Running Crazy

Yes, that's the name of this blog because I should be talking about all the running I do. Well, it's been a while but today I ran around the lake. 3.1 miles. Yahoo !! Will try it again tomorrow.

Also rode the bike for 55 minutes. Gotta do something for exercise. Watched the Notre Damers come from behind to almost win. And then got in a half of the Gonzaga game. Adam Morrison was HOT !!! Watching the games makes the ride kind of fun.

On the political scene, one of Gina's rower mates, Sally Clark, was chosen to fill a vacancy on the Seattle City Council.

And I just heard that Portland had a bit of a shake today.

California dreamin

As the rain POURS DOWN here in Seattle. The sun was out yesterday so what am I complaining about?

Hey, we went to California over MLK weekend. Really it was ABB weekend. Annalise turned 14. We surprised her, brought the party to her drumline practice, got to watch all our mutally favorite tv shows and games with our long lost buddies, Traci and Denise.

Have yet to see her drum the big bass drum, though. That's another trip.

The verdict is in...

and it seems the jury duty system still sucks. YES, I got called again. Too bad I can't screen those calls. So, I catch the 7:00am bus downtown. Just to sit around til 10 or so. Then 85 of us get called. Bad sign. Means a big trial. A 3 weeker. ugh. I did a 6 weeker one time, but that was when I worked and got to stay away from the job/kids for that time period. Now it just messes with my training and blogging.

As about 40 of the others called out their lame excuses (root canal, day care issues, trips, important jobs... casino poker tourney director? ) I wished that I had bought airline tix to anywhere. Then we sat around for an hour. Then we got sent for an hour and half lunch. Only to come back for 10 minutes and be sent home for the day. Only to return at 10:00 tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that I look enough like a bigot/idiot/genius/whatever necessary to not get chosen to serve.

Of course, if I do get selected I won't be able to blog you about it til it's over. Here's hoping I can fill you in on the case tomorrow.

Super Bowl, Baby !!!!

Seahawks to the Super Bowl !!!
and here we are, watching the game from our bikes. We're riding to Detroit !
ok, we've just started our half iron man event training. We've set up our bikes on indoor trainers to simulate riding (without the rain and cold)
Just to give you an idea about how long these NFL games take, we rode for an hour (well, 59 minutes, we're working on not being SO compulsive, not whole hour/start & end on the hour, etc) and the 1st quarter was just ending. Not to worry, I was able to crack a beer by halftime.

Today I ran outside for the first time since Dec. 14. 40 days, but who's counting? This past week or so was more of the same, indoor machines, with a bit of treadmill walk/run . zz zzz
Can't say whether the foot is totally better, since it never was really sore, but it's time to run. and ride. It was really fun to watch the game while pedalling. I'm sure it will get old but our summer goal is a half iron man triathlon in July (1.2 swim, 56 mile bike ride, 13.1 run) That and Boston in April, so IT'S TIME TO RUN .

We are psyched about the Seahawks. Although, we are not as invested as we used to be for the Sonics. Finally figured out that it takes too much energy (not to mention ticket costs) and too big of an emotional toll to be TOO into it all, but it was sure fun today.

We took a quick trip to California last week. I'll post some photos and trip highlights soon.
Go Hawks !

But was I sane to begin with?

Well, it's been a month of using the elliptical machines, the indoor bikes, the erg, running in the pool (see story below) . Amazingly, I haven't had the urge to kill anyone yet. Wasn't sure how I'd react with no running to keep me sane. Of course, the 26 consecutive days of heavy rain has helped with wanting to stay indoors.

OK, so I went to the pool one day with coach Lesley. She set me up with the little blue belt to wear while "running" in the deep end. It all went fine. I did not have my contacts in so was running blind but I thought I had it all figured out. The next week I took Gina with me. She says "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Of course, don't be silly. It's easy. So off to the pool we head. Out of the locker room, around the pool deck to where the blue belts are hanging on a rack. This time I have my contacts in, so I can see. We start trying on various blue belts. It doesn't seem quite right, none fit, we're trying to adjust straps, frontwise, backwards, standing there for 5 minutes. All the while Gina asking "are you sure you know what we're doing?" Don't be silly. I'm sure they were blue belts. After a bit of this, the lifeguard calls out from across the pool (so everyone there can hear) "Ladies, if you're looking for the water walking belts, they are over here. Those are for your feet." Of course they are.

We had walked right past the real blue belts. Good thing I had my contacts in so I could be so observant.

