Happy Friday, folks!
I'm sitting here and now realizing that blogging in the morning might not be the best idea. I don't think my brain is completely operational (no jokes please) which is making it difficult to think of anything interesting or witty. So, I'll apologize now for yesterday's post and probably today's as well, it's not starting out so good.
Some highlights from the last week:
1) Had stuffed salmon on the grill last night. It was very good, but hot. Next time I think we'll have it at the table and not on the grill.
2) On Tuesday night we had our mentor training for winter season. We have a great group of mentors, even Misty. Kidding! BTW, birthday shout out to Misty!! Partying hard in Vegas as we speak, or, as I type.
3) The chicken made his appearance at the team run on Wednesday night. Not everyone was happy to see him.
4) Bathed on Monday. I like to get that out of the way at the beginning of the week.
5) Yeah, that's all I've got.
I have no idea what to say about this one.
Found this picture of me from a few years ago.
Everyone have a great weekend. And I'll do my best to avoid morning blogging from now on.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Alarm Went Off
Hey folks! Just wanted to jump on line quickly this morning and let you guys know we're still here, just been busy this week. I'll hopefully be able to post again tonight, because I'm sure you're all on pins and needles anxiously waiting for what I write about next.
Ok, who is absolutely ANNOYED by the asinine Rainbow Food commercials? I'm tempted to email them and say they have lost me as a customer if they continue with them. It's amazing how something like a radio commercial could make my blood boil like it does. And Julie and I seem to have the alarm go off in the morning RIGHT when the commercial is on - what a great way to start the day.
Why do you say "the alarm went off" when it's actually turning on?
Come to find out that we actually swam a mile at our mock tri on Saturday, which is WAY cool. So, with the exception of a mile on the bike and 3 miles on the run we did the same distance we'll be doing on July 14th. Feeling much better, now we're just anxious to get it done.
Short post, have to get ready for work. Everyone have a FAB day!
Ok, who is absolutely ANNOYED by the asinine Rainbow Food commercials? I'm tempted to email them and say they have lost me as a customer if they continue with them. It's amazing how something like a radio commercial could make my blood boil like it does. And Julie and I seem to have the alarm go off in the morning RIGHT when the commercial is on - what a great way to start the day.
Why do you say "the alarm went off" when it's actually turning on?
Come to find out that we actually swam a mile at our mock tri on Saturday, which is WAY cool. So, with the exception of a mile on the bike and 3 miles on the run we did the same distance we'll be doing on July 14th. Feeling much better, now we're just anxious to get it done.
Short post, have to get ready for work. Everyone have a FAB day!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Tri As We Might
Well, Saturday morning was our mock triathlon at Lake Nokomis and it was a mixed bag.
We were nervous about it all of last week, knowing it was looming on the horizon like a storm cloud. (Yeah, I know, not a very positive analogy.) Coach Ingrid informed us to try and get a great night's sleep on Thursday night as that was more important that getting great sleep the night before. You never seem to sleep well the night before an event.
It just so happened with us that Friday was the better night, but the alarm going off at 5:23 AM on Saturday still came too early. We got everything ready and had the car packed the night before so all we needed to do was get dressed, throw the bikes on the rack, and head out.
When we arrived at Lake Nokomis we were among the first group to show, other than the coaches, of course. We picked our spot for our transition area - under a tree so we could stand our bikes up instead of laying them down - and got ourselves ready for the race. We registered with Ingrid, got our race numbers written on our leg and arm, and started to mentally prepare for the day.
We had 75 fellow TNT participants doing the mock tri with us, along with some great alumni who came out to provide support and do water stops. Right around 8 AM we gathered for a team meeting to go over the course, who would be doing what, asked any questions, got a moving mission moment from alum Fred, and did our final prep for the race.
At 8:15 we moved down to the beach, broke off into our separate groups - those doing the sprint distance and those doing the Olympic distance - had a minute of so of meditation, got focused, calmed the nerves down as much as we could, and we were off!
Those of us doing the Olympic distance did 6 laps around the buoys (2 more than we thought we were going to do), which equated to about 3/4 of a mile, followed by a 24-mile bike, and finishing with a 6-mile run. The sprint distance athletes did 4 laps, a 12-mile bike, and a 3-mile run.
We did a mass start for the swim, which was the first time we had done anything like that. It added quite a bit of stress at the beginning as we jockeyed for position, trying to find our spot in the water and get into our stroke. Very quickly we were winded and frazzled, not feeling at all comfortable in the water. It wasn't until we were on our second lap that things started to settle down.
The swim was tough on us with me coming in just under an hour and Julie not far behind me at just over an hour. Neither of us ever really got into a zone, although Julie was feeling much more confident on her last lap. Coming out of the water I decided to do the "dolphin dive" that Coach Mike had shown us at a previous training, and on my second attempt my right calf seized on me and I got a very painful charley horse. After a few seconds of rubbing my calf I was finally able to put some weight on my leg and I hobbled out of the water over to the transition area.
Under advisement of the coaches I drank some electrolytes and had a Gu in hopes that the muscle would loosen up during the ride. Julie and I both did well during the transition and we were on to the bike portion of the race.
Since we didn't have enough support to actually bike the race course we ended up doing 8 laps around Lake Nokomis to get our 24 miles in. Everyone was doing well, my legs (other than my calf) felt good, but Julie's legs were feeling heavy. I finished the bike in about 1:40 and Julie came in around 1:50.
The second transition went even better than the first. I quickly learned that I was not going to be able to run at all, in fact I could hardly walk without limping. I made it over to the water station a little more than half-way around the lake and was greeted by Fred and Diane who had a cold towel and a cup each of water and Gatorade. They also had fresh fruit and pretzels, along with some good tunes on the radio.
I finished the first lap at 59 minutes and, after discussing the situation with Ingrid, decided to stop there. We didn't want to do anything to hurt myself any further only being 3 weeks from the big day. Julie did her lap around the lake in around 45 minutes but was still not feeling well, so Ingrid had her stop as well.
All in all, it didn't go as we hoped, but it was a tremendous help to us in terms of getting us ready for the event, understanding the mental aspect of the race, going through transition, understanding how our bodies will respond going from one discipline to the next.
We're very glad we did it. The support everyone showed for each other was so very typical for TNT. We were all out there together, encouraging each other, supporting each other.
We still plan to swim twice a week so we get more used to the open water, and we'll continue doing BRicks to keep ourselves focused. The next 2+ weeks will be the big push to event day. We have anticipated all along that from here until July 14th we'd become more anxious with each passing day. After having done the mock tri on Saturday we won't be getting as anxious. We know we'll be ready. We know we'll do well. We know we'll finish. And we'll be proud of the work that we and the rest of the team has done for the Society, the money we've raised, and the people we've helped.
Thank you to all that have supported us and encouraged us. Your help is greatly appreciated. If you still would like to donate please do so by clicking on either Julie's or my link on the right side of the page. Thank you again.
Julie & Patrick
We were nervous about it all of last week, knowing it was looming on the horizon like a storm cloud. (Yeah, I know, not a very positive analogy.) Coach Ingrid informed us to try and get a great night's sleep on Thursday night as that was more important that getting great sleep the night before. You never seem to sleep well the night before an event.
It just so happened with us that Friday was the better night, but the alarm going off at 5:23 AM on Saturday still came too early. We got everything ready and had the car packed the night before so all we needed to do was get dressed, throw the bikes on the rack, and head out.
When we arrived at Lake Nokomis we were among the first group to show, other than the coaches, of course. We picked our spot for our transition area - under a tree so we could stand our bikes up instead of laying them down - and got ourselves ready for the race. We registered with Ingrid, got our race numbers written on our leg and arm, and started to mentally prepare for the day.
We had 75 fellow TNT participants doing the mock tri with us, along with some great alumni who came out to provide support and do water stops. Right around 8 AM we gathered for a team meeting to go over the course, who would be doing what, asked any questions, got a moving mission moment from alum Fred, and did our final prep for the race.
At 8:15 we moved down to the beach, broke off into our separate groups - those doing the sprint distance and those doing the Olympic distance - had a minute of so of meditation, got focused, calmed the nerves down as much as we could, and we were off!
Those of us doing the Olympic distance did 6 laps around the buoys (2 more than we thought we were going to do), which equated to about 3/4 of a mile, followed by a 24-mile bike, and finishing with a 6-mile run. The sprint distance athletes did 4 laps, a 12-mile bike, and a 3-mile run.
We did a mass start for the swim, which was the first time we had done anything like that. It added quite a bit of stress at the beginning as we jockeyed for position, trying to find our spot in the water and get into our stroke. Very quickly we were winded and frazzled, not feeling at all comfortable in the water. It wasn't until we were on our second lap that things started to settle down.
The swim was tough on us with me coming in just under an hour and Julie not far behind me at just over an hour. Neither of us ever really got into a zone, although Julie was feeling much more confident on her last lap. Coming out of the water I decided to do the "dolphin dive" that Coach Mike had shown us at a previous training, and on my second attempt my right calf seized on me and I got a very painful charley horse. After a few seconds of rubbing my calf I was finally able to put some weight on my leg and I hobbled out of the water over to the transition area.
Under advisement of the coaches I drank some electrolytes and had a Gu in hopes that the muscle would loosen up during the ride. Julie and I both did well during the transition and we were on to the bike portion of the race.
Since we didn't have enough support to actually bike the race course we ended up doing 8 laps around Lake Nokomis to get our 24 miles in. Everyone was doing well, my legs (other than my calf) felt good, but Julie's legs were feeling heavy. I finished the bike in about 1:40 and Julie came in around 1:50.
The second transition went even better than the first. I quickly learned that I was not going to be able to run at all, in fact I could hardly walk without limping. I made it over to the water station a little more than half-way around the lake and was greeted by Fred and Diane who had a cold towel and a cup each of water and Gatorade. They also had fresh fruit and pretzels, along with some good tunes on the radio.
I finished the first lap at 59 minutes and, after discussing the situation with Ingrid, decided to stop there. We didn't want to do anything to hurt myself any further only being 3 weeks from the big day. Julie did her lap around the lake in around 45 minutes but was still not feeling well, so Ingrid had her stop as well.
