A Great New Year's Wish

My Wish for You in 2008...

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires, may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words ...

May 2008 be the best year of your life!!!

My Friends

Of course the other dogs were running around like crazy pulling on all the ribbon and trying to eat it but Willow (next to me) and Ziggy took the higher road and stayed with me for this priceless shot. I really do love all the dogs with their quirks but Willow being the only other female in the house is my girlfriend. Ziggy is the Alpha dog of the house, although he always defers to me. We have a special relationship. I had a blast rolling around in the grass with the dogs. It was one of those special moments of peace and happiness.

Smokey ...the Bear

We have been down to 5 dogs for the past few months so when I found out that Smokey was being kept in a little cage at the local vets office I had to rescue him. After a few conversations with the owner (who loves Smokey) he agreed to let me bring Smokey home with me. After all it is for the good of the dog. Smokey's original owner passed away and her son agreed to take the dog but he lives in Florida in a small house that was not ready for a 110 lb. Weim pup. So for the few months he was going to board him at the local vet clinic. While this was satisfactory - it is just not a good thing for a Weim to stay caged up so now Smokey is living here with us. He is learning to be part of the pack and has really been enjoying outside time and long walks with the other dogs. He is a lover and never misses a chance to have his tummy rubbed or to snuggle on the couch. Occasionally Smokey can't resist the temptation to give me a bear hug which is why I now call him Smokey the Bear!

Wolf Gang

On December 8th we had the pleasure of having the Wolfs come to visit us on their way from NJ to their new home in TX. They wanted to stop to have a rest during their long drive and to see Grandma. I guess I should explain the relationship; Joanne (mother in the middle) is my Grandmother's brother's daughter. Graeme, Hayden and Taylor are three of thier children (Spencer was already in TX) and Gus is her husband. As I was saying they were on their way to their new home which means they had just moved out of a house they had lived in for 30+ years. Just a little stress. They all arrive here after being crammed into a little mini van for 12 hours and they are just as pleasant as can be. The kids don't bicker, instead they willingly play the piano (ok, keyboard since I don't have a piano) and then to top it off as a family they sing in harmony! How impressive! Even more so because I am RELATED to them! This family is pure joy to be around, kind, sweet, genuine. Seeing them together makes me even want to have a family. They were certainly a breath of fresh air and added tremendously to the holiday spirit in our house.

Three Generations

I think this picture represents the best part of my Christmas. Some easy time spent with my family. We don't make a big fuss about Christmas gifts we just simply try to spend a little extra time together. This picture is of me (34), my Grandmother (92) and my Mother (Shall we say 65+). I just hope that I still look as good as both of them when I am that age!

Earthquake!

This morning a few minutes after 6 I was launched from my bed by a loud rumbling and a bang! I literally took off running because I was pretty sure the furnace had blown up or some other really bad thing had happened to our house. After a quick run around the house and checking for gas leaks I called the neighbor who also had on all of thier lights. No one even guessed, we all figured something had exploded. The epicenter was actually 6 miles from where I live. The fact that it was so loud at my house is pretty scary. It was only a 2.1 on the Richter Scale but still enough to give us all a good scare and certainly it kept me from going back to sleep - what a way to get up!

Everything and Nothing

I have not blogged (is that now an accepted word?) for a while not because I haven't had time but because I have not felt like anything really significant has happened. On the other hand I am sure all sorts of significant things have happened that I have somehow overlooked. So forgive me if this blog today appears to be rambling because it is but then again so is life most of the time - at least mine is!

I have blogged a bit about my training for the Tybee Island Marathon (Feb 2). I have been trying to get back to my old form with my running. It has been years since I have really put a lot of effort into running - aside from tri training. I have been on the marathon training program for about 4 weeks now and up until last week I still wasn't really feeling the "love". I feel heavy and sluggish, but last week I went to the track to do 800's at 6 AM in the morning in the freezing cold. Two weeks previous to that I had done 5x800 all at 3:30 pace. Yeah, I know nothing stellar but I already admitted to having some work to do! So for last week my goal was to do all 6x800 in 3:20-3:25 at little faster but not killing myself. The first one I rolled past the 800 mark in 3:19 - I was kind of happy and kind of sad since I always try to negative split and here I had started a little on the fast side. As I went I just tried to fall into a quick cadence and really stay focused and all of a sudden the "love" was coming back to me 3:15,3:13,3:12 all falling right in the neighborhood of faster than what I expected. I felt like I was working hard but not killing myself. Meanwhile the sun had come up so I could do my cool down on the gravel road around the high school while the new school farm Alpaca's and goats watched. It was a good start to a day and proof that the training is starting to pay off, but also a bitter reminder that there is a lot more work to be done.

Aside from track work I do most of my runs on the trails but lately I have been overly frustrated by the hunters. WHY do they feel the need to hunt ILLEGALLY? I am running on private trails in the subdivision where I live and that is where they are hunting! After getting some advice from Glenn I purchased an outrageously priced ugly florescent orange hat for myself and 2 orange hunting vests for the dogs that always run in the front of the pack. So hopefully we don't get shot! I have even unwillingly moved my early morning runs to late morning runs - because when I hear the guns being shot I figure that is a sign to stay out of the woods. So, sorry hunters I am mad that I have to rearrange my schedule to avoid being shot by someone who is trespassing to begin with! I will get over it but I AM frustrated.

