Behold!

Biased

You might not know it, but my hubby has a blog. He doesn't write often but when he does it is rather spectacular. He posted a rather fine piece of writing today, so read it already. Aim High, Vote Lowe (HT: JB).

Seriously?

On a regular basis, I peruse the Women's Health online site (note the sidelink), especially the blogs. Anyway, the following link popped up on the Quick Takes Blog and I couldn't resist also linking it here. It's the newest fitness craze for your home, be sure to launch the demo to completely understand how the equipment works.

Breakfast tip of the day

My mom sent me a neat e-mail forward (does that sentence have a 1950s feel?). Usually I'm not a big fan of forwards. After years of warnings that God will not bless me, bad luck will follow me, and my crush will not marry me, I usually just delete them onsite. So if you ever get a forward from me, read it. It's probably a pretty good one because I don't read many and I even more rarely pass them on. This forward was a recipe for Ziploc Omelets.

Here are the directions.

• Have guests write their names on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
• Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the quart size Ziploc bag (not more than 2) shake to scramble.
• Put out a variety of ingredients -- cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.
• Each guest adds ingredients of choice to his or her bag and shakes.
• Make sure to squeeze the air out of the bag and zip it up.
• Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes.
• You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot.
• Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.

It really works. We've had them several times in our house. I usually make them the night before and then cook them up in the morning when I'm too tired to see straight while I'm making the coffee. I would like to point out these risks. Realize that the majority of this article discusses plastics in the microwave and not in boiling water. Although I'm not sure what the difference is.

A new hobby for the Lowes

OK, so I stumbled across an article in this month's Family Fun, a magazine that I enjoy but would never subscribe to on my own. One of the partners at B's firm read it while she was getting her hair done, thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, and promptly ordered it for me. I digress . . . Anyway, the article was about letterboxing. Anybody heard of this? Well, the article explained that this hobby got its start in the mid 1800s in England and now is popular worldwide, a bit long for a trend to catch on but whatever. It's basically an outdoor treasure hunt, complete with clues and box to find at the end of the trail. You are given a set of easy to follow physical directions to a set location, there you will find a box with a log book and stamp inside, you carry a notebook of your own where you stamp with the stamp found, and you stamp the logbook with a stamp of your own. It's a kissing cousin to the more high tech geocaching, without all of the expense. And here's the great thing, this website lists tons of letterboxes near you! I was surprised at how many were in our area. I definitely think this is something that our family will be doing to enjoy the weather this fall!

Weekend Adventures

This past weekend, we made a dash to Birmingham, AL for Becky Trask's (I guess it's Blaylock now! ) wedding. It was good to catch up with several Asbury Grads who also made the trip from various parts of the country to celebrate Becky and her new life with Max. After the wedding, we headed to Atlanta to visit Joel. Although, we weren't much fun since we had spent so many hours in the car and were pretty wiped out most of the time we were there (which of course, wasn't long enough). Now it's back to reality, with plenty of house and yard work to catch up on, making this post much too brief.

Other RAIN thoughts . . .

