Pinapple Boy

Rally of the Tall Pines 2010

So this years rally is on November 20th. I plan to leave probably the night before or very early Sat Morning. Its about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive to Bancroft, where the rally is.

Who wants to go this year? The entry list this year is really really good. It will be a 3 way battle for the Championship as well. You'll get too see this....

Scary Food

JAWS!!!

FINGERS!!!

BLOODY WORMS!!!

MUMMYS!!!!!

Living the Dream

Standing in the footing of their new home, Andrea, John and Travis.

Toronto FC and a Weekend

A few weekends ago we were gifted tickets to see the Toronto Football Club by bookkeeper extordinar Corey. We were both surprisingly had a great time at the game. It wasn't cold, there was a steel drum band in the background and the sound track of the game was provided by the fans sitting behind us. I honestly could not stop laughing out loud at these couch coaches who knew all the salaries and vital statistics on every player. I couldn't believe the emotion that was shown quite frankly as this is Canada. Loved it. High light of the game was seeing the keeper thrown out of the game for naughty behavior to another player.

The entire weekend was great in fact. Prior to the game we slipped over to the Toronto Marathons Expo for a few deals. After the game after deliberating the reviews on the windows of several Indian restaurants we went to Little India. For desert we went to my new yummy favorite Cold Stone Creamery. On Sunday Luke spent the day at the office and I went running all day on the Bruce Trail. Good times....of course it was nice getting the children back as well.

Horror Hill

Fall marathon vs. fall ultra.
Pavement vs. trail.
Large crowds vs. small group
Endless logistical issues vs. Simplicity
Hotel with potential bed bugs vs. my own bed.
Potential BQ vs New personal distance record.
Faceless race director vs. Race director who introduced himself and suggested I think about his race.
Toronto Good life Marathon vs. Horror Hill 6hour Ultra.

The trail won.

I went into the race with my longest run being four hours, and about a month worth of sleep deprivation related to endless night shifts so not quite prepared for the distance but prepared for fatigue. I haven't had enough time to swim this month and thus my hip has been bothering me and my chiropractor felt I pulled my sartorius muscle, but she just tells me to tough it out for everything. I was worried about the weather and clothing and a little about my pelvic floor but all non issues going into the race. Now I should say that is was not to be a race but a personal challenge.

The course was a 2.5km loop and the goal for the non- runners is to run around it as many times as possible in the given six hours. I wasn't worried about the repetition and figured I would just get into the mental place that repeats. In reality i LOVED the course. The only part I didn't like was about 200metres long, the section around the pond. I just didn't like the un even ground. There was two walk hills, and one semiwalk hill which I always walked just for the break. These were not major hills but enough you knew it would be in your best interest to walk. It was not to technical but an eye had to be on the trail for portions due to roots.

It was absolutly perfect for a first ultra as I didn't have to carry any supplies. I spent much of the time thinking about what I was going to have at the aid station on the next loop around.. and the loop after that. I have become more and more convinced that the key to successful long and fasts is to not stop taking in calories. I brought enough food to feed the entire race flied I'm sure. I was worried that I would stop digesting and get nauseated/sick but I honestly think I gained weight I was eating so much. I had:
-2 gels
-2 packages of Powerbar gel blasts
-10ish e-load caps
-Half a ham and cheese sandwich
- 1-2 bananas
- 1 apple
-1/2 orange
- Several handfuls of pretzels
-Several handfuls of almonds
-1.5- 2L of water

The race is kinda blurring all together. I wanted to chat but the women were kinda quiet/not friendly but the men were all friendly. I find I go faster if I am talking so I tried to stick with the talkers. However every so often I would get scared I was going too fast and would pay for it later so I slowed down. I had some dark moments between two and three hours as my feet were killing me. I tried some Tylenol - no result so I switched shoes, took more Tylenol, had a sandwich, and a gel and started to feel much better by 3.5 hours. There were no actual blisters but my mizenos are tight. I was convinced I needed a AA width but perhaps not. I had fun singing at times- which helped everybody else run faster to get away from me. I didn't enjoy getting lapped so many fricken times by Laurie M. Other people lapped me but she was the only person I knew by name. There were twins, dressed identically, who appartnely didn't speak a word the entire race who kinda creeped me out.

Overall my goal was to run conservatively- start slow and stay slow. To walk all the hills and pace myself. I wanted to break the marathon distance, and I figured that I wouldn't do much more as I would be going slow.
In the end I did 55.9k. I am pleased with my first ultra experience, I knew I had more in the tank and was frustrated when it came to six hours as every step as a new personal best. I don't see a jump into the ultra distance but now I know it isn't that bad

A day later I feel good. actually. Mildly stiff but nothing like the pain I felt after my marathon. I am on a two week break from running... so if anybody wants to go for a walk.......

