I will admit. I sent an email that I knew may or may not incite a response, and although "incite" has an official definition something akin to "stimulate or prompt to action." It has kind of a negative connotation. Like..."incite a riot." So yeah. I did expect a response. I was asking about who is this girl who's been babysitting my daughter all summer. I asked about skyping this weekend. I let him know that it was inconvenient that he (on purpose?) neglected to pack Lily's swim suit for camp. I did not expect the sarcastic, hate filled explosion in my email inbox this morning. Whoa. I really shouldn't let it bother me as much as it does. But it does. Can't we just be civil, even if we can't get along? No? Oh. It's really difficult to tell what parts are fact (did Linda* really pull a child from the pool last week?) and which parts are fiction (armed and unarmed combative training?) when you mix sarcasm and accusations in with actual discussion (can I really skype with Scooter on Sunday, or was that sarcasm, too?). I guess I'll have to ask? But who to ask?
Two months ago, I was attacked for asking Scooter too many questions. I was supposed to direct them to the ex. This morning, I was attacked for asking the ex too many questions. I'm supposed to ask Scooter. Or was that sarcasm? See the difficulty? But now, I'm hesitant to ask for clarification...hm. Maybe this is all sort of some master plan. Or not.
Yesterday's blog post was short because it was another busy day. It was veggie day! The CSA delivered green beans, romain lettuce, potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. Delicious. It takes some time to wash and properly store everything, though. Totally worth it, though. The potatoes they deliver taste like they already have butter on them. It boggles the mind.
Wednesday and Thursday nights were early nights for me: 9pm. Both nights, I slept like the dead. Only waking when the alarm went off. I hope the extra hours of sleep help me out a little. I'm a nervous nelly. At lunch today, I walked most of the way to Pioneer Square and all the way back to work. It's a mile and a half, one way. Happy bonus is that I found 12 cents on my way. Sad news is that I got a blister on each of my pinky toes and on the side of my right heel. Oops. I'm pretty sure it won't affect my performance tomorrow, which would have been questionable anyway. But really, my pinky toes don't really factor into the run or the swim (not sure about the biking shoes), and that part of my heel shouldn't matter to anything, either. I chose the wrong sock/shoe combination for today, I guess. I'll make better choices tomorrow.
Oh...so the days:
Wednesday: Insulin was isolated in 1920, and it was National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I hope you flew your flag. The holiday is mostly for American vets of the Korean War. Too bad technically, N and S Korea are still at war...
Thursday: The Oregon Brewers Festival began. It runs through Sunday, when (hopefully) we'll do a little sampling. WWI began in 1914. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on this day in 1914, which kicked off "festivities" for the rest of the war. Also on July 28th, the 14th Ammendment was adopted (in 1868), which, in addition to granting citizenship and rights to African Americans, also specified that citizens and voters were males. So...although a huge step forward in progress for people of all color, apparently it legitmized sex-descrimination. Crazy.
Today: NASA was established in 1958. Also, the first iron lung was installed at Bellevue Hospital in NYC (1927).
Tomorrow's a big day: Henry Ford's birthday, James Hoffa's disappearance day, Paperback books were introduced in 1935. In 1900, the British parliament outlawed child labor in mines and also created workman's compensation. Also, in 1956, "In God We Trust" was adopted as the US national motto - in response to the growing influence of the Soviet Union.
Sunday is a very religious day. The founder of the Jesuits was canonized in 1622. Also, in 2002 the first Indian (by which, I think they mean Native Mexican) saint was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Juan Diego claimed to have seen the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531. It only took 471 years to get him sainted.
And that closes out the month. I'm excited to find out what happened in August. Besides Barack's birthday, Scooter's birthday, the Queen mum's birthday and Bubba's 1/2 birthday...
* Linda is not her real name
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Grill power!
One of my sisters sent around a vocab quiz today. You put check boxes by the words that you actually know the definitions to (not just words that you've heard of), and it magically calculates the size of your vocabulary. This has lead to a lively conversation among my uber-competitive sisters and I. Mostly, about who the dumbest sister is. The jury is still out.
