Ready for a New Year and an Announcement!

Tonight is New Year's Eve.  I'm sure many of you are out partying and looking all cute.  Me?  Well, I have 3 kids and no plans.  I had even forgotten that tonight was NYE as I was making dinner.  Of course my children reminded me....  what child passes up missing bedtime by several hours?

Not only do I NOT have any exciting plans for NYE, we are also forecasted to get a giant snowstorm tonight and tomorrow.  Up to 10 inches by tomorrow night (ok, so that's giant to me!)  Personally I'm glad that I will not be out there driving near any drunks on slippery roads!

So after my kiddos reminded me that they are staying up late partying, I was pretty unsure how I felt about being a 30-something mommy who has 0 plans.

THEN I saw a facebook post about a "run in the new year" 5K tonight.  It is no where near me and tonight I had decided I was due for a bike ride and posted it on my self-made training plan as such (more on that in a minute!)

So... what are my plans?

I'm going to RIDE in the new year.  I decided that tonight is my bike ride night.  I'm hoping the youngest is asleep by 10pm and then I'm jumping on my bike to watch the Rock n' New Year's Eve on TV show.

I need to get better and stronger on my bike, so my training plan includes a lot on riding.

A training plan?  Yep, I wrote my own.  I'm doubting my own abilities on this option.  I don't have the $$$ for a coach though so I've done a lot of reading and planning and came up with my own, "No FAIL" plan.  By no fail, I mean that I just included weekly plans and have listed no specific days of the week.  In my house, life happens, kids happen, and I can't stick to a strict, "ride on Monday, long run on XXX day, etc."   My plan gives me a number of workouts to complete each week and it will be up to me to get them in.  I don't know much about endurance training, but I would have to say the 1 thing I'm most guilty of is not giving myself a day off or a rest day.  I've tried to include that in my plan, but I have to convince myself that it's important.  Especially if I want my foot to last through this!

So WHY do I have a training plan to write at all?????

I've decided with a 99.9% certainty that I'm doing 

Rev3 Cedar Point 70.3!!!  

(I'm not saying 100% because I have yet to pay for it.  I'm waiting for my next pay check to do that.)  

So while I'm riding in the new year with new plans, I hope you all have set some goals and plans for 2014.  It's going to be a great year.

Happy New Year!

How Did December Go By So Fast?

Every year I spend lots of time preparing for December, Christmas, and all that goes along with it.  Every year, it's over before I know it.  Here we are again, at the end of December and I don't know how it went so fast.  As I was preparing to do this post, I went through all of my December pictures to figure out what I could post.  NOW I know were December went.  Here is our December in review:

We went to the Zoo lights- our zoo, the Toledo Zoo, decorates every inch on the zoo with lights and animation.  The kids love it....daddy looks like he is really enjoying it too!

My son turned 2 in December (on the 15th) so we had a party in early December.  He wanted dinosaurs!  Roar!!!!!

My oldest daughter was in a school musical, Melton the Warmhearted Snowman.  She is the reindeer on the far right side.

Then we had the Christmas dance recital for both girls....

(Red Dress and Red Skirt/black shirt)

It snowed a lot (this was mid-snow....we got more than what you see!) one weekend... The kids had fun playing in it.

They played so hard, the boy fell asleep sitting up next to me!  (ignore my nasty hair and no-make up mommy look!)

Then, Christmas happened.... a lot!

Then the after Christmas "Mom, open this, play with me, help me, do this with me" begging started!  And so, we did crafts, played games, dressed dolls, dressed ourselves, and had a great time!

I decided that I had fully met my mommy duties, so I sat down to decide what race would be my first this year.  I loved the Glass City Half Marathon last year (even if it was in the pouring rain!) so I signed myself up before the rate increase!  Time to get back to the action.  I'm hoping my foot holds up!

 Though my son has never seen Home Alone (at least he has never paid attention to it) he seems to do this face whenever we ask him to say "cheese" and I don't know why.  I'm SURE he is thinking, "Mommy signed up for ANOTHER race?  What is she thinking!"

 Merry Christmas to ALL to and ALL a good new year!
Michele

Just Some Ramblings of Life

I wanted to title my blog: "Blog or Sales Pitch?" but then decided that I had more important things to share.  However, here is my one vent for today: I'm personally not enjoying that some blogs have turned into sales sites.  I used to read blogs because the writers' lives interest me.  (eek...that makes me sound like a stalker!)  Now, some blogs I go to sound like horrible movies that have too many product placements.

