apparently, my esotericism is my undoing.
*sigh*
7.30.2007
mine muse doth provoketh me...eth.
i now have a muse. self-appointed, but thoughtful and enlightened nonetheless.
once again, this evening, Muse and i ventured into philosophical territories and found ourselves involved in a discourse on the profundities of knowledge of others. this doesn't mean, "ooh, ooh, i know kevin bacon!" what we were exploring was a foundational understanding of who a person is at his or her core. this conversation was going well, and then Muse posed the view that it is unimportant that another person knows every piece and every facet of oneself. if the self has the details, what else does the self need? (i hope that i correctly represented Muse's point of view... if i'm inaccurate, i'll personally resign from my position in the government of the small latin american country that Muse rules during leisure hours)
anyway, upon reflection, i realized that not only am i unsatisfied with that supposition, but i am also displeased with my initial response. here is my second offering, which i hope to be more enlightening and intellectually annoying:
to get to the relational core of the issue, it's edifying to look at the subject in the context of love. (yes, here i go again. deal with it.) of course, we're wielding the very weighty connotations and the more elusive denotations of "love" and "knowledge" in this conversation, and we're also assuming that we can enact this emotion or state of being or what have you with as complete an understanding as we can. we have to remind ourselves of the fluidity of these consuming concepts as we put forth our arguments. but i digress.
is it not an essential piece of love, to know the beloved on such an elevated plane of intimacy? isn't it part of love's nature to continuously evolve in the knowledge of every aspect of the beloved's being? what is the nature of this knowledge? what form does it take? isn't a manifestation and in fact the lifeblood of knowledge the communication of itself, thus feeding and growing the connection[s] between the lover and the beloved? it's an endless investigation, and in love, there is the inherent desire to be known. the withholding of knowledge, and indeed the lack of interest in it, is often seen as a breach of the bond of love itself.
thus, my ultimate question:
if another's such knowledge is deemed unimportant and nonessential for oneself, is it at all possible to genuinely participate in something so intrinsically communal as love?
once again, this evening, Muse and i ventured into philosophical territories and found ourselves involved in a discourse on the profundities of knowledge of others. this doesn't mean, "ooh, ooh, i know kevin bacon!" what we were exploring was a foundational understanding of who a person is at his or her core. this conversation was going well, and then Muse posed the view that it is unimportant that another person knows every piece and every facet of oneself. if the self has the details, what else does the self need? (i hope that i correctly represented Muse's point of view... if i'm inaccurate, i'll personally resign from my position in the government of the small latin american country that Muse rules during leisure hours)
anyway, upon reflection, i realized that not only am i unsatisfied with that supposition, but i am also displeased with my initial response. here is my second offering, which i hope to be more enlightening and intellectually annoying:
to get to the relational core of the issue, it's edifying to look at the subject in the context of love. (yes, here i go again. deal with it.) of course, we're wielding the very weighty connotations and the more elusive denotations of "love" and "knowledge" in this conversation, and we're also assuming that we can enact this emotion or state of being or what have you with as complete an understanding as we can. we have to remind ourselves of the fluidity of these consuming concepts as we put forth our arguments. but i digress.
is it not an essential piece of love, to know the beloved on such an elevated plane of intimacy? isn't it part of love's nature to continuously evolve in the knowledge of every aspect of the beloved's being? what is the nature of this knowledge? what form does it take? isn't a manifestation and in fact the lifeblood of knowledge the communication of itself, thus feeding and growing the connection[s] between the lover and the beloved? it's an endless investigation, and in love, there is the inherent desire to be known. the withholding of knowledge, and indeed the lack of interest in it, is often seen as a breach of the bond of love itself.
thus, my ultimate question:
if another's such knowledge is deemed unimportant and nonessential for oneself, is it at all possible to genuinely participate in something so intrinsically communal as love?
7.28.2007
mileage (pt. 1) + nature
despite last night's insomnia, i was able to do a good little run on the NCR trail. note to self: don't run at 1PM when the heat index is over 90-some degrees. the shade was a god-send. anyway, i had a little issue with cramping and breathing due to the humidity, but i did an easy 20 minutes. i have no clue how far i went, as i didn't pay attention to the markers, but whatever. my L leg is still annoying me, but it wasn't so bad that i had to stop; i just slowed down until i was comfortable. now's time for an ice bath. yee haw!
i took plenty of time after running to stretch and relax in the shade, and while i was doing so, a sizeable black and yellow butterfly fluttered by and landed on a bush right next to me. then a female cardinal flew back and forth between the trees nearby. plenty of other birds, as well as a number of insects, were chiming in, and a breeze was blowing small leaves across the tops of the high grasses. even though this was very close to Paper Mill Rd, you really wouldn't notice it because it was serene and quiet. this is one reason why i love running: the unending nurturing of appreciation for the life and beauty around you.
i took plenty of time after running to stretch and relax in the shade, and while i was doing so, a sizeable black and yellow butterfly fluttered by and landed on a bush right next to me. then a female cardinal flew back and forth between the trees nearby. plenty of other birds, as well as a number of insects, were chiming in, and a breeze was blowing small leaves across the tops of the high grasses. even though this was very close to Paper Mill Rd, you really wouldn't notice it because it was serene and quiet. this is one reason why i love running: the unending nurturing of appreciation for the life and beauty around you.
mileage and insomnia
this has been a poor week, mileage-wise. i'd overdone it with that wicked biking/running on sunday, so consequently i took monday and tuesday off to rest my very sore legs. then, wednesday, i got hit with a fever, which didn't break until thursday night. thus, i didn't get to train again until today. initially, it was a bit aggravating, but, thanks to brendan [h], i stopped worrying and just relaxed. sure enough, today's was a great workout. i just did 20 laps (1000m-0.6 miles) in the pool without stopping. sure, i won't have walls for push-off in the river (duh), but i'm still glad that i could manage it. i'm also very pleased because i figured out one reason why i'd been having trouble with freestyle; my breathing rhythm was off. it was much better once i fixed it, and even though it's still not very strong, it could still help me come race morning.
which, by the way, is only FIFTEEN DAYS AWAY. yikes. but yikes in a very good way. and funny thing--not only has laurie offered her good bike for me to borrow, but the shop was in fact able to fix my bike. from a dearth to a plethora. weird how that works.
and i can't sleep. it's weird. i haven't slept soundly this entire week, and tonight is the worst. i went to bed pretty tired at 10-ish and woke up at 12:30AM. i've been awake ever since. it's not all bad. haven't had warm milk to drink in awhile, and that's pretty yum. okay, that's weird, but whatever. i also have had time to relax and think about a few things like priorities and goals. i'm also creating something new: a life list of races/places to run. so far, i have the valley of fire [half] marathon*, the empire state building run-up, the army 10, the celtic solstice (here in dru hill park), the village of mata-solana (spain), and, by far the coolest on the list yet, THE GREAT WALL MARATHON. yes, that great wall. like i said, this is a life list, and it's bound to grow and shrink as the years go by. but i'm determined to enjoy life as much as possible, and adventure running is one of the best ways to do that!
*i'm bagging valley of fire for this year due to $$$ and the fact that i'll never be given the extra day off that i need. suck.
oh, and brendan [c] wants me to add the Death Valley marathon. that boy is insane. but if he dares me, i'll probably do it. i'm dumb that way.
which, by the way, is only FIFTEEN DAYS AWAY. yikes. but yikes in a very good way. and funny thing--not only has laurie offered her good bike for me to borrow, but the shop was in fact able to fix my bike. from a dearth to a plethora. weird how that works.
and i can't sleep. it's weird. i haven't slept soundly this entire week, and tonight is the worst. i went to bed pretty tired at 10-ish and woke up at 12:30AM. i've been awake ever since. it's not all bad. haven't had warm milk to drink in awhile, and that's pretty yum. okay, that's weird, but whatever. i also have had time to relax and think about a few things like priorities and goals. i'm also creating something new: a life list of races/places to run. so far, i have the valley of fire [half] marathon*, the empire state building run-up, the army 10, the celtic solstice (here in dru hill park), the village of mata-solana (spain), and, by far the coolest on the list yet, THE GREAT WALL MARATHON. yes, that great wall. like i said, this is a life list, and it's bound to grow and shrink as the years go by. but i'm determined to enjoy life as much as possible, and adventure running is one of the best ways to do that!
*i'm bagging valley of fire for this year due to $$$ and the fact that i'll never be given the extra day off that i need. suck.
oh, and brendan [c] wants me to add the Death Valley marathon. that boy is insane. but if he dares me, i'll probably do it. i'm dumb that way.
:)
7.23.2007
iPod game, modified
so here's the idea. i'll post some lyrics from songs that are shuffling on my iPod right now. if you can guess ALL ten songs and the artists correctly, you'll get a prize. a gold star or something. or points. we'll see how good your answers are. here it goes:
1. Shine through times with rhymes bright like yellow
Taste and swallow, lead and never follow,
Break it like a bottle
2. I was the pirate, she was the queen
Sir Francis and Elizabeth, the best there's ever been
Then she strolled past my table and stopped at the stairs
Then sent me a smile as she reached for Flaubert
3. hard one--Love of two is one
Here but now they're gone (hint: *cow bell*)
4. Well, I'm standing on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
And such a fine sight to see (i've actually been to Winslow, AZ)
5. You run your finger round the rim of his glass
You run your fingers through his hair
They scratch across his back
6. give source of the dialogue & the name of the song after it:
I love you, Pumpkin... I love you, Honey Bunny.
Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!
Any of you fucking pricks move,
And I'll execute every mother-fucking last one of you!
7. We're blessed with the force and the sight of electronics
With the bass, and the treble, the horns and our vocals
8. I think of us someplace
High on a mountain
Smoke clears
Fog lifts
Little by little
We'll rebuild again
9. If you're alive at thirty-three
And you're turning tricks
With your crucifix.
You're a star, oh child.
10. Strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed I'd love somebody like you
there you go. you'll get extra points and gold stars and possibly the prize behind Door 3 if you can make a conjecture about my personality based on the songs above.
***i was told that this (as originally posted on my myspace blog) was ridiculously hard. in deference to the individual who castigated me, i'll list in random order the artists so that you can match things up.
U2, Jimmy Buffett, the Eagles, Pulp Fiction, Jurassic 5, Chris Isaak(s?), Rage Against the Machine, Wallflowers, Blue Oyster Cult, Dire Straits
the exhortation to decipher a piece of my personality still stands. now have at it!
1. Shine through times with rhymes bright like yellow
Taste and swallow, lead and never follow,
Break it like a bottle
2. I was the pirate, she was the queen
Sir Francis and Elizabeth, the best there's ever been
Then she strolled past my table and stopped at the stairs
Then sent me a smile as she reached for Flaubert
3. hard one--Love of two is one
Here but now they're gone (hint: *cow bell*)
4. Well, I'm standing on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
And such a fine sight to see (i've actually been to Winslow, AZ)
5. You run your finger round the rim of his glass
You run your fingers through his hair
They scratch across his back
6. give source of the dialogue & the name of the song after it:
I love you, Pumpkin... I love you, Honey Bunny.
Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!
Any of you fucking pricks move,
And I'll execute every mother-fucking last one of you!
7. We're blessed with the force and the sight of electronics
With the bass, and the treble, the horns and our vocals
8. I think of us someplace
High on a mountain
Smoke clears
Fog lifts
Little by little
We'll rebuild again
9. If you're alive at thirty-three
And you're turning tricks
With your crucifix.
You're a star, oh child.
10. Strange what desire will make foolish people do
I never dreamed I'd love somebody like you
there you go. you'll get extra points and gold stars and possibly the prize behind Door 3 if you can make a conjecture about my personality based on the songs above.
***i was told that this (as originally posted on my myspace blog) was ridiculously hard. in deference to the individual who castigated me, i'll list in random order the artists so that you can match things up.
U2, Jimmy Buffett, the Eagles, Pulp Fiction, Jurassic 5, Chris Isaak(s?), Rage Against the Machine, Wallflowers, Blue Oyster Cult, Dire Straits
the exhortation to decipher a piece of my personality still stands. now have at it!
7.22.2007
excessive mileage, for which brendan [H] must be punished
i love the hanraman. but my ass has officially put a hit out on him. see, brendan has been the most wonderful and helpful unofficial coach that i could have ever asked for, and he has provided me with hints, tips and workouts that will really help me go the distance.
that said, my legs now want to destroy him. here's the workout:
5 miles bike, 1 mile run.
do three times.
seriously, it's harder than it sounds. it took me ~2 hours to do the whole damn thing. and i just got out of a 20 minute ice bath and am parked on this recliner because i'm too tired and/or sore to move.
brendan had better hope i survive this stupid triathlon...
;)
that said, my legs now want to destroy him. here's the workout:
5 miles bike, 1 mile run.
do three times.
seriously, it's harder than it sounds. it took me ~2 hours to do the whole damn thing. and i just got out of a 20 minute ice bath and am parked on this recliner because i'm too tired and/or sore to move.
brendan had better hope i survive this stupid triathlon...
