Snow on a Friday night?

After several false reports this year, we finally got some snowfall in 2010. Where I live in the Southern US, we don't get much snow at all. It is actually very rare for us to get any sort of accumulation of snow. It is a big deal (and sometimes too big a deal) when we actually get some. People race to the grocery store in a panic to make sure they get their bread and milk before the snow starts falling. And when it does start falling, it is like the world around us shuts down.

It really is comical, especially when you hail from the North where winter snowfall is just a yearly experience.

Well, we got a big snowfall (guesstimating about 4 inches) this past Friday night. Yes, it started about 6:30 pm, once I was home for the day and ready to enjoy the weekend. It continued overnight and even a bit into Saturday. My hair appointment was canceled (I can barely see through my bangs) and we had to forgo our dinner date Saturday night.

On the plus side, fresh snow is always so lovely. The dogs just love it, and it was so much fun to see them run around in the new snow. We all took a walk together on Saturday afternoon, then played snowbound for the rest of the weekend. We always seem to be running around so much, and it was nice to be all together as a family in our home with no schedule. We also had electricity for the entire time, so there is no complaining from my side.

I just wish we had another day snowbound. What fun is it if you can't get a full day off of work? It is like this wonderful free day to just do as you please. I am lucky to work for a good company that decided to open at noon today. My dear husband was not as lucky. He had to go in at normal time, even with the frozen roads.

Soon, the snow will be melted and the backyard will be a huge mud pit. At least we have the memories of the great snowfall and the fun we had. Who know what the remainder of the winter will bring? I hear there may be snow in the forecast for later this week. On Saturday!

Go Panthers!!

This past Sunday, I got to tick another item off my "bucket list." Bill and I, with our good friends J & M, went to the Carolina Panther football game. This game had been a long time in coming. I bought the tickets way back in August, and really had no idea what it would be like on November 15. Luckily, it was great.

We got up bright and (too) early to leave in plenty of time to get some good tailgating under our belts. The road trip took less than 2 and 1/2 hours. It was smooth drive south, and we found a space in a parking lot very quickly. By 11:00 am, we were sitting around the lot with other happy fans enjoying a beautiful fall day. We had decided to try to eat a little healthier for our tailgate. We had an appetizer of Weight Watcher friendly dip with tortilla chips followed by marinaded grilled chicken, a green salad, roasted veggies, and an apple pie. It was an absolute feast! Of course, the meal was accompanied by beer, a not so healthy, but very delicious, drink. Bill even surprised me with a Panthers T-shirt and a pin to wear to the game. Soon, it was time to walk over the the stadium.

Bank of America Stadium is huge, but well designed. We were very lucky to be in a section that was in the shade all day long. Even though it is fall, it was about 75 that day. It was quite hot in the sun. The game was all I hoped it would be. The Panthers made some quick touchdowns, and were soon up 21-10 over the Atlanta Falcons. There was a near comeback in the second half, but a beautiful interception and a 45 yard touchdown run put our team up for good. The final score was 28-19.

While we were not as lucky on the drive home (we were in traffic for an extra hour), but the day was still worth it in my mind. I really, really enjoyed myself. I hope I can get to another game, soon.

Third Tri is a Charm

This past Sunday, I participated in my third and most challenging triathlon. It was the Triangle Triathlon, a race Bill participated in last year. The location of the race had moved this year from a murky brown lake filled with possible toxins to a lake that is used to cool the nuclear power plant. Most people said it was a wonderful change. I am just happy to be alive and not glowing.

Our day began at 4:15am (yes, we were wondering if there were ever any evening triathlons we could do), and we were on our way to the race site by 4:45 am. We arrived in plenty of time which was a definite advantage due to the lack of parking at the park. We were able to set up our gear (and fix it as we both had racked our bikes incorrectly) and get body marked with ease. There was also a little bit of time for meditation, which I really needed before the race.

I had signed up for this race on a spur of the moment whim. After the process was complete, I began to freak out about what I had done. This race was far longer than anything I had done, and the swim section was in a lake, not a pool. There was also a time limit of 2 hours and 30 minutes that really scared me. I have never been removed from a race because of a time limit, and I certainly did not want it to happen in this race.

