I'd Rather Be Swimming

Vandenberg and Dry Totrugas

Elaine K — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:25:12 +0000

Patrick and I had an excellent time in the keys this weekend!

We got into town and met up with one of the cooest people I know, Ivan.

We suited up, and hit the dive boat on Saturday.

I LOVE Captain’s Corner. We did a two tank dive on the Vandenberg. It’s a 522 foot wreck! They sunk this guy in 140ft of water off Key West:

Credit: www.keywest.com

We caught a spectacular Mallory Square Sunset, and hit the town for a few beverages.

At 5am on Sunday, the alarm went off.

We had to get to the Yankee Freedom – our ferry to the Dry Tortugas!

We got to the island…

…explored the fort…

…snorkeled…

…and camped!

It was AWESOME. The fort has a moat – and a crocodile lives in it! He ended up there after a big storm, and he just never left. He climbs out at night and eats bird eggs from a nearby key.

Foggle ROCKS for dive masks, and TriSwim lotion does wonders on sunburn

Some Rev3 Updates…

Elaine K — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:36:13 +0000

Click on the pictures for more info about any of the announcements

1. Rev3 is Running Across America to support the Ulman Cancer Fund. Click the image to learn more – and donate!

2. Group coaching for early season events is open!

3. We’ve lined up some sweet new sponsors…

4. And some old ones, too!

(see that 20% off code? It’s good until the end of February!)

5. I’ll be rocking this at the pool shortly!

Things are about to change…

Elaine K — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:12:25 +0000

I’m now 9 days post marathon! At the advice of Hal Higdon, I did NOTHING for 3 days after the marathon. No running, swimming, biking, strength training… nothing! But, on Thursday, I ran two miles. I took Patrick along for his FIRST post-surgery run! Please don’t tell his PT – she told him it’d be another 4 weeks before he was allowed to run. He kept his shoulder in the position it would be in if he were wearing the sling. We were very careful. We cranked out just under 12 minute miles, and it was everything I hoped it would be!

Friday I did a little core work and my knee exercises to keep my IT band happy. I wanted to swim, but we had tickets to the Panther’s game! I’m not a huge hockey fan, but I am a fan of a $50 ticket including a full buffet, beers, parking, and hockey. It was fun!

Saturday morning, I was up and off to Oleta River State Park. This is the site of Miami’s Xterra race, and the race director was hosting a training day! So, I met them ready to ride. Luckily, I left my ego at home that day. I was BY FAR the slowest and least experienced mountain biker! Gomez, who was running the show, stayed with me, gave me some tips and had me pushing outside of my comfort zone. I’ve got the scrapes and bruises to prove it! Did I mention this was also my first time using the clipless pedals on my mountain bike? Yup. Lots of falling-over-when-nearly-stopped. After about 90 minutes, we called it quits, and hit the trails for a run. I face-planted on this one, too, but I was able to keep up with the group!

Next, it was off to watch a friend’s CrossFit competition! It reminded me of a swim meet. Lots of waiting around while other people did stuff – then my friend would go and her event would be over in a few minutes Anyway, it was REALLY intense and pretty fun to watch!

I got home, washed off the dirt and blood from my off-road session, and the sweat from sitting outside all afternoon drinking beer and watching crossfit, and headed out again! Patrick and I met a few friends for dinner.

Funny story of the night:

We’re sitting at the table waiting for Reg to arrive before we order. Reg walks in and almost walks right past the table! I say, “Hey Reg! Over here!” to which Reg responds, “Oh, hey! It’s you guys! I was wondering who I was supposed to meet!” Turns out, Reg didn’t have Patrick’s number in his phone. When Patrick invited him via text, Reg just decided to show up and be surprised at who he was having dinner with. Awesome!

Sunday I went out for a charity ride – thus ending my 2 month hiatus from my tri bike.

But, I suppose you’re still wondering what change is happening…

Patrick accepted a job in TUCSON, AZ!

With any luck, I’ll be able to find one, too, so I can head out there!

ING Miami Marathon Race Report

Elaine K — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:03:19 +0000

Pre-race routine:

I spent the night before at my friend Christine’s house. She partied until 4:15, and we were up at 4:45. Somehow, I never heard her come in, and she never heard me leave – and she lives in a studio apartment!