;)
7.20.2007
7.19.2007
another survey from kim
50 Questions: From Kim's blog, from Lisa's myspace.
1. Story behind your MySpace song? i just like steve miller band
2. What's bothering you right now? my R hamstring
3. Do you close the door when you pee? not discussing personal hygiene habits. eww.
DESCRIBE YOUR:
4. Wallet? crimson
5. Wallpaper on your computer's desktop? savage chickens' thoreau cartoon
6. Background on your cell phone? an extreme close-up of toby
7. Jewelry worn daily? usually a watch, maybe earrings
8. Where was your default picture was taken? years ago, at a conference track meet
9. Eyes: 'oceany' blue :)
10. Life: messy but in a good way
11. House: it's not--it's an apartment. but it's relaxed and comfortable.
WHAT ARE YOU...
12. Doing this weekend? running, swimming, seeing 'transformers', reading, probably doing something w/ brian and probably rom too
13. Wearing? long brown shorts and baller t-shirt
14. Wanting? deep tissue massage
15. Where are you? at home
16. Listening to? DDT (jurassic 5)
17. Have you ever kissed anyone named brittney? No.
18. What do you smell like? me
19. Eating? nope
20. What is your favorite thing? words
21. Do you believe in a soul mate? if there is such a thing, i haven't met mine yet. no rush.
23. Do you remember your dreams? mostly
24. Do you believe dreams come true? yeah. only catch is that you have to make the real ones come true on your own. those are the best kind.
25. Do you believe in miracles? yeah
26. Do you burn easily in the sun? once in the summer, and then i'm okay for the rest of the season
27. Do you speak another language other than English? bits and pieces of spanish, french and russian
28. What's something you wish you could understand better? human nature
29. What did you do last weekend? ran with the truffers, and i don't really remember the rest, aside from picking brian up from the airport
30. Who do you miss? nobody in particular right now
31. Have you ever been in a talent show? nope
32. Orange or apple juice? orange
33. Do you like the person who took this survey before you? yeah :)
34. What was the last text message you received? corey about passing his boards
35. Last text message you sent? 'congrats!' to corey
37. What is the closest thing to you that is blue? my baller shirt
38. What was the last thing you ate? subway club
39. Last person you hugged? my dad
40. Whose house did you go to last night? my parents'
41. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? my dad (a LONG time ago)
42. Do you like someone right now? well, hopefully a bunch of people. otherwise i'd be pretty alone and miserable.
43. What do you wear more, shorts, jeans or sweatpants? summer--shorts; fall & spring--jeans; winter--sweats
44. What is the last movie you watched? tristan & isolde
45. Have you ever punched a baby? que the hell?!
46. Where did you get the shirt you're wearing? thrift store
47. Xbox 360 or NFL game tickets? NFL game tickets (preferably eagles or ravens).
48. Do you believe that you can change someone? nope
49. Who was the last person to make you laugh? collective effort of dad & toby
50. Where will your next vacation be located? hopefully the Valley of Fire state park; other than that, i don't have $$$ to entertain the idea.
1. Story behind your MySpace song? i just like steve miller band
2. What's bothering you right now? my R hamstring
3. Do you close the door when you pee? not discussing personal hygiene habits. eww.
DESCRIBE YOUR:
4. Wallet? crimson
5. Wallpaper on your computer's desktop? savage chickens' thoreau cartoon
6. Background on your cell phone? an extreme close-up of toby
7. Jewelry worn daily? usually a watch, maybe earrings
8. Where was your default picture was taken? years ago, at a conference track meet
9. Eyes: 'oceany' blue :)
10. Life: messy but in a good way
11. House: it's not--it's an apartment. but it's relaxed and comfortable.
WHAT ARE YOU...
12. Doing this weekend? running, swimming, seeing 'transformers', reading, probably doing something w/ brian and probably rom too
13. Wearing? long brown shorts and baller t-shirt
14. Wanting? deep tissue massage
15. Where are you? at home
16. Listening to? DDT (jurassic 5)
17. Have you ever kissed anyone named brittney? No.
18. What do you smell like? me
19. Eating? nope
20. What is your favorite thing? words
21. Do you believe in a soul mate? if there is such a thing, i haven't met mine yet. no rush.
23. Do you remember your dreams? mostly
24. Do you believe dreams come true? yeah. only catch is that you have to make the real ones come true on your own. those are the best kind.
25. Do you believe in miracles? yeah
26. Do you burn easily in the sun? once in the summer, and then i'm okay for the rest of the season
27. Do you speak another language other than English? bits and pieces of spanish, french and russian
28. What's something you wish you could understand better? human nature
29. What did you do last weekend? ran with the truffers, and i don't really remember the rest, aside from picking brian up from the airport
30. Who do you miss? nobody in particular right now
31. Have you ever been in a talent show? nope
32. Orange or apple juice? orange
33. Do you like the person who took this survey before you? yeah :)
34. What was the last text message you received? corey about passing his boards
35. Last text message you sent? 'congrats!' to corey
37. What is the closest thing to you that is blue? my baller shirt
38. What was the last thing you ate? subway club
39. Last person you hugged? my dad
40. Whose house did you go to last night? my parents'
41. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? my dad (a LONG time ago)
42. Do you like someone right now? well, hopefully a bunch of people. otherwise i'd be pretty alone and miserable.
43. What do you wear more, shorts, jeans or sweatpants? summer--shorts; fall & spring--jeans; winter--sweats
44. What is the last movie you watched? tristan & isolde
45. Have you ever punched a baby? que the hell?!
46. Where did you get the shirt you're wearing? thrift store
47. Xbox 360 or NFL game tickets? NFL game tickets (preferably eagles or ravens).
48. Do you believe that you can change someone? nope
49. Who was the last person to make you laugh? collective effort of dad & toby
50. Where will your next vacation be located? hopefully the Valley of Fire state park; other than that, i don't have $$$ to entertain the idea.
7.18.2007
7.17.2007
a bike, a bike! my kingdom for a bike! oh, and some mileage too...
still no word on the bike front. still have some time though.
today i did my first swim/bike/run workout. i only did half the distances, just so that i wouldn't kill myself, but it turned out fine. my goal is to make sure that my body can be active for 3 straight hours because i'm estimating that that's the least amount of time i'll need to finish. today, i spent 1 hr, 15 min working out, broken down this way:
a) swim: 20 min (675m--race will be 1000m)
b) bike: 35 min (5-ish miles--race will be 14.5)
c) run: 20 min (1.7 miles--race will be 2.8)
today was the first day that the gym's pool was open, and i'm thrilled. two surprises: water was very chlorine-y, so it was pretty murky, and they hadn't set the temperature yet, so it was 70 degrees, if that. diving in was fairly odd; it certainly didn't feel like a real pool, and i had no concept of where the bottom was (10' deep, so i wasn't in danger of hitting my head or anything). i'd forgotten my goggles, so my eyes were closed (*contacts*), and it just felt... weird, a little disorienting even. but, all of that is actually good because the susquehanna river is not a hot spring. i'll be happy to not have to swim through an oil slick. but anyway. i alternated strokes, which was really helpful, and overall, i'm very pleased with the swim.
i expected to be tired on the bike but not as much as i was. more surprising, i didn't really recover much, even though i was taking it easy. it was the longest 35 minutes ever. bleh.
the run was far better, and i was taken aback when my second wind came then. i figured that, by then, my body would have had enough and would want to just stop. maybe it's because i was the most conservative there; i wanted to try to do the whole 20 minutes, instead of trying to be fast and crapping out at 10. also, maybe i was able to do it because i did give myself an out. i told myself that, if i start to feel shitty and/or achy and/or in pain, i will stop. i don't want to hurt myself trying to be a hero a month before the race. there's no need. knowing that i could step back if i needed to helped me slowly put one foot in front of the other.
all in all, it was probably one of the hardest workouts i've ever done because i haven't done anything like it. it hasn't made me feel the most awful, but the combination of disciplines and the constant (well, relatively) movement was quite challenging. that said, now that i've finished this one, i know that i can do another one. i am so excited for this triathlon!
now all i need is a bike...
today i did my first swim/bike/run workout. i only did half the distances, just so that i wouldn't kill myself, but it turned out fine. my goal is to make sure that my body can be active for 3 straight hours because i'm estimating that that's the least amount of time i'll need to finish. today, i spent 1 hr, 15 min working out, broken down this way:
a) swim: 20 min (675m--race will be 1000m)
b) bike: 35 min (5-ish miles--race will be 14.5)
c) run: 20 min (1.7 miles--race will be 2.8)
today was the first day that the gym's pool was open, and i'm thrilled. two surprises: water was very chlorine-y, so it was pretty murky, and they hadn't set the temperature yet, so it was 70 degrees, if that. diving in was fairly odd; it certainly didn't feel like a real pool, and i had no concept of where the bottom was (10' deep, so i wasn't in danger of hitting my head or anything). i'd forgotten my goggles, so my eyes were closed (*contacts*), and it just felt... weird, a little disorienting even. but, all of that is actually good because the susquehanna river is not a hot spring. i'll be happy to not have to swim through an oil slick. but anyway. i alternated strokes, which was really helpful, and overall, i'm very pleased with the swim.
i expected to be tired on the bike but not as much as i was. more surprising, i didn't really recover much, even though i was taking it easy. it was the longest 35 minutes ever. bleh.
the run was far better, and i was taken aback when my second wind came then. i figured that, by then, my body would have had enough and would want to just stop. maybe it's because i was the most conservative there; i wanted to try to do the whole 20 minutes, instead of trying to be fast and crapping out at 10. also, maybe i was able to do it because i did give myself an out. i told myself that, if i start to feel shitty and/or achy and/or in pain, i will stop. i don't want to hurt myself trying to be a hero a month before the race. there's no need. knowing that i could step back if i needed to helped me slowly put one foot in front of the other.
all in all, it was probably one of the hardest workouts i've ever done because i haven't done anything like it. it hasn't made me feel the most awful, but the combination of disciplines and the constant (well, relatively) movement was quite challenging. that said, now that i've finished this one, i know that i can do another one. i am so excited for this triathlon!
now all i need is a bike...
7.14.2007
mileage with the truffers and reflections on my grandfather
it was so nice to have new running partners and new scenery this morning. we wound our way around mt. airy, and it was quite pretty, if not very hilly. the weather cooperated as well, with lots of sun and refreshing breezes. we ran around 56 or so minutes, and, as we took a turn that erika originally didn't intend to make, i'm not sure how far we actually ran. perhaps 4 1/2 miles? i think that's what was decided.
i'm so glad that i took yesterday off. i'm no longer feeling like junk, and i look forward to tomorrow's swim+bike workout. however, i am not looking forward to this wednesday. my dad and i are running the harrisburg mile. normally, that's a fun, great race. but my grandfather passed away on the race day last year. dad had signed up but didn't want to do it, but my mom insisted, saying that grandpa would be pissed if we didn't do the things we enjoy on account of him. so dad and my uncle did it together, and it was so good for them both. this year, my dad and i plan on running it in memory of grandpa (he was there to cheer me on at xc and track meets as often as he could), and i don't know how i'm going to hold up. i'm already in tears right now, in part because i can't believe that it's been a year. grandpa and i were very close, and i'm so thankful to have been a part of his life. also, seeing my dad struggling and in tears just rips me apart; last year, i could barely handle the fact that my father was in so much pain. i think that, as a defense against inner collapse, he allowed his military face take over, and while he did cry and everything, he held so much inside. but i know my dad better than that. i do know that grandpa would smack us both for being so sad, and what lifts me from the grief is this memory of him from a few years ago. he had this bucket had that he wore everywhere, and he had this sort of really goofy grin that he'd show when he wanted to be silly. my grandpa wasn't much for showing his emotions at all, but when he did, it was fantastic. remembering him in that hat always makes me laugh; that's how i want him to stay.
i miss him.
i'm so glad that i took yesterday off. i'm no longer feeling like junk, and i look forward to tomorrow's swim+bike workout. however, i am not looking forward to this wednesday. my dad and i are running the harrisburg mile. normally, that's a fun, great race. but my grandfather passed away on the race day last year. dad had signed up but didn't want to do it, but my mom insisted, saying that grandpa would be pissed if we didn't do the things we enjoy on account of him. so dad and my uncle did it together, and it was so good for them both. this year, my dad and i plan on running it in memory of grandpa (he was there to cheer me on at xc and track meets as often as he could), and i don't know how i'm going to hold up. i'm already in tears right now, in part because i can't believe that it's been a year. grandpa and i were very close, and i'm so thankful to have been a part of his life. also, seeing my dad struggling and in tears just rips me apart; last year, i could barely handle the fact that my father was in so much pain. i think that, as a defense against inner collapse, he allowed his military face take over, and while he did cry and everything, he held so much inside. but i know my dad better than that. i do know that grandpa would smack us both for being so sad, and what lifts me from the grief is this memory of him from a few years ago. he had this bucket had that he wore everywhere, and he had this sort of really goofy grin that he'd show when he wanted to be silly. my grandpa wasn't much for showing his emotions at all, but when he did, it was fantastic. remembering him in that hat always makes me laugh; that's how i want him to stay.
i miss him.
