Monday, January 29, 2007
Eleven Weeks
Believe it or not, the Boston Marathon in a scant eleven weeks away. Even though that should sound like a long time, to me it feels like it's just right around the corner.
Which is why I need to be my obnoxious Type-A self and pose the question:
Who plans on being around for the marathon - as either spectator or participant (or volunteer)?
Jeff and I are already mapping out the weekend, and were planning on heading in to Boston on Saturday to pick up our race packets. I'm hoping we can plan some type of RBF-fest, possibly a lunch or dinner type situation.
We won't be lodging in Boston for the weekend, opting instead to stay at Casa Orange Hat in Connecticut and then hopping on to a marathon-bound bus on race day. (For friends who can't meet up with us on Saturday, there may be a Sunday-in-Connecticut option for you.)
And if all else fails, we'll look and listen for you at the race on Monday April 16.
As we get closer to race day, there will be more details. For now, just let me know if you are interested in celebrating with us - in comments or via email.
(Note: I've become completely blogger-illiterate...since I moved to the 'new' blogger format, I haven't been able to leave comments for others - I keep getting redirected back to my own account. My apologies - I've been saying nice things to you, I swear!)
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Which is why I need to be my obnoxious Type-A self and pose the question:
Who plans on being around for the marathon - as either spectator or participant (or volunteer)?
Jeff and I are already mapping out the weekend, and were planning on heading in to Boston on Saturday to pick up our race packets. I'm hoping we can plan some type of RBF-fest, possibly a lunch or dinner type situation.
We won't be lodging in Boston for the weekend, opting instead to stay at Casa Orange Hat in Connecticut and then hopping on to a marathon-bound bus on race day. (For friends who can't meet up with us on Saturday, there may be a Sunday-in-Connecticut option for you.)
And if all else fails, we'll look and listen for you at the race on Monday April 16.
As we get closer to race day, there will be more details. For now, just let me know if you are interested in celebrating with us - in comments or via email.
(Note: I've become completely blogger-illiterate...since I moved to the 'new' blogger format, I haven't been able to leave comments for others - I keep getting redirected back to my own account. My apologies - I've been saying nice things to you, I swear!)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Frosty
Tuesday morning, 6:00 a.m.
Cloudy, pre-dawn darkness
21 F (-6C)
About an inch of snow on the roads, with some plowed areas.
I spot a neighbor in his driveway, warming up his truck and preparing for his day.
‘Good morning!’ I call out.
‘That takes some dedication!’ he shouts back to me.
‘Or...I’m just crazy’ I reply. I smile to myself.
And with that, I push for home.
********
Just to confirm my insanity:
Twice last week, I noticed that there were tiny bits of frost which had collected on the INSIDE of my running jacket. Then on Sunday morning, those bits of frost turned into heaps of frost when I removed my jacket and discovered my arms were coated in the white flakes. The icing (ha!) on the cake had to be the chucks of ice I pulled out of my hair.
Oh, in case there was any sliver of doubt left that I am insane, with 3 classes (11 credit hours) plus work and marathon training in sub-zero temperatures? Well. It seems that I was so distracted this morning, that I did not actually use soap while I was showering. In my defense, I did wash my hair and face…but after that, I’m not so sure what happened.
It’s gonna be a helluva ride from now until May. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Cloudy, pre-dawn darkness
21 F (-6C)
About an inch of snow on the roads, with some plowed areas.
I spot a neighbor in his driveway, warming up his truck and preparing for his day.
‘Good morning!’ I call out.
‘That takes some dedication!’ he shouts back to me.
‘Or...I’m just crazy’ I reply. I smile to myself.
And with that, I push for home.
********
Just to confirm my insanity:
Twice last week, I noticed that there were tiny bits of frost which had collected on the INSIDE of my running jacket. Then on Sunday morning, those bits of frost turned into heaps of frost when I removed my jacket and discovered my arms were coated in the white flakes. The icing (ha!) on the cake had to be the chucks of ice I pulled out of my hair.
Oh, in case there was any sliver of doubt left that I am insane, with 3 classes (11 credit hours) plus work and marathon training in sub-zero temperatures? Well. It seems that I was so distracted this morning, that I did not actually use soap while I was showering. In my defense, I did wash my hair and face…but after that, I’m not so sure what happened.
