Crazy Busy

Just wanted to get a short post in before someone screamed SK syndrome was ‘back in the house’. I’ve been rather busy with work and well…work. We are undertaking some new initiatives and I’ve taken on some new responsibilities. I’m super excited about some opportunities on the horizon and I’m more motivated than ever to get some of these projects off the ground…I love a good challenge!

I’ll be back on the road again soon…I’m cruising down to Austin, TX this weekend then I’m off to Birmingham, AL, Columbia, SC, and JAX, FL in November, and then Charleston, SC in December. At least I’ll get to play a little along the way…plan to do some riding, running, and camping!

What else have I been up to? Let’s see. Shawdawggie and I spent some time riding, running, and enjoying the beach at our “Florida home”. I rode the BDB 100 with my RAGBRAI LIVESTRONG teammate, Steve (aka Mr. Wales). I started training for the Little Rock Marathon. Steph and I participated in 2 different Arkansas Safe Routes to School events and press conferences (kudos to London Elementary and Forest Park Elementary) on International Walk to School Day. And last but not least, I’ve been a social butterfly lately attending various fundraisers and charity events!

Seems like I have a billion more things to post, but no time to do so right now. I promise I’ll provide more life details later~

Thanks for stopping by,
SK

Auto-pilotness

Ok, I haven’t written an ooey-gooey post in awhile, so I think it’s time for one. You know the kind that just smells of pondering and philosophical questioning of the “bigger picture”…the endless “what ifs” and “whys” of daily existence. If you’ve ever been so completely consumed and/or focused on something that you totally forgot life exist beyond that focal point, then you can relate to what I’m about to say.

Every day for the past 14 years I’ve gone through life on “auto-pilot”…you know that feeling…you drive to work taking the exact same route but some days you don’t really remember driving there or what you passed along the way. Well, I kinda feel that way about spending all those years in school. The start of each fall, spring, and summer semester was like clockwork and it was so routine for me to get off work and head straight to night classes. Not to say that I didn’t actually LIVE during that time period, but even when I’d do something non-school related, I’d think about all my assignments or upcoming exams.

My vacation schedule revolved around Christmas break and Spring break. I remember many vacations where I spent more time on my laptop than on the beach. My grandfather died during my written doctoral exams and my grandmother died during my oral exams and I remember tapping away on my laptop within hours of their funerals. Nine years of marriage have come and gone and I’ve functioned more as a roommate than a wife. And, I’ve lost touch with some family members and friends along the way.

Well, I received my terminal degree this spring and now that “auto-pilotness” is lessening. As the fall semester rolled around a few weeks ago it felt awkward and I kept thinking I needed to complete registration forms, buy books, pay tuition, etc. My nights and weekends are now free and finally, after all these years, I get to do all the things I said I would do “when I finish school”. There are at least 5 or 6 things that immediately come to mind and most of them are fitness related (i.e., complete a half-ironman, cycle across America) or include traveling abroad (see a Grand Tour, participate in Oktoberfest).

So, what’s “next” in life for me…I’m not really sure. I’m slowly beginning to operate on a calendar year rather than an academic year. I’m spending less time on the laptop and more time with family and friends. I’ve whole-heartedly vowed to balance my personal and professional responsibilities. I’m traveling more and enjoying vacations. Of course, I still don’t have answers to all the “whys”, the “big picture” is still pretty blurry, and I don’t know exactly where “there” is. But, I know I must be headed somewhere to do something…and I need to make every effort to remember what I pass along the way. It’ll be interesting to see where life’s journey takes me “next”!

Thanks for checking in,
SK

Home @ last

Well, maybe I should say “house at last”. I’m finally back in Little Rock, but not for long. I’ve kept the friendly road/sky busy the last two months…first Iowa, then South Carolina, then Seattle. Next it’s off to Florida and then possibly back to South Carolina for work. Hey, at least I’m racking up some hotel and airline points!!! I’d like to thank a few peeps in each of these areas for making my travels just a little bit easier and fun:

Iowa: Linda and Lisa, you guys are the best. I’m not really a corn fan but your corn-infested state is a hoot to hang out in!
South Carolina: Erik, you rawk. Thanks for playing concierge and the bike ride and runs were an absolute blast. Oh, and you really do make the best apple martini in the world!
Seattle: Super Dave, you’re da man. You are the best airport shuttle and you definitely know your local pubs/brews. The organic blueberries were the best treat ever and the sushi was so yummy!

