I got car washed

Monday Feb 20th

Murray took D and I on a run today for 6.6 miles. It was great and we all could have kept going. No one ready to pass out, I think Murray had time limitations or he might have made us go 40 plus miles, thank goodness for family obligations.

Then off to the car wash, because I was so muddy, literally it was like a one way water fight from the knee caps down. With a power blaster super soaker. It had nothing to do with D's car at all - exhibit A me being sprayed down and exhibit B. -Picture of D after car wash. I was suckered.

Then we were going to hit tapeworm, but a little storm rolled in at we hit the WAC instead for lots of upper body training and belly blasting. Again, If I could change my diet I would be so fit! But I was in such a rush to get back to see Jack that I was FORCED to eat fast food.

Kayak

Sunday
Marna and I entered the building and they say "sorry no kayaking 40 knot winds too dangerous." Seconds later Valpey enters and Herby says, "Valpey, are you taking them out?" "Yep" "Ok take the triple" Marna looks at me and says, “What just happened to ‘too dangerous’?" I wasn't sure, but I was THRILLED.

There were some sail boats that looked tipsy but there is NO WAY there was forty knot winds.

We were a well oiled machine synchronized piston firing with perfect form.

On the way back I said, as I was enviously looking at Marna's beautifully warm kayaking gloves, "Valpey, are your hands cold?" "Yes." "What do you do?" "Pretend they are somebody else’s and keep going." "Oh"

Coming back into the wind we were still kicking, until I mention it again,
"Ok, well my hands keep staying my OWN hands as much as I pretend they are somebody else’s they are frozen (again as Marna's gloves are growing to look like Mickey Mouse’s gloves but made with Gortex).

Now I have made him stop paddling, focus on his own hands and he says, "I put them under my shirt on my skin." That’s when things went a little south, Marna says, "Did it just get worse?" and turns back to see we aren't a well oiled machine, we were a trio with a motor who I made stop paddling because I brought focus to his hands over and over and they are now under his shirt on his skin.

Marna yells out to me, "WE SUCK" and I want to yell back "I hate the word WE in times like this" but she is laughing, I am laughing, We are going backwards, our paddles are clinking and clanking with each other. We did suck. We just lost our motor.

Minutes later when we were all working again (Valpey), I say, "we should auction him off at our fundraiser with a kayaking lesson." He says, "YOU are auctioning me off?" and I went to mumble just as instructor... But Marna shot me the look. The look of, "remember a party ago when we got left because you wanted to auction of AV and we have this wind we are facing and when he quit for two seconds we were screwed." So I was silent.

I like the idea for my fundraiser though to auction off trainers instead of dates. But this will be approached again when I don’t have my life in my hands (cold hands).

Pictures below; the three of us on our Voyage.

Marna with all of her cuteness.

Eric with his long hair - which will be gone and short short tomorrow. BRIGHT BLUE with WHITE. Yep I know. He is a youth leader at a church; this might be the only thing that could make me attend his service, nothing more fun then joining in a heckling group from 13- 17 years old. But now that I look at it.. Not sure short, white and bright blue will be Valpey. Sad. Cute little Valpey hair all gone. I will post a photo my next Popparzi moment when I hunt him down.

my fake Danielle Steel Voice

The morning is February 13th and it's gloomy, not just outside but in the depths of my very soul. This isn't any normal day; this is the day I have to get a cap on my tooth -my molar. Oh where has time gone? It seems like just yesterday I had lost that original baby tooth and the tooth fairly visited me in my dream leaving me a shiny fifty cent piece. Now, the years have passed and it shattered on a chip. (yes how messed up is that? oops back to story) I take a deep breath and head out the door to my car and begin driving to what seems a lifetime journey. Memories are flooding back to my last visit. The sounds, the drills, the saw. I feel woozy and I roll down the window as sweat beads up on my forehead. The horror is rushing in my head like the wind is into the car. The last visit I had to get a root amputation. Petty as it may seem, I thought one clip of the root and it would be over.. instead.. oh I can't even speak about it.. I just drive. I can make it. I finally arrive and it seems days or weeks have gone by in just one little drive from Seattle to Bellevue. But alas, I am here. I open the door and get out of the car. The dentist's office smell has leaked out into the fresh air, the noise of the saw clouds my thoughts and I jump as the sound of my own car door being shut startles me. I laugh quietly to myself. My heart beats louder with each step and before I make it to the door, the full memory is being replayed over and over in my head.. First they sliced both sides of the tooth from the top of the gum, to where the root ends, They peel backed the gums exposing all the nerves and that poor root (ten stitches total.) This is where the horror begins, I thought they would have a clipper or some technology, but they had this little saw and it took two long hours of that root to finally detached itself from the rest of the body of the tooth but did it really ever let go?... Sometimes at night I think I can feel it but I am not sure if its my own imagination..

