A Toast to the Second Annual Pre-Marathon Sickness

Happy Halloween to all my friends!  This week has been both spooky and ghastly as we've rounded past the 2 weeks until the Rock and Roll San Antonio Marathon!  I know as myself and all my friends get closer and closer to heading to the starting line, we are all excited, nervous, and anxious. Whether it's your first time or your 50th, it's always fun to get to a big race.

In my last blog (I posted on Thursday...wrote it on Monday-ish), I was questioning my decision to NOT run a 20 miler this weekend.  And I so appreciate all of the affirmations from friends and family assuring me that I am more than ready to run the 26.2 in two weeks, 20 miler or not.  But as this week played out, I was reminded, very aggressively, that I am NOT in charge of what I can or cannot do.  Someone BIGGER is in charge, and let me tell ya...I definitely did NOT run a 20 miler today...or a 15 miler...or a 10 miler...or a 5 miler...a 5k yes.

Why?

I got the stomach bug.  I hear it's been going around, and if you've had it, I send you my deepest condolences because the devil himself created that ghastly microbe.  About 2 hours after I posted Thursday's blog, I was sitting on my couch, watching the Rangers, minding my own business, feeling fine.  Tired but fine.  I had exactly 2, TWO adult beverages.  About midnight, I went to bed disgruntled about the game 6 loss.  About 2 hours after that, I woke up with a stuffy nose and head.  I'm not sure if I knew then inside that I was about to go through hell, but I had the where-with-all at 2 am to Facebook Message my trainer Renea, telling her that I wasn't feeling well, and I wouldn't be making it to our morning session.  I went back to bed.  30 minutes later, I woke up, heart racing, head pounding, cold sweats.  And so it began.

At first I thought to myself, I did NOT have near enough alcohol to be getting sick from THAT.  What the eff.  I am never drinking my favorite Tito's and Strawberry water again.  Grrrr.  I was convinced that I must've over poured or something.  Into hour number 3...it became very clear that this was not alcohol related.  So I woke up my husband.  Who was very confused.  And tired.  And of course he started googling all of my symptoms and I was dying and or stricken by some terrible virus that would surely last 3-4 days.  Great.

So about 6 am, I can tell you, honestly, that I asked Jesus to take me.  Out loud.  YUP.  I was done.  I thought back about all the things in my life, and this was so horrible, I literally told Jesus it would be okay for him to take me now.  Dramatic I know.  If you know me, you're aware that this is right on par with my normal reactions.  Thankfully, He didn't believe me (He knows I'm dramatic), so I'm still here!  Still, until about 10am Friday, I have never been more miserable.  I can't remember a time in my entire adult life that I've been that ill.  I went to the Dr. at 3pm with my loving Mommy, and after getting pricked and prodded, it was determined that I...
A.  Did not have strep (another win...)
B.  Was not going to die
C.  Had a microbial infection

Pheeewwwff.  I went home with antibiotics and strict eating instructions.  Friday evening, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck.  I was so sore and so tired, I went to bed at 8:45pm and didn't even stay up to watch the Rangers lose the World Series (thankfully). I slept until 2:30pm Saturday...straight.  And then last night, I went to bed at 11pm and slept until 130pm today.  And I could go to bed right now.  It just took it all out of me.  I can tell you exactly what I've eaten in the past 72 hours (I won't bore you...), but it hasn't been a lot.  I've drank more gatorade and emergen-c than ever before.  Hopefully by tomorrow, I'll be brand new.  If this is my pre-marathon sickness, I guess I'll take it.  Because it's short lived.  And running last year with a sinus infection and double ear infections was no fun.  So Thank You Jesus for deciding that this would happen.  I didn't run 20 miles.  Got your message, LOUD AND CLEAR.

In other news.  Kristofor, myself, and many of our friends ran a Trick or Treat 5k Fun Run tonight to benefit the Humane Society!  It was so much fun, and a big BIG thanks to Footworks (our local running store) for putting on such a fun event.  It was great to see so many, young and old, out there in their costumes running and being active.  Footworks is a relatively new store here in town, and in a few short months, they have done so much as far as organizing and putting together events to get people active and running.  We couldn't have asked for better!

Kristofor and I did dress up...we picked costumes a little last minute...but....

We were Forrest Gump and an 80's aerobic instructor!

So much fun, and I can vouch that while running, more than once, people yelled "RUN FORREST RUN" which was awesome!