Urgent Help NEEDED

I am doing my first ultra on Saturday and I need new music!!!!! I know I have asked before and got few answers BUT now I need everybody who reads this blog to respond and let me know what you are listening too. I am interested in music types except Jazz. Kathie- please contribute blue grass ideas.

I will be running for SIX hours... do you feel guilty..... Good.
Email: annelizabeth@gmail.com

Double Podiem Finish!

This morning Luke and I completed the Autumn Colours 5k/10k in Owen Sound.

Luke did the 5k with a goal to complete in under 25minutes.. and he did it with a time of 24:40!! Also earning him third in the 20-40 age category. In the door prize department in scored us two tickets to the Blythe Festival theatre for any performance during the 2011 season.

I did the 10k. Hoped to complete in under 45minutes. Long story short 46:29. Apparently I have lost all my speed. Got second overall to Tracy Greig... she destroyed me by 5minutes I bet. Had had a little hope that I could have won this small race..... cause I actually have never won a race before and I think that should be on my bucket list. In the door prize department, I won a fan.

Beep Test

For the fourth or fifth consecutive spring/fall I have lead a run clinic sponsored mostly by saucony and logistical organized by the Saugeen triathlon club. I usually lead the 10:1 or continuous running... but at other people's paces I usually don't get enough of a workout in. Sure the discounted gear and free stuff is nice but frankly I was getting sick of it. I wanted a break.

But somehow my name was volunteered to run a 10k clinic. For my own sanity I had to make it as different as possible. Thus we did:
- Two weeks of flied trips to a conservation area for trail running on a course I had to mark out prior to every bodies arrival and take down after everybody was done.
- Hill work out
- Track workout
- Fartlek workout
-This week was a beep test
-Next week is a timed 10k run

Does anybody have any ideas on other group run work outs that are challenging and diverse?

I'm Funnier

So i'm reading Sh*t my Dad Says by Justin Halperm, and what really bugs me is that I say shit like that all the time and I don't get offers from media for book deals, No all I get is trouble.

Now I'm going to get trouble for saying sh*t.

On Running

- Rest really does wonders. Thank you nights at work.

-I forget how fast just plain running on pavement is. I did my 5k PB tonight with out noticing the effort and ran 17k with what felt like little effort. In 1.5 hours.

- I am going to do Horror Hill a six hour race- basically see how many time you can run around a 2.5k loop in six hours. I don't think I am very well trained for it, but I figure I can always walk. Really i am really excited for the hamburgers afterwards.

- I need to lose 5 pounds to faster.

- I need to buy new shoes, My mizunos don't feel so well after 20k.

The date...

10/10/10

Best day of the year.

Totally Materialist Post

I love my summer rubber boots, they don't love me. They have become too small. Somehow the area in which houses my calves just don't want to accommodate the girth of said calves.

Thus a search for new rubber boots. I have had a wanting for Hunter boots ever since I saw them somewhere virtual years ago. I even asked somebody to bring back a pair from England. She refused. Thus I recently saw them on my last visit to Barrie EVER and instantly without skipping a beat knew it didn't matter how much they cost... I HAD TO HAVE THEM.......but they will not have me. The sadness overcometh.

Visitor

Tonight while nursing the three year old at the computer there were some odd noises coming from the basement. After convincing Luke that yes he has to investigate we find a squirrel held up in our basement.
"So is there like a squirrel removal person we can call?"

Long story short neighbour Dennis saved the day....but could anybody help us figure out how the damn thing got in?

The run that shouldn't been- The Toad 2010

You know how sometimes you shouldn't make quick decisions? Apparently I don't.

People were talking about Run for the Toad and I got all caught up in the excitement and managed to buy a bib to a the sold out event. Sure it would not be recorded as me but that's ok. What is not Ok is racing the race under somebody elses name and also forgetting to put on the chip. Essentially I felt invisible.
My race progressed something like this:

• Original plan: Gel often, run at a 5:00pace try to practice a novel concept of pacing oneself.
• Stomach felt a little off so waited to gel at the start line. Ran the first two km in 8minutes- realize that I forgot to put my chip on my shoe. Yell obscenity.
• New plan: That's ok, no big deal I will know how fast I am go.
• Get disheartened. New, new plan race the first lap and take it easy on the second. Spend the entire first lap trying to convince myself to keep on pushing- try to focus on the easy fun lap to come. 50% success on that.
• Complete the first lap in 1:02:43. Immediately start going on easy street. Walk up any hill I want, just trotting along, chatting with people. Spend a few fast kilometres running with another girl - lose her on a hill.
• Second lap 1:10:ish. Total: 2:12:48. Took one gel. Didn't want to waste them on what wasn't going to happen.