Every post seems to have some cheesy way to bring up the "item" they are OBVIOUSLY getting paid or product compensation for every time someone uses their link to buy the item.  It's just annoying.  Don't get me wrong, if your blog is mainly about life and the sport you participate in and then every once in awhile you link something that you might get credit for, that's cool.   I get it, you want to make a little off your writing skillz!  I'm talking about the blogs that have it in every post and write about nothing else unless it can generate them $ or product.  I write because it's my secondary release (only to tri!) and even if it bores you, it's all raw and it's all me!  I guess I just need to find some new reads!  OK, daily vent DONE!

This last week I went to a fundraiser that had Christmas Trees up for auction.  I wanted this one, but the starting bid was $125, and well, I don't have that much!  I love upside down trees for some reason.  Not all of them are cute, but this one was beautiful!

I am no good at decorating!  I need some interior help.  Maybe it's because I have 3 kids, but my house has no style.  Oh well, I guess I'd rather spend my money on some new Tri gear!

My oldest helped me make some motivational magnets for our fridge.  I loved that she wanted to help because then she was reading every one of them and asking what it meant.  This led to some great conversations about working hard and not giving up even when you want to.

Last week I went ahead and renewed my USAT license.  My oldest was sitting next to me when I did it and asked about it and then asked me if she needed one....yep!  You do!  So, I went ahead and signed her up too!  I told her that meant that she couldn't back out of doing one this summer now.  She seemed really excited about being "official!"





 When driving to work the other day, there was a beautiful sunrise going on.  I love the big orange ball in the sky.  Nature is what truly keeps me going when I'm out for a run or on my bike.

I am not very excited for the snow to be flying, but I know it's coming.  I love snow when it's all white out and untouched.  Once I get this boot off, I may try to get to the metroparks for some runs.  I used to never like to run in the cold, but I think it might be time for me to get used to doing that!

The sun is now setting here and we are getting ready to head to our town's Christmas parade, which of course, hands out candy!  UGH!  No more candy in my house!!!!

My Kind of Famous

While driving to work this morning listening to the radio, the morning show hosts were asking the question, "If you could meet any celebrity...."  Actually I think their question was a little more X rated, but you get the drift.  It's funny though because I started thinking of who I'd want to meet and all those that came to mind were "famous" triathletes.  They may not even be "famous" by most standards...  

I have never been a "celebrity" follower.  I don't think if you showed me a picture of the most famous of famous celebrities that I could name more than 10% of them.  Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise maybe.  But that's about as far as it goes.  I certainly don't know the difference between Hillary Duff, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift.   Do you?

I think the reason that I didn't care much for following celebrities was because most of them were arrogant, money grubbing, fame seekers.  Now, before you get all freaked out and email me hate messages telling me that you have full knowledge of celebrity XYZ and they aren't like that, please know that I realize that there are probably some wonderful examples of celebrities that aren't like that.  My problem is more that they get paid MILLIONS to act immature and spend $ on ridiculous things that any normal person wouldn't even consider spending their hard earned money on.  Why would I look up to them?

I realize that my idea of someone famous is really more of someone I feel has figured out what it means to be looked up to and acts accordingly to share their love of what they do.

Why am I talking about this today?  Well, I just read Swim Bike Mom's post about her meeting and Mc-ing the Andy Potts event at All3Sports.  Who is SBM?  Seriously, if you don't know and you are are female triathlete, you need to check her out.  Become a SBM Army member! 

Anyway, watching Andy Potts and how he handles being "famous" is so inspiring.  He truly believes it's his duty to give back to the sport and to share the passion with others- not to tell others why he is so much better than them.  

In Swim Bike Moms's Blog, she mentions something that Andy says.....  

 “In five years, no one will even know my name. I have absolutely no reason to not be nice to everyone. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but there is no disadvantage I see to being kind and taking time with people.”

WOW!  How impressive is that?  The truth is, his legacy will live on past that 5 years if he truly accepts that he may not be famous forever.  He will be remember as the athlete that didn't think he was better than everyone else, be on top forever, and was untouchable.   He will be remembered as the athlete who had so much passion for his sport that he was willing to share that passion with everyone at every level.  THAT is my kind of famous.  THAT is someone I want to look up to.  THAT is someone that I want to idolize.  

