Doing Better

Doing better these days --- not sure exactly why. Maybe because the last fight I got pretty desperate and the next morning tried to talk to DH --- and he did seem to GET IT. All we were doing was fighting and fighting ---

Things settled down after that --- now if I feel the urge, or he tends in that general direction --- I try to nip it in the bud and explain calmly what is going on. Could also be a bit of the holidays and we are all trying to be "good" and not be fighting or mean. Whatever it is I'm glad.

Been doing a lot of X-Biking --- got my new bike tuned up, but the weather outside is awful. We just had a HUGE ice storm --- knocked power out to a ton of people.

The Family Room project is going VERY slowly --- need to get son-in-law down to do some more work on it. The taping is the slowest part so far --- once that is done we can paint. That's the easy part. The he needs to work on finishing work --- moldings, etc. New doors have to be done and the mantle needs refinishing. Then the floor. I can't wait.

50th Birthday

Well --- I made it to my 50th!! Hubby had a great surprise party for me -- it was wonderful!! We had a very nice party and it was a lot of fun --- great friends and some of hubby's cousins -- who hosted the party.

I also got the bike I've been thinking of which I was very excited about. I can't wait for some better weather to get out and ride -- possibly this weekend. Now the real training must begin for triathlon --- need to get some professional help with my swimming. Biking and running I feel pretty confident -- maybe do some speed work in the running dept. but otherwise feel good.

I really feel good at 50 and am looking forward to keeping in shape and possibly improving my distances. For now, hubby and I are OK --- have a new granddaughter -- Ashley Elizabeth --- she is wonderful. We had a bit of a scare with her at first -- but she is doing very well now --it's been a week --- and she is off of all assistance tubes -- and eating!!

I'll post some pics when I get some time.

I DID IT

I finally ran a marathon --- well sort of -- walked a bit near the end -- my feet hurt. I did run in at the Finish though ---

5:15:44 was my time -- a long run -- but a beautiful day and I did what I set out to do which was finish a marathon before I turned 50!!! YIPEE.

I had good support from my hubby and my Step-son and daughter-in-law came to the finish line with flowers and a balloon. Very nice and made lunch for me when we got back to the house.

Triathlon

The triathlon was great!!! It was right after (day after) we got back from two weeks in California. We rented bikes while we were there --- which was great and did lots of hills which was great training for me --- there were some pretty tough hills in the tri.

We had a good time and the weather was really wet for the tri---- in Lake George, NY. I am so glad I did it and can't wait to do an entire event myself.

The only thing now is to get back to my running --- I still want to do the marathon Oct. 12th weekend --- will be tough --- I got side-tracked with biking. This week I'm trying to test myself --- and will try to do the 20 miler that I really need to get ready. that's a real mindset ---

Vacation in California was wonderful --- we kept bikes in our room for the entire two weeks --- which we pretty much road every day -- or nearly that much.

It was a good vacation with perfect weather.

Planning

This weekend we are planning on going sailing!! Yippee --- first time this season. We have only left the dock once. We've actually been UP to the lake a few times. We have invited two other couples to join us on Sunday --- then maybe relax at the club afterward for cocktails and cooking.

In the meantime, my girlfriend and I are in training for two big events. We are doing a triathlon as a team --- she will do the swim and run, and I'm doing the middle part -- the biking. Should be really cool --- loads of hills. I need to do some serious training. I also still want to be ready for a marathon in October --- needs some more long runs. This is all going to take a lot of time and effort....but I'm really excited and so is she.

Let's hope it is good weather this weekend --- !!!

Diva Night

We had a great "Diva Night" --- five of us went to the Capital Repertory Theatre to see Menopause the Musical. Riotously funny and we hired a limo to drive us there. That was hubby's idea --- very cool. I made dinner for all of us --- a light supper of Panini's and salad --- delicious. Everyone enjoyed the meal --- which I put together using a recipe from "cooking light" that I then adapted with my own ingredients. Also made a yummy watermelon salad and tossed salad.

The show was great and everyone coming out of the theatre wanted to know who the celebs were getting into the limo --- very funny.

I'm hoping that it will start a trend with the group I went with that maybe we can do this again sometime soon.