So, I told you my OCD would kick in when I got back to the condo. After a few all-nighters, I’d say about 70% of the boxes are unpacked! I’ve assembled, disassembled, pushed, pulled, lifted, and dropped a bunch of stuff in 4 days time. I can even get my car in the garage. And, I find this phenomenon absolutely amusing. I’ve got 14 YEARS of higher education…yes, that would be 4 college degrees…but I can’t hang a freaking picture in the center of the wall to save my life.

Let's see, I’m a statistician…one of math background…one that not only knows how to use calculators but also elaborate statistical software…I dig complex formulas and theoretical algorithms…and word problems were my thing in school. BUT, don't give me (a) 1 fireplace mantel that is 59 inches wide (b) 1 rod-iron centerpiece that is 38 inches total (two pieces at 19 inches each) and (c) 2 special hangers rated for 100 lbs that have 3 different lengths of nails and requires 6 holes total!!! It was a nightmare and I’m sure the fly on the wall was laughing his a$$ off. Just go ahead and throw in two trains traveling at the same speed and leaving at the same time: one from California and one from New York. I did pretty well though…all the wall art is hung and there are only 4 “extra” holes in the entire condo! I’m okay with that…really…I am.

And since the walls are now decorated and the boxes are disappearing, the new nest is beginning to feel a bit more familiar. Perhaps soon, I can say “HOME at last”. Until then, I’ve got some more unpacking to do~

Thanks for reading (and I know you’re secretly doing the math in your head)
SK

Empty Nest…Onto Seattle Now

So, after two weeks, I finally made it home from South Carolina. The Columbia area was nice until USC started back and all I got was smack talk about the Razorbacks and Lou. Seriously…how can South Carolinians give me a hard time for being a HAWG when their mascot is a GAMECOCK? Just know I’d rather be a pig than a cock any day. We’ll see who is talking smack on November 8th!!!

The past week was super, crazy busy as we sold our house and moved into a condo about 2 miles down the road. I literally packed the entire house in 3 days and we moved all 3100 sq ft the next 3 days. Basically, we just threw everything in the condo garage, so I’ll have plenty to do over the next few weeks. I’m in Seattle now for work so it will have to wait at least a week! I’m sure my OCD will kick in and I’ll have it all done in 2 days flat…it just killed me to leave the condo unorganized and cluttered!

In the midst of the move, we did a media segment for Safe Routes to School on KATV Channel 7’s Good Morning Arkansas. With school starting back, it’s a perfect time to promote active commuting. Stephannie (my SRTS program coordinator) and I are on a statewide mission to encourage children to walk and/or bike to school. In addition, we’d like for adults to walk and/or bike to work. There are numerous health benefits (both physiological and psychological) associated with active commuting…and you get to enjoy the great outdoors. How cool is that? We also launched our Arkansas SRTS website last week…check it out at http://www.arsaferoutes.org

Shawdawggie is east bound and down to Jacksonville. Thanks to Gustav, he left a day earlier than scheduled. He ran into a lot of evacuation traffic around Birmingham and Atlanta. At least we got to hang out at Moondawg’s house on Saturday night and several FGSG graced us with their presence. And, I’ll just go ahead and put it out there…a certain Cuzette made her famously delicious Kahlua fudge brownies with chocolate sauce and ice cream to join them. OMG…they were yummy and I think everyone had at least one of these “cheat treats”.

Well, as the saying goes, change is inevitable. We’ve flown from one nest to another and this one is partial empty for the time being. It’s been an emotional year thus far. So much has happened since January and no one really knows what will happen tomorrow much less this time next year. I think I’ve experienced every emotion possible….from being happy about completing my doctorate, to being sad about Chris living in another time zone, to being motivated to fight cancer, reduce obesity, and improve the health of our world, to being truly joyful that I have such great friends and family and that I wake up each day with the ability to walk, talk, see, smell, hear, laugh, love, and exist for a purpose. I’m riding my bike, I’m running, I’m coping with change, I’m living the dream…so

As ODWonn would say…all rides are good,
And as Geo would say…life is good,
And as I say…it’s all good in the hood!

