Travel With Emily

Travel With Emily is Moving

2012-02-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

My blog is moving to http://travelwithemily.wordpress.com/!! Please update your bookmarks, links, etc.

I got a new phone. What does that have to do with my blog moving? Well, apparently my super new cool phone sucked up all my photos from my blog (how did they get there in the first place?!) and when I tried to get rid of them off my phone it actually got rid of them off my blog. Which, how? Why? I felt like crying buckets of tears. Years of pictures gone. Fortunately (for me) I had been contemplating a move to wordpress already and had imported most of my posts (complete with pictures) so all is not lost. Whew!! Now I only have to fix a few posts rather than hundreds! Of course there is probably an easier way to fix everything but we're going with this.

All that to say I'm moving!! Be patient with me as I get used to wordpress (any tips out there from wordpress users would be appreciated!). And see you over at the new http://travelwithemily.wordpress.com/

I hate change - a new phone and a new blog site?! This might be a rough week!!

Off to Neverland

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

So here we are, on the eve of my trip to Disneyland for the Tinker Bell Half. I'm nervous and excited. And really hoping I don't forget anything! Especially my costume! :)
My goals for this race:

As usual, to finish
To finish in under 3 hours and 30 minutes
To finish in under 3 hours and 15 minutes
To finish in under 3 hours (shh, this is the secret goal)

My nervousness is probably outweighing anything right now. I am not nearly as trained as I would like to be (but isn't the saying better to be undertrained than overtrained?). I knew a race at the end of January would be tough due to a crazy work schedule. But I didn't expect the crazy work schedule to get as crazy as it did. I also couldn't have predicted the snowpocalypse. And I haven't really done any hills in the last month either. All that being said, I'm still excited. I will finish. If I have to walk most of it, I will finish (oh wait, that was what I did on my recent 12 miles! After that debacle, what is 1.1 more measly miles?).

And how do I get to Neverland? I'll just think of a wonderful thought (any happy little thought?), sprinkle some Pixie Dust, and off to Neverland I go!! Second star to the right and straight on for 13.1 miles! :)

P.S. Check out my guest post on Healthy Disney today!

My Travel ABC's

2012-01-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

I saw Mandi's ABC travel list and was immediately inspired! So here's a little ABC on my travels!

Age you went on your first international trip.
From early on in life I talked about going to Paris. I can remember being 7 or 8 and saving my allowance for my Paris trip. I didn't actually leave the country (unless you count Canada but back then you didn't need a passport so I'm not counting it) until I was 20 when I visited my college roommate in London (she was doing a study abroad program). I didn't make it to Paris until after I graduated from college.

Best (foreign) beer you’ve had and where.
I'm not a huge beer drinker but I have to say Kolsch in Cologne and most recently the fruity beers I had in Belgium are probably my favorite. Oh, but wait! I'm forgetting my all-time favorite! And I've only found this in the UK - cider with black currant (I think it's called a snake bite). Delicious! Funny about this drink? When one of my co-workers ordered it for me, they had to qualify it was for a girl. Cider is like beer, right?

Me & Diane enjoying our cider with black currant in London

Cuisine (favorite).
I'm sure this comes as quite a shock, but Italian!! If I were ever to write a travel book it would be filled with pizzerias (and gelato and cappuccinos!).

Destinations, favorite, least favorite and why.
I have lots of favorites, but probably my number one favorite is London. I'm definitely an Anglophile and have been most of my life. Plus as soon as I get to London I feel like I'm home. Least favorite? A few years ago it would have been Venice, hands down. I went for the first time in the middle of summer and it was so hot and super smelly. But then a few years ago I went back (in the winter) and it was much better but still not in my top ten.

Event you experienced abroad that made you say “wow”.
I had a hard time with this one... Although I would probably say the view from the airplane on my first trip into London. Looking down as the plane came in for a landing I knew I had found my second home.

Favorite mode of transportation.
I love the metro. While I was living in London I got so used to being able to take the Tube pretty much anywhere I needed. Add in another brief stint in Bonn and using their metro. A close second would be trains. I really do enjoy a good train ride.

Greatest feeling while traveling.
Getting to learn about a new place and experiencing new things.

Hottest place you’ve traveled to.
So this probably isn't the hottest place I traveled to but it is the one that stands out. My first time to Italy was in the middle of July and being from the Pacific Northwest I had never really experienced heat and humidity until then. It stuck out because when I got home from this trip I was moving to Houston (where it was hot and humid) and I just kept thinking how am I ever going to survive living in weather like this.

Incredible service you’ve experienced and where.
Jana & I have experienced a couple of great waiters (one in London, one in Vienna, and one in Zagreb) and I think my favorite was the one in Vienna who gave us Hotel Sacher pens (we were eating in the hotel cafe).

Journey that took the longest.
I think one of my trips home from Bonn I had to transfer a couple of times and I think a plane was delayed. It just seemed to take forever before I finally got home.

Keepsake from your travels.
I love postcards!!! I send most of them out, but I usually keep one or two. My other keepsake would be magnets.

Let-down sight, why and where.
El Greco's house in Toledo, Spain - it might not have been a let down, but I wouldn't know since we never found it!! We searched and searched but to no avail.

Moment where you fell in love with travel.
I'd probably have to go back to the plane landing in London on my first ever trip. Although hearing my parents talk about their official honeymoon (they bicycled around Europe for two months) probably instilled a love of travel in me from very early on.

Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in.
I don't know - it was probably a work hotel but I'm not remembering any that stand out so maybe the hotel in Budapest (it was brand new and gorgeous!).

Obsession—what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?
I love taking pictures!! This might be a tie between food (especially cappuccinos) and doors.

Mmm, cappuccino

Santorini, Greece

Passport stamps, how many and from where?
From my latest passport, I have 32 stamps (UK, Ireland, Germany, Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Austria, and Italy and a few others that I can't read what the stamp says).

Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where.

I'm totally copying Mandi on this one but the catacombs in Paris. Similarly the crypt of the Cappuccin monks in Rome. Lots of bones, some just stacked, some artfully arranged.

Recommended sight, event or experience.

I don't know if I can narrow this down - Tower of London is probably one of my favorite places to visit as is the Eiffel Tower.

Splurge; something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling.

So I'm going to copy Mandi again on this one and say food. You have to eat, and why not enjoy it! :)

Touristy thing you’ve done.

You name it, I've done it! :) Disneyland Paris, maybe? Or the Eiffel Tower? The Colosseum? Taking pictures of everything and anything? Oh, I've got loads of examples.

Sleeping Beauty's Castle - Disneyland, Paris

Unforgettable travel memory.

The ruined Moorish Castle in Sintra, Portugal. We climbed all over the ruins and just had a grand old time.

Moorish Castle Ruins

Visas, how many and for where?

I don't think I've had any visas - but I have had 2 work permits - one for when I was in London and one for when I was in Bonn, Germany.

Wine, best glass of wine while traveling and where?
I think when my colleagues took me to a winery near Bonn. I don't remember the name of it.

eXcellent view and from where?

The London Eye - looking out over Parliament. It's just like the Peter Pan ride! Only for real! :) Cabo da Roca in Portugal - the most western part of Europe - looking out and seeing nothing but ocean for miles and miles. Oh, and how could I forget? The view from our own private terrace at our hotel in Lisbon. The view was nice, but having our breakfast every morning and enjoying the view was fantastic!!

View from the London Eye

Cabo da Roca

Lisbon, Portugal

Years spent traveling?

Since that fateful trip to London way back in 1997, I don't think I've stopped traveling!

Zealous sports fans and where? Hm, this would have to be a toss up between the Germans and the Brits. Both are pretty zealous.

Run #1.10 Quantity over Quality

2012-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00

This could also be called the "it wasn't pretty but I survived" run. Or actually walk as it turned out to be. I didn't think a run could be much worse than last week's snow filled run but I was wrong. Take a path filled with icy, slushy mess, add in hail and wind and you get a recipe for disaster.

But let's start at the beginning. I had 12 miles on the docket for today. I had hoped the promised rain would have swept through and melted the snow off the path. I wasn't sure where would be the best place to run but I figured my normal trail was as good as any. I arrived and was greeted with sloppy, slushy, icy remnants of snow covering the path. It was quite slippery and I started off nice and slow. It did cross my mind that I should take this inside and on the treadmill, but I quickly said no as I can't imagine doing 12 miles on a treadmill. (More power to those who can!)

It finally cleared out enough that I didn't have to watch each step. Of course it was around this time when I swear it started hailing. Ugh - hail, really? After a long stretch of good path, it started getting worse. And worse. I was walking on the grass at this point, as it was much easier to keep my balance and not slip. I finally turned around when I didn't see it was going to get any better.

I really hadn't run very much at this point, thinking it was much safer to walk. When I got back to the most clear part of the path, I doubled back and made up my missing mileage, running where I could. I had about 2 miles left when the wind started up. Sure why not? It was a strong cross-wind. And I was so done at that point. I gave up any pretense of trying to run. I was ready to sit down on the path and cry. Except then I would have been even more wet than I already was. I was wet, cold, and in pain. Only two miles left, only two miles left kept running through my head. I got to the last messy, really ice patch and slowed down considerably. And I could feel my body shutting down. Finally, mercifully I was done. These weren't the best miles I've done, but I'm hoping getting 12 miles in, regardless of the type of miles, will help.

In the good news category? I finished (barely) in under 3 hours which was my goal. And helps with my confidence for next week.

Five Senses Friday

2012-01-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've done one of these and even though this one will be dominated with the sights and sounds of the snowpocalypse turned icepocalypse, I thought it might be fun anyway.

Seeing

Winter Wonderland everywhere

Hearing

Tree branches cracking and breaking under the strain of the ice and snow
ETA: At my massage I was told I had well developed calf muscles! Nice!

Tasting

I made some more Red Lentil Soup because a snow day sounds like a soup day to me!

Smelling

Hot Chocolate

Feeling

Wishing for spring to be right around the corner!! (And might I add a tad FREAKED out by the fact the Tinker Bell half is a mere 9 days away!!!)

Run #1.9 Beware the Snowpocalypse

2012-01-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

After my two week hiatus I wasn't sure what to expect from my 11 miles. Add to that uncertainty the threat of snow. Snow & Seattle are like oil & water and other things that don't go together. According to the weather it was supposed to snow during the very early hours of the morning but it would warm up. So I figured I could sleep in and get a later start.

I woke up and it was barely snowing and not really sticking so I made my way to the park and bundled up. I forgot my Garmin, but in the end I figured it was a good thing since I wasn't worried about time on this run. I was more concerned with not slipping on the snow. I started off on the trail and the snow started coming down a little bit harder. But it wasn't sticking (yet). If course as soon as I said that the snow started coming down. And sticking. Ugh! I kept going. I can be a bit stubborn at times and I was determined to get my 11 miles in. The snow kept coming down and down and down. It switched from fat fluffy snowflakes to hard hail-like pebbles and back again. The path in front of me looked like a Winter Wonderland. It started coming down extremely hard and I finally turned around and headed back to my car, figuring I could pick up 2 miles somewhere. Or not since it finally dawned on me that if it was accumulating on the trail, it would be accumulating on the road and I didn't want to get stuck since I am a wimp when it comes to the snow.

I got back to my car and since it wasn't too bad I decided to keep going to get the last 2 miles. And of course it started getting bad again - the snow was sticking to my eyelashes but I was so close. Finally I was done with 11 miles (or thereabouts - it was definitely over 10 so I'm rounding up!).

Seen during my run: a snowball fight, a kid on a sled, and several snowmen being built.

The more important question is - is tomorrow going to be a snow day? :)

Bitte Warten

2012-01-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

Holy cow!! The fact I have a Tinker Bell waiver in my hand means the Tinker Bell Half is coming up way too fast!! I knew this was going to be tricky being at the end of January (since work can be super busy at the beginning of January). I believe "busy" is best defined by the person, since it can have such a variety of meanings so we'll leave it at super busy for me. Well actually I'm going to change it to crazy busy for me. I am now emerging from the fog that has been my world for the past few weeks. I feel oh so behind. And not even close to being ready. For a half marathon. IN TWO WEEKS! But then I remember I've done 10 miles and I breathe again. In and out. An almost 2 week break will derail some training, but it won't derail all of it. Or so I'm desperately hoping. Right?

The silver lining in this craziness? The accomplishment of #15 on my 34 Things List - no TV for an entire week. Check. Okay, so it wasn't on purpose, but I'm still counting it! :)

Moving on, I'm number 3911! I love how it rolls off the tongue - 3911. I think this will be a good number for me.

And with that, I'm done with my warten (or in English I'm done waiting, I just think being told bitte warten instead of please wait makes the wait a little more fun).

Red Lentil Soup

2012-01-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

Happy January 2nd!! Or should I say Happy 1-2-12. Ha! I crack myself up. How did I start off the day? With a visit to the dentist. Ugh. What was I thinking scheduling an 8 a.m. appointment on a holiday? And I got some great news at the dentist - I get to go again tomorrow at 7 a.m. to get my chipped tooth fixed. Double ugh. But at least it will be fixed.

I really enjoyed the Butternut Squash soup I made last Monday, so I decided to take another recipe out of my Whole Living magazine. And by happy coincidence, this recipe involved a turnip which means I can cross off #12 from my 34 Things list. It's also part of my continuing quest to try and like vegetables more.

I wasn't sure how exactly to chop up a turnip, or if I would really like turnips. But I figured it out and I did enjoy this soup. And what better on a cold day than a hot bowl of soup?

And now back to the bowl games with my bowl of soup! :) I really do crack myself up! :)

HIgh School Musical Run #1.8

2012-01-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!! After a very wild night of church and coming home to eat cheese and crackers and watching TV, I woke up ready to take on 10 miles. I may have mentioned this before but 10 miles is my milestone. I feel so much better once I have hit 10 miles because after that all that is left is a 5K. 5K? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

I got out of my car and felt the wind immediately so I grabbed my hat and gloves and was off. Song #1 shuffled on my iPod? A High School Musical song. Same with #2 and #3. For a second there I thought I might have just hit play and we were going in alaphbetical order. But then All Saints and Spice Girls were songs #4 and #5 so it was just a coincidence. I think there ended up being several more High School Musical songs throughout the run.

I'm now at about a little over a minute of running at a time. Towards the end I definitely started feeling it in my knee, so we'll be sticking with the one minute running interval for now.

I finished up my 10 miles in a little over 2 hours, which means I'm averaging around 13 minute miles. Not bad, not bad. Definitely giving me some picture and wiggle time to come in under the 3 hour and 30 minute cut off.

And I finished in time to make it to hot yoga!

So it might have crossed my mind that a Tinker Bell 10-miler would be way more fun! Ha! That's just the fear talking. This half is going to be mine.

2011 in Pictures

2011-12-31T21:55:00.000-08:00

In what has become a regular thing for me, it's time to look back at 2011 in pictures!! And I got it in just before the deadline! :) While 2011 hasn't been my best year, there were certainly some fun times! I spent a lot of 2011 rehabbing my knee, which culminated in me walking a half marathon in September. Wow! To be perfectly honest, I'm not sorry to see 2011 go. And here's to a fantastic 2012!!

From left to right, starting at the top row:

January: I had a hard time finding a January picture, but here's one of the Space Needle
February: Kathy & me having fun at Reese's birthday party
March: Having fun with the fishies in Honolulu
April: Nilufer & my feet with the tulips
May: Doe a deer, a female deer - in Salzburg, exploring the Sound of Music sights
June: Me & Michelle at WDW
July: Me & my brother-in-law about to go sailing
August: Finishing the Seattle Danskin Sprint Tri
September: Lining up with the walkers to start the You Go Girl Half Marathon
October: Jessica, the Evil Queen, and me at Mickey's Not So Scary
November: Jana & me enjoying lunch in Brussels
December: Chloe opening her Christmas present

And there you have it. Time to ring in 2012!!

What the Kale?

2011-12-31T17:12:00.000-08:00

In my quest to try (and like) more vegetables, I thought a green smoothie was a fantastic idea. Fruit & veggies, but you only taste the fruit - sign me up! My Whole Living magazine had a recipe for a Green Machine Smoothie which had kale, lettuce and pineapples, among other things. Shouldn't be too bad right? Wrong. This was not the recipe for me. I gritted my teeth and tried to drink some of it. But I did not drink all of it. But at least I tried. And while I can't completely cross off #11 off my 12 by 2012 list, I at least made progress.

Run #1.7 Brought to You by the Letter W

2011-12-30T21:45:00.000-08:00

W as in windy!! Or it could have been B as in blustery! I probably sound like a big baby, but in reality, I do like running in the winter. It's much easier to bundle up. You can only take off so many clothes when it is hot.

Back to the run at hand - I took the morning off work so I could get a "quick" 8 miles in. I started and about a mile into it I realized my Garmin wasn't doing it's thing. Grr. So I restarted it and continued on. But my mojo was discombobulated after that.

The trail was fairly empty, probably because it was a weekday rather than the weekend. I got to the turn around and started back into a wall of wind. Okay, so maybe I exaggerate. But just a little! :) It was at that point that I really wished for my gloves. I had been doing fine up until then but the wind made me wish for all things warm.

In the land of coincidence, Colbie Calliat's Brighter Than The Sun came on my iPod just as I rounded a corner and the sun was directly in my eyes.

And then I was done and off to find warmth!!

What Happens in Vegas

2011-12-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

What happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay in Vegas! Especially when there are photographs involved! :)

But first we'll take a photo trip through Santa's Wonderland (from my trip to Houston at the beginning of the month).

One weekend Houston, the next weekend Vegas, baby!! Lots of Christmas decorations everywhere, I saw La Reve & the Michael Jackson show, and had some fun at the craps table!!

A Hidden Mickey!!

Paris!! And I get to see the real thing in March!

And there you have the first half of my December. A little late - but better late than never (or as one of my fave headlines of all times said "Better Laettner Than Ever" circa 1992 Duke vs Kentucky).

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

2011-12-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

After a chilly run this morning, I was ready to warm up. And what better way than a nice bowl of soup? Another good thing about being off at the holidays is the time I can take to actually make something. I had been wanting to try a butternut squash soup for awhile (hence #22 on my 34 Things list to try a recipe with a squash). When my Whole Living magazine arrived with a recipe for a Spiced Butternut Squash Soup, I knew I had to try it! And the result? Delicious! And two birds with one stone! Not only did I knock off #22 off my 34 Things list but I also knocked off #2 off my 12 by 2012 list. Yay for me!

