My List (for the week)

Over the past few days and weeks, I've been fortunate to learn a lot of new stuff, realize a few new things. Some of it through trial and error, other things through pure dumb luck. But in spite it all, I've been keeping a running tally in my head.

Curious?

How convenient! Because you're at my blog, so I'm going to do something that I really like to do: make a list. (Also, another thing I've realized. I like making lists).

Read on, friends, read on!

-I am a "genius" with my new Garmin 405 watch. I managed to set up the charger and charge the watch. A victory indeed, as I had to read the complicated instructions and figure it out for myself. Nathaniel, on the other hand, was busy telling me how many satellites the thing connected up to (12), and the many features of the watch. Hold your horses, I'll get there! (eventually). Perhaps he can just explain it to me.

-My bike shoes smell like death. Perhaps I should use socks when I ride. Oops. The scary part? I've only done one bike Time Trial with them. Everything else has been recent training. A scary thought indeed.

-Tabbitha's rear end also smells like death. Perhaps a 20+ pound kitty doesn't have the easiest time cleaning her unmentionables. Even more difficult when there's a Mini Monster chasing HER around. I think I'll have to help sooner rather than later.

-Reading about and seeing photos of Kona really makes me want to go there some day. Perhaps not to race, but to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds. Who am I kidding? Of course I would love to race in Kona - one day. All in good time, all in good time.

-Um, so I'm really ready to race again. My regular clothes almost fit and I'm getting fitter and fitter. Only a small muffin top when I put on my favorite pair of Capris - but no one could tell if I suck all the air out of my lungs and hold my breath. :) How long until Oceanside 70.3???

-I am willing to drive 45 minutes to swim in my favorite outdoor pool for an hour. And then drive 45 minutes home. Ah, the things we'll do for a little sunshine.

-The same pool mentioned above is a "balmy" 72 degrees. I swear that I swim the fastest warm-ups ever! I also realize how much I enjoy wetsuits.

-I love baked goods. Last night while reading/watching TV in bed, there was a clip of next week's "Biggest Looser" where the contestants are in a dark room filled with treats and things they used to eat before going on the show. I sat up in bed and promptly exclaimed, "BAKED GOODS!" I heart baked goods more than I realized... only 23 more days to go. October is looking to be a long month.

-I am not very patient with the "where are we going next?" thing. Nathaniel has two flights left, including today. He needs to finish his final flight by next Tuesday if he is going to get his wings on the 24th. If this is the case and he's not canceled for any reason, we'll get "the word" on or about the 20th. If he doesn't complete his final flight by the end of business on Tuesday, we'll have to wait two more weeks.

-I can no longer do a workout without stretching afterwards. I have reached the age where stretching and specifically rolling out my legs with the foam roller and quadballer are critical to my athletic success. Additionally, I make whimpering noises while rolling these contraptions over my tight muscles and knots. However, if I can run pain free - then its something that I'm willing to do.

-I get my chocolate fix with Chocolate Soymilk. The lite kind, if possible. But yesterday in desperation, I reached for the regular and didn't look back.

-The Chocolate Soymilk and post-workout stretching session go really well together. As long as I don't hit a particularly bad knot and upchuck the Soymilk. I'll have to get back to you on that one.

-Socks are critical to running shoe comfort, especially during a long duathlon-style workout. Even though my shoes were advertised as "socks unnecessary", in future, I'll wear them that way only while racing. I like the skin on my feet blister-free. And I'm looking forward to the day my poor feet heal.

-I am willing to stay on the trainer for an extra 10 minutes or so, if the right song comes on my ipod. Today it was a funny song by Nathaniel's favorite Air Force duo, "Dos Gringos", titled "World War III". The liberal in me blanches at something like this, but the catchy tune and great commentary on social divides and world politics makes me laugh.

-Did I mention Nathaniel has 2 flights left? Not that I'm pulling for one coast or the other, but I've already looked up Masters Swimming at the Encinitas YMCA or UCSD. And I'm daydreaming about climbing Palomar again... and it would be great to take a few different vineyard tours...

-I hate changing the litter box. Tabbitha was explosive enough as it is, but with a second addition to our family, Anabelle can be downright foul. The smaller they are, the smellier their poop, I guess. I've been tempted to use Nathaniel's gas mask to ensure my survival, but so far tenacity and speed have worked.

-After working really hard for weeks on end, having an official day off from training felt great. And weird. What to do? The beach, of course! I might as well try to get rid of my many bike shorts and running top tan lines by hanging outside in...my training bathing suit. Couldn't find any of my other suits.

-My closet looks like it threw up. Partly because I have a problem getting clothes from the dryer to the hanger, but partly because I was searching and searching (and searching) for my non-workout swim wear.

-I am SO EXCITED about IM Kona. After I do my long bike ride for the weekend, of course. I think I'll go out early so I can catch the cannon going off on line.

-Being happy and returning to my sunny self feels really good. I look forward to workouts, enjoy the daily challenges of life, and cope much better with adversity. In the end, that's all I can ask for: being happy and healthy. Oh yeah - and the same for my friends and family.

-I really DO enjoy making lists.

Onward to the grocery store! (After my list, of course).