Biathlon in Port Royal

Cliff had a biathlon in Port Royal, Saturday. This race was a kayak and running event. As usual, I don't give his race reports....I leave that to him. I do like to share the pictures, though. 

The kayak race took place in the Harbor River. Just across the river was the infamous Parris Island Marine Corp base. The running portion took place through the quaint little town of Port Royal. This area of the state is richly steeped in history. Wars, including the Revolutionary and Civil Wars had a big influence in the area. 

Saturday, however, the only war here was taking place in kayaks and on foot. It was a beautiful sunny day. Cliff did well and I loved all the photo ops. I'm only going to include a few in this post. 

I'll share some gorgeous shots of an old church later in the week. Check back, you won't want to miss them. 

The local ROTC group was there to help unload the kayaks. 

They lined them up just so.

Closer to race time, the ROTC helped the participants 

get the kayaks to the water's edge.

Of course, some are more independent than others. HaHa!! 

Yes, that would be the definition of Cliff. Really, though, 

his kayak weighs all of 25 lbs. He didn't need help.

 All lined up and ready to go.....

And, they are off.

 Cliff finishing the 6-mile kayak portion in an hour.

And then, he was on the run.

Just under four miles and extra physical challenges (at different stations, the runners had to do things like push-ups, burpees, running to the top of a wooden tower.....to name a few) and about forty-five minutes later, he crossed the finish line.

So, while Cliff was doing his thing, I did mine. Photographing the wildlife. We see these birds at the beach all the time, but for the life of me, 

I don't know what you call them.

The seagulls were plentiful.

They didn't even mind posing.

Be Back Later,
Laurie

Take The Lake

Instead of walking, the competitors ran. Run 15, Bike 15, Paddle 14, Swim 4

Oh Lord, where do I begin? If y'all know anything about me and my race days, then you know that I get a terrible case of The Nerves. Well, something you may not know is that I get The Nerves whether it's my race or Cliff's.

Saturday, Cliff had a race at Lake Waccamaw, NC called Take The Lake Extreme. He was slated to swim 4 miles, bike 15 miles, kayak 14 miles and then run 15 miles. And I was his kayak support on the swim. Our day started at 3 a.m., Saturday morning. I knew as soon as my feet hit the floor that The Nerves would be causing some trouble. And sure enough, The Nerves showed up big time. 'Ain't nobody got time for that!' I managed to get dressed just in time to leave. Thirty minutes down the road, I had to stop. It was The Nerves. And then, once more, when we arrived to Lake Waccamaw. Cliff asked if I did this every morning. LOL!! I told him, "No, just when there's a race.....yours or mine, it doesn't matter". I mean, I was so sick, that he was seriously considering backing out of the race. But I assured him that I would be fine and I knew I would be as soon as I started kayaking. It's the way I roll.

As usual, when Cliff has a race...I don't do his race report. That's his story to tell. So, I give you my experiences of the day. I like my version better anyway. HaHa!

So, we started promptly at 6:30 a.m. And I say we because all the swimmers had to have their own kayak support. The race coordinators just didn't have enough people or boats to watch all the participants swimming 4 miles across the lake. Cliff was the first one to start, but was passed by one person. A very fast woman swimmer....that chick could swim. She left him like he was sitting still. Anyway, we watched the sun come up over the lake. I hardly had to paddle at all. The wind was to my back and pushed me along. The most paddling I did was back paddling to keep me along side Cliff. It's a lake so there was no tide, just wind. He did great swimming. He finished in a little over 2 hours and was second to come out of the water. We loaded up my kayak and headed back to the transition area where he would take off on his bike.

Sunrise on Lake Waccamaw

Checking out the competition behind us. No one was close.

Cliff had a good lead, except for the lady ahead of him.

 

  

 

 

This is the dam and the swim finish. At this point, I was on gator watch.