7.13.2007
yesterday's mileage
swam yesterday, and i'm very pleased because i went for the whole 35 minutes, whether or not it was the actual workout lengths. ended up doing 24 lengths of free + breaststroke, 16 lengths of sidestroke for warm-up & cool-down, and 20 lengths of random, just to keep moving. i also did 5 minutes of treading water, just to make sure i could in case i had issues and would need to rest during the tri. woo! i'm very pleased with the workout, although my R ear started to ache. i have to be really careful because i do NOT want an infection. i'm also a little concerned because i've been going for long periods without eating lately. i know i'm burning a bunch of calories, but i haven't felt hungry at all. i checked online, and apparently i should be consuming 2600 cals a day. i know that's not happening at all. that can't be good. don't know why this is happening...
i am tired and feeling like junk today. thank goodness that today's a rest day. that's a relief.
i am tired and feeling like junk today. thank goodness that today's a rest day. that's a relief.
7.12.2007
i am truly shocked, appalled and throwing up in my mouth...
the morons at merriam-webster are once again doing their utmost to make us into a nation of unedimicated idiots. if you haven't read the article i've linked, they've carried out their annual up-date to the collegiate (collegiate!!!) dictionary, and they've decided to include words such as "ginormous," "crunk," and "smackdown." some of their past additions--"mouse potato," "soul patch," "drama queen," "unibrow," "bling bling," and "himbo."
are you kidding me?! i'm sure that murray and the members of the 19th century philological society of london (originators of the Oxford English Dictionary--the only *true* dictionary in my mind) are turning in their graves. the editors of m-w are appropriating slang and pop culture vocabulary, asserting that they're part of the standard american english lexicon. ironically, **by definition**, slang must stand outside the formal language! and, as is the nature of slang, the words fall out of use anyway. when was the last time we all said "bling bling"? anybody who doesn't live under a rock knows that it's been shortened, and even then, as fashions trends have evolved, it's a bit passe to be covered in the glitter. to flaunt one's wealth so overtly is now seen as a bit gauche. why can't we perpetuate the use of such vocabulary as passe (sorry, i can't figure out how to create an accented e) and gauche?! no wonder the verbal SAT scores suck these days...
the editors of m-w are debasing the effort to encourage a more learned vocabulary, one that then fosters more sophisticated and respected discourse in all fields. when i taught at UMD, i required that a student remove "vanilla" from his paper. while the word may be appropriate for creative fiction/poetry or perhaps even a study on popular culture, it is *not* fitting for a cost/benefit analysis of genetically modified crops. "that tomato crop is so vanilla" doesn't wash in scholarly and professional discourse.
i would say that the words soon to be admitted in the so-called "collegiate" dictionary should be relegated to a slang dictionary, as their use is so ephemeral, and students should be taught and required to use a more formal vocabulary in their daily work. side note--that's also a useful tactic in generally alleviating constant swearing; requiring a student choose another word to express his or her feelings often results in he or she finding more appropriate (and often more specific and interesting) phrases.
if m-w is going to adhere to and defend this practice, they ought not purport to be a scholarly representation of our lexicon. that is simply misleading and unprofessional. i'll just have to protest in my own little ways, to include general disdain and scathing mockery.
OED represent!
*this post also seen as bulletin on my myspace page.
are you kidding me?! i'm sure that murray and the members of the 19th century philological society of london (originators of the Oxford English Dictionary--the only *true* dictionary in my mind) are turning in their graves. the editors of m-w are appropriating slang and pop culture vocabulary, asserting that they're part of the standard american english lexicon. ironically, **by definition**, slang must stand outside the formal language! and, as is the nature of slang, the words fall out of use anyway. when was the last time we all said "bling bling"? anybody who doesn't live under a rock knows that it's been shortened, and even then, as fashions trends have evolved, it's a bit passe to be covered in the glitter. to flaunt one's wealth so overtly is now seen as a bit gauche. why can't we perpetuate the use of such vocabulary as passe (sorry, i can't figure out how to create an accented e) and gauche?! no wonder the verbal SAT scores suck these days...
the editors of m-w are debasing the effort to encourage a more learned vocabulary, one that then fosters more sophisticated and respected discourse in all fields. when i taught at UMD, i required that a student remove "vanilla" from his paper. while the word may be appropriate for creative fiction/poetry or perhaps even a study on popular culture, it is *not* fitting for a cost/benefit analysis of genetically modified crops. "that tomato crop is so vanilla" doesn't wash in scholarly and professional discourse.
i would say that the words soon to be admitted in the so-called "collegiate" dictionary should be relegated to a slang dictionary, as their use is so ephemeral, and students should be taught and required to use a more formal vocabulary in their daily work. side note--that's also a useful tactic in generally alleviating constant swearing; requiring a student choose another word to express his or her feelings often results in he or she finding more appropriate (and often more specific and interesting) phrases.
if m-w is going to adhere to and defend this practice, they ought not purport to be a scholarly representation of our lexicon. that is simply misleading and unprofessional. i'll just have to protest in my own little ways, to include general disdain and scathing mockery.
OED represent!
*this post also seen as bulletin on my myspace page.
7.11.2007
mileage + technical difficulties and new wounds
:D
first, yesterday's work. swim: 32 lengths, alternating freestyle & breaststroke. form and breathing has vastly improved, and i am much more confident. as a result, i'm that much more excited.
now today. i'm typing this without using my R middle finger... because i punctured it. but i'll get to that in a sec. bike: 85 min, B&A/BWI trails, from marley station mall to the airport and back.
THAT RIDE WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!! reasons why:
1) longest ride i've ever done
2) most scenic, in terms of buildings, people, AIRPLANES
3) airplanes were landing and taking off over me. coooooooooooooool! (you can tell i'm a pilot's daughter because i think that's cooooooooooooooooool)
4) spoke with other cyclists along the way; neat comradery (sp?).
5) i am more proficient at trouble-shooting than i thought.
#5--i was riding along dorsey road and went to change gears when i heard a loud snap. the one lever had lost its control, but it didn't cause any immediate danger. i just couldn't use all ten speeds. once i'd reached my turn-around time at 42:30, i dismounted and checked it. as it turns out, the one gear cable had snapped. it is an older bike, so the cable was rusted in two places, and i think that it'd just reached its breaking point. FYI, don't go to In-Gear cycling in annville, pa; we paid those guys to clean up the bike, replace old, worn-out parts. seems they didn't. anyway, i was able to get back to the car, figure out the problem, and poke around. that's when my hand slipped, and my finger met something sharp on the bike. it's a relatively deep puncture, but it's been cleaned and bandaged, so i'm not too worried. i just have to clean it every morning, as these types of wounds are more prone to infection than lacerations. my goal is to not have a gangrenous finger.
I LOVED THIS RIDE!!!!!!!!!!
first, yesterday's work. swim: 32 lengths, alternating freestyle & breaststroke. form and breathing has vastly improved, and i am much more confident. as a result, i'm that much more excited.
now today. i'm typing this without using my R middle finger... because i punctured it. but i'll get to that in a sec. bike: 85 min, B&A/BWI trails, from marley station mall to the airport and back.
THAT RIDE WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!! reasons why:
1) longest ride i've ever done
2) most scenic, in terms of buildings, people, AIRPLANES
3) airplanes were landing and taking off over me. coooooooooooooool! (you can tell i'm a pilot's daughter because i think that's cooooooooooooooooool)
4) spoke with other cyclists along the way; neat comradery (sp?).
5) i am more proficient at trouble-shooting than i thought.
#5--i was riding along dorsey road and went to change gears when i heard a loud snap. the one lever had lost its control, but it didn't cause any immediate danger. i just couldn't use all ten speeds. once i'd reached my turn-around time at 42:30, i dismounted and checked it. as it turns out, the one gear cable had snapped. it is an older bike, so the cable was rusted in two places, and i think that it'd just reached its breaking point. FYI, don't go to In-Gear cycling in annville, pa; we paid those guys to clean up the bike, replace old, worn-out parts. seems they didn't. anyway, i was able to get back to the car, figure out the problem, and poke around. that's when my hand slipped, and my finger met something sharp on the bike. it's a relatively deep puncture, but it's been cleaned and bandaged, so i'm not too worried. i just have to clean it every morning, as these types of wounds are more prone to infection than lacerations. my goal is to not have a gangrenous finger.
I LOVED THIS RIDE!!!!!!!!!!
7.10.2007
bank account alert: please read!
guys, please check your bank accounts to make sure they haven't been tampered with. i got a letter yesterday stating that an employee from a middleman company (i'll explain that in a second) stole massive amounts of consumer info (acct #s, names, addresses, d.o.b.s, etc.) and sold it. this company is called Certegy, and they go between businesses and your bank, cashing your checks, etc., and giving the $$$ back to the businesses. if you're information has been compromised, you should have received a letter from Certegy by now, but even so, please please please double check your $$$. of course, it's not like i have any for them to steal, but they can really fuck with my credit. just look out, okay?
"someone stole my identity. i feel sorry for them."
-t bone burnett
"someone stole my identity. i feel sorry for them."
-t bone burnett
7.08.2007
yikes, mileage
a stabbing in my neighborhood: yikes. anybody know positive ways to handle this sort of thing? i'm going to keep doing what i'm doing, with more care and an extra glance over my shoulder, etc., but any extra advice would help.
so that makes this feel a little superficial, but i don't want to be all paranoid and all that. anyway, i bagged the trail race i thought i'd want to do because my right leg woke me up in the middle of the night. instead, i went up to NCR and just did 35 minutes, easy. surprisingly, my legs felt very fresh. the weird part was that i felt as though i was carrying a 2x8 across my shoulders. seriously. after all that swimming, my shoulders feel so wide, and it definitely affected my arm carriage. but, it didn't take terribly long to get used to it, and i'll just be stretching a lot and get somebody to massage my back every so often. all said, i'm very excited for the triathlon. awesome.
so that makes this feel a little superficial, but i don't want to be all paranoid and all that. anyway, i bagged the trail race i thought i'd want to do because my right leg woke me up in the middle of the night. instead, i went up to NCR and just did 35 minutes, easy. surprisingly, my legs felt very fresh. the weird part was that i felt as though i was carrying a 2x8 across my shoulders. seriously. after all that swimming, my shoulders feel so wide, and it definitely affected my arm carriage. but, it didn't take terribly long to get used to it, and i'll just be stretching a lot and get somebody to massage my back every so often. all said, i'm very excited for the triathlon. awesome.
7.07.2007
pet peeve, mileage
okay, i know there are little racing machine enthusiasts all around. however, said machines are noisy and intrusive for those of us trying to relax in the comfort of our own home. instead of zipping them up and down the parking lot, disturbing a large number of residents, how about taking the little machine across the street to one of the extra target parking lots? how about at shoppers next door? what about the elementary school or park within a mile's drive? hmm? hmmmm? i wouldn't be terribly upset if the little machine was run over...
so i'm a little behind in my reporting, so we'll see if i can remember the past few days' workouts.
Thursday: short, 15 min. swim (felt good)
Friday: 70 min bike (@ gym b/c of the bad heat)
Today:
a) 25 min. swim (25 lengths, plus extra lengths for wm up & cl down)
b) 45 min. bike (@ gym again b/c of bad heat and humidity)
i'm feeling a lot more comfortable with my two strokes and my breathing. yeehaw! only thing is that i did the swim and bike so on top of each other, and having not done that before, i was not prepared for the exhaustion carrying over... however, i survived and survived well. i'm also learning how my body feels after swimming. not sure how to explain it. my shoulders are also... not bulking up, but the shoulder portions in my shirts are tighter. :( i can't afford new clothes! but, the shoulder thing is supposed to be a good sign, right?
right?
so i'm a little behind in my reporting, so we'll see if i can remember the past few days' workouts.
Thursday: short, 15 min. swim (felt good)
Friday: 70 min bike (@ gym b/c of the bad heat)
Today:
a) 25 min. swim (25 lengths, plus extra lengths for wm up & cl down)
b) 45 min. bike (@ gym again b/c of bad heat and humidity)
i'm feeling a lot more comfortable with my two strokes and my breathing. yeehaw! only thing is that i did the swim and bike so on top of each other, and having not done that before, i was not prepared for the exhaustion carrying over... however, i survived and survived well. i'm also learning how my body feels after swimming. not sure how to explain it. my shoulders are also... not bulking up, but the shoulder portions in my shirts are tighter. :( i can't afford new clothes! but, the shoulder thing is supposed to be a good sign, right?
right?
