No exercise today yet

All rain, all day and the pool is closed:( I may go out and run later, but I'm working on a few projects in the house for today. I am really looking forward to a few days to myself and get a few things done. I'm also happy to be home with my dogs; we are so happy to lounge around! Oh, my neighbor came down to get a dead mouse for me too. Good trade, I got them the fresh wreeths and stuff, and he got the dead mouse:)
Take care and enjoy the holidays!

Good day for a swim

Okay, so I'm a little behind already! I will get to posting regularly, I swear. I did the morning swim today, ugh. I'm so out of shape, this new schedule is killing me. Running is even a chore, 3 miles at most. I swam Friday 1/2 hour, Saturday 45 min, and Sunday good hour. Today, 45 minutes. I'm sore to say the least. I will get back to swim shape, but it will take some time. I did a small amount of running over the weekend, mostly walked the dogs 3-5 miles each day. Nothing like Forrest, but it will have to do for now. Back to work for me....goggle marks are almost gone from morning swim:)

December already!

I have not written on this blog since Nikki went missing. Wow. I was out of it. Nikki is home safe and sound and hopefully will never be lost again. Several things have happened since, among the list is me gaining almost 10 pounds! So, I haven't been working out as hard, obviously. I have also been eating too much, and Thanksgiving at the Lusty's didn't help. I'm back on the wagon again. I'm looking forward to break (taking time off between xmas and new years) to do some things around the house and finish yet another quilt. I used/borrowed the quilter at Mom's when I was home and its so awesome, I miss it at my house out in NJ. That makes quilting so much easier. Sherri and Mom split it, but in reality, I use it more than Mom and I don't even live there!
One more thing to mention....I'm volunteering with Garden State German Shepherd rescue. This is brand new and they are working on checking my references and will be doing a home visit in the next week or so. Once I pass all the tests, I will have to take 'aggressive dog training'. funny, I can just use my own Levi for that one:) then, I will be able to foster German Shepherds when needed. I will also help with computer work, home visits for adoptors, phone calls, etc. I decided that this is really what I enjoy and something that I can do for volunteering that already fits into my life style. I also bought a used outdoor dog kennel with dog houses (2 dog run), so I will have more ways to seperate dogs when/if necessary.
Nikki is finally back to her normal weight of 61 pounds and Levi gained a few too, not that he needed to:). All is well and I hope you all have a good holiday.

No rest for the weary

Boy, what a week! My actaul paying job has been keeping my too busy and I've been up to midnight every night. I missed several key workouts this week too. Just not enough hours in the day. I had meetings in NYC all day today, so I got up early and took the bus in. That was my first bus ride into the city. I would normally take my car or the train. Bus was very smooth and next time I will do that. Meetings went well (with my new team and new job), howeve,r I still can't shake the old job and am doing more than double duty. I took some time to break this evening and cleaned the house at least. It will be nice for Meredith when she comes tomorrow to take care of the kids. She is the best (of course, Nikki doesn't agree though. she is scared of everyone, just not dogs). Last time Meredith watched Nikki, she would never come in the house, so she stayed outside from Friday - Monday. Stupid dog. She hid under the deck. At least she has the breezeway too, but can't believe she is really that shy. Even food doesn't entice that little girl. She has eyes for me only, she is just a one owner kind of dog I guess. At least she loves other dogs. she is just more comfortable with her own 'kind'. I can't wait to get to MI and get on my bike and releave some stress. I really need it. (just yawned, so maybe I can sleep now)
See you soon
Trigirl

4 days to triathlon

Working hard and trying to get packed, etc. Of course, I have to be in NYC all day tomorrow for meetings, boy, this will slow me down. I need to goto swim practice tonight and get the lawn mowed, and work all day. Somethings gotta give for sure. I will miss my kids though, first trip home with no dogs:( Meredith is going to stay at my house and take care of them, she is awesome. The love her little dog though, so she will have the pack of 3 for the week.
Ran a couple miles yesterday and did pilates. Swim practice tonight will be hard and I am going to try to bike before I leave work anyway. Can't wait to just get there and relax. The race will be stress relieving. Update on racers: Tim Gutherie (cousin), Linnette Hidecker (from high school), and myself. Everyone else copped out. There should be around 300 racers, so very small race. I might be out on the bike course alone! Oh well, that means I will run alone too.
last year there was only about 75 people doing the Olympic (Tim and Linnette are doing the Sprint). Still, I will have fun. I will be looking for Jessie Marie to make sure she is all walked and groomed before the race!

Weekend Warrior

Boy, am I tired. My flight was late Friday night (of course) so I didn't arrive home until after midnight. I need my sleep, so no early morning walk for the kids Saturday. they still got one, but it was hot by then and started raining. Had 2 parties to goto Saturday night so I went to one around 4 and hit the other around 7. Needless to say I had too much wine:) The second one was at my neighbors, so I could just roll down the hill when it was time to go home.

Sunday, much better day. Got a good walk in with the dogs in the am. Went out to breakfast, did grocery shopping and then went out for a 40 mile bike ride. Was awesome weather, sunny and a little breezy. Finished laundry and worked on my class reunion bio book. Can't wait to get there.

See you all real soon! Driving all day Friday, so should be there around late dinner time.

St Louis here I come

I am running out of time to post, I'm heading to St Louis in 10 min and will be there until Friday night for work. I did however, get up and run 6 miles this morning with the kids at 5:30am, yikes! It was early for me. My neighbor is watching Nikki and I'm dropping off Levi at Meredith's. Hope they both behave. Forrest is finally tired, but I doubt he will take a day off. I will be working out in the hotel gym for the next 2 days, wish me luck. I may try to swim too, but their pool isn't huge, so we will see.
Take care all

Triathlete found and drowned...

http://www.1010wins.com/Body-of-Triathlete-Found-in-N-J--s-Lake-Mercer/2678854 So, apparently they did an autopsy and the man drowned. No head trauma or heart attack problems. Sorry to bear the bad news every day, but I really feel bad. This the first I've ever known it to happen in triathlons. Last week antoher man died in the Hudson river doign the NYC tri. It is believed he was stung by several jellyfish and that had something to do with his death. In the 3 years I've been doing triathlons, this is the first time I've ever heard of deaths in the swim. My thoughts are with these familes today.

Sad News

They found the racer this morning from my race according to the news:(
http://cbs3.com/local/john.hobgood.new.2.781534.html

They will probably never know what happened in the swim, apparently they never noticed someone struggling.

Race Info

Forrest wants race breakdown so he understands all the lingo; what Forrest wants, Forrest gets:) The results always gives you actual time, pace, and rank overall. Then, some overall stats. Here is how it breaks down (and I had a much slower race, but a healthy one nonetheless) . 2800 racers, quite a large race.

Swim: rank-457 actual time-34:24 pace-38:13

T1-4:01

Bike rank-697 actual time-1:26:59 pace-16.0

T2-2:56

Run: rank-556 actual time-1:04:22 pace-10:23

Overall time: 3:12:41 Division rank: 34 Division: F35-39 Gender rank: 200

The picture to my left is my very good friend Jen and I at the swim start. I spend lots of time with her. I feel great myself, only my forearms hurt, but that is because I trimmed my bushes for a few hours on Saturday and my hedge trimmer is heavy (gas powered). Funny, not sore at all from the race, just from yard work the day before:) I had a great time and enjoyed the day. I was very sorry to hear this morning that someone died in the swim and they still can't find him. That is the first race that has ever happened at that I did. It is usually very good fun. Walk on Forrest and I will see you at the next race.

Good day today

No pictures yet, but I finished the race today! didn't have a great 'times', but did okay. For getting back in shape, I won't complain. Pretty tired now and its thunderstorming, so I'm hanging out with the kids now. Resting and attending to them is good. I had a friend there that took picutres, so I will post one later. Fun ones of course though.
I'm not in tip top shape yet, but getting there (maybe just in time for summer to be over).
Hope all had a good weekend.

Pre-Race walkthrough

Boy, tomorrow is going to be a tough one. For starters, there are 2800 racers, which is huge for a triathlon. The transition area is a nightmare. 2800 bikes is a lot of bikes to rack together. I had to drive down there today to get my packet (they don't allow pick up day of). 1 hour drive down there, yikes. Because the traffic will be bad at the race, I'm getting there when transition opens. So, I have to leave my house at 4:30! I'm going to bed soon. I went and got ice cream with my neighbors and I didn't shut the house door well enough (dogs stay outside when I'm gone); anyway, I came home and Levi was in the house and had eaten the entire tub of granola. Like 2 quarts. I ban him to the breezeway because he's in trouble and he may get sick. I may leave him out there I'm still so mad at him. He's killing me slowly.
Anyway, off to bed so I can rest up for the race.
Forrest had a great week of mileage; fabulous.

