Starfish & Coffee

Over the weekend, we went home for DH's 20th high school reunion. We started dating when I was a junior in high school, he a freshman at the community college, so I knew many of his classmates, more so than I know my own, actually. We had a good time catching up and even managed to get in a few little excursions.

Saturday morning, I did an easy 5 miles along the course of the Circle the Bay which I will be running in less than 2 weeks. Later that afternoon, we drove down to Bandon to visit with my dad, see the house where I grew up (he is living there again and plans to renovate - after 20+ years of renters, he has a long road ahead of him), and fly kites on the beach.

Sunday, on the drive home, we stopped by Loon Lake (a local favorite) and had an impromptu picnic. We also had an opportunity to play on the beach. It is very shallow and as we were right there with the kids, we didn't even consider life vests. Another young family, however, did. Their boy must have been about 3 or 4 years old. From the moment they arrived in our vicinity, they fought with him. First it was sunscreen. He, of course, didn't want anything to do with the stuff but his mom insisted. She struggled to spray it on him as he squirmed and wiggled.

Their issues continued when she told him to put on a life vest. He said, "No. I not want to wear it." She insisted. He proceeded out into the water despite her. He was only in up to his knees, she could have easily walked out to get him but instead she stood on the shore demanding that he come back and put on his vest. "Trevor Daniel! Get back here this instant!" Just then Dad, I presume, comes down and lays the heavy fist. She says to him, "You deal with him! I've had it!" She returns to the lounge chairs he had set up about 1/2 way up the beach. He goes in and grabs the little guy and forces the vest on him.
The little guy screams. "I hate the vest! I don't want it. I hate you!" My heart goes out the little guy. I myself didn't really see it necessary to wear a vest but as DH pointed out, the parents wanted to lay back on the loungers and not be involved. Once Dad got the vest on, he returned to the lounger himself. The little guy stood on the shore crying. A short time thereafter, Dad gets up and packs the boy off towards the restrooms, I assume for a time-out or a little talk.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I have never been in a power-play situation with my little ones. I have! I have even shared the big ones with you all here. I try to pick my battles though. I just didn't think this one was the right one. I'm not them though. I don't know their situation. From an outsiders perspective, it just looked as though they didn't want to be involved. Did they try to talk with him about the importance of a vest before hand? Prep him for the inevitable?

When it was about time to leave, we were apprehensive that we would get a melt-down, too. I gave them a choice, "It is about time to go. We have a long drive ahead of us. Do you two want to leave in 5 minutes or 10 minutes?" Of course they chose 10. When a minute remained, I warned them again, "Hey Cuties! One minute and we need to get cleaned up to go."

When time was up, I helped them clean off the sand from their bodies and we walked up to the showers to change. We talked about how fun it was to stop here... something we generally don't do. We usually push through the 5 hour drive without stopping except for bathroom breaks (remarkably seldom!) and occasionally to eat (if we make the drive during meal time). I complimented them both on leaving without fuss. For helping us to get cleaned up quickly. Sweetie responded with, "I want to come back again. I know if I don't cry, you will want to bring me back." Right on! On Monday's long run, I wasn't feeling it. I started off well enough but starting lagging around mile 6. I just couldn't find it within me to push through. I ended up cutting my planned 14-16 mile run down to 11 and change. If it is any consolation, though, here is the elevation chart:
To make matters worse, as I cut through a neighborhood park on the last mile, a large dog began to follow me.

I picked up the pace... he matched me. I cut across the parking area and he got trapped within the fenced ball field. I proceeded across the intersection to my subdivision assuming he had turned back and given up on me but NO! He turned around, back tracked, and caught up with me once again. He followed me all the way home where he took the liberty to get a little refreshment from the sprinkler water that had pooled on a rock in my yard.

My kiddos happened to be outside waiting for me - they always meet me on the front lawn these days, cheering me on the last 10 meters or so - and the dog happily flopped down so they could pet him. He was so nice! I gave him a bowl of water which he accepted enthusiastically and I proceeded to hop into the shower, leaving the garage open so he could depart when he was ready.

Imagine my disappointment when he was still there after my shower. I had a doctor appointment in just 30 minutes. I didn't really have the time to be playing pet detective. I got the kiddos buckled in and asked the dog to jump into the back of the Volvo. He did so efficiently and quickly. If we were to want a dog - we'd want one this friendly & obedient!

I spent about 15 minutes driving around the neighborhood near the park in an effort to find his owner. There were few people out and about... and no one had seen the dog before. I contemplated keeping me in our garage until someone posted a sign but that could take days, weeks... and we'd certainly grow attached (at least the kiddos and I... DH would have had other thoughts!). I thereby opted to take him to the Humane Society.

