tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970155800526899242024-03-05T04:49:14.565-06:00Pink McGarveyCasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-47958642251417817002010-04-26T09:42:00.000-05:002010-04-26T09:42:20.091-05:00LoneStar - Quick UpdateCASSIE MCGARVEY<br />
SWIM BIKE RUN OVERALL RANK DIV.POS. <br />
<br />
50:48 3:16:33 2:09:40 6:23:12 837 809 <br />
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LEG DISTANCE PACE RANK DIV.POS. <br />
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TOTAL SWIM 1.2 mi. (50:48) 2:40/100m 1032 996 <br />
BIKE SPLIT 1: 28 mi 28 mi (1:38:46) 17.01 mph <br />
<br />
BIKE SPLIT 2: 56 mi 28 mi (1:37:47) 17.18 mph <br />
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BIKE END: 56 mi 3:16:33 17.09 mph 971 935 <br />
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RUN SPLIT 1: 3.275 mi 3.275 mi (30:14) 9:13/mi <br />
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RUN SPLIT 2: 6.55 mi 3.275 mi (32:56) 10:03/mi <br />
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RUN SPLIT 3: 9.8 mi 3.275 mi (34:25) 10:30/mi <br />
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RUN SPLIT 4: 13.1 mi 3.275 mi (32:05) 9:47/mi <br />
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TOTAL RUN 13.1 mi. (2:09:40) 9:53/mile 837 809 <br />
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TRANSITION TIME <br />
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T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE 2:59 <br />
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T2: BIKE-TO-RUN 3:12Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-15536423126498577432010-04-16T15:39:00.000-05:002010-04-16T15:39:19.015-05:00Be What You DreamI discovered my love of Frank Turner last October whenever he opened for Flogging Molly. Seriously, who doesn't love a Brit with a tattoo in the shape of Texas -- yes, I'm completely serious. All of his songs have great lyrics, but below is one of my favorites (Journey of the Magi). It takes a great songwriter to include Moses, Odysseus and Balthazar in a song. <br />
<em></em><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Moses was old, chill in his bones</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Falling apart, he knew in his heart</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>His time had come.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>He lay in his tent, on hot desert sand</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>He smiled at how he would never see</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>His Promised Land</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>He sang "I could've lived and died an Egyptian Prince, </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Could've played safe</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>In the end, journeys brought joys that outweighed the pain.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em><em> </em><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Odysseus sat, tired and alone </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Always held out against all the doubt that </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>He would come home</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Now he was here so found it strange</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>His wife and his dog, his son and his gods</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>And everything changed</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>He sang "I could have stayed and ruled an Ithican Prince</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Could've played safe</strong>"</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>In the end, journeys brought joys that outweighed the pain.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em><em> </em><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Now, Balthazar rode for seven long years</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Eastwards and far, he followed his star</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>And it brought him here.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>A stable in ruins, some backwater town</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>To a Virgin defiled, no king but a Child</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Too small for a crown</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>He sang "I could've lived with my gods as a Persian Prince,</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Could've played safe."</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Paupers and kings, princes and thieves</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Singers of songs, righters of wrongs</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>What you believe.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Saddle your horse, shoulder your load</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Burst at the seam, <strong>be what you dreamed</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>And take to the road.</em> </div><br />
</div></div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-51239387753677712222010-04-15T15:32:00.000-05:002010-04-15T15:32:06.619-05:00CompetitionIt can be good, right? In discussing this with my tri-friends this weekend, I realized that there are two types of competitive people - 1) the type that race to win (i.e., beat others - especially those with whom they train) and base everything on the rankings in the race; and 2) those who are competitive with themselves and like to use other's performances as a benchmark. For me, if a training buddy does well, that's awesome! If we are training together (at the same pace), then it means that I should be able to do that to - or vice versa.<br />
<br />
I'll admit, I like to use my friends as benchmarks. For instance, <a href="http://christysiiigh.blogspot.com/">Christy</a> and <a href="http://www.kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/">Kathleen</a> both had great races on Saturday at Gateway to the Bay. In fact, I think that Christy may have had her best race ever - I'm still wondering when she got so fast. It makes me happy to see them do well - because it means that I can as well - even if they are both much better swimmers than me. <br />
<br />
So, for Gateway, I decided to 'game' the system and register as an Athena. My goal was to see if I could place. And that I did. I walked away with a first place finish.... and, a run split that was absolutely fabulous. My average pace for the run was a 7:42 (I think, definitely in the 7:40s). I KNOW that this would've been a 5k PR for me... who'd have thought that I'd ever see 7s by my run time... And, I was quite pleased to know that I would've been competitive in my age group as well - granted, I would've had to chase Kathleen down... but, this way, we both win AND we both get rewarded for good races. <br />
<br />