Sun is shy, but coming

Boy did it rain today, woke up to pouring rain, but no thunder. That was good because the bed was not shaking:) It rained so hard, I drove around trying to get to work and the roads were flooded in that direction. I finally had enough and went back home, worked from there. Kids were happy to see me. The sun started to come out at lunch, so I thought I would run the dogs, bad idea. It was swealtering. they had to go back and stay home. I trotted for 4 miles and that was plenty because it was blistering humidity. Had a check up at the cardiologist in the afternoon. Told him I'm feeling much better, but he is ordering a CT angiogram test anyway. I'm too young and healthy to have my problems, so this will rule out any other heart problems. I feel better than ever though on Norvasc (strange though, I don't have high blood pressure). At this point, my diagnosis is 'arterial spasms', but the next test may tell more. I'm racing this weekend on Sunday, an olympic distance. I won't be fast, but I will have a good time. I'm feeling great, but a little out of shape. It's the same distance I'm doing in MI next month. http://www.cgievents.com/cgiracing/njst/index.html If you want to check my results. I'm in the next to last wave...wave 16:(...so I will be out on the course later than most; I hate that. Makes you seem slow, but it's just the wave I'm in.
I also checked and the swim start for the Sleepy Hollow race is 8am for Olympic distance, Sunday Aug 10th. early morning!
chao for now

Rainy days again

Boy have I been off line! I went to Lake Placid for a long weekend returning late Monday. I would like to say it was a great weekend, but it poured all day Sunday, only Sunday. That just happened to be race day for the Lake Placid Ironman competition. I stood in the pouring rain all day cheering for my friend, Frank Pantuso. He had a gerat race and did better than expected which is amazing considering the conditions. The bike was hard in the pouring rain. IM is 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run. 140.6 miles, so if you ever see a bumper sticker with 140.6 (or 70.3 which means half Iron), you know now what it means. That is a true athlete, deserving the description of Iron. While I was there, Saturday, I swam the IM course and it was great. I felt really good and that was my only workout all weekend. Got back and ran 6 miles yesterday, just need to get on my bike. Well, it rained all morning yesterday, so no bike to work. Today? Again, only it thunderstormed all morning. Started around 4am and that is when I woke up with Nikki sleeping on my pillow and trying to sit on my head. She is even more scared of storms than Levi....didn't think that was possible. I moved her so she was laying next to me, but she panted so hard, it made my bed shake; yeah... for 3 hours. My parents would understand that because their old dog Jenny did the same. You couldn't sleep and neither could I this morning. If it wasn't raining so hard, I would have just gotten up and walked.
Well, I'm back in the saddle and have a race this weekend on Sunday. Will be my first race since all the chest pain issues. I have no concerns and am feeling good. I will have a good time.
Catch you tomorrow.

Glad it is Saturday

Got up and was out running before 6:30 am today, but only ran a few miles. I fell on my bike yesterday with my clips and cut up my heel, oops! (love the new bike sandals though) So the run was a little painful on my heel. Then, went to pilates class at 9am, big breakfast at 10, nothing better. Good morning (dogs ran the 3.5 miles with me too). I have lots on my plate of things to do today, laundry, cleaning, and yardwork. Tomorrow morning early I'm going to a triathlon to cheer on a friend of mine. He is doing his first triathlon every, so it will be fun. I have several friends racing, just one newbie.
Have a good weekend everyone!

Slackin'

Boy have I been slacking on posting! I feel so good finally with my workouts, I'm staying busy and not posting. Sorry! I have even been eating well too, less calories. I always eat pretty healthy, but lots of it. I'm cutting down a bit on helping size. Also, biking, running, and swimming regularly, I feel great. Must be the meds:)
It is finally warm and dry here today, sunny, not humid, can't wait to get out on my bike. Half day fridays are the best thing invented (besides ice cream and wine). I have a dentist appointment (cleaning), then I'm going biking for sure. One more thing that makes me happy is I got a note from my good friend Tony, and he is thinking of running a Marathon, the big M. I can't wait to give him advice, he will probably be annoyed at all my crazy ideas, but hopefully he enjoys it. It's a great experience and accomplishment. I will be singing his praises very soon.
Okay, good luck all, keep exercises and eating healthy!

Hiatis

Boy, I've been off my blog for an entire week! I had a long, busy weekend, but have no other excuses. I am back in the saddle of workouts though. I'm working my running mileage back up and am only at 6, but ran a 10K on the 4th of July for fun. I worked out every day last week and am back to doing sprints in the pool. That is a huge change because with this condition, I was not running maybe 2 miles and absolutely no sprints in any sport. Was very difficult. I'm a little tired, but it keeps my very 'bubbly' personality at bay for now:) I had a good, slow, but fun bike ride on Sunday, 35 miles baby. That is the most I've done since late April. I biked to work today and home and also ran at lunch, so I'm good and tired tonight. I'm talking my neighbor into going for icecream to reward myself (she has no excuse though). Since my hiatis, I don't think Forrest (or his flyin' g'mas) got too far ahead of me....I'm back and feeling better than ever!

Yucky, sticky weather

It's supposed to storm all day, but it hasn't started, it is very sticky here...yuck... How do the animals do it? The deer seem to be fine and continue to multiply like crazy, so they must not mind. I left the picture to the right up because I see them every day, except you can multiply that by 2. In the early mornings, there are usually 4 babies hanging around. They are so darn cute, but once they lose their spots, I'm done with them. Just a nuisance they are.

Trying to cut back on eating, it's not easy as I'm hungry all the time. ran 6 miles this morning and sweat off a couple pounds I'm sure; I felt like I was in the tropics. It was too hot for the kids...they got an early morning 3 miles walk before the run though, so they are fine.

Pounding the pavement

I'm on Forrest's tail...thanks for the info on the turn, I made it:) I'm back on some sort of workout plan daily, hip hip hurray! ran 5.5 miles Thursday, 2300 meters swim on Friday, and 20 mile bike this morning. I even walked about 5 miles all days. My dogs are happy campers! Its super hot in NJ today, 95 and sticky, yuk. Hung 2 of my bikes in the garage today (I had the hangers for months, just never put them up). Now I'm working on indoor chores (and there is always chores).
chao for now

All work and no Play

Boy, have I been working my butt off lately (well, it's not as small as I would like it...hehe..). I have been working so hard, I didn't even read Forrest's blog all week until just now. Not like me. I can't keep up with work and meetings. Only one workout in an entire week, one 20 mile bike ride Tuesday. I was supposed to be resting anyway. Until today...I got the release from my cardiologist to workout harder. He up'd the darn Norvasc to 5 mg though....but I have a pretty good bill of health now. I got home and went right out and ran 5.5 miles with the kids. They loved it! Of course, it was a little too hot for them, but I went to the gorge so they could swim at the half way point. Happy dogs I have. The are truely enjoying the morning walks. That is the only exercise I have been able to keep up with and the dogs approve. tomorrow is the last appointment of my root canal....I envy Forrest for having a good appointment with Schoonover. Gold star.
See you in the morning...

Mother Nature strange

What a beautiful day it was in NJ today. Sun shinning, not humid, little breeze, high 80's, just doesn't get much better outside. The bummer is I'm working on a application/database upgrade still that started Wednesday night. Ugh..not many workouts at all.... After I start my new job, I will transition out of a technical role and therefore, this will be the last upgrade I suffer through technically! Since technology is so great now, I spent a few hours outside at least because wireless goes that far. I layed in the sun off and on and moved to the shade when I was hot. I had my laptop, cell phone and blue tooth on my ear. Man is technology great. Strange thing about my dogs is we were outside and they have the entire yard and where do they lay? 6 inches from me. After a few hours, i took a break and gave them baths in the backyard with the hose and that cooled them off too. Levi played chase along the fence with some deer and then I went out front for a minute and that is where the babies were. Left totally unattended. That brings me back to my title....mother nature...so they leave these babies all the time for the entire day. They just hang out in my yard...sometimes they sleep, and sometimes they jump and romp around. Wonder what the moms think they are doing? wonder if they are supposed to sit still and they get in trouble when the moms return and figure out they were playing?.....wonder wonder wonder.....

Up the mileage

Today I ran 6 miles outside! This was a real milestone...of course I had to walk some, and up all hills, but that is such a huge step lately. Still had chest pain, but I got through it. Hip hip hurray. I got light headed a bit, but that is a side affect of the meds. I missed swimming because I'm working on a large database upgrade and had to get up at 4am and worked until about 6, then fell asleep...woke up at 7:30, walked the dogs, went to work, and I have been working on this darn upgrade ever since. I drove home around 6:30 ate and walked the dogs and got back online. This upgrade shouldn't be done until Saturday night, so this will be a long couple days. I don't need to be online constantly, so when I kick off a job that takes a few hours, I sneek out:)
I think Forrest's photo is cheering me up already....I just adore dogs, I think I could have more. People would think I'm a crazy dog person though (one step above a cat lady). I even let my kids sleep in my bed, I know, spoiled just like Jessie Marie.
I hitting the breakfast dinner tomorrow to meet my friends; Go DeWitt baseball, wish I could have made a game (my father went to several though...)
Exercise everyone!

