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May 09, 2005
Weekend at the Races
Almost all of this weekend was spent at the races. Different kinds of races, but races nonetheless. It was quite a busy weekend as well, I probably only spent a grand total of three hours at home (not including sleeping time).
Saturday morning started out early as usual. It was cool and sunny during the run. I made sure not to do anything stupid. In order to accomplish this, I spent close to the first half of the run glued to J's side. We did a pretty challenging almost 10 mile loop. The first half has a pretty substantial downhill, but then the side road to get back to the main road is about 1.75 miles of hills. It climbs, drops, then climbs again four times. Each climb is steeper than the previous climb. The final climb is truly a bitch, it does not matter what kind of shape you are in, that hill kills you. I did try to push the hills a little bit. I did feel pretty strong, T was trying to stay with me but I dropped him on the third of the hills. We regrouped at the top to make the final 3.5 mile run in. T likes to take off and sprint in the final mile or so. I let him do that and just stayed comfortable.
After the run I rushed to the gym. I rode the bike for 40 minutes and lifted. I had to get out of there so that I could get to the high school track meet to volunteer. Doing the awards at a high school invitational is not the most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I must have been allergic to the sunscreen I had on because my face ended up bright red. I didn't get to see the races I was actually interested in because kids were badgering me for their medals. There must be a better method for doing this, but I only do it one time a year so I'm not going to stress over it. I got home and ate dinner and then realized that I needed shoes to wear on Sunday and had to run to the mall to buy a pair.
I woke up at 6:30 on Sunday morning to run before going to the horse races. I was out the door and running around 6:50 and it was breezy and sunny. The wind would pick up later in the day, but it was really nice early. It was so quiet and eerie running so early. There were hardly any people or cars out. The Catholic church must have had a seven o'clock service because that was pretty much the only place there were a lot of cars. I was more sore than usual from moving around in funny ways on Saturday while doing the awards.
I had to get home fast and shower to get ready for the pre-race breakfast. Nobody goes to these horse races to actually watch the horses, it is more of an excuse to have an all day tailgate. Tradition dictates that women wear sundresses and hats, but it was way too chilly to wear a dress yesterday. No hat for me, but I should have worn one. A different sunscreen was used on my face, one that I did not have an allergic reaction to. I also made sure to reapply every 90 minutes since there was no shade. Good eating habits totally went out the window yesterday. Too much alcohol was consumed and there was no healthy food to be found. It was a fun day, and much deserved. My face did not get sunburn, but my scalp did. I feel like a bald man. I guess that is what I get for having fine, blond hair.
After the races, I went to my aunt's house for Mother's Day dinner. My mom's wish for me was to go out and have a good time yesterday. She says that she would rather me go out and meet people and have fun than to spend a day with her. She knows how long it has been since I had a good time and that I really needed it. I actually was not having that much fun with S, I felt like a third wheel since she has only been dating T for about five months. On top of that, everyone else was a couple and they all worked together and were talking shop. I found some of the folks that I work out with and spent the rest of the day with them. OK, I'm way off topic now...Mother's Day dinner was nearly over when I got there. I had a small dinner and then completely overindulged on Italian Rum Cake.
I called out of work sick today. Getting up early to go to work would have overextended me and made me sick later. I did not even sleep all that late, but I needed to not have to wake up early. It was beautiful once again, but I wasted the day and did not do anything. I went to the track and all I did was some striders. My body feels like it needs some rest and TLC, so that is what I am giving it. I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow.
Well, that's about all...It could have been much longer, but I don't think that anyone really wants to hear all of the gory details of any run/party!
Posted by Blondie at May 9, 2005 08:04 PM
Comments
I hope you have a better week this week, work-wise. Hopefully you'll feel a little better knowing you're going to get out as soon as this school year is over.
Sounds like your running is going very well! That is great.
Posted by: Barb at May 9, 2005 10:24 PM