Event warmup:

Patrick drove me to a spot a few blocks from the start. I made sure I had all of my race gear, used TriSlide to lube up those problem spots, and headed into the crowd.
Hit bathrooms in the Arena, and again at the port-a-potties near my corral. I was more calm than I expected to be.
I had wanted to start with the 4:30 pace group, but when I finally saw the sign, it was WAY in the back of the corral, and I wasn’t about to work my way back there.
I got into position and ran into a friend who was running the half!
15 minutes after the start, I finally hit the start line!

The Run:

Wow. Where do I start? I was smiling for almost the whole thing!We crossed the start line, and I was moving at about 10:20min/mile, and so was everyone else. I was so happy I ran into Rosa before the start, and we ran together for a few miles. I carried a water bottle, because I was told that the first aid stations were a total cluster. Glad I did! I chucked the water bottle after the second station and started relying on the course.

I lost Rosa around mile 3, and I was on my own. I chatted with a few people, was blatantly ignored by others… Just as we entered South Beach, the 4:15 pace group passed me. I had no idea they were behind me!
Around this time, I also changed the screen on my Timex. I had set the distance to 26.8, and the time to 4:30. The screen just had big #s, telling me how many minutes & seconds I was behind my goal time. I was probably around 4-5 minutes at this point.

South Beach was cool. I hit the 5 mile sign and thought to myself that I could do that 4 more times… and then still run 1.2. They had these 8oz bags of water they were handing out, which were the best thing EVER. (http://www.82gowater.com/site/). Somewhere on SoBe I also stepped on a mostly full one of those that squirted directly up my shorts. For a split second, I thought I peed.

We ran past a good amount of spectators, some still out drinking from the night before, some just waking up to cheer us on!

I picked up another running buddy around mile 7, and we chatted for about a mile. She told me to take the sidewalks over the bridges on the Venetian Causeway, because the metal grates were tricky. Shortly after I left her, I picked up another girl who works for lululemon. They had INSANE cheering sections at two different points on the marathon course, and she took off when an entire entourage ran about 1/4 mile with her.

Along the bridges, there were even people cheering from boats! I thought that was totally cool. The final bridge brought us back into the ING Cheering section. It was just after mile 10 – and I let the thought enter my head that I still had SIXTEEN miles to go! I quickly pushed that out of my head and decided I couldn’t count down miles until I had less than 10 left. Until then, I’d count up! The cheering zone was crowded but not very loud. The highlight was definitely the guy in the middle of the course with a “Free Hugs” sign. I gave him a BIG hug, then continued on to the crappy part of Miami.

The miles stopped flying by from 11-13. I was anxious to reach the Half/Full split. I eventually made it to the halfway point, crossed the mat in 2:13, and found my friend, Wally!

I personally do not bandit races. I think those that do are making their own decision. Wally wanted to bandit the half, but when he found out I was running the full, he asked to run the second half with me. I accepted. He’s ran the half at this event more than once, and really wanted to do the second half of the course.

So I picked up Wally, who had a Happy Birthday balloon tied to his shirt so I could find him. The balloon was meant for a friend whose birthday was the next day. But, it was Wally’s birthday earlier in the week. He was confused when people started wishing him a happy birthday because he forgot he had a balloon tied to his shirt!

I briefed Wally on my pace, progress, plans and whatever I thought he should know. We settled into a comfortable pace and kept going.

Shortly after mile 15, we came upon the hashers! Patrick met me on my side of the road and gave me a little cup of beer. I drank it, and I was off again!

My plan was to eat every 5 miles. I ate at 5, 11 (didn’t see the mile 10 aid station in time!), and at 15, I really didn’t want another gel. So, I waited. Mile 16 came and went, and I still didn’t want to. I knew I would be starting to cross that bonk line, so at 17, I forced one down. Luckily, it stayed down, and my stomach didn’t revolt.

I hit mile 18, and I was confident that I had 8 more miles in me. Around this time, I looked at my watch, and it said –:–:–. I was right on par with a 4:30 finish (for 26.8 miles though). My GPS had me about .2 miles further than the course at this point, too.

At mile 19, we were FINALLY headed back in the direction of the finish line. I was still happy feeling good. I could have stopped at a port-a-potty, but I didn’t want to. I was afriad it would be hard to get moving again. My stomach gave a few threatening grumbles for the last 7 miles, but thankfully, nothing awful happened.

