half of 3-season porch
Do you want the good news or bad news first?
Why does it seem that everything lately comes as a dose of really bad with really good. I feel as though there is some great equilibrium at work and in order for something really good to happen to me something horrible as to come along with it. Before I get into that quick run down on my weekend so far.
Friday night I went to a TNT fundraiser. It was a "Stampin Out" create-a-card party. I had a lot of fun making cards and meeting new people. Sometimes you forget that there are other fun Hobbies out there that aren't sports related ;) It was way out in Elyria so I got home pretty late, but was able to spend a little time with Carla and David talking before heading to bed.
Woke up early Saturday and ran with B on the tow path. I got in 14.5 miles in just shy of 2 hours. B was nice and carried my gatorade for me because I am a weenie and wimp. I went to put the gatorade in my fuel belt and found that one of the bottles had mold in it. So I decided I could just carry the regular bottle, well that didn't go over so well so thanks B for letting me be a wimp!
1/4-mile 1.57.06
8.29.91
8.26.06
8.13.27
8.06.20
7.59.50
2 miles (we took the long way and missed the mile marker) 16.18.8
7.58.03
7.47.65
8.12.13
8.00.69
7.50.28
8.20.18
8.01.19
1/4-mile 1.47.37
We went and saw KT's crew meet in downtown Cleveland. She did really well. Her "4" came in 5th out of 13 (but was within 8 seconds of 2nd), and her "8" came in 2nd. It looked like they creamed everyone else but I guess one of the boats that started later passed two boats and edged them out.
Now onto the good vs. bad
Let's start with the good I guess.
After the crew meet we went and looked at 5 houses. All of these were a little higher price range, but we figured we should look, esp. since I won't have the car payment now.
So the first house was nice, a little strange looking, but overall the best "fit" for us so far. A lot of work would be involved in cleaning up the wood floors, replacing a few windows, retiling all the bathrooms, etc. but it had a lot of character and we definitely liked it.
The next three had some good points but same as all the others there were just some things you couldn't live with.
Then we went to our realtor's (also our cousin) best friends house, which isn't on the market yet. He just bought a new house and was working on fixing up this one to sell. This house was quite lovely (will post pics later). There is a three-season enclosed porch in the front, wood floors in the dining room and living room. Huge gas burning fireplace. Huge square kitchen with lots of cupboard space. A decent sized downstairs bedroom and half bath. Half finished basement! Two bedrooms upstairs. And a nice sized full bath upstairs. There is a small backyard and a good sized side yard. The house is near the lake so our street has a "beach club" which is basically a little gated plot down by the lake where you can grill and hang out. The neighbors all seemed quite nice.
In other words we want it :) It is definitely the highest price range we looked at (115-120k) but the fact that we wouldn't have to put any work into it right away and that it fit the majority of our needs makes it worth it, plus taxes are lower so that will even out cost.
The good thing is if that doesn't pan out we have two other houses to fall back on that we would be perfectly happy living in. But keep your fingers crossed for us because this house was lovely!
Hopes are to be moving in and closing by Nov. 1st!
So after having this wonderful news of course I would have to come home to something more difficult.
A member of my family whom I hold very dear is in the hospital and being treated for a very serious illness. I found this out from my sister yesterday and got more details from my parents when we got into Michigan last night. I am very upset to say the least. And circumstances right now have made it so I am not allowed to go visit at the hospital. I have always struggled with being far from my family and now I feel very helpless that I am within driving distance and I cannot go to give my support.
I am very upset and I have to go to my family golf outing today and pretend that everything is all right when it isn't. I am usually very comfortable around my family, even though we have our issues, it is always like being "home." Today I am afraid that I might lose it. I am hoping against all hopes that everyone will be civil and that out of respect we will all have a good time and keep petty crap under wraps. I think my sister feels the same way. It is really hard because I love every person in my family with a fierceness and when they are set on working against each other I have no idea where I fit into that picture.
So sorry for being so cryptic. I need to write this because it is cathartic and will hopefully help me to be stronger but I also think some things are just private.
I want to thank my husband for being my stronghold as I have broken down crying several times since hearing the news and he has been my rock and held me and tried to make it all right. I am very grateful that I have him. I love you babe.
Friday night I went to a TNT fundraiser. It was a "Stampin Out" create-a-card party. I had a lot of fun making cards and meeting new people. Sometimes you forget that there are other fun Hobbies out there that aren't sports related ;) It was way out in Elyria so I got home pretty late, but was able to spend a little time with Carla and David talking before heading to bed.