So as we head into the week before the week of the marathon/half-marathon, I hope that everyone stays strong and healthy.  And TAPER TAPER TAPER.  By now, the hard work has been done, as my friend Javier says "the hay is in the barn," it's better to be undertrained than overtrained...etc, etc, etc.

OHH...and watch for some upcoming news on The Bod Squad Running Team that we are putting together.  I'm very excited as me and my good friend Irma get everything together to have sign ups in a few weeks.  I'm anxious and happy to see what we can do!  Everyone have a great week...and again TAPER!!!

Thanks for cheering me on,

Lacy

To Taper Now...or Later...

19 days away from Rock and Roll San Antonio!  My oh my has the time flown by since I started this second-go-round journey back in July.  I feel like just yesterday I finished my first 8-miler of the year in pain and exhausted...I feel like I've come so far! 

Looking back on last year (my first-go-round), and all the training I did, this time couldn't be more different.  And a GOOD different.  I am no longer held back by the ball n' chain that is my treadmill.  In the past 9 or so weeks...95% of my runs have been on the road.  I haven't run more than 3 miles on the thing since August.  What a feat that is for me!  Overall, I just feel more ready.  Not necessarily more ready because I'm faster (I think I may be a litte bit...but not much), not necessarily more ready because I've done more miles, but totally, because I'm more mentally prepared this time.  I think that has a lot to do with not being a marathon virgin anymore and also because, I surpassed the marathon distance 2 months ahead of schedule when I decided to run an Ultra Marathon in September.  Which brings me to my biggest struggle right now....this moment...

To run the 20 miler, or to not run the 20 miler. 

Ugh, and I just can't decide.  About a week ago, I ran what I felt like was a very strong 18 miles.  I finished, even after all my possum adventures, and still felt like I had A LOT in the tank.  Had it not been for the adventure of that run, I probably would have kept going.  And this "season", I've run more long runs in the 10-15 mile range than I ever thought about last year.  My 10 miler on Thursday was by far my fastest, and I wasn't even meaning to go fast.  I've been clocking 2 double digit miler days a week for a little while now. 
Soooo why am I obsessing about whether or not to do a 20 miler this weekend??

Almost all marathon training plans include the mammoth 20 mile run.  Literally, almost all of them.  When I didn't get the distance in this weekend (I was out of town...as I have been 6 out of the past 8 weeks...its really a wonder I've been able to train at all!), I really started to doubt the distance's merit.  I mean come on, is the difference between 18 miles and 20 miles really going to make a difference?  Is that 2 miles THAT critical?  Can't I just let myself rest?  Can't I just do a 15 miler?  Can't I be forgiven for not running 20 miles this weekend and attending the most fun surprise wedding of the century...and having one too many adult beverages?  Can't I just pretend like I did it?  Can't I just wait and see how I feel on Sunday? 

YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAA.  I googled it, and turns out there are a lot of people that say the 20 miler is simply, a MENTAL distance.  For many, knowing that they finish that training run, and only have a 10k left is critical in preparing their MENTAL state.  Also, many training plans now go by the wisdom that an 18 miler is more than sufficient, especially if you have been doing more than your fair share of 10-15 mile distances as well.  After perusing over 9 articles on the subject (from legitimate places...), my mind is more at ease. Mentally, I know I can do more than 20 miles (and yes, I'm saying that like it's an affirmation...).  Mentally, I've already surpassed that when I did almost double that a few weeks ago.  Mentally, I feel ready.  And I know I'm physically ready.  And that is what matters to me. 

Now, I'll say it.  I DON'T recommend this for everybody.  Every person and their training is different.  Every person has a different journey and a different mental can and can't do threshhold.  So for many, doing that last long distance is a make-it or break-it.  I fully understand that.  In this case, where I'm at right now, I'm ready to start backing down the mileage to give myself ample time to recover from all the running I have done, so my legs are fresh November 13. 

So here's to breaking the rules, even if they are my own rules!  And here's to probably my most boring blog I've ever written!  So to break up the monotony...here are a few pictures of some marathon runners in some wacky outfits!
                 

               Now this would take ENDURANCE!  WOW!

                                 Stewy runs the 26.2!

                       Took me a second to figure it out.....

                                                

                      ANNNNNDDDD my favorite!!!!! :)

Thanks for cheering me on!

