HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

I've been so busy that I haven't updated things. On Tuesday my hubby took me to Bicylcles,Etc. to look at bikes. I wanted to get a tri bike for my duathlons by the end of the year. I fell in love with the Trek Equinox. While I was taking it for a test drive - it was mine!!! My hubby bought me an early birthday present.

That's when the fun begun. Getting fitted for the bike. Russ , the owner's son, worked with me. He adjusted things while I was riding on a trainer. My seat was changed, a different stem put on, aerobars adjusted and he even adjusted the clips in my shoes. I then picked out a new helmet, gloves, and shirt. Of course they matched the bike. My hubby and I went to lunch and my bike was completed. I had the best experience. Amazing customer service!!

Thanks also to Fred who was alot of fun to talk to while we were there. My hubby and Russ also came to terms about the bike shop being actively supported by my Husband's Drag Race team "Corbin / Dean Racing". Look for future photos of Bicycle Etc's graphic's on my hubby's Mustang that he drag races. It was definitely a good day had by all. My new bike was named Sugar.

Today , I went to Plainfield for the Joliet Bicycle Club ride. Sugar got to go for her first ride. I was planning on going 45. I ran into my friend Ronda , who I did this ride with last year, she was doing 30. I chose to back down the miles and enjoyed riding with a friend. Sugar did great.

Waddling patriotically.............

A NEW ADDITION TO MY FAMILY

I added a new bike to the family today-- a Trek Equinox 7.o. The whole story to follow.

Thanks Russ and Bicycles,Etc. You are truely awesome.

LOOKING INTO JULY

Got home this afternoon with dad from Ohio. Bino just got his driver's permit so he helped alot with the driving. I can't remember the last time that we spent a week together. I don't know who is more excited about it. I have alot planned for the week ahead ending with a big block party on Friday night.

On our way through Indiana, we stopped in Fort Wayne to pick up one of the 4ths necessities-fireworks. Bino and Pa had alot of fun picking them out. We have a great assortment.

Since I am off this week, I hope to get alittle extra training in. June's totals were lower than I wanted but not bad. July needs to step it up alittle. I have my next Du in 2 weeks in Michigan. My biggest problem continues to be the slowness of my run.

June Monthly totals:

B: 145.48 Mi - 12h 8m

R: 44.56 Mi - 10h 9m

Waddling to sit on the patio with my dad..............

ON VACATION

For the first time in years, I took off a week for vacation. I am so excited! The best part is that today I am driving to my dad's house in Ohio to pick him up and bring him back for a week with us. YEAH! I am looking forward to a great week off with photos to share.

I planned a long run this morning but stayed up way too late so dropped it down to a 3 miler. The weather was perfect and I felt good.

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

RAMBLINGS

I am about ready to doze off but want to catch up. I've been so busy. Work has been hectic. My training is increasing. My MIL is still adjusting and needing help. My hubby is still off on diability for the pain in his neck and shoulder which they are unable to find the cause of. Oh- and I have 2 teenagers.

Now that I have all my whining done----

Last night the weather was much cooler and the skies were filled with storms. I went to spin class and had a good workout. I really turned the resistance up on the hills.
Tonight , I went for an easy 4mile run. I didn't watch my time just enjoyed the cool evening air.

I have taken a look at my upcoming schedule. I signed up for Powerman Ohio in September and never took at good look at the Distance. I know it's not an Ironman but I definitely am going to have to buckle down. 5 mile run/40 mile bike/ 5 mile run. Just roughly about 4.5 hours. That's like a marathon. I really need to look at my miles.

Waddling while asleep..........

NOTHING EXCITING

SUNDAY : RUN / 5.5 MILES / 1:17 / 10R:1W

MONDAY: RUN / 3.0 MILES / 5 min w.u.-30min-5 min. c.d.

After the big day on Saturday, I was tired Sunday but I did get some miles in at the prairie. The weather was perfect for me. It was cloudy and 65. As I started out, I looked to my left and saw that I was running beside the bike section of the Subaru Women's Triathlon. What a great turnout. I yelled out a big Wahoo.

Tonight's weather was the opposite-hot and humid. I felt good but slow.

Tomorrow is Hooch's 17th birthday. I guess we'll be having a few kid at the house. I can't believe she has grown into such an awesome lady so fast.

Waddlingto watch Hell's Kitchen................

FULL DAY

M.S. Tour de Farms : 35 miles

"It would have been a good ride if....."

• It was not pouring down rain.
• The temperature was above 70
• There were not 2 flat tires on the team.
• A team memeber did not wreck on the railroad tracks

It actually was a great ride. There were friends. Alot of laughter.

Today, I got up at 4 am to the sound of heavy rain outside. The plan was to ride 75 miles. Every excuse not to go was running through my mind. I knew that later I would be upset that I didn't ride. When I got there, I found some other team members in the parking lot. Iron Snoopy , Moose and I walked up to get our packets. We were quickly soaking wet. I decided on the walk up that I would do 35 instead of 75. I felt like that I was wimping out but I also knew that I had to go to work then to relay for life in the PM. When we got back to the cars, one of the other riders opted out and everyone else also backed down to the 35. I can't remember how many times that I laughed but what a crazy group. So much fun to be with. We were all glad to get done and chilled to the bone. A very memorable day.

I got home , warmed up in the shower, then took a small nap to recover. Then I headed to work to treat a patient. It went well and I was out in an hour.

Next , I was off to the American Cancer Society "Relay for Life". My team already had the camp site set up. We were dressed as cowboys and had the "O Kure" Corral. I had a great time there also. I saw quite a few of my patients. Again alot of laughs while we walked around the track. I only lasted a few hours.

Waddling to dry off and warm up again.............