The Good The Bad & The BarCon

2008 marks another successful BarCon. Our gracious hosts, Bar & Kong (shown below in their finest attire prior to the "Wild West" Poker Tournament), welcomed over 65 bar-ticipants to this year's festivities. Wow! I honestly don't know how they do it ... 68+ hours of NON-STOP gaming ... no kidding! Some die-hards stay up all night playing epic games like Solar Quest, Dungeons and Dragons (actually, I'm not certain they've played that one since high school), WarCraft, and Werewolf.
True to tradition, bar-ticipants come dressed in costume for the poker tournament - always a highlight, bringing out huge crowds and stiff competition.

Kids are welcome, too! The next generation of gamers is in training now! The photo below shows the sheriff and his daughter as they duke it out. It brings a smile to my face to see the kids take an interest in board games and to see them interact with the kids. It is great to know that while we are playing games, the kids are developing skills in strategy. Sweetie enjoyed teaming up with several of the adults to play new games. She also played several more familiar games on her own (Carcassonne, Senet, Ticket to Ride, and Life Boats). Many of these games have suggested ages of 10 and older. At 5 years (she'll be 6 on the 17th), she holds her own with both older kids and adults alike.
In addition to hours of gaming, we made a stop at the Lego Store in Washington Square... Buddy selected 2 sets that enabled him to construct 6 different vehicles. Sweetie filled the large bucket up with a variety of pieces. We also purchased a 12" square base piece and the tool that helps separate the pieces. Upon our return, the boys spent a couple of hours working together to construct a restaurant. It was so fun to see my little guy collaborate with the older boys to accomplish a goal.

'Smiler', 8 years, is very sweet and great with the younger ones. He looks out for them and takes the time to play with them frequently. At one time, I noticied Sweetie was rather quiet and seemed a little withdrawn and I overheard him ask her, "Are you okay? Are you happy?" Her reply was, "I'm good. Why wouldn't I be?" "Just checking," he said.
New friends - I was so pleased that Buddy got along so well with this little guy. They spent most of their time together in the dirt pile playing with their trucks. Buddy had been looking forward to seeing his friend since his family had joined us camping over the 4th of July. I was pleased that they were able to join us on an outing to the Oregon Zoo, as well.
At the Auction, we bid on two items... Boom Town and Wild West Murder Mystery. Sweetie was very sad that we didn't win Boom Town but we did win the dinner party mystery game. I'm looking forward to hosting a murder very soon. :D

Just What I Need

When I discovered that Reid is hosting a virtual race ... the distance of just 1 simple mile ... I knew immediately that I had to sign up. We'll be up in Portland for the 5th annual BarCon - this year marks the return of our 1 mile fun run - so I could easily run two races (Reid's Virtual Mile & The Stagecoach Robbery) with one event! :D

I don't have a particular goal in mind for the Virtual Mile but it would be sweet to break 7 minutes. Don't know if it is possible, but a girl can try, right? I'll just have to make certain that someone else tags along side the kiddos. I'll post a follow-up race report, as expected, upon our return.

ORN: Mon - 4 miles @ 34:03 (8:30 avg pace)
OSN: Tue - 400m warmup; 250m w/fins (50m fly); 250m breaststroke drill; 3 x (150m free, 5 x 50m choice) = 2100 meters

Reaching a Plateau

The past couple of weeks, I have been doing a lot of reflecting. A lot of thinking. Since my first marathon in October 2006, I have basically moved from training plan to training plan with the hope of some day qualifying to run Boston. While I still believe this may be a possibility, I am beginning to believe that I need to make a change.

In March of 2007, I met with a personal trainer to discuss the possibilities of working with him to meet my performance goals. After a rather lengthy discussion and a few brief talks with the Masters swim coach, I opted not to use this trainer. If you are interested in reading my post following that discussion, you can find it at Ultra-Conservative or Right On?

