Follow the lines...

I wasn't going to do any physical activity tonight. But, I finished my book and didn't feel like watching tv so I went to LTF and went swimming. I never really thought about how much I rely on stripes/lines in running and triathlons. One of my favorites is the blue stripe on the bottom of the pool. Which, if you're anything like me and are challenged in the swimming straight department, it helps me know that I am at least going the right way and I can tell how far I have gone. Course, once you get in the lake for the triathlons, they unfortunately don't put lines on the bottom of the lake. You're lucky if you can see the bottom of the lake. In running, I never knew this until finishing my book Ultra Marathon Man (which I highly recommend), but, it's good to run on the fog line on hot days. It apparently keeps you much cooler. I wish I had known that a month ago at Grandma's half :) I was running smack in the middle of the road for most of the race. That must be why I didn't do as well as I wanted - right?! And for biking, I try to "lean to the line". I think I made that saying up but I try to stay to the inside by the fog line to keep my mileage as low as possible. Those lines...you gotta love them.
I haven't said much about the LTF tri last weekend. I have been waiting for the pictures to be posted so I will include one with my blog as well as a little summary once they are published. But, I will say, the volunteers were amazing. My friend Dori volunteered and was in charge of getting people lined up to start the swim - not an easy task. But, she did awesome and it was great to see a recognizable, calming face before my swim. Tomorrow I am hoping to do more running but maybe I'll take that day off...it is the weekend after all.

Why I am A Runner

I can't think of anything I dislike more than running. Funny huh? I know what you're wondering, why do you run then? I have never thought about that question much until a friend asked me the other day at work. When I first started running about six years ago, it was to lose weight. Anyone who runs will tell you that it becomes an addiction. Each race you enter you think will be "your last for the season". But, yet, you sign up for another one when it's done. For me, it's the sense of knowing I can always improve and knowing that I can do better. I am never really satisfied when it comes to running or triathlons. I also run because I like to challenge my body. My mind could go for miles and miles and I like to show my body that my mind is usually right. I like to show my asthma that it can't control or limit what I do. I also love to run to be outside. I think I am one of those weird people that if I could live in the woods and be outdoors all the time, I'd be happy. Tonight I went for a run and thankfully avoided my friend the skunk. I didn't really want to fight him when chances are good, he could probably outrun me and he had a nasty spray for defense. All I had was my iPod. I think he would have won. I suppose I could have thrown it at him but that would have angered him more and then he really would have sprayed me. I'm debating over signing up for another triathlon over Labor Day weekend. I don't have any plans and for the first time in six years, I'll be home. It feels very strange. I am sure I'll enter the race as I'm a certified addict!

Stinkin' Close Call

I decided to go for a bike ride tonight since I hadn't really done anything since the LTF Tri on Saturday and was feeling quite lazy. So, I dug out the road bike and went for a ride on the country roads to get away from other riders and walkers. It was great, not too many cars and a beautiful countryside to look at. About three miles into the ride, I was already hot and tired. It was a lot more hilly then I had thought. As I was biking, I saw a dead skunk in the road and thought, man am I glad I missed that. No sooner was I thinking that and I looked straight in front of me and was about to tango with a baby skunk. Not my idea of a good time seeing as though you never get to lead with a skunk. Thankfully, I swerved to miss the little guy and didn't get sprayed but he was kind enough to spray the area so I knew it was his territory. That was more then enough excitement for me. Next time, I think I'll stick to the trails and take my chances with other bikers and pedestrians. At least I know they don't have a deadly odor. Next blog I'll try to take pictures to attach.