Through the Years

Tomorrow is Sodus time!  Even though it's nowhere near an A race (or B...or C.....) it's time for another series of pics for the scrapbook!
Nothing fun and interesting today....housecleaning, bike ride (25 miles), olympic watching, laundry, and hangin' out.  So I thought I'd dredge up some old pics from Sodus for your enjoyment!!

Sodus through the years

2005: Crossing the finish line together for our first tri:

2006: a 25 minute PR, so happy post race!

 2007:  heading out on the run (with way too much energy)

 2008: First year with my fiance :-)

 2009:  racing one week post wedding....(and setting a sprint PR of 1:22)

 2010:  "Racing" 3 weeks post Ironman is hell.  (Yeah, he caught me)

 2011: Age Group award :-)

What will tomorrow bring?  4 foot waves?  55 degree water?  A battle for the finish?  Who knows :-) 

Our Old Stomping Grounds

Well, hellloooooo Friday.  Nice to see you.  Finally!  Yes, I know.  It's the age old anthem around here.  But has this week seemed especially long to anyone else?  Just me?  Ehh, I'm okay with that.  Ready for a few non-office days.  And I bet there's no argument with THAT one.
So, this weekend is a pretty important weekend.  Not in terms of goal smashing, fast paced excitement, but something near and dear to my heart.
It's time for Sodus. 
Yep, that silly little tri that started it all back in 2005.....when I did my first race since logging 12 minute miles as a cross country runner.  I remember the churning (4 foot) waves, my stomach in knots, doggy paddling, throwing up in the water......wondering how on earth ANYONE would want to run a 5k after doing a bike??  And crossing hand in hand with my boyfriend (husband to be) swearing I would never do that ish again.
Heh. Short memory. 
7 years.....2 Ironmans.....4 halves....and countless smaller races later, we are still going strong.
Things change.
Since 2005, I've gotten married, moved 2 times, changed jobs, fell in love with multi-sport, lost 15 pounds, gained 10 pounds, and taken 40 minutes off my sprint time.
But we keep coming back.
Some years are awesome.  2006-taking 25 minutes off my time from '05 and winning my age group.
2009-PRing after a week of honeymooning (I think that's what did it!) and taking 6th woman OA.

Post Sodus (some random year)

Some years....I grit my teeth.

The 50 degree water in 2010.

Doing a tri 3 weeks post Ironman (who thought of that???)

Some years the huz and I finish hand in hand. 

Some years, he smokes me.

Some years, I edge past him.

Doesn't matter.  Whether I cross 5 minutes before him or he does 5 minutes before me (which means we cross together, which oddly enough has happened 3 times in 7 years!) we still take a minute, smile, and think of our first tri.

Then the huz gives me a stomach noogie and makes fun of me.

Eh, some things never change :-)

How will this weekend pan out?  Who the heck knows!  With a bike that's done nothing but throw hissy fits since June, I'm just hoping I have all my gears.

With a foot that's still getting it's running legs on (oh, I'm such a barrel of monkeys today, no?) I just hope I can eek out a respectable 5k.

Basically, we're going for a sub 1:30.  I realize that might sound ridiculous, since I've got a 1:22 PR on this course and have run a 1:25 the last two years but....things change.

I have a bit less speed.

A bit less training.

A lot less motivation :-P

Either way, it'll still be fun.  In the last 800 yards, of course!

Praying for calm waters, no ice cold temps, and cooperating equipment.

Cause with Sodus, ya never know.

I often think I might give another sprint race a shot.  (After all, I haven't done any other sprints since 2006....wow!).  This race isn't easy.  The water is rough.  The bike is hilly.  And the run has a few decent inclines.

But....it doesn't matter.  It's Sodus.  The tri that started it all. 

Rock on! (but hopefully with calmer water.....)