As we got ready to head down to the beach, we found some friends of friends who had also signed up for the race. It was so nice to have someone to talk to as we waited for the wave start to begin. The husband of our friends, M, started first. Soon, Bill was off in the water. As the waves continued every four minutes, it was soon time for A and I to head to the lake. It was so nice to have her there and in the same wave. I didn't have time to think about how nervous I was or worry about anything. We were knee deep in water, watching the group before us head to the first buoy before I knew it. Then, the horn sounded and it was our turn.

Since the other tris I have done have been pool swims, it was a whole different thing to do an open water swim. First, your whole age group starts at once. Second, the water is dark and murky. Third, you have to watch where you are going so you don't miss a marker and get off course. There are arms and legs all over the place. It is hard to tell where you are until you are right at someone's legs. The swim was also 750 meters, 500 more meters than my longest race. I have to say, though, that I was proud of my swim. Sure, it was slow going, but I never stopped or had to grab a rescue boat. I felt comfortable in the water. I think if I practice the spotting, I could do quite well. I did get run over by some of the men who started behind me, but I still was not the last in my group to reach the shore. I finished the swim in 22:56.

I was on the shore and started the long run to the transition area. My transition time was very high, 4:33, but there was a long run from the lake up to the transition area, then to the end to enter. I hate being barefoot, but I managed to run up the grass without an incident. I was off on my bike.

Biking is not my strongest discipline. I ride a sport hybrid bike. It is a nice bike for cruising, but not really meant for racing. If I had a road bike, I am sure my time would improve just from the change of gear. After this race, I am very interested in getting a road bike and working on my cycling. I must have been passed by 100 cyclists on the course. The course itself was not too bad. There was one dramatic hill (I am not the best hill climber), but the rest was relatively flat. I gave up 7 spaces during the bike ride, and it was tough watching all those folks pass me by. Still, I kept moving, and finished the 17.5 mile course in 1:16:40.

My second transition was much better as I didn't have to change shoes. It would have been great if I could have gotten my bike racked properly, but it still only took 2:01. I was off on the run, seeing my friend A heading toward the finish on my way out.

The run was different. It was a 5K course (3.1 miles), but most of the running was on a trail. I had never done a trail run before, so it was a different feel being on a dirt path than asphalt. It was also starting to get hot. The beginning of the run was in a shaded area, but it soon gave way to high grass and no covering. I kept moving forward as best I could, stopping to dump water on my head and drink as I could. I did have to walk (really must start doing brick workouts!), but I kept moving. I really was beginning to think it was the longest 5K of my life when I finally got to the turn around point. I was tired and really staring to question why I do these races. I headed back to the fork, and a race volunteer told me I was near the asphalt. As soon as I hit road, I felt much better. I was in the parking lot, and could hear the finish. I ran as best I could up to the finish line, and knew I wasn't the last to cross. I finished the run in 40:46, not stellar, but not too far off my PR of 38:00.

My goal was to complete this race in the 2 hour, 30 minute limit. I finished in 2:26:54. Not bad for my longest triathlon. I know I can do better. Not that it is over, I am looking forward to my next event (a shorter tri in August), and even considering an Olympic distance event for next year.

Check out the local paper's story about the event. Take a look at the photo gallery as well. Photo #28 shows my husband running toward his bike during T1. He is the blond in the black suit on the left.

Laundry room Re-do

This weekend, Bill and I renovated the laundry room. Bill took down the wood cabinet and repainted the room. We then picked out wire shelving from Lowe's and installed it in place of the cabinets. We also installed shelves on the side of the room and hooks to hold our grocery bags.

I was a little nervous about this project. I was unsure how the wire shelves would look since there would not be any doors to hide things. I love how it looks now. It seems much cleaner, organized, and brighter. It is a happier place to do laundry.

Vacation in A-ville

After the triathlon last Sunday, Bill and I headed west to Asheville, NC. I had always wanted to stay at the Grove Park Inn, and we had seen a special in our local paper. We got a package deal for 2 nights stay which included various discounts throughout the resort. So, away we went.

