What Do I Do All Day?

Here’s a little snapshot of my days these days…Tuesday started with work, then a bike ride and run at The Club, shopping, and a “Happy Birthday” party to finish off the day.

Wednesday was work, a 1.2 ocean swim with a turtle(!), lunch out, work again, an indoor bike and run, then stretching/yoga.

Today was a heavy training day…work, then Boot Camp (lots of drills and core work), indoor bike, outdoor run, more indoor bike and more work.

When I’m on the bike or treadmