Winter May Come Today

I really hate the cold weather and we/I have been so fortunate thus far. It hasn't been too bad - at least not for running. Biking is another story - but until this week, I've managed to get one ride outside every week.

Today, though, it is supposed to snow. It probably won't stick and by the weekend, the highs will be in the 40s and I've adapted to that. Forties works for me. I will even reluctantly go out to run if it's above 35. Anything less than that and I need someone to make me get out there.

Last Monday evening, I ran on the treadmill. First time this season - I hated it. I could only muster staying on for 40 minutes and I had to take a break around the 25 minute mark to go to the bathroom.

Today I plan to hit the treadmill once again. I know in my mind that each time it will get a little easier - but I'm really spoiled about being outside. The inside bikes or trainers are untenable. But, I can't be outside on a bike if it's under 50 (really under 60, if you want the truth).

Yesterday, I think I dodged the flu bullet. Tuesday evening I went to bed and my stomach was making these terrible gurggling noises. Then the nausea set in and the burny hot feeling. I thought for sure it was the flu since one of my co-workers just came back from a bout. I laid there thinking that I was going to miss all my weekend activities - a great trail run, a party and a good swimming session. The only possible good that could come from a bout with the stomach flu is the loss of weight - and I don't want to pay that price. I laid there for hours feeling sorry for myself and getting myself ready for the ensuing vomiting and diarrhea party - but, it never came! I didn't feel good when I woke up, but I felt OK enough to go to a spinning class. If a spinning class doesn't make you puke - nothing will. So, with fingers crossed, I'm hoping I missed that fun time.

My New Toy

I bought something for myself (which I do a lot around Christmas time). Why is it that I can't think of things to tell family to get for me, but everytime I go out shopping I find something that I want. The list is endless.



Anyway, my new toy involves water, but does not have anything to do with triathlon. Again, another oddity. My new toy is an aquarium. I decided I really enjoy watching fish. After all, they are a fairly clean pet. No paws to wipe or poop to clean up.

I've had my 5 fish and 1 snail for two weeks now and they are doing well. So, I should be adding some more fish soon. I actually really like watching them swim around - doesn't take much to entertain me.

The Case for Training Buddies

In case you don't know this about me, I hate cold weather. I don't like to run when it's cold and I definitely don't like to bike when it's cold. But, living in St. Louis means that I have to either adapt or do all my winter training indoors. So today, when the temp is supposed to be 50+ degrees I make plans with a friend to go for a bike ride. It was a good plan and a good route.




My friend cancels at the last minute - however, my bike is on the rack on the car, I'm dressed to ride and on my way to the meeting point. My first thought, is great, I can turnaround and go back home - but come on, I'm dressed.



So, I set out for my ride. All of a sudden water is splashing on me and I look down. The sponge part of my tri bottle is missing. So I think that I've forgotten to put it in the bottle. I turn around and go back. I looked all around and in my car and could not find that sponge. So I take the bottle off my bike - but I don't have a spare bottle and don't want to ride without fluids.

Catching Up - Left Behind

OMG - I have not posted anything in quite some time. That means that I've either been extremely busy or extremely boring - I'm leaning more towards the boring part. At any rate, time to get back in the swing.

So today, let's discuss friendships. I just got an email from one of my friends that I haven't heard from in months. This "friend" and I trained together every Friday (well, almost every Friday) for 2 years. Then she got a new job. Her new job was with a competitor of the company that employs me. I have a high level position in the company and wondered if this would present any conflict of interest. Actually, I never really got a chance to find out, because she disappeared off the face of the earth. We were supposed to meet one Friday for a training session and she didn't show up. I called and left her a message, I emailed numerous times - no reply at all, no reply at all (to quote Phil Colllins).

What on earth is going on?! As of today, I'm not totally certain, but I'm wondering if she was told that it might be a conflict and has avoided me. But certainly, off line emails or a quick phone call as a courtesy could've explained so that I didn't feel like I'd done something wrong.

We ran into each other a couple times in passing and have been cordial - "let's get together for lunch" - which hasn't happened. Also, today's email was to inquire about an upcoming race - she's pretty sure I'll beat her as she hasn't trained in awhile - I'm not buying that at all.

Anyway, the email ends with the "let's do lunch or dinner" again. We'll see. And then, when we do finally get together do I just let it go or do I ask what in the hell happened. But, maybe I'll never be in that position....We'll see.

A Guy Thing

Things that I think are "guy" things:



Writing in your blog that you have a new grandchild - well, is it a boy or a girl or what? No details.



Getting out a new roll of toilet paper when there are still about 6 sheets of toilet paper on the roll - do you put the new roll on the holder - no, you leave it sitting on the sink....are you afraid you'll do it wrong?



Opening a new bag of potato chips when one is already open - oh, there are only crumbs left in that bag that you have no intention of eating - how about throwing that bag away?



Thank you for putting your dirty dishes in the sink after dinner, but why did you leave your glass and napkin on the table? You already walked to the sink and the trash can is right next to your chair.



Thanks for cleaning up that one section of the garage - where for the past 2 years you've left paint, paint rollers and brushes and other assorted tools right where I get out of my car. Let's not mention, that in a 3 car garage, you have 2 cars and 2 slots - so I guess the only place to leave your junk is by my car!