Anyway, as for the competition, I think that I'll keep it. I like my version of competition. For me, its about having fun and doing my best. And, I really don't see the problem of using others as benchmarks. Seriously, if they can do it, why can't I. <br />
<br />
End of the day, competition is a way of life. Yes, I am the type that believes that kids should not receive participant trophies -- you gotta teach the kiddos at a young age that there are winners and losers and that people will be ranked. Those are the facts of life. I do think that it is a delicate balance. Everyone needs to be pushed to be at the top but everyone also needs to learn to fail. You can't be a big fish in a small pond forever...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-21181237568141760972010-04-07T13:29:00.000-05:002010-04-07T13:29:32.463-05:00Remind me...I'm just having a minor freak out... I'm doing a HIM in just over <strong>two</strong> weeks and I don't think I'm really trained...<br />
<br />
- I didn't do my long run this weekend.<br />
- The Good Friday bike ride in Brenham was fun but really didn't seem like training. <br />
- I didn't do a long bike the weekend before last.<br />
- I haven't worked out at all the last 4 days... maybe this is the one that is scaring me...hmmm.... <br />
<br />
Here's the schedule for the rest of the week: <br />
<br />
<strong>Tonight</strong> - hard bike ride on the trainer followed by a 3-4 mile run through the neighborhood. <br />
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<strong>Thursday </strong>- hard swim with Del in the morning and Tour de Bayou + in the evening (10-11 miles)<br />
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<strong>Friday</strong> - Lake Sharks (haven't been in a wetsuit since IMFL)<br />
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<strong>Saturday</strong> - Gateway to the Bay Sprint Tri (I'm registered as an Athena and am hoping to place); I will likely try to get in an easy run on Saturday afternoon/evening<br />
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<strong>Sunday </strong>- bike at race pace in Galveston - this will be interesting... i'll training is now being done on the road bike...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-88874368448975050492010-03-30T08:02:00.000-05:002010-03-30T08:02:25.086-05:00West End RideYup, just a little behind here - but, I wanted to make sure to post this...<br />
<br />
On Thursday, Kathleen, Kim and I did the West End ride for the first time. In passing emails throughout the day, we all thought that we'd be dropped like nothing else - which kinda happened when we were stopped at <em>every </em>light through downtown. In all - it was a fun ride...<br />
<br />
Perhaps the funniest part of the night happened at a red light in the med center. I'd been having problems clipping in with my left foot so I decided to try the right. As we were waiting for the light to change, I inexplicably started shifting to the left and, in slow motion, fell. There was a 60ish year old lady and her son in the car next to me. The look of horror on her face was funny (in hindsight). The window slowly rolls down and she asks, "Baby, are you okay? How far do you have left to ride? You must be exhausted." Someone told her that we had about 10 miles left. "Oh, my! That is crazy. That poor girl is exhausted. Baby, are you gonna make it back. 10 miles is a long way." As I picked up my pride, I smiled and said that I was fine. The whole thing still makes me laugh.<br />
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Oh, West End ride, Black Betty (my road bike), thanks you. She's been feeling a bit resentful as she's been confined to the trainer in the living room. After that ride, I'm taking off the clip on aerobars and bringing her back to her glory days as a road bike. I even cleaned her drive train last night -- good lord she needed it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJUsEPYnUIl1qw4qO8jSP7abBgZHGomLqfukAs68lSnHT7bCsdEl7J-wmigOVxN101I9NYG8BLwl-OcWrx_xB9NrpYTnU-DaY2H1L1Z-iGvc1pps9kRhsuD6CJyjm48YYp9oMZkOQLpKv/s1600/26182_423118778227_676148227_5425118_3911426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJUsEPYnUIl1qw4qO8jSP7abBgZHGomLqfukAs68lSnHT7bCsdEl7J-wmigOVxN101I9NYG8BLwl-OcWrx_xB9NrpYTnU-DaY2H1L1Z-iGvc1pps9kRhsuD6CJyjm48YYp9oMZkOQLpKv/s320/26182_423118778227_676148227_5425118_3911426_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kathleen, Kim and I after the "epic" 18 mile ride</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-60249514095027775202010-03-28T21:47:00.000-05:002010-03-28T21:47:58.558-05:00Bluebonnet ExpressOr Simple Rules to Follow When Doing an Organized Ride.<br />
Or Don't Be Rude. <br />
<br />
1. <strong>Wait your turn. </strong>When starting the ride, wait for your route to be called. When the organizer calls for those who are biking the 70 mile route, don't start if you are only doing 40. This is for your own good. Although, you may think that it is a) unfair for those doing the longer ride to get an early start; b) unneccessary for you to have to wait; or, c) doesn't matter because you are important and need to be done riding early, <em>don't do it</em>! Out of respect for all that is holy, <strong>wait your freakin' turn.</strong> This really does help the organizers and volunteers direct traffic along the route. When the shorter routes have a turn only 3 miles into the course while the longer routes go straight, the volunteers don't expect the need to direct your 40 mile self to the turn when <em>you weren't even supposed to have started yet</em>. <br />
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2. <strong>Be alert</strong>. So, you didn't follow number 1 and are now starting out with the 70 milers. In this case, don't rely on the volunteers to direct you -- you aren't supposed to be at this turn for another 10-15 minutes. Also, when you've missed the turn, pay attention to the riders around you. <em>Don't turn left directly into someone</em>. Pay attention when people are trying to call out to you. <br />
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3. <strong>Don't Be a Jack@ass. </strong>Whenever you do turn into someone and cause a crash, you need to see if that person is okay. Under no circumstancs is it acceptable to pick yourself up, quickly apologize and then head out to your short 40 mile route while the person you hit after breaking the above rules is still on the ground. Don't be that guy... No one likes that guy... you might think that its okay because no one knows that it was you -- you made a "clean" getaway but, your day will come. Karma is a beatch... <br />