Blog, blog, blog...

Who even reads this blog anyway, Forrest is my faithful reader, and on occasion, sherquilter. As for the rest of my family, the intent was to encourange healthy lifestyle and good eating habbits. I think I've only dragged people down with my complaining, chest pain, etc. i'll try to be the normal perky person I used to be...maybe...I had breakfast out today, just cuz I wanted to. Eggs, potatoes, and toast, was yummy. Since I walked the dogs, I felt I deserved a little something good (I have that excuse every day now). Biked on the spinner at lunch, made it 45 min, but went very easy. Situps, pushups, etc. All good. Now after my walk in the morning I am stretching and doing situps too. I'm starting to feel like my Grandma who, bless her heart, lived to 92 and walked and did morning exercises up the day she died. I could be so lucky. She lived like over 30 years with a pace maker, so I've got nothing to worry about! I think she even ate bacon and eggs all the time too. So here's to Grandma, minus the bacon:) I'm going to get back in good health, I just know it.

Nice weather

Boy was it a nice morning today. I didn't get up until 6, but I still got a few miles of walking in with the dogs. Even though I don't like my new workout plan, the dogs are loving it. Every morning we walk around 5am (except for swim days), and they think it is the new way of life, so they expect it. They look forward to breakfast also asap when we get home. They sit by the food bin and wait. They still get walks at night too, so I am close to keeping up with Forrest. We walk about 3 miles in the morning and 2-3 at night. I have also worked myself up to 3 miles so far running. I still get a good amount of chest pain, so I can't really go any farther. Swimming bothers me the least, so I have been getting 3 one hour swims in a week. Not much biking because it is all hills here and they get my heart going in a bad way. I'm still taking Norvasc, but only 2.5 mg, so I don't notice a difference yet. It hasn't been a week yet though, we'll see. If arterial spasms are the true issue, that is just too scary for me to do any cold water swims, so that will put spring triathlons out for the future (guess that might mean I can't swim in Lake Michigan either). I pick up my new canvas for my pop-up camper this weekend and have someone from work coming out to help me put it on. It will be quite a task and it cost $1500, so we have to be careful with it. I better not get mice again.
Take care all.

Health check...

I haven't been posting much because I am not loaded with good news or good workouts. Only good news I have is that I got a job in the re-org here and I'm getting a little raise. I will not be doing technical work anymore (big plus). On the health side, we are still ever changing the diagnosis. Back to my cardiologist and he does not believe it's muscle related because it would only hurt in one spot and not my entire chest. He believe I'm having arterial spasms and that would be consistant with the cold water incident also. Only treatment for that is blood pressure meds, so I am going on Norvasc. I already have a pretty good low blood pressure, but he wasn't worried about it lowering it much more. Last time I went to see him it was 98/62 so he said at least I'm not stressed:) My chest CT scan results came back yesterday and they are normal/clear. Who the heck knows what is wrong with me. All I know is I used to run half marathon distance in the beginning of May and I can barely complete 2 miles now w/o chest pain. I have been swimming slow as I can keep my breathing easy and hear rate lower and still get a workout in, so I'm swimming 2 or 3 times a week. I can bike, but it is so hilly here, it's hard to keep my heart rate down going up. Mostly I'm walking the dogs for exercise now and I started walking a couple mornings a week as well as at night (except mornings I swim). This is killing my distance and racing. At this point, I'm not sure how I will feel for my next race July 27th. That race takes me about 3 hours..Olympic distance..., so I will need to be in good health for it (1500meter swim/25 mile bike/6.2 mile run). I'll keep you posted on the health. For now, I'm trying to cut down on the calories because I'm not running 8 miles at lunch anymore. Take care all...

Monday, Monday, Monday....

I am just waiting for something good to happen here....still waiting....and waiting...waiting
Chest pain? Still there....tooth pain? that one was new...ended up with a root canal this morning, it was not on the calendar at all. Apparently it was infected and I'm now on antibiotics as well as the much appreciated tylenol with codine. Now my face and chest hurt. Guess I shold be thankful nothing else hurts. I had to skip my morning swim today with the darn tooth pain. The weather isn't great here either....I'm sitting at home and my outdoor thermometer says 101 degrees at 2:00. Lovely, my dogs are hot outside and can't even walk them. It got down to about 75 last night and I woke up at 5:00 and it was already going up, was 80 by 6. I also noticed a big cut on Nikki's face this morning and it's oozing...it is either a bite or a strange scratch (only way i think she scratched it is her new thing of crawling under the deck....there is a cat that hangs out there, not friendly, and maybe that got her). Half her snout is swollen now. Great, probably a vet bill coming. I'm going to try to keep it clean and see what happens for the next day or 2. I'm full of good news today, not my normal chipper self. So much for healthy living. At least I made some oatmeal for breakfast and I have lots of fruit to eat for later (watermelon, cherries, plums, yum yum).
Take care all and I hope you are having a better June than I am!

Week is almost over

Boy, I can't wait for this week to be over. It started out bad with my half baked race on Sunday (at least I didn't end up in ER though). So, was too busy yesterday to go to the gym, so I thought I would job at home with the dogs in the evening. Yeah, until I started breathing hard and then all the chest pain came back in full force. So, I am to take it easy. We'll see how long that lasts. I got up at 5am for swim practice and since I wanted to swim easy and not do any sprints, my coach decided to teach me butterfly. That was funny, don't think I looked anything like a butterfly if you ask me. I felt like I was having convulsions just trying to make my arms and legs work together. That was not easy. Maybe I looked better than I felt? okay, maybe not. At one point, he had me just doing the kick down to the other end of the pool, and I yelled out that I didn't feel like I was moving and my coach said "you'rrrrre...not". better luck next time.
Forrest....I am back on the road looking for you, I'm just walking now. I have been up at 5 am all week walking the dogs before work and they are soooo happy. They love it. Today they looked sad when I left them without a walk. Life is rough when you are a dog I guess. So, I biked very slowly at lunch and did a class called 'butts & guts' and yes, my gut hurts, so it was better than nothing. Oh, one more test, CT Chest scan and that is scheduled for next Tuesday. Hopefully they give me the green light and I don't have any lung problems.
Chao for now....

Post Race Blues

Okay, so I'm not healed/better from whatever happened a few weeks ago. Worst race of my life! I wasn't nervous at all, I even had a big buldge in my tire that I only noticed in the morning when I was putting my bike on my car rack. It was for sure going to blow the tire; so as soon as I got to the race, I found the bike tent and they had a tire for me!!! So, I was all fixed up and ready to go, no nerves whatsoever. Got my wetsuit on (which took longer than expected...need to shed few more pounds) then headed to the beach. Orange cap...4th wave. Found some of my friends at the beach, then got in my corral of orange caps. Found a nice cute guy to flirt with, then we all headed into the water. Instantly I thought...this is colder than the reported 68 degrees...hmmmmm....I shouldn't be in water under 65....hmmmmm....I will just tough it out...and the gun went off for my wave. So, I just went slow and did back stroke because I already started to lose my breath and have some good chest pain going. Within 100 yards, it was getting worse and I was not warming up as I'd hoped. I made it to the second buoy when I realized it was still getting worse, so with no breath, I headed toward a kayaker. then, the boat folks came and picked me up. within minutes of getting into the pontoon, I was much better. So, I hung out with the 2 guys the entire rest of the waves (I think there was 13 or more waves). Toward the very end, we had to pull one other guy out, but he was against his will. young kid with too much pride....Oh well, I was among the living, so I was very content to be in the boat. Chest pain is very scary and so are asthma attacks; I wouldn't recommend either. Anyway, I enjoyed the day cheering for my friends and got another sunburn in yet a different tri top. I didn't feel well all day and that extended into Monday and Tuesday.

Here's a funny, believe it or not, this guy actually finished the sprint race...crazy, I know, but you see all types. (see me behind him? I look like a midget compared to this guy)

So, I went back to the doc today and I'm back on asthma meds daily and I'm going to get one more test, a chest CT Scan. If that is clear, he thinks my main problem is that I strained/pulled my 'intercostal' muscles which line your ribs. In cold water, they would easily spasm and cause chest pain and push me into an asthma attack. They don't heal quickly and hurt when you deep breath. Makes sense to me. I have already had these tests: a scan for blood clots, chest ex-ray, pulmonary function tests, ecocardiogram, stress test, and ekg. Most test invlove dis-robing and I've had enough of that, really.

Stay healthy everyone...eat healthy and exercise please!