Last weekend I did some Christmas shopping - NO, not at the mall. I hate the mall. I don't like the crowds, the pushing, the shoving and the rude people make me feel very un-christmas like. I went to Hendersonville and walked all over down town and to my surprise had a GREAT afternoon. A nice lunch, then some browsing in a gallery, then another gallery where the drunk artist (admittedly so) showed me some paintings and offered a Bloody Mary. (I passed) Then on to a new store called ZB Zports. WOW - they had some cool "technical" gear for running and other outdoor activities. Some of you have made fun of my constant reference to "technical" fabrics but honestly if you started biking & running 20 years ago you too can remember going for a ride in your wool jersey and shorts with real shammy in them. I have a few pair saved just to show those of you who are non-believers! Anyway - the prospect of new, soft, comfortable, wicking fabrics excites me - it makes me want to go ride and run in the cold! After spending a lot of time in ZB sports I only had a little time to go in Mast General but their selection looked less interesting and my interest in shopping was waning.

For those of you who actually have read this far today is my birthday. I officially get to move up an age-group in triathlon this year. That is the only good thing I can think about getting older. I guess the older I get the more I can look back on life and reminisce but I think I am still too young for that. There is a saying on the Wildflower Bakery in Saluda that says "If you didn't know how old you were, how old would you be?" Today I am feeling about 25 so I will go celebrate!

Technology

Yesterday I went for my long run. Of course I had my Garmin (GPS Unit) on my arm but the funny thing is that it does not work if you don't turn it on. Of course I noticed this and I turned it on - I figured I had missed about a half mile. After all I know my running routes...NOT! After about 3 hours of running trails and roads I had about 19 miles. It felt more than that but the Garmin is always accurate (if it is turned on!) The point at which I saw John driving down the road looking for me gave me a clue that something was up, maybe he just wanted to bring me a Coke? I guess the watch had been off for more like 2-3 miles because it was already 11:30 and I had left the house at 8 and told John that I would be home at 11:00. Oops - now I know why he was out looking for me! Thanks to John I did not run an entire marathon during my training run.

I won a Turkey & Pumpkin Pie!

On Thanksgiving Day we headed to Spartanburg for a 5K race at my Alma Matter. While the campus has changed considerably since I went to school there all the tough hills that put a hurting on me 9 years ago are still there. The race was small and the day was blustery and a little wet but I actually managed to be the first woman accross the line. As I have said before in other blog entries there were not a lot of women but a win is a win! My prize: A trophy with a golden turkey on top, a big roaster turkey and a pumpkin pie! I think that these are the best awards I have ever won. Something else to be thankful for!

Dog's View

Willow, Pepe' Duke, Yoda & Ziggy lead the way down the trail...

I guess that if I have something to be thankful for it has to be the area where I live. The fact that I can run out the door on to trails with ALL the dogs makes my heart sing. I love to run but the dogs love to run even more. They get so excited, I guess they enjoy the view as much as I do. These pictures don't really do my usual route justice but you at least get the idea of where I go to find peace.

Colby's Triathlon

I swear I am not that short - they are all just that tall!

On Nov 10th I did my first triathlon since Lake Placid. You probably have not heard of this one since there were only 4 of us but it was still the same good fun swim, bike, run. We met in the afternoon down at the Pine Street YMCA and did a little 400m swim, a 12 mile bike and a 3 mile run. You probably are wondering why on earth we were doing this in the middle of the winter. Colby (standing next to me in the picture) was doing a senior project on triathlon and it would not be complete until he actually did a triathlon. I was his mentor. So to make things a little more fun I invited Brad & Chad (Wir hier to pump you up - sorry old Saturday Night Live joke). We all did the tri together and since we are all so experienced we thought it would be easy....but Colby ran Cross Country. After we got off the bikes Colby only made one comment about his legs and then took off! Chad who just did IM FL the weekend before had to be hurting. I know I was! Anyway Colby ran a steady quick pace and completed his project with flying colors. His mother was so kind and even took us all to dinner afterwards.

Atlanta - Power Clinic

Really I went to Atlanta for the USA - Cycling clinic on training with Power - I went down early to check out the aquarium...

In order to keep my coaching certifications up to date and to assure everyone that I really do know what I am doing I am required to go to continuing education classes. I also need to get a new certification pretty much every year in something to keep up. Last year I got my USA - Cycling (coach) certification. For those of you who don't know it training with a Power Meter is going to be how it is done within the next few years. Currently there are a few new affordable power meters on the market and as the price goes down I am sure a power meter will find its way to your "I have to have it" list. Anyway - I spent the entire weekend in a classroom listening to the guys who wrote the book (no kidding) on training with a power meter. I also had time to read the book again during the class and I have been training with a power meter for 2 years so I now actually feel like I am ready to coach someone with one. Since sitting 2 days in class was pretty much torture for me I hope that everyone goes out an buys one soon so I am practice all the stuff I learned in class on you!

Aside from class I was treated to a stay at the downtown Atlanta Marriott. It seemed nice enough, minus the fact that they had no water the first night, but at least their food was good! On Saturday night I finally got to go to Trader Vic's a restaurant I have been dying to go to since I went there in Munich many years ago. That was pretty much the highlight of the weekend - or maybe that was when the water in the hotel came back on? All in all it was a fun weekend, even educational.

Old Friends

Rhonda, Katie, Kelly and new member of the girls club - Madi (Madison)

On the 16th of November Rhonda and her husband Jeff (who also went to school with us) came back to visit. They live in Beaverton, OR where Jeff works at Adidas and Rhonda works as a pharmacist at the hospital.