7.04.2007
bumps, heat, success, and mileage
so i am the legend of the fall. falls. many falls. toby and i went for a hike with cj, courtney, four of their friends, and three other dogs, and we were out for about an hour and a half. wouldn't you know though, that i can't go a whole year without him injuring me. such was the case on sunday when he pulled me down a hill, and i scraped up my left forearm. awesome, toby. awesome.monday, i attempted to make up for sunday's missed swim+bike workout by going for a run+bike combination. i had a good, short 20 minute run, but unfortunately, i was poorly hydrated and had eaten too close to workout time. consequently, i nearly passed out once i returned to the start. that was a tiny bit upsetting, but i worked hard, i tried, and that's that. at least i was able to do something.
yesterday's workout was much better, by far. a 30 minute swim was slated, and i did a ladder of lengths (not laps). i surprised myself because i was working so hard, but i completed it without numerous breaks. i took maybe two 1 minute breaks, a few 15 or 30 second breaks, and then the other recovery time was spent with the backstroke (or what passes for it, considering my experience). i did approximately 40 lengths (!) of the apt. pool, and that probably only translates to about 20 or 25 of a real pool. but, i still did it. yeehaw!!!!
today was the american visionary art museum's pet parade. i only heard about it because i'd accidentally left my radio alarm on, and npr did a short little blurb about it. so toby and i went to federal hill, and we had a blast. it'd take too long to describe it, so i'll just include a few pictures.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
:)
6.30.2007
mileage, bike
got on my bike today. the real bike. did the B&A trail, and i was really pleased. i haven't been on that particular bike in a while, so i had to adjust, play with the gears a little bit, etc., but overall, it was fine. it was particularly exciting to realize how good i felt, even after completing 9 1/2 miles. i'm successfully relaxing by just logging the time. no pressure! yes!
the only issue i had was my fear of falling. i don't remember having this fear as a child, but, since then, it's become quite amplified, and i'm terrified of my body going fast. perhaps it's that i have no sense of where my body is in space and thus lose control of it very quickly... anyway, this fear always emerges when my body is going fast and going downhill. not good for being on a bike. but, i did it! i was able to go the whole time without falling downhill! instead, i fell going uphill.
seriously. i did. this kid in front of me was having trouble going up, and he lost his balance and consequently fell to his left. i had to quickly adjust and swerved to miss him, but then i lost my balance and bit it, right into the fence on the left. he felt so guilty, even when i reassured him that i was fine. i really should have indicated that i was as close as i was, so it's probably partially my own dumb fault. anyway, that was my fall for the day, with the scars to prove it. but, i was out, had a good ride (60 min.), and enjoyed an absolutely beautiful day while doing it.
:)
the only issue i had was my fear of falling. i don't remember having this fear as a child, but, since then, it's become quite amplified, and i'm terrified of my body going fast. perhaps it's that i have no sense of where my body is in space and thus lose control of it very quickly... anyway, this fear always emerges when my body is going fast and going downhill. not good for being on a bike. but, i did it! i was able to go the whole time without falling downhill! instead, i fell going uphill.
seriously. i did. this kid in front of me was having trouble going up, and he lost his balance and consequently fell to his left. i had to quickly adjust and swerved to miss him, but then i lost my balance and bit it, right into the fence on the left. he felt so guilty, even when i reassured him that i was fine. i really should have indicated that i was as close as i was, so it's probably partially my own dumb fault. anyway, that was my fall for the day, with the scars to prove it. but, i was out, had a good ride (60 min.), and enjoyed an absolutely beautiful day while doing it.
:)
6.29.2007
mileage, calendar
yesterday i worked on a training calendar that should take me all the way to the valley of fire half. i used a variety of sources, and it still needs to be more specific, but at least i got off to a good start by doing the 35 minutes slated. i ran with brian and duke and focused on a) safety in the heat, b) good form for efficient energy expenditure, and c) use of topography to my advantage (that just means running hills well). my core work paid off even more than i ever thought it would because my posture was excellent, which, in turn, kept my chest open for better breathing, even when i was tired. the fact that i even noticed the strength in those muscles is a good sign--people often underestimate the impact of abs on fitness; they just want the 6-pack. but anyway. brian and i and the dog did the loop by his house, and i extended it by 5 minutes by charging up the hill on bond st. ugh. even though it's a bitch of a hill, i was able to stay focused and speed back down, finishing strong just beyond brian's house. i'm really excited at how focused and disciplined i was, especially since yesterday was not good and that i was nervous about running in heat. yee-haw!
6.27.2007
mileage + random
so i have this book now. it's a good one. i can't find it or remember the title. but it's good and helpful. it's given me a perspective on training for the triathlon, and now i can stop pestering brendan ad nauseum. that's a relief; i hate being a pest. it also gives me a better idea of how i want to space my training so that i'm not worried as to how much or how little i should do. that said, here was my day:
swimming in the pool--
since it was relatively empty, i was able to do longer lengths that are closer to 25 meters. i did 5 laps breaststroke and 5 laps freestyle. initially, i was really worried because about 3 laps into the total 10, my chest started to close up. i had to stop in the middle and walk over to the side. i was upset that that'd happened, but then i just stopped, rested, and started again. i then focused on form and breathing. i guess i tend to do harder workouts than slower ones, which i should do instead so that i can focus on form and breathing. once i did that, i was fine and relaxed and able to finish.
gym--
i was on the elliptical for 2x15 minutes, going backward first, forward second. if i do elliptical, i always do backward for my hamstrings; it helps. after those 30 minutes, i did 15 minutes stretching and then worked on my hip flexors and abductors. did some sumo squats and some intense core work and came home to crash like a ton of bricks.
overall, i'm really pleased with how today went, and i'm tired but not sore. i'll be able to spend more time planning out the rest of the SEVEN WEEKS BEFORE THE TRIATHLON! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
swimming in the pool--
since it was relatively empty, i was able to do longer lengths that are closer to 25 meters. i did 5 laps breaststroke and 5 laps freestyle. initially, i was really worried because about 3 laps into the total 10, my chest started to close up. i had to stop in the middle and walk over to the side. i was upset that that'd happened, but then i just stopped, rested, and started again. i then focused on form and breathing. i guess i tend to do harder workouts than slower ones, which i should do instead so that i can focus on form and breathing. once i did that, i was fine and relaxed and able to finish.
gym--
i was on the elliptical for 2x15 minutes, going backward first, forward second. if i do elliptical, i always do backward for my hamstrings; it helps. after those 30 minutes, i did 15 minutes stretching and then worked on my hip flexors and abductors. did some sumo squats and some intense core work and came home to crash like a ton of bricks.
overall, i'm really pleased with how today went, and i'm tired but not sore. i'll be able to spend more time planning out the rest of the SEVEN WEEKS BEFORE THE TRIATHLON! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
6.25.2007
adventures in the mundane.
1) last week, i left the headlights on. cue 'groan' as i discover my gaff upon leaving work. luckily, i get a jump and am able to make it home. later, the car starts sufficiently despite its protests, so i deem it safe to drive to PA. i drive during the day so as to not use the headlights, and i go with the radio off and the windows down to save the extra juice, just in case. fast forward to today when the car coughs and sputters and only starts once i begin to pray because i can't have a broken car. i made it to work and then went to the shop immediately afterward in order to get it fixed. it was much cheaper than i thought it'd be, considering that the shop is part of the dealership, and they also did a great job. the car is good.
2) on friday, i logged a few miles running up in lebanon. it made me miss running in the country. lebanon is far from being the 'burbs, and it's so quiet and peaceful. i think i must have done 3 miles without even thinking about it. took the obligatory dip in my parents' pool afterward. it was a great run.
3) saturday was the hixson family reunion. it's kind of unfortunate because, for all that my cousins and i gripe about it, it is something really special that not every family has, and this year, attendance was at an all-time low. to get an idea of what i'm talking about--my grandfather has six living sisters, each of whom is married and has at least two children, and those children are also married and have at least two children. taken at the bare minimum then (i cannot for the life of me remember who's who and stuff), that's ... 60 people? throw in my grandfather's contigent, and that's about 90 people. attendance on saturday? 28. sure, my dad and i were still the hecklers in the back row during the "family entertainment hour," but i just wish more could have shown, which would have delighted my grandfather. the man is 84, after all.
4) saturday night, i met up with corey shepler for dinner at a tavern in kleinfeltersville (little itty, bitty town east of lebanon). i haven't really talked to corey in ~10 years, and while driving to the tavern, i was a little nervous... would we have anything to talk about? would we even get along? how different are we now? as it turns out, neither of us would shut up for the whole time, we laughed for hours on end, and while we've definitely grown, our friendship seems to have picked up exactly where it left off in 1997. and apparently, i should still be called "catherine the great." corey still won't tell me what that means.
5) on sunday, i was exhausted. i'd been trying to sleep on an uncomfortably firm mattress and having nightmares, so i basically crashed on the couch as soon as i got back from the early service at st. andrews. since there was no time for workouts on saturday though, i did jump in the pool with half an intention to get laps and drills in. the breathing drills went surprisingly well, and even just the small bit that i did helped me to get a better feel for form. THANK YOU, BRENDAN! however, after only a few laps of freestyle, i wanted to fall asleep. not good while swimming. my dad was out with me, and he said to just bag it; he knows that when i get frustrated, i push too hard and then ruin my workouts and my entire day. he was right. i made myself just let it go. and then i slept on the couch again.
6) today was fine. car issues aside, i was happy because i got to work with some good kids, and i appreciated their politeness and independence. i was still tired, so i took a nap, and then i headed to brian's place to use his treadmill. i didn't go to the gym or run outside for an important reason--i wanted to run in my tri outfit, to see if it would chafe, ride up, etc. that's not something i really want to do in public. running in public in a bra and shorts is one thing. running in public in a bikini is quite another. but i digress. i did 2 miles and might have gone further if i had not been insanely bored. even with my iPod and gilmore girls playing on the tv, i just couldn't run another step. it's something about brian's basement... anyway, the outfit worked out surprisingly well and was supportive and comfortable. now all i have to do is decide which i like better--the bra top or the tank top...
i'm tired again. hopefully i'll be able to sleep without having any nightmares.
2) on friday, i logged a few miles running up in lebanon. it made me miss running in the country. lebanon is far from being the 'burbs, and it's so quiet and peaceful. i think i must have done 3 miles without even thinking about it. took the obligatory dip in my parents' pool afterward. it was a great run.
3) saturday was the hixson family reunion. it's kind of unfortunate because, for all that my cousins and i gripe about it, it is something really special that not every family has, and this year, attendance was at an all-time low. to get an idea of what i'm talking about--my grandfather has six living sisters, each of whom is married and has at least two children, and those children are also married and have at least two children. taken at the bare minimum then (i cannot for the life of me remember who's who and stuff), that's ... 60 people? throw in my grandfather's contigent, and that's about 90 people. attendance on saturday? 28. sure, my dad and i were still the hecklers in the back row during the "family entertainment hour," but i just wish more could have shown, which would have delighted my grandfather. the man is 84, after all.
4) saturday night, i met up with corey shepler for dinner at a tavern in kleinfeltersville (little itty, bitty town east of lebanon). i haven't really talked to corey in ~10 years, and while driving to the tavern, i was a little nervous... would we have anything to talk about? would we even get along? how different are we now? as it turns out, neither of us would shut up for the whole time, we laughed for hours on end, and while we've definitely grown, our friendship seems to have picked up exactly where it left off in 1997. and apparently, i should still be called "catherine the great." corey still won't tell me what that means.
5) on sunday, i was exhausted. i'd been trying to sleep on an uncomfortably firm mattress and having nightmares, so i basically crashed on the couch as soon as i got back from the early service at st. andrews. since there was no time for workouts on saturday though, i did jump in the pool with half an intention to get laps and drills in. the breathing drills went surprisingly well, and even just the small bit that i did helped me to get a better feel for form. THANK YOU, BRENDAN! however, after only a few laps of freestyle, i wanted to fall asleep. not good while swimming. my dad was out with me, and he said to just bag it; he knows that when i get frustrated, i push too hard and then ruin my workouts and my entire day. he was right. i made myself just let it go. and then i slept on the couch again.
6) today was fine. car issues aside, i was happy because i got to work with some good kids, and i appreciated their politeness and independence. i was still tired, so i took a nap, and then i headed to brian's place to use his treadmill. i didn't go to the gym or run outside for an important reason--i wanted to run in my tri outfit, to see if it would chafe, ride up, etc. that's not something i really want to do in public. running in public in a bra and shorts is one thing. running in public in a bikini is quite another. but i digress. i did 2 miles and might have gone further if i had not been insanely bored. even with my iPod and gilmore girls playing on the tv, i just couldn't run another step. it's something about brian's basement... anyway, the outfit worked out surprisingly well and was supportive and comfortable. now all i have to do is decide which i like better--the bra top or the tank top...
i'm tired again. hopefully i'll be able to sleep without having any nightmares.