Forget movie actors throwing away millions like it's pocket change, forget the big TV sports stars who gloat in the glory, forget singers and bands who party so hard that they cancel shows.

My celebrity crushes comes in the form of little known athletes who work hard for little pay because they LOVE what they do and do it to inspire others.  

What Defines You?

I've had to do some soul searching these last few weeks.  Things have continued to be pretty chaotic.  I don't know if I get the "winter blues" like others claim, but I long for a sunny bike ride or even a swim outside.  I know these don't exist in Ohio during the winter months and that makes it even harder to get through all of this "stuff" going on.

I hate being in a funk!
Wish my funk looked more like this....

  The next Dr. appointment I have is on the 3rd of December with a sports orthopedic.  We'll see if that gets me anywhere closer to where I need to be.   I keep trying to tell myself to be patient, but if you are an athlete, you know how hard that is!

Personally, I think the foot thing has caused all of my other "funk" because my release, my stress relief, my "me" time is my running, swimming, and biking.  I feel so depressed without those things being part of my life.  It's no fun sitting at home stuffing my face with food.  I swear!

So why the soul searching?  Because I need to define who I am and who I want to be.  I want so badly to set my racing calendar for this next year, but I don't even know when I will be "healed" enough to be IN a race, let alone race!  No matter how long this takes, I do plan to be back for the summer...even if it's late summer.  :)  I'm a planner and without being able to plan my next season, I'm LOST.  I need to do some soul searching to remember who I am without my S/B/R obsessions.  What am I even without a race calendar?  I have to remind myself that there is a lot more to life than S/B/R.

I do have 3 beautiful children...

A husband (who hates pictures!)

I do love the life I have aside from my S/B/R time.  I just want to feel the connection to the sport even if I can't race.  None of my friends participate in triathlon, so I guess I should just settle for those that run and go cheer them on!  I applied to a  "Team" but so far have not heard back.  I think getting to know others that have the same passion as I have would help me to feel the connection I miss while I wait out this foot thing! 

I just keep reminding myself to ....

Just keep moving forward!  Even it it's not while swimming, biking, or running.  

How do you define yourself when you can't be defined as an athlete?

Just One Month

Happy belated Halloween!

(Bonus points to anyone who knows what super hero my oldest chose to be!)

These monsters helped us to gather the largest collection of calorie laden candy one could ever hope for- unless you're me, and then you just hope that they eat it quick before you dive into the bowl for some candy triathlon practice.  You know, the Snickers, Milk Duds, and Tootsie Roll triathlon!  

Here's the stash I'm trying to ignore daily:

The bowl is about 1' deep- it's one of those large black plastic cauldrons

Now that Halloween is over my husband and I are focused on the next Holiday at hand.... Christmas Thanksgiving.  You'd think that the stores forgot that Thanksgiving is BEFORE Christmas.  

I absolutely hate shopping with all the crazies in a busy store, so I do try to get my shopping done early.  The year I was prego with my last I decided being 9 months pregnant and shopping was not a good combination and I had all of my gifts bought before December 1st.  He was born the 15th and I was completely ready for Christmas!  It was so nice that I've continued to do the same each year since.  My hubby and I had the chance to shop sans kids the other day and got about 80% of the kids' gifts bought either in the store or online.  

Thankfully, my mom does Thanksgiving at her house, so there is not much for me to do to get ready for that holiday.... I just go an gorge myself on my mom's home cooking.  Did I just say that????

Not much has been happening at our house except the changing of the seasons.

I do have a small update one my foot.  Ok, it's probably a big update in terms of change.

As mentioned before, my PT wanted me to be in a boot if things weren't improving.  Long story short, I finally have the boot on and will need to wear it all day, every day for 1 month.  Just one month.  I'm only on day 1.5 and I'm already tired of it!  UGH!  Just get better stupid foot!!!!!!