All in all, it didn't go as we hoped, but it was a tremendous help to us in terms of getting us ready for the event, understanding the mental aspect of the race, going through transition, understanding how our bodies will respond going from one discipline to the next.
We're very glad we did it. The support everyone showed for each other was so very typical for TNT. We were all out there together, encouraging each other, supporting each other.
We still plan to swim twice a week so we get more used to the open water, and we'll continue doing BRicks to keep ourselves focused. The next 2+ weeks will be the big push to event day. We have anticipated all along that from here until July 14th we'd become more anxious with each passing day. After having done the mock tri on Saturday we won't be getting as anxious. We know we'll be ready. We know we'll do well. We know we'll finish. And we'll be proud of the work that we and the rest of the team has done for the Society, the money we've raised, and the people we've helped.
Thank you to all that have supported us and encouraged us. Your help is greatly appreciated. If you still would like to donate please do so by clicking on either Julie's or my link on the right side of the page. Thank you again.
Julie & Patrick
Thursday, June 21, 2007
I Have Run Through The Fields
For lack of anything better to write about I'll post some random musings, stories, links, music, and whatever else happens to catch my eye.
As of 1995, every president of the twentieth century had been portrayed on-screen - except one. Warren G. Harding, who succeeded Woodrow Wilson and preceded Calvin Coolidge, spent two undistinguished years in office between 1921 and his death in 1923. Nothing he did was of sufficient moment to warrant his depiction in a theatrical movie.
In honor of the first day of summer here is a list of songs with "summer" in the title. Feel free to make your own mix tape...
"Boys of Summer" - Don Henley
"Cruel Summer" - Bananarama
"Endless Summer Nights" - Richard Marx
"Hot Fun In The Summertime" - Sly & The Family Stone
"In The Summertime" - Mungo Jerry
"Sausalito Summer Night" - Diesel
"Suddenly Last Summer" - Motels
"Summer" - War
"Summer Breeze" - Seals & Crofts
"Summer In The City" - Lovin' Spoonful
"Summer Nights" - Van Halen
"Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams
"Summertime" - Booker T. & The M.G.'s, D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
"Summertime Blues" - Blue Cheer, The Who
"Things We Did Last Summer" - The Beach Boys
This Saturday Julie and I will be participating in a mock tri at Lake Nokomis with a majority of the Life Time team. We'll be doing about a 1/2 mile swim, a 21-mile bike, and a 6-mile run. This will be a good test to see where we are at this point. Saturday will be three weeks before the bid day, and the nerves are starting to get a little mixed up. My shin splints have reared their ugly head again (I shouldn't have stopped going to see the Doc) so I have an appointment for Friday morning to start getting treatment again. Hopefully he can work some miracles over the next 3 weeks.
Here is a picture of Julie on our wedding day...
You ever see yourself on video and think "Man, you are such a dork!"?
Julie took this great shot of me.
Notice how when most people say, or especially sing, certain words or phrases they tend to get lazy in their pronunciations? For example, if you look at (or listen to) U2's song "With or Without You" the pronounce it as "With or withou-choo" instead of "With or withouT you". Or the Romantic's "What I Like About You" is usually sang as "What I like abou-choo". Annoying, but I find myself doing it as well. Let's all make a conscious effort to not do that anymore. Dealio?
Sweet.
As of 1995, every president of the twentieth century had been portrayed on-screen - except one. Warren G. Harding, who succeeded Woodrow Wilson and preceded Calvin Coolidge, spent two undistinguished years in office between 1921 and his death in 1923. Nothing he did was of sufficient moment to warrant his depiction in a theatrical movie.
In honor of the first day of summer here is a list of songs with "summer" in the title. Feel free to make your own mix tape...
"Boys of Summer" - Don Henley
"Cruel Summer" - Bananarama
"Endless Summer Nights" - Richard Marx
"Hot Fun In The Summertime" - Sly & The Family Stone
"In The Summertime" - Mungo Jerry
"Sausalito Summer Night" - Diesel
"Suddenly Last Summer" - Motels
"Summer" - War
"Summer Breeze" - Seals & Crofts
"Summer In The City" - Lovin' Spoonful
"Summer Nights" - Van Halen
"Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams
"Summertime" - Booker T. & The M.G.'s, D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
"Summertime Blues" - Blue Cheer, The Who
"Things We Did Last Summer" - The Beach Boys
This Saturday Julie and I will be participating in a mock tri at Lake Nokomis with a majority of the Life Time team. We'll be doing about a 1/2 mile swim, a 21-mile bike, and a 6-mile run. This will be a good test to see where we are at this point. Saturday will be three weeks before the bid day, and the nerves are starting to get a little mixed up. My shin splints have reared their ugly head again (I shouldn't have stopped going to see the Doc) so I have an appointment for Friday morning to start getting treatment again. Hopefully he can work some miracles over the next 3 weeks.
Here is a picture of Julie on our wedding day...
You ever see yourself on video and think "Man, you are such a dork!"?
Julie took this great shot of me.
Notice how when most people say, or especially sing, certain words or phrases they tend to get lazy in their pronunciations? For example, if you look at (or listen to) U2's song "With or Without You" the pronounce it as "With or withou-choo" instead of "With or withouT you". Or the Romantic's "What I Like About You" is usually sang as "What I like abou-choo". Annoying, but I find myself doing it as well. Let's all make a conscious effort to not do that anymore. Dealio?
Sweet.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Fade To Black
It was unseasonably warm that day in the late spring of 1982, as we gathered in a small church in Monroe, Michigan. It was the wedding of my oldest brother Mike to his beautiful fiance Marilyn. OK, maybe it wasn't unseasonably warm; heck, I was only 13 at the time and my memory fails, but I'm sticking with the heat deal. It was hot.
Before I go any further, I'm going to take a moment to tell you about a little interesting fact within the Gibson family. With the exception of Julie and I, everyone in my family married someone with the same first initial. For example, my dad and mom are Bill and Bernice, and the rest of the family follows as Mike (Marilyn), Tim (Terri), Dan (Denean), Kathy (Keith), and, well, then there is Julie and me. However, I say it still works for Julie and I since I would go by the name PJ as a kid, which would make the whole Pat & Julie deal work. But I digress...
So, at the tender, innocent age of 13 (yes, I was innocent at one time) I was called upon to be in the wedding. While I had already been in Tim & Terri's wedding two years earlier it was still a nerve-racking event. I knew I was going to have to dance with my bridesmaid, which was not one of my strong suits (and still isn't), and I was also sure I would forget where I needed to be during the ceremony. So, needless to say, I my heart was I'm sure racing throughout the hours leading up to the service.
All was going well and we were standing at the front of the church, my brother Dan was on one side of me, I can't remember who was on the other side. Now, keep in mind it was HOT that day, like 120 degrees or something like that with 200% humidity, and my monkey suit was not made of a wicking material. I don't think I had eaten for a week or had anything to drink since I was 12, and the collar of my shirt was about two inches too small. Ok, I think that's all my excuses. Oh, and I had just done an Ironman the day before. Yeah, that's the ticket.
So, as I was saying, everything was moving along all hunky-dory when I noticed that someone was slowly turning down the lights in the church. I thought that was rather odd, but maybe they were setting the mood. Weddings are darn romantic, you know - a fact not foreign to 13-year old boys. Anyway, the lights continued to go down until it became completely dark in the church. I couldn't see a thing!
While this was going on, I apparently developed a bit of a sway as I stood there, bobbing around like a buoy in the midst of the perfect storm. Did I mention it was hot that day? Like 130 degrees and 500% humidity.
The sway I didn't notice but the fact that the church was completely black was not lost on me. I turn what I think was in the direction of my brother Dan and promptly tell him, "Dan, I can't see! Dan, I can't SEE!" This would be a good time to panic, which I'm sure I did in good measure. It seemed obvious to me that no one else was having this same blindness issue, but then again, how would I know! I couldn't see anybody!
At this point, I believe Dan leans over to me and asks what I had said. Even in this immense state of distress I was using my indoor voice, which is remarkable considering I WAS BLIND! I don't recall answering him. The next thing that I have some slight recollection about was being outside the church, where the world slowly came into focus. It was at this point that my sister-in-law Terri mentioned that she saw me swaying, and, realizing we weren't in a Baptist church and that I wasn't part of a gospel choir, she assumed something wasn't right. Quick thinking on her part.
I guess she got to me at just the right time, as my legs were about to turn into Jell-O, and just prior to doing my best Gumby impersonation. I was apparently on the verge of fainting, at which point my mother yells out from her pew "Are you pregnant?!" Actually, that last part I made up, my mom didn't really ask me that then. That came later.
I remember sitting outside the church, trying to calm myself down, only to be stressing about how I was sure I had ruined their wedding. As it turns out, they had no idea all this was going on as I was behind them. Not sure when they found out, but they were quite supportive. Good people, I tell you, good people.
If you've never fainted, and I guess the jury is still out on whether or not I actually did (do you need to hit the ground like a bag of wet cement for it to count?), it's an interesting experience. It's right up there with getting the wind knocked out of you, also a feeling that you are in control of absolutely nothing.
So, as I reminisce about that HOT, HOT, HOT day in the spring of 1982, I send out a sincere Happy 25th Anniversary to Mike and Marilyn. Oh, and be careful of the heat, it can sneak up on you, especially if you've just done an Ironman, and haven't eaten in 9 months, and are wearing shirts made for people half your size....
Before I go any further, I'm going to take a moment to tell you about a little interesting fact within the Gibson family. With the exception of Julie and I, everyone in my family married someone with the same first initial. For example, my dad and mom are Bill and Bernice, and the rest of the family follows as Mike (Marilyn), Tim (Terri), Dan (Denean), Kathy (Keith), and, well, then there is Julie and me. However, I say it still works for Julie and I since I would go by the name PJ as a kid, which would make the whole Pat & Julie deal work. But I digress...
So, at the tender, innocent age of 13 (yes, I was innocent at one time) I was called upon to be in the wedding. While I had already been in Tim & Terri's wedding two years earlier it was still a nerve-racking event. I knew I was going to have to dance with my bridesmaid, which was not one of my strong suits (and still isn't), and I was also sure I would forget where I needed to be during the ceremony. So, needless to say, I my heart was I'm sure racing throughout the hours leading up to the service.