Back in the day...yes High School, Rhonda, Kelly and I did pretty much everything together. Some of the things that come to mind: cross country, track, soccer, working at George's, hanging out at the lake, having illegal parties, being drama queens in local theater productions, skipping school and collecting real estate signs. After high school we all took off for college. Rhonda was the first to finish and in a way the last too since it seems she enjoyed it so much. Kelly and I both opted for "alternative" educations although I eventually had to conform. Kelly and Rhonda were both nice enough to take bets at my first wedding as to how long it would last. To this day I am not sure which one of them actually "won". I can tell you this much it certainly was not me! Back in high school I am not sure which one of us I would have pegged as the first to have children but I don't think it would have been Kelly - so she surprised us and has had not 1 but 2 adorable kids. Ok - Kelly you have won the race - you can stop having kids now! Rhonda and I are hopelessly behind and may never catch up.

So as we all got together again for the first time in probably 4 or 5 years it was fun to see how we have all grown and changed, been educated by life, but in so many ways we are all still the same small town, fun loving girls we always were. We still love each other for what we are. I am proud of what Rhonda has done with all her smarts and impressed with Kelly's mothering and the cozy home she and Alex have made together. I am thankful to have friends like Kelly & Rhonda and have enjoyed watching as we all age...although I think we all look just like we did in high school!

Catching Up & Rambling

This week was the beginning of my marathon training. Basically that means I am back on a training schedule for the first time in months (since the accident at Lake Placid at the end of July). I realize my training is of little interest to most of you and that I rarely blog about it because for the most part it is not that interesting...swim, bike, run, eat, sleep. I always think it is all the things I do in between those that make my life truly whole.

Training & Racing:

Last weekend I ran a 10K trail run (Peoplechase) at FENCE. To anyone who has been there they can appreciate the fact that it is super hilly. I ran with Willow & Pepe' which I have never done before in a race but it was actually a good strategic move since they literally pulled me up the first hill! I normally don't run with them on a leash so it was new to them and me. After the first half a mile we (me, Pepe' & Willow) were in the lead of ALL 5K & 10K runners! This was not really where we belonged so I pulled over and let all the serious runners (Armando too) pass. Then I took the pups off the lead and let them heel next to me. We had a great race together and ended up winning the 10K for the women. (ok, I admit there were not that many women in the racer - but hey, a win is a win!)

The beauty of the race at FENCE was that I was sore afterwards. I guess that means I worked hard. So I started my first week of marathon training sore! I am following Hal Higdon's Advanced Marathon Training Program. I did not realize that the advanced program is longer than his usual 12 week program so I am getting a late start on it. Oh well. This week I will probably log about 40+ miles which is a lot more than I have run in a long time. Just in case you are wondering. I can feel it. I feel old, my feet hurt, my legs are sore. My abs are killing me from some stupid plyometric exercises I did where you have to jump up and down on boxes. I guess I am getting a good dose of my own medicine!

Today was an optional race day on the schedule. I was in luck, there was a 6K trail run in Greenville. John and I and Willow & Duke all headed for another weekend of trail running. The single track at Paris Mtn. State Park is great - just not if you are trying to run with a dog. I opted out of running with Willow even though she was my designated partner. There were too many serious runners where I was going to be running and I did not want to risk anyone tripping. I gave both the dogs to John who ran more towards the back of the pack. Of course he just let the leashes go after the initial 1/4 mile. At the finish he was asked his number 2x - so my guess is that they are going to send him a fine for having the dogs off the leash. So my race...I felt great on the flats and downhill and then really could feel the lifting from the week and my dead quads on the hills. I had no strength - but after all this was just for training. I conceded and ran within my limits. I ended up 5th overall in 35:25 - although I think the race was a little longer than a 6K...Either was I had fun tearing through the woods chasing, running up stone stairs and being in the crisp fall air.

See this is why I don't write about training much. It seems to just go on and on and on and who really cares!? Anyone besides me?

Other developments:

Soon I will start working part-time at the Great Escape in Spartanburg. So this coming week I was offered to go to the Trek clinic on triathlon bike fitting. I will head to Asheville for this on Wed. I am sure I will learn a lot and hopefully be able to pass that along to people I coach and maybe to people that buy a bike from me :o) hint hint

In February I will be heading to Colorado Springs to the Barnett Bicycle Institute to take a 2 week class for bike mechanics. Something new for me, but I feel like it is something that will really help me to know.

Next weekend I will be in Atlanta at a USA Cycling clinic on training with a Power Meter. I am sure I will learn a lot of valuable training information I have a feeling it is going to be a long 2 days of class but I have to keep up with my continuing education credits somehow.

I will be racing as an Age Grouper again in 2008.

Dogs:

Friday I had a great day of running errands and going to lunch. Little did I know that while I was out gallivanting that my dogs were terrorizing the house. I kid you not, the dogs did something really really bad! I had covers over the outside faucets to keep them from freezing. Yes, I realize it is not that cold but I just wanted to make sure I had it done just in case. Well, the dogs love to eat these covers and I know that but I thought maybe they were old enough this year not to mess with the cover. I was wrong. They tugged and pulled at the cover for hours, obviously enjoying the little bungee that hold it on. As they would pull the faucet would turn on and the water would run and run and run until there was no more water. You got it. The well went dry and we had no water in our house for a good 6-8 hours thanks to the dogs. I am sure the fact that we are having a drought had something to do with it, but basically it is a very scary thought that we possibly would have to drill another well because the DOGS ran the well dry!

As if the well going dry was not enough. Pepe' started getting sick last night. He was acting the same way he did when he ate a rock. Today when I got home from the race he had thrown up everywhere. I got to the vet 15min before they closed. They did an x-ray and nothing showed up. Then she felt his belly and could feel the blockage but whatever it was it did not show up in the x-ray. All I could think was that I was going to be back there in the middle of the night on a Saturday! Lucky for me after a shot of muscle relaxers Pepe' came home and deposited a golf ball size ball of GRASS! Crazy dog! Why couldn't he have done that before the $150 vet bill? He is now recovering well and the carpets he threw-up on are almost dry.