6.21.2007
apparently, i must not have enough drama in my life
...if i have to be upset about my swimming. stupid thing is, yesterday, one of my friends sent me some advice, i looked at a website he recommended, and the rest of the day was great. i carefully read everything and tried to implement one or two points when i headed out to the pool in the afternoon. turns out, i'm not as terrible as i thought, form-wise. of course, i still have a lot to work on, but at least i know i'll be able to breathe. according to brendan h. (and he seems to be my most involved advisor, so i think i'll stick with his tips), i just need to focus on time in the water and doing a few form drills regularly. i think i can handle that.
of course, buoyed by my success,* i devoured the july issue of runners' world after getting out of the water. that's not so smart after a workout. i was so excited and psyched after the swim that i decided it was entirely necessary to throw in a run before the day's end. so i didn't do just a long, slow run. i felt compelled to do a tempo run. my R leg still gives me issues, but nothing was so bad that i couldn't run through it. i skipped doing any core work afterward because i was desparate to get home and ice down. and this is where i took some more rw advice... i sat in an ICE BATH for twenty minutes--legs completely covered by extremely cold water and a good amount of ice cubes. i have to admit though... as tough as the run was, my legs feel relatively good today, which is usually not the case otherwise... i HATE when they're right about stuff like that!
workout totals:
swim--10 laps** each, breaststroke and freestyle
alternated types: e.g., 2 laps BR, 2 laps FR, etc.
took small breaks between each type
goal next time is to do 4 laps without stopping
run--forced to use treadmill (long story)
5 min walk warm-up
5 min 5.5mph warm-up
5x3 min up tempo (90% race pace)
1 min break between each (6mph)
5 min 5.5mph cool-down
5 min walk cool-down
i'm going to insert one change-up run per week, either fartlek, interval, tempo, or hill, just to build some of those fast-twitch that keep me going in the last few meters of the race. woo!
*and yes, the pun is completely intentional. welcome to my world of bad jokes.
**still not sure of the meter-age of my pool at the apartment. i forgot to see how long i was in the water, which, for now is what i want to pin-point.
of course, buoyed by my success,* i devoured the july issue of runners' world after getting out of the water. that's not so smart after a workout. i was so excited and psyched after the swim that i decided it was entirely necessary to throw in a run before the day's end. so i didn't do just a long, slow run. i felt compelled to do a tempo run. my R leg still gives me issues, but nothing was so bad that i couldn't run through it. i skipped doing any core work afterward because i was desparate to get home and ice down. and this is where i took some more rw advice... i sat in an ICE BATH for twenty minutes--legs completely covered by extremely cold water and a good amount of ice cubes. i have to admit though... as tough as the run was, my legs feel relatively good today, which is usually not the case otherwise... i HATE when they're right about stuff like that!
workout totals:
swim--10 laps** each, breaststroke and freestyle
alternated types: e.g., 2 laps BR, 2 laps FR, etc.
took small breaks between each type
goal next time is to do 4 laps without stopping
run--forced to use treadmill (long story)
5 min walk warm-up
5 min 5.5mph warm-up
5x3 min up tempo (90% race pace)
1 min break between each (6mph)
5 min 5.5mph cool-down
5 min walk cool-down
i'm going to insert one change-up run per week, either fartlek, interval, tempo, or hill, just to build some of those fast-twitch that keep me going in the last few meters of the race. woo!
*and yes, the pun is completely intentional. welcome to my world of bad jokes.
**still not sure of the meter-age of my pool at the apartment. i forgot to see how long i was in the water, which, for now is what i want to pin-point.
6.20.2007
nerves
i'm freaked. my strokes suck. they're terrible. you'd think i didn't know how to swim at all. well, it's probably not that bad, but my lack of proper form worries me. when it comes to the tri, i have no issues with the bike or run. the swim is a whole different can of worms. since it's the first part, it'll be doubly hard and completely kick my ass before i even get to the comfortable parts. now, my goal is just to finish. i'm not trying to qualify for the Gatorade ironman or anything. but i do want to survive the swim and come out of the water alive and with enough energy to slog my way through the rest of the race.
part of the problem is that i have so many resources. that is a problem because i don't know who the best person to listen to is, what the best website is, what training calendar fits me best, and so on and so forth. i get such a variety of information that i'm overwhelmed and don't know which options to choose. so, consequently, i'm picking from here and there and making it up as i go. i'm keeping a journal of my workouts and everything, and i'm trying to plan ahead of time which days are best for swim/bike/run. i'm also attempting to organize the specific workout for the day (e.g., how many laps or minutes to swim, how many miles to bike/run). like i said, the bike and run=cake walk. no big deal. i also know that i'm in good shape for sports since i've lost weight, built my endurance base, significantly lowered my body fat%, and increased my fitness level substantially. but, not knowing what i'm doing otherwise freaks me out.
while i just said that i have too many sources of information about swimming, i would really appreciate any advice you'd have on mental relaxation/preparedness/toughness.
***HELP!!!***
part of the problem is that i have so many resources. that is a problem because i don't know who the best person to listen to is, what the best website is, what training calendar fits me best, and so on and so forth. i get such a variety of information that i'm overwhelmed and don't know which options to choose. so, consequently, i'm picking from here and there and making it up as i go. i'm keeping a journal of my workouts and everything, and i'm trying to plan ahead of time which days are best for swim/bike/run. i'm also attempting to organize the specific workout for the day (e.g., how many laps or minutes to swim, how many miles to bike/run). like i said, the bike and run=cake walk. no big deal. i also know that i'm in good shape for sports since i've lost weight, built my endurance base, significantly lowered my body fat%, and increased my fitness level substantially. but, not knowing what i'm doing otherwise freaks me out.
while i just said that i have too many sources of information about swimming, i would really appreciate any advice you'd have on mental relaxation/preparedness/toughness.
***HELP!!!***
6.19.2007
international ratings
as i have been inspired by nate's picture of petra (color me jealous), i'm going to rate (according to various categories) the best and worst of the european countries i've visited.
1) best flight--to Germany. i got to fly in a C-5 military cargo plane. awesome.
worst flight--to England from Portugal. ride was bumpy, and as soon as we landed at heathrow, we got stuck on the tarmac for HOURS. overall, i sat on a plane for 19 hours to get home. SUCK!
2) best weather--Spain, specifically La Costa del Sol on the mediterranean. beautiful without
being hazy or humid.
worst weather--England, hands down. checking the weather the day before, it said sunny and 70. the next day, it was rainy and 50. i had no coat.
3) best party--Denmark. on the summer solstice in tivoli, they burned a witch in effigy. seriously. and there was lots of beer and the best ice cream i've ever tasted, even better than an excellent gelato.
worst party--England. the food was dull, the atmosphere was smoky and sullen, and the company was as tasteless as the meal.
4) best overall landscape--Norway. it screams "Vikings!!!" i love that.
worst overall landscape--England. boooooooooooooring...
5) best architecture--Spain. just go to barcelona, and see the work of Gaudi. and yes, the word
"gaudy" is derived from his name, but his buildings are just so damn fascinating. he created a rowhouse inspired by St. George and the Dragon. AMAZING.
worst architecture--tie between Austria and Germany. nothing terribly exciting, except for
the few and far between old stuff. whee...
6) best museum for a country (please note that i was not able to see all of the hallmark museums of every single place i traveled; for example, i can't say anything against the British Museum)--tie between Norway and Denmark's Viking museums. standing next to something that is 1000+ years old? realizing that people crossed entire oceans in these relatively small ships?! astounding!
worst museum--Spain's Prado. that's probably heresy in some parts, but i'm just not a fan of
neoclassism or romantism. goya... bleh.
7) best food--Spain. Spain's food is sexy. interpret that as you will.
worst food--this was a tough call, but i have to say Denmark. the sauce on their pizza is basically just ketchup, and most of their meals involve some sort of herring. puke.
8) best wine served (not necessarily native)--Spain. i could have gone with portugal on this one,
as i really enjoy the vino verdhe (sp?), but the night in cadiz totally wins out. i won't say how many bottles of white i finished myself.
worst wine served--England. see #3 above.
9) best (as in most intriguing, polite, etc) population--Denmark. total strangers opened their
house to my family, and we (meaning my parents) relaxed and knocked back a few shots, courtesy of our hosts. terrifically friendly people.
worst population--Spain. not bad per se, but to grab a quote from a movie, they would "rather make love to their faces" than welcome us travelers.
10) best trip overall--Spain. despite the few peeves, i still had a blast and would go back in a
heartbeat. if i had my way, i'd even go so far as to live in barcelona or sevilla or granada or
torremolinos. an amazing country.
worst trip overall--England. this might be counterintuitive considering my scholastic interests, but the trip was clouded* (HAHAHAHA!) by the weather, the food, the people, the bleh-ness of the landscape, etc., etc. i'll have to go back and explore it more if i want to change my opinion.
*that was lame. i know. bleh.
1) best flight--to Germany. i got to fly in a C-5 military cargo plane. awesome.
worst flight--to England from Portugal. ride was bumpy, and as soon as we landed at heathrow, we got stuck on the tarmac for HOURS. overall, i sat on a plane for 19 hours to get home. SUCK!
2) best weather--Spain, specifically La Costa del Sol on the mediterranean. beautiful without
being hazy or humid.
worst weather--England, hands down. checking the weather the day before, it said sunny and 70. the next day, it was rainy and 50. i had no coat.
3) best party--Denmark. on the summer solstice in tivoli, they burned a witch in effigy. seriously. and there was lots of beer and the best ice cream i've ever tasted, even better than an excellent gelato.
worst party--England. the food was dull, the atmosphere was smoky and sullen, and the company was as tasteless as the meal.
4) best overall landscape--Norway. it screams "Vikings!!!" i love that.
worst overall landscape--England. boooooooooooooring...
5) best architecture--Spain. just go to barcelona, and see the work of Gaudi. and yes, the word
"gaudy" is derived from his name, but his buildings are just so damn fascinating. he created a rowhouse inspired by St. George and the Dragon. AMAZING.
worst architecture--tie between Austria and Germany. nothing terribly exciting, except for
the few and far between old stuff. whee...
6) best museum for a country (please note that i was not able to see all of the hallmark museums of every single place i traveled; for example, i can't say anything against the British Museum)--tie between Norway and Denmark's Viking museums. standing next to something that is 1000+ years old? realizing that people crossed entire oceans in these relatively small ships?! astounding!
worst museum--Spain's Prado. that's probably heresy in some parts, but i'm just not a fan of
neoclassism or romantism. goya... bleh.
7) best food--Spain. Spain's food is sexy. interpret that as you will.
worst food--this was a tough call, but i have to say Denmark. the sauce on their pizza is basically just ketchup, and most of their meals involve some sort of herring. puke.
8) best wine served (not necessarily native)--Spain. i could have gone with portugal on this one,
as i really enjoy the vino verdhe (sp?), but the night in cadiz totally wins out. i won't say how many bottles of white i finished myself.
worst wine served--England. see #3 above.
9) best (as in most intriguing, polite, etc) population--Denmark. total strangers opened their
house to my family, and we (meaning my parents) relaxed and knocked back a few shots, courtesy of our hosts. terrifically friendly people.
worst population--Spain. not bad per se, but to grab a quote from a movie, they would "rather make love to their faces" than welcome us travelers.
10) best trip overall--Spain. despite the few peeves, i still had a blast and would go back in a
heartbeat. if i had my way, i'd even go so far as to live in barcelona or sevilla or granada or
torremolinos. an amazing country.
worst trip overall--England. this might be counterintuitive considering my scholastic interests, but the trip was clouded* (HAHAHAHA!) by the weather, the food, the people, the bleh-ness of the landscape, etc., etc. i'll have to go back and explore it more if i want to change my opinion.
*that was lame. i know. bleh.
6.17.2007
phobia
i've realized that i have a most unfortunate fear, especially given my goals of completing a triathlon and running the 'valley of fire' half-marathon. here it is, in all it's irony: i'm afraid of running alone. it's not so much the personal safety issue as it is the health problems that scare me. it stems from two frightening experiences, the first happening in the summer of 2005. i was running with the pacemakers (again, thank you, irony), and it being deathly hot and humid, as it is wont to be in baltimore that time of year, i started to have what is similar to an asthma attack. i couldn't breathe, and my chest was closing in on me, and i almost passed out in a sketchy area of waverly. not awesome. i was then helped by those i can only describe as wonderful good samaritans. the other experience was last summer, at the rockville twilight trot. once again, it was hot and humid, and i completed the whole race, despite feeling terrible the whole time. i finish, feeling worse than i did during the race, sit down, and next thing i know, i'm coming to in the shady grove hospital ER with an IV pumping something into my arm. i have to hand it to the races who are very well organized, especially with emergency medical personnel at the ready.
anyway, those two events were scary enough that now i'm afraid to run outdoors by myself in the summer. my schedule is different enough from my running friends' that i don't have the luxury of having running buddies all the time. and, sadly, there's not a term that specifically identifies a fear of running. here are the closest ones i can find:
algophobia--fear of pain
asthenophobia--fear of weakness
ponophobia--fear of fatigue, especially from overworking (maybe the nearest i'll get?)
some of the most intriguing fears listed on this website have nothing to do with my running issue:
arachibutyrophobia--fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of one's mouth
ballistophobia--fear of missiles
celtophobia--fear or dislike of Celts
homilophobia--fear of sermons
papaphobia--fear or dislike of the pope or papacy
two things: first, i have cross-checked my source, and these are professionally diagnosed phobias. second, my fear is certainly not clinical, and, related, i'm not trying to make light of people whose lives are massively impacted by such genuine, crippling fears. what i am doing is just being curious about the incredible variety of fears and the manner in which they shed light on our own psyches.
what do you fear?
anyway, those two events were scary enough that now i'm afraid to run outdoors by myself in the summer. my schedule is different enough from my running friends' that i don't have the luxury of having running buddies all the time. and, sadly, there's not a term that specifically identifies a fear of running. here are the closest ones i can find:
algophobia--fear of pain
asthenophobia--fear of weakness
ponophobia--fear of fatigue, especially from overworking (maybe the nearest i'll get?)
some of the most intriguing fears listed on this website have nothing to do with my running issue:
arachibutyrophobia--fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of one's mouth
ballistophobia--fear of missiles
celtophobia--fear or dislike of Celts
homilophobia--fear of sermons
papaphobia--fear or dislike of the pope or papacy
two things: first, i have cross-checked my source, and these are professionally diagnosed phobias. second, my fear is certainly not clinical, and, related, i'm not trying to make light of people whose lives are massively impacted by such genuine, crippling fears. what i am doing is just being curious about the incredible variety of fears and the manner in which they shed light on our own psyches.
what do you fear?