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As much as I may be complaining, and yes, I am... I'm still pissed. Not that it screwed up my ride, but because now I'm paying for it -- literally. I JUST bought a new helmet 3 weeks ago. My gorgeous new pink helmet is done. That said, it did its job and it has the cracks and crumples to prove it (and I have the no loss of consciousness to go with it). Also, I paid 35 bucks to ride 3 miles... kinda ridiculous. Finally, I know there will be some cost for a bike repair. I managed to take a pretty nice chunk out of my aerobars and am hoping that Andrew at Tri on the Run can just tape over it (or something)... That said, if you add in my bottle of water, a ride in the sag hummer, a nice chat with the fabulous ride marshalls from the Clay Walker Cycling Team, a Waller police officer, and the Waller EMS - it was 35 dollars well spent considering the circumstances. As an aside, the EMS paramedics noted that I was in excellant shape and were quite impressed with my low 50s heart rate. Also, I got to spend some time in the massage tent. When getting back to the ride start, I had some time to kill. (I'd carpooled and was waiting for the crew to get back; then decided to take James on his offer to come get me). <br />
<br />
To end on a positive note, this ride has excellent support and is a first rate event by <a href="http://www.northwestcyclery.com/">Northwest Cyclery</a>. This is the same group that does Katy Flatlands in June. Although, I did enjoy Katy Flatlands more, it had nothing to do with the ride organization -- in June, only the "real" riders are out there -- all of the MS150-only riders are gone. Also, the ride marshalls were beyond caring. The group of marshalls that helped me were from <a href="http://www.bandagainstms.org/">Band Against MS</a>, a group that likes to eat, drink, and ride. I cannot thank these people enough for taking care of me. <br />
<br />
In sum, I'm fine. I wasn't hurt; just a bit shaken up and had (and still have) a bit of a headache. And, even though I didn't finish the ride, Kathleen still gave me a brownie.. :-)Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-5619148246153823332010-03-26T16:03:00.001-05:002010-03-26T16:05:03.686-05:00I'm Registered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbeJQ2kOX-oZATV9wDPNogZq01beFSqskAMVW-p2Fm4rdZN0hxb5_SgLT7vWADLntNaqlnRJqGCg6Yvf9HNEVPp6aeS101EJr4Pj2v-CRL-L8uA_YfVpnNlzifKvFvtENcKJUrrg4uhyphenhyphenT/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbeJQ2kOX-oZATV9wDPNogZq01beFSqskAMVW-p2Fm4rdZN0hxb5_SgLT7vWADLntNaqlnRJqGCg6Yvf9HNEVPp6aeS101EJr4Pj2v-CRL-L8uA_YfVpnNlzifKvFvtENcKJUrrg4uhyphenhyphenT/s320/untitled.bmp" /></a></div><br />
Truth be told, I'm looking for a HUGE PR and think that its possible. For my first (and only) HIM at Longhorn in 2008, one could say that I was undertrained. Truthfully, I was <strong>un</strong>trained and <a href="http://www.windypossibilities.blogspot.com/">Heather</a>, Kim, and Ingrid will confirm this fact. Prior to the race, I did one 50 mile bike ride, two hilly rides of about 30 miles each (and complained the entire time), one brick, minimal open water swims, and maybe swam 1600 meters in a workout twice. Considering that, I was pretty darn happy to finish in just over 8 hours (46 minute swim; 4 hour bike; 3 hour run). <br />
<br />
Now, I'm biking and running better than ever. Deep down, I know my capabilities. My goal is to push them to the max on race day... I'll post the numbers as we get closer to race day.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-5866565404364395212010-03-24T23:44:00.000-05:002010-03-24T23:44:41.095-05:00I went out on a school night...and had a very good time. Congrats to James (not the hubby James) for passing his final exam to be a nursing assistant. <br />
<br />
I met up with some good friends tonight at the Petrol Station. Yes, it is in that great unknown of outside the loop; however, after a few Bombshell Blondes, everything was a-ok...<br />
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And, because I NEVER post pictures (a fact of which I was reminded tonight).. here are some photos from tonight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpXWrBn-CEH9r6jI2-K1JpIf3b__zJGokj2RRTetAYrDvv2GQvLAok4Gr7NOlgvG46nydFH9DcUe0p6ApwMCQ6sDycGRtTt2u67VL_NpUbJ5jd7Fznk_1gagRc5BTD4_KncMExzG3n_c9/s1600/DSCN0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpXWrBn-CEH9r6jI2-K1JpIf3b__zJGokj2RRTetAYrDvv2GQvLAok4Gr7NOlgvG46nydFH9DcUe0p6ApwMCQ6sDycGRtTt2u67VL_NpUbJ5jd7Fznk_1gagRc5BTD4_KncMExzG3n_c9/s320/DSCN0749.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ashley and Lee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0HIYmMF2PseHVUG1tIkeiovdZFJfRjRCgNxe24E7Gyv6GGXKzEIm87jK9YYV8r-MIc5FaqI-_Q9Ghe3qI3gy7cbxRzlgiFX7m3PtnmpVpfOVa4rB4t86LikrfuYNJIOnPJHVpT8H59vY/s1600/DSCN0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0HIYmMF2PseHVUG1tIkeiovdZFJfRjRCgNxe24E7Gyv6GGXKzEIm87jK9YYV8r-MIc5FaqI-_Q9Ghe3qI3gy7cbxRzlgiFX7m3PtnmpVpfOVa4rB4t86LikrfuYNJIOnPJHVpT8H59vY/s320/DSCN0756.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James - the celebrant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhbWL98b7QvH7gb8nxiiaGLYSnf047XGlDuv34Zbk8vStbcuByjuAuxSt37rMNetVgWFzdTz6ufWdtcnFcGIEW7JDOhKR5vK2ugDJSp-sAyOhDu1D4utJqt5eucBBfw2_EpXIkhAb-Qxq/s1600/DSCN0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhbWL98b7QvH7gb8nxiiaGLYSnf047XGlDuv34Zbk8vStbcuByjuAuxSt37rMNetVgWFzdTz6ufWdtcnFcGIEW7JDOhKR5vK2ugDJSp-sAyOhDu1D4utJqt5eucBBfw2_EpXIkhAb-Qxq/s320/DSCN0757.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matt and Diana</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqL3hNnwBw8GjBp8cbl8HXND7J8bWAij-4bSOaUHWS9_uqxedClmS_TccdVDHuU1TJW8jcyPG0X3ZaPVVmobi8V2hyrKgIH68XhDv_3woGEyoP0Oi0R7hVX7VsdvTC671EAvPcE3M83Ti/s1600/DSCN0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqL3hNnwBw8GjBp8cbl8HXND7J8bWAij-4bSOaUHWS9_uqxedClmS_TccdVDHuU1TJW8jcyPG0X3ZaPVVmobi8V2hyrKgIH68XhDv_3woGEyoP0Oi0R7hVX7VsdvTC671EAvPcE3M83Ti/s320/DSCN0758.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Diana and James (whom the bar called Bearded James)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtOgsNCwUY6rZizljjiBYoZIl9W-pumZyybJvunVXZnV6U-KJh7shg-F2jog8y_Q8HwjdjbbWv4-psiqNpAEdfe4RmfNn4IeXZNmOgoSx_IQkX0n4fuYPeUpOYzlai6Flbel0B5Sfgiud/s1600/DSCN0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtOgsNCwUY6rZizljjiBYoZIl9W-pumZyybJvunVXZnV6U-KJh7shg-F2jog8y_Q8HwjdjbbWv4-psiqNpAEdfe4RmfNn4IeXZNmOgoSx_IQkX0n4fuYPeUpOYzlai6Flbel0B5Sfgiud/s320/DSCN0762.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of the peeps</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPhUSVWgEN26ldpxFqY7Uk8btXLXyyUrXa7KH-uRr2BBIAZFPMXIpktwScn5_xo7TJyoUEQcw2OsHoloOyekuUCNR1pTKBAdx-oH6yMcgSTX8hQ6e-kgo_dy_F5s7Y0yT3g0YYhHdtIhN/s1600/DSCN0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPhUSVWgEN26ldpxFqY7Uk8btXLXyyUrXa7KH-uRr2BBIAZFPMXIpktwScn5_xo7TJyoUEQcw2OsHoloOyekuUCNR1pTKBAdx-oH6yMcgSTX8hQ6e-kgo_dy_F5s7Y0yT3g0YYhHdtIhN/s320/DSCN0763.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This made me laugh...</div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-54192312335536394302010-03-10T22:32:00.000-06:002010-03-10T22:32:34.038-06:00Not always equitableI'll admit it - I like my career. I like being a lawyer [insert bad joke here]. For the most part, the law is about being equitable and fair. Even when I was doing personal injury defense, the goal wasn't to keep some poor worker from getting money; it was making sure that everything was fair. That said, if your accident was your fault, then you shouldn't get anything. (oh, another little secret, I kinda miss going out on the ships and meeting the various crewmembers. Apparently, there typically aren't any real estate emergencies like that.) <br />