One of the things that the personal trainer said to me was, "... training for a marathon is a 2-3 year process. Runners should train to train to train... before they begin the intense 18+ week cycle. Otherwise, they risk hitting a plateau and not seeing continual improvement over time."
I'm beginning to see evidence of this. Training just hasn't been as much fun anymore. Specifically running. If I must run on the treadmill or with the kids in the jogger, you can almost bet it won't happen.

Reflecting back on my training for the Circle the Bay earlier this month, 2 of the 7 weeks prior to the race, I ran only twice. Never did I run more than 3 times a week. Another point the trainer had made was, "If you want to be a better runner, you must simply run. Cross-training is not necessary.... If swimming makes you feel better here (pointing to his head), then great, go for it. But it is basically recovery (Zone 1)." In retrospect, my training was mediocre. I didn't push myself. Without counting my swimming distances, my average was only 23 weekly miles. Yikes!

Going into the Circle the Bay, I had told myself that if I hit my pace goal of 8:34 min miles, than I would register for Portland '08. It is a hilly course. There was no one to challenge me. Arguably (or perhaps not), due to poor training as well, I didn't reach my goal. My pace averaged 8:56. Over the past year, my races have been pretty consistent.

CIM Dec '07 - 3:57
Circle the Bay '07 - 2:44:11
Eugene May '08 - 3:55:25
Circle the Bay '08 - 2:46:25

I haven't had the same desire to train. I find myself compelled to walk during a training run more than I have in the past. It is evident that I have hit a plateau.

Earlier this month, I tried calling another personal trainer - one recommended by the guys at FleetFeet, but he hasn't returned my call. It has been a couple of weeks, I should call again. But then a part of me says take it easy. Catch up on scrapbooking (I'm further behind than I ever have been - having not scrapbooked earnestly since August of '07). Enjoy running for the sake of running rather than chasing a time goal? Look into swimming competitively?

We'll see.

A Farewell

Henry James once said, Sorrow comes in great waves...but it rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us it leaves us on the spot and we know that if it is strong we are stronger inasmuch as it passes and we remain.

To tell you the truth I had a hard time putting all of Granny’s good traits into writing. No matter how hard I try, I can never do justice to what she overcame... to what she accomplished in her lifetime. I know we are all grieving today. We all lost a great woman. But I know wherever she is now she’s happy and contented with what she left us.

My granny was a very strong woman. I like to think that is one quality I got from her. All of you have heard the maxims; “Make do. Use it up. Pass it on. Do without.” These phrases were mandatory during the time she was a little girl. She grew up during the time of the Great Depression.

Shortly after my daughter was born and I became a mother, I was blessed with an opportunity to get to know Granny on another level. We became friends. We spent a lot of time connecting, opening up to one another. We shared similar interests.

Those who know my grandmother, know that she had a great love of family history. She had a dozen 3-ring binders that documented every family birth, every marriage and every passing of a loved one. More than names and dates, her albums wove together stories, anecdotes of heartfelt memories, and photographs.

I never tired of listening to her speak of how she first met my Grandfather Louie at the Roller Dome in Wenatchee. Nor of the time she and her sisters, Winifred and Genevie, “got the bright idea to decorate our doll buggies and have a parade.” I’m sure you have all heard the story of the time she served Porcupine to her guests.

Her albums are proof of how important we all were to her, of how proud she was of each of us. We may no longer see her but we’ll always have these special moments we shared with her. She will always have a special part in our hearts.

A Farewell

Lord Alfred Tennyson


Flow down, cold rivulet, to the sea,
Thy tribute wave deliver:
No more by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.


Flow, softly flow, by lawn and lea,
A rivulet then a river:
Nowhere by thee my steps shall be
For ever and for ever.


But here will sigh thine alder tree
And here thine aspen shiver;
And here by thee will hum the bee,
For ever and for ever.


A thousand suns will stream on thee,
A thousand moons will quiver;
But not by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.

Freestyle or Bust?

