Distance: 8.7 miles
Time: 1:41:02
Route: Teague Parkway Trail
I'll fess up...I haven't been as good about blogging as I used to be. I ended up combining my blogs on Blogger, so they don't automatically kick over any more.
We went out with some friends last night and had a good time. It was a cocktail party for the Northwest Louisiana chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It was a lot of fun. I fully support this foundation. I have a friend from high school that is a breast cancer survivor and even though we weren't super close, any time I see anything having to do with Susan G. Komen, I think of her and how courageous and brave she is. She's quite inspiring.
This morning the alarm went off and it was hard to get up. But alas, up I went and out the door. The weather was sticky and warm. I was hoping that Mother Nature would have blessed us with the cool weather that Mark and his gang encountered yesterday, but it wasn't meant to be. We got started and off we went. Because it's so dark that early in the morning and I'm not a fan of running into wildlife, I bought an attachable flashlight for the stretch of trail that is closer to the river. I think if anything, it just wanted the wildlife that we were incoming...it didn't really provide that much light. I'll keep using it though. It was only $6. :)
I was really proud of Jenn for doing the whole trail! She did .7 more than what she needed to. Each time she runs her long runs, it's the furthest that she's gone. I know and remember that feeling all too well, and I'm honored that I get to see her go through it too. According to her, it's 76 days until S.A. I'm getting excited. I ran it 2 years ago, and it's amazing how much things have changed in life since then. Happy trails!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Katrina
Over the past few days, we've seen the footage, read the articles, rummages through photo galleries and archives and posted blogs about Hurricane Katrina. Here is another one.
I've never lived in New Orleans, nor have I ever lived in Mississippi. At the time that Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, we weren't even living in the United States. We were stationed overseas at Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa, Japan. How on earth could something like this impact me or have an effect on my life? The Gulf Coast has always held a special place in my heart. Mark went to tech school at Keesler AFB, in Biloxi, Missisippi. He was there for 3 months back in 2002...when the casino barges floated on the water, Sharky's was a really cool tourist trap on US 90, Ruby Tuesdays was right on the coast, and antebellum type mansions lined the coastal highway. I visited him several times and since it's only a stone's throw away from New Orleans, we'd hit up the city as well. There was so much charm in that area of the country. Something about it just drew me in. New Orleans at the time was the type of city that you either loved or you'd visit once and proclaim that you once went there. It was a charming, yet completely trashy party city with a bad reputation. I loved it. It rose quickly on my top favorite cities list.
In 2004, we received orders to Kadena AB in Okinawa. Okinawa is in a tropical climate--very much like that of the Gulf Coast. Tropical weather abounds there...including typhoons. What are typhoons? Typhoons are the same exact thing as a hurricane, but in that area of the Pacific, they call them typhoons. In that geographical area, they tend to generate off the coast of Guam or a little bit before and often times pass by or pass right over the island of Okinawa and the rest of the Ryuku Island chain before ending up in China, mainland Japan, the Korean peninsula or even the Philippines. We had been on island for 2 weeks when we went through our first typhoon, which coincidentally was Typhoon Tokage (tow-ka-ghee). It was a category 3 typhoon with it being just shy of a super typhoon. One thing about Japan is that the everyday architecture is really ugly. Everything is made of concrete and the glass on the windows are approximately an inch thick. The locks on sliding glass doors and windows are heavy duty and are actually really heavy. My first impression was, "Really? This place is kinda ugly." But there are 2 things that you will quickly learn: 1) The interiors of Japanese homes are quite beautiful and often breathtaking. It definitely more than makes up for the outsides. 2) Concrete and one-inch thick glass are amazing strong and resilient when battered by typhoons.
I've never lived in New Orleans, nor have I ever lived in Mississippi. At the time that Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, we weren't even living in the United States. We were stationed overseas at Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa, Japan. How on earth could something like this impact me or have an effect on my life? The Gulf Coast has always held a special place in my heart. Mark went to tech school at Keesler AFB, in Biloxi, Missisippi. He was there for 3 months back in 2002...when the casino barges floated on the water, Sharky's was a really cool tourist trap on US 90, Ruby Tuesdays was right on the coast, and antebellum type mansions lined the coastal highway. I visited him several times and since it's only a stone's throw away from New Orleans, we'd hit up the city as well. There was so much charm in that area of the country. Something about it just drew me in. New Orleans at the time was the type of city that you either loved or you'd visit once and proclaim that you once went there. It was a charming, yet completely trashy party city with a bad reputation. I loved it. It rose quickly on my top favorite cities list.
