It's Good to See you, Old Friend

My computer's still broke. But luckily, Shay's home for winter break, so I can use hers.

Much has been happening around here. We are getting ready for Christmas! The tree is up! Some shopping is complete, but there's more to do. Kevin came up with an awesome idea for the kids! So, I put him in charge of shopping for it!

It's one of those years where I have a hundred ideas for Shayna, about 20 for Kenz, and I'm struggling to think of things for Jack. The things he shows me in the stores are all incredibly obnoxious talking things. Like the ride-on Lightning McQueen trike that says, "Get outta my way!" When you start to roll forward. It's rude and bossy, and I don't like it.
I tried to convince Kevin that what Jack really needs, is a dog of his own. Kev disagreed. Here's a picture of Jack and Cam to make my case!


Kenzie had a birthday! She's 7 now! It amazes me how much she's grown in the past 7 years. I'm so proud of my smart, strong, beautiful (don't tell her I said that.)little girl.


Training: It hasn't been happening much in the past couple of weeks. I caught a nasty cold. It's not a big deal, except that by 8PM I'm ready for bed, and can't imagine hopping on the bike or heading to the Y for a run. I did join a new mentor group on BT, and I'm hoping that gets me moving once I start to feel bettter.

That's a brief summary. I'll try to be a better blogger than I have been for the past month.

This whole broken computer thing is a real PITA.
Shayna's been home and has graciously let us use her laptop while she's home for the holiday, but she goes back to school today.

Thanksgiving turned out to be much better than I anticipated (lots of potential family drama) but luckily, it went well. The highlight of the day might have been when my Dad announced to all 15 people present that he couldn't believe Kevin had actually married me. It was one of those times in my life when all I could do was laugh because it was so unbelievable. I think what he was really saying was that he couldn't believe they would be so lucky as to have Kevin for a Son in Law, and that he couldn't believe any one would marry me because I'm so "independent and stubborn" (his words). I take all of those things as compliments, but the way he presented it was pretty comical.

Friday evening 2 of Kevin's siblings and their families came over for dinner and much laughter. His parents stopped in to say hi also. It was great for so many of our nieces and nephews to get together. The age range is from 19 to 3, and I love that they all just have fun together. The teenage girls don't try to go hide in Shayna's room and exclude the middle school and elementary kids.
Here are my three on Friday Night:

And the holiday season is now in full swing!

I've managed to get some running in, I just have to make it a priority for myself, because no one else is going to say, "Hey Heid, why don't you go take a 40 minute run."

On that note, I'm off to the gym!

A Few Quick Notes

My home computer has caught it's own version of H1N1, and is completely out of commission at this time. Booo!
So, just a few quick notes from me today.

First, the Essential Triathlon Swimming video did arrive. Jack and I have been watching it diligently, as I prepare to get in the pool and try some of the drills soon. Jack is enthralled with this video! Stay tuned for a full post on this.

Second, the 18th was my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! A full post is coming on this too, but I want photos. In the meantime, check out my Sister's post honoring our Mom.

Finally, I have committed to a Winter Workout Challenge. It's the Holiday Booty Buster Challenge!I found this through 2 blogs that I've been following for a couple of months now.
I think that both Mel and Runninglaur are taking part in the challenge.
Sorry, for the vague post. I hope to get to the library for some computer time this weekend!

Help is on the Way!

I need help with my swimming.Desperately.
I learned to swim as a kid, at the town lake. The lessons were free to all town residents. Now don't get me wrong. I am eternally thankful that my Mom took the time to bring me to these lessons every summer. She sat on the cold beach with all the other Mom's and watched us learn to swim, year after year. This was even more special, given the fact that my Mom doesn't swim, and I don't think she likes lakes or pools. I'm also thankful that this was a completely fun, noncompetitive environment, because I was able to develop my love of water and swimming without any stress.
But, with all that being said, the fact remains that I have zero technique. In the past 2 years, I've taught myself a few of the basics. Like, bi-lateral breathing and to keep my head and shoulders down. But truly, I'm clueless.

So, when I saw a post on Beginner Triathlete, looking for people to try this out, I jumped at the chance. I emailed Kevin Koskella of Tri Swim Coach, and told him I'm interested in trying his program. He agreed, and now I'm waitng (anxiously)for the DVD to arrive!Lord knows, I need all the help I can get!

In other news, I ran 4 miles outside today! In shorts and a t-shirt! This is an amazing thing here in upstate NY on November 15!

The Week in Review

In the Tri world:
I got in 2 runs this week. My pace is picking up, and I feel like I can consistently go longer at a faster pace. I feel like a 10 minute mile is within grasp, for the first time in 7 years! That is exciting for me!
I broke down and put the bike on the trainer last night. Jack loves when I ride the trainer. He stands by and watches me. Plus, he's the best support crew I have. He cheers me on, and then he takes a towel and dries the sweat as it hits the ground.
It's going to be a long winter, so I went to ebay and bid on season 3 of Gilmore Girls. GG's is such a guilty pleasure for me. I started watching the show with Shayna when it first came out, and it struck a chord with me. Hopefully, Season 3will get me through a month or 2 on the trainer.
I'm not sure why I've been avoiding the pool, but I have. The goal this week is to get in the water at least once. We'll see if I make it.

In other news, Jack and Shayna are both feeling better. But Kenz is sick now. She has been spiking fevers since last night, and we are planning to keep her home tomorrow. Let's hope she feels better soon.

Bonus: Picture of the week:


This is my Great Uncle Pete, and his wife, Aunt Nete. Shayna took this picture on Saturday, at Uncle Pete's 90th birthday party.
I want to be them!