Started to rain heavy the last 6k of my second lap. Course was just starting to get slippy and muddy when I furnished. Went to the chiro for a full treatment, went for a massage by students. The girl I got does not have a promising future. Stood in front of the heater in the massage tent until I stopped shaking. Ran to car. Could not stop shaking. Changed completely to many many layers. Went ate meal. Good food. Sat with strangers- Thanks Ang and Bodo. Watched awards, few door prises- sooo slow. Left to watch the finish line. Got cold and heated back to the car.

Then I heard my name being called... but that was impossible I thought, I was Barb M?? I was worried that Ron was hurt and gave my name so I raced up to the front. No message for Anne Mccutcheon hmmm that's odd I have never encountered another Anne Mccutcheon runner?? Realise about 10km away from the race site realise I filled out a door prise ballet with my name. Yell obscenity to myself.

Ok the course has potential for fast trail times... but I think I prefer tougher technical This felt like high school cross country. Nice facilities... except for my ever present concern of not enough toilets. There will never be enough.

And the day is here. Family birthday for Ever today! He has changed slightly since 0 days old in the other pic :)

Shhhh

Shhh it is Evers birthday today... but don't tell him. We are celebrating it tomorrow.....deception at its best.

Chilling

I am a reader, I read alot. I tend to always have a book on the go and in fact tend to get rather anxious if I have nothing left to read. As a family we quite often have to make emergency trips to the library.
Now if only I could remember all I read. To facilitate this I acyally keep a list of the books I have read on Goodreads. Now if only I could remember to update it.

So I tend to read .. and forget. Two books of last several years that I do remember and actually give me the hebegebes are:

Under the Skin by Michel Faber, and
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

What do you know... a movie has been made based on Never Let Me Go. I don't want to see it.

Things I Really want to do but probably never will.

I have watched both of these videos multiple times. Both are amazing. Particularly the Proximity Flying. I don't ever plan on doing any sky diving so thats out. But I may get in a rally car yet. And Ken Block started rally racing when he was older than me, so we will see about that.

Watch this one in FULL SCREEN. Seriously, do it.

Lakeside KOS

"Nothing, I don't want to do a post"... as she is running away crying.

Birthday Man

I asked Luke what he wanted for his birthday dinner. He replied" Lasagna please"
"Sure, fine, no trouble" I said. And with sad puppy dog eyes with a look of desperation he said hopefully "With meat"?

The cheesecake is a turtle cheesecake which is the single most yummy thing I have ever had. Luke and I both had tummy aches to pay for eating it... mostly worth it.

Luke is looking all gangster sinister in a bad boy cute style with a hoodie. Nope we actually didn't buy that hoodie, I found it out on the Brant track where teenagers had been parting. Their drunken forgetfulness is our gain!

Tresspassing

I am rather fond of going off the beaten path, I usually try to respect property lines...but sometimes a old tractor trail is just too temping... and I do not think too many people care.
I am not destructive, I am not tearing up any land with a ATV, I'm quiet and the worst I will do on your property is pee.

Yesterday while out on my long run I got caught trespassing. It was an area just south of Walkerton which I thought was owned by the Saugeen conservation authority. Apparently not.
I had already gone 28k and was reaching my limit there would be no backtracking, the path was over grown and I just could not stick close to the river. Earlier in the year I had gone along this area and had no trouble. Not this time. There was a new barbed wire fence I had to cross to get out to the main road.... and the owner of the property caught sight of me before I caught sight of him. There was no turning back and he was not happy.

I tried being very respectful, usually a woman alone has more to fear then being feared. I told him my name( in retrospect I should have given him a name that is close but not quite), apologised, explained that I was tired and could not backtrack, and honestly thought no harm done.

Well Mr. Angry was not listening. Apparently he is a business owner and his business requires please and quiet- a B and B. I was a ignorant person and asked repeatedly if I was connected to the high school of which he was a teacher at. Repeatedly I apologised- I knew I was trespassing and was sorry, and advised him over and over I had nothing to do with the high school. Did he think I looked 18?? I manged to slip away with out being assaulted and without a criminal record.

I still think if I would have stayed close to the river I would have been fine and I have contacted the conservation authority so I will have a better understanding of property lines.....I am trying to think vengeance is for the lord, but ohhh how easy a smear campaign would be.

Birthday Math

This month is Ever's birthday (28th) and Mine (15th)

So I'll be 33 and Ever will be 3.
Its the 9th month (3 squared) and the 15th day is 3 x 5. AND 2010 is 3 * 670
Also, 28 divided by 3 is 9.333333333333333 !

It was just meant to be I tell you.

Hailburtion Forest 2010

On about two weeks notice I decided to do the short course of 26k in Haliburton. That is why I want to keep my weekly long around 20-25k so I have the freedom to do most distances on a whim. I had flirted with the idea of a slow 50k.......and after doing the first 13k I was incredibly happy I wasn't insane enough to attempt a quite frankly not enough training to even consider a 50k.