<br />
Anyway, most times, the goal of the law is to put things right or the way that they should have been (i.e., I tear down your house, I should have to rebuild your house and put you up in a hotel while it is being built). But, this just topic just hit me the wrong way --- employer-employee liability. When should an employer be held liable for the intentional acts of his employees? On this topic, the law does not seem consistent or always fair. Here are a few examples:<br />
<br />
A. I get into an accident with a bus driver who is on duty and driving the bus. While exchanging information, he hits me. Is the bus company liable? <br />
<br />
B. Door man at the new hip club tells two men that they aren't allowed in yet. During the discussion, the doorman hits one of the men. Is the club liable?<br />
<br />
C. Employee of XY Enterprises meets to sell me stock in the company. I agree to purchase. Employee says that we need to complete the transaction at a later date because he doesn't have the right stock certificates. When we meet, he sells me stock in XY Inc. (his own side company that is worthless). Is XY Enterprises liable? <br />
<br />
D. Employee sues company for intentional infliction of emotional distress based on conduct of supervisor? Is the employer liable for the supervisor's conduct? <br />
<br />
Let me know what you think. These are all real cases. I'll post what the courts have decided in the next day or so...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-10218749796165773092010-03-03T23:04:00.000-06:002010-03-03T23:04:56.698-06:00UpdateJust a few thoughts - <br />
<br />
1) Lesson of the week (well maybe decade) - discretion. In an effort to maintain my lesson, I won't discuss.<br />
<br />
2) Austin Marathon - 4:15:00 - a HUGE PR for me. And, seriously, who runs a marathon and hits their goal time exactly...<br />
<br />
3) Work is good - LOVE the new job.<br />
<br />
4) To become a faster runner, you must run with the fast peeps. I've been doing this on Saturdays with the Knuckleheads... will have to post splits at some point (whenever I really do update the blog).<br />
<br />
5) Its time to go to sleep. Hopefully I can get my lazy @ss out of bed and on the trainer in the morning.<br />
<br />
6) Margaritas make a trainer ride go by faster. If all rides were like tonight, I'll start doing tequila shots before races (and yes, dead serious).Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-20162808304319740182010-01-29T12:32:00.002-06:002010-01-29T12:51:28.589-06:00ResolutionsI'm a little late on this one; however, this year officially begins in February for me. Considering that I'm starting a new job on Monday (the 1st), its only appropriate that I start all other resolutions at the same time, right?? <br /><br />I have a feeling that this year is going to be good and filled with exciting changes. A new job, bigger goals, hopefully additions to the family, an addition to the house (fingers crossed - if you know a good contractor, please send him/her my way), and more... So, here's my list of what I want to accomplish/change this year:<br /><br /><strong><u>Athletic Goals</u></strong><br /><ul><li>6 hour half IM</li><li>22 minute 5K </li><li>core work 2 times per week (at least)</li><li>weights 1 time per week (for next 3 months; then increasing to 2 times/week (at least))</li></ul><p><strong><u>Professional Goals</u></strong></p><ul><li>2200+ hours (and really, I have through the end of January 2011 to do this)</li><li>join an HBA committee (oh, and join HBA)</li><li>develop a business contacts list</li><li>attend one networking event every 8 weeks (at least)</li></ul><p><strong><u>Financial Goals </u></strong></p><ul><li>open a money market account (or other high yield savings) - HELP here maybe! </li><li>eliminate all credit card debt</li><li>establish savings account for anticipated expenses (i.e., vet, car maintenance, birthdays, weddings) -- also will help to prevent credit card use</li></ul><p><strong><u>Personal Goals</u></strong></p><ul><li>cook dinner 2 times per week (at least)</li><li>take lunch to work 2-3 times per week</li><li>limit eating out to 2 dinners per week (and continue to decrease)</li><li>learn to make cashew candy (this incredibly tasty marzipan candy that we had in El Salvador)</li><li>finish Little Mermaid and train cross stitch projects</li></ul><p><strong><u>General Goals</u></strong></p><ul><li>become less judgmental </li><li>see myself as others see me</li></ul><p>The "General Goals" are the terrible ambiguous type goals that cannot be quantified or ones that you don't really know when they are achieved. I'm happy to put these goals out here and use the blog as a public checklist. With regard to the athletic goals, those might not happen this year. I'm going to work towards them; however, other things may take a priority. </p>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-60975050351332070972010-01-27T10:56:00.001-06:002010-01-27T12:22:02.583-06:0010 Things<div>I was <a href="http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/2010/01/ten-things-that-make-me-happy.html">tagged</a> a few days ago and am finally getting this up (or any posting for that matter).<br /><br />In no particular order, 10 things that make me happy:<br /><br /></div><br /><p><strong>1. James (aka The Hubby or My Number 1 Fan)</strong><br /></p><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlnAFP7Mwz3MFUr4V7LK1xGQtV2j8S7AAkcngf7hKaCA1Jw4amTczcSTa-_zEE2q_I0dqJm1T4Q8J9slsM5lGzOZ8dT2vcvHxvrEwjbWKh_3DF97wr4n6ekd0uCqqI-4i2QPOdtUwP9cS/s1600-h/DSCN0288.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431468756780298610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlnAFP7Mwz3MFUr4V7LK1xGQtV2j8S7AAkcngf7hKaCA1Jw4amTczcSTa-_zEE2q_I0dqJm1T4Q8J9slsM5lGzOZ8dT2vcvHxvrEwjbWKh_3DF97wr4n6ekd0uCqqI-4i2QPOdtUwP9cS/s320/DSCN0288.JPG" /></a> I just love him - enough said. We are both incredibly lucky to have each other and it amazes me how happy he makes me.<br /><br /><p><strong>2. Family </strong><br /></p><br /><p>My mom and granny are fabulous. I am also fortunate to have fabulous in-laws. How else does an only child suddenly have 4 sisters and a brother? Its pretty nifty. And, I can't forget darling Elaine (who will be one next week). On the occassions when she is happy to be with me, she is the cutest thing ever (and even when she's not happy, she's pretty darn cute). Plus, she's a reminder of what James and I hope to have in the near future.