Frozen Fingers Run #1.6

2011-12-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! I'm using my time off to get caught up on my long runs! But with nothing going on today, I slept in before heading to the park. What's sleeping in? Not waking up until after 8 and not getting out of bed until 9!! Holy cow! But oh so enjoyable.

Knowing I would be visiting the park quite a few times in the next few weeks, I decided to mix it up and start at a different spot. And I got to use one of my favorite Christmas presents - a super cool headband from my super cool friend Kathy!

I realized I need to work on my transitions from walking to running and back. Running - no problem. Walking - no problem. But going from running to walking I find my walking slows down. When I notice I try to speed up and find my pace. Once I find my pace, I'm good to go.

I decided to go without gloves, since it wasn't extremely cold out and I usually warm up by mile 2. Not so in this case. My fingers were so cold by the time I finished. Brr!!

It was good to do a section of the trail I hadn't done in awhile. I passed by a ton of ducks at one point. I'm glad it was ducks and not geese - geese scare me. Lots of geese are gaggles, what are lots of ducks? According to the Internet, there are lots of terms for groups of ducks, depending on what type of duck and what they are doing.

I finished up and was so happy to jump in the car and get warm again!!

Christmas Eve Run #1.5

2011-12-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Yikes!! Have you looked at the calendar lately? I have got one month. I repeat, one month until the Tinker Bell Half. And I'm oh so behind on my long runs. Which meant bright and early Christmas Eve I was lacing up my shoes. Or at least early, it wasn't so bright. In fact as I pulled up to the park, I could see the Christmas lights on the trees still lit up. It had started raining and once again I was without a hat. I really don't like hats, umbrellas or hoods. But fortunately I had a random baseball cap in my car for emergencies such as these.

I still haven't figured out how to do intervals on my watch (probably because I haven't spent any time trying to figure it out!) so at the start of every song I ran for one minute. My knee is still doing good. I'll have to figure out a good interval. It'll probably still be heavily weighted on the walking, but it is nice to be running.

And guess what was in the mail when I got home from my run? My Tinker Bell tutu!! I'm just about set with my outfit now.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!

Five Senses Friday

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

It has been a blink and you'll miss it last couple of weeks!! When I say work has gotten a tad hectic, I might be understating it slightly. But it's Christmas and things are always much cheerier with Christmas music in the background.

Seeing

Super cool Christmas cards from Team Donner which of course makes me feel on the lame side since I had grand ideas but ran out of time to implement them and just sent a card. There is always next year, right? I will redeem myself next year.
CINDERELLA!!! On Wednesday night I went to see Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella at the 5th Ave. No singing mice, but still a fantastic show. I just want to be an extra in that show so I can wear one of the pretty dresses. And I so should have worn my tiara.

Feeling

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you just keep making mistake after mistake and really want to either start the week over or hurry through it so you can be done and pretend it never happened? Yeah, that's my week. I don't like making mistakes. And then I obsess over them.

Tasting

Christmas goodies, but my favorite was the gingerbread cake at Earl's. Deliciousness!!

Hearing

Bells
The announcement from runDisney about bringing back the Tower of Terror but instead of 13Ks it will be 10 miles! Intriguing...but even more intriguing is the fact that it will push back the Wine & Dine to early November which means it is a way more realistic race for me to do. But I can't do both.. Decisions, decisions...

Smelling

Cinnamon

34 Things: The Hunger Games

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Similar to the Twilight books, I had somewhat resisted reading The Hunger Games. But I kept hearing more and more people singing the praises of the books so I borrowed the first book from Jessica with the intention of reading on the plane to Houston. That didn't happen. I arrived in Houston and went to see Breaking Dawn with Michelle and Khrissy and guess what preview was played? You guessed it! The Hunger Games! It piqued my interest. And so I read it on my way home from Houston. I really enjoyed it!! (I'm so Team Peeta, in case you were wondering.) I quickly borrowed books 2 and 3 from Jessica and read Catching Fire on my way to Vegas and most of Mockingjay on my way home from Vegas.

Part of the reason I was initially resisting reading this series was I thought it would be too much like Lord of the Flies, which I was not a fan of at all. But Katniss drew me into her world and I eagerly started the second book and then the third becoming attached to the characters. (Let me just say there is a huge benefit to waiting to start a series until all the books are out. No waiting to read the next book!!)

And now I can't wait to watch the movie!!

(I did briefly think about counting these as three different books, but they'll only count as one book for purposes of my 34 Things list.)

34 Things: Tales of a Female Nomad

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Jana gave me this book to read. It is written by a woman who, on the verge of divorce, decided to explore the world. The book chronicles the beginning of her nomadic life, with stops in South America, Bali, Israel, New Zealand and even Seattle (and a few other stops as well). It was really interesting to read her experiences. And I was impressed she just picked up and left. I don't know that I could do that. It's been so long since I've read something autobiographical, and it was neat to read her viewpoint and thoughts.

From Z(agreb) to B(russels) Part II

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Remember way back when I was on vacation? It seems so long ago! Finally I'm getting around to the second half of the trip. Missed the first part? Check it out here.

Day 6
The alarm went off way too early. When we booked the plane tickets, it seemed like a good idea. Plus it was the only direct flight from Zagreb to Brussels. But when the alarm went off, it was not feeling like a good idea. We put the finishing touches on our packing and started lugging our suitcases down the two flights of stairs. As soon as I got into the taxi I realized I had forgotten to give my postcards to the hotel clerk to mail. But guess what? There was a post office at the airport! Hooray!

The flight was uneventful. I tried to to sleep but settled for keeping my eyes closed and drifting in and out of wakefulness.

We landed in Brussels and passport control took forever but finally we were in a taxi heading for our hotel. The sight that greeted us outside our hotel was the beginnings of a Christmas market! Unfortunately it seems we were about a week too early for Christmas and Christmas markets - decorations were up or being set up but not turned on.
The hotel clerk checked us in and told us we were in the Istanbul room. We stepped inside of the room and found out why - the room even had a hookah pipe! Instantly the song of the trip became Istanbul (Not Constantinople). In fact, it's still in my head! We started calling it our Cave of Wonders room. Or our Princess Jasmine room.

It was by now definitely lunch time! We ended up at a seafood restaurant across the square from our hotel. Our waiter was awesome! I had salmon, which was good. But dessert was DELICIOUS!! It was my first exposure to speculoos, a type of gingerbread, but my dessert was in ice cream form. Yum!! And shockingly this was to be my only ice cream of the trip. I know, right? Me, the queen of gelato. It was just too cold.

Our next stop was Church of Ste. Catherine, which was just a block from our hotel. The church was completely under construction. From there we walked to the Grand Place, which is a super cool. I really like this square. Since we were there, we visited the City Museum, which was inside the King's House. The top floor held a collection of Manneken-Pis costumes. That little statue has lots and lots of costumes!!

We wandered around a little bit more, poking our heads into chocolate, lace, tapestry and beer stores before walking over to see Manneken-Pis himself. And then it was dinner time. We found a little pizzeria close to our hotel (delicious!) and then headed back to the hotel for an early night.

Day 7
We slept in a little and then had the joy of using our Princess Jasmine shower (oh how I missed our Zagreb shower). It was on the small side which wouldn't have been too bad except the shower head was right in the middle. And it was sort of at a slant so everything kept sliding.

Breakfast was a decent spread. And they had a make your own cappuccino machine! And remember that delicious gingerbread ice cream? They had it in a spread which tasted fantastic on toast!

We set off to explore Brussels. We walked through the Grand Place up to St. Michael's Cathedral. This is where the royals are married and buried.

From there we walked up to the Upper Town and went through the BELvue Museum, which went through Belgium history (from 1830 to the present day) as well as a look at the kings. In 1830, Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands. Underneath the BELvue Museum were the remains of a 12th century palace which we explored as well.

Our tummies were telling us it was time to eat, so we had lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Museum of Musical Instruments. The view was nice and the food was good. The menu was all in French and Dutch so we had to guess a little but I ended up with a curry chicken which I enjoyed.

Next up was the Magritte Museum - Rene Magritte was a surrealist painter. I wasn't sure what to expect with a surrealist painter, but I enjoyed the museum, much more than I expected to. It was a good mix of paintings and letters and photos from his life.

We explored a bit more, did some shopping and by then it was dinner time. We had crepes for dinner! Yum!! It was a super tiny little restaurant, but very good. And I had peach beer which was delicious. I am not much of a beer drinker (I just don't like the taste) but this peach beer was something else. So good!!

Day 8
After breakfast at the hotel, we took the metro to the train station and caught a train to Brugge (about an hour or so away). For their honeymoon, my parents had bicycled around Europe. One of the places they had gone to was Brugge and some of the photos they had taken in Brugge are still hanging up in their house. So of course I wanted to go! I had been to Brugge once before and was blown away by its charm so I was eager to go back.

We arrived in Brugge and didn't read Rick's instructions close enough and the 4 minute bus ride we thought we were taking into town turned into a 34 minute bus ride. Darn! Guess it would have been better to take the 20 minute stroll into town. But we made it to the Market Square to find more preparations for a Christmas market.

We started following Rick's City Walk, passing by Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Blind Donkey Street. Lunch ended up being frites (or french fries) which we ate while sitting by the river.

Our next stop was the Groeninge Museum, which was mostly Flemish painters (Flemish primitive, which basically means pre-Renaissance). Whenever I hear Flemish, I generally think dark paintings, but that just goes to show you what I know. These paintings had a lot of color! From there we went to the Church of Our Lady, which had a beautiful Madonna and Child (by Michelangelo) as well as paintings from the 13th Century, which were fascinating.

Even though it was cold, we decided to brave it and take a boat ride through the canals. Waiting in line, we were entertained by 4-ish yr old boy who was singing about ducks. Swim, ducky swim. It was quite the song. The boat ride was fun, if cold!

Since lunch really wasn't that substantial, it was definitely time for an afternoon snack of waffles!! We went into this little restaurant and were the only people there. But I had probably the best cappuccino I have ever had! I don't know if it was the cinnamon or the whip cream that made it so good. Probably both. And the waffles were good too!

We finished up our day by meandering through the town, going in and out of chocolate and lace shops. There was a post office in the Market Square so I stopped to get my stamps and even though there was no one else in the shop, they wouldn't help me until I got a number. But as soon as I took a number, it came up and I was helped.

It was dark by now and the Christmas decorations were actually lit up!! Hooray!!

We were trying to decide whether to eat in Brugge, or wait until we made it back to Brussels. We decided on a Rick restaurant and set off to find it. We completely missed the street the first time, but finally found it. Between the bus and trying to find this restaurant, Rick was not on our favorite people list. Thank goodness we didn't give up on the restaurant, because the food was so good! It served "Flemish specialties" and we had the beef stew. Which came with a side of applesauce (random, right? but oh so good!). And I tried the cherry beer tonight. Yum! The restaurant was on the small side but it was decorated for Christmas and they sat us next to the fireplace (which after a cold day was a great way to warm up).

Then it was bus to the train station, train back to Brussels, metro to the hotel and bed.

Day 9
Our last day, and our last breakfast at the hotel. Gearing up for the Christmas market was in full swing as we stepped out of our hotel and saw the Ferris Wheel they were assembling. On the next block was a merry-go-round with random sea creatures and birds. We slowly made our way over to Mannekin Pis to see him in the daytime. And we started walking towards Notre Dame, passing by a section of the old city wall leftover from the 13th Century. Notre Dame had beautiful stained glass.

From there we walked over to the Museum of Ancient Art (the Modern Art section was closed). I don't know if I would consider the art we saw to be ancient. There were lots of paintings of St. Sebastian, St. Anne and St. Barbara.

We walked back down and had lunch at the crepe place, which was once again delicious. And finished up the day by going to the Costume & Lace Museum, which had lots of beautiful clothes.

We made it back to Grand Place where they were in the process of putting lights up on the Christmas tree. But the stupid crane they were using did not make it easy to take good pictures.

Dinner was at the Italian restaurant near our hotel. Pizza - but just any pizza - pizza with salami, mushrooms, and Gorgonzola! Wow, that sure isn't margherita pizza!!

Then we headed back to the hotel room to pack. Packing is never my favorite thing to do. But finally everything was in the suitcase.

Day 10
No breakfast at the hotel this morning. Instead we were in a cab on our way to the airport. We said our goodbyes and then Jana was off to Houston and I was off to Seattle.

Istanbul Room

Grand Place

View of Brussels

I forgot who he was...

Watch out when you are taking feet pictures!

Yummy fries!

Brugge

Christmas Decorations

Ferris Wheel being assembled outside our hotel

Mannekin Pis

Our last day and they finally put the lights on the tree

Twelve by 2012 Check In

2011-12-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

Well I had started off doing okay and then I was out of town. Time to regroup and see what is left to do by the end of the year.
2. Try two new recipes.  One down, one to go.

4. Ease back into running once 1 year has passed since I fell off a cliff.  Slow and steady, but I am working my way back into running.

6. Attend yoga at least twice a week.  If I'm in town, I've been pretty good about it.

8. Catch up and finish reading my bible in one year plan. Well, I'm giving it a good effort but I'm not sure I'll make it by the end of the year.

12. Take the stairs to work at least twice a week.  Same as #6 - if I'm in town, I've been able to do it.

I've definitely got some work to do!!

On the 1st K of Christmas

2011-12-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

On the 1st K of Christmas, I ran across the start line! That's right, I ran!! Welcome back Emily. I'm still running in one minute increments. This is one of my favorite races. I just love the costumes, especially the dogs wearing costumes. It is such a fun race.

I met up with a couple of co-workers before the race (we were a mixed bag, some doing the 12K, some doing the 5K). It was misty, but thankfully that's all it was because I had forgotten a hat. The 5K started off and then it was time for the 12K to start. I lined up in the 12+ minutes per mile category, which was also called the fast walker category. I get to run, but I have to line up in a walker category? I don't know if it was better lining up in the walker category or the jogger category. In any case, I lined up and then we were off!! And I was running across the start line!

One house we ran by had Christmas music playing for us - love it!

My time goal was under 2 hours. But my secret time goal was to get under 1 hour and 45 minutes. To put this into perspective, my best time on this course previously was 1:42:28 and that was when I was running and not coming off a knee injury.

The Ks kept going by and I started paying attention to my watch. My secret time goal was definitely within reach. If I kept up the pace. But with the big hill behind me, and the majority of the rest of the course downhill or flat it was looking more and more like a possibility.

I kept up my running increments and was heading towards the finish line at the same time the kids race was finishing. Which meant it was a bit chaotic. But I RAN across the finish line!! My time - 1:39:34 - holy cow!! That would be a PR. Can I say that again? I PR'd - 1:39:34!! I am going to bask in this glow for awhile. Wow!!

P.S. I am participating in Katye's Virtual 12Ks of Christmas so this race was doing double-duty as my December race and my entry into the virtual 12Ks of Christmas! Oh wait, it was actually doing triple duty as this is also Run #1.4!! Wow, I got a lot of mileage out of this one race.

Foggy & Cold Run #1.3

2011-12-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

Wow, December is speeding by!! But thankfully I will not be boarding a plane for the rest of the year. I love getting on a plane and going somewhere, but after three almost back to back to back trips I am ready to be at home.

I came back from Vegas (which means I didn't hit the jackpot - darn!) late Sunday. So I took Monday morning off to sleep in as well as get 7 miles in. I went to my more hilly route, but I was determine to avoid doing the big bad hill twice. Once is bad enough!! Which meant a few loops and zig zags to pick up distance and make my loop that much longer so I would only have to do it once, rather than doubling back. And I succeeded!! Hooray!! Stupid hill. My running increments are now up to one whole minute! I haven't figured out how to input intervals on my Garmin so instead, at the start of each new song I would run. My knee held up again really well. Towards the end, it started getting a little achy, but no real pain.

There was more I was going to say, but the words are not coming to me so I'll leave at that.

Run #1.2 With Actual Running

2011-12-02T10:48:00.001-08:00

That's right! It is officially December which means I can run again! It has basically been a year since I have run (give or take a few weeks when I was in between physical therapists).

I got up early this morning to squeeze in six miles before my flight to Houston. Once again I started off in the semi-dark but the trail still had a good number of people on it. I didn't want to overdo the running so once I was warmed up I decided to run 30 seconds at the start of every song. It felt good to break into a run. The questions that kept going through my mind were "is it time to run?" followed by "does my knee hurt?" which I am happy to say it didn't. Towards the end I did start to feel a little twinge in my knee so I stuck to walking for the remainder of my run.

Not only did this run have actual running, but I also had an encounter with an otter. He looked at me. I looked at him. And then he jumped back into the grass, back towards the river. Whew!

All that is left to say is - I'm back, baby!!

Sent by T-Mobile. America's First Nationwide 4G Network

Five Senses Friday

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Seeing

The craziest "holiday" decorations in our lobby. Seriously - they look like 1) an alien threw up or 2) we are living in Dr. Seuss land.

Hearing

A hand written thank you card from Hillary Biscay!! How cool?! (I had donated to her 3 Day Walk - and yes, not quite "hearing" but we're still going with it.)

Tasting

Thanksgiving leftovers - I'm not a huge turkey fan but combined with Gruyere cheese and apple slices on a bun and toasted - delicious!

Smelling

Popcorn

Feeling

Still way overwhelmed, but a little better now that I'm just about done Christmas shopping!

In the Interim

2011-11-30T21:27:00.001-08:00

So I had an initial burst of energy and completed Part I of my recent travels, but since then life has conspired to keep me busy. But while you are oh so eagerly awaiting Part II, enjoy some more pictures from my trip! And to whet your appetite even more, they are food pictures! :)

My pasta!!

Chestnut cake

PIZZA!!

Only the best cappuccino EVER!

Cherry beer

On the Way to the Apple Cup

2011-11-27T15:03:00.001-08:00

So I won't go into the actual game too much, except to say it was my first Apple Cup (Apple Cup for any non Washington readers is the annual game between the University of Washington and Washington State). And it was the first game at our new temporary home field - Qwest, Century Link or Clink (whichever you'd like). The game was fantastic! I don't really have a voice today. A halftime tribute to the Muppets by the Husky band. And it didn't rain!! Although it wouldn't have mattered since we were up super high and under cover. As in up so high there was only one row behind us. Oh, and most importantly - the Huskies won!! Go Dawgs!! But you might have figured that out by the fantastic game comment! :)

Overhead on the way to the game: "Where is the fast pass line?" I cracked up! But really, it was a lot like going to WDW. We had to wait in line for the bus. The bus over to the Clink was crowded. We had to stand in a crazy long line for the bag check. There was the bag check line and the line without bags. And then we finally got to show our tickets and get into the park, err field. Exactly like WDW! :)

Wet and Cold Run #1.1

2011-11-27T14:13:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I'm stealing a page from Fruit Fly's book and I'm going to try and chronicle (at least my long) runs for the next year. Okay so that isn't new. But what I really am stealing is the numbering. Why? Well I'll let you in on a little secret. Secret probably isn't the best description - maybe secret ambition is better. I'm going to be 35 next year. Wow. Thirty-stinking-five. That's not the secret. But because that number ends in a 5, my secret 2012 ambition is going to be to complete 5 half marathons. The numbering system will help (me anyway) keep track. (And I'm going to call them runs even though there will be a lot of walking involved - it's just easier, and shorter!)

