Just wanted to comment quick about what a gorgeous evening it was tonight for a run - mid 60's, cloudless! I wasn't the only one who thought this either as the paths around L. Calhoun were busy. I was doing my best Dale Earnhardt impression weaving in and out of pedestrians - passing on the left, passing on the right, even did some drafting off a faster runner for a bit. The TNT marathon team met tonight for our run. There are some strong runners on the team this year and it's been nice to push my limits with them. I think (hope) it's making me a stronger/faster runner. We'll see come race day I suppose. I hit the pool after the run for 2300 yds of liquid enjoyment. No cramping tonight so we'll call the swim workout a success as well. I need to continue to work on my stroke though. Coach pointed out I was crossing over center which isn't effective so I have to continue to concentrate each and every stroke. That can make it hard to remember what lap I'm on, but thankfully there was someone else in my lane with me so I just let her lead and stopped when she stopped after each set. How chivalrous of me, huh? ;) The swim portion of a triathlon is nice in that regard - you just swim from one buoy to the next and eventually back to shore. You don't have to worry about how many laps you've done and how many you have to go. Now, if they'd just put visible lane lines in the lakes we'd be all set. Hour and a half spin session tomorrow so that'll be another fun night.
Blogging teaser - I have a couple of parental type subjects to write about, but not tonight. For any parents out there put on your advice hat and feel free to let me know your opinions. For you others, feel free to chime in as well, just because we're parents doesn't mean we have all the answers (just don't tell my kids I said that). I'll write about these subjects this week yet so check back.
Until then...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Jockstrap Jon
It was a fun, busy weekend.
Saturday morning started off with a tri group run. It was the first time I've been to this group's run because I'm usually running with the marathon group over the weekend, who ran on Sunday (read later) so I was able to get to the tri group run. It was fun to shake things up a bit and run with new people and see how they're all doing. It was also a Zone 2 run which I admit I don't do so it was nice to be forced to do that.
After the run a group of us went to Fuddrucker's for a not so healthy lunch, but we were all given a pass on that today. It was for a fundraiser a teammate and I had - Fuddrucker's donated 20% of their sales for each person who brought in a flyer that we distributed. We won't know for a few days how we actually did, but let's hope there were a lot of people who came in with flyers!
Today was the "tougher" of the 2 days. After an overnight dusting of snow (grrrr, I dislike snow in April) the marathon group met for an easy jaunt of just 14 miles. It actually wasn't too bad out there as the paths were clear, but the wind wasn't exactly our friend. It was a good run and I felt strong.
After cleaning up after the run it was off to do something I haven't done in nearly 3o years - dodgeball. Another tri team teammate was hosting a dodgeball tournament so I got thrown on a team and we represented. I have to say we did pretty well! We got 2nd in both the 1st and 2nd sessions, losing to the same team both times, so obviously 2nd place overall. Not bad for a bunch of wanna-bes! Our claim to fame though isn't in dodgeball, but in sippy cup competition. Once you lose a dodgeball match you're automatically entered into the sippy cup tourney which masquerades as the dodgeball losers bracket. If you win the sippy cup tourney you get back into the dodgeball. We ruled in sippy cup and couldn't be beat - we were 5-0! Unfortunately we couldn't carry that over to the Championship round for what we were there for in the first place! Oh well, no one (me included) expected us to get that far! There were some interesting outfits worn (maybe by yours included) so I'll try to get pictures posted once I receive them.
Overall, a fun weekend, but alas, it's nearly over so now I better recoup for my 3 day work week this week (taking Thurs. and Fri. off).
Let's hope this was the last snowfall of the season!
Saturday morning started off with a tri group run. It was the first time I've been to this group's run because I'm usually running with the marathon group over the weekend, who ran on Sunday (read later) so I was able to get to the tri group run. It was fun to shake things up a bit and run with new people and see how they're all doing. It was also a Zone 2 run which I admit I don't do so it was nice to be forced to do that.
After the run a group of us went to Fuddrucker's for a not so healthy lunch, but we were all given a pass on that today. It was for a fundraiser a teammate and I had - Fuddrucker's donated 20% of their sales for each person who brought in a flyer that we distributed. We won't know for a few days how we actually did, but let's hope there were a lot of people who came in with flyers!
Today was the "tougher" of the 2 days. After an overnight dusting of snow (grrrr, I dislike snow in April) the marathon group met for an easy jaunt of just 14 miles. It actually wasn't too bad out there as the paths were clear, but the wind wasn't exactly our friend. It was a good run and I felt strong.