The long story of how I finally got the boot-

The PT decided it was time and had me call a sports Dr. to get an appointment... their next available is December 3rd.  I told PT I didn't want to wait that long.  She called the Podiatrist who originally saw me... she is on vacation for a week and and half.  I called the "Best" ortho I was sent to who said he'd write a prescription.  He did, but it took 2 days!  I finally got it and since the only medical supply store near by is only open during hours I work, I sent my hubby to get it.  He presented them with my prescription and my insurance card and they told him I had to be there to be "fitted."  Angry, I took off a 1/4 day of work to go there.  I got there when they opened and when I handed them the SAME insurance card, they told me they don't accept my insurance and the boot would be $189.  I walked out.  I called my PT who helped me call around looking for some other place that would have it.  She finally said that our only option was to order it and my insurance would only cover about 1/2.  I mentioned that I saw them on Amazon and wondered if they were the same thing.  She looked them up and was astonished- they were.  she told me to just order on there and I was able to get what I needed over-nighted for $40- LESS than I would have paid even if my insurance covered the one at the supply store!  Crazy. I had the boot the next day and was able to order the correct size based on a shoe size chart.  I found multiple youtube videos about how to correctly wear it.  My PT is going to check it on Tuesday when I see her.   

I just love the whole medical/insurance process don't you?!  I guess I should just be glad that I do have insurance and that it is generally good insurance.  I am thankful that I have had the benefits I need the last few months.  

So I'm ending day 2 of 30-some days.  Wish me luck.  So far my foot doesn't hurt as much, but my ankle sure is sore from getting used to walking in this thing!  

Here's to 1 month of a clunky boot.  Anything to get me closer to being back to training!

My Exciting Life

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, mainly because I don't think I have much to share.  I dislike reading "filler" blog posts from others- you know, the ones that are mindless and are only written because their readers expect something.

I don't think this is filler, but I guess that depends on what you are looking for.  Race Report?  Sorry!  Exciting Vacation?  Nope.  Feet Fetish?  I have you covered!!!!

I feel like this "foot" thing is a soap opera.  I still don't have any answers.  I have been told so many different things that I'm not sure what to think anymore.  Today was PT appointment #5.  The pain was starting to get worse over the weekend and while I was at a work conference.   The PT doesn't know where to go from here.   As mentioned in the last post- I was told by the ortho that I have weak muscles.  The PT thought maybe something else was going on.  

I have been having "Ionto" on my my lumps....  Here is a picture of them tonight:

The hope was that the ionto would help these to go away.  Instead, they are getting bigger.

The PT is baffled.  At first she thought that they were fluid pockets.  Since her first eval, she has changed her mind.  She now thinks maybe a herniated muscle?  She keeps saying she wants to research it, but hasn't come up with anything.  The Ortho doc said he thought it was just a swelled muscle.  Maybe he was somewhat right.  The problem I have is that the pain is still there.  The lump cause numbness, heat, and tingling when I wear shoes.  I asked the PT if there was any fix if the muscle was causing a hernia and the answer was NO.  

I can't live with this pain forever.  That is NOT an option.  BLAH!

The PT did some mobile tests to make sure I didn't have any ligament issues not Dx'd before.  She did seem to think that I have an issue with how loose my 5th metatarsal was.  She found a painful spot but it didn't seem to help us know where to go.  She seems to think that I tore something or caused a stress fracture during my last run.  Our plan?  I have to finish PT before she can recommend I have further testing.  

I'm annoyed, I'm mad, I'm frustrated.  I am NOT patient.  I am NOT enjoying my lack of running and biking.  I'm so worried that I won't be ready to get back to training in January.  

So what is a girl to do?  I'm really trying to wrap my head around doing strength training while I wait.  I did kettle bells tonight.  I gotta get this figured out.

ENOUGH whining.  Enough about my stupid foot.  FORWARD!

Sunday I traveled to Columbus for a work conference.  I love staying at the Hampton Inn on High St.  The only complaint I have is that the rooms do not have fridges in them.  I took a cooler, but it's one thing I'd like to see them add.

Just across the street was this sign:

Yay!  I love seeing cities supporting the cyclists.  I'm not sure how sharing the cars were, as I did not see anyone riding their bike.  I DID see a delivery truck parked in the bike lane though.  

So, I really want to get over my pity party.  I'm done with it all.  I'm just not the person who can deal well with not having an exact DX with exact plans.  It drives me nuts to "wait and see."  I don't like being told to give it time and to wait to be reassessed.  I worked so hard to get where I am and now I want to keep moving forward.   I don't like this feeling.  I want to move past it.  I WILL move past it. 

OFF Season?

