Okay, the amazing results are in. Drum roll please . . . . . . I finished!!!! Well, that wasn't too exciting, but considering the fact that I haven't been exercising more than a couple of times in the past month, I feel pretty darn good about my results.
Now for you real triathaloners the Lite is really just a sneeze. But for us beginners, it was a real eye opener. My first realization came when I learned that the place at which I exercise lied to me about the length of their pool. They told me it was 25 m. When I got to the place this morning I thought the pool I would be swimming in must be 50 m because it was sooo big. I calculated we would be doing 5 laps, no biggy. Only to be told that it was really 25 m and we would be swimming 9 laps -- I about hyperventilated on the spot. I told myself it couldn't be that bad. I swim for an hour at a time. We had to be done in 10 minutes, can't be that hard.
Realization #2 -- I had never shared a lane with another person before.
Realization #3 -- Where here I thought I was a good swimmer, I got lapped by my lane partner. Do you know what an energy drain it is to watch your lane partner get out of the pool and realize you still have another lap to go? I can swim, but apparently not very fast!!
Realization #4 -- Trying to put on spandex shorts after you swim is a not a good idea. I got my toes caught in one of the legs and about fell over trying to shove my foot through the fabric. Doesn't work!!! It just continues to stretch.
Realization #5 -- I put my shoes out by the bike and if you walk to your bike with wet feet in the dirt and stickers, putting your shoes on is a major problem.
Realization #6 -- There is a HUGE difference between a mountain bike and a road bike. I know, my eyes are still burning from the wind as those road bikers went flying past.
Realization #7 --The bike ride for me was definitely the easy part. Getting off the bike and trying to stand up and try running takes an incredible amount of coordination.
Realization #8 -- Whoever said the transition from riding the bike to running is difficult, LIED!!! It is dreadful and absolutely mind boggling. I felt like my legs were rubber and were numb for the first 100 yards.
Realization #9 -- There is an end to every race and the finish line stays in one place, even if it feels they had to have moved it.
Realization #10 -- I had a great time, loved it, and can't wait to do another one. Of course, now that I know what to expect and I can prepare better.
Honestly though, I really had a good time. I wanted to do this for fun and to finish. The first person across the finish line did it in 21 minutes. The time for the first female was 27 minutes. I crossed in 38.12 minutes. Not too bad. There were about 50 entries of which at least 40 were young enough to be my children. Of the ones in my age group (they didn't separate out) I think I finished right up there.
I'm proud of myself and look forward to another one. For those of you that are thinking of it, get out there. For those of you that are experienced and run the sprint or more, even if it is only one or two, my hat is off to you. I look forward to one day being among you.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
A ghostly realm . . .
A peaceful setting . . . . All looks well . . . . Tucked in for the night . . . .
Where are the people????
Morgan: "They're ghosts, Mom." Who needs dolls and barbies?
Just a couple of pieces of clothes and we're happy as clams.
Just a couple of pieces of clothes and we're happy as clams.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The world we live in!
I don't write much. Frankly, my life is pretty mundane and boring. Not to mention the fact that my computer is at the back of the house and if I sit down and face the screen little sirens go off in the kids' heads indicating that mom is out of the room and therefore they think they have full reign of the house. Never a good combination!!
This morning, I couldn't let this opportunity slip by. The kids are drooling comatose in front of the television watching some pointless brain drain. If I make this quick, they won't even know I'm gone.
For those of you that don't live in California the politics of our "fabulous" state may not have come to your attention. Then again, if you are living in one of those 25 states waiting with baited breath for the outcome of our election, then you are very much aware of the international dilemma facing us as voters. I say international because it will affect all of us worldwide. What is that you ask? We are getting ready to vote on one of the most devastating items of our time -- gay marriage.
