Oh $%&#!!!

So, this morning was the Tejas Triathlon in Sugar Land, and I competed in the relay with Team BA (which truly is BA, btw).  My new twitter friend, Shannon Henderson, did the swimming (600 yds), Cathlene Webb tackled the bike (11 miles), and I finished up with the running (3 miles).  

Despite the fact that we just put this team together all last minutelike, I was still super pumped about it!  I hadn't raced in forever, and I was anxious to see where I was pace wise since I'm back in a regular running routine.  I was so good yesterday.  I even resisted all vodka temptations. Not only did I want to get an accurate picture of where I was personally, I wanted to lay down some super fastness for Team BA.

While heading home from dinner at my parents house last night I witnessed a horrific wreck.  I had never seen anything like that first hand, and it was extremely upsetting.   When I finally got home either the shock, or the grief, or a combination of both, made me physically ill.  To put it bluntly, I puked my guts up....seriously.  I hope those images begin to fade very quickly, and my heart goes out to all involved.

I set the alarm on my phone for 3:45 and hit the pillow.   I like to get up early before a race, have a little breakfast, take my time getting ready, and I do not like to be rushed at all.  So, when I woke up to daylight and 6:20 on the clock, I friggin' freaked!!  I jumped up and let out exclamation that sounded something like 'duck', only slightly different.  I rarely use this word, so when uttered by me, it is serious, people!  

I got dressed at lightning speed, grabbed my visor, purse, phone, black shirt( Team BA's color was black...because nothing says BA like black!), and flew out the door.  Once in the car, I placed the call to Cathlene.  I explained my idiocy, expressed my apologies, gave assurance of my impending arrival, and asked for directions.  

Next order of business was to acquire some sort of marking device.  There was no chance of me making the body marking, so I would have to stealthily scribble on myself.  Luckily the local truck stop had a plentiful supply of Sharpies.  Once I had my marker, I proceeded to HAUL ASS to Sugar Land.    Mapquest says it's 97 miles from my driveway to Sugar Land, and that this trip should take 1 hour 40 minutes.  It was 6:30.  Our wave started at 7:16.  I had figured in my head that I had somewhere around 45 minutes after our start until I was up, which meant I needed to be in the transition area no later than 8:00.  Did I mention is was 6:30?

I'll leave out the details, but I somehow made it.  I parked the car and went running down the street towards the start with my phone and Sharpie in tow.  I called Shannon, whom I had not yet met in person, to find out where she was, and she guided me right to her.  It went something like this: "Hi, I'm Katy.  Here's a Sharpie...please draw on me.  Oh, and, thanks for getting my bib for me.  Do you mind pinning it on, while you're at it."  One of my most outstanding first impressions to date!!

We quickly walked back to transition, and about ten minutes later, in rolled Cathlene on her bike.  Whew!  I made it!  Off I went....

Not a very good run for me.  I was extremely dehydrated from all the puking the night before.  I actually stopped 2 times at water stops on a friggin' 3 mile course!  Sadness!!  I was about 30 seconds off my pace.  Oh well, my teammates were kind enough to cut me a little slack, and I was just glad I actually made it there.

We ended up placing 3rd (Woot, Team BA!!!), but left without getting our hardware because the idiot results people had it posted we came in 4th.  Maybe they saved them for us...

I ended up bumping into some familiar peeps ...  Cassie (turned out a 10 minute PR!!!) and her hubby Manny, Evan, and Jeremy.  It was awesome meeting Shannon, a.k.a. hendy2, in person.  She is definitely a BA swimmer, and rocked her first OWS with great finesse (so I hear...I wasn't there yet...boo!).   Major props to Cathlene too!  She rocked an 18 mph pace, and was just told she was doing this 4 days ago!!  My only killer performance was propelling the Expedition to Sugar Land unscathed and in record time.   

I hope I get a second chance to 'wow' my Team BA peeps!  And, in closing, may I just say that I absolutely LOVE triathlon relays.  It was the bomb-diggity rolling up with nothing but my shoes!!! :) 

 

Happy NRD!!!

i had no idea there was a national running day, but apparently it is celebrated today; june 3rd.  it was supposed to be a rest day for me; however, coach made exception, and ok-ed an easy 3 miler in commemoration of the day.  

didn't take any music with me for this one.  it was an entertain myself with my own thoughts day.  spent some time thinking about how running has changed things in my life on so many levels.

