RunnING

On Sunday, around 9:15 am, I finished my second half marathon.



In case you are having trouble reading this I finished with a chip time of 2:01:57.While I didn't hit my goal of a sub-two hour run, I was still happy to complete the run and enjoyed myself.

I spent the first 2/3 of the run with Paulie, it was great to run with him. We've spent lots of time together on training runs so it felt very comfortable. For better or worse, my strategy is to 'power up' most hills, usually cursing under my breath, then I slow back down once I get to the top. This works for us...Paulie being more of a steady runner than me...however, once out of Piedmont Park and up (yet another) hill, I lost him. I looked back and didn't see him at all. I really did think about just stopping and waiting for him but I knew he would have wanted me to go on and quite honestly I thought if I stopped I may never start again.

So inspite of suffering through a nasty blister (beginning around mile 3) and a 13.3 (yes, not 13.1) route, I'm ready for Twisted Ankle in May.

The Aftermath (I mean After Party)

After FINALLY getting my bag, Paulie and I along with some guy neither of us knew made the March of the Peguins back to Marta and then to our cars. Instead of heading straight for Bwana's and the beer, I made a detour to my house to shower and change...I knew they would save a mug or two for me.

Brad came and picked me up (yeah, no driving) and we grabbed Ruben also and headed to the northern most corner of the beermuda triangle to celebrate our victories!

We sat around until maybe 3? Geez what a day. Then it was back to Brad's where he cooked me a lovely, post race dinner of salmon and other goodies, including two more bottles of wine.

I was fast asleep by about 9...it was a very good day.

One day at a time...

The news wasn't good today at the vet.

In summary:

an adbominal ultrasound was performed and it revealed a large, cavitary splenic mass. Most likely (80-90%) this is a hemangiosarcoma, along with the mass they found dark spots on his liver (signs that the cancer has metastased) and things do not looke good for my boy. The prognosis with surgery (a splenectomy) is only 2 or 3 months (could be less if the cancer has spread).

I am going to make an appointment with our regular vet to discuss end of life care for my Rubi...I just want him to be happy and comfortable for however long he has left. So tonight he is getting ground turkey for dinner.

Thank you everyone for all your good thoughts we both are very greatful.

Off to the Vet

Ruben and I will be leaving for the vet in a short while...I will post more later.

Wish us luck.

Out for a Spin

On Tuesday I finally bought the road bike. I think I got a good deal for a decent 'starter' bike. She still doesn't have a name...

Here she is



She is thin, small and green, any ideas?

I ran over to Performance Cycle (Bike)? They had tons of stuff on sale, 50% off. I was able to get SPD pedals for only $20. Brad wants me to start shopping for him, since I'm so good at finding a deal ;-)

I took her out for her inaugural ride tonight. I rode about 10 miles and ran by Brad's (I was wondering why he hadn't returned my text, I never sent it DUH!). He suited up and went out with me for a little bit longer. I'm really excited, it is such a different experienace than the mountain bike, not better, just different. I'm now looking forward to my first road bike race in May.

Super Terrific Fantastic News

I just found out last night that the date for the East Atlanta Beer Festival as been changed from May 10th to May 31st.

I was truly torn. I wanted to be a good girl friend and accompany Brad to Up the Creek Without a Pedal but it was the same day as the EABF, which I have volunteered at for the past three year. It is always such a blast!!

Now I can do both.

May is going to be a CRAZY month.

May 10th - Up the Creek Without a Pedal (I think I'll do the 30 mile option)
May 17th - Twisted Ankle Half Marathon
May 24th & 25th - Bike/Wine Tour in North Carolina (tentative)
May 31st - East Atlanta Beer Festival

Pet Update

Kate

Last week I heard of a dog, a sweet little beagle mix, that needed a place to stay for a week or so. She was coming in from Athens and most likely has a home to go to once her vet work is done. Kate was dropped of last week by Andy and Morgan from Atlanta Beagle Rescue.

Kate is a sweet little girl, she wants to cuddle and be petted. House breaking has been hit or miss but she has a belly full of worms that are causing some problems. She started medication for that issue yesterday and will be better soon. She is also going in tomorrow to be spayed, after a few days to recover she should be on her way to a new home with a Golden big brother and three human sisters.

Toby

Today was the boys turn to visit the vet. Toby is doing okay, other than being a big pig. He weighted in at 74 pounds...not good. The diet starts today. We also had some trouble drawing blood for his annual heartworm test. The unique anatomy of the basset along with all the extra skin makes finding a blood vessel and then taping it a little difficult. The poor guys must have felt like a pin cushion by the time they got what they needed. Otherwise he seems happy and healthy.

Ruben

I've been a little worried about Ruben the last few weeks. He doesn't seem to be as energetic, he hasn't been eating great and he is getting up there, we are guessing he will be about 11 this year. The news at the vet today wasn't great. He has developed a heart murmur, his tummy seems very hard and he has a slight fever. They are doing a complete blood/urine panel on him and we are holding off on the vaccination, at least until the fever breaks. He also has an appointment Friday for some chest and abdominal x-rays. Oh, he has an ear infection also.

I'm trying to keep positive thoughts...it has been awhile since I've lost a pet (Ellie was the last one, about 3 years ago). I know Ruben is old, I know up until he came to me he had a very hard life. I hope that the last 5 years have been happy times for him, I know they have been for me.

Ending on a Funny Note

Here is an action shot of Toby, if you look closely you can see the slobber flying in the air...

Only $156.82 - Really?

So yesterday I received my annual Dividend Summary from REI...according to them I only spent $156.82 at REI last year? I'm suprised. Well, maybe not. I'm not sure when I purchased my membership but it was sometime later in the year. Sometimes I feel like I live at REI and now that it is right down the road from my new office, it is only going to get worse.

Very soon I will be making a large purchase, stay tuned for the big annoucement.

Too much stuff or just poor organization?

I stayed home last night, Tuesday is generally my off day for running/biking. I did 'pop' in an exercise DVD in the morning (since I work at 4:30 am) and did a little strech and tonning but gave my knees a rest for the evening.

Instead of going out for some fun at trivia, I stayed home and tried to organize things. I started with the kitchen, cleaned out cupords, organized pot, pans, bakeware and tossed some odds and ends. I feel better. I have realized I have a big project I need to start on the house. My 'extra room', where the washer/dryer and other assorted crap is stored, needs a make over. With the addition of 2 new bikes in the near future I need more space. Since building an addition is not in the current plan and I don't trust the bikes in a shed outside...better storage seems to be the way to go.

I've found some neat ideas for storing 2 of the 3 bikes...but I still need to make some space and I just don't know what to do. If anyone has some ideas I'd be happy to hear them. One thing I am torn about is I have a ceadar chest that my grandfather made...it is big, it is bulky, it isn't my style and I really don't have room for it...but my grandfather made it. I didn't know my grandfather, he died when my mother was still an infant...it is one of the few 'family heirlooms' I have...so I just can't get rid of it.

Depressing thought for the day...

I need to run 30 to 35 miles just to loose one pound if I don't change my diet....