In 2004, we received orders to Kadena AB in Okinawa. Okinawa is in a tropical climate--very much like that of the Gulf Coast. Tropical weather abounds there...including typhoons. What are typhoons? Typhoons are the same exact thing as a hurricane, but in that area of the Pacific, they call them typhoons. In that geographical area, they tend to generate off the coast of Guam or a little bit before and often times pass by or pass right over the island of Okinawa and the rest of the Ryuku Island chain before ending up in China, mainland Japan, the Korean peninsula or even the Philippines. We had been on island for 2 weeks when we went through our first typhoon, which coincidentally was Typhoon Tokage (tow-ka-ghee). It was a category 3 typhoon with it being just shy of a super typhoon. One thing about Japan is that the everyday architecture is really ugly. Everything is made of concrete and the glass on the windows are approximately an inch thick. The locks on sliding glass doors and windows are heavy duty and are actually really heavy. My first impression was, "Really? This place is kinda ugly." But there are 2 things that you will quickly learn: 1) The interiors of Japanese homes are quite beautiful and often breathtaking. It definitely more than makes up for the outsides. 2) Concrete and one-inch thick glass are amazing strong and resilient when battered by typhoons.
In the last week of August 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed full Category 3-force into the Gulf Coast. Entire cities and towns were obliterated and wiped clean. Many people lost their lives, the city of New Orleans nearly drowned itself. The federal, state and local responses were gut wrenchingly wrapped in bureaucratic and political tape. 5 years later, it still is. In the same 30 day window of Katrina, we were graced by 4 typhoons on our little island, one of which was a super typhoon that passed directly over the prefecture capitol of Naha. What's the difference? The difference is that the Japanese learned their lesson well. They don't build out of wood, because it is not structurally strong. They brace their all of their trees, only to lose a few limbs and maybe a tree or two in the really bad storms. I see homes that have been rebuilt on the Gulf Coast and it almost makes me sad...while they may have raised the homes off the foundations, what is going to keep the wind and rain out? Chances are, they would most likely find themselves in a deja vu situation should something like Hurricane Katrina hit again. Don't get me wrong--I'm happy to see the amazing progress that has been made in the past 5 years. In a way, I think that New Orleans has matured a bit. Yes, it's still a bit of a trashy party city, but it has come back strong and is quite clean compared to what it was the first time I went there. I haven't been to Mississippi yet, but I told Mark that the next time we go to New Orleans (most likely February), I'd like to visit and see everything for myself. He's been back and has mentioned how different it is. It too, is cleaner, yet he said that some of the spark that was once there has disappeared.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Shewt
Ah the craziness of life. How fast it can sneak up on you and BAM! You feel like you've been run over all over again. The past 4 weeks have pretty much been a blur. We came home and basically picked up right where we left off. Nothing like hitting the ground running while trying to find your bearings all over again.
Mark has started a new job, like I previously mentioned in my last post. He's done a job very similar to this before when we first moved to Kadena. His hours then were very crazy. He'd leave the house about 6:30am and come home anytime between 7:30 and 10:30pm. It was a really hard adjustment to make, coming from his uber cushy job at Randolph where he'd go in at 8 and be home by 4. Add in a foreign country, a wife that worked 40+ hours herself, a tempermental 2 year old...and well...you get the picture. Our first 18 months in Japan sucked. Sure, the country and the folks were cool, but on the job and home front...it was really hard. Fast forward 6 years. He has the opportunity to do the same kind of job for the next year. I take a look at the bigger picture and I think that I'm pretty lucky considering the other option was for him to be the aide (the guy that travels with the general whenever the general travels). At least I can be selfish enough to have him at home with me. I think that I may have over prepared myself for this. I told myself that the hours would be horrendous and that I would need to really keep myself occupied in order not to dwell on everything. Here's the funny thing: I think I may have done too well in that department. I don't worry about what time he comes home and in fact, half the time, dinner hasn't even been started when he tells me he's on his way. I thought for sure that the kids would be in bed and I'd have time to do homework, work on the piano, etc...but alas, he's actually been home in time to put the kids to bed. I'm definitely not complaining. I'm very grateful.
One thing that has been missing lately is my verbal filter. Apparently, it went by the wayside and hasn't been found yet. I keep finding myself in hot water with people for saying things that I normally wouldn't. Don't get me wrong...I think these things, but usually, I just keep the thoughts to myself. Unfortunately, the part of my brain that tells me to shut up is still on vacation. I've found myself writing and saying things that either get totally misinterpreted and blown out of context or I say something that is true, yet offends. If anyone finds my filter, can you please send it back? I'll happily pay for overnight shipping.