Ok, can't take the voice... even though I am writing it. So I can't imagine reading it.

However my last visit was a root amputation - I have an incredible picture - I won't post it though because someone said I am the ONLY one that thinks it's cool.
Two - this visit seem like a piece of cake compared to last, esp. with the nitrous and the paraffin dip with my hands.

However at the end of the day, my tooth hurt and I needed to go to the wellness center. I showed up so early for my appointment - I decided to run out all the anxiety on a treadmill. The pain was a bit much, so when I finished I was just in more pain and full of anxiety. They shot me up with vitamins in my gluts. Yes. ugh.

I am making my goal to go to the WAC for at least five times a month.

Then next day BACK to the wellness center of Feb 14, talking about knee pain, eating healthier and anxiety. Then I had a tough workout with weights -again anxious but it helped so much. Then off to eat a lot of cheeses to counter balance my workout - but it was VDAY.

Saturday February 17th I hit Tapeworm. D set up drills before and after. It helped a lot. There were a few shortcut I took last time because a secret friend would say "Jill come this way" to catch up me up with everyone. This time, any near chance of a bushwack I had a big road blocker stopping me and said "go around, stay on your bike, you need to learn." TOUGH LOVE.

Anyway.. Sunday- I paddled today for near two hours. Actually it was an hour and 43 minutes. I will blog that in a bit. I have to post pictures and a fun story.

I am going back to Tapeworm tomorrow after my run at Bridal Trails. I told you.. Tapeworm...someone is after you, 3.. 4....

Soccer Ball Adventure Race

I simply need stimulus when exercising. For example in soccer, there is competition, wakeboarding -THRILL if you jump, flip, 360 or even if you do the Mac special and Superman and land to 14 stitches on your skull. In Adventure Racing -those little checkpoints keep me energized, being on a team, competing. BUT some sports, I need a little kick to get me going. I went Kayaking Saturday with Valpey -the boy (I need to clarify between the two Valpeys - well actually there are three). But, I asked him to go Kayaking Saturday. I was just paddling along -forgot everything I learned and I was high sticking (I know that's for hockey) -still my form was OFF... then all of a sudden this little kid is whaling over by the Arboretum and my blades, body and all were just moving. It all came back in a flash, and he said, "I think his mom is right there." I said "let’s get close enough to check it out. Something is wrong." (Yes very Scooby Doo like.)

As we near this man says to me, "Are you going around this island?" I said "No" he then said, "Will you? My son lost his soccer ball in the water." "OF COURSE!" We were speed demons racing for the lost ball, then the retrieval, and then all smiles NO tears. It was motivation for me to work harder and faster.

We were only out for an hour an a half. I hadn't been since my broken elbow. We took it easy until the ball incident then we kept that pace and I kept my form. It was a good day.

Saturday night I went out with AV, Marna and Rob to a fundraising party. They were auctioning people off for dates. AV immediately took his exit when I thought we should sell him. I felt terrible.

Just running by myself is hard for me. So if anyone wants to go to my marathon and be check points I have to find, it may be the only way I can finish. I get bored of my own thoughts in my head. Sometimes I am funny -but that is usually when I am trying to fall asleep at night I stay up listening to myself think. :) My Ipod works for a bit then I out think it... will somebody please go mark certain aid stations? a number on a Gatorade cup? CP’s ?Something.

Today's Valentines day run was fun, I wasn't speedy, but I kept a decent pace.

I wish someone was running with me for my big run...that would be the best, funny stories...etc

FLAT

This sums up my night last night

My riding = flat
leg warmers = flat
tire = flat
my humor = flat

The people and trails were fun and technical. Yes peeps were both fun and technical.
But I felt a tiny bit discouraged, but today I am itching to go back there. I will make the tapeworm my friend or beat it the ground. I am coming back for you!


Tonight I ran with Team in Training and it felt great. I came home soaked in the bath with one knee out with ice on it, two Ensure shakes, Nuun and a one pound bag of beef jerky... I know I'm eating in the tub! Gross or awesome?

Night Rider

Check out this dude!