• 160 miles, 160 people of significance . . . I had planned on praying for and meditating on a different person who made a significant impact on my life for every mile that I rode, to help the time go by more quickly. This lasted for about the first 35 miles, and then my brain went to mush and all I could think was push the pedals around, push, push, push. Or as a friend of mine mentioned, perhaps my prayer shifted to God helping me. Who knows. Just know that 35 people in my life were well prayed for at one point on Saturday.
• At mile 60 (my first wall), I though, "Wow! I am an athlete." At mile 100, I thought, "Wow! I am a super-mega athlete." At mile 110, I thought, "Dear God, don't let me die on the side of the road."
• The most un-beautiful site of the day, a middle aged man, slightly overweight in riding shorts that were split at the crack. Yes, literally split at the crack. Don't you feel a breeze back there buddy? What a trainwreck. Look away, I can't look away, look away! I pedaled as fast as I could to pass him.
• Man, I missed having my iPod. I assumed you were not allowed to ride with them; however, I did see a few riders with them. I now wonder if I had used it for the last final push if I would have made it. Who knows. One guy had a radio/digital music source with speakers on his bike. That was pretty cool.
• My cyclometer also measures calories burned. All impressed, I read the well over 3000 amount to Brian at my last stop. His reply? "Yep, that's one pound." My mom's response, "Maybe if you ride all of the way back across the state, you can lose two." Talk about taking the wind out of my sails.
• I ate more crap (by this I mean, higher sugar foods, white refined flour sources and stuff that has high fructose corn syrup) before, during, and as a result after the ride than I have in a very long time. I've really shyed away from processed foods for the last 7 1/2 months. But pretzels were really the only thing that sounded good and I super carb loaded @ Fazoli's the day before. Since Anna's birthday party was the day following, I continued my carb replacement with too much cake. I'm finally back on the straight and narrow but Tuesday I felt like crap, having not eaten that much white flour in a really long time.
• Last night I was back in the saddle at a Reaction Cycling class @ the gym. It felt good to pedal again. Tomorrow morning, early I plan to hit the road again for the first time since the ride. I definitely want to keep riding as a part of my fitness routine. I just don't know how often to balance it in with everything else. I had been riding in addition to my regular workout routine, meaning that some days I was getting close to 3 hours of cardio which really isn't that great for you. I need to strike a balance in there somewhere.
• When's the next event? Shh . . . Don't tell BLowe but I'm looking for another century styled event to ride in the fall. I don't really want to do the Hilly Hundred because I hate riding hills, but I'm starting to fish around for another distance ride. Even a 60-75 miler wouldn't be bad since it wouldn't take up the entire day, just half of a day.

Feelin' groovy . . .

So I'm feeling back to 100% normal today! Woohoo, no lingering soreness and tonight I'll be hitting the gym for my regular Monday night Taste of Group Exercise class. I even think I've talked B into joining our normally all ladies group. It's not that we do "lady" exercises, unless you count jumping rope, doing push-ups, and running sprints as lady exercise. Just for some reason it seems that no guys are takers. Maybe BLowe will start a revolution - or perhaps he'll be that one weird guy working out with all of the girls.

Some thoughts from the RAIN ride:

- The website for RAIN describes the ride as traveling through the "gentle" rolling hills of IN. The hills in Putnam county are anything but gentle. I believe, "gentle, my a**" was the exact thought going through my mind.

- I went 29.1 mph at one point down a hill. What a rush!

- The fantastic cyclometer that the Ellis' got me as an encouragement gift was my saving grace. I would have given up much sooner had I not had that little sucker giving me hope (of how far I still had to go) and satisfaction (of knowing how far I had come).

- The 17th function of the computer, temperature, was not necessary. In fact, as it read 104.5, I wished I had left well enough alone and not discovered that little fact.

- Every little gas station in Vigo County and Clay County was making doughnuts as I rolled by in the early morning. mmmmm . . . doughnuts.

- On the other hand, not smelling so nice was the roadkill, disgusting smelly roadkill. Other not so pleasant smells - skunks, heavy aftershave on older male riders, farm animals, and the heat of the day.

- I'm still trying to decide if the heat was a major factor in me giving up the last 40 or so miles. I've told many that I think I could have finished but it would have ceased to be fun. Fun was what I was going for and there was no grand prize (except a commemorative key chain) at the end of the trail. Plus, Mindy told me she'd make me a key chain so I'm good with that.

It was such a huge experience in my life, that I have plenty more to share so probably you'll get to read more thoughts tomorrow.

Back a little early, but still . . .

120 . . . I fell a bit short of the goal of 160; however, 120 is nothing to sneeze at and I feel terrific. I basically stopped because I was overheated and 120 was a nice round number and I was just done for the day, out of juice. Here are some pics from the day. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement. They meant the world to me and were fruitful! I am more than satisfied with my achievement.

