Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Some day soon.....
Hopefully this weekend, I'll actually have a spare moment to post all the fun things I've been doing and have coming up in the next few weeks - ooh, wait, no...I'll be in Chelan at a training camp (read: being tortured on my bike and swimming on the 40+ degree lake). Prosser, Philly, Quincy, Vancouver, Half Marathon, training, running, more running, swimming, Chelan, camping, Medford. Crazy busy! Stay tuned - fun pics and stories to follow~
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Running like a chicken with my head cut off
Nothing like coming back from vacation and being thrown into the fire - work is CRAZY (in a really exciting way) and the rest of life isn't slowing down either.
Here's a sneak peek of some snaps from the last two adventures. I'll let you firgure out which is Prosser, WA and Philadelphia, PA. I'd hope it speaks for itself.
Here's a sneak peek of some snaps from the last two adventures. I'll let you firgure out which is Prosser, WA and Philadelphia, PA. I'd hope it speaks for itself.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Gone Fishin' again....
Off to Philly - stories and pics to follow.
And I didn't forget about the Prosser pics....I've just been a very busy bee these last few weeks.
Back next week and will update posts. :-)
And I didn't forget about the Prosser pics....I've just been a very busy bee these last few weeks.
Back next week and will update posts. :-)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Gone Fishin'
Headed to Prosser for a wine weekend getaway.
Pics to follow after a much needed break. (Break from getting up at 5 on Saturdays to go run). :-)
Pics to follow after a much needed break. (Break from getting up at 5 on Saturdays to go run). :-)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
WHOOP WHOOP 10 MILES BABY!
A milestone has been reached in this training adventure. 10 miles on a trail (read: wide, open, not muddy) - Snoqualmie Valley Trail, I'll see you again soon!
We were dropped off at the starting point - just east of North Bend, at the trail head. We were wished well, made sure we had fuel and told, "See you at the turn!"
Starting on the trail, we knew we had 5 miles to go before we were greeted with smiles and water so off we went! 5 miles of 2% up. It was a good experience, we ran, then we walked, we made bargains for how far we'd run after 3 minutes of walking. It was a gorgeous trail, we found some snow, and overall the weather was cooperative. We made it to 5, got some words of encouragement, water and were told to get movin!
5 miles back of gently downward trail was glorious! I felt strong which was a bit of a pleasant surprise after the 5 miles up. It was at mile 9 that I finally felt some fatigue in my knees and quads, but I knew there was only 1 mile to go. CL met us about a half mile before the end - she was beaming like a proud mom, escorting us to the finish.
The next long run is back down to 6 miles - relief!
Vancouver Half- I'll see you on May 1!
We were dropped off at the starting point - just east of North Bend, at the trail head. We were wished well, made sure we had fuel and told, "See you at the turn!"
Starting on the trail, we knew we had 5 miles to go before we were greeted with smiles and water so off we went! 5 miles of 2% up. It was a good experience, we ran, then we walked, we made bargains for how far we'd run after 3 minutes of walking. It was a gorgeous trail, we found some snow, and overall the weather was cooperative. We made it to 5, got some words of encouragement, water and were told to get movin!
5 miles back of gently downward trail was glorious! I felt strong which was a bit of a pleasant surprise after the 5 miles up. It was at mile 9 that I finally felt some fatigue in my knees and quads, but I knew there was only 1 mile to go. CL met us about a half mile before the end - she was beaming like a proud mom, escorting us to the finish.
The next long run is back down to 6 miles - relief!
Vancouver Half- I'll see you on May 1!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Every trail and run after this will seem easy
The Scene: Some godforsaken part of east king county, the ass crack of dawn, freezing temperatures, 6 miles of up ahead of us.
The moon looked amazing early that morning. Too bad that was going to be the only awesome part of the day.....except the part where we finished.