I guess I have to consider this the "off" season, but even as I type that, I wonder if places farther South actually have an off season?  In Ohio there are clearly months when I could run/bike outside, but refuse to since it's so freakishly cold out there. (ok, I know I'm a baby, but less than 40 degrees and I'm holed up in my PJs under a blanket!)  Swimming is absolutely out!  I don't know of any heated outdoor lap pools.  I BEGGED my hubby for a swim spa (an endless pool with a spa) but unless we win the lottery or find $30,000 just laying around, that's out too.  He did offer to let me find a sugar daddy to buy me one, but I don't have time for 1 man, let alone 2!  If anyone out there has the money... this is what I want!

My reason for this post is to mention that I'm finally at peace with "taking some time off" as my PT so kindly put it.  You see, I went to an orthopedic doctor on Wednesday who supposedly specializes in feet/ankles.  I was told he was the best in the area.  The only thing I considered him "best" at was being a jerk.  I arrived for my 7:30am appointment 15 minutes early as requested to fill out the 500 forms needed.  At 8:30am I was still waiting.  HOW can a doctor be late for the 3rd appointment of the day?! Anyway, I finally got back to see him and he looked at my foot and said, "It's just weak muscles."

I asked a few questions and pointed out the huge lumps.  He touched one and said that it was an inflamed muscle.  I explained to him that it was excruciating to drive and he laughed.  LAUGHED and said, "No."   I was so confused.  "No, what?" I asked.  He proceeded to tell me that weak muscles wouldn't cause my foot to hurt when I drive.  I agreed with him and waited for him to tell me what would make it hurt.  The doctor left the room.....

I assumed he'd come back to show me something or with something to try.  Instead, the nurse came in with a script for Physical Therapy and said, "The doctor said he'd like you to do a few sessions to strengthen your ankle.  He is referring you back to your Podiatrist for a follow-up after."

I was so angry.  My Podiatrist referred me to HIM because she didn't know what else to do for me.

I cried all the way out to my car.  I called my mom and sobbed.  "Physical Therapy isn't going to help me," I wailed!  She calmed me down and said that I should try PT.  That I should give it a shot and then if it doesn't help, they would have reason to do another MRI.

I called the PT office and I'm sure they could tell by the sniffling that I really wanted to get in to see someone soon because I had an appointment an hour later.  I went, expecting nothing.

I met with the PT who was WONDERFUL!  She "examined" my foot and commented that while she wasn't the doctor, she is glad that he checked the "at the PT's discretion" box because she didn't agree with his DX and thought that there was a lot of tendinitis and some scar tissue in there that maybe isn't healing well.  She explained everything she could do and was very clear about what I needed to do and not do during the time she is treating me.  I told her that telling me to REST meant nothing to me and if I wasn't supposed to run and bike, she needed to say that.  She said, "NO biking, NO running until I tell you otherwise."

Two sessions later and I'm in MORE pain, but I am sure that it will get worse before it gets better.  The PT did say that she was a bit concerned that I was unable to make the BAPS board move with the inside of my foot- that I should have more strength with my foot than that.

not my legs/feet

She said she doesn't want to jump to conclusions yet though and wanted to give it some time.  We'll see in a few more weeks of PT where I am at.  I'm getting ultrasounds and IO (some kind of steroid-electro thing) lots of very basic exercises that I thought would do nothing, but have completely surprised me.

In the meantime, I AM at peace with doing little, to no cardio.  I took some time off from everything, but this week I intend to start working with more strength training moves.  Why not build my arms and legs when I can't do cardio?!

I can honestly say that I finally have it in my head that this is necessary if I want to rock my tri season next year.  I am 100% sure I want to do a 70.3 and I am only going to be able to do that if I get my foot back to normal.

PT 2x per week for 4 weeks- at least.

A nice day for a swim.... run....fall

Last night the pro man and women finished the World Championship of Ironman on ironman live while I pedaled away on my trainer.  The men were just starting to come in as I was sweating it out 30 minutes in and I made it to an hour waiting for them to finish like I had planned and the women were just a few miles from the finish, so I stayed on for another 30 minutes to see the top 3 finish.  What an amazing Ironman!  Lots of pros in the lead packs for much of the day.

Today I set my alarm early, intending to go to swimming... but when I got there, I saw this:

The old(er) man that runs adult lap swim during the weekends is forever hacking up a lung when he swims, so I'm wondering if he isn't having some health issues.  I hope he is ok.  

