BOO

The Senorita and the Wench at Cindy's Halloween Party...don't I look freaky with black hair?

Here's the deal on the new swim suits. I got them, but I obviously ordered the wrong size (24) and could not even pull the damn thing much above my knees. So, it turns out I know nothing about swimsuit sizing. I just got the smallest size, like I always do and hope it's not too big. WRONG. I think Abigail, who's 8, would have a hard time getting the 24 on. I didn't try because I knew she would want to keep the suit if it fit and she doesn't need another bathing suit, especially a $48 one. So, I sent them back and cancelled the Halloween suit since I won't get to wear it near Halloween. BOO hoo. That's the story. Now, here's the workout:

4 x 200 swim: free/back/free/breast (50 each)

4 x 150 kick: fly/back/free

4 x 100 increasing speed

2 x 400 free

cool down


Happy Halloween

Every year we get a great picture of the the kids at our local pumpkin patch. They seem so big this year, but still super cute.

The 9 Trails training run this past weekend was postponed due to the fires. The National Forest is closed AGAIN and there are some hefty fines for those who don't follow the rules. I would never break the rules. Or trespass on private property. NEVER.

We did do some great training runs around here, though. Saturday, we ran to the top of Figueroa Mountain (luckily, the sign that said the road was closed had blown over due to the high winds), starting in the dark before sunrise, with the full moon. It was breathtaking. Then Sunday, we ran up and over Refugio, to the beach and back. It's steep and far. Two very good training days. I still can't believe I have a running buddy who loves to run as much as me. Wait, I need to qualify that. I have a super best friend who loves to run, maybe more than me, but lives in another state. What I should have said is that it's hard to believe I have a nearby friend to run with. It's something I have been dreaming of for some time now.

Last week I was really sore from speedwork and running hills pretty hard. I had to ice my quads for a few days to get them back to feeling good. Also, some deep massage on my legs really helped. Hurt, but helped. I better be getting faster.

It was fun to watch the progress of Javelina Jundred this weekend. I was talking to Justin on the phone while the runners were coming into the aid station at Javelina Headquarters. Just the pitter patter of runners feet was giving me goosebumps. I wish I could've been there. Next year.

Windy + Dry = Fire

Can you believe California is on fire, AGAIN?? The fire in Santa Ynez, if you are familiar with this area, is near Woodstock Ranch and the Sedgewick Reserve. This fire should be contained by this evening. I hear the fire began from an ember left from the Zaca Fire. The sky is already looking blue again. Let's hope the Santa Ana winds don't come back up.

On the other hand, the fires in San Diego are getting worse and my dad and family were just evacuated from their home in Valley Center. I am just glad my dad decided to leave and not be stubborn about it. I think we will all sleep better tonight.

Los Olivos 5K Pictures

This picture says it all...


Guillermo, Alexa and Calvin


Me and Abs

All the runners

Abigail made us pose like this

And slather with mayo...

I was just reading about this book, Jesus Land, and on the website I found these midwest church potluck recipes. The book looks very interesting and the recipes... I dare you to try one and let me know how it turned out. Debbie, I think we should incorporate the jello salad into your birthday challenge.

5th Grader Does First 5K

"I'm so proud of myself" is what Calvin has been saying all day. Since his 29: 35 finish this morning at his first 5K, Calvin has been telling the story of his 2nd place kid finish. He told me directly after the race that he is now in training for a 100 mile finish, although it may take years to get there. I can wait, I told him.

I have some great pictures, but blogger is currently not able to post, grrr. I'll have them up soon. Guillermo took first and easily. It's not a really competitive running crowd here, but that's not saying he's not a great runner. First is first.

Fun at the Track

Small turnout yesterday for swim. I love the early AM workout, you are done before you are even fully awake. I worked a bit, then met Guillermo at his office for a run at noon. We ran to the track, along with his very cute wife. He tried to kill me with speed work. Oh how I hate to run fast, but man do I want to get faster. I'm committed to trying and G says I'm fast on the track. I think he is just being kind or encouraging, but I'll take it.

For track workout we warmed up by running to the track, then alternated 200's and 400's with 45 second rest. The speedwork total was 3 miles. My legs were really tight by the end. It felt great to run back to Santa Ynez. The whole workout was about 6 miles, but that was plenty for me. I'm looking forward to getting faster and better at speed.

Here's the Swim Workout for all you fishies:

16 x 50 swim: free, free/back, free/breast, free

16 x 50 kick: same as above

16 x 50 pull: free (timed)

4 x 100 descending

cool down

Kristine is running the women only marathon in SF this Sunday(not sure what it's called). Also, San Diego 100 is this weekend and there are a couple of people I know running. Best of luck to everyone!! I plan to do the local 5K in Los Olivos. I will probably run with Calvin and Abigail wants to do the kid's mile. What could be better than running with my kids??

Tri Training Begins

Yesterday's swim workout:

4 x 100 swim/drill

4 x 100 kick: free/fly, free/back, free/fly, free/back (with zoomers)

4 x 100 pull, descending

100, 200, 300, 200, 100 (can't remember the times exactly)

8 x 50 (2 each at a set time, getting faster)

There wasn't a whole lot of hangin' out at the wall in this workout. I went for a run in the afternoon and felt great going up hill, but down still bothers my ankles a little. When I was in Arizona, I came up with the idea of cutting my shoe so it would no longer hit my ankle bone. This turned out to be genius, as I was able to run fairly pain free and now have shoes that allow for this injury to heal a bit better. The problem was that each time I run, my shoes would hit the ankle bone and perpetuate the swelling.