Not my finest morning - thankfully there's a really amazing cheerleader on my side and my running partner is awesome. It started out like any other early morning Saturday trail run - freezing cold, following the markers, two doggies to join us in the trek from Newcastle Beach to what felt like the top of Cougar Mountain. Unfortunately, we missed the turn that took us onto the trail from hell.....which meant some back tracking, a frantic phone call and a clearly marked turn that somehow both of us failed to see. Once on the trail, the head start we had quickly diminished as a few groups passed us within 5 minutes of being on this f'd up route. It was icy in spots, muddy in others, steep and narrow with serious drops on one side. I knew we just needed to keep moving, not concentrating on trying to run, just trying to survive. (I'm being really dramatic, but at the time, that's how it felt). Within another mile, I was done and wanted my mommy or an airlift the hell out of that canyon. I kept thinking - if this is so hard for me, how the hell am I going to deal with a half ironman? Fear, cold, mud and lack of confidence got the better of me and one little tear started to fall.....at the same time the questioning phone call came.....how are you? Fffffffine. Are you ok? Yyyyessss. Let me talk to Sheena...oooookkkkk. I handed the phone to her, kept walking and the tears kept rolling. I knew the canyon was 3 miles long until the water stop, we had a little way to go....survive. Get there. Collapse. Cry. Go home.
Another phone call - how are you doing? Ffffiiine. We're almost to mile 3. Ok - just remember this, Vancouver will seem easy compared to these few miles on the trail. Iiiii knnnnnow. Tears.
At the water stop, we stopped, had a moment of complete tears, we hugged it out and ventured on. We needed to get to mile 6 - we were going to do it. Forging ahead on the trail after my minor melt down was SO MUCH BETTER! It was still all up but wider, more forgiving and not as scary. I kept thinking of bargains I could make with Lesley for the next time a trail run came up....how about I run TWO loops around Lake Union (12 miles - 99% flat and on pavement) instead of a 5 mile trail run. (I think that's a totally acceptable trade...and frankly a much easier one) I don't like up. And I ESPECIALLY don't like up on a muddy trail while RUNNING.
I understand the theory behind the trail runs and I know the boss knows best. I also know that my workouts will seem a little bit easier now that I've had my first meltdown. I'm sure there will be more, probably for different reasons, but this was the first. In a way it's kind of like being in the Army....she's breaking me down to build me back up. :-) Ok not really. I would recommend CL.com to anyone. It's one of the better decisions I've ever made.
The moon looked amazing early that morning. Too bad that was going to be the only awesome part of the day.....except the part where we finished.
Not my finest morning - thankfully there's a really amazing cheerleader on my side and my running partner is awesome. It started out like any other early morning Saturday trail run - freezing cold, following the markers, two doggies to join us in the trek from Newcastle Beach to what felt like the top of Cougar Mountain. Unfortunately, we missed the turn that took us onto the trail from hell.....which meant some back tracking, a frantic phone call and a clearly marked turn that somehow both of us failed to see. Once on the trail, the head start we had quickly diminished as a few groups passed us within 5 minutes of being on this f'd up route. It was icy in spots, muddy in others, steep and narrow with serious drops on one side. I knew we just needed to keep moving, not concentrating on trying to run, just trying to survive. (I'm being really dramatic, but at the time, that's how it felt). Within another mile, I was done and wanted my mommy or an airlift the hell out of that canyon. I kept thinking - if this is so hard for me, how the hell am I going to deal with a half ironman? Fear, cold, mud and lack of confidence got the better of me and one little tear started to fall.....at the same time the questioning phone call came.....how are you? Fffffffine. Are you ok? Yyyyessss. Let me talk to Sheena...oooookkkkk. I handed the phone to her, kept walking and the tears kept rolling. I knew the canyon was 3 miles long until the water stop, we had a little way to go....survive. Get there. Collapse. Cry. Go home.
Another phone call - how are you doing? Ffffiiine. We're almost to mile 3. Ok - just remember this, Vancouver will seem easy compared to these few miles on the trail. Iiiii knnnnnow. Tears.
At the water stop, we stopped, had a moment of complete tears, we hugged it out and ventured on. We needed to get to mile 6 - we were going to do it. Forging ahead on the trail after my minor melt down was SO MUCH BETTER! It was still all up but wider, more forgiving and not as scary. I kept thinking of bargains I could make with Lesley for the next time a trail run came up....how about I run TWO loops around Lake Union (12 miles - 99% flat and on pavement) instead of a 5 mile trail run. (I think that's a totally acceptable trade...and frankly a much easier one) I don't like up. And I ESPECIALLY don't like up on a muddy trail while RUNNING.
