Saturday, September 20, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Already off the Wagon
Ok, I didn't follow through on the good intentions I had for Monday, but I've still been under the weather and at this stage I know its more than jet lag. Its jet lag with a flu like twist, and yes, I'm sure that is in fact the medical term for it.
Anyway, I never mentioned how the final race in Italy went. It went fine. I did flirt with the idea of actually finishing the 800m, just to see what I was capable of for the distance, but I got tired around the 600m mark and since there was no need for me to go all the way, I didn't. I'll just have to wait for another time to test my 800m skills.
But I really enjoyed my trip to Europe and I especially enjoyed the pace-making. Who knows, I may get called upon to do some more next year. So there's a great reason to stay fit and fast.
On a completely different note, this weekend my parents and my younger brother are rolling into town, all the way from Co. Kildare, Ireland. Yes, they are popping over for a visit and I'm very excited to have them. I was suppose to spend much of the week getting everything organised for their arrival, but the past few days I've been struck down by my mystery jet-lag with a twist illness, so now I'm completely off schedule. However, I am confident in my abilities of pulling it together at the last second. For anyone out there who knows my Husband well, you know if nothing else, he is a complete "last second man", and even though it has at times frustrated the hell out of me, the experience may now actually be of benefit.
Unfortunately, I have no yet planned out the places I would like to take them and some of the things they might like to see. Because they've been here before, we've already done much of the touristy stuff there is to do in Atlanta, so I guess a bit of creativity will have to come into play. Or I could also check out some of the Georgia visitor books to see if they might have any interesting suggestions. Either way I know we'll have a good time. My parents have this ability to enjoy themselves no matter where they are or how boring the situation can get.
But right now I have to go and get a couple of bathrooms painted. For some reason, they are not painting themselves. And trust me, I have waited a long time just to see if they would.
P.S. This is what happened the last time Silja tried to help me out with the painting. She stepped her big old nasty foot, into the tray of paint. A very "blonde" moment.
Anyway, I never mentioned how the final race in Italy went. It went fine. I did flirt with the idea of actually finishing the 800m, just to see what I was capable of for the distance, but I got tired around the 600m mark and since there was no need for me to go all the way, I didn't. I'll just have to wait for another time to test my 800m skills.
But I really enjoyed my trip to Europe and I especially enjoyed the pace-making. Who knows, I may get called upon to do some more next year. So there's a great reason to stay fit and fast.
On a completely different note, this weekend my parents and my younger brother are rolling into town, all the way from Co. Kildare, Ireland. Yes, they are popping over for a visit and I'm very excited to have them. I was suppose to spend much of the week getting everything organised for their arrival, but the past few days I've been struck down by my mystery jet-lag with a twist illness, so now I'm completely off schedule. However, I am confident in my abilities of pulling it together at the last second. For anyone out there who knows my Husband well, you know if nothing else, he is a complete "last second man", and even though it has at times frustrated the hell out of me, the experience may now actually be of benefit.
Unfortunately, I have no yet planned out the places I would like to take them and some of the things they might like to see. Because they've been here before, we've already done much of the touristy stuff there is to do in Atlanta, so I guess a bit of creativity will have to come into play. Or I could also check out some of the Georgia visitor books to see if they might have any interesting suggestions. Either way I know we'll have a good time. My parents have this ability to enjoy themselves no matter where they are or how boring the situation can get.
But right now I have to go and get a couple of bathrooms painted. For some reason, they are not painting themselves. And trust me, I have waited a long time just to see if they would.
P.S. This is what happened the last time Silja tried to help me out with the painting. She stepped her big old nasty foot, into the tray of paint. A very "blonde" moment.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Out of Whack
I got back to the US on Thursday evening and since then I've just been so out of whack. I'm awake when I should be sleeping and I feel like sleeping while I'm awake. I swear, I get so exhausted a various points during the day that you can actually hear my words start to slow down. My sentences, if I can even remember what I was going to say, begin to not make sense, not even to me and slow motion is the fastest I can move.
So that's the reason for the lack of blogging. The thought of trying to sit down and type, let alone think, has just felt too exhausting. But clearly I'm getting better, cos I was able to put a little something together tonight. Sadly, it is just going to be a little something, but I'll force myself to get back on track tomorrow. Tomorrow is Monday after all, the start of a new week and as everyone knows, all good intentions start on Mondays, be they diets, promises to workout, efforts to get organised or become more efficient, basically anything and everything in our life's that needs changing starts every Monday. And that is exactly where I will start.
