Ground Hog fight

On Monday night during a wet and rainy run Pepe', Willow and Ziggy got a ground hog. It may be more appropriate to say that the Ground Hog got Pepe' because it was latched onto his nose and Ziggy was pulling on the tail and Willow had a leg. They had the thing stretched out like a bear carpet. No, they did not kill it. Thanks to my friend Laura I did not even have to make a trip to the vet this time. She got me some antibiotics for Pepe' and I cleaned out all his wounds and he is as good as new. I do think I should rename him Scar but he does not respond to that. This picture is of Willow and Pepe' snoozing after the big attack and bath to rid them both of all the blood. Poor Pepe' had quite the bloody nose after their encounter. Never a dull moment with the dogs.

Very COLD Open Water Swim

Everyone keeps asking me "When can I do an open water swim?" and I keep telling them "It is too cold" well after my little splash in the lake on Sunday afternoon I am sticking to my guns and telling people to enjoy the pool a little longer. I think I swam about 800m in 18 min and for the most part the entire time I felt like I could not swim. I was so cold and taking such short quick breaths that I just did not feel comfortable. My legs were tired from a big weekend of training and the cold water just made every muscle in my body want to seize. I kept my wits about me and stayed relaxed so that I would not drown but I have no doubt that someone not as comfortable in the water would not have had a pleasant experience. The most fun part of this swim was watching the guys get in the water and scream out like little girls. I thought they were just doing it for my benefit but it turns out the water really was cold enough to make a big man sound like a child. I know - you are wondering what the temp was. I did measure it...I think the thermometer was not working well - but it said something like 53...VERY COLD!

Downtown Columbia Sprint Tri

Here is a shot of the few we could round up - lots of award winners! Colette, Brad, Me, Jan & Peter - What can I say about the race...we all lived through a crazy bike course filled with pedestrians and lots of cars. That alone makes it a good day. Oh - and I finally managed to place again in a race - 3rd - but I will take it!

Colette and I before leaving the house very early in the morning and in the freezing cold on the last day of our epic bike week. Also the day after a tri (but it was just a sprint!)

100K and a Hill a Day Week

One of my favorite sights - I love Donkeys!

A very cool covered bridge on the way to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.

Kimberley and Pam joined in on the Wednesday ride which included climbing the Saluda Grade and Caesar's Head.

How about those switchbacks on Green River Cove Rd. Day 1 climb for me and Colette

Colette overlooking the Green River. Colette comes to visit every year and we ride at least 100K and one epic climb each day. She does not ride all winter long in Canada and then comes down here and gets on a bike and ride like a champ. I don't know anyone as tough as Colette. Did I mention she NEVER complains! No kidding - maybe that is why I love to ride with her. We always have fun.

Transitions

I LOVE this action shot of some of my most dedicated athletes practicing their transitions. We staged a few little transition races in the parking lot of the Y. I think Audrey might have won every round - but then again she should since she did this last year too. Transitions are really the 4th sport in triathlon!

Sleeping Arrangements

There is a problem here. This chair belongs to Ziggy. The chair is his bed and his favorite spot. Every time Ziggy gets up Willow will get in. To this Ziggy will respond with a "woof" at approximately 10 second intervals until I get myself out of bed and remove Willow from his bed. At first I thought this was a cute behavior but now after a few weeks I don't find it so funny. The other night I had just finished rearranging Ziggy and Willow when I turned around to find her in the chair ON TOP of poor Ziggy (see picture). Ziggy was really trying to ignore her but she was trying to push him out. Now, I know what you are thinking. Get another chair! I already have but that one belong to Pepe' who occasionally shares with Harry and I just don't have room for any more. My conclusion - Willow is just a problem dog. I love her anyway!

Ache Around the Lake meets Reedy River

Scarlette and I went to the Reedy River race together. We even helped to stuff packets because they let us put "save the date" reminders in for Ache Around the Lake 8K - to be held Oct 10th. Reedy River 10K turned out to have absolutely perfect spring weather - finally! Unfortunately I was not feeling up to par (something about 2 marathons in 2 weeks) but I still enjoyed the run through the park and seeing friends before and after. I will call it a nice social run!