I understand the theory behind the trail runs and I know the boss knows best. I also know that my workouts will seem a little bit easier now that I've had my first meltdown. I'm sure there will be more, probably for different reasons, but this was the first. In a way it's kind of like being in the Army....she's breaking me down to build me back up. :-) Ok not really. I would recommend CL.com to anyone. It's one of the better decisions I've ever made.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My first ice bath...and I survived.
When I started all of this training, I had no idea what was really in store for this adventure. I've been kicking ass, running, doing all of my workouts, getting stronger, meeting new people and enjoying every minute of the process.
A few weeks ago, on the agenda was an interval track workout. It's probably best I had no idea what was about to take place, otherwise I probably would have made an excuse to work late. :-) Long story short, I was supposed to do 4 laps at 3 minutes each, with an easy lap in between, with the warm up and run back to the start it was to be a 4 mile workout. No problem! Ahem....that was until the pace person had me do 2 laps about about 2.2 minutes (which apparently equals a 10 minute mile) GULP! We had some technical watch difficulties so the pace was unintentional, but I had a moment where I thought I was either going to cry or barf....but I had to breathe first. The next two laps were on pace and MUCH easier. It was an eye opening evening, I survived, I did really well and I am thankful to have great, supportive workout peeps.
Fast forward to a few days later at core class....my right side was tingly (not really a good sign) and it was determined that I had pinched something in my butt/lower back, probably from the track workout on Tuesday. I spent most of class on the evil foam roller, which while it makes me sweat, it really, really helps on those awful spots that hurt so bad. The prescription was to stop at 7-11 on the way home, get 2 bags of ice and go sit in a bathtub of cold water and ice. What an AWESOME Thursday night at the E-Dogg compound.
Picture this: I'm wearing bike shorts, thermal shirt, hot pink arm warmers, fleece vest, woolly hat and fleece gloves to be put on after all of the ice was dumped all around me. I sat in the tub, filled it a little bit with cold water (eek), then dump the ice around me. I knew I had to get past the first 2 minutes and everything would be smooth sailing for the remaining 13 minutes. There was instant relief on the hot spots in my back and butt. Then, the rest of my legs and heels became numb....easy. When my time was up, I slowly got up from the tub (I couldn't feel my feet), stepped out onto the bathmat and proceeded to get ready to put on the jammies and jump into the pre-heated nest!
As I got under the covers, I was still wearing a wool hat, the arm warmers and a long sleeved shirt, along with the thermal jammies and cheetah feet. I panicked for a moment when the feeling started returning to my lower body....going from numb to freezing cold to slowly warming up with the electric blanket on high made it feel like I was wetting the bed. Yikes.
All in the spirit of kicking ass at the Vancouver Half....then onto triathlon season!
A few weeks ago, on the agenda was an interval track workout. It's probably best I had no idea what was about to take place, otherwise I probably would have made an excuse to work late. :-) Long story short, I was supposed to do 4 laps at 3 minutes each, with an easy lap in between, with the warm up and run back to the start it was to be a 4 mile workout. No problem! Ahem....that was until the pace person had me do 2 laps about about 2.2 minutes (which apparently equals a 10 minute mile) GULP! We had some technical watch difficulties so the pace was unintentional, but I had a moment where I thought I was either going to cry or barf....but I had to breathe first. The next two laps were on pace and MUCH easier. It was an eye opening evening, I survived, I did really well and I am thankful to have great, supportive workout peeps.
Fast forward to a few days later at core class....my right side was tingly (not really a good sign) and it was determined that I had pinched something in my butt/lower back, probably from the track workout on Tuesday. I spent most of class on the evil foam roller, which while it makes me sweat, it really, really helps on those awful spots that hurt so bad. The prescription was to stop at 7-11 on the way home, get 2 bags of ice and go sit in a bathtub of cold water and ice. What an AWESOME Thursday night at the E-Dogg compound.
