Monthly Archives: October 2008

Pushing It Palin-Style

Posted on by Run DMT
6

During one of our water breaks on our long Sunday runs, Tiffany asked me what time I put down on the application for the Disney Marathon. 

 

“Well, if I run at my slowest pace of 11 minute miles, that’s 55 minutes to run 5 miles.  Given that pace, I figure I should finish it in about 5 hours, right?”

 

“Good!  That’s what I thought, too!” Tiffany replied.  “My goal is to beat Katie Holmes’s time: 5:29:58.”

 

“Oh we could so beat her!”  We’ll kick Katie Holmes’s a$$!”

 

Then, this past week, Tiffany asked me if I knew that Palin ran a marathon.

 

“Palin ran a marathon?”

 

“Yeah, it was in Runner World.  Her time was 3:59:36.”

 

“How old was she?  Wow.  The other Denise was right.  She is a super woman.  She is a machine, but I still ain’t voting for her.”

 

I began to visualize Palin running a marathon along the icy polar caps of Alaska while holding a rifle and shooting baby seals.  How does a mother of five and a governor find time to train for a marathon?  How can she be that fast?  She simply can not be human.

 

 

My training trance was abruptly interrupted when Lori commented on how my pace suddenly picked up a bit. 

 

“Well, I thought we only had to be Katie Holmes.  Now, I have to beat Palin’s time!”

 

Indeed, Palin did run a marathon at the fabulous age of 41.  She ranked 15th place in her division and 63rd out of 203 runners.

 

If I can’t beat her time in January or February, then it’s something for me to strive when I hit the big 4-0!

 

Other Politicians Who Have Run Marathons

  • George W. Bush, Houston Marathon 1993 (3:44:52)
  • Michael Dukakis, Governor of Massachusetts, Boston Marathon 1951 (3:31:00)
  • John Edwards, Marine Corps Marathon 1983 (3:30:18)
  • Bill Frist, Marine Corps Marathon 1997 (4:54:36)
  • Al Gore, Marine Corps Marathon 1997 (4:58:25) :-)
  • Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas, Little Rock Marathon 2005 (4:39:04)
  • Tom Vilsack, Governor of Iowa, Little Rock Marathon 2005 (5:28:39)
  •  Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Marine Corps Marathon (3:11:xx) 1979

 

Celebrities Times I have to Beat

  • Katie Holmes, New York City Marathon 2007 (5:29:58)
  • Oprah Winfrey, Marine Corps Marathon 1994 (4:29:20)    
  • Will Ferrell, Boston Marathon 2003 (3:56:12) -As if I could run that fast!  LOL
  • David Lee Roth, New York City Marathon 1987 (6:04:43) – I could so kick his rocking a$$!
  • Mario López, Saved by the Bell, Boston Marathon 2002 (5:41:41)

Sunday Running Log #9

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Yesterday, I met Tiffany and Lori for my weekly long run and the humidity choked us.  I struggled to finish 10.42 miles in 1:55. 

 

Since next Sunday, I will be competing in the Longleaf Triathlon, Tiffany and I probably meet on Monday for our long run.  Hopefully, I will have energy to run 11 miles the next day after the tri.

 

Mondays are my yoga days and I really need it today.  My body is incredibly stiff and screaming to be stretched.

Why Even Tri?

Posted on by Run DMT
6

Upon reading my posts, you may have gathered that I am a highly motivated, goal-oriented person.  My friends and loved ones will attest to the contagiousness of my energy and enthusiastic spirit.  My positive attitude combined with strong ambition fuel my ability to accomplish my goals and dreams.

 

This past weekend, my family and I went to my nephew’s 2nd birthday party.  An old friend of my SIL’s also attended the party.  She has been training for triathlons some time and I was excited to pick her brain about our shared interest in the sport.

 

I proudly told her about my latest endeavors and she snidely remarks, “Those aren’t real triathlons.  If you aren’t swimming 2 miles and feel like you are going to die, then you’ve not done a real tri.”

 

Talk about crushing someone’s spirit!  That’s like telling someone who runs 5K, “You’re not a real runner unless you run a marathon.”

 

Even in my shock, I scripted a pretty decent rebuttal.  “I believe a triathlon is defined by completing 3 physical activities: swim, bike and run.  If we went around the room and polled everyone, I think you would find everyone’s response to include those three things.  And, yes, technically it is only a sprint, but it feels like a REAL triathlon to me.  And despite what you may think, I do feel like I am going to die during and after, but I love it!  It’s not about the distance for me, but the challenge and trying to compete against my own time.”

