Friday, November 30, 2007

Catching up

I have been busy. I like Christmas and all, but it wears on my nerves. I love buying Christmas presents, but I like buying them online. Although I did sit in the Best Buy parking lot from 10:30 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. on Black Friday and scored a...well...on second thought I can't guarantee who's eyes may be reading this, since my oldest has become fairly internet savvy lately, so I better just say I got a good deal on something somebody really wanted and kept it within Santa's budget. It wasn't easily obtained, though, and just arriving at the store 7.5 hours before they opened did nothing for me, as there were already about 100 people in line. I had to play the Ace card...I hate to admit that, but I did. You know, the sweet smile, the half-shy look, the "Hey guys...what are y'all here to get?...oh yeah, me too...guess there's not much of a chance at the end of that line, huh?...mmm...well...what about you? What are you getting?...oh, you're not here for the $xxx.xx xxxxxx? REALLY? But you could probably get a ticket for that, right? You would?!?! I would be sooo thankful! Can I get you some coffee, food, anything?" He was such a nice guy. Sat there all night long and told me to just go sit in my warm car with Mom (who so unselfishly accompanied me on this adventure even though she's always sworn she'd never participate in such). Anyways, the guy barely, and I mean barely got it. They stopped handing them out as I saw him grab it. And the sad part? He didn't even get what he wanted. I told him to just keep the one he got for me, but he said he didn't want that either...and he seemed fine with it. He was still all smile when he left. I was like, "Whoa...he must be an angel or something!" He refused to even let me tip him. So...even though Christmas makes me a little nervous and it's a little too high strung for my liking...that guy showed me the spirit of Christmas on the FIRST DAY (yes, I am holiday separatist like Trimama) of the season. Anyways....

Since it's been forever since I posted, I'll summarize most of it. On Thanksgiving morning, we started our own Turkey Trot here in Manchester. I'll post a recap and pictures very soon. I, of course, was a zombie for most of Friday after staying up at BB all night, and then ran my 16 miler Saturday. It went fine, nothing great, total time was 2:30:23, 9:24/mile pace. Sunday the kids and I went to the pool and I swam about 1400 yds I think. I haven't really been keeping up with my laps lately. Just focusing on my form and body position in the water. And I consider it a real bonus for me to even suit up and hit the pool right now, actually.

Monday I was lazy and slept in. Tuesday was a VO2 Max run with Michele. 8 miles w/3x1600m intervals, and I was pleased. The interval times were 7:27, 7:26, and 7:21. Wednesday I was lazy again (soaking up the taper, baby) and Thursday we ran 5 @ 5 a.m. with a swim afterward. It was Me, Briar, Michele, Amy, Mike, Mary Beth and her son Matt. Briar and Matt cut out after 3 and hit the pool, and we joined after 5. This morning I met Michele and Mike at the rec center for a invigorating 32 degree bike ride at 8:00 a.m. It was cold, fun, and I stayed fairly warm except for my toes. Booties woulda helped it, but I stay true to my Christmas ethics - no using presents before they are given to you. Even if they are currently in your possession.

Tomorrow is a 12 miler. Next Saturday is THE DAY. And today - I paid my $500. I'm in, officially, for Ironman Florida 2008. 'Tis the sesason!

14 comments:

Holly Jane said...

You shoulda bootied UP! I can still wrap them & give them to you!

Cliff said...

Ironman registration is the best present ever.

I have never stand in line over night to shop..but for an Ironman registration, considering how hard they are to get, i will do it.

Michele said...

There you go, next ride your toes will be toasty!!!

This morning was fun, cold, but fun!

One week for tomorrow, prayng for good weather!

TJ said...

no turning back now. the money is on the table!

Lance Notstrong said...

That WAS a nice guy!!! I kept waiting for the story to turn South with a "pick up line" coming at the end. Sometimes I'm too cynical. It's nice to hear a story like that :-)

Joe said...

What a cool story about the guy at BB. How nice!!

You guys have done some nice training and some good intensity here in the taper...enjoy the week!

Darrell said...

The guy at Best Buy goes to show that there still are some good people out there. I hope your somebody enjoys their gift.

Benson said...

I have the idea you could turn anyone into a "nice guy." You just seem to have that infectous quality about you that make people want to be nice to you.
Rock on.

Tri-Dummy said...

You totally worked that guy. For a mom, that was pretty good!

I'm guessing that guy is single. Any respectable married guy woulda smiled and said, "yep the line is back there."

You're intervals were smokin', too!

Joe said...

I would have given you the last $xxx.xx xxxxxx too! I'm such a sucker for that sweet smile routine.

tri-mama said...

Oh yea, BB score! That was a great idea to ask up in line- my nephew got hosed. He stood out all night only to watch the employee's friends go in early and get all of the slips.

Florida's waiting- I'm bummed I can't be a part of it with you and Michele- but you guys are going to have so much fun training and racing- Merry Christmas to you!

IronTriTim said...

Nice job on the IM registration, amazing how we pre-register then leave it to the last minute to pay up. Managed a bit of black friday shopping, best advice I got was to do a reserve and pickup at store with Circuit City. Ordered a number of items, then strolled in at 1pm with my confirmation email and was given them. Items out of stock on the shop floor. Was also able to order them thanksgiving morning.

Rae said...

oooh, I can't wait to hear what hot ticket item you guys scored!!!

momo said...

good luck, lana!! i'll be thinking about you this weekend!! BREAK 4!