All was going well and we were standing at the front of the church, my brother Dan was on one side of me, I can't remember who was on the other side. Now, keep in mind it was HOT that day, like 120 degrees or something like that with 200% humidity, and my monkey suit was not made of a wicking material. I don't think I had eaten for a week or had anything to drink since I was 12, and the collar of my shirt was about two inches too small. Ok, I think that's all my excuses. Oh, and I had just done an Ironman the day before. Yeah, that's the ticket.
So, as I was saying, everything was moving along all hunky-dory when I noticed that someone was slowly turning down the lights in the church. I thought that was rather odd, but maybe they were setting the mood. Weddings are darn romantic, you know - a fact not foreign to 13-year old boys. Anyway, the lights continued to go down until it became completely dark in the church. I couldn't see a thing!
While this was going on, I apparently developed a bit of a sway as I stood there, bobbing around like a buoy in the midst of the perfect storm. Did I mention it was hot that day? Like 130 degrees and 500% humidity.
The sway I didn't notice but the fact that the church was completely black was not lost on me. I turn what I think was in the direction of my brother Dan and promptly tell him, "Dan, I can't see! Dan, I can't SEE!" This would be a good time to panic, which I'm sure I did in good measure. It seemed obvious to me that no one else was having this same blindness issue, but then again, how would I know! I couldn't see anybody!
At this point, I believe Dan leans over to me and asks what I had said. Even in this immense state of distress I was using my indoor voice, which is remarkable considering I WAS BLIND! I don't recall answering him. The next thing that I have some slight recollection about was being outside the church, where the world slowly came into focus. It was at this point that my sister-in-law Terri mentioned that she saw me swaying, and, realizing we weren't in a Baptist church and that I wasn't part of a gospel choir, she assumed something wasn't right. Quick thinking on her part.
I guess she got to me at just the right time, as my legs were about to turn into Jell-O, and just prior to doing my best Gumby impersonation. I was apparently on the verge of fainting, at which point my mother yells out from her pew "Are you pregnant?!" Actually, that last part I made up, my mom didn't really ask me that then. That came later.
I remember sitting outside the church, trying to calm myself down, only to be stressing about how I was sure I had ruined their wedding. As it turns out, they had no idea all this was going on as I was behind them. Not sure when they found out, but they were quite supportive. Good people, I tell you, good people.
If you've never fainted, and I guess the jury is still out on whether or not I actually did (do you need to hit the ground like a bag of wet cement for it to count?), it's an interesting experience. It's right up there with getting the wind knocked out of you, also a feeling that you are in control of absolutely nothing.
So, as I reminisce about that HOT, HOT, HOT day in the spring of 1982, I send out a sincere Happy 25th Anniversary to Mike and Marilyn. Oh, and be careful of the heat, it can sneak up on you, especially if you've just done an Ironman, and haven't eaten in 9 months, and are wearing shirts made for people half your size....
Monday, June 18, 2007
Don't Mock My Tri
It's been a very busy last 4 days. I'll hit on some of the highlights...
On Friday Julie and I worked at the Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale where a friend of ours was running for Woman of the Year. The black tie event was very successful, more than doubling the money raised last year. When all was said and done, the 9 candidates had raised more than $193,000 over the last 10 weeks. Over $26,000 in silent auction items were sold Friday night and probably another $10,000+ in the live auction.
One of the items that was up on the live auction was a seven week old pure bred black lab. It didn't take long after we got there before Julie had him in her arms and was carrying him around. I'm sure if it wasn't for the fact that our association limits us to two dogs he might have come home with us. He looked remarkably like Gracie did when she was that age, which made Julie want him all the more.
Saturday we met Misty at Lake Nokomis and swam a half mile, ran/walked 3 miles, and biked another 6 or so. It was the first time Misty had swam in open water and it was a bit overwhelming but she made it through. We know how she felt - we were the same way last week. My arms felt like lead weights so I was doing a couple different strokes to change it up and work different muscles.
On Sunday Julie and I met the fall marathon runners back at Lake Nokomis at 7 AM and did a water stop for them. We also ran another 2-3 miles.
This morning we got up at 3:45 AM (yes, AM) because KARE 11 was doing their next spot on Team In Training. There was a large group of current TNT participants, coaches, mentors and staff who all met at Lake Calhoun for a live remote. It was a pretty neat experience and great for TNT to get the exposure. Everyone did a great job representing TNT and I'm hoping to get the video posted - I had recorded it on the computer. We'll also include a link to the story when it shows up on the KARE 11 site.
We're now less than 4 weeks until the big day, and we know it will get here fast. I know we'll be ok, we just want to get more swim practice in. The bike/run part doesn't worry us as much. This Saturday Coach Ingrid has organized a mock tri which should give us a general indication on where we're at right now. We'll see how it goes!
On to a different subject, I found this story to be one of the most ridiculous ones I've heard in a LONG time. What have we come to? I mean, seriously. Come on.
Here is another one. You seriously think 9-year old kids wrote this? Don't think so.
The Maui tri team did a GREAT job a couple weekends ago. I hear the ocean was cool to swim in but the bike and run were very tough. Congrats to all, especially to Greg, Tracy and Kim for medaling in each of their respective age groups. Way to go TEAM!!!
Well, it's time for bed. Been up since 3:45 this morning. This boy is tired.
On Friday Julie and I worked at the Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale where a friend of ours was running for Woman of the Year. The black tie event was very successful, more than doubling the money raised last year. When all was said and done, the 9 candidates had raised more than $193,000 over the last 10 weeks. Over $26,000 in silent auction items were sold Friday night and probably another $10,000+ in the live auction.
One of the items that was up on the live auction was a seven week old pure bred black lab. It didn't take long after we got there before Julie had him in her arms and was carrying him around. I'm sure if it wasn't for the fact that our association limits us to two dogs he might have come home with us. He looked remarkably like Gracie did when she was that age, which made Julie want him all the more.
Saturday we met Misty at Lake Nokomis and swam a half mile, ran/walked 3 miles, and biked another 6 or so. It was the first time Misty had swam in open water and it was a bit overwhelming but she made it through. We know how she felt - we were the same way last week. My arms felt like lead weights so I was doing a couple different strokes to change it up and work different muscles.
On Sunday Julie and I met the fall marathon runners back at Lake Nokomis at 7 AM and did a water stop for them. We also ran another 2-3 miles.
This morning we got up at 3:45 AM (yes, AM) because KARE 11 was doing their next spot on Team In Training. There was a large group of current TNT participants, coaches, mentors and staff who all met at Lake Calhoun for a live remote. It was a pretty neat experience and great for TNT to get the exposure. Everyone did a great job representing TNT and I'm hoping to get the video posted - I had recorded it on the computer. We'll also include a link to the story when it shows up on the KARE 11 site.
We're now less than 4 weeks until the big day, and we know it will get here fast. I know we'll be ok, we just want to get more swim practice in. The bike/run part doesn't worry us as much. This Saturday Coach Ingrid has organized a mock tri which should give us a general indication on where we're at right now. We'll see how it goes!
On to a different subject, I found this story to be one of the most ridiculous ones I've heard in a LONG time. What have we come to? I mean, seriously. Come on.
Here is another one. You seriously think 9-year old kids wrote this? Don't think so.
The Maui tri team did a GREAT job a couple weekends ago. I hear the ocean was cool to swim in but the bike and run were very tough. Congrats to all, especially to Greg, Tracy and Kim for medaling in each of their respective age groups. Way to go TEAM!!!
Well, it's time for bed. Been up since 3:45 this morning. This boy is tired.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day
For all the Fathers out there...
"According to my dad, he had a really tough childhood. He had to walk twenty miles to school in five feet of snow, and he was only four feet tall." - Dana Eagle
"I'm a grown woman, but my father still thinks I know nothing about my car. He always asks me, "You changing the oil every 3,000?" "Yes, Dad. I'm also putting sugar in the gas tank. That way my exhaust smells like cotton candy." - Mimi Gonzalez
"You can tell what was the best year of your father's life, because they seem to freeze that clothing style and ride it out. And it's not like they don't continue shopping; they just somehow manage to find new, old clothes. Every father is this fashion time capsule. They should be on a pedestal, with someone next to them going: 'This was 1965.'" - Jerry Seinfeld
"I never know what to get my father for his birthday. I gave him $100 and said, "Buy yourself something that will make your life easier." So he bought a present for my mother." - Rita Rudner
"My dad asked me, 'Stuey, have I been a good father?' I said, 'Dad, you're the best; why do you ask?' He said, 'I wanted to make sure the way you turned out is your fault.'" - Stu Trivax
"My dad is not real bright. But I love the guy. We go into this trophy shop because my basketball team won second place. We were in this shop, and there are trophies everywhere. My dad looks around and goes, 'This guy is really good.'" - Fred Wolf
"If you ever want to torture my dad, tie him up and right in front of him, refold a road map incorrectly." - Cathy Ladman
Everyone have a great week!
"According to my dad, he had a really tough childhood. He had to walk twenty miles to school in five feet of snow, and he was only four feet tall." - Dana Eagle
"I'm a grown woman, but my father still thinks I know nothing about my car. He always asks me, "You changing the oil every 3,000?" "Yes, Dad. I'm also putting sugar in the gas tank. That way my exhaust smells like cotton candy." - Mimi Gonzalez
"You can tell what was the best year of your father's life, because they seem to freeze that clothing style and ride it out. And it's not like they don't continue shopping; they just somehow manage to find new, old clothes. Every father is this fashion time capsule. They should be on a pedestal, with someone next to them going: 'This was 1965.'" - Jerry Seinfeld
"I never know what to get my father for his birthday. I gave him $100 and said, "Buy yourself something that will make your life easier." So he bought a present for my mother." - Rita Rudner
"My dad asked me, 'Stuey, have I been a good father?' I said, 'Dad, you're the best; why do you ask?' He said, 'I wanted to make sure the way you turned out is your fault.'" - Stu Trivax
"My dad is not real bright. But I love the guy. We go into this trophy shop because my basketball team won second place. We were in this shop, and there are trophies everywhere. My dad looks around and goes, 'This guy is really good.'" - Fred Wolf
"If you ever want to torture my dad, tie him up and right in front of him, refold a road map incorrectly." - Cathy Ladman
Everyone have a great week!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
From Belchford to Goonbell
In the early 1960s, columnist Leonard Lyons complained to President John F. Kennedy that JFK's signature was only worth $65 to collectors - compared to $175 for George Washington and $75 for Franklin Roosevelt. Kennedy responded:
Dear Leonard: In order not to depress the market any further, I will not sign this letter.