1.) i am healthier than i have ever been, and not just from the actual cardio activity.  because i am working hard on being the best runner i can be, i think about everything i put into my body. (for the most part. ie. vodka) 

2.) running has provided me great mental solace.  there's been lots of shstuff on my plate recently, and i've survived it like a champ!  

3.) running is so empowering! if you would have asked me 5 years ago if i could run a marathon, i would have laughed in your face.  the thought of running 26.2 miles sounded absolutely absurd!  now i am constantly trying to convince people of how easy it is if you just put a little work into it.  anyone can do, and you will feel like a million bucks when you do!  i can do anything i set my mind to!!  

4.) i love runners!  i have met the most amazing people through my running.  such camaraderie and spirit!!

i am thankful every day that i am healthy and able to enjoy my sport.  go run people!!!

School's Out!!

Thurs:  4 miles on the treadmill.  was not nearly as enjoyable as my last treadmill run.  i think i may have prematurely expressed love for the machine.  i do still in fact hate the damn thing.  i would rather the asphalt be melting the rubber off my shoes than do that again. 3 miles at a moderate pace and 1 mile pushing hard.

Fri:  back on my road.  5 miler nice and easy with my dog and lots of coldplay.

Sat:  was supposed to be my long run, but jp rushed me, and i only got 4 miles in.  ran my fav trail.  no horseflies or snakes, bonus!!

Sun:  nadadamnthing

Mon:  Intervals - 15 minute warm-up. 6 x 3 mins hard with 2 min jogs between. then 15 min cool down.  

Tues:  5 miles easy runnin'.  it was divine.

btw, school's out! woot!!  kids are sleeping in and i can run as early as i want!  however; once they all begin to wake up they multiple very quickly.  i tell myself they gravitate here because i am such a BA mom! 

Following Orders (For the Most Part)

I feel like my training is going really well!  That whole phase one thing I spoke of...I'm past it.  Running is fun again, and I'm back in a groove.  I've been doing set workouts given to me by my awesome new coach, and so far I've only messed up one of them.  The day after Memorial Day...c'mon what do you expect.  I kinda like getting up, checking my schedule, and following orders.  I didn't think I would, but I really do.  I've always said, I'm a much better sheep than shepherd.  So here's what I've done for last few days:

Last Saturday - ran 6 miles at a relaxed pace on trails here at home.  It was an ok run, but I was a bit hungover and blah from turnin' my swag on the night before. 

Sunday - Chillaxed

Monday - Drank beer on a boat (was supposed to do 10 min wu, 4 x 8min (hard) followed by 2 min. jog recovery, 10 cd)

Tuesday - Did the workout I was supposed to do Monday on my road. (minus two of the 8 min sets and the cd....talk about a hangover.  Decided not to drink anymore during this portion of my training)

Wednesday - Was able to run until the afternoon, so opted for a treadmill run.  Did 10 wu, 5 x 8 min (hard) followed by 2 min jog recovery, 10 cd.  Felt great!!!  Treadmill was not bad at all...watched game shows and jammed out to some kickass tunes!

I think I'm going to use the treadmill more this summer.  I just really don't do well in the heat, and my running usually stalls out during the hot as hell months.  The treadmill's not THAT bad, and if it keeps me running, and moving towards my goal...then so be it!

HSP Kicked My Butt!!

Hog's Hunt was the first time I had run at the park in FOREVER!!  HSP trails are way different than my trails, and they did one helluva number on my back and hips.  I think some of the problems with my back are from the way I was using my arms....holding them all weird to help me balance as I attempted to jump roots and stumps.  Then there was all the loose sand.  I don't remember the park being THAT sandy!  Up hill in loose sand is like running in a hamster wheel...and that is what I am blaming the hip trouble on.

I rested Sunday, but got right back at it yesterday.  Just 4 easy miles down my road.  I hope no one saw me bc I'm sure I looked like a friggin' idiot!  My hip flexors only allow for baby steps.  I ran 5 today, and felt better, but still not quite normal.  Guess that's what I get for running 15.5 miles of tough trails completely unprepared!!

Hog's Hunt 25K

Well, so much for sitting Hog's Hunt out!  Nevermind the fact that I was completely unprepared to run a 25K...I just said 'what the hell' and did it anyway.  It actually started out really well.  I felt great all the way to about mile 11 or 12, and then the heat and lack of water started to kick my butt.  There was a 5 mile stretch between aid stations, and it was about 90 degrees outside!  I think I got just a tad bit dehydrated.  Oh well, I lived...

I'm not really sure what my time was...just glad I finished!  It was AWESOME to back out at the park!!!