 

Back at transition, Cliff was leaving on the bike portion. I had little to do at this point. I took a few pictures and then met Cliff at the halfway point with some water. The way this worked was that they would have to ride the bike halfway around the lake and go through the state park and exit at the dam. Now, they couldn't ride the bike through the state park portion. They had to get off and walk or run the bike through that portion. Once they got to the dam, they would have to pick up their bikes and walk them across the dam. And then continue on.

Once again, the dam. The bikers would clear the trees at the end of the dam.

And here comes Cliff. He's in the lead, now.

The concrete was slick, so he walked very carefully across.

The little guy to the right had just fallen on the slick concrete. Cliff stopped to make sure he was ok before coming to the end. He has another competitor on his heels.

He had to lift the bike up and over....

...and carry it across this section.

After a quick rinse and adding water to the bike's hydration tank, he was off again on the bike. This was only half way.

So, I left him there at the dam and drove back to transition to get his hydration vest/life jacket ready for his kayak portion. I had the Garmin turned on and opened his shot blocks and left them in a cup in the kayak. All he had to do was put on the life jacket and start paddling. Since the kayak portion was 14 miles, it meant I had a couple of hours with nothing to do.

Leaving on the 14-mile kayak portion.

So, again, I took a couple of pictures and then sat down at the transition area for a little bit. I started calculating what time he would get back in the kayak and what I would need to do next to help him get ready for the run portion.

This cypress tree had some knarly knees. I fully expected a troll to emerge at any time.

 

Dale's Restaurant

 I decided that if I was going to get lunch that now was the time. It just so happened that there was a restaurant right across the street. Dale's Seafood Restaurant. Their food is delicious...so if you are ever in the area, you have to eat there. You just have to! I had lunch and got ready to pay and couldn't find my wallet. Oh dear Lord! That has never happened to me before. I could have panicked so easily, but I controlled myself. I told the lady at the register that I had a problem. I had left my wallet in my car, but that I could leave my bag with her and run go get it. She trusted me and told me that wasn't necessary. So I ran to the car, found my wallet and headed back to pay for my food. I sure hope that never happens again. It was embarrassing to say the least. I could just see myself having to wash dishes before they would let me out or worse....they could have made me gut fish.

Transition and napping area.

I was totally exhausted after that. I went back to transition and tried to read, but I was so sleepy by that time that I couldn't hold my eyes open. I was in the shade and there was a nice breeze blowing. It was ideal napping weather.....so, I did. I snoozed for about an hour. Ha!

Cliff arriving from the kayak portion.

Look at those cute, epic muscles.

 

Cliff finished the kayak portion in 2nd place and had one more leg of the race to go.....the 15-mile run. Now, he needed me to flank him to keep passing him his drinks and nutrition. So, I drove slowly for a couple of hours.....handing him some tea or Gatorade, gels, watermelon and peaches, water....just a whole passel of stuff to keep him going. And then just like that, it was over.

Cliff wrapping up a 15-mile run.

Taking the opportunity to cheese for me.

And finally, he's hitting the buzzer to indicate his arrival and the end of his race.

Resting for a minute and taking it all in. He has just finished an 11 hour race.

Heading out for a quick dip to cool off.

  

But,  he said that the water was so warm that it was hardly refreshing.

He did great, y'all! He finished in 2nd place. It took 11 hours and 18 minutes. As you can imagine, we were both pretty dog tired. He took a quick dip in the lake to cool off before collecting his award, his kayak and other race stuff and before heading home.

Laurie

Country Morning Run

Zoom Zoom!

 

Spurred Butterfly Pea

 Autumn Sneezeweed

 

It was time.... Time for a country morning run.

 

Let's get our training on!

Laurie

Seaside Sunday

 

I ran at the beach today. It was a beautiful day....the weather was just right. The temps reached the 60's. This was my view halfway through. And then, when I turned toward home.....

 

I saw these clouds and thought they looked like a big heart.

 

Ahhh, it's a Valentine Sky.