So that's the reason for the lack of blogging. The thought of trying to sit down and type, let alone think, has just felt too exhausting. But clearly I'm getting better, cos I was able to put a little something together tonight. Sadly, it is just going to be a little something, but I'll force myself to get back on track tomorrow. Tomorrow is Monday after all, the start of a new week and as everyone knows, all good intentions start on Mondays, be they diets, promises to workout, efforts to get organised or become more efficient, basically anything and everything in our life's that needs changing starts every Monday. And that is exactly where I will start.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Rovereto, Italy
I finally got some much needed sleep last night and today I hit the streets of Rovereto and in the absense of my kick ass professional camera, I brought along my precious little point and shot to give you a little taste of my surroundings.
Unfortunately, I chose to go walk about, just as siesta was starting, which ment no shopping for Shinks, boo. I don't know why, but everything in Italy is just so fabulous. The people walk around dressed all fabulous. The streets are fabulous. The hotels are fabulous. The stores and all they contain are so damn fabulous. The cafes are fabulous and they serve fabulous coffee, pastries and ice-cream. These Italians do not play when it comes to fabulous.
Rovereto is a city that is completely surrounded by mountains. No matter where you are in the city you can look around and see mountains.
The preferred mode of transportation for most Italians.
After the bike comes the Smart Car. Italians love the Smart Car and are completely wreckless when they drive these babies around at break neck speed.
Fabulous romantic little streets.
A fabulous little cafe.
Even the track has amazing views of the mountains
Unfortunately, I chose to go walk about, just as siesta was starting, which ment no shopping for Shinks, boo. I don't know why, but everything in Italy is just so fabulous. The people walk around dressed all fabulous. The streets are fabulous. The hotels are fabulous. The stores and all they contain are so damn fabulous. The cafes are fabulous and they serve fabulous coffee, pastries and ice-cream. These Italians do not play when it comes to fabulous.
Rovereto is a city that is completely surrounded by mountains. No matter where you are in the city you can look around and see mountains.
The preferred mode of transportation for most Italians.
After the bike comes the Smart Car. Italians love the Smart Car and are completely wreckless when they drive these babies around at break neck speed.
Fabulous romantic little streets.
A fabulous little cafe.
Even the track has amazing views of the mountains
Monday, September 8, 2008
No Rabbits Today
Well here is the update. Although Alan, your well ahead of me with the results. Your turning into a real athletics fan by the looks of things.
But turns out there was no womens 800m. There was in fact a womens 600m. Such a random distance that's rearly if ever run. But the reason it was an event at this meet, is that the Slovakian girl had requested it so she could try and run a Solvak National record for the distance. So instead of me doing any pacing, I was in this race as a competitor. From start to finish I was seeing this one out to the bitter end.
Fortunatley is was anything but bitter. I actually surprised the hell out of myself and ran really well. I knew I'd be all set for the first 400m-500m. My concern was really the final 100m. I was worried the legs would give way and I'd be struggling to stay with these very seasoned 800m types. But as it turned out, my strength and endurance was stronger than I gave myself credit for and I finished the race in second place, just behind the Slovak athlete. My time was 127.42, which is very respectable and faster than I thought I could run for that distance. Maybe I'm actually discovering a hidden talent for the longer distances.?!? Hmmmmmm?
Anyway, after zero sleep last night due to the fact that I had to be up at 4am to take a 3 hour bus drive to Vienna. Then catch a flight to Verona, Italy and then another bus ride of just over an hour to get to my final destination which is Rovereto, Italy. It's been rough going, I have to say. But I'm here now and as is usually the case in Itlay, Rovereto is just fabulous. I haven't really gone out exploring yet cos I tried to catch up on a few Zzzz's in the afternoon, but if the bus ride in is anything to go by I'm in for a real treat once I do go venture out.
But anyway, on this trip I am definintely here to pace-make the 800m. Well, that's the story today, but as we have learned, these situations have a habit of changing last second. So we'll just go with the flow.
P.S This Photo-Finish picture was kindly hunted down and brought to my attention by one of my dedicated blog readers, Alan. Fabulous work Alan, I had no idea it was out there. That's me in 2nd place.
But turns out there was no womens 800m. There was in fact a womens 600m. Such a random distance that's rearly if ever run. But the reason it was an event at this meet, is that the Slovakian girl had requested it so she could try and run a Solvak National record for the distance. So instead of me doing any pacing, I was in this race as a competitor. From start to finish I was seeing this one out to the bitter end.