I drove there the night before and made a rather comfy bed in the back of the RAV, and slept ....unsettled. Woke around 0430 and forced myself to stay in until 0540. Got up and made a tour of people getting ready to set off. Saw my first nakedness of the day- a gentleman lubing up his testicles with his bare bum to the world. Watched people set off, then informed the stragglers that this was in fact the start line and the race went that a way.

Had a really nice morning , borrowing random strangers cook stoves for my oatmeal and meeting awe inspiring people. In particular I met a couple from Michigan who race every weekend year round Saturday and Sunday if they can manage it. The man had raced Western States earlier this year and happened to have no toenails left!!

First Day of School

Big grade 2 year. Maya says that it will be a good year cause she has a good teacher and good friends.

New principal who thinks the most vital piece of information for all children to know is that you should take off your hat as a sign of respect. Respect for what I'm not sure. Really glad there wasn't a person wearing a yarmulke or a hi jab there. Awkward. Another interesting antidote about Maya and the principal was upon meeting the new principal Maya told her that her daddy fixed computers for people who thought she was mean. Ummm really awkward.

Anybodies elses shoes smell like cat pee?

Family day at Kincardine Beach

Back to School

Tonight I am reading the paper, glancing at the want adds cause you will never know what you will find and I note this ad.

Umm isn't that Maya's school, umm her grade, ahhhh should they not have attended to this sooner than September 1st... I mean doesn't school start TUESDAY?

Definitely total crap. Although Maya told me today that you are not allowed to be in a splint class two years in a row. Sometimes I doult her sources.

Ever says...

Pop (Soda) is spicy water.

The Truth

I must apologise but it is true.

I judge and mock you in my head if you are carrying a purse while walking/ hiking trails.

Family Fun

To my utter delight, Ever likes cars, and trucks, motorcycles, and basically anything that moves- except bicycles. Yes that is a sarcastic sentence. Anyways he likes them and to be a good parent, a loving supportive parent I thought that he would love to go see race cars race.
Thus for the low family cost of $24 we went to Varney Speedway to enjoy Hillbilly Racing.

Failure

Ever thought the cars were too loud, protested loudly, and fell asleep. Umm this was for him?
Perhaps I could convince him now to like a bicycle race.

Mount Forest Triathlon

This was a little gravy race, community fundraiser. The organizers were really happy with the response with over 70 racers- a good percentage of those were relays so quite a few people on site.
This was a pool swim which I had never done before... and quite frankly I think I buck the trend and swim faster in open water. They said that the race was 500 metres and I'm sure it wasn't There was no way that pool was a 25 metres. In any event my time was 11:30. Slow any way you look at it. Also the wall wasn't so obvious I kept on running into it.
After you were done the swim you had to run through the change rooms out to the yard to your bikes, and as this was an entry level triathlon, you saw all manner of nakedness in the change room. Seriously it takes time to change, and there is nothing wrong with being wet for a little bit, and you do dry.
The bike was a windy, unexpectedly hilly out and back 20k. Some misery. Could have been faster at around 43 minutes. Wishing for race wheels.
Run was 2.5 not flat route completed twice. Portion of it along hwy 89 which was slightly scary. IF I was race director I would ran the loop in one direction on the way there and the other to come back. Little slower than I would have hoped- 25:30ish.

I had to leave as soon as I got food to get to work so I missed out on the posting of results which would have showed a second place finish. Although I don't know if there were awards or not.
The first place women does well- she has won the K-town triathlon several times- so bet her lead on me must have been at least 15- 20minutes.

Lusting

Challenge

At the beginning of the summer I issued Maya the challenge of riding her bike either to walkerton or home from walkerton and her reward would be lunch at a restaurant.
Initially Maya was completely against the idea, then after going for a bike/run with Maya and realising that she had cycled half the distance of the trip she was ready to tackle the challenge.
Thus yesterday we cycled 15.5km home from walkerton. Pictured is one of the few stretches she walked- she'd rather cycle up the hills???
We went slow and took a couple of candy breaks but she made reasonable good time for a six year old- around two hours.
Around 12k she started complaining about her legs hurting, but perked up after some water. She chose the outfit and foot wear. Something are just not worth the fight.

Her next challenge???? She wants to walk 5km on the treadmill.

Observation

As mentioned I have time to surf the Internet. I still nurse Ever at the computer, less and less, but also kill many hours during the night at work.
So thanks to facebook and other social networking excitement I have looked at some pictures of people I grew with, went to camp with, people I was very close to at one point, people I thought I would never forget about.... and now when I look at there pictures I don't even recognize them.

So if you are lurker and we once met, and you see me, and we make direct eye contact and I act as a snob... really I have no idea who you are.