 

With a stunned expression, she replied “Well, I compete against myself as well, but I don’t event like triathlons.”

 

“Then, why do you even do them?”

 

“I do them because my friends convinced me to do it, but I don’t like them.”

 

“So, you caved to peer pressure?  Interesting.”

 

The longer I spoke with her, the more my blood began to boil.  I realize I am no Hollie Kenney, but I do best and I am damn proud of what I do!  The other athletes I have met at the various races have been so supportive and encouraging.  My friends and family applaud my achievements and in turn, I celebrate their hard-work too.  Where did this chick come off?

 

To avoid an ugly scene turning even uglier, I took a few deep cleansing breaths and escaped to the patio to discuss politics with my BIL.  Discussing Obama over a beer would make me feel better.

Loopy for Longleaf

Posted on by Run DMT
1

As previously mentioned, I have a sponsor flipping the bill for me to compete in the Longleaf Triathlon on Sunday, October 19.  This sprint consists of a 1/4 mile swim, 9 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run.  

 

Did I happen to mention that the 1/4 mile swim is in a LAKE?  See, here in Florida, we don’t have your typical freshwater lakes like ya’ll do up north.  We have mucky, green algae cesspools where water moccasins and alligators live.  However, I’m not so worried about the creatures getting me as the microscopic critters and Killer Amoeba that may find its way into my nose.  I just hope my swim cap helps keep the brain eating organisms out of my ears.

 

As for my training,  I missed my long Sunday run this week because my family and I spent the day at Sea World (more about that later).  On Monday, I was too hung over tired to even think about any kind of work-out. 

 

On Tuesday, I ran 4.03 miles in 40:44 in the dark early morning.  From the sewers, I heard gurgling noises of an angry clown.  Either the sewer maintenance men only retrieved part of him or they really pissed him off which caused him to make those unearthly sounds.

 

 

Wednesday morning, my DH left early for work, which meant no run for me.  Instead, I kick boxed with my BFF, Sharon Mann. 

 

Today, I squeezed in some triathlon training, by running 4.12 miles in 41:16 and biking 10:13 miles in 44:45.  Not the greatest time, but at least I didn’t fall off my bike.

 

Friday, I will run another short distance 4-5 miles.  Saturday, I would like run a short distance (~2 miles) and swim 12 laps.

Racing for a Cure: Race Day

Posted on by Run DMT
2

 

Marathon Moms

Last Saturday, my fellow Marathon Moms and I ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Wanting to capture all the Kodak moments, I decided to run with my camera and I am so glad I did!  What a fun and gorgeous race!  Since I was running while snapping pictures, some of the photos were blurry.  

 

Here are some of the highlights of the race…

 

A crowd of over 11,000 people waited at the starting line.

 

 

Running along St. Pete Pier at sunrise was breathtaking!

 

 

For the 10K run,  the course continued through Downtown St. Petersburg.  Our local Tampabays 10 News Team cheered for all the runners as we sprinted by and I couldn’t resist giving them all a High-5.  Reginald Roundtree smiled, but the other anchors looked at me like I was crazy.  I don’t have a picture of that moment or the looks they gave me, so you’ll just have to take my word on it.  

 

I always liked Reginald.

 

 

Coming around the bend, I passed Lori.

 

Snapping photos may have slowed down my pace a little, but it made it more memorable.  I finished the race in 55:02.

 

Tiffany crossed the finish line still looking fabulous…

 

 

 

and I looked like a drowned rat!

 

 

 

Lori was close behind, but somehow we lost Gina and Leslie in the crowd.

 

 

After the race, we posed for one more quick pic at Vinoy Park

 

 

BTW…My sister, Simone, and her friend, Ula, were also at the race.  I never ran into them at the race, but I did spot them on the news.  

 

Races are always fun, but even more fun with friends!  Knowing we were supporting a great cause in more ways than one made the effort all the more better.

Go Bulls!

Posted on by Run DMT
3

It’s been years since I have been to a football game, but somehow, last week I was lucky enough to attend TWO in one week!  Unfortunately, Allan couldn’t join me for the USF game, so I spent the evening with my sister and her fiancé, Matt, who hooked us up with Miller Lite Party Deck tickets!  A Bulls game and free beer!  Life is good! 