Yesterday, Coach Bob reflected on the dynamic Olympic swimmers and spoke of how much time they spend underwater when they kick off from the wall. Thus, for backstroke drill, we worked on kicking off parallel to the ground and dolphin kicking at least 8 times before rising... allowing buoyancy to bring us to the surface. It was actually a lot of fun - backstroke is perhaps my favorite stroke - so it was great to work on a new facet of swimming.

As I don't use a nose plug, I have gotten into the habit of holding my nose with one hand when I kick off. Coach laughed at me and reminded me to exhale through my nose. I would thereby be able to get both arms extended and a more streamlined position. Worked like a charm!

After 8 x 25m backstroke drill, we went into the main set: 2-3x (200m free, 2x 100m IM, 4x 50m choice). I led during the drill but asked the 'new guy' if he wanted to lead. He did. This worked great during the 200m free. He actually pulled away from me a little by the 3rd length (short course). However, during the IM, he didn't swim the other strokes... he apparently is a triathlete and swims only freestyle. The rest of us were swimming the medley: fly, back, breast, free. We all stink on fly (particularly me) so he was really gaining ground. By the time we got to the 50s, the rotation with rest intervals was all messed up.

It bothered me a little that he didn't want to give the other strokes a try. I understand that as a triathlete, you swim freestyle but why come to Masters? Wouldn't you, as a triathlete, want to work on other strokes since they work other muscle groups? It was a little frustrating.

Anyway... With my warm-up (500m choice, 400m kicking drill w/fins), the total distance for the swim was 2300m. Sweet.

On Monday, I did another 8 miles (relatively same course as I did on the 8th for Nancy's Virtual Race). This time, I finished in 1:15:16 (average pace 9:24). I am much happier with that time. I think I took it too easy on Friday.

8 on the 8th ~ Race Report

I did it! For once, life's obligations and nuances did not get in the way and I actually completed one of Nancy's Virtual Races. Yippee!!

My sitter came over this morning and I headed out on my weekly trail run. It was humid - 47% and relatively warm (though not as much as it has been earlier this summer) - 75 degrees.
I started the run with the intention of taking it easy... I've been pretty fatigued this week following the 30K on Saturday. Circumstances prevented me from swimming on Tues and Thrs both, so I have just not been up to par this week. My muscles are tight and my right heel has been hinting that trouble may be coming, reminding me to take it easy.
At the 4.5 mile mark, I stopped at the park for water... I then proceeded home. I returned to my cheer squad and the finish in 1:21:27 ... an average 10:10 min per mile. Certainly not my best performance but acceptable.We are looking forward to watching the Olympics this year. I am most looking forward to the running and swimming events, naturally. Go USA! :D

In Memory ~ Wordless Wednesday

22 February 1920 ~ 4 August 2008

5 August 1924 ~ 25 February 2008

I Circled the Bay, Again!

Just as the newspaper article had predicted, there were significantly fewer runners participating in this years annual Circle the Bay run in North Bend. As it turned out, this had a significant effect on my performance. The picture below shows the packet pick-up and race-day registration area.... many of the runners, the volunteers, and the loved ones that came out to support us are actually pictured here!
Here is DH and the Asst. Fire Chief - one of my high school classmates! They worked together for several years before we moved to Central Oregon and became good buddies. "Chief" was there to run support for the race - blocking off the busier intersections in town and on hand in case of an emergency. A huge shout out to all those who volunteer their time so we can have a fun, safe race!DH followed me for much of the course playing photographer! He got a lot of really great photos and it was fun to have him along to converse with on occasion - particularly as I ran along East Bay Drive. There were so few participants that I felt, at times, like I was out there all alone! I had no clue how I was doing. Last year, when the final runner for a relay team sprinted past me after she took the baton at mile 13, it became my mission to finish before her. I didn't have that incentive this year. There wasn't anyone within eyesight to chase.
Due to construction on the McCullough Bridge this year, the race directors had to make an impromptu change in the course. After mile 17, they actually forged a trail that took us beneath the bridge to cross to the other side - I presume the state wouldn't allow them to stop traffic there at the intersection.

