I am signed up!!! My first sprint triathlon is August 8th in Chattanooga. The swim is 1/4 mile open water out and back swim in Lake Chickamauga. It is a flat 8.2 mile bike and a moderately challenging 2 mile run through downtown Chattanooga. This race benefits First Things First. FTF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families in the Chattanooga area.
http://www.sportsbarn.net/userfiles/file/popups/sprint/sprinthomepopup.htm
I am pretty excited!!! nervous but excited!!
July 5, 2010
July 1, 2010
Bicycle
Today was a very exciting day for Caleb and me. We both got new bikes!! Caleb has joined the tri-train and is planning to compete in his first ironkids in September. He had out grown his old bike so today he got a very nice upgrade! This bike should last him until high school... unless he turns out to be a super giant. I have not had a bike since college. I have not ridden a bike since college. So today was exciting!! At the risk of sounding like a moron (but just to let you know my inexperience)... My last bike had gears but to be honest I never knew which one did what. As I came in from my test drive Jake asked if I had tested the gears. I gave him a strange stare and said how do I do that? I knew which levers to push but which ones do what?? So I took another lap around the building and tried it out... I tested the gears, I could feel them doing something and it felt good. I knew with this bike I could finally figure it all out. So when we got home I took off up the hill... shifting the gears... but wait what's going on... ooops... I was shifting the wrong way!! So I had to get off my bike and push it. Oh well, I am learning. So I go back down the hill, turn around and start back up. Shifting the gears correctly this time and WOW I made it up the hill without having to get off my bike!!I can't wait to get out and ride some more. My bike is called a Hybrid. It is a mix between a road and a mountain bike. It's tires are made to be fast on the road but they still have traction to handle off road conditions. It also has a coil-sprung fork to make the off road rides a little easier. I was excited to find a bike like this because I will need the road speed for my triathlon but I love the idea that I can take it on trails (Melydia get your bike ready!!). Now Jana, I am not ready for a group ride but at least I have a bike now!!
Jake will be riding with his new clip shoes this weekend. Clip shoes are shoes that clip to the peddles for maximum efficiency. He was already pretty fast without them so I can't wait to see what he can do with his shoes.
June 26, 2010
5k and 1 Mile Fun Run
Today was my first 5k and I finished better than I expected... 32:53!! The event was hosted by www.savinthegirls.com and was part of the Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer. It was held at Yahoola Creek Park in Dahlonega. This was their first year to host this race and they were very surprised by the turnout; close to 200 participants! Yahoola Creek Park was a great course for my first 5k. It was relatively level and had a nice section that went through a trail in the woods (I wish the whole thing could have been in the woods). I finished my first mile in 9:18 which I am pretty sure that was a record for me. I am not sure about the second mile because the marker was put in the wrong spot but my average was 10:16 per mile... a whole lot better than I expected! As I crossed the finish line I was not even thinking about my time all I could think was "I did it!!". Thankfully I have a coach for a husband who kept an eye and a camera on the timer... and he got me in the picture as well. But this is not all of my story for the day.
While I was running Jake signed the kids up for the 1 mile fun run. We are 2 adult and 3 kids. Caleb wanted to run fast so Jake said he would run with him. I knew Taryn would just run/walk it so I would stay with her. So what about Taylor? Taylor will run in between us and if he needed to stop then he could and then he could finish with Taryn and me. So what happens when Jake and Caleb are at the 1 mile finish line when Taryn and I get there but no sign of Taylor??? It was a pretty easy to follow course so HOW could he just disappear?? The event volunteers got on their phones and started the search. They were thinking they saw him finish with the group of boys who were already done so a nice man drove me and Taryn up to the 5k finish line area. I am thinking how could he finish before Jake and Caleb? We get to the 5k finish area and there he was! I had never been so scared!!! So the relief I felt when I saw him almost brought tears to my eyes but I held back. I had to make sure he was ok and I did not want to scare him. I said "Taylor, did you finish the race?" he shook his head yes, "Were you scared that you did not see us?" he shook his head yes again and then whimpered for like 3 seconds and then said, "Do I get an award or something?". He did not even know he was lost!! He knew the finish line was was across the bridge... what mommy and daddy did not know is that there were 2 bridges! He took the first bridge which took him to the 5k finish line. He was smart enough to find a place to stand and wait for us. He even said, "Mommy I heard them say my name on the microphone." He did not know why they were saying his name so he just waited for mommy and daddy to finish the race. I really think he thought he won the race. Our silly Taylor boy! I am just so glad that he was ok and not scared!!