 

 

My friends Erika, John, Kelly and Tom also attended the game and were nice enough to give me a ride home after all the free beer.

 

 

When we arrived at Tampa Stadium, I stared at the crowd from the backseat of Kelly and Tom’s car, which made me feel really old.  The tailgating USF students were so young.  As I gazed at them reminiscing about my college days, I realized that I was holding my purse in my lap, like an old lady.  Suddenly I got the urge to offer the young whippersnappers a hard candy mint out of my bag or a wadded tissue from my wristwatch.

 

USF apparel has really improved over the years since I attended college.  I loved all the trendy halter tops and tube tops I saw at the game.  I even complimented one gal on her USF tube top.  

 

“Girrrrrl, it’s a cut-up man’s shirt!” she proudly proclaimed and then spun around to point at the knotted shirt pulled tightly across her back.  My sister and I looked at each other with look of surprise.  Although we were impressed with her creativity, we were more taken back by her Joy Tuner impression and her response to my inquiry was more rehearsed than Palin’s scripted debate responses.

 

 

Later that evening and after a few rounds of our free beers, Simone and I had to visit the ladies room.  From our stalls, we heard Joy Turner repeat once again the same rehearsed response to another tube top admirer.  Simone and I tinkled and giggled.

 

 

The fans may have looked good, but too bad the Bulls couldn’t put it off with style and grace in the end.  Final score to Pittsburg: 21-26

Battle of the Bays

Posted on by Run DMT
Reply

My DH and I went to our FIRST Bucs game two Sundays ago: Green Bay v. Tampa Bay.  I have been to other games, but my Scottie hubby had never been to an American football game.  Now, he is completely hooked! 

 

 

At half time, we had a few beers with our friends Laura, Bob and Ximena who were also at the game.  

 


 

 

 

 

Laura and I also met tried to kiss some very interesting devoted Bucs fans.  

 

 

After the game, Allan and I enjoyed watching the Bucs fans taunt all the Cheeseheads.  Bucs won 30-21!  GO BUCS!!!  Too bad they couldn’t score another win against the Colts this week (13-16).

 

Barack the Vote

Posted on by Run DMT
5

As in previous elections, Florida votes are critical.  With Floridians being such a crucial piece in this political puzzle, many politicians follow the campaign trail down to the Sunshine State.

 

A couple of weeks ago, Barrack Obama visited Florida and stopped in Dunedin for a quick rally.  Given that this election is such a historical event in more ways than one, I asked my oldest daughter, Allana, if she wanted to join me at the Obama rally.  Allana has been studying the branches of government, the candidates and the election process in school and this first-hand experience provided a wonderful learning opportunity for her.

 

 

Although the doors opened at 10:30, we arrived around 9:30.  At that time, the line to enter the stadium was already half a mile long.  As we waited in line 3 hours, the line continued to grow approximately another half mile behind us.  Knology Park stadium has approximately 5,000 seats, but it has been estimated that 10,000 people attempted to attend Obama’s Dunedin rally and many supporters were turned away.

 

As Allana finished some homework, I chatted with people around us.  The crowd was very diverse.  Young and old, black and white, college students, working people, retired folks, homosexuals, heterosexuals, liberal and conservatives all rallied together to hear the solutions the next President of the United States offered to fix our country.

 

The rally began with a non-denominational prayer and the pledge.  Despite the stereotypical assumptions often made by conservatives, it demonstrated that Democrats are spiritual and patriotic.

 

Local politicians (the mayor of Dunedin and the CFO of) and a volunteer for the Obama campaign gave short speeches prior to Obama’s arrival to the podium.

 

Allana was so moved by the whole experience that she wanted to create a sign to capture her feelings about the whole scene.  If you read it carefully, she wrote “I love B.O.”  With a stadium jammed with 6,000 sweaty Obama supporters, there was certainly a lot of that!

 

 

Political rallies always make me chuckle, because they remind me of the football pep rallies during my high school years.  Politicians often use words like “We need to shake them up!” or “Those politicians didn’t keep their eyes on the ball.”  Obama was no exception and the enthusiasm of the crowd was intoxicating.

 

His talking points were the same issues he shared during the first presidential debate and once again, Obama’s presence was very presidential.  He was articulate and I believe he will represent America well.