Thanks for checking in ~ more to come later!

Sleepless in Seattle,
SK

Cola, South Cackalacky

Ok...Geo called me out and I'll admit it. Indeed, I have not finished my RAGBRAI write up. However, I'm working on it. I've been in Columbia, South Carolina since last Sunday and I'll be here a few more days before returning to Little Rock. While I've been busy, I did find some time today to explore the area. It's funny....Columbia reminds me of Little Rock. Their capitol complex and statehouse are mid-town and they've got a very nice "artsy" district called the Vista that is similar to our River Market/Argenta. They also have a Hillcrest equivalent which is known as Five Points. It's a southern state, so of course the people are nice and you can say y'all and order SWEET ICED TEA (Figgy would just love it). But most of all, they have a lot of bridges along three rivers that converge near downtown...and that can only mean one thing...a River Trail.

Yes, I found their River Trail today and went on a 2.75 mile or so run. It's slightly different from ours in that their rivers (the Broad, the Saluda, and the Congaree) are very shallow/rocky and are a kayaker's dream. I did see a few road bikes on the trail, but mostly it was fellow runners and families. They do have a few MTB trails...perhaps I'll venture to one of those before I leave. Below are some photos of the area. It's very nice and a must see if you ever visit Columbia, South Carolina (AKA cola, south cackalacky...and we thought AR-KANSAS was a bad nickname).

Anyway, I wanted to post something so there were no accusations of Shawkitty Syndrome!!! I promise more details about RAGBRAI and of my life's ebbs and flows (as Sarah says) are coming soon. Y'all have a good one~

From lovely SC,

SK

The Essence of LIVESTRONG

You just never know what each day of life will bring. Last Thursday, I experienced the essence of what it means to LIVE STRONG. I realized that the impact of pedaling across Iowa in support of cancer far exceeds the corn fields of that great state. As with most of life, I was circumstantially in the right place at the right time when someone needed something.

I attended a meeting at the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, which is usually no big deal because my Safe Routes to School grant is funded by AHTD and once a quarter we provide an update/progress report to the program officer. But, on this particular day…it was a big deal. As with most state agencies, AHTD security requires your ID, a DNA sample, and your first born to proceed (not really, but sometimes it sure feels like it). Anyway, the security officer was a pleasant woman, probably in her early forties, with a contagious smile. I immediately noticed that she was wearing a LIVESTRONG wristband, but I also noticed it was very tattered and about to tear into. I told her she needed a new bracelet and that is when it happened…the essence of yellow, of hope, of faith, of never giving up, and always sharing.

In a positive, albeit cracking voice, she told me she put that wristband on the day her 17-year old son started his first treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Chills abound, I told her I had just returned from Iowa as part of Team LIVESTRONG. I told her I had pedaled 480+ miles with 175 other people who wanted to find a cure for cancer and eradicate the disease forever. I remembered that I had some wristbands at home and told her I’d bring her one the next time I visited. Then, without thinking, I just ripped off my wristband and gave it to her. She managed a “thank you” and her facial expression and “unsaid words” said it all. I scurried to my meeting knowing that I’d get to say a few more words to her when I returned my visitor’s badge.

My meeting with Steve went well as usual. We talked about upcoming Safe Routes events and discussed where the program was going next. The meeting ended and I headed back to the security desk. Adorned with a mostly new LIVESTRONG bracelet, she was eager to show me pictures of her son. He was handsome, had her smile, and seemed so full of life. I asked if he was receiving treatment at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and he is...third round now.

A mother, heavily concerned about her son’s future, was almost tearful at this point as was I. To divert teary dialogue, I wished her well and then quickly stepped outside. As I approached my car, I noticed the LIVESTRONG wristband magnet and I thought she needed that too. I went back inside to give her the car magnet and she said her son, Bobby, would be thrilled to hear my story of RAGBRAI with Team LIVESTRONG and Lance.