I think that is everything. Apologies for the long blog but boy do I feel better now that I got all that off my chest!

Hai'lee - My new Little Sister

As you can see by this very silly picture my new Little Sister Hai'lee is very cute. The occasion was Halloween - hence the blond wig and the Cowboy hat. She added one of my old prom dresses to this get-up along with some vampire teeth to really make a statement when we went trick-or-treating. Halloween was our first real visit together. We did a lot of things in one day. We walked the dogs and played ball with them. Something Hai'lee had never done before as she is very fearful of dogs. Then we video taped each other and I played it on the computer which really got her excited - she thought she was on TV! We also did things as simple as watering the flowers all to her delight. All she needs is a little time with me and some attention - what a wonderful thing for both of us.

Tsali Trip

I started going to Tsali last year. I tagged along with the Foothills Cyclists annual trip and fell in love with the rustic camping area (I thought it was cute - looking out the window of the RV). The trails are pretty easy for mountain biking and not very technical but fun so I feel safe riding there. The trails make for great running too. So this year as my end of the year trip I headed up there with the group again for 4 days of uninterrupted fun. We biked pretty much everyday on the trails although this year I was more cautious than ever. I admit I am AFRAID of falling off the mountain bike with 2 bad shoulders. Still on these trails I was able to ride pretty much everything and enjoy it. On Saturday I set out to run at least 2 loops - actually it wasn't my idea - but was done in order to earn bragging rights. So after 16 miles on the trails I arrived back at camp ready for lunch and a nap. After all it was vacation! The entire time we had a great campfire - thanks to Michael for all the wood. Shannon made some killer coffee every morning and of course Dave organized our meals and for a change it seemed everyone took turns doing the cooking and I actually saw Dave sit down for the first time ever! By the time I needed to head home I was getting into a good routine of training and recovery and campfire dinners. I could have happily stayed a few more days - but all things come to an end. It was a fun trip and a good end of season get away and a good way for me to start back to regular training. Pictures will be posted later. (After falling on my digital camera earlier in the year I opted against carrying it with me - so I had to go have the photos developed and put on a CD - how old fashioned!)

The end of the season...

Hickory Knob weekend flew by. The Malone Coaching crew had a great day. Kimberley cleaned up for the women and Lisa kept the race free of cheaters (dirty drafters!). Suzanne, Pam and I worked our way onto the all male podium for the relay teams. Chris Dillard finished his 2nd Olympic Tri feeling much better and getting some hardware too. Smutzer was back racing after a sabbatical and Mike finished his 2nd ever Sprint race and signed up for the FL Half IM within 2 days. Will smoked the swim, bike and run and finished right behind Smutzer.The moral of the story is we all finished the season strong and looking towards an even better year in 2008.

Bradley Falls - Saluda NC

Since I am still not back to normal training I figured I would still get my outdoor fix by going hiking. I had not been to Bradley Fall for years so I was pleasantly surprised to find awesome trails and beautiful views. Not to mention viewing points with drops of a few hundred feet into the river - with absolutely nothing to stop you from tumbling over! The weather is still unseasonably warm but when I would get close to the river you could feel the cool air. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Frantic' and Mini go for a ride...

Of course there is more to this story. Frantic (Fran-teek) as my cousin calls her and Mini are my cousin Maria's pets. Last week Maria had to work in Spartanburg so she came to stay with me. Of course she asked permission to bring her pets. I was very intrigued by these 2 turtles who are not afraid of people at all. Maria is well versed in turtle care so she filled me in on their care. She was kind enough to bring along their food - slaw (home-made) and worms (store bought) although I offered to go collect some for her. There had been a fishing tournament and all the type worms that the girls eat were out so they had a different variety of worm that they were not so interested in. At any rate I had a great visit with Maria and the "girls". Mini and Frantic are both still young but Maria hopes to release them to her backyard as soon as they are a little bigger.

Congratulations! Alles Gute!

Unfortunately I missed their wedding on September 7th and my post is long overdue but Alexandra (on the right) has been one of my best friends for the last 16 years so she deserves her spot on my glory blog!

Alexandra was my host sister when I was an exchange student in Germany in 1991. When I arrived I did not speak a word of German which made her role in my life VERY important. She was patient and kind. She taught me everything about her country and her language. Her English was already perfect back then and she would always indulge me in a good English conversation when she could see I needed it. She accepted me for who I was, watched as I made mistakes with my life, listened as I confided in her and always was there for me when I needed her over the years. She shared her family with me and has made me feel like I am a part of a family that I am not related to at all. She has a big heart and a wonderful way about her.

A few years ago she called me and told me that she had met the love of her life. Then she asked if I was sitting and asked me if I remembered Nicole from school. Of course I did. Then I realized that Nicole was the love of her life. I was surprised but after so many years of friendship I could only be happy for her. She was happy and she was in love. They came to visit us here and Nicole was equally great - just like Alex. So not only did Alex find her life partner, I felt like I made another friend. They compliment each other, they have fun together and now they are committed to each other.

I admire Alexandra and Nicole for following their hearts and blazing the path for others. While their way might be different than mine I will always love and respect them both. I wish them a lifetime of love and adventure together.

SC Half Weekend

Always fun to be at the races with a nice group of friends!
Despite feeling like she needed to puke up all her yummy GU Julie still managed to put on lipstick and smile for the camera. Yes, she really put on lipstick!

I honestly don't know who this person is BUTT this is a good example of what NOT to wear. I did not see him on the bike in these or running so hopefully he was just on a relay and he is wearing the Speedo to show all us tri-geeks that he is a real swimmer!