 

Laurie

July Country Morning

 

The beach is great! Who doesn't love the sand, the surf and the sea? Restaurants are plenty, shopping is too. And, exercising at the beach is so much easier. There's lots of running and bike paths to conquer. There are running groups and training groups that are sitting on go.

 

But every once in awhile, I get so nostalgic for the country. I long for the familiar. Early mornings as the sun rises over a pasture. Country fences with wild flowers growing along side, deer grazing in a nearby field, crickets singing their cricket songs, watermelon and lemonade, water hoses and tree swings. Swimming holes and picnics, dew on the grass and birds in the trees. The hammock under the shade of an old oak tree and afternoon breezes, crepe myrtles and pecan trees. The feeling can only be quenched by going to such a familiar place. I've been feeling like that this week and I couldn't wait to get there. Home. I live in the country. And let me tell you, the ambiance is so much different here at home. 

 

This morning, I had one of the most peaceful experiences.....a July country morning run. While I ran in the coolness of the early morning hour, this glorious sunrise was my view. As the sun came up and starting peaking over the trees, it cast a warm glow on the horizon and the country came to life. There is hardly anything more awe inspiring than watching the sun come up over the ocean, but there is just something special about a July country morning sunrise.

Talk soon,

Laurie

Anatomy Of The Run

 

THE RUN

 

The sun rises and peaks through the window. The non-morning person rolls over. The sun with all it's might and infinite power can be heard saying...."wakey, wakey".

 

Pre-run inner dialog with imagined voice of the sun:

 

NMP (Non-morning person): Well, how annoying is that? Wakey, wakey? That's the best you can do?

 

SUN: Good grief. It's your day to run. Must we do this every time?

 

NMP: I can't. I'll get nauseated.

 

SUN: I'm getting hotttter by the minute.....Humidity is coming for an extended visit. Betttter get uuuppp.

 

NMP: Oh, alright. But first, I need some coffee. No, wait...green tea. Let me just check my emails. Hummmm, wonder what's happening on Facebook? Need to look at the Weather Channel for a minute. Gotta iron a shirt for Cliff. Good grief, now I'm hungry. What can I eat? Oh yeah, a banana. Sip a little water. Put on my running clothes. Don't forget my race belt with a water bottle this time. Stretch a little.

 

SUN: Come on already, time's a wasting.

 

NMP: Geez, I'm coming....just let me tie my shoes.

 

Finally, out the door. That took 2 hours. I have got to get better at this. Wave to my neighbor, Ms. Joyous, as Sawyer calls her. Start Garmin watch, start music and start running.

 

0-1 Mile: Oooh-wee. I feel good. Check Garmin watch. Oh Lord, started too fast. Just gonna keep running this pace, though. If I'm ever gonna get faster, need to push the limits occasionally. First mile....the mind can only think about how the body feels. Warming up those sleepy muscles takes a little while.

 

1-2 Miles: OK, at 1.5 miles you start to get into a rhythm. The muscles have warmed up and it's starting to feel good. The mind is starting to wander now.....making a to-do list for the day. Working out any decisions that needs to be made as in; what color curtains am I going with at the beach? I need a Target trip. What the heck...traffic is picking up. Cars, golf carts, foot traffic and dogs on leashes.  Cut the block to avoid the stinky trash truck. Stay focused.

 

2-2.5 Miles: You come to realize that dogs don't like runners. You may have to take a side step. Happened twice this week, already. You wonder what the owner on the other side of the leash, the one that's letting their dog get just close enough that it scares the bejeebies out of you would think if, I just hauled off and pepper sprayed their varmint?  Disclaimer: I like dogs. I just don't like the ones that want to bite me and I don't like them to lick me, either. That's just pure Gross! Getting tired now. Pace slows. The mind now slips into a state of catatonia (not really, just messing with you), only to be brought back to reality with one of your favorite smells....Coppertone Suntan Lotion.