Chipping Away at Phase One

Phase One - that's where I am right now.  The phase that keeps most people away from this sport.  There's nothing enjoyable about, every step is a struggle, self doubt is rampant, and you want nothing more than to throw in the towel.  I don't know how many times I've tried to explain this to people...when I get "I don't know how you do what you do...I hate running!".   You've just gotta get outta Phase One, people!! 

Luckily, I've conquered this hill before, and I know the awesomeness that exists on the other side.  I am inching my way closer everyday, and I am so excited!  I recruited a coach yesterday too!  I am going to work my ass off to make that sub 4 race!!!

I am signed up to run Hog's Hunts 25K tomorrow, but I'm not trained for it, and I don't see the point of going out there and killing myself.  I think I'm just going to stick to my comeback training plan, and just be a spectator for this one.  It's fun cheering everybody on anyway.  I'm going to bring my camera and photograph and support all my peeps who actually trained for the race.  I'll be back next year fo sho!!!

I ran another 3 miles this a.m. on my road.  I felt much stronger than the last 2 days.  I did walk about 100 yds in the middle somewhere, but I cranked up my go-to tunes, The Killers, and they got me going again.  Mr. Brightside does it for me everytime!!

Game On!!!

I think it was about this time last year when I last posted to this blog.  I have no idea if anyone is still doing it, or reading these things, but I'm gonna start posting again.  I have come to the conclusion that I am much more dedicated to running when I blog about it.  I guess it just helps keep me accountable...who knows.  

All I do know, is that I am determined to get back in peak running condition again.  I don't care if it is hot as hell!  I have set a goal for myself to run a sub 4 marathon this fall, and I am going to do my dangedest to git-r-done...can't believe i just said that.  

anyhoo, here goes!!!

I ran 3 miles yesterday very slowly and sluggishly.  I attempted to run the same 3 mile trail again today, but my dog was attacked by a skunk towards the end.  She was slinging the thing around trying to shake it to death, when it bit a hunk outta her nose and sprayed her in the mouth.  She then proceeded to whine, puke, bleed, and stink very badly.  I walked the last 1/4 mile or so back to the house with her.  I think it's safe that she will never again jack with a skunk!

In Over My Head

First of all, let me say thank you to everyone who has been concerned about me.  I'm sorry for not posting on here and letting you all know what is going on.  I am really lucky to have people who worry about me when I don't blog! =)

What a crazy summer it's been!  I don't even know where to start.  Our deer venture has turned out to be a HUGE undertaking.  We lost three fawns when they were all first born due to fire ants.  Being new to this, I had no idea ants could be such a problem.  We had to take all the remaining fawns out of the pen and treat the entire thing with ant killer, which then all had to be watered in...by hand.  I had to drag a water hose around for three days!  

Once we got the ant problem under control, we tried to return the fawns to the pen, but the does rejected them and would not let them nurse.  So, we are bottle feeding the deer until they can be weaned in about 3 weeks.  I know this doesn't sound like that big of a deal, but I can't tell you how much work it has been, and still is.  

First we weren't set up to bottle feed.  We had to build pens, get all the supplies, etc...The first week they all had to eat every 4 hours around the clock.  That has slowed down now, and I am just feeding 4 times a day.  And when I say "feeding", I really mean - mix up all the milk, feed them all, help them go to the bathroom (deer can't go own their own when they are young.  I won't gross you out by graphically describing this process), clean up the bottles, clean the pens, and then start all over again.  I was so exhausted for the first two weeks, I hardly slept at all.

While all this has been going on, I have also had to deal with all my regular work stuff, my dad in the hospital in Dallas with heart issues, my father-in-law in Dayton very sick, my dog died, and witnessed JP total our truck and travel trailer in a bad wreck right in front of me.  I seriously could write a country and western song.  I know that would make Jon proud! =)

Things are looking up though.  I am getting a handle on the deer, I think I'm just about caught up on my regular work, my dad is fine, JP's dad is feeling better, we had a nice funeral for the dog, and JP and Jared were not hurt in the wreck.

I still have my email forwarded to the office for them to deal with maintenance requests from tenants, so if you want to chat, holler at me at my other email address - katy.lampson@gmail.com.

Again, I'm sorry if I had anyone worried.  Honestly I have been completely drained mentally and physically.   I'll be back soon...I promise!