We hit mile 20, and I saw my first runner in distress – sitting on the side of the road with medics attending to him. I was happy I still felt ok, but it was a reminder that things could shift at any time.

With a 10k left, gas still in the tank, I expected the miles to start flying by again. They didn’t. I kept breathing steadily, taking in gatorade and water at the aid stations, and pushing to mile 21.5 where I knew I’d see my hashers again. I grabbed a beer, a kiss and some high-fives and kept moving. To my surprise, two MORE hashers were running with me! Stop the Bus and Wimp! (Those are their hash names, get used to it!)

They caught up, told stories, and just distracted me from running. At mile 22, we split and head towards the Rickenbacker Causeway – the tallest bridge in South Florida. Wally complained, but I told him we’d just turn around under the bridge, and not cross over it. As we ran through the toll booth, I joked about not having change. Stop the Bus was happy to see I still had my sense of humor, but that was about to disappear.

Mile 23 brought pain. I was still moving, still picking off people left and right, but dang did it start to hurt!

Right before mile 24, I ran into yet another hasher! He was running the full and was struggling. We ran with him for about a mile before he dropped back. I hit mile 24 and started pushing with whatever I had left, which wasn’t much.

The finish line did not want to get closer. The last two miles felt like four! Wimp stayed back with my other friend, and Wally and Stop the Bus stuck with me. We came up to the last half mile, and Stop the Bus kept telling me to push harder! I told him I had been pushing harder for the last two miles!!

The put a nice drawbridge (read: FL version of a Hill) in that last half mile. Go, go, go. Don’t stop. I was struggling to breathe. I wanted to walk so badly, but I didn’t. As we passed the 26 mile marker, Stop the Bus told me it was my last chance to shave off a few seconds, and that I’d be happier for every bit of energy I put into it. I pushed a little harder, and crossed the finish line!

What would you do differently?:

For my first marathon? Not a thing.

Post race

Warm down:

Walked around. Found Patrick. Found Christine and her family. Her dad was SO PROUD of me, and I had never even met him before!

Patrick and I sat down in the beer tent, then walked like 1.5 miles to the car. We got some food, and headed to the hash, where I walked another mile or two, and had some more beers :)

What limited your ability to perform faster:

If I ran more while training, I’m certain I could run faster. But, we’ll save that for another time.

That’s wally to my right, and Stop the Bus to his right. Such awesome support!!

T-2 Days!!!!

Elaine K — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:23:45 +0000

Two days until my first marathon. TWO. That is not a lot of time!

I’ve got one run left to do. 2 miles the day before the race. Should be good!

I am going through my normal taper behaviors, including obsessing over every aspect of the race… and I love it!

The negatives:

-People that seriously try to convince me that I will finish under four hours, and they truly believe it. It frustrates me that those people will hear my time and think I didn’t do well. For the record, my best half marathon was 1:57:37. There is NO WAY I can do double that distance in double the time +5:00. Not realistic at all. Stop telling me. Stop arguing with me.
-I’m still undecided on what top to wear. I’m trying to work out the best way to not chafe where my upper arms rub against my armpit-ish area.

The positives:

-Experienced athletes telling me it will hurt. No sugar coating. I like it.
-People helping me build my playlist. I’ve got some fresh tunes to keep ME fresh! I WILL run with headphones. I will not use them until I need the pick-me-up.
-Everyone over at Beginner Triathlete that has put up with my silly questions, calmed me down, or just made me laugh and forget the stress.
-My sister. Her marathon experience and training tips have been super helpful.
-My boyfriend that has tolerated my training, my compression-gear-wearing, and will be at mile 22 on race day handing out beer!
-The Endurance Sisterhood. Those girls gave me some AMAZING marathon advice…
“a marathon is a 10K with a 20 mile warm up”
“Most of all Elaine take in your surroundings and enjoy the camaraderie that a marathon gives”
“know you have the will to succeed. Have fun and Run Strong ”
“it’s just another long run”
“Think of it as 26 one mile repeats with a bit extra across the finish line. I always like to dedicate a mile to some of the special people in my life regardless of the distance”

Win $100 worth of h2oaudio gear!!

Elaine K — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:49:08 +0000

Want to win $100 to spend at h2oaudio.com? Maybe get yourself a sweet waterproof case for your iPhone or mp3 player? Want to support a great cause in the process?

