Archive for the 'just me' Category

licensed

Published
by
wiz
on December 31, 2009
in just me and training
. 1 Comment

I finished the lifeguarding class yesterday. Those three days were the most exhausting consecutive days I can remember. While I did get my license, it was given with the “stipulation” that I need more training in CPR, but Lori (the instructor) is confident I will succeed. She also said she hates trying to cram all the training and learning into three days; there really is not enough time to practice and become proficient in all aspects.

Monday was a freezing day on deck and in the water. Lori suggested wet suits if we had them. I don’t but did my rendition: running tights and snug cycling shirt. Even though the fabrics were wet while out on deck, they did afford some warmth. Swimming in clothes was a new feeling!

The class started with 15 students, only 14 returned Tuesday. The girl who did not return was no surprise to me, unfortunately. She had no breath and struggled to swim the opening 100 yards. During a break, she was outside smoking (!). We still had 14 on day three but two of the guys didn’t even make it to the written test. Again, no surprise; little swimming skills and no breath. (One was out smoking with the girl on Monday.) Of the remaining 12, 7 of us were licensed.

As I took off my tights yesterday, I noticed the numerous bruises on my shins and knees. I can only guess I got them from climbing out of the pool so often. My pecs are sore from doing the actual rescue drills, and my inner thighs hurt from doing whip and scissor kicks during all the rescues. And this is when I felt like I was in pretty good shape!!

The worst part of all this was having a cold. My breath was certainly diminished and the need to blow my nose often detracted from total focus. It also didn’t help just getting over being quite ill for two weeks.

This was a very tough course; far more intense and involved than what the Red Cross provides and I’m glad it’s over.

changes

Published
by
wiz
on November 4, 2009
in family and just me
. 3 Comments

I seem to be going down the same road as my sister and one of my brothers. They have been unable to drive in the dark for some years. I have felt uncomfortable doing so a number times in the recent past but last night - scary!!

I had boy-watching duty while DD attended ballet class. (DH was at a soccer game.) With the time change, it was dark driving to her house. I didn’t like that at all. When I got there, I explained my situation. Obviously I stayed but the future will be different. She will need to find some one else to watch the boys if she wants to take her evening class.

While driving home, I really struggled to label, name, identify in some way what I was feeling. I came to the conclusion that the changes between darkness and headlights/street lights is actually painful for my eyes. I had an instant head ache behind the wheel.

I told DH about it and he said I’ll just have to drive more slowly. Ah, no, that is not going to alleviate the head ache.

So, life changes coming though they shouldn’t be too dramatic. I seldom go out at night and if I do, DH’s usually with me and driving.

Girlfriends Half-marathon

Published
by
wiz
on October 22, 2009
in just me
. 0 Comments

Prelude
I spent some time trying to decide how to tell of this fabulous extended weekend. I shall do it in a chronological fashion. This is my perspective; I hope the other ladies write theirs. However, this is NOT a prod!!!!

10/16
I drive to Vancouver and pick up Estelina at her home. We proceed to PDX to meet Foxy, her DD Ginger (from Georgia) and Kally (from Kentucky). Pansey is there waiting also, having driven down from Seattle. The visitors arrive and there is much rejoicing!!!!!

We gather bags and head north to Vancouver. The highway is s.l.o.w. and we figure we will not make it to the packet pick-up before 5:00 so we drive some of the course. We are making excellent time so pop down to the Fitness shop, with two minutes to spare! We get packets and then off to Estelina’s for dinner and much Girlfriend-ing.

10/17
It’s Fall day!! We go to Multnomah Falls and walk to the top on a paved trail, with 11 switchbacks. When we are almost to the bottom, the skies open up and share their moisture with the Gorge. We get soaked! And laugh about it.

Now it’s to the View Point Inn for lunch. As I say, we are soaked but there are blankets to wrap in to cozy up. Quite the eclectic menu!! We eat then some folks (OK, all but me) go out in the rain for photo-ops of Twilight scenery and props.