On my drive home the inner-monologue went something like this:

"Good!  I wasn't really excited about getting in the pool today... now what do I do?  I could run...nah, I need some rest.  No, I MUST do something.  Wonder if I should ride my bike again.  No, I really need to run.  I don't want to run.  I need to run.  I should run.  Maybe I should take a day off.  I need to run.  Ok, I guess I'll run.  Maybe I can get on the treadmill and watch some TV.  No, it's beautiful outside, I should run out here.  Maybe I should just take a day off.  I need to run."

ANYONE else have to work so hard to convince themselves to run?!

Thankfully my drive home is only 8 minutes and by the time I got there I had settled on at least running and probably outside.  It was a chilly 58 degrees....or so I thought.

I got dressed and sat around trying to come up with excuses for almost an hour!  Finally I went outside planning to run 4-5 miles.  Within a few minutes I was warm that I had to peel off the top layer I had on and tie it around my waist.

My neighbor's ducks were getting their swim in!  Can you see them?

The fall colors were starting to come out at the end of my road... love the changing of the leaves!

When I got to my usual running location, I was really enjoying the peacefulness of nature.

I got my 5 miles in (pretty slowly, but my foot was hurting and I just needed to enjoy my time.)  I headed home.  I got to the road near the elevator and grain silos seen in the picture above and I started running toward my road.  

I looked back quickly to make sure there were no grain trucks coming and when I did that, my left foot slipped off the side of the road an buckled sideways.  I fell and skidded across the blacktop.  Watching my foot buckle freaked me out, I had never seen it bend that way and part of me was afraid to get up because I wasn't sure if I could walk.  

I did get up and took an inventory of the pain.  My knee was scraped up and my thigh hurt from falling on it.  My left ankle was sore, but I could walk on it, so I started jogging slowly.  I made it home, but this was the minor damage:

My knee is scraped a little and red/swollen slightly.  My thigh hurts more, but I'll spare you the picture.  My left ankle is tight, but I am thankful that's all.

So much for a beautiful run!  I'm just glad I got the miles in BEFORE that happened or I might have missed my chance for one of my last fall runs before the weather turns here in Ohio.  

Wednesday Link-Up with SSS Bloggers!

Welcome visitors and new readers!  

This is a great way to find out more about me.   

Thanks to the SSS Bloggers for allowing me to be part of the Wednesday Link up!  Check them out!

1.  Run or Walk?  

I started to run for weight loss and fell in love even though I had always been one of those people who said, "I can't run," and, "I hate to run."  I'm currently injured and shouldn't be running, but I miss it so much.  It's such a stress relief.  I've tried to sneak in a few short runs because I really do enjoy the feeling I have during and after.  The first mile or so is usually still hard for me, but once I get going, I feel like I could run forever!  I really should try to let my foot heal, but I'm a horrible patient at being patient!

2.  Elliptical or Treadmill?

This is a tough one... I used to only like the elliptical, but once I started running I haven't touched the elliptical.  I guess maybe I should try it again.  If I had a choice of elliptical, treadmill, or running outside, I'd most definitely pick outside!   I call the treadmill the 'dreadmill, but I still think I'd pick that over the elliptical!

3.  Longest distance you’ve ever ran(or walked or biked)?

The longest I've ever run is 13.2 miles... a 1/2 marathon that went a little long.
The longest I've ever biked is 140 miles, but it was spread out over 3 days.  Someday I'd like to do an ironman which includes 112 miles of biking in one day after swimming and before running a marathon.  I guess I better get on that training huh?!

4.  How many days a week do you work out?

When not injured I try to do something everyday.  I usually try to run 3-4 days, bike 2-3 days, and swim 1-2 days.  Some days I do two (i.e. swim + bike.)  When I need a rest day, I do strength training or walk with my family.

5.  What’s your favorite cold weather recipe?

Honestly, I'm a horrible cook.  My mom is awesome, but I guess I should have paid more attention to what she did while she made those delicious meals.  I try my hardest to replicate them, but they just never tastes as good.  I can cook/bake a few things... I just don't do it very often.

My favorite fall meal is Chicken Paprikash- A good fattening German Dish!

6. Do you lift weights?

I just started to try to learn how to use kettlebells.  I have used handheld weights before, but I feel the moves I do are boring and not doing much for me.  I'd LOVE for someone to recommend a video or website for either kettlebells or hand weights.  I don't do gym machines, but I need to do strength training.