Even when we arrived, he happily jumped out of my car and walked into the receiving area. The clerks were in the back when I arrived so I rang the bell. As I waited, the dog decided to go have a look for himself. Imagine the surprise of the employees when they discovered a random, strange dog wandering around in the back rooms.

They took my name and contact information. I signed a release. I felt so bummed. I really hope the rightful owner comes to look for him there (he wasn't wearing a collar or tags of any kind - but his fur showed that he normally does). If not, I hope that a nice family seeking to adopt discovers what a wonderful dog he is and chooses him.

~

Tuesday was Masters. I arrived in time to get a solid warmup completed before practice began. 500 m mixed stroke. 400 m kicking w/fins. Another 100 m freestyle.

The drill set (6 x 25 m) was worst stroke... for me (and as it turned out, everyone else in my lane) that is Butterfly. We opted to use fins - thankfully!

The main set was 5 x 300 m freestyle with 1 minute rest interval. My lane opted to do only 4. We just didn't have the time to do all 5. A total of 2350 meters. Solid.

A last minute scheduling conflict on Friday was going to prevent me from swimming with Masters. I thereby elected to swim on Thursday. Swimming Tuesday and Thursday actually works better anyway as we have other obligations around town and I can make better use of our time as well as our fuel.

Run
However, my sitter comes to watch the kiddos Thursday morning. I didn't want to put off my run, knowing that if I had to push the jogger, I likely wouldn't do it at all. I thereby opted to run anyway. My plan called for a 6 mile tempo run (8:29 min mile pace). I thereby did a brief 1/2 mile warmup on the treadmill... stopped briefly to check on the kiddos and then resumed running. I was able to do a solid mile at 8:27 before Sweetie informed me that my little guy smeared cheese spread on the kitchen floor. As I was cleaning him up, the door bell rang. Yippee!

Time to hit the road. I set up the virtual partner and started the tempo run; 5 miles at a goal pace of 8:30. As usual, I started out fast and at the end of the first two miles, I was averaging about 8:04 min miles. I gradually began to slow down. I stopped briefly after the 3rd mile for water and finished the last two. In the end, I finished in 40:52, an average pace of 8:10. Sweet!

I then took a little time to spray off the the back patio (the kiddos and I had done a paper mache project the day before and it desperately needed cleaning), rounded up the little tykes, got my bike and the trailer down from the ceiling hooks in the garage, hooked 'em up and we were off.

Bike
We hadn't gone more than a mile or two when the chain fell off as I was shifting. Urgh! Fortunately, it happened just as a kind gentleman was getting into his car and he saw it happen. He was more than happy to give me a little assistance.

We were on our way again... off to the pool. We arrived in time for the kiddos to have a little splash time. As we were changing into our suits though, I bumped my eye glasses, they fell to the floor and broke apart! My luck! Anyway, the kids played for about 30 minutes and then it was time for Masters.

Swim
400m warmup
350m kicking, on side with fins
8 x 25m backstroke drill
3 x [ 4 x 50m choice stroke, descending; 100m recovery]
50m cooldown
Total: 1950 meters

Reverse Tri complete but I still have to pedal home....

We first made a stop at the post office, the library for story hour & crafts, the optometry shop to get my lenses repaired and Fred Meyer for a few groceries. We finally made it home about an hour later. 13 miles on the bike. I didn't even keep track of my time - I had to stop at lights, wait for traffic, pedal at a snail's pace up any incline as I was pulling 100+ pounds of kiddos, books, & equipment.

As the temperatures have been quite high even by 10 a.m., my sitter agreed to come a little earlier. I had wanted to get 4 miles in on the treadmill before he arrived but managed to complete only 2 in 18:55 when the door bell rang.

I then headed out the door shortly after 8:15 a.m. My plan was to run 12 and do another 2 miles at goal pace on the treadmill once I was back in the comfort of air conditioning. The first 3+ miles I did on the road throughout the neighborhood, trying to stay along the shady areas as best I could. I then hit the river trail where I would do at least 2 loops before returning home.

The past couple of weeks, one of the local high school cross country teams have been using this same trail for a weekly training run. In addition to the other users, there have been 20+ high school runners dispersed amongst the pines and Bitterbrush. Much busier than I like but I don't have the luxury of driving to another trail.

I opted to begin the river trail loop on the east side. Just as I stepped onto the trail, I could see a small group of 3 young runners about 3/4 a mile ahead of me. Two of whom seemed comfortable and the 3rd whom was struggling. She started walking just before I caught up with her and said, "On your left." She resumed running at a brisk pace, pulling away from me to catch up with her friends. She tried calling out to them, "Sara, wait up!" to no avail. When she caught up with them, she convinced them to walk with her.

This is when I finally pass them. As I do, I hear her say, "I can't do it! It hurts." I glance in her direction and she is holding her side. Her friend replies, "Running is not a team sport." I know what she is trying to say. Don't compare yourself to others. Push through the pain. Take it day by day. But her friend's words come off sounding harsh. She wants them to walk with her. They want to do their best and continue on.