Back to Estelina’s for dry clothes, beverages, and food. She (we!) prepare a yummy soup. We decide it will not be prudent to party-hearty the night before traversing 13.1 miles so we say good night.

10/18
Foxy and I are up early as she’s on eastern time and I am used to rising about 5:00. We drip the coffee and have breakfast. The others appear in due time. 8:00! Off to the races!!! We meet Kally, use the potty at her motel, bypass the LONG line for the “blue rooms” near the start, and go to the start area. The welcoming and announcements include an aerobic warm-up. Being how I do not do those moves, this morning is not the time to start! Not going to risk pulling something; nope, not going to do it!

There are pace signs that are generally ignored so it’s a mass start trying not to trip. We four Girlfriends will be doing our own paces and will meet at the finish. Part of the course backtracks on itself so I see Girlfriends!!!! YEA! That is nice.

I finish with a good time (as far as I’m concerned) but hurt. Concrete and I are not friends. This may be a reason not to do this event again. …sigh…

After all my Girlfriends finish, we go to Estelina’s to clean up and eat. One stage of our journey is over, another begins. We must say goodbye to Estelina [ :-(  ] and go west to the coast.

Our “early” arrival at my home surprises DH. He has just had a well attended BBQ and is madly, wildly cleaning. No worries; we find snackies and drinks and are content. The garlic shrimp is particularly good. Kally discovers marionberry jam and now has a ‘friend’ for life! Yummmmmmmy!

10/19
Early rising. I think it’s because some achy bodies want “drugs” to ease the discomfort. We are in no hurry today; eventually we go to Waikiki Beach and Cape Disappointment. We hike to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center but the trail to the lighthouse is closed because the Coast Guard are doing weapons training in that area of the woods.

The North Head Light is just a few minutes drive away and we go there. While the lighthouse itself is closed to visitors, the Coast Guard are doing some helicopter rescue training right there. We watch the “victim” hoisted up from the ocean to the chopper. Most impressive. We also chat with the one CG personnel there on-site; very nice gentleman.

Time for food! “The Pig” of Moot 3 renown is our destination. After a varied meal, we go to Chinook house but, alas, DD and Hobbitses are not home from school yet. We tour the house awaiting them but to no avail. We enjoy a bit of down time at my home until the sunset hour approaches. We find ourselves walking to the beach for more photo-ops. It’s low tide and many folks are digging clams. One gentleman has gotten his limit and is leaving. Kally asks if she may see his clams as this is a new experience for her. He chats with us and he and I explain how to ’spot’ a clam. There’s a dimple right near my feet and he hands me the shovel. I dig with the shovel then my hand and come up with a small razor clam. A seagull ultimately eats it for dinner.

Back home and DH is cooking oysters on the BBQ. Foxy joins in the feast and Ginger tries one. Not a favorite she quickly discovers but yea! she tried it. She, Kally, and I dig out the snackies and pie to round out a lite dinner.

10/20
We’re out the door by 9:00 to get to Indian Beach (La Push in Twilight) during low tide. We do the Ecola Park touring and photo-ing first. Continuing in the tourist vein, we wander some shops in Cannon Beach before driving to Seaside for the same and lunch…at The Pig!

Fort Clatsop is the next destination. As we pay the entry fee, Ginger is invited to become a Junior Ranger. She accepts and is given a workbook which she needs to do 8 of 10 activities. Also required are visiting two other Parks in the area. Being how we had done so the day before, she is golden! She successfully completes her work, receives a certificate, pin, and patch - after taking an oath; I believe it is about caring for the earth.

No one can come to Astoria without going to the Column. The stairs are new but the count is still the same, 166 steps. Up we go! Then down we come to hear and view the sea lions. After seeing the beasts, it’s home again. Time to cook dinner. Many hands make short work of it and in a bit we are enjoying a meal together again. Final packing and early to bed.