Tom and Chad attempt to scare off the competition by showing that they have spent more time in the gym than on the roads running...Chad did manage to pull off an impressive run. Now if he would only do those run workouts I give him!

Mary Hiter is all smiles before her 2nd Half IM. She set her PR here by 4 min. In another year or so you better watch out for Mary on the bike - she is a powerhouse!

Julie and I are trying to keep warm before the start. It was her first half Ironman - actually her first race longer than a sprint!

Glenn Livingston is at peace before the race start - it was a PR day for Glenn!

Pam Ogle & Suzanne Schlotterback get ready to complete their first Half IM Race.

Zen Sarcasm

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes."

Finish Line

This picture says it all - FINISH! That is exactly the way I felt after we finished cleaning up, loading and unloading everything that was needed to put on this race. We were up at 4:00 and I cleaned the last cooler out at 3:00 in the afternoon. The race was a success - we had 273 people register and 231 people finish. I think a lot of the pre-registered people just did not show up, it wasn't that they did not make it around the lake. The whole experience of putting on the race is absolutely amazing because of the impact that this little race has on our community. Everyone comes together to make it happen. Volunteers appear who are not runners to help in any way they can. We all work together as a team. When I was in college I had a class on Team Building. It was the only class I got a "B" in. I just wish that professor could see me now. I feel sure she would take that back! A big factor in my new team skills is that all the people I have been working with are "workers" they all make things happen and take responsibility. While most of us are not paid for our efforts we all treat the volunteer work as if it were a job and that attitude makes all the difference. We are already planning a bigger, better race for next year.

Ache Around the Lake

Here we are running in front of the Tea House up at Lake Lanier. Scarlette, whom I totally blame for getting me involved in yet another charity/work event is hiding behind me in the picture. Kind of ironic since she is the one who had the idea to put on a running race around our beloved lake. Last year was a huge learning curve for both of us - since at that point Scarlette had never even run in a race and I had certainly never been responsible for all the details to produce an event, but somehow we pulled it off and it was a success. This year we took our idea to the local hospital where we got lucky again and ran into 4 other women with can-do attitudes who thought we could raise a lot more money and take the race to another level. Their belief in our race has taken us to a whole new level this year. Scarlette and I were able to use our talents organizing while our new friends at the hospital showed us how raising money is done. The race is this coming weekend and as of now looks like it will be a big success. If you are reading this and have not signed up yet.... www.achearoundthelake.org

Pet Pals

All of my dogs are special but Ziggy has a gift of being able to dole out love to every stranger he sees. At least a few times a week I take Ziggy to local nursing homes to visit with a group I created called Pet Pals. I was inspired to do the work to organize a group like this because of Ziggy's special personality and because there was a great need for it here in our community. In the picture above are some of the "regular" visitors - from left to right Champ, Diva, Ziggy, Pepe' and Daisy. Our group makes over 100 visits each year and bring smiles to the faces of many who indeed live sad lives.

Hartsville from behind the lens...

Since I can't race I can take pictures. Some are good, some not so good but I am going to post them anyway since I spent hours out on the course at Hartsville cheering for those I coach and many that I don't even know. I guess I am addicted to triathlon. I love getting up early in the morning, the fog rising off the lake, the cool air, the loud music in the transition area and lots of people who are just as crazy as I am about the event.

Unfortunatly when I stepped into the water to catch this cool shot I left my racing flats on the beach. Since I was not racing I walked around barefoot and then put my bike shoes on and went out on the course for the remainder of the day. When I was almost home I realized that my race shoes with my very expensive orthotics were still on the beach in Hartsville. Of course I called everyone I could think of to see if someone at the campground had picked them up - but it appears that there is some guy - most likely named "Bubba" wearing a pair of orange Asics with stinky green orthotics. Oh well - I guess it is the only way to get rid of orthotics that stink! Hopefully whomever picked them up needed them more than me anyway. (This shot is of Lindsay, Kimberley & Ashley from left to right) They finished in reverse order!

I am not finished with my picture posting yet...but I have to got to PT for my shoulder now.

Fred coming out of the water - new shutter speed works wonders!

Perfect Form

So maybe my swimming form is a little off lately but I have been making sure that the dogs get a good workout in on a daily basis - maybe even a double each day. Here Willow demonstrates her athletisism and while she may not win the jumping dog contest she will now win the worn out, tired, over-worked dog contest. I must have made her jump in 30 times to get one photo of her in the air! In my new found spare time I have even learned how to work my digital camera - amazing what reading the manual can teach you.

Ache Around the Lake is only 2 weeks away so the work is starting to pile up in that department but now with more time on my hands I knock a little out each day. I already have the garage stock piled with awards, water bottles, signs and other miscellanous stuff one needs to put on a race. I think everyone who races should organize a race - they would certainly never complain again. It makes me appreciate all the racing I have done over the years. The donations keep rolling in and it appears we will donate at least 4x what we donated last year. That is what having a team to work on a project can accomplish. I have been fortunate enough to work with an amazing team of all women ranging in ages and interests - but all focused on raising money for thier cause and pulling off this race. I will have to write more about our grop later because I have really enjoyed working with them.

For now I am going to go rest, read and relax. Tomorrow is my first group ride since the accident so it should be interesting.

Turtles and Beavers

Since my training is on a bit of a hold right now I have been enjoying running with the dogs every morning. Blue, one of the rescue dogs, returned to us this weekend after a family that had adopted him deceided he was too much work and just was not going to fit. Poor Blue! We are back up to 6 Weimaraners so they HAVE TO run everyday - which means I do too! (Picture of Blue)

Today was a fun adventure run. Duke has taken to sniffing out turtles during every run. He absolutly loves them. Today while we were running I thought Duke picked up and old tennis ball and was running with it, but a few minutes later he dropped it and it made a strange noise. So I went back to check out what he had and sure enough Duke had been carrying around a baby tutle! The turtle wasn't hurt at all so I placed him in the grass to recover from his scary ride with Duke.

