The race in Madison was excellent for 3 reasons....
1. My time was improved by over 3 minutes!! A 35:16 for this 5K.... and while this week I'm taking a bit of a break from my schedule, I will be back at it hard on Saturday - to prepare for my upcoming 8K and birthday celebration race in Madison again - Crazy Legs!!!
2. Jim came to watch me start and finish before he met a friend for his 14 mile run that day (show off...). It helped calm the butterflies I had and I can't tell you how good it makes the day and how easy it made the whole run feel when you know someone is going to be watching for you to come in and congratulate you on a job well done. It's even better when it's your best friend and coach!!!
3. It was beautiful weather - I mean - absolutely gorgeous and I was very lucky that the race wasn't held a week prior when it was pouring buckets of rain all day. Okay, so I didn't get to run in short sleeves, but that's where the great race organizers come in and provide long-sleeved race shirts! I'm making a mental note to order a Medium next time.... as these are all going to be sleep shirts - I'm drowning in them if I don't shrink them on a hot cycle in the wash.
I really can't wait for the next one.... and I'm going to keep my mood in check and get through all the rest of my training.... there's a lot to go, but I'm looking forward to every single sore muscle to come!
Have a great night everyone!
Erin
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tips and tricks.... kayaking and running
I just got back from Canoecopia in Madison, WI, and found the kayaking presentations to be very informative! In fact, I'm anxious to get outside on a less muddy day and practice my new rolling technique on dry ground before I attempt to do this interesting maneuver in water where there's a greater chance of drowning. I found that in my very early experiences last year - including the trip out into the 3 foot swells of Lake Michigan - I was actually doing something right (bracing in the waves with the paddle when I was close to tipping over) and that I have a very good sense of balance. I also sit correctly in my kayak and am good at keeping my center of balance as low as possible. Yay me! The whole rolling bit is still a bit frightening to think about - in water - but I'm going to practice it a lot on land this spring.
Apparently kayaking might be more of a second-nature type activity for me than running. After much conversation and some clarity about my new running schedule for next week..... I think my brain is still trying to catch up with the fact that I might actually have to "slow down" on my easy days so I can be jogging at a conversation pace. Hmmmmmm, Tuesday should be interesting. I have a feeling the first week of my new schedule is going to be a bit like trying on brand new jeans that are just a little too tight - got to suck it up, zip yourself in and pray that they have a little bit of give.... Actually, I'm very much looking forward to the new training schedule as it's going to keep me busy through some very tough time ahead and give me an excuse to not be available for dates with the guys from the Plentyoffish website. I know, kind of a surprise from the girl who has always been known to be "guy crazy", but something has clicked in my brain lately that I'm just not as interested as I was a couple months ago.... not that the selection has dwindled... in fact, one that just contacted me is an arena football player from Madison and very handsome via his pictures. And it's not because I still feel "married" - in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.... I think I'm just enjoying being single and responsible solely for myself and I talk to and spend time with the people I really want to be with already.
But, let's get back to the main topic.... running. I'm anxious about my race tomorrow... butterflies are going full force already. It's a big thing for me that I actually have Jim coming to watch the race too! First time for me that someone is actually interested enough to come and watch this spectacle.... it's very cool. I'm going to hit the pasta hard tonight, then the hay early... and probably be in Madison by 8:30am instead of 9am because I'll be so worked up.
The pasta water is boiling.... gotta go. On this lovely evening.... remember to be kind to each other and smile.
Erin
Apparently kayaking might be more of a second-nature type activity for me than running. After much conversation and some clarity about my new running schedule for next week..... I think my brain is still trying to catch up with the fact that I might actually have to "slow down" on my easy days so I can be jogging at a conversation pace. Hmmmmmm, Tuesday should be interesting. I have a feeling the first week of my new schedule is going to be a bit like trying on brand new jeans that are just a little too tight - got to suck it up, zip yourself in and pray that they have a little bit of give.... Actually, I'm very much looking forward to the new training schedule as it's going to keep me busy through some very tough time ahead and give me an excuse to not be available for dates with the guys from the Plentyoffish website. I know, kind of a surprise from the girl who has always been known to be "guy crazy", but something has clicked in my brain lately that I'm just not as interested as I was a couple months ago.... not that the selection has dwindled... in fact, one that just contacted me is an arena football player from Madison and very handsome via his pictures. And it's not because I still feel "married" - in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.... I think I'm just enjoying being single and responsible solely for myself and I talk to and spend time with the people I really want to be with already.
