Three Things Thursday (8/10/13)

Missed last weeks 'Three Things Thursday'.. oh well.  But I'm back this week!

1.  I attended a wedding a Saturday ago that will be going down in the history books of one of the best I've yet to attend.  I know a wedding doesn't exactly mean anything about the success of that couple or the validity of the union... but this one sure felt like a reflection of the couple.  The ceremony was incredibly funny, yet sincere.  The vows were honest and loving.  The music was fun and personable.  Also, this was a second wedding for one of those getting married, and while I've been to second wedding before... It think they really strike at my heart. 

I guess when I go to first wedding I see the couple involved as in love, but maybe a trite bit silly, or even foolish... I don't say this or even think it per say, but it's there in my subconscious.  Certainly, as my friends get older, I find that I we've all got a little age on our hands and I feel this less and less.  

When I got divorced, I chose to level with the fact that marriage may not be in the cards for me.  I think, in some ways I didn't want that again, but as we saw that beautiful bride walk down the aisle the realness of second chances just broke down for me.  I guess I felt hope.

On a perhaps related note, my boyfriend, who will go by the pseudonym Mack Roberts on this blog, caught the Garter (I missed the bouquet) so read whatever you might into that.  ;)

Blowing the Bride kisses!

2. Marathon is this Sunday (October 13th)

Track Me! HERE  (https://register.athletetracking.net/bacm/index.html )  My 'ungoogle-able' real name is: Er!n M@nthey

I'm kind of nervous, but I know I'm basically ready.  The thing I'm most worried about is my knees giving out, and having to a walk a lot more than I would like.  Though I realized that no matter how good or bad the Chicago Marathon goes, my decision to run has been a good one. 

Running with Mack, he's agreed to do a 5K with me!

3. My cats scratched me this morning leaving quite the mark.  Not surprisingly, at least one student in every class felt the need to comment on that... I'm pretty sure my students think I'm kind of a dork anyway, so I guess it can't be helped.  

Summer Racing Recap

I participated in three major races this summer.  They were all a 'pretty big deal' and in an ideal world would deserve their own recap, but let's be real - that ain't happening.


Annadale Tri

This is the longest triathlon I've completed and I think it's going to stay that way for a while.  It was great to challenge myself, but the reality check is that I'm just not that committed to tri training and I was paying for that 'lack of commitment' during the very hilly bike ride.

That being said, when all is said and done, I'm really nothing but proud of this and a few years ago, none of this would have even crossed my mind, so I guess there's always that.  Also, the parents and the boyfriend came out to cheer me on and none of them seemed to care that I wasn't as quick on the bike or swim.  I think we can call that support.  :)  One more thing, I ran 10 min miles for the run and I'm going to say I'm pretty darn proud that I could pull that off for 5.3 miles after a half mile swim and a 21 mile bike!

That bruise is actually from before the race... but I think it makes me look pretty hard core anyway. 

Cheerleaders (ie Mom and Dad)

YWCA Womens Tri

Love this Tri! Beat my time last year by over 5 mins (1:40:45), despite 'slacking' on the swim (I was slower by a whole 2 seconds from last year).  I really enjoy this tri, the distances are manageable, the course is mostly flat and it's an un-intimidating crowd.  I think I'll keep coming back to it.

Me and my favorite Race Photographer

Splash!

It doesn't look like I'm moving, but I am.

The expression on my face says "I just want this over."

Womens ROCK half

Totally a fun half! This is a was desired repeat race from last year.  My not so public goal was to finish in 2:08, but I knew that was aggressive.  However, I was actually on pace until about mile 10, which is when my knee pain really started to kick in.  I kept pushing though and still did well and got a PR at 2:11:33, or a 10:03 pace.  Also, my 10K split here was 60:13, which would also have been a PR - how cool is that!