Pacing at the Dirty Girls

Ron over at WestGreyRunner said he was going to run 24 hours at the Dirty Girls Trail race, so of course I thought this would give me a great opportunity to volunteer to pace him through the night. Just like a tough night shift I thought. A free race experience. Just so there wasn't the appearance of anything not of the best intentions I also volunteered Luke, thus there we were running through the forest at 3am. Awesome good times.

Basically the race is a 10km loop though the Mansfield Outdoor Centre. The 10km loop was surprisingly tough. Although not incredibly technical, mostly good single track, the never ending hills really worn one down. My job was to keep Ron on task, oriented to reality, at a reasonable pace, to keep him company, make him sit and make aid stations go easy, and to point out obstacles. Basically help him not to have to think. Cause your mind can tend to go a little crazy after 12 hours of constant running.

Overall I thought it went ok after I grasped what his expectations were. How fast to go, when to run and when to walk. He kept on repeat some of the same stuff over and over, otherwise he was surprisingly with it. We had fun comparing the ultra race to the birth experience, and the signage got a chuckle at every turn. He was amazingly positive, I kept on waiting for him to get even a little not nice, and that would be ok, but that didn't happen.

Overall he did 120k is roughly 23hours. I did 40k is eight hours and man I was hurting... so I know he had to be in way past rough shape. It was mentally exhausting as well. Intense positive talk- no negatives, putting a spin on everything and being alert to all the dangers and keeping him on the trail... although he had it past memorized by the point I joined him.

Overall it all looked like such fun! I am sure I will be doing one, although Ron you will definitely have to pace me cause Luke said no way he would do it for me. Somehow I do not think my grump's would stay away.

I wonder if I could be ready for Horror Hill 6 Hour race?

Run For Youth 2010

This race into its third year has provided me with two previous third place finishes in the 10k distance. To allow somebody else the joy of third, and frankly because I am sick to death of third place, I decided to shake things up a bit this year and do the 5k stroller roll with Ever. I really meant to practice pushing the stroller and running but somehow that didn't happen...so out I went not having ran with the stroller in a couple of years. Race went by really fast.. it was only 5k after all. Should have seeded myself closer to the start line cause I was kinda jerky saying beep beep wising past people. Part of the race was on railway bed soooo it wasn't the smoothest ride for Ever but he didn't seem to mind.
At the end of the day Luke beat me doing 25:35 to my 26:35. Slightly ashamed.

Sweetness

Last night Maya and I started reading Charlie and the chocolate factory together. She cried when it was time to stop and go to sleep.. she simply had to know how Charlie got his golden ticket. I explained to her that if she could read better she could stay up and read it all night... she seemed to get this and promised me that she would work on her reading and after just one more chapter she went to bed with out complaint.

I woke to her this morning...early.. book in hand begging me to continue.

Next lesson taught, how the amount of sleep Mommy gets directly correlates to how grumpy Mommy is.

July Totals

Swim: 10, 050 metres- The summer pool hours don't really work for me.
Bike: 267km
Run: 109.5km- In my defence most of it has been trail.

Personally I find it a challenge to exercise consistently in the summer due to the out and aboutness of it all.

Maya is going to Camp tomorrow.

She is not packed......however there are three packages/letters ready to go for mail call daily.
Priorities.

On another note... very grateful for a 24hour grocery store.

Meese

So when we went to Mishewa, I saw a total of NINE moose. We stopped a looked at 2, but I saw the other 7 as we drove past.
That is all.

Ever's Day

Cooking lunch and washing the laundry. Hmmm very ummm helpful.

News Flash

Perhaps pizza, hamburgers and fries are not the best pre run nutrition.

Little Boys + White t-shirts = NOT COMPATIBLE ****DESTRUCTION*****

Belwood Race Report

I had signed up for this one in May, to beat the HST, thinking it was a sprint- meaning 750metre swim, when in actualality it is a whopping ONE kilometre swim. So the debate was on. Do the swim and conquer it but know that I am in no way good enough to be competitive in this mulit sport series- and thus the best I could hope for would be a door prise for my efforts. OR I could be shamed into doing the duathlon, putting all the time I spend in torture in the water swimming in vain, but have a dim nope of hearing my named called so I could take a wooden plaque home... another one. So basically it was a toss up... and cause I am lazy and switching would require effort I ended up putting on the wet suit.

The day started lucky even before I got to the race site via being blessed by a OPP officers good nature and not coming home with a speeding ticket for doing a mere 111km/hr- which is 31km/hr over the speed limit by the way.

Rack didn't look good... lots of really nice bikes. Sinning all over the place with envy. But I had a goal. RELAX on the swim, let the crowd go ahead, and there will be no need to panic. Everything else would be gravy... as long as I was in the top 50% of my age group.

The RACE

I will get to that but first lets do some math:
Triathletes- 399
Dualthon-113
Estimation of Volunteers and spectators- 200
Porta potties- 7 That number is oh sooo wrong. I would call this abuse, and frankly I am a amazed I pay for this.