The next step would be to figure out which half marathons to choose. I'm already signed up for the Tinker Bell, Princess, and Seattle RnR. I've delayed signing up for Portland RnR because I keep hoping they'll post the course time limits. Which leaves on more to sign up for. There are so many to choose from. Do I do another Disney one, say the Disneyland Half or the Wine & Dine? Do I throw the dice and try to get in for the Nike Women's Half? Do I do a location one (Hawaii, CA, or someplace else say London)? Or a local one? I have a lot of choices. We'll see how the year goes.

Okay, back to this morning. The forecast was calling for rain, but not until later in the morning. So I got up early and started off just as it was starting to get light. Again, I technically could have mixed some running in, but I decided to wait until December 1st. Part of me wonders if I'll remember how to run? I'll bet it's just like riding a bike - it'll come back to me.

The sky kept getting lighter and lighter. I hadn't gone too far when the rains came. While it wasn't a light mist, it wasn't a torrential downpour. It was somewhere in the middle. Medium rain.

It's funny the games you can play with yourself to help pass the time (or miles). Or at least I play. How many Christmas trees can you see through the windows? (2) How many big birds did you pass? (7, although one or two might have been double counted) Can I make it to the next tree, shrub, mile marker, etc before the song ends?

And finally 8 miles was done! Yay! On my way home, the rain started coming down more and more so it looks like it was the right call to get up on the early side.

First run ("walk") done. Tinker Bell training has officially begun.

Seattle Marathon 5K

2011-11-26T11:34:00.001-08:00

So this was "technically" my first race where I could run. But instead I decided it would be my last enforced completely walking race. Not to say I won't ever walk in a race again, because I can guarantee I will. But it is my last self-imposed walking only race. Which means next week I can run again!

Being my last walking only race, I really wanted to come in under 45 minutes. But I knew it was going to be tough. Did you know there are hills in Seattle? :)

As I was leaving it started to pour down rain. And I did not have a hat. This might be interesting! But the rain subsided. I got to the race site plenty early and ended up sitting in my car for awhile.

There was a decent number of people participating in this race (which is the precursor to the Seattle Marathon tomorrow). As per normal, I teared up during the singing of the National Anthem. And then we were off!

The first mile went by fairly fast. I ended up in kind of a no man's land where there was a decent pack ahead of me and a decent pack behind me. But not too many people near me.

The hills weren't as bad as I was thinking until the end. That last hill was painful! But I put my head down and gritted it out. As I was coming down the finishing chute, I really wanted to run, especially since I saw the clock turning to 46 minutes. I stayed true to my walking and finished, knowing I would have a little grace time since I started in the back.

I crossed the finish line and immediately looked down at my Garmin. 45:41. I think I visibly deflated. So close, yet not quite. Although my Garmin did also say I went 3.4 miles. So then you would think I made it in under 45 minutes! But Garmin is not official. So we're going with the official results of 45:37 (apparently I turned on my Garmin too early!).

It's not a bad time. I was just really hoping to break 45 minutes.

A little different at this race was that you got your t-shirt and goody bad after you finished! Which I thought was a good idea! Until I almost walked off without mine. Ha!

And there you have it - my November race with a few days to spare!

Five Senses Friday

2011-11-25T17:21:00.001-08:00

Hearing

Christmas music

Tasting

Lots of Thanksgiving goodies and my first eggnog latte of the season!!

Seeing

Breaking Dawn (for the first time - I'll be seeing it again next week!)

Smelling

Spiced Apple Cider

Feeling

Overwhelmed!! Next weekend I'm in Houston, the following in Vegas, then it's the 12Ks of Christmas, then Christmas itself, then I disappear into the cave of work for a couple of weeks and then it's the Tinker Bell Half!! Ack!! No wonder I'm feeling overwhelmed! But the good news is I'm almost done Christmas shopping!

From Z(agreb) to B(russels) Part I

2011-11-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

At one point we thought about trying to squeeze in a day trip to Antwerp so we could say we'd gone from Z to A but it wasn't in the cards.

Day 1
This trip did not get off to the smoothest of starts. A few hours before I was to leave I realized the spot on my camera lense wasn't just a spot but some sort of scratch. I took some test pictures and thought maybe I would be able to live with the spot but then I thought more about it and realized I wouldn't. So I jumped into the car and took off for Best Buy. I got a brand new camera in under 10 minutes. Which is a miracle in itself that I was able to decide on one in such a short amount of time. But then again, I basically chose my old camera - just a newer version. Crisis #1 averted.

And then it was time to leave for the airport. In the car I did my usual check. Passport? Yes. Credit cards? Yes. Debit card? Ye....no. No? No! What?! I don't know if I can make it through the trip without a debit card. Fortunately we hadn't been on the road too long and were able to turn around and pick up my debit card. Whew! And I still made it to the airport in plenty of time. Crisis #2 averted.

I quickly checked everything else - camera, phone & kindle. I don't have much to say about the long flight or the short flight except finally we were in Croatia. (I met up with Jana in Frankfurt.) We had a super chatty taxi driver. We got to the hotel and found out (to our dismay) there was no elevator at our hotel. Ugh. So we lugged our suitcases up the stairs. Fortunately we only had to go two flights of stairs. Other than the lack of lift (or elevator), the hotel really was great. It was in a fantastic location. And it was quite large.

We set off on a search for food as we were both starving!! I'm sure you aren't surprised we found a pizzeria. It wasn't the best pizza I've ever had, but it wasn't the worst.

To keep awake (and shake jet lag) we wandered around, looking at the Cathedral and walking through Jelacic Square. But finally we gave up the fight and went back to our hotel and went to bed, figuring a long, good night of sleep would be just the ticket.

Day 2
Well, that long night of sleep turned into a very long night of sleep. We woke up with just a few minutes left before breakfast is over. We threw on clothes and went downstairs. Breakfast was good - the usual spread of meat, cheeses, rolls, yogurt and cereal. And cappuccinos!! Delicious cappuccinos!

We got ready to explore Zagreb. The funicular took us up to the Upper Town (or Gradec). I do so love funiculars! Our first view after stepping out of the funicular was the Burglars' Tower. It is from this tower a cannon is fired every day at noon. And that cannon is loud!! Next stop was the Church of St. Catherine which was absolutely beautiful on the inside. There was a panorama view of Zagreb near the church. Continuing up the street we ran into another church, the Church of St. Mark. This church had a very colorful tile roof. I can't really tell you about the inside because it wasn't open.

A block from the church was Ivan Mestrovic's former house which has been converted into a museum. I like to think of Ivan Mestrovic as a Croatian Rodin.

The City Museum was close and so it was our next stop. It was a very cool museum but it did start to drag on towards the end. Our old friend (from Vienna) Maria Theresa (of the Hapsburgs) made a few appearances. Surprise, surprise - Croatia was once part of the Hapsburg empire.

We had lunch at the self proclaimed oldest pub in Zagreb. The menu didn't seem to have any food listed but when the waiter came over he assured us they had food. In fact, he would make us a sandwich himself. It was a decent sandwich followed up by a delicious cappuccino. Have I mentioned I love drinking cappuccinos in Europe?

Our next stop was the Museum of Broken Relationships. There was a lot of funny stories (one about Frisbee was my favorite), some sad stories, and a few fairly disturbing stories about the end of relationships. It was a good museum.

We wandered around a bit more and did some shopping before heading to dinner. Our waitress was great and recommended a good wine and pepper schnapps. The pepper schnapps was quite interesting. We also split a chestnut cake for dessert.

Towards the end of our meal, two priests walked in dressed in full priest garb. (Doesn't that sound like a joke? Two priests walk into a restaurant...) We weren't sure what was going on and our waitress explained they were baptizing the new wine. It is a tradition every mid-November to bless the new wine year.

Day 3
So, we did not spend the most restful night. I don't think I slept for more than an hour at a time. Instead I got to listen to the stupid bells that seemed to go off at random times. I think I finally fell really asleep right before the alarm. Figures. Apparently that long, long, long night of sleep caught up with us. Stupid jet lag. I had a much needed cappuccino at breakfast.

We walked up to the Upper Town to the Croatian Museum of Naive Art which was a really enjoyable museum. My favorite was a portrait entitled "Cross-Eyed Steve" and sure enough it was a portrait of the artist's cross-eyed neighbor.

The next museum (Natural History Museum) was not my favorite. It seemed like a bunch of collections haphazardly thrown together. I could have done without the rooms of stuffed birds or the ginormous shark but the minerals and fossils were interesting.

The Arts & Crafts museum (in my opinion) had little to do with arts and crafts. But instead it had lots of furniture. And a room full of clocks (one of which was a hidden Mickey!). I'm all the way in Zagreb and I find a hidden Mickey!!

We walked over to the bus station to catch a bus to the neighboring town of Samobor. Once we arrived we tried to follow Rick's directions into town but they were completely useless. My theory is this was a new bus station and Rick's directions were from the old bus station. We finally made it to the main square and by that time we were starving!! It didn't help that daylight was fading fast either. So we took a few photos and looked around before finding a place to eat. I wasn't up to being adventurous so I had gnocchi, which was delicious. After dinner we walked along the river in the freezing cold towards what looked like the ruins of an old castle. We reached a little shrine to some saint and figured it was time to turn back. When we reached the main square it was definitely dessert time! We split a cream cake, which was the specialty of that area. No espresso or cappuccino for us, because unfortunately the machine was broken. So instead we tried Bermet, also a typical drink of the area - a sweet red wine. It reminded me a little of sangria.

Our adventure in Samobor over, we took the bus back and then took our first ride on the tram back to the main square.

Day 4
I slept much better, which was good because we woke up early to catch a train to Ljubljana (in Slovenia). After breakfast at the hotel, we caught the tram (since we were now experts) to the train station. And Jana bought us tram tickets in Croatian! (Although, there really wasn't a language issue - they spoke better English, for the most part, than I did!)

This would turn out to be the day of passport stamps. Right before crossing over to Slovenia, the train stopped and Croatian officials came on the train and looked at our passports. And then right after crossing into Slovenia, Slovenian officials came on to the train and looked at our passports. When we first stopped Jana and I looked at each other. We were both thinking "did we need a visa to enter Slovenia?" But no, this was just standard border crossing.

In our train car was another woman who was Croatian and ended up getting roped into helping someone who was on the wrong train. Woman 1 (who was lost and spoke a little Italian) was trying to get to Belgrade and was going in the wrong direction. She kept asking Woman 2 (the nice Croatian who spoke a little Italian) where we were going and where we were. Woman 2 kept answering her and was very nice and very patient about it. Literally she (Woman 1) kept asking basically those same questions for an hour. Over and over and over again. The train is going to Villach, Austria. We are approaching Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was bordering on the ridiculous. Hopefully she was able to finally get where she wanted to go.

Rick's directions from the train station to the main square in Ljubljana were much better! We walked along the riverside market (which was decently active for being such a cold day) and ended up at the Dragon Bridge. I do love dragons! Another random thought - I always associate St. George and the Dragon with England but St. George is everywhere!!

We turned around and walked back along the river to a pizzeria recommended by Rick. I had - you guessed it - margherita pizza! It was much, much better pizza than what we had on the first day.

After lunch we continued our meandering with our destination being the funicular to take us up to the castle. Yay! Another funicular! There wasn't much left of the castle and the view ended up being a bust as there was this haze/fog that had settled on the city. We watched a little movie about the history (or Jana watched and I listened while closing my eyes) and went through the museum. We took the funicular back down to the lower town, wandered around some more, did a little shopping and then headed back to Zagreb.

For dinner we wanted to try one of Rick's recommendations in the Upper Town, so we took the funicular up but they did not have any availability. Darn. So back down to another Rick restaurant (and a pizzeria) where I had the gnocchi (I was trying to branch out from just having pizza). It was good, but I have had better.

Day 5
Our last day in Zagreb. And our last breakfast at the hotel (as we had booked a stinking early flight the next morning).

First on the agenda was to visit the market and do some shopping. Foremost on my list - postcards!! I had been looking and looking for postcards but had not found them anywhere (well anywhere in Zagreb - I did find some in Ljubljana). Success! I finally did find postcards along with other treasures.

Random fact - the cravat (the ancestor of the neck tie) was first invented in Croatia. So of course I had to do some tie shopping. The proprietor of the tie store was really cute and sweet and didn't speak a lot of English. And I swear he was mixing some German in with his Croatian. It was probably the most fun shopping I did.

We dropped off our packages and headed over to the Cathedral to look at it during the day before heading back up to the Upper Town to see if we could have lunch in the restaurant we were turned away from yesterday. And we could! Our waiter recommended an appetizer and it was yummy! Some sort of fried puff things with cheese. Lunch was steak with fried potatoes - yum!

On our way to the Archaeological Museum we started noticing lots and lots of people in Croatian soccer scarves, shirts, hats - you name it. Sure enough, the Croatian national team was going to be playing Turkey that night.

The Archaeological Museum was very well laid out and it had a mummy!! Which I just think is fascinating. It had been in someones collection and they decided to donate it.

Our next stop was the Old Masters Gallery which was a small museum on the top floor of a building and by the time we were done, everyone else in the building had gone home and it was very dark.

As we walked back to the main square we were seeing more and more soccer fans, some of whom were singing and carrying on.

We had dinner at the pizzeria we had eaten at the night before and this time I did have pizza - but pizza funghi! Mixing it up a little from my regular pizza margherita.

We could no longer put off the inevitable and we went back to the hotel to pack. We turned on the soccer match, which ended in a tie. But not long after the game ended we could hear singing from the main square. Guess the tie was a good thing?

So ends Part I - stay tuned for Part II where we get to eat chocolate and fries and waffles in Belgium!

Cathedral

Feet picture - on the funicular

View of Zagreb

Church of St. Mark

St. George

Ad for the Zagreb marathon

Hidden Mickey

Samobor

Market in Ljubljana

Dragon Bridge

Not the greatest view from the castle

Jelacic Square

Yummy appetizer

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:47:00.001-08:00

It is a little strange actually being home for Thanksgiving. I haven't been home in years. Twelve years to be precise.

In 1999, I had just moved to Houston and wasn't sure I could swing a plane ticket home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. My mom made the rule that I had to be home for Christmas. I'm actually not sure what I did for Thanksgiving itself. Probably nothing.

In 2000, I was in London on rotation and I went with a few other ex-pats to Simpson's in the Strand for a very interesting dinner. All the right ingredients were there (turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin) but it wasn't the same.

In 2001 and 2002, I went to Michelle and Jason's.

In 2003, I took my first overseas Thanksgiving trip to London. I didn't have to take as many vacation days due to the holiday and it wasn't as crowded! And a tradition was born.

In 2004, I went with my friend Laura to Rome, Dublin, and London.

In 2005, it was the first Thanksgiving (and first Europe trip) for me and Jana. We went to Prague and London.

In 2006, Jana and I went to Paris and Rome.

In 2007, Diane and I went to Rome, Venice, Florence and London.

In 2008, Jana and I went to Vienna and Budapest.

In 2009, I went to Dublin and London with my brother.

In 2010, Jessica, Nilufer & I went to Italy.

And in 2011 I am home (having gone on my Europe trip the week before Thanksgiving). It was a small gathering this year - just my parents, me and my brother. None of us are big on cooking (well except my brother) so we got a turkey and stuffing from Whole Foods (brilliant!) and I was in charge of the mashed sweet potatoes (via fANNEtastic food) and helped with the regular mashed potatoes. It was a nice little Thanksgiving. We also had our staple of olives. My brother loves olives! In fact, we would always bring olives to Thanksgiving (and other holidays) but we would have to bring two cans. One for my brother and one for everyone else. Things really haven't changed! :)

My contribution - Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Thanksgiving Dinner

A Year Ago Today

2011-11-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

A year ago today I was in Italy. We woke up early to take the train out to Cinque Terre where I was determined to hike from one town to the next, setting foot in all five towns. I had tried to do this once before but my (then) travel companions decided it was a much better idea to sit and have another glass of wine (or two or more) while overlooking the gorgeous view. Okay, so the view was incredible (as was the wine). And I never made it to all five towns. But this was my second chance!

We arrived at the furthest town (Monterosso) and went to buy our hiking pass and were informed that the trails were closed. What? Really? There had been a lot of rain and so they had decided to close the trails early. But we didn't let that stop us! (Although maybe we should have.)

Several other groups of tourists were of the same mind as us and we all set off on the "closed" trail. Which meant there was a sign on the trail head saying it was closed. We took off. We had started off doing the most challenging of the hikes and they weren't kidding when they said it was challenging. A lot of ups. A lot of downs. But the views were amazing!

We were almost to the next town when we came across a section of the trail that was washed out. We knew there had been people in front of us and since we hadn't seen them turn back, they must have made it across. There were people coming towards us, so we decided to go for it. First Jessica, who had one hand on the handrail and one hand on the stone wall. Next Nilufer, who had both hands on the stone wall. And then it was my turn.

The voice in my head was saying "Dear Emily, please sit on your bottom and scoot across." But did I listen to the little voice? No, I did not. My eyes had seen Jessica & Nilufer make it across, being very careful. So I could do that too. I had the foresight to 1) put my camera away in my bag and 2) toss my jacket over to Jessica to hold. I should have given her my bag as well.

One very carefully placed step. Two very carefully placed steps. CRACK! The handrail gave way and I went over the side. I grabbed a tree/shrub and it came out. And I kept going. A very nice tree grabbed me and I stopped sliding. For the moment. I tried to stand up and immediately started sliding again.

I heard voices yelling down to me. Nilufer, Jessica, and two other hikers who had been coming toward us. "I'm okay. I just need to sit for a minute." I collected myself and was able to find my footing and clamber up and back onto the trail. I knew immediately there was something wrong with my knee. But there wasn't much to do except continue on.