BMX Bandits

If they had BMX Bandits II - I think JVG and I would be cast. Only problem is she would have to be my stunt double (and half the guys in the movie too) and still be the main character. While she was flying through tapeworm I was flying in the air to the ground. (They might cast that guy lurking in the back as the evil villian - I think he could "hold his own" riding)

Top Ten

Tonight I was running with my ipod and was able to daydream (while listening to the Rocky theme song of course) and come up with my top ten for the year 2007. I also biked 13 miles and did an upper body workout including abs... So I am a little fired up and have big goals

1) Run a marathon in Paris in April and raise $6000 for the Leukemia Foundation
2) Do the Tri in June at Lake Sammamish in Issaquah
3) Swim from Seward Park to Mercer Island
4) One 12 hour Adventure Race
5) The Big Fat again, but this time with lots of training!
6) Hit Whistler and Sun Valley two more times for boarding season (at least), and keep up with my snowboarding schedule at the Summit this year.
7) Help with the food and allergy initiative foundation chapter my sister started
8) Paint five paintings that I love
9) Private Trapeze (I need to step it up a notch)
10) Back to belly dancing and abs class -it was when I was the most happiest in life, could have been life- but it was part of it!

Ok – 11- most important – Do great things for people, life changing.

Wait 12 (This isn’t going to ever stop is it?) – be the best aunt I can possibly be.

13…..run on beach in the sun…I loved my Maui runs.

14. Work hard!

inch by inch

Water drills - 10K race

When I wanted to be great at a sport -or a technique inside a sport I would do it over and over again until I was successful. Like pitch a thousand pitches to my dad in the back yard every night. Like have my dad hit as many line drives at me after I pitch and charge the ball. Header - hitting the ball from a corner kick with my head (that one I still hated -even if you got the goal- it still hurt).. Drills! That what I need is a water drill!

I need to learn to drink from an aid station when running in a race. I am a mess. I blow it every time. This time I was directly in line with two girls. Same pace, they pass on the water guy, I grab the cup -and I have just been told the trick is pinching the cup and a take small sip two days earlier when I confessed my aid station mishaps. Well that went awry when the cup was Styrofoam and it turned out to be purple Gatorade. Two problems, I breathe in the Gatorade instead of drink it, stumble and splash purple Gatorade down my shirt, and is all over my face. Who fills cups to the rim anyway? When I looked up the two girls I was pacing with were at least 300 yards ahead of me. I fumbled and own the worse play of the year at an aid station. In history the worst play at an aid station is a guy dying, so I am not a complete mess up.

Minute’s later I have a sticky sticky foot. Not to mention they didn't close the highway we were running on with no sidewalks or gravel to run to and cars didn't seem to like us much. There were people in yards burning their garbage, tires, trees, and whatever else that could make a rather large black endless cloud of smoke.

so now -
sticky foot. Check. Gatorade down your shirt. Check. Running through the smell of burning tires. Check. Dodging cars. Check.

Anyway I was top in my age group. That happens a lot to me when there are only 30 people racing. It was just 6.2 miles and driving home I all of sudden got a burst of happy energy so it was worth it.

Also in the car I was like "I taste blood" "What?" "Blood. I taste blood it’s overwhelming. Am I bleeding out of my mouth?" I open my mouth, touch my nose. Then it strikes me. Sticky foot syndrome. That is not Gatorade -Can you believe it? A little piece of glass was just rolling around in my shoe. It started at mile 1.5 because that is where the water boy was and I noticed *SFS right away and pinned it on him and his little Kool-aid stand. I wish to take back the thoughts I had of him and his Styrofoam cups. Oh and the thought of kicking him in the shins for my sticky foot. (Taste is 90 percent of smell) -hence, therefore, because of..just kidding.. um, I smelled blood, I didn't taste it. It was the blood from my foot. Smell. taste. (I am doing a drill -saying it over and over again- that's how people learn too.)

So back to doing drills. I can actually make a track in my apartment running from the bathroom around to the living room through the bedroom back through the other bathroom door making full circle. Yes a mini track.. I am going to place cups of water on the table and get this thing down. I refuse to carry a backpack or bottle for my marathon and if I am not taking home the medal I am taking home the victory cup. Ew that line sounded cheesy – I will take home the honor of knowing I did my best to hydrate myself during a race.

P.S. I was sore Sunday so I decided to go to WAC and get my a** kicked so I am equally hurting on my upper and lower body.

*SFS – Sticky Foot Syndrome

In memory of Sock Puppet 2006 - 2007

Its hard to have sympathy - he had such a foul mouth using words like "m- f-er" all the time. I assume he was either shot in the head or in a bar fight. But no one deserves to die. Either way I would like to take a few minutes of silence...

now what?

Today with Lisa B I got my eyebrows waxed - that was my only New Years Resolution. So here I am again with NO goals.

So I need to come up with top ten by the end of the week. Coming up with a list counts as one! See, I aim for the sky?!

Last nights boarding was like riding on concrete. Alpental -old name for the locals now The Summit (I say that with BITE) has a lot of moguls and it was pretty icy. So instead of catching an edge I was skipping like a rock - which sucks cuz i would like skip three or four times before becoming a rag doll - what ups that sucks is I can only skip a rock like 2 maybe 3 times.. but there I was like ice, bounce, ice bounce, ice bounce.. got the picture? or Mom (my only reader) did I lose you?