 

2.5-3 Miles: You are most definitely tired now. You are not beyond asking the little blond headed boy riding a three-wheeled bike with a basket on the back for a ride home. He says, "No, you won't fit". Sigh. You carry on. The finish line is in sight. Your step gets a little extra pep. And, you're done. Hallelujah! You say a quick prayer thanking the Lord for the ability to run.....because there are so many that can't and would love to be in my tired shoes. Amen!

 

Post-run: Stretch, water, record time and distance, shower, left over sushi (California Roll) from last night. Get on with your day having the most exhilarating feeling of accomplishing "The Run".

 

Your turn!

 

Go get your run on!

 

Oh wait, if you're not one of my Facebook friends, then you don't know that I rode my first ever 20-mile bike ride yesterday. Holler!

 

Later,

Laurie

 

 

True Confessions

This is my Gerber Daisy from last summer. It was a potted plant that surprised the heck out of me. It bloomed it's little head off. As it happens every summer.....the heat gets the best of me and I tend to neglect my outdoor plants. (True confessions). I let this little beauty die a slow death.....I thought. But Lo and Behold, she has come back to life. She survived living on the porch at the beach, in a pot, under an overhang, with little to no water all winter. And now, she is putting out green leaves. The surprises continue.

But alas, this post is not about my Gerber Daisy! I just thought she was pretty and wanted to share her with you. (True Confessions). No, this post is about "what the heck am I doing?". Do you ever just sit back and wonder, sometimes?

I am a new blogger. I started blogging to capture the memories of my family from day to day or week to week, to tell the story that I live daily and to preserve the memories for my grandchildren and future generations. I never dreamed that blogging would open up my world, literally. I stumbled across a post one day that was an invitation to join a blog party. I thought, "what the heck, why not?" So, I did and was absolutely astonished at the rate my blog grew, overnight. Now, just five months since the blog party and I have readers all over the world. I will be forever grateful to Vicki. You can read more of the original story here.

True Confessions

I wouldn't doubt it, if everyone is totally confused as to what kind of blogger I am. Well, it's not a specific type for sure. Like I said, I do this to capture memories for me and my family.

So it's no surprise that you will find a conglomeration of topics here. Be patient. If you don't like today's post, you may like one next week.

I find myself now blogging with you in mind, even though this blog was and still is meant to capture life memories for my future generations. Why? Well, I've given that a lot of thought. A few reasons are:

1) I have meet so many new friends through out this process. I cherish each one of you!
2) For whatever reason, my new friends are interested in what I write. Holler!
3) Because travel for some may not be an option, why not share where we live and breathe with those who will never see this place. Ahhhhh!
4) If you get a chuckle once in a while from my posts, then I've done my job. Laughing is internal jogging. Good for you....it does a body good! Pass it on!
5) And I hope to be an inspiration to you on the matter of your health. It's an ongoing process. It's hard in the throes of menopause to lose weight. But, BUT, If I find the fountain of youth or just a little tip that can help you.....I'm all up for sharing.

These are only a few of the reasons I blog. I hope I haven't confused you even further.

Disclaimer: By the way, I read your blogs. I just don't comment on all because I would be here all day. Sorry, but Cliff would nearly die, if I spent any more time reading and writing than I do now. (True Confessions). I am a read-aholic. Reading is like crack for me. I could spend all day doing it. In order to have a life, I have to draw the line somewhere. Also, I used to try to reply to all your comments and that has become time consuming as well. I am so sorry. I feel guilty not replying. But, we have to have boundaries, right? I love you all, I read your blogs and I am crazy excited to get comments and I most certainly read them all. I will from time to time reply. And, I'm sure I will continue to evolve. Please be patient with me. It's a virtue.....Mama said so!

Question: Do any of you have the same problem as in my disclaimer? It is true confession time. Confess it, sisters and brothers. Confessions are cathartic.  I will not judge! Can I get a witness?

OK, that's it. Confession time is over. Get off the computer, go outside and do something physical. You can tell me all about it tomorrow.