We arrived around 5pm Sunday evening. We were supposed to have a double bed room with a property view, but my wonderful husband asked if there were any King rooms available. We were quickly upgraded to a king room in the newest wing of the resort, the Sammons Wing. We were on the 8th floor, so we had a spectacular view of the mountains and downtown. I immediately feel in love with the Craftsman style of our room and its wonderful amenities. We headed to the bar in the lobby (or Great Hall as it is called) for a few beers. We took our over priced brews out to one of the terraces to enjoy the stunning view. Soon, it was time for dinner, but we didn't have far to go. We were eating at the resort that night at The Sunset Terrace. We had a tasty dinner and got to enjoy the view some more before heading back to the room to call it a night. Remember, we had been up at 4:30am for the tri.

We woke Monday morning and enjoyed breakfast at the Blue Ridge room. After breakfast, I headed to the spa for what turned out to be the best spa experience I have ever had. The spa at the GPI is pretty amazing. It was built in the center of the grounds, partially under the ground. I received a tour of the spa which includes several different pools with different therapeutic uses. The main pool area is built to look like you are swimming in an underground cavern with rocks covering all the walls. I didn't have much time before my appointment, so I decided to try the contrast pool. You sit in a 103 degree hot tub for about 10 minutes, then immediately plunge into a 64 degree pool about 3 feet in diameter. It is supposed to improve circulation. It certainly got me moving quickly. After the plunge, I sat in the inhalation room with a cool peppermint towel on my face. Soon, it was time to head back to the fireside lounge for my massage. My therapist let me pick the scent of my massage lotion as well as the music we listened to during the massage. There were small extra touches along the way such as scented paper on the head rest and an eye bag for my face. It was a wonderful experience. Later in the day, Bill and I went back to the spa to enjoy the pools. We listened to the under water music in the lap pool, sat under the therapeutic waterfalls in the hot tub, and sat outside in the whirlpool while staring out at the mountains. Talk about peaceful!! We were able to go right to dinner after the spa since the water has no chlorine in it - it is all enriched with minerals to make your skin and hair silky smooth.

Before we hit the spa, we did take a tour of the historic park of the inn. The original building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013. We rode the main elevator that is built in to the side of the fireplace, and viewed the palm court lounge area. We also looked at the photos of the building of the inn - a remarkable feat that was done with one steam shovel and took only 1 year.

While in Asheville, we checked out some local beer houses, and found a great place called The Thirsty Monk. The Monk has 2 sections - an upstairs featuring brews from USA, and a downstairs featuring brews from Europe. We each enjoyed two tasty Belgiums in the downstairs bar and had dinner as well. I would recommend the Monk, and hope I get a chance to return. We headed back to the inn, and slept wonderfully with the open windows letting in the mountain air.

Sadly, Tuesday was our last day of vacation. We did start with a bang. We ate breakfast in downtown at Tupelo Honey, which we agreed was the best breakfast either of us ever had. With a quick stop in neighboring Black Mountain, our vacation was over. It sure was a great one, though. I hope we will have a chance to go back and stay at The Grove Park Inn again. I bet is is beautiful at Christmastime...

My new ride

I have had my new Honda Element for 2 days now. I really, really, like it. It is fun to drive, but it is super comfortable. I love that it is so sporty, yet the interior feels very plush.

I have a full navigation system (I don't even know how to use is yet, but it's cool!), a removable cooler between the front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel with controls for the radio on it, a back up camera (it doesn't work so well in the rain - trust me), and the rear seats flip up out of the way for full doggie access. I like that the doors open 90 degrees with the rear door opening toward the back of the car. I like the clam shell rear door. It opens with a short tailgate that the pups can easily jump on to get in the truck. And, I absolutely adore the color!!! It is so vibrant, so warm, and so me!! I have even personalized it already. Bill gave me two chrome features for the truck - a Georgia Bulldawg mascot and a silhouette of a dog. I also bought myself a sticker that says Peace, Love, and Running.

I just want to so for a ride now!!

A Busy Spring Weekend

This weekend is the first of two packed weekends.