7. Do you have a dream race you want to participate in? 

I guess my dream would be to someday participate in the Ironman World Championships in Kona.  I think it's a pretty far fetched dream though.  I figure if I start now, I might place in my age group when I'm 70!  Maybe when I'm 70 I can earn a spot to Kona.  The key will be to stay fit and healthy until I'm 70 I guess.  Who knows... stranger things have happened.

I was asked to share a race or training photo...  I'll try to share a few just for fun!

Here is me and my oldest of 3 getting ready to do a color run- she was SO excited!

This is me at the end of my first Triathlon- Check out the race report here!

My first of many double-handed wave pictures!

This is me and my oldest and middle child getting ready for a local 5K and kids race!  They both did great.  I was so proud of them for wanting to run and neither stopped to walk at all.  #proudmommymoment!

And me at my last 1/2 marathon... I was in so much PAIN!

Notice the same double-hand wave... It must be my signature move when I see a camera!

I'd love some new readers and some new blogs to follow!  Leave a comment here with your blog link and I'll check it out.  You can also find me on Twitter @micheleontherun

Dear Swimmer Dude PART II

Ah, yes.... the swimmer dude returns.  I didn't think this story could get any worse.

Until it did.  

This morning my alarm went off for my Sunday morning swim.  I like swimming on Sunday mornings because the pool is generally pretty empty.  This morning was no different.  When I got there, the two usual guys had just pulled in- the guy who runs weekend adult lap swim and another guy that is always there.  I won't make fun of them because they could both smoke me in the pool.  The are both at LEAST 60 and great swimmers.  

I got in and started my sets and then another person jumped in.... dun dun dunnnnnn... it was annoying macho swimmer dude.  This is the first time I have ever seen him during the Sunday lap swim.  I just kept swimming hoping that he would decide it would be much cooler to win against the older dudes than the lonely woman.  

There I am, swimming along deep in my own thoughts, lap after lap.  All of a sudden I feel someone touch my shoulder as I'm about to push off the wall.  Holy Crap!  It scared me so much that I practically choked on water as I stood up.  There were only 3 other people in the pool, NO ONE should be close enough to touch me.

I come face to face with A.M.S.D.   

The conversation goes something like this:

AMSD: "Hey, you know you only push off the wall with one foot, you'd go much father if you pushed with both."

Me: "Yeah- I know, but I have some issues with my foot and I'm trying to heal it."

AMSD ignores almost my whole sentence explaining why I only push with one foot because he is diving to the wall to SHOW me how to push off with both feet.

He comes back up after streamlining for an unreasonable distance and sprints back toward me.

AMSD: "See how far I went?  You need to do that."

Me: "I know, but I hurt my foot and I'm not supposed to put weight on it. "  

AMSD: "Huh?"

Me: "The doctor told me to not push off the wall because that will interrupt the healing process."

AMSD: "Oh, well, you are wasting your energy by having to do more strokes."

And AMSD swims off at the fastest pace he can muster.

I sigh a huge sigh of relief thinking I'm finally able to get back to my swimming.  

I do a few more laps and AMSD strikes AGAIN!

Once again I'm jolted to a stop by someone touching my arm.  At this point I'm not exactly ready to hear his voice again so when I come out of the water I mutter, "WHAT?"

AMSD: "Even with a one foot push off, you don't glide very far."

Me: "I don't care about gliding off the wall because I don't race in the pool, I do triathlons and they are in open water, where there are no walls."

AMSD: "Isn't a triathlon a track and field event?"

I can't make this stuff up!!!!

Me: "No, that's a decathlon.  Triathlons are swimming, biking, and running."

AMSD: "Oh, well that doesn't sound very hard...

I start to say something, but quite honestly I'm not sure what to say to his opinion.  

AMSD: "Well, I'm sure I'll see you around."

He hops out of the pool and starts to do lunges to the locker room.  

NO, SERIOUSLY!

Any time this guy is on the pool deck he does lunges as he moves forward rather than walking.  I promised a twitter follower that I'd get a picture of him next time and I WILL take a picture of him lunging around the deck.  I secretly wonder if he goes grocery shopping and does lunges through the aisles while he gets his food. 

I kept swimming long after he had gone and the whole time I wondered to myself why these things always happen to me.  

I'm not trying to be mean... I swear.  The guy is obviously very fit and works out.  It just amazes me that he felt the need to tell me what I was doing wrong.  I appreciate that he wanted to help me, I do.  Maybe he knows something about running or biking?  If someone would ride up next to me on the bike and offer me hints to increase my power, I'd be all for it.