Lacy

Things that go bump in the night

We have officially passed the "one month 'til the marathon" mark, and my loooonnnnnggg mileage is in full swing!  Last week, I ran over 35 miles, and my torn and tattered and un-pedicured feet looked the part (which is why I had to make a trip to get that fixed...).  Overall, my knees are starting to feel better, and although my times haven't been quite what I wanted them to be , I keep having to remind myself that whatever happens in this race will happen. 

Sooooo this weekend, I was set and ready to do my 18 miler, and I was determined to get it done Sunday morning.  And that didn't happen.  I don't know if Jesus knows that I'm not a morning person, and therefore keeps putting these obstacles in my way, but for the past 3 tries on an early morning workout, I have failed MISERABLY.  I always have a good excuse; this time it was due to restless dogs and too many work calls to count for my husband in the wee hours.  But seriously, the wake up early Gods are not on my side.  I always lay my clothes out the night before, go to bed early, make sure all is ready, and then BAM, something happens and it never is.  Should I stop trying?  Should I just give in to always being a worker outer at nighter?  What the heck am I gonna do when I have kids (don't get any ideas Mom...)?  Is my non-morning-ness wearing on my husband too?  Geez louise, I just want to run when it isn't freaking 88 degrees outside at start time.  But alas, that never is to be.  So I didn't run my 18 miles Sunday morning at 6:15 AM...I started running them at 6:15 PM.

Headed out to the country club about 15 minutes behind schedule.  I worked all weekend, and my Sunday afternoon appointment ended a little bit late, so I hustled out as fast as I could.  The loop I run is 3 miles around, Garmin/water/gatorade/GU in hand, I hopped out of the car and met my friend Liz who had graciously decided to run the 1st of 6 loops with me.  We took off...FAST...

***Side Note:  Elizabeth Cowan Phillips, you my dear, are a speed demon.  Seriously.  Stop making me look bad.  I can only imagine that I will never again beat you at a 10k distance ever.  Seriously.  You are crazy fast running woman in maroon Aggie shorts.  Thank you for PUSHING me on my first 3...I needed that.  Because I hadn't pushed myself to go faster for any length over a mile in a while. Muchos Gracias.  My marathon time will thank you :)

The first 3 whizzed by.  Then, like clockwork, around the bend comes Mr. and Mrs. Bod Squad themselves, Renea and George!  So I said goodbye to Liz who went off to do more speedwork, and joined my friends for the next 1.5 loops.  It was so nice to be able to finish the first part of my run with friends and people to talk to.  It makes it go by so much faster (literally)!  Renea and George were finishing their first double digiter, and I was proud to watch them pass their goal!  As I sent them back at the half way point on loop 3 for me...I was suddenly...all alone.  It had just gotten dark-ish, and even though the club is well lit and there's always a cop patroling round and round and round and round, I felt...bored.  And kinda sad.  And then it got interesting....

There I was, 8pm sunday night, minding my own little business, running my 9-11 minute miles (without headphones I might add), staying on the curb, and the creatures started to stir.  And not just any creature.  This creature....

POSSUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

**OPOSSUM (as per Lacy):  The nastiest creature on the planet (next to snakes...).  Not even the babies are cute (and I think all baby animals are cute).  They smell, their tails are long and skinny, they have wicked crazy teeth, and they carry diseases.  And they like to torment my dogs.  This time of year they are EVERYWHERE.  I loathe them.  Why oh why oh why did Noah have to let such beasts on that ark?  Why oh why oh why couldn't he have put a couple more sets of more pleasant animals in their place?  Don't we need more butterflies or something?  Seriously, These things are NAAAASSSTTTTYYYY...and they elicit screams from me every single time I see one.  Did I mention they hiss?  Yuck, gross, booo. 

So my first encounter occured on the last part of mile 11.  As I rounded the corner, there in the yard was one of these making it's way right toward me.  If there had been a car, I would have been run over.  I literally sidestepped into the road making a noise that I cannot replicate.  It beelined in the other direction when it saw me.  My heart did not jump back into my chest until close to mile 12 when I made it back to my car and told my husband that I had 6 more miles to go.  When I started loop 5, I heard another bush rustling and saw the scraggly tail of yet another beast.  Not a happy Lacy.  I sped up...and said to myself "just go a liiiittttlllle faster, and it will all be over soon." 