But, let's get back to the main topic.... running. I'm anxious about my race tomorrow... butterflies are going full force already. It's a big thing for me that I actually have Jim coming to watch the race too! First time for me that someone is actually interested enough to come and watch this spectacle.... it's very cool. I'm going to hit the pasta hard tonight, then the hay early... and probably be in Madison by 8:30am instead of 9am because I'll be so worked up.
The pasta water is boiling.... gotta go. On this lovely evening.... remember to be kind to each other and smile.
Erin
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Running races... and good thoughts
Ahhhh, it's finally upon us! That great time of the year where many of the charity runs start taking place and I'm due to run in my first one this year - this SUNDAY!
I can't hardly believe that the Shamrock Shuffle is less than 3 days away... 10am start in Madison, WI - at the Overture Center near the capitol square. It's kind of neat to think that I'll be done with the run in hopefully less than 40 minutes.... (ran a 36:02 three miler today, which I'm bummed about) but I have to give myself some leeway on the time as I'm still coming off a bad chest cold and apparently there is a very large hill we have to run up and down twice during the race. I'm hoping that the adrenaline from just being with all the other runners will carry me through the first couple miles a bit quicker than I've been running them.
Other running insanity: I've decided that running would be the best way possible to usher in the grand old age of 34 and will run in the Crazy Legs race in Madison on April 25th - the day after my birthday. There will actually be an announcement and invite going out to all I know to come and watch the race and maybe join us for lunch afterwards at one of Madison's fine establishments - Ella's Deli is foremost in my mind, but we'll firm up details closer to the birthday/race date! The exciting part is that the race may actually be run on my birthday next year!!!! And what better way to celebrate 35! (I still can't believe I think running is a good way to celebrate a birthday....)
I'll update this blog as I firm up details of other races I'm going to run this summer/fall.
Well, it's way past my bedtime and a runner must get her rest.... especially when there is an evening of celebration ahead tomorrow for Miss Ella Bean's 2nd birthday! It will be a fun night of watching her open gifts.... but I'll be missing my kids and wishing they were little again where they were hugely entertained by $10.00 gifts, a homemade cake, lots of friends and family singing Happy Birthday and a car ride home where all they talk about is the fun and excitement of the day before they fall asleep with their heads bobbing side to side in the backseat of an overpacked car. I loved being a mom.... and now I enjoy being an aunt. Maybe if I play my cards right I'll get it all to cycle back around again.
And on that slightly off topic note.... I'll wish you all a good night, send my thanks again to my coach, hugs to my best friend and her husband for all the hard days ahead. Kisses to Molly and Nate - may you both continue to do really well in school and I hope I hear from you soon.
Love you all,
Erin
I can't hardly believe that the Shamrock Shuffle is less than 3 days away... 10am start in Madison, WI - at the Overture Center near the capitol square. It's kind of neat to think that I'll be done with the run in hopefully less than 40 minutes.... (ran a 36:02 three miler today, which I'm bummed about) but I have to give myself some leeway on the time as I'm still coming off a bad chest cold and apparently there is a very large hill we have to run up and down twice during the race. I'm hoping that the adrenaline from just being with all the other runners will carry me through the first couple miles a bit quicker than I've been running them.
Other running insanity: I've decided that running would be the best way possible to usher in the grand old age of 34 and will run in the Crazy Legs race in Madison on April 25th - the day after my birthday. There will actually be an announcement and invite going out to all I know to come and watch the race and maybe join us for lunch afterwards at one of Madison's fine establishments - Ella's Deli is foremost in my mind, but we'll firm up details closer to the birthday/race date! The exciting part is that the race may actually be run on my birthday next year!!!! And what better way to celebrate 35! (I still can't believe I think running is a good way to celebrate a birthday....)