Running. Ah yes, the running. Mark is on his last training run tomorrow. It's not fun training for two events in our household. Because the kids are so little, we can't run together. Gav is WAAAY too old for the jogging stroller (which we don't even own anymore), so we have to swap days. There hasn't been a morning for the past month that has gone by when one of us isn't up at 5:30am heading out the door. Mark gets Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for long runs. I get Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays for my long runs. Since I have the gym membership, I'm more flexible. I hate running on the treadmill, but sometimes (usually either Wednesdays or Thursdays) it has to be done. Sleeping in hasn't been a luxury for us in over 8 years, so luckily, it's something we don't really miss. I was able to switch my race registration from the full marathon to the half marathon. I emailed the race organizers and they were awesome enough to swap me officially. I haven't given up on the idea of a full marathon yet. Something inside is still gnawing at me to do one just for me. I'm not in any hurry though. The 8+ last week was a good butt kicker. We'll see how it goes this week.
So there are the random musings this week. Aside from Gavin throwing up at school on Thursday (yes...it was in his class, in front of everyone, all over his desk and himself), it's been a fairly quiet week. I'm looking forward to Labor Day weekend...no plans and just being able to catch a breath.
Mark has started a new job, like I previously mentioned in my last post. He's done a job very similar to this before when we first moved to Kadena. His hours then were very crazy. He'd leave the house about 6:30am and come home anytime between 7:30 and 10:30pm. It was a really hard adjustment to make, coming from his uber cushy job at Randolph where he'd go in at 8 and be home by 4. Add in a foreign country, a wife that worked 40+ hours herself, a tempermental 2 year old...and well...you get the picture. Our first 18 months in Japan sucked. Sure, the country and the folks were cool, but on the job and home front...it was really hard. Fast forward 6 years. He has the opportunity to do the same kind of job for the next year. I take a look at the bigger picture and I think that I'm pretty lucky considering the other option was for him to be the aide (the guy that travels with the general whenever the general travels). At least I can be selfish enough to have him at home with me. I think that I may have over prepared myself for this. I told myself that the hours would be horrendous and that I would need to really keep myself occupied in order not to dwell on everything. Here's the funny thing: I think I may have done too well in that department. I don't worry about what time he comes home and in fact, half the time, dinner hasn't even been started when he tells me he's on his way. I thought for sure that the kids would be in bed and I'd have time to do homework, work on the piano, etc...but alas, he's actually been home in time to put the kids to bed. I'm definitely not complaining. I'm very grateful.
One thing that has been missing lately is my verbal filter. Apparently, it went by the wayside and hasn't been found yet. I keep finding myself in hot water with people for saying things that I normally wouldn't. Don't get me wrong...I think these things, but usually, I just keep the thoughts to myself. Unfortunately, the part of my brain that tells me to shut up is still on vacation. I've found myself writing and saying things that either get totally misinterpreted and blown out of context or I say something that is true, yet offends. If anyone finds my filter, can you please send it back? I'll happily pay for overnight shipping.
Running. Ah yes, the running. Mark is on his last training run tomorrow. It's not fun training for two events in our household. Because the kids are so little, we can't run together. Gav is WAAAY too old for the jogging stroller (which we don't even own anymore), so we have to swap days. There hasn't been a morning for the past month that has gone by when one of us isn't up at 5:30am heading out the door. Mark gets Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for long runs. I get Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays for my long runs. Since I have the gym membership, I'm more flexible. I hate running on the treadmill, but sometimes (usually either Wednesdays or Thursdays) it has to be done. Sleeping in hasn't been a luxury for us in over 8 years, so luckily, it's something we don't really miss. I was able to switch my race registration from the full marathon to the half marathon. I emailed the race organizers and they were awesome enough to swap me officially. I haven't given up on the idea of a full marathon yet. Something inside is still gnawing at me to do one just for me. I'm not in any hurry though. The 8+ last week was a good butt kicker. We'll see how it goes this week.