10/21
It’s airport taxi day. The driving begins at 6:30, early enough to have a good time buffer as needed. It is not needed! We have time to share second breakfast and do some shopping at PDX before saying some good-byes. Ginger and Foxy are on their way east.

Kally checks her bag and we venture out to Vancouver to lunch with Estelina. We get to see her office but KK is not there. It’s just as well….. We feast each other once again and more good-byes ensue. The taxi is making it’s final stop at PDX to drop off Kally. The last good-bye is said and we part.

Wrap-up
It is a delight to see Kally, Foxy, and Ginger (she’s so tall!!!) after so many years. I’m thankful Estelina lives close enough to visit on a somewhat regular basis. She helps keep me grounded. As mentioned elsewhere, a couple tweaks would have made the mini-moot perfect.

Overall place - 442/1215
Age place - 36/121
Pace - 10:31
Time - 2:17:43

2009 Great Columbia Crossing

Published
by
wiz
on October 12, 2009
in just me
. 1 Comment

Tradition has come and gone once again for October. I speak of the Great Columbia Crossing. This is the only time foot traffic is allowed on the expansive bridge. We get bussed across the River to a highway rest area which is where the start is located. The bridge is four+ miles long with the first three very flat then an incline of .75 miles after which it winds back down to water level.


Sheri came over to do the run as well. It’s already a tradition for her and only being in country four years! Very nice to visit with her as we awaited the start.

This year’s race morning dawned cold, aided by a brisk east wind right down the river. I put foot warmers in my shoes and hand warmers in my gloves to await the start. As we were lining up to begin, I disposed of the warmers knowing I couldn’t run with the ones in my shoes and figuring my hands would warm up as I ran.

After the mass start and weaving around folks, I hit my stride. I was concerned about going out too fast so I held back. The first three or four miles (of 6.2) were run on cold-induced numb feet. It’s no fun but nothing new or surprising. I had planned to walk the incline but when I got there, I felt just fine (thank you very much!).  I started passing people immediately and continued doing so the rest of the run, even the downhill and flats.

As my training has been a bit off of late, I didn’t think I’d make my yearly goal of completing the course in under one hour. At the five mile mark, I knew I could if I kept the pace and I did. And I was not hurting or seriously overexerting myself which surprised me. Bonus: I posted my best time in eight years.

So, enough already! I hope I shall do as well next Sunday at the Girlfriends Half-marathon.

Overall place - 343/841
Age place - 8th
Pace - 9:12
Time - 57:01

to do or not to do; that is the question

Published
by
wiz
on September 12, 2009
in just me
. 0 Comments


The Newport Marathon has opened registration for next year’s event. After my experience last May, which really wasn’t so bad, I said I would not do another marathon. However…

If I plan to walk instead of run, I could do it. I walked about 23 miles of it in May and it was fine.

I discussed this with Jerry last night. He said it’s good to have something to look forward to and train for. Absolutely! He also said it would be a nice weekend away again. (And there’s gluten-free beer at our favorite restaurant in Newport!)

So now I am dithering. This would keep me occupied through the winter, helping me not “let it all go.” As I write this, I really think I will go ahead. I need to get my workouts up to snuff again; I’ve been slacking big time.

time for some blather

Published
by
wiz
on July 2, 2009
in Chinook and just me
. 1 Comment

Went riding this morning; didn’t want to leave the house. Thanks, Aubri, for helping get my butt out the door!

I’m considering doing the Newport marathon again next year. It’s only 26.2 miles, no problem! I would plan to walk hence putting no pressure on myself. yeah, right! We’ll see how life goes and make a decision later.

I continue to battle motivation to work out. I have the most energy in the morning and if I want to accomplish anything at Chinook, morning is the time to do it. Work outs have slipped by the wayside since I’ve been at Chinook at 6:00 a.m. some days.

Speaking of Chinook…. Doing lots of painting. Time line is a mid-August move in. Jerry will be starting his 5 days a week practices and his time will be at a premium. Chinook work will basically be on hold until November.

Time for somewhat recent pics.