I'll update this blog as I firm up details of other races I'm going to run this summer/fall.
Well, it's way past my bedtime and a runner must get her rest.... especially when there is an evening of celebration ahead tomorrow for Miss Ella Bean's 2nd birthday! It will be a fun night of watching her open gifts.... but I'll be missing my kids and wishing they were little again where they were hugely entertained by $10.00 gifts, a homemade cake, lots of friends and family singing Happy Birthday and a car ride home where all they talk about is the fun and excitement of the day before they fall asleep with their heads bobbing side to side in the backseat of an overpacked car. I loved being a mom.... and now I enjoy being an aunt. Maybe if I play my cards right I'll get it all to cycle back around again.
And on that slightly off topic note.... I'll wish you all a good night, send my thanks again to my coach, hugs to my best friend and her husband for all the hard days ahead. Kisses to Molly and Nate - may you both continue to do really well in school and I hope I hear from you soon.
Love you all,
Erin
Monday, March 9, 2009
More baking...
Yes, I promised pictures of the red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.... so fine, here they are! And no, you're not seeing double.... I made a whole bunch of them.
And then I had to lend a hand and make a couple cakes - one for Miss Madeline's 12th Birthday party and of which I don't have a picture unfortunately, but the other one was for a baby shower lunch we had for one of my co-workers, Anne. Here is that lovely work of art in progress....
And then my friend Jim lent me some assistance with a recipe so I could take this lovely looking veggie pizza to a superbowl party! It was a hit with the crowd.
Okay, okay - I won't put any more food pictures up..... but you don't know what you're missing. Kyle just made these monster chocolate chip cookies and they are amazing!
I must stay away from them.... I have a race this weekend! Or maybe just one....
Mmmmmmmmmm, good night!
Erin
The Dells and quality time with FRIENDS...
This past weekend was our annual "Girls' Dells Trip" and I would safely assume a good time was had by all. (Even me, the very sick one.)
And the best part was this year we were back up to our original SIX members going up for the whole weekend. We arrived at different times in the Wisconsin Dells, but we all started the weekend off with checking into The Riverwalk Hotel all at the same time Friday early evening and quickly followed by going out for Mexican food and margaritas! The margaritas were my favorite part. Back to the hotel room and we chatted most of the night away either in the room or down at the hottub!
Saturday brought more time at the pool and hottub of course, breakfast and snacking on everything from donuts to veggies and dip to chips to cookie bars and fruit! More chatting and catching up, sharing of the highs, lows and crazy stories life has thrown our direction. After six women share one bathroom to get ready to go out for dinner - the group splits up a bit and some of us stay at the pool, some go shopping - all meeting for dinner eventually at IHOP! Yes, we've now made a habit of doing a "fast breakfast dinner" on Saturday night before most of us head down to the casino. I opted out for the after dinner gambling this year as my chest cold just allowed for no sleep the past 3 nights and I didn't think the smoky atmosphere was very helpful in the healing process. Kristin P and Kathy hit the slots, Kristin SG and Beth played bingo and the heavy hitter, Jodi, managed to sit for 11 hours and play Blackjack!!! Yes, we really didn't see her until 5:30 am on Sunday morning..... I think she was trying to get out of coming back and bunking with the sick one. While Jodi was trying to close the casino... the Kristin P/Kathy duo hit Marley's while the rest of us hung out at the room. It's nice that we can do things together, but yet feel comfortable to go our own ways too since we usually have at least 3 cars up there at a time.
Beth and I are the early risers on Sunday and were showered and reading magazines by the pool around 7:30am while we let the others wake up and get ready and packed. Sundays always come too fast on the Girls' Weekend trips. Once everyone was up and packed, we took off for the local Cracker Barrel - were overserved on buttermilk biscuits - had our group picture taken and closed the chapter on our 10th Dells Trip! The drive home was ridiculous.... Beth and KP - I give you both a lot of credit for being my passengers back to Elkhorn (not that you had much choice to get back to your cars at my parents' house!).