Gina started looking for some cement shoes to put on me.

"Ladies........." I giggled the whole time we were running.

Anyway, Doc says if no pain while running go ahead with a progressive build up. So I have had a couple days of 2 minutes walking / 1 running for a grand total of 15:00. With 3 days in between. On this plan I should be ready to run the Boston Marathon in, say, 2009 ?

Results are in !!!

I know you've all been super anxious, waiting to hear who won the annual judging of the xmas cards. We waited til January to give the procrastinators a chance to participate.

Annalise, a drum roll, please..................................................................

The award for 1st card received goes to Gina's cousin, Sue V., from Michigan. again. Every year we get her card even before we go to Hawaii. She sneaks it in right before Aunt Louise.

The judges were having a tough go of it this year, with so many great entries... so we took the easy route and came up with a couple categories... Overall winner, and religious entries. Of course, these categories are subject to change each year, whimsical judges that we are.

OK OK
Religious card category award goes to Anne Z & Kathy of Rochester, NY. a lovely Bethlehem scene.

Overall (aka, Best Snowman) goes to Linda & Herb Sherburne. who won't even know they won, til we exchange cards next year. They are parents of kid/friends from my Queen Anne Rec Ctr. days.

The entry from Thousand Oaks was nice, and we must have really liked it last year, too, cuz we kept the same one that Michelle & Teri sent in 2004. There was a very creative one from Portland, but how many categories can we have? as with all sporting events, "there's always next year".

All photo cards are winners in my book. Of course, Bev & Diane's annual pugs dressed up as reindeer is always good for a chuckle.
But what's with photos of just the kids?? People, please learn to use the self timer and get yourselves into the picture. I say this like any of the people that sent these cards actually read (or even know about) this blog. :) but we bloggers are obliged to rant every once in a while. and i'm liking words with l's, g's, o's and b's . i digress.

Or that anyone, other than a couple previous winners, even know there is a judging.
Now you see how truly odd our lives are.

Bifocal blog

Technological advances abound ! I am sitting here at the pc typing, and actually able to read what I've written without putting on the little cheater glasses. I have bifocal contacts ! And no, I don't have the font size set on gigantic.

We'll see how this little experiment goes. The new contacts are of the soft variety and I've been a hard lens gal since 1978. New procedures for this old dog to learn. And of course, our glasses prescriptions needed updating so I used the occasion to drop a bundle at the optician's desk. New stylin' spec's . Stay tuned. Gina stayed true to her style and just got new prescription.

Some day this blog will get back on the running track. As I am still doing the cross training, it bothers me to even think about the hours I've been putting in on the elliptical machine. The PT put a tape job on my foot, and it seems to be helping. Which might mean I'll need orthotics to put in my shoes. Sheesh, this body needs help from top to bottom. Thank God my hair is perfect.

Happy Holiday Cookies

Even super fast runners like myself cannot be in two places at the same time, so while I was celebrating the holiday in Portland, my trusty blog assistant, Gina, was sent on assignment to Wapato, WA. A quick mini-lesson on how the other digital camera works and she was ready to be embedded in the Young Family event.

Sunday morning, Steve & Betty, and Scott & Susie, arrived for a heart healthy breakfast of Marilyn's famous Christmas cookies. We've all heard Slots talk about that labor of love (lard). Mid-morning there was a welcome surprise visit from Donovan and his daughter, Gracie. Then it was on to the fun of opening the presents. A record number of puzzles (see picture) were opened by Marilyn. We don't know if it was done in a record setting time but we're sure to get a full report on how long it takes her to complete each puzzle. Steve got the usual 100% flannel shirts with 2 button-down pockets and Scott got the obligatory blue jeans (see picture).

The annual prime rib dinner was served. Gina made a "to die for" mushroom sauce to put on the meat. I'll talk to her later about un-biased reporting. Cookies were eaten for dessert. Probably for appetizer, too. The jello salad was available ... and still is (see picture).

Overall, a good time was had by all and early in the evening they all packed up their dozens and dozens of cookies and left.

I've gotta figure this out

How to add more photos.. but for now, an additional post each time is certainly worth the hassle, to see more of my photos gallery? wouldn't you agree?

OK, just want to thank everyone who made for such a fun time. All the chefs (joan, grady, jeff, sarah, catherine, joel, aileen, karin, ardie, karla, mom) ( ok,everyone but me) the entertainmenting stories of Antartica and Japan from aileen and kris, the party favors by catherine and cresswells, and the betts for bringing the islands to oregon. And the chauffered ride home to Seattle from Kris and Chris. I try to do my part by serving drinks and digitally documenting the day.