Besides Monday and Tuesday, I have decidedly *NOT* been training like an Olympian this week. Yesterday was spin class, but it was the usual Wednesday instructor doing the usual Wednesday stuff. Today, I went for a short, slow swim. Usually slow swims for me are also long. But today is a rest/recovery day, so it was short. I hope I did enough swimming in the past few months to keep myself from drowning on Saturday.
I created a playlist on my ipod today consisting of one (or two, but only from 1 artist) song from each female artist in my library. There were only 25 songs, and one of them was actually a man. I thought I was putting Astrud Gilberto (girl) on the playlist, but it turned out to be Joao (boy). Oops. Out of 3694 songs, you'd think I had more than 25 female singers on my ipod. But I don't. I guess. I was going to name it my girl-power playlist, but it seems more like girl-weak playlist. Maybe I should work on that.
Besides Monday and Tuesday, I have decidedly *NOT* been training like an Olympian this week. Yesterday was spin class, but it was the usual Wednesday instructor doing the usual Wednesday stuff. Today, I went for a short, slow swim. Usually slow swims for me are also long. But today is a rest/recovery day, so it was short. I hope I did enough swimming in the past few months to keep myself from drowning on Saturday.
I created a playlist on my ipod today consisting of one (or two, but only from 1 artist) song from each female artist in my library. There were only 25 songs, and one of them was actually a man. I thought I was putting Astrud Gilberto (girl) on the playlist, but it turned out to be Joao (boy). Oops. Out of 3694 songs, you'd think I had more than 25 female singers on my ipod. But I don't. I guess. I was going to name it my girl-power playlist, but it seems more like girl-weak playlist. Maybe I should work on that.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Black was a good choice for this one...
My tri suit came in the mail last night. Ben lured me into getting the mail by saying that there might be something special out there for me. That usually results in me running out to the mailbox only to find the weekly coupon circular or an electric bill. Last night was special, though, as a big, padded envelop was waiting for me. It was filled with ultra tight shorts and a tank. The website we ordered it from gave sizing specifications and said women should err on the side of a smaller size when in doubt. We ordered small shorts and a medium top. I had them out of the envelop before I even got back to the apartment.
I ordered black. The shorts only came in black, and I figured the black and grey top fit my personality more than the blue or red. Plus...it's slimming, right? After I stuffed my thighs into the shorts which fit like a sausage casing, I got a little nervous. Once I got the top on, I realized that I'm one of those people. You know them. The ones who have all the cool gear, but no real skills to back it up. I see them at least once a week at spin class. They'll come in wearing new bike shoes, new (tight!) bike shorts, some even wear gloves to class. Then, they sweat a lot while pedaling little. They leave early. Will that be me on Saturday? I certainly hope not. I at least, will not be leaving early. If anything, I'll be the one on the course till the bitter end.
I have no fear of getting a flat tire on the single track portion, though. I'm carrying what looks like 2 spare bike tires around my middle when I wear that top. It's not actually that bad (when I'm standing still and sucking it in). Ben said I looked tough - like a competitor. Don't judge a book by its cover, I guess.
In other news, yesterday was the birthday of the first test-tube baby. She paved the way for women like octomom to totally take advantage of medical advances. Today was the day the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed...in 1999. It didn't go into effect until 2001. I'm glad public facilities are now (supposed to be) accessible to everyone. It is also the anniversary of the first desegregated army training, in 1944. Say what you will about the Army, it at least was on the cutting edge of equality in the '40s.