After that we made out way to what we call the "upper" pond. Basically it is the upper pond because we have to run uphill for a 1/2 mile to get to it. As usuall the Beaver was swimming his laps which drives the dogs nuts. They all jump in an try to swim after him. The Beaver gets mad and smacks his tail on the water which only makes the dogs more wild instead of the desired effect of scaring them. After they have a good swim I call them back up into the field with me and watch from the hill as the beaver resurfaces and completes his morning rounds.

A morning run is always a good way to start the day!

TriAmerica

I went to Anderson, SC this morning ready to race if it was in the cards for me. After a quick warm-up of about 10 strokes I walked out of the water and turned in my timing chip - my shoulder is not ready to swim despite the fact that my mind wants to. I went from participant to volunteer in a matter of moments and found that my services as a volunteer were needed. I took off with a car full of others to man the bike course. After I dropped them all off I made my way to the point where the bike course and run course connected. It was here that 3 loose dogs were waiting for unsuspecting cyclists. I was able to deter 2 of the dogs but the 3rd who was a little yellow lab/mix pup of about 6 months was not going to be scared away so easily. So for close to 3 hours I held the little pup on a piece of rope to keep her out of the way. She was just an accident waiting to happen. At the point when I knew there were only another 1 or 2 cyclists on the course I needed to get back in my car and pick up the other volunteers so I let the crazy little dog loose. She went charging after the runners and within minutes of my departure she had taken her first cyclist down. The girl suffered a broken wrist and I just feel guilty as hell about it. Seems some bad injury karma is following me around!

On a happier note Malone Coaching athletes had a good day and cleaned up in the hardware department. Three of the guys were in the top 10 so that has to be a good day at my office!

Pee Dee

Here is the little fellow I picked up at the race at Pee Dee. He was full of fleas and heart worms but is now on his way to a better life. He has already undergone his first heartworm treatment and is living at Doxie Haven which is a Dachshund Rescue. I would still love to find this guy a good home. He is about 4 years old and will be ready to go to an approved forever home in a few months when he is done with treatment.

Greenville Sprint

Last weekend I went and watched the Greenville Sprint Triathlon. I watched almost everyone I coach PR on the course by minutes. I cheered for all, encouraged people to run the hill and in general had a really fun day.

The morning started when before 6 AM I pulled out my marker to body mark a friend and within moments I had 100 people standing behind me. So that is where I stayed until the marker ran out. Little did I know at the end of the other body marking line was Amy. Amy is my fellow team-mate (Set-Up Events) and friend who is also taking a break from racing after some heart trouble. So you see at least those of us on the bench are in good company!

(Picture is of Amy and her daughter Peyton last year at Hickory Knob)

Here are some photos - although I admit I am not good with the camera. Results are posted on my coaching website or Set-Up Events.

Kimberley Westbury - 2nd Overall in good company with new comer Elite athlete Kelly taking first and Lindsey holding on for 3rd.

Chris Smutzer taking 3rd in the Masters division despite not having an "on" day.

Ironman Lake Placid Report

As most of you already know my race at Lake Placid was interrupted by a trip to the emergency room. However my day started out really well and the race was going as I had planned - well at least until a fellow competitor "bumped" me from my bike. For fear of writing one of those race reports that includes trips to the Porto-let I will try to just be short sweet and to the point.

Race morning was cool, no cold. My feet were frozen by the time I made it to Mirror Lake. The cold mountain water actually felt warm to my frozen toes. The first plus of the day! The women pros started at 6:25, which was a full 35 min before everyone else. I had time to do a nice "warm-up" and enjoy a few moments before the race observing the Ironman scene. I love to race in these big races, but at the same time I always feel like I am having an out of body experience. I have been so fortunate to be able to race so much over the past 6 years and in the company of such great athletes. Linsey Corbin was a new face to me at this race. We talked some before the race and then wished each other well. Aside from her amazing talent (a 3:10 marathon in the Ironman) she also was kind enough to e-mail me after the race to see how I was. How thoughtful is that!? Sorry for the digression - but after all this is a blog! Before long we were off and swimming. I fell into a group and shared the pulling with another 2 athletes. Towards the second half of the second lap the age groupers started to overtake us. At that point the smooth swim got a little rough but for the most part I was able to use the draft to my advantage and managed to exit the water in 1:03 which is one of my better swim times in an Ironman race. In my mind I was really happy to be off to a good start.

After a quick transition I was out on the bike. For some unknown reason I decided that I better wear a jacket! What was I thinking? Within 10 min I was stopping to take it off. My cadence sensor was not working and my legs felt super sluggish in the cold. I tried to calm myself and just work on getting the blood flowing in my legs but it took nearly 30 miles for me to feel somewhat normal. After that I started to get into a rhythm. John was at a surprise location so that was a good moment for me. I had some other friends out on the course watching and racing who were great distractions as well. Yeah - I started having fun. I watched the pro women in front of me and marveled at their strength. The weather was warming up, my heart rate was steady and I was keeping it on the low side because I was planning to have the run of my life! I passed the 100 mile mark at 5:40 and was pleased. I talked myself through the next series of hills - Little Cherry, Big Cherry, Mama Bear, Baby Bear, Papa Bear - that is all I had left when all of a sudden I was flying over the handle bars of my bike... (Moments before the accident - giving thumbs up)

At this point I was laying on the ground and I rolled onto my back. Basically I hit the ground still in my aero position. I had the wind knocked out of me for sure, but then I felt the pain in my shoulder. A moment later everyone was encouraging me to get back on the bike and finish but I was pretty certain that there was no way I was going to finish an Ironman with a dislocated shoulder. The guy who hit me was Ryan Van Praet - the Ford Everyday Ironman Hero. He was a nice guy, very apologetic and even offered to go to the hospital with me. I encouraged him to finish for both of us since he only really had road rash. Poor guy - since I had not kept up with all the happenings I did not even know who he was until after the race. Turns out he raised money and awareness for ALS. His father is dying of it. In addition to that he has some disease that is causing him to loose his eye sight. He is legally blind. So I am going to go out on a limb here and say that he probably never even saw me.