Playroom has been painted a soft blue. Jerry needs to add the window.

This is the current view from the back door. It used to be a toilet (yes, right inside the door) with a wall. It was originally a doorway and we have made it one once again.

Peggy’s room is all painted and awaiting the electrician to come finish installing various things. The wood floor is getting refinished. That’s Jerry’s focus right now.

Downstairs bathroom is a lilac color; tub/shower is installed. Peggy’s picking out tiles to lay down on the floor. We’ll get a cabinet/sink then the plumber can come in and do the finish work. There’s a door to be painted and rehung for the closing.

different direction

Published
by
wiz
on June 24, 2009
in Chinook and just me
. 0 Comments

I have gone to the Chinook house the last two days to work. Yesterday I spent over eight hours cleaning grime and dust in the kitchen. The cabinet tops were greasy grimy, ick! But I got them clean; also got the custom cabinets all cleaned out. I had not done anything with them in the past. So, the kitchen is ready to move into.

Today I mopped the kitchen floor, hung a “curtain” in the doorway, then did the vacuuming of the newly plastered rooms. Those rooms are now ready to be primed. Next I washed all of Peggy’s kitchen stuff that I had brought over. It had been packed away for 2.5 years and needed a good cleaning.

After five hours I called it quits. Peggy and kids were there later and she put all the kitchen stuff away; I had left it on the counters thinking I should not put it away in the “wrong” place.

With the work at Chinook, I have wanted to get over there early when I have the most energy. I was hard at it by 7:30 both days. This has seriously hindered my workouts. I’ve done my pilates and weight lifting but that’s been all. I need to change my focus a bit.

Tomorrow I intend to walk or bike in the morning before going to Chinook. That’s the only way I know I’ll do something for the day. Actually I need to get groceries and an oil change so I may not make it over there until late, if at all.

running again?!?

Published
by
wiz
on June 22, 2009
in just me
. 2 Comments

Saturday I had a chance to go for a walk amid all the hoo-haw of the weekend. I did my standard four mile out-and-back in the woods.

After making the turnaround and walking the downhill part of the trail, I wanted to run. This is the first desire to run since the marathon. I went with the feeling and loped along the trail. It felt so wonderful!!! I deemed it prudent to walk again after about a mile though I wanted to run farther.

This gives me hope that I will be able to run again. I had given it up as something I did while I was younger. Joy, bliss! I am pleased.

26.2 & camping

Published
by
wiz
on June 6, 2009
in family and just me
. 1 Comment

The two were back to back so I may as well put them in one post; it may be long.

I tried to not put any undue pressure on myself as far as the marathon went. With that in mind….

Friday after arriving in Newport, Jerry and I went for a little walk. We then had a “munchie-lunchie” dinner; all foods I was used to. I did not wish to eat some new cooking before the event.

Saturday I rose at 5:30, my usual time. I had my usual breakfast, did my usual stretches, wrapped my legs, and then headed to the the start area. We walked about a bit then the start at 7:00 arrived. It was chilly and the course passed the start area at mile three so I decided to wear my fleece until I passed it off to Jerry at that time.

As had been the norm, I walked the first two miles. I ran to the three mile mark and gave Jerry my fleece and he had some Chapstick for me, which I had requested. I walked the hill down to the bay front and then ran to the Embarcadero where the sidewalk was concrete. It is far less forgiving than asphalt.

I decided to walk for some time just to make sure my leg was warmed up. At about mile 8 I started running; felt wonderful. However, that lasted about a 1/4 mile. My lower left leg tendons felt like they snapped out of place. Not a pleasant feeling at all. OK, I walk; and I did, the remaining miles.

Jerry “caught up” with me on his bike about mile 10. It was very nice to see him. We chatted for a bit then he moved on as there were plenty of runners/walkers in the area.

The course was an out and back so as I saw mile markers for the return trip and for the outgoing, I did the math and determined the turnaround would be between miles 15 & 16. Gee, I was correct! Some folks were lamenting “where is the turnaround?” I gave them my answer and hoped they were encouraged.