Picture this: I'm wearing bike shorts, thermal shirt, hot pink arm warmers, fleece vest, woolly hat and fleece gloves to be put on after all of the ice was dumped all around me. I sat in the tub, filled it a little bit with cold water (eek), then dump the ice around me. I knew I had to get past the first 2 minutes and everything would be smooth sailing for the remaining 13 minutes. There was instant relief on the hot spots in my back and butt. Then, the rest of my legs and heels became numb....easy. When my time was up, I slowly got up from the tub (I couldn't feel my feet), stepped out onto the bathmat and proceeded to get ready to put on the jammies and jump into the pre-heated nest!
As I got under the covers, I was still wearing a wool hat, the arm warmers and a long sleeved shirt, along with the thermal jammies and cheetah feet. I panicked for a moment when the feeling started returning to my lower body....going from numb to freezing cold to slowly warming up with the electric blanket on high made it feel like I was wetting the bed. Yikes.
All in the spirit of kicking ass at the Vancouver Half....then onto triathlon season!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
First trip of the New Year!
A few days in Arizona always cures my winter blahs. Could it be the warm air and sunshine? Maybe. Could it be the amazing friends who live there who always have a place for me to stay? Possibly. I think it's this face.....
It could also be the face of her twin sister or her older brother. Shhhh, don't tell Em and Trevor, they think I go down there to just see them, catch up on girl talk, drink lots of bubbles and make fun of Trevor's accent.
A great time was had in Arizona, we stayed close to home, hung out with the kiddos, visited with the parents, had lots and lots of chats and giggles. We ventured out for a big night, left Trevor with the children and Auntie and Mummy went out on the town!
Oh Scottsdale, you attract the most interesting people. I love watching the train wreck, it's so entertaining. I felt like I was on the set of the Real Housewives. It's almost like a mini vegas (read: I had WAY too many clothes on). We had a yummy dinner and really good drinks at Parc Central in Scottsdale Quarter and then ventured to a Champagne Lounge for a few more glasses of bubbly goodness. That's where all the great people watching took place. I kept my Champagne snobbery comments to myself for fear of being beaten with a fake tanned arm and a stiletto heel.
I came home from the trip relaxed and missing the squeezable faces of the adorable Pease kiddies. I miss you and wish you lived closer.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Question of the day
How do you get motivated to go on the run your trainer has on your schedule when the following is going on:
1. Head Cold
2. Crap day at work
3. It's cold outside
Answer: I have no idea. My jiggly bum might be the motivator today. UGH!
1. Head Cold
2. Crap day at work
3. It's cold outside
Answer: I have no idea. My jiggly bum might be the motivator today. UGH!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Hello New Year
Well, here we are, the middle of January - how'd that happen?
I feel like all I'm doing these days is working out. Don't get me wrong, making the decision to get a triathlon coach has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself......but I see her more than I see anyone else!
It is all going to pay off in the end.......Half Ironman 2013! God that seems like a long time. The immediate goal is to run the Vancouver Half....I've walked it twice but now that I can run (whoop, whoop), it's time to kick some canadian ass. So excited, so scared. At least 2 triathlons are on the schedule for the summer with hopes to add one more. It's going to be a fun, busy year!
Also on the schedule is a fun trip planned to Philly. My travel companions will be entertaining and I'm excited to head east, soak up some history (Emily and I went to Philly together several years ago while I was visiting her in DC.....we were more interested in cocktails than sights...although we did make it to the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's house and a few cemetaries.
Lot's of other weekend trips and fun stuff on the agenda for the year....stay tuned!
I feel like all I'm doing these days is working out. Don't get me wrong, making the decision to get a triathlon coach has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself......but I see her more than I see anyone else!
It is all going to pay off in the end.......Half Ironman 2013! God that seems like a long time. The immediate goal is to run the Vancouver Half....I've walked it twice but now that I can run (whoop, whoop), it's time to kick some canadian ass. So excited, so scared. At least 2 triathlons are on the schedule for the summer with hopes to add one more. It's going to be a fun, busy year!
Also on the schedule is a fun trip planned to Philly. My travel companions will be entertaining and I'm excited to head east, soak up some history (Emily and I went to Philly together several years ago while I was visiting her in DC.....we were more interested in cocktails than sights...although we did make it to the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's house and a few cemetaries.