As I rounded the stretch toward the end of mile 14, I was now not only scared of critters, but also aware that besides the little old ladies walking their dogs, and the one or two cyclists, I was the only runner still out.  I started the 15th mile, the final loop, and got to about mile 16.  I was running right by the curb, and as I approached a darkened spot between the light posts, I heard a noise.  Literally, one foot length away, right in the line of my next step was a baby possum.  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!  Another yelp that I can not recreate...and I turned around and went back.  NO MAMES.  NO MOREEEEEEEEE.  I hopped in my car having finished only 16.25.

Frightened and relieved, I sped away in the comfort of my SUV.  When I arrived home, I walked in, didn't even say a word, and marched straight upstairs to jog the last 1.75 miles.  Because I'm psycho like that.  I couldn't just leave that last 1.75 to not be done.  Then the possums would have won, and those nasty creatures won't get the best of me, no, no, NO.  So 18 miles done.  Shower, pizza, bath, bed.  All in a day's work.

I'm about convinced that if anything, I'm enjoying my training lately simply for the adventure of it.  Never seems to be a dull moment.  Ever.  I always have some crazy story afterwards.  But that's what is keeping it interesting.  Goodness knows, I don't ever want to be bored.

Thanks again to all my friends who ran a loop or two with me!  This week, I have to knock out a 10 miler AND the infamous 20 miler (not sure when I'm going to do that yet....).  Rock and Roll SA is creeping up on us!  Good luck to everyone training and tapering this week before the big race!  May your runs be strong, and the varmits be friendly :)

Thanks for cheering me on,

Lacy

Don't call me an expert...

Kicked off my week with my longest run post Ultra-Marathon, and I think I'm finally over the "I'm too tired to run more than 8 miles" hump.  Kris and I (rather begrudgedly) started our 12 miler on Monday around 6 pm.  And from the moment we started, I regretted not getting up that morning and getting it over with.  We both had set our alarms for 6 am (Kris had Columbus Day off...), but the hangover feeling from the Wacker-Odom Wedding Weekend prevailed.  We just didn't get up.  I was unwilling to not run, so I bargained and we started at 6 pm.  

When we got to the club, I started to grab my trusty iPod, and my husband immediately intervened.  "HEY! You can't run with THAT."  Evidently, he wanted to run 12 miles and chat.  I'm all for chatting, but you see, we had "chatted" on the 4 hour ride up and the 4 hour ride back from San Antonio the few days before, as well as "chatted" all day leading up to the run.  What the heck were we going to "chat" about?????  I relented, we chatted.  And I guess it's good that we like each other because it wasn't a quiet run.  Good thing we can always find something to chat about!  So we ran and chatted, and the chatter kept my mind off of the nagging right knee pain that I have.  Seems I have ITBS...

*ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) as per Wikipedia:  A common injury to the thigh, generally associated with running, cycling, hiking or weight-lifting (especially squats). ITBS is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a superficial thickening of tissue on the outside of the thigh, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserting just below the knee. The band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during running, moving from behind the femur to the front while walking. The continual rubbing of the band over the lateral femural epicondyl, combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed. ITBS symptoms range from a stinging sensation just above the knee joint (on the outside of the knee or along the entire length of the iliotibial band) to swelling or thickening of the tissue at the point where the band moves over the femur. The pain may not occur immediately during activity, but may intensify over time, especially as the foot strikes the ground. Pain might persist after activity. Pain may also be present below the knee, where the ITB actually attaches to the tibia.

So there's that.  Probably due to overuse during the Ultra Marathon.  But, I'm icing EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, and wrapping, and it's gotten MUCH MUCH MUCH better.  A couple of weeks ago, at 4 miles, it was excruciating, now its just annoying.  Seems to be improving, so I should be all better by Rock and Roll 26.2.  I was told this summer by a Dr. that I'm more predisposed to knee injuries...so, this irritable-ness is not surprising.

Anywho, it is still warm here in the evenings, and there's mosquitoes....I was please when we rounded the Harlingen Country Club loop for the last time.  I've continued to cross train this week, and I plan to run tomorrow and do 16-18 on Sunday.  Even with my little post-Ultra hiatus, I'm still on target as far as my training plan goes (okokokokok...maybe I'm a couple miles off).  