I thereby get the urge to stop myself and try to impart some wisdom. "Try running for one minute and then walking for a minute. Then gradually increase the time you are running. You'll get there. Just take it slow." They smiled in gratitude... I wanted to say more but I didn't want to sound preachy.

I proceeded on. Up the hill and down. Just as I came to the narrow part along the water's edge, Horsetail Rush thick on both sides, I came up behind a woman walking her dog who suddenly decided to jog. At this same time, 3 male runners - all bare chested [Oh! I wish I could run without a Tshirt and bra - it would be so much cooler!] - came up behind me.

I called out, "On your left." No response. Again, a little louder. Still no response. This is when I realized she had headphones on. I told the guys. "Ah. Figures," they said. We jogged behind her a little more over the planks laid across the mud. Over the makeshift bridge. Then I yelled, "On your left. Coming through." She was startled and stepped aside. The four of us charged up the rocky outcropping and resumed pace.

Actually, I was trying to prove that I could hang with the men so I was really pushing the pace... I think we were well under 8 minutes for a quarter of a mile or so. On a rocky trail! What was I thinking! This is my long run day... SLOW DOWN! As I regained control of my senses, the guys passed me. The leader, one I recognized from a local running store, says to us, "You'd think she'd at least turn down the volume!" "I know," I responded, "Especially on a busy trail!" The other two guys chuckled and one said, "Enjoy your run." "You guys, too."

I reached the park shortly thereafter, crossed the footbridge and headed up river on the other side, the guys continued on downriver towards the old mill district. About 1.25 miles later, I turned again at the footbridge upriver, beginning my second loop of the river. I opted, though, to stay on the east side of the river where there was more shade. It was after 9 a.m. and it was already in the 80s. I slowed down. No sense killing myself to hit pace in conditions like this... besides, I'm on a trail and one's pace is slower on trails anyway.

When I returned again to the park, the 3 girls I had seen earlier were walking towards the beach area, I assume to take a little dip in the river. The one who had tried to encourage her friend to not give up gave me a little wave and big smile. Perhaps my little comment had helped?

I turned about and headed home. Delighted to see the doorstep. I bid the sitter adieu and gave each of the kiddos a Popsicle. I desperately wanted one myself but held off. I had to convince myself to get on the treadmill. Two miles at goal pace (8:34). I did the first mile as 800m intervals. Stopping briefly for water and a wet towel. I pushed through the last mile, more confidant.

16 miles. 2:42. An average 10 minute mile pace. My training plan called for 9:47 but with the heat and the trail, I'll take it!

I covered more running miles today than I did all of last week. It was a recovery week and I took that liberally... running 7 on Monday, 6 on Thursday, and swimming a combined 3800 meters on Tuesday and Wednesday. I rested Friday, Saturday and Sunday... leading to a little fatigue yesterday on the long run but my hip is feeling much better. I think it was a wise decision.

To top it all .... chaffing in a new area! I generally chafe below & between the boobies where my sports bra comes into contact with my chest. After the run yesterday... I discover chafing in the crouch area where the elastic of my panties apparently rubs. Urgh! I ran in my old favorite shorts - built in panties - why the chaffing, now?!

Stacy isn't the only one suffering from writer's block... thus, I will post a scrapbook page I created long ago. I am really behind in my albums so I'm hoping this will help get my creative juices flowing. :DI hope everyone had a great weekend!

ORN: 6 miles.... 3 miles @ 27:00 and 3 miles @ 31:00 I just felt so fatigued - hip, heat, hills.

Last week, as there were 8 swimmers in Lane 1, Coach Bob promoted me to Lane 2. I didn't know if it was a permanent change or just temporary, but I enjoyed the opportunity to swim with faster swimmers and not be the one leading.

Today, I arrived a little earlier than most and started my warm-up in Lane 1. Within a few minutes, there were 6 swimmers in my lane and only 3 in Lane 2. So even though Bob was absent (he's gone all week, but he posted the work-out for us) and not available to confirm, I took it upon myself to switch.

The swimmers in Lane 2 seem to have a lot of fun... Roger was giving Randy a hard time for always arriving late. Ann, George and Murphy (the tri-coach) were also there - kidding each other and making jokes. I like this group much better and am very pleased to not be the leader anymore... I'm thereby able to push myself a little harder. I plan to stay here... depending on stroke, I'm generally in the middle of the pack so I figure it is a better place for me.

Today's workout:
400 m warm-up (100 m breast, 100 m free, 100 m back, 100m free)
150 m kicking (back, fly drill, fly)
6 x 200 m descending in 3s
200 m individual medley (fly free back free breast free free free)
Total 1950 m