Pre-Race Gitters

Boy, I have been slackin' on the blog (but so has Sherquilter...). Almost one week to date. I had my interviews last week and have been extra busy ever since. One night I worked on my school reunion website lots. I'm back and on track now. I still need to lose at least 5 more pounds for the summer, but I'm down 5 from the winter anyway. I thought the weather was finally warm on the east coast but that was just a pipe dream. I woke up to 38-42 desgrees all week. So cold to bike in. On Monday, once it warmed up, I headed out on the bike and never got off it for over 3 hours (except to stop at lights). Needless to say I have a good sunburn on my back. I feel like the sport/tri top I wore is now branded into my skin...X marks the spot for sure. I tried to spay the sunscreen on my back, but I think the bathroom floor received most of the sunblock. I might have beat Forrest this morning as I was up at 5 and in the pool by 6. Was a good morning. I biked a bit at lunch and I'm resting for the next 2 days. I have my first triathlon of the year Sunday in the Pocono's. Since I was sick (not sure what to call the chest pain incident) I'm still not 100%, better, but still have re-occurances, so I am doing the shorter race (Sprint not the Half Iron). I should be done in less than 2.5 hours. They usually post the results later in the day and you could check on the website: http://www.cgievents.com/cgiracing/bbt/index.html. I will be staying in a bed and breakfast Sat - Mon, so I may not have access to the web until I get home Monday. I will have a good time, even if I don't have a good race as several of my friends are racing and 5 of us are in the same B&B. I'm bringing wine to celebrate Sunday night (wine is good for whatever ails you). Take care all and have a good weekend (I may not blog tomorrow).

Happy Friday

Yesterday I got the worm and went to swimming by 6am, yikes! stayed after for a half hour and did a private lesson with my coach. Worked on flip turns and my stroke. was a good morning. Then, by 10am I was interviewing for a job (reorg and have to get a new one). Worked out well though, I interviewed for one job, but with 2 managers and the second manager was very interested in me working for him too....had to spend my lunch interviewing with him. Maybe I have 2 options? Could work out even better (pretty good for losing my current job). Took the dogs for a good long walk last night (but have lost site of Forrest for sure...only walked 4.5 miles). Today, I worked from home and ran the dogs 4 miles on a break this morning. Then, I totally overate at Chipotle Grill with 2 of my friends and saw the new Indiana Jones movie. Went to the matinee. It was pretty good, but not great. I'm heading out to walk the dogs again. The sun is finally shining and the forcast is good all weekend. Take care all, have a good weekend.

New Day!

Well...the weight just doesn't seem to come off your body if you eat to much food! I get it!! but just don't want to follow it! I know...eat less & move more! Well, I am starting my commitment again...continuing the path of healthy eating & exercising more! At WW today up .2 lbs. At least going to WW & listening to leader helps keep me more on track! I sure wish there was a easy answer to weight loss....I don't think the Lusty's family has it though!

Rain, Rain, Rain

Boy what a cold wet spring it has been in NJ. It is raining yet again, yesterday was the only day in the last 6 or so that it didn't rain. Not good for biking, I will have to bike indoors yet again today. I got a good 2200 meter swim in yesterday after work. Have been too busy at work today to hit the gym yet, so I will probably wait 'til I get home and run the dogs a few miles in the rain. Only thing I hate about running in the rain is it makes a mess of my good running shoes. They are fairly new and are about $90, so I try to take good care of them. My dogs could care less about running in the rain, it keeps the cooler, so I think they dig it. I had yogart and carrots and dip for lunch. Pretty good light meal. I have some hummus and pretzels to snack on for later; still trying to trim down for races. It is not as easy as it seems to get the winter weight off when the weather is cold and wet. I do best when I'm outside biking more (but maybe its just the fact that I have to wear tight bike shorts that I lose my weight faster). I have a new snack to make from the Eberts, so I will try them for this weekend. There is another wine festival for me to attend if my girlfriend wants to go, so I will need a snack to eat in the middle of the wine tasting. I'm also wondering if I can eat this snack on the bike. depends how well it stays together in the sun and possibly in my back pocket:)
I'm learning a good history lesson from Forrest, every day I learn something new, love it.

Wine Guy

I just had to add this picture my friend sent me. Jen and I met this funny guy at wine tasting, so we had to get our picture with him. He had this home made cup holder around his neck to hold his wine glass for the tasting (can you tell he has been to several of these tastings?). When you get there, you pay $35 and you get a wine glass for all your tastings. You can rinse it out between. Anyway, he had lots of ideas on what were the good wines and he had the funniest home made contraption to hold his glass. He was single and on the prowl, just a hoot for us.

The workout plan for today? Swimming, and a good swim at that. Ran 8 miles yesterday, so staying off my feet today (Forrest goes every day though...trigirl has to rotate to give the knees and feet a rest). Tomorrow is bike to work pending the weather. Lots of rain here this spring and cold weather. It is usually much warmer here by now!

Wine Tasting....yum yum

Well, today was the last long run for me until after my race June 1st. 8 miles, was out running by 9am. Thought I would catch Forrest, but he wasn't on the road yet. He still went farther than me, crazy guy. I ate a good breakfast at my local hot spot and then took the dogs for a 3 mile walk (was too hot for them to run 8). With my run and walk, I almost catch Forrest. Wine and cheese for me right now. I went to a wine tasting festival yesterday, boy was that fun! I wrote down the ones I liked so I can try them later. Now I'm drinking a recomendation of the wine store owner (Mike, nice guy and wine conesoiur). Lapostolle...Merlot...pretty good, but don't love it with gouda cheese. It's good on it's own though. Boy do I love a good glass of wine. Its raining out now, so the wine is working for me. Here is one other pick I have if you like white wines....Vino Verde (the type of wine...no particular vitnar)....you chill it and have it with cheese. It is fabulous. It has a very small amout of fize in it, but nothing like champagne. Hopefully the wine isn't too many calories. Take care of yourself.

Welcome to the age of medicine:)

Well, sounds like Tri girl is joining my club of medicine! Thank God there is medicine though:) Glad to hear Tri Girl is feeling better and I'm impressed how you keeping moving, swimming or biking! Go Girl! All is well with me except I want to eat more than I need too! I'm having trouble getting the pounds off from vacation and seem to be adding to the gaining side..:(. We have been busy at home getting new carpet...I forgot you have to move everything for that! Thank goodness Johnny was home from college and he has a strong back. I guess John (husband) should also get credit too....the both of them did all the heaving lifting and moving. Not only does the carpet look great, everything is clean too! I also discovered I have way to much material...need to do a lot more sewing (quilting) and less purchasing! Lusty girls....keep moving! Attached a new picture of 4 generation of Moyer men. Ed Moyer (great grandfather) John Moyer (grandfather) Johnny Moyer (son) & Logan Olivier(grandson).

Last day before the rain comes again

Boy what a nice morning! around 58 degrees. This girl got up early again and went to swim practice, left my house by 5:30, wow (but I skipped swim practice last night...hehe..). Today is the first day I woke up and didn't feel as much chest pain, it's a breakthrough. I went to the Pulmonary guy yesterday and he said it's asthma (thought I only had exercised enduced asthma, but no no, have it all the time now I guess). Anyway, he gave me all these meds to start that have steroids in them (nose and inhaled steroids, don't think I'm taking some pills that will make me buff). Anyway, I didn't believe him...how could that be causing chest pain. I couldn't believe it when I woke up! Anyway, I've takend his meds stuff 3 times now and already feel better. Can you believe those doctors do know somethin' :) I think I'm on the right track now, but have to take more meds all the time, you'd think I was 60 years old with all the stuff I have to take!
Walked 5 miles last night with the kids for Forrest.
Take care all

Hump day

Isn't that what we call Wednesday? hope I got it right and am not offending anyone:) no workout yet today, just more doctor appointments. Went to a Pulmonary guy today, no news is good news I guess. Had several lung tests and an exray, all clear except he says it could just be asthma (I've always had exercise induced asthma, but not regular asthma). Anyway, I'm still in search of a diagnosis. Gained 4 pounds since last week, must be all the doc appointments:) I will head out to finish mowing the lawn in a bit and then head to swim practice. Worked from home this afternoon after all my doctor appointments and man is TV boring. I work from a laptop, so I plop myself right in front of the TV. Oprah is interesting today, poligamy is the topic, always a good story. What are these women thinking? Brain washed for sure! Maybe I will find Forrest when I'm standing on my mower? I'll keep watching.

Got the worm!