Since Taylor did not really finish the race we don't have a time for him... but I know he would have been fast! Caleb finished in 8:25!! Since I was in a panic when Taryn finished I did not think to ask for her time but it was probably around 12 or 13 minutes. She won the girls 10 and under division... haha! She really did :) She was the only girl that ran the 1 mile fun run. Caleb was probably 4th out of 8. The other boys were probably around 10 except for Taylor and a baby boy being pushed in a stroller.
Overall it was a GREAT day. I bet you next year they will take the 1 mile a little more seriously with extra volunteers placed to make sure no wrong turns are taken. They were surprised that we came all the way from Dalton but it was an excellent cause to support and it was a beautiful course so I thought it was worth the drive.
While I was running Jake signed the kids up for the 1 mile fun run. We are 2 adult and 3 kids. Caleb wanted to run fast so Jake said he would run with him. I knew Taryn would just run/walk it so I would stay with her. So what about Taylor? Taylor will run in between us and if he needed to stop then he could and then he could finish with Taryn and me. So what happens when Jake and Caleb are at the 1 mile finish line when Taryn and I get there but no sign of Taylor??? It was a pretty easy to follow course so HOW could he just disappear?? The event volunteers got on their phones and started the search. They were thinking they saw him finish with the group of boys who were already done so a nice man drove me and Taryn up to the 5k finish line area. I am thinking how could he finish before Jake and Caleb? We get to the 5k finish area and there he was! I had never been so scared!!! So the relief I felt when I saw him almost brought tears to my eyes but I held back. I had to make sure he was ok and I did not want to scare him. I said "Taylor, did you finish the race?" he shook his head yes, "Were you scared that you did not see us?" he shook his head yes again and then whimpered for like 3 seconds and then said, "Do I get an award or something?". He did not even know he was lost!! He knew the finish line was was across the bridge... what mommy and daddy did not know is that there were 2 bridges! He took the first bridge which took him to the 5k finish line. He was smart enough to find a place to stand and wait for us. He even said, "Mommy I heard them say my name on the microphone." He did not know why they were saying his name so he just waited for mommy and daddy to finish the race. I really think he thought he won the race. Our silly Taylor boy! I am just so glad that he was ok and not scared!!
Since Taylor did not really finish the race we don't have a time for him... but I know he would have been fast! Caleb finished in 8:25!! Since I was in a panic when Taryn finished I did not think to ask for her time but it was probably around 12 or 13 minutes. She won the girls 10 and under division... haha! She really did :) She was the only girl that ran the 1 mile fun run. Caleb was probably 4th out of 8. The other boys were probably around 10 except for Taylor and a baby boy being pushed in a stroller.
Overall it was a GREAT day. I bet you next year they will take the 1 mile a little more seriously with extra volunteers placed to make sure no wrong turns are taken. They were surprised that we came all the way from Dalton but it was an excellent cause to support and it was a beautiful course so I thought it was worth the drive.
June 24, 2010
Triathlon
Jake competed in his first Sprint Triathlon on June 20th, 2010. I think he did very well. He finished 441 out of 1500! His total time was 1:04:30! I won't tell you the winners time... Jake did awesome! He will compete in his second sprint tri in October at Lake Lanier Islands. I am so excited for him and his new hobby. Here are some pictures from this event on facebook.
He has inspired me! I have been semi training with him... mainly the running and swimming part. I say semi because I have not been as serious about it as him. But I have stepped it up a bit. I have a simple training plan I found online that if I stick to it I will be ready to do a sprint tri in 12 weeks. I have my goal set for a tri in September. I don't know if I will actually do that one but my goal is to be ready for one by then and then I will continue to train all winter for a spring sprint triathlon. Jake and I want to do a triathlon together this spring in Atlanta. It is fun training with my best friend... our jobs are to encourage... never discourage each other from reaching our goals.
Caleb is also thinking about doing a kids triathlon. Yes, they have kids tri's!! It would be so much fun watching Caleb compete and finish his first tri!! He has a friend from school who has already competed in several, his dad is big time into the sport. I watched several moms and dads competing in the Callaway Gardens triathlon with their kids. I guess this is our families new hobby and just a great way to stay in shape!
Just to stop any confusion, right now we are focused on sprint triathlons. These are just a fraction of the distance of the ironman kind, like the one you see on tv in Hawaii. I don't know that I would ever want to compete at that level!! Jake maybe, me no thanks! Jake has his eyes set on a half ironman in two years. This would be awesome!! Hard work but just for him to finish would be a big accomplishment.