Here are some pictures from the wreck.  I was so excited to be getting away for a couple days to Lake Travis.  We hired some people to come stay here with the deer and loaded up.  We got about an hour away from home and BAM!  The truck got a blowout on one of the rear tires.  With the weight of the trailer behind him, JP couldn't control it.  The truck and trailer jackknifed.  The trailer broke loose and flipped nearly ripping the back of the truck off.  I was following behind JP in my car pulling the boat, so I had a very scary view of the whole thing.  It is lucky there was no oncoming traffic, and that the trailer broke loose and did not flip the truck with it.  JP and Jared both wear a Saint Christopher medal for which I am very thankful.  

I've missed you all!

TGIF

This past year, JP and I decided to add a little diversity to the ranch, and bought some registered whitetail does for breeding purposes.  Our first fawns began arriving this week.  So far we've had two sets of twins. (1 buck and 3 does)  They usually weigh anywhere from 5 to 11 pounds at birth....same as a baby.  Only in this case, I'm hoping for the larger end of the spectrum.  They are so danged cute!  It's hard not to go out there and play with them, but we have to leave them alone.  There are some procedures that have to be done shortly after they are born (2 shots, hair sample for DNA testing, put some stuff in their mouth to prevent a disease called "blue tongue", and spray some ant repellant on them - it's non-toxic, I checked), but after that it's not good for them to have human contact because it increases the chances of the dam rejecting it.  Bummer.

They all seem to be doing good except for the buck fawn.  It doesn't have the same spunk as the others.   Maybe the bucks are just more chill...who knows?  We're just learning here.

This is the buck fawn.  Poor little guy!

Anyhoo, back to running.  Wednesday morning I went for my daily 3 mile jaunt down the road, and realized about half way through that this was the day Ken was making his 2,000th consecutive run.  A group of us were planning on running the milestone with him.  Oh well, I'd just run twice...that certainly wouldn't hurt!  All I've really been doing since it got hot is 3 miles in the morning, and then either swimming or riding my bike later in the day.  I'm a wuss.  No summer long runs for me.

That evening we all met up with Ken at the track to run the 5K Avenues course.  This was actually the first time I'd ever run this course, and hopefully it will be the last.  Very hilly!  I asked Ken why of all the places he runs, he chose this location for his 2,000th celebration.  He said he wanted to see who his real friends were...apparently real friends will endure torturous hills in extreme heat to show support.  I started the run off with Adrienne, Chris, Hans, Norman, Darren, and Andrew...the fast pack, but then Norman and I decided to hang back and run with Ken.  Lavonne, Karen, Norman and myself ran him in.  Although I would love to say I hung with Adrienne for an entire 5K (even if she was holding back), I was there to run with Ken.  He may not run the fastest 5K in town, but he is one of the most dedicated runners I know.  It's inspiring!  Congrats, Ken!

Since I doubled up on Wednesday, I took off completely on Thursday.  I went down to The Woodlands.  I had an early hair appointment, then I met up with a friend for lunch.  The only workout I got was a stroll around Market Street.  I'm not complaining.

Today I went for a "long run"...a whole 5 miles!  It felt really good.  I miss running.  Friggin' heat!  I'm meeting up with Adrienne at the HKC pool later today for some lap swimming.  Maybe I can beat her in the pool?  I doubt it! :)

Happy Friday!!!

Camping at Canyon Lake

The Mobile Mansion

(sounds better than trailer)

Me and JP at the Party

(JP's best friend Tom in the background)

The Whole Group

(don't worry...there were several mobile mansions on the premises)

Well, we all survived the first of several summer camping vacations we take every year.  I call it camping, but it's really not roughing it too much.  The Mobile Mansion is equipped with two AC units, three TV's, a full kitchen, one and half baths, and is probably bigger than the first apartment I lived in.  

For this excursion we hauled the bad boy to Potter's Creek Park, located at what is quite possibly my favorite spot in Texas...Canyon Lake.  It is as beautiful as Lake Travis, but isn't spoiled with all the crap that surrounds that place.  It's a Corp. of Engineers lake, so they are very restrictive as to what can be built around it.  No bulk-heading.  It all naturale.  

While we were there we celebrated a major milestone for JP - birthday number 50!  That's right, I am officially married to an old man!  To his credit though...when we first started dating he was 38, and he still looks exactly the same.  That is unless he puts his reading glasses on. ha-ha.

I took my running shoes, bike, helmet, and goggles with me for the trip, and I am happy to say I used them all.  I got a nice run in every morning except for the morning we were packing up to leave, I enjoyed some nice rides with my sister-in-law, and did some swimming in the lake.  The rest of my time was occupied with absolutely nothing but hanging out with good friends and family.  It's always hard to come home from this trip...waaah.