Now That's Entertainment

What a great anniversary :-)  Nothing monumental, just a nice dinner, time with my other half, well wishes via facebook, cards, and calls (the latter which we got today, phones were off, sorry :-P) from friends and family.
But I know you didn't come hear to hear about our vegan corn dogs (what, we're 5!) and couch canoodling.
You want to know about the bounty.
Specifically, what in the eff do you do with leather? (Year 3 anniversary gift)  Like any intelligent person in the age of social media, I consulted with facebook, twitter and the blog.  I took everyone's thoughts into consideration (LOVED some of the ideas!)  then came up with a brillz (if I do say so myself) thought during one long bike ride (what is it with me and workouts?  I get my best ideas!)
The huz's gift:

Leather = football.  The present?  2 tix to see the Redskins vs. Panthers (our team) on November 4th in Washington DC.  My best friend from high school lives in NOVA, so we'll get to see him, hang out, then go to the game.  Needless to say, he was super psyched!! Can't go wrong with entertainment, especially football to a football player!

And on my end?  Well, the huz broke it out into 3 parts:

  #1.  The dead useful.  A working bike!!  (Leather seat)

 Gears are (mostly) fixed, derailleur hanger installed, and good to go!  He even dealt with the snozzbags at our most snotty bike shop (ugh) so I didn't have to.  Sweet.  Good entertainment for TRIS.

#2:  The sweet:

 A leather folio of my two favorite wedding photos for my office.  Awww.  Now I get to remember what a lucky girl I am 9-5.  As if I could forget :-P  Visual entertainment.

#3 The saucy.....

Yep, that's all you get.  (NO, its not a whip :-P)  More of a gag gift.  But dead hilarious for the laugh entertainment.

We did good :-)  I suppose we'll hang out until year 4....now I have 364 days to think about linen and silk....hmmmm :-P

Do you follow the traditional gifts for anniversaries?  Any gifts?  We think its fun!

1000 days older..and wiser?

Hey there!  Today is not just Wednesday, it's a special Wednesday.  The kind that makes you smile, even though the weekend is 2 long days away and you (STILL) do not have your bike back when you're racing ahem completing a tri this weekend.
A good day.
No negatives.
You see, 3 years ago today....was the best day of my life.  There was dancing.  There was good friends and family.  There was the most gorgeous dress I have ever laid eyes on.
And there was him.

My best friend.

The love of my life.

The man that I married :-)

And 3 years after we tied the knot, we're still that giggling, silly in love couple.  And even though we're still extreme "newbies" when it comes to marriage, I'd like to think we've figured just a few things out.  Just a few though. I'll get back to you on the rest in another 50 years :-P

So, what have I learned?

Well, after 1000 days (plus a few) of marriage....I know....

1.  That it's okay to disagree on some things.  Sunshine, rosy, we see eye to eye on everything....not.  I think we got caught up in this one for about 30 seconds when we both realized that we are way too strong minded to "yes man" to everything the other one says.  With that said, we try to respect each other's opinions and meet half way.  Most of the time.  (Except for when I'm right...kidding!)

2.  Some things....you really need to agree on.  Finances.  Kiddos.  The general life plan.  Those are all kinda important!  Laugh, go ahead.  It seems obvious.  But I cant even count the number of newlyweds we know that haven't had these conversations.  The huz and I agree on how to spend our money.  What our financial goals are.  How many kids we want.  Heck, even how we plan to raise them.  Perfection?  Nope, not even close.  But our values are very similar.  And that's what counts.

3.  Have each other's backs...and don't make a frickin' big deal out of it!  Little things.  If it's garbage day and it's not my job, but the huz works late, I'll empty the garbage.  If it's my turn to do laundry but he's spinning in the basement, he'll throw a load in.  Big things = we are untied on family issues and who stands where with each side (I won't throw him under the bus and he won't throw me under the bus).   It's awesome to know that even if he doesn't agree with me, he will wait to talk about it privately.  And not remind me that he (again) emptied the dishwasher.  It makes my life easier.  And I do the same for him.  And that's called team effort, right?

