THE CONDENSED VERSION

The social networking on Facebook has really affected my blog posting.
I mean to post more, but all these thoughts just stay jumbled up in my noggin...

I thought a good solution would be to do a short condensed version of the things that have been happening in the past few weeks. So, here goes!

- In November I flew to Texas to run the San Antonio marathon for a BQ. As I was getting off the plane, I received a text telling me that the Boston marathon had just closed; in record time. To say I was pissed was putting it lightly. The upside in all this news was that marathon day was hot as ass! In the 80s. There likely would have been no BQ for me that day anyway and since Boston was closed, I turned the full marathon into a half. Wise choice..

-After getting my butt kicked up and down by Dr. Ron on his SINGLESPEED bike during the Turkey Burn race, (see previous post) I vowed to get stronger and faster on my bike. How you might ask?? RIDE MORE! Since that butt beating I have been riding the trails at Hanna Park on my Motobecane Fly Team Titanium. It is a sweet ride if I say so myself. I have also added an 80 minute spin class once a week. It helps. I have already shaved ONE minute off of my loop. I know, I know!! One minute is nothin!! But it is a step in the right direction, which is FASTER. I look forward not backward. I have another time trial this weekend and I suspect the minutes will be dropping like flies.

-Since the San Antonio marathon turned into a bust for me, I decided that I might as well run my hometown marathon. I had the fitness saved up from San Antonio, why waste it? Well Jacksonville was a peach of a marathon! I loved it. Great weather, beautiful course if not a bit lonely due to no cheering crowds. But it is actually nice to have the quiet. Rows and rows of screaming people can get old. My good friend and biking buddy Joe met me at mile 20. It was so great to know I had someone waiting there for me. The last 6 miles were the toughest and Joe really helped me muscle through. Now, the best part of the whole race for me was that I was trying to get a Boston Qualifier for 2011 ( ya' heard this year closed in record time, right?). I was holding strong for a 3:45 but the minutes seemed to be slipping by. The great thing is that I turn 40 in October which means I age up for Boston, which means I only needed a 3:50 to qualify. AND??!!! I ran a 3:47. Boston 2011 here I come!!!

-The holidays seemed to lack a bit of the usual craziness this year, which was nice. Mike and I did not go insane with presents for the kids, for once. And the day after Christmas we all drove down to the Florida Keys for some time off. My plan was to kick back and relax and DIVE as much as possible. Austin wanted to try spear fishing. The invasion of Lion fish has Austin hopping mad and he was ready to kill. We dove twice and bagged any plans for more. It was too cold!! Me and the kids are fair weather divers and I froze my booty off in the water even with a wetsuit. After a couple of days we decided to leave and go home early. Since the Keys are just "right down there" for us, we can easily go back soon.

- I applied for and was accepted in to the Brooks ID program. What the heck is that??
Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 2,000 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders.
I am really excited to be a part of this group and hope I can inspire daily!


That brings us to the New Year. I just love the sound of 2010! It sounds so futuristic and full of fun, adventure, and promise.

Here's to you and yours!