Mahalo to everyone.

Running was discussed

There was very little exercising done this weekend, other than lifting of heavy forks and full glasses. We were being totally sympathetic for/of/with (what is it?) Joan. Her knee went totally out of whack on Sat. Major pain. I tried to medicate her with the help of Dr. Jameson. I think it must have helped. I know I felt no pain. :) Here's hoping you get back to the Y soon. You're looking great!

However, there was much discussion of past races, upcoming races, biking and triathlons, sports injuries, work out routines (Silver Sneaker award to Mom) , training issues, age group wins (Way to go, Aileen !) , prize money won (Way to go, Catherine !) . Bike accidents. ("you so tall", Kris) , fun and not so fun events (how/why did you jump in that frozen lake, Karin? ) , giving up surfing at the Oregon coast (wise decision, Karla) mountain biking (helmets & health insurance, Joel),

ok, enough of this rambling. I know what you want, MORE PHOTOS !!!

fyi, that's Kris doing his imitation of the French version of the March of th Penguins. The Morgan Freeman version did not make it to Japan.
that's Aileen doing her imitation of an Adelie (?) penguin rolling it's eyes.
and that's Aileen after 7 days of answering penguin related questions. have you seen "March of the P's?"

Party Blog

First of all,let me be the last to say "Merry Christmas !" There, that's out of the way. Or should I say, "Molly Christmas"? as in the Miller Blog-dog, Molly.

I see my last post was a full week ago. I'm sure you've missed the drivel. I took the Amtrak to Portland on 12/23. I spent 4 fun filled days with the Miller family. Mom, from Roch cha cha, Anne M., Aileen trekked from Antartica, Kris flew in from Japan, Ardie and Karin Betts drove up from Calif., Karla B was in town, the Cresswell family, as usual, and newly minted Miller relatives, Lynn and Mary Jo, survivors of Katrina were around. (OK, always were rellies, but I just met them.) And our fabulous hosts, Joan and Grady.

Christmas Eve party was Hawaiian theme, at Anne M's place. A,K,K Betts created the evening for us. It was quite festive and Anne was the belle of the ball. Or should I say, the big kahuna? She got a real live lei, and "borrowed" my aloha Santa hat. Looking good!

Christmas day party was a blast! Started with the frittatta for b'fast, presents were done by noon, naps were had, party preps, and the big bash at 4:00. Cresswells arrived with dinner in hand. A fork lift might have helped, that roast beast was so huge. Yes, Jeff, I saw the leftover beast rolling down Ladd Ave. The 5 second rule was in effect.

It was sit down dinner for 14. Champagne toasts, food, food, and more food. Holiday hats and xmas poppers (not the disco drug) and quotes from W had (almost) everyone rolling in the aisles. This year a slide show of penguins and ice bergs substituted for the singing of xmas carols.

Dec. 26 was more of the same. Joan and Grady hosted an open house party, for neighbors and friends. and family, of course. can't get rid of us that easily. With a lot of the same folks from night before, it seemed a continuation of the fun. We still couldn't get rid of the cranberry juice. I guess Cosmo's were not the drink of choice this weekend. But we were ready.

ok, the blog-gods are not letting me upload more pic's so I'll end. and start another.

Little Drummer Girl

And her shadow........ and a few of her bandmates.

Just when you thought this was a running blog, no, no, it's a band geek blog. Here is our buddy Annalise, ABB for short. Playing "the big bass drum, and the piccolo,too" (oh, you knew I could work in a phrase from the 'Music Man') with her award winning Thousand Oaks HS band. Next semester she will be playing with the prestigious T.O. Spring Drum Line.

Hey, wait. I do have running news. Results are in and I placed 1st in the Jingle Bell Run. Val was 2nd, and Gina 5th !!!!!!!!!! http://www.ontherunevents.com/jinglebell/2005results Let's see if this link thing works. I may have to read up on the blog techno stuff.

OK, Merry Christmas to all.

Pa rum pa pum pum

The Art of Running

Well, there is joy in mudville tonight.

I've been having a little pain in my foot/arch ever since the half marathon (did I mention I was 4th ?) Ran a little in Hawaii, a little since coming home. Raced last Sunday. But the pain was worsening. So, being the stress fracture hypochondriac that I am, went to see the doc. He seemed to think that was what it is. And to plan for 3 months OFF. I got the bone scan on Friday. My insurance company probably wonders why I don't quit running, as this was my 3rd scan of the year. OK, some of you may wonder, too.