After cleaning up after the run it was off to do something I haven't done in nearly 3o years - dodgeball. Another tri team teammate was hosting a dodgeball tournament so I got thrown on a team and we represented. I have to say we did pretty well! We got 2nd in both the 1st and 2nd sessions, losing to the same team both times, so obviously 2nd place overall. Not bad for a bunch of wanna-bes! Our claim to fame though isn't in dodgeball, but in sippy cup competition. Once you lose a dodgeball match you're automatically entered into the sippy cup tourney which masquerades as the dodgeball losers bracket. If you win the sippy cup tourney you get back into the dodgeball. We ruled in sippy cup and couldn't be beat - we were 5-0! Unfortunately we couldn't carry that over to the Championship round for what we were there for in the first place! Oh well, no one (me included) expected us to get that far! There were some interesting outfits worn (maybe by yours included) so I'll try to get pictures posted once I receive them.
Overall, a fun weekend, but alas, it's nearly over so now I better recoup for my 3 day work week this week (taking Thurs. and Fri. off).
Let's hope this was the last snowfall of the season!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Remember me?
Hello old friend Blogspot! I'm back after an unknown hiatus. I'm sure I've lost whatever audience I had so it might just be you and me for awhile. So much to tell, but don't know where to start. I won't try to get you caught up on everything for the past month and a half, but suffice it to say there hasn't been a whole lot of down time.
I think I subconsciously chose today to check back in because it's normally one of my most fun days of the year - April Fool's Day! If you know me, you might have reason to think I'm somewhat of a jokester. I say it's normally one of my most fun because the sad thing about this year's AFD is that it kind of snuck up on me and I didn't have time to plan anything really worth reporting. Not that it was a bad day, just not as fun as I could have made it. I did send out an email though to my department telling them there were DQ dilly bars in the breakroom when there weren't, but that's about it. I think I got a couple of them mad at me for that. You don't joke about free food in the workplace, especially desserts! Anybody could bring anything in, edible or not, and it would be gone by the end of the day.
How's this for a day living up to its reputation - 10 years ago today, 4/1/1999, I became engaged. Yup, I proposed on April Fool's Day. I guess the joke was on me since we all know how that marriage worked (or didn't). :)
Marathon and triathlon training are going well. The ol' body is holding up thus far and I'm feeling stronger so we're on the right track. Coming off a chest cold last week though so my breathing isn't 100% on my runs, but each time out is a little better than the last. I had a 6 mile run tonight and then headed over to the pool for an 1800 yd swim. Not the longest swim I've done, but a mile's a mile.
Well, that's all for tonight. I gotta ease back into this blogging thing. ;) I'll talk to ya again soon and promise it won't be another 6 week break!
I think I subconsciously chose today to check back in because it's normally one of my most fun days of the year - April Fool's Day! If you know me, you might have reason to think I'm somewhat of a jokester. I say it's normally one of my most fun because the sad thing about this year's AFD is that it kind of snuck up on me and I didn't have time to plan anything really worth reporting. Not that it was a bad day, just not as fun as I could have made it. I did send out an email though to my department telling them there were DQ dilly bars in the breakroom when there weren't, but that's about it. I think I got a couple of them mad at me for that. You don't joke about free food in the workplace, especially desserts! Anybody could bring anything in, edible or not, and it would be gone by the end of the day.
How's this for a day living up to its reputation - 10 years ago today, 4/1/1999, I became engaged. Yup, I proposed on April Fool's Day. I guess the joke was on me since we all know how that marriage worked (or didn't). :)
Marathon and triathlon training are going well. The ol' body is holding up thus far and I'm feeling stronger so we're on the right track. Coming off a chest cold last week though so my breathing isn't 100% on my runs, but each time out is a little better than the last. I had a 6 mile run tonight and then headed over to the pool for an 1800 yd swim. Not the longest swim I've done, but a mile's a mile.
Well, that's all for tonight. I gotta ease back into this blogging thing. ;) I'll talk to ya again soon and promise it won't be another 6 week break!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hump Day Is History
I made it through Wednesday and I'm still alive so that makes me happy. Today was the grueling day of the 3 previous so it should be smooth sailin' from here through Sunday. Monday started out with a great run with my LTF group. Just a shorter 5 miler, but at a decent pace. I ran the last 3 with another new runner to the group. It was kinda funny because when we got done we both confessed we were pushing it, but neither of us wanted to ask the other to slow it down any. That's what happens when you run with new people and the competitive side of someone shows its head. I didn't want to look like the slacker so I wasn't about to say anything and neither did she. I did tell her once we were done that if we run together again I probably still won't say anything if she's going to fast, but I'll probably be thinking it so she can just assume it and that I expect her to slow down then.
Tuesday was an awesome spin class for an hour. I'd tell you where, but the class fills up before it starts so I don't need to advertise it and risk not getting a bike. I can only make this class every 2 weeks (parental schedule) so I don't want to give it up. Yup, I'll admit to being selfish over a spin class. After only a couple of sessions with this instructor I can already feel some improvement. I know some of that has to do with my other workouts, but I was pedaling at a higher cadence with more tension than what I have in the past.