So good to me . . .

Things have really come together quite nicely over the last few days. Unfortunately, I battled rain during my normal riding time on Tuesday and Wednesday (although, Anna protested, "MOM, it is the RAIN ride." Right indeed, little one, right indeed) so I did extra cardio at the gym and home, lifted weights, and picked up a spinning class last night. This morning, I was back at it early in the AM.

I took off around 5:35. It was foggy and the moon was shining brightly in the sky. That felt a little weird. But the foggy was at least patchy and lifted by the time I rode into the drive at 7:25 AM. Around mile 15, I got really hungry (agony, thy name is the smell of bacon cooking wafting out of someone's home). But I made it through all 26 miles without eating my arm. I did come home and cook a huge breakfast. I'm beginning the carb loading tonight with a large amount of pasta (whole wheat, of course) so I don't run out of fuel on the big day. I came home, fixed breakfast and packed lunch for everyone. We went to Anna's library class and then to the gym where I rode about 20 miles on the hill program (interval by the minute) on level 13. Very good ride, too although the scenery was a bit less desirable. I'll do the FIRM this afternoon as a regular part of regimen. Tomorrow, I'm laying off doing only about 10 miles and mowing the yard.

My mom sent me a $10 reward card from Dick's so I got a shirt and some gels. And then a friend of mine dropped of a very nice cycling computer today to encourage me. What a blessing on both parts. So I think equipment wise, I'm set. Just need to get my bottled water.

In other news, Sunday is Anna's 4th Birthday Party (the 18th is the actual big day) and so I'm a madwoman making sure all of our bases are covered before we leave tomorrow afternoon. Nothing like multi-tasking.

The Training, the Prayers, and the Vitamins

So yesterday's total was 22.8 and today's 22 even (both well under 2 hrs). I have a 26 mile path mapped out for tomorrow AM (please God, no rain!), trying to keep variety in my rides so I'm prepared for anything. :)

I went to Taste of Group Ex tonight @ Bally, my absolute favorite class there. I rarely miss it and B took Anna to VBS on his own so that I could go because he knows I love it. Because of that class, I've improved my jump roping, my running, my free weight endurance, my push ups (and we're talking the manly kind, no girly modified for me), and general well being. B says I have a girl crush on Kerry, the girl that teaches and maybe I do a little. But her class has really worked for me and taught me several exercises that I can do on my own, too. Plus there's just something about running suicides again like 8th grade basketball til your side hurts. Hopefully I'll be able to walk next week and won't miss the class, but I warned Kerry just in case.

My buddy Brodie called today and passed on several more good tips. He rode a double century earlier this year for the first time and had lots of wisdom for me. Always good to have the knowledge of someone else who's walked the same/similar rode.

My biggest challenge has been getting enough sleep since I get up so darn early and want to spend lots of time in the evenings with my hunky hubby. I need to mandate a bedtime, but I'm weak.

Today's Ride

Got in about 15 miles in an hour and 10 mins today. Very good ride, would have gone longer but just don't know any great routes around here with wide open spaces. Maybe tomorrow I'll up it to 20 miles.

Anyway, I have been riding my cousin's sweet bike (I haven't tried to jump it yet) that I'm going to ride next weekend for RAIN. I can't remember what I last posted about this lofty and maybe attainable goal. But after much hemhawing, I decided to finally go for it. I figure whatever distance I ride will be the most I've ever ridden (unless something goes dreadfully wrong) and I can rejoice in that accomplishment whether I make the full 160 miles or not. I'm excited and terrified about next Saturday AM.

This week, there'll be plenty more training, continuing to get used to the toe clips and seat, working my legs hard but not too hard, carb loading, etc. I also have a few random pieces of gear to collect. I would love to find a bike computer for cheap/free (hint, hint to anyone who reads this and has random bike gear going to waste), need to find some shoes - long story, and am going to borrow a shirt that wicks away sweat. I also need to buy some bottled water. It's beginning to sound like a grocery list, so I'll stop.