For the rest of the trip I self-medicated with lots and lots of ibuprofen. Little did I know that fall would end up impacting my life for a whole year. I would say I'm basically 100% although it still acts up now and then (especially after sitting in a movie theater or a long plane ride!).

And while I complained a lot about my knee (and I mean A LOT) I think I learned a few things - patience, listening not only to my body but also to the little voice in my head, and I started walking again (which was really how I started on this whole racing journey of mine). Patience was maybe the hardest thing. I had come so far on my running journey and here I was forced to stop. And while I'm looking forward to starting to run again, learning to appreciate the ability to run and re-discovering the joy of walking to a finish line were invaluable lessons.

Will I make it back to Cinque Terre? Who knows? I'd like to someday.

Looking back, (and in the spirit of Thanksgiving) I am extremely grateful for the tree that caught me, my guardian angel who was definitely watching over me, Jessica & Nilufer for being there and helping me, all of you who offered encouragement and support, and my chiropractor and my physical therapist for working with me to get me back to 100%. I shudder sometimes thinking back at what could have been. And one year later, I am honestly just thankful to be here.

And with that...

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The beginning of our hike

A long ways down


A sweaty mess, but enjoying the hike & views

And the cliff I fell off

The view that kept me going

Brussels

2011-11-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

When we last spoke, I was mid-packing for Belgium. We survived the early morning flight and were soon at our hotel in Brussels. We were given the Istanbul room which we started calling our Cave of Wonders room. That and started singing Istanbul was Constantinople incessantly.

Right out in front of our hotel they were getting ready for a Christmas market. We were about a week too early. Darn! I do enjoy the Christmas markets.

Still no gelato on this trip, but I did have plenty of croissants, waffles, fries and chocolate. And I was introduced to speculoos - gingerbread yumminess!

And now it is time to pack again. Au revoir vacation!

Sent by T-Mobile. America's First Nationwide 4G Network

Zagreb

2011-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

Well it's our last night in Zagreb. And the Croatian soccer team is playing Turkey so we've been seeing (and hearing) lots of soccer fans!! And the game hasn't even started!

Zagreb was cute and very cold!! Thank goodness I brought gloves, a last minute addition to my packing.

Our hotel is in a great location - right near the big square. We've seen museums and churches, walked around and shopped at the market. We also took a bus out to the neighboring town of Samobor and a train to Ljubljana (in Slovenia, so I get to cross another country off my list).

And apparently diet coke does not exist in Zagreb - all they have is coke zero. I hate to say it but it has been too cold for gelato. I know, I can't believe it either!!

Tomorrow is an early morning flight to Belgium! Whose idea was that?!

See you in Belgium!

Sent by T-Mobile. America's First Nationwide 4G Network

Five Senses Friday

2011-11-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Oh the joy of scheduling a post!! I am most likely on a plane right now, flying to Zagreb. Why Zagreb? Yeah, I'm not sure either. Someplace I haven't been to is always good! We were initially thinking Dubrovnik but somehow Dubrovnik turned into Zagreb. Followed by Brussels. Why Brussels? We've found it is good (for us anyway) to pair an Eastern European city with a Western European city. I haven't been to Brussels in probably 10 years and Jana has never been. And there were direct flights between Zagreb & Brussels for an added bonus! :)

Seeing

Christmas (or Holiday) Lights

Hearing

Leaves crunching underneath my feet

Smelling

Plum lotion

Tasting

I'm looking forward to tasting yummy cappuccinos! Why do they taste so much better in Europe? Oh and Belgium chocolate!! I'm also looking forward to that!

Feeling

Do you ever have those weeks where you feel the need to tell yourself "I love my job, I love my job"? Yeah, it's been one of those weeks.

Thankful

That I'm going to Europe with my BFF Jana!!

That's all folks! See you in a week or so!

Twelve by 2012 Check In

2011-11-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Brrr!! I enjoyed my extra hour this morning by freezing on my seven mile walk. It took forever for my fingers to warm up!! The several comments I got from other runners/walkers were all about how cold it was. My car temperature read 29 degrees when I got. I still feel cold....

But enough about that - let's see what I've been up to with my Twelve by 2012 list.

1. Close unused checking account. Done!! It was actually quite easy - called up the bank and asked them to close it.

3. Hold a plank position for 1 minute. In progress

6. Attend yoga at least twice a week. Week One - success!! Made it to yoga Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

8. Catch up and finish reading my bible in one year plan. In progress

9. Decide if I'm wearing a costume for the Tinker Bell & Princess Half Marathons (and order them!). In progress - ordered my costume for the Princess Half, still trying to figure out Tinker Bell.

12. Take the stairs to work at least twice a week. Week one - success!! Took the stairs Wednesday and Friday. Wow, it has been a long time since I've taken the stairs...

Okay, not bad. Definitely some progress made!! Hopefully I can keep up the momentum!

Five Senses Friday

2011-11-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Already at the end of another week? How time flies!!

Seeing

Red Christmas cups are back at Starbucks!! Even though I would prefer for Thanksgiving to have come and gone before getting super excited for Christmas - I do love the red cups! They just make me happy!!

Smelling

Apple Cider

Hearing

Is it bad I'm still listening to my Mickey's Not So Scary CD even though Halloween is over?

Tasting

Milk - I'm trying to better about drinking milk (it does a body good, you know!)

Feeling

Hungry!! So I rejoined Weight Watchers (which is probably another topic for another post) and now I have the mindset of I can't eat (which isn't the case) and so I feel starving all the time. Which I'm not.

And P.S. Today is the last day to tell me if you want me to send you a postcard from my upcoming travels.

And P.P.S. I forgot I was going to add a new section to Five Senses since it is November and Thanksgiving.

Thankful

For Daylight Savings so it won't be quite so dark in the mornings!

Hello Treadmill

2011-10-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Well apparently I got a little post happy over the past few days, so if you missed it, here is a recap!

Postcards From Moi - I love postcards, how about you? Especially postcards from Zagreb & Brussels!

I'm Really Getting Sick of Riding Rides With You - Recap from my trip to WDW where I attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and ventured outside of Disney!!

Twelve By 2012 - Goals to complete before the clock strikes midnight on 12/31/11 (and is it just me, or does the world twelve look funny?)

What else has been going on? Well, this morning I realized there was no way I was going to go out in the dark and cold to do seven miles so treadmill it was. When is daylight savings again? It has to be happening soon, right? Have I mentioned before how I abhor the treadmill? Well, I do. Especially for anything over three miles and I here I am attempting seven!! Treadmills definitely have their good points - being able to stop anytime and use the bathroom being primary on my list (plus the already mentioned avoiding darkness and cold - oh and keeping a consistent pace is another point in the treadmill's favor). So work up this morning, headed to the gym and attempted to turn on the TV. Nothing. Blech! I could have definitely used some TV to keep me entertained. But I still had my iPod. It seemed so much longer than it actually was but finally I was done. Hip, hip, hooray!!

P.S. Guess who signed up for the Seattle Rock 'n' Roll?? Oh yeah! My first Rock 'n' Roll event!! And if I do one, you know I'm going to have to do another one, because I will want that special medal. Now which one to do??

Twelve by 2012

2011-10-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I love lists. And even more than lists, I love crossing things off lists! So when I saw Mandi's list of 12 by 2012 I knew I wanted in (via oh, hello friend). There isn't much left of 2011, so let's see what I can do before the clock turns to 2012. Plus this may be the motivation I have been looking for. I don't know if it is the change in season or what but I have been feeling blah lately.

Bold = Finished! Italics = Working on it! (Last updated: November 6, 2011)

Close unused checking account.
Try two new recipes.
Hold a plank position for 1 minute.
Ease back into running once 1 year has passed since I fell off a cliff (I think the best part about falling off a cliff is saying "I fell off a cliff!").
Cancel my American Express card since I never use it.
Attend yoga at least twice a week.
Upload & send out pictures from recent trips.
Catch up and finish reading my bible in one year plan.
Decide if I'm wearing a costume for the Tinker Bell & Princess Half Marathons (and order them!).
Make an appointment with the podiatrist.
Find a green monster smoothie recipe I like.
Take the stairs to work at least twice a week.

Five Senses Friday

2011-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Seeing

The new show "Once Upon A Time" - I was intrigued and will keep watching (for now)

Smelling

Someone's really icky smelling lunch

Hearing

Everything on a muted level - my ears are still somewhat plugged from this lovely cold I picked up

Tasting

Yummy food at Via Napoli at Epcot!!

Feeling

Rather run down - stupid cold!

I'm Really Getting Sick of Riding Rides with You

2011-10-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

So while those words did come out of Jessica's mouth they originated with a kid in front of us while we were waiting for the Yeti (proper title being Expedition Everest, but much more of a mouthful than to simply call it the Yeti). It cracked us up and so became our go-to phrase during the trip! I think we're going to do a bullet point extravaganza to sum up the trip because that means it will actually get done!

On the Magical Express video, Huey, Dewey and Louie are on the screen and the little kid behind me goes "3 Donalds!" And this is just another reason why Disney needs a Classic Disney channel to show all the old cartoons!! That way Huey, Dewey and Louie are not mistaken for their uncle!
We had to work our way up to the Yeti with the trio of dinosaur rides - Dinosaur Dumbo (I don't know its real name), Primeval Whirl, and Dinosaur.
We were entertained (and reassured) while we were in line for the Yeti by 4 cousins (ages 7 to 12). The one who said "I'm really getting sick of riding rides with you" was pulled out of line by mom and substituted with a girl cousin. They were super cute and helped pass the time. Although they did tell us that the Harry Potter ride was not a good ride.
I just discovered the fruit and cheese snacks at Animal Kingdom!! Yum!
Jessica, errr Cruella, got reprimanded by most of the characters at Mickey's Not So Scary. Poor puppies!
I did get recognized as Minnie (I'm sure the ears helped!) and Minnie liked my outfit! :)
I remembered the Headless Horseman being way cooler.
Ditto with Cinderella's carriage.
We did not do so well getting candy at the Halloween party - and it was not the good candy either (i.e. no chocolate). I was fairly disappointed in my candy haul.
I felt a little like a traitor going to Universal but good things about Universal? Starbucks, the super cool hand dryer machines, and BUTTERBEER!
I was nervous about going on Harry Potter for several reasons, one being would I be able to fit considering I'm on the bigger side? I sat in the test chair outside the ride and was given the okay that I could sit in any chair I wanted. Whew!
Harry Potter was a crazy ride!! But fun! And much better if you close your eyes in the room with the spiders.
Of course the second time I got stuck in the room with the dementors. Ick!
Butterbeer was DELICIOUS! (A cross between cream soda and butterscotch.)
Loved Suess Landing!
Usually it's Toy Story over Rockin' Rollercoaster, but this time it was the other way around.
Jessica IS the rebel spy!
Um, when did Lightning McQueen replace Herbie on Lights, Motors, Action?!
Watching Fantasmic while Illuminations is going on is a little distracting.
We brought our sweatshirts instead of buying new Mickey ones. Which is probably the more fiscally responsible thing to do.
Not having a park hopper option is somewhat liberating! Instead of deciding what park to go to next when you are done, you just go home.
I love driving to Magic Kingdom (and Epcot) and looking at roads I've run on - and will again in February. Ack!! That isn't that far away!!
We had zero line magic at Epcot. Which meant no Mexico and no Nemo. Boo. Guess that means another trip is in order! :) Hey, how about February?
There is no gum sold in the Orlando Airport. Seriously. No gum sold in the entire airport. Normally it wouldn't bother me, except I caught a cold and so really needed gum on the way home. No such luck. It was a fairly painful descent (although I've probably had worse, but this was the worst in recent memory). And my ears are still plugged. Ugh.

Postcards from Moi

2011-10-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

I love postcards. I'm not sure when my love affair began with postcards. But getting a little slice from some exotic (or not so exotic) place captivates me. I am always so excited when I receive a postcard in the mail. I generally bring them to work and hang them up on the wall as my window on to the outside world. My wall used to be completely covered but then we moved a couple of times and the postcards came down. So each time we moved I started a new postcard wall. Because I love postcards so much, I generally send out lots of postcards when I travel.

Anyone who has travelled with me knows how seriously I take my postcards. It is a labor of love. First there is finding the postcards. I'm fairly picky, not just any postcard will do. And I don't like to send a postcard unless I've been to or seen what is on the postcard. And it has to be pretty (to me at least). Or say what is on / in the postcard. Next is finding a post office to buy stamps. You wouldn't think this would be so difficult. But it can be. (I'm remembering a time walking through "Sherwood Forest" in Prague to get to the post office.) Then there is the addressing and writing of the postcards. I try not to write the same thing on each postcard. They may have a similar theme, but I try to personalize each one a little or add one or two different thoughts. There is a particularly incriminating photo somewhere that shows me asleep on a train in the middle of writing a postcard. I'll see if I can find it. And finally there is the mailing of the postcards. A few times I have had to rely on the kindness of strangers when I've left the mailing too long and there hasn't been a mailbox at the airport. (Each time I have given postcards to someone at the airport they have all arrived!) Oh, and on my very first overseas trip (way back when to my favorite place in the whole world - LONDON) I gave my postcards to some little old lady I met on the street in York. And those arrived safely too!

It is always interesting to see how long it takes for the postcards to arrive (if they do - postcards from Budapest took months and when they arrived they were in pretty bad shape and some of the postcards from my trip to Austria earlier this year never arrived). And every once in awhile one postcard will arrive at a house and one will not and when one arrives for one sister but not for the other, that can be a problem!

Which brings me to the point of this post. I thought I would share my love of postcards. If you'd like to get a postcard from my upcoming trip to Croatia and Brussels, send me an email at travelwithemily (at) gmail (dot) com with your address by November 5th and I will send a postcard to the first ten people to respond (and hopefully the postcards will make it!). Your address will only used for this purpose. If you think it's weird and/or stalker-ish, then don't send me your address! :)

Asleep on a train from Venice to Florence

Autumn Colour Week: Brown

2011-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hasn't this been fun? But now Autumn Colour Week is at an end. Hopefully you enjoyed it!!

And yes, the last picture isn't rotated correctly but I can't figure it out so it is just going to be wrong-side up.

Autumn Colour Week: Grey

2011-10-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

It's Autumn Colour Week over at Poppytalk. Today we are grey.

Tune in tomorrow for our last color - brown!!

Autumn Colour Week: Orange

2011-10-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Orange you glad it's Wednesday!? Ha! That joke never gets old! Well, at least I haven't tired of it yet! :) It's Autumn Colour Week over at Poppytalk!

The rest of the week looks like this:
Thursday - Grey
Friday - Brown

Autumn Colour Week: Yellow

2011-10-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

Oh Yellow Tuesday! It is Autumn Colour Week over at Poppytalk!

The rest of the week looks like this:
Wednesday, October 19th - Orange
Thursday, October 20th - Grey
Friday, October 21st - Brown

Autumn Colors Week: Red

2011-10-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Yay!! It is time for another Color Week over at Poppy Talk!! I do adore Colors Week!!

Five Senses Friday

2011-10-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough week. But it is almost over! I'm so thankful for my massage tomorrow!!

Seeing

A fantastic race at Kona!! Huge congrats out to Crowie & Chrissie. I had tears in my eyes as I watched Chrissie cross the finish line And a huge congrats out to all those who raced at Kona. Each time I watch it I think maybe... But then I come back down to reality. I do really want to attend Kona one of these years though to just be a part of the race.

Hearing

The soundtrack to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (I leave next week!!!)

Tasting

Too many snacks! Fruit snacks, fruit leather, goldfish, M&Ms...oh and my new fave - Peanut Butter Snickers!!

Feeling

A little anxious about my Halloween costume (I leave for WDW in less than a week and it hasn't arrived!!)

Smelling

Maple syrup

Rain, Rain Go Away

2011-10-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Now normally I love a good fall storm, but today looking at the torrential downpour, I can only I wish I was someplace warm and tropical.

Am I an athlete?

2011-10-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Now let me preface this with these are completely my own thoughts and feelings - so read with a grain of salt or pass on reading altogether. If you are reading this then I actually hit post! Which, truth be told, doesn't always happen with posts like this. Many times they just sit, gathering dust, in the draft phase, never to see the light of day. Poor little posts.

I happened to catch a random observation about "real triathletes" and it caused me to pause. Because labels are something that I have struggled with. Am I a real athlete? Am I a runner? But the label I hadn't had a problem with before is that of triathlete. Until this comment. Now if the observation had been about "serious triathletes" I would have had no issue and would have agreed completely and gone happily about my day. I do think there are tiers and I am at the very bottom tier. Or maybe even a tier below that! Ha! The one reserved for beginners. And the one reserved for very slow beginners, who still don't quite know what they are doing.

While I haven't had a problem calling myself a triathlete, I am always quick to caveat with sprint distance triathlons, I don't do long course. I only do the baby version. I also add how slow I am. I know I am not a serious triathlete - I don't own a wetsuit, or bike shoes for that matter. I don't have a coach. My bike is a hybrid (not a road or racing bike), and I don't even know what the aero position is (okay, so that last one is a slight exaggeration). But I love triathlons. I love race morning. I love the feeling of finishing the swim and getting out on the bike course (well when my bike & I are on speaking terms). And even better I love T2 and getting out on the run course. I never questioned that I was a triathlete. Once I completed my first triathlon, I was a triathlete. Not a serious triathlete, but a triathlete all the same. I know because Sally Edwards told me I was. In the water, preparing for my very first swim, Sally Edwards asked us what kind of triathlete we would be when we crossed the finish line. And my group were going to be wonderful triathletes! I crossed that finish line and I was a triathlete. I never questioned it - until now.

But what makes a person an athlete? A triathlete? A runner? Especially someone like myself - I mean I have to look at each race to see if there is a time limit that I can finish in before I even sign up. And right now I have to make sure they allow walkers. I have not been under any illusion that I will finish anywhere near the front of the pack. But does that mean I am not an athlete? Or maybe aspiring athlete would be a better term.

I agree there are different levels of athlete. And on any other given day I might have just passed this off but something about it struck deep in me. Maybe because I have been feeling insecure with my knee injury. (Or maybe I'm just REALLY tired and completely overreacting.) But there is a small part of me that thinks I'm just a pretender - I am dressed like a runner, but really I am a walker. Maybe because I have a hard time thinking of myself as a runner. If someone were to call me a runner, I am usually quick to jump in with no, I do run but I am not a runner. Runners do hill repeats, know what fartleks are, and do speed work.