*********************************
At dinner, Winston Churchill asked his American hostess, "May I have a breast?" She replied: "In this country, it is customary to ask for white or dark meat." The next day, as an apology, Churchill sent her an orchid, with a card that said:
Madam: I would be most obliged if you would pin this on your white meat. - Winston Churchill
*********************************
Jack London's publisher sent him the following letter when the famous novelist missed a publishing deadline:
My dear Jack London: If I do not receive those stories from you by noon tomorrow, I'm going to put on my heaviest soled shoes, come down to your room, and kick you downstairs. I always keep my promises. - Editor
London wrote back:
Dear Sir: I, too, would always keep my promises if I could fulfill them with my feet. - Jack London
*********************************
Some names of places in Britain: Crackpot, Dorking, Fattahead, Goonbell, Dull, Muck, Mold, Moss of Barmuckity, Belchford, Burpham, Lickey End, Spital in the Street, Bug's Bottom, Horsey, Bunny, Corney, Pig Street, Dog Village, Donkey Town, Toad's Mouth, Maggots End, Crazies Hill, Bat and Ball, Pity Me, No Place, Limpley Stoke, Butcombe, and Great Bulging.
*********************************
The movement you need is on your shoulder.
Dear Leonard: In order not to depress the market any further, I will not sign this letter.
*********************************
At dinner, Winston Churchill asked his American hostess, "May I have a breast?" She replied: "In this country, it is customary to ask for white or dark meat." The next day, as an apology, Churchill sent her an orchid, with a card that said:
Madam: I would be most obliged if you would pin this on your white meat. - Winston Churchill
*********************************
Jack London's publisher sent him the following letter when the famous novelist missed a publishing deadline:
My dear Jack London: If I do not receive those stories from you by noon tomorrow, I'm going to put on my heaviest soled shoes, come down to your room, and kick you downstairs. I always keep my promises. - Editor
London wrote back:
Dear Sir: I, too, would always keep my promises if I could fulfill them with my feet. - Jack London
*********************************
Some names of places in Britain: Crackpot, Dorking, Fattahead, Goonbell, Dull, Muck, Mold, Moss of Barmuckity, Belchford, Burpham, Lickey End, Spital in the Street, Bug's Bottom, Horsey, Bunny, Corney, Pig Street, Dog Village, Donkey Town, Toad's Mouth, Maggots End, Crazies Hill, Bat and Ball, Pity Me, No Place, Limpley Stoke, Butcombe, and Great Bulging.
*********************************
The movement you need is on your shoulder.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Circumnavigating a Keen Stripey Top
Going through a little bit of a heat wave here in the Twin Cities, with I believe 5 straight days above 90 degrees. This is all good - it will warm up the lake water a little more...
Undefined product shipping from plants in North America dropped to 0.5% in May, down from 1.5% in April. Percentages were up slightly in Europe and Asia. Just thought you'd like to know.
Not much new to report today. I'll just post a few interesting stories for your enjoyment. You can thank me later.
Story #1 - "Drink" driving?
Story #2 - Fun words in this one include bungling, circumnavigating, keen, and stripey top.
Story #3 - "You're buying Prada on my dime. Go get your teeth fixed."
Do you feel like we do?
Undefined product shipping from plants in North America dropped to 0.5% in May, down from 1.5% in April. Percentages were up slightly in Europe and Asia. Just thought you'd like to know.
Not much new to report today. I'll just post a few interesting stories for your enjoyment. You can thank me later.
Story #1 - "Drink" driving?
Story #2 - Fun words in this one include bungling, circumnavigating, keen, and stripey top.
Story #3 - "You're buying Prada on my dime. Go get your teeth fixed."
Do you feel like we do?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The SPF Rating on Coke
Was reading this column over lunch and had to link to it. Another great column from her on this issue is here. The immigration issue is truly frustrating and the politicians just don't seem to be listening to the people. Don't know about you but it makes my blood boil sometimes...
Julie and I were at Life Time the other day hanging out, catching a few rays, enjoying the pool. I happen to look over at a man, probably in his mid-40's, taking his Diet Coke, pouring it into his hands, and then rubbing it all over his skin as if it's sunblock. Now, I've heard that Coke is one of those things that can do more than satisfy your thirst, doing things like loosening rusty bolts or cleaning a toilet, but this is a new one. I haven't had the chance to research this one, so if anyone knows of the SPF levels of Diet Coke please let me know.
We went to our first open water swim training last night. The water was actually just about perfect, perhaps just a little warmer would be best. It was the first time Julie had ever swam in open water and the first time I had in many years, so it was a bit overwhelming but we did well. We also practiced entering and exiting the water in the most energy-efficient way possible. Overall we had a good group there.
One thing that takes some getting used to is the open water siting that you have to do in order to make sure you're swimming in the direction you're supposed to be. For some reason they won't paint lane lines on the bottom of the lake so you need to periodically take a glance at where you are. Last night was also the first time I've worn a swim cap - an interesting experience.
Tonight we may go for a ride or do some running or both. Friday night is the LLS Man & Woman of The Year Grand Finale, which is always a good time. We'll be in charge of tracking the silent auction and printing invoices for the winning bidders. They always have some great stuff to bid on, plus some really big items in their live auction. It will be a long night, but a fun one.
Well, I guess I should get back to work, lunch time is about up. I better, I better, I bet.
Julie and I were at Life Time the other day hanging out, catching a few rays, enjoying the pool. I happen to look over at a man, probably in his mid-40's, taking his Diet Coke, pouring it into his hands, and then rubbing it all over his skin as if it's sunblock. Now, I've heard that Coke is one of those things that can do more than satisfy your thirst, doing things like loosening rusty bolts or cleaning a toilet, but this is a new one. I haven't had the chance to research this one, so if anyone knows of the SPF levels of Diet Coke please let me know.
We went to our first open water swim training last night. The water was actually just about perfect, perhaps just a little warmer would be best. It was the first time Julie had ever swam in open water and the first time I had in many years, so it was a bit overwhelming but we did well. We also practiced entering and exiting the water in the most energy-efficient way possible. Overall we had a good group there.
One thing that takes some getting used to is the open water siting that you have to do in order to make sure you're swimming in the direction you're supposed to be. For some reason they won't paint lane lines on the bottom of the lake so you need to periodically take a glance at where you are. Last night was also the first time I've worn a swim cap - an interesting experience.
Tonight we may go for a ride or do some running or both. Friday night is the LLS Man & Woman of The Year Grand Finale, which is always a good time. We'll be in charge of tracking the silent auction and printing invoices for the winning bidders. They always have some great stuff to bid on, plus some really big items in their live auction. It will be a long night, but a fun one.
Well, I guess I should get back to work, lunch time is about up. I better, I better, I bet.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Is That You, Scooby?
So I'm on my way back to work over lunch and an old song comes on the radio, one I've heard countless times. You ever have it happen where you've heard a song for years, may even sing along to it, but never really pay attention to the lyrics? Well, this was one of those songs.
I was flipping through the stations when my ears stumbled upon "The Rain, The Park & Other Things" by the Cowsills. It was a hit back in 1967 and went to number 2 on the pop charts (said in my best Casey Kasem voice). You're probably thinking you don't know it but I'd bet you do. Perhaps when you read some of the lyrics it will come back to you.
Anyway, I'm listening to the song and these lyrics seem to catch my ear, for some reason it takes 30 years for me to realize the creepiness of the song. "But I knew / she could make me happy / Flowers in her hair / Flowers everywhere / I love the flower girl / Oh, I don't know just why / she simply caught my eye / I love the flower girl / She seemed so sweet and kind / She crept into my mind." "I knew I had to say hello / She smiled up at me / And she took my hand / And we walked through the park alone."
OK, so is this song about a grown man with yearnings for a flower girl? When I think of a flower girl I picture a child in a wedding, don't you? If that is the intent here that kinda creeps me out. Another explanation might be, and perhaps this is more plausible, is that considering the times when this song came out (1967) it could be she was a girl with flowers in her hair, or perhaps she sold flowers? Who knows. Either way, the song leaves a little too much to the imagination.
Speaking of Casey Kasem, did you know that he was the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo cartoons? Speaking of the Cowsills, they were a family pop group from Newport, Rhode Island. Made up of brothers Bill, Bob, Paul, Barry and John, with younger sister Susan and mother Barbara, they were the inspiration for TV's "The Partridge Family."
Short post. Off to dream land.
I was flipping through the stations when my ears stumbled upon "The Rain, The Park & Other Things" by the Cowsills. It was a hit back in 1967 and went to number 2 on the pop charts (said in my best Casey Kasem voice). You're probably thinking you don't know it but I'd bet you do. Perhaps when you read some of the lyrics it will come back to you.
Anyway, I'm listening to the song and these lyrics seem to catch my ear, for some reason it takes 30 years for me to realize the creepiness of the song. "But I knew / she could make me happy / Flowers in her hair / Flowers everywhere / I love the flower girl / Oh, I don't know just why / she simply caught my eye / I love the flower girl / She seemed so sweet and kind / She crept into my mind." "I knew I had to say hello / She smiled up at me / And she took my hand / And we walked through the park alone."
OK, so is this song about a grown man with yearnings for a flower girl? When I think of a flower girl I picture a child in a wedding, don't you? If that is the intent here that kinda creeps me out. Another explanation might be, and perhaps this is more plausible, is that considering the times when this song came out (1967) it could be she was a girl with flowers in her hair, or perhaps she sold flowers? Who knows. Either way, the song leaves a little too much to the imagination.
