Get a Room

Early this morning we headed out for the last brick of our 70.3 training this morning.

The plan was to ride from our house and do one loop of the 70.3 course (about 33 miles) then come home and run for an hour (6-7 miles).

I also wanted to experiment with race day clothes. I wore my swim bottoms under my bike shorts. Since Ironman doesn’t allow nudity (no fun), I won’t be taking them off. For the bike run transition, I will do a quick change to a running skirt because I hate running in my shorts. For a sprint, it’s fine, but for a half marathon, I want to be comfortable and am willing to sacrifice 20 seconds in transition.

Heading out on the bike. Someone please remind me to stop doing that weird head tilt in every picture

If you really give a crap and looked closely at my photo, you will see aero bars.  Price tag is still on in case I decide I don’t like them. I’m weird that way. I return everything including used sheets. Ewww.

Yes, I drank the aero bar Kool-aid. They are just clip-ons and nothing fancy because I don’t have $3,000 laying around to buy an tri bike right now. $100 sounded better. A few adjustments to seat position and height and voila!

All I can say is: where have you been all my life? I was worried about adjusting to these things and normally I wouldn’t make a change so close to race day.  But I thought I’d try them to see if I could get into more of a groove on the bike and just be more comfortable, overall.

Settling into my bars was effortless and made riding so much more natural for me. We kicked out the 33 miles in 1:51 which meant a 18 mph average. This is faster than I’d normally do the loop, so I was thrilled about that. I fueled with my Honey Stingers/peanut butter sandwich, gels and Cytomax. I felt energized the entire time. 

I had a run-in with bike etiquette along the way – kind of confused me, so tell me what you think.

We were cruising down Highway 36 at a nice clip. A man and woman passed me single file, looking strong. I stayed with them at a comfortable pace. I was tempted to pass again after a couple of miles, but didn’t. I was with them for maybe ten minutes when we got to a hill. I noticed that the guy moved over beside the woman to take up the whole shoulder, which was very wide. I didn’t get why he was doing this since he was a stronger cyclist than she was and they had been single file until this point.  It made it impossible for me to pass or to even try.  The woman was breathing hard, struggling a bit. I was not.  I wanted to pass just to keep my pace even and to not lose momentum. But, the dude wouldn’t make room.

When we got to the top, he looked over at her and laughed and that’s when I realized it might have been a deliberate attempt to keep me from passing her on the hill. Dick. Maybe I’m wrong, but it seemed pretty purposeful. I mean, who cares? If you’re going slower, let someone pass you.  So, I blew by them as I expelled all kinds of gas and never saw them again.

What’s your take? Glad I got that off my chest. Okay, I’m over it.

I call this elevation chart “mountain town with two nips pointing down.”

We got home and headed out for the run.

It was only 8:30 a.m., but temps were heating up nicely. We did an out and back for a total of 6.7 miles in 59 minutes, 8:53 min/mile average. Total workout time: 2:50. Total miles: 39.7.

I got so hot the last mile and ran out of water. We both got a bit terrified realizing we would be running later than this next week, with no shade and twice the distance. It will be a hot, slow grind to the finish and will probably cuss and cry but I will do it.

Looking quite ugly afterwards if I do say so myself.

Now headed out to get some donuts and coffee. Think I earned it! Filled long john is calling my name. TWSS.

Ever had a run in with questionable bike race etiquette? This is my first one.

Do you use aero bars? I love mine so much people on the road were screaming, “Get a room!”

What’s your donut and donut shop of choice? I like Daylight Donuts – a franchise, but family run and inexpensive. I usually get the cinnamon roll with a circumference of 12” or the filled long john.

Do you return a lot of crap to the store? I’m the queen of this. I will tell you a story one day about returning a coffee pot, still wet.

SUAR

I Need a Spanking

I’ve posted a few times about prioritizing during high volume training seasons. What needs to stay and what needs to go. Clearly, the organization of my workout clothing has become the lowest possible item on my priority list right after showering and feeding the children.

This is a disgrace. If my kids did it I would berate, lecture and ground them. Clearly, I need a good spanking.