 

 

After the Obama rally, I had considered voting early.  Voting early will help avoid a repeat of the 2000 election.  Plus, the temptation to vote early offers a lot of appeal to any mom because we can avoid waiting in long lines with whining children.    Although, I realize the importance for my children to witness democracy in action as I model my civic duty when voting, waiting an hour or so in line with screaming children in tow to vote can deflate anyone’s patriotic passion. 

 

Somehow, I avoided procrastinated voting early.  Honestly, I don’t know if I will vote for Obama because I don’t believe Obama represents the true left of the Democratic Party.  If I voted today, I would cast my vote for Cynthia McKinney of the Green Party.  

 

 

However, with an election so close, Obama could lose the election because of my vote.  I want to vote my conscious but I realize I may need to vote my party on Election Day to help Obama defeat McCain.

 

Racing for a Cure, Part 2

Posted on by Run DMT
4

Five o’clock came early this morning and it was a struggle to get out of bed.  But somehow I managed to find the energy to run 6.25 miles in exactly an hour early this morning.

 

This morning’s run called for some creativity to make the distance.  I simply could not run the same one mile lap 6 times.  How boring!  Cautiously, I attempted the mile long sidewalk along the boulevard to see how my knee would do.  I haven’t run on the pavement since I hurt my knee last August, but today thankfully there was no pain!

 

Trying to rack up the miles, I ran through neighborhoods I normally save for Sunday’s run, which are very creepy in the dark.  I never noticed before that there are no streetlights along the cypress swamps.  Perhaps, the swamp creatures would confuse a streetlamp for the moon.  As I ran pass the spooky swamps, I was terrified that an angry alligator would eat or a vicious armadillo would attack me.  I believe that my time sped up as I passed the swamps, but I was too afraid to stop and look at my Garmin in the dark to know for sure.

 

It finally feels like fall in Florida!  The weather was gorgeous this morning and perfect weather for running!  As I scurried by the sewers, a wall of warm air hit me which put a damper of my fall fun run.  I am convinced that warm air is the hot breath of a scary clown lurking down in the sewers. 

 

 

I also used this morning’s run to test out my new running skirt, which I bought on clearance yesterday at Target.  I purchased the black skirt with pink trim specifically for Saturday’s race.  It will compliment my Mom on the Go sport bra cami so nicely!

 

 

My running partner, Tiffany, had a similar skirt, but it kept slipping off her hips during one of our long Sunday runs.  This poor girl had to continually pull her skirt up during the entire 10 miles, which is why I wanted to give my new skirt a test run.  Fortunately, I did not have the same problem as Tiffany.  I suppose my big ol’ booty bodacious badunkadunk helped keep my skirt in place.  But, I’ll wear some black granny panties on Saturday just in case it slips a bit.  The black undies will fool others into thinking it’s part of the skirt. ;-)

 

This morning, I even summoned enough energy for a 9.30 mile bike ride in 41:44.  I am definitely getting better about falling off the bike.  When I stopped for a water break during my ride, I used the curb as a step stool and it helped my balance on the bike.  Unfortunately, the cars were not giving way to me and it was making me really nervous.  At one point, I lost control and fell, but luckily I aimed for the grass.  No road rash today!

 

Mixed in with the morning commuter traffic was the county’s sewage works department cleaning out the sewers.  A long hose extended from a truck into a manhole.  I really hope they suck out the clown.  This must be a big job, because there were 6 men working on finding the clown.  Which made me think of a joke…

 

How many men does it take to clean the sewers? 

 

Six.  One to drive the truck, one to hold the hose and four others to smile at the pretty lady with the big ol’  badunkadunk on the bike as she rides by. :-)  

 

Although, it’s not really a joke.  The men did smile at me when I past them and since my new running skirt stayed in place, baby has got some serious back!

Racing for a Cure

Posted on by Run DMT
1

Keeping with my at least one race a month goal, I am running in the 10K Race for the Cure this Saturday.  I find that committing to a race helps keep me on track with my marathon training schedule.  

 

This morning, I ran 4.11 miles in 38:06.  Tomorrow, I plan to run 6 miles and hopefully, I can also squeeze a 10 mile bike ride before my DH leaves work. 

 

As of today, I am also officially training for the Longleaf Triathlon, because, my friend, Michele D. and her fabulous hubby, Jim, seem to have found me a sugar daddy sponsor to pay for my Longleaf Triathlon registration.  So, it looks like I have 2 races to prepare for this month!