Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Had a couple of appointments today, so I took the day off.

So, with the time in between, I tackled the kitchen and bathroom faucet leaks. Was able to stop at the hardware store before my first appointment and get what I needed, or at least what I thought I needed.

Took care of the bathroom first. Had this one apart about 5 times recently, and finally replaced the correct gasket to stop the leak.

Feeling cocky, I go to the kitchen. I turn off the water under the sink, and start unscrewing things. Well, upon unscrewing the left handle, the water starts spewing out the top, and it gets hot quickly. I had turned off the water to the dishwasher, put not the hot water! And, of course, I hadn't tested things first. I hope I am way smarter when it comes to electricity...

So, I hold a cup over it so the water would stop hitting the ceiling, and I call the neighbor to come over to turn off the water, but she isn't home, so I try it myself, but I can't turn it off. My hands are not strong enough anymore. Then I remember the main shut off downstairs, and run down there and get the water turned off.

Needless to say, the kitchen and I are soaking wet. But, I have a good laugh, and start throwing out things accumulated on the counter that we don't need. Like 40 empty margarine, cool whip, and sherbet containers.

After getting the rest of the faucet taken apart, I determine that there are o-rings missing, so I get to make a second trip to my favorite little hardware store. I am skeptical that the young man sets me up with the correct rings, but everything is installed and not dripping, as of now.

Now, I need to go clean things up. One step forward, two steps backwards sometimes.

My other thing today is that we have a fly infestation. Slow moving, dumb ones. Hope they all die soon.

C • Flies 2

Ted & Darcy's 7th Annual Squirrel event. It was a blast!
Started with dart throwing - 3 darts, lowest number counts. Roll the jumbo homemade die (dice) to determine if you would do whatever # you hit as sit ups, push ups, jumping jacks, or get a free ride.
I threw my first two darts into the woods, and hit the tree with my third, so 20 was my score. Ted took mercy on me, and I was allowed one more throw, if I so choose, to halve my score, or double it if I miss again. All I had to do was hit the board, and I did, finally!!
With a nod to John Frederickson, we had a epunch rope-o (string-o is for kids) course next . The twist was that you had to pick an "outfit" card (mine was windbreaker and cap), a novelty item card (a tie), and mode of transportation (car).
So, I punch the start, put on my bib number, jacket, and cap. Grab my tie, and get in the backseat of the car on one side and out the other. Then I am told it is two novelty items, so I have to run back and get another card, pick up the sunscreen, back through the car, and to the first control, where I can shed the above mentioned items. Run the rope-o course fairly well - really punching in with speed and accuracy.
Anyway, the real course was next. Did the assigned push ups on the clock, and then I was off. I had intended to do the long 8+ k course, but with the heat, and the fading light, I dropped to the Medium course when the courses split after the 8th control. Had started last of everyone and had glimpses of Heidi early. Caught and passed her for good after 7. Dasa was next, and after she bobbled 11, I pulled ahead of her as well. Fell hard and hit my knee near 12, but shook it off and finished first on the Medium course against some very worthy competition. Finishing included throwing darts again until I got a total of 17. Missed everything again with the first ones, but then scores the next two.
Soaking wet at the finish. After a beverage or two, a shower, we had pizza. I also iced my knee. It is bruised, but okay.
Thanks Darcy and Ted!

Could probably add this morning as training, but I'll note it instead.

Moved 385 records boxes into a dumpster. Lifted them each twice - onto the flatbed hand truck, push 30 feet, off of the hand truck and into the dumpster. Luckily, it was cool, and the rain was not too heavy. Three hours of non-stop activity.