Thing is, I am kind of an organized person. On a good day these clothes are set up in neat short, sport’s bra, running shirt, jersey piles and are even sorted by sport. But, with these early morning workouts I tend to pick clothes and run out the door. Also, this mess is behind closed doors in my closet, so it gets neglected. Out of sight, out of mind.

I can find all kinds of time during taper to redeem myself. I hope I  have a redemption picture later this week to share.

Please tell me  you have a mess like this somewhere.

SUAR

Dead Camels

A day of perfection was kicked off with a “delicious” (I love how people use that adjective not to describe food so I thought I’d try it, feels weird) 7 mile, 60 minute run.  It got me in the best possible mind space for the day. Cool air, quick turnover, feeling strong.

Emma and I set off for Denver.  I couldn’t resist taking this picture because by this time next year she will hate me and that doll and we’ll be fighting about how much make-up she is not allowed to wear. I’ll hold onto these moments:

First stop, the zoo. We saw some dead camels. or maybe they were just laying down, but I’ve never seen a camel lie down before so I alerted the zoo officials that they were dead, just because it was my civic duty. I also screamed “DEAD CAMELS!” in front of the crowd of little kids at the exhibit. I did not, however, see even one camel toe on  a human. Just the one on the dead animal’s foot.

In the Lorakeet (kind of like a Parakeet) feeding area, a reader, Malisa, recognized me and said, “Hey Shut Up and Run!” That was pretty cool. I don’t know how she knew it was me, I was not wearing a SUAR shirt and my shorts were clean. Maybe it was the temporary SUAR tattoo I had on my forehead. Hello fine reader!

Meanwhile, Ken and Sam were off on their own little adventure climbing two, yes two, 14,000 foot mountains, Grays and Torreys. It was a five hour pretty strenuous trip. Here is Sam taking a piss. I love this picture for obvious reasons. No, he did not crap his pants, he slid down some dirt, but I like to think it is my role model status as a pants crapper that came into play here.

My boys at the top of one of the peaks. It was a tough ass climb. I am proud of Sam. He is showing some real endurance and perseverance at the ripe age of 13. Ken does pretty well at the ripe age of 45, too.

Meanwhile, Emma and I headed to the American Girl Store. She’s not big into these dolls and doesn’t own any, but we wanted to see what all the hoopla was about. We both found it a bit creepy. Cute, but creepy. You can bring in your dolls to a hair salon there. It freaked me out. The dolls sit in little chairs and get hair styles. It costs like $15 per doll. Imagine going on a date and being asked what you do for a living – “Oh I am a hair stylist for dolls.”

And who knew a doll could ride a contraption like this?

We stopped at Yogurtland, which has just become my new all time favorite place. I mean what’s not to like about a squirt of yogurt topped with 5 pounds of candy and brownies? I know, Janae has been telling me this forever and now I get it!

Our last errand was to “TriBella” the coolest tri store in Denver. I talked to James, the bike mechanic about fueling on the bike. His suggestion was two Honey Stinger Waffles glued together with a fine schmear of peanut butter. I am ALL OVER THAT.

Now it is time for some Chipotle and wine (Cupcake Chardonnay anyone?)

Any plans this weekend? We are going to the parade that kicks off the Boulder County Fair tomorrow. Nothing like a small town parade to get your juices flowing. Sunday we have our last brick – probably 2:15 hour bike ride and 45 minute run. Stingers and PB here I come!

Happy weekend!

SUAR

Favorite Things–July 2011

If you are keeping tabs on me you noticed there was not a “Favorite Things” for June. In June I had no favorite things. I hated everything. Well, not really, but nothing stuck out worth writing about.

July, however, was a different story. I was orgasmic with a few new faves:

Honey Stinger Waffles:  At 160 calories and 21 grams of carbs, these things are so good they are like crack in the shape of a waffle. They are slim and compact and can easily be taken on the bike or the run. You can get them on sale for $1 a piece. I ordered them from Running Warehouse (a case of 16) and the total cost was $15. Best thing is, they are not full of crap like some fueling products. Ingredients include organic wheat flour, organic rice syrup, organic honey, etc.

