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