Yesterday was so lovely, we just had to be outside. So, we decided to go for a bike ride to go get some lunch. It was a short ride, but so nice to be outside. I wished we had more time to ride, but I needed to get home to go to yoga workshop.

I participated in a 2 hour yoga workshop specifically geared for runners. It was a great time - much more informal than an actual class. We learned 5 different routines, and were able to practice as well as get any help we needed. It was a great add on to my normal weekly classes.

Last night, we went to a performance of modern dance pieces. A friend of ours choreographed a piece with dance and a photo presentation that she and her husband did. I don't know much about modern dance, but I did like her piece. I will admit that I did not get or like the first piece of the show, but luckily the remainder of the 4 total dances were good.

Today, I am at home with the pups. Hubby went to Virginia International Raceway for races with a friend, and I am home for most of the day. I will be attending the Carolina Hurricanes playoff game tonight with my friend who scored us some tickets. I am hopeful that the Canes will do well tonight after their great victory in New Jersey Friday night. There is nothing like playoff hockey, so it should be a fun night. GO CANES!!

It will be a busy week leading to another busy weekend, but I shall leave that for my next post.

Be My Valentine?

Today is Valentine's Day - a wonderful made up holiday when you tell your loved ones that you love them. This year, I asked my husband that we not exchange gifts or cards, but just spend time with one another.

Of course, my sweet hubby ignored me and got me a very cute card with some wonderful sentiments written inside. He also got me a gift (but said it was from the dogs) of a very creative collage of pictures of my pups. I got him nothing.

I makes me wonder if holidays like Valentine's Day are really just for women. It is an opportunity for our guys to come out and say "Hey - I love you" without having to feel weird about it. They can become extra mushy and it is a good thing. We women even give them extra points for doing this on February 14 versus February 15.

I have been under the weather lately, but I hope to feel better this evening. I want to stick to our original plan to spend time together by having a nice meal out. Of course, we did have a date night just Wednesday night, but it feels like something we should do tonight. After all, aren't those the rules for this made up holiday?

It Can Only Get Better

Well, 2009 didn't exactly start the way I had hoped it would.

I ate a lunch of tacos at my desk on December 31. I started feeling poorly not too soon after that lunch. But, I had work to do, and I worked through it (until 5:30 I may add). Finally, it was time to leave and enjoy the start of a brand new year.

We met our friends at their place for a trip to a local restaurant. We were going to enjoy a six course meal with a live band, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. I made it through the appetizer course with no problem. The soup was very good. Things started getting worse when the salad was brought to the table. By the time that was finished, I asked the waitress to please pack my entree in a to go box. Unfortunately, it was too late to keep the secret from the rest of my party, especially when I had to leave the table at the sight and smell of their dinners.

We left the restaurant shortly thereafter. After dropping off our friends, I had to ask Bill to pull over to the side of the road where I left the dinner I was able to eat (Maggy - sound like someone you know? I think I was channeling Mom!) We made it home at about 11:00 pm.

I was upset at letting our friends down and wasting money on a big dinner I could not eat. Luckily, I felt much better after our pit stop by the road. In the end, we lay in our bed with Misty and Lily and watched the ball drop from Times Square.

It was not the way I had planned to ring in the New Year, but I was with my family - the person and the canines I love the most. It wasn't ideal, but it was pretty nice.

My List - A Year in Review

At some point this year, my dear husband came up with an idea that we (meaning our close friends and us-6 people) should come up with a list of 50 things we want to do before we die. He thought it would be a good idea for us to compare the things on our lists, and then we would have an idea what we could do as a group. The idea never really took off, but I did write my own list. I came up with 34 things so far on the list. I have crossed 5 things off that list to date.

This year I ran a half marathon. Actually, I ran two half marathons. I am already signed up to run two more in 2009 as well as a 20k. Will running a marathon make my list now? Yes, I think it might.

I also accomplished a triathlon this year. As of yesterday, I am an official member of The USA Triathlon Association. I see more tris in my future...