Speaking of Casey Kasem, did you know that he was the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo cartoons? Speaking of the Cowsills, they were a family pop group from Newport, Rhode Island. Made up of brothers Bill, Bob, Paul, Barry and John, with younger sister Susan and mother Barbara, they were the inspiration for TV's "The Partridge Family."
Short post. Off to dream land.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
Random stuff from a musical perspective ...
The top 25 artists we have on our home computer by count of songs: 1) Bruce Springsteen 2) The Beatles 3) Pearl Jam 4) R.E.M. 5) U2 6) Ray Charles 7) Madonna 8) Amy Grant 9) Bob Dylan 10) Elton John 11) Fleetwood Mac 12) Neil Young 13) Red Hot Chili Peppers 14) Backstreet Boys 15) John Mellencamp 16) Sinead O'Connor 17) Smashing Pumpkins 18) Bing Crosby 19) The Eagles 20) The Rolling Stones 21) Chris Isaak 22) Nirvana 23) Simon & Garfunkel 24) The Who 25) Led Zeppelin.
A general list of who I've seen in concert: Bruce Springsteen (Multiple times - best concerts ever), R.E.M., U2 (multiple), Amy Grant (multiple), Elton John, Billy Joel (multiple), John Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel, Robert Plant, Bob Seger, Barry Manilow (trying to impress my girlfriend, among other things. Didn't work.), Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, Vertical Horizon, Counting Crows (worst concert ever), B-52's, Bachman-Turner Overdrive (multiple), Foreigner, Prince, Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, CSN, Paul McCartney, ZZ Top, Genesis, Chicago, INXS (with the new lead singer), Hootie & The Blowfish, Wallflowers, Coldplay, Lenny Kravitz, Don Henley, Guns N' Roses (really just Axel with a new band, not that great.), Huey Lewis & The News, Michael Jackson (tribute concert, but he did perform), Scorpions, Pink (at Concert for America in D.C.), Jimmy Buffett (should only be seen outdoors), America, Boston, Indigo Girls, Aerosmith (also in D.C.), Kim Hill, Bette Midler (also in D.C.), Night Ranger, plus others I'm sure I've forgotten.
"I used to be in a band. You may have heard of us, the marching band. I chose the tuba based on this theory: If you're not cool enough to be a cheerleader, make sure you're carrying something big enough to knock one on her ass." - Amy Barnes
"And then our band became a Capella, as we left the pawnshop." - Mitch Hedberg
"Concerts are where they ruin all the songs you enjoyed on the radio." - Jason Love
"I used to want to be a country western singer, but I took a test and I had too much self-esteem." - Brett Butler
"I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means 'put down'." - Bob Newhart
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
"I was listening to rap music this afternoon. Not that I had a choice - it was coming out of a Jeep four miles away." - Nick DiPaulo
One-Hit Wonder
The Artist: David Soul
The Song: "Don't Give Up On Us Baby" (1977, #1)
The Story: David Solberg dropped out of college in the 1960s to become a folk singer. He decided he needed a gimmick to get attention, so he wrote a song called "The Covered Man" - which he sang while wearing a ski mask. The stunt got him on "The Merv Griffin Show" more than 20 times, but he still couldn't sell any records. Solberg (now renamed Soul) did, however, get enough exposure to land a starring role on the TV show "Starsky & Hutch." The program's popularity encouraged him to try music again. He released "Don't Give Up On Us Baby" in 1977. It hit #1 ... but none of his follow-ups made it into the Top 40. He gave up recording about the same time "Starsky & Hutch" went off the air. (From "Uncle John's Legendary Lost Bathroom Reader")
Name that song: "My motto's always been; when it's right, it's right. Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night. When everything's a little clearer in the light of day, and you know the night is always gonna be there anyway." For a great version of this song, click here.
Y'all come back now, ya' hear?
The top 25 artists we have on our home computer by count of songs: 1) Bruce Springsteen 2) The Beatles 3) Pearl Jam 4) R.E.M. 5) U2 6) Ray Charles 7) Madonna 8) Amy Grant 9) Bob Dylan 10) Elton John 11) Fleetwood Mac 12) Neil Young 13) Red Hot Chili Peppers 14) Backstreet Boys 15) John Mellencamp 16) Sinead O'Connor 17) Smashing Pumpkins 18) Bing Crosby 19) The Eagles 20) The Rolling Stones 21) Chris Isaak 22) Nirvana 23) Simon & Garfunkel 24) The Who 25) Led Zeppelin.
A general list of who I've seen in concert: Bruce Springsteen (Multiple times - best concerts ever), R.E.M., U2 (multiple), Amy Grant (multiple), Elton John, Billy Joel (multiple), John Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel, Robert Plant, Bob Seger, Barry Manilow (trying to impress my girlfriend, among other things. Didn't work.), Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow, Vertical Horizon, Counting Crows (worst concert ever), B-52's, Bachman-Turner Overdrive (multiple), Foreigner, Prince, Kenny Rogers, Crystal Gayle, CSN, Paul McCartney, ZZ Top, Genesis, Chicago, INXS (with the new lead singer), Hootie & The Blowfish, Wallflowers, Coldplay, Lenny Kravitz, Don Henley, Guns N' Roses (really just Axel with a new band, not that great.), Huey Lewis & The News, Michael Jackson (tribute concert, but he did perform), Scorpions, Pink (at Concert for America in D.C.), Jimmy Buffett (should only be seen outdoors), America, Boston, Indigo Girls, Aerosmith (also in D.C.), Kim Hill, Bette Midler (also in D.C.), Night Ranger, plus others I'm sure I've forgotten.
"I used to be in a band. You may have heard of us, the marching band. I chose the tuba based on this theory: If you're not cool enough to be a cheerleader, make sure you're carrying something big enough to knock one on her ass." - Amy Barnes
"And then our band became a Capella, as we left the pawnshop." - Mitch Hedberg
"Concerts are where they ruin all the songs you enjoyed on the radio." - Jason Love
"I used to want to be a country western singer, but I took a test and I had too much self-esteem." - Brett Butler
"I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for the people who like country music, denigrate means 'put down'." - Bob Newhart
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Steven Wright
"I was listening to rap music this afternoon. Not that I had a choice - it was coming out of a Jeep four miles away." - Nick DiPaulo
One-Hit Wonder
The Artist: David Soul
The Song: "Don't Give Up On Us Baby" (1977, #1)
The Story: David Solberg dropped out of college in the 1960s to become a folk singer. He decided he needed a gimmick to get attention, so he wrote a song called "The Covered Man" - which he sang while wearing a ski mask. The stunt got him on "The Merv Griffin Show" more than 20 times, but he still couldn't sell any records. Solberg (now renamed Soul) did, however, get enough exposure to land a starring role on the TV show "Starsky & Hutch." The program's popularity encouraged him to try music again. He released "Don't Give Up On Us Baby" in 1977. It hit #1 ... but none of his follow-ups made it into the Top 40. He gave up recording about the same time "Starsky & Hutch" went off the air. (From "Uncle John's Legendary Lost Bathroom Reader")
Name that song: "My motto's always been; when it's right, it's right. Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night. When everything's a little clearer in the light of day, and you know the night is always gonna be there anyway." For a great version of this song, click here.
Y'all come back now, ya' hear?
Man, those springs are HOT!
Have I mentioned that I really miss Drive 105? Where will I ever get my alternative radio fix? I've resorted to listening to internet radio but I still haven't found a "station" that really floats my boat.
What is up with Paris Hilton? Why the huge fascination? I can't believe I was watching the morning news the other day and she was the #2 story! Seriously?! There isn't anything going on the world that bears as much importance as the fate of Ms. Hilton and her living accommodations for the next few weeks? Honestly, what happened to news programs being about news?
While we were in Lake Tahoe we visited a hot springs pool on the recommendation of a woman I work with. We went there on Wednesday, the coldest day of the week, and we had to go through the mountains to get to Carson City, which is where the pools were located. As we traversed to higher elevations the more it snowed - yes, snowed! I had to laugh as Julie is truly not a fan of the white stuff, particularly when we're on vacation. She would have much rather had white sandy beaches than white snowy roads.
We got into Carson City (the capital of Nevada in case you need to brush up on your 4th grade geography) and found Carson Hot Springs Resort. Let's just say the word "resort" is being rather generous, not that the place was bad, just not what you would picture when you think of a resort. They have a public pool and a half dozen or so private pools that you can rent for an additional $5 a person. We decided we'd take the private pool where we could dictate the temperature of the water.
We pull into the parking lot to find 1950's era motel rooms to our left, a Mexican restaurant in front of us, and a building surrounded by a privacy fence to our right. We locate the entrance of the "resort" and enter the lobby, which is really not much more than a counter you might find at a tanning salon. We had made a reservation for our private pool and asked that the temp be at 104 degrees. By the way, the water is pure hot springs water that keeps the pools at a constant 98 degrees.
She tells us our room number and we make our way through a winding hallway and find our door. We enter into what can best be described as what I would imagine a third-world prison cell to be, with a few upgrades such as the cedar door and bench. The room contains a "changing area" (the aforementioned bench) and steps leading down to the pool. The walls are smooth concrete, as are the ceilings (imagine an Army barracks) and the floor and walls of the pool are 1-inch tiles, many of which have fallen off.
There is a small window that is open and is similar to what you would find in a basement, about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The window is open but is about 15 feet above our heads. The only natural light in the room is from this window and from the vent in the ceiling, which is probably 20 feet high. The pool area is about 6 feet wide and 12 feet long with tile "seats" in two of the corners. There are no jets like you would find in a hot tub, just standing water and a hole in the furthest wall that is supplying the water to the pool.
We each make our way to one of the seats and are happy to find the water to be as warm as we ordered - there was a thermometer in the corner. Now, you might be thinking this place sounds terrible, and from what I've written I can see why you'd think that. It wasn't what we had imagined, but it was very relaxing to have your own private hot springs pool to sit in.
After about 45 minutes in our private room (we reserved it for 2 hours) we decided to go outside and try the public pool, which appeared to be slightly smaller than an Olympic-size pool. The public pool is kept at 98 degrees which was perfect as the air temps were in the low 50's. We grabbed some "noodles" and just floated around the pool, watching the storm clouds overhead.