Next up - Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis.  For now it's back to reality.

Oh and, Happy Belated Father's Day to all you awesome Dad's! 

Tejas Triathlon Report

Swim Exit - (notice other people around me wearing pink swim caps.)

Bike Finish - (I'm not sure what's up with the arm flexion. Gross!)

Run Start - (Side stitch like a mofo!)

I'm happy to report that you people are going to have to give me a new nickname.  Buoy-to-Buoy Lampson is no more!  I did absolutely no buoy hugging this time.  That's right - I freestyled-it the whole 600 yards.  I had no issues at all this time around, other than I started out too far back in the pack.  It's too danged hard to pass people.  I'm going to be more aggressive next time around.  I guess all my visualization paid off.  I've been lying in bed at night picturing myself swimming in a crowded lake and staying calm...just doing my own thing, like I were the only one there.  You can laugh all you want.  That shizz works!  How do you think I learned how to juggle?

Next the bike.  Not much to say there, other than I seriously need to get faster.  I passed some people, but was passed by more.  I'm guessing this is just something that takes practice and lots more training than I have been doing.  I've pretty much neglected the bike for weeks.  Now that I'm cool with the swimming, I'm going to spend more time on my bike.  You've gotta have a lot of time to train for these multi-sport races...geez!

Ironically, the run is where it all cratered for me this race.  For some reason or another, I got one hell-of-a side stitch, and I couldn't run.  I actually laid down on the ground at one point to try and get it to ease up.  Several people stopped and asked me if I was ok, which I thought was very nice.  Nothing would make this thing go away.  My right side is actually still sore today.  wth?  I just did all I could do.  I ran until I thought my side was going to burst, then I stopped and walked a bit.  Run, almost die, walk, repeat.  This process resulted in 10 minute miles for me, which cost me about 5 minutes.  

If I could have run at my normal pace, I would have been in the top half of my age group, which is my goal at this point.  I finished 19th out of 29.  This race seemed to have some pretty stiff competition.  My friend Jeremy, who placed 2rd in the Combat Tri and 4th at Silverlake, placed 14th at this race.  I saw lots of what appeared to be serious athletes at this thing.  

All in all, it was a good day.  I am definitely hooked on the triathlon, and I would definitely do this race again, just without the side stitch.  Dammit!  

Getting Ready For Tri #2

I met up with Cassie last Sunday for some open water swimming practice.  She took me to a lake in Manvel where they have some buoys set up for triathlete practice swims and some scuba diving stuff.  

I think it was VERY helpful...thank you, Cassie.  We made a loop around half the lake (550 yds), then swam back and forth between the pier and one of the buoys.  I sorta lost count, but I think we swam 850 yards total.  Cassie tried swimming close to me to simulate race conditions, but I was too worried about kicking her.  I guess I need to go practice with someone I DON'T like, and just kick away.  Any suggestions or volunteers?

It's crazy how much harder open water swimming is.  The next day I did laps at the SHSU pool while the kids played.  I went 120 laps without stopping.  That's 3,000 yards, and seriously, I could have kept going.  I only stopped because I had to tend to my wifely duties, and go cook dinner.  Ugh.  

Today I picked up my packet for the Tejas Tri....I hope this one goes much smoother.  I'm kinda going this one alone.  I had lots of peeps there last time, but the only people I know who will be at Tejas are Jeremy and Evan. (both competing)  No crowd support or female consolation.  Yikes.

End Of The Montgomery Co. Triple

Montgomery County Triple Finishers

(minus Evan)

I went back down to The Woodlands today for the David's Dream Run 5K, the last leg of the Montgomery County Triple.  It was not an event without it's share of weirdness.  It all started out normal.  Ken and I pulled up at Market Street, and immediately ran into Sara.

Sara asked me if I had read the story behind David's Dream Run, so I told her I hadn't.  She informed me that David was a boy who lived in a bubble that had passed away about 13 years ago.  I don't know how many of you are Seinfeld fans, but after she told me that I couldn't get the Seinfeld bubble boy out of my head.  The proceeds from the race went to Texas Children's Hospital, and it is a great cause, and I know this is horrible, but I couldn't quit laughing to myself.  I know - I'm going to hell!  Please forgive me!

Anyway, next we picked up our races packets.  Apparently, everyone either got a size large or extra large shirt.  What the heck?  It looks like a nightgown on me.  Why did they even ask what size shirt we wanted on the entry form if they were going to give everyone a large?!