C • Are the COCs supposed to be included in the USOF rankings? 2

Out the W&OD trail from the recycling center to the caboose and back to get some control locations for the bike part of the tonight's SSS event starting from my house.
Things really hurt to start, but they got a little better by the end. Took the Four Mile Run trail coming back. It is still hilly.
Beautiful day, what with the low humidity, temps not much over 80, and a good showing for O and food at the Meyer house.
Choices were Run it, Bike it, or Bag it.
Five maps of varying kinds for the run, and an additional one to make the bike longer. Mr. Roger's Neighborhood tour included the Best Buns (what color was the napkin), the Weenie Beanie (how much was the hot dog), the top of the Walter Reed Hill - kudos to Peggy for making it up on her bike, granny gears rule! (what building & # was at the top of the hill), the garage at the Boot Camp site (what was the highest # parking spot), the "bog" below the house (what number was on the emergency marker), and the newly fixed water fountain near the house (what color was the fountain). There were additional bonus questions on each map - where do the dogs play? what was the cheapest price for gas? what movie was playing at the theater? and a few more.
It seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves, and took the street renaming, and closed street due to construction in stride. Ended up not really getting my act together for the bike part, but that was okay.
Dinner was a bit later than advertised, but it was homemade, so any tardiness was quickly forgotten.
A very good evening. Thanks to everyone for attending, and a special thanks to Roger for cooking (and cleaning out the dining room, where no one ended up sitting). :)
Attendees were:
Gayle
Gary & Karla
Kris, Tanner, & Graham
Nicole, Max, Greg, & Kathleen
Peggy, Nadim, & Max (Max hung with Roger)
Dasha, Alex, & Jan (Alex hung with Max & Roger)
Sid & Arlene (Arlene hung with Alex, Max & Roger)

C • nice going! 6

Happy to be home in my own bed.

All unpacked, well, except for the stuff which is still at other people's homes. I really appreciated all the help getting the equipment to and fro.

Lost weight out there, about 5 pounds. We'll see if it comes back in the next few days.

C • weight 4

C • Own bed 4

C • RHR? 2

Mind not on the course after the 2nd control. Stuggled for about 30 minutes in the wrong area looking for #3, and then relocated to the road. I was the closest to the finish as I would be again, unless I actually finished, so I bailed. Happy with the decision.

Barb B smoked the course! First woman, and about 12th of ~70 on Green.

Picked up about 1/2 mile of streamered trail and five controls. It was hard. Lots of things were hard this week, but I am feeling pretty mellow as of Sunday afternoon at 7:15, and it only took one beer and some peanut butter fudge.

C • Too busy 9

Lost 10 minutes on 4 & 6. Last in class.

C • Class results 3

Won a couple of splits, sucked on a couple more. Last in class.

Hiked around with Sarah. Good way to stretch to the sore legs.

Sarah is here, and the plan was to get some hiking in. We were rained out yesterday, so after a slow start to the day, we walked around Breckenridge instead.

So, for today, Sarah wanted to hike a 14er, so we had picked Mount Elbert since it was supposed to be not too technical. Hey, what do we know?! :)

Made it to about 13700' - less than a mile to go, I think. That was enough for a first effort, considering my lack of training, and the fact I hate to climb hills. I carried too much in my pack as usual, so this was probably a factor as well. I was running out of steam when it started to rain, and then hail. The mountain was socked in, so we decided it was smart to turn back.

Actual time out was 7 hours - 4:50 up and 2:10 back down, but we rested quite a bit going up. We hiked in from the paved trailhead adding 2 miles to the trip each way. We probably would have made it if we had the proper vehicle to have driven in those two miles.

I feel surprisingly good this evening. We'll see what hurts tomorrow.

It was tough, probably the hadest thing I will ever do. But a very good day with my daughter, and I feel a great sense of (almost) accomplishment.

C • Well done. 7

C • Well done. 2

The return trip.

C • ?! 2

Day 2 Green A - Splits

Day 1 Green 1 - Splits

Event: 2007 USOF Convention and Colorado 5-Days
 

I am not sure, but schlepping around 56 pounds of carry on luggage for several hours should probably count as something.

I made it to Denver safely, just an hour late leaving National.

Enjoyed wine and chocolate cake at the RT near the hotel. Life is good!

Got the lawn moved.

C • Moved? 2

C • I can't remember 2