And in even more news, babycenter.com sends me updates (weekly) about my kids' development. Scooter is nearly 8, Bubba is a preschooler. Yay. Today, it sent me an article on working mothers vs. stay at home. Studies have been raging over this topic since the first woman hung up her apron (or donned one) and stepped into a workplace. This study really just looked at long term effects of mothers working during the first year after birth. I'm happy (relieved?) to report that the kids are alright. If moms work, there is little evidence of behavioral problems later on. Girls actually did better in homes where both parents worked vs. "dad" being the sole breadwinner. Boys did better with either dad being the breadwinner or with both parents working, and worse when only the mom worked. Speculation exists regarding factors such as employed mothers being better educated, wealthier and less depressed than unemployed mothers. The biggest problems are with families where both parents struggle with unemployment and with single parent homes (the article says single mother homes, but I believe it cuts both ways). I would assume that this means if the mother (or father) is purposely not working outside the home, the kids are also alright? I could see how the stress of unemployment by either parent would be a bad thing on a kid over all. I can also see how the stress associated with being a single parent would wear on the parent (and the child). I was there. But I'll happily place myself in the better educated, wealthy and less depressed section, thanks.
I ordered black. The shorts only came in black, and I figured the black and grey top fit my personality more than the blue or red. Plus...it's slimming, right? After I stuffed my thighs into the shorts which fit like a sausage casing, I got a little nervous. Once I got the top on, I realized that I'm one of those people. You know them. The ones who have all the cool gear, but no real skills to back it up. I see them at least once a week at spin class. They'll come in wearing new bike shoes, new (tight!) bike shorts, some even wear gloves to class. Then, they sweat a lot while pedaling little. They leave early. Will that be me on Saturday? I certainly hope not. I at least, will not be leaving early. If anything, I'll be the one on the course till the bitter end.
I have no fear of getting a flat tire on the single track portion, though. I'm carrying what looks like 2 spare bike tires around my middle when I wear that top. It's not actually that bad (when I'm standing still and sucking it in). Ben said I looked tough - like a competitor. Don't judge a book by its cover, I guess.
In other news, yesterday was the birthday of the first test-tube baby. She paved the way for women like octomom to totally take advantage of medical advances. Today was the day the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed...in 1999. It didn't go into effect until 2001. I'm glad public facilities are now (supposed to be) accessible to everyone. It is also the anniversary of the first desegregated army training, in 1944. Say what you will about the Army, it at least was on the cutting edge of equality in the '40s.
And in even more news, babycenter.com sends me updates (weekly) about my kids' development. Scooter is nearly 8, Bubba is a preschooler. Yay. Today, it sent me an article on working mothers vs. stay at home. Studies have been raging over this topic since the first woman hung up her apron (or donned one) and stepped into a workplace. This study really just looked at long term effects of mothers working during the first year after birth. I'm happy (relieved?) to report that the kids are alright. If moms work, there is little evidence of behavioral problems later on. Girls actually did better in homes where both parents worked vs. "dad" being the sole breadwinner. Boys did better with either dad being the breadwinner or with both parents working, and worse when only the mom worked. Speculation exists regarding factors such as employed mothers being better educated, wealthier and less depressed than unemployed mothers. The biggest problems are with families where both parents struggle with unemployment and with single parent homes (the article says single mother homes, but I believe it cuts both ways). I would assume that this means if the mother (or father) is purposely not working outside the home, the kids are also alright? I could see how the stress of unemployment by either parent would be a bad thing on a kid over all. I can also see how the stress associated with being a single parent would wear on the parent (and the child). I was there. But I'll happily place myself in the better educated, wealthy and less depressed section, thanks.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Blues Monday
I don't really have the Monday blues. Nor am I listening to Blues today. I just needed a title for this brain dump.
This weekend was a busy one. No, we didn't go through any drive-thrus. Nor did we celebrate parent's day (sheesh! How unAmerican can we be?!). We did walk and run and play at the Relay for Life that was in Beaverton this weekend. Ben's bjj gym had a team, so we helped out (I guess?) by walking and running a few laps. We also had Bubba with us, who, if I remember correctly, walked nearly a mile and ran over 1/4 mile. He's better conditioned than I am, and I have a triathlon to compete in in less than a week.
