tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45099208237223213502009-12-05T21:19:28.599-06:00Juice and JoyAttempts at keeping track. Can you name the poet this blog title honors?
"What is all this juice and all this joy?"Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-57377414778700091232009-11-29T22:08:00.001-06:002009-11-29T22:10:05.006-06:00Tis the Season of...The World is Too Much with Us<br /><br />by William Wordsworth<br /><br />The world is too much with us; late and soon,<br />Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;<br />Little we see in Nature that is ours;<br />We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!<br />This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon,<br />The winds that will be howling at all hours,<br />And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers,<br />For this, for everything, we are out of tune;<br />It moves us not.--Great God! I'd rather be<br />A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;<br />So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,<br />Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;<br />Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;<br />Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.<br /><br />1807<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-5737741477870009123?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-32711861576453285252009-11-10T21:37:00.001-06:002009-11-10T21:37:48.757-06:00Sunday "Long" RunI mostly just want to post from my phone, but I do also want to keep track of my progress as I make my way back into the world of running. <br /><br />Sarah and I met Sunday morning for a 4-mile jog around Lady Bird Lake trail. It was good to run and run on the trail. I've really missed it. We got to cheer for Run for the Water racers and felt slightly guilty for not volunteering (we were captains of a water stop last year). <br /><br />Best news is that my foot didn't bother me during or after the run. :-)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-3271186157645328525?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-89425743666262462542009-11-01T21:17:00.000-06:002009-11-01T21:28:52.156-06:00Fall BackToday was a glorious outside day. We took our kids and 4 neighborhood kids to the park where I ran 3 miles. So, whoop-de-doo, you say? Well, I've had plantar fasciitis since July. PF took over my life in a cruel way. I didn't want to walk to the kitchen for fear of intense pain in my heel and foot, and running was not even on my map. For months, I have just wanted to walk and stand without pain. I honestly didn't care if I ever ran again if I could just go about normal life without pain.<br /><br />My foot is still sore a lot, but I've been able to slowly build up to running. I started barefoot in grass several weeks ago. It's been up and down with the running just like this entire injury. One day, my foot feels good, and then I'm back to grimacing with pain.<br /><br />However, today is a new day. I hope to fall back into running regularly. I miss it and my running friends. Let's hope my foot is happy tomorrow, so that I might see those friendly Gazelles soon. :-)<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-8942574366626246254?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-21129347986024511552009-10-10T11:54:00.006-05:002009-10-10T12:10:47.578-05:00Doggy Dash 5KWe adopted a dog this summer. Lilly is a 9-year old dachshund-beagle mix. She's really good at escaping from our fence, and she's really fast, much like her <a href="http://www.josheli.com/knob/">adopted father.</a><br /><br />Well, of course she fits right into our active family. David signed her up for the <a href="http://www.donkeydash.com/">Doggy Dash 5K</a>. That sweet girl ran the whole way, tugging on her leash held by little boys who needed a slower pace.<br /><br />We are so proud of all of our kids for finishing this 5K, but especially Lilly!<br /><br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/DoggyDashFinish-738322.jpg"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2112934798602451155?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-20859979116865405742009-08-23T09:45:00.000-05:002009-08-23T09:46:25.458-05:00Back to SchoolSunday morning, summer’s end.<br />Monday morning, school begins.<br />Last day for carefree wisps of fun.<br /><br />Sunday evening,<br />Stomach tightens, anticipating.<br />A weekly ritual begun.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2085997911686540574?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-18505025959782381402009-06-06T06:38:00.006-05:002009-06-06T07:04:58.454-05:00It's a Major AwardI never win anything, and technically, I still didn't win anything. <br /><br />I nominated Elijah's teacher, <a href="http://www.austinisd.org/schools/staff.phtml?teacher=16">Michael Massad</a>, for Mix 94.7 & Whataburger's "Austin's Favorite Teacher" contest. Well, he won! They picked my nomination. I was giddy because Mr. Massad deserves this award. I wish I had my nomination letter to post. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/MassadAward-718239.jpg"><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/familyvance/SuperMonkeys?authkey=Gv1sRgCKOy7_-Kivu69AE#">More Photos</a> (you'll have to scroll through Track & Field)<br /><br />And here's <a href="http://www.mix947.com/pages/2559259.php?itmBlogDomainUrl=http://heather-kamx.itmblog.com/2009/06/03/big-you-rocks/">Heather Rivera's blog post.</a><br /><br />Congratulations, Mr. Massad!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-1850502595978238140?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-26486929062189559162009-06-05T21:28:00.002-05:002009-06-06T07:13:54.144-05:00i carry your heartA forgotten post<br />waits for an uploaded pic<br />penned may 17<br /><br />===========================================<br />i carry your heart with me (i carry it in <br />my heart)<br /><br />I shared those lines from the <a href="http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/e__e__cummings/poems/14130">famous poem</a> with Joshua tonight. I had written them years ago to my father on Father's Day (back in college when I had no money for a gift so I made a gift). It's overwhelming at times to look at my children. My cup runneth over.