Then we found out that the race didn't actually start until 8:30, not 8:00 like the website said. So Sara and I headed over to the HEB to use the facilities.  While we were in the bathroom a woman and two young girls came in.  One of the young girls (probably around 16) told her friends that she could not use the restroom if they were in there too because she had a nervous bladder, and she asked them if they could wait outside.  Then she put her finger in my face and said "you better not listen either!".  I replied with a simple "ok", but I felt more like saying "get your friggin' finger outta my face you freak!".   For the record - I listened.  It sounded the same as when anyone else does it.  Geez...weirdo!

Sara, Ken, Jon, Bill, Karen, Evan and myself stood around chatting while waiting for the race to start.  It was the usual discussion for this time of year.  The heat, the humidity, etc.  Ken wouldn't stop looking for John Cook. (fellow SHRC member who made the first two legs of the triple, but was MIA for the Dream Run)

Finally, time to run.  I went out way too fast, as usual.  I was chasing Suzy Shreiber.  Bad idea.  I hung with her for about a mile and a half, and then died.  I'm not sure why I insist on doing this.  I mean, I know it doesn't work well for me, but I can not make myself start out slow.  Very frustrating!  I ended up 4th in the 30-39 age group with a time of 27:07.

The race itself was pretty uneventful, other than some crazy guy with a baby jogger nearly plowed me over.  The guy was flying.  I'm convinced the thing had a little motor, and was actually pulling him.  One thing for sure, he needs to work on his steering!  It's a miracle he didn't take out an innocent achilles tendon.

After a really long wait with REALLY loud top 40's music and the occasional Tejano hit, the awards ceremony was underway.  (chip problems...ugh!)  I was all prepared to cheer on Sara who placed 3rd in her age group and Ken who we thought had placed 2nd in his age group.  When they didn't call out Sara's name, we realized that they were only giving out awards two deep.  And, when they didn't call out Ken's name, we realized after they fixed the chip problems he was bumped to 3rd place.  Bummer.  No awards for SHRC.  Ten year age groups with awards only two deep - that STINKS!  However, it did make my 4th place finish less annoying!

At the end of the awards ceremony Jon took over the mic, and told the remaining crowd a little about the Montgomery Co. Triple.  Then he named Jacob and Joseph Mazone the top male finishers, and Me and Sara the top female finishers.  My first overall female finish.  Out of a field of 4....WooHoo!  I got three more pine cones to add to my collection.  Thirteen out of the fourteen MCT finishers were recognized and given an award.  Evan left early, so he missed out on his piece of wood.  Motocross something or other...dangerous!

We all called it a wrap and went home.

Over Ambitious?

Well, since my horrible swim experience at the Silverlake Tri, I've been swimming like crazy.  Yesterday I signed up for the Tejas Tri in Sugar Land on June 8th.  It has a 600 yd open water swim...yikes!  I'm determined to do this one with a little more grace, and far less tears.  I loved the triathlon experience as a whole, so I can't keep letting the swim intimidate me.  I WILL get over my fear! (trying to psych myself up here)

Yesterday I swam 600 yds twice, timing myself both times.  In the pool, I'm doing this distance in about 13 minutes.  How that translates to open water...I have no idea.  I'm going to find a lake to practice in this weekend.

I also signed up for the Y Freedom Tri on June 29th in Pearland.  It's a 300 meter pool swim...heck yeah!

If anyone has any advice on goggles, it would be much appreciated.  Every pair I've tried fogs up on me.  Even the ones that say "anti-fog".  It's not really a big deal in the pool, but it's hard to sight buoys when you can't see, and trying to rinse the inside of my goggles out when I can't touch bottom is not an easy task for me.  Help.  This was a contributing factor to my Silverlake meltdown.

___

Hannah and I took advantage of the cooler temps this morning, and hit the road.  She rode her bike along side me while I ran.   It was great.  She carried my water bottle and pepper spray in her little bike basket, and didn't complain at all.  We went 3.5 miles, and she says she wants to go farther tomorrow.  Sweet!

Getting runs in when she is out of school has been a problem in the past, because I can't leave her alone.  Now her bike skills are good enough to come with me.  I'm so excited!  I won't have to run circles in my living room this summer!

Memorial Day Run...Walk

As you can tell by the look on my face, I was not overly excited about running yesterday morning.  It's just too danged hot, but I've already complained enough about that.  Waaaahhhh.