4th of July Weekend

We had a great 4th of July weekend on the lake. Got the sails on the boat --- got the water system working, cleaned. Had the boys up on Saturday -- very fun.....took them around with the two kayaks.....that was fun too. Then we had a picnic with Niki and the boys, and Greg & Tina, Red and Frances (Tina's sister). Nice picnic.

The weather over the weekend was wonderful --- sunny, dry, and beautiful. The only thing we didn't do was sail. Hopefully this weekend.

I did it!!!

A Half Marathon --- It was very fun. I did take walk breaks and walked up the last hill --- but ran at the finish --- 2:26:15 was my official chip time. I was very happy to have done the distance --- need more hill training. This was a very hilly course and the weather was very warm 78 degrees. I definitely want to continue to train for distance and would like to think of doing a marathon in the fall.

One Week to go

One Week to go until the Half Marathon in Lake Placid. This weekend we are hoping to get to our boat on Lake George. Need to get the sails put on and bedding on board and supplies. Hoping that if everything is ready to go this weekend then maybe the next weekends we will just be able to load up a cooler and head out on the lake.

Lake Placid is Fathers' Day weekend --- hate to take that away from the Dads -- just how it worked out. I asked if it would be a big problem......hubby said OK. I hope it is a nice weekend for everyone -- Tina (my running partner) is coming up to bunk with us Saturday night before the race. We also think Jeff and Sheila are coming up on Sunday to watch the race. Hubby is volunteering --- should be a fun time for all.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a nice long weekend in Rhode Island with our three grandsons, their parents and Greg & Tina. Everyone enjoyed the weekend I think --- the kids especially. It was one big adventure for them! They are 8, 5 and 4 --- so everything was new and exciting. They actually had their very own tent --- small but very cute.

I (Suzie) ran for the first time on Scarborough Beach (boardwalk) --- I've been going there since I was a kid myself --- so it was pretty exciting to be running there. I actually stopped and took a picture of myself!

National Bike to Work Day

National Bike to Work Day was Friday --- I biked in with a group and biked home alone. It was very fun and very cool --- and a great savings on the car and gas. Plus I got my exercise for the day. It turned out to be 7.7 miles in --- because we went over to Stuyvesant Plaza to meet with the group --- and 5.87 miles back to home from the office. Not a bad commute --- it was probably actually quicker by bike than by car some nights --- On bike I didn't have to wait for all the traffic. It rained on the way home Friday afternoon....but it wasn't unpleasant. I may shoot to continue to bike to work on Fridays --- would be a good workout and a nice break from the usual commute. Here is the link to my running blog. http://SuzieB.bimjournals.com

Half Training

Well, yesterday I took the afternoon off and used some comp time to try to get in a mid-week long run. I completed just under 13 miles --- awesome!! Longest so far and today I feel great! I am feeling very encouraged --- I am doing a Half Marathon in mid-June --- and so far my training seems to be going well. It was a warm afternoon --- some clouds -- 75 degrees. I carried water and had a few sport beans --- kept me going. I made a couple of stops --- and walked a couple of times when I was drinking water --- but did the distance. I am hoping to keep this up and slowly increase the distance as I would like to try to complete a marathon in the fall. Great start so far.

Changing Group

The group at the Crossings keeps changing each week --- a few additions, a few subtractions --- It's fun. Keeps it interesting --- and then there is our core group who have been there since week one --- with Rox as our "leader". She's great! We keep taking turns taking pictures --- we had a good run last night. 6.74 miles --- the weather was cool --- my hands were hurting on the way home.....I sincerely hope that we are done with the cool weather for this season. Looks to be warmer today --- in the 60s.

Next week we are all considering doing a 5K race in the "Crossings" a benefit run. It takes place at the same time as we've been meeting weekly, so it's just kind of a bonus. Should be fun.

10 Miles

Finally did it === with Tina from the Crossings running group. We did a solid 10 miles on the Mohawk Bike Path this past Sunday. Weather was cool and overcast --- about 50 degrees.....perfect running weather. We did a straight line point to point and had hubby come and pick us up. We ended up in the city of Cohoes --- right near 787. It was very cool. We did a mile cool down --- jogging and walking back and forth while we waited for our ride. I'm hoping that next week hubby can be a moving water station on his bike. He is considering entering some of the longer races as a walker.