Cupcake Chardonnay: I like wine. A lot. I used to be a big beer drinker when we first moved to Colorado and loved the allure of all the microbrews. We even brewed our own beer for awhile and gave out bottles at our wedding with personalized labels. Now I’m over the beer thing and have moved onto wine.  The Cupcake brand is a good one because it is inexpensive ($10-$13, but I get it on sale for $8.99). I could get all fancy and tell you that it has a touch of apple, a hint of tropical fruits and is complimented by a balance of vanilla and spice, but really it just tastes damn good!

H20 Audio Waterproof iPod Case: I was given this item to review a few months ago during my injury when swimming and I became inseparable. With my HIM training, this thing has been incredible. I only use it about half of the time. On my longest swims or when I want to time myself on the 1.2 mile and just do lap after lap, it has been a godsend. Goes for $99 (carpet not included).

Thomas’ Whole Wheat Bagels: When I went for my performance testing, one of the things I learned is that I was not carbing up enough in the mornings before my bike rides. I was also not eating enough calories or grams of carbs while on the bike. These bagels are soft and nutty and contain a whopping 49 grams of carbs and 250 calories. This is an easy, quick and tasty breakfast pre-workout (especially when you add some butter and cinnamon sugar, my favorite toppings ever). I SWEAR my cycling has improved with the increased carbs and I owe it to this round nugget of goodness.

This recipe for Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken BBQ Sandwiches. I don’t tend to use my crockpot a ton in the summer, preferring to save it for savory stews and soups in the cold months, but when you are cooking for a large group, this recipe cannot be beat.  It is only five ingredients and you just dump it all in the crockpot and go about your business of running, blogging and changing diapers or whatever you do . I usually double it for groups of 10-15. All you need are the rolls and some fruit salad and voila! A meal. I’ve made this about a bazillion times.

The Hana Run Short from Athleta. Not all running shorts are created equal. These are lightweight, functional and fit just right. I wear them the most of any running shorts I have and have them in both purple and bright pink. And best of all, right now select colors are on sale for $29.99. They might run a bit big, I ordered an XS.

Taken in Costa Rica this spring

The book Unbroken. Haven’t read it? What is your problem? A great work of non-fiction that is mesmerizing and gripping. Plus, the main character is an epic runner and you know how we love runners.

Got any favorite things this month? If not, you can just steal mine.

SUAR

Fine print: I reviewed all of these items on my own without request or compensation from the companies, authors, etc. represented.

Poop ETA = 11:32 a.m.

It is real. It is happening. I’ve got the numbers.

Boulder Ironman 70.3 in 10 days- August 7, 2011

1. Bib #304 (My dad’s birthday – 3/04 - which can only mean one thing – I will race like a 72 year old man with a knee replacement).

2. Wave #4 (I will be joined by all the kick ass women in Boulder between the ages of 40 and 50. I’m hoping they cut their nails, don’t steal my nose plugs and arm floaties, don’t swim right over me and are polite).

3. Start time 6:45 a.m. (this means my ETA for taking a crap during the run is about 11:32 a.m. if you want to mark your calendars. I should be finished with this mother by 1:00 p.m if anyone wants to hang out and go for a run afterwards).

SUAR

Hope She Didn’t Drown ‘Cause She Was Cool

I so love starting out the day inspired.

Don't get me wrong. It wasn’t like I jumped out of bed feeling that way. In fact, when I got up at 5:30 a.m., pushed “start” on the coffee maker and prepared to hit the road for an open water swim in Boulder, I tiredly tried to count just how many early mornings I have put in since starting my half ironman training. Probably over 80 in the past three months.

Training has been incredible, but for someone like me who loves lazy mornings with the Denver Post and a cinnamon roll as big as my head, this has been a different sort of summer. That said, I’m the type who needs to get it done first thing, or it ain’t gonna happen. Mornings are best for a lot of things (TWSS).

