The Gall of It All

The week started on such a good note. Goose's legs were "tender" but still there after the TTT. I had ridden T.L. on Friday - legs felt great.

Goose and I have talked about doing the Turkey Trot again this year. I knew we both needed to get out on the road - him running and me walking. Goose was going to lift weights to make the rest of his body hurt and I decided since the day was so beautiful it was time to start my double mint gum workouts. I walked 5 miles and rode Hillacious inside on the trainer. Felt great when I was done. Goose had a really good weight work out also. About 2 in the morning I felt like somebody had slugged me in the stomach. Goose was snoring and on his side, so I knew it wasn't him (lol). Got up at the normal time and OH NO - "it" hit me. I went on over to stay with AJ and "it" got progressively worse through the morning. By lunch time, I called my son-in-law to come home, I really thought I was gonna die. Was able to get into the Dr - with the location and "it" he was sure it involved my gallbladder. Was able to get testing done the next morning at 7 a.m. Dr called this morning and said luckily there are no stones - just inflammation - not a good thing but livable. Bottom line, I feel better - we will watch it and see if it occurs again, then we will discuss what needs to be done.

The sad thing is my thoughts were on not being able to ride for a few weeks - YUCK. Luckily in a couple of days, things should be completely back to normal (or whatever that is for me!)

Goose is running tonight and hopefully daylight will hold out until he gets off the trails.

TT Day

The Aliens have landed - Goose waiting his turn

Goose road first - gave himself lots of time to rest before the young ones drug him around on the last loop
Goose on Troy Urbana Road by the school - looks good at this point

Jeff Coudron road second - has his Ironman next month in Florida

Now it is time for the TT Master Rhino who road last and have 50 miles of TT

Rhino coming in to tag Goose and Jeff Coudron for the final 25 mile lap

OK - so this picture is for me and my spandex fetish

Rhino leading the herd on Troy Urbana

Diesel, Rhino, Egg and Goose after the race

Wow what a day. Goose wanted to go first (after suggesting that the time start at 9 instead of 8 - no takers on that from Speedy Feet {Jeff Coudron}). I must say as cold as it was, Goose didn't really complain. After Jeff took I headed back to the truck to get a pair of gloves. Rhino asked if I could help put air in his disc wheel (which I usually do for Jeff)- well I couldn't feel my fingers and I let the air out - Vince just smiled and said we are trying to put air in not out.

At one point I looked up to see Egg and then Diesel at the race. Good company for me during the wait periods.

I saw Jeff at the spot where Cows ended their TT and he looked good - granted it was only the 11 mile mark, but he looked "comfortable". After tagging Jeff Coudron it was stand around and wait just like the first riders. Then it was Rhino's turn. His projected time was on the mark. Once the three started riding together - Goose has funny one liners about what happened. I think the best is "Here is Vince riding with one hand and pushing me with the other". Vince kept the team together - pushing Goose to keep up with Coudron.

Although the outcome wasn't what they (at least Goose) wanted, the did get second place. Afterward Goose was looking for a personal part and Vince told him he had it in his hand pulling him along that last part of the loop :)

Thanks to Vince - this is the first TT Jeff has done and Vince took care of Jeff today. He enabled him to arrive alive and not give up!

Thanks to Egg and Diesel for coming and showing your support to Vince and Jeff - I know it meant a lot to them.

As usual, Speedy Feet another great event.

Sweetest Day

Sweetest Day - to me if you love someone - every day should be Sweetest Day. Goose - Love Ya :)

Friday Love

Talked to Goose late in the day and he decided not to ride, said he really needed to get in the water. He knew what was best and what he needed to do.

I had a very personal reason that I needed to do something special on Friday. Bike is on the trainer so I decided to do something fun. Jeff called before leaving work - said can't talk I am riding. He called about 45 minutes later - said can't talk riding. When he finally got home, I had just finished. He wanted to know what DVD I had ridden with - all I can say is Coach Troy had lots of love for me today and I took all of it alone. I felt very accomplished with finishing it (the whole damn thing). AND I can walk today!

Goose is getting ready for his big TT on Sunday morning (brrrr, then it is going to warm up)

The First Annual Tour of America

Hopefully what has been published is true. Looks like Stage 8 will be 9/12/09 starting in Columbus and finishing in Dayton with a ride of 123 miles for the day. Looks like a good saturday to watch a race.

Word of the Day - VOLUNTARY

VOLUNTARY - yep that is the word. Gotta keep reminding us of that. Staying a live was also the theme of the day.