All these thoughts basically boil down to one question. What makes a person deserving of the title "athlete"? Professionals? Fast and speedy participants? People who take their sport seriously? Or do you just need to finish a race to be called a runner, a marathoner, a triathlete? Or is it somewhere in between?

When did you feel you had earned the title of athlete?

Five Senses Friday

2011-10-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hearing

The rain pelting against my window - oh rain, how I have missed you, but yet, how I have not missed you!!

Tasting

Goldfish & M&Ms - there is something to be said about that salty/sweet combo

Seeing

Lots of shoes - but not the pair I am looking for

Smelling

Peppermint tea

Feeling

Tired

Want more Five Senses? Check out Mandi's!

What's Next?

2011-10-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

I am a planner at heart. I like plans. I like schedules. I like to put things on a calendar (so I can later cross them off!). And while January and February seem like a long way off, throw in a couple of holidays, a vacation or two, and pretty hectic work schedule for at least a couple of weeks and all of a sudden it is time to plan out my training schedule for the Tinker Bell and Princess Halves. (Or would it be more proper to say Half Marathons instead of trying to pluralize half?)

My loose training schedule looks a lot like this:

Monday - hot yoga
Tuesday - walk/run 2 to 4 miles
Wednesday - hot yoga/Pure Barre/weights/something else?
Thursday - walk/run 2 to 4 miles
Friday - rest
Saturday - hot yoga
Sunday - long walk/run

I can pretty much guarantee I won't follow this to a tee (look at me - I rhymed!) but I will try to stick close to the schedule and definitely hit the long walk/run. Notice I threw run in there? That's right! I am almost back to running!! Only 2 more months!

I have a feeling the trick will be to keep up my motivation between Tinker Bell and Princess. Any tips out there on staying motivated? And not letting the high of finishing a race turn into a low?

In the meantime, I need a November race and a December race. December is easy-peasy. I'm so doing the 12Ks of Christmas - it is easily one of my favorite races of all times. November isn't as easy. I'm out of town for most of the Turkey Trots. But I think I'm going to do the Seattle Marathon 5K.

And off we go!

Project Athena 10K

2011-10-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

I would like to start this off by saying I was No. 1 in this race!! Okay so I'm talking about my bib number, not my actual placement in the race. But I did get a lot of cheers for No. 1 from other participants and people on the trail which made me smile! :)

This was the race that almost wasn't. I fell off the bandwagon after the YGG Half and just wasn't motivated. I had the finishing the race high followed by a low. Plus there was that little side trip to Disneyland that distracted me. But what better to get me back on the wagon than a race?

I was a little nervous going into the race as I knew it was a small race and the 10K was technically only for "runners". But as the course was mainly on "my" normal route I figured if it was too bad and I was way far behind, I could hide my race number and just pretend to be out for a normal walk.

The 10K racers started and sure enough I was last within no time at all. Well this is going to be fun. Will this be the day I am last? It isn't so much that I care about being last - it is more about people waiting for me to finish. There were 2 women just ahead of me who were alternating run/walking and was able to catch up and pass them on their walk interval. They would pass me back and so we leapfrogged for a little while but I kept gaining a little more and finally was able to increase the distance enough. Okay, so I won't be last if I can keep this up! I played the same game with 2 other women. So now there was at least 4 people behind me. Whew! A little breathing room.

The goal behind Project Athena is to help survivors live their adventures. The survivors were given orange shirts to wear. I was now behind a group of 4 women, 3 of whom were survivors. Of course they were my next targets! :) But being behind them I was able to see racers coming back giving them support. Even the super fast men gave them high fives or shout outs. It was really neat to see nearly every participant giving support to these survivors. When I finally caught up with them I added my own cheer and they cheered me on as well. We leapfrogged a couple of times but when we hit the turn-around I was able to pull ahead.

Wow, we're at the turn-around already? The problem with being on my familiar route - as I passed by my normal parking lot I was ready to step off the trail and get in my car! Haha! Not quite yet - I still had a a good 2 miles to go.

I caught up with another woman and walked along side her for awhile. It was her first race of any sort and she was just hoping to finish. I told her she was doing great and she was going to finish! I walked with her for awhile until I saw the finish line and the clock which was ticking towards 1 hour and 30 minutes. At the beginning I was hoping to finish within 1 hour and 35 minutes but somewhere along the course I was starting to think that 1 hour and 30 minutes was possible. And when I saw the clock at 1:28 I took off. I was tempted to run but kept up the walk and finished in 1:29 and some seconds. I don't remember the exact seconds and I can't tell you because the results aren't up yet. Grr! Where are my results? Ha! Apparently I am impatient today.

And there you have it! My October race is done.

Five Senses Friday

2011-09-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hearing

The Tampa Bay Rays come back and win! Not only the game but a spot in the post season. I love listening to baseball on the radio. What an exciting game!! And then the next morning I woke up to Sweet Caroline on the radio - I think there is some irony in there somewhere! :)

Tasting

Eggplant - you know for someone who isn't too keen on veggies, I really do love me some eggplant!

Smelling

Why is this one so hard for me? I got nothing...

Seeing

The shows piling up on my DVR. The new TV season just started and already I am behind!!

Feeling

A little overwhelmed and a little flabbergasted it is already October. When did that happen?!

Want more Five Senses? Check out Mandi's!

Disneyland - September 2011 Edition

2011-09-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Would you believe it? My annual park pass expired at the beginning of August. And since then I have been feeling like I lost something - the ability to pick up and go to a Disney park on a whim to be precise. To renew the annual pass or not is similar to the chicken and the egg. If I have the pass, I can go whenever, and it will save me money the more times I go so of course I should get the pass. But if I didn’t have the pass, I wouldn’t go as often, which would also save me money. Ah, the dilemma. But since I am planning on going to WDW in October and February (for the Princess Half!), I felt justified in renewing. But instead of renewing (which you can’t renew the premier pass online – lame!), Jana & I figured it was probably time to go to Disneyland and buy in person. Pretty smart, right? Plus with me doing the Tinker Bell in January, and us going to Disneyland to renew, I had completely validated my decision to renew the premier pass. Completely makes sense to renew! For those of you thinking I have a *slight* Disney addiction, you would be wrong. It’s more than slight. I was trying to explain it to a friend of mine. It is my happy place. I can feel stress melt away as I walk through the entrance. It isn’t just about rides or food or what have you. It’s about the atmosphere and how I instantly feel young again. Not that I am old, by any stretch. Plus it is a fantastic place to meet friends who also happen to be Disney fanatics! Especially meeting up with those friends who love Disney and who live in other parts of the country.

(And this year, I started a spreadsheet to track my savings. Oh yes, I am a nerd.)

All this to say, guess where I was last weekend? That’s right! Disneyland!! And perfect timing – since I had just finished the You Go Girl Half (within my time goal!) I felt a little like a Super Bowl winner – “Emily, you just successfully walked the You Go Girl Half in 3 hours 14 minutes and 4 seconds. What are you going to do next?” To which I happily reply, “I’m going to DISNEYLAND!!"

We’re going to do this recap in bullet point style:

We had breakfast at La Brea all three mornings. Yum!! And each morning I would have juice, cappuccino and water. Liquid much? Why yes, thank you!
I love the new Little Mermaid ride – especially the first part where you go “under the sea” and the room playing Under the Sea (although I didn’t care for the Ariel with the crazy hair in that room).
I had visions of the new Goofy’s Sky School being like Barnstormer. Boy was I wrong! Instead Goofy’s Sky School is a lot like Mulholland Drive. Except with Goofy. And planes.
I totally won on Midway Mania. Jana totally won on Astro Blasters.
It does not take much to convince me I NEED to buy another Mickey sweatshirt (instead of walking back to the hotel to get one).
Speaking of shopping, I think I got one thing on my list. But I got lots of things not on my list!
I would so buy a World of Color soundtrack if it were for sale (hint, hint Disney merchandising people).
Speaking of soundtracks, I was set to buy a Disneyland soundtrack, but could not find one anywhere. Boo. Word to the wise, if there is something at Disney that you want, don’t wait to buy it because you may never find it again. This has happened more than once.
This was the first time I smelled the ocean on Soarin'! I don't know if it was because I had been near the ocean the week before and the sight of the ocean triggered the smell or if it actually smells like the ocean.
I love the Matterhorn at night!! Not so much during the day.
I heart Mr. Toad. And I think I need to read the Wind in the Willows (I thought I read it when I was younger but I’m not so sure now).
We waited in little to no lines for Indiana Jones – all 3 times we rode it! Guess that means the park wasn’t super crowded (although it felt like it sometimes).
Holiday Haunted Mansion rocks my socks!
Oh – and it smells like gingerbread!!
Mickey Ice Cream is delicious!!
I still get teary eyed watching Fantasmic. The DL version is my fave (although I do like the setup better at WDW.)
After Jana left I had about another hour before I needed to leave so I got in line for Tinker Bell. Oh yes. My excuse for being an adult in line to get her picture made with Tinker Bell? I needed to do costume research of course! (I'm thinking about putting together a fairy outfit for the Tinker Bell Half. Not sure how yet... Or what fairy for that matter!)
Pirates was closed. Boo. Guess that means I need a return trip. :)
Drinking Diet Coke on vacation is awesome!! (I only let myself drink soda on vacation or in a dire emergency.)
ETA: Oh! I completely forgot one very important thing! We were walking over to Fantasyland and I glanced at the guys walking next to us and they were both wearing identical shirts with Club 33 on them. If I were brave, I would have asked them if they worked there and how we could score an inside glimpse of the famed Club 33! But no, instead I walked them walk by and wondered...

I’m sure there was much more, but that’s all I have for the moment. See ya real soon!

What to have to drink this morning?

Drinks at Breakfast #1

Drinks at Breakfast #2

Drinks at Breakfast #3

In line for the Little Mermaid

California Adventures

Disneyland

I heart Mr. Toad

I heart Mickey Ice Cream

Us in our new Mickey sweatshirts

Costume Research - hmm, Tink or Vidia?

Five Senses on Thursday

2011-09-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

What? Five Senses a day early? What does this mean? It means I am leaving on a jet plane! I'm off to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Seeing

The newly painted walls at work.

Hearing

What I think was a frog croaking

Tasting

Chocolate milk

Smelling

Fall is definitely in the air

Feeling

Excited!! Not only for a trip to see Mickey (and Jana!) but I also figured out what I'm going to be for Halloween!

You Go Girl Half Marathon

2011-09-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

I ran this race last year, except the 10K version. I enjoyed it last year and when my co-worker started talking to me about doing a half in September and mentioned this race I thought why not? Especially since it had a 4 hour time limit!! This would be an excellent race to judge my walking time to see if I could finish in Disney's 3 and a half hour time limit. At the time I signed up for this race and started training I didn't know if (or when) I was going to be "allowed" to run again. It would be my test race. Oh the things I do for Disney! :)

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. And not just rain, but a steady, heavy rain. Oh Fall, couldn't you have held off for one more day? Eh, it's just rain, right? I decided against changing my outfit, figuring either way I would be wet. Well except to switch out my sunglasses for a hat. I checked my bag one more time, tried to make garbage bag ponchos, and then headed out the door to meet my co-worker (we were going to carpool to the race).

The rain started to subside to a light mist as we drove down to the race start. The race start is about a half a mile or so away from the finish. Last year I parked at the start and regretted it slightly when I had to make the climb up stairs and hills back to my car. Since my co-worker was the one driving I let her decide where to park. She opted for the finish (which I would be so glad for at the end!). We parked and started making the trek up to the start line.

I knew this had the potential of being an emotional race, being my second "big" comeback race since my knee injury. I started tearing up as the National Anthem was played. And then we were off!! Being a girl oriented race, it looked like a sea of pink stretching out in front of me.

This was the first race I would be using my Garmin and as it buzzed for the first mile I glanced down and saw 13:39. Whoa! That's a little fast. The upcoming hill slowed me down naturally. This race is made up of three out and backs. As I started up the hill I saw the super fast girls coming towards me. So impressive watching them. I kept my eyes open for my co-worker and then I saw her! We gave each other the thumbs up sign as we passed. And soon I was at the top of the hill and at the first turn-around point. It was neat to again see the sea of pink clad runners stretching out in front of me.

We were coming back towards the start line. Do I stop at the port-o-potty? I had a conversation with myself about whether or not to stop before finally deciding to use the port-o-potty. Better safe than sorry! I was back on the course in no time flat and coming up on the big, bad hill I remembered from last year. It was still bad, it hadn't improved since last year. It was also the second out and back (not a true out and back) and about half way up I saw my co-worker again. She shouts to me "this is a wicked course!" Those hills can be pretty bad. Up the hill and around the little park, through the mud puddles. And then it was a big stretch of downhill!

Coming around a corner, there was a spectator with a great sign reading "1) Run 2) Breathe 3) Repeat". Love it!

And then it was the finish line!! For the 10k-ers. Why didn't I sign up for the 10K again? LOL! So last year when I finished, they had chocolate milk but it was only for the half marathoners. That was going to be me this year!! Past the finish line and up the incline and on to the last out and back section. I rounded the corner and could see the fast half girls closing on the finish line.

I knew the last section was along the water so I foolishly hoped it would be flat. And it was flat for the most part except the few hills thrown in for fun. Fun or torture at that point! I finally got to the flat portion. As I passed one volunteer, he tells me I'm about a half a mile from the last turn-around point. He was a liar! Liar! But it did give me a boost for a short time (until I realized it was a lot longer than a half a mile!). That out section was a doozy! I kept thinking I was seeing the turn-around but I wasn't. But all along the course women on the back section were telling me encouraging comments. Which I needed and so when I passed by a woman who was looking a little down I said something along the lines of "you're doing great!" And she tells me "thanks, I really needed to hear that."

Finally, finally, finally I saw the turn-around and it really was the turn-around!! Hallelujah! As I reached it I could feel tears welling up again. It was at this point I could see how many people were behind me. And while I was near the end, there was still a good number of people behind me.

I hit the 10 mile sign. Only a 5K left. I can so do a 5K! Although by the 11 mile sign I was just ready to be done. And drink my chocolate milk. Mile 12 comes and goes. One more mile. Up the last hill. One foot in front of the other. Keep going. Around the last corner. And I hear my co-worker yelling my name!! Finish line! And done!

I head to the food tent and there isn't any chocolate milk! Color me sad. (I stopped at the store on the way home and got some though.) I eat my banana, do some stretching before we walked back to the car. I was so happy the car was at the finish line!! Because I don't know that I could have walked back up to the start line. Ha!

My time: 3 hours 14 minutes and 4 seconds for a per mile pace of 14:49. These are the official results because guess what? I forgot to turn off my Garmin after crossing the finish line! Doh! My time wasn't actually that far off my Princess Half time. Granted even though I ran a good deal of the Princess, I also stopped for lots of photos! :)

You know what this means? I will be able to stop for pictures for the Tinker Bell & Princess!! Yahoo!! Well at least one or two photos, let's not get to crazy!

And I'll end with - what's next after finishing a half marathon? Chocolate milk!! Ice packs!! A massage on Tuesday. And one more thing on Thursday! What is that? I won't say just yet, but see if you can guess! :)

At the start line

Me at the start line

Done!

Another medal!

Songs to Walk By

2011-09-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Songs can be inspiring, uplifting, empowering, and can you power you through a rough patch. On the eve of my walking half marathon (where my mantra will be don’t run, don’t run, don’t run), I’d like to share with you a few of the songs that got me through training for this half (and hopefully after tomorrow they will have gotten me through this half!). There is a detectable thread running through my song choices of what I will call redemption. Or detectable to me. I am being redeemed from the ashes of my injury. I may not be as fast as I was (and I was never that fast), but I have come back to a different place. One that is different than where I was 9 months ago, but one that I can still go out and do a half marathon, even if it is pure walking. It does seem quite dramatic, and perhaps overly dramatic to those looking in, but in my world there has been an element of drama. Probably because I do tend to be dramatic! :) But I haven’t been myself really since that day on an Italian cliff. (For any new readers, I was hiking in Italy and long story short, fell off the path or cliff, tearing my MCL in the process.) It may seem as if I have been complaining about my knee for a long time now. And that would be correct. I don't think I really expected it would take 9+ months for me to feel almost "normal" again. I think I've been going through a little bit of an identity crisis. Before I was the girl who traveled and did races. What was I now? While I'm still not running (and won't be until December) I've started reclaiming a little of what I lost. In the grand scheme of things, a knee injury that didn't hamper to me may not seem that big to another person, and I realize that. I'm trying to explain my mindset. But I had really embraced this new me who had started to make a lot of progress in my running journey.

Just as I was proving to myself I could do a triathlon (albeit at a slower pace) I am now proving to myself I can do a half marathon.

Without further adieu, my top few songs that will be powering me through tomorrow:

Never Say Never by Justin Bieber (I will never say never, I will fight til forever…whenever you knock me down, I will not stay on the ground – self explanatory, this knee injury will not keep me on the ground)
Breakthrough by Lemonade Mouth (sometimes its proving to the world it was wrong…don’t stop till you break it on through – cheesy Disney song? Check! But seriously, I’m ready for a breakthrough! I’m going to break it on through to the finish line!)
Get Back Up by tobyMac (it’s never too late to get back up again, you may be knocked down, but not out forever – that’s right, I CAN and WILL get back up again)
Kiss it Goodbye by Hannah Montana (kiss it goodbye, if fear is holding you back - another Disney song? You know it! But I'm definitely kissing the fear goodbye.)
All I Need (feat. Kevin Rudolph) by Natasha Bedingfield (that’s why all I need is what I’ve got – sometimes it is focusing on what you have, rather than what you don’t – plus this song rocks my socks!)
One Shining Moment by David Barrett (one shining moment, you reached deep inside...it's more than a contest, it's more than a race - I get goosebumps every time I hear this song. It's my favorite part of March Madness. Every year I wait for all the commercials and watch the winning team cut down the nets just to listen to this song.)
Our God by Crossroads (And if our God is for us, then what can stop us, and if our God is with us, then what can stand against – there is someone on my side, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)
Just Dance by Lady Gaga (no real reason this on here except sometimes you gotta just dance and this song always puts a smile on my face)

And with that, I'd better go make sure my iPod (and Garmin) are all charged and ready to go for tomorrow!!

Five Senses

2011-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

Tasting

Mmm, pumpkin spice latte! Oh how I have missed you!

Seeing

A mommy deer with two little Bambis (why do I always think of baby deer as Bambi?)
Okay, one more as I can't help myself - a spider rappelling (do spiders rappel?) down my mirror as I was doing my hair. Eek!!