<br /><br />The Summer of Creativity is dawning. I've put running and exercising on the shelf for lots of reasons. I'm not interested. I'm extremely busy. I don't care. I'm tired. I'm not training for anything. I really should exercise, but other interests tug at my minuscule amount of spare time. <br /><br />Cooking is really fun. Baking is even better. Watching the mama bird get food for her chirping babies in my back yard is so peaceful. Sipping tea and reading is luxurious. Watching Joshua's baseball games is what spring is about for us. Listening to Elijah play the piano while doing dishes is life. Running? I think I am ready to play soccer again. Not in a league though. Maybe just kick the ball around in the yard with the kids. I need new cleats though.<br /><br />I did run with Joshua at Chuy's Hot to Trot. He's 7, and this is his first 5K.<br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/momjoshstart-734860.jpg"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2648692906218955916?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-27069015787403718592009-04-10T09:02:00.003-05:002009-04-10T09:07:45.512-05:00Anniversary PoemsFor David<br /><br />Peach blossoms bloom a<br />soft pink smile to you and me.<br />Wedding day tribute.<br /><br /><br />This poem is from our wedding, read by Aron during the ceremony.<br /><br />"At the Wedding March"<br />by <a href="http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/hopkins/">Gerard Manley Hopkins</a><br /><br />GOD with honour hang your head, <br />Groom, and grace you, bride, your bed <br />With lissome scions, sweet scions, <br />Out of hallowed bodies bred. <br /> <br />Each be other’s comfort kind:<br />Deep, deeper than divined, <br />Divine charity, dear charity, <br />Fast you ever, fast bind. <br /> <br />Then let the March tread our ears: <br />I to him turn with tears <br />Who to wedlock, his wonder wedlock, <br />Deals tríumph and immortal years.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2706901578740371859?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-82285757838857125562009-04-08T08:31:00.002-05:002009-04-08T08:36:18.136-05:00Haiku for the dayCool spring morning rush<br />Ebullient boys on the stairs<br />Regret fills my heart<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-8228575783885712556?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-81998818084673813252009-04-04T14:20:00.000-05:002009-04-04T14:19:22.320-05:00"Everyone knows it's Windy" Sing-a-long!Saturday, March 28 - <a href="http://www.rosedaleride.org/">Rosedale Ride</a><br /><br />Marc & Dianne were already planning to do 40. Sarah and I had dropped down from 63 to 40 after realizing we are very busy moms with other things going on that day that we not only had to do but also wanted to do. 40 is nothing to be ashamed of, but we had a bit of a time convincing ourselves of that.<br /><br />Was anyone outside on March 28? Well, if not, I'll tell ya. A cold front blew in overnight. It was in the low 40s with a wind chill in the 30s. I can deal with cold. It's not as fun to ride your bike when it's cold as it is to run when it's cold. It's doable though, and your body does eventually warm up (if not your toes). The real issue this morning was the wind. Not a little wind either.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/familyvance/Rosedale2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMq044C91P2oWQ#">A few photos for your viewing pleasure.</a><br /><br />I have never ridden in such wind before. It was not fun the way this ride is supposed to be. At the first stop (which we hadn't planned on stopping at), Marc tells us they are doing the 20-mile route now. Sarah and I look at it each other. This is supposed to be fun, right? Are we having fun? No. Why do we need to kill ourselves and do 40?<br /><br />We chose the 20 (22.9 actually), and it was (in the wise words of Sarah) one of the best decisions we've made in a long time. The back stretch of that ride was slow and <span style="font-style:italic;">so windy</span>. <br /><br />I made up new lyrics to a bunch of songs to make us laugh while we struggled to pedal. Sarah joined in and came up with some goodies. Enjoy, and I hope you sing along.<br /><br />Bob Seger - Against the Wind<br /><br />"Against the wind...I'm colder now but still riding against the wind."<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />Christopher Cross - Ride like the Wind<br /><br />"I've got such a long way to go...<br />to make it to Samsung parking lot.<br />So I ride...ride in the wind."<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />Patrick Swayze - She's like the Wind<br /><br />"She hates wind in her face.<br />She's pedaling but going no place."<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />Bette Midler - Wind Beneath my Wings<br /><br />"Did you ever know that I can pedal<br />and not get anywhere at all?<br />I can ride faster than a snail<br />when the wind blows like a gale."<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />The Village People - YMCA<br /><br />"We are riding in the W-I-N-D (insert hand movements)<br />Oh yes, we're riding into the W-I-N-D.<br />It blows from the front.<br />And it blows from the side.<br />No matter which way we go, it blows.<br />Because we're riding in the W-I-N-D<br />Oh yes, we're riding in the W-I-N-D."<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />The Association - Everyone knows it's Windy<br /><br />"Who's blowing me back while I fiercely pedal?<br />Who's tipping my bike over sideways?<br />Who's bending down to knock me clean off?<br />Everyone knows it's Windy!"<br /><br />So, in honor of the Wind, we stopped at Wendy's for my usual half-n-half soda (half coke, half diet coke). Well, I had to get a picture for the ol' blog. Sarah snapped this <span style="font-weight:bold;">brilliant</span> photo...