Ok Swim, made jokes at the start line about being slightly upset about everybody wanting to drown me out there. Didn't do any sort of warm up cause I figured I would just take it nice and easy and steady. Which i did! Super happy about my swim, focused, swam long stretches with out stopping. May have seen 4 colours of caps.. but I'm still happy. Need to working on sighting-cause a couple of times I looked up and I needed to re-orient myself cause there was nobody there. My goal was 25minutes and I did it in 24flat. Victory!! 300/399 OA and 14/23AG

Bike
Nice course- fast. Was a little concerned about maintain race pace for 30km as my longest races have been only 20km The first half was definitely faster than the second but overall felt strong. Not to windy. Didn't get passed by the older ladies who started in later waves until 20k. Felt the limits of my bike bike again. Have thought about getting tribars to get into a aero position, but then I would also have to get a bike fit and a new seat cause mine just wouldn't cut it with all the pressure on anterior region of my pelvic floor. Have wondered about one shaped like this. Except with a cut out for the tailbone.
I didn't really have a goal time until I started ridding the course and really tried to keep it around 30km/hr , but that second half pushed it down to 29.6. 232/399 and OA 10/23AG

Run
Two very flat out and back stretches. Rough large stones at the beginning and the end slowed me down some. Otherwise didn't feel like I lost too much to the bike. Enjoyed counting people I was passing. Hey I had to do something to keep my mine occupied. I am used to music. Really sucked that I didn't catch that last female as she was in my age category... four seconds ahead of me.
On the run 107/399 OA and 4/23AG.

So because of that four seconds I was sixth in my age category and for this race the awards went five deep. umm mildy annoyed that I didn't a plaque to get dusty sitting in a pile on top of bookshelf. Consoled myself with a pair of swim goggles as a door price.

So back to those bathrooms. As a result of not *umm cough* clearing my system before the race I had severe abdominal cramps for three hours after the race. I couldn't eat, I couldn't carry my own bag back to my car, driving home was worse than after the marathon and well all that could have been avoided if the line for the bathrooms wasn't as long as the drive to the race site.

Creemore Vertical Hotness

Was really excited to do this race, I knew the preparation would be painful put once there I thought all would fall away and life would be good...the jury is still out on that one.

As we were leaving on vacation from the race, all preparations had to be completed the night before, and I worked nights the week prior, slight sinus congestion, and I had to get up at 5am...were all marks against me. Oh and to make matters worse because of those fricken night I couldn't sleep. I couldn't get to sleep and I couldn't stay asleep. THUS I got three fricken hours of sleep coming into the race. Now some would say don't worry about that it is the night prior to the night before the race that you should worry about. WELL I worked that night. Got four hours that day. Basically I was a zombie. If I had not arranged a ride there is no doult that I would not have been safely able to drive there that morning.

The course isn't a easy one. 60% uphill, little shade cover for a large portion of the course, did i mention endless hills? It was hot. For the first time I used a visor, for the first time I took a fuel belt for water on a race course. Very thankful I did. Even then I ended up not peeing normal amounts for 8 hours after the race. Used ice on course to chew and to tuck into my shorts, bra, in my visor. I think that was the hottest race I have ever done! The distance felt fine amazingly as I had not run 25k since my marathon in May.
Started out fast on the flats, little frustrated with having to walk within the first kilometre because of congestion on some fun single track. Was chaty with a few people- ran most of the distance together with a fellow Running Manic- who was rather complimentary with his assessment of my singing on his race report. Did I mention the hills??? Wish it would have been a bit more off road single track but frankly I was stoned for half the race and a little numb. I took in a double caffeine gel to try to get me going and some Tylenol cold for my MASSIVE lack of sleep headache. But really I just had to get through it.

Managed to shuffle through at 2:29:54, which was good enough for third female under 40. My goal time was anything under 2:30 so we are all good. A good nights sleep, less extreme heat, more porta potties ( I had to stop and pee once- which was a process of climbing into the brush for some cover so the race didn't have to see my bum) and I am sure I could knock some time off there.
The post race recovery included some icing in a river. There was beer as well- and honestly I had planed on getting a tad tipsy for the long drive up to vacation but I was too nauseated to take advantage, and frankly I just don't like beer.
I did end up hurting for a couple of days post but not as bad as I thought it would have been. Wish I would have brought my compression socks to Camp because I'm sure that would have helped the ache.
LOVED the awards that I managed to get. Coffee, pottery mug, maple syrup!

Will I be back next year.......we will see.

Kincardine Womans Triathlon

Results 2008 Duethlon- 5th Overall. First Age Group.
Results 2010 TRIATHLON- 5th Overall . First Age Group.

I did it. I successfully bridged the gap between the du and the tri. Well for this race anyways!

I started the race with no butterflies and few expectations. I wanted to beat my swim time over last year- which I did. I still see way more room for improvement. I did have a few panic moments out there, but overall I was blissed about my time.