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLKdYZqsQSoueLcM6UT3e2mU8dm0DVvSLvR1GLZgw1gGvRlD2JfJVYNyRJBzEdglI4-ApVKpuNU6sozonB6sNkoMrOWKVuJS5A5FPSYGssrKSsJW5lmhMF9fSDG3yuoyULhqtzteMkteK/s1600-h/CJ_033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431470691195864978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLKdYZqsQSoueLcM6UT3e2mU8dm0DVvSLvR1GLZgw1gGvRlD2JfJVYNyRJBzEdglI4-ApVKpuNU6sozonB6sNkoMrOWKVuJS5A5FPSYGssrKSsJW5lmhMF9fSDG3yuoyULhqtzteMkteK/s320/CJ_033.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7wDAXg8RNN2FrQBaHmLUs6SaqYCbEvfu3qL6BDJwcG8fGJNmZEthr83hW6OSbQx63V7GPp7kGP_C4gBjUxF_1IkU3H8zcLNK8zhSl_MmosZNMp7TzibM0mivfwyZF9zUqrVDxwDElbDh/s1600-h/DSCN0682.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431471837887872450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7wDAXg8RNN2FrQBaHmLUs6SaqYCbEvfu3qL6BDJwcG8fGJNmZEthr83hW6OSbQx63V7GPp7kGP_C4gBjUxF_1IkU3H8zcLNK8zhSl_MmosZNMp7TzibM0mivfwyZF9zUqrVDxwDElbDh/s200/DSCN0682.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87yQr5Q_q7_WC1SukdxQc-k2UJ_0t3QHETmgy6D7sPRqiMzZj8bH-230Werxc3t-ocSvyAInGYt6WkwPy1QUC4Xo0_KnjUwQWqMTnsF1btEUongnGasHF4n3mg4ZWYZwIl4_vdybtpJqc/s1600-h/CJ_425.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431471832244070482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87yQr5Q_q7_WC1SukdxQc-k2UJ_0t3QHETmgy6D7sPRqiMzZj8bH-230Werxc3t-ocSvyAInGYt6WkwPy1QUC4Xo0_KnjUwQWqMTnsF1btEUongnGasHF4n3mg4ZWYZwIl4_vdybtpJqc/s200/CJ_425.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxFeFMA2dM2HL3aJbapMrcqHAtSO2IWttmZjuTkisxc_nKtS_QoqYlnSX9J0W9-b6nSBJAqL4uQPig0qUYH320_bRSD-Oq2wwvDxV-WBnJp7AYL96CB91NQr4nc7oxPx-ERRM_UlnF0tE/s1600-h/DSCN0537.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431484255319249826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxFeFMA2dM2HL3aJbapMrcqHAtSO2IWttmZjuTkisxc_nKtS_QoqYlnSX9J0W9-b6nSBJAqL4uQPig0qUYH320_bRSD-Oq2wwvDxV-WBnJp7AYL96CB91NQr4nc7oxPx-ERRM_UlnF0tE/s200/DSCN0537.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><div><div><strong>3. My Home</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><strong></strong></div><div>I like pulling up into the driveway and seeing the new red door of "our" house. (technically, it belongs to us and Chase; however, the thought of the mortgage does not make me happy). Also, it is the place where I belong - its more than the building - its where my life is.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAFTVBr6hWz2_t8-Exqkl_T-QnIL3AqUVjHP9To5GHsaYrgz6IMFpDksR4L8nNBBPOn15EYKA4QpPg262zvVKpaebwV520Ed6jgpcGi1AGbm-2aH5eMGtNoGUJ1yRqbAGnbcm3mHbRM3A/s1600-h/DSCN0724.JPG"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitygDgPWo0619qCHNbkYCutrjQ1DpcNSq9ctBLUZjCv5rhfA_5fYuJaTLSUNeVuKbuKelmOZR8Z60FXszz7-XqAokcvjJOjLJ8f46C_6_XIe9rD3h0bbwe5Z0pOuVeIjWRCZdK16Q7uRV/s1600-h/DSCN0724.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431474518750526354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitygDgPWo0619qCHNbkYCutrjQ1DpcNSq9ctBLUZjCv5rhfA_5fYuJaTLSUNeVuKbuKelmOZR8Z60FXszz7-XqAokcvjJOjLJ8f46C_6_XIe9rD3h0bbwe5Z0pOuVeIjWRCZdK16Q7uRV/s200/DSCN0724.JPG" /></a> <strong>4. Being an Adult</strong><br /></div></div><div><div>Yes, its odd; however, its the realization that my life isn't what I thought it would be - its better. And, because of that, I've had experiences that I wouldn't otherwise have had - most recently, it was a trip to El Salvador.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrhdBu0ui2Jkpc10Fema97rS_DFJNy7gc9qcbvIzrjyu7ymJJCCQ5tU6ciF3rpvOWs_Whv43ttbptOnF342m2a6aSBkZbbaJwF8OgMd8Cp4Rm8W1WJwQHeREq-lyZlZOeu4-zGMc-BIOR/s1600-h/DSCN0721.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431475461313952354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrhdBu0ui2Jkpc10Fema97rS_DFJNy7gc9qcbvIzrjyu7ymJJCCQ5tU6ciF3rpvOWs_Whv43ttbptOnF342m2a6aSBkZbbaJwF8OgMd8Cp4Rm8W1WJwQHeREq-lyZlZOeu4-zGMc-BIOR/s200/DSCN0721.JPG" /></a><strong>5. My Dogs</strong></div></div><div><div><br /><div>At times, they drive me crazy but I do love them. Edie (the big brown one) is special in her own way. Molly (aka crack dog or Molly-Dog) has grown on me. I love snuggling with her in front of the fire or while in bed reading a book. In fact, she's sleeping on the bed next to me as I write this.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8BoIz7sJyZyDeaTS_1t0Lc711sE22xFaU1nOP-MDgz9u52lNNIfKMh7d6tCbTz-lkqXk0l-fzRPE4WaEIZQn5O2uURpZY4PJOoUZNXmwm6wZkej1on4mbYYHpOIs2bil_wPOogLgoIe_/s1600-h/DSCN0732.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431476455715267298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8BoIz7sJyZyDeaTS_1t0Lc711sE22xFaU1nOP-MDgz9u52lNNIfKMh7d6tCbTz-lkqXk0l-fzRPE4WaEIZQn5O2uURpZY4PJOoUZNXmwm6wZkej1on4mbYYHpOIs2bil_wPOogLgoIe_/s200/DSCN0732.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirBtJc0yP6pvQIv9KReaPqJuykdROma034EiujXiDP8WVWLKrdtUrTrH6IrRTJhartMEtyGarFq_GOS0BM5TVVfR79gjpZk5SeEuK4lFMTSkbB0k5fDLHaDQQQX_Speg1loH3CJI5a3NO/s1600-h/DSCN0730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431476451618801058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirBtJc0yP6pvQIv9KReaPqJuykdROma034EiujXiDP8WVWLKrdtUrTrH6IrRTJhartMEtyGarFq_GOS0BM5TVVfR79gjpZk5SeEuK4lFMTSkbB0k5fDLHaDQQQX_Speg1loH3CJI5a3NO/s200/DSCN0730.JPG" /></a><strong>6. Reading</strong></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>According to James, I'm more of a collector of books than a reader. I'll read them all - it just takes me a while and I won't read them in the order in which they were purchased. I've grown up around books and I like that our office is covered in them. I also like that it was James that made these awesome book shelves. (as an aside, if you don't already own power tools, it is NOT cheaper to make book shelves rather than buying them.) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431477730863537986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKCgQM9Inm6Elzz6b_KtHgsigY41ZyK6Q-2xbngkVKNGlRcFina0SoXuHV7IJ7cUooPDqxH5wls95UudB3Cs01cmHN7_MPIUbxJvLqRoAjKUSr3ldWTNIOf0sufwh7rVLaKNIOclsUXiX/s200/DSCN0731.JPG" /></div><div><div><strong>7. My Friends </strong></div><strong></strong></div><div><br /><div>I am lucky to have so many good friends - people that I trust and know will be there for me. I have the friends that I have known for ages and that are like family (mainly sisters here). I also have the newer friends that I might not know as well; however, they are very good people that I hope to know better. I have undergrad friends, law school friends, high school friends (with whom I hope to reconnect), work friends, tri/running friends, and the how do I know you again friends. Regardless of the group and how well I actually know the person, I know that all of these people will be there for me. Its reassuring to know that whenever I have a problem, I know that I have a friend that will be there to listen. Or whenever there is a need to celebrate, a friend will be there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxN2wQT_VJVUcdllWv9VV9g1lElJ5SGShyphenhyphenjIpFi2deISRmd7DEcugwV04uHlpcAP8RBY2qMTQ49WVJ1qm2YoVHfQmoVq6MV3e9SsfrpB-DnY26mNNbtZ2YGzLOjzSJJzW3zzozzy4NgpY/s1600-h/Ironman+013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431480429667790658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxN2wQT_VJVUcdllWv9VV9g1lElJ5SGShyphenhyphenjIpFi2deISRmd7DEcugwV04uHlpcAP8RBY2qMTQ49WVJ1qm2YoVHfQmoVq6MV3e9SsfrpB-DnY26mNNbtZ2YGzLOjzSJJzW3zzozzy4NgpY/s200/Ironman+013.