<br /><br />You are the Wendy's beneath my wings.<br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/wendysbird-796447.jpg"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-8199881808467381325?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-28679181508874479672009-04-04T08:52:00.006-05:002009-04-04T09:22:38.818-05:00San Marcos 50Sunday, March 22 - 50 mile ride to San Marcos with Sarah, Dianne & Michelle. There were some very slow-going spots due to a combo of wind and inclines. We finally got to San Marcos about 45 minutes later than planned. <br /><br />Dianne's hubby Marc was waiting with their son, Alex. See, I'm not the only family who has to swap out workouts and take turns and do all sorts of somersaults just so both parents have a turn to train. <br /><br />Dianne and Michelle had only planned to ride to SM, so they were blissfully loading up their bikes while Sarah and I stretched and braced ourselves for the ride back with Marc. The ride back was much more pleasant and much less windy, and we finished that same distance 30 minutes faster.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/sanmarcosride-713757.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/sanmarcoswithmarc-726768.jpg"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2867918150887447967?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-11856277148969669692009-03-05T08:01:00.012-06:002009-03-05T10:34:14.365-06:00GoalsThis must be the race meant for me!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.roguerunning.com/events/158.html">Fat Ass Trail Run</a><br /><br /><br />I don't miss the long runs.<br />There's no time in my day to miss them.<br />Sarah and I have been cycling toward Rosedale on March 28.<br />It's hard to get back in gear.<br />All of our long rides,<br />I've wondered how I rode 25 miles in the middle of a triathlon.<br />Man, I was in shape then.<br /><br />So, dv laid out <a href="http://www.josheli.com/knob/2009/01/01/pearls-before-swine/">his goals</a> for the world to read (whoever might the world be?).<br />I shall do the same, but I warn you. If you are here to read about running goals, you might need to hop off the track.<br /><br />1. Complete 3 projects that have been looming over me for months and months. Complete them by May 15.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rosedaleride.org/">2. Rosedale Ride</a> on March 28 - 65 miles<br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.tejastrails.com/Rogue.html">Rogue Trail Series:</a><br />May 3 - The Maze 10K Trail Run<br />May 31 - The Loop 10K Trail Run (they scheduled this early this year just for me, I'm sure!)<br />June 21 - The Bluff 10K Trail Run (um, sounds scary for clumsy folk)<br /><br />And now, the Pièce de résistance:<br /><br />4. Clean up my poems and write this summer. I won't be working. I'll have hours to compose while my kids swim and play. I am always writing in my head, so my big goal is to put pen to paper. Even if no one ever reads them. Yup. Maybe one day, I'll go to a writing workshop. Or a bunch of workshops. I think they call that an MFA.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/photo-732992.jpg"><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-1185627714896966969?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-25758150917879109382009-02-01T15:43:00.012-06:002009-02-01T21:56:48.832-06:00Obligatory 3M ReportMy 3M experience is forgettable. I'm happy for Sarah as she did fabulous.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/uploaded_images/SarahJessMedals-702278.jpg"><br /><br />We rarely had a training run where both of us felt good. One week, I'd be feeling superb while Sarah struggled. The next week I was whining (as usual) while Sarah was strong.<br /><br />It didn't matter the distance or terrain. It didn't matter if it was thick and warm or crunchy and cool. We ran at odd times to accommodate our odd-mom schedules. There was one long run where we both felt like crap. We met at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon as that was the soonest we could both meet. We advise anyone to avoid running at 1pm on a fairly empty stomach.<br /> <br />I wasn't as dedicated this year. I didn't run as much or train as long. I started out fine, and Sarah and I had a race plan. I think it was between mile 2 and 3 that I knew something was wrong with me. I shook it off and thought I'd feel better after a Gu at the 5.5 mile water stop. I didn't really feel better at all. I think I whined a bunch. I slowed us down from our race goal. At mile 7 I got quit dizzy and pulled out. I sent Sarah on with instructions for the rest of the race. She didn't want to leave me, but I didn't want to mess her 1st half-marathon up for her.<br /><br />I walked a bit and thought I could catch her. Each time I ran, I'd feel nauseous and as though I was running 400s rather than a snail pace. It ached <span style="font-style: italic;">everywhere.</span> I saw Linda cheering between mile 8 and 9 and almost quit as I asked if her car was nearby. Then I thought of David. He'd finished already. He'd given fibers of himself he didn't know were there (I'm not saying that b/c that is what he told me after the race, I'm saying that b/c that is what I knew at the time he'd done). I thought of him jogging back down the course to meet us, looking for me, seeing Sarah, hearing her say I was not well and back further, him running along and not finding me.<br /><br />I kept going. I tried to run. I walked. I made it to Duval and started to cry. I hung my head as I passed cheering Gazelles hoping they wouldn't recognize DV's lame-ass wife. By this point, I knew David was close. I tried to stop crying. Tried to stop feeling sorry for myself for feeling sick and sucking. Then I saw him. He was running on the sidewalk toward me. I couldn't hold back my stinging tears anymore. The woman next to me gave a surprised look at my sob as I wiped my eyes and shielded my face from the world.