IMGM update

After swimming 2,000 yds. Friday evening, biking 2 hours on Saturday and running 3.25 miles afterward followed by another 6.0 on Sunday, I'm well on my way. I jumped on the bike for another hour and 25 minutes this morning. That puts me halfway through each event. I'm trying desperately to get the running done before I leave for San Diego on Saturday morning -- I won't run inside when I'm there.

I can't believe that it has been absolutely beautiful outside and I'm doing everything inside. meanwhile, Bill has been working on our gas fireplace that replaced our wood burning one. He got it done in time for Thanksgiving day. Now we (notice I said we, hee, hee, hee!) just have to put the rocks around it and create the mantle. Man, is he awesome!!

Tomorrow I check back in with my foot doc -- still hurts, but not as much :-)

"Official" Gobblerman Ironman picture

My official IMGM running picture!! Notice the shiny, new butt band!

The Thanksgiving procession. . .

We started with Scrabble, then dinner, and finally on to the couch . . . . perfect day!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have much to be thankful for especially Bill, Liam, Conor, Dad, Mom and my sibs. . . . all of my friends and extended family . . . my "triathlete" family as well. We are truly blessed in so many ways and I am incredibly thankful.

On the fun side, no I haven't forgotten my blog. I've been getting the house back in order for the holidays and keeping up with sports and school conferences. I am waiting for the first big snow to dump some more Hawaii pictures on the site (I still haven't gone through all of them yet!).

My sporting news is that I am officially competing in IMGM -- yep, Ironman Gobblerman!! Basically instead of 17 hours to complete the Ironman distance, we have 17 days to finish. Oh, and it all has to be INDOORS! Obviously that is not a problem for swimming and biking, but 26.2 miles on the dreadmill . . . and it is in the 50's outside . . . hmmmm, could be my first DNF. So in uncharacteristic fashion, I am taking my good ole time getting started. The gun went off at noon yesterday and I had already done my bike at 8:00 AM so, as of right now, I'm still waiting to start. I was going to run outside today, but perhaps it makes sense to start my IMGM . . . I'll keep you posted . . . in the meantime, have a wonderful holiday and connect with the people you love most . . .

Cheers!

Wine and butt band

Hey gals! The vino is Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio. Both Giant Eagle and Heinen's offer the 10% discount on a case :-)

My PT is Tom Ockler at Alternative Health Care Solutions in Willoughby. He is at 440-918-0836. Website is http://www.tomocklerpt.com/

I do think we should add the CTC logo to the butt band -- I'm going to figure out something to put on there!!

Getting ready for winter . . .

Yes, today we spent the day getting ready for winter. Bill covered the windows with plastic and I bought a case of wine . . . . what . . ., everyone's got their own priorities. I mean, the wine is one of our favorites and it just happened to be $3 off per bottle PLUS a 10% discount for a case purchase. You may say lush, but I say thrifty . . . or maybe thrifty lush . . . anyway, I'm happy about the windows and our little stash in the basement!

I may need it. Yes, it is most likely a heel spur giving me pain in my left foot. Tuesday the foot doc did a cortisone injection. Also, the top of the foot is hurting from walking funny to compensate the last 2 months. He was able to pull that out, but I continued walking weird on Tuesday until the pain subsided the next day. Yes, I know the fascia could rupture, but that is what a fasciotomy is. Hopefully the pain goes away and stretching works out.

To end my day out, I had my massage and my PT checked out my pelvis -- good news, everything is in place! I worried about it slipping out since I got a little cocky and ran without my trusty butt band in the Underpants Run and a few other runs. But the best news of the day (week?) --- I got a brand new butt band!!! Very sleek and definitely several steps up from my original one!! Can't wait to debut this puppy!!

Oh, yes, I did do a couple workouts this week. I swam a mile on Friday and rode 20 today. I'm ready to get back into the swing of regular workouts.

Lots of training going on here . . .

OK, sometimes you just have to enjoy the off season . . . sure it's November, but it's not too late for a Halloween party!! Bill opted to be a pirate (much to my delight). He thought that I may be quiet for the evening in my little mime costume, but hell no, I won't stay silent -- someone has to buck the trend. A talking mime -- sweet!

Seriously, still have this damn sore throat and cold. Tomorrow I head to the foot doc to have my problematic left heel checked. Hopefully I'll have a good report on the issue . . .

Ironman Florida and shout outs!

As I watch the Ironman Florida online, I remembered one of the interesting tidbits from Hawaii. When Normann Stadler came in on the bike, he basically threw it to the bike "catcher" and the poor catcher immediately dropped the bike! Yikes!! I wouldn't want to be that volunteer.

Anyway, it is cool to watch the Florida race unfold. I enjoy keeping tabs on all the Ohio gang and especially the CTC folks.

Bill and I went for a swim together this morning. I hopped into his lane and was impressed with his swim improvement. His feet are like built in flippers for goodness sake -- size 16!! It was good to go over a mile --especially with this yucky cold that has been bugging me most of the week.

We have another Halloween party tonight -- shhhh, I'm going to be a mime, but don't give that away just yet :-). Bill is going as something unprintable at this point. Who says Halloween ends on October 31!

OK, some shout outs -- first to Chuck and Bev from good old Perry Township!! Very nice to hear from you. Give my best to Doug, Debbie and their families also!!

To Velta - enjoy Myrtle Beach and thank you for the beautiful jewelry -- you are the best!!