6.16.2007
mileage update, etc.
so i've still been plagued by injuries, so i put in some time in the pool while i was at my parents' place this past week. i did my laps a la galloway, which is really helpful, considering that's my weakest point. that also saved on any wear & tear, thank goodness. today, again, i wanted to spare my body, so i lifted at the gym and did elliptical (reverse, for hamstrings). immediately after getting back to my place, i hopped in the pool for a cool-down swim, for two reasons: 1) relaxes the muscles and speeds recovery afterward and 2) gets me in the water again. i don't know of any specific distances today, but i got the time in, which almost seems to be the main idea anyway.
other update. a few assholes notwithstanding, my faith in humanity is somewhat restored. HALLELUJAH! and i was beginning to worry that common courtesy had become extinct. and, so beautifully, at the very moment when i think it's dead and gone, very pleasant surprises pop up out of nowhere and simply make my day. so thank you to those who still practice daily kindnesses and don't make jerks of themselves. you're beautiful.
oh, and here's the most random but new favorite sign:
other update. a few assholes notwithstanding, my faith in humanity is somewhat restored. HALLELUJAH! and i was beginning to worry that common courtesy had become extinct. and, so beautifully, at the very moment when i think it's dead and gone, very pleasant surprises pop up out of nowhere and simply make my day. so thank you to those who still practice daily kindnesses and don't make jerks of themselves. you're beautiful.
oh, and here's the most random but new favorite sign:
6.11.2007
marathon/running shirt suggestions
this is an off-shoot of kim's request for shirt opinions. it's probably adding to the confusion, but i can't help it. some of these are so true/ridiculous/hysterical that i HAVE to list them.
1) i like the running armadillo. i don't know why.
2) so true, so true... :D
3) this is more of a running workout emphasis, but if you know the term, it's pretty funny
4) the chickens ARE on a shirt!!!
5) ahhh, yes.. the arrogance of cross country runners *
* may not apply or be helpful at all to those who aren't fans of off-road running.
anyway, i might have just added too many ingredients to the pot of shirt choices, but i thought these were at least mildly amusing. what does that tell you about my sense of humor?
:P
1) i like the running armadillo. i don't know why.
2) so true, so true... :D
3) this is more of a running workout emphasis, but if you know the term, it's pretty funny
4) the chickens ARE on a shirt!!!
5) ahhh, yes.. the arrogance of cross country runners *
* may not apply or be helpful at all to those who aren't fans of off-road running.
anyway, i might have just added too many ingredients to the pot of shirt choices, but i thought these were at least mildly amusing. what does that tell you about my sense of humor?
:P
6.10.2007
surveys can be long but silly and fun :)
Friday survey Body:
1] What was the highlight of your week? FINALLY getting my pix together, framed and mounted... well, at least most of them. at least now this apt. looks more like it's inhabited by an adult.
2] Who's car were you in last? mine
3] When is the next time you will kiss someone? i have no idea. there's the slight chance that it could happen in a week. who knows!
4] What color shirt are you wearing? gray running shirt from a 5 miler i did with my dad
5] How long is your hair? medium
8] Last movie you watched? Last of the Mohicans, last night (just after Kingdom of Heaven)
9] Last thing you ate? salad
10] Last thing you drank? limeade
11] Where did you sleep last night? in my bed
12] If you could get a tattoo where would it be and of what? ancient roman chi rho monogram, on my back
13] Are you happy right now? reasonably so
14] What did you say last? 'toby, you're the best pup ever!'
15] Where is your phone? in my purse, which is somewhere
16] Who was the last person you told you loved them? my mom
17] What color are your eyes? oceany blue. i count that as one of the best things a guy as ever said to me.
19] Who came over last? brian. he stole my dog.
20] When was the last time you had your heart broken? those of you who know me know when.
21] Who/what do you hate/dislike currently? they know who they are
22] What are you listening to? classic rock/guitar playlist (right now, it's Carry On My Wayward Son)
23] If you could have one thing right now what would it be? someone looking into my eyes
24] What is your favorite scent? ultra cheesy, but that of a clean man. literally.
25] Who makes you happiest right now? my students and the tober (my dog)
26] What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping like a log
30] Are you left-handed? nope
31] Spell your name without vowels: jnn--that's kind of a dumb question
34] What's for dinner tonight? probably tomato & basil veggie burgers
34] What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? a shot of espresso vodka on thursday night. i wanted to puke, it was so disgusting.
35] When Is Your Birthday? 11/9
36] Who was the last person to send you a text message? i think shawn
38] Last time you went swimming in a pool? yesterday afternoon. see previous post.
39] Where was the last place you went shopping? Target
40] How do you feel about your hair right now? got 5 inches whacked off yesterday, and i love it. i <3 my hair!!!
41] Do you have any expensive jewelery? No
42] AIM or MSN? aim
46] Where does most of your family live? Pennsylvania.
47] Are you an only child or do you have siblings? one older brother
48] Would you consider yourself to be spoiled? not so much. circumstances have taught me to be content in current situations.
49] What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? how awesome a good night's sleep feels
50] Do you drink beer? Yes
52] Myspace or Facebook? i'm ambivalent on this one
53] Do you have T-Mobile? no, i have verizon
54] What is your favorite subject in school? medieval & renaissance british literature
55] What type of boy/girl do you usually fall for? highly intelligent, current events and culturally saavy, athletic, respectful
57] Do you have any talent? not to brag, but... HELLS YEAH!
:-P
58] Have you ever been IN a wedding? Yes
59] Do you have any children? Not yet.
60] Did you take a nap today? No.
62] Ever met anyone famous before? yes. kind of C List famous though.
63] Do you want to be famous one day? Not really.
64] Favorite Actress(es)? cate blanchett, judi dench; i'm not really a huge fan of actresses though. they're just not really exciting.
65] Are you multitasking right now? yes
66] Could you handle being in the military? yes
67] What is your average cell phone bill? $64
68] Do you believe in Karma? no
69] Last time you went to the gym or worked out? yesterday
70] How many pairs of shoes do you own? at least 20. i can't help it! i love shoes!!!
71] Last place you drove your car? Target
72] Last concert you went to? Swim Shower at the Walters on Friday night
73] what are you doing today? cleaning apt, playing with and walking toby, reading, watching a movie, possibly working out, relaxing
74] Have you ever been gambling? Yes
75] When is the last time you updated your blog? last night
76] Have you been to New York City? yup
77] Ever been to Disneyland/world? yeah, world
78] Do you have a favorite cartoon character? hmm... stewie!
79] Last thing you cooked? pasta
80] Hows the weather? cloudy but breezy and warm
81] Do you e-mail? yes, quite often
82] Whats the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? let somebody else send a text to a party of interest
83] Last time you were sick? bad cold, mid-may
84] Do you think anyone will repost this? kim!
1] What was the highlight of your week? FINALLY getting my pix together, framed and mounted... well, at least most of them. at least now this apt. looks more like it's inhabited by an adult.
2] Who's car were you in last? mine
3] When is the next time you will kiss someone? i have no idea. there's the slight chance that it could happen in a week. who knows!
4] What color shirt are you wearing? gray running shirt from a 5 miler i did with my dad
5] How long is your hair? medium
8] Last movie you watched? Last of the Mohicans, last night (just after Kingdom of Heaven)
9] Last thing you ate? salad
10] Last thing you drank? limeade
11] Where did you sleep last night? in my bed
12] If you could get a tattoo where would it be and of what? ancient roman chi rho monogram, on my back
13] Are you happy right now? reasonably so
14] What did you say last? 'toby, you're the best pup ever!'
15] Where is your phone? in my purse, which is somewhere
16] Who was the last person you told you loved them? my mom
17] What color are your eyes? oceany blue. i count that as one of the best things a guy as ever said to me.
19] Who came over last? brian. he stole my dog.
20] When was the last time you had your heart broken? those of you who know me know when.
21] Who/what do you hate/dislike currently? they know who they are
22] What are you listening to? classic rock/guitar playlist (right now, it's Carry On My Wayward Son)
23] If you could have one thing right now what would it be? someone looking into my eyes
24] What is your favorite scent? ultra cheesy, but that of a clean man. literally.
25] Who makes you happiest right now? my students and the tober (my dog)
26] What were you doing at midnight last night? sleeping like a log
30] Are you left-handed? nope
31] Spell your name without vowels: jnn--that's kind of a dumb question
34] What's for dinner tonight? probably tomato & basil veggie burgers
34] What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? a shot of espresso vodka on thursday night. i wanted to puke, it was so disgusting.
35] When Is Your Birthday? 11/9
36] Who was the last person to send you a text message? i think shawn
38] Last time you went swimming in a pool? yesterday afternoon. see previous post.
39] Where was the last place you went shopping? Target
40] How do you feel about your hair right now? got 5 inches whacked off yesterday, and i love it. i <3 my hair!!!
41] Do you have any expensive jewelery? No
42] AIM or MSN? aim
46] Where does most of your family live? Pennsylvania.
47] Are you an only child or do you have siblings? one older brother
48] Would you consider yourself to be spoiled? not so much. circumstances have taught me to be content in current situations.
49] What was the first thing you thought when you woke up? how awesome a good night's sleep feels
50] Do you drink beer? Yes
52] Myspace or Facebook? i'm ambivalent on this one
53] Do you have T-Mobile? no, i have verizon
54] What is your favorite subject in school? medieval & renaissance british literature
55] What type of boy/girl do you usually fall for? highly intelligent, current events and culturally saavy, athletic, respectful
57] Do you have any talent? not to brag, but... HELLS YEAH!
:-P
58] Have you ever been IN a wedding? Yes
59] Do you have any children? Not yet.
60] Did you take a nap today? No.
62] Ever met anyone famous before? yes. kind of C List famous though.
63] Do you want to be famous one day? Not really.
64] Favorite Actress(es)? cate blanchett, judi dench; i'm not really a huge fan of actresses though. they're just not really exciting.
65] Are you multitasking right now? yes
66] Could you handle being in the military? yes
67] What is your average cell phone bill? $64
68] Do you believe in Karma? no
69] Last time you went to the gym or worked out? yesterday
70] How many pairs of shoes do you own? at least 20. i can't help it! i love shoes!!!
71] Last place you drove your car? Target
72] Last concert you went to? Swim Shower at the Walters on Friday night
73] what are you doing today? cleaning apt, playing with and walking toby, reading, watching a movie, possibly working out, relaxing
74] Have you ever been gambling? Yes
75] When is the last time you updated your blog? last night
76] Have you been to New York City? yup
77] Ever been to Disneyland/world? yeah, world
78] Do you have a favorite cartoon character? hmm... stewie!
79] Last thing you cooked? pasta
80] Hows the weather? cloudy but breezy and warm
81] Do you e-mail? yes, quite often
82] Whats the stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? let somebody else send a text to a party of interest
83] Last time you were sick? bad cold, mid-may
84] Do you think anyone will repost this? kim!