It was all rather surreal - from our vantage point in the pool we could see the mountains to the south and west and could see the rain/snow falling on the higher elevations. The winds were picking up and things appeared to be getting interesting weather-wise all around us, but our little oasis in the pool was rather untouched. It was a very calm and serene place to be, and was a perfect way to relax during our last afternoon in Tahoe.
If you are ever in Tahoe I would recommend visiting the Carson Hot Springs Resort. The cost is $10 per person for an all-day pass to use the public pool, or $15 per person to rent a private room for 2 hours. (If you go with the private room you still have use of the public pool for the entire day, 7 AM to 11 PM.) I would suggest just doing the $10 day pass unless you would like the experience (and privacy) of the private room.
That's the latest on today's installment of "Tahoe Weekly" magazine. I'm sure there will be more posted in the future.
Wow, who are THESE people?
Seriously?
Largest island on a lake on an island with a lake with a ... huh?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
What is up with Paris Hilton? Why the huge fascination? I can't believe I was watching the morning news the other day and she was the #2 story! Seriously?! There isn't anything going on the world that bears as much importance as the fate of Ms. Hilton and her living accommodations for the next few weeks? Honestly, what happened to news programs being about news?
While we were in Lake Tahoe we visited a hot springs pool on the recommendation of a woman I work with. We went there on Wednesday, the coldest day of the week, and we had to go through the mountains to get to Carson City, which is where the pools were located. As we traversed to higher elevations the more it snowed - yes, snowed! I had to laugh as Julie is truly not a fan of the white stuff, particularly when we're on vacation. She would have much rather had white sandy beaches than white snowy roads.
We got into Carson City (the capital of Nevada in case you need to brush up on your 4th grade geography) and found Carson Hot Springs Resort. Let's just say the word "resort" is being rather generous, not that the place was bad, just not what you would picture when you think of a resort. They have a public pool and a half dozen or so private pools that you can rent for an additional $5 a person. We decided we'd take the private pool where we could dictate the temperature of the water.
We pull into the parking lot to find 1950's era motel rooms to our left, a Mexican restaurant in front of us, and a building surrounded by a privacy fence to our right. We locate the entrance of the "resort" and enter the lobby, which is really not much more than a counter you might find at a tanning salon. We had made a reservation for our private pool and asked that the temp be at 104 degrees. By the way, the water is pure hot springs water that keeps the pools at a constant 98 degrees.
She tells us our room number and we make our way through a winding hallway and find our door. We enter into what can best be described as what I would imagine a third-world prison cell to be, with a few upgrades such as the cedar door and bench. The room contains a "changing area" (the aforementioned bench) and steps leading down to the pool. The walls are smooth concrete, as are the ceilings (imagine an Army barracks) and the floor and walls of the pool are 1-inch tiles, many of which have fallen off.
There is a small window that is open and is similar to what you would find in a basement, about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The window is open but is about 15 feet above our heads. The only natural light in the room is from this window and from the vent in the ceiling, which is probably 20 feet high. The pool area is about 6 feet wide and 12 feet long with tile "seats" in two of the corners. There are no jets like you would find in a hot tub, just standing water and a hole in the furthest wall that is supplying the water to the pool.
We each make our way to one of the seats and are happy to find the water to be as warm as we ordered - there was a thermometer in the corner. Now, you might be thinking this place sounds terrible, and from what I've written I can see why you'd think that. It wasn't what we had imagined, but it was very relaxing to have your own private hot springs pool to sit in.
After about 45 minutes in our private room (we reserved it for 2 hours) we decided to go outside and try the public pool, which appeared to be slightly smaller than an Olympic-size pool. The public pool is kept at 98 degrees which was perfect as the air temps were in the low 50's. We grabbed some "noodles" and just floated around the pool, watching the storm clouds overhead.
It was all rather surreal - from our vantage point in the pool we could see the mountains to the south and west and could see the rain/snow falling on the higher elevations. The winds were picking up and things appeared to be getting interesting weather-wise all around us, but our little oasis in the pool was rather untouched. It was a very calm and serene place to be, and was a perfect way to relax during our last afternoon in Tahoe.
If you are ever in Tahoe I would recommend visiting the Carson Hot Springs Resort. The cost is $10 per person for an all-day pass to use the public pool, or $15 per person to rent a private room for 2 hours. (If you go with the private room you still have use of the public pool for the entire day, 7 AM to 11 PM.) I would suggest just doing the $10 day pass unless you would like the experience (and privacy) of the private room.
That's the latest on today's installment of "Tahoe Weekly" magazine. I'm sure there will be more posted in the future.
Wow, who are THESE people?
Seriously?
Largest island on a lake on an island with a lake with a ... huh?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
No Place I'd Rather Be
It's Sunday and it definitely lived up to it's name. What a beautiful day!
Here are some highlights from the trip to Lake Tahoe. If you haven't been there we highly recommend it. It is as beautiful as you've heard. Or, if you haven't heard, it's really beautiful there. You should check it out. There, now you know.
It all started early Friday morning as we all met at the MSP airport around 5 AM. Some of us were crazier and got there about 4:30, I guess just because we don't like to sleep. Everyone was excited and eager to go, anxious to start the "event weekend" that they've heard about since January.
The way out was rather uneventful, with the exception of a belly-flop landing in Salt Lake City where we had a layover on our way to Reno. Nothing major mind you, it just seemed as if we were bouncing like Tigger when we hit the runway. Upon arriving in Reno the team was loaded onto a shuttle for the hour-long ride to South Lake Tahoe while Julie and I (plus a few others) got rental cars. Advice - don't rent from Dollar Rental. Slow as molasses! (Which reminds me of a great joke I'll have to tell you later.)
Friday night we had dinner at Cabo Wabo's, Sammy Hagar's joint. The food was ok but it was balanced wonderfully by the great company and cold beer to make for a fun evening. Saturday we took a boat cruise on Lake Tahoe and learned more about the wonder that it is. We admired the amazingly clear blue water and enjoyed Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed places in North America.
Saturday night was the pasta party, and it lived up to the hype as it always does. We had about 500 cyclists plus guests, mentors, staff and coaches in attendance. (There were 4 pasta parties throughout the day.) We learned that there were 2,000 TNT riders there from across the country, who raised a total of $8.5 million! We shared some laughs, learned about the course, got some advice, cheered each other on, and were reminded about why we were there as the mission speaker told of his daughter's fight with cancer. She was a precocious 6-year old girl, cute as a button, and she stood next to the podium while her dad spoke of her struggles and her ongoing battle with this terrible disease. He was going to be doing the ride the next day as well, and he had been training with his local chapter just like the rest of us. He spoke about how this made him feel like he was doing something to help his daughter fight since he couldn't take her place as much as he'd want to. He recalled heading out the door one Saturday morning for a team ride and his daughter asked him to stay, asking why he had to leave her. He explained that he needed to practice for his bike ride but promised that they would ride it together in 10 years. It was a promise that she is going to hold him to, and one that he made to everyone in the room. If you come to ride in Tahoe in 2017 he promises they will both be there to ride with you. It ended with the girl being held by her father, who was fighting back tears, as she yelled "GO TEAM!", at which point everyone in attendance gave them both a standing ovation. A truly moving evening.
Sunday morning was the ride, and we all met in the hotel lobby at 5 AM for a team picture before riding over to the starting area. Everyone was nervous and excited, and they couldn't wait to get going. Julie had certain places on the course that she needed to be (she was assigned to a moving cheer station with staff from other chapters) so throughout the day we made our way from the beginning of the course to the finish line.
Our first stop was at Inspiration Point overlooking Emerald Bay, a truly picturesque location to be as we watched the sun rise over the lake. This was around mile 13 and after the cyclists had made their first big climb of the day through a series of switchbacks. By this time the morning chill was starting to go away so most of the team ditched jackets and leg and arm warmers. I had on my SPAM hat (pictures to come) so they could spot us on the side of the road. My initial intention was only to wear the hat for this first stop, but due to the vast number of smiles and comments I quickly decided that the hat would remain for the duration of the ride.
After the last TNT rider passed us we picked up and moved to our next spot which was around mile 42. The drive there was a little nerve-racking as we had to be sure to not hit a rider while also avoiding oncoming traffic. These were windy two-lane roads that often had mountains on your left and a drop-off on your right - no shoulder, no guardrail. It was at this point that Julie and I looked at each other and agreed this is a ride we would most likely never do - neither of us are particularly fond of hill riding but we're especially not fond of heights. As the song goes "I have no fear of falling but I hate hitting the ground."
Mile 42 was a great location as it was during the out-and-back to Truckee, so we were seeing the riders as they were on their way to Truckee at 42 and on their way back from Truckee around mile 50. We got to see most of the team at multiple stops throughout the day which was nice. The SPAM hat was still a hit and I would get comments like "So you're the one who keeps sending me those e-mails" or "It's the SPAM-inator" or "the SPAMman". Anything to take their mind off the ride, even for a few seconds, is worth it.
By the way, not only did we see about every type of bike there is but we also saw quite a few people riding UNICYCLES!! They're nuts!! Riding 100 miles is a tough ride, plus the big climbs of Tahoe, but to do it on a unicycle when you can't coast down the hills to get some rest is amazing. They are pedaling against gravity for the entire ride with nothing more than a small brake underneath their seat. I also learned that 3 of the top unicyclists in the country are from Minnesota. Who knew?!
Anywho, back to the ride. After leaving stop #2 we moved to the lunch stop around mile 70. It was there that we caught up with a few riders from the team who were getting ready to head back out and finish the last 30 miles, knowing the biggest climb of the day was still ahead of them. They were sore, tired, and mentally fatigued. They had dealt with bike issues earlier in the ride (flat tires, broken spokes, etc) and they needed to be pumped up for the final push. They were told how proud everyone was of them and how they had worked hard for this day. All they had left was a "Wednesday ride" - or the equivalent of what they would ride during training. Leslie, our chiropractic angel (and absolute sweetheart) and teammate helped get the troops ready for the last 30 miles. She cracked backs and necks and worked over sore muscles. Did I say she was an angel? Oh, she was and still is.