<br /><br />He knew already that I wasn't well. He'd passed all of my running friends: Erin, Barb, Gayatri, Leslie, and Sarah. He saw me struggle, saw me pull out and dry heave, heard me lament about the first 10 miles, and heard me whine. He stayed with me until the last 200 meters where he pealed off to avoid crossing the finish line again with his chip.<br /><br />Even after the way I felt, how I struggled, how I wanted to quit from feeling sick and dizzy and weak, I felt like I didn't try hard enough. Isn't that funny?<br /><br />No race ever has been that hard for me. I <span style="font-style: italic;">am </span>glad I finished. I hate that I took so long to do it. I don't want to hear cheer-me-ups or any such nonsense.<br /><br />Let's all clap for Sarah as she finished her first half-marathon! Now we are on to training of the <a href="http://www.rosedaleride.org/">Rosedale Ride</a> on March 28.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2575815091787910938?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-55986319888936466632008-12-03T20:08:00.004-06:002008-12-03T20:33:38.327-06:00What Kind of Runner I AmAh, running. What can I say?<br /><br />Humid, sticky long run last Friday morning with Sarah, Barb and Leslie A. Felt like a moist spring morning. Doesn't G-tree dislike me saying "moist" or was that someone else? G-tree, here's a "moist" shout-out for ya. ;-)<br /><br />Circuit is still one of my favorites. Can't get used to this Texas weather even though I've never lived anywhere else. Wanted fewer clothes running on Friday. Wanted more clothes Monday night at the AHS track for circuit. Perfect weather for running today, and I see some cold air is on slate for tomorrow. Maybe this year I'll finally purchase decent running tights??<br /><br />A perfect time this afternoon with my boys. A bit of whining on their part for going to the trail (really, it wasn't <span style="font-style:italic;">me </span>whining for a change). Once they settled it that we <span style="font-weight:bold;">were </span>going to the trail to bike and run, they were fine. We headed out the NE side of the trail to the 5 mile marker and back. I wanted a short tempo run, but it's always hard with kids in tow (they were on their bikes).<br /><br />Joshua asked for a stop at a lovely little tree patch before the wooden foot bridge east of The Four Seasons. There's a little art statue thing that we admired. About 20 ducks were having a river party, and Joshua looked like a model lazily leaning against a gorgeous tree in its fall party clothes. The squirrels were like kittens scampering up for food. Some kind soul had left some peanuts on the statue, which we we tossed to them. I really think I could have petted them if I'd wanted to. They came closer when we did the "Tchk-Tchk-Tchk" of kitten and cat calling. <br /><br />So, we took about a 5-minute break during my tempo run. I think that says a lot about what kind of runner I am. I don't know many folks who pay much attention to the stunning scenery offered at Lady Bird Lake. If they do, most are too serious to actually stop. That stop Joshua requested today was the highlight of my run and my day.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-5598631988893646663?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-51240286383806556332008-11-28T13:39:00.001-06:002008-11-28T13:39:59.206-06:00Just Because TooI'm running a little bit more now. Maybe 3M. Maybe not.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-5124028638380655633?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-17500794741258884242008-11-10T07:39:00.008-06:002008-11-10T09:40:30.318-06:00HighlightsTwo notables during my "long" run this past Saturday. <br /><br />The first highlight came before I even made it to Runtex, and that my friends, is heated seats. Our new-to-us vehicle is super fancy with all the bells and whistles, and one of those whistles is coming in real handy on cold mornings. My bottom cringed when I sat on the cold leather as I headed out. With a little flick of my finger, I turned the heating on to high. Ah, what a great invention, and decadence I'm happy to claim in our car. It might give new meaning to "hot cross buns" on those early mornings during marathon (or summin like that) training. If you don't get the "cross" part, then I'm sorry for you.<br /><br />Second highlight was running with Erin for 4 miles - a meager warm-up for her race the next day but a long run for me. I had wanted to run longer but the lure of running with someone (and a friend!) kept me at 4 miles. Which was fine. I also saw Gtree and Leslie after their long run. I love seeing those smiling faces. Makes me almost want to train for 3M. Almost. I'm not there yet. I'm licking my lips and thinking about it.<br /><br />Sunday morning I was Captain of the <a href="http://www.sasaustin.org/">St. Andrew's</a> water stop. My dear, sweet friend Sarah came to help me captain all the BlueCru kids and parents. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.familyvance.com/gallery/albums/miscjess/JessSarah.sized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 424px;" src="http://www.familyvance.com/gallery/albums/miscjess/JessSarah.sized.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It was a really great experience, and I always love cheering at races. I had some wistfulness watching runners go by. Part of me wished I was running, but a larger part remembered how bad of a race I had last year (all my own fault). <br /><br />I ran 5 times last week, which is a record for me since starting my full-time job (the one that pays b/c I've had a full-time job since Jan 14, 2000). Keep me honest folks. Make me keep it up. Looking forward to Circuit tonight. Yeah, I do like Circuit. I really do.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-1750079474125888424?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-24574229861506846852008-10-29T08:16:00.004-05:002008-10-29T09:09:54.060-05:00ReflectionsI thought living vicariously through <a href="http://www.josheli.com/knob/">my husband</a> would keep me a fit and a happy runner. Oh, I've continued to run so as not to fall <span style="font-style:italic;">totally </span>to the wayside, but for some reason, my plan hasn't worked.