Take a yoga class has been completed many, many times this year. I have truly enjoyed my Yoga for Athletes class this year with Sage Rountree (see her blog in my favorites list) and I will continue to be a student of hers for long after 2009 ends.

We did adopt a shelter dog this year (well, actually 2 of them!) It was an unexpected thing this year, but it is something I am so glad we did. Misty and Lily are not perfect, but they make me smile and fill my heart with love every single day (just like hubby does).

I fired a gun this year. I can say it was my least favorite item on the list. I am glad I did it, but I don't think guns are for me. I don't know, maybe it is something I need to try again.

Well, that's 5 things, but the year isn't quite over yet. Tonight, I will drink 2 beers at the Flying Saucer. With those two drinks finished, I will have completed the 200 I need to earn a plate on the wall. By tomorrow morning, #23 should also be crossed off the list.

And a Very Merry Christmas to all!!

Merry Christmas, everyone!! What a whirlwind these last 2 days have been.

Tuesday was my first day off work (woo hoo - off for 6 days!) and the main day to get stuff done. We shopped for the last minutes gifts (Target was having computer problems and could not take credit cards - can you believe it?!?!) and groceries for Christmas Eve.

Yesterday was the big family day. Bill's parents, both his sisters, and their combined 3 children came over for dinner. It sure is something to have children in your house when you aren't used to it. The little one (1 year old) howled and cried for about 2 hours and 45 minutes. At least he was in a pack and play. Poor kid - I felt really bad for him, nothing seemed to make him happy. The older two boys had a grand time. They played with all of hubby's stuff in his office, and each received a special plane as a gift. We all sat down to dinner (under cooked beef tenderloin that we had to finish cooking in a saute pan - it turned out great, though) and dessert, and did really enjoy the meaning of the season - family. I made a gingerbread cake that rocked for dessert. Soon, everyone was on the way back to grandma and grandpa's house to wait for Santa. Peace returned to our home.

Today, we have relaxed and enjoyed the beauty of Christmas. We walked the pups (it's their first Christmas!) and came home for breakfast. We opened our stocking as is my family tradition before eating some kick butt breakfast casserole and having our coffee. Now, we are getting ready to sit by the tree and open our presents. We scaled back this year, but we will still have fun. I love to surprise hubby with gifts. It is better to give rather than receive.

Later today, we are off to the in-laws for a big traditional Christmas dinner and more gifts and good cheer. It's days like these that make you realize how lucky you are. I am very lucky indeed.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!!!!

Yet Another Floor Project

We had the hardwood floors put in the dining and living rooms last week, so it is time to work on the kitchen this week. Yesterday, hubby took a chisel and hammer to the stone tiles on the kitchen floor. The refrigerator has been moved over near the breakfast table, and tomorrow, the oven will have to be moved. As of lunchtime, the majority of the center of the kitchen floor had been removed as well as all of the quarter round molding.

Once all of the tiles are adhesive are gone, hubby will install a plywood floor and prime it overnight. The next day, he will lay new vinyl tile squares on the floor. This product looks like really stone and even feels good. It has a self adhesive on the back and will be laid out in rows. It is a lovely beige color with a darker brown marbling effect. I can't wait to see it done. It will be so nice to have a clean floor - no more grout. Home improvement can be great!

A Marathon and A Half

Last Sunday, Bill ran his first marathon ever. He ran in the 33rd running of the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. He wasn't alone, either. There were over 30,000 runners in that race, and about 50 of them were from our running group here at home. Bill ran all through Georgetown, along the Potomac, around the Lincoln Memorial and the Mall, through Arlington, and finishing at the Arlington Cemetery. I could not be more proud of my husband. He has been training hard all year, and this race was the culmination of that work. The race was long and tough, but he did finish. We even had a great weekend in DC enjoying the huge race expo at the armory and visiting an amazing bar. We went to a place called The Brickskellar that has the most amazing selection of beer I have ever seen. They have over 1000 beers in bottles, and the food is good, too. Not a bad place to spend a Friday afternoon. Too bad it was a race weekend...