Lot's of other weekend trips and fun stuff on the agenda for the year....stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Cool find
I went to Urban Craft Uprising over the weekend and found myself a few great Christmas presents! I'm a huge supporter of local, handmade goods and everyone there had amazing talents.
I came home with a print from Rachel Austin - I've been drooling over her art for a while - she takes maps, paints over them with cool designs. L-O-V-E. Hopefully one day I'll be able to have an original.
My favorite purchase was this from Idle Hands Design.......
I came home with a print from Rachel Austin - I've been drooling over her art for a while - she takes maps, paints over them with cool designs. L-O-V-E. Hopefully one day I'll be able to have an original.
My favorite purchase was this from Idle Hands Design.......
A little edgy, skillfully made....it had to be mine.
Thankful and happy
I'm a lucky lady.
I've got amazing friends, old and new, who are supportive, appreciative and all around great peeps. I couldn't ask for a better group.
I'm happy. I'm working toward amazing goals, literally one step at a time and it feels fantastic. It's been a bumpy road but I'm on the right path in all aspects of my life. I've cut a few things out of my life that would have never regained nor deserved my trust and respect. There are also things that I've lost that I miss with all my heart. Each day brings a new opportunity to be hopeful.
I've been pretty quiet lately, lost in my thoughts. I think too much. But all thinking lately has brought me to a really happy place. Happy I'm where I should be, happy...even though I thought my life would be very different in the 2nd month of my 37th year. Happy and hopeful.
I've got amazing friends, old and new, who are supportive, appreciative and all around great peeps. I couldn't ask for a better group.
I'm happy. I'm working toward amazing goals, literally one step at a time and it feels fantastic. It's been a bumpy road but I'm on the right path in all aspects of my life. I've cut a few things out of my life that would have never regained nor deserved my trust and respect. There are also things that I've lost that I miss with all my heart. Each day brings a new opportunity to be hopeful.
I've been pretty quiet lately, lost in my thoughts. I think too much. But all thinking lately has brought me to a really happy place. Happy I'm where I should be, happy...even though I thought my life would be very different in the 2nd month of my 37th year. Happy and hopeful.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Maui, Hawaii
I've always been very honest about my feelings for Hawaii. It's never been high on the list. I spent a few days many, many years ago on Oahu and really never felt the need to go back. Apparently until 2010.
What started out as a trip with Stacy and Marc, turned into girls trip filled with hysterical laughter, amazing beauty, unforgettable moments, and an overall amazing time with three great women.
I'm a convert. I enjoyed Maui and I'd go back. There, I said it. Well, I'd go back but preferably only to Hana where it's totally isolated.
Seven days of traipsing all over the island, I can say we covered a lot of ground. We went hiking, meandered around the shopping spots, sailed, went boogie boarding, zip lining, had fantastic meals, went to a Luau, visited a farm, dairy, winery, made the trip to Hana...and sat on the beach. (probably not as much beach time as some would have liked) :-)
Highlights and places I'd recommend in a heartbeat -
Maui Taco
Honolulu Cookie Company
Mala Tavern
Scotch Mist - super fun guys that will take you on a gorgeous sailing trip
The blowhole and mushroom rock - south end of the island
Skyline Eco Adventures - these guys made our zip line experience perfect
Hana Hotel (a perfect deck spot for an afternoon cocktail)
Kula Lodge
Mama's Fish House - a great meal in a beautiful setting
Hamoa Beach
Slaughterhouse Beach
O'o Farm
Surfing Goat Dairy
Kamaole II - our best boogie boarding day
I know I'm forgetting some things, but those are the highlights.
What started out as a trip with Stacy and Marc, turned into girls trip filled with hysterical laughter, amazing beauty, unforgettable moments, and an overall amazing time with three great women.
I'm a convert. I enjoyed Maui and I'd go back. There, I said it. Well, I'd go back but preferably only to Hana where it's totally isolated.