While Bobby is under the care of one of the best pediatric oncologists around, he still has a long road ahead. And when I think about that journey, I’m able to draw a perfect parallel. The essence of RAGBRAI is that you get up every day and just head down a long road, sometimes known (if you are a local) and sometimes not (mostly the case for me), until you come to the next stop. Similarly, the essence of LIVESTRONG is that you just remain steadfast in the face of whatever you may be presented with. I’ve heard LIVESTRONG stories that not only involve cancer, but also include living strong during weight loss, divorce, domestic abuse, etc. The bracelet I shared with the unassuming AHTD security officer has traveled many miles and has provided strength during some uncertain times lately. However, I know it will travel many more miles and will encounter additional difficulties while on her arm.

As the LAF proclaims, “everyone has a story”… I was circumstantially in the right place at the right time when someone needed something and this is yet another LIVESTRONG story that deserves to be told. Bobby, may God bless you and your family and please know that you are not alone in this fight!

Today, tomorrow, always ~ LIVESTRONG

SK

Friday, Day Zero of RAGBRAI 08

Sleeping bag…check
Tent…check
Bike…check
Sunscreen…check
A thousand other things…checked a thousand other times.

For those of you who know me, I can be slightly OCD. Ok, I admit it, slightly might be an understatement. I can be VERY OCD. About a month before RAGBRAI, I pulled out last year’s packing list and began scratching things I really didn’t need. After just one RAGBRAI, I learned there are things you MUST have, things you MIGHT need, and things that are better left at home. Last year, my bag was deemed “the body bag” and I had enough stuff to stay in the desert for two months!

2 weeks before this year’s RAGBRAI, I had most of my camping stuff packed. About a week before, I had most of my casual clothing packed, and the day before departure I packed my biking stuff. So, Friday rolls around and I check, and recheck, and check the list again. Did I really pack everything I need in a medium-sized duffle (WITH WHEELS…another lesson learned), a small gear bag, and a backpack? Oh yeah baby, off to a great start already!!!

So, the plan was for me to meet DVP and his crew (Lonnie, Gatty, Langley, Princess Paul, and another Chris) at 6pm to head for Iowa. Yes, I had visions of National Lampoon’s Vacation dancing in my head. Me and 6 guys in an RV smooth rolling to the largest cycling event in the US, and one appropriately called the “Spring Break for 40 year olds”. All day, I worried that plans had changed, that no one called to tell me, and that perhaps I’d miss the boat so to speak. I rushed around and made sure that Husband Chris had me there by 5:30. As we rounded the corner, I made a comment that I hoped I wasn’t late…to which we then saw a HUGE RV parked in the lot and Chris said, “Oh, I think THAT may be your ride”.

Well, I wasn’t late…in fact, we didn’t get on the road until 7pm. I should have known that a bunch of guys leaving for one of their yearly “man trips” wouldn’t be in a rush or be on time for that matter. Nonetheless, here we go…one of the wives sent awesome black bean salsa that literally made it to about Morrilton. IPODS, movies, “magazines”, and beer filled the RV. Despite the fact that I only knew 1 of the 6 guys when I got on the RV (ironically, only DVP knew that a “gurl” would be hitching a ride in the 'man van'), I guess I passed the “cool chick test”. Very quickly, the rest of the guys queried me about (a) my riding ability and (b) my husband’s thought process (why would a man let his wife board a vehicle with 6 strangers?). They threw Pulp Fiction in the DVD player and I knew every word…apparently that pushed Jenn Shaw into the “ok, she can ride with us” category.