Boy, trigirl had an okay morning, but had to get up early! I biked to work today, 20 miles and about halfway there, I realized I forgot my helmet. I don't think I've ever ridden my road bike without a helmet. It was about 40 degrees when I left, so I wore this hood/face mask thing that is tight and I thought I had my helmet on over it, oh well. I found someone here that has one I can borrow for the ride home. A chilly morning, but it is supposed to get up to 70, so it was sunny and nice, a great ride to work. That with a good bowl of oatmeal, brown sugar and peanut butter was the perfect morning. Just having tea at my desk now. I know, tough life, sounds like I don't work (but I do:)) The ride home will be warm, so I had to bring bike shorts and short sleeve shirt for ride home, but wore my cold weather gear this morning. I think I have Forrest is my sites now that I'm biking more (wish I was literally on the flat roads of Nebraska though) . Ran 3 miles yesterday and lifted weights (is Forrest lifting weights like I suggested? probably not) Go Wings...watched the last period of the game, looked good. Take care all

Weekend Warior

The rain pushed my long bike ride back to tomorrow. I have been neglecting my house, so today was the day. Started out the day with a trip to my local breakfast place 'Gronsky's Milk House'; best breakfast in town. love it! The to the store and home to get started. Toilet has been leaking for over a week (seeping at the base), so I replaced the wax ring and was victorios in about 1 hour. good time for me because usually it takes more than one trip to Home Depot and that wasn't even needed! Cleaned house and breezeway from top to bottom, even mopped the hardwood floors (has been about 6 mos for that one). Moved the bedroom around a bit too. also got 4 loads of laundry done, on a roll I was. Made dinner than walked the dogs. I was feeling good so started to tackle replacing the flasher on my blazer. So much for completing all my tasks today....Took the dash apart on the drivers side, no flasher in sight. Then I looked online and seems to be behind the glove box, of course. Took me a bit to get the dash put back together (of course I have an extra scew left too:)). Then it was too late, so I will have to work on the flasher another day. Only walked 3 miles today, but plan on biking 56 tomorrow so I will be back on Forrest's tail. Yes, I know, still not feeling 100% and not sure what is wrong, but I have the approval to bike as long as I keep my heart rate below 150. This will be easy to do as I usually bike in the low 140's. Levi and Nikki are enjoying PB in the kong now, happy dogs they are.
Catch you all tomorrow. Happy Mom's day!

Eye on the heart

Hopefully I'm still burning calories, but not feeling 100%. Ran 4 miles and still have mild chest pain at rest and more pain when running. Don't know reason for it yet, but we shall see. Keeping a good eye on it anyway. My sister Dr Deb says I need more tests, so I will take her advice and have it checked out. This investigation could really side track my racing! Heart comes first though! Hope my sisters are all doing well. Take care all.
Amy

I'm Back!

Well, I'm back! Tri Girl has been on me about posting. I guess comments on a post don't count! I'm new at this stuff and a slow learner! But now after reading tri girls heart scare....I really don't have anything great to tell! I'm so thankful Tri girl was at the doctors and had all the test to confirm she is OK. I'm sure it wasn't fun! The best I can tell you all about was my pie contest in Florida. It was great fun. I didn't win anything but had a lot of laughs. If I ever go again I will have to enter one of the other pies kinds - like splenda....not many entries so maybe my chances would be better!:) I guess the most entries were in Apple and Cherry, so a lot of competition. According to my family and friends, I don't have to change anything with my pie....they love it! I did get a lot of Crisco products as they were the sponsor of the contest. As for my weight...eating pie doesn't help. BUT I'm back at Weight Watchers & logging in all my food intake. Walked 1/2 hour at lunch with my girl friend in downtown Lansing. It was cool day outside, so it was nice. Hope by the end of the summer you will be seeing less of me!

Heart Health #1

What a strange week it has been for me. This is the 6th straight day for me to have chest pain and much worse with exertion (had to cut back on workouts and even stop and walk!). Anyway, I went to medical this morning to have them check me out and the did a ECG and sent me to a cardiologist asap. Everything is fine, just so you all know, but was quite an interesting appointment. I ended up getting an eco, then a stress test, then another eco (and what fun that was, running on a treadmil up hill, no shoes, no bra or shirt with electrodes all over me). I have a heart murmer, but no damage and no clinical reason at this point. At least I have a baseline stress test now. I went to the same cardiologist as my friend Donna, so I felt good about that. The reason for all the concern is that my friend Donna had a full on heart attack during a triathlon race, and she didn't know what it was, and pushed through and finished the race. Went home and kept feeling worse. Apparently we triathlete's have very strong hearts and can push through pain that would stop others. She was 37 at the time (I'm 38), so you see why the doc is being extra causious. She went to the cardiologist the next day (refered from work) and she was still have taccycardia events and ended up in hospital for 10 days. She had a heart condition undetected (no blockage) and apparently taught the profession lots about that condition with being a triathlete.
Anyway, long story short, I'm back and work and have the knowledge that clinically I am okay. I have the cardiologists cell phone and I am to check in with him for the next 3 days and mostly becuase I am doing race simulation on Saturday (56 mile bike and 10 mile run or whatever I feel up to). I plan on riding 20 miles tonight on the bike and running a few miles tomorrow, but we shall see. I took it easy last night at swimming too. Hopefully I will be feeling better in no time and it is good to know that my heart is in good shape for now.
Take care all of you and especially of your heart!

Levi and the Deer

I forgot to mention the Monday incident and the deer here are just crazy. I have so many deer in my yard on a daily bases, that they are used to my dogs and know they can't get out of the fence. They will eat right at the fence with the dogs barking at them and not even flinch. However, I witnessed Levi playing with a deer for the first time ever! The deer and Levi were running back and forth along the fence. That @#%$ deer was having a good ole time with Levi. Of course when I came outside, it took off. Bet you never see that in Michigan!

Well, today is my hard workout day, sprints and weights at lunch and swim practice for 1.5 hours tonight. Perseverence, that's all. Forrest is way ahead of me, he is up so early in the morning, I can't ever find him.

Good day for being outside

It is sunny here and 75 in Clinton New Jersey and boy do I wish I was out walking or running. My dogs are hopefully having a good time today, they have a visitor for the day (Sandy, my girlfriend's yellow lab). She dropped her off for the day so she could be outside with mine. That dog there is out of hand often, so hopefully there are no holes in anyone when I return home. She is so hyper and excited that she doesn't stop and sometimes my Levi forces her to calm down. When she first arrives, she jumps into the air, all four feet off the ground. It would drive me crazy all day (maybe that is where Levi gets it, cause it drives him crazy too? :)). Today's workout? ran 3 miles and did pilates at lunch. Then, when I get home, riding 20 miles on the road bike. I didn't eat that great today, too much fruit. I will say though, I never gained any weight eating too much fruit. It's all the chocolate and chips I might guess. Talked to Sher and she has been walking every day, so I will give her a break for not posting anyway. At least she is exercising. Now that Forrest is biking too? He will get even more mileage in, way to go Forrest. I'm all about cross training, it will help fix all that ayles you. btw...lots of corn in Nebraska.

Sunny Day

I keep waiting for Sherquilter to post, but nothing. I might have to give up on her. I hope she is out walking at least. It is supposed to be over 70 today, so I am looking forward to working outside tonight on my lawn. Biking at lunch instead of taking a break because I ended up taking a break yesterday. I woke up and my chest hurt most of the day. I think it was because my heart rate was just too high on Saturday, so I took it easy. I can't mess with my heart. I did realize what my problem was though; on Saturday morning I took 2 Sudafed with pseudoephedrine in them and it makes your heart race. Then I also took my inhaler that makes your heart race. Wasn't even thinking about it. My allergies have been really bad lately and I got my weekly 4 shots on Thursday and took extra meds Friday and Saturday so that it wouldn't bother me during the race. However, that made my heart race and I didn't feel well all day yesterday. Live and Learn is the story of my life. I will be back on the road again finding Forrest today. Take care all

Race Report...13.1 miles...

Boy am I tired today. Got up at 5:30 today, too early for this girl...9am race all the way in Brooklyn. First stop at the porta potties was a funny reminder of a previous race. I ran a half Marathon in New York City last year, right down times square, and at about the 10 mile mark, some girl tapped me on the shoulder and told me I had toilet paper sticking out of the back of my shorts...that means it was for the entire 10 miles! Today, I made darn sure that was not going to happen! Race started in Coney Island and it was cool, wet weather, but no rain, so it was perfect. The first hour I ran about 9:15 min miles, was making good time for my first spring race. Then, I noticed my heart rate was in the 170's, which is too high for me. So, I had to cut back a bit, but no, my heart rate wouldn't go down below 170. At about that time, I passed some stupid guy that was smoking while running. That was a first for me; can you even believe that! I was happy to be passing him, as I would be upset if a smoker could run faster than me for 2 hours. Then, I hit the 10 mile mark and forgot about the hills at the end. From 10 mile mark to the end, it was all up hill except for one half mile decent in the middle. 2.5 out of the lsat 3 miles were totally up hill and one area was pretty steep. That is where I really slowed down as my heart rate was in the 180's by then. Then, again on a up hill climb around 12 miles I passed another guy smoking and running. What is wrong with these people? I made a comment as I ran past because that was just totally rude. We are all breathing hard up hill and I have to breath in his !@#$ smoke? I can't believe people still shock me. I got home a bit ago and am heading to my girlfriends house for steak dinner with wine and cheese. Good post race meal. Burned aoubt 1500 calories in the race, then did a short swim after, so that is about 2000 calories for a workout today. This is a steak worthy day (and I won't forget about the wine). Take care all and hope you have a great weekend. I will be back on the bike tomorrow...looking to catch up to Forrest.