Anyway, my experience reading these films gave me hope. Of course, I still managed to be a pout face all weekend, thinking the worst. That I was out of the Boston race, again. Jeez. But long, boring blog, short.... It's not a fracture. As you can clearly see from the picture.

It's possible it would have become one, if I'd kept running. So, I'll stay off running for a few weeks. Get my money's worth from the gym membership and use the indoor machines. Spend hours on the elliptical machine, and the spinning bikes, maybe some pool running, and VIOLA ! I'll be still in shape when it's time to run again.

And, maybe, just maybe, I will run that darn race in April.

by the by, the floral still life was done by a fabulous young artist in NY. Kyle McHugh. I knew him when....

We Three Trees

The seasonal decorating has been in full swing here at Green Lake. We could not decide on one tree, so we have a few. One outside, a holly tree, that we think looks great with lights. I told Gina that those lights were on permanently, or at least til I could cut the wires. Holly tree is pretty, but oh so sharp!

For our inside tree(s) we decided that since we have a small house, a small tree would be perfect. And if it's small, we could have two. Our favorite is the Charlie Brown tree. It's "pathetic" . The new desk needed a tree. of course. And the new bathrom couldn't go un-adorned. of course not.

The annual Christmas card contest is underway. Full, and final, results will be posted in January.

Well, I must go wrap some presents. Because it is SO obvious when Gina does it all. They all look fantastic. I am the pathetic wrapper.

From recent comments, it seems I am a pathetic blogger, too.
BLAHG-HUM BUG

Where is all the running news? you ask. Tune in to tomorrow's blog. speaking of pathetic.

Jingle Jangle

Sunday was the Jingle Bell 5k Race. Gina and I ran with 10,000 of our friends. Only 9 of whom we invited back to the house to hot tub, sip champagne and irish coffees, and watch football. Oh, and a few who saw fit to not run.

There are no official race results to report but I can say I did make at least 20 Irish Coffees.

We were quite social this weekend. A little soiree at Michelle and Teri's house was fun. And the cocktail weinies that were slow cooked in a fab BBQ sauce, well, all I can say is, that is my new pre-race dinner. Those pasta parties are old news. I ran pretty well, and felt great. After a whole week of sluggish running, I was happy.

We also attended a Christmas party at our gym. Just so you know, pre-race carbs aren't all bad, I did lift a couple 12 ouncers of beer. and chatted with folks who look so different when wearing regular clothes, other than t's and shorts. I almost said normal clothes, but then I remembered a couple outfits. One guy had a dress shirt, festooned with a piano keyboard down the side. Causes a head tilt. hmm... "why is he wearing that?" but I've seen how much he lifts so I'm not wondering out loud.

Here I am with the gym owner, quite possibly THE NICEST MAN ON EARTH. And I don't think I exaggerate. Mark is his name. We were chatting about how he water skis year round. brrr. and the other shot is Gina, well, obviously, and Darcy, our triathlon buddy. oh and Evan. As soon as the camera came out, the dudes were jumping to get in the pictures. And the 3 guys, well, that's Mac on the left (he should own the gym), unknown member in the middle, and one of our favorite work out buddies, Rock. His wife discreetly stepped aside. Rock is the funniest surfer dude around.

I know, I'm strange ( I almost said we're, but Gina claims nothing to do with this blog) , but we love the folks at our gym. And it is our home away from home. There are a couple odd balls... Did I mention the guy that gives Gina advice on how to kill people? I don't think she's followed up.

OK, jeez, I might have to re-title to "Partying Crazy"

Good night. No, no recipes tonight. But if I can get the secret BBQ sauce for the weinies, I'll pass it along.

Going Postal

First, the good news............. there was no line at the post office today !
And now the bad news.... we are back on the mainland. Oh well, paradise for 9 days is still paradise. And it's time to get ready for the holidays. I mean, Christmas. Wouldn't want Jerry F and his gang mad at me. Although, I'm sure he would be if he only knew me. But, I digress, di-blog?

We had a great time. Exercised a little, but mostly it was R & R. Each day was "filled" with water slide races, splashing in the pool or ocean, eating mahi mahi, sipping tropical drinks. The big decision of each day was which chaise lounge to choose, factoring in sun, shade, slide access, proximity to the poolside bar's tv (must stay current on the games). I think the waitress thought my name was Heinekin. Every time she passed by she would look at me and say "Heinekin?" I'd nod. Well, not everytime.