4.  Support each other's goals and ambitions.  We each had a goal to do an Ironman.  And we did, cheering and sherpa-ing the other one on.  Then I did another one.  And two more marathons.  And 3 half ironmans...and....well, you get the point.  I'm addicted.  Now, to be fair, without the huz, I never would have heard about this tri-ath-a what crap.  But I adore it.  And he supports it...whether its (cough) helping me with my bike, buying me a new gizmo (a bike seat is an EXCELLENT Christmas gift!), rubbing my feet after a 20 miler, or cheering me on on the big day.  Awesome.

5.   Be "The rock".  No, I'm not wishing I married Dwayne Johnson (ick).  But....Greg is my rock.  When things don't go well.  When I trip up, fall.  When I lose sight of my goals.  When I've had a bad day.  And I do the same for him.  We each have that stubborn german pick your feet up and work for what you want mentality, but when the going gets rough, everyone needs a shoulder to cry on.  And he has a pretty broad shoulder (as well as wonderful snuggle arms).

6.  Don't ever forget the little things.  Silly notes in the morning (dry) cereal.  Filling the gas tank.  Picking up his favorite drink cause it's on sale at the store.  Watching So you Think You can Dance/Hockey (Clearly, we all know that SYTCD would be the huz's choice, right?)  It's the small things that we know make each other happy.  And it works.  Don't ever lose your identity in a couple....but don't ever forget your teammate in life.  Check.

7.  Divide and Conquer.  Once again, we're a team.  I don't know how to operate the lawn mower (no, for real).  But I can cut my grocery or clothes shopping bill in half (at least).  The huz can't fold laundry to save his soul.  I got that.  And while he's downloading my latest kindle book or movie that we want to see, I'm making a frugal, healthy dinner.  He's got the dishes.  And I'll pack his lunch for the next day.  Necessary?  Probably not.  But we each know what we're good at, we get it done, and then we can hang out :-)

8.  Institute the 5 minute rule.  Nuh uh, get your mind out of the gutter.  We have a 5 minute work rule.  Work and life can get stressful at times.  And you need to vent. So when we sit down to dinner, we each take 5 minutes if we need it and kvetch about work.  Then, we're cut off.  And we can focus on wayyyy more important things.  Like if we're going to watch SYTYCD or Hockey :-P

9.  Get physcial.  Still a family blog, I promise!!  We won't go into the whole horizontal polka...obviously, that's important, but I'm talking about the little touches.  The huz smooches me as soon as he gets home and before he leaves in the morning.  We snuggle before bed and talk about life.  We hold hands when we can.  That's, of course, in addition to the arm wresting, bumping, chasing and grabbing.  What, that's not normal?  Ehh, we're about 6 years old.  Forgive me :-)

10.  Don't be so damn serious.  Life is serious enough.  Joke.  Quote Family guy.  Get caught up in stupid things you've said and make fun of it ad nauseum.  Pants Dance.  Watch cartoons.  Talk in stupid voices.  Who says you actually have to grow up when you're a grown up?  Greg is mytother half, my best friend.  And sometimes, that means it's play time.  6 year old play time :-P (our children will hate us one day). 

Have we got it all figured out?  Not even close.  But in the past 1000 days...I've learned a bit more about the man of my dreams, one day at a time.  And I can't wait for the next 10,000 +.

Now onto the good stuff.  Presents!  (lol).  What did we do for "leather?"  Stay tuned......

Summer...squashed

Hi there!  How's ya doin' in this beautiful summer day?  It seems as if the deluge in the past few days has made this the perfect Windows Open, Sunshiny non sticky goodness that I have sorely missed in good ole western NY.  No fear though, we're getting the heat back tomorrow.  Hmph.
There are worse things.  At least I haven't gotten a spoiler for the men's Olympic Triathlon coverage (yet).  Don't tell me!  It's the highlight of my evening :-P  The huz and I have a hot date planned tonight watching men in spandex.   Hmmm.  This does not bode well for tomorrow (What's tomorrow?  Oh, something with a "3" in it.....)
But, sticking with today....I took advantage of the wonderful summer weather by utilizing one of my favorite summer veggies for dins....squash.  Okay, zucchini.  But it's technically a summer squash, yes? 
I love zucchini to bits.  Zucchini oats, Zucchini pancakes, sauteed zucchini....yum yum yum.  But I've never tried it for a pasta swap.  Why?  No clue.  I know I'm the worst endurance athlete in the world for hating pasta, but I like the semblance of it....spaghetti squash = good.  Pasta = mushy and bad.  But sometimes, using spaghetti squash as a vehicle for yummy pasta sauce gets old.
Enter = Summer bounty of zucs:
Step 1:  Peel zucchini with a veggie peeler, stopping at the seeded part.