Weekend is here

Today is just a smooth hour of spinning on the bike, taper for my half Marathon race tomorrow morning. Starts at 9am tomorrow in Coney Island and ends in Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY. http://nyrr.org/races/2008/grandprix/brooklyn_reg.asp Not sure if you can follow me and I can't find anything posted to the site yet. My foot chip is CF95709 if you happen to be online tomorrow morning and they have a race tracker. I should be done shortly after 11am (takes me a little over 2 hours since I'm not in the best race shape). I'm skipping flag football today so I don't get any accidental injuries. Last week, I left 10 minutes early and there was a head but incident resulting in a large gash on someones eye and stiches were needed. thankful it was not me! Had Kashi go lean for breakfast, trying to watch the calories, but that is it for fiber until after my race tomorrow:) I'll get back to finding Forrest next week, I'm detouring to Brooklyn for now.

Weather

Here's the thing about the weather...its hard to please me. Too cold lately here in NJ, however, in a few weeks, I have an incling that I will be complaining its too hot and costing me a fortune to run the air. I will just chalk that up to being a women because I have no other excuses. I mowed half my lawn last night and for the first time, I wore a hat a gloves. I must have looked rediculous. Most people look at me funny anyway because I'm the only women in NJ that even mows the lawn. The strange thing is mowing my lawn is a million times easier than most of the things my father made me do when I was young. This is easy. Now ....my workouts, not so easy. Today is my hard day. Quarter mile sprints with weights in between each, no rest, 12 sets works out to 3 miles of sprints. Then, I have the crazy swim practice in the evening where I try to swim way more than I would like (over 2 miles total). I'm still a guppie for sure. I have a half Marathon this weekend, so I will take at easy Thursday and bike on Friday. I haven't run over 10 miles yet this spring, so the 13.1 will be interesting. Slow and easy, not looking for a pr. Saturday morning, race starts at 9am which means I will be up early to get into Brooklyn by 7:30, yikes! trigirl likes more sleep than that! Take care of yourself and exercise today.

Cold Weather

I was spoiled for time here in New Jersey. We had good weather for about 2 weeks, nothing less than 60's. I woke up today to 38 degrees, yikes! My plan to bike to work was cancelled. I have the gear to cold weather bike, but then I also have to carry my backpack with my laptop and shoes, outfit, etc. Then, on the way home it will be warmer, so I would have to also carry my cold weather gear. I will chalk this day up to laziness. I will still get a good workout in at lunch, but it won't be 40 miles on the bike. I just have 2 more days of workouts and then I have to rest up for the half Marathon I'm running Saturday in Brooklyn. I ran it last year, so far, it is the only time I've been in Coney Island. We start there and run down and back on the boardwalk, then through the streets of Brooklyn. We end up on the total opposite side and we go through a Jewish area where everyone wears black and has that long curly hair (men that is). I think they are hasitic jews. Its always interesting in the city...never know what to expect. I'm eagerly awaiting my big sister sherquilter to post her latest. I believe she is all recovered from her knee surgery and walking regularly. that's all she wrote.....adios amigos

Rainy days and Mondays...

Boy is has been raining all day! It was a cold weekend too, not good for tri girl. Biked 50 miles Saturday and ran 10 on Sunday, but was cold the entire time. This coming Sat. I am racing a half Marathon in Brooklyn. Funny to call it racing, since I will certainly be pacing myself and it will be slow:) I got up early for a 2000meter swim today, I would say I'm officially tired. I would like to bike to work tomorrow but they are still calling for morning rain. I have 2 weeks left to my peek workout for my race. Then, I will just be tapering until June 1st. Can't wait for taper! Sunday was cold, so I took the dogs biking (on my mountain bike), they had a ball. It's not easy for me, either straight up or straight down, but no spills (I'm clipped in so sometimes I get a little bloody when I lose my balance). There is a large lake there, so I can let the dogs swim after they get good and hot. They slept with smiles on their snouts last night. I dreamed about our class reunion last night, I must be worrying about it (doesn't happen until August). Forrest is in Nebraska now, it will be hard to find him amidst all that corn. Maybe it's not that tall yet:) Hope Sherquilter is back in the saddle (so to speak) walking again. She should be all rested up.

'nother day 'nother dollar

One entire week with no posts! Sorry, Trigirl has been busy working and Sherquilter is on vacation still. She is on the beach enjoying the breeze. She had a great time at her pie baking contest; didn't win, but is still number one in my book. She learned lots and cooked under the lights for Food Network, was taped and all. Could eventually show it on Food Network. She will be back next week and hopefully she will be out walking like Forrest (we could all be a little more like Forrest). My parents visited and we got lots of work done, not much R&R for them. Next time they need to stay longer so we can do some fun stuff. After several days off, I'm back on the road trying to catch Forrest (biked 40 miles Saturday while pops built one shed door and made a roast though:)). I am out for 8.5 miles today at lunch on foot. I will be in search of the Guiding Light film crew once again. My next few weekends are tough. This weekend is 50 mile bike brick, and 10 mile run Sunday. Next weekend I have a half marathon race in Brooklyn and will bike a few hours on Sunday. The following weekend I have race simulation which means riding the race course, 56 miles and then running at least 10 miles (the real race will be 13.1, yikes!). Can't wait for taper time! At least the sun is shinning here now and weather is good for biking.

Apply Pie

Today Sherquilter heads to the sunny state of Florida for a pie baking contest.
http://www.piecouncil.org/great.htm I hope she wins something! She sure does make the best pies. She will miss her grandbaby Logan, but will enjoy the vacation with only husband John and herself. They are taking extra time and getting some R&R. Only thing is, a Pie baking contest doesn't sound like a good place for someone on weight watchers! Hope she can resist the good food:) Tri girl isn't doing so well on the diet plan. Biked an hour yesterday and then swam 2000 meters on the way home from work; got so hungry I ate an entire pizza! Now it was a Kashi one and it wan't huge, but I counted the calories and it was about 900 calories in total, yikes! Needless to say I will pay for that today when I try to run. Have 8 miles on the books for today, but going out later. 60+ degrees today, wow. Sun is shining, can't wait to get out there. Forrest is getting faster and faster, I better get going to catch him. No rest for the weary.

Sunshine for east coast

Man did I have a tough weekend. Started Friday with Flag football. Played 5 on 5 with no subs. I used my old soccer shoes as I need cleats, however, they are a little too small and at least 10 years old. So, after sprinting for what seems like non-stop for an hour chasing all the fast guys around, my feet were a little sore. Woke up Saturday morning and could barely walk on my feet. Somehow I think I bruised the tendons or something. Man, it still hurts to walk today (not using those shoes again). Then, even though it hurt to walk, I had to do at least a 30 mile hill workout on my bike and 4 miles run, yes, a brick workout when my feet hurt. Lovely. So, I finished my 30 mile bike on the hills (and one mountain..) and took the kids for the 4 miles run/walk (because my feet hurt so bad, I had to walk a little). Sunday's run was just as painful, but at least it was on the flat. 10 miles and yes, kids in tow again. At least my dogs/kids feel good today. Tri girl is tired and trying to take care of the bruised feet. Oh, did I mention the sunburn? who knew it was that sunny Saturday? I was on the bike in a sleeveless shirt, fresh skin is pink today on my arms and top of my knees. Hope I burned some good calories anyway. Going to hit the workouts hard this week because the parents are coming to visit Friday to Tuesday and my workouts will be limited (yeah, limited to all the work Dad wants to do like roofing my shed and pulling out about 50 fence post, can't wait). Dad will just remind me that I used to be stronger, of course that is when I was throwing bails of hay around every day! Can't wait to see them anyway, it's supposed to be 70's all weekend, so nice weather anyway. Forrest will get ahead of me next weekend, so I will hit it hard this week to catch up.

Wonderful Thursday!

HI all! I have been kind-of lazy with keeping up with the blog...sorry! I do miss it! WW was another .2oz lost...makes for a total of 8 lbs know! At least I'm going down:). Clothes are fitting better. I walked and worked in the yard this past weekend...the weather was beautiful! In the 60's both Saturday and Sunday. Got the leaves off my flower beds so the April rain we are suppose to get tonight will make the flowers bloom! Yesterday I got my hair cut, so I have a fresh new style. I think it looks a lot like Tri Girl's hair:) I will soon be packing for our trip next Wednesday to the Crisco National Pie contest in Florida! I'm looking forward to this plus our 4 days at Fort Walton Beach. It should be a great vacation for John & I. I finished the quilt for Aunt Helen and she loves it!

Monday Monday...

Break day for me! hip hip hurray! only ran 8 miles yesterday. I should have bumped up to 10, but for once, my old workout partner is in worse shape than me and he made me walk the last quarter mile and couldn't make it 10. Even my dogs gave him the eye when we stopped to walk. We ran the gorge and the dogs got one swim in, happy happy dogs. The weather is warmer in MI today, it's only low 40's on the east coast today. Hopefully things will get better later in the week so I can get out on my bike more. I did eat a little much yesterday, so I'm making today a light eating day. Dogs are happy I'm home at least. how is WW going for everyone?

