triathlon training schedule.
And this 1/2 marathon training schedule.
I was originally planning on jumping right into the Disney full marathon in January but now I'm having second thoughts. I don't want to set myself up for failure. So I think I might train for the Danskin triathlon and then find a 1/2 marathon to trian for. If that goes well, I can do the Disney marathon in January of 2008. I think that's a more reasonable goal.
I'm staring to think ahead past the 3-Day. What's next????
I've been looking at this triathlon training schedule.
And this 1/2 marathon training schedule.
I was originally planning on jumping right into the Disney full marathon in January but now I'm having second thoughts. I don't want to set myself up for failure. So I think I might train for the Danskin triathlon and then find a 1/2 marathon to trian for. If that goes well, I can do the Disney marathon in January of 2008. I think that's a more reasonable goal.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
The Golf Lesson
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 75
Miles to go = 60
I walked 20 miles on Sunday, 4 on Tuesday and 8 on Thursday. I hope to walk another 4 tomorrow and 15 on Saturday with my training buddy, Julie.
The 20 miles on Sunday went surprisingly well. I wasn’t even sore the next day. My good friend Tanya joined me for the first 10 miles. It was her birthday and she decided to torture herself with a 10 mile walk on her birthday! Crazy girl! But I was grateful for the company. It does make the miles go by much quicker.
Today I walked 8 miles around my neighborhood lake. There’s a 0.9 mile track around the lake and some kids were hitting golf balls into the lake. They ranged in age from about 5 to 9.
At first I was thinking to myself “Look at those trouble makers hitting balls into the lake!”
By about the third lap around I realized I was thinking like a grumpy, sour-puss old lady. The kids were being respectful of people using the exercise path and were not hitting balls at ducks or anything.
So on my fourth lap around I gave them a big smile and by the sixth lap around the ring-leader of the group, a nine year old boy, flagged me down and asked if I wanted to try hitting a ball into the lake.
Me, never having golfed before, said “Sure, why not!” So I grabbed the club and he set up the ball on a tee for me.
First swing….miss
Second swing…miss
Third swing…miss
The group of kids were being so kind and encouraging to me. Little six and seven year olds were saying…
“Don’t worry, it gets easier. It is hard at first. Keep trying. Here, I’ll set up the tee better for you. Don’t give up.”
I felt like an idiot but I kept trying and the fourth swing shot the ball into the water.
Cheers and applaud erupted from the group of kids and the ring-leader gave me a high-five!
I thanked him for the golf lesson and he just beamed! As I was walking away I heard him proclaim “I just gave a golf lesson!”
I had a smile from ear-to-ear the last 2 miles back to my house. You can learn a lot from children.
Miles walked = 75
Miles to go = 60
I walked 20 miles on Sunday, 4 on Tuesday and 8 on Thursday. I hope to walk another 4 tomorrow and 15 on Saturday with my training buddy, Julie.
The 20 miles on Sunday went surprisingly well. I wasn’t even sore the next day. My good friend Tanya joined me for the first 10 miles. It was her birthday and she decided to torture herself with a 10 mile walk on her birthday! Crazy girl! But I was grateful for the company. It does make the miles go by much quicker.
Today I walked 8 miles around my neighborhood lake. There’s a 0.9 mile track around the lake and some kids were hitting golf balls into the lake. They ranged in age from about 5 to 9.
At first I was thinking to myself “Look at those trouble makers hitting balls into the lake!”
By about the third lap around I realized I was thinking like a grumpy, sour-puss old lady. The kids were being respectful of people using the exercise path and were not hitting balls at ducks or anything.
So on my fourth lap around I gave them a big smile and by the sixth lap around the ring-leader of the group, a nine year old boy, flagged me down and asked if I wanted to try hitting a ball into the lake.
Me, never having golfed before, said “Sure, why not!” So I grabbed the club and he set up the ball on a tee for me.
First swing….miss
Second swing…miss
Third swing…miss
The group of kids were being so kind and encouraging to me. Little six and seven year olds were saying…
“Don’t worry, it gets easier. It is hard at first. Keep trying. Here, I’ll set up the tee better for you. Don’t give up.”
I felt like an idiot but I kept trying and the fourth swing shot the ball into the water.
Cheers and applaud erupted from the group of kids and the ring-leader gave me a high-five!
I thanked him for the golf lesson and he just beamed! As I was walking away I heard him proclaim “I just gave a golf lesson!”