Crossings Group

Had a great run last night - http://SuzieB.bimjournals.com for stats. It was requested that we move our run next week out to a more convenient location for the rest of the gang (Crossings is best for me). We are thinking of running on SUNY campus --- supposed to be a good place to cruise. The weather this week could not have been better!!! 70s to 80s and dry and sunny. AWESOME.

Great Runs

Had two great runs this weekend and picture perfect weather for both. A little warm on Saturday a.m. which was the 10K. I did it in 1:01:50 --- good time, though I really wanted to get it under 1 hr. On Sunday followed up with the Dodge the Deer run 5K --- great crowd and great fun and a barbecue afterward. We met up with the group from the "Crossings" --- Ed and Roxanne and Marilyn all ran it --- Monique was there but not able to run. We all chatted after the race and they all got a chance to meet hubby which was great. This is a race that we will defiitely take the grandkids to next year --- nice kids stuff. The weather all weekend was in the 50s in the a.m. and 70s -- 80s on Saturday --- and dry and sunny. It could not have been better. The "kids" had a barbecue on Saturday which we went to -- it was nice -- the opening of their patio (N&S).

Sleepover

Had the boys over Friday night into Saturday --- took them to the Cicotti center swimming Saturday around 12:00 --- the day turned beautiful -- 70 degrees so we didn't stay long. I got out for a 4 miler after dropping them off --- then Sunday was Matty's First Communion --- so we went to that in the morning, then brunch (ate too much) --- then went home -- sorted out some more summer clothes.

Then I went out for another run --- 4.5 miles === walked back from Price Chopper since I stopped and got milk and some cold cuts. So, 3.5 run, 1 mile walk. Good to get out anyway.

This week the weather is supposed to improve.

Not as strong

I'm not feeling as strong this week --- went out for the Wednesday night run and had to make a stop mid-way. I'm beginning to think it may be allergies --- feel very out of breath a lot. Did a short run today -- 55 degrees with a breeze. Sunny, and nice.....good running weather.

I never got the long run in last weekend, so I'll shoot for it again this weekend. We'll see.....

We might do something with the 'boys' this weekend and maybe have another sleep-over ---

Long Run

Didn't get out for the long run this weekend --- I hope to do one this coming weekend. Grandson has First Communion on Sunday -- so I'll shoot for Saturday.

The weather is warming up a bit --- mid 50s -- they are predicting rain for the weekend ...Yeehah.

This afternoon is a Race Committee 5K organizational meeting and then hope to soak up some sun on the patio. Tomorrow afternoon will be meeting up with the "girls" group in the Crossings again. Should be fun. I think this week I will shoot for going out for ice cream with them. nice treat.

Girls in the Crossings

Have met up with a group who are running in the Crossings park --- 1 mi. from home. Nice bunch and fast --- which is good. Will push me (suzie) to up my speeds a bit. Weather is finally starting to improve -- heading out today to enjoy some 40+ degrees --- sounds funny.....but it's still an improvement.

Feeling stronger because of the bike classes and pushing my running distances. I just hope that I can keep it up. I've entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon --- keeping my fingers crossed. My Step-daughter wants me to run the Memphis marathon with her --- in December. I've considered it, but really wanted to run one BEFORE I turn 50 in November. I also need to consider a Half-marathon for a warmup. Haven't found one that I want to do yet.....but I also haven't looked that seriously.

Longer running

Well, I'm back to trying to do the long runs (Suzie).....Sunday did 7 mi., last Saturday did 9.7 mi., and the weeks before that did 6.8, and 7.7......very cool. So far, so good --- between distance running and the bike class that I am so hooked on --- getting in great shape.

There was a sure sign of Spring this morning. I saw two bunnies grazing on the lawn as I headed to the gym at 5:00 for the 5:30 spin class that I love. I loved seeing the bunnies.

Hubby and I both got out on Sunday -- I ran and he walked on the bike/pedestrian trail along the Mohawk river. It was a beautiful sunny day - we hope to bike the path soon when the weather improves. Today it is supposed to be around 65.....great!