Back to what inspired me. The inspiration I’m talking about came in the form of a 61 year old woman with a Southern accent. As we arrived at the reservoir, she was putting on her wetsuit. She came over and asked for a friendly hand in zipping up the back while I put on my wetsuit, Xenia from Xterra.

I tried to ignore how Xenia grabbed for my Body Glide and spilled a tampon on the ground. So embarrassing in front of my new friend!

Ken commented I should use the tampon just for extra buoyancy.

Finally I stopped the shenanigans by just putting her on:

My 61 year old friend told me she was doing her first half ironman in California this weekend, Barb’s Race, a women’s only HIM put on by Vineman. She said today was her third open water swim and that the first one she did was last week. She had a panic attack and had to be rescued by a kayaker. She said her second time went better and was we entered the water, she said, “And today I’m not scared at all.”

As we prepared to start swimming, I looked her in the eye and straight from my gut and heart I said, “I am so impressed by you.” It’s all I could say. To have the guts to do this race at her age is nothing short of amazing to me. At the age of 61 she believed she could do something that 99% of people her age think is outrageous and out of reach.

As we started swimming I lost my friend (I hope she didn’t drown, I was kind of self focused), but I will think about her for a long time. Especially when the going gets tough in my race. If she can do it, I can do it. If she can do it, we all can do it.

Anything inspire you today?

SUAR

Not Just for Babies

Not all early morning wake up calls are created equal. Some days I am fitfully awake before my alarm, contemplating my first cup of coffee and the day’s events.  Other days, like today, the alarm startles me out of some crazy deep sleep or dream and it takes me a few minutes just to feel like I can function. I stumble around confused and dazed trying to brush my teeth with the end of the hair brush or sitting on the toilet with the lid closed.

Today when the alarm roused me at 5:10 a.m. for my cycling group meet-up, I was having a nightmarish dream about my upcoming race. This is how I know I am truly tapering…the dreams arrive in full force.

In this dream I was making the transition from swim to bike. I had just purchased a new bento box (in real life - not dream life - so it was on my mind) and it was loaded with Honey Stinger Waffles and gels. I got to my bike and remembered I needed to add one more thing to the bike (bird’s eye view):

Yes, for some reason in my dream, I wanted to put a high chair tray on top of my bike. I figured I could place all kinds of fuel on there - cut up Power Bars, a nice selection of strained peas and Cheerios - and just pick it off at my liking. Problem was, when I put the tray on the bike, I couldn’t get to my bento box underneath.  I was thoroughly disturbed. This was throwing off my whole mojo. I threw the tray to the ground, yelling “Mother f$cker!” Thankfully, the alarm went off and I was pulled from the depths of this high chair/bento box disaster.

Sweet relief!

I’m sure my next 70.3 dream will be about doing the race naked and chafing my ass off. Or, having to crap while on the bike and stopping to ask an aid station volunteer for a Depends (that really could happen).

Do you have crazy dreams in the days/weeks leading up to a race? Tell me one. I have these kinds of dreams before any big event: childbirth (that one was nasty), my wedding day, tests, races, you name it. I think it’s how I work out my anxiety.

Do not try to patent my high chair on a bike invention. I think I’m onto something and Trek probably does too.

SUAR

Ass on Glass

I’m not going to go into all the gory details of what’s been happening around here in my personal non-blog life (because I do have one), but suffice it to say I could use some lightening up.

So, let’s laugh a bit, shall we?

Sometimes I wonder where my son gets the stuff rolling around in his head. He asked me, "When our copier/printer gets really old and we're going to get rid of it, can I sit on it and copy my butt?" I was surprised at the amount of thought he had put into this. I have to give him credit for planning ahead and for resisting instant gratification.

Or has he resisted? I had to get to the bottom of it over dinner, so to speak - 

Me: "Seriously. You can never do that while I'm not home. If you sit on the copier glass, you'll break the whole thing. Please tell me you haven't already done it."

Sam, laughing hysterically while promising: "No, I've never done it."

This is a confession from a real copier repairman:

“Photocopier supplier Canon is warning customers to take better care of their office equipment during the Christmas period, claiming that the festive season traditionally leads to a 25 percent hike in service calls due to incidents such as the classic backside copying prank.