We FINALLY brought the last load over from storage and closed our storage unit account. No longer will I pay some unknown entity $115 a month ( that's almost $1400 a year!!) for the priveledge of housing our junk. I'm hoping to sell some of it, give some away, and find a place for the rest of it. Actually, the house isn't looking too much worse for the wear (so far). I am glad that we have 3 more weeks before our first official visitor, though. It's a little bit of time to figure out the last of the nonsense. Hopefully, Ben's friend doesn't mind a stray rubbermaid (or big wheel) laying around.
I ran 4 miles yesterday. I got a facebook update that one of my good friends from Omaha ran 16. He had a torn labrum repaired a little over a year ago, and I remember not too long ago, him being excited about a 1 miler. At this point, I figure if I can run 1/4 the distance he does in the same amount of time it takes him, I'm doing pretty well. I tease him that he got a hip replacement from Bea Arthur. I guess that means I can't keep up with a dead woman. Hm...I failed to swim this weekend, though. I might try to get to the gym tonight, instead. I have a good reason why I skipped it, though. There are only 2 lanes at the pool at my gym. There were 4 people in the pool. Normally, that wouldn't phase me. I'd hop in and share a lane with a couple of people. Eventually, I'd shame them out of the pool. Yesterday was different, though. 2 of the people in the pool were having a "sword" fight with noodles. In different lanes. Across the lane line. Blocking the other two people who were legitimately trying to swim laps. I didn't feel like getting mixed up in that. Especially after gasping out 4 miles on the treadmill.
This week is "train like an Olympian" week at my gym. 1/2 way through spin class with a guest instructor this morning, I wondered if I was training like an Olympian. It was a tough workout. Like...real tough. As the day goes on, my legs are getting more and more tired (sore?). Hopefully, I can make the walk home tonight. One (or two) more tough days of training before I focus on recovery workouts. I'm starting to get excited.
This weekend was a busy one. No, we didn't go through any drive-thrus. Nor did we celebrate parent's day (sheesh! How unAmerican can we be?!). We did walk and run and play at the Relay for Life that was in Beaverton this weekend. Ben's bjj gym had a team, so we helped out (I guess?) by walking and running a few laps. We also had Bubba with us, who, if I remember correctly, walked nearly a mile and ran over 1/4 mile. He's better conditioned than I am, and I have a triathlon to compete in in less than a week.
We FINALLY brought the last load over from storage and closed our storage unit account. No longer will I pay some unknown entity $115 a month ( that's almost $1400 a year!!) for the priveledge of housing our junk. I'm hoping to sell some of it, give some away, and find a place for the rest of it. Actually, the house isn't looking too much worse for the wear (so far). I am glad that we have 3 more weeks before our first official visitor, though. It's a little bit of time to figure out the last of the nonsense. Hopefully, Ben's friend doesn't mind a stray rubbermaid (or big wheel) laying around.
I ran 4 miles yesterday. I got a facebook update that one of my good friends from Omaha ran 16. He had a torn labrum repaired a little over a year ago, and I remember not too long ago, him being excited about a 1 miler. At this point, I figure if I can run 1/4 the distance he does in the same amount of time it takes him, I'm doing pretty well. I tease him that he got a hip replacement from Bea Arthur. I guess that means I can't keep up with a dead woman. Hm...I failed to swim this weekend, though. I might try to get to the gym tonight, instead. I have a good reason why I skipped it, though. There are only 2 lanes at the pool at my gym. There were 4 people in the pool. Normally, that wouldn't phase me. I'd hop in and share a lane with a couple of people. Eventually, I'd shame them out of the pool. Yesterday was different, though. 2 of the people in the pool were having a "sword" fight with noodles. In different lanes. Across the lane line. Blocking the other two people who were legitimately trying to swim laps. I didn't feel like getting mixed up in that. Especially after gasping out 4 miles on the treadmill.
This week is "train like an Olympian" week at my gym. 1/2 way through spin class with a guest instructor this morning, I wondered if I was training like an Olympian. It was a tough workout. Like...real tough. As the day goes on, my legs are getting more and more tired (sore?). Hopefully, I can make the walk home tonight. One (or two) more tough days of training before I focus on recovery workouts. I'm starting to get excited.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The days
So I guess I've neglected to give you my historical facts for a while, now.
