Shower

*Image by karsayk

So, I've been helping out on deck with my school's water polo team.  It has been pretty fun getting to know the girls on the team and to have them look up to me because I'm an athlete.  My polo team was actually invited to play in the local high school tournament in order to help fill spots and to mentor other teams in the water.  It's really a fun experience to get in with girls who are learning and to help teach them the game.  Today I got in the water with my high school girls, which was great - until I learned that there was no shower at the pool.  They are practicing at a local community pool because one of our huge district swim complexes is getting a new deck and is closed for a few months.  No shower?  To top it all off I had a meeting before school today.  I planned for a laid-back ponytail, but not the accompanying chlorine scent.  I managed to wash my hair in the tiny sink to make due, but will reconsider getting in the pool again on Thursday.  Waking up at 5 a.m. surely deserves a wake-up shower.  Don't you think?

Tie-Dye

*Image & article via deadspin

Tomorrow the Lithuanian basketball team plays USA.  I'm having a game-watching party at my house, but the live game is too early to host a group of friends.  We'll be watching the re-play in the afternoon, so I'll be avoiding the internet just as to not spoil the results for myself.  I even have some tie-dye gear that my husband will be sporting because we're rooting for the under dog in this house.  Lithuania already has a gold medal from the London games thanks to Rūta Meilutytė winning the 100m breaststroke. Who are you cheering for these games?

Nose

*Image & print by f2images

Last night I made it to Thursday night water polo practice.  It was great to be in the pool and we had enough players to set up a half court scrimmage.  I had a blast until the last few minutes, when in the middle of chasing the ball my face slammed right into another player's forearm.  I thought I would totally bleed, as is my tendency, but there was no visible damage - only pain.  Today there is still no obvious damage, but the space between my nose and upper lip sure is tender today and I have the remains of a headache.  Part of me wishes that there was at least some bruising or something to make me feel tougher, or at least not too whiny.  I guess I'll just have to be tougher and suck it up.  

Review

*Image & print by Jena Ardell

Today the Gators got together to watch video of our games from Nationals.  I wasn't looking forward to seeing myself slaughtered on the big screen, but it wasn't that brutal.  I am thankful that we have video of our games so that we can have feedback on what worked well for us during games.  I learned that I need to spend more time in the pool!  Lifting some more weights could also help my game play.  I need to model myself after the 50+ team and maintain and increase my level of fitness.  How was your Sunday morning?

Gators

*Image by richseow

This weekend I'm playing in the Masters National Water Polo tournament with my team the Gator Gals.  We're finally playing in the 30+ bracket and have less competition overall, but will definitely play hard this weekend.  Our first game is us vs. the Olympic Club and needless to say, I won't feel bad  if we don't win that game.  The thing I'm most excited about is seeing my little brother again, because Nationals is in Irvine and that is just close enough to have a fan in the stands.  I'm not looking forward to another weekend away from home, but that should be it for my summer.  At least this little jaunt will be another temporary escape from the heat, for now.

Pool & popsicle

*Image & card by Hartland Brooklyn Card Co.

Yesterday I spend a glorious day poolside and in the refreshing waters of my friend's pool.  It was a perfect way to beat the TX heat and enjoy the summer.  I even got to practice passing for my upcoming trip to Masters Nationals for water polo this weekend, which I'm really looking forward to.  Today I will beat the heat by completing my indoor household chores, eating a popsicle and possibly heading to Sea World to pick up my educator's pass.  I can't think of a better way to beat the heat than by getting splashed at Sea World.  How do you stay cool in the summer?

Pollen

*Image & book by Roger Hargreaves

When it is 65 degrees outside on a January morning, I guess pollen and allergens are bound to begin floating around in the air.  After my inaugural 5K on New Year's day I spent the day sneezing.  I went for a nice walk with the bull this morning and here I am, clutching a tissue while my nose reacts to the outdoors.  I love that it was nice enough to enjoy a cup of tea on the patio with a friend this morning.  I hate that being outside seems to doom me to a day of sneezing misery.  I've tried several brands of allergy meds, but it might be time to see someone.  I know that acupuncture is a good idea, but I don't know anyone in town to point me in the right direction for this remedy.  I use my netti pot to no avail.  Any tips on fighting a day of the sneezes?

Drink

*Image & postcard by creativity cards

Tonight I'm going to my first ever college football game.  My husband and I got lucky and bought tickets to the Alamo Bowl right when they went on sale.  Our alma mater, the Washington Huskies are playing Baylor tonight and we couldn't be more excited to don our purple and cheer them on.  I'm lamenting the fact that my husband will have to go to work in the morning, especially if the Huskies win!  Hopefully he'll get done early to rest up for the rest of the weekend ahead of us.  What are your plans to celebrate this weekend?

Alamo Bowl

*Image & sweatshirt via UW Bookstore

Of all the places for the University of Washington to play football, they are ending up in the Alamo city to play against Baylor.  I've never been to a collegiate football game, nor am I a huge football fan, but my husband is another story.  He's a huge fan so we got tickets.  This should be a fun night, and the bonus is that although the game falls on a Thursday I'm off from work.  Not too shabby.  Currently, I own two official pieces of UW gear.  I wear my t-shirt regularly on Fridays so that I can wear jeans to work and I have a child's sweatshirt that fits perfectly, if you're into 3/4 sleeves.  I'm considering some new gear to show my Washington pride, but I can't decide.  Are you a sports fan? How do you show your spirit?