The group headed out and began the long ascent up to Spooner Junction, a roughly 800 foot climb from where they were now. The determination and perseverance they showed (and all the riders showed) was enough to make any person's heart swell with pride. Spooner Junction was the last rest stop and the summit of the ride. When you're here you know you're going to finish, even though you're still 12 miles from the finish line. It's all down hill from here (well, there are three smaller climbs, but who's counting) and if you've never had that feeling before - the feeling that you KNOW you're going to finish - it's hard to explain. The emotional flood you experience is overwhelming. All the pain and frustration, the joy and laughter, the energy expelled throughout the ride all comes crashing on you at once, and the sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself is all you can handle. You are now an endurance athlete.
The last spot that Julie and I were at was around mile 93, at the bottom of the long descent from Spooner Junction. It was great to see the smiles on all the riders and they flew past us at speeds between 20 and 35 miles per hour. From there we moved to the finish line and cheered until the last TNT participant crossed that finish line, roughly 13 hours after the start. The last participants were from Long Island and Greater LA, but they were all part of the TNT family. You don't leave until you know everyone is back and safe and given the resounding cheers and congratulations they deserve. For every event we've gone to we've been there when the last one crosses the line, whether it's a century ride or a marathon, and the emotions they feel are real and overpowering. We know those feelings. We were the last one's to cross the finish line when we did our first marathon in 2002. We know how if feels to be the last one in, and we make sure they feel like they were the first one in. That's the family of TNT.
After heading back to the room for a quick shower we went to the Victory Party, where we met up with the proud finishers from Minnesota and South Dakota (Yeah Valerie!) , ate some great food, had a few cold beers, and danced and celebrated with our heroes. This is what it's all about. Being together to share in the joy of our accomplishments and remember why we do this. It's for people like our honored teammate Lucy, probably the cutest and bravest 5-year old you'll ever meet, and for the little girl from the pasta party. Both of them, along with all the other patient heroes, are why we do what we do. And at that point you realize there is no place you'd rather be.
Here are some highlights from the trip to Lake Tahoe. If you haven't been there we highly recommend it. It is as beautiful as you've heard. Or, if you haven't heard, it's really beautiful there. You should check it out. There, now you know.
It all started early Friday morning as we all met at the MSP airport around 5 AM. Some of us were crazier and got there about 4:30, I guess just because we don't like to sleep. Everyone was excited and eager to go, anxious to start the "event weekend" that they've heard about since January.
The way out was rather uneventful, with the exception of a belly-flop landing in Salt Lake City where we had a layover on our way to Reno. Nothing major mind you, it just seemed as if we were bouncing like Tigger when we hit the runway. Upon arriving in Reno the team was loaded onto a shuttle for the hour-long ride to South Lake Tahoe while Julie and I (plus a few others) got rental cars. Advice - don't rent from Dollar Rental. Slow as molasses! (Which reminds me of a great joke I'll have to tell you later.)
Friday night we had dinner at Cabo Wabo's, Sammy Hagar's joint. The food was ok but it was balanced wonderfully by the great company and cold beer to make for a fun evening. Saturday we took a boat cruise on Lake Tahoe and learned more about the wonder that it is. We admired the amazingly clear blue water and enjoyed Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed places in North America.
Saturday night was the pasta party, and it lived up to the hype as it always does. We had about 500 cyclists plus guests, mentors, staff and coaches in attendance. (There were 4 pasta parties throughout the day.) We learned that there were 2,000 TNT riders there from across the country, who raised a total of $8.5 million! We shared some laughs, learned about the course, got some advice, cheered each other on, and were reminded about why we were there as the mission speaker told of his daughter's fight with cancer. She was a precocious 6-year old girl, cute as a button, and she stood next to the podium while her dad spoke of her struggles and her ongoing battle with this terrible disease. He was going to be doing the ride the next day as well, and he had been training with his local chapter just like the rest of us. He spoke about how this made him feel like he was doing something to help his daughter fight since he couldn't take her place as much as he'd want to. He recalled heading out the door one Saturday morning for a team ride and his daughter asked him to stay, asking why he had to leave her. He explained that he needed to practice for his bike ride but promised that they would ride it together in 10 years. It was a promise that she is going to hold him to, and one that he made to everyone in the room. If you come to ride in Tahoe in 2017 he promises they will both be there to ride with you. It ended with the girl being held by her father, who was fighting back tears, as she yelled "GO TEAM!", at which point everyone in attendance gave them both a standing ovation. A truly moving evening.
Sunday morning was the ride, and we all met in the hotel lobby at 5 AM for a team picture before riding over to the starting area. Everyone was nervous and excited, and they couldn't wait to get going. Julie had certain places on the course that she needed to be (she was assigned to a moving cheer station with staff from other chapters) so throughout the day we made our way from the beginning of the course to the finish line.
Our first stop was at Inspiration Point overlooking Emerald Bay, a truly picturesque location to be as we watched the sun rise over the lake. This was around mile 13 and after the cyclists had made their first big climb of the day through a series of switchbacks. By this time the morning chill was starting to go away so most of the team ditched jackets and leg and arm warmers. I had on my SPAM hat (pictures to come) so they could spot us on the side of the road. My initial intention was only to wear the hat for this first stop, but due to the vast number of smiles and comments I quickly decided that the hat would remain for the duration of the ride.
After the last TNT rider passed us we picked up and moved to our next spot which was around mile 42. The drive there was a little nerve-racking as we had to be sure to not hit a rider while also avoiding oncoming traffic. These were windy two-lane roads that often had mountains on your left and a drop-off on your right - no shoulder, no guardrail. It was at this point that Julie and I looked at each other and agreed this is a ride we would most likely never do - neither of us are particularly fond of hill riding but we're especially not fond of heights. As the song goes "I have no fear of falling but I hate hitting the ground."
Mile 42 was a great location as it was during the out-and-back to Truckee, so we were seeing the riders as they were on their way to Truckee at 42 and on their way back from Truckee around mile 50. We got to see most of the team at multiple stops throughout the day which was nice. The SPAM hat was still a hit and I would get comments like "So you're the one who keeps sending me those e-mails" or "It's the SPAM-inator" or "the SPAMman". Anything to take their mind off the ride, even for a few seconds, is worth it.
By the way, not only did we see about every type of bike there is but we also saw quite a few people riding UNICYCLES!! They're nuts!! Riding 100 miles is a tough ride, plus the big climbs of Tahoe, but to do it on a unicycle when you can't coast down the hills to get some rest is amazing. They are pedaling against gravity for the entire ride with nothing more than a small brake underneath their seat. I also learned that 3 of the top unicyclists in the country are from Minnesota. Who knew?!
Anywho, back to the ride. After leaving stop #2 we moved to the lunch stop around mile 70. It was there that we caught up with a few riders from the team who were getting ready to head back out and finish the last 30 miles, knowing the biggest climb of the day was still ahead of them. They were sore, tired, and mentally fatigued. They had dealt with bike issues earlier in the ride (flat tires, broken spokes, etc) and they needed to be pumped up for the final push. They were told how proud everyone was of them and how they had worked hard for this day. All they had left was a "Wednesday ride" - or the equivalent of what they would ride during training. Leslie, our chiropractic angel (and absolute sweetheart) and teammate helped get the troops ready for the last 30 miles. She cracked backs and necks and worked over sore muscles. Did I say she was an angel? Oh, she was and still is.
The group headed out and began the long ascent up to Spooner Junction, a roughly 800 foot climb from where they were now. The determination and perseverance they showed (and all the riders showed) was enough to make any person's heart swell with pride. Spooner Junction was the last rest stop and the summit of the ride. When you're here you know you're going to finish, even though you're still 12 miles from the finish line. It's all down hill from here (well, there are three smaller climbs, but who's counting) and if you've never had that feeling before - the feeling that you KNOW you're going to finish - it's hard to explain. The emotional flood you experience is overwhelming. All the pain and frustration, the joy and laughter, the energy expelled throughout the ride all comes crashing on you at once, and the sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself is all you can handle. You are now an endurance athlete.
The last spot that Julie and I were at was around mile 93, at the bottom of the long descent from Spooner Junction. It was great to see the smiles on all the riders and they flew past us at speeds between 20 and 35 miles per hour. From there we moved to the finish line and cheered until the last TNT participant crossed that finish line, roughly 13 hours after the start. The last participants were from Long Island and Greater LA, but they were all part of the TNT family. You don't leave until you know everyone is back and safe and given the resounding cheers and congratulations they deserve. For every event we've gone to we've been there when the last one crosses the line, whether it's a century ride or a marathon, and the emotions they feel are real and overpowering. We know those feelings. We were the last one's to cross the finish line when we did our first marathon in 2002. We know how if feels to be the last one in, and we make sure they feel like they were the first one in. That's the family of TNT.
After heading back to the room for a quick shower we went to the Victory Party, where we met up with the proud finishers from Minnesota and South Dakota (Yeah Valerie!) , ate some great food, had a few cold beers, and danced and celebrated with our heroes. This is what it's all about. Being together to share in the joy of our accomplishments and remember why we do this. It's for people like our honored teammate Lucy, probably the cutest and bravest 5-year old you'll ever meet, and for the little girl from the pasta party. Both of them, along with all the other patient heroes, are why we do what we do. And at that point you realize there is no place you'd rather be.
Friday, June 8, 2007
A Giant Among Men
As you know, last weekend (June 3rd to be precise) was America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (AMBBR) in Lake Tahoe. Julie took a team of about 20 cyclists to this incredible event. Our cyclists raised over $109,000 for the Society (way to go TEAM!) and the 2,000 Team In Training cyclists from around the country raised $8.5 million!!
One of the cyclists, Marc, shared his experience in a letter to his family, friends, co-workers, teammates, and loyal supporters upon his return from Tahoe. His letter beautifully captured his feelings and emotions, and with his blessing I have included it below. Here is a man, tall in stature, but in his own words short in other areas of his life before he joined TNT. He's a wonderful person and someone we now are honored to call "friend". Here is his story. Enjoy.