Seven days of traipsing all over the island, I can say we covered a lot of ground. We went hiking, meandered around the shopping spots, sailed, went boogie boarding, zip lining, had fantastic meals, went to a Luau, visited a farm, dairy, winery, made the trip to Hana...and sat on the beach. (probably not as much beach time as some would have liked) :-)
Highlights and places I'd recommend in a heartbeat -
Maui Taco
Honolulu Cookie Company
Mala Tavern
Scotch Mist - super fun guys that will take you on a gorgeous sailing trip
The blowhole and mushroom rock - south end of the island
Skyline Eco Adventures - these guys made our zip line experience perfect
Hana Hotel (a perfect deck spot for an afternoon cocktail)
Kula Lodge
Mama's Fish House - a great meal in a beautiful setting
Hamoa Beach
Slaughterhouse Beach
O'o Farm
Surfing Goat Dairy
Kamaole II - our best boogie boarding day
I know I'm forgetting some things, but those are the highlights.
Road to Hana
Road to Hana
Coconut stop - I ended up taking about 50 pictures, the guy using the machete to cut up our coconut looked a little questionable, so I kept snapping away.
Coconut stop - I ended up taking about 50 pictures, the guy using the machete to cut up our coconut looked a little questionable, so I kept snapping away.
Maui - part 3
Our farm day was busy - 3 stops on the agriculture tour (organized by me)....who needs to go to the beach every day?
O'o Farm - sustainable, organic farm owned by 2 guys who operate restaurants in Lahaina. 
Delicious and made for quite the interesting first part of the day. Richard, the farm manager, (also, H-O-T) toured us around, we picked veggies, learned about the operations and then sat down for an amazing lunch of veggies from the farm and fresh fish. Chef Barry was also quite the host. My travel mates were intent on making a love connection . (the whole story is best told over a martini...or several)
Maui - Part deux
More of Maui
Old Lahaina Luau - so fun to do....once.
Tadeschi Winery - pretty grounds, not so good wine.
Maui - October
Maui Adventures
The cutest piggies we fed at the pet store in Lahaina - off the beaten path and well worth the stop - how cute is that nose!?
Ok, technical difficulties - I'm only able to upload these pictures for the moment....stay tuned for more Maui adventures.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Hang in there....
I promise there will be new pictures and posts coming very soon.
Life has taken over and there's been no time to blog. Although I could be blogging while I'm not sleeping at 3 a.m.....but then I'm sure the content would take a very different turn. :-)
Praise Allah for Ambien. hee hee
p.s. Happy Birthday to Me!!! I'm 37! Wow - that's a whole lot closer to middle age! Eeeeeeeek!
Life has taken over and there's been no time to blog. Although I could be blogging while I'm not sleeping at 3 a.m.....but then I'm sure the content would take a very different turn. :-)
Praise Allah for Ambien. hee hee
p.s. Happy Birthday to Me!!! I'm 37! Wow - that's a whole lot closer to middle age! Eeeeeeeek!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The calm.....
Not really anything exciting to report. It's been a frenzy at work and I'm getting ready for a much needed vacation starting next week.
I probably won't post during the trip (I'm vowing this to be a technology free (somewhat) vacation).
A few days to relax and get organized around the house....then off to MAUI! Whoop!
When the opportunity came up to go to Hawaii, I wasn't jumping up and down. However, the closer I get to the trip, I'm actually getting really excited. I've not really taken relaxing vacations. Don't get me wrong, I think traipsing through Europe with a backpack for two weeks is relaxing... to me.....but I've never been one to want to sit by the ocean for an extended period of time. I think it's probably because I don't want to listen to all the thoughts rumbling around the inside of my head. But it's time. Time I slowed down and grasped the opportunity to go to an amazingly beautiful place, walk quietly on the beach each day, and eat my weight in pineapple.
We've got some fun excursions planned, but also a lot of unplanned time as well. I'll be zip-lining, trekking to the top of a 10,000 foot peak to watch the sunrise, go on a farm tour (this may excite me the most), snorkeling with turtles and hopefully no shark sightings.
I'm hoping to come back feeling Zen and looking a little off-white. I'm sure I'll be stopped by the TSA for the copious amounts of sunscreen that will be packed in my suitcase.
I probably won't post during the trip (I'm vowing this to be a technology free (somewhat) vacation).