I finally got a good ride in on Sunday, so I guess I am officially training for Ironman. All I can really think about now, though, is 9 Trails. The ride went well and as always, I was thinking why don't I do this more often? It's really relaxing and so kind to your body compared to running. I got to check out the ironman course in AZ, and it doesn't look too daunting. The mass swim start sounds awful, though. Ugh.

Guess who's doing 9 Trails?

Me!!!

As if it wasn't enough to spend the weekend being totally spoiled by JLU, but I get back and I find out I can run 9 Trails, officially. I think both J and I needed a little cheering up. I'm certainly feeling better, I hope he is, too.

More later...

Will I ever get my new Halloween swimsuit???

It was extra tough to get outta bed today, but I was in the pool by 6AM. The first half of the workout I was gasping for air the whole time. Then, poof, I was warmed up and on the heels of my lane-mate till the end. There should be a special lane for endurance athletes.

Warm-up

• 8 X 50 swim: free/back
• 8 X 50 kick: free/back

Then:

• 4 X 100
• 4 X 200
• 4 X 100 faster

Cool down 4 X 50 pull, 100 breast

I think they are hand stitching my new bathing suits...they are still not here. They did send me an email apologizing for the delay. Grrrrr. They better be really cute and make my butt look small.

I'm going out of town this weekend and will get to run some new trails. Very exciting.

Happy training.

Go Fiona!

Fiona is doing her first marathon!!!!!

Calvin is off to Catalina Island tomorrow at 5am for 5th grade science camp. It's very exciting for him. I have been labeling everything with my trusty sharpie because Calvin is not known for keeping track of his things. The weather is supposed to be great. I'm so glad my good friend Cindy is going, just in case he needs anything.

Things are pretty exciting around here. We have another mountain lion roaming our neighborhood, due to being displaced by the fire. Also, Sunday I went for a run up on Figueroa Mountain and the ranger stoppped me from heading out on Catway. The gate was closed and I figured it was due to the fire. I intended to just proceed on foot. He said a woman walking her weiner dog (need I say more?) was tree'd (sp?) by a bear Saturday and they had to rescue her. I asked him to describe the bear and realized that was my bear. Well, I've seen him a few times now and I feel like we have an understanding out there. He said the bear, I call him Big Jim, even chased him. I didn't go out there initially and ran a few hours on another trail ( a new trail I'm very excited about, by the way) but when I got back to the car, I couldn't resist going out on Catway to see if I could find Big Jim. The ranger told me that if I got in trouble out there, they wouldn't come after me.

Today I made it to Master's Swim again and even got bumped up a lane already. Yeah. I had a two and half hour break today and ran for 2 hours of it. I did a little speed work. I felt pretty good, despite the swimming. Last week, I was really struggling with the running. I think adding weights and swimming tired me out. This is awful, but I have not got any significant biking in yet. I really need to start.

My friend, Fiona, is doing the Long Beach Marathon this weekend. It is her first marathon. Please send her lots of positive energy, not that she needs it, she's going to do great. Go Fiona!!! She'll be the one in all pink.

Historical Quote of the Day (AP)


"A moment I've been dreading. George (Bush Sr.) brought his ne're-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job. Not the political one who lives in Florida. The one who hangs around here all the time looking shiftless. This so-called kid is already almost 40 and has never had a real job. Maybe I'll call Kinsley over at The New Republican and see if they'll hire him as a contributing editor or something. That looks like easy work."

-- Ronald Reagan in his recently published diaries, written May 17, 1986


I just had to share this, it's so great. Enjoy. I say it's relevant to my blog because I like to go running up by the Ronald Reagan Ranch. It's one of the most beautiful places around. You have a view of the ocean one in one direction and the mountains in the other. Both views are unspoiled by any sort of buildings or homes. Let's hope it stays that way for a while.

I think I will post my swim workouts for future reference. Also, if anyone wants to try them...they are super fun.

Yesterday we did this:

200 x 2 swim:
free/back
free/breast

200 x 2 kick
free/fly
free/back

16 x 50 at 5 second descending intervals

16 x 50 at 5 second descending interval 5 seconds faster than previous set

plus, of course warm up and cool down a few hundred.

My bathing suits still haven't come. I'm irritated now. Abigail and I got our halloween costumes, though, and they are super cute. Maybe I will post pictures of them later. She looks so beautiful!

I don't just run...

I made it to Master's Swim yesterday, despite the fact that my new suits still haven't come. I even went for a run with Guillermo in the afternoon. It is really great to have someone to run with, and if I want to continue running with him I think I will have to get faster quickly. I was definitely tired after the swim, but it felt great to be back with the group. I guess I will get on my bike tomorrow after swim. I have to start riding again sometime.

I am looking for my next race (50k or 50 mile), maybe sometime in November. Any ideas??

Phoebe sure is happy I'm running again. Walking around the neighborhood is for normal dogs. She's a trail dog.