I forgot to blog on Wednesday, which was the 42nd anniversary of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon (for those who believe it actually happened). It was also the first interational Special Olympics competition, which was held at Soldier Field in Chicago (home of the Bears!). And, of course, the 137 year anniversary of the start of the Locust Plague of 1874. Apparently, so many of them swarmed that it went from Canada to Texas and blotted out the sun. bummer.
Thursday was Hemingway's birthday. Also, the anniversary of the founding of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY. I'm not sure why we need a Women's Hall of Fame. I mean, sure. I understand pioneers of the women's movement should probably be recognized. I'm just not sure a "Hall of Fame" need be created. It kind of acts as another barrier to equality, don't you think? But maybe we don't need to be equal. I would have liked recognition in a more universally accepted forum, like the Smithsonian, or something. You know...a plaque or painting or bust along with Alexander Hamilton and Lincoln and other important figures in American history. Because they were all important for all of us.
Anyhow, today is kind of a slow day in history. In 1982, the largest wedding ceremony in history occured in New York City. It's also Spooner's Day. Apparently, England has a lot of colorful characters in its past. Spooner (born today in 1844) had frequent slips of the tongue that made for hilarious speeches (for the British. In the 1800s). These include: "blushing crow" rather than crushing blow, swell foop (for fell swoop), and half-warmed fish (for half formed wish), among others. What a silly Brit.
Tomorrow is the birthday of civil disobedience. Thanks, Henry David Thoreau. He was thrown in jail for refusing to pay $1.00 poll tax.
Sunday is National Drive-Thru Day. Wow. Great. Let's celebrate the most universally accepted misspelling of all time by driving "thru" a Jack in the Box (the first ever drive-thru chain). Also, I learned yesterday that as far as commercial buildings go, fast food ranks #1 as far as energy users. Hospitals are #2, but at least we suck energy while saving lives. I assume fast food ranks #1 because there are so many of them. So that's gross. Sunday is also Parent's Day. Don't forget to thank your parents for molding you into the people you are today. Additionally, Sunday is the day Brigham Young declared, "this is the place," to start building Salt Lake City. And, of course, the first successful lung removal operation took place in 1933 on Sunday. What I would like to know is...what happened next? Did the person live with only 1 lung? Or was the person hooked up to some sort of (steam powered) breathing machine? My calendar kind of left me hanging with that one.
Scooter is successfully at camp right now. I'm guessing she is having the time of her life. I'm hoping she is OK, and she'll be able to forget herself and just be a kid and have fun for 5 days before going back to her life. We're 3 weeks down, 6 to go. 1 week until my triathlon...
I forgot to blog on Wednesday, which was the 42nd anniversary of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon (for those who believe it actually happened). It was also the first interational Special Olympics competition, which was held at Soldier Field in Chicago (home of the Bears!). And, of course, the 137 year anniversary of the start of the Locust Plague of 1874. Apparently, so many of them swarmed that it went from Canada to Texas and blotted out the sun. bummer.
Thursday was Hemingway's birthday. Also, the anniversary of the founding of the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY. I'm not sure why we need a Women's Hall of Fame. I mean, sure. I understand pioneers of the women's movement should probably be recognized. I'm just not sure a "Hall of Fame" need be created. It kind of acts as another barrier to equality, don't you think? But maybe we don't need to be equal. I would have liked recognition in a more universally accepted forum, like the Smithsonian, or something. You know...a plaque or painting or bust along with Alexander Hamilton and Lincoln and other important figures in American history. Because they were all important for all of us.
Anyhow, today is kind of a slow day in history. In 1982, the largest wedding ceremony in history occured in New York City. It's also Spooner's Day. Apparently, England has a lot of colorful characters in its past. Spooner (born today in 1844) had frequent slips of the tongue that made for hilarious speeches (for the British. In the 1800s). These include: "blushing crow" rather than crushing blow, swell foop (for fell swoop), and half-warmed fish (for half formed wish), among others. What a silly Brit.