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWEULjs6pZk3_32C7lQE5thZNveq_1y9Pav__OQl74G2YeySW-jCg3y34315fXrTegBmcC4ThS5cIxf7lxLeaD9H86a1P44V89YwcuiGNKuo_bLdthEiPecm4mhYHM6pWa2pIpLo4cS6n/s1600-h/CJ_017.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431479740913977474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWEULjs6pZk3_32C7lQE5thZNveq_1y9Pav__OQl74G2YeySW-jCg3y34315fXrTegBmcC4ThS5cIxf7lxLeaD9H86a1P44V89YwcuiGNKuo_bLdthEiPecm4mhYHM6pWa2pIpLo4cS6n/s200/CJ_017.jpg" /></a> (sorry ladies, but you know i LOVE this picture... its not that revealing.)<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhQiSGpKnc7gRfSy0ACgnKAWHNyS2V6tUI7qsdumiUS4Rvi8LDeOXAH42UOy_zT9UnCVMzOt4JeSb4N2XUncajMx0Yo8RZ_i3BqEDWP2LbcgCTR8jJaTccLf_gStUeFMV14HWjNUqcqWe/s1600-h/DSCN0562.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431479732858302370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhQiSGpKnc7gRfSy0ACgnKAWHNyS2V6tUI7qsdumiUS4Rvi8LDeOXAH42UOy_zT9UnCVMzOt4JeSb4N2XUncajMx0Yo8RZ_i3BqEDWP2LbcgCTR8jJaTccLf_gStUeFMV14HWjNUqcqWe/s200/DSCN0562.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>8. Being an Athlete</strong></div><strong></strong></div><br /><div>I've never wanted to define myself as a runner or triathlete; however, I am and there is no reason to deny that. I run to make myself feel better; I run because its fun. In being athletic, I've had great experiences and get to spend time with friends. Oh, and because I'm an athlete, I've been able to swim in lakes formed by volcanic craters (see number 4).<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoykTWOG0nTQ0vMLWp0NiXDmzNPp8eXVrKd0RfJovRI3GJQs8pwsEoAiruB0sbo_pGUgJnlB9m4qgPNJNa37l8NXRZSDRLM24nvWRATc5WHKJMc5Wh1DneHevaUuLW8-9_N1mJZsOgn81/s1600-h/DSCN0529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431481944344038274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoykTWOG0nTQ0vMLWp0NiXDmzNPp8eXVrKd0RfJovRI3GJQs8pwsEoAiruB0sbo_pGUgJnlB9m4qgPNJNa37l8NXRZSDRLM24nvWRATc5WHKJMc5Wh1DneHevaUuLW8-9_N1mJZsOgn81/s200/DSCN0529.JPG" /></a> 9. <strong>Coffee (and Wine and Chocolate - especially when combined with # 7 and/ or #1, good weather and a patio)</strong></div><br /><div>I'll admit it, I run/exercise to eat. It make me happy to share a bottle of wine/coffee/food with friends. Even better yet is sharing something that I've made. I'm not an artist; however, I feel like one whenever I can cook and bake. </div><br /><div>10. <strong>Accomplishment </strong></div><strong></strong></div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><p>Hard work and dedication do pay off. I've always been goal-oriented. Its not the goal itself that is what matters - its accomplishing what I've set out to do. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqnojM3N0pNb59ljlXXi9PwDkoTjOMqOkRJP2w56ivsQH0arpD6gisexXRQ46w_kyBX_j_5yOwj5G2nWYi9q44J8W7Anu3FjlKXS2Ezf8Xg2hDFkUmTanTo3XP9nA2yAzUp83g1ahDf_/s1600-h/IMFL.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431483436305817426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBqnojM3N0pNb59ljlXXi9PwDkoTjOMqOkRJP2w56ivsQH0arpD6gisexXRQ46w_kyBX_j_5yOwj5G2nWYi9q44J8W7Anu3FjlKXS2Ezf8Xg2hDFkUmTanTo3XP9nA2yAzUp83g1ahDf_/s200/IMFL.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div>So, now the fun part of tagging people.... I'm supposed to tag 10; however, I'm lazy... (and not really sure who to tag...)</div><div> </div><div>1. <a href="http://aprosendahl.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a> </div><div>2. <a href="http://inshelleyscase.blogspot.com/">Shelley</a> </div><div>3. <a href="http://www.windypossibilities.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><div></div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-71792772847162990932009-11-10T17:17:00.000-06:002009-11-10T17:18:44.531-06:00I am an IronMan13:56<br /><br />I'm still all smiles about the race. More to come... and I will post pictures soon.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-71696190750496292772009-11-04T11:29:00.000-06:002009-11-04T11:42:01.795-06:00I'm Ready...<div>We leave today for Florida. My bag is packed; my transition bags are packed and labeled. I'm still amazed at how much stuff is necessary for this weekend. I think (hope) that I've planned for every contingency; however, I'm hoping that my planning is not necessary. The weather looks perfect for Saturday and the Gulf continues to be calm. Things will be good. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm thankful to have incredibly supportive friends and family. I know that I've neglected many people during the past few months and I'm sorry. I've been told that doing an IronMan is one of the most selfish things that a person can do. I now realize how true that is. Unfortunately, I think that James realized that much sooner than I did. That said, all will be over after Saturday. I just hope that me crossing the finish line makes this journey worth it for everyone. I've missed birthdays, dinners, nights with my hubby, and haven't cleaned much in ages. Instead, I've spent my mornings, nights, and weekends running/biking/swimming in circles. I've pushed my body to new limits, found new meanings of exhaustion and surprised myself at how quickly I can recover. I will stand on the beach in the best shape of my life and completely injury-free. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Saturday will be a good day. I know that I'll be in tears when I see James and hear my name being called. Just thinking about it makes my eyes water. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Oh, and yes... I am a "sponsored" athlete. Look for me wearing "official" Archer Solutions race gear... </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400304853473868482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUn-YSBbauVMgzj1ETYUFZGFOS6yAL-6bhkK8kHNfzM3w37HxvpCeLgD40JgMAjjaVnhzuaite3kir6fLXkI0nIpmgnTEkMBjnjJ_a9fBKFlnSmAHz1FTSifQ7NV3aca75CosZ_4UuclF/s320/archer.JPG" border="0" /></div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-25110890897441193542009-08-21T21:02:00.000-05:002009-08-21T21:37:43.070-05:00PerspectiveI'm no longer in high school and we are all near (or have passed) the age of 30 (and adulthood). It does not offend me to be "unfriended" on Facebook. In fact, I didn't even notice until it was pointed out to me. I'll admit, I had to figure out how to search to confirm that it was true. That said, I think that I'll survive and will likely prosper.