Such a stunt, a mainstay of the office party, often results in cracked glass on the copier, with 32 percent of Canon technicians claiming to have been called out to fix glass plates during the Christmas period after attempts to copy body parts went wrong.”

Those copy repairmen are definitely not paid enough. Guess Sam isn't the only one intrigued.

Ever done the “classic backside copying prank?” I know this shocks you, but this is one thing I have not done. YET. Need to get an office job first.

SUAR

70.3 Taper & Winner

 

Week 12 of 14 and taper has arrived for a two week visit. Usually tapers make me mad and restless, but I’m welcoming this one.

I’ve been putting in 11-12 hour training weeks. Just a drop in the bucket for some and way out of reach for others. For me, trying to fit in workouts has been challenging. If training was all I had to do it would be a piece of cake, but like all of you, I’ve got a job, a family, a life that needs attention as well.

A typical week for me looks like this:

This week I’ll taper to an 8 hour week, next week will be 4 hours. The Boulder 70.3 is in 13 days. Butterflies for sure. This reminds me of my first marathon in 2009 when I had never done a long run of more than 20 miles in training. Could I go 26.2 miles? Yes, I could and I did.

This time, I have never done the full 70.3 distance at once because that would be stupid and my body would hate me. But, this leaves my pea brain wondering if I can go the distance. Let me rephrase that. I know I can go the distance, but can I do it the way I want to do it? Of course I have goals in mind.

Goal A: Finish the damn race in one piece
Goal B: Finish in 6:30
Goal C: Finish sub 6:30 with goal of 6 hours

My ideal breakdown is:

Swim (1.2 miles): :45 mins
Bike (56 miles): 3:20
Run (13.1 miles): 2:00
Transitions will probably total 6-7 minutes

This equals 372 minutes or 6:12.

Yes, this may conservative or it may be lofty. I’m not sure.  The weather will be reaching into the mid-90s by the time the run starts and there is little shade. I’ve never done a race this long before in terms of time. Just not sure how I will hold up.

But, I have trained hard and I need to trust that. Could I have done more? Absolutely. Could I have slacked off more, you bet. When pre-race nerves get the best of me, I need to remember to:

• Trust my training
• I can do anything I set my mind to
• Run my own race
• I am stronger than I think I am
• It’s just a race, not the biggest deal in the universe

How do you pump yourself up the weeks before your big race? For me it is all about getting in the right mind space and not psyching myself out.

Any 70.3 advice for me?

SUAR

PS:  Amanda from Runninghood is the winner of the Special Hidden Talent Contest with 35 out of 77 votes! That girl can stretch her tummy skin like a mean piece of taffy. Amanda – email me and let me know if you want a small or medium SUAR shirt.

You Asked for It–Part I

I should have know when I opened myself up to the firing squad I would get shot in the ass. So, thank you for your insightful, funny, clever and just plain nosey questions on my “You Ask, I Answer” post.

Rose @ Eat, Drink and Be Meiri asked…

Where's the weirdest place you've ever taken a dump? I thought you’d never ask. Probably in the Atlantic Ocean when I was ten. It washed up on my brother. More recently I had to escape into a hallowed out tree during a long run.

Anonymous asked…

(I thought this would be really mean coming from anonymous. Like, “Why would anyone want to know anything about you? You’re just a no-good hussy”, but it wasn’t).