I might be known for having margaritas in my water bottle from time to time, so when it was announced that we would be making a liquor store pit stop, I had no objections. We reach Fayetteville, home of the Joe Martin Stage Race, and we turn down Razorback Road. Oh yeah, I’m sure there must be a liquor store right off the interstate in a college town! But, we keep going and I’m thinking….crap, we’re headed to Dickson Street. So, envision if you will…a 27 foot RV with a 4-bike hitch-mounted rack rolling down skinny D-Street at 10:30pm on a Friday night…cars parked on both sides, drunks stumbling out of Jose’s!!! Unbeknownst to me, DVP’s son works at THE liquor store on D-Street. We pull into the parking lot…sorta…the back half of the RV and the racked bikes are sticking out into the street! Holy cow…I’m glad my bike got to ride inside! We stroll in, make our selections (inclusive of Patron of course), and then head over to Chili’s to have dinner.

Now, I knew this would be the next “cool chick” hurdle. I ordered a salad given that I’m vegetarian, but the guys didn’t hound me too hard. We finished our meal and with full bellies we loaded the RV and drove to Joplin, MO where we pulled over for the evening…Wal-Mart parking lot baby…best sleeping spot EVER. I had already been warned that the RV became the “ICE CAVE” at night. OMG, I froze to death. I had on several layers of clothing plus a blanket and I still couldn’t sleep because I was shivering. One of the guys said it looked as if I was sleeping in a small cocoon…balled up and face covered. At any rate, morning came and I went into a Wal-Mart restroom to “freshen up”. I also picked up a smoothie and some fresh fruit….and as Willie would say…we were ON THE ROAD AGAIN!!!

As the miles passed, I learned we were going to stop in Council Bluffs (a town about 15 miles for the RAGBRAI start town). Apparently there were a number of reasons for this: (a) there was a casino, (b) we had to pick up their RV driver for the week (Capt’n Dan…more about him later), and (c) we had to hit another Wal-Mart to buy their groceries for the week. So first on the list, Harrah’s Casino…I don’t gamble much so I watched the rest of the crew lose money. The highlight of the stop was the yummy buffet…I knew it would be the last decent meal I would get for a week.

After a crazy Wal-Mart shopping expedition (just imagine watching 6 guys throw calorie-dense treats and lots-o-meat into a buggy), we were on a mission to pick up DAN. The crew had relayed to me somewhere between Kansas City and Council Bluffs just how they found DAN. The story involves Princess Paul, a girl from Iowa, and the need to find a mostly competent person to drive the RV from point A to point B during the RAGBRAI week. Dan is of “Injine” decent from the Potawatomi tribe (I think I got that right…I know it starts with a P!!!). A few text messages indicate where DAN can be found, so we plug the address into the coveted (but not so loved) Tom-Tom and low and behold, Dan appears. I deem DAN to be Capt’n Dan rather than Injine Dan just so I can be PC. All is good and the Feng is Shui now in the RV, so we head to the RAGBRAI start town: Missouri Valley.

The Little Rock crew finds the perfect place to park the RV. I unload my bike, ride to the expo, and locate the LIVESTRONG campsite. The RV is at least 2 miles from the LS campsite…in other words, it’s too far to try to negotiate luggage!!! No problem though…I ride back to the RV and my teammate Lisa volunteers to pick me up on her way back from dinner. And what better way to kick off RAGBRAI than to mix a couple of margarita water bottles to go!!! I got my first RAGBRAI tattoo as we loaded Lisa's vehicle...I think it was a team from Indiana that was passing by…something about the Hoosiers…oh yes….welcome to RAGBRAI ’08 baby!!!!

More RAGBRAI tails to come...
Thanks for reading,
SK

Shawkitty Blog Syndrome....

Apparently, a new syndrome has been discovered....the "shawkitty syndrome". The initial ailment includes the inability to update your blog on a daily basis and the lingering symptom is that your blog readers get upset when they don't know what is going on in your life.

So, thirty second treatment for sk syndrome:
a) I made it across Iowa once again
b) I "cheers-ed" Lance again
c) I found a place to live (and it is not in a van down by the river)
d) I lost someone very special in my life yesterday...I will miss you Katie, aka "Brown Dog"...you were the best!

More RAGBRAI and life details later. Thanks for checking back in-

Love to all,
SK

Is there such a thing as a "bad day on the bike"?

