I do not remember being so exhausted....

I don't remember being so exhausted in my training last year. I am really pooped! I am just going to blame everything on my low B12!

Yoga was great tonight... we did focus a bit too much on squats for my liking.... my friggen' quads are toast as it is!! I was really able to connect with myself tonight. I haven't been to yoga in 3 weeks due to my vacation and the studio being closed for holidays etc. Tonight I focused my practice of yoga on myself. I usually dedicate my practice to someone else.

For those of you who are scratching their heads.... Yoga is also a spiritual experience for me. I have been moved to tears during a session. I leave myself open to the universe and accept all the good it has to offer. That is what I take out of it. That is the great thing about yoga.... it's a very personal experience.

Right now I am content to sit here with a glass of wine and dream about next week (it's a down week). I am so happy that the hardest part of this week is done. I look forward to my 8 mile recovery run tomorrow.


If I could stop moving for one minute I would lie in bed and read.

I know that I should take more time out for myself. Being balanced is quite a chore for me, but it is a goal! I believe that most people experience this.... I am just very aware how neglecting yourself can be detrimental to one's well being.

Have a great night everyone!
Gotta run (tomorrow).

p.s. If you get a chance, listen to Sinead's cover of "The House of New Orleans" that I have posted. She is one of the most talented vocalists ever (in my humble opinion). The song also means a lot to me because New Orleans is a special place.

"Dammit Jim, I'm a runner not a road map!"

I have lived in the town of Amherstburg for about 4.5 years. As I see it.... I have no real reason to memorize any street names. If I am unsure as to a location, I Google Map it. Easy peeszy!

I get stopped quite frequently to give directions. I usually have no idea where to send them. Today was a first. I was running along and a car pulled up beside me. For starters he scared the crap out of me. Next, he started to ask for directions and proceeded to drive in front of me cutting me and my entire lane off. A tad on the creepy side. I would have made a great victim as I was totally stunned and unprepared. Lucky for me, he just wanted directions...... Directions that I couldn't give.

On a lighter note..... Here are two valuable lessons.



1. Don't eat greasy bar food the night before a long run (like say a 24 miler). You may really struggle to keep the sphincter closed during the 5th mile. Yipes! (Note: Also applies to vegetable curry dishes.)




2. Be aware of your surroundings when you decide to belt out Fergie's rendition of Barracuda. The people you didn't see working in their yards don't necessarily enjoy the tone-deaf sounds blasting from your mouth. Be prepared to be laughed at.....

Have a happy day!
Gotta run.

Riding Motorcycles, Driving a Jeep, Running.... What do all of these have in common?

Besides being things I really enjoy doing, they all have a special WAVE.




Andrew found out that it is proper etiquette for a passenger on a motorcycle to wave to other bikers... it is not mandatory.

There are web sites dedicated to Jeep waiving. There is a whole classification system to rate how well you should be respected amongst Jeep owners, according to model and current conditions of your Jeep. The older the Jeep and the poorer the condition (due to off roading) puts you on the top of the list.



Waving is a great social connection for those of us that are introverted..... if that makes any sense? I like the fact that I don't have to sit and socialize. If there ever is any sort of conversation that stems from the wave, it's usually brief.

It seems to me that most people enjoy being acknowledged.




As runners, we get to wave at more people. There aren't any strict guidelines. Basically, if you do not wave after being waved to... you're an ass!

I get very offended if people don't wave back. The only exceptions are bicycle riders. It can be difficult taking your hands of the steering wheel. I do expect a nod, or "hello".... some sort of acknowledgment.


With all the waving I do I should apply for a new job. something like.... hmmmmm



Today's 18 miler was effortless. It was a beautiful 15 degrees (59 F) with a gentle breeze and blue skies. The time went by so quickly I felt like I could have kept on running forever. This is the kind of day that reinforces one's love for running. Can't top that.... I hope I feel the same after tomorrow's 24 miler.

Gotta run.

Back to Backs.... Week #1

Monday I ran 18 miles. I got a late start because of a doctors appointment. The temperature was bearable because of a wonderful wind. Here is where I run. It's a long flat stretch of county road that changes every time I run it. Above is some sort of crop fertilizer??!! There are so many large pieces of machinery that are used on farms. They are fun to watch in action.