If anyone has some words of wisdom about riding in a large group - never really done that before - or riding these style of event, please pass them on... I can use all of the help that I can get.

Joke of the day...

Ok, so this one may cause you to roll your eyes and snicker to yourself.

A cowboy walked into a bar and ordered a whisky. When the bartender delivered the drink, the cowboy asked, "Where iseverybody?"
The bartender replied, "They've gone to the hanging."
"Hanging? Who are they hanging?"
"Brown Paper Pete," the bartender replied.
"What kind of a name is that?" the cowboy asked.
"Well," said the bartender, "he wears a brown paper hat,brown paper shirt, brown paper trousers, and brown papershoes."
"How bizarre," said the cowboy. "What are they hanging himfor?"
"Rustling," said the bartender.

HT: my mom

Panty tip of the day...

Most of you know I'm a big fan of Women's Health (see side link), the best magazine I've ever subscribed to. If you purchase a copy of it this month, there's a side benefit. Near the front, there's a pull-out perforated coupon for a free pair of white cotton panties from Victoria Secret, woohoo! And a $10 off coupon for the VS newest line of sports bras.

Spare Me My Life...

Ok, I have a slight strange and unusual addiction to fitness informercials. I'm always interested in the newest video, exercise equipment, miracle cure. Over the years, my mom and I have done Sweatin' to the Oldies (man, he's odd), Tony Little's Target Training (what is that guy on?!?!), and my favorite that I think really works and is fun anything from the Firm series. Perhaps, because it's the only one I've used that hasn't featured an over the top, hyperactive male. Recently, B bought me the new Firm Transfirmer. I tried it out today and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it if you're into home fitness. I also tried out the Windsor Pilates ring lately and was relatively unimpressed. I'm not a big fan of Pilates anyway (probably because I am so weak through the core), but it just didn't do it for me.

Anyway, all of that to say, this is the oddest combination fitness video of all time. Watch it all the way through even though it's a bit long.

Yesterday's Ride

22.6 miles in 90 degree heat in a bit under 2 hours.

All in all, a very good ride. The funniest part of it was that I had no bike bag and my dad's mountain bike (I was down in Sullivan County again) has a water bottle spot but no water bottle. So, I took Anna's small ballerina backpack - think bright pink, ballet shoes, with a nice bedazzled jewel - and filled it with 3 cold bottles of water and my mom's cell phone. I'm sure I looked very "special" riding down the road with a preschooler's bag on my back.

No soreness today (a teeny bit stiff when I first got up this AM but totally clear now) and I could have ridden longer. Luckily I dodged a huge storm. 10 minutes after I returned it let loose and POURED for the next hour and an half. Unfortunately, I had planned to ride as far or further this AM but the rain was continual during the time I needed to go. Next time, I'm riding 50. :)

Lest you think I Jest

Ow...

Ow, Ow, Ow.... I am sitting at my computer with a very sore neck/back, an incredibly bruised right upper arm, and a nice rub burn on both my arm and my neck having recently returned from the Immediate Care center near our house. Luckily, no major damage, everything is superficial and I didn't have to have a tetanus shot but OW.

So how did I find myself in such a predicament this fine afternoon? Well I hopped out on the mower, hoping to get the yard mowed this afternoon (it's halfway done at least). I was zipping along in the backyard on the riding mower, near the swingset. I went under the swings on one pass, no problems - this is something I do all of the time. The next time I went through, something went dreadfully wrong and folks I ended up with my neck caught in one of Anna's swings with the mower, in 4th gear mind you, continuing on a trajectory toward the big pond. As I gagged, several thoughts went through my mind - not too different from Becky T.'s (sensitive ears or small people reading, be mindful) tale of falling off of the porch but a bit more serious.... crap, omg I am not going to get this thing off of my neck, crap crap crap, it could take my head off, even if I do get it off, I'm going to end up in the pond, this is going to jerk me off of the mower, this is going to make for one heck of an obituary, Brian is going to have to answer the question "She did what?" at the funeral...