Eventually I gave in and lost tough girl attitude and begged for my shoes to be tied tighter and when my heals weren't coming out of my boot (which is how I normally like to ride) I did start having a great time. This thumb thing is such a brat! I think you even use your thumb for balance. Anyway...

picture D (camera set with slow shutter speed)

Look me straight in the eyes, this helmet is not by mistake, I
will pounce! I need fat powder! Out of bounds!

Heaven

Today was serene. I brought my ipod and didn't even turn it on. I was in love with the silent snow. It was gorgeous and we also had funny dialogue.

There were a few interruptions if we stayed on the groomed trails (like a gang of snowmobiles.)

Getting off the beaten path was gorgeous. I was always sent first to see if we would survive it or if I could see some kind of path in the near future. I never could but as long as I didn’t bust through into a river, I had a follower.

It was our first time up so we chose a safe 5 mile route up to 4090 feet elevation. I got new snowshoes. They are gorgeous and new waterproof pants. Today was like Christmas AND it was snowing.

Oh and my Tri was excellent, I beat running and biking times from my last Tri. My TA’s rocked except my TA for the swim is now going on like hour 24:33 minutes or something.


amazing




never miss a photo op



look i am in there



leading the way



someone is running at 4000 ft elevation. impressive.

MINI TRI

Last night after lifting weights I was duped. I ordered a big greasy burger with bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce (suggested by my workout partner - This a thing we have, we work out and eat the worse food in the world -not purposely- but we are starving and we just gorge. Saturday after the five mile run we had an 8 course meal at Denny's.) (Are you still with me?) anyway right after my burger order - he said "I will have the baked salmon and a glass of water."

You would think one should be happy that one is working towards a healthier diet BUT when you find out they have a goal - and the goal is to take you down in a triathalon and they are fattening you up like the county fair pig, and running at the gym when they say they are at work - you would then think.. hmm... what's a girl to do?

A mini tri inside my apartments gym is what you do!! Tonight! NOW!

I am going to start with the running, move to the bike and then swim last - because if I scare myself from going into the pool I am going to officially count taking a bath as the swim.

I have three problems

1st my neighborhood friends since I was a baby (we also went to pre school to college together -living in the same house) want to go get a beer. I am trying to stay focused. We have so much fun....

2nd Problem - my body aches and I will TRY to Tri but my dr. said all over body ache, running -unless it's an injury will help me. I will know in about five minutes if I can run.

3rd - I just loaded my baby money clip shuffle with Rocky Theme Song, Eye of the Tiger, We are the Champions, Let the bodies Hit the Floor, Ride, Down with the Sickness and You got one shot -anyway that is NOT the problem - The problem is I can't find it and I haven't left the couch after downloading the songs to itunes and uploading them to my new toy. This is what I get for bragging for having the smallest and best shuffle in the world. I am serious. I unplugged it and haven't moved out of this spot (other then looking for it)....

my phone is ringing.. friends or mini tri.. where is my ipod?

TOGA TOGA

When I was at cheer camp (yep I know) - I was 16 at the time. My sister Robin was the captain, and my dad told her I HAD to miss practices for any sports -soccer and USSA ball. I was NOT the best cheerleader and there were constant fights with my sister who is one year older than me. If I missed a practice she would make me practice at home. Dreadful, I had kick the can to play with the neighborhood. My mom would always side with her.

Back to cheer camp...

As we were heading to our beds after a long day of cheering, my sister said directly to me, "No Toga parties!" I truthfully would never have thought of that - but then the ball was in motion and I rallied all of floors of the cheering dorm and gathered at least 100 Toga participants. I had them all packed in the hallway and we slowly and quietly started chanting Toga Toga until a full on roar! She was so hacked (it was her idea!) Our squad almost got kicked out of the camp but my sisters was also chosen two years in a row to be a leader when she graduated from school (she was talented) so we got a pass, but it made our school ineligible for the victory -which we had taken home the last ten years of the school's history.

Next Toga - My oldest sister once in Sun Valley promised the boys I would go to bed when they did - because they didn't want to go to sleep. Her intent was they would fall asleep and I would quietly climb out of the bunk room and go back downstairs. After thirty minutes of knowing they were not going to ever fall asleep and I was in bed at 745 pm on my vacation, I decided to dress them up classic Toga style and sent them downstairs, TOGA - TOGA - My sister laughed for awhile until they would never go back to bed. I have not been sent to bed early since.

But last night -all the stars aligned and I was asked to be the model in a Toga photo for a poster at Unexpected Production. See all that training paid off?