This morning, I competed in my second half marathon. I did the City of Oaks half marathon in Raleigh. Unlike my first race, this one was on a very hilly course. I started out fine with about 10 other member of my running group. I felt good and was keeping up the pace. It was great to be running with friends - we kept joking it was like a regular weekend run. Sadly, my stinking watch gave out at mile 5, and so did I. I started feeling more and more tired. I started falling back from my group. Luckily, I had our friend, Jon to cheer me on at various points along the route. Bill was working at a Galloway water stop right around mile 10. Seeing him and knowing he was proud of me really helped me to finish the race. I was shocked to see when I finished, I set a new PR. I actually knocked 8 minutes off my time from VA Beach. About 30 minutes after the race, I started to think about the next race. It seems that, like pain, you forget how much something hurt when it is over and all is well. Crazy! At least I know I will sleep well tonight.

Two Dogs walk into a bar

Last weekend, Bill and I took Misty and Lily to our favorite bar, The Flying Saucer. What a great way to combine the things I love - my husband, my dogs, my friends, and beer.

Bill and Terry were supposed to run in the Magnificent Mile race downtown. We thought it was scheduled for 2 pm, and we needed to pick up the packets before the race. So, we headed to town at about 12:30. Misty, Lily, and I were going to show support for the guys. When we arrived at packet pick-up, we found out that their race was at 2:40 pm for the non-competitive race. Well, that left us with lots of time to kill. It was also very, very hot. Bill and I had run the day before as well. Bill finished 21+ miles, and I did a little over 14 miles in the brutal heat. Since it was still so hot, and we had time, we wound up at the Sauce.

As you can imagine, one beer lead to another, which lead to snacks. That lead to us sitting at the bar watching the racers participate in the mile. I think we left just after their race would have started.

Still, the girls had a great time at the bar. They socialized with people, and saw a few other dogs that were on the patio. Misty was so cute that she would stand on the bench so she could be close to us and take part in any conversations. It really was a fun afternoon.

So, two dogs walk into a bar and wind up having a great day.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

I have probably blogged about this topic before, but I think it bears repeating.

September 1 to January 1 is my absolute favorite time of the year. I have always loved the fall. To me, it seems that all the good stuff happens this time of the year. College football starts (Go Dawgs - #1 this year!), hockey begins in October (the Canes have got to have a better season this year), Bill's birthday is in September, my birthday is in October, the leaves change and fall, the temperatures get cooler, and all the best holidays happen - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. What's not to love?

Of course, there is a downside. The Junior League also starts. Last night was our first general membership meeting of the year. I had to stand for about 1 1/2 hours to listen to the all the new information for the year. I really began to wonder why I was there and not with my friends at The Sauce. I really think I will like my placement this year - Extra Hands - and working on small volunteer projects that are typically done in one day. I like the idea of being part of the community and helping people in need. I just wish there was not so much bureaucracy and cash outlay involved. Oh well, I am stuck for at least one more year.

This fall is also special for the election of our new President. Must more on that another time...

Bill is sporting a mohawk

Yes, my husband has a mohawk.

Wednesday night, Bill, Terry and I are sitting at the Sauce, drinking a few beers, and talking about our upcoming trip to Virginia for the half marathon. Terry mentions that Bill should get a mohawk for the race so he can look tough for the competition. The concept is not tough for Terry - he has sported a mohawk or two in his lifetime.

After a few laughs, I told Bill there was no way he would do it. Of course, my comments make it a challenge to my husband. Was I daring him to cut a mohawk on his head? He thought it was a good time for it since he is at home. I told him that the second he did it, he would get a call for a job interview.

So, we got home and changed for the evening. I was washing my face when I see Bill dig out the shaver and take one clean swipe down his skull. There was nothing I could do - I had to finish it up for him and at least make it look neat.

And, yes, he got a phone call from a potential employer on Thursday. The interview should be next week.

It's Beer Wednesday!!

Bill and I are going to The Flying Saucer tonight. We have been to the Sauce many times, but this feels special. I guess it feels so good because we have not been doing it regularly.

Ever since the pups arrived, I don't like to be out multiple times a week. I feel like it is unfair to them if we are gone all the time. Also, they are pretty darn cool, so I like to be around them as much as possible.