Woke up early Saturday and ran with B on the tow path. I got in 14.5 miles in just shy of 2 hours. B was nice and carried my gatorade for me because I am a weenie and wimp. I went to put the gatorade in my fuel belt and found that one of the bottles had mold in it. So I decided I could just carry the regular bottle, well that didn't go over so well so thanks B for letting me be a wimp!
1/4-mile 1.57.06
8.29.91
8.26.06
8.13.27
8.06.20
7.59.50
2 miles (we took the long way and missed the mile marker) 16.18.8
7.58.03
7.47.65
8.12.13
8.00.69
7.50.28
8.20.18
8.01.19
1/4-mile 1.47.37
We went and saw KT's crew meet in downtown Cleveland. She did really well. Her "4" came in 5th out of 13 (but was within 8 seconds of 2nd), and her "8" came in 2nd. It looked like they creamed everyone else but I guess one of the boats that started later passed two boats and edged them out.
Now onto the good vs. bad
Let's start with the good I guess.
After the crew meet we went and looked at 5 houses. All of these were a little higher price range, but we figured we should look, esp. since I won't have the car payment now.
So the first house was nice, a little strange looking, but overall the best "fit" for us so far. A lot of work would be involved in cleaning up the wood floors, replacing a few windows, retiling all the bathrooms, etc. but it had a lot of character and we definitely liked it.
The next three had some good points but same as all the others there were just some things you couldn't live with.
Then we went to our realtor's (also our cousin) best friends house, which isn't on the market yet. He just bought a new house and was working on fixing up this one to sell. This house was quite lovely (will post pics later). There is a three-season enclosed porch in the front, wood floors in the dining room and living room. Huge gas burning fireplace. Huge square kitchen with lots of cupboard space. A decent sized downstairs bedroom and half bath. Half finished basement! Two bedrooms upstairs. And a nice sized full bath upstairs. There is a small backyard and a good sized side yard. The house is near the lake so our street has a "beach club" which is basically a little gated plot down by the lake where you can grill and hang out. The neighbors all seemed quite nice.
In other words we want it :) It is definitely the highest price range we looked at (115-120k) but the fact that we wouldn't have to put any work into it right away and that it fit the majority of our needs makes it worth it, plus taxes are lower so that will even out cost.
The good thing is if that doesn't pan out we have two other houses to fall back on that we would be perfectly happy living in. But keep your fingers crossed for us because this house was lovely!
Hopes are to be moving in and closing by Nov. 1st!
So after having this wonderful news of course I would have to come home to something more difficult.
A member of my family whom I hold very dear is in the hospital and being treated for a very serious illness. I found this out from my sister yesterday and got more details from my parents when we got into Michigan last night. I am very upset to say the least. And circumstances right now have made it so I am not allowed to go visit at the hospital. I have always struggled with being far from my family and now I feel very helpless that I am within driving distance and I cannot go to give my support.
I am very upset and I have to go to my family golf outing today and pretend that everything is all right when it isn't. I am usually very comfortable around my family, even though we have our issues, it is always like being "home." Today I am afraid that I might lose it. I am hoping against all hopes that everyone will be civil and that out of respect we will all have a good time and keep petty crap under wraps. I think my sister feels the same way. It is really hard because I love every person in my family with a fierceness and when they are set on working against each other I have no idea where I fit into that picture.
So sorry for being so cryptic. I need to write this because it is cathartic and will hopefully help me to be stronger but I also think some things are just private.
I want to thank my husband for being my stronghold as I have broken down crying several times since hearing the news and he has been my rock and held me and tried to make it all right. I am very grateful that I have him. I love you babe.
Carole Lombard?
You're a little bit of a fruitcake, but you always act out in style. You have a good sense of humor, are game for almost anything, but you like to have nice things about you and are attracted to the high life. You're stylish and modern, but you've got a few rough edges that keep you from attaining true sophistication. Your leading men include William Powell, Fredric March, and Clark Gable. Watch out for small planes.You scored 19% grit, 0% wit, 57% flair, and 35% class!
I scored 0% wit???
What classic leading dame or man are you?
Create-a-card party tonight and taking a rest from training!
Car is in the shop for brakes and oil check let's hope it is easily fixed and cheap!
The drive in this morning was HORRIBLE! Lots of rain and lots of traffic. Farge!
Mantra
Went to Euclid Creek tonight for my tempo of the week.