These are not the photos that will be used, but the ones from my camera...how great is this?

TOGA TOGA

We are truly supposed to be Goddesses -but it doesn't get any more Toga than this!




Always flexing -one day muscles will come - Still no disappointment here, I'm wearing a Toga! Made my outfit with pillow cases and a flat sheet -

whining in a winter wonderland

The snow was gorgeous. The trails were gorgeous. People were beyond festive - so I am trying hard to remember the good points....but

Imagine climbing a mountain to the point your legs are fried and cross that with growing pains -that is how my legs felt in my quad area 30 feet into my run -which was 5.2 miles -and it just kept getting worse. When either foot landed I felt my leg would break and I would fall to the ground. I couldn't stop because I knew I wouldn't even be able to walk or run out of the trails and I would be forever lost.

I had my backpack and was constantly hydrating, I was well fed and was gu-ing. The only thing different were my shoes which were more of hiking running shoe that were gortex montrails. I thought it would keep my feet warm. I can't imagine that would be the cause but they are very stiff and made me run flat footed and I usually more of a toe runner. <-that is what I have been told. That is not a fact. Also the ground was frozen. No give.

People were flying by me, even one guy that was the speed of Tim Conway.

I just took a hot bath and my bones still feel like someone is grasping them in a choke hold. There is no muscle pain at this point.

I have my camelback hooked up to my wall, so its like an IV and I am drinking Gatorade while lying in bed.



Photos

This little guy Jeffrey came it at 38 minute for five mile trail run - photo op for me with this little star



Commandough's cult colors -



When did my eyeballs get so squinty?



Look how much more eyeball I have to give?

LOVE IT

For exercise we climbed under the chair for the first run, some further than others.

It was wet snow -rain -I was drenched but I had such an awesome time! I love to board!!!

AWARD CEREMONY

AV 40 LAP CLASSIC

January 5th the eve before the AV 40 Lap Classic

Like a day before any race, I can’t sleep. But this time its different –It’s not the jitters, its not the early wake up, it’s not the unknown, its that I am physically out of my bed making shirts for the AV 40 Lap classic. My imagination is big and sometimes I say things out loud –or even if I think it in my own my mind and if I do anything less than I think that it won’t be successful… so iron on shirts is the winning ticket to a successful race, party and a friendship. Where do I come up with this brilliance?

January 6th -The day of AV 40 Classic race day 430 am.

Shirts are now complete, Do you know when you do a bib style, that all shirts should have a different number? Did you also know that this makes the t-shirt factory rummy and hallucinating and barely functioning.

Definitions

AV 40 Lap Classic – a race where friends gather and celebrate AV being healed enough to be in the water and his first competition since the break of his femur bone, surgery and blood clot (two harbor view visits). The race include 40 laps in a non-Olympic size pool

Lap – one way down in a pool

January 6th day – Race Report

My phone rings at 8:15 and Dawn is downstairs. I have nervous thoughts, again not to do with a race, but will everyone have fun...then the crowd comes.

Mark, Marna, D, Joanna and Dawn are all in my apartment, next Misha, -I give her my WSU bullhorn, and there she is with a stack of prizes from Starbucks, ribbons, water balloons and this lap race just took a turn to an adventure swim.

Then AV comes and we head down to the 8th floor to the pool for AV40LC!

We dip in the water – Dawn and Joanna are the cheering section, Misha is on the bullhorn and there are five of us in the water, BANG the race is off, ten laps, then a balloon toss, ten laps, the hitting a paddle pall five times, the every lap up you squirt Aaron with a water gun. Which was a mighty blast of water. D after be truly shoved out his lane stepped aside and watched what he thought was supposed to be a fun little swim turn in to a full on power house with Marna and Aaron fighting to their deaths. There was more splash and kicks (illegal) then at any tri I have participated in (ok I have only been in one triathlon) but all my fears if would it be fun diminished four seconds into the race, Misha, the cheer squad, the games, and the prizes made it for a great first race for AV off the injury box.

My favorite moment was when we all had a dip in the hot tub and Misha had an award ceremony. When they announced Mark 4th, D shot me a look, like “You weren’t top 3” then when Marna got 3rd, I heard “what the flip?” but not by Marna, she graciously took her ribbon, big smile, and then “2nd place. JP!!!” I couldn’t stop giggling, I seriously was over charged with laughter. I felt like the lady in the marathon that hopped the subway and took the victory without a conscious (that is speculative – I have no idea how she felt), but I bounced in the air to my victory. Luckily Marna is funny and realized that it was rigged -truly at the same time I did I might add. Then the winner of the AV 40 LAP Classic was AV!