Zucchini "pasta":

Step 2:  Add 1/2 inch of water and zucchini (I used 2 big ones, which made one serving) to a pan.  Saute for about 5 minutes, until squash is "el dente"
Step 3:  drain water, add sauce and any type of seasoning (I used minced garlic and basil)

Step 4:  Plate.  Add cheese.  Broil for prettiness, nuke for a minute for meltiness (or if you're lazy).

Step 5:  Eat.  Enjoy a 10 minute dinner on a Tuesday :-P

Now, if you'll excuse me.  I must go watch me some Hunter and Manny.  They aren't exactly Macca or Raelert, but they'll do :-P  Enjoy your night!

London's Calling

Welllll...I know I'm a bit late to the party on this one.  It's been calling since last Friday :-P  But now that we're into the meat and potatoes of the events I enjoy the most (triathlon and marathon....though I'm pretty sure you figured that out!)  I realized that it's time to talk about it on the Internets.
Forgive my slacking and my stream of consciousness over the last week  in my mundane life while our athletes were representing over in London :-)
Even though I haven't gabbed out it, the hubster and I have been glued to the screen every night, watching the show.  From synchronized diving to Michael Phelp's legacy to little Gabby winning the OA gold in gymnastics, I can't tear myself away from watching.
A few highlights (from my perspective):

Source

1.  The photo finish of the Women's triathlon on Saturday....holy hell, that was close.  I'm understanding of a photo finish for a 100 meter sprint or a touch finish in the pool, but a photo finish for an event that takes just under 2 hours to finish (one of the longer Oly events!).  Wow.  Just wow.  And while I'm not really up and up on the women triathletes from Sweden or Switzerland, I highly admire the talent.  Hopefully the men's race tomorrow will be just as exciting....go Kemper and Huerta!
2.  The sodden mess that was the women's marathon.  Better than the heat from Beijing, but still not the mess I want to sink my sneakers into for 26.2. Obviously the winner didn't mind, setting a new Olympic record.  I wish I could run a marathon an hour slower than her 2:23 :-P  I wish my girl Kara (Goucher) would have been able to snag a medal, but kudos to her and Flanagan for placing 11 and 10, respectively.
3.  I refuse to call them the "fab 5" when I'm still still stuck on Kerry Strug and the Magnificent 7 from 1996 (god, I'm getting old), but watching the women's gymnastics was awesome this year, even if they do look 12 in my opinion.  Some of those beam routines just took my breath away.  And even though I am the last one to judge...the women really swept the men under the rug.  Sorry, guys.
4.  Hurdles.  I've never really got into the track stuff before, but the huz is obsessed (he was all state in high school).  400 hurdles in a (much) faster time than I could run 400 flat out?  Impressive!  And how about Bolt's new record?  Wowza.  I'm always in awe of the longer distances (averaging 5 minute miles for a marathon= impressive) but the speedy sets were pretty darn neat to watch. 
Of course, lest this post be way too "normal", I'd also like to express some of my confusion with the games....namely, of course, in terms of fashion (which I am a sad victim of).
Some things I just "don't get".....
1.  Why do the women sprinters wear necklaces?  Don't they get in the way?  If I was out to run a sub 11 second 100 meter, you can bet I'd take off my chains....especially when they wear briefs and skin tight singlets to be more aerodynamic.  Eh?
2.  The swimmers-why do they wear two swim caps?  I know that if you're doing IMCDA, you wear two because the water is about 50 degrees and it's a good idea not to freeze.  But, really?  For a 100 yard race?  Explain, pls.  (No really.  If you know, I want to :-))
3.  Women's Beach Volleyball.  Okay, fine.  I'm sure I know this already.  But I'll still ask.  Someone explain these bitty, wedgie inducing bikinis to me.  Kerri Walsh and Misty Mae Traynor are super cut, but even they look uncomfortable in them.  And really, who wants to worry about butt coverage when you're after the gold? 