Heart Health

Close call for Dad Lusty again. He had some blockage and he had a heart cath this morning. He has the all clear now. No stint necessary, just cleaned it out. All good news. Needs to lose a few pounds though, maybe the WW will help since Mom is doing it. Guess they both need to walk more. I think the upside is that wine is good for the heart; they aren't into it but I certainly would be (oh, I already am into wine..hehe...). Either way, 3 cheers for technology and the scope tools! Sherri walked over the Sparrow from work, so she is doing great with her knee too. Tri girl is trying hard to stay off the injured list. Flag football is at lunch tomorrow, that is the most dangerous sport I play. Very fun, but one badly broken finger for some guy named Tom keeps me in check. His football days are over for this year anyay. I haven't lost a pound, but can feel my body getting stronger, so all is okay for now. Need to lose a few before my race June 1st though; the hills/mountains at the Pocono's will be no joke, I need every advantage I can get to get my arse up those hills on the bike and run! I"m finishing week 10 of training and moving to week 9 on Monday; just seems too soon for a half iron, but I already paid so can't back out now. If only the sun would warm us up the 60's! I would be on my bike more. My dogs love the training plan because they get to run with me both Saturday and Sunday. Keeps them a little tired too, gotta love sleeping dogs.

Older today!

Second day of being 48 and it isn't so bad! Had a great birthday yesterday with Stacey and Jessica making me dinner and than some Logan time! I really missed John (working nights this week) and Johnny (still up at MTU with a lot of snow!). Had my recheck yesterday with my knee doctor and I'm doing great! He recommends NO more running for me....just walking & biking! Tri Girl can do all the running for me! Tri Girl (sister) Thanks for the reminder to getting walking! Warm weather is coming tomorrow so I might even do a little garden prep work! We leave in 2 weeks for my pie baking contest in Florida, so I'm excited about that too! WW is today...I'll be lucky if the scales stays the same after all the birthday treats lately!

Time to make the doughnuts

This schedule is a little repetative for my taste. I again, did yoga yesterday on my so called 'break day' and man is it hard. I had to do this inverted L thing, there is a fancy name for it (something to do with the moon), but it is anything but easy. No rest for the weary right? Since I took a breather yesterday, Forrest got ahead of me; he just doesn't take breaks like tri girl; but, I'm back on the bike today, so I will have him in no time I suspect!

Food? well, I ate a few too many calories over the weekend. Only ate half my oatmeal today, cutting back so tri girl can get lean and mean (okay, just he lean part really).
Hope Sher quilter is feeling good and ready to walk (hint hint, she turns 48 today...no foolin':)). She doesn't look a day over 29 though. Talked to Mom last night and she said it was snowing the day Sherri was born; bet its not done snowing in MI this year either! (65 is the high for NJ today). Chow for now...

Guppie Lane

Well, I was feeling like a blue gil last week, but as of tonight, I think I'm back to Guppie. long hard week it was for me. Oh wait, week is not over until Sunday, crap. Bike brick for Saturday (need to start by 6:30...pretty early for Tri girl) and then a 9:45 date with a pilates class. The only way I can do all this tomorrow morning will just be knowing I will be sitting at Gronsky's by 11 eating the best breakfast in the world. will probably have to go for 3 eggs again, yum yum. Wonder how many points that breakfast is? I only get 20 a day. This evening, I only completed 3000 meters, about 2 miles. But I still ate 2 pieces of toast with PB when i got home. That was probalby like 8 points, yikes! Was going to stay up and watch State, at this point, no necessary, 30-50 at the half:(......this guppie is going night night

March Madness

Yes, it's madness for me because I'm on a strict training plan and it's killing me! I'm beat and I sleep at least 9 hours a night, but feel like I need more. So much for sleepness nights and waking up in the middle, that is non-existant for tri girl. By Friday, I'm exhausted and have to swim again Friday night, then, that's not all; Saturday is my hard, long day. I do longer bikes plus a run right after (call them bricks). Then Sunday is long run day. Thank god for Gronsky's (my favorite breakfast place). I'm a faithful customer and learn so much from the locals I sit with at the bar. didn't even really enjoy my Monday off this week because yoga was anything but relaxing for me! I guess meditation is for whimps, we are hard core, upside down, crazy positions I didn't know my body would put up with. Today I biked for 50 minutes, ran for 30, then did a 'butts n guts' class for another 45 min. tri girl has no more 'tri' left in her.
Basketball is distracting me tonight, games are great. Hope everyone is enjoying the points you are eating. If you have to count them, make the taste good!

Guilding Light

For all you soap opera watchers out there, check out the Guilding Light, it is being filmed in Peapack New Jersey as of late. All over town; I work in Peapack and Pfizer owns a large piece of property here, it's beautiful. I watch the show religously (I know, I'm 38 go figure), however, for abotu 2 weeks, the scenes have been all in Peapack and I keep trying to catch them on my lunch runs, but no luck. Then today, the head of facilities (a friend of mine...played on my softball team for years), told me he meets with them every week. I had to do the old 'get out' and push him like Elaine from Seinfeld; I was in shock. He said they filmed yesterday and he saw me running and thought I would run into them, no luck. I ran 8.5 miles all over Peapack, but do you think I can find them? no, the town is smaller than DeWitt, but with lots of mansions $$$. However, Pfizer owns lots of property here in Peapack and he knows when and where they are filming; now I have an in. Next time, I'm going to run my butt to the filming site and see who I can meet. Maybe I could even be an extra? wishful thinking....Tune into Guilding Light....CBS....10am in New Jersey, 3pm in DeWitt.

The scales is going down!

My trip to Weight watchers today showing the scales going down..Hurray! Seems like I have been stuck at the same weight for months....up a few pounds & than down a few pounds. It has been a very slow process but I have lost a total of 7.6 lbs. I'm celebrating by eating a very juicy piece of gum :) I think walking is helping. With the weather getting better (warmer) & lighter (sunny) outside there just isn't a good reason for me to NOT take some time for myself and WALK! Of course the knee scoping is slowing me down a bit but that will pass. The doctor told John to encourage me to walk a lot....so he is and I AM!:) This is the year for the Lusty family to get healthier! How is everyone else doing?

Sunny Days are here at last

I'm not sure how much snow all you have, but finally I can see the sun shine! High 40's and sun, sun, sun today (and yesterday :)). I heard there was a lot of food at the Lusty's yesterday, hope you all didn't overdo it! Mom said she can't eat until Wednesday. She said she just wrote down a made up point level for the day and called it good. I didn't eat so great, but I ran 5.5 miles in the am, then road biked with my girlfriend for little over an hour, better than nothing anyway. Today is my day off, so I decided to take yoga here at work. What was I thinking? The instructor gets in these pretzel positions, I mean really, I look more like a potato chip than a pretzel if you ask me. And boy was it hard. Apparently I need to stretch more and get some more upper body strength in order to attain the full 'pretzel' positions! Can't wait to get back to the bike where I'm a little more comfortable. Dogs are sad, I am back down to just the 2 and the pack is back to pair (for 2 weeks I dog sat Maggie) I must be attempting to be like Cesar, he is my hero.

Recovering!

Hi all, I'm recovering just great! The crutches are gone but I'm using a cane my husband made and it is just great! I walked outside yesterday but the 4 inches of snow we got last night makes me scared I might fall or slip. I'm doing great in the house and hope to go back to work on Tuesday. I don't have much pain, so hope that continues. Happy Easter to everyone. We are so blessed to have such a great family!

Loose Branch on the Spruce

The small blue spruce has a loose branch today. The surgery was successful and she is resting, doing great. Said it doesn't hurt anymore than before the surgery, wish everyone was that lucky post surgery. She will be back on her feet walking in no time I expect. I have weights and run on my list for today. Pool is closed for Good Friday, but I will get up and do a 7am swim tomorrow to make up for it (7 is extremely early for tri girl, I like it when the birds get the worm and tri girl gets to sleep). Worked from home today so I could catch more basketball, only had 3 bad picks, but I'm winning the upset pool so far. I have Duke going to finals and they had me sweating last night. So State though, they made me smile.

No Rain today

The rain has subsided for now in NJ, good thing I was going to have to take my guppie skills from the pool to my basement if it didn't stop! Last nights practice was so much better, I might have to move my status from guppie to blue gill. Swam about 3500meters and slept okay. Still went out for a Paul Bunion breakfast, but sadly I don't belong to the CPC today. Good for the waist though! Today I'm going to do my first brick workout (sounds heavy), 45 min on the bike, 15 min run right away; shouldn't be too difficult. How are the WW's girls doing? I don't think the bacon I ate this morning is recommend for WW....shhhhh....it was mighty tasty.
adios mis amigos para hoy

Singing in the rain...okay, maybe not

Rained all night, and all day, supposed to last another day:( Little princess Nikki doesn't like to go out in the rain too much, she stands up by the house with me; she is a princess for sure. Boy am I tired already and it's only Wednesday. Sprints again today, every Wednesday, its like ...'time to make the dognuts...' but it's a great workout. I have an hour and a half swim tonight, ugh, then tomorrow is my first 'brick' workout of the season. (brick is when you bike, then run right away, you have to get used to the transition of bike to running). At least it's a small brick, bike 45 min, run 15. My problem is getting through the swim, I'm a guppie swimming with Trout I swear. I burn about 1000 calories in one swim workout, crazy. Wish the sun would come out, rain rain go away.