The rest of the race went so smooth. Once I was into the shallows of the Lake Huron I did not have anybody pass me the entire race. Sure the race is made up of alot of beginner triathletes on mountain bikes but surly I thought somebody would pass me on the bike from the du. For the first time in a race I have felt the limits of my Devinci, potentially I could feel the engine wanting to go but the body couldn't follow through.
I had a little mix up at the dismount line as I completely forgot what to do. I though that you had to dismount after the line but in reality you have to before. HMmm I was just so focused on trying to to a proper dismount I missed out on the basics.
Run felt fine- for a girl who is used to running long 3k is like a joke, especially if it is blissfully flat. As the race is a out and back I was able to see my competition on their return. Looking at the girls ahead of me I took a glace at the them and determined their age..thus I thought their were four girls ahead of me in my age group. I also thought the age groups went in ten rather than five year increments. BUT I was OK being fourth in my AG, I knew I had beat my swim goal time so I was all good. At the finish line people were saying I had won my age group but of course I do not listen until the results are posted and I can see for my own eyes. In fact I will not even let people tell me I must look. Overall really pleased- improved my swim time by a minute and a half!, My bike time combined with a transition was up to 29k/hr.

I was also really impressed with the Saugeen Triathlon Clubs performance- in fact the winner is a 45 year old from our club!! We dominated... in fact I did so well I wonder if I should even do the race next year? Can I do better than 5th? Can I beat my time? Should I let other people get on the podium. I did what I intended... ok I did have one little expectation... to podium.

12th Anniversary

Still doesn't seem that long in some ways.

Anyway, we ate at Noah's Inn, which we had never done before. It was fabulous. There was even a harpist playing there. Very very nice meal and we even splurged on dessert and alcohol.
Probably the nicest anniversary dinner we have had that I can remember (which is saying very little frankly).

Highly recommended for a nice dinner (i.e. No kids)

Mishewa: in sixty thousand words

I sugest you click on it so the pictures are bigger...

If I die...

Although I do not have an official 'before I die' there are a few things I have thought about, two of them being to complete an Ironman distance triathlon and to cycle across Canada.
In light of this story, Perhaps Luke should start training... just in case.

Notice the bruise...

Vitamins

I really don't know if everything I take makes a difference. I think of it as insurance- perhaps it will come in handy. My current list includes:

-Multivitamin- I take progressive woman's active and I am told it is a good one.
-Vitamin D 4000IU
- B12 2000IU
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
-Oil 3-6-9
-Magnesium Glycinate

The most important of all- Iron-Floradix. If I do not take it on a consistent basis I do not sleep, I have no energy which really puts a damper on my life.

CSA Time

Our CSA has been going strong now for three weeks. It actually started a week early due to the great beginnings of spring. Do not ask me what made it great spring cause I do not know. I can not grow things to save my life. Literally I could not grow food if our survial depended upon it, thankfully there are farmers, and I am the person who is committed to buying.

This week we got:
-Spinach
-Head of leaf lettuce
-Salad greens
-Parsley
-Spring turnips
-Kolhrabi
-Shell Peas
-Snap peas
-Green Onions
-Garlic tops

One of my new places to go for dinner recipes is Foodgawker. Just makes you want to cook.

Andrea Told Me To...

Cost of Lottery Ticket- $6
Amount of Winnings- $2

Thus...
Cost of Dreams for $50million- $4

7.7 Billion years from now...

Watched this.

Then thought, "Wow, if God lets things just go they way they are going, then I WILL get the see the Andromeda Galaxy fill our night sky." Stuff like that makes me excited for heaven and think about the really cool stuff God created.

Strawberries

I picked around $66 worth this week.

Baptism

So, Sunday I was baptized in the river in the Hanover Park. It wasn't a big deal to me, but I was happy that my family call and made is something special.  To me though, its something God likes us to do and so I did it, although I am not sure why I waited so long. I have no issue with declaring my faith, which was its main purpose. It was nice that my friend Jason did it which made it special and I did feel as though God was pleased.

But the main "issue" was my testimony. Its boring. I haven't had any really highs or lows. I have been a Christian since I was young and have had a solid faith over the years. However I did the best I could and I hope it touched a few people. I had some nice comments afterward which definitely made me feel better about it. Here is a copy of it for those interested.

Clothes

Just took clothes off the line. Very soon I am going to have serious difficulty sort Anne and Maya's clothes from each other.

Soon after I am sure I will have the same issue with Ever and I.

My Secret

I am not in the tri club because I like running. I am in the tri club because I like doritos.

That said. There is a good sense of acclomplishment when I finish a race or practice or whatever. But mostly I think "I deserve a treat after that." Not ever time I guess though.

Theory

I have this theory...

That people are either a cluttered kitchen counters people or are a put everything away and have clean counters person.