It’s gonna be a helluva ride from now until May. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
A Watery Journey
January 6th, 2007
Less than a week has passed since our last outing, and the group gathers again for our Saturday run.
It's raining again, but this time we are spared the cold temperatures and enjoy a balmy 55F in January. Within the first mile, I strip down to my sports bra and shorts, and shake my head at how ludicrous it all seems.
We carefully pick our way along muddy tire tracks that cut their way across the cow pasture we are traversing. The rain clouds prevent us from enjoying the sunrise, as well as the sunlight that would have come with it. I pat myself on the back for thinking to wear my headlamp.
As we search for the elusive trailhead, we share cow-jokes. Behind me, I can hear the following exchange taking place:
"What do you call a cow with no front legs?"
"I dunno. What?"
"Lean beef."
Giggles and groans erupt.
The knock-knock joke about the interrupting cow gets a similar response. I can't help but smile.
We find the trail, and begin gingerly picking our way through the slippery rocks and leaves. Again, I'm grateful for my headlamp. We cross numerous water hazards, and I stop to light the way for my fellow runners.
Eventually, we leave the trail and wind our way out onto the road. Whenever we come across a 'low spot,' an eerie mist hangs in the air and I can feel the chill brush against my skin.
Warren leads us into the woods once again, to show us one of the 'wonders' of the area - a gorgeous waterfall nestled into the earth. I love how noisy and peaceful it can seem, all at the same time.
Next, the journey takes us through picturesque back roads, past a grist mill situated on a river, and then to a man-made water feature. Eventually we work our way back to the trails and head back to our cars.
To top off our June-in-January run, our gracious host Warren treats us to chocolate ice cream cones. My stomach and taste buds eagerly accept that which others begged off. It's just like having chocolate milk after my run, but frozen. A delicious way to wrap up the morning.
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Less than a week has passed since our last outing, and the group gathers again for our Saturday run.
It's raining again, but this time we are spared the cold temperatures and enjoy a balmy 55F in January. Within the first mile, I strip down to my sports bra and shorts, and shake my head at how ludicrous it all seems.
We carefully pick our way along muddy tire tracks that cut their way across the cow pasture we are traversing. The rain clouds prevent us from enjoying the sunrise, as well as the sunlight that would have come with it. I pat myself on the back for thinking to wear my headlamp.
As we search for the elusive trailhead, we share cow-jokes. Behind me, I can hear the following exchange taking place:
"What do you call a cow with no front legs?"
"I dunno. What?"
"Lean beef."
Giggles and groans erupt.
The knock-knock joke about the interrupting cow gets a similar response. I can't help but smile.
We find the trail, and begin gingerly picking our way through the slippery rocks and leaves. Again, I'm grateful for my headlamp. We cross numerous water hazards, and I stop to light the way for my fellow runners.
Eventually, we leave the trail and wind our way out onto the road. Whenever we come across a 'low spot,' an eerie mist hangs in the air and I can feel the chill brush against my skin.
Warren leads us into the woods once again, to show us one of the 'wonders' of the area - a gorgeous waterfall nestled into the earth. I love how noisy and peaceful it can seem, all at the same time.
Next, the journey takes us through picturesque back roads, past a grist mill situated on a river, and then to a man-made water feature. Eventually we work our way back to the trails and head back to our cars.
To top off our June-in-January run, our gracious host Warren treats us to chocolate ice cream cones. My stomach and taste buds eagerly accept that which others begged off. It's just like having chocolate milk after my run, but frozen. A delicious way to wrap up the morning.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Starting Off On The Soggy Right Foot
Yesterday morning at 8:00 a.m., I joined 13 other members of our running club for a 6-mile jaunt through the neighborhood. We did not allow the soaking cold rain (35F) dampen our spirits, and not one member opted for the shorter route...each runner was resolved to run the 'long' route.
We wrapped up our 2007 running baptism with champagne in plastic cups under the eaves of the local high school. Can you think of a better place to drink in public?
Here we are in all our sopping wet glory, grinning like the running-fools that we truly are, and me without a hat on (back row, third from the left)!
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We wrapped up our 2007 running baptism with champagne in plastic cups under the eaves of the local high school. Can you think of a better place to drink in public?
Here we are in all our sopping wet glory, grinning like the running-fools that we truly are, and me without a hat on (back row, third from the left)!