Summer

*Image by Gege Gatt

I'm going to count today as my first official day of summer. Playing polo kept my mind occupied, and the weather in Oakland was definitely not summer weather. I wore a rain coat and long pants pretty much the entire time I was there. The 50+ squad took the bronze this year with some fierce competition, they rocked. Our 20+ team had our two highest scores in games at nationals this year and were extremely proud and pleased about that. I'm glad to be home and am going to enjoy my first day of summer on a Tuesday. What about you?

Nationals

*Image by Nick McGilvray

I should be at work right now, but alas... I'm off to Oakland to play some water polo. We've got two teams scheduled to play in the Masters National Championship tournament this weekend and I'm excited. Poor me right? I'll let you know the results on Monday. Right now, I'm going to let summer sink in and play some polo. What are your weekend plans?

Pool

*Image by taoᵒ

This week I started training with a local masters swimming group. Although I really enjoy water polo, it isn't quite the same as good ol' swim team. I have an option to swim four days a week, great especially for a procrastinator like me. The biggest bonus is that unlike most masters groups, we practice in the evenings. I am not a morning swim person, never have been. Now, I need to work on winding down in the evenings. Has your new year included a new exercise routine?

Finisher

*Image by Trevor Jorgensen

I did it! I finished. I even came in close to my original goal time at 2:21:19. My estimated time running is closer to 2:15 though because I had to stand in line for a potty break (thank goodness they had those!) Today I am sore but proud, wearing my race shirt to school to hobble around with a grin on my face. Thank you for the encouragement, there were so many of you on the course with me.

Race Day

*Image by Y.X.L

Today is the day. My first ever 1/2 marathon. I'm excited and I know that I am ready. While you read this I am probably nervously chatting with the other people in my corral (apparently tens of thousands of people run this race). While I am out there on the road I wanted to let several people know that they inspired me and that I will be thinking of them:

Laura got me thinking that I could even do such a distance and inspired me to run further.

Josh and Julie wake up at the crack of dawn to make it to two spinning classes in a row, on weekends even. They will be present in my early morning endorphin surge.

Ryan would have already completed his race if it wasn't for that stupid foot injury, I'll run this for you too.

Sondra completed her first triathlon this summer after an amazing transformation, I'll think of her anytime I'm headed uphill and will keep running.

John was my first ever running buddy and is always uplifting and good for a laugh, when my ipod streams out amusing songs that make me smile it's him.

Mary is a fighter and always pushes through her toughest battles and will remind me to fight.

Lea Anne is a sounding board and the voice of perseverance I'll hear her pushing me toward the end, knowing that I can make it.

Karen has gone 60 miles, more than once, she'd kick my butt if I couldn't make a measly 13.1.

Colleen is my cheerleader she is consistently encouraging me in my efforts and reminding me to have fun, I'll see her in the crowd along the course.

Sandra might actually be out there cheering - a real live fan! I couldn't ask for more.

My Mom has been to almost every race I've competed in over the course of my 30 years. She'll be getting my mile by mile updates and I want to continue to make her proud.

Trevor will be waiting to cheer me through the finish, and has helped me get there over the past five months of training.

Thirteen inspiring people, one for each mile. I can't wait to finish.

Trained

*Image by Unprompted

Five months of early Saturday mornings. Mornings that started out sweltering and are now pleasant and chilly. This is the first Saturday I can recall sleeping in since before summer started. It was good to lounge and feel rested, too bad all of my good sleep still ended before 7 o'clock, just in time for what would have been my morning run. Race day is tomorrow. Can you believe it?

Fast

*Image by Y.X.L

Today was the last official group run before next Sunday's race and it felt good and fast. Maybe the group was running more slowly than normal, but I think I was running faster. I never thought I would be the type of person to utter, "only 5 miles" but that phrase actually came out of my mouth today. I can't believe how much stronger I feel now in comparison with my first 10k group run this summer. Next weekend is going to be great. What have you done to give you a feeling of accomplishment lately?

Hurt

*Image by Bill Hornstein

I ran with the school running club and apparently the terrain didn't agree with me. I've been training on mostly tracks, dirt tracks and pavement. The field surrounding the school is neither and I started getting shin splints. I've never really suffered from this malady before and it's no fun. Looks like the running club is going to be a member short until after my race, there is no way I'm going to set myself up to be injured! Any helpful tips to stay healthy?

Nine

*Image by George Schmiester

Today my running group was supposed to log 8 miles. I knew for sure I could do 6 without wanting to fall over. I hadn't really run all that much this week and have been trying to kick my butt into gear again after my Seattle trip. The weather here is finally nice for running in , still warm but not unbearable anymore. I surprised myself today when I ran the entire course (I did stop for water and street lights when I had to). The best part was, that upon my finish I learned that I didn't log 8 miles, I did a whole 9. No wonder my afternoon nap felt so good. Can you believe it?

Miles

*Image via Mizuno

Check out my fancy new running shoes. Pretty special right? I know that you're not supposed to buy athletic shoes because they are pretty, that is where I lucked out with my new kicks. They feel great and helped me power through 10k this morning. I'm pretty impressed with myself. A few weeks ago I would have really really wanted to walk, at least up the big hills ahead of me. Today, I was determined to run the entire course and I did. If this keeps up I know that my 1/2 marathon will feel like an even greater success. What are your weekend plans?

Rock N' Roll

*Image via Woman's Day

It is official. I am registered to run the San Antonio Rock N' Roll 1/2 marathon. I know I shouldn't be nervous, but I really am. This will be the longest distance I've ever raced on foot. Hopefully all of my Saturday running group days will keep me motivated and prepared. I even saved some cash by registering under my school district. Not bad, and I get another free technical race shirt. Trevor isn't racing this year, he'll be in the medical tent. Hopefully I will have no need to see his crew. Have you committed to anything exciting recently?