Is there such a thing as a "bad day on the bike"? If so, I think I had it today. First, I'm battling the upper respiratory crud that is going around (thank you David and Jason...I'm pretty sure it is your fault!) and secondly, I had left knee pain for some reason while *attempting* to ride this evening. I say attempting because I wouldn't even call the rolling of wheels I did today an actual RIDE! I was a pitiful sight...dropping to 10 mph at some points. Whattha??? Holy Bat Man...I really hope this doesn't last too long. I even missed the CARTI Tour de Rock this weekend because my inner ear was hurting/throbbing so bad and I was really dizzy by mid-morning! My training must continue though...only 32 days, 7 hours, 1 minute, and 25 seconds left until Iowa.

And speaking of Iowa, many thoughts and prayers to my LIVESTRONG teammates and their families and friends during this difficult time. My sincerest hope is that the water recedes quickly and you are out of harms way! I'll see you all soon~

Love to all,
SK

Blog V-cay

I was reminded last Friday by Cuzette that I hadn't posted anything since May 6th. Really? Hmmm. Well, I've been a little busy. Let me give you the 5 second scoop and I promise to post more details later.

1) The Central AR and NW AR LIVESTRONG events went great and Team Rubicon totally RAWKS!

2) I became Dr. Shawkitty on May 17th.

3) Training is going well. I rode 100 miles this weekend as part of the Tour de Hoot. RAGBRAI is 46 days, 7 hours, 11 minutes, and 34 seconds away!

4) I have other relatively important news, but I'm not sharing it just yet...stay tuned.

I'll be off BLOG V-CAY in another week or so. My fingers (and brain) are still recovering from the zillion-page dissertation.

Love to all,
SK

Yes, I am alive...for the most part

I know...it has been a while since I posted, but I have good excuses. I have a ton of stuff going on right now, some of which will be over soon...hopefully. I've kept my training up for the most part and even participated in the Big Dam Bridge Duathlon a few weeks back. Getting stronger on the bike daily, but still have a ways to go to achieve the bike fitness I had a few years back!

Well, tomorrow is the day of our Team Rubicon-Arkansas LIVESTRONG event. The boys in yellow and black are here and we are praying it doesn't rain. It's been an unseasonably tornadic spring and Arkansas has been pounded hard. It's pretty much rained every other day for the last two months. Again, let's hope for a break in the clouds around 5:30!!!

I'm headed to Fayetteville this weekend for the Joe Martin Stage Race. We have the Team Rubicon-Northwest Arkansas LIVESTRONG event on Sunday. I'm hoping all goes well with that one too....only 2 months and some odd days to RAGBRAI =)

Thanks for stopping by!
SK

Weekend Wrap-up

First and foremost, heartfelt thoughts to fellow Little Rock residents who were hit by the confirmed 6, possibly 7, tornadoes on Thursday. I actually got caught in the whole mess on the way home from an evening meeting, but luckily we were safe when it was all said and done. I have several friends without power and lots of downed trees in their neighborhoods; but for the most part, all is as well as it can be after a natural disaster. To say that Arkansas has been hit with tornadoes and flooding this spring would be an understatement!

Otherwise, it was a pleasant weekend with lots of activities. We hosted a wedding shower/BBQ for Rhonda and Keith on Saturday. I inadvertently introduced Rhonda and Keith, so this event was a little extra special to me. Rhonda and I work together and Keith and I cycle together. One night in a Texas ER for NOT following the "hydrate before you celebrate" rule, followed by one broken collarbone at the MS 150, followed by one evening of some good food and games at our house, followed by a few phone calls, and the rest is history!

About 35 of us from work and the cycling/running groups had a blast wishing Rhonda and Keith well. We managed to consume a huge cake, 20 burgers, 12 brats, a pound of cheese dip, and a "few" brews. Shawdawggie was grillin' as fast as peeps was eating! Our neighbors joined the festivities later in the evening which is always a hoot. I'll really miss them, especially Joe and Karen, as we've become so close in just a short time.

And speaking of, I fly to JAX in a few weeks to interview. I gotta call Friday saying come on down (and east), so we'll go a few days before the interview and stay a few days after so we can check things out and hopefully find a neighborhood we like. This job seems like a good fit and would allow me to be off some in the summer and around Christmas such that I could come back to AR to visit. I'll keep you posted.