Then I made a mimosa breakfast, which included breakfast burritos, French Toast, fresh fruit, sausages and bacon. I had FUN and I took 2nd by only completing about half the laps and double the time. I LOVE IT. (Truly I do like a fair victory but this was so funny, esp since Marna was like an Olympic Swimmer.)


Look at the shirts!




Aaron, "Want a piece of me?"



Those yellow caps were making white caps




paddle



The balloons are supposed to go in the bucketts peoople




Misha, me, Jo



Celebration

WAC

One of the new years resolutions I have is to go to the WAC at least five times a month. I think I currently do that now, but I really want to make a point of being there more often for weight lifting and the belly blaster class. I had a great workout -more like most efficient. Today every part of my body is sore. So that is the most important, a good workout!

My gloom is gone, so it is a Happy New Year

I just came off the best high from a bike ride. I was tryng to write about how positive of a coach Hart is but I felt like I was writing an ad. Although I do believe every word I was writing (am I doing it again?) of it to be true. He is so positive it's contagious. I also feel pushed while getting great technique.


We rode for 14 miles averaging about 15 miles an hour - I was on my mt. bike on the road. We hit some great hills, my endorphines were flying. I just feel awesome. We rode down by the water and gusts of wind were snapping at us and I felt really alive. He was like damn that is cold, I was so happy that the wind had no affect on my mental state except making me happier that I was on my bike. I love my bike.


I actually have a list of goals for the year 2007 - and a list of the best of 2006. I will have to write later because I want to use this confidence and ride this high to conquer the Legend of Zelda/Twilight Princess - my wii-mote is just taunting me. I must go.

Peace

Sha-BAMB

There is he coming in like a lightning bolt- taking names and conquering his New Years resolution on day 1 - break a nine minute mile... rocking the house at 8:37. Congratulations.. I heard his next goal is to beat me in a running race. I hired Hart for tomorrow.. friendly competition is over.. it's on!!!!!!

WORRY

will he ever come in? I already dipped - went through finish line.. I am on the look out.. Maybe he changed his mind and actually did the dip in the lake.. nah...I keep waiting...looking.. keep your eyes open.. I'm kind of sad I gave him a hard time. No sign of him yet

Top Ten of my complaints

1-The year becomes 2007 and I wake up....damn it! The same anxiety. Those New Years people.. only the date changes. Its all fake, its not really a new year.. its the next day with the a different date.

2-The man I love is being tortured in the back of ship on the way to Shanghai. It might be worth getting cable because I can't wait for the disc or the season to pass without knowing the status of Jack.

3. Sometimes I have anxiety and I can't point it to anything, this has a direct cause and effect. Something a good medicine can't take away.

DAMN IT (Jack's favorite saying) I can't complain anymore because today was absolutely glorious. My parents were able to watch me run and I wasn't stressed or crying.. I think tears have bled from my eyes (Like the evil character from James Bond) since the week before Christmas. DAMN IT (honoring Jack) -did I just think I was being positive and started whining.. holy cow.. TODAY'S race was glorious! I had fans. My parents, Dawn and Anthony (Anthony is doing the Iron Man in June).


My mom on my right - your left showing support




involving my dad in the race




Yesterday New Years Eve I went Boarding.

I climbed under the chair to get a workout and what a cure! When you can't breath, you really do forget about all of the pain. I also felt this competition, because I wasn't going to be the first one to stop or to say my legs are burning. I have a new camera - I did self photography for boarding and one myself in the car. Did you know I need my eyebrows waxed? I had no idea.. that picture DELETE DELETE DELETED. They aren't growing to a unibrow -they are just about to interfere with my eye lashes.. OH MY GOSH I have a New Years Resolution - get my eyebrows waxed!!! (Thank god, I was starting to feel abnormal with no goals)

My thumb is still killing me! (I should have stuck with the top ten complaints) It's one of the body parts you so take advantage of. It lets you know down right, "you need me for everything."

I'm taking you down!

Someone mentioned I wasn't getting any faster and they are slower than me! They also signed me up for a race Jan 1st. In the race you plunge in the lake at the end and they pre-opted out of that piece... stay tuned.. I think I will beat their time, have a documentary of events, a lot of smack talking... even after a swim I will still come in before them.

See, I train?

Disclaimer -1st indoor running training - usually low concentration skills lead me to be flung from the treadmill but due to competition - I managed. Do not run indoors..

walk purcell walk.. - um, what?

My girlfriend Valpey came to town from NY with her husband and her family has no electricity so I offer up my home (and bed) to them while I sleep on the couch.

Saturday we went and grabbed her grandma and took her out of the retirement home and went for a movie. Then of course, coming in from NY – she had friends and family to see. So Saturday we spent our time grabbing people, and the van just kept getting more and more full.