Did 2.5 mile warm up
4 Fartlek sets of 3 minutes hard 2 easy
half mile easy
1 mile hard 7:35, phooey, although it was uphill (I don't really trust the mile markers at E. Creek)
2.5 mile cool down
For a total of about 9 miles in an hour and 16 minutes. so about 8:30 pace
For most of the workout I did a mental prep thing for Columbus. I repeated to myself over and over again "I am strong, I am tough, I am going to run 3:30"
I really do think that visualization and mental preperation make a big difference on race day. I know that both years for Chicago I set down my race plans in writing and I mentally walked through the race multiple times. Both times I made or exceeded my goal and had a wonderful time. Whereas for Memphis and Boston I didn't really do that and those races were a lot tougher and the results weren't what I was hoping for.
So I am going to be getting my mind ready for Columbus because it is in one month!!!
Did 2.5 mile warm up
4 Fartlek sets of 3 minutes hard 2 easy
half mile easy
1 mile hard 7:35, phooey, although it was uphill (I don't really trust the mile markers at E. Creek)
2.5 mile cool down
For a total of about 9 miles in an hour and 16 minutes. so about 8:30 pace
For most of the workout I did a mental prep thing for Columbus. I repeated to myself over and over again "I am strong, I am tough, I am going to run 3:30"
I really do think that visualization and mental preperation make a big difference on race day. I know that both years for Chicago I set down my race plans in writing and I mentally walked through the race multiple times. Both times I made or exceeded my goal and had a wonderful time. Whereas for Memphis and Boston I didn't really do that and those races were a lot tougher and the results weren't what I was hoping for.
So I am going to be getting my mind ready for Columbus because it is in one month!!!
Dusted off my bike
I went and rode tonight with the Philips crew. We are one rag tag crowd. Me and A on our road bikes. One guy on a hybrid, another on a mntn bike, and J on a mono cog mntn bike Hard Core!
We took it easy tonight and rode 17 miles in about and hour and 15 minutes. We avoided the metro mountains but did climb a few hills.
I felt pretty slow even when I was trying. Oh well. I haven't rode since Chicago so I should take it eays on myself :) It was nice getting back on the bike after not doing anything but running for a couple weeks.
So I am going to jump on the band wagon here it goes: (please forgive me but some of my faves are quite obscure and old)
Step 1: Pick 15 movies you like.
Step 2: Choose a quote you like from each.
Step 3: Post and let everyone you know guess what movie the quotes come from.
Step 4: DON'T GOOGLE THEM - that would be cheating so just don't do it!
Step 5: Have fun & enjoy!
1: I have taken an oath that no one may cross this bridge without my permission.
2: Is he really that dangerous?
Only around humans.
3: When the wine drinks itself, when the skull speaks, when the clock strikes the right time, only then will you find the tunnel that leads to the Red Bull. There be a trick to it, of course.
4:A big man is ripping your ears off Percy. I'd do as he says.
5: No, no. No, see this is a really shit idea. You know why? Because it's really obviously a shit idea.
6: Take a look at what I'm wearing, people. You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it.
7: What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?
8: Sometimes, I guess there's just not enough rocks.
9: Another Great Conjunction coming up! Anything could happen! Whole WORLD might burn up!
10: Are you hinting my apples aren't what they ought to be?
Oh, no! It's just that she doesn't like little green worms!
11: This shot was not meant for you.
12: What a dope, he tripped on a rope. Now look at him shiver. Beg for mercy rich man.
13: There's ALWAYS time for lubricant!
14: Very bad indeed. Blue are outselling me five to one. But I'm hoping for a late surge. And if I reach number one, I promise to sing the song stark naked on TV on Christmas Eve.
15: I was a lesbian once at school, but only for about fifteen minutes.
We took it easy tonight and rode 17 miles in about and hour and 15 minutes. We avoided the metro mountains but did climb a few hills.
I felt pretty slow even when I was trying. Oh well. I haven't rode since Chicago so I should take it eays on myself :) It was nice getting back on the bike after not doing anything but running for a couple weeks.
So I am going to jump on the band wagon here it goes: (please forgive me but some of my faves are quite obscure and old)
Step 1: Pick 15 movies you like.
Step 2: Choose a quote you like from each.
Step 3: Post and let everyone you know guess what movie the quotes come from.
Step 4: DON'T GOOGLE THEM - that would be cheating so just don't do it!
Step 5: Have fun & enjoy!
1: I have taken an oath that no one may cross this bridge without my permission.
2: Is he really that dangerous?
Only around humans.
3: When the wine drinks itself, when the skull speaks, when the clock strikes the right time, only then will you find the tunnel that leads to the Red Bull. There be a trick to it, of course.
4:A big man is ripping your ears off Percy. I'd do as he says.
5: No, no. No, see this is a really shit idea. You know why? Because it's really obviously a shit idea.
6: Take a look at what I'm wearing, people. You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it.