Family affair

Can you believe it but we all walked last night together.....John, Jessie, Sophie & me! Just was just over a mile but it is becoming a family affair! We walked (instead of driving) up town to pick up a prescription. Saved gas! What a great stress reliever plus we caught up on each other's day. My breakfast this morning.....fruit smoothie with WW yogurt, frozen fruit & juice (about 6 points) but I have all my fruit in for the day & one milk! Also Hostess 100 calorie choc muffins..1 point but so worth it:) What are you all eating today?

Need a Plan

I had to do a new post to get us back on track of diet & exercise. I know those can be bad words at times, however, we can use them to our advantage! We have to have a plan, both for exercise and eating. When you have a diet plan, it takes the choice (or eat what I feel like) part out. Same with exercise, gotta have a plan. It's like saving money, can't just do what you feel like today, you gotta have that plan!
Me? I started a new 1/2 iron plan last week, so I have no choices, I know what I'm doing every day for a workout (and Monday is my new rest day, so nothing for me today!!). I will only have one rest day, so I need to make the most of it (worked on basketball pics at lunch and got some tips from Dad...as he would say, "better to be good for somethin' than good for nothin'")

Started playing Flag Football with the boys here at work on Friday's (40 boys, 4 girls...4 fields, 8 teams). What do they know anyway? I don't know the rules well, but I can run around that field with the best of them! All the injuries, men of course, 3 hammies and one broken finger (and that finger was good and broke in 3 places), ouch! The 4 girls that played, all injury free. I got one flag (highlight of the game for me), and my friend Kim scored 3 touchdowns on the field next to me. Lets here it for the girls!
Forrest is walking, trigirl is tri-ing, Sherquilter is quilting....what are the rest of you doing?

Another blogger has joined us!

Well...JK has join us! Amazing the computer youngsters aren't so good at the blog thing!:) You mean I figured it out before them??:) love it! I walked yesterday about 2 miles & I'm hoping to maybe walk today at lunch! Eating....well not so good! I'm enjoying way to much the cookies/pie & stuff I baked for JT this weekend! JT is back at Houghton & won't be home until May 3.:( Tri Girl....I talked to Our Dad yesterday about maybe getting a Lusty Reunion blog started. Might need your help. Everyone...keep moving! I'm not a Forest but a small blue spruce growing!:)

Grapevine

Heard through the grapevine that mother lost 4.4 pounds in her first week of Weight Watchers! Gold start for Mom this week. I heard she got to take the fish home, lucky girl she is. Oatmeal with PB for breakfast for me. I have 'flag football' on the lunchplate today, could be good or bad decision, not sure at this point. No injuries will make me very happy. I'm on the red team, and I hope that is no indication of blood shed:) Tonight I will spend yet another Friday night in the pool, won't find any dates there, but sure will get me in half iron shape:) I'm trying to move from a guppie to a trout I guess. I'll shoot for 30 miles on the bike tomorrow and hope the rain holds back in the afternoon. By now, I hope my family is getting the idea that you need an exercise plan and you don't just wait until you feel motivated to move. you have to plan it!!!! Make the time for it!!! go lusty's...(and Forrest:))

Eat, Rest, be merry..

I had such a hard day yesterday, that I could only bike for 10 min, stretched, did a 45 min Butts & Guts class, and called it a day. No long mileage for me today. However, yesterday, I did those cotton pick'n sprints and core and then, had the hardest swim workout I've ever done. Almost swam 4000 meters last night. I know, it would have been a drop in the bucket for my old flame Steve Shipps, but for this little guppie, it was extreme. Apparently I can't hang with the tiger sharks. I was so tired and hungry, that I went out to breakfast and ate a real Paul Bunion meal; eggs, potatoes, bacon, toast and I finished it all. I belong to the CPC now (clean plate club). This is probalby not inspring in the least bit, but then, no one is probably reading it anyway.

Exercise for the day?

What did you do today for exercise? I did sprints, quarter mile x 12 which makes 3 miles of total sprints. In between, I did all stomach exercises so 12 sets of stomach which makes over 150 sit ups of sorts. Yikes! Okay, is anyone else even walking? Am I killing myself and other just enjoying the view? hehe....kidding...just trying to motivate... I'm working on a six pack and I'm at about a 4 so far. Just need to drop some more fat and the last 2 will appear:)

Points, points, points....

Are you all counting your points honestly? and sticking to them? In an effort to support my family, I am going to start counting my points and do my best to stick to the same diet. I only get 20 points a day, yikes! I will just have to count my exercise along with it.

Best of luck everyone!

Surprised late last night!

Well at 9:30pm last night there was a knock at the front door. I figured it was a tax client picking up a return late & saw lights on in the house, so wanted to talk. Much to my surprise & Stacey, Brent & John.....it was JOHNNY! It was so great! He surprised us all except Jessie that he was coming home. We didn't think he was leaving until today! Jessica help get Stacey, Brent & Logan to the house, so we were all there! He looks great & will be home all next week. Johnny got to hold Logan right away...it is the best having the whole family home! We are warm, safe and so blessed! Today I'm going home early to get Johnny & head to the grocery store! Need to stock up for him:) Have you heard from Jessie about Sofie?? Well, Sofie reacted to a new medicine to help her stop itching so much....it was terrible. Sofie had huge bumps all over her body! I can understand why it was so hard on Jessica to see her....Sofie looked really bad. This morning the bumps have gone down a lot (Jessie & Sofie stayed overnight) , but I think Jessie will still be taking her to the vet. About the food thing....eat a lot yesterday too but today is another day! Love much

What's for Breakfast

My breakfast this morning was coffee with LF half & half, 1 glass of skim milk, egg (cooked in Olive oil), Light english muffin with spray butter! About 7 points for WW. If I have Oatmeal I like to add Spenda brown sugar!:)

Impressed

Can I say how impressed I am so far? Mom has joined weight watchers, Sherri walked, Stacey has time to post and lose weight too, unbelievable. What's for breakfast? Better be good, its the best meal of the day. Oatmeal for me again, with a little PB, yum yum.
Have sprints and weights planned. Sprint a 1/4 mile on treadmill, then lift one set, repeat 12 times and do 12 different weight exercises. Its a great workout.
Here to melting snow!

Walked last night!

I got a walk in last night & it felt great! About 2 miles in 30 minutes. Why is it I don't allow myself this time each night? I need to find a way to keep track of the miles/exercise somewhere...any suggestions? We didn't get any snow last night, so the sidewalks should still be good today. I hate the ice patches, so walking in the day light helps! Stacey...way to go with the weight loss! You look great & Logan is just the best! Grandpa & I got our "Logan" time last night, so we should be good for a few days!:) Love you all
Sher Quilter

Weight loss

I think I have you all beat.... I have lost a little over 30 pounds in the past two weeks!! Don't I wish it was always so easy to lose weight that fast. I have become obsessed with weighing myself every morning because so far I am still losing weight... its nice to see the scale going down, down, down. Anyways I don't know how often I will be contributing to this blog considering my life just got slightly more hectic recently, but I will try to post as often as possible. Love you all!!

Stace

I'm here finally!

Tri Girl & others
Well I have finally made it to the blog. Haven't walked any but only ran my fingers to set up an gmail account to get onto this blog! I really think this is a great idea & hopefully it will help me with my our exercise needs. So far at weight watchers I have lost 6.8 lbs & it has been very slow going...but I'm sticking to it! Love you all
Sher Quilter!:)

Day 2...Blogging 101

Apparently I didn't give my family 'author' privis, so I just sent that out and hopefully they will all have something intelligent to say. Can't wait...

Breakfast? Oatmeal with some brown sugar and peanut butter for protein, don't you just want the same thing? Its a great breakfast that will give me the energy I need to run the 9 miles I have planned at lunch. I was supposed to run it yesterday and bike, but we all know how that went. Went to neighbors, ended up having wine around 2pm....no more workout after that!
Looking forward to reading the next blog....guessing Dan will have something interesting to say.

Day One, March 2nd, 2008...pray, eat, love...

This is the first day I'm going to get my family moving. The blog idea came from a very good friend of mine (one of those old and new kind of friends), and I am hoping this will motivate my entire family to get moving and start losing pounds. I love them all the way they are, just as they have always loved me, however, I want all of them to stick around for many years to come and that means getting in better health. Who knows, maybe I will have kids someday? okay, maybe not...my clock is a tickin'....but they need to be around for me to have a full life for sure!
Here's to the Lusty family; I pray they will get motivated, I promise to eat healthy too, and I love every one of their quirky ways:)