So there are the random musings this week. Aside from Gavin throwing up at school on Thursday (yes...it was in his class, in front of everyone, all over his desk and himself), it's been a fairly quiet week. I'm looking forward to Labor Day weekend...no plans and just being able to catch a breath.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
San Antonio Half: Week 3
Distance: 6.1 miles
Time: 1:12:00-ish (my iPod didn't record the run...I saw the timer briefly when I stopped)
Route: A. R. Teague Parkway
I know, I know. I didn't blog last week's run. Last week's run was pretty uneventful, and honestly, I just didn't feel like it. This week, however, is a new week and it's amazing how crazy it really was.
Monday was an interesting day. Mark started a new job on base and I found out that we lost one of the contracts at my work. My boss had once told me that if we were to lose any city contracts, then I may not have a job. Things really didn't get much better during the week. I learned that I pretty much have a job through the end of the year, but that my hours may start getting cut. Hey, a little bit is better than nothing, so I'm okay with that. I also discovered that I had a huge case of "Open Mouth/Insert Foot" on Facebook this week. I think I may need to wean myself off of that place. I'm on there way too much. I said things that hurt people and are not very characteristically me, thus creating unnecessary drama.
Needless to say, I was really looking forward to the long run this week. I know...6 miles really isn't all that long. I was very happy to have my running buddy back this week! It's been 3 months since we've run together! Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating. The heat and humidity have been quite oppressive. The moment you step outside, it's like getting the life sucked right out of you. Before I went to sleep last night, Mark looked at the weather and said, "Man, I feel bad for your run tomorrow." I didn't think much about it and went to sleep. When I got to the parking lot this morning, the heat index was already 90 degrees. It was 5:30am for Pete's sake!! Jenn rolled up and off we went.
I went without tuneage this week and it was nice. Jenn and I chatted and caught up with each other the whole time. She had 7 on tap this morning and I only had 6. I'll catch up to her schedule next week. The humidity was so gross. We were both dripping by the end of our first mile. The sun wasn't even up and I was very happy that we started as early as we did. We both had to take a few walk breaks. I've learned that walking a little is okay. It took me awhile to get out of the mindset of no walking, but I'm finally there.
When we made it back to the parking lot, Jenn turned around and kept going another 1/2 mile. I walked a little cool down and then walked until I caught up with her. Then I jogged the last .3 with her. You can't leave your wingman hanging. She didn't leave me hanging, so there's no way I'd leave her hanging.
So, week 3 is down and 6 is done and over with. On to another week and 7 miles next weekend. :)
Time: 1:12:00-ish (my iPod didn't record the run...I saw the timer briefly when I stopped)
Route: A. R. Teague Parkway
I know, I know. I didn't blog last week's run. Last week's run was pretty uneventful, and honestly, I just didn't feel like it. This week, however, is a new week and it's amazing how crazy it really was.
Monday was an interesting day. Mark started a new job on base and I found out that we lost one of the contracts at my work. My boss had once told me that if we were to lose any city contracts, then I may not have a job. Things really didn't get much better during the week. I learned that I pretty much have a job through the end of the year, but that my hours may start getting cut. Hey, a little bit is better than nothing, so I'm okay with that. I also discovered that I had a huge case of "Open Mouth/Insert Foot" on Facebook this week. I think I may need to wean myself off of that place. I'm on there way too much. I said things that hurt people and are not very characteristically me, thus creating unnecessary drama.
Needless to say, I was really looking forward to the long run this week. I know...6 miles really isn't all that long. I was very happy to have my running buddy back this week! It's been 3 months since we've run together! Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating. The heat and humidity have been quite oppressive. The moment you step outside, it's like getting the life sucked right out of you. Before I went to sleep last night, Mark looked at the weather and said, "Man, I feel bad for your run tomorrow." I didn't think much about it and went to sleep. When I got to the parking lot this morning, the heat index was already 90 degrees. It was 5:30am for Pete's sake!! Jenn rolled up and off we went.
I went without tuneage this week and it was nice. Jenn and I chatted and caught up with each other the whole time. She had 7 on tap this morning and I only had 6. I'll catch up to her schedule next week. The humidity was so gross. We were both dripping by the end of our first mile. The sun wasn't even up and I was very happy that we started as early as we did. We both had to take a few walk breaks. I've learned that walking a little is okay. It took me awhile to get out of the mindset of no walking, but I'm finally there.
When we made it back to the parking lot, Jenn turned around and kept going another 1/2 mile. I walked a little cool down and then walked until I caught up with her. Then I jogged the last .3 with her. You can't leave your wingman hanging. She didn't leave me hanging, so there's no way I'd leave her hanging.
So, week 3 is down and 6 is done and over with. On to another week and 7 miles next weekend. :)
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