I miss them all already.... they are all like my sisters. I believe I heard it mentioned that our 20th trip together is going to be a week long trip and probably to somewhere a bit warmer than the Dells in late winter! That is more than fine with me, but until then, I look forward to the rest of our annual trips and maybe talking you all into making this a twice yearly trip..... hey, the fall colors are gorgeous in the Dells area! Forget twice yearly.... could we just go back and do it again this next weekend?!?!?!?!
A BIG thank you to those who helped make this weekend possible (our supporting cast): Todd Lessner, Mike Servais-Grohall, Andy Fossler, and Beth's sister Sarah.... for maintaining control of all the kids while us single girls stole our married/mother friends for a weekend of fun and relaxation! Much thanks to the not overbooked Riverfront Hotel and the nice staff that gave us stranded pool girls an extra key to get into our room and several hundred clean towels!
That's all for this post ladies and gentlemen.... have a good night.
Erin
And the best part was this year we were back up to our original SIX members going up for the whole weekend. We arrived at different times in the Wisconsin Dells, but we all started the weekend off with checking into The Riverwalk Hotel all at the same time Friday early evening and quickly followed by going out for Mexican food and margaritas! The margaritas were my favorite part. Back to the hotel room and we chatted most of the night away either in the room or down at the hottub!
Saturday brought more time at the pool and hottub of course, breakfast and snacking on everything from donuts to veggies and dip to chips to cookie bars and fruit! More chatting and catching up, sharing of the highs, lows and crazy stories life has thrown our direction. After six women share one bathroom to get ready to go out for dinner - the group splits up a bit and some of us stay at the pool, some go shopping - all meeting for dinner eventually at IHOP! Yes, we've now made a habit of doing a "fast breakfast dinner" on Saturday night before most of us head down to the casino. I opted out for the after dinner gambling this year as my chest cold just allowed for no sleep the past 3 nights and I didn't think the smoky atmosphere was very helpful in the healing process. Kristin P and Kathy hit the slots, Kristin SG and Beth played bingo and the heavy hitter, Jodi, managed to sit for 11 hours and play Blackjack!!! Yes, we really didn't see her until 5:30 am on Sunday morning..... I think she was trying to get out of coming back and bunking with the sick one. While Jodi was trying to close the casino... the Kristin P/Kathy duo hit Marley's while the rest of us hung out at the room. It's nice that we can do things together, but yet feel comfortable to go our own ways too since we usually have at least 3 cars up there at a time.
Beth and I are the early risers on Sunday and were showered and reading magazines by the pool around 7:30am while we let the others wake up and get ready and packed. Sundays always come too fast on the Girls' Weekend trips. Once everyone was up and packed, we took off for the local Cracker Barrel - were overserved on buttermilk biscuits - had our group picture taken and closed the chapter on our 10th Dells Trip! The drive home was ridiculous.... Beth and KP - I give you both a lot of credit for being my passengers back to Elkhorn (not that you had much choice to get back to your cars at my parents' house!).
I miss them all already.... they are all like my sisters. I believe I heard it mentioned that our 20th trip together is going to be a week long trip and probably to somewhere a bit warmer than the Dells in late winter! That is more than fine with me, but until then, I look forward to the rest of our annual trips and maybe talking you all into making this a twice yearly trip..... hey, the fall colors are gorgeous in the Dells area! Forget twice yearly.... could we just go back and do it again this next weekend?!?!?!?!
A BIG thank you to those who helped make this weekend possible (our supporting cast): Todd Lessner, Mike Servais-Grohall, Andy Fossler, and Beth's sister Sarah.... for maintaining control of all the kids while us single girls stole our married/mother friends for a weekend of fun and relaxation! Much thanks to the not overbooked Riverfront Hotel and the nice staff that gave us stranded pool girls an extra key to get into our room and several hundred clean towels!
That's all for this post ladies and gentlemen.... have a good night.
Erin
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