<br /><br />I remember a long run in the summer - a 10-miler - where my knees started hurting again. That was around the same time that I started working full-time. We had recently moved, and with all the changes (and aching knees), I just stopped caring about how far I ran, how fast I ran, how often I ran. I had to readjust my priorities with less free time but the same busy family (and I mean busy).<br /><br />I admit I haven't done a good job of finding time for running. Excuses abound, but <a href="http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/americans_have_more_leisure_time_than_ever/">Americans today have more leisure time than ever before</a>. So there is really no good excuse for why <span style="font-style:italic;">I</span> have not found time. Motivation is a different story.<br /><br />Well, there's nothing like clothes fitting tighter. Nothing like that dreaded visit to a retail dressing room where the mirrors are set up in the cruelest way to show every part of your body that you normally (and thankfully) can't see. And those lights! To sell more, I would think stores would find lights that softened and enhanced rather than pointed out all the glaring evidence of too many cookies and too much stagnation.<br /><br />Visits like that for me make me want to eat a bunch of fresh out-of-the-oven oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Exactly the wrong thing I should do, right? Right. I know it. We all know it. It's just that cookies are so darn good. And my favorites are oatmeal, so really, it's healthy. Uh-huh. Really.<br /><br />No more watching <a href="http://www.mychiptime.com/display_race.php?eID=3309&show=combined&division=10K+Run+F++0-+0&fname=First+Name&lname=Last+Name&sex=any&bib=Bib&chip=Chip&event_city=City&event_state=any&border=0&listtype=small">David cut full minutes off his PRs</a>. No more hearing his alarm at 5am each day while I curl back under the delicious covers. It's time to push away the Coca-Cola Classic. It's time to count the calories and up the miles. It's time to make use of that monstrosity of a gym I give money to each month. Who's with me? Bueller? Bueller?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2457422986150684685?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-16991212899339424232008-10-10T16:54:00.004-05:002008-10-10T17:24:24.363-05:00MirthI ran yesterday, and I enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a run the way I remember enjoying them last fall and winter and even last spring. I enjoyed the actual running and not just the company (which was Sweet Elijah on his bike). I enjoyed the running and not just the trees, flowers, or other things that often catch my eye. I ran "fast" and enjoyed it. It felt good to push.<br /><br />I have been contemplating quitting running. Try something new? Join a soccer team? Give in to being a Mommy who works full-time? Read over run? Invent a way for me to read and run at the same time?<br /><br />I'm not sure if I'll train for any races. 3M is still a possibility, but I can't really commit since I'm still getting used to working full-time.<br /><br />I also did Digital Cable Exercising Thursday morning at 5:30am. Not bad, not bad. DV was running, and I considered leaving the boys alone in the house while I ran up and down the street in front of the house. Good parenting won out though, so I had an early morning date with the TV for some total body sculpting. Maybe if I keep it up, I'll actually sculpt something.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-1699121289933942423?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-6739857630201832942008-09-27T07:21:00.004-05:002008-09-27T07:40:11.563-05:00Saturday MorningWhy is running on a treadmill so horrific for me? I honestly think treadmill pace/mile times are off. G-tree and I have had this discussion before, but I think I'm running faster than the treadmill shows. How, you ask? Well, my breathing is a good indicator. I sort of know when I'm huffing and puffing, and it seems every time I'm on a treadmill and just want to jog for 30 minutes, I'm gasping to keep up with the belt. Then I look at the screen and curse treadmill makers everywhere for displaying those pace/mile times anyway. I already think I'm slow, but I don't need a treadmill displaying some snail's pace in my face to let me know that I'm ultra-slow. <br /><br />Enough of that. I can say that I'm very proud of myself for waking up at 6am while in Ft. Worth for a conference and going down to the hotel gym to run. The treadmill did have a new feature for me; it showed a birds-eye view either a track, hill, or 5K route while I ran. <br /><br />I was away from my family for about 3 days for the first time ever. I have never been away from all three of my boys at the same time. I think they missed me more than I missed them. I did miss them, but the conference was busy, and I had no idle time to really pine away.<br /><br />For years and years, almost every night I turn my lamp off beside my bed after reading. If I'm not terribly tired, I will think to myself, "One day I won't turn this lamp off." Some nights, I will think, "One day, I won't be laying in this bed, falling asleep." I'm not talking about moving. I'm not talking about getting a new lamp or bed. <a href="http://www.familyvance.com/juice/2008/09/fall-equinox.html">It is the blight I was born for.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-673985763020183294?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-21805767611555520172008-09-22T07:33:00.003-05:002008-09-22T07:58:38.616-05:00Fall EquinoxHappy first day of Autumn. In Texas, that just means we <span style="font-style:italic;">might </span>notice that the daylight and darkness are exactly equal since we won't be noticing any lovely leaf changes just yet. In honor of the Fall Equinox, I will post a beloved poem below (by my favorite poet, no less). <br /><br />Since this is also supposed to be a blog about exercise/running, I will recap my feeble attempts at squeezing in time for a meaningful workout. Since I started my new (full-time) job, I have only managed to run twice/week. So last week, I vowed to change that (it also helps that a cool front blew in and I had to wear pants that I hadn't donned for months and said pants were snug).