It’s easy! Simply support me in the Break Away to Key Largo MS 150 ride. A donation of any amount (if you enter your e-mail address in the Personal Notes section) will enter you to win!!

So,
1. Go here: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/FLSBikeEvents?px=10446746&pg=personal&fr_id=17642
2. Give whatever you are able.
3. Leave your e-mail address in the Personal Note.
4. Wait for April 14th to see if you’ve won!
5. Send me good vibes as I ride 150 miles to fight MS on April 21 and 22!

Want to go the extra (150)mile(s)?
Email me (ratherbeswimmin at gmail dot com) and join up with me and Team Bacardi!!!

*****************************************

Why We Fight MS

Having multiple sclerosis means that you may suddenly have blurry vision. Or that your memory will fail you for no apparent reason. Or that you may not always be able to walk, let alone ride a bike. The symptoms of MS are different, and devastating, for everyone – the only certainty is that it will affect yet another person every hour of every day.

Why I Ride

I’ve registered for the MS Bike Ride because I want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed – and because I want to do everything to educate more people on what it means to live with this disease. Today, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, and with diagnosis occurring most frequently between the ages of 20 and 50, many individuals face a lifetime filled with unpredictability.

Why You Should Sponsor Me

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will use funds collected from the MS Bike Ride to not only support research for a cure tomorrow, but also to provide programs which address the needs of people living with MS today. Because we can fight this disease by simply riding a bike, because we have chosen to help thousands of people through a contribution to the MS Bike Ride, we are now getting closer to the hour when no one will have to hear the words, “You have MS.”

Rev3 Group Coaching

Elaine K — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:39:04 +0000

So, you want to do your first Olympic, or Half Iron, or Full Iron. Or, maybe not your first, maybe your second, your third, your ninth…

You know there are a lot of plans out there. You know that you could just use something off-the-shelf. You also think you could really benefit from coaching – some to tweak the plan for you, guide you through the rough workouts, adjust the plan as you go… but coaching is expensive!

Well, Rev3 has established the middle ground! An affordable option where you’ll have access to some stellar coaches, a forum where the Rev3 Team Members (like me!) and the Rev3 coached athletes can discuss any and all training concerns, recipes for the perfect margarita, lodging options, gear, past race experiences, and basically anything else. So, I present to you Rev3 Group Coaching!!

Rev3 Group Coaching:
At Rev3Tri, every athlete matters! We’d like to build upon this concept to bring our “family feeling and support” to help get each athlete to the finish line.

What each program will include:
* Monthly training program to include race specific guidance, equipment tips and nutrition suggestions.
* Password protected forum available to each athlete in the program. Rev3Tri Team, Rev3 Race Director and Rev3 Staff will all be available on the forum for continued support.
* Advanced information given before the general public is told to include: course updates, course maps, race director tips, coach tips, race weekend schedules
* On-course training days
* Race weekend meet ups, racing tips, motivation & strategy, meeting Team Rev3
* Webinars and online chats on specific training topics

Cost of program:
Initial $200 start-up fee which includes a Rev3Tri training kit (an $85 value!), $25 off Rev3 entry coupon, sponsor goodies, and your username & password for your schedule and forum access. After the initial start-up fee, each additional month is $50. There is a 10% discount for paying for the full plan in advance. If you sign up later than the start date, the cost will be pro-rated to exclude the weeks you missed.

When will programs start?
Knoxville                      January 16 (16 week program for both Oly and Half)
Quassy                         January 16 (20 weeks)    February 13 (16 weeks)
Portland                      February 20 (20 weeks)   March 19 (16 weeks)
Wisconsin Dells        March 26 (20 weeks)        April 23 (16 weeks)
Maine                          April 9 (20 weeks)            May 7 (16 weeks)
Cedar Pt                      March 26 (24 weeks)    April 23 (20 weeks)
Anderson                    May 28 (20 weeks)           June 25 (16 weeks)
Florida                           June 11 (20 weeks)          July 9 (16 weeks)

I can tell you that when Rev3 claims that you’ll have access to the Team, Race Director and Staff, they aren’t exaggerating. Charlie, the owner of Rev3, is very involved and VERY accessible. The Staff – like Carole Sharpless – are just as awesome. And the team? Well, they are a talented group of athletes who are very supportive, outgoing and knowledgeable!