I got a ride in a support vehicle to the emergency room since there was no way I wanted to add to the cost of the day with an even higher medical bill! At the hospital I signed myself in and was then taken to x-ray. Why on earth did they have to turn my arm in such a strange position is beyond me - but they did and when they did I had a little surprise of my own for them..nothing like pain so bad that it makes you vomit, sweat and practically pass out. At that point they decided that maybe they did not need that view after all! I was then allowed to lay down and was given some useless pain killers (clean and synthetic) that did not work at all on me. After receiving 3 doses of it they went with Morphine and I was much more comfortable. Shortly there after my shoulder was put back where it belongs and I was out of there. I had time to go back to the house and take a shower and then go back to the race and watch everyone run. It was great to see my friends and Ryan (new friend?) finish but also bitter sweet since I was really looking forward to the run.

Paul Sullivan (friend from NC) had an amazing race finishing in under 11 hours and Gerald (AKA "G") managed to pull together a great race too. Ryan Van Praet finished in the 13 hour range and Linsey Corbin secured herself a spot to Hawaii with 5th place Overall finish.

I guess if I can walk away from the day with anything it is the fact that everything happens for a reason. Lake Placid was just not meant to be for me. No matter how mentally and physically prepared I was there is a bigger, greater force dictating our lives. Sometimes I like to fight it but after Lake Placid I just took a step back, took some time to look at how wrapped up I was/am in training. Maybe I needed a break? There are so many things I enjoy doing and while I have missed training I have enjoyed catching up with friends who were neglected during Ironman training. I know that I will come back stronger and more determined than ever but for now I am still enjoying physical therapy and abbreviated training.

A month later and ready for Ironman...

It has been over a month since I posted anything to my wonderful blog. It seemed like a really good idea at the time but I was training for Ironman USA and just about ready to hit the big training weeks. Somehow getting ready for an Ironman takes over my life. I train, I work, I eat and I sleep and my to-do list grows. I take care of the things that must be done and everything else has to wait until after the big day. The big day will be here tomorrow but I just can't seem to have a good big day until I have everything in order. So my blog is now the last thing on my list that remains to be done before the race - so that I can then do it after the race too. So as I write to you now I am choking down some pre race favorites like Peach Rings, Gas X, Zantac, Bolthouse Berry Farms...and I wonder why I have such stomach issues! Maybe with eating habits like this I will develop that stomach of iron I have envied in so many? Enough of that rambling I know some of you would much rather hear about Lake Placid.

I will post some pictures from this week when I am home. The weather has been cool - actually cold. I have been wearing every piece of warm clothing most of the week. High 60's pushing into the 70's has been the norm - oh and rain, rain and more rain. Not only have I been wearing all my clothes but every time I go out everything gets soaked (see picture of Gerald & Sarah from SC).

Today the weather cleared and the sun and light wind are drying everything out. The weather for race day promises to be beautiful - perfect race day conditions. This morning I packed all my transition bags and cleaned my bike and delivered everything to the transition area around 12:30. I was glad to have that all taken care of. The rest of the afternoon slipped away and now it is already time to start thinking about getting dinner ready (I am staying at my friends' home - Cindy & David). We will have a nice dinner together with Gerald (AKA - "G") and his wife Sarah who are staying here too.

The morning will come quickly with a 4:00 am wake-up call and a start time of 6:25 for the women pro athletes.

You can watch the race unfold online @ http://www.ironmanlive.com/

Shameless Wheel Sucker

Today was long ride day (107 miles) and while I realize that triathlon is an individual sport and I should train in the wind today I just could not resist the temptation to draft. For those of you non-cyclists this means I sat as close as I could to the wheel of the cyclist in front of me for protection from the wind. It was a foggy wet morning and the roads remained very wet for most of our mountain adventure. As proof of my shameless drafting I was covered in road grime and grease from constant shower I received from the guys in front of me. I suffered on the climbs today, more so than usual but there was something great about the ride. I rode faster and harder than I would have if I were alone. Speeding down a road, sitting in the draft zone, getting covered in grime, screaming "car up, car back", I was smiling. Riding the bike is fun! Having friends that you can meet at dawn, ride with for hours through many moods is even better.

Small town love

I live in a small town and I like it. I know every other person I see and if I don't know them chances are I know their cousin, wife or kid and for some reason I find this very entertaining. Today I ventured out of my small town and into another small town, Saluda, only 14 miles away from my home but a world away. I ate lunch, walked the streets, checked out stores I have been in at least 100 times. I smelled hand made soap that reminded me of jelly beans, looked at pottery that I will give as a gift at the next wedding I go to and drooled over hand made jewelry. I had a few hours of vacation and within minutes I was back at home.

I then walked all the dogs (minus Yoda who is having hip problems). I walked on the trails in the woods and hid behind trees from the dogs and laughed wildly as they sprinted past me, some hunting dogs! We splashed in the bottom of a waterfall and then I let them swim in the pond before crashing through the woods on our way back to the house.