<br /><br />Monday - 900s at Zilker. Being out of shape reminded me why I used to despise this workout. It was good to see my 5k/10k buddies though. I warmed up (and even did drills!), and then the group completed 5 900s. Once again, I admit I'm sucky at running up hills.<br /><br />Tuesday - Lifetime Fitness. We've been giving our money to this gym and then staying away. Perfect scenario for them. I did 30 minutes on that running elliptical machine, then took the boys to the outside pool and watched them shiver in the cool water and colder breeze. <br /><br />Wednesday - Bootcamp with Richard. I had planned to run beforehand but plans were foiled on two fronts. I forgot a sports bra, and DV forgot Joshua's bike helmet. I refuse to run without a sports bra, and my children aren't allowed to bike without a helmet. Instead, Joshua and I strolled around the new pond next to Palmer Auditoreum while Elijah was at piano. It's a really lovely little park area, and I quite enjoyed the time with Joshie. He's recently been clingy, and I think it's hit him that I work full-time now and am not around as much.<br />Bootcamp was awesome, btw. I really like that class and would go there over running on Wednesdays if I couldn't do both.<br /><br />Thursday - 2 miles around the Small Middle School track during Joshua's football practice. It's not much, but it's more than before.<br /><br />Friday - Does sitting in a chair for 2 hours getting my hair done count?<br /><br />Saturday - Long run with Leslie and Elizabeth. They did 7 and I did 5?. I had to leave Runtex at 7:30am to get home in time to leave for Joshua's flag football game. It was really nice to run with them both. I haven't run with Elizabeth in ages. I also absolutely love running on the northeast side of the trail. It's so breathtaking in places.<br /><br />Now for the promised poem. It's a good one, so please do read it. :o)<br /><br />"Spring and Fall, to a Young Child"<br /><br />Margaret, are you grieving<br />Over Goldengrove unleaving?<br />Leaves, like the things of man, you<br />With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?<br />Ah! as the heart grows older<br />It will come to such sights colder<br />By and by, nor spare a sigh<br />Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;<br />And yet you will weep and know why.<br />Now no matter, child, the name:<br />Sorrow's springs are the same.<br />Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed<br />What heart heard of, ghost guessed:<br />It is the blight man was born for,<br />It is Margaret you mourn for.<br /><br />-- Gerard Manley Hopkins<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-2180576761155552017?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-79792242431396818902008-09-08T07:34:00.005-05:002008-09-08T08:20:49.442-05:00A Shout-Out to All the Moms Out ThereI was reminded yesterday why I started this blog over a year ago, and that was to represent moms in Gazelle class (or really any mom trying to train for an event or just exercise). I remember tiring of the posts that listed detailed split times and hours spent training. I remember thinking, do these people have jobs? Kids? Other hobbies? Chores to do? A yard to mow?<br /><br />Well, the fact is that many of my running friends do not have children or their children are old enough to care for themselves. And many of the blogs from a year ago are authored by non-parents or men who have a situation enabling them to run frequently and blog about it.<br /><br />So, here I am. A full-time working mom who actually would rather skip a long run (which I did this weekend) so she can spend time enjoying family and friends before the Sunday chore crunch strikes. I also must confess that I have a <a href="http://www.josheli.com/knob/">husband </a>who also runs, so it makes it even more difficult to schedule blocks of time for me to go lope around the trail or track. I also have other hobbies, some of which I greatly prefer to running (No!).<br /><br />Here's a shout-out to <a href="http://www.gilbertsgazelles.com/g/show/629-DSCN1167#prevnextop">Mary Ann</a> and <a href="http://www.gilbertsgazelles.com/g/show/221-_MG_1958">Elizabeth</a>. A big one goes out to <a href="http://www.gilbertsgazelles.com/g/show/386-083107-fila-jessicasarahgayatri">Sarah</a>, my dear, sweet friend who is a big reason I go to the MW afternoon class at all anymore. I send a shout-out to former Gazelle Moms whose family commitments pulled them away from Gazelles: <a href="http://ramonsterwear.blogspot.com">Kathy </a>(maker of Coach's awesome Gazelle shirt) and <a href="http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=31298&BIB=4407&LNSEARCH=1">Tina </a>(she trained for the Austin marathon on her own!). Here's a shout out to Ivi, Ava, Michelle and all the other fast Gazelle moms. I know there are others out there who spend almost as much time scheduling their running time as actually running. I send a hearty shout-out to you as well. I'd love to meet you, so I can shake your hand and give you a nod that only busy moms can understand and appreciate.<br /><br />And you know what? In honor of my mother, who never trained for anything while I was growing up, here's a shout-out to <span style="font-weight:bold;">all </span>the moms out there. I send a you a virtual high-five.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-7979224243139681890?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-81231012304327662112008-08-25T21:15:00.005-05:002008-08-25T21:24:13.776-05:00Sing-SongI have a new job. <br />I haven't run much.<br />My new job is full-time.<br />My achy running knees have been bothering me.<br />It's all an adjustment.<br />I ran a whopping 5-mile long run Sunday morning.<br />Is it okay to mention I'm scared of 7th graders?