It feels like Bill and I are actually grown-ups going out for the evening. I can't wait to get my hands on a nice cold beer. It will be so sweet. I really need to work on my plate - I don't even remember how many I have to go, but I think it is about 30. I will be so glad to kick back and relax with our good friends in our place. I just hope it is as good as I remember.

I Love...

I love a good pedicure. There is nothing like it. You get to soak your feet in a warm water jacuzzi while sitting in a massage chair. Then, you get your feet cleaned, scrubbed, massaged, and painted. Every time I get one, I feel like a million bucks afterwards.

I can paint my own toenails, but it never looks as good as a real pedicure. I got one last night. I figured that I deserved it after my 16+ mile run on Saturday. I did complete what I needed to run, though my Garmin was malfunctioning. I am not sure exactly how far I ran or my time, but I know I did at least 16 miles.

Bill deserves a pedicure, too. He ran about 11 miles on Saturday, then participated in the UNC Wellness Super Sprint Triathlon for the second year in a row. Despite the rain, he did very well. He improved all of his times over last year except for T2. We expect it took longer since his shoes were soaked through and hard to get on. I was very proud of him. He would NEVER actually get a pedicure, but he does deserve something nice for all of his hard work.

I think after the half marathon (19 days away!), I may have to get another pedicure. I may need a facial, too.

The Weekend Ahead

Boy, oh, boy, do we have a busy weekend ahead!

Tomorrow morning, I will be running my longest distance ever - 16 miles! I am nervous, but I have been training for this day. I think I will be just fine. I learned a lot last week after suffering from heat exhaustion. I got a little light headed and stopped sweating right after 10 miles last weekend. I will be better prepared tomorrow. I have been hydrating for the past 2 days, and I will be filling my water bottles at every stop tomorrow morning. Bill is also running. He expects to do 10-12 miles.

After the run, Bill may go to a car show. I will likely stay home. If I can move, I should really clean our house because it has been a long time since it has been done. I have not been carrying my weight at home and I need to get some stuff done.

At 4pm, we take the pups to their training class. After class we need to go pick up the packet for Bill's race on Sunday. He is running less mileage Saturday to conserve energy for a triathlon. He will be participating the the UNC Super Sprint for the second year in a row.

So, after Bill's triumphant race on Sunday, we may go to Raleigh to enjoy the beer knurd brunch at The Flying Saucer. We have not been there for a few weeks, and we thought it would be a fun way to get the girls out to socialize. There is a nice deck at The Sauce, and dogs are frequent guests there.

Sunday night we have the concert - Journey, Heart, and Cheap Trick. It should be a great night of music.

So much to do in just 2 short days. Not to worry, we should be able to sleep on the 17th!!

Sometimes the best things are the simple things

We had a really great weekend. There was nothing special about it - it was just a good weekend.

On Friday night, we ate at home. We made our favorite pizza - a Hawaiian with Canadian bacon and pineapple. Then, we took our dogs for a walk. After the walk, we came home and watched the movie "21" about counting cards at Blackjack. It was a really good and interesting moving.

On Saturday, Bill and I ran our respective longest runs of the season. Bill went 16 miles with his group. I moved up to a faster pace group. They nearly kicked my butt, but I did manage to go the 14 miles I was scheduled to run. We were pleased to find our pups did well and did not destroy anything when we returned home. It was a longest mark for them, too. It was about 5 hours that they were alone. I think they were very happy to reunite in the backyard. After we all ate breakfast, we relaxed around the house until it was time to go to class. It was Misty and Lily's first training class. Both did well, and we have high hopes for each. For dinner, we made a pasta with fresh veggies and chicken. We saw "The Bucket List" - another good movie.

On Sunday, we had our day of rest. Bill did go for a bike ride, while I decided to finish a great book I was reading (Eye of the Beholder by David Ellis - very good). We relaxed around the house with our pups, then grilled steaks for dinner. We watched "The Other Boleyn Girl".

It was not a particularly spectacular weekend. We really stayed around the house most of the time. We did relax, and we did spend time together as a family. I think that is what made it such a great weekend.