_______________________
One of the cyclists, Marc, shared his experience in a letter to his family, friends, co-workers, teammates, and loyal supporters upon his return from Tahoe. His letter beautifully captured his feelings and emotions, and with his blessing I have included it below. Here is a man, tall in stature, but in his own words short in other areas of his life before he joined TNT. He's a wonderful person and someone we now are honored to call "friend". Here is his story. Enjoy.
_______________________
Words cannot even begin to express the feelings that I have had over the last four days! I just walked back in the house 30 minutes ago! I feel that I owe you all a short note and just a couple of pictures. I will follow up with more info and an updated website shortly!
I have never experienced anything like this. Thank you for helping to change my life! Thank you more importantly for helping to change the lives of the people and families struggling with these diseases!!!
The credit goes to all of you! I did not do anything special, I just asked that you help me raise funds for this exceptional organization. You answered my request with generosity and love! I owed you the 100 miles to pay you back for this investment you made! We made it across the finish line! It hurt! I cried! It was the best that I have ever felt on an individual accomplishment level! I cannot get this silly grin off of my face!
There were 2000 TNT participants at this event, America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. http://www.bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html These people and their generous sponsors like you raised $8.5 Million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You should be very proud of yourselves. We are going to beat these cancers!
A self realization after riding 96 miles and walking 4:
The old Marc would view this as a failure, because the goal was to ride 100 miles. The new Marc figured out that I found a way to get the job done without quitting. From 6500 to 7044 feet, I was not able to maintain enough oxygen levels to ride without my heart rate spiking to 160 beats a minute every 1/10 of a mile. Even by walking an estimated four miles my average heart rate at this altitude was 140 beats a minute. Next time I will be lighter, shooting to lose another 50 pounds by next year. I will be adding a triple to my front gear, meaning that I will have a Granny gear. I did this on a double which means I had to use more leg muscle instead of just spinning and using mechanical advantage.
Three emotional points:
1) Imagine having a man walk up to you in a grocery store and thank you for doing this ride. Saturday, one day before the ride, I was in the local grocery buying my chiropractic angel some flowers for a thank you for fixing my ailing foot (I could barely walk on Friday night). This gentleman explained that his daughter had been afflicted with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), when she was two years old. He told me that he appreciated people like me doing this event to raise money for research. His daughter is now 16 and doing fine! His simple kind words kept driving me on to the finish!
2) Imagine getting to the top of Spooner Junction at an altitude of 7044 feet (there ain't no air up here)! You still have12 miles to go (mainly down hill but still some small climbs left). You emotionally break down because you know at this point you are going to make it. You recover some composure (not that it matters because it's okay to cry). You're surrounded by some your teammates that have been struggling as hard as you have to get here, and they give you hugs and tell you you've made it. But more moving is that a 15 year cancer survivor you have never met comes up and gives you a hug, and tells you that you are a hero for what you have done. The fund raising is for all of us (patients and families) she tells you. The ride is for you to accomplish your dreams! Let me tell you that for the first time in a very long time I know why I am here!
3) It's your 37th birthday. You wake up at 01:15 and give up on trying to go back to sleep and get out of bed at 02:00 because you are filled with self doubt on whether you can complete the challenge you accepted. You open your door to see how cold it is outside, and your door is covered with cards from your family. Notes from your six and nine year old in their own hand writing. Telling you to have a great ride and that they know you can do this. A note from your father telling you that he is proud of you. A note from your mom with a scripture that applies. A note from your wife wishing you a happy birthday and telling you she is never going to let go of your hand, even if she is not there to hold it. A note from your five year old honoree Lucy with a picture of her on her big wheel, and a drawing she made of that same image. You get to the start line and your coach and teammates can feel your anxiety rolling off of you. You get to mile 50 and you think your spent. You pull 13 miles an hour up an eight mile incline and have teams drafting behind you. When they pass at the top they tell you to fall in line and let them do the work, because they will pull you now since you helped them out and you hear "Thanks Minnesota". You get to mile 72 and you get lunch and you know that the long climbs are ahead of you with the highest elevations the true test. Your coach and other teammates encourage you while you think yourself weak for having to walk some. You realize you're not weak, because you have not quit - you are still making progress up the damn mountain. You get to the top and issue number 2 happens. You are revitalized because the Orange County CA TNT team finds out it is your birthday and sings happy birthday to you at 7044 feet. You get to relax for the next six miles because gravity is doing the work down to 6342 feet at about 30 miles an hour. You struggle to climb the three little issues in your way to success. You get to the finish line and your stronger teammates that finished before you ( in some cases hours) and they are all there to cheer you to the finish. They wrap you in a warm embrace and tell you how proud they are of you. They sing happy birthday to you in front of thousands of people and for the first time in your life you are not embarrassed to be singled out in a crowd.
My TEAM is an incredible group of people. I am truly privileged to call them all friends!
I have never cried so much in one day. I have never struggled so hard in one day. I have never felt so accomplished.
Thanks for your support, and so much for a short note. I will write more in the near future!
With Love and Appreciation,
Marc Allan McElyea
"Century Rider"
Ride On!
Dearest Frieda
Man have I been going through blog withdrawal!! Having little access to the internet and even less time available to blog over the last 10 days has been frustrating! Be prepared for many posts over the next few days as I have a lot to blog about.
First, I'll explain the absence. Last Wednesday morning, May 30th, we received a phone call from my mother around 7 AM central time informing Julie and I that my Aunt had passed away the night before. Getting the news set in motion a flurry of activity and travel as I headed to Toledo to be with family Wednesday and Thursday. I'll get more into the story of my Aunt below. I flew back into town late Thursday night, and a mere 6+ hours later Julie and I were back at the airport ready to fly out to Tahoe with the cycle team. Last night, we landed back at MSP around 9 PM, an hour late. During this time I had very limited if any access to the internet, and yet so much has happened over the last 10 days.
Regarding my Aunt, her name was Frieda Louise Kalis and she was born on December 16, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan. She was my mother's sister and last remaining sibling, as my Uncle Walter had died of cancer over 30 years ago.
Frieda was a sweet and wonderfully caring woman who never married. As my mom recalls, Frieda dropped out of high school so she could work to support the family when my grandfather had passed away at an all-to-young age. She worked various jobs over the years and was one of the most giving people you would ever meet, not a mean bone anywhere in her body.
Unfortunately, Aunt Frieda battled mental illness for nearly her entire adult life. She had many more struggles than she deserved but it never diminished her spirit or her faith. There was always a smile, a kind word, or a good belly laugh. One of the things that she struggled with over the last 10 years was remembering details about Julie and me, that we were married, whether or not we had kids, and in what state we lived. I joked with my mom that now that she's in heaven she'll realize that we live in Minnesota, not California, and that we have two dogs, and no children.
Over the last dozen years or so she lived in a Lutheran home just a few short miles from mom's house. The people who worked at the home absolutely loved Frieda. Quite often she would take the clothes she had hanging in her closet, drape them over her walker, and stroll from her room down to the front door of the home where she would wait for her boyfriend to pick her up. The boyfriend's name I seem to remember most is "Jim".
Sometimes "Jim" was from Detroit, sometimes he was a prince in Saudi Arabia. Whoever he was, she was certain he'd be coming that day to pick her up and they would be together. After a short time waiting in the lobby a nurse would come to Frieda and tell her that "Jim" had called and said he'd come get her tomorrow. She'd be fine with that and they'd head back to her room. The next day the process may begin again, or not. She was lovably quirky, a true original.
One thing was always certain with Frieda - she always put a smile on your face when you saw her. She was an incredibly loving woman, compassionate, caring and completely unselfish. She will be missed. God's speed, Frieda.
Love, Julie and Patrick, in Minnesota.
First, I'll explain the absence. Last Wednesday morning, May 30th, we received a phone call from my mother around 7 AM central time informing Julie and I that my Aunt had passed away the night before. Getting the news set in motion a flurry of activity and travel as I headed to Toledo to be with family Wednesday and Thursday. I'll get more into the story of my Aunt below. I flew back into town late Thursday night, and a mere 6+ hours later Julie and I were back at the airport ready to fly out to Tahoe with the cycle team. Last night, we landed back at MSP around 9 PM, an hour late. During this time I had very limited if any access to the internet, and yet so much has happened over the last 10 days.
Regarding my Aunt, her name was Frieda Louise Kalis and she was born on December 16, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan. She was my mother's sister and last remaining sibling, as my Uncle Walter had died of cancer over 30 years ago.
Frieda was a sweet and wonderfully caring woman who never married. As my mom recalls, Frieda dropped out of high school so she could work to support the family when my grandfather had passed away at an all-to-young age. She worked various jobs over the years and was one of the most giving people you would ever meet, not a mean bone anywhere in her body.
Unfortunately, Aunt Frieda battled mental illness for nearly her entire adult life. She had many more struggles than she deserved but it never diminished her spirit or her faith. There was always a smile, a kind word, or a good belly laugh. One of the things that she struggled with over the last 10 years was remembering details about Julie and me, that we were married, whether or not we had kids, and in what state we lived. I joked with my mom that now that she's in heaven she'll realize that we live in Minnesota, not California, and that we have two dogs, and no children.
Over the last dozen years or so she lived in a Lutheran home just a few short miles from mom's house. The people who worked at the home absolutely loved Frieda. Quite often she would take the clothes she had hanging in her closet, drape them over her walker, and stroll from her room down to the front door of the home where she would wait for her boyfriend to pick her up. The boyfriend's name I seem to remember most is "Jim".
Sometimes "Jim" was from Detroit, sometimes he was a prince in Saudi Arabia. Whoever he was, she was certain he'd be coming that day to pick her up and they would be together. After a short time waiting in the lobby a nurse would come to Frieda and tell her that "Jim" had called and said he'd come get her tomorrow. She'd be fine with that and they'd head back to her room. The next day the process may begin again, or not. She was lovably quirky, a true original.
One thing was always certain with Frieda - she always put a smile on your face when you saw her. She was an incredibly loving woman, compassionate, caring and completely unselfish. She will be missed. God's speed, Frieda.
Love, Julie and Patrick, in Minnesota.
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