This next picture shows me starting down the trail. The man behind me has run the Circle the Bay for 16 consecutive years! He passed me just before mile 10 and I kept him within eye sight for the middle miles. I always fade in the middle and true to my nature, I caught him here in the final miles. I'm also fond of trail running whereas he slowed significantly to watch his step.
Here, DH caught me as I proceeded up... it was quite the climb. I just kept laughing about it!

Due to the course change, this also meant that the finish line was moved slightly. Runners no longer had to circle the baseball field... we were able to finish nearly immediately upon entering the park.
My time is visible on the clock but no great finish line photo... just my back side. All along the 30K course, the lyrics to "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry went through my head. It is a very catchy, high tempo song and it kept my legs moving.

For those that like numbers, my mile splits are listed below. The Garmin didn't sync-up until I was just 100 yards or so from the first mile marker, however. It was keeping time though so it should be relatively accurate.

Mile 1 - 8:08
Mile 2 - 8:16
Mile 3 - 8:26
Mile 4 - 8:36
Mile 5 - 8:32
Mile 6 - 8:29
Mile 7 - 9:19 2 significant hills and a water stop
Mile 8 - 8:21
Mile 9 - 8:38
Mile 10 - 9:21 Huh? I don't recall what happened here.
Mile 11 - 8:30
Mile 12 - 8:58 I'm starting to fade...
Mile 13 - 8:59
Mile 14 - 8:57
Mile 15 - 9:18 The hills begin...
Mile 16 - 10:16
Mile 17 - 9:08
Mile 18+ - 16:02 I didn't see the 18 mile marker.
Finish: 2:46:24 (average 8:56 min mile pace)

And for those who like graphs and charts - here's a visual from the Garmin:

Othello & Lions

We departed Central Oregon early on Thursday afternoon, shortly after DH got home from work. We drove down to Ashland for a date night, what has become an annual tradition of attending a play at The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We arrived shortly before 5 p.m. and made a quick stop for the kiddos at Quizno's.

We then proceeded to the Ashland Springs Hotel where we had made reservations. We checked in and the kids and I spent a few minutes exploring the conservatory and the zoological displays in the lobby while DH attempted to take a short nap. At 6 p.m., the sitter arrived and DH and proceeded to stroll along Main Street to find a restaurant the intrigued our taste buds. In years past, we've always gone to Dragonfly, but we both decided to try something new. We decided upon Kat Wok and enjoyed a wonderful Asian inspired meal. DH ordered the Nigiri combo and I delighted in a Shrimp Scallop soup with a Coconut Miso broth. Yummy!

We engaged in an intriguing, uninterrupted, passionate conversation about our sexual fantasies ... nothing! We laughed about how we seldom get an opportunity to be alone and then when we do we struggle to come up with conversation!

After dinner, we walked up to the green area, an outside terraced theater, to enjoy the prelude to the evening. A youth group called, The Hobart Shakespearans were performing. They were wonderful! After their performance - I ran to the Tudor Guide to buy Rafe Esquith's book Teach Like Your Hair is On Fire! I started reading it that evening and finished it this morning! Wonderful!

We saw Othello and enjoyed the performance. However, our seats were not as good as last year when we were in the 2nd row. This year, we were in the balcony and it was a little difficult to hear. DH had a hard time staying awake... even I snoozed a tiny bit before intermission. The play begins at 8:30 in the evening... when you are used to going to bed shortly after 9, it is difficult to stay awake when the stars are above you and a light breeze comes through the Elizabethan theatre.

We returned to the hotel shortly before midnight and received a wonderful report from the sitter. The next morning we enjoyed delightful breakfast at the hotel before we proceeded to The Wildlife Safari for the kiddos. DH and I hadn't been since we were children ourselves so it was a delight for us all. To read more of our safari, read Lions & Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

After safari, we proceeded to the coast in anticipation of the Circle the Bay run the next day. We arrived in the early afternoon and spent the evening kicking back and visiting.

I'll post my race report soon!