The Windy Weather

It is cold and blustery today --- 25 deg. and the wind straight out of the North and fierce. It's been blowing hard since yesterday. I haven't gotten out the last two days to workout -- running.....Wednesday worked thru lunch (which is when i run during week) in order to leave early to go buy a new Refrigerator. Exiciting stuff. Stayed home yesterday from work to get the new fridge brought in --- more excitement! Love the new fridge -- but need to remodel the entire kitchen to fit it in. LOL. Not that I would mind doing that. Very expensive though. Today not getting a work out in --- had lunch with DH and Grandson......very nice. Going to see a play tonight -- Taming of the Shrew at local repertory theatre. Should be enjoyable.

Then tomorrow shop for groceries and start prepping for Easter Sunday. Dinner with grandkids and their parents --- church in the a.m.

Getting in Shape

Hubby and I are both trying to get into shape --- I've been a little more successful....his hip and side are still hurting him. One an injury the other disc problems. I continue to try to enourage him to get over to the gym -- he is retired and has time to go during the day. I do my workouts (run) usually on my lunch hour and have also been doing some classes at the gym --- trying not to overlap too much with "us" time....but I am hooked on the X-Bike class. Great sweat.

Other than that -- nothing much new --- we just need to get thru these last couple of months of winter --- can't wait for spring weather!!

X-Biking

Our "club" has an X-Biking class --- more like actual road riding --- I took it for the first time last night. 45 minutes both speed work and simulating hill climbs where you stand and then sit at a high tension --- it was totally cool! What a sweat -- and I really feel it in my glutes today. I can't wait to do another one. The only thing I can't decide is if I should skip a day and do something else. I will probably get on the Treadmill tonight and go back for another X-bike workout tomorrow. I'm Hooked!!!

Don't forget to get out and vote today!

Lap Top Fun

I am getting seriously addicted to the laptop !!! Hubby threatened to return my new ruby/diamond bracelet for the laptop....LOL. I work on a computer all day at my desk and never really wanted to get on at night. Now that I can sit on a couch with my feet up computing --- I'm addicted. I do all kinds of goofy stuff from reading blogs to downloading new music onto my ipod to chatting with friends on Yahoo, etc. Oh well --- it's a lot of fun and interesting. I just have to be careful not to take too much time away from my usual night time activities.

Fun with the New Laptop

This is so cool --- right now I'm sitting here with the laptop --- headset --- listening to music, working on my Blog --- Yahoo messaging --- OMG We're becoming super techies!! Love the new computer. Today was such a weird day --- starting the morning at a Memorial Service for my (Suzie's) brother-in-laws sister who died of cancer at 54. Breast Cancer --- we didn't know her well, but had spent time together over the past 20 yrs or so. It was very sad -- lots of weeping. Was in Chatham where Suzie grew up. A bit nostalgic afterward riding thru town.
When we got home and started to relax --- copying new disks, etc., deciding if we wanted to go over to the gym and work out when we got a phone call. Where are you? We're supposed to be at Del's aunts birthday party (about 10 min. away) she is 91!!! Her son gave us the wrong day for the party....LOL. So, at least we were dressed up for the Memorial Service and went to the birthday party. Fun. Now home REALLY RELAXING

58 Degrees

We broke a record today --- I walked 4.5 walk/jog today. The sun is shining and it is just a wonderful day. I'm thinking of signing up with Team in Training for some help with training for a Half Marathon in Lake Placid this June. I'm concerned about trying to do fund raising, but would love to have some help with training and comraderie with at least one other runner in my area. We'll see...there is an informational seminar tomorrow.

warmer temps

They are saying that we are about to break some record temps over the next couple of days !! Yippee. 46 Degrees today -- and a little sun at least when I went out to run. I'm really looking forward to at least getting outside for a couple days and then back to the Treadmill after that. Need to get back to the early a.m. workouts at the gym. Have not been that motivated over the holidays.

Cold Weather

Today started out at about 25 degrees and it has gone steadily downhill. It is now 8!!!!! BRRR. Went out at lunch time for a walk --- the city is tough. Half the landlords clear their sidewalks, and half do not. Very slippery, and then as soon as you step off of a corner there is slush a couple of inches thick. The only saving grace is the park in the middle of the city where they have a holiday lights show which they keep plowed and clear this time of year. Tomorrow is only supposed to get into the teens -- UGH. Going to try to get to the gym in the a.m. bright and early. Wish me luck.!