In 2000 this bill came up on the ballots and was shot down, only by a small margin, but it was shot down nonetheless. It has now come up again because the Supreme Court overruled the previous ruling. The ramifications are beyond my scope of understanding. Sunday, our Bishop came in to Relief Society and Priesthood and spoke to us about the concern the Church has for the outcome of this vote here in California. He said that never before has he seen the Church take such a public stand on any issue before and we will be asked as members of the Church to stand up and make our beliefs known. The Church is asking us to get politically involved and do all we can to stop this bill from making it on the ballots in November. When this item came up previously, other religious denominations were against it but financially didn't want to get involved. This time, they are offering their support. I fear it might be too late.
It's just a "gay marriage bill" you say. Yes, it is wrong, but what harm can it do to the Church? The Bishop talked to us extensively about a meeting he had with stake presidents and area authorities this past week about what this bill truly means and what they are trying to push through. If this bill passes here in California, not only will 25 other states who are waiting for the outcome will pass the bill, but the bill wants to legalize gay marriage and it will put a mandate against denying marriage to gays on every official that is authorized to perform marriages. That includes all faiths, yes the LDS faith as well. Legally, they will be able to attack our complete belief system. Our bishop expressed his deepest feelings about what this could mean for each priesthood holder that may be asked to perform a gay marriage. I am sure there are other areas of this topic that haven't been shared with us and may be shared in the future.
We are definitely living it the last days. Countless times we have heard from the brethren about strengthening home and families against the onslaught of the adversary. More than ever, I feel the need to protect our families and all that we hold dear. We hear that the downfall of nations begins with breakdown of families. Not that this is the beginning of the breakdown of families, but I fear that California is on the brink of tipping the scales to non-reparable damage. The waves of devastation will be felt throughout the world.
Please keep us in your prayers. We will need the faith and prayers of everyone to keep this from moving forward.
This morning, I couldn't let this opportunity slip by. The kids are drooling comatose in front of the television watching some pointless brain drain. If I make this quick, they won't even know I'm gone.
For those of you that don't live in California the politics of our "fabulous" state may not have come to your attention. Then again, if you are living in one of those 25 states waiting with baited breath for the outcome of our election, then you are very much aware of the international dilemma facing us as voters. I say international because it will affect all of us worldwide. What is that you ask? We are getting ready to vote on one of the most devastating items of our time -- gay marriage.
In 2000 this bill came up on the ballots and was shot down, only by a small margin, but it was shot down nonetheless. It has now come up again because the Supreme Court overruled the previous ruling. The ramifications are beyond my scope of understanding. Sunday, our Bishop came in to Relief Society and Priesthood and spoke to us about the concern the Church has for the outcome of this vote here in California. He said that never before has he seen the Church take such a public stand on any issue before and we will be asked as members of the Church to stand up and make our beliefs known. The Church is asking us to get politically involved and do all we can to stop this bill from making it on the ballots in November. When this item came up previously, other religious denominations were against it but financially didn't want to get involved. This time, they are offering their support. I fear it might be too late.
It's just a "gay marriage bill" you say. Yes, it is wrong, but what harm can it do to the Church? The Bishop talked to us extensively about a meeting he had with stake presidents and area authorities this past week about what this bill truly means and what they are trying to push through. If this bill passes here in California, not only will 25 other states who are waiting for the outcome will pass the bill, but the bill wants to legalize gay marriage and it will put a mandate against denying marriage to gays on every official that is authorized to perform marriages. That includes all faiths, yes the LDS faith as well. Legally, they will be able to attack our complete belief system. Our bishop expressed his deepest feelings about what this could mean for each priesthood holder that may be asked to perform a gay marriage. I am sure there are other areas of this topic that haven't been shared with us and may be shared in the future.
We are definitely living it the last days. Countless times we have heard from the brethren about strengthening home and families against the onslaught of the adversary. More than ever, I feel the need to protect our families and all that we hold dear. We hear that the downfall of nations begins with breakdown of families. Not that this is the beginning of the breakdown of families, but I fear that California is on the brink of tipping the scales to non-reparable damage. The waves of devastation will be felt throughout the world.
Please keep us in your prayers. We will need the faith and prayers of everyone to keep this from moving forward.
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