Smelling

Paint

Hearing

Fire alarms as we had not one but two fire drills!!

Feeling

Excited and nervous for my race on Sunday!! Did I say nervous??

Stroll Down Memory Lane

2011-09-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

If you aren't tired of hearing about my upcoming half marathon, you might be by the end of this week!! But this is a slightly different take as we stroll down memory lane. My first ever half was completed pre-blog (was there such a time?) but I dug out the email I sent out afterwards. Looking at it, I realize how things have changed and how things have stayed the same. I still love cheers and my goal is still to finish. And yet, I have come so far from where I was then. Not only was this pre-blog but it was pre-running and pre-swimbikerunning. It was at the very beginning of my "racing" career. Shall we go back even further? Back to the very beginning? (It's a very good place to start or so Maria von Trapp tells me!) Okay, maybe not quite back to the very beginning, but close. I had never been athletic. I would much prefer to sit and read. Fast forward - just out of college I had gotten a job in Houston, TX. I moved and started my job where I suddenly found myself working a lot. But my employers provided food if you were working late. How cool is that? Yeah, not so much. Sitting and eating lots of take out food does not make for a happy or healthy body. It took me a while but finally I realized I needed to make a change. Enter walking. A friend and I started walking 5Ks and 10Ks in Houston. And then I moved back up to Seattle, my activities stalled and I found myself working a lot. Sound familiar? A (now) former co-worker had injured herself running a marathon and started walking as part of her recovery and convinced me to tag along. Wanting to get myself out of the rut I had once again fallen into, I went along for the ride. We started walking after work and on Saturdays (rain or shine). Pretty soon she was telling me I was going to finish a half marathon. "Who me?" I would scoff. No way!! But she had the last laugh as we shall read with my very first race report!!

First Half Marathon Race Report (Super Jock n' Jill - Sept 2005)
I completed my first (and possibly last if my sore legs have anything to say about it!) half-marathon on Monday! I had two goals going into it - one was to finish in 4 hours and one was not to be last, but really the overall goal was just to finish, whether in last place or not. I am very happy to say I finished in 3 hours and 53 minutes and there were a few people behind me!

The last 2.1 miles were extremely hard, probably the hardest I've ever done, especially as the sun came out and it got hot. But the volunteers were great - offering encouragement at every mile marker and a few of the runners even shouted encouragement as they ran past us.

Enjoy the photo of us "racing" to the finish line!

And this concludes the training portion

2011-09-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

If it is Sunday it must be time to take a look back at training for the week. Especially since this will be the last training post. Next Sunday at this time I will (hopefully) have completed my third half marathon!!

Monday - hot yoga with one of my favorite teachers!! Yay!!

Tuesday - 2 miles with the out being a big uphill followed big a gradual downhill which means the back is a gradual uphill but finishes on a downhill

Wednesday - Pure Barre which was tough but I parked in the right parking lot this time!!

Thursday - 3 miles with the sun setting in a glorious ball of pink and orange

Saturday - last long training walk. The question being, did I want to do 12 miles on a more hilly, and more similar to the race trail, or did I want my normal, super flat trail? I was leaning towards the more hilly trail when I remembered there weren't bathrooms on this trail. Okay, super flat trail it is. But I did want to mix it up a little so I parked near my normal turn-around spot and went into somewhat unknown territory. I had gotten a later than I wanted start considering it was going to be hot this weekend but it was still comfortable out when I got started. Off I went and close to 2 miles into it I realized I had made the right choice with the trail with bathrooms as it was fast becoming an emergency to find a bathroom. I rounded the corner and saw a Honey Bucket. Thank goodness!! And then came the realization that the door was locked. What?? Don't panic. There was a map and on it showed a bathroom not to far up the path. So up the path I went and over the bridge and to the bathroom. It was much better than a random Honey Bucket!! After that unscheduled detour it was back to the walk. I was moving pretty good and there were even a few little hills. I was nearing my turn-around and starting to need another bathroom when I heard some cyclists point out an upcoming park. Oh thank goodness!! Parks generally equal bathrooms and sure enough there was a bathroom. I didn't have much further to go so I finished up my 6 and turned around so I could use the bathroom officially on my way back. I'm funny that way, sometimes it is so mental. It was starting to get downright hot but I was coming up on the stretch of the path completely surrounded by trees which immediately cooled me down. The last two miles were not in the shade. I was so ready to be done at this point. And then I was done. Yay!!

Tired tootsies

Five Senses Friday

2011-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Seeing

Another gorgeous sunset as I raced the setting sun back to my car (walking of course!)

Hearing

Cheers, gasps, stomping feet, bodies crashing - FOOTBALL is back!!

Tasting

Tree Top all natural fruit snacks (which are no Princess fruit snacks!!)

Smelling

Not much as I am fighting a cold

Feeling

Really tired - which I'm sure has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact I am trying to cut down on my caffeine intake! Ha!

Week in Review

2011-09-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

With only a few weeks left until the You Go Girl half marathon I thought I would bring back the training week in review.

Monday - hot yoga, nothing too exciting

Tuesday - early morning 2 mile walk. Won't be too many more of these as it's getting lighter later.

Wednesday - Pure Barre class

Thursday - 3 mile walk where I just beat the fading sunlight.

Saturday - hot yoga, this was a hard class. Not sure why. The beauty of yoga - it is never the same.

Sunday - 11 mile walk where I kept an average (are you ready for this?) 14:38 pace!! Holy cow! Let's pause for a minute and reflect. Wow. Okay, so this was my basically flat route, but still I'm feeling pretty good about it. I knew I went out fast, but I was feeling pretty good so I just kept going.

Five Senses Friday

2011-09-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Holiday Weekend!! I don't have much planned this weekend except an 11 mile walk and recovering from said walk. Recovering sounds a lot like chocolate milk and ice packs in front of the TV. Oh and I really need to work on my 2010 photo book.

Hearing

All about my company as we made headlines all over the place!

Tasting

Candy corns!! I love candy corns!! But, isn't it a little too early? It's not even September. Oh that's right. It is! Where is this year going?

Feeling

What I really hope is not the onset of an ear infection. Ugh.

Smelling

Is that fall in the air?

Seeing

A gorgeous sunset (although that might have been last week...the days are starting to blend together)

Want more Five Senses? Check out No Apathy Allowed!

Pure Barre

2011-08-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

All I can say after this class is boy, have I been slacking on the strength training! Awhile back there was one of those deal thingys for Pure Barre and a few of us at work decided to buy the coupon. According to Pure Barre's website it is a workout that is designed to "lift your seat, tone your thighs and burn fat". And tonight was the night to try out my first class. One of my co-workers went with me, so I wouldn't have to go by myself the first time. Thanks Julia!!

I got there early and parked in the wrong parking garage (oops!! this will come in to play later). I filled out the paperwork and bought my socks with grippies on the bottom and met up with Julia. The class before mine let out and we walked into the room. Julia showed me what equipment to grab (weights, resistance bands and a small ball). We grabbed a spot in the back and waited for the class to begin.

It was intense! But good! Lots of little movements, isolating certain areas (arms, thighs, seat, etc). It incorporates a ballet bar, plus the weights, etc., along with some pilates. And I'm pretty sure I will be sore tomorrow. Hard to say what area of my body will be the most sore tomorrow. I will definitely be back to use up the rest of my classes!

Class ended and I headed back to my car. But wait! Remember I parked in the wrong garage? The building my car was parked in was locked. I walked around the entire building trying to find a way in but no such luck. Hm, what to do? Besides panic, that is. There was a number on the building for security so I called it and explained my situation. They sent someone over to let me in. Thank goodness!! I got in my car and drove home.

At the beginning of class all I could think about was how out of shape I felt. Even as I was thinking those thoughts I knew they weren't helpful. And then I really couldn't think much of anything as I was concentrating so much on doing the right movement! But by the end of class I felt like I had at least taken a step in the right direction.

This, That and the Other

2011-08-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when you have this great post written in your head (complete with very funny observations) and then when you sit down to actually write it, those great ideas are nowhere to be found? Just like that - poof!

Anyway, let's just see what comes out of my typing away on the keyboard. I was in Houston this weekend!! And knocked off #34 on my 34 Things list. Jana and I very rarely meet up in Houston - usually its in a Disney park or in another country! I've never actually been to her house in Houston, which is why it made my 34 Things list (partly to motivate me and partly because I knew it was something I could probably easily knock off). Flight prices were super cheap and so I made my way down. Of course I pick the hottest weekend of the year to visit!! But that's okay since we never really went outside much. Gotta love that AC! It was a great weekend!! I saw Jana & Ben's house, saw several friends, ate yummy tex-mex (creamy jalapeno dip!!), and we planned our trip to Croatia (and Belgium) in November!! I was feeling quite accomplished when it was time for me to fly home.

I watched Water for Elephants on the plane. I love, love, love Reese Witherspoon (we would so be BFFs in real life). And I liked Robert Pattison in this movie. Maybe he just doesn't do well as a moody vampire? Because I think I've liked him in every thing I've seen him in, except Twilight. But that could be because I'm so on Team Jacob!!

Speaking of BFFs - I walked into a store and some random person asked me what BFF stood for.

Summer is fast coming to an end. I woke up early yesterday morning to get a quick walk in before work and it was still dark! Goodbye long hours of daylight. I miss you already! You know how else I know summer is fast coming to an end? School is starting which means increased traffic. Boo.

Holy fast approaching race Batman! Is it really less than three weeks to my half marathon?! One long walk this weekend, one more the next, and then RACE DAY!! (Although a small part of me really wishes I was doing the Disneyland Half this weekend. Who am I kidding - a large part of me wishes that!)

I'm trying out Pure Barre tonight. Wish me luck!

I'm sure there was something else quite riveting I had to share, but that's all for today folks.

Pushed Out of the Nest

2011-08-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

I am so glad to be training for only one event!! Well, only training for one type of event. Towards the end of triathlon training I started wishing for it just to be over. Making sure I got in swim, bike, bricks, and as well as a long walk was starting to take a toll on me. Don't get me wrong - I loved doing the triathlon and I'm so happy I did it. Completing it did a lot to prove to myself that I've still "got it" after being reduced to the sidelines for so long. (Quick recap - back in November I was hiking in the Cinque Terre in Italy and basically fell off the side of a cliff, tearing my MCL in the process. I like saying fell off cliff as it adds a little bit of flair, don't you think?) I've still got some ground to make up before I'm back to normal again but for the first time in a long time I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I wasn't officially diagnosed with an MCL tear until a few months after my injury when I had an MRI done. After the MRI showed I had an MCL tear & that I did not need surgery, the physical therapist I had been seeing basically told me there wasn't much more she could do and I was free to participate in whatever activities/sports/etc to the extent my knee pain let me. In other words, let the pain be my guide. Well okay. I took that advice and was on my way. But my knee wasn't really improving. It wasn't getting worse, but it was not improving. I was still having problems standing or sitting for any length of time. After a few months of little to no improvement, my chiropractor suggested I try another physical therapist, one she had used herself. My new physical therapist has been fantastic. Really working with me to build up the strength in not only my knee but my hips because everything is connected. The hip bone is connected to the knee bone.... I hadn't seen a lot of progress in regards to my knee pain, but I could tell I was getting stronger. That was until a few weeks ago when all of a sudden I realized my knee wasn't in nearly as much pain. I could sit or stand and when I started moving again, it wouldn't hurt. So this morning I went in for what I thought was going to be a normal physical therapy appointment. But instead, it ended up being my last. My physical therapist gave me a similar speech to the one I'd already heard - they'd done what they could and they thought I was in a good place and I didn't need to come back. With those words, I felt like a little baby bird being pushed out of the nest, unsure if I could fly on my own. I peppered her with questions - what about running? (No running for at least a couple more months, and then intervals. Slowly build up and be aware your mechanics may have changed.) What about other activities? (Nothing is off limits. Use pain as your guide.) When should I come back in, if at all? (If the knee pain flares up and doesn't go away after 48 hours, come back in.) So here I am - no longer in physical therapy. But I have a list of exercises and the recommendation that I get myself to a gym. In a lot of ways, this is no different than the first time I was set free from physical therapy, but yet, my knee is in such a better place and I feel more prepared. It is scary to me that they won't be there holding my hand.

And with that, let the regularly scheduled half marathon training begin! I'm still planning to walk the upcoming You Go Girl half marathon. I don't have much time left. Ack!! Better get cracking!

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday

2011-08-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here it is Wednesday again!! How does the week fly!! Especially since I have a short week this week. Why? Why because I'm off to Houston this weekend!! So anyway, I thought I would play in Wee Bit once again this week.

{one} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?

Pretty much anything I watch on the Disney channel (Phineas & Ferb anyone?). Switched at Birth, Hawaii 5-0, I could probably go on but I won't. And I won't mention my guilty pleasure radio shows either!

{two} ear piercings on men: yes or no?

Generally no

{three} do you have dish or comcast?

Comcast

{four} what's your favorite current fashion trend?

Fashion? Trend? Yeah, not so much up on the fashion.

{five} if you could learn to do anything, money not being an issue, what would it be?

I really do want to learn how to be a (good) photographer. And cook (in Italy).

{six} red or white wine?

Red.

{seven} what type of food is your favorite (ex. italian, mexican, etc.)

Probably Italian, although Thai is a close second

{eight} hp or mac?

Oh I'm definitely not a Mac (read the evidence) for yourself, although I am trying to learn to be friends with my Mac.

{nine} what color is your bedroom?

Kind of an off-white, very blah.

{ten} what's your favorite form of exercise?

I would have to say a race. Exercise & I don't always get along, but if I'm training for an event, it definitely helps. Right now, yoga and walking (but stay tuned for an update!). But I do want to try Pure Barre.

The Moral of the Story on Vitamins and Jamba Juice

2011-08-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Apparently there are times in your life where you learn a lesson and think you have got it all figured out only to find that no, you didn't quite get it the first time and you need to learn it again. And hopefully it will stick the second time. Or else you may be doomed to repeat it over and over. (I will warn you ahead of time, this isn't going to be the prettiest story in the world, so read at your own risk.)

Once upon a time, Emily didn't really like taking her vitamins. (Actually, I still don't. But the grown-up in me makes me take them anyway.) I was late to work so I took my vitamins, stopped at Jamba Juice to grab breakfast and continued on to work. The mixture of vitamins on an empty stomach followed by Jamba did not sit well. At all. And my stomach decided to rebel. Thankfully it did so at a stoplight. And thankfully I had a plastic bag in my car. So much for being a little late too work. I was now going to be a lot late to work. Back home, changed clothes, tried to clean up my car and then on to work. After that I was very careful to only take vitamins on a if not full, then at least not empty, stomach.

(There is another time, that I won't get into details, that involved some sort of healthy-type juice that smelled like vitamins with the same result. But no actual vitamins or Jamba was involved.)

Cue this morning. I had an early morning chiropractor appointment, which means I don't have breakfast at home and instead usually stop at Jamba after my appointment. I get to work with my Jamba in hand (Mega Mango with protein & matcha if you are interested). By this time, I've at least had a little bit of my Jamba so I'm thinking it is fairly safe to take my vitamins. That would be a no. And not just a no - but a NO! It isn't safe! All of a sudden my tummy starts rebelling in a big way and I make a dash for the bathroom. (At least this time I wasn't in my car!)

Moral of the story (at least for me) is do not mix Jamba and vitamins. It will not end well.

I warned you it wasn't pretty!!

Lake Union 10K

2011-08-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Before I get to the race report, check out my new travel page which has all my trip reports summarized!

I really enjoyed this race last year and decided to do it again. Plus they had a walkers division, since that is what I am (for now) - a walker! And I am learning to be proud of that fact.

The day did not get off to the best start. I either slept through my alarm, or turned it off in my sleep. Either way, I woke up late. I hate being late! I rushed around and was out the door before I knew it. No breakfast? Nope. I recently found this new product, Vespa Power, an amino acid supplement. I usually only use it when I know I'll be training or racing for more than a couple of hours, but decided to try it this morning as well. I can't really explain how it works, but basically it helps your muscles metabolize a higher level of fat during physical activity, conserving your glucose. It isn't for everyone (especially anyone with honey/bee sensitivities), but so far I've noticed on my longer walks, I'm really not super sore the next day. So I had my bee juice, as I like to call it.

I arrived at the race site, found a parking spot, got my bib and found my co-worker (she also ran it with me last year). We found another co-worker of ours and chatted until the race was about to begin. In my rush to get ready this morning I pulled on pants and while we were waiting I was beginning to regret the decision. Capris or a running skirt would have been a much better choice as it was definitely starting to warm up. Oh well. At least I had sunglasses!!

They had us line up according to pace and there was even a pace sign for the walkers. Which is where I lined up. We waited for all the runners to cross the start line and then the walkers started! Yay walkers! Once I got around several people I found myself at the front of the pack. As in there was only one walker in front of me. As in, if this was only a walking race I would have been in 2nd place. This has never happened before! It didn't last too long as a couple other walkers sped past, but I did enjoy my "second place" while it lasted. I caught up with a few of the run/walkers and played leap frog, I'd pass them while they were walking, they'd pass me when they started running.

The first mile passed by in a blur. I knew I'd gone out pretty fast and so did my knee as it started protesting at the pace. I settled down into a more manageable pace. One woman, out for her morning run, passed me and asked how far the race was and then told me "good luck!" I collect all and any cheers. Thank you very much! Just like that we were up to the first water stop and mile 2. From mile 2 to mile 3 the sun seemed to be always in my eyes (thank you sunglasses!) and it also seemed to take forever. But finally the mile 3 sign came into a view. Not too much longer after, I passed a mom and her baby and she and the baby were clapping for me. (Okay, maybe they were clapping for all the runners and walkers, but I am taking it for myself!) Up and over the University Bridge, where a car started honking for us. Seriously, I had great cheerleaders this entire course. (Again, probably the car honking wasn't just for me, but I'm pretending it was.) Just after the bridge was my first glimpse of the Space Needle. Yay! (The finish line is sorta near the Space Needle.) The course brought us down by the water and it was fun to catch glimpses of the different house boats. Water stop number 2, mile 4, and this set of steep, short up and downhills were next. I was still feeling really good. And so was my knee. Once I had backed off the super fast pace, and settled in, my knee did much, much better. Don't remember too much about mile 5 except thinking I'm so close. Oh and the volunteers right before the mile 5 sign. Let me say all the volunteers on the course were great, but a special shout out to the group right before the 5 mile sign. Your cheers really lifted me up. I was in the home stretch now. I thought I was slowing down a tad, so tried to pick up the pace. I rounded the corner and could see the finish line. A spectator was standing off to side cheering her heart out. Again - fantastic cheerleaders all along this course. And then I was done! Yay!! I heard my name over the loudspeaker (they paused briefly trying to figure out my last name).