So, how do you get started? Send me an e-mail at ratherbeswimmin@gmail.com. I’ll hook you up with the staff and they’ll get you all set to go.

Marathon Training Long Run

Elaine K — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:59:55 +0000

Or “How not to do your 20-miler”

First, a little background. I moved my 20-miler to four weeks pre-marathon. Ragnar Relay is three weeks pre-marathon. At 21.8 miles total, it’ll be my biggest mileage weekend, but it won’t be continuous. So, that left my 20-miler to be done New Year’s weekend.

On Christmas Day, I had a wonderful 16-miler in the company of my sister. She ran me all over the hills of our hometown (the net elevation change was a 1200ft – but my usual elevation change is about 30 feet… so, yeah, it was tough towards the end). Temperatures were in the 40s. I managed to hold a 10:20 pace.

Two days later, I knocked out 5 miles at a 10:00 pace on the treadmill. I can handle the cold, but it was in the 30s and raining! Then, it was a windy, chilly 10 miler at a 10:23 pace. The wind chill made it feel like 1 degree above freezing! That night, I hopped in the car to begin the 20 hour drive back to Florida! Friday, I had every intention of doing my training run first thing in the morning. This didn’t work out due to a flat tire and my boyfriend’s follow-up appointments from his shoulder surgery. So, around noon I hit the pavement for a fairly mindless 5.2 miles at a 10:21 pace. The weather was in the mid 70s with a light breeze. I stripped to my sports bra trying to handle the heat – which is something I almost NEVER do.

So far, so good, right?

Saturday, I woke up. I had 20 miles to crush on New Year’s Eve. My stomach was NOT agreeing with me. After FOUR trips to the bathroom, I finally got out of the door around 11:30 in the morning. I was counting on the GI problems continuing, but I wasn’t about to attempt 20 miles on New Year’s Day. Luckily, on this planned route, there is a bathroom 1.7 miles from home, then another 5.3 miles from home. I used them both. I took in 100 cal at the second bathroom stop. As I started running from the restroom north along the beach, my nose started gushing blood. After another 3 miles, I took in some more food. Shortly after that, the Clif Shot Bloks I had eaten tried to make another appearance. I made it to the turn-around slightly nauseous – but at least I was hydrated. The beach showers provide lots of water! On top of all that, I couldn’t figure how to make my new iPod shuffle play songs in order… and by songs, I mean chapters of my audio book. Whoops.

Let’s recap:
-GI problems from the start
-too much nutrition
-bloody nose
-less than 24 hours after my last run

I knew it was warm out. I stopped a few times to stand under the showers while trying to keep my feet dry. I took off my tank top. As I discovered today when I checked the weather history, we hit EIGHTY TWO degrees that day, with SEVENTY percent humidity. Heat index of 86 degrees – after some near-freezing runs the week before.

I finished in 3:46:37… an 11:16 pace. I was also stopped for a total of 30 minutes between bathroom stops, cooling off in beach showers, getting stuck at drawbridges, and hiding in the shade feeling sorry for myself.

Now that I’m physically – and mentally! – recovered from that mess… I think it didn’t go that badly! With everything going against me, I finished in a respectable time (for me). I toughed it out, and while I allowed myself more walk-breaks than I’d like, I didn’t call Patrick and make him come pick me up. I listened to my body and sat in the shade for a bit when I seemed not be handling the heat well. I’m ready for Ragnar!

This week will likely be about 10 miles today, 5 tomorrow, and off Thursday. It’ll give me a teeny-tiny bit of rest. Ragnar is supposed to be FUN, so I won’t be stressing about my times. I’d like to hit my adjusted paces (9:52 for the 11.8 mile run, and under 9:30 for the 5.2 and 4.1 mile run), but that’s not necessary.

Just one request – will someone PLEASE take my bike away during taper for the marathon? I know that with my extra energy I’ll want to take it out, but I should really take the taper seriously!

Returning to my Physical Therapist

Elaine K — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:56:05 +0000

…but not for me, for Patrick!

He was referred to the same orthopedic office that I was for my IT band. After that, he was referred to the same Physical Therapist. She is AWESOME.

