HOME AGAIN

Our trip back to Ohio was awesome. It is so nice to slow things down for a few days and regroup. Dad looked great. He slept alittle more than in the past but at 85 - I may do that too.

For Thanksgiving, we have our special traditions. Wednesday night is toasting the bread for the homemade stuffing. Hooch did most of it.We ordered pizza and watched the DVD "Wild Hogs". I got up at 4 am on Thanksgiving and put the bird in the oven. My dad and I went to morning mass where he did the readings. After coming home Bino made the green bean casserole while I peeled the potatoes. After overeating for dinner, the afternoon was spent watching Christmas DVDs. Our new one for this year was Santa Claus 3 with Jack Frost. Supper was the leftovers.

We came home on Friday to beat the traffic. I was home early enough to head to the gym and get a swim workout in.

Saturday , I awoke to 28 degree temperatures. I headed out the door with Dakota for a 5 mile run. My mind began running to the future and the training ahead of me for Steelhead. I have to lose some more weight then start logging in the hours.

Waddling to the grocery....................

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Over the river and through the woods....... to Ohio.

Tomorrow we are leaving for my dad's house in Ohio. I am so excited to see him. At 86, you never know what tomorrow will bring. He bought the turkey, pumpkin pie, and made cranberry salad. I bring the rest. My hubby had decided to stay put at home to be with his mom at this tough time and I totally understand.

My morning began with Master's swim. I started my warm up. Nothing seemed to be clicking. Coach continued to talk to me and give me support and by the end of the hour, I felt good about my workout.

My morning continued by taking Hooch, my daughter, to the orthopedic office. At the age of 3 she began in gymnastics. At 10 , she was 6th on the floor in a national event. The 20 hours a week training took a toll on her body. By 13 she had torn her achilles, broke her rt foot and ankle 3 times, and broke her finger. She made the decision to quit and change to cheerleading. Today, I was concerned again. The doctor thinks it's a strain. But will re-eval in 1 week before nationals in Indy.

The day ended watching my son, Bino, bowl on the JV team. His high game was 198 and they won.

I do have alot to be thankful for.

Waddling to Ohio..........

ROLERCOASTER

My life lately has been full speed ahead. Not much breathing room for anything. As usual when things are rolling along like that-here comes the holidays. Work has been crazy with not just the normal cases but with the added unusual stuff. My training has picked up to prepare for 2008 triathlons. My son has bowling season in full swing with 2 meets per week. My daughter has cheer competitions which she competed in last weekend and was injured. Thus an appointment with the orthopedic MD tomorrow.

It seems like that is alot but is just the tip of things. This week is also Thanksgiving. We are driving back to Ohio so that I can cook for my dad. My mother in law is staying here because it is the one year anniversary of my father in laws death. She doesn't want to be around anyone. Here we have one more crisis- do we leave her alone for the holiday?

I cracked tonight. After a crazy day at work, and picking Bino up from bowling. I made dinner. I had 15 minutes to change and get to my Team workout. I hit the bottom of the rollercoaster ride. I decided not to go and stop my world for a few minutes.

Thanks for listening- I'm okay.

Waddling to jump back on the ride....................

THE RUNNER INSIDE

Yesterday, I got up and ran the 5.5 mile Run for Ryan. The run was very powerful for me. It took me back 20 years ago when I began running the first time. My mind went over 5ks that I ran in a local park to the River Corridor Half Marathon where I broke 2 hours. I was a much lighter and different person back then. The only thing that remained the same was my love of running.

As I approached 3 miles in my run, I realized that I hadn't taken any of my ususal walk breaks. I felt great and continued. Now my mind wandered to how quick life can change and how precious it is. A year ago this week, we lost my father-in-law to his 5 week battle with cancer. I was overwhelmed with appreciation of every step that I take.

I was still running with no walk break at mile 4. My pace was still strong. Now my thoughts wondered to the future. The thought of my first Triathlon next year. I still can't believe it. So many great things ahead in 2008.

My last half mile, I pushed as hard as I could. No walk break had been taken. As I glanced at my watch my pace was 9:18. Where did that come from?

I felt a special power and peace during the entire run.

Waddling to the future........