Tonight was the doozy. After a long day at work I had a double workout planned. It started with another 5 mile run, but tonight's difference is that it was nearing 0 degrees with the blustery wind. There was a decent turnout for the marathon team considering the temps so that was great to see. After the run I jumped in the car right away (thanks Kristen for carpooling) and headed over to the triathlon team's swim workout. About 1,000 yards into the workout I was the lucky recipient of a calf cramp. I guess that's what I get for not stretching after the run. This has happened before so you'd think I'd learn. Oh well. Wanna take bets on when it'll happen again?
Tomorrow night is another spin class, Friday is a rest day (woo hoo!) and then a group run Saturday morning. I should be able to handle those workouts without too much drama (as long as the cramping doesn't come back).
On the fun side of things, I have another fundraising event coming up so check your calendars and maybe swing by. Along with another teammate, we have set it up with Fuddrucker's in Bloomington that for everyone who comes in with our flyer on Tuesday, March 10th, Fudd's will donate 20% of those sales to LLS. Pretty easy and low maintenance so let's hope it raises lots of moola for a great cause. I'll try to get the flyer posted here, but can't seem to do so right now. If you think you might come out and support this effort just email me and I'll email you back with the flyer.
Tuesday was an awesome spin class for an hour. I'd tell you where, but the class fills up before it starts so I don't need to advertise it and risk not getting a bike. I can only make this class every 2 weeks (parental schedule) so I don't want to give it up. Yup, I'll admit to being selfish over a spin class. After only a couple of sessions with this instructor I can already feel some improvement. I know some of that has to do with my other workouts, but I was pedaling at a higher cadence with more tension than what I have in the past.
Tonight was the doozy. After a long day at work I had a double workout planned. It started with another 5 mile run, but tonight's difference is that it was nearing 0 degrees with the blustery wind. There was a decent turnout for the marathon team considering the temps so that was great to see. After the run I jumped in the car right away (thanks Kristen for carpooling) and headed over to the triathlon team's swim workout. About 1,000 yards into the workout I was the lucky recipient of a calf cramp. I guess that's what I get for not stretching after the run. This has happened before so you'd think I'd learn. Oh well. Wanna take bets on when it'll happen again?
Tomorrow night is another spin class, Friday is a rest day (woo hoo!) and then a group run Saturday morning. I should be able to handle those workouts without too much drama (as long as the cramping doesn't come back).
On the fun side of things, I have another fundraising event coming up so check your calendars and maybe swing by. Along with another teammate, we have set it up with Fuddrucker's in Bloomington that for everyone who comes in with our flyer on Tuesday, March 10th, Fudd's will donate 20% of those sales to LLS. Pretty easy and low maintenance so let's hope it raises lots of moola for a great cause. I'll try to get the flyer posted here, but can't seem to do so right now. If you think you might come out and support this effort just email me and I'll email you back with the flyer.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
VD Recap
The boys had their Valentine's Day parties last Friday at school. All week Devon was so excited for it. I think he was really just excited because he knew he'd be getting candy. He even asked if we could go around the neighborhood door to door to see if anyone else had Valentimes (that's how he pronounces it, with the "m") for him. I told him this wasn't Halloween. When I picked them up Friday after school he told me about his party and all the valentines he got. I asked if he had any girlfriends and he sheepishly said he did. I pressed the issue and he said he had 3 of them. He said 2 of them were in his class and "Sara, but she's in another class. She's hot!" I busted a gut when he said that. I may say some things every now and then I hope the kids don't pick up on, but he didn't get that one from me! It was cute.
Conner's cub scout pack had their first Blue/Gold ceremony last night. It's when cub scouts have made it through all the cub ranks and are eligible to cross over into boy scouts. We are a pretty new pack so this was the first batch of boys to make it to this level. It was kind of a neat ceremony, but I won't bore you with details. Conner really enjoys scouting so I hope it's something he keeps up with. He isn't really the outdoorsy, get your hands dirty type so maybe this will help with that in a fun way for him.
This was kind of a boring post, but it's all I got tonight. Just wanted to get something down for ya to read. This is going to be a busy week for me both at work and working out with my various groups so I'll jot something down later this week if I survive it all. Ciao.
Conner's cub scout pack had their first Blue/Gold ceremony last night. It's when cub scouts have made it through all the cub ranks and are eligible to cross over into boy scouts. We are a pretty new pack so this was the first batch of boys to make it to this level. It was kind of a neat ceremony, but I won't bore you with details. Conner really enjoys scouting so I hope it's something he keeps up with. He isn't really the outdoorsy, get your hands dirty type so maybe this will help with that in a fun way for him.