With all this running lately, and all the races that I've done in 2011, it has become apparent to me that I've picked up a lot of of knowledge about running in general.  Never would I ever claim to be an expert or the "do all say all" of the sport, but somehow, over the past 2 years, I've absorbed all sorts of quips and bits of info that I hadn't even realized.  Lately, I've had a lot of friends, coworkers, family, etc, ask me questions about running in general, and to my surprise, I usually have a decent answer.  And I love that.  And it makes me want to learn more, and more and more.  I ravage through my monthly Runner's World and move on to finding articles, training plans, and other resources.  Everyday, I learn something new!  I feel like the knowledge I'm gaining lately is just as important as the actual act of running the miles, because it helps every mile be stronger, mentally and physically.  Had I not been reading, I would have never known there was a name for the nagging knee pain.  So for the next few months, I'm going to be a "running sponge."  I'm going to soak up as much as I can, and I'm so happy to be able to share what I learn.

I'm very honored to say that my wonderful, amazing friend and trainer, Renea, has asked myself and our friend Irma, to help her get our Bod Squad Team running.  This makes me very very excited, and I'm anxious for the different things we are planning!  I couldn't be happier to be a representative of a great group of ladies who work so hard, and find new ladies that are interested too.  I can't wait to get everyone "up and running!"  And I just want to thank Renea, from the bottom of my heart, for making it possible.  You are helping stir something in me that I didn't even know was there to stir, and I'm excited to see where we can go!  You can look up her business page on Facebook, "The Bod Squad Training by Renea Perez."  I'll be putting little quips and quotes up there as well very soon!

Just about a month to go until Rock and Roll!  I'll try to keep this as updated as I can as we gear up for the big day!  Best of luck to all of my friends who are in the home stretch training for their first half marathons and marathons, I'm SOSOSOSOSO proud of all of you!

Thanks for cheering me on!

Lacy

If Multi Sport Racing Were Any Easier, They'd Have to Call it Football

Welp, I tackled my first "multi-sport" race this AM, and lemme tell ya, that was a doozie. Riding a bike just ain't the same as when you were little.  This was much more treacherous.  And painful.  And frustrating. But fun??!

I guess I could have already categorized myself as a "multi-sport" athlete (I <3 saying that I'm an "athlete").  This past Spring, on the coercing of my husband, I took up swimming.  And I took to it swimmingly!  I really enjoyed getting in the water and the relaxing workout that it provided.  Since then, all I've heard is "now you just have to get a bike."  I hear this about ummm...3-5x per month.  We have had the  "you need to get a bike convo" a lot.  And believe me, I've thought about it.  I even went so far as to go to a bike store in Austin and get fitted for a bike.  I chickened out.  An entry level road bike in my size (43 Petite...) with gear is about 10 Benjamins.  Nope.  I can think of multiple things I would like to purchase with that much moolah.  A bike...mmmm...not so much.  So I haven't jumped into this whole Duathlon (run + bike) or Triathlon thing.

Now, today, there was a local Duathlon taking place, and for the past few weeks, I've been looking for a partner to happily do the bike portion for me.  I wanted a teammate.  But a teammate was not to be found.  So this week, my good friend Javier Vazquez (who always comes to the rescue), offered to lend me his wife's bike.  I was reluctant, even backed out and told him no.  However, Mr. Vazquez does not take "no" lightly.  Especially when I told him that my last real experience on a bike was circa 1994 on my pink and teal huffy.  He simply told me, "come on, now it's not a race, its a quest."  A quest sounded interesting, so I relented.  Yesterday, Kristofor and I went to pick up the bike.  After about half an hour of moving the seat down (we actually had to cut the seat post so I could adequately reach the pedals) and adjusting handlebars, I took off down the street as Javier and Kristofor said "it's like watching a little kid ride on two wheels for the first time."  Great, that's exactly what someone who was about to ride 18 MILES wants to hear.  Alas, we took the bike home, and I took it for a short little spin around the neighborhood last night.

And then of course I had to look stylish on my new borrowed bike (I borrowed a helmet too...).  So my loving husband bought me a very trendy pair of tri shorts and a top for me to wear on this morning's debut race (Did I say that he really wanted me to do this?).  Is it bad that my outfit was my favorite part? Naaaahhhhh....that outfit was totally the best part :)!