1. What do you think you possess that sets you apart from other athletes? I’m not sure I’m that different from most of you, but my strengths are discipline, motivation and determination. No excuses. Ever. Plus I have more energy than your two year old on crack.
2. Why do you think or what do you do that allows for such fitness success? I think this is a compliment!  Accountability to myself and you all.
3. What are examples of daily diet? food/calories/supplements? These days I eat a ton. Pre-workout is coffee and a whole wheat bagel with butter and cinnamon sugar because it gives me 50 g carbs. Post-workout is chocolate milk and a banana. Lunch is a quesadilla on whole wheat tortilla with cheddar cheese and pinto beans and sautéed spinach. Then come the snacks like home made banana bread with chocolate chips and cinnamon sugar pita chips. Dinner is usually some sort of pasta or grilled meat with a starch and a salad. After dinner is popcorn with melted butter and parmesan. And at least one glass of chardonnay. For supplements I take calcium, a women’s multi vitamin and fish oil. Total calories during high volume training is usually 2,200-2,500 per day.
4. How much protein do you try to take in each day? Don’t know. I eat a ton of fish, eggs, beans and cheese. My priority is to make sure I get at least 15 g of protein within 30 minutes of working out.
5. Do you do any weight training or ab exercises? Just lots of yoga. No weights. No crunches.
6. Does it irritate you at all and/or do you have the urge to push your children into a more physical activities? I think kids are too overscheduled. We keep it pretty mellow around here, so that there is plenty of down time and family time. I love to see my kids active, but I don’t push them. If they want to do a race with me, great. I always encourage them to get involved in team sports, but only if they want to. My hope is that some of my fitness focus rubs off on them for the rest of their lives.

XLMIC asked..

1. What’s the craziest/weirdest place you ever had sex? Your mama’s bed.
2. Where did you lose yours? My what? My keys? My mind?
3. Which apparatus was your fave? (I’m guessing this means gymnastics and not sex toys, but my answer works for both) – Floor
4. Which were the least good on? Beam
5. What were your high school colors? I went to two high schools. And, I don’t remember. That’s right. I don’t.
6. What was your high school's mascot? Wildcats and I can’t remember the other one. That’s right. I can’t. I hated high school. Can we not talk about this?
7. What size bra is that one? you know the one I'm talking about. I think she’s talking about the one I’m wearing in this picture. 34B. “Maxim” material for sure.

Cupcake Runner asked…

How on earth did you become so infatuated with poop/farting? I’ve always been this way. My family was really open with this stuff, so it’s forever been natural for me to talk about it and to admit when I’ve clogged a toilet or let one rip. Bottom line: I think farts are hilarious and everyone poops, especially runners, so let’s open the damn dialogue!

Lisa @ Eat.Pray.Run asked…

1. What high school did you go to? Do you ever go back to Maryland? Wilde Lake High School  in Columbia, MD for 11th/12th. American Community School in Athens, Greece for 9th/10th. No, I hardly ever go back to MD since my parents moved to CO 7 years ago.
2. When you started writing your blog did you think it would become what it's become? Did you think you'd make as many connections as you have? I had no clue what to expect. I’ve been very surprised and humbled by the response and by all the amazing people I’ve hooked up with (not in the biblical sense)!

Baby Weight My Fat Ass asked…

How great is it to all Colorado home? When we moved here 18 years ago I hated because I was so homesick for the east coast and my family. Now I’d become a hooker, pimp or one of those people who holds advertising boards and dances on the corner just to be able to stay here.

Heidi T asked…

1. Do you prefer running alone or with a buddy (besides your most favorite Dean moment)? I like to train alone for the most part. This helps me to stay in the zone that works best for me. It also gives me some solitude that I hardly get any other time. Plus I can fart and dump at my leisure. I do love an occasional run with a good friend or Dean K.
2. Listen to music when you run? Absolute favorite power song? Lately I don't listen to music because I won’t be able to in my next race. But, I do enjoy it a lot sometimes. Favorite power song right now is , “Edge of Glory.”

Marlene asked…

1. What have you liked most and least about the 70.3 training? I love that it has pushed me in very different ways than I’m used to in terms of variety and volume. I’m probably in the best shape of my life. I also like that it forces me to make cross training a huge part of my life and not just focus on running. The training time commitment is what I have liked the least.
2. Do you think you’ll do another one or is it too soon to say? Too soon. In my high volume weeks I’ve said never again. But I know myself better than that.

Keith asked…

We all know you are going to have a great day at your half ironman. Will you then do the full meal deal? I promise if you do ironman Canada I'd come cheer you on. Holy Sh!t Keith!! I honestly don’t know if I have it in me, but you’ll be the first to know. Can’t we just meet for coffee?