I also stopped by a friend’s house that had no phone that I needed to check on due to some illness they have in the family – trust me – I am no mother Teresa – cuz this night ends with much Vino and debauchery (that’s an exaggeration but it sounds fun just the same) – since she was visiting. We had many people to meet. Luckily it was all by the bar by my home – all that drinking. BLEEK!

I wake up at 7:30 to my alarm, and a text page, “Are we on for the 5k?” I thought for sure it would be canceled (that is why my Saturday I drank) - but hek yeah! I all of a sudden get really excited... Then whoa, I stood up too fast...3.5 hours sleep and all that Vino. Am I nightmare or what? My head is pulsing. I have quit the drinking down to a glass here or there.. and ZERO before race days.. Damn it! I blame the power outage.

I decided, just getting out there to run 3.1 miles, will be good. I deserve any suffering.

I got the same speech, “I am running this race at my own pace, against my own time, you want to run it, go, but I am not starting in the front”

Me, “Trust me, I am only here to hang out with you and just get a run in.” I believed it when I said it. BUT LIES LIES ALL LIES.

As I stand at the back of the line I begin to feel it. That pulse from adrenaline. Then the realization, “I am behind slow poke Rodriquez (Speedy’s cousin) – and they are multiplying.”

Count down… Five seconds to race – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.. nobody is moving! (Except the front people who are already a half a mile out!)

There is the ankle timer.. so I try hard not to panic, they said its on the mat which is the size of picnic blanket.. Which part of the mat? The beginning or the end?.. and as I cross over this mat, it’s still a slow walk – They have this monster clock ticking the time clock is all I can see, and I am in slow motion, not in my head but for real – and I can only hear ticking like in the tv show 24– tick, tick, tick (the show its more like tink, tink, tink), I am like I need through these people.. Then I calm myself down for one minute. Then I was off the mat, still walking I went for full on “I am not doing this for nothing!” It’s almost like I blacked out – I do remember politely barreling through people – can you do that politely?.. If so, I am sure I was polite about it… :)

Then boom, I finished 10th out of 150 women – for the 5k.
Should have would have could have… but I tell you, as cranky as I was starting off in back and it not being my best running time..10th isn’t bad – and I literally got to pass everyone but 9 girls! I had a blast.

No more 5k’s for fun. I need to move it up to the 10 to 12ks I need longer distance, and I need to be faster. I swear I am getting slower!

Yo Dog it's the Jingle Bell Run

I go to the jingle bell run and everyone there HEAD to TOE is in red with bells on (literally). Except for my jacket I am dressed all in black -all the way down to my underoos.

This was no ordinary race. This was a cheerful jingling mob!

After the second wave (which we were in) it took about five minutes to get to the start line - then another five for any movement - it was a slow slow walk if that.

I wasn't planning on running this race -I just merely wanted a jaunt... which was impossible!

Finally I edge my way up to sidewalk -which is the picture above and there comes D sprinting right beside me. I was like "ah one way to get him to run fast is to put him behind slow pokes and a hoard of people." We got kicked off the sidewalk for our two minute sprint and back to the mob. I start weaving and waving through people, it was awesome and D is just moving. I wish I could have real times for him because this is the fastest I have seen him move and his stride was much different and he was enjoying passing everyone -I was like "Heavens to Bitsy D is a runner."

no one was passing. it was just a blast

Finally this lady dressed as a christmas package comes sprinting by I look at D and said "I am not going to let that box beat me" so I picked it up. That when spirits were being crushed while I am knocking through reindeers, leaping over dogs, and pushing kids a side all to beat that box, which I did. Then back to FUN..

It felt good to run three miles. There was no pressure. I felt really normal running and just loved it. Then I did my quarter mile sprint in and we waited again entering the finish line in rows for about four minutes to take our tags.


Congrats to Team Dart and Ben for their race. I am in so much regret for missing it. I even stayed in Friday night so I would be all amped to go. Since last weekend body still doesn't love food... Today I ate ok, but I only had a protein shake and cheese fondue. Not much food. Not good for me either. My water is like at zero. That's what is freaking me out.. Like right now I hate water. Who hates water? "I do" no not you that's who were talking about here... I am now going for some nuun to see if that helps...

I JUST BONKED

holy cow.
my week.
Sunday night in Sun Valley November 26 - snowed in -we were in a blizzard. First flight out was Tuesday.

Monday November 27th - made one GLORIOUS day of being stuck in Sun Valley. Snowboarded HARD. Last run by myself. I stood at thet top at 10,000 feet elevation. Got the last ride up on the chair. It was so quiet and i just kept spinning in circles just in aw of the beauty, the best part, I knew I had one hell of ride going straight down, and after two day blizzard, hitting the face of the mt. it was like butter.. carving was barely a sway of the body. board forward and just down with speed (down with the sickness) ...