Our celebrity siting of the trip was at Sansei. (best sushi) Mariano Rivera and family showed up. We should have requested a bigger table. Next time. Damn Yankee.

Our mistake of the week was wasting time on the time share sales pitch. I'm sure Alec would say "time invested". He lost that sale when he couldn't wrap it up in time for us to get to our dinner reservation. Don't mess with our feeding schedule. At least it was a cloudy day. We didn't buy, but did "invest" time in thinking about it, and then trying to say no. That's a word the sales folks don't like to hear.

We saw our poolside buddies, Kathy & Jack, from SF, who we see each year. That's always fun. Discussing all the year's political issues while floating in the pool. It must have been liberals' week at the Westin cuz no one tried to drown us.

More stories later.
Aloha Sorry, I know that gets old

A L O H A

This is our view now ! Well, if you're reading this after 9:00 am Monday.

The Seattle Half Marathon is over for another year, and Gina and I are winging our way to paradise for a week of recuperation.

All goals were met. I had a 1:47:33 finish and Gina a 1:58:57.

Thanks to all fan support along the course. You guys are the best. I know you were there Val, and TBG. I just didn't see you. Carmel, nice to see you on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Mahalo !

Check the blog for any audio postings I might make from Kaanapali.

Eating Crazy

Ahh, the traditional lamb chops on the grill. And the chef with the surprise turkey legs. No animal is safe around here. This blog has taken a left turn down Eating Lane. No talk of running tonight. Just waiting til the stomach can stomach pie and ice cream. Let's hope the coach isn't reading the blog tonight. This just doesn't seem like a pre-race meal. At least we've got 2 days to work it off.

Don't worry, I won't be blogging again later with photos of pies. Or distended tummies. I won't be moving off the couch, once I land there. CSI is on tonight.

Which reminds me of one other photo I took recently. And because I only know enough about this blogging business to be dangerous, that photo is now at the top of this posting. I really felt like I was Marg Helgenburger when taking that picture. Except I forgot my skimpy shirt, and gorgeous body. :)

OK don't worry, it's pomegranite juice. Something chef GIGI dropped when making another one of her exotic recipes. And don't ask me for it. Check her blog . ha ha ha ha HA !

Bring on the Turkey jokes

Go ahead ! Who's the turkey with the Irish coffee?

It's a new tradition. Well, if the stores, radio stations and everyone else can start being Christmas - y this early, then I can start with the hot beverages. And no, I didn't drink 2. (well, I did, but not at once) The almost 51 year old photographer was joining in.

We had a little run around the lake this morning. Lots of folks out there. More than usual, but actually, we are never here on T-giving, so who knew? guess it was pre-dinner calorie burning. As I look out there now, the post-dinner calorie burning is happening, in the rain.

So, here's hoping that everyone's big meal was great ! Hope no one forgot any key menu items. :) Sorry, Joan, couldn't resist. The lamb chops (yet another new tradition) go on the grill any minute.

Before I forget, how about a moment's silence in honor of Mrs. Siems. The inventor of Stove Top stuffing. She passed away earlier this week. An obituary with a lengthy paragraph on how she came up with the exact size of the cubes of bread. Soggification factors. True, NY Times. I don't search that stuff out on the net.

Which begs the question, what does silence on a BLOG sound like ?

Go Blue !

or not....
I cannot blog on about the big game because I've been trying to keep the blahg language G-rated. And the way UM let the "other team" come down the field and score, #$@*#
'nuf said.

Hey, look, here I am wearing my Michigan hat, Down Under. I know, it's just a lame excuse to show off the medal I won at the Sydney Games. Yes, it was 4 years ago but I'm trying to change the subject. Do I look delirious? I did just finish a half marathon in 90 degree temps. Or 30 C as they like to say in Oz. Which reminds me of the day we were at Manly beach (but I like it, too) and a fellow Big Ten fan (a gopher, I think) spotted me and my hat. Asking for any recent scores I might have heard. You can take the fan out of the hemisphere but....

Today was 10 miles. We started the morning with a group from Super Jock & Jill, our local running store. Chet and his gang are celebrating 30 years of shoe sales. So we did the 3 mile loop and then headed off to finish up. Then back to Chet's for some treats, t-shirts, and shopping.

G'day mates !