7: What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?
8: Sometimes, I guess there's just not enough rocks.
9: Another Great Conjunction coming up! Anything could happen! Whole WORLD might burn up!
10: Are you hinting my apples aren't what they ought to be?
Oh, no! It's just that she doesn't like little green worms!
11: This shot was not meant for you.
12: What a dope, he tripped on a rope. Now look at him shiver. Beg for mercy rich man.
13: There's ALWAYS time for lubricant!
14: Very bad indeed. Blue are outselling me five to one. But I'm hoping for a late surge. And if I reach number one, I promise to sing the song stark naked on TV on Christmas Eve.
15: I was a lesbian once at school, but only for about fifteen minutes.
WooHoo!
I made it to the track tonight!!!! Yes! Big thanks to Su and B for letting me catch a ride with them!
I had a great track workout. Wasn't sure how it would go from the first 800. I really thought I was going to struggle to hold a constant pace throughout but I managed to negative split each rep.
Did a mile and 3/4 warm up. My left heel hurt a bit but it was tolerable.
6*800
3.16.80
3.15.64
3.10.63
3.07.63
3.06.43
2.54.17
then a mile cool down as usual.
Went to Applebees. No Hoggy's since we are on Bedford track now. But I had the lime chicken fiesta again with fries. It was really good. And B was nice enough to let me have a few bites of his dessert. Add on a tall beer and my tummy is very satisfied :)
Work is going well. I am off POD for awhile supposedly. And am working on a watershed in Michigan. I actually get to do some writing which should be a nice change. We shall see.
Getting the truck insurance taken care of is going to be a wee bit rough. My mom is on the title so I need notarized power of attorney etc. Let's hope that it works out quickly. (before my next payment is due!)
I had a great track workout. Wasn't sure how it would go from the first 800. I really thought I was going to struggle to hold a constant pace throughout but I managed to negative split each rep.
Did a mile and 3/4 warm up. My left heel hurt a bit but it was tolerable.
6*800
3.16.80
3.15.64
3.10.63
3.07.63
3.06.43
2.54.17
then a mile cool down as usual.
Went to Applebees. No Hoggy's since we are on Bedford track now. But I had the lime chicken fiesta again with fries. It was really good. And B was nice enough to let me have a few bites of his dessert. Add on a tall beer and my tummy is very satisfied :)
Work is going well. I am off POD for awhile supposedly. And am working on a watershed in Michigan. I actually get to do some writing which should be a nice change. We shall see.
Getting the truck insurance taken care of is going to be a wee bit rough. My mom is on the title so I need notarized power of attorney etc. Let's hope that it works out quickly. (before my next payment is due!)
Why Running?
Let me preface by saying I am by no means a poet. I saw a girl running tonight as I left work and I had this feeling course through me. At that moment she was everything I am when I run. Free from the world doing her own thing. Running is my thing. I don't know why. I have been running for almost 14 years now and I still love it and I still find new joys in it with every run. There is a peace in running that is hard to find elsewhere. I sometimes find the same in music. There are also highs you get from running that no drug could ever embody. I am and will always be a runner. It is something I get. It's mine. I can't explain it to anyone. Even other runners. For me it is special in its own way and it is something I can't imagine living without. Hence the attempt to capture it below.
Running is a part of me
I want to run
I have to run
When I run I am free
I want to pound the pavement
I want to tackle trails
I like the feel of sore muscles
It means I will run faster next week
And eventually my legs will soar
I am fast
I am tough
I am free
When I run
I don’t want to be caged
I hate treadmills
I want to feel the breeze on my skin
As I sweat and stride
I want to feel the sun on my skin
When I run I am in my world
On my turf
Running is my freedom
My escape
I am fast
I am tough
I am free
When I run
I am my own metronome
I run to my own beat
One foot after the other
It’s in my blood
It courses through my veins
It takes me to new levels
When I run I am me
I am more me than anytime else
I can feel it
I am fast
I am tough
I am free
When I run
Fresh Start
This morning I took care of all the logistics of making the Focus legally mine. Got my Ohio Title, my e-check, and my new plates. Surprisingly this went very efficiently. Next time I will go to e-check first. I thought that I needed the new title for that but in retrospect I am pretty sure they would have accepted the Michigan one.
Golden Gate offers one-stop shopping for the title, plates, and registration. But the E-Check was in Euclid. So I had to do a bit of back and forth. I was the only one in the license bureau when I went at 9 for the out of state inspection and I only had to wait about 10 minutes for my title. The e-check went quickly as I was 2nd in line. Then I had to wait about 20 minutes to get my plates. I was very pleased that I had everything I needed :) Thank goodness for the small things!