I love horses. I wish they were cleaner. I love to pet and scratch them but I really hate getting my hands dirty. I ran my first ultra with gloves on the whole time because I didn't want my hands to get dirty.... it was quite warm out. :-D

Only a few people commented on the gloves.



Tuesday's run was 24 miles. I don't know if it was the big dose of B12 but, this run was spectacular. The first 6 miles and the last 6 miles are usually the most difficult for me. It takes a while to warm up and at the end my legs are saying "I have had enough", but I had tons of energy and didn't have any rough patches. Woot, woot!




I see lots of odd things on the sides of the highway and side roads. What is up with the single shoe? Any ideas, because I am stupefied!

When running I play a game that I call "What is it?". When I notice that there is road kill I try to figure out what it is before I get close to it. Sounds horrible and disgusting but it really passes the time. I get to watch some animals decay for a good few weeks before they are cleaned up or eaten. I won't look at dogs or cats... I run by with my eyes closed.

Today's run was an 8 mile recovery run. I went out a little harder than I should have. I guess I will take it easy tomorrow. Next week is supposed to bring very hot temperatures so I hope to get my long runs finished earlier than normal.

Gotta run.

Just Babbling.

Photo above is of the Men's washroom door in Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (New Orleans).

I went to the doctor's today. Had blood work done in December of 2008. I only found out today that I am B12 deficient... Which answer is more likely? A) it wasn't important enough to contact me or, B) the doctor didn't look at it. I am guessing B!!!

I have to start getting monthly shots of B12 and have to start taking B Complex daily along with B12. Wouldn't one think that B12 would be in a B Complex since it's a B vitamin and all? It was not in any of the bottles that the pharmacist and I checked.

The doctor gave me a shot with 3 doses in it today to give me a jump start. I got the shot just above my butt. It didn't hurt a bit...... Until I got into my car. The injection site is quite painful. I have been whining to myself and moaning since it began to hurt. If someone was around I would be complaining about it to them.

My doctor advised me that extreme running will cause problems with my joints in the future. He advised me against it. He has no idea that what I do is nothing in comparison to most people involved in extreme sports!!! I told him that it makes me happy and I don't want regrets in life. Besides, it will be fun going to see the Doc. when I am old, using a walker and complaining about my joint problems and ailments. It's a "Rite of Passage".

Have you ever had a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle from McDonalds? I have had about 5 over the years. One of which I ate today. Is it just me, or does it make your lower teeth and tongue feel weird?

Did I mention that my injection site hurts? OOOOOOOOOOWWWWW! This is the part where you say "You poor thing".

I have to get ready for my 18 miler in the scorching sun. If I didn't have the doctor's appointment I would be done by now. If I stopped complaining about my injection site (that still hurts) and stop blogging I could at least be started.

Gotta run.

Happy Birthday Jodie & Happy Independance Day U.S.A!!

My little sister Jodie turned 34 today! Jodie I wish you a happy, healthy year filled with lots of joy and love! xoxo (photo taken just outside of the ice bar in Vegas with our bartender.)





I hope that all of my friends and fellow bloggers that live in the U.S. are having a wonderful and safe long weekend!!!

Going to go for a 6 miler today. I also have to do some leg and ab work.... really need to get some good stretching in. Just procrastinating now... sitting and having a tea with Andrew. Today is one of those days that I have absolutely no interest in working out. I look forward to my day off tomorrow.

Arm warmers.... Question answered.

Cath left a question for me in the comment area and I thought it would make a great post! She inquired about where I got a pair of arm warmers. I gotta say that Sock Dreams was a great find for me.

I must mention that these particular arm warmers were/ are not intended as running apparel, so they do not have moisture wicking abilities. I can generally get away with wearing them with no issues.



I purchased both these pairs. What fun!




Sock dreams also sells (you guessed it) socks, and petticoats and hoisery and unique things that you can't pick up at your local department store.

Sock dreams is located in the United States. I have had them ship to me in Canada (twice). They also ship internationally. They suggest that any people ordering outside of the United States should do so at their own risk. They will not guarantee that the items will get to you and they take no responsibility for extra tariffs and duties that different countries may charge. Blah, blah, blah... you get the idea.