*****



In closing, in case you were wondering:

Total miles run in April: 29.4 (That's a little disappointing, oh..but wait, I started biking. Duh!)
Total miles on the bike in April: 41.58
Since the Divas 5K post, I've run: 13.36 miles (Includes my 7-mile run Sunday...started training for the half marathon a little early. Don't worry, I'll be careful.)
Since the Divas post, I've biked: 24.49 miles (Heading out in just a few, for more.)

Please come back from time to time. I love your comments. And I will definitely be following you!

Happy Tuesday!

Laurie

How Are Those Goals Coming Along?

Well, the first quarter of the year has come and gone.

That didn't take long. 

So right about now, I think it's time for a little goal assessment or reassessment, as the case may be. To read more about my 2013 goals click (here).

As you are probably aware, half of my 2013 goals centered around health...as in exercise. I started the year off with an IT Band injury, but have since gotten over that. I am back to running, oh praise be!

So, let's check the list and see how I'm doing otherwise.....comments (in blue) will follow the goals below.

• Begin a swimming regimen  (Swam a few times. I will continue to work on it, but have to say...it is not my favorite activity.)
• Learn to speak Spanish, fluently and maybe French  (Not yet.)
• Continue to lose weight  (Ahem, can we say hard!!! However, I have lost approx 2 lbs. since starting back running. I'm in menopause, y'all. Weight loss won't be easy nor fast, if done healthily.)
• Run a few 10Ks  (I have run one 10K and have another scheduled for the end of May.)
• Run a half marathon  (I will begin training probably in August for my first half-marathon....I want my first half to be at the same venue as my first 5K and that is the Georgetown Bridge to Bridge. This is a beautiful course, but it will have 3 bridges. Yikes! Gotta lot of work ahead.)
• Begin working on my scrapbooks again  (Not yet. What am I waiting on? Heck if I know. With thousands of pictures to go through, it can be daunting. I used to be a Creative Memories consultant. I need to take my own advice and take one batch at a time, work backwards so at least the resent pictures are currently preserved in an album with journaling done.)
• Continue to research my family history  (Ongoing, however, a bit slow at present. I'm still fixated on finding my great-grandfather's death certificate, which continues to elude me.)
• Finish my first quilt completely by hand (I have actually made several quilts with a sewing machine....just haven't finished the one I'm making by hand, yet.)  (I have not even picked it up. I did, however, work on knitting a prayer shawl this winter. It's not quite finished, either.)

So, I guess it's time to reassess, tweak and add to the 2013 goals. My goals do change from time to time and I will be adding to them, from time to time. It keeps me on my toes and from getting bored. Heaven help, should I get bored. All sorts of things start happening. Cliff's response to my calls of, "Hey, I've got a good idea"!,........... "Oh, Geez"!  Ha!

The Tweaked Goal List:

• Continue to Work on Swimming
• Learn Spanish and maybe French
• Continue to lose Weight and get as Healthy as possible
• Continue to work on Running Goals....a couple more 10K's and that glorious Half-Marathon in October and possibly a second one towards the end of the year.
• Work on Scrapbooks
• Work on Family History
• Finish Quilt and Prayer Shawl
• New! Goal: Home Improvement projects.... 1) New upstairs bedroom windows (energy efficient)  2) New covers for foundation vents  3) Replace front porch column  4) Paint garage  5) Revamp front flower bed, raising it and adding stone walls.  5) Replace carpet and kitchen floors at beach.  6) Make new curtains for beach.
• Learn to make (healthy) homemade bread

This should keep me busy for awhile. I  better go. I need to call the carpenter.

How are your goals for 2013 going? Is it time for you to reassess? Go ahead, take the time. Look over them, get yourself on track. You'll feel so much better.

Oh wait, in case you were wondering:

First quarter miles run.....140.05

Grins from my running accomplishments.......multitudes

Later,

Laurie