As the doctor @ the Medcheck place said - the good Lord kept me from serious harm. And while I'm achey, she said ibuprofen and rest should take care of it. Really I wasn't overly inconvenienced (have to finish the yard tomorrow, missed my spinning class tonight) and the biggest bruise was on my pride. A doctor friend of mine noted that I should have got it on tape because I could have won AFV... I was glad no one saw.

Cancer, Church Splits, Divorce, and a Good Bike Ride

So I have plenty that I could blog on today... some good friends are traveling the path of divorce, my mom was recently diagnosed with a skin cancer spot and two good friends are currently in cancer treatment, my childhood church (6th grade through beyond college when I would go home) is going through a messy nasty split with lies coming from the Sr. Pastor, but I what I'm choosing to blog about is an awesome bike ride I had yesterday.

Many of you know that this year I've made the most firm commitment to fitness that I've made well ever. I've been consistently in the gym at least 5 days a week for the entire year, changed my eating habits, and have been training to ride the RAIN ride (we'll still see if that happens). As a result, I've dropped about 17 lbs (yes I am bragging a little). Anyway, yesterday, while celebrating Father's Day with my parents, I took a wonderful country ride on backroads near their 10 acre property.

I saw 5 deer on 2 different occasions. 2 ran right in front of me as I pedaled along. It was the perfect temp as I could work up a good sweat without becoming dehyrdrated. While it was a bit windy, that kept me comfortable. I got a little lost, which made me nervous because while gangs will kill you, hillbillies will keep you. But I saw some beautiful country, rolling hills, creeks, trees, flowers, cornfields, birds singing, and good tunes on my iPod... ah, home. As a side note, "Boondocks" and "Wide Open Spaces" fit much better with a country ride than "The Humpty Dance" and "Gonna Fly Now" sure moved my butt down the highway (YEAH for the Tennessee mix!). I did both road riding on SR 63 and some gravel roading it which was a great resistance exercise built in. And in the end, I cleared close to 13 miles (12.8) in a little under an hour, moving at a fair clip. I felt great, not even worn out and today I'm barely saddle sore. It was the best part of the weekend, by far.

I have issues...

Ok, no big shock to most of you... Cherie has issues. Notice, not an issue, but issues plural - one of which came to the surface today when I was working out at the gym. There I was full on plugging away with heavy duty cardio on the eliptical... doing the hill program with the resistance ramped up to level 17 about 24 minutes into a 65 minute workout and this guy gets on the machine next to me. Now, I have no problems working out next to others. I'm not big on talking to people - especially strangers - while I'm working out (which happened yesterday on another cardio machine) b/c I want my heart rate to the point where I can barely breathe, let alone talk. And fortunately this guy didn't try to talk to me but what he did was even worse! Consistently for the remainder of his workout which was about 7 minutes less than mine he snorted, hawked up stuff, and blew his nose on his shirt. EEEEWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!! And this was not a one time, but I've gotta get this mucus out of my system thing, it was a continual over and over and over again sort of thing. DISGUSTING. I shot him a few dirty looks but what I really wanted to do was spit on him (not exactly the best way to cope with my anger, I know but in all honesty it was what was continually crossing my mind).

I guess I just want the same courtesy that I extend to others. One early AM this spring when I was working out, I had a bit of a coughing fit. Two coughs in, I got off, went to the stretching area, tried to drop my heart rate and resume normal breathing. It didn't work, so I went down to the locker room where I hawked up some stuff (gross, I know but let's be honest here) but couldn't quit coughing so I went home! When you have to blow your nose that many times on your shirt your body is telling you something - GO HOME and rest. YUCK. That is all for now.