Another day is done. Tomorrow will be a 100+ mile day on the bike so the change in pace today was welcome.

14 days of life

It has now been weeks since I vowed to blog. I have not exactly kept my vows - something I seem to struggle with. I vow to train, I usually do, but sometimes I don't. I try to do too many things and then bang my head against the wall because I just can't keep up. Since I don't have enough to do and I am not focused enough this year - racing an Ironman seems like a good way to get myself back on track. You get the point?

So here and now I am going to catch up and blog on and on about what the heck I have been doing with myself for the last 14 days. At that point I can go to bed and feel like I have actually completed something that has lingered on my list for the last 2 weeks. Any maybe, just maybe I will blog again tomorrow.

During my runs I often think of great things to blog about. Profound and interesting ideas that come to mind. I can't think of any right now - but they come to me then.

I ran up behind a deer the other day on the trail. I don't know who was more surprised me or him. I stopped and talked to him. He was cute and curious and probably would have kicked me if I got any closer. He had little tiny fuzzy antlers which I was close enough to see. He was beautiful, young and dumb. He obviously has not learned to be afraid.

Yesterday there were more dead squirrels in the road than I have ever seen before. There must have been something calling them out there. Where did they all come from? How many Squirrels are there anyway? Yeah, I gave this some serious thought during my bike ride yesterday.

Today running I saw a fast turtle. This has to be a good omen. He checked me out as I ran by and continued on his way. I also saw a turtle the other day during my warm-up swim in Lake Greenwood. It was a huge snapping turtle. I could smell him before I saw him and I was terrified. I screamed like a little girl and tried to hide (treading water) between the guys. I am a little embarrassed by my behavior but snapping turtles are mean. Not to mention the fact that I have been having a little phobia about "things" in the lake.

Last week during a training swim in my home lake I was encouraged to swim closer to shore than I normally would. The reason being that there were a lot of boats out and they could run over me. Honestly I am less scared of the motor boats than I am of the creepy things lurking under the water. On our way back in Ashley and I are swimming at a good clip, we have a nice rhythm going but then I start to see pieces of an old dock. The water was getting shallower and we were swimming closer than I like to an old submerged silo. I tried to stay calm and swim faster but finally I could not take it anymore. I picked my head up and shrieked. Poor Ashley thought she had scared me by touching my foot or something. Within a moment I was sprinting away and Ashley was wondering what got to me. If only they had more submerged wood and trash in all race lake swims - I would be first out of the water!

I have been training more lately. I have managed to get at least 200 miles per week in on my bike and 25-40 miles running. Amazingly I am finally starting to feel like a triathlete again. For the first few races of the season I absolutely got pummeled. Kimberley - who is in the picture with me, did all her training and kicked my tail - even winning a few races! Ashley too must have been doing a lot more than me and repeatedly breezed by me on the run. She would always encourage me to go with her, but I just could not. Finally this past weekend I was able to race again and not just fade into the back. It is really much more fun to be in better shape, it just takes so much work!

Once a week or so I take a break from training and coaching to bring Ziggy to visit in a nursing home. It is his big day out and he loves it. He sits patiently and allows everyone to pet him. He licks despondent patients and plant himself at the feet of people who just need to be touched. He just knows what to do. When we walk into the building he gives a sort of howl to let everyone know he is there and then proceeds to make the rounds. I follow him. Everyone knows his name and if I dare go to visit there without him they all ask for Ziggy.

Last week we went to a new facility with just 5 patients, all younger women. To my amazement a girl who had been injured in a car accident when I was in high school was there. I remember when she had the accident and that she was in a coma for a long time but I guess when you are in high school that is just not the kind of thing you follow up on. To see her brought tears to my eyes, she had made it! I guess the biggest surprise was that she remembered me! Ziggy worked his magic with her and gave her a lot of much needed love. I left feeling very fortunate.

With that I think I will call it a day. Tomorrow maybe I will blog again?

1 Snake vs. 3 Dogs

Wednesday night seemed to be normal. I went for a great swim in the lake with Ashley. I got a little freaked out when I could see old wood under the water - you know it might attack me or something. Either way the very scary wood made me swim fast for at least another 300-400m. I think that was enough to count as my hard effort for the night.

Back at home we had a nice little dinner feast. I admit I only let 2 dogs in to join us since 6 dogs is just too many to have to dinner. The outside pups were quite but little did I know that at some point a sneaky snake (Copperhead) had invaded their territory. The snake was only a little over a foot long. I know this because it was still there - dead. 2 of the dogs looked as though the fight had been a close one. The third dog looked fine to me - I did not notice his wounds until I was back from the emergency vet clinic. At any rate I now know that Copperhead bites are not usually fatal to dogs. I wish I wish I had known that during the 100+ mph drive to Spartanburg. Willow was bitten in the mouth, Blue (new rescue dog) was bitten badly in the leg, and Duke (old rescue dog) was also bitten in the mouth. All are on pain killers and antibiotics now, swelling is going down and hopefully we are out of the woods.

I have spent the last 2 days trying to recover from staying up so late on Wed night. I am a wimp. The late-night-party-girl is no longer (ok, maybe never was) part of my character! Tomorrow morning I will volunteer for the Middle Tyger YMCA Tri. I will actually be happy to volunteer and cheer for all my athletes. More on that tomorrow.

I want one too!

The fact is that everyone has one. I have tried to resist the temptation because I don't have time for this. I have a website for coaching that I have not updated for months - but maybe this will be easier? So today is the day I am going to start. First I am going to take all 6 dogs for a walk and then I will really start...