Chopy, Rough, and Hot- Guelph Lake Triathlon

Just so you know I am really never happy with what I do. I could come first, achieve a massive personal best, have heads of state wanting to meet me and I will still be cursing myself.

Swim- 750metre
Actual-18:39
Was a better open water swim- felt slightly more in control. Water was choppy but I didn't drown. Was in a three cap colour situation only so that was a victory. I must remember that I have just learned to swim and everything takes time.

Bike 19k
Actual - 40:55
Tons of traffic, actually used my brakes ALOT- was stuck behind people and often just couldn't move. Found the course rough.. and all the bumps went to my sensitive lady parts- ouch! OH and could somebody just stop time everyday for an hour so I don't miss family time but am able get some riding in.

Run 5k
Actual 23.53
Very hot out there. In fact I had extra water from the bike and opened my bottle and dumped it on my head before I left transition. Every water station I dumped water all over myself. Ended up with blisters on my toes due to the moisture. Felt really strong of the bike- no jelly legs.


So I had a goal in around 1:30 and ended up with a time of 1:26:14. So I should be happy right? Nope- Now I am thinking endlessly about two more minutes I'm sure I could have shaved off my time if I had only just tried harder some where. I'm endlessly cursing my bike time when Luke reminds me that I put alot of time into the run....and I know that but I also know that running is the most time efficient method of exercising... and it all goes back to the triad of of clothes- food- exercise.

Good Person Contest

... on that front I am afraid as a family we fail! Despite supporting many causes financially we do not have a sponsor child. Sure there has been many sad videos watched, personal pleas heard, and yet we still have not felt the urge to open our wallets once a month and give a child a chance.

But now I think I get it. I have never- even as a child- had a heart for children. I have always been concerned about the adults going hungry, the widows, and women perishing in childbirth. Thus no heart strings were pulled when asked to sponsor a child.

ON Saturday night we were in attendance at a Watoto choir, and one of the sponsorship opportunities available is for a house mother.... a woman who is a mother to eight children in a home in a Watoto community. And finally I think we will do it.

Just so you all know...

My second tonnail turned black then fell off. I'm kinda proud of this.

Five trys for this picture

Just not fast enough... Woodstock 2010

Did the Sprint Triathlon 600m- 20k- 4k.... and I didn't measure up.
Swam a little to slow
Rode a little to slow.
Ran too slow.

I had not felt well all week, exhausted from doing nights, had a virus, not fully recovered from the marathon, am anemic are all excuses I can used but I just wasn't excited to race.

The swim- 15:30
I honestly thought I would have done better than this. I have been putting the work in. I swim twice a week, even if I want to die I am make an effort to get to the pool. What I don't have is open water experience this year- being once, and overall not enough race experience. I should have tried to swim at the edge of the crowd rather than fight with people for a draft. At least I stayed on course.

The bike-43:56
In every race you should have a plan and than a back up plan and yet another plan. In every race I plan to drink alot on the bike. I am just thirsty then.... but I had forgotten my usual bike bottle so I had planned to use a bottle we had brought water in....but it fell of my bike at the mount line and I didn't notice for several kilometres. I only found it after the race to know where it went. Soo the last idea was to stop and pick up a water bottle on the side of the course if I saw one, I saw one but was too chicken to do so. I should have. Despite drinking half the lake I was very happy to see the first aid station on the run.
Overall I thought I was going fast, I was only passed twice by people not in my age category. Felt I was working.. but I guess not hard enough.

The Run- 19:59
This is where I felt really let down- I am a runner. I usually kill the run. I have had complete strangers telling my what a great run I had.... not so today. Off the bike I had dead legs, and my left posterior knee felt very wrong. I was almost limping... Eventually that went away but still I only passed and didn't get passed and yet it felt soo slow. Could not get into a rhythm and wanted to race to be over. I was hot and uncomfortable and I really didn't know what to do with my arms. I have ran half marathons at a faster pace. Really sucked.

Transitions
The one saving grace- I did great. The only thing I could have done better was put on my race belt faster- or worn it under my wetsuit. Even took off my shoes while riding. Didn't do a flying leap off but I was scared of the Mount/Dismount lady she seemed crusty.
Oh and to the person set up beside me in transition- you might want to tone it down a little, a metre square is a little too much space to take up in most races.

May Totals

Tapering for a marathon and recovering from a marathon make for sucky totals. Nights have also taken a bite out of everything. As well, the swim totals will not be as accurate as I have started open water swimming.

Swim- 8.25k
Bike -114k
Run 124k

Last Night in Montreal

Really enjoyed Last Night in Montreal by Emily Mandel. Picked up at the local library.
A page turner that kept me awake after working nights. A story that I felt myself wanting to be a part of, wanting to experience life the way the drifting main character does, sometimes I get frustrated by the roots we have.