Tomorrow is the birthday of civil disobedience. Thanks, Henry David Thoreau. He was thrown in jail for refusing to pay $1.00 poll tax.
Sunday is National Drive-Thru Day. Wow. Great. Let's celebrate the most universally accepted misspelling of all time by driving "thru" a Jack in the Box (the first ever drive-thru chain). Also, I learned yesterday that as far as commercial buildings go, fast food ranks #1 as far as energy users. Hospitals are #2, but at least we suck energy while saving lives. I assume fast food ranks #1 because there are so many of them. So that's gross. Sunday is also Parent's Day. Don't forget to thank your parents for molding you into the people you are today. Additionally, Sunday is the day Brigham Young declared, "this is the place," to start building Salt Lake City. And, of course, the first successful lung removal operation took place in 1933 on Sunday. What I would like to know is...what happened next? Did the person live with only 1 lung? Or was the person hooked up to some sort of (steam powered) breathing machine? My calendar kind of left me hanging with that one.
Scooter is successfully at camp right now. I'm guessing she is having the time of her life. I'm hoping she is OK, and she'll be able to forget herself and just be a kid and have fun for 5 days before going back to her life. We're 3 weeks down, 6 to go. 1 week until my triathlon...
Genius logic
I'll go ahead and say it. I have smart kids. Really smart kids. I was reading through some old journal entries from when Scooter wasn't much older than Bubba is now. Fantastic. And so logical. When she was Bubba's age, she had a puzzle/map of the United States (Uniter States, as she called it). We would take it apart and put it back together all day long. She loved it. And shortly after that, she could tell you, by shape, the name of each of the states. That has translated, in her elementary years, into "book smarts." Scooter is a bright kid in school.
Bubba, on the other hand, might be what one would call "street smart." No...he can't quite navigate mass transit on his own, yet, but he knows the art of manipulation. Last night, as I was tucking him into bed he patted the mattress beside him and said, "Mama lay down." So I did.
Then he said, "Daddy no lay down. Mama lay down today."
I said, "Oh. That's right."
He went on, "[Bubba] cry in the dark, THEN daddy lay down with [Bubba]."
Hm...apparently, he remembered the night before when Ben went in there to be his "superman" and he knows that, if need be, he can always summon his dad to his side by calling into the darkness. Dad might not lie down with him in the evenings when it's bed time, but surely he'll appear when it's most inconvenient - the middle of the night.
Bubba, on the other hand, might be what one would call "street smart." No...he can't quite navigate mass transit on his own, yet, but he knows the art of manipulation. Last night, as I was tucking him into bed he patted the mattress beside him and said, "Mama lay down." So I did.
Then he said, "Daddy no lay down. Mama lay down today."
I said, "Oh. That's right."
He went on, "[Bubba] cry in the dark, THEN daddy lay down with [Bubba]."
Hm...apparently, he remembered the night before when Ben went in there to be his "superman" and he knows that, if need be, he can always summon his dad to his side by calling into the darkness. Dad might not lie down with him in the evenings when it's bed time, but surely he'll appear when it's most inconvenient - the middle of the night.
2007 recap
In honor of the offroad tri I will be "competing" in on July 30th, I thought I'd re-post a blog from 4 years ago, when I did my last "real" tri.
WARNING! This is a rather long, and detailed description of a rather long and boring race...
Well, I did it. I've thought about it in the "wouldn't it be cool" sense since I watched my first Iron Man Triathlon on TV nearly 15 years ago. Back then, it was done on Alcatraz island, and not in Hawaii. But I've been watching it every year (on TV, of course, so I can get the nice, human interest stories on the competitors) as it grew in popularity and prestige. My dad has regalled me with stories of watching it live (he lives in Hawaii), and I've dreamed. I did a little research about a year ago about sprint triathlon opportunities in the area. There really aren't many. I let the dream sit in the back of my mind, comfortable in its home of 15 years.