6.09.2007
i have GOT to stop pulling muscles
so i finally made it into a pool today. and it was bad. now i'm really nervous about the tri because my form is shitty, and i have roughly two months before the Catfish. what happens is that i can do the arms okay, but i have never felt comfortable with the breathing. then i get nervous while swimming, and my form gets worse, and so on and so forth. part of it, i know, is that i try to go too fast, and i should slow down and concentrate on the simple mechanics. but, the obvious problem is that i can't see wtf i'm doing. i've consulted my triathlete friends, and i've heard two schools of thought: a) it's absolutely essential to log lots of pool time or else i'll fall apart, and b) just doggie-paddle if i have to and concentrate on one piece at a time so that i can finish. i'm more encouraged by the latter, but the former is freaking me out when i'm in the pool. HELP!
although, i do look killer in my speedo. ;)
the other piece of today's pool time is that, because i was trying harder than i should have, my triceps are bugging me. of course, it's a common thing when starting something new. but my entire right side has been aching for the past few days, so that makes me uneasy. i can still run, bike and swim fine, but afterward, i'm so freaking uncomfortable. sometimes, the aches wake me up. that can't be good. it's tough because i have no reference point on what the hell i'm doing. i have no training partners/coaches/etc. in close proximity; it's all advice from friends via email or from credible websites. if anyone can offer suggestions on how to ameliorate these problems, i would be super-appreciative.
so, i have no idea how far or how long i swam, although it was just a beginner's day and really not all that much. i tried though. *sigh* this triathlon is going to be really hard.
:(
although, i do look killer in my speedo. ;)
the other piece of today's pool time is that, because i was trying harder than i should have, my triceps are bugging me. of course, it's a common thing when starting something new. but my entire right side has been aching for the past few days, so that makes me uneasy. i can still run, bike and swim fine, but afterward, i'm so freaking uncomfortable. sometimes, the aches wake me up. that can't be good. it's tough because i have no reference point on what the hell i'm doing. i have no training partners/coaches/etc. in close proximity; it's all advice from friends via email or from credible websites. if anyone can offer suggestions on how to ameliorate these problems, i would be super-appreciative.
so, i have no idea how far or how long i swam, although it was just a beginner's day and really not all that much. i tried though. *sigh* this triathlon is going to be really hard.
:(
6.08.2007
swim shower at the walters!
great sound tonight. steve & co. played at the walters, which is a pretty big deal, considering what a cultural landmark it is in Baltimore. i'm really proud of the guys seizing that opportunity. they performed a lot of songs from their new cd, which is supposed to be released in ~1 month. you know i'll be picking up one of those. i went to one of their first shows in winter `06, and it's so amazing to see how much they've matured, musically speaking, since then. also, the instrumental texture and layering of their sound evolved, becoming much more sophisticated. it's fascinating to hear the blend of tones and timbre (sp?). they guys are also good showmen because their collective sense of humor brings laughter and levity between songs. they do a quality job of keeping the audience engaged in the set, which is can be difficult to do, considering some of the disastrous bands i've seen in the past. all in all, nice job tonight, and kudos to swim shower. here's to a bright future for you!
(L to R) jeff on lead guitar, steve on drums, brad on guitar and vocals, other jeff on bass, and ben on keyboard/guitar/trumpet/vocals. unfortunately, i couldn't manage to get ben in the first picture, and he was hiding behind his music and keyboard in the second one. d'oh!
(L to R) jeff on lead guitar, steve on drums, brad on guitar and vocals, other jeff on bass, and ben on keyboard/guitar/trumpet/vocals. unfortunately, i couldn't manage to get ben in the first picture, and he was hiding behind his music and keyboard in the second one. d'oh!
mileage and such
i've been taking it easy this week because it seems as though my right leg is having a good time messing with me. sometimes, the lateral muscles in my knee flare up. or, the tendons above and/or below the knee cap kick in. occasionally, it's the hamstrings. at times, my quadriceps join in the fun. WTF!!!
obviously, it's entirely frustrating, and i'm hoping to get into a pool anywhere just to do some non-weight-bearing work. i'm also being really diligent about RICE, wrapping, and taking ibuprofen for once. i'm usually quite negligent about that sort of thing because i hate taking medicine and being relatively inactive. anyway, i'm taking my time and going slow and steady.
so the actual mileage:
6/5--stat. bike @ the gym, 9 miles (equals 3 miles running) for 30 min., stretched
6/7--run 3 miles for 30 min. w/ Brian, Duke & Toby; took a few breaks for the dogs' having to do their business
core:
6/5--Adam's ladder: 10 push-ups, 9, 8, etc, Russian Twists: 1x25 no weight, 4x25 w/ 10 lbs, Crunches: 5x50, Hyperextensions 5x20
6/7--none
no swim work yet :-\
obviously, it's entirely frustrating, and i'm hoping to get into a pool anywhere just to do some non-weight-bearing work. i'm also being really diligent about RICE, wrapping, and taking ibuprofen for once. i'm usually quite negligent about that sort of thing because i hate taking medicine and being relatively inactive. anyway, i'm taking my time and going slow and steady.
so the actual mileage:
6/5--stat. bike @ the gym, 9 miles (equals 3 miles running) for 30 min., stretched
6/7--run 3 miles for 30 min. w/ Brian, Duke & Toby; took a few breaks for the dogs' having to do their business
core:
6/5--Adam's ladder: 10 push-ups, 9, 8, etc, Russian Twists: 1x25 no weight, 4x25 w/ 10 lbs, Crunches: 5x50, Hyperextensions 5x20
6/7--none
no swim work yet :-\
6.04.2007
8th grade graduation
well, three of my basketball girls graduated (?) from OLMC tonight. i include the question mark because i'm still not sure about calling it graduation when it occurs so early in the academic career... but i digress. anyway, alex, lindsey and taylor are all such wonderful young ladies, and i'm really glad to have had the privilege of working with them. they're parting ways and going to different high schools, and i know that each one will distinguish herself from her peers. i was asked to sing at the baccalaureate mass, which was something that i relished doing. i haven't been part of a music team in awhile, and it's very fulfilling, especially when it's in service to or honor of someone so deserving.
i didn't get a chance to talk to the girls very much, and if i'd been able to do so, i would have tried to impress one thing upon them; try to do your very best at living your own life. i grew up as a people-pleaser, and that is such a crippling way to live. realizing the joy of one's own personal freedom, finding that joy through confidence and courage, and taking the first step down new paths--those are all such exhilerating experiences! goals can be as wild and crazy as one can make them, and that can make them all the more fulfilling! for example, i plan to do my triathlon, despite the number of hurdles i've been meeting. that's a little crazy. even moreso, however, is my newest and most exciting goal: the valley of fire marathon near las vegas, nevada. how AMAZING is that?! run 26.2 miles through some of the most desolate terrain in the country! yeehaw!!
that's not normal. you can't be normal and be a distance runner and love it all at the same time. :) but, it's what makes me happy. and why go through life not doing things that make you happy? i plan on going back for the phD. sure, that'll throw some major wrenches into the financial end of things. nobody else in my family is doing it, and a bunch of my friends think i'm insane for wanting to do it. but it's what's inside me. it's who i am. and it makes me happy and whole.
whatever the Lord has planned for alex, lindsey and taylor, i hope that He helps them to seize their chance at living His gift of life with vibrance and passion. i hope that He shows them how awesome it is to see, accept, and strive for those aspirations that are the foundation of their identities. i hope that He will help all of us to be ignited about what He's making of us. we should all be so excited at what He has there waiting for us, if only we'd reach for it.
best of luck to my girls and all `07 grads!
i didn't get a chance to talk to the girls very much, and if i'd been able to do so, i would have tried to impress one thing upon them; try to do your very best at living your own life. i grew up as a people-pleaser, and that is such a crippling way to live. realizing the joy of one's own personal freedom, finding that joy through confidence and courage, and taking the first step down new paths--those are all such exhilerating experiences! goals can be as wild and crazy as one can make them, and that can make them all the more fulfilling! for example, i plan to do my triathlon, despite the number of hurdles i've been meeting. that's a little crazy. even moreso, however, is my newest and most exciting goal: the valley of fire marathon near las vegas, nevada. how AMAZING is that?! run 26.2 miles through some of the most desolate terrain in the country! yeehaw!!
that's not normal. you can't be normal and be a distance runner and love it all at the same time. :) but, it's what makes me happy. and why go through life not doing things that make you happy? i plan on going back for the phD. sure, that'll throw some major wrenches into the financial end of things. nobody else in my family is doing it, and a bunch of my friends think i'm insane for wanting to do it. but it's what's inside me. it's who i am. and it makes me happy and whole.
whatever the Lord has planned for alex, lindsey and taylor, i hope that He helps them to seize their chance at living His gift of life with vibrance and passion. i hope that He shows them how awesome it is to see, accept, and strive for those aspirations that are the foundation of their identities. i hope that He will help all of us to be ignited about what He's making of us. we should all be so excited at what He has there waiting for us, if only we'd reach for it.
best of luck to my girls and all `07 grads!
6.02.2007
blue moooooooooooon, i saw you running aloooooooone... well, not alone. but you were running. HA!
that was so much fun. around 5-ish, my desire to go was weak, but a two hour nap took care of that. :) anyway, because there was a parking issue, i dropped my car at the baja fresh lot and rode a u-haul van over to the race. no lie. fifteen of us crammed in the back (no seats) and a helluva a lot of trust in the driver... awesome. once i was there, i almost literally ran into kim and todd. then i ran over to the "registration" desk (really, it was just a 'hell, it's cool that you're here, have a glow stick' desk) and appropriately bedecked myself with glowsticks.
so far, you're thinking, okay, no big deal. park, meet friends, get a glow stick. yeehaw. but think of it this way: 600+ people with glow sticks galore, hung around necks, wound into hair, strapped around ankles and in shoelaces, etc., etc. and it was dark. and there were severe storms to the north--far enough away that we escaped the ran, close enough to see quite a bit of lightning. AND because it was still so hazy and humid, the moon was this deep orange-red. *AND*, as promised, there were plenty of beverages and snacks, to include some amazingly good watermelon.
it was cooooooooooooool!!!!
i had so much fun running with kim, todd, caryn (kim, did i spell that right?), and doug, although i have to be honest; kim, you and i have to get better about running together regularly! there's so much to talk about!!!
but anyway, for all who missed it, the blue moon run was awesome. next on my list: dreaded druid hills. any takers? :)
so far, you're thinking, okay, no big deal. park, meet friends, get a glow stick. yeehaw. but think of it this way: 600+ people with glow sticks galore, hung around necks, wound into hair, strapped around ankles and in shoelaces, etc., etc. and it was dark. and there were severe storms to the north--far enough away that we escaped the ran, close enough to see quite a bit of lightning. AND because it was still so hazy and humid, the moon was this deep orange-red. *AND*, as promised, there were plenty of beverages and snacks, to include some amazingly good watermelon.
it was cooooooooooooool!!!!
i had so much fun running with kim, todd, caryn (kim, did i spell that right?), and doug, although i have to be honest; kim, you and i have to get better about running together regularly! there's so much to talk about!!!
but anyway, for all who missed it, the blue moon run was awesome. next on my list: dreaded druid hills. any takers? :)
5.22.2007
miiiiiiiiiiiileage
okay, so i biked today, ~11 miles. that's about the same as 3 2/3 miles running. yay.
5.21.2007
mileage
well, seeing as how i fell asleep about twenty minutes after getting home from school, i decided to skip the gym. instead, i went for a little jog with toby. he's not in tip top shape for runs, so we just did ~1 mile. yeehaw.
i'm still sleepy.
i'm still sleepy.
5.20.2007
i am eating chicken as i post these.
<-- defense warm-up
<-- pre-game practice shots, not like they helped
<-- aforementioned "den of the dark side"
:)
at the navy-marine corps memorial stadium,
UMBC lost to DE in the men's lax quarterfinals. truth be told, the offense wasn't all there, and the defense lost steam by the middle of the third quarter. you can't make your defense do all the work and still expect to win, especially if you're not making shots of your own. granted, there were some terrible calls on the field, but that might have only given DE one gift goal, if any at all. but i still had fun. went down with steve and kristie (thank you, steve for driving!) and had the requisite stadium pretzel. makes my day. and just for my own satisfaction, i'm going to have chicken for dinner tonight.
stupid blue hens.
btw... don't tell my dad, but i got a thrill from being in the den of the dark side. i kind of miss it!
;)
stupid blue hens.
btw... don't tell my dad, but i got a thrill from being in the den of the dark side. i kind of miss it!
;)
5.19.2007
:)
today was a good day.
1) i cleaned the kitchen. like seriously cleaned. comet with bleach and everything. didn't clean anything else, but my kitchen is hella clean.
2) i got a job. yeah, i already teach, but lord knows that a teacher's salary is NOT the most awesome. so, i'll be tutoring part-time two miles away from my home. so super convenient, easy for me (who knew that the prior experience from hell would pay off!), and good for my wallet.
3) i bought toby a tire. yes. a real tire. it's mountain bike-esque, but about eight to ten inches in diameter. it's great because i can stuff it with treats, and he can chew it, roll it around, etc. he loves it.
4) i have more goals. more sado-masochistic goals. granted, these are far-flung aspirations, but there's nothing like hoping. i hope to run two marathons (or halves, depending on my physical state), and the most exciting parts are the locations. the first is the Valley of Fire Marathon in Las Vegas, NV. it's in a national park out west, so just imagine that. that's in november. the second (AND THIS IS SO COOL!!!) is the Great Wall Marathon. i mean, holy shit! it's in may and is about 80 miles west (i think) of beijing, and there are marathon tour packages as cheap as $1,070. can you believe that?! man... if i can somehow squirrel away about $2000, then i could probably DO BOTH MARATHONS (or halves, as the case may be.)!!!!
care to donate to the cause?