Ken graciously hosted the annual 7 Hills Memorial Day 5K and cookout at his house in the Timberwilde subdivision.  He set up a course that included one loop and a short out-and-back.  Garmin says it was right on.

I ran with Norman's oldest daughter, Chantel.  The last club run, I ran with the youngest of the Langwell girls, Deanna.  Now I just need to run a race with Colton, and I will have completed the trifecta.  Only problem is, I'm not sure I can keep up with Colton.

Chantel and I ran/walked the course, and did more talking than anything else.  32 minutes and something.  Just a leisure 10:00 am stroll through Timberwilde in sweltering heat.                                                                      

Thanks so much to the Johnson family for a great cookout!  I wish I could have stayed longer, but as usual, I had a house full of people waiting on me at home.  

Brutal RTW

It happens every year around this time - I loose my will to run.  My last run before today was in Pearland at the Silverlake Tri.  I can't stand running in heat and humidity.  I know what you're thinking...who can?  But, seriously, I think I am overly sensitive to it.  It is very apparent in the crazy shade of red my face turns in high heat situations.  My high school basketball coach used to pull me out of the game because she thought I was dying.  Not wanting me to drop dead on her watch, I would have to beg to be put back in the game, and sometimes even ice my face.

Today at RTW, the second leg of the Montgomery County Triple, my face was crazy red.  Thanks to soaring humidity levels, the heat index at 8 o'clock this morning was already in the triple digits.  Ugh!  I did what I could do, but it wasn't pretty, and it hurt...bad!  Borderline torture.  It gave "for the love of pine cones" a whole new meaning.  

I zeroed in on Denise Van Kuiken.  I like to pick someone slightly faster than me and try to hang.  I shadowed her for about 1.3 miles, and then quickly faded.  I got a side stitch, which happens frequently to me this time of year.  I don't know if it's the heat or the fact that I'm running less, but I get them a lot in the summer.  Denise ended up finishing in 25:13, me in 26:52.  That is truly all I had.  Oh well.

My hat is off to Karen.  I would be willing to bet that out of the 98 people who ran RTW today, Karen is the only one who PR'd!  She broke 26 minutes for the first time today!  WooHoo!  I told her loosing all that gear would speed her up...or was it Coach Bill?  Either way, she was awesome!

Even though I repeated the phrase "I hate summer" numerous times today, I had a great time.  I've made lots of friends thru running, and lots of them were there today.  Best dollar I've ever spent!

When I got home JP was busy knocking the winter dust off the boat.  Time to take it out for it's summer test run before our slew of upcoming camping trips.  Jimmy Buffet and my song appropriate concoction (not frozen, but concoction all the same) quickly reminded me that I don't actually hate summer.  

We spent the day cruising around Lake Conroe watching the kids ski.  I say ski, but it's really wake boarding.  They are quick to tell me "mom, no one skis anymore...that's so eighties".  Being a former professional water skier and instructor, this is very hard for JP to accept.  Every once in a while he puts them in their place, and lets me pull him.  He throws on his 70's model ski (apparently they don't know how to make 'em nowadays), I put the Duran Duran cassette in the boom-box, and he tears it up 80's style. Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand... 

My plan for the summer:  

Short run.  Lots of sun. (with adequate SPF, of course) 

Ride of Silence

My friend Keelie Hughes and myself headed over to Lufkin yesterday evening for a Ride of Silence.  This event, organized by Jeremy Webb, is held on May 21st in cities all over the world in memory of cyclist who have been injured or killed by motorist, and to raise awareness for biking safety.

Edwin wrote a great story about it for the Lufkin Daily News. read it

My First Tri Experience

First of all, let me just say, it's a whole heck of a lotta work to get your stuff together for a triathlon.  I must have gone over my list a million times.  Helmet-check. Towel-check. Goggles-check.  And so on, and so on.  All my rechecking, and I still somehow managed to leave the number that goes on your bike in my car, which was parked about a mile away.  In my infinite wisdom, I decided the best way to retrieve that number from my car was to run back and get it.  Um - nevermind the perfectly good bike I had with me?  I'm an idiot.

So, I ran back to get the number.  I passed Jon and Waverly as they were making their way to the start area.  I'm sure they were wondering why I was running down the street in the opposite direction of the race.  Once I made it back to the transition area with my number (100 - I thought that was a pretty cool number) I had about 10 minutes to get all my stuff set up.  The lady next to me brought her entire closet, so I didn't have much space, but I got everything laid out in what seemed like a logically ordered arrangement.  Off to the port-a-potty line.