Had a good ride/run today. The weather was sunny for a change, although MORE rain is predicted this week. I'm scheduled to meet with the best personal trainer in the world, that would be Cuzzette, on Saturday morning. We're going to "refine/polish" my routine and work a few "problem" areas...should be F-U-N (yeah right, she's known for killin' people, honestly. killing 'em dead with her Nazi routines of bleacher drills and 40-yard dashes...just call her Drill Sgt. Cuzzette). I plan to swim tomorrow and might do some core work and weight training. I wanna watch the game, so we'll see how much I have time for...GO MEMPHIS!

Until next time,
SK

Don't drink the water...

Wednesday was my second attempt at swimming, with technique anyway. I was anxious to see how much I remembered from my lesson with Rhonda on Monday. I did okay, but it's obvious I've got a long way to go.

The first few laps I tried to focus on breathing, then the next few laps I tried to pay attention to my strokes (for some reason I break the left stroke EVERY single time). I'm still pulling my head too far out of the water and it's not intuitive that you should NOT look ahead to see where you are going but I'm UN-learning that habit for swimming!!!! Apparently, I didn't kick my legs enough on Monday and I may have overcompensated for it this evening, so I'm trying to get a feel for how much leg effort to spend. I was reminded tonight that you must save some legs for the bike and run....oh yea....just one more thing to remember...no prob!!!

I played around with the strokes and the breathing to find out what's most comfortable for me. I decided I'm breathing too often and not taking time to re-group when I lose rhythm. All in all, I think I'll enjoy swimming as as sport. The water is so relaxing and it reminds me of growing up on Lake Chicot where every summer was spent on a boat fishing and/or skiing! Maybe that's why moving to FLA is so appealing...I figure I'll get lots of "open water" practice in the ocean.

Of course, the funniest part of this swim was a friend saying, "you're not suppose to drink the water". Really??? Well, it just so happens that Dave Matthews is one of my favorite bands and one of my favorite songs (I like them all, but I really like this one) is "Don't Drink the Water". I start laughing so hard I can't breathe properly and then I can't get this song outta my head. Gee thanks, I wonder what song I'll think of each time I'm in the water now?

Totally not related to swimming, but sorta related to training. I chatted with 3 of my RAGBRAI LIVESTRONG teammates yesterday; Cindy, Linda, and Chris. Cindy (aka Button Lady) and I met the first day and it was as if we were long lost friends. We rode the entire week together and tented next to each other every evening. Linda (aka Team Dork or Ribbon Lady) and I didn't ride together much but we've become increasingly closer friends since I saw her in Missouri over Christmas. Chris, our fearless leader at LAF in Austin, is super cool and has the best sense of humor. He pulled an April fool's joke on the team....good one Brewer! Both Cindy and Linda live up north, (Chicago and Iowa, respectively) and they're just now able to get outside to ride. Although the weather has been a little rainy lately, thank God I live in the SOUTH!!!

That's all for now. I plan to run in the morning since I have a BACA meeting Thursday evening! Y'all be good and remember, don't drink the water!

SK

I spy Old Jenn...

I'll start by saying I had the best ride in 2 years on Tuesday! My legs finally decided to join the rest of my body for a little spin and it was awesome!!! I've been SOOOO consumed by school and work that my fitness has really, really suffered. Now, RAGBRAI, the MS 150, and the BDB100 were all fun last year, and I've had plenty of good rides don't get me wrong, and as ODWonn says, "all rides are good"...but you just have some rides that are great.

The T/Th crew was all there...Cuz, Cheetah, the MARS, Tammy, Mike, Colin, JCon, Charlie (thanks for the pump), John EEE, Dan, and about 15 other peeps. But, there were also special appearances by JBar, Geo, Hboo, and a few others I had not seen in over a year. As usual, we did a neutral roll-out, and safely sailed down the River Trail until we reached the other side of the BDB. I'd already decided I was gonna sit on the back because every time they pick it up in the front, I find myself mid-pack in a bunch sprint/surge to catch the soon-to-be break, which just sucks because I either can't get around or a small gap forms and I kill myself trying to get back on.