A few days to relax and get organized around the house....then off to MAUI! Whoop!
When the opportunity came up to go to Hawaii, I wasn't jumping up and down. However, the closer I get to the trip, I'm actually getting really excited. I've not really taken relaxing vacations. Don't get me wrong, I think traipsing through Europe with a backpack for two weeks is relaxing... to me.....but I've never been one to want to sit by the ocean for an extended period of time. I think it's probably because I don't want to listen to all the thoughts rumbling around the inside of my head. But it's time. Time I slowed down and grasped the opportunity to go to an amazingly beautiful place, walk quietly on the beach each day, and eat my weight in pineapple.
We've got some fun excursions planned, but also a lot of unplanned time as well. I'll be zip-lining, trekking to the top of a 10,000 foot peak to watch the sunrise, go on a farm tour (this may excite me the most), snorkeling with turtles and hopefully no shark sightings.
I'm hoping to come back feeling Zen and looking a little off-white. I'm sure I'll be stopped by the TSA for the copious amounts of sunscreen that will be packed in my suitcase.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Warrior Dash
Warrior Dash - the craziest frickin' day of your life.
That's what it was called, and it was very true. The entire race was done on dirt trails all over Horning's Hideout in North Plains, OR.
The start was marked by two fire cannons shooting into the air - CRAZY #1
As I began the fast descent down the first hill, trying to avoid being trampled, the true fear set in. What had I done. With my heart beating in my throat, I made it through the first little river, completely soaking my shoes. Awesome. Then as I looked up, I was hit in the face with the three steepest hills EVER! I had to stop and walk most of it, but that was OK - it meant I wasn't going to be trampled.
The first obstacle was climbing into a pond and getting over three logs that were suspended in the water.....the water was about chest height, and really cold. With a little help from friends, I made it over without a problem. We had lost Marc after the first hill and Stacy was well on her way ahead of me. Onto the bales of hay, no problem! Then the serious obstacles started. A bungee cord maze, over a crazy wooden structure that was pretty much vertical and then after sliding down a hill, I came to two cargo nets - one vertical, the other horizontal. That was not awesome. Over the hill and through some more woods came jumping over three rows of wrecked out cars and then onto the final hill where a tunnel greeted me. Through the tunnel, back down the hill to the last two obstacles....fire and mud. Fire did me in and I chickened out. I just couldn't bring myself to leaping over three foot flames and hope I didn't burst into flames. I weenied out and went around....shockingly no one boo'd. I happily jumped into the mud pit, crawling under barbed wire, swimming my way to the finish.
That's what it was called, and it was very true. The entire race was done on dirt trails all over Horning's Hideout in North Plains, OR.
The start was marked by two fire cannons shooting into the air - CRAZY #1
As I began the fast descent down the first hill, trying to avoid being trampled, the true fear set in. What had I done. With my heart beating in my throat, I made it through the first little river, completely soaking my shoes. Awesome. Then as I looked up, I was hit in the face with the three steepest hills EVER! I had to stop and walk most of it, but that was OK - it meant I wasn't going to be trampled.
The first obstacle was climbing into a pond and getting over three logs that were suspended in the water.....the water was about chest height, and really cold. With a little help from friends, I made it over without a problem. We had lost Marc after the first hill and Stacy was well on her way ahead of me. Onto the bales of hay, no problem! Then the serious obstacles started. A bungee cord maze, over a crazy wooden structure that was pretty much vertical and then after sliding down a hill, I came to two cargo nets - one vertical, the other horizontal. That was not awesome. Over the hill and through some more woods came jumping over three rows of wrecked out cars and then onto the final hill where a tunnel greeted me. Through the tunnel, back down the hill to the last two obstacles....fire and mud. Fire did me in and I chickened out. I just couldn't bring myself to leaping over three foot flames and hope I didn't burst into flames. I weenied out and went around....shockingly no one boo'd. I happily jumped into the mud pit, crawling under barbed wire, swimming my way to the finish.
Before the race with our Warrior helmets
After the race....and after the "shower" in the pond
Mmmmm....turkey legs and beer
Definitely harder than a triathlon, but VERY excited to do it again next year.
Me and my HUGE turkey leg
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