<br /><br />What is even more important is that once again I realized exactly how lucky I am. While at happy hour with friends and family, my darling husband stops by twice for a "drive-by kiss" as my sister-in-law termed it. While he was in the area for work and running errands, he stopped in to see me. I'm still amazed. We are out of the so-called Honeymoon period of marriage - if that ever really ends. In considering James, our life and the past few weeks, I realize how much he truly loves me and sees me for the person that I am (as opposed to the person that I want to be or think that I am). <br />Without fail, he has the confidence in me that I sometimes (perhaps, often) lack. Quite possibly, he knows my true limitations better than I do. He truly knows me... and still loves me. There as a time (maybe yesterday - well, more like 3 years ago) that I did not think that was possible. I've never thought that I was incapable of being loved; but, it does surprise me that I did meet my match. And, honestly, James is my match. My equal. And, in some ways, my conscience. Inexplicably, since we've been together I've lost some of my punch - or whatever it is called. I don't know if it is him or just life. I don't have that same bitchiness that I once had. I'm nicer and will put up with a bit more crap than before (oddly, I termed this bitchiness... hmm...)<br />Last weekend, I was sharing my fears with James. Yes, it was an end of the weekend, I don't want to return to real life and leave our mini-vacation cry-fest. I was nervous about work and also asked him, who I as fooling by signing up for an ironman. He looked at me with surprise and expressed so much confidence in my ability to finish and do well. But, he wants me to be done because there are other things that we are hoping for the in near future (or at least within 9-10 months following Floida). In my mind, I will only do one IM - mainly, to prove to myself that I can do it (and to get the tattoo) but, James already has planned for me to do another one. Specifically, in about 5 years, he plans to be standing at the finish line with our child to see me finish... This makes me smile. I truly think that he knows me and gets me... And loves me. <br /><br />Ahh... I'm all smiles (and happy tears)....<br /><br />And there are people who think that facebook friendship is important or relevant...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-47195224633187880712009-07-02T10:58:00.000-05:002009-07-02T11:02:43.172-05:00What a week!1) Only about 130 community fund slots remain for IM Florida. I've gotta make a decision pretty quick.<br />2) I discovered that the top tube on my new (to me) bike has a crack near the seat post. I'm not pleased and do not know exactly how Cervelo will handle this issue. I'm expecting the worst and am peeved... I KNOW that I did not do anything to cause this (i.e., no crashes, etc. - yeah, I've fallen, but that couldn't have caused this...) and, after having to pay to resolve the issue, I might as well have bought the bike new in the first place. <br />3) Very busy at work... lots of things coming up in the next week.<br />4) We received a favorable ruling from the First Court of Appeals today! WOOHOO!!Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-39054564694755962732009-06-29T09:53:00.000-05:002009-06-29T10:16:57.444-05:00Memorial Hermann Sprint TriImprovement is a wonderful thing... I decided to race simply to determine whether I've improved since last year. Granted, I realize that its kinda hard to see improvement on such a short course; however, it was good so see a faster time.<br /><br /><strong>The Swim - 300m</strong><br />NEVER again will I do a pool swim. Granted, I didn't flip out this year but I didn't feel like I swam well and was not at all comfortable in the water. The woman in front of me was swimming breast stroke and was only a hair slower than me. When I passed her, she was on my heels and did pass me, then she slowed down and I couldn't pass her (or else she'd sped up again). The entire swim is just disorganized and makes me nervous.<br /><br />2009: 7:50.5<br />2008: 9:21.2<br /><br />T1 2009: 2:04<br />T1 2008: 2:16.9<br />I must practice transitions! There is no reason that it should take me 2 minutes to put on bike shoes and a helmet...<br /><br /><strong>The Bike - 10mi</strong><br />The 10 mile course was relatively uneventful. However, I could definitely tell that I did a long run on Saturday morning and home improvement projects all Saturday afternoon. Seriously, nothing exciting on the bike. The only frustrating part was not having anyone in my age group around. Not that I'm trying to place in my AG but its nice to be able to pass people.<br /><br />2009: 30:25.5<br />2008: 31:09.6<br /><br />T2 2009: 1:42.3<br />T2 2008: 2:05.5<br /><br /><strong>The Run - 3mi</strong><br />Again, those 11 miles from Saturday came back to haunt me and the heat was miserable. During this stretch, I only saw one person in my age group and was pleased to pass her. Just hot and uneventful. In retrospect, I wonder if I was pushing myself enough on the run; however, I was done for the rest of the day. Also, I was surprised to see just that many people walking on the run course. <br /><br />2009: 27:51.9<br />2008: 28:39.2<br /><br /><strong>Overall</strong><br />2009: 1:09.54 (11/38)<br />2008: 1.13.32.4 (15/23)Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-38522825236702054282009-06-19T08:54:00.000-05:002009-06-19T08:58:34.442-05:00I will not live vicariouslyThis week I've been watching quite a few of my friends get ready for Ironman Cour d'alene. (I know that I spelled that one wrong.) Its pretty exciting to see everything that they've done to get to this point. This all makes me want to do this even more...<br />BUT -<br />That means that I need to get in all my workouts. For some reason, I can get up early to run; however, I cannot do the morning bikes. My plan for next week is to start going to the Thursday morning bricks with Houston Racing. That way, I'll be meeting people. I think that might be my problem: no accountability but to myself. Anyone up for 515am bike rides on Tuesday?<br />As an alternative, I think that there is a way to link an online training log to my blog... maybe I need to do that.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-21146744665502341532009-06-10T08:34:00.000-05:002009-06-10T08:40:27.153-05:00To Race or Not? (or Why You Cannot Be Cheap and Do Triathlons)I'm "supposed" to do the Memorial Hermann sprint tri in Sugarland on June 28 but I'm now debating. Sure, I'd like to race - the only way to improve your racing is to race, right? I'd like to return to my first tri to measure my improvement. (Last year, this was my first ever tri and I flipped out 25m into the swim.) But, I haven't registered. I don't REALLY want to spend the money. These races get <em>expensive</em> and with IMFL a <u>possibility</u>, I don't want to spend a lot of money on the smaller races. (See, I really am being considerate to my wonderful husband.) Oh, and its a pool swim and I loathe pool swims - granted, I've only done the one but I'm not too jazzed about doing another one. I'm not too sure what my time would be for the 300m and I'd have to do a time trial in the next day or so... hmm... decisions...