Anonymous asked…

I'm sure everyone would want to know what kind of friend you are...the absolute best...I know first hand!! Not sure who wrote this, probably my mom. Or that one friend I had in third grade. I try to be the friend that my best friends are to me. It is important to show up, remember important things your friends are going through, check in ‘just because,’ and listen. My friends are everything to me.

Did you learn anything new about me here? What’s one thing I don’t know about you?

More goodies to come in the next installment of “You Asked for It.”

SUAR

Better Than Nutella

I’m so tired my legs might fall off.

Ken and I started early and did a 50 mile round trip ride up to Vail Pass and back to Breckenridge. Over 3,000 feet of climbing. The Trek Lexa did not let me down and my lady parts are still intact.

We got home, stuffed our faces and headed to Hoosier Pass south of Breckenridge for a hike with the kids and my parents. It was not scenic at all.

We crossed a little snow field as we got above tree line:

 

The kids had a terrible time.

I had to leave my SUAR mark at the Continental Divide. I hope mountain goats like to read about farts and such. I love how my mom is in the background with a classic “WTF?” expression.

Can you find it?

 

Tomorrow we head home. Boo. Vacations, cool temps and time with family is better than Nutella. Well, almost

SUAR

There Is Nothing Like..

A picture perfect run to set your mind at ease:

There is nothing like sharing it with the one who knows you best:

There is nothing like feeling like you’re on top of the world:

I love it here. Don’t want to come down.

SUAR

Make Your Own Arm Warmers

Between drinking wine and being at 9,500 feet in Breckenridge, Colorado, I have killed a few brain cells in the last 24 hours.

I forgot my arm warmers, which is a problem when you wake up to run or bike and it is 35 degrees. So, I did what any cheapskate full blooded American would do and stopped at Wal-Mart and bought some men’s socks.

I cut off the toes, and voila, arm warmers, 2/$5.00. Can’t get that from a running store.

I even thought I could repurpose the leftovers for as toe warmers or a hat for my guinea pig. I love how these hide my hideously long Morton’s Toe.

Ken and I headed out early for a ride from Breckenridge to Copper Mountain. About 33 miles round trip with 1,500 feet elevation gain. You may wonder why I always give the elevation gain. That is my way of saying it was a big hill and it was hard. We met up with my friend Julie, Duathlon champion. She kicks my butt every time. That’s Copper Mountain ski area behind us.

It was cold as shit at the start. My fancy arm warmers are under my shirt and I’m still freezing.

I had to stuff my hands down my pants to get them warm on the way up. The whole ride to Copper was basically in the shade because the sun hasn’t made it over the mountains yet. Wish I had a picture of me copping a feel on myself, but I don’t.

After this kick ass ride, we caught up with my parents and my brother and his family. My parents rented a house up here for all of us for the week to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It is awesome. Pure heaven. Here’s the view from the house:

My brother lives in D.C., so I don’t get to see him that much. It is really fun to have all of us together. Although he did lay a mean fart in the kitchen this morning and let me walk through it with no warning . He also clogged the toilet, but I said I wouldn’t tell. Like brother, like sister. He does grill a mean pork loin, however.

After our bike ride, we all drove up Boreas Pass which takes you to 11,400 feet. We then did a gorgeous hike up above tree line. Like I always say, it sucks to live here.

Here are the parental units who conceived baby SUAR. You can write them a thank you note if you’d like. Or a hate mail note.

Now I’m resting and gearing up for happy hour which I totally deserve.

Tomorrow a.m.? Ken and I are going to run some of Boreas Pass. Ken is doing the Colorado Relay and his leg is an 8 mile ascent up to the top of the pass. He wants to do a dry run. But, no dry hump.

My favorite picture so far from the trip: Emma and my dad.

Do you ever take trips with your extended family? Like it or hate it? We don’t do this type of thing often. I like having all of us together, but I hate it when my brother pulls my hair and reads my diary (oh, wait that was fifth grade).

Beach or mountains for a vacation? I am actually a total beach person. As much as I love the mountains, I think I like the beach even more. Actually, give me both of them together and it would be about perfect.

SUAR