Hopefully I will be back on here in September saying I am ready to compete! I have a countdown on the side of the page and I am reminding myself daily that I want to do this and I want to finish!! I think I have myself in an ok routine right now but will try to improve it when school starts. I just have to stay focused and positive!... I am such a beginner and I have a ways to go but I have 94 days to get there! 1/4 mile swim, 9 mile bike, 2 mile run!
He has inspired me! I have been semi training with him... mainly the running and swimming part. I say semi because I have not been as serious about it as him. But I have stepped it up a bit. I have a simple training plan I found online that if I stick to it I will be ready to do a sprint tri in 12 weeks. I have my goal set for a tri in September. I don't know if I will actually do that one but my goal is to be ready for one by then and then I will continue to train all winter for a spring sprint triathlon. Jake and I want to do a triathlon together this spring in Atlanta. It is fun training with my best friend... our jobs are to encourage... never discourage each other from reaching our goals.
Caleb is also thinking about doing a kids triathlon. Yes, they have kids tri's!! It would be so much fun watching Caleb compete and finish his first tri!! He has a friend from school who has already competed in several, his dad is big time into the sport. I watched several moms and dads competing in the Callaway Gardens triathlon with their kids. I guess this is our families new hobby and just a great way to stay in shape!
Just to stop any confusion, right now we are focused on sprint triathlons. These are just a fraction of the distance of the ironman kind, like the one you see on tv in Hawaii. I don't know that I would ever want to compete at that level!! Jake maybe, me no thanks! Jake has his eyes set on a half ironman in two years. This would be awesome!! Hard work but just for him to finish would be a big accomplishment.
Hopefully I will be back on here in September saying I am ready to compete! I have a countdown on the side of the page and I am reminding myself daily that I want to do this and I want to finish!! I think I have myself in an ok routine right now but will try to improve it when school starts. I just have to stay focused and positive!... I am such a beginner and I have a ways to go but I have 94 days to get there! 1/4 mile swim, 9 mile bike, 2 mile run!
November 20, 2009
How are you living your life?
If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again
By Diane Loomans
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
This is a wonderful poem for parents but it is also true for relationships in general. We get caught up in our daily tasks and forget to show love to those around us. To often we try to control every aspect of our lives that we get upset and even angry if someone does not act how we expect them to or disagrees with us. Life is not all about being in charge, it is about giving God control. We need to slow down and enjoy the life that God has given us. Life is a gift, why would we want to spend our time worrying, criticising, and yelling when God says "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control" Galatians:5:22,23. How are you living your life?
By Diane Loomans
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
This is a wonderful poem for parents but it is also true for relationships in general. We get caught up in our daily tasks and forget to show love to those around us. To often we try to control every aspect of our lives that we get upset and even angry if someone does not act how we expect them to or disagrees with us. Life is not all about being in charge, it is about giving God control. We need to slow down and enjoy the life that God has given us. Life is a gift, why would we want to spend our time worrying, criticising, and yelling when God says "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control" Galatians:5:22,23. How are you living your life?
October 16, 2009
MP3's
I took a break from all the cleaning to do something nice for Jake. He will be on a school bus for 7 hours tomorrow (that is if traffic is good) so I got him an MP3 player and I am loading it with songs. He has an old MP3 player but it only help like 10 songs. This one I am pretty sure has more than 200 and it is not even half way full! I am still adding songs. He asked for a few new songs but the rest are songs from the 1990's to present day. Collective Soul, Cornerstone, Casting Crowns, Cold Play, Maroon 5, 3 Doors Down, Richochet (seven bridges road), Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp and many others. I have been loading songs for hours. It would have gone faster but many of the songs had never been uploaded to the computer... that is why I love itunes! One click and the song is on my computer and then I sync his player and he is ready to go. I really hope this makes his ride more enjoyable. Why will he be on the bus so long you may be asking? His team is headed to Shaw High School in Columbus for the State Playoffs. I think they will do well... at least they better!!! :) Go Raiders!! Wait Shaw is also Raiders I better say Go Southeast!!
October 14, 2009
First Inquiry
I got excited. I got a reply to our ad posted on North GA Trader, "Would you be willing to do a rent to own?"... gag!!! Oh well, I was prepared for this. A friend of mine had many request for rent to own so I know there may be many more to come. Which makes me think... would anyone like to buy a great house to rent out?
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