My time you ask? I am super happy to say it was 1 hour 32 minutes and 57 for a (are you ready for this?) 15 minute pace!! Hallelujah! I am feeling so much more confident about the Tinker Bell & Princess Halves and their 16 min per mile pace. Plus here's hoping I will have permission to run before then, but even if I don't, I would say I'm doing okay walking. And I am embracing being a walker. I am a walker. There I said it! One day I will be a runner again, but until that time, I will walk proudly.

And there you have it! A 10K with a 15 minute pace and my race for August done!

7 Links

2011-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

So this little exercise in looking back at the life of a blog was circulating awhile back. I wasn't tagged officially to participate, but there were at least several that tagged those who hadn't yet been tagged to participate. Plus I was looking for some sort of inspiration and decided to accept the challenge. (Even if I wasn't officially tagged.)

Most Beautiful Post
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And this peek back at my dream of being a writer is beautiful to me.

Most Popular Post
I am at a loss for words why this post is my most popular, but it is! It consistently shows up in the stats, almost every week. Although I am pretty proud of the title - Mickiewicz & Mickey Mouse. It is about my trip to Krakow & Paris in 2009. Adam Mickiewicz was a Polish author and we saw him everywhere in Krakow. And we took one of our days in Paris to visit Paris Disneyland!! Put them together and you get Mickiewicz & Mickey Mouse.

Most Controversial Post
Fortunately I can say I'm not super controversial.

Most Helpful Post
I'm not sure what I would classify as most helpful, but we'll go with this one where we learn the German words for strawberries & raspberries!

Post Whose Success Surprised You
Probably a cross between my post on my red Starbucks cup and my race recap on a weekend filled with a 5K and a 10K. Funnily enough, I will be doing that same 10K this Sunday!

Post That Didn't Get the Attention it Deserved
Probably my little poem about fall. Or maybe my post about accepting that it won't always be your best run, but at least you got out there.

Post You are Most Proud of
Hm, I would have to say a tie between my first time running 1 mile without stopping and my Princess Half recap.

Hopefully you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane!

Five Senses Friday

2011-08-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

Tasting

My froyo creation

Feeling

the medal being placed around my neck after finishing my 9th sprint tri

Smelling

burgers and hot dogs on the grill

Hearing

an oldie, but a goodie - Abbot & Costello's "Who's on First". I don't know, third base!! Cracks me up every time!!

Seeing

a random movie I got from Netflix, not sure I would recommend it - but the good news is I watched it and sent it back!! Trying to make progress on #29 on my 34 Things list.

No More Bike!!

2011-08-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Woohoo!! I am DONE!! And more importantly, my bike is going into storage for many, many months.

Not much exciting to say about the expo - I checked in and dropped off my bike. I did have lots of traffic issues getting to and from the expo and race site. A lesson in patience apparently.

Race Morning!! I woke up an hour before my alarm. And tried not to let my mind start and fortunately I fell back asleep. Then my alarm went off for real and it was time to get up and moving. Driving across the bridge, you could see them setting up the bike course. I arrived at the race site and set up my transition area and then wandered down to the water. I passed by who I thought was Ali Edwards and inside I'm thinking "It's Ali Edwards!!" but outside I was playing it cool. I love Ali - her blog was probably one the first I started "following" regularly.

I got down to the water and did my ritual of inching in to the water until I immersed myself completely. The water wasn't super cold! Whew! I got in line with my other yellow swim caps. Our magic word? Excellent. As in I finished this day as an excellent triathlete! We were counted down and off we went! I felt like I was swimming fairly strong and every time I looked up I was surrounded by other yellow caps which made feel good. I wasn't at the back of the pack. The water was fairly choppy, not too bad, but every once in awhile a big wave would come rolling in. I was about halfway through the swim course when I came up upon another swimmer and tried to maneuver around but she was a little all over the place and she ended up kicking me. Which, with that many bodies? Is bound to happen. But then she turns to yell at me "Oh, come on!" Really? You kicked me. She must have been having a bad day.

And then I saw the swim finish. While on the one hand I was glad to be done with the swim, on the other hand I wanted to keep swimming so that when I came out of the water it would be time to do the run (walk). And I could skip the bike! But no such luck. I got out of the water and headed back to my bike. Oh bike. I tried to talk nicely to my bike in hopes that would help. It did for awhile. I also gave myself permission to do whatever I needed to do to finish. Such as walking up the really short, steep hill. I was feeling fairly good and then I was heading up a hill when guess what? My chain came off. Again. But the good news was since I'd already dealt with it earlier in the week I didn't panic. Well didn't panic too much. I pulled off to the side and attempted to get the chain back on. Thank goodness it was only the chain! I got back on and started off again. The rest of the bike was fairly uneventful and soon I was back in transition getting ready to walk.

I started towards the run start. And I really wanted to run, but I didn't. In fact most of the run can be summed up with I really wanted to run but I didn't. Even at the finish line. Which was the worst - so many people cheering and here I was walking. I have come so far with my knee and I didn't want to do anything that could damage it. Plus I'm a rule follower and since the physical therapist hasn't given me the okay to run, I walked. Plus I had walked the entire thing, so I wanted to actually finish walking. So I walked through the finish line and got my medal.

My parents were there to cheer me on at the finish line. And I told my mom about seeing Ali Edwards (since she is a bigger fan that I am). And wouldn't you know I happened to look over and see Ali. So I dragged my mom over to meet her since I knew she wouldn't go by herself, and I knew she would regret it if she didn't take the chance to meet Ali. Ali was super nice.

Going into this, I wanted to finish in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes (since my worst time was 2 hours and 26ish minutes). And I did!! I finished in 2 hours 10 minutes and 55 seconds. Not my best time, but not my worst! And given the chain issue as well as the knee issue, I'll take that!

Transition Area

Lots of bikes

Almost time to swim

This will be me soon

Almost "GO" time

Finished!

Ali & Emily

Yay! Another medal!

Five Senses Friday

2011-08-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

I literally have tears in my eyes as I write this - the amazing story that just keeps going and just keeps giving! A few weeks ago there was a huge accident right outside my window at work and I watched the aftermath. In that accident, Rachel, a beautiful 9 year old, was critically injured and later died. For her ninth birthday, she had wanted to donate $300 to mycharity: water but fell short. In her death she has now raised over $1 million. I have goose bumps. This story has profoundly touched me and I am so happy to see the outflow of love and support for her and her family. Clean drinking water has always been a cause close to my heart and just seeing the good that can come out of tragedy has filled me with hope. And I love the fact that there have been so many donations from so many people from so many countries. I just had to share because I have been watching the site, hoping she would hit $1 million and she did. Nick Kristof wrote a beautiful article in the NY Times about Rachel. I know she is smiling in heaven. Go Rachel!! Look at what you have accomplished!

Seeing

A friend request from myself! It was from my cousin, who is also Emily, but when I first saw it I was a little confused why I would get a friend request from myself.

Smelling

Wildflowers along the side of the road

Feeling

SOOO excited for my 90 minute massage tomorrow!! I have been looking forward to this for over a month!

Tasting

Carrot cake cupcake (YUM!)

Hearing

"Crap!" said by myself as my chain came off my bike halfway up my nemesis hill.

Cheater, Cheater, Pants on Fire

2011-08-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

One of my friends used to like to say cheater, cheater pants on fire which would drive me up the wall because it is so wrong in so many ways. I mean mixing up the sayings? So not right. But along the way I got used to the saying and now I say it. It makes sense to me now. Even though it shouldn't.

So why am I a cheater? Because I cheated today. On my hair stylist. But it wasn't really cheating. At least I don't think so. Yet I feel so disloyal. I've had the same hair stylist for awhile now and I love her. I love that I go in and I don't have to really say much and she just cuts my hair. But she left the salon so I went to a new person tonight. I went into the salon and I was not offered a water or a chocolate. Boo. I met my new stylist and had the obligatory discussion about what I wanted with my hair.

She was definitely different, but the result was pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. The real test will be tomorrow - when I have to do my hair myself.

Will I go back? I don't know. I don't do well with change.

Almost there...

2011-08-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

A week from today I will be done with my triathlon! Hooray!! And then I can focus on the half marathon. I will be so glad to have only one (main) event to train for. More importantly, I can put my bike away and never see it again. Well, never again until next year.

Monday - hot yoga, it was a class - not much more I can say. Not good, not bad. Just was.

Tuesday - my terrible, horrible, no good bike ride, followed by walk.

Wednesday - pool swim.

Friday - lake swim. We got to the lake (my mom usually goes with me to make sure nothing happens, or if something happens, she's is there to get help) and walking down towards the water we notice something. I think it is an animal of some sort, probably a beaver and my mom thinks a log, except it is moving way too fast. It dips under the water and we don't see it resurface. My mom is a little freaked at this point but I'm doing okay since I'm thinking its probably long gone. There happened to be a park worker and so my mom asks him and he confirms my suspicions - a beaver. Apparently the beaver has been seen a lot recently. Beavers are nocturnal and most likely he was heading home after doing his beavering stuff all night. With that excitement over, I step carefully into the water. A couple of days of sun and the lake has warmed up a tad! I was a few laps into my swim when I started thinking the water was really calm for it being Seafair weekend and sure enough as soon as that thought entered my mind a boat drove by setting off waves. Now that's more like it. Waves are always good practice for race day. I finished up and went on with my day.

Saturday - another brick, and my second to last time on the bike before the triathlon. It was actually a decent bike after Tuesday's debacle. Helped it was a fairly flat course. There was a lot of people on the trail, more so than usual, and I finally noticed the little bib numbers. A race! Also seen on my bike ride? A rooster and a guy on a segway. Add that to the beaver and it has been one interesting week. I finished up the bike, and started off on the walk. It took awhile before my legs started moving well, but they finally did. Brick done.

In non-racing, non-training tidbits, I had an appointment in Seattle and as I was driving back across the bridge traffic slowed to a stop. Why? Because the Blue Angels were flying over the bridge in perfect formation!! How cool!! I seriously heart the Blue Angels.

Sunday - long walk day. I remembered sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat! Woot!! It started off slightly overcast, but towards the end the clouds had cleared and the sun was starting to beat down. Thank goodness I was almost done. And thank goodness for shady spots and a breeze! With that - 10 miles done. 10 miles is my magic number. I usually feel pretty good if I can make it 10 miles. After all, it's only another 5K to finish a half marathon!! I went to hot yoga next (yin yoga, or gentle yoga) and during shoelace, I hear the Blue Angels flying overhead! Yay!!

And there you have it!

Five Senses Friday

2011-08-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hearing

Blue Angels!! It must be Seafair!

Tasting

Double Caramel Magnum goodness!! My treat for 9 miles. Bad, bad idea. Now I know how yummy they are.

Seeing

Mommy deer and a baby deer (Bambi!!)

Feeling

I'm not feeling as much pain in my knee!! Yay!

Smelling

Tiger Balm

Want more Five Senses? Check out No Apathy Allowed and Abby Try Again.

Dear Mac Book

2011-08-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Mac Book,

I have had you for almost a year now. And I have tried to like you, really I have. I have tried to adjust to the fact you have no delete key and no windows key and especially the fact that I can't right click. But you are driving me crazy right now.

Smooches,
Emily

In not quite a year of owning my own little Mac, what I have learned is I am a PC. Well, I am a PC adjusting to being a Mac. How's that? I'm sure there is a lesson in here on being patient and flexible. I love my Mac, I love my Mac, I love my Mac. And eventually it will be true. Or so I am hoping.

Speaking of inanimate objects that I am trying to love.... Thanks for letting me vent last post on my lack of joy in riding my bike. I was speaking with my physical therapist today about my bike troubles and she pointed out that some of it could be a reaction from my knee and somewhat mental. It probably doesn't like bending right now and biking involves a lot of bending of the knee. Okay, that makes sense. But I am trying to love my bike. And realizing I have only 2 more scheduled rides before the triathlon, so really 3 more rides before I can shove my bike in the garage and forget about it for the next several months has done a lot to improve my attitude! :)

Also, I joined Twitter! Say what? I know, I know. But all the cool kids are doing it, and deep down I have always wanted to be a cool kid, you know? So anyway - check me out if you'd like...@Em425 But bear with me as I'm still learning...

What's next? Ditching my (old fashioned) blackberry for an android? It's definitely a possibility!

What the bike??

2011-08-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight the calendar called for a brick. A short, hilly brick. I left work and drove to the park. As I was getting my bike out of the car a little girl (maybe 8) says "I know you! You were here last week on the trail." Which, yes, yes I was. I thought it was cute that she remembered me.

I started off - up the first hill, second hill, third hill and fourth hill. I barely make it up the fourth hill. Again on the lowest of low gear. Me and this gear - we are becoming BFFs. I paused at the top at the drinking fountain and gulped down a few sips of water. I continued on, up the next hill and then I was approaching the bridge. It was on the bridge I got very, very discouraged. I made it up the hills (which is the point, right?) but it was such a struggle. Since I've been doing triathlons, usually there is a discipline I feel will be my weaker one and it varies between biking and swimming. This time it is definitely biking. I am so struggling with the bike right now. Normally I can power up hills, but I have not found that gear (ha ha!). Even on the flats I'm not doing too well. Its not that I ride too far either. I mean most of my rides are for short distances. If someone were to tell me that the bike portion was eliminated from the triathlon I would literally jump for joy at this point.

I don't know what it is - was it the months inactivity due to my knee? Is it my lack of cross-training (again due to my knee)? Why is the bike so hard for me this time? Why? I haven't had a good bike - oh wait, I take that back. Besides last Saturday I haven't had a good bike ride. I just haven't felt comfortable. Not that it was ever easy, but it has never been this hard.

I finished my ride, threw my bike in my car, thought a lot about just getting in my car and leaving but decided walking the mile and completing the brick probably would be the best thing. And it was. It was good to clear my head and just walk.

So if anyone has any bike ideas, please pass them on! I am all ears! I will take any help I can get.

Here We Go Again

2011-07-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

Monday - hot yoga, and let me just say I rocked this class!! Probably had something to do with the fact it wasn't super humid (it was hot - just not humid) so perfect conditions for me. I even managed to do the first part of dancers which I haven't really done since I hurt my knee!

Tuesday - 2.5 mile walk, nothing super exciting here.

Wednesday - pool swim. So I got to the usually empty pool and it wasn't empty. The swim lanes were all occupied so I got into the little open area and created my own swim lane. When one lane finally opened up, I missed my chance to grab it. Which, okay, lots of people in the pool and not everyone can get a lane. But this person wasn't even swimming - they were doing weird jumping exercises and mainly using one end of the lane (while putting their feet into the other lane). Really? You couldn't stay in the open area and do this nonsense? Grr. Finally another lane opened up and I grabbed it. At this point I had no idea what lap I was on, so figured I'd go for time. I was in the process of turning when I heard a voice asking if they could share my lane. It took me awhile to realize they were talking to me but when I did I turned around and gave them the thumbs up sign. It was my old pool friend - I usually see her in the pool around this time since we are both generally training for the Danskin. I got back from my lap and we started chatting. Which then meant I really didn't have a good idea of how much time I'd swum. I think I ended up doing about 30 minutes give or take (after I subtracted out the chatting time).

Thursday - time to go conquer the hills on the bike. Only this time, ride all the hills! I got up the first three (which are really just one somewhat continuous, very long hill, but I like to think of it in three pieces). I got to the next hill which is my nemesis hill and once again got really familiar with my down shift. Pretty soon I was on the lowest possible gear. And still struggling. But I made it to the top. Barely. And stopped. My legs were shaking and I really needed a drink of water. Fortunately there is a water fountain at the top of the hill! As I paused for my drink, I thought for a second about ditching out again on the rest of my ride but then I reminded myself that I only have a few weeks left. Well, crap. Guess it's time to bike then. So across the bridge I went. I ended up in the lowest of low gears a couple more times. Which is not normal for me. However, making it up the hills does help with my confidence, even if I made up in a super low gear. After all, isn't that why bikes have gears? So you can use them all? :)

Friday - lake swim. It was really, really cold. Guess the few hours of sun didn't do much to warm up the water! Ha! I did my usual routine to get into the water. Step in, stop and stand. Okay, my legs are getting used to the water. Step in a little more, until the water is up to my waist. Stand still. Splash a little water on my arms and chest. Creep in a little more. Splash water on my neck. Inch a little further into the water. I'm now about chest high. Deep breath. A couple more deep breaths. One more deep breath. Okay, maybe one more deep breath. And submerge myself! There - that wasn't so bad was it? The waves were definitely on the wavy side today. But all in all a good swim.

Saturday - Boy, I am long-winded this week in review. And still two more days to go! With basically two weeks left until the triathlon (gasp!! two weeks!?!) it was time for a brick. A brick is basically doing two activities back to back. For me that usually means bike followed by a walk. I packed up and drove to the park only to find the parking lot being used for some sort of festival. Plan B - drive up the road to the next parking lot. With today supposed to be "hot" (yes hot in Seattle has a very different connotation than in other parts of the world) I decided to break out the running skirt. When I got on my bike I realized I had put on the wrong skirt, I had grabbed the one with the shorter shorts underneath. Oh snap. Well not much I could do at this point. So I showed everyone on the trail a little more than I would have liked. But not a scandalous amount. At the beginning I was super self-conscious but eventually that passed and I just rode. It was actually a really good ride! I got back to my car, threw the bike in, grabbed my hat, and was back on the trail. The first couple hundred yards or so were quite painful, with my legs feeling like concrete. But finally my legs started feeling more normal. Two miles later I was done with my brick.

Sunday - long (run) walk day. Okay I had something really good here, but it got eaten by blogger so I will attempt to recreate it. I headed to the park. The weather had definitely taken a turn from yesterday. But 9 miles in overcast weather makes for a much more happier Emily. For whatever reason I decided I didn't need my hat. And I didn't until the light mist turned into a heavy mist and then into full out rain. The rain was streaming into my eyes and it was now that I wished I had a hat or sunglasses or anything really to keep the rain out of my face. I think people are generally more friendly when the weather isn't the best. One guy said "another crazy" as he ran by me. With about a mile to go to my turn-around the rain finally subsided back to the light mist. Much better!! Finally I reached the turn around point. I thought I was moving at a good pace but then Will Smith's "Getting Jiggy With It" shuffled on my iPod and a big smile came across my face and I found I could push the pace a little bit more. As usual, I kept checking in with my knee. I spend so much time on any given walk thinking about my knee. Is that a normal pain? Did I step wrong? Is it a real knee pain? What about that? Is that a knee pain? I'm happy to say my knee did well. I did have some hip pain, but believe you me, I was almost happy to have hip pain and no knee pain! Finally 9 miles completed. I decided to hit hot yoga (for yin yoga or as I like to call it, gentle yoga) to help work out my muscles.