Truly, I don't think it's possible to be their age, and not be beautiful.
Peace.

Halloween Fun

Shayna was home with us for the week before Halloween. Although she was home because she was pretty sick, we were still able to do a few Halloween activities. The kids were thrilled to have her here for an extended stay! She worked on Halloween costumes with Mack. And they did such a great job on the sword, that Mack has now refused to use it as part of her costume. She doesn't want to take any chances that it will get ruined.

We started the week with some pumpkin carving.



Unfortunately, Shayna had to return to school the day before Halloween. So, she didn't get to join us for the trick or treating fun. That was really okay, because Halloween was rainy and cold, so Trick or Treating was cut quite short.
Jack changed his mind daily about what he would be. We have several superhero costumes that I've picked up on clearance in the past few years, to have as dress up clothes.He ran the gamut from firefighter, to police officer, Batman and Spider man. On Halloween morning he decided on Superman. Complete with the fake muscles and the cape.
Here he is, showing off his muscles. Of course, "Favorite Blankie" is never far from Jack's reach.

On the day of Halloween, Mack was a pirate. But the costume was not very interesting, since she wouldn't carry the sword, or wear the bandanna on her head. Luckily, we also had plans for a Halloween festival on Sunday in Saratoga. Sunday morning I did my usual trip to Target, and while there found that all Halloween costumes were 50% off. I picked up a Ninja costume for $5. She loved it, and here she is:

Sorry for the blurriness on this one. But it's pretty cute anyway.

3rd run in a week!

Or maybe I could count it as 4?

I did the race on Sunday.
Hit the treadmill on Thursday for 30 minutes (plus 10 of walking)
Today, I went out for a long run. Unfortunately, I think I had too much chocolate before heading out the door. Had to walk after 20 minutes of running. So, I walked for about 10 minutes, then ran another 30. That makes today at total of 50 minutes, in 2 separate runs (kinda).

I don't know...What's the general consensus? Is a 10 minute walk break enough to qualify it as 2 runs? Or does it count as one long run?

Along with that, I've decided to take today's route out of the rotation for a while. It's the route I hurt my foot on several years ago, and every time I run it, I have at least one close call with a driver pulling out of a side street without even looking. Today, I almost got knocked down by a FedEx truck, who saw me but didn't want to let me go. Even though I was well into the cross walk by the time he pulled up to it. I've decided that this route is too stressful for me. Oh well. Too bad for me, since it has some nice little hills.

Next week- I'm shooting for 4 runs!
Here's the plan:
Sunday- 30 minutes
Tuesday- treadmill 45 minutes
Thursday- 40 minutes
Saturday- 50 minutes

I have no real rhyme or reason for the times I've chosen on each day. So, if there are any suggestions for a better way to do it, that would be great!
-Peace

Heading Toward Healthy!

Good news! Jack has his cast off! It looks like he had a hairline fracture in the growth plate of his knee. The Dr. feels it's healed. Jack is still limping, but I'm todl that is normal. Being me, I am worried that it hasn't really healed. So, I'm keeping a close eye on him.

More good news! Shayna is also almost all better! She went back to the ENT today and was cleared to return to school. Since my parents are awesome, they are going to drive her down to NP tomorrow. That way, she doesn't have to be on the bus, and walk up to campus from downtown.

Running news: I managed to get myself to the Y tonight and hit the treadmill. Of course, when I got there, I realized that I didn't have my orthotics with me. This caused a moment of panic for me. Please understand, these are custom made orthotics that I got after I ruptured the tendon in my foot. They are a life saver for me, and the only reason I was able to return to running. I took a deep breath and thought about my options. Going back home wasn't an option. Hitting the bike would work, but I hate the seats on the gym bikes. My current sneakers are brand new, so they haven't conformed to the shape of the orthotic yet. Hmmm- do I dare try to run?

Yep.

I cut my planned workout down, just to be safe. Instead of 45 minutes with a 5 minute walk, I did 10 minutes of walking with 30 minutes of running. I'm glad I took the chance, because so far my foot feels okay.

So, that's 2 runs done this week! My goal is to either do one bike and one run, or two more runs. We'll see how that works out.

Capital Region Special Surgery Race for Hope

I ran this 5k this morning.
It was a first annual, with a starting line about 3 miles from my home.

First, the good things: I got up and did it!
I didn't walk. Not even 1 step of it!
I passed a few people. That is a first for me. Usually, I'm the one being left in the dust. Don't get me wrong- obviously a few people passed me too. But still..

The challenges:
This race started with one mile uphill climb. I've never entered a race with an uphill start, so I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't easy- that's all I'm gonna say.
My legs have not fully recovered from Thursdays Tri. I know. For those of you who are hard core triathlete's out there- a 5k is a little warm up. For me, it's a workout.
Finally; I spent most of last night in the ER with Shayna. She has tonsillitis that she's been on antibiotics for since Weds. But, last night around 9 o'clock she came to me and said she was having a hard time breathing. Of course, Kevin was at a gig. But, luckily I have an awesome mother in law who came over and stayed with Mack and Jack.
Shayna's tonsils had swollen to dangerous size, and she required IV steroids/anti-inflammatory meds. After blood work, a CAT scan, and some IV meds, her tonsils went down to a more normal size. We were able to come home. I rolled into bed at about 4 AM!
So, given all of that, I'm thinking that getting up at 7:30 to walk the dog and go to the run, is pretty darn impressive! NO PR- but that's okay.
Here's the course:

I would do it again next year!