This morning, we rode over to the soccer complex.  Kristofor showed me how to "rack" my bike and instructed me to put my helmet on first when I came into the transition area. Got it coach.  Now this race started with a 5k, then you bike 18 miles, then finished up with a 5k.  We lined up for the start, and since running is my thing, I wasn't nervous.  There in the back of my mind though, the thoughts were a turnin' about what would happen after I finished that first 3 mile run.  I have no clue how fast I ran, although, I have a feeling it was pretty quick.  When I came back into the parking lot, there they were.  The bikes.  And that pink trek was waiting for me.

Sooo, I couldn't get my helmet on.  Yeah.  Sounds simple, but I was shaking (nerves...), and I couldn't loosen the chin strap.  I lost at least 4 minutes trying to put my purple helmet on (and it never was quite right).  Naturally, I said my first 3 bad words of the morning, loud enough for one of the helpers to hear and laugh.  Helmet on, I started to walk the bike toward the mount area, and I hopped on and away I went.  About a mile in, I thought, "this isn't so bad...this breeze is kinda nice...this could be relaxing."  Then I realized for the first time that I was sharing the road with cars.  I was on the shoulder and cars were buzzing past me on this road at speeds of over 45 mph.  Slightly panicked, I tried not to think about how I could fall off and slide under a car and get smashed like a bug.  But seriously, I was sweating.  Not from heat, but from fear.  And I was all alone.  Seemed no one was biking my speed (med-slow...slow).  Crossing railroad tracks allowed my first all out shriek.  AHHHHH!  If anyone was behind me, they probably peed their pants laughing at me.  Then the road got kind of rough and gravel-ey, and well, things started to hurt.  Bike seats are no comfy sofa.  And that padding in my tri shorts left much to be desired.  OWWWWAAAAA.  More swear words.  I passed Kristofor about mile "I was swearing to NEVER EVER DO THIS AGAIN" and even yelled that to him as he passed me and told me I was almost halfway there.  Halfway.  You're kidding.  AHHHHHHHH!

I made it to the turn around at the half way point, and well, I am not good at turning.  Like, not good.  WIIIIIDDDDEEEE turn around and off I went on the back 9.  I was doing ok, but at mile "I'm about to throw this bike in the ditch and run the last 7 miles," I hit a bowling ball sized pot hole and it messed up the gears.  I was pedaling, and not going anywhere.  MORE bad words and I hopped off and was walking the pink Trek.  Alone, I had no clue how long this would take me.  Another cyclist came up to me, and after jiggling my handlebar a bit, it clicked into a new gear and I could pedal again.  It was tougher, but I didn't dare change it for fear I'd really be in trouble.  When I pulled into the parking lot, my smiling parents and husband were there to cheer me on.  I was just happy to rack the bike and relieved it was over.  PHEEEWWWW!

I started my last 5k run, and although I felt kind of wonky when I started, I acclimated to being back on foot pretty quick.  Without even realizing it, I picked up the pace, A LOT.  Even so much that some friends that had come in from the bike a good 10 minutes before me, only had about 2 minutes on me when we finished.  I made up almost 8 minutes or so on the run.  Not too bad.  I came into the finish with a time of 2:17:21, and I was pleased.  I was hoping for 3 hours, so that was definitely a win for me! I was still saying, "never again" though.  And thennnnn.....

I won a trophy.  And trophies always make me happy, so then I liked my bike a little more.  And it made it all worth it.  Kristofor won a trophy too!  YAHOO!!!  I know the trophy was only possible because I made up so much time on my runs...but I'll take it!

So the moral of the story is, I'm not sure I'm a multi-sport kinda girl.  I may try a Sprint Tri on the Island in a couple of weeks.  Its a shorter bike, and the swim is doable.  We'll see how that goes.  What makes me happiest is, I feel like today, with the foray into doing biking AND running, I can actually call myself an athlete.  And this is unbelievable to me.  A girl who never played a sport, never caught the ball, never made the team, is now at almost 30 years old, an athlete.  I am no longer the little girl that signed up to play soccer because the outfit was cute, and sat on the sidelines.  I am now the girl getting in the mix of things, even if my outfits are still cute.  So what if that was my favorite part!  A HUUUGGGEEE thanks to Javier and Claudia Vazquez for generously allowing me to borrow their bike.  MUCHOS GRACIAS!

This week, more running, and then I'm a goin' out of town because the bestie is getting hitched!  Rock and Roll San Antonio is coming right up!

Thanks for cheering me on!

Lacy