<br />Elijah rode his bike with me on my run.<br />My kids will ride the bus to and from school.<br />It was a glorious morning run.<br />It's hard letting them go...and grow.<br />You may run 10, 15, 20 miles, but I had cherished time with my son.<br />I don't get to be so present anymore.<br />Maybe it's time to shift to a new hobby?<br />I do feel blessed. Uh huh, I do. That's right.<br />I like the idea of cooking sit-down-together dinners each night for my family.<br />Who wouldn't with such a family as this?<br />I might leave the running to the runners. You out there, Runners?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-8123101230432766211?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-85518669881232506482008-08-12T08:16:00.001-05:002008-08-12T08:20:31.653-05:00Dreams"O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you.<br />She is the fairies’ midwife, and she comes<br />In shape no bigger than an agate-stone<br />On the fore-finger of an alderman,<br />Drawn with a team of little atomies<br />Over men’s noses as they lie asleep;<br />Her chariot is an empty hazel-nut<br />Made by the joiner squirrel or old grub,<br />Time out o’ mind the fairies’ coachmakers.<br />Her wagon-spokes made of long spinners’ legs,<br />The cover of the wings of grasshoppers,<br />The traces of the smallest spider’s web,<br />The collars of the moonshine’s watery beams,<br />Her whip of cricket’s bone, the lash of film,<br />Her wagoner a small grey-coated gnat,<br />Not so big as a round little worm<br />Prick’d from the lazy finger of a maid;<br />And in this state she gallops night by night<br />Through lovers’ brains, and then they dream of love;<br />O’er courtiers’ knees, that dream on court’sies straight,<br />O’er lawyers’ fingers, who straight dream on fees,<br />O’er ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream,<br />Which oft the angry Mab with blisters plagues,<br />Because their breaths with sweetmeats tainted are:<br />Sometime she gallops o’er a courtier’s nose,<br />And then dreams he of smelling out a suit;<br />And sometime comes she with a tithe-pig’s tail<br />Tickling a parson’s nose as a’ lies asleep,<br />Then dreams, he of another benefice:<br />Sometime she driveth o’er a soldier’s neck,<br />And then dreams he of cutting foreign throats,<br />Of breaches, ambuscadoes, Spanish blades,<br />Of healths five-fathom deep; and then anon<br />Drums in his ear, at which he starts and wakes,<br />And being thus frighted swears a prayer or two<br />And sleeps again. This is that very Mab<br />That plaits the manes of horses in the night,<br />And bakes the elflocks in foul sluttish hairs,<br />Which once untangled, much misfortune bodes:<br />This is the hag, when maids lie on their backs,<br />That presses them and learns them first to bear,<br />Making them women of good carriage:<br />This is she—"<br /><br />— Mercutio in <span style="font-style:italic;">Romeo and Juliet</span>, Act I, scene iv<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-8551866988123250648?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-37360177208555683682008-08-10T07:41:00.003-05:002008-08-10T08:03:33.517-05:00What we need more of in the worldAye! There's only two more weeks until school starts. My summer has flitted by with packing and unpacking, driving and waiting, sorting and cleaning, swimming and biking, and more packing and unpacking. Start of summer seems so long ago, but I haven't much to show for the time. Perhaps I'm too hard on myself. Shouldn't I have a finished home? Shouldn't I be ready for my new job? Shouldn't those memory books for last year's class be done? Shouldn't I be logging more than 10 miles on long runs?<br /><br />Fiesta Texas: Monday, August 4. The boys had free tickets they earned through a school library reading program. Tickets expire August 10, so time was pinching in on me. I dreaded the crowds (I haven't had much luck with Fiesta Texas), but I knew it wouldn't rain (again, not much luck with FT). <br /><br />It actually turned out to be a pleasant day despite my grouchiness early on. One I relaxed and noticed there really weren't many folks there, I was fine. I think going on a Monday with a projected high of 106 F maybe kept some folks away. We stayed until 9pm, so we were plenty tired when we arrived home around 11pm (love eating Whataburger in the car on the way home).<br /><br />The rest of my week was filled with work and not feeling well and mostly successful attempts to unpack the boxes from our storage unit. The storage unit is empty, so that's a plus, right? My house is a disaster though, but hopefully it will come together very soon.<br /><br />DV left on Thursday for his boys' retreat weekend to Colorado. Friday, Elijah, Joshua and I got up early for a Geocaching Event at Dick Nichols Park (8-8-08 from 8am - 8:08am). Afterwards, we found a cache that had evaded us a few weeks back. Saturday we found yet another cache with my sister and niece, so it's been a successful caching weekend for us.<br /><br />Saturday long run: Scenic/Mountain Bonnell. Well, Coach says "Mountain" Bonnell so I like to say that, too, but in his accent. Just saying Mountain Bonnell won't cut it; you simply must say it with a Burundi drawl. <br /><br />I'm already tired of running on Lake Austin Blvd, but it was fine. I ran with Barb to the 5-mile turn-around point. We ran into Emily, Allison, and Gayatri there, so we all ran back "together." We didn't really run back together at all. Allison stopped for a bathroom break, and the other three kept going. I waited for her, and we ran along until we caught Emily, who didn't feel well and was walking. We caught back up to Gtree and Barb at the water stop on LAB. Even though I asked them to wait so we would all run together, they took off. <br /><br />It's for the best as my knees were killing me. I had planned to run 7-8 miles, but Barb asked me to run 10 with her. I felt fine going out LAB and onto Scenic, etc. I didn't really start hurting until around 6-7 miles into the run. Allison was also hurting so we walked quite a bit the last 3 miles (probably half of those last 3 miles). My IT bands and knees really screamed about that run the rest of the day despite minimal stretching and soaking in Barton Springs. Ah, if there was only time for sitting around with ice on my legs.