Tuesday flight canceled. Drove 4 hours to Boise to catch plane.

Tuesday night heavy workout.

Thursday -work and heavy lifting.

Friday December 1st. Glorious private party at the Pink Door. They announced your name when you walked down the stairs and threw gold dust in the air. They had people dressed as Toy monkeys on all the ledges of the wall banging cymbals when they announced your name. They had trapeze, juggglers, topless servers, singers, performers, and incredible wine. I felt like I just entered Vegas. It was really well done -sounds odd, cuz i have zero energy to write, but it was not tacky it was all beautifully done and classy. Then -I ate this little appetizer. I said "is this crab or lobster?" too much hestitation on her part. She said, "crab" then out for the count for two days solid. Couldn't even keep water in. Itchy lips -puffy tongue -and sick sick sick. Lobster and I are not friends.

Then the Beast on Sunday. I will write about after I get some photos and have the energy.

I just went down to starbucks I told them I think I want to just lay down on the ground. They rushed around me (that is what being a good client gets you) telling and had me taking espresso shots straight from the bar. It was like a serious matter. They are like you have five seconds to shoot it. Good to know starbucks can come to the rescue. Still feel like a zombie. But not like I could pass out and that's the important thing. Getting sick and no hydration for two days was AWFUL.
I can't wait for bed. That caffiene will probably kick in then and I will be hacked.

This is my favorite picture of all time AND normally I would wince at sleeping on a rock but I would take it right now rather than having to sit up at my desk. I never feel this bad.. that food thing -missing planes.. no water. . BOOM. I ate and hydrated so much yesterday..

photo by RVG (?) again -favorite photo of all time

Sunday November 26, Sun Valley

I am pumped. Dressed. Ready to go snowboarding.

There are two mountains, dollar – for kids – and Baldy, the Sun Valley Ski Resort.

Both my little nephews are able to go to the big Mountain – when all of sudden Mitch says, “auntie Jill will you teach me to snowboard?”

Mark replies, “remember not until your 9 buddy, I want you to be a great skie first.”

Mitchie, “I can hit every run. And I can’t wait until I am 9 I already asked Santa for a snowboard.”

Mark, “we don’t know that Santa is bringing you a snowboard buddy. Lets ski today.”

Two perspectives going on in my head, One Mitch is truly is a GREAT skier, and we can hit every run possible at the resort, and it would be just a kick ass day for boarding for me. The other is –I want to be with my nephew and I do want him to be a boarder.

Then Mitch says, “Auntie Jill – Will you teach me?”

Then Mark just looks at me, (they always do this with me and Mitch) they let me make the decision. Ultimately he will be my responsibility that day and I will be at dollar.

“Yes.”

So I spend my day – tugging him up half a mountain and then teaching him to board.
Exhausting! On my board I have one foot released when towing him, while he stays in and I physically tow him up part of the hill. Finally he says, “I am ready for the lift.”

Um. This I defer to Mark. He also gave up skiing to be part of this lesson but just on foot.

“Can I go on the lift?”

“It’s up to your Auntie Jill”

“Yes.”

Does this kid really love me, or is he playing me?

“Jill you need to tell them to slow down when getting on, help him on and off the chair”

The first ride went smooth –butter. I also trained him well. Best student to date. Never said, “Can you let up on me?”

I taught him point board downhill, unless stopping.. How to turn – He never will ever know the term “falling leaf” –he was just carving. He got up immediately after a hard fall and questioned what he was doing wrong or needed help. One time he almost fell and started sitting and I yelled (encouraged), “no rag doll, stand up like you do when you skateboard” and he fully got out of his fall and made awesome turns. He did take hard falls but was a great student. He has been in ski lessons and skateboarding since two and fully has no fear – easy peasy!

Then next run, -and I don’t have a lift ticket for Dollar Mt. and the guy won’t let me on the chair. I fully understand, I thought it was going to be a no lift day. However he picks Mitch up and puts him on the chair. Mitch yells “auntie Jill” To the guy I am like” he can’t get off the chair. Can I leave my board? stop the chair.” He is like “no you need a ticket.” The chair continues and Mitch is going on the chair alone. ARGH… so this it the Dollar Mt. I have begging to run up.. well, here I go. The chair goes really slow for kids. And many stops for falls off the lift. I take my board off, and run underneath Mitch. He yells down and he is kind of scared, “Auntie Jill I need to you run faster then my chair. I need to you to help me off the lift.” Does he not know that I am giving it all I got at 7 thousand feet elevation, chasing a chair and a board on my shoulder? He yells down again, “I have seen you run faster than that.”

I make it just in time to see him get off the chair – and we boarded down.

Talk about a workout.