Well, I thought I was far enough back until I turned around and saw we had a lot more riders than I thought (how we double in size from point A to point B I don't quite understand but we always do). Like clockwork, we hit the road and ta-dow....Mooney jets....I keep up longer than I have been lately, but I just can't hold on. DANG IT, DANG IT, DANG IT....not exactly what I said at the time, but what's appropriate for the blog.

I see Cuz a few yards back and I've been cycling long enough to know that 2 are better than 1, so I ease up, we share wheels, and we are now on a mission to catch the front group which we easily have in sight. BUT (there's always one of those), we were stopped by a few red lights downtown and the front was no longer visible.

Here's where the "best ride" part comes in. No longer visible did not mean others still weren't ahead of us and my secret goal was to get up Ft. Roots before they came back down. So here we go, I've got Cuz, Geo, and Dan with me. I'm cranking 21-24, in the wind at some points, and my facial expression could have been that of a woman possessed by demons. At one point Cuz says, "we aren't going to catch them", to which I replied, "I know, I'm just trying to burn some lbs." but in my head I'm thinking I gotta pound the rest of the way to Ft. Roots before the front group descends...so I crank harder. At some point we picked up JBar and he tells me I'm pulling like a wild woman!

Did I make it to the top in time? Well, no. I got within .25 miles before the others came flying down the hill. All was good though. Geo, JBar, and I finished climbing and then we chatted for a bit. JBar was nice enough to let me suck wheels on the way back until we reached Broadway and then we parted ways. So, I was WAY alone at this point, but I like riding that way ever once in awhile. After the Cantrell overpass, I decided to haul it to the car as it was getting dark and I had no lights (that's good motivation). I kept it between 21-23 and just told myself it was similar to the sprints we've been practicing during bricks (albeit it was a pretty LONG sprint). At any rate, it was fun and I felt great afterwards.

The best quip of the night was Cuz yelling, "that's old Jenn riding". I had a smile bigger than Texas and felt warm and fuzzy inside. Yes sir....the Old Jenn is back, hopefully....we'll see the next time I ride.

Until then,
SK

Yum, Yum...Crow taste good!

Ok. I admit it. I may have insinuated in my last post that triathlon training was a little crazy and that triathletes are a different breed. Well, all I can say is crow taste good...

Mr. Weatherman made it pretty clear that it was gonna rain tonight, so I knew the chances of a run/ride brick were slim. I decided, therefore, to go for a little swim in an attempt to redeem myself from last year's debacle. Just how bad could it have been? The truth came out tonight when my friend/swim instructor Rhonda J. said, "I can't believe you're the same person that was in this pool last year...you do all kinds of things and I just couldn't figure out why you were having such a hard time".

On the way over to the pool, I told myself this swimming thing was completely psychological and that I had the capability of learning proper swim technique (3 freakin' graduate degrees and 14 years of school...surely I can master bilateral breathing and arm strokes). I had to remind myself that my very first lesson with Rhonda last year was 5 days after being discharged from the hospital. I'd lost 20 lbs and my liver wasn't functioning....perhaps that affected my performance. Regardless, I was now a little freaked about jumping in, but all was good during this lesson!

After 30 minutes of breathing and head rolling instruction, we added arms and legs. She made me do a few more practice laps and then she became the Swim Nazi... don't stop, keep breathing, full strokes, don't touch the bottom, yada, yada, yada. AMAZINGLY ENOUGH...I DID IT!!! It was just psychological...go figure! And, it felt good!

I determined tonight that swimming is much like riding a bike. Just as you find a comfortable cadence and spin, spin, spin, you find a comfortable breathing and stroke rhythm and propel, propel, propel. Now, I have no misconception that this sport will be easy once I'm in open water with a gazillion other peeps. But, at least I didn't hit the proverbial brick wall...or would that be "pool wall"?

I'm still afraid though. I think I might just get hooked on this triathlon thing. Great, just what I need~another hobby!

Gotta go for now as I have more crow to eat-

Swim on,
SK