I went to his appointment with him… mainly because he’s not allowed to drive while on Vicodin. He had his dressing taken off, his incisions cleaned, and he got to move his arm! He is allowed 30 degrees of movement out to the side, and 140 degrees straight up!

I chatted with the PT a little. She asked how I was doing. I told her that I did my 70.3 in October, and I’ll be doing my first marathon in just over a month. She asked about my IT band pain. I told her that as long as I’m doing my exercises, its fine. She laughed, and was like “funny how that works!”. Yup, I’ve learned a few times than when I start to slack on the strength training, the pain starts to creep back. Consistency is key. Who would have guessed?

This marathon training is a little rough. I’m already up to 98.5 miles for December, with more to come! 21 more this week (5+16), and next week is peak week: 40 miles!! (5+10+5+20) I’m peaking a week early because Ragnar Relay is exactly three weeks before ING Miami. Mentally, I think I need a 20-miler on my calendar, and pushing it back one week seemed to make more sense that pushing it forward. Ragnar week is 19 miles plus the 21 of Ragnar, then it’s down to totals of 29, 21, and 9. Wheeee! Taper!! I might reduce some mileage the week before and the week after Ragnar, depending on how I’m feeling. I’d rather show up to ING undertrained than injured.

Speaking of ING, I’ve developed my goals!!

A: 4:22 <- exactly one hour slower than my sister’s marathon PR.
B: 4:XX <- anything sub 5 hours
C: Finish
D: Don’t be stupid <- as in, if I’m risking injury and drop out, I’ll still feel like I did something useful

With that, I’m off to start my 20 hour drive home for Christmas!!

Christmas: Round 1

Elaine K — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:33:19 +0000

With Patrick’s surgery looming on the calendar – ok, it is TOMORROW – I wanted to give him a present ahead of time… which soon turned into two… then three. So, I suggested that we do Christmas a little early!

I wanted to give him his Pandora subscription, new battery for his MacBook (seriously, his doesn’t work at all. If you move the laptop and the plug comes loose, it shuts down!) and “Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills”… my impulse buy from BackCountry.com. So, he got those, a nice set of base layers and a bottle of his favorite whiskey with some whiskey stones.

I got mountain biking shoes, pedals and cleats. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, so now, no more thinking! Smart guy even went for the same brand (Diadora) as my road shoes, to ensure a perfect fit. Plus, they are white, and he said I’d be able to track my progress by how dirty they get. He also got me a really cute dress from Patagonia… and a camping shower! With all of our mud-laden adventures, this will be AWESOME. He got me the big one, too… probably so there will be water for him to use!

As for family Christmas… we tend to do things differently. I’m one of five kids, plus I now have two brother-in-laws. So, rather than try to exchange gifts with everyone, we do a Secret Santa! This year, I got my brother. This boy creates the most intricate Christmas and Birthday wish lists EVER. It takes some of the fun out of shopping, but he makes it fool-proof. I know he’ll get exactly what he wants.

As far as training…

I ran 18 miles on Saturday. It felt slow, and a lot harder than my 16 miles the previous weekend. Not because of the extra two miles, but because of the build over time. This weekend, I drop back to 16 miles, then I hit 20 New Year’s Eve! I moved my 20 miler up a week in training ,because three weeks before the marathon is RAGNAR!! I’ll be covering 21 miles that weekend, but it’ll be broken up into chunks. When I adapted this plan, I thought I mentally needed that 20 miler. But now, I’m not so sure that it is necessary. I really don’t think 20 miles will feel much different than 18… but what do I know? This is my first marathon!

I’m debating on dropping my medium-distance run the week of Ragnar to rest up a bit for the weekend. I’ll just see how I feel and go with it.

I gotta mention something. I got some CW-X Recovery Tights, and they are AH-MAZE-ING. Seriously. I feel like I recover better when I wear them. I also picked up a pair of $30 Adidas Compression socks – something NEW from them – and they are wonderful, too. I think I’m going to try running in them while in the frosty north between Christmas and New Years.

And now? The countdown.

Tuesday – take Patrick to and from surgery. Work ½ Day.
Work Wednesday and Thursday.

Thursday night, Patrick, Duke and I will begin the 20ish hour drive to see our families up north. This holiday season, I’m thankful that even though I met Patrick while living in FL, our parents live like 25 miles apart from each other. This makes holiday travel REALLY easy – and we can combine trips home throughout the year!