Desperate times call for desperate measures - I went inside a port-a-potty with no shoes on.  I suddenly felt very Britney Spearsish, but I had no choice.  The only shoes I had were on my little towel in the transition area that was already closed off.  A second pair of shoes is something I will definitely add to my list for next time.

Sarah was waiting in line with me, and was giving me some last minute pointers and trying to ease my mind a little about the swimming.  While Sarah was trying to ease my mind, the lady behind me was scaring me to death.  She was going on and on about how hard open water swimming is, and how lots of people freak out, and how it's completely different from swimming in a pool (which is all I've been doing).   I left the port-a-potties thinking I was going to die, and with who knows what on the bottom of my feet!

I had about thirty minutes before my wave started, which I spent chatting with Jon, Waverly, Edwin, Cassie, Manny, and Sarah.  Then they called my wave, and it hit me - I'm not ready for this!  We all got in the water, and when the guy said "ok...10 seconds" I started to panic.  The gun sounded and we were off.  I hung back in the pack, but still managed to get kicked in the face almost immediately.  I did exactly what the scary lady in the port-a-potty line said.  I freaked out, inhaled some water, and couldn't get myself together enough to swim.  

I was headed for the rescue boat when I heard a familiar voice yelling words of encouragement in my direction.  I looked over at the bank, and Jon had run around the side of the lake and was cheering for me.  That "you can do it!" saved my race.  I decided I could do it.  I would just take it buoy to buoy.  I never could get my composure together enough to actually swim freestyle.  I did a doggie-paddle/breaststroke hybrid and stopped at every buoy.  

It took me a little over 13 minutes to swim 400 meters.  Pathetic!  It actually would have been longer except for the fact that the people in the boats kept yelling at me to get off the buoys.  Apparently, that's not what they're for.  They put the buoys there to mark the course not to cling to for dear life.  I've never been happier to see astro turf!  I dried my feet off, put my shoes, helmet, and sunglasses on, and headed out on my bike.

The bike leg went smoothly enough I guess.  I got passed too much.  I'm not sure how many times I heard "on your left", but it was too many for my liking.  I definitely need to get faster on the bike.  36 minutes to cover 10 miles leaves lots of room for improvement.

There wasn't much to transition 2.  I just switched out my helmet for my visor, racked my bike, and put on my race belt.  Off for the run.  I hadn't actually done any brick workouts, so this was the first time I had run directly after biking.  Weird.  My legs wouldn't work for about half a mile or so.  I felt like I was going in slow motion, and I'm sure I was.  Once the jello legs went away I kicked it up as much as I could, and for the first time during the race I was doing the passing.  The run was 3 miles in 25:49, which is my typical pace.  I felt like I was running slower than normal, but I guess not.

Finally the finish line.  It took me 1:19:18 to get there, and I'm fine with that.  I had no big expectations for this race.  The goal was to finish, and learn a little about how this whole triathlon thing works.  I learned I need to practice open water swimming, I need to hammer out more miles on my bike, and I need to bring shoes for the port-a-potties.

After the race I hung out with my fellow TIR teammates for a while before heading back.  I picked up a few new nicknames like "buoy-hugger" and such.  I guess I've been called worse.  Congrats to Sarah for her awesome 3rd place finish, and to Cassie who completed the whole thing with one of the worst coughs I have ever heard.  I have no idea how she did it.  Jeremy Webb and his sister, Jennifer, were also there competing.  Jeremy totally rocked the course, and came in under the one hour mark with a time of 59 minutes and some change, which put him in the ever so annoying 4th place slot.  4th place drives me crazy!

I had a rough start, but when it's all said and done, I had a great day.  Thank goodness for all the familiar faces, especially Jon and Edwin.  You guys are the best!

8 Things About Me

Curtis tagged me for this little game, so here goes...

1.  I can juggle.  Started with scarves and worked my way up to oranges.

2.  I used to be legally blind.  Thank goodness for Lasik!

3.  My first name is Lisa, and my middle name's not Katy.

4.  I too, like Curtis, am uncomfortable running shirtless.

5.  I have attended 4 different colleges, and don't have a degree from any of them.

6.  I have Eazy E and The Bee Gees on the same iPod.

7.  I am not a natural blonde...shocker, I know.

8.  I have seen Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty In Pink 437 times each.

Well, that's me in a nutshell.  Now I have to tag some people, so here goes: (Karen, Holden, Jon, Cassie, Sarah, Joe...get after it!)