We had a brunch birthday party on the Gross side (son-in-law side). Pizza and cake can sit heavy on the tummy. Got home and Goose was actually going to be on time. I was getting ready to head out and noticed a message on the phone. Jeff C was still working on the results of the race he was working this morning - wasn't sure if Rhino and Goose wanted to wait on him. They did decide to wait (poor on time Rhino - can't win with the tri guys!) Vince was the man today - he showed Jeff C what he had to offer and that was a lot. When they were done, they all agreed communication was what they needed. Goose reached a point a couple of times today, race day he needs to speak up and they will back it down a notch until his heart rate comes back down. They put a hurt on the old guy today!

I headed out and did not go all the way down Peters. I hit Fred-Ginghamsburg to Boone to Dog Leg. Took my normal turn onto Jackson and left on Fred Pike and right to Martindale and then to Kley. Decided I wanted to try the Antioch School Road (hmmmmm Voluntary comes to mind). When I FINALLY reached the top to turn on Fred Pike I took a little (maybe long) rest. Finished up with Neal Pearson to Troy Fred and then home.

It was such a beautiful day to ride. We know the days are numbered and then it becomes trainers again. Gotta love the fall weather with the beautiful skies.

1 out of 100

Last triathlon of the year held in Bellbrook. Chilly morning, fog rising off the water, water level was really low. Still lots of twigs/branches/logs in the river, today was the day to be really smart in the river.

Jeff and Rick headed out with an early start time. Lots of people got stuck in rocks as soon as they pushed off - luckily Jeff and Rick didn't. Rick is excellent at reading the river and between the two of them they were able to get down with minimal amount of trouble. Very slow times in the canoe. But today was a no anchor or paddle day in the canoe for them AND they didn't bring a gun to a knife fight! Coming in off the run we were surprised that they came in as soon as they did (I actually missed Rick's picture). Jeff was determined to not let this guy (who was in a kayak who started in front of him) pass him on the run!

Goose ready to Ramble! Yelling as he was leaving the transition area - he was feeling good today.

Coming in for the end, looks like Goose and Rick lost their chains today. Excellent ride, Goose rode really strong and was extremely happy with the race.

In the end - they FINALLY beat Jeff Coudron and Brian Barker. Now that is one out of 100! Goose will take the victory (as I am sure Rick will also). It has been a long time since Jeff and Rick raced together and today showed the two old men still have it. No Anchor, No Laces and No Chain Day!

Pre Race Day

Goose decided to do his only little Tri today. He ran in the water at the Y, came home and ran about a mile to test his legs, then rode a short ride to make sure everything was working on the bike. Yep, he is ready.

The race tomorrow will be difficult - no water in the river, can waste too much energy get down the river. Not sure about the run. It looks like the route is still changed due to down trees. Bike is last and I hope this year of riding mountains comes through for Goose.

I couldn't decide what I was doing today. Bought groceries first (big mistake - prices depress me!). Came home and felt like being a blog on the couch. Went back and forth between riding and walking. Filled my water bottle - so that means I have to ride. I can say the dog won today. He finally got me, not sure if he actually bit me or just got me with his nails. Didn't matter, it hurt. So I did call 911 and had to report it. Deputy asked me if I needed to call somebody to pick me up - nope got a full water bottle and I had to ride. Leg is sore, but I did remember what somebody said one time when another rider went down - Are you going to cry or ride - so I rode. Not a good one, but I got it done.

RACE DAY SUNDAY ----- Yeah

Commitment Made

Well I guess the commitment has been made --- I just booked reservations for us in Helen GA next April. Looking forward to it :) This year I want to make sure we have extra snacks/water for AJ and I to do a little "Trail Magic" on the Appalachian Trail Hike Through while everyone rides. We had a little extra to spare - this year I want to make sure we have more to leave behind. This if for the people hiking the 2200+ miles from GA to NJ. They have to carry their food and drinks and rely on people leaving stuff for them on the trails.

On another note, Jeff has his last Tri this Sunday and he is ready. He already has the "attitude" going. Just kidding - but he is ready. Cycling is great - no pain in the legs/back/butt for running. He is racing with someone that he raced many years ago at Milton. Rick got married and had children, sorta dropped from the scene for a few years but it looks like he is back.

Looking forward to Sunday, I am not sure if I am sad the season is over. Jeff started early this year with the trip to Helen (which is about 1 1/2 months earlier than usual for him).

The last official race is the TT with Rhino and Jeff Coudron. He is thinking about the Turkey Trot - that will be determined later on how his legs feel after Sunday (and they don't kill him on the TT!)

We have the schedule for next year, just need to mix it in with the Tri's to fill the schedule.