I am not sure how much they will charge to ship to New Zealand Cath, but it may be fun to place an inexpensive order and see if it makes it over to you safely?! You'll have to let me know how it works out for you if you decide to place an order.

p.s. Had a fab 8 miler today! The weather is a perfect 19 degrees (66.2 F) with overcast skies and a good breeze!

Happy Canada Day!!!!

Hope all you Canucks are having a fabulous day! Some of us had to work and some got to enjoy parades and festivities. Take a moment and be thankful that we live in such a beautiful country.

Here are some photos from the Milwaukee trip. I have not had the opportunity to upload Andrew's iPhone pictures. When I get them I will post some more pics.




The bathroom in our suite at The Iron Horse.



The comfy bed had a great duvet!!!




This is the entrance in our room.... a place to sit and take off your riding boots and hang your helmets and coats.




This was the bar/ desk/ dresser area. There were bottles of wine and liquor available for purchase. The mural on the wall was awesome. I imagine each room has a different one. There are some pretty risque photos in the place.... especially the one in the gym!!!!



Here is a view from the Art Gallery.... breathtaking!




Here is the brewery we went to... Lake Front or Lake Shore something like that. Was fun to see! OOOPS, I managed to go out of order a bit. The brewery was after the museum.




Andrew contemplating life in the art gallery (actually.... trying to figure out how the other couple in the room came to be so pretentious) !!! He doesn't usually allow me to show his photo but he has made an exception. Thanks Pee!




It had a great view overlooking lake Michigan.




Above is the patio view from the "Wicked Hop". Great place right downtown for drinks and nibblers!



In the warehouse district.




It was on vacation that I came to learn of Michael Jackson's death. I will always remember him as he was in the Thriller album.... When the tabloid articles were about the horrible accident when his hair caught fire during the taping of a Pepsi commercial. He will always have a special place in my heart.

During the trip I managed to get in 16 miles of running, 1.5 hours of weights, 30 minute bike, 30 minute Gazelle, 3 ab work sessions, and some walking. Not spectacular.... but what did I expect?!

This coming Monday will be the start of my back to back long runs. I am really looking forward to them. Yippee!!!

Hot, hot, hot!!!

Got up today and did a forty five minute run on the "dreadmill" and
forty five minutes of weights.

Lots of traveling today... We're presently at a Ramada Inn in
Watervliet, Michigan. Another budget hotel! This one is much cleaner
and more spacious. We're on the top floor and can't hear anything but
the air conditioner.

What is a trip of mine without a margarita photo!!! We stopped at a
Bass Pro Shop to pick up a compression bag for our clothes. We're
busting at the seams with the additional shirts we picked up along the
way. Who knew they had a licensed restaurant inside the store?!

It was so incredibly hot that driving on the highway didn't even cool
us off! We're wiped out now.

Thanks for all your comments. I will respond to them when I get
back.... Using the iPhone as my only Internet source has been
frustrating.

p.s. Andrew likes his tattoo! I still can't believe that they worked
on him when he was obviously impaired.

Janet, please tell dad not to worry... I watched the artist take the
sterilized needles out from a sealed bag. I shouldn't get hepatitis!
Lol

OMG!!!!

Where to begin...... I slept in until 8:30 am, which meant that I
couldn't fit in my workout. I was quite bummed :-(

After showering we went downstairs and had breakfast. We had decided
that we were going to ride to the art museum (sans helmet as there is
no law requiring you to wear one). Had a great time exploring the
museum. What an impressive building.

After coming back to the hotel we got a car to bring us to lakefront
brewery (they hold daily tours). Your six dollar admission gets you
the tour and four free glasses of beer. I don't drink beer so Andrew
got mine as well! He got smashed! The brewery gave us coupns for two
free pints at several restaurants. We chose one closest to our
hotel. At this point Andrew is so lit up that he decided that we
should get tattoos to commemorate our trip ( I had suggested this to
him on our way here). He wanted the tattoos done immediately!!!!

I contacted the concierge at the hotel and had them hook us up. A
short period of time later we were getting some ink! We both went
larger than what we had planned.

Andrew's tattoo is fantastic!! I will post a pic once I get home (will
add some more from the trip also).

We got back to the hotel where we had dinner (11 pm is kind late for a
meal but we really hadn't eaten anything substantial since breakfast.

It's almost midnight and we're ready for bed!
Good night!

p.s. My tattoo means "Karma".
.