:)
1) i cleaned the kitchen. like seriously cleaned. comet with bleach and everything. didn't clean anything else, but my kitchen is hella clean.
2) i got a job. yeah, i already teach, but lord knows that a teacher's salary is NOT the most awesome. so, i'll be tutoring part-time two miles away from my home. so super convenient, easy for me (who knew that the prior experience from hell would pay off!), and good for my wallet.
3) i bought toby a tire. yes. a real tire. it's mountain bike-esque, but about eight to ten inches in diameter. it's great because i can stuff it with treats, and he can chew it, roll it around, etc. he loves it.
4) i have more goals. more sado-masochistic goals. granted, these are far-flung aspirations, but there's nothing like hoping. i hope to run two marathons (or halves, depending on my physical state), and the most exciting parts are the locations. the first is the Valley of Fire Marathon in Las Vegas, NV. it's in a national park out west, so just imagine that. that's in november. the second (AND THIS IS SO COOL!!!) is the Great Wall Marathon. i mean, holy shit! it's in may and is about 80 miles west (i think) of beijing, and there are marathon tour packages as cheap as $1,070. can you believe that?! man... if i can somehow squirrel away about $2000, then i could probably DO BOTH MARATHONS (or halves, as the case may be.)!!!!
care to donate to the cause?
:)
5.16.2007
shock o' the mornin to ya!
okay, so this is wild. yes, i've been working out four times a week on average, and i've tried to keep an eye on my food. but i haven't gone psycho-obsessive about a healthful lifestyle, and i certainly didn't expect this. i got "reassessed" at the gym today, and this is the deal. on december 30th, i was at 141 lbs and had 29% body fat. NOW, now now now now, i'm at... drumroll, please...
127 lbs and 16% body fat!
WOOHA!!!
i'm not trying to be a size 2 or anything, but i am really excited about all of this. i haven't seen <130 lbs since my freshman year in high school! and, i should be able to kick my metabolism into high gear with that percentage, perfect for being in shape for the triathlon. wow. i can't believe this. this is crazy.
127 lbs and 16% body fat!
WOOHA!!!
i'm not trying to be a size 2 or anything, but i am really excited about all of this. i haven't seen <130 lbs since my freshman year in high school! and, i should be able to kick my metabolism into high gear with that percentage, perfect for being in shape for the triathlon. wow. i can't believe this. this is crazy.
5.15.2007
when an ice bath and texas toast can save the world
i pushed it really hard at the gym today. i did a medium-level 30 minutes on the bike, and then i threw in a hill interval workout on the treadmill, also for 30 minutes. following that, i stretched for yet another 30 minutes*, and i finished out with the Adam's ladder. for those who don't know, the Adam's ladder is as follows:
10 push-ups, 25 russian twists.
9 push-ups, 50 crunches (any style).
20 back hyperextensions using the half bouncy ball (what do you call those things?).
8 push-ups, 25 russian twists...
and so on and so forth until i do 1 last push-up with more crunches and the hyperextensions.
*anyway, i stretched for 30 minutes because i need to watch how far i push my hamstrings. i haven't run more than 5k in a while, and even though i know i could pull of at least 8-10 miles, i'd probably end up with so many muscle injuries that i'd be down for at least three weeks. as a preventative measure, as soon after the workout as i could manage, i sat in ice cold water in my bathtub. i gritted my teeth and stayed in for about 10 minutes. this really reduces the swelling in the muscles, and now that i'm out of the tub and in my recliner, i feel so relaxed. i feel so good, and i'm really confident that my workouts are going to pay off. i'll be making the transition from cardio and lifting to doubles (combining components of the tri events).
all in all, today's workout was great, and the buttered texas toast was the perfect cap to a fantastic day. woo!
10 push-ups, 25 russian twists.
9 push-ups, 50 crunches (any style).
20 back hyperextensions using the half bouncy ball (what do you call those things?).
8 push-ups, 25 russian twists...
and so on and so forth until i do 1 last push-up with more crunches and the hyperextensions.
*anyway, i stretched for 30 minutes because i need to watch how far i push my hamstrings. i haven't run more than 5k in a while, and even though i know i could pull of at least 8-10 miles, i'd probably end up with so many muscle injuries that i'd be down for at least three weeks. as a preventative measure, as soon after the workout as i could manage, i sat in ice cold water in my bathtub. i gritted my teeth and stayed in for about 10 minutes. this really reduces the swelling in the muscles, and now that i'm out of the tub and in my recliner, i feel so relaxed. i feel so good, and i'm really confident that my workouts are going to pay off. i'll be making the transition from cardio and lifting to doubles (combining components of the tri events).
all in all, today's workout was great, and the buttered texas toast was the perfect cap to a fantastic day. woo!
5.13.2007
!!!!
i have a bike! i have a bike! i have a bike! i have a bike!!!!
did i mention that i have a bike? as it turns out, my old road bike that i thought had made it to the big trash heap in the sky was really in my parents' garage. go figure. all it needs is a new set of tires, a handlebar upgrade, and some general clean-up. obviously, that is sooooooo much cheaper than a brand new bike. it'll be going into the shop this week, and it should be ready by the time i go back up to PA for memorial day weekend.
so what does this mean? this means that i can actually afford to do the triathlon! i was really nervous for awhile there because tri equipment is quite expensive, and my funds just weren't at the level necessary for a good bike. now if i make tris a habit, i'll eventually invest in a quality machine, but for now, this is definitely providential.
checklist--i have:
1) brand new helmet
2) suit(s)
3) bike
4) shoes
5) places to swim/ride/run
checklist--i need:
1) cap
2) goggles
this is so awesome. i am so freakin excited, and now i can't wait to get into this.
oh... incidentally, i'm going to try to save some $$$ to do the valley of fire marathon in las vegas this coming november. yeehaw!
did i mention that i have a bike? as it turns out, my old road bike that i thought had made it to the big trash heap in the sky was really in my parents' garage. go figure. all it needs is a new set of tires, a handlebar upgrade, and some general clean-up. obviously, that is sooooooo much cheaper than a brand new bike. it'll be going into the shop this week, and it should be ready by the time i go back up to PA for memorial day weekend.
so what does this mean? this means that i can actually afford to do the triathlon! i was really nervous for awhile there because tri equipment is quite expensive, and my funds just weren't at the level necessary for a good bike. now if i make tris a habit, i'll eventually invest in a quality machine, but for now, this is definitely providential.
checklist--i have:
1) brand new helmet
2) suit(s)
3) bike
4) shoes
5) places to swim/ride/run
checklist--i need:
1) cap
2) goggles
this is so awesome. i am so freakin excited, and now i can't wait to get into this.
oh... incidentally, i'm going to try to save some $$$ to do the valley of fire marathon in las vegas this coming november. yeehaw!
:D
happy mother's day! :)
to all the moms out there, i hope that you're having a beautiful day. i hope that those for whom you care are showing appreciation for who you are and the blessing that you are to them. yay!this is a picture of my mother and me outside St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. there are so many things that i appreciate about mom, and i'm not sure how well i can enumerate them, but i will try to at least share of few things.
my mom is stronger than most people i know. she has lived through my trials as though they were her own and has done everything she possibly could to help me, even if it was just holding my hand. just watching my students go through horrible times is very rough for me, and i can only imagine what she feels when i have dark times. but, she handles it and manages to walk by my side every step of the way, no matter how tough it is to do so.
she also has a wonderfully contagious laugh. it's one of the neatest things to see--when she gets rolling, her laughter has a kind of sheer, unadulterated joy. the best part is that mom is astoundingly capable of passing that joy to others... it reminds me of my grandmother hixson, her mother, so i can only look forward to days when i might have that ability too.
last, my mom has taught me patience and grace. she works so hard for others and puts her needs to the side so often. she doesn't neglect herself though, and when she finally receives things that fill her spirit, she rejoices with gratitude. she knows the one thing that is the most profound longing in my life, and she helps me to maintain a meaningfully slow walk towards that. she knows that if and when it is made manifest, it will be... indescribably beautiful. mom imparts the patience that i need to wait for its own timing, and without that, i would be a mess. in a sense, she has helped me to listen and live around Psalm 40:1-3.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."
incidentally, that comes from a bible my mom received almost 44 years ago. i think that's apt.
5.06.2007
the Great 2007 Bay Bridge 10K...
that nobody ran. d'oh. yeah, casey and i both woke up at 4:30 to drive all the way from canton and owings mills, respectively, and after hanging around for 45 minutes, we found out that the race was cancelled. after i woke up at 4:30. and drove 50 miles. and used up 50 miles worth of gas. and woke up at 4:30. SUCKS!however, casey and i made the best of it and still ran around the park a little bit, our faces against the 30+ mph winds. plus, the race directors gave everybody a bitchin amount of food since they couldn't really do much else with it. those guys were really cool--they understood that people didn't care as much about paying $30 for no race as they did for not being able to race at all. besides--we all got our really nice (REALLY NICE) gym bags, so it's not like the money was totally wasted.
as for the intangibles, i got some great pictures, which i'll get to in a second. for one, this is the first time i've ever really hung out with casey outside of school. we had so much fun, and she's really a great girl. yay! also, the park and the bay were so beautiful. i think my most worshipful moments are captured in solitude in nature. at this point in my life, it's not so much the four walls and some pews that do it for me. despite the nearly gale-force winds, the pre-dawn stillness was both filling and calming.
pictures!
the chesapeake, pre-dawn
chesapeake buoy
sunlight slips over the water
sunday morning, 6 may 2007
30+ mph winds--they really are holding me upright
bay bridge at oh my god'o'clock in the morning
like true runners, we braved the wee hours of the day to run, to take hold of the challenge, to better ourselves by pushing beyond the limits, to grab as much free food and beverages as possible when the race was cancelled and then go back to bed.
me and casey; albeit a little disappointed because of the lack of the 10K, we still had a great time. we're definitely coming back next year!
5.03.2007
how toby cleanses my aura...
or how to brighten a mood after a rough day. i try to remember the following:
1. toby running and jumping because it's spring
2. hearing from old friends, across thousands of miles
3. the smell of freshly cut grass
4. gearing up for the end of the school year
5. tex mex burgers
6. my oh-so-very-comfortable fuzzy blanket
1. toby running and jumping because it's spring
2. hearing from old friends, across thousands of miles
3. the smell of freshly cut grass
4. gearing up for the end of the school year
5. tex mex burgers
6. my oh-so-very-comfortable fuzzy blanket
4.29.2007
the chimera of tyler durden
explain why tyler durden in both of his forms is so intriguing to me, and i'm not referring to the actors from the movies. that would be too obvious an answer.
on another random note, i did 2:1s for 20 minutes with toby. he seemed to do fine, even though he hasn't run in awhile. it might not have been the smartest thing for me to do because my butt hurts a bit now. but, you have to break a few eggs...
;)
on another random note, i did 2:1s for 20 minutes with toby. he seemed to do fine, even though he hasn't run in awhile. it might not have been the smartest thing for me to do because my butt hurts a bit now. but, you have to break a few eggs...
;)
que the hell?!
i love that dave barry-ism. :)
i was also thinking of learning how to belly dance. thoughts?
:)
anyway, this has been a really action-packed weekend, with cleaning and school work. i'm fairly happy though; i went to the gym this morning, and i ran a 5K with hill intervals on the treadmill. i could feel my R hamstring, but it was just stretchy and not painful. WOO! at the moment, my R butt is tender, but i'm fine. YEEHAW! the bad news: the reisterstown brick bodies pool won't open until june 15th. ugh. that means i have to start my swim workouts at the goucher pool. puke. that's pretty inconvenient, but i'll have to do it if i want to survive this triathlon.
on another note--i hate mood swings. this past week has been particularly chock full of them, with me riding from neutral to low and back again several times. sometimes, i wish i'd hit the manic more often so that i can concentrate and get some work done. that sounds reckless, and yes, the "high" can be risky. but, sometimes, the lows are just so damn rough that i'd rather the pendulum go completely the other way, instead of stopping halfway there. a lot of times, people don't know that it is extremely exhausting to maintain a stable facade. it sucks. but, there are things i can do: keep up the treatment, go to the gym, read for leisure, walk and play with toby, socialize, etc.
on another note--i hate mood swings. this past week has been particularly chock full of them, with me riding from neutral to low and back again several times. sometimes, i wish i'd hit the manic more often so that i can concentrate and get some work done. that sounds reckless, and yes, the "high" can be risky. but, sometimes, the lows are just so damn rough that i'd rather the pendulum go completely the other way, instead of stopping halfway there. a lot of times, people don't know that it is extremely exhausting to maintain a stable facade. it sucks. but, there are things i can do: keep up the treatment, go to the gym, read for leisure, walk and play with toby, socialize, etc.
i was also thinking of learning how to belly dance. thoughts?
:)
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