And there you have it. Another week of training in the books!! I will be so glad once the triathlon is over and I can focus on the half marathon training. I am now in my comfy clothes relaxing with a couple ice packs watching TV. Oh 9 miles, it has been a long time.

Happy Sunday!

Five Senses Friday

2011-07-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

The donations keep pouring in for Rachel's Birthday Wish. I am in awe at the overwhelming support for such a beautiful little girl whose life was cut so tragically short. I have been so touched by this story and I can't help myself - I keep checking her page. Part of what has drawn me in is how many people have been inspired by Rachel - it isn't a few large donations, but so many people, who like me, have been encouraged by her story. In addition to her mycharity: water page, you can also donate to help her family with her medical bills here.

Smelling

Cinnamon and nutmeg, or in other words, pumpkin pie! Let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? A few months ago, I shared with you about making Black Bean & Pumpkin burgers. I've made them a few times since. But this last time I accidentally bought pumpkin pie mix, rather than pumpkin. Oops!! So my burgers not only smell like pumpkin pie, they kinda taste like it too. It actually wasn't too bad of a mistake. Not that I would do it again. Note to self - you should probably read the label of the can you are buying.

Tasting

Ice cream sammich!! It was ice cream treat day at work earlier this week!! Yahoo!!

Seeing

This was a tie between gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier and a swarm of bugs right before I biked into them. Fortunately I saw the bugs in time to shut my mouth! :)

Hearing

I had something good for this but I forgot. So we'll go with an old school S Club 7 song shuffling through my iPod.

Feeling

The SUN!!! Summer was here briefly (followed by rain) and may make a return again. And the after-effects of the sun, namely a sunburn. Yikes!! Forgot to wear a hat on my long walk.

Rachel's Birthday Wish

2011-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

A week ago there was a huge, multiple car accident on I-90. My window at work basically overlooks the stretch of the freeway where the accident occurred. I wasn't at work when it happened but I did see the aftermath as it took several hours to clear the scene. A 9 year old girl was killed in this accident. A beautiful little girl, whose wish for her 9th birthday was to raise $300 to provide clean water to developing countries. She fell $80 short. And then the accident happened - a horrible tragedy. Out of the tragedy has come an amazing, incredible story. Her donation page was re-opened and donations started pouring in. She has now raised over $475K (the last time I looked at her page) and it is still growing.

This is such an heart-wrenching yet heart-warming story and has really touched me. Such an outpouring of love and support in the face of tragedy. And such hope. How good can come out of such a tragedy.

Since I've been writing this the total has gone to over $483K. Check out Rachel's webpage.

Time Keeps Marching On

2011-07-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

And here we are with another look back at the week that was. But first, I think I’ve finally decided on the half that I am participating in! I was weighing the You Go Girl Half (in Tacoma – local, sort of) and the San Jose Rock ‘N Roll (not local at all). My potential plans to go to Europe have been moved from September to November (still potential, but I have my fingers crossed) which means I’m free to do the YGG in Tacoma. Oh wait, I forgot some fanfare. TA DA – I’m doing the You Go Girl Half in Tacoma! It’s not that I won’t ever do the San Jose RNR, but it’s probably not in the cards this year. So in less than 4 weeks now I will do my one and only triathlon of the season and then four weeks later I will do the YGG Half! Yikes!! Completely walking it to test out my ability to walk a half and hopefully come in close to 3 hours and 30 minutes so I can feel much more comfortable about doing the Tinker Bell & Princess Half in 2012. Oh the things I do for Disney races! :)

Monday – hot yoga (again it was ridiculously hot and humid and so I spent a good deal of the class on the floor)

Wednesday – got up early and went swimming (36 lengths). But I wasn’t done yet! After work I rode my bike to start working on my hill skills. Oh boy. Maybe I should have started earlier. I was definitely struggling and dropped down to the lowest gear possible (which I usually don’t need to do) but the good news is I made it up my really big nemesis hill. The bad news – it took a lot out of me so I decided to cut my bike ride short. I ended up skipping out on four hills, but I did add one in. Did I wimp out? Yeah, hindsight being what it is, I wimped out. I should have kept pushing, but I didn’t. I still have time and I know now I really need to work on hills!!

Thursday – got up early and went for a 2 mile walk. We’ve been having raccoon issues so I was a little nervous that there might be raccoons out and about. But apparently it was late enough in the morning (even if my alarm didn't feel all that late) that the raccoons were all asleep after any nighttime activities, such as getting into garbage cans.

Friday - BRRRRR!!! With the triathlon not that far off it was time to go jump in the lake. Holy cow, it was cold. Chilly!! Freezing!! I swam for about 20 minutes and that was enough.

Saturday - time to get up early and go for a bike ride. I thought for a second about going back to the hills but decided to keep it flat and simple.

Sunday - I think summer has finally arrived!! Which means I probably should have gotten up a tad earlier to beat the heat to do my 8 miles. Okay, so it's Seattle and really not that hot. And I shouldn't complain since all I've been doing lately is complaining about a lack of of summer. And now I'm complaining that it is here! Have I mentioned I like to complain? :) Anyway, back to the walk. I got to the turn around point and I was so thankful because it meant I could head back towards shade. Beautiful, lovely shade. Hey, but guess what? The sun moves. And so did my shade. So my long stretch became only small little patches. But I still enjoyed them, along with the slight breeze that would blow through every once in awhile. And I might have slowed down a tad while in the shade to prolong the coolness. Finally I was done!!

Five Senses Friday

2011-07-22T17:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, so how happy am I that treat receipts are back at Starbucks?! Sooooo happy!! Although this could be quite dangerous (it usually is come to think of it). Because now I almost feel obligated to go to Starbucks in the morning to get my treat receipt (because it is a good deal) and then I have to go in the afternoon since I have a treat receipt (and I can’t let it go to waste). Oh dear. Hopefully we can keep this under control.

Seeing

A gorgeous view of Seattle on a SUNNY day!! Is summer finally here?!

Hearing

Interesting news which I'm still digesting...

Feeling

Like I wimped out on my bike ride (which I did)

Tasting

Gelato (pistachio, strawberry basil, coconut)

Smelling

Garlic

Week in the Rear View Mirror

2011-07-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here we are again - at the end (or beginning?) of another week. Before we look back at last week's activities, let's talk about gnocchi! (Ha! Did you think I was going to say Harry Potter? Don't worry - that's next.) Friday night was an exciting night. I started off at a cooking class to learn how to make gnocchi. It was a really good class (and yummy!) and now I think even I can make gnocchi! So much so that I bought several kitchen tools to help me. The question is will I ever use these new gadgets? I don't know but I was very impressed by the gnocchi and how simple it seemed. Okay, maybe not simple, but definitely do-able. And the teacher mentioned you could make pumpkin gnocchi!! Color me intrigued! What color is intrigued anyway? Maybe an orange hue?

Gnocchi class done and it was time to head to the movies! I had been hopeful to re-read the book or at least re-watch the movie but I ran out of time. I am so, so, so not a late night person, but here I was ready to watch Harry Potter at 11 PM. I think this calls for some diet coke! Surprisingly I did not fall asleep. I was so drawn into the movie. I won't say too much about the movie (in case you haven't seen it) but I laughed and I cried. I was impressed at how much they fit into the movie (even though there was a few things I really wished would have made it like Percy and Kreacher at the end) but you can't include everything. Such a good movie. I am going to miss looking forward to the next installment of HP.

Okay, back to what's going on in the world of training. Especially since I realized I have 4, count 'em 4 weeks left until my triathlon!! Holy cow!! Um, when did that happen??

Monday - early morning 2 mile walk through the woods and I capped off the night with hot yoga (it was a much better class than last time)

Friday - pool swim (36 laps)

Saturday - after my late HP excursion, I slept in. Until 10! Yikes!! Well really 9 something but I didn't get out of bed until 10. My calendar called for 7 miles so I laced up my shoes and headed out. It was so humid and sticky. Now when I say humid, I realize Seattle humidity is not that bad (and somewhat non-existent some would even say). I used to live in Houston and that is serious humidity!! But for Seattle, this was quite humid. I was regretting my choice of a long sleeve shirt and was even contemplating ripping it off. But that would not be a pretty sight. And besides, I'd have to carry my shirt. So that was not a real option. Ugh. The air was so heavy, but finally I was done. Back when I first started walking (and long before I started running), several people had told me walking was way harder than running. At least harder when doing longer distances. I scoffed at this thinking. How could running be easier? But as my walking miles are increasing I am remembering back to these comments and realizing how true they are. I think a lot of it is how much faster you can go when you are running. Anyway, walking is where I am at now and I am happy that I am able to do at least that.

Sunday - After the See Jane Run (Walk) 5K, I got back in the car and drove to the park. I probably could have stayed and ridden my bike near the race site, but I wasn't super familiar with the area so I decided to go to my park. It had started raining as I was leaving. Boo. But maybe it would stop? Nope. I got to the park and started off on my ride. And then realized I had forgotten my sunglasses. But it wasn't sunny! Yes, but it would help keep the wind/bugs/rain/etc out of my eyes. I hadn't gone far so it would have been easy to turn around and go back to the car. But I was afraid that if I went back to my car I would pack up and leave. So I rode on. Through the biting rain. It let up a little until I reached the turn around point and then it got worse. But at least I was heading back to my car. I finished up, completely soaking and shivering. First stop - Starbucks for a nice WARM cuppa!! Second stop - home and a nice HOT shower.

And there you have it. Time to step up the training since I only have 4 WEEKS!! Ack!

See Jane Run 5K

2011-07-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Way back when I signed up for this race, I was thinking it would be my triumphant return to running. I had it all planned out. I was going to do the couch to 5k program and then run this race. What is it they say about the best laid plans? With my physical therapist putting the ixnay on running, I settled for See Jane Walk. I mean a race with chocolate and champagne? I'm so there, even if I am walking. Plus I needed a July race anyway.

I woke up super early and got there in time to grab one of the last parking spots in the lot. Which, okay, I guess makes up for the fact I was there so early. I quickly got in line for the real bathroom. The line was already ridiculously long. I do have to say my one complaint (well okay I did have one other MAJOR complaint, but we'll get to that) was the lack of restrooms. They only had 9 port-o-potties to start with for I don't know how many women. Sometime after the race started they did bring in more, but a little late in my opinion. Hopefully they will learn their lesson for next time.

It's funny who you can run into at these events. This time it was my massage therapist, or one of my regular massage therapists. She was running the half. We chatted for a minute and then went our separate ways.

They did a cute warm-up and it was time to send the half-ers on their way and I got back in line for the bathroom. With just minutes to spare I made it to the front of the bathroom line and over to the starting line.

And we were off!! My time goal for this race was under 50 minutes. I wasn't feeling super fast right out of the gate but finally settled into a good rhythm. It felt like I had just started out when I saw the fast girls coming back. Wow - it is something to watch the fast girls. They are FAST!!

It was definitely not nearly as humid as it was yesterday (oh wait - I haven't told you about that yet! Next post, I promise). I started reeling in people one by one (including a few who were jogging!). I got to the turn around point and the volunteer told me I was at 24 minutes and some change. Double that and it would be cutting it close time-wise (but I knew I had a little bit of grace time). So I would have my work cut out for me if I wanted to beat 50 minutes. As I turned around and headed back I saw how many people were behind me! I may not be the fastest but I am not the slowest!! That gave me a lift and I powered on, reeling in a few more people.

With under a mile left I saw the first of the half marathoners heading towards me. Again - FAST!! Before I knew it, I was rounding the corner towards the finish line. There was one woman in front of me and I was just about to pass her when she started running and I couldn't overcome it. It was all I could do not to run across the finish line. I so wanted to! But I am committed to this path of no running to try and heal my knee. The clock was nearing 48 and I put on my own finishing kick to cross the line before it hit 48. My official time, you ask? Why 46.41 which means a 15.24 pace! Yahoo!!

I crossed the finish line and saw medals and my eyes lit up! I love medals! But no one was giving me a medal. So I walked over and asked if everyone got a medal (because you'd better believe I'm getting me a medal if they are giving them out). They directed me over to a table to fill out a rain check for a medal. They ran out of 5K medals. And this would be my MAJOR complaint. I didn't get my medal. Boo. But they are going to mail it to me.

I wandered around the expo, got my champagne (so what if it was 10 in the morning - it is 5 o'clock somewhere!) and chocolate and headed out just as it started to rain. Oh great. And here I was on my way to ride my bike. But that is a story for another post.

Ready to Walk

Champagne

Five Senses Friday

2011-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness, has it ever been a long week. But it's OVER! Or almost over. It will be over shortly. Right? Right? And, in case you were wondering I was happy to hear Posh & Becks had their baby girl. I do so love Posh Spice. And Harper Seven is totally growing on me!

Seeing

US Women's soccer team WIN

Hearing

A rooster cock-a-doodle-dooing

Tasting

Peanut Butter Oreos - delicious!!

Smelling

Onions

Feeling

Super excited to see Harry Potter 7 tonight!!! Although it was a tough call between HP and Winnie the Pooh! :)

Where Did the Week Go?

2011-07-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Up here in beautiful sunny, no, wait – rainy, no, wait – sunny, no, wait – overcast, no wait... Restart. Up here in Seattle where the weather can’t seem to make up its mind if we are in summer yet, time keeps marching by and here we are at the end of another week. It is also a crazy time at work so not much has gotten done in the world of training. But we’ll take a quick peek back just for fun!

Monday – this was the day of the bloody shoe walk. Seven long miles and all I have to show for it was a blister! The knee felt good and I think I may have made a breakthrough in physical therapy.

Tuesday thru Thursday – instead of saying nada, zip, zero I get to say I came home each night and did 100 sit ups. Hey – something is better than nothing!

Friday – I woke up, didn’t push my snooze button and got up and ready for a swim. I get to the gym and find a sign saying “The Pool is Closed for Maintenance”. Boo! Well what to do now? I didn’t want to waste my early morning wake up! Fortunately I had my extra gym bag in the car, so I walked all the way back to the car to get my gym bag and ended up on the treadmill. Not quite swimming, but still good. I did 2 miles in just over 31 minutes. Which is keeping with the 15 to 16 minute mile pacing I’ll be needing. Plus another 100 sit ups when I got home.

Saturday - Another wake up, another urge to press the snooze button... But I made it out of bed and did a 3 mile walk through the woods. With a squirrel, a few bunnies, and several dogs - most of them friendly, but two suspect dogs but fortunately they stayed close to their owners. Oh, and shoelace that looked an awful lot like a snake!! I've decided to take FF's advice and pretend I am Snow White while walking through the woods! :) I felt super slow at first - I think my body was still trying to wake up. I found my stride close to the end. So what if it wasn't the fastest walk I've had.

It'll probably be pretty quiet around here for the next week or so. But I promise I'll be back!!

Does a Bloody Shoe Make Me Look Like a Runner?

2011-07-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

So either I'm super hard core, or a glutton for punishment. Not sure which. In any case, I woke up bright and early on Monday. What? No work today! But I had a plan. That plan was to walk 7 miles and then make it to hot yoga. Well I accomplished the 7 miles, but I missed hot yoga (by about 10 minutes, but I think the extra couple of snooze button pushes was worth it).

For a holiday, there were a decent amount of people on the trail. And I'm happy to say I passed at least 3 people. I'm not super competitive (really, I'm not) except with myself. But I do set goals for myself, like reeling in the person in front of me.

My knee felt fine - a twinge here and there, but nothing extraordinary. Yahoo! I did notice I had a slight weird feeling on the top of my foot, but I didn't think too much of it as it would come and go. I got back to my car and looked down. Blood! Not a lot, but I had bled through my sock and shoe. Turns out my shoe was apparently aggravating the top of one of my toes. I know I've worn these shoes before. But maybe not for long distances? Maybe these are short distance shoes? Or, maybe these are gym shoes only. They are being retired from long distances.

You might have to look really, really, really close as it is an infinitesimal amount of blood. But it is there! :) My first real "war" story from walking.

Week in Review

2011-07-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Me: Hello?
Caller: Is Kevin there?
Me: No, I'm sorry I think you have the wrong number.
Caller: This isn't XXX-XXX-XXXX?
Me: Nope
Caller: Are you sure?

I don't know why but this cracked me up but it did. I mean, I think I know my own phone number.

Official "training" posts and plans will start soon, including what Sept/Oct half marathon I've decided on. Soon, as in two weeks after my busy time at work. Until then another week in review of what has been keeping me busy.

Monday: An early morning two mile walk through the woods. But only bunnies this morning! And then since my hair cut was moved, I ended up at hot yoga. Oh my gracious, this was a super tough class. But I survived.

Wednesday: 30 lengths in the pool (I was running late and not quite feeling the thing so I cut it down.)

Saturday: About a 4 mile walk (About since I still haven't set up my Garmin. I know, I know. It's actually a bad habit of mine to buy something and then wait forever before using it.)

Sunday: 12 mile bike ride - this was not the easiest ride. On the way back I was riding into a headwind. It wasn't a bad headwind (I've had worse) but there were times I felt I was moving backwards. I was just struggling to push through. Little by little.. I just was not feeling this ride and was so thankful when it was over!! But the good news - I finished my ride and my knee did well! It might be soon to start trying out hills...

Happy 4th of July!!

Summer Colors Week: Red

2011-07-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Woohoo!! Reddy Red Friday! And so ends Summer Colors Week. Thanks for playing along!

Summer Colors Week: Rainbow

2011-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

It's Somewhere over the Rainbow Thursday! Poppytalk is hosting a Summer Colors Week! Come back tomorrow for Friday Red.

Summer Colors Week: Blue

2011-06-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

It's Blue Wednesday on Thursday! (I was having internet issues last night. Boo!). Poppytalk is hosting Summer Colors Week!

Stay tuned for:

Thursday - Rainbow
Friday - Red

Summer Colors Week: Pink

2011-06-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hooray for pink! It is Summer Colors Week over at Poppytalk!

Come back to see:

Wednesday - Blue
Thursday - Rainbow
Friday - Red