This was kind of a boring post, but it's all I got tonight. Just wanted to get something down for ya to read. This is going to be a busy week for me both at work and working out with my various groups so I'll jot something down later this week if I survive it all. Ciao.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Mean Daddy Moment #1,793
Have you ever butted heads with a 5 year old? Have you always caved first? Yeah, me too. But not tonight! Nope! I stood my ground and stood tall for all us parents out there who eventually let our kids get their way.
Devon had a rough evening, and over something so trivial to an adult, but apparently life shattering to a kid. He didn't want to take a shower first tonight, but wanted Conner to. Yup, over that.
I told them both before supper that tonight was shower night and that Devon was going first. Sometimes they need to be told these things otherwise they'll argue between themselves. They were both fine with that, Devon even said okay. I actually even had my reasons for that order tonight, but I won't bore you with those (insignificant to you, Joe Reader, but valid here).
I slopped dinner on the table, we ate and then the fun began.
This is when he said he didn't want to go first. I said get in the shower. He started crying. I said get in the bathroom and get in the shower. He cried harder. Eventually he made it to the bathroom, but was still crying and fussing. After a couple of minutes and no sound of running water I went to the bathroom to check on him. He was just standing there crying, looking at himself in the mirror. He started crying harder and stomping his feet so I mimicked him. That didn't help the situation from his standpoint, but the game was on. He eventually got undressed with some stern warnings, but still wouldn't get in the shower. By this point, Dad's fun-quotient was used up so he had 1 more chance. Nope, he didn't take it so down to his bed he went (not willingly). Rounds 3 and 4 of who was going to get his way happened in the bedroom. After round 3 he knew he shouldn't get out of bed again, but that didn't stop the crying and screaming. Luckily it's the middle of winter so no one was walking by otherwise they might've thought Social Services should be called, I'm sure he could be heard through closed windows.
Suffice it to say, he eventually calmed down after about 20 minutes once he saw Conner was going to bed so he thought he better too.
As I'm tucking him in the conversation went something like this-
Me: Did you think Daddy was mean tonight?
Devon: (he nods)
M: I'm sorry for copying you in the bathroom. Who makes the rules in this house?
D: You do
M: Who follows the rules in this house?
D: Me and Conner
M: That's right, but I have to too. Sometimes you might not like the rules or think they're fair, but we still have to follow them, okay?
D: Okay
M: I love you and always love you even when I'm a mean daddy
D: I love you too
Tonight wasn't about who got to take a shower first. It was about the principle of doing what your told as a child, about standing your ground as an adult and not teaching your kids if they pout enough they'll eventually get their way. Parent first, friend second.
Anyone want to come down to my house and not follow my rules? I'll send you to your room!
Devon had a rough evening, and over something so trivial to an adult, but apparently life shattering to a kid. He didn't want to take a shower first tonight, but wanted Conner to. Yup, over that.
I told them both before supper that tonight was shower night and that Devon was going first. Sometimes they need to be told these things otherwise they'll argue between themselves. They were both fine with that, Devon even said okay. I actually even had my reasons for that order tonight, but I won't bore you with those (insignificant to you, Joe Reader, but valid here).
I slopped dinner on the table, we ate and then the fun began.
This is when he said he didn't want to go first. I said get in the shower. He started crying. I said get in the bathroom and get in the shower. He cried harder. Eventually he made it to the bathroom, but was still crying and fussing. After a couple of minutes and no sound of running water I went to the bathroom to check on him. He was just standing there crying, looking at himself in the mirror. He started crying harder and stomping his feet so I mimicked him. That didn't help the situation from his standpoint, but the game was on. He eventually got undressed with some stern warnings, but still wouldn't get in the shower. By this point, Dad's fun-quotient was used up so he had 1 more chance. Nope, he didn't take it so down to his bed he went (not willingly). Rounds 3 and 4 of who was going to get his way happened in the bedroom. After round 3 he knew he shouldn't get out of bed again, but that didn't stop the crying and screaming. Luckily it's the middle of winter so no one was walking by otherwise they might've thought Social Services should be called, I'm sure he could be heard through closed windows.
Suffice it to say, he eventually calmed down after about 20 minutes once he saw Conner was going to bed so he thought he better too.
As I'm tucking him in the conversation went something like this-
Me: Did you think Daddy was mean tonight?
Devon: (he nods)
M: I'm sorry for copying you in the bathroom. Who makes the rules in this house?
D: You do
M: Who follows the rules in this house?
D: Me and Conner
M: That's right, but I have to too. Sometimes you might not like the rules or think they're fair, but we still have to follow them, okay?
D: Okay
M: I love you and always love you even when I'm a mean daddy
D: I love you too
Tonight wasn't about who got to take a shower first. It was about the principle of doing what your told as a child, about standing your ground as an adult and not teaching your kids if they pout enough they'll eventually get their way. Parent first, friend second.
Anyone want to come down to my house and not follow my rules? I'll send you to your room!
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