Fortunatley is was anything but bitter. I actually surprised the hell out of myself and ran really well. I knew I'd be all set for the first 400m-500m. My concern was really the final 100m. I was worried the legs would give way and I'd be struggling to stay with these very seasoned 800m types. But as it turned out, my strength and endurance was stronger than I gave myself credit for and I finished the race in second place, just behind the Slovak athlete. My time was 127.42, which is very respectable and faster than I thought I could run for that distance. Maybe I'm actually discovering a hidden talent for the longer distances.?!? Hmmmmmm?
Anyway, after zero sleep last night due to the fact that I had to be up at 4am to take a 3 hour bus drive to Vienna. Then catch a flight to Verona, Italy and then another bus ride of just over an hour to get to my final destination which is Rovereto, Italy. It's been rough going, I have to say. But I'm here now and as is usually the case in Itlay, Rovereto is just fabulous. I haven't really gone out exploring yet cos I tried to catch up on a few Zzzz's in the afternoon, but if the bus ride in is anything to go by I'm in for a real treat once I do go venture out.
But anyway, on this trip I am definintely here to pace-make the 800m. Well, that's the story today, but as we have learned, these situations have a habit of changing last second. So we'll just go with the flow.
P.S This Photo-Finish picture was kindly hunted down and brought to my attention by one of my dedicated blog readers, Alan. Fabulous work Alan, I had no idea it was out there. That's me in 2nd place.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Slovakia
I spent a nice few days in Ireland catching up with my friend and all that’s been going on in her life, doing a spot of shopping, but not too much, the dollar is so weak right now, that my eyes just bulged when I did a rough conversion of Euro to Dollar and realized what the fabulous boots would cost me in American terms. Sorry fabulous boots, hopefully you will make an appearance Stateside and then I will not hesitate to snap you up. I also got to pop in and say “Hello” to the family. Can’t really go all the way to Ireland and ignore your own family now can you?
But alas, I have moved on again and this weekend finds me in Slovakia. I’ve never been to Slovakia before so I was pretty excited about the trip and so far its nothing like I imagined. First of all it’s hot. Yes, as in tempeture wise. With sunshine. I really was not expecting that. For some reason I was picturing darkish, overcast, grey days, with depressed looking building and people, all wrapped up in long wooly overcoats and furry hats. For some reason it’s always winter when I think of places like Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and all those eastern European countries. Maybe I’ve watched too many World War 2 or communist movies. Anyway, it’s nothing like that. At least not the part I’m in. Think Sound of Music and you wouldn’t be too far off. Lots of mountains, lakes, trees, rivers, amazing old castles on top of hills and towns that look like their right out of the pages of a Renaissance book. So pretty.
Our hotel is amazing too, but in a very modern way. It looks a little out of place in this old fashioned town to be honest. Think Spanish villa on this one. But the rooms are huge and every room has a balcony that overlooks a pool and Jacuzzi area. Give you one guess what I’ll be doing after my race? Pool and Jacuzzi maybe? And all the balconies are connected. You can literally go out and take a stroll from balcony to balcony without having to scale high walls or building. What a great way for us to get to know those who will occupy the rooms and balconies next to us. Whoever designed this hotel was a very sociable creature.
So that’s a brief update of where I am and what I’ve been doing over the past few days. I’m looking forward to running Sunday. It appears the Slovak people are big into their track and field, which means a good crowd at the stadium.
Here are some shots of the town I'm staying in.
But alas, I have moved on again and this weekend finds me in Slovakia. I’ve never been to Slovakia before so I was pretty excited about the trip and so far its nothing like I imagined. First of all it’s hot. Yes, as in tempeture wise. With sunshine. I really was not expecting that. For some reason I was picturing darkish, overcast, grey days, with depressed looking building and people, all wrapped up in long wooly overcoats and furry hats. For some reason it’s always winter when I think of places like Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and all those eastern European countries. Maybe I’ve watched too many World War 2 or communist movies. Anyway, it’s nothing like that. At least not the part I’m in. Think Sound of Music and you wouldn’t be too far off. Lots of mountains, lakes, trees, rivers, amazing old castles on top of hills and towns that look like their right out of the pages of a Renaissance book. So pretty.