<br /><br />We need more poetry in the world. Also, if anyone has seen my cat, Simi, tell her we want her to find her way back home.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-3736017720855568368?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509920823722321350.post-56163324651308645272008-08-02T09:32:00.003-05:002008-08-02T10:09:57.230-05:00Glow HardLame, boring recap of past workouts.<br /><br />July 19 was the Kids' Tri, in which I did the amazing distance of 200m swim, 5 mile bike, and 1.2 mile run. I tell ya though, that run was hard, really hard. Never underestimate a triathlon no matter what the distance. DV said it was hard, too, so it's always nice to know the fast folks feel the same as me.<br /><br />I think the week before I met Allison to run around the 'hood and probably did 6 or so miles. I've been feeling really fatigued in my legs since the move, so some workouts have been difficult for me. <br /><br />July 21 we did 700s, and Gilbert told us to do 6 at a slower pace. I went fairly slow, which was fine for me. I didn't even time them, and by the time the 6th one came around, I was pooped. It's been such a hot, hot summer, so running at 5:30pm has been fairly brutal. <br /><br />July 22 - Total Body Sculpt at Lifetime Fitness. Ow. The entire hour and 15 mins I kept thinking, "I have do 800s tomorrow." It's a great class, but I seem to be sore from it for days...and it really is "total body."<br /><br />July 23 was a fun workout, actually. That was the evening a crazy rain storm blew threw right as I was driving to running class (about 5:15pm). I knew the storm would keep tons of folks away. When I got to the track at 5:30pm, the rain had blown over and the sun was out. The air was thick with moisture, and the sun kept pushing the clouds aside determined to beat down on the few of us that made it to class. We were scheduled for 800s, which isn't a favorite of mine but don't do it often enough to truly fear it. Let me point out that Sarah and I were the only gals to show up. We ran most of them together, and at the start, 6 repeats seemed like a lot. We didn't think we could make ourselves go faster each repeat, but we somehow did. My last one was 4:44, which surprised me since I haven't been consistently running this summer. I really didn't think I'd be able to run that fast in the sauna we were dealt that day. I left really happy and proud of doing all 6 and doing them well.<br /><br />July 26 - Blanco Out-Back Tri. I didn't do it, which was a wise move on my part. I cheered David, Linda, and Snowdene on (as well as DVs friends). I did a 45 min long run around 11am - just ran all around Blanco State Park. It was hot but lovely. It's a nice little park.<br /><br />Later that day we drove to SeaWorld for a Cub Scout sleepover. What a nightmare. The SeaWorld counselor tromped us all over the park from 5:30pm - 10:30pm with minimal breaks. Familyvance was beyond exhausted and would have happily gone to bed at 8pm. However, SeaWorld had our sleeping bags and luggage held hostage. We finally were given permission to lay down around 11 or 11:30pm. We slept in the Shark Habitat, which sounds really cool but was really horrid. The closest bathroom was maybe 1/4 mile away, and we slept on the hard floor covered by thin, filthy carpet that thousands upon thousands of people walk on daily. It was a mixed blessing when the lights were turned on at 6am. I got to get off the hard floor, but I had to interact with our fellow scouts and the SeaWorld counselors. We headed off for more tromping around the park until about 9am, when praise God, we got to be regular visitors at SeaWorld who can stop and sit down and do whatever our hearts desire. I honestly think we walked miles with that slave-driver SeaWorld counselor. And besides, she wanted us to sing summer camp songs as we walked through the park. "Peel bananas, peel, peel bananas. Oy! Stomp bananas, stomp, stomp bananas! Oy!"<br /><br />Monday, July 28 - mile repeats. I forgot my watch. I ran them slow, and I did 3, even though I probably should have done 4. They weren't anywhere near my past mile repeat times, but I didn't care. My legs were beat up from SeaWorld.<br /><br />Wed, July 30 - 5 mile fartlek - 3 on/1 off, 2 on/1 off, 1 on/1 off and then repeat. I went to the 5:45am class, and I got to run with Gayatri and Leslie. It was a new fartlek experience for me as there was a large group we were to stay with (Group A). I think there were 12 or so folks in this group. The faster runners would turn back on the "easy" minute to the slowest runner to make sure we stayed as a group. The thought was really nice, and I don't know that I'm against it...just new to me. The group really should have been 2 groups b/c the speeds were a little too far spread out, especially during the really rough 3 mins "on." So maybe a A1 and A2 group is in order, but it really doesn't affect me right now as I'm an afternooner where we don't need no stinkin' groups...er...at least fancy organized groups with letters assigned to us.<br /><br />Sat, Aug 2 - 8+ mile long run with Leslie and Gayatri. They started at Robert E. Lee, and I met them at LAB and Exposition. I felt fine other than some muscle in my right outer calf bothering me. It's been bothering me since SeaWorld or perhaps even the triathlon on the 19th. It was humid, but I still thinks it's easier to run in a humid morning than 105 degree afternoon. Gayatri ran 14 miles! Yea! Leslie did 12 miles. Yea! Glow hard, ladies! <br /><br />Now I get to unpack more boxes that we brought from the storage unit. We are never moving again.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4509920823722321350-5616332465130864527?l=www.familyvance.com%2Fjuice' alt='' /></div>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719956292251121644familyvance@gmail.com0