I dropped off the rental car and they took me back to my apartment. Enterprise rocks! I ended up only having to pay about $35 for the rental taxes, $35 to get the rental back up to 3/4 tank, and insurance covered the rest. Nice!
I called Grange insurance about the claim I had on the bumper and they are going to cut me a check since I won't be getting that fixed anymore.
So as soon as I hear back from total loss department all my insurance woes will be taken care of.
My heel still hurts today but it is a lot more bearable. I am going to keep stretching and icing and hope for the best at the track tomorrow. I am carpooling to the track tomorrow as I am terrified to drive there since I haven't made it the past two weeks both due to accidents.
The drive in today was fine though (mostly because it wasn't rush hour). The brakes on the Focus feel a little funny so I will try to take it in to the shop Friday. But she drives great and once we get her cleaned and checked out she will be a good addition to the family. I was very partial to my pick up, but I think I will enjoy driving the Focus. She gets 33 mpg! And has cruise control! (Which seems weird since she is a manual)
My new cell arrived today! So once that has charged for 24 hours David and I will each have our own! No more emergency situations stuck without the cell!
My parents new Mustang is pretty sweet. I will post pics later.
Thank you everyone again for being so concerned about my welfare and for all the generous things everyone did for me during this whole ordeal. I can't thank you all enough.
Golden Gate offers one-stop shopping for the title, plates, and registration. But the E-Check was in Euclid. So I had to do a bit of back and forth. I was the only one in the license bureau when I went at 9 for the out of state inspection and I only had to wait about 10 minutes for my title. The e-check went quickly as I was 2nd in line. Then I had to wait about 20 minutes to get my plates. I was very pleased that I had everything I needed :) Thank goodness for the small things!
I dropped off the rental car and they took me back to my apartment. Enterprise rocks! I ended up only having to pay about $35 for the rental taxes, $35 to get the rental back up to 3/4 tank, and insurance covered the rest. Nice!
I called Grange insurance about the claim I had on the bumper and they are going to cut me a check since I won't be getting that fixed anymore.
So as soon as I hear back from total loss department all my insurance woes will be taken care of.
My heel still hurts today but it is a lot more bearable. I am going to keep stretching and icing and hope for the best at the track tomorrow. I am carpooling to the track tomorrow as I am terrified to drive there since I haven't made it the past two weeks both due to accidents.
The drive in today was fine though (mostly because it wasn't rush hour). The brakes on the Focus feel a little funny so I will try to take it in to the shop Friday. But she drives great and once we get her cleaned and checked out she will be a good addition to the family. I was very partial to my pick up, but I think I will enjoy driving the Focus. She gets 33 mpg! And has cruise control! (Which seems weird since she is a manual)
My new cell arrived today! So once that has charged for 24 hours David and I will each have our own! No more emergency situations stuck without the cell!
My parents new Mustang is pretty sweet. I will post pics later.
Thank you everyone again for being so concerned about my welfare and for all the generous things everyone did for me during this whole ordeal. I can't thank you all enough.
River Run Half
Woke up bright and early to do the River Run Half Marathon today. I had a really good race and ended up taking 4th in my age group, averaging 7:27 per mile. 1:37:41
K ran with me for most of the race. We didn't talk much but it was nice having someone to help you keep pace. B and Su did awesome. At this rate they will both make their marathon goals for sure. A ran too slow with a friend and was mad afterwards but at least Su caught her at 9 to make the rest of the race more enjoyable.
To put my race time in perspective the first girl ran 1:16:51, second 1:21:22. I was 32nd out of women. Not too bad for me at this distance. It is a huge race, or at least it feels like it.
Unfortunately my heel started bothering me during the race. At the time I thought it was a bruise. K thinks it is planar fascitis. He is probably right. Let's hope that ice, ibuprofen, and stretching will do the trick, because these feet need to be ready for Columbus in a month!
K ran with me for most of the race. We didn't talk much but it was nice having someone to help you keep pace. B and Su did awesome. At this rate they will both make their marathon goals for sure. A ran too slow with a friend and was mad afterwards but at least Su caught her at 9 to make the rest of the race more enjoyable.
To put my race time in perspective the first girl ran 1:16:51, second 1:21:22. I was 32nd out of women. Not too bad for me at this distance. It is a huge race, or at least it feels like it.
Unfortunately my heel started bothering me during the race. At the time I thought it was a bruise. K thinks it is planar fascitis. He is probably right. Let's hope that ice, ibuprofen, and stretching will do the trick, because these feet need to be ready for Columbus in a month!
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