I had a smile from ear-to-ear the last 2 miles back to my house. You can learn a lot from children.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
On the road again....
I'm traveling for work so fitting in my training has been a bear. I just finished a 6 mile walk on the hotel treadmill. It's been really hard finding time to walk. Between work, my personal commitments in Seattle and my family commitments related to my grandmother's death, I've been squeezing in 5 to 6 mile walks at 10 and 11 at night.
This morning I set my alarm for 5am to get up and log some miles. Well, the person who last stayed in my hotel room liked country music and had set the alarm clock to a country station. In my sleepy haze at 5am I thought that a mean cowboy was in my room yelling at me to get up. I beat up the cowboy (aka turned off the alarm) and went back to sleep. Fortunately I woke up around 6:45 but was bummed that I overslept and didn't get any miles in! That mean cowboy ruined my plans! :)
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 32
Miles to go = 103
I've got to WALK, WALK, WALK!!!!!
I'm toying with the idea of registering for the Disney Marathon in January 2007. I have to decide soon, because registration is almost full. The 1/2 marathon is already closed. I've been incorporating running into my 3-day training because I can only walk so much and running helps the miles go a bit faster. I should just do it. What do you think????
This morning I set my alarm for 5am to get up and log some miles. Well, the person who last stayed in my hotel room liked country music and had set the alarm clock to a country station. In my sleepy haze at 5am I thought that a mean cowboy was in my room yelling at me to get up. I beat up the cowboy (aka turned off the alarm) and went back to sleep. Fortunately I woke up around 6:45 but was bummed that I overslept and didn't get any miles in! That mean cowboy ruined my plans! :)
August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 32
Miles to go = 103
I've got to WALK, WALK, WALK!!!!!
I'm toying with the idea of registering for the Disney Marathon in January 2007. I have to decide soon, because registration is almost full. The 1/2 marathon is already closed. I've been incorporating running into my 3-day training because I can only walk so much and running helps the miles go a bit faster. I should just do it. What do you think????
Friday, July 28, 2006
114 Miles DONE
July goal = 114 miles
Miles walked = 114
Miles to go = zero, zip, nada
I got up early this morning and did 12 miles before it got too hot outside. I'm so glad to be done for the month. It's my b-day weekend, so I get to kick back and relax. Next week the brutal training starts up again with an even higher mileage goal for August....135 miles.
The good news is I am going to spend half of the month of August in Seattle for work. Training in Seattle is WAY easier than training in Florida. The hotel I'm staying at is 13 miles from my office. I am going to bring my walking gear to work with me, change at the end of the day, and walk home 2 to 3 nights a week. If I can manage three nights a week plus a long walk on the weekend, I should be close to 100 miles by the time I return to Florida. If I can pull that off, I will be sooooo happy.
Miles walked = 114
Miles to go = zero, zip, nada
I got up early this morning and did 12 miles before it got too hot outside. I'm so glad to be done for the month. It's my b-day weekend, so I get to kick back and relax. Next week the brutal training starts up again with an even higher mileage goal for August....135 miles.
The good news is I am going to spend half of the month of August in Seattle for work. Training in Seattle is WAY easier than training in Florida. The hotel I'm staying at is 13 miles from my office. I am going to bring my walking gear to work with me, change at the end of the day, and walk home 2 to 3 nights a week. If I can manage three nights a week plus a long walk on the weekend, I should be close to 100 miles by the time I return to Florida. If I can pull that off, I will be sooooo happy.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Around and Around the Lake I Go
My training partner, Julie, ended up not joining me for my walk last night so I walked 11 miles solo. I walked 1.5 miles from my house to this lake in my neighborhood, which has a 0.9 mile path around it. 9 laps around the lake plus the 3 mile round trip walk to and from my house equals about 11 miles.
July goal = 114 miles
Miles walked = 102
Miles to go = 12
Julie and I are now supposed to meet on Thursday night for a long walk. I'm going to try for 12 miles Thursday night to bring me to my July mileage goal of 114 miles!!!!
What's on the menu tonight??? Easy yoga....oooohhhhhmmmmmm
July goal = 114 miles
Miles walked = 102
Miles to go = 12
Julie and I are now supposed to meet on Thursday night for a long walk. I'm going to try for 12 miles Thursday night to bring me to my July mileage goal of 114 miles!!!!
What's on the menu tonight??? Easy yoga....oooohhhhhmmmmmm
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