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-76216026899270786562009-06-08T09:37:00.000-05:002009-06-08T09:41:50.788-05:00PSA1) Go see The Hangover. Be prepared to laugh and laugh a bit more. If you see it at Edwards Greenway you will likely be the oldest person there (yes, this is me saying this...). The audience was full of college kids and a TON of frat boys that were out in mommy's mercedes.<br /><br />2) When using spray-on sunblock, be sure to evening apply. <br /><br />3) Don't wear cheap flip-flops and try to walk down hard wood stairs. Nasty bruising will likely occur.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-55515320562903545232009-06-04T10:57:00.000-05:002009-06-04T11:01:26.709-05:00ZonkedIts just Thursday and I could barely get out of bed this morning. This week hasn't been that strenuous but I do think that my body is still adjusting to the "new" training schedule and the extra (or more quality) workouts. My proposed schedule has me hitting each sport twice during the week and once during the weekends and as my runs and swims are coached, they have been of a higher quality. That said, I missed by bike ride this morning. I just couldn't get out of bed to do it. ARGH!! Hopefully next week will be easier. Now, I'm contemplating skipping my off day scheduled for tomorrow for an easy bike ride. Since the ride is simply to get some time in the saddle, I think that I'll go for it.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-18198100529150042962009-06-02T14:27:00.000-05:002009-06-02T14:42:33.918-05:00A Balancing ActWe all have our list of things that we want to do before "x" age. As I get closer to my 30 mark, I've eliminated the unimportant markers (like owning a Jag - why I wanted this, who knows) and only two major markers remain - an ironman and having a baby. Obviously, the two don't really go well together and it will be far easier to do the former before doing the latter. That said, I've been thinking about IM Florida in November. As of last week, the work conflict was removed and the only thing holding me back was the training (and the related time commitment). <br />This past weekend, I pulled out the Beginner Triathlete full IM training plan and started making my own. Depending upon what happens over the next six weeks will determine what we (James and I) decide for the race. I cannot do this without his full support and understanding of the time commitment. In discussing my initial schedule (which has me doing 4 weekday pm workouts and long bikes and runs on the weekends), he was a bit concerned about losing every weeknight and chunks of the weekend. I'm going to have to adjust and get as many workouts in during the early morning hours (even though I loathe pre-dawn biking). <br />How do people with spouses, children, and full-time jobs do this? I'm having problems just balancing my work and my wonderful husband. I suppose you learn to embrace the AM even more and learn how to push yourself (rather than always training with a group). I think that I will have to learn how to ride by myself and find some safe routes that are not 60 miles from my house. This is all possible, right? I can do this...Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-62788351521835721592009-05-14T06:53:00.000-05:002009-05-14T07:00:19.898-05:00DenmarkFinally... we leave for Denmark today! This is the trip that we've talked about since before we were married. For two years we've tried to find a time to go and finally its here. Funny thing, we have nothing really planned - well, other than the marathon at this point. My father-in-law, who is coming along as well, was to have made arrangements with his family (who are all in Denmark), but we aren't really quite sure. Supposedly, we have a place to stay - not sure of the details or whose apartment we are sharing or using; we might have someone meeting us at the airport. Do not think that I'm complaining or expressing concern; I am just excited to be going and to have so many days where I have no commitments. I'm looking forward to the break. <br /><br />Then, as the finale to the trip, the marathon. I'm apprehensive because I'm not trained; however, I'm doing it just to do it. That said, I honestly believe that I'm in better physical condition than when I ran my last decent marathon. I don't really know what that says about my training in the past (because it doesn't say much about my current level of training). I just feel like I've been doing so much other training (biking and swimming) and I feel like my run has improved dramatically. Also, I feel as if I'm mentally stronger than I was before. I'm curious to see what will happen.Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-63662877386812357922009-05-05T09:52:00.000-05:002009-05-05T10:16:03.112-05:00FreedomOur lives are filled with various gadgets and devices that are supposed to make us more productive - email, internet databases, blackberries, and even the garmin with a heart rate monitor. Do these things actually make us more productive and happier. Note, I'm writing this entry while researching an issue on Westlaw. My search terms produced over 100 results and, likely, I'll look at most of them even though the first document likely gave me all the information that I need. <br />Every day we use various devices and, at times they just seem to weigh us down. As I've bumped up my running regime in 'preparation' for the Copenhagen Marathon (mainly to see if its even an option), I've found it sometimes harder to run with the garmin. For the past two nights, I've ran without a watch. I've really enjoyed my runs without the constant distraction of knowing my pace, mile times, and heart rate. I catch myself still looking at my wrist throughout the run - in fact, I let myself look knowing that there is nothing there. Just me and my ipod (I can't give up all devices) making the loops through my neighborhood. Just a pleasant evening... Oh, it would even be nicer if I didn't have the blackberry stuffed down my sports bra (ahh... the joys of being on call...)Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397015580052689924.post-26629046467902934532009-04-27T17:25:00.000-05:002009-04-27T17:27:25.610-05:00Its My Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJYtO05k28pXAIiOEqIo8ub0vOox9hv_Dk3J7boaqmgnWghQkaH-6VQ0bDp-WYJkd379T99OX18e-wOiuvv2iXRJq6hyphenhyphenbsGffAywUnL0nP8U9t7kCQ-mc3meMgj2-twD59_AbKwj_Qh3Y/s1600-h/Carrie's+Kake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329501246262268210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJYtO05k28pXAIiOEqIo8ub0vOox9hv_Dk3J7boaqmgnWghQkaH-6VQ0bDp-WYJkd379T99OX18e-wOiuvv2iXRJq6hyphenhyphenbsGffAywUnL0nP8U9t7kCQ-mc3meMgj2-twD59_AbKwj_Qh3Y/s320/Carrie's+Kake.jpg" border="0" /></a> My birthday cake at the office...<br /><div></div>Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09108597334646832948noreply@blogger.com4