Source

4.  And of course,  Ryan Lochte's grill.  No.  I can't even.  Listen, I was on the Lochte bandwagon for quite some time, especially since I can't get over my loathing of Michael Phelps.  But, nope, I can't anymore.  Are all the male swimmers from the US just D-Bags?  Need more convincing? Check this out.  Don't drink your coffee while you do-I warned you.

So, I guess they were all clothes based.  Man, am I a shallow Hal or what? :-P  But don't tell me that some of these thoughts haven't crossed your mind!
6 days left of the greatness....next up, the Men's Triathlon!  Go USA!!!

In need of a Little Magic

Ho-hum.  I'm having a day.  It's stormy out, humid, and windy.  I don't want to run.  I want to bike.  But my bike has decided that really...it doesn't want to be ridden anymore this year.  In an effort to fix the gears (for the eleventy billionth time), the derailleur hanger snapped, making the bike un-rideable.  No biggie, right?  Just order another one and pop it on.  Piece only costs $30.  But....they special made it for my bike.  And the stores aren't overflowing with 2008 QR Chiqilo hangers.  &*(^&^.  After a search of 5 local shops, we have one ordering it for us (hopefully) from the dealer tomorrow.  And (hopefully) coming in by Friday.  So they can install it by Saturday and I can have the bike for my race Sunday.
At this point, I don't even care.  I haven't mentally been in the game all year, and neither has my body.  And clearly, my bike is following suit.  I've blown money on this damn bike, the hubster has spent hours sweating and cursing at it, and so have 3 bike shops.
So now we're onto the priciest and snippiest bike shop in the area.  If they fix it before Friday, I'll take that back.  But the last thing I need to do is ruin another perfectly good race with a jacked up bike.
Plus, I really wanted t ride today.  My foot hurt, I'm sore, and if I wanted to run, it would have to be on the damn dreadmill in the basement.
Eff.
Which I did.  Cause I'm a dummy.  Or just hardheaded.
End rant.
Lest I bore you too much with my first world silly problems, I can always find the silver lining (even if I whine like a brat first :-P)  I've had two awesome people offer to lend me their bike for this weekend (which I might have to take one of them up on tomorrow, depending on the end date of getting my bike back!)  That's freaking awesome.  Imagine lending out a thousands of dollar piece of equipment to a friend just because you want them to be able to race.  I love my triathlete friends. One more mark to whats RIGHT in this world :-)
Secondly.....I have a little magic in my kitchen for dinner.   In the form of couscous.  Cause really...the best part of hosting an event is the leftovers, right?  (Well, the best day after part anyways :-P)  So I indulged in some awesome couscous salad, made by my godmother.  I didn't have to make it.  It's healthy.  And the taste is....positively magic.  Need I say more?

Fairy Godmother Couscous Salad

6 c. chicken stock

9 T. olive oil

1/2 tsp ginger, saffron, cinnamon

3 c couscous (uncooked)

3/4 c currants

3/4 c dates, chopped

2 1/4 c celery, chopped

1 c chopped scallions

1/2 c. parsley

2  tbsp. lemon juice

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 c. chopped walnuts

Boil stock, ginger, saffron and 6 tbsp olive oil.  Add couscous and boil until liquid begins to absorb.  Remove from heat.  Add dates and currants.  Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.  Add celery and scallions.  In a small bowl, mix parsley, lemon juice and remaining oil, salt and cinnamon.  Toss with couscous, breaking up lumps.  Add walnuts.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Serves 16 as a side dish.  

Also phenomenal when tossed with shredded chicken for a meal :-)

Ahhhh.  8.5 miles on the treadmill, DVRed women's marathon, magic couscous, and the promise of a shoulder massage.  Maybe the day isn't totally lost.

But my QR better watch out....we are still not on speaking terms :-P