Earlier this year, I was presented with the opportunity of participating in the sprint triathlon at the Cornhusker State Games. For the small price of $34.00 (and a fortune of sweat and ibuprofen), I too could be a triathlete. Hooray! I signed up. I started training. I got derailed several times (I always did have a short attention span), but win lose or die, I was going to do this.
Fast forward to Sunday, July 29th. I was up at 4:30, and I got my daughter up around 4:45. According to my calculations, we had to be on the road by 5:15. I figured she'd sleep in the car, but no such luck. That girl is a chatterbox. I believe the term that described her best later in the day was, "blithering." We made it to the competitor parking lot, which held maybe 50 cars. We were the only ones there. It was raining and 70 degrees. The forecast? Sunny and 80. Hmmm...
I signed in, and got my numbers markered on my left arm and right calf. On the back of that calf, they also wrote my age in big, bold numbers. Great. Next year, please put my weight on there, too, would 'ya? They also gave me an anklet to strap on. I suddenly felt like Paris Hilton on house arrest. I put my bike on a rack, with my backpack containing shoes, socks, shorts, shirt, buff and water near the front tire. My helmet, I hung on my bike's handlebars, and then gathered in my "women under 40" grouping for the pre-race briefing. There were over 360 competitors signed up for this event, and they split us into four categories for the start. Suddenly, my mom was standing behind me.
"Lori! Lori! Hi!"
Me: Mom! You're not supposed to be in this area! (competitors on my left and right turned to look.)
Mom: Oh! Ok. Well, I just wanted to say good luck!
After a quick hug, she was gone, and the pre-race stuff started. Boys started first, 34 and under. We started 3 minutes behind them. What a rush! It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. I would consider myself a rather strong swimmer, but I don't think anything can prepare you for a mad 1000 meter dash with 60 other competitors surrounding you 60 more in front of you and 120 chasing your tail. The lake was a murky green. I could not see my own hands in front of me, much less my fellow swimmers. I accidentally grabbed ankles, I was elbowed in the face at least 4 times, someone clawed my watch off. It was mayhem. Rather than lose my watch, I snagged it from the water and stuffed it in my swim briefs. Every once in a while, I popped my head up to make sure I was going in the right direction. Once you get out of the mass of bodies, you feel strangely alone in the lake. I passed a few boys in their green or yellow swim caps, but for the most part, all I could think about was staying afloat and finding the bouys. I swallowed more than one mouthful of that putrid water. I was the 73rd person out of the water, and the 18th girl out (3rd in my age group), in 17 minutes and 47 seconds.
"Lori! Lori! Hi!"
Me: Mom! You're not supposed to be in this area! (competitors on my left and right turned to look.)
Mom: Oh! Ok. Well, I just wanted to say good luck!
After a quick hug, she was gone, and the pre-race stuff started. Boys started first, 34 and under. We started 3 minutes behind them. What a rush! It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. I would consider myself a rather strong swimmer, but I don't think anything can prepare you for a mad 1000 meter dash with 60 other competitors surrounding you 60 more in front of you and 120 chasing your tail. The lake was a murky green. I could not see my own hands in front of me, much less my fellow swimmers. I accidentally grabbed ankles, I was elbowed in the face at least 4 times, someone clawed my watch off. It was mayhem. Rather than lose my watch, I snagged it from the water and stuffed it in my swim briefs. Every once in a while, I popped my head up to make sure I was going in the right direction. Once you get out of the mass of bodies, you feel strangely alone in the lake. I passed a few boys in their green or yellow swim caps, but for the most part, all I could think about was staying afloat and finding the bouys. I swallowed more than one mouthful of that putrid water. I was the 73rd person out of the water, and the 18th girl out (3rd in my age group), in 17 minutes and 47 seconds.
Once I was ashore, I jogged over to the transition area. I looked down briefly and noticed what looked like a small penis in my swim briefs. Alarming! I reached in and pulled out my watch. I managed to get it back on my wrist before entering the transition. It felt like I spent too long getting my shorts, shirt sox and shoes on. I threw my buff onto my head and plunked my helmet down on top. Ahhh, the dreaded bicycle portion. I just started riding my bike in March or April. Before that, it'd been about 15 years. I am not very fast, and after the 2nd lap of 3, I realized that my legs don't go as fast as my mind thinks they are going. In fact, I saw so many people passing me, I thought perhaps I was doing this wrong. As I started my 3rd and final lap on the bike, I saw the first of the finishers on the return lap of their run. Wah-wah...