Our hotel is amazing too, but in a very modern way. It looks a little out of place in this old fashioned town to be honest. Think Spanish villa on this one. But the rooms are huge and every room has a balcony that overlooks a pool and Jacuzzi area. Give you one guess what I’ll be doing after my race? Pool and Jacuzzi maybe? And all the balconies are connected. You can literally go out and take a stroll from balcony to balcony without having to scale high walls or building. What a great way for us to get to know those who will occupy the rooms and balconies next to us. Whoever designed this hotel was a very sociable creature.
So that’s a brief update of where I am and what I’ve been doing over the past few days. I’m looking forward to running Sunday. It appears the Slovak people are big into their track and field, which means a good crowd at the stadium.
Here are some shots of the town I'm staying in.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Results
The pace-making went great. I did my job fabulously and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was some confusion going on right up until I started my warm-up. The meet organiser wanted me to run the first 400m in 59 seconds but the athletes were not pleased. They wanted me to take it out faster, cos they were looking for some good times. It was debated for a while and finally I was given the number 58 as the target for the first 400m. So I spent the day before getting my mind set and rhythm in tune for a 58 second pace. However, once I arrived at the stadium I'm approached by the coach of one of the athletes and he asks me if it would be possible to do a 57 second opening lap instead. Of course it would. I'm here to please. Your wish is my command, only please, can't we all just agree on a time and leave it at that. I'm almost exhausted running the race in my head at the various paces that I'm at risk of not nailing it in the actual race.
I take matters into my own hands. I spot most of the girls warming up and decide to do a little poll. Ladies, I have a 59, 58 and 57 second opening lap on offer, who wants what? The overwhelming response is 57, so that's it. It's finally agreed, 57 seconds it is.
There were a little nerves before the race. But once the gun went, I got out and took my position at the front of the field and established a rhythm that I felt was right on track. A quick glance at the clock as we approached the 400m mark told me I was spot on. My legs felt strong so I was prepared to take it all the way to 600m. But the British athlete, Marilyn Okoro, who went on to win, (thats her in the above photo) came up next to me right as we approached 500m and told me "I got it". I was surprised. She was well clear of the rest of the field, but that meant she still had another 300m left to run solo, which is a tough task especially when the fatigue kicks in. But I figured she had some sort of race plan and I didn't want to be responsible for interfering with that in any way, so I stepped off to the side. I was kind of bummed. I really wanted to see what kind of time I could have hit for 600m. But it wasn't about me, it was about doing the job for the athletes, so I put my own ambitions aside and focused on the athletes.
So all around, it was a great success and as a result, I've picked up 2 other gigs. Friday I'm off to the Slovak Republic. I run there on Sunday the 7th. Then it's onwards to Italy for another race on Wednesday the 10th. In the mean time I have flown over to Ireland to stay with my best friend Derval, who I haven't seen since well before the Olympics, which is too long. So we'll spend the next few days bonding, reconnecting, braiding each others hair as we talk about our feelings and emotions. Now doesn't that just sound fantastic?
I take matters into my own hands. I spot most of the girls warming up and decide to do a little poll. Ladies, I have a 59, 58 and 57 second opening lap on offer, who wants what? The overwhelming response is 57, so that's it. It's finally agreed, 57 seconds it is.
There were a little nerves before the race. But once the gun went, I got out and took my position at the front of the field and established a rhythm that I felt was right on track. A quick glance at the clock as we approached the 400m mark told me I was spot on. My legs felt strong so I was prepared to take it all the way to 600m. But the British athlete, Marilyn Okoro, who went on to win, (thats her in the above photo) came up next to me right as we approached 500m and told me "I got it". I was surprised. She was well clear of the rest of the field, but that meant she still had another 300m left to run solo, which is a tough task especially when the fatigue kicks in. But I figured she had some sort of race plan and I didn't want to be responsible for interfering with that in any way, so I stepped off to the side. I was kind of bummed. I really wanted to see what kind of time I could have hit for 600m. But it wasn't about me, it was about doing the job for the athletes, so I put my own ambitions aside and focused on the athletes.
So all around, it was a great success and as a result, I've picked up 2 other gigs. Friday I'm off to the Slovak Republic. I run there on Sunday the 7th. Then it's onwards to Italy for another race on Wednesday the 10th. In the mean time I have flown over to Ireland to stay with my best friend Derval, who I haven't seen since well before the Olympics, which is too long. So we'll spend the next few days bonding, reconnecting, braiding each others hair as we talk about our feelings and emotions. Now doesn't that just sound fantastic?
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