About mile 15 I felt a large blister forming on the bottom of my right foot. Oh well, with that and my bum left leg I could probably stay with an even gait. Mile 20 brought the popping of said blister; I felt it go. Bummer. I still felt fine having been very good about drinking at all aid areas.

Jerry showed up again shortly after the burst blister. I was basically by myself so his riding did not hinder any one. After a bit I did realize talking with him was taxing my strength. I told him I needed to zone out again with LOTR. He went on his way to meet me at the finish.

I actually felt quite fine the entire time and finished at 5:52:01/ 13:26 pace. I was of course pleased to be done and I almost started crying but didn’t; wasn’t sure I would be understood if I did.

The finish area was less than advertised so we went back to the motel. I was able to assess the blister damage. Not pretty! The ball of my foot had blistered, popped, and skin shifted. It was about the size of a silver dollar. After showering, I put on ointment and a band aid. We then went for food….Local Ocean, the best stuff in town.

I did some serious hobbling and felt quite embarrassed. When we got back to the motel, I looked at the blister and it had filled up with fluid. I removed the band aid which had been holding the fluid in. Great relief ensued and that was that! No more problems all week.

Totals: (approx.)
run - 2.0
walk - 24.2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now on to the camping!

Sunday we headed to Silver Falls State Park. We didn’t have a reservation but hoped that it not being a weekend it would not matter. We were correct. We paid for two nights and ended up staying a third. Monday we did some biking, 9 miles, on trails and single track. The waterfalls were quite pretty.

Wednesday, having checked the weather report we decided to go to the coast. Cape Lookout State Park was our destination. We secured a sunny site for two nights and basked in the warmth. Thursday was still sunny, and we felt we had hit a boon with warmth at the beach. In the afternoon we went walking, though we avoided the beach because the wind had picked up. Upon returning to our site, we saw that our staked tent, with sleeping bags & mat & “luggage” bags had rolled to the next site. We were astonished!! The wind gave no indication of letting up so we put everything in the van and moved to a more protected site. The rolling of the tent had badly bent four of the six tent poles. Fortunately Jerry was able to bend them into a usable shape. We pitched our tent in a wooded area of the campground and proceeded to prepare dinner. Hmm…. the rains followed the wind. We did cook but ate under the protection of the van tailgate.

It continued to rain through the night but we had hopes of drier weather as we went north Friday to Nehalem Bay State Park. It misted heavily as we made camp. It did not deter us from feasting on oysters cooked on the fire. During the night the rains returned and when we awoke Saturday, we were wet.

Time to give Mother Nature the nod and head home. We packed up a very wet campsite and drove home to arrive in time to cook a 9:00 breakfast. Then the unpacking and drying out commenced.

After all was unpacked and set to dry, Jerry went to Chinook to hang some more sheet rock. Home again, same projects……

ouch! (10 miles)

Published
by
wiz
on May 23, 2009
in just me
. 0 Comments

As previously mentioned, all remaining training will be walking. Expecting it to be a warm day, I set out early, 6:50 a.m. However, I never warmed up! I was wet from sweat but was never warm. Wish I had had my gloves! And I met a biker on Burma Road so I knew all hopes of seeing elk were gone. That’s OK, he was getting out in the woods early just as I was.

Anyway, after about 2.5 miles I decided to pick up the pace. (I can walk fast when the mood strikes. Once did the Bridge Run with a walking pace of 12:30. Of course I was much younger.) I had not gone more than a dozen yards when my left calf balked, and it was not the spot that had been hurting this week. Whatever. I slowed down, concentrating on keeping my stride even and as comfortable as possible.

Obviously I walked the distance but, crikey!, this is troubling. Today has been full of RICE with some drugs thrown in for good measure. I have 15 training miles left but may skip some so the leg can rest/heal more. I’m not going to lose any fitness by doing that and I may be better for it.

In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight’s opera.
Maestro–the ballet–now!