But the upside of 3 laps was that I could go by the transition area and the spectators 3 times. On my second lap, I heard my daughter screaming, "Go mommy, go mommy, GO MOMMY!!!!" She was so loud, I turned around to make sure that it really was my little girl making all that noise. But her voice is unmistakeable. It had to have been her. There she was, wearing my mom's sweatshirt for warmth. Shoes, sweatshirt, umbrella was about all I could see of her.
I finally finished my third lap. It took me an hour and 4 minutes to complete 21 kilometers. Ugh. I don't have split times, but I know my terrible rate was 11.5 miles an hour. Um, yeah. I knew it wouldn't be good when the kid on a tryclycle zoomed by me. But I hadn't given up, yet. The next transition felt much smoother. All I had to do was hop off my bike, take off my helmet, and start running. Except what I did do was hop off my bike, take off my helmet, hang up my bike on the rack, start to head out, and turn around to grab some water out of my backpack.
And I was off and running. Only, I was stiff and sore and tired, so it was more like a lurch. I was off and lurching! I hobbled along at a pretty steady pace. I talked myself out of walking several times. It was hard, though. And in my area in the pack, it seemed as if everyone was walking. I passed and was passed by the same girl several times. She would stop to walk, then catch and pass me, then walk, and I would pass her. Finally, somewhere on our 3rd mile, she caught me again, and I told her that now that she's running again, we should catch "big red." She laughed and agreed. Big red was a rather rotund fellow who was 25 yards ahead of us. We did catch him. And we passed him. And then we passed a few more people. It was nice to have a running partner on that last stretch. Finally, she passed me for good.
I spotted my mom up ahead. She said that she was allowed to run with me, as long as she stayed off the crushed limestone path. Sweet! She whispered to me that she'd try to run, but was scared she'd pee her pants. I chuckled, and then confided in her that I, too, might pee my pants. We jogged along for a bit, and I wondered aloud where the finish line was. I was beat. And then it was there. Salvation in the form of a red pad, which beeped my final time. 2:01:33. Only 30 minutes slower than my goal. Oops.
There were girls at the end whose sole job it was to take off the dreaded house-arrest anklets. She said, "just put your foot on this, and I'll take that off for you." Easier said than done, but I got my foot onto the ledge 6 inches off the ground eventually. And then I went to gather my stuff. Everything was soaked. It had stopped raining during the bike portion of the race, but then I was sweaty and lake-y, and all around gross.
So in conclusion, I have a few lessons learned from this year's event
1. Go to the bathroom before the race.
2. Don't wear a watch, or put it on during the swim to bike transition, if you absolutely need to wear one.
3. Bring flip-flops or other sandal-y shoes for before the race
4. Bring a change of clothes!!!
5. Go to the bathroom after the race, before the drive home.
I was nervous about it, but in the end I'm really glad that my mom, boyfriend, boyfriend's parents, and daughter came out to support me. It meant a lot to have a cheering section, even if I wasn't going to win any awards. And even though my body and mind are screaming "NO!" my heart knows that I will, again, attempt to conquer the triathlon.
1. Go to the bathroom before the race.
2. Don't wear a watch, or put it on during the swim to bike transition, if you absolutely need to wear one.
3. Bring flip-flops or other sandal-y shoes for before the race
4. Bring a change of clothes!!!
5. Go to the bathroom after the race, before the drive home.
I was nervous about it, but in the end I'm really glad that my mom, boyfriend, boyfriend's parents, and daughter came out to support me. It meant a lot to have a cheering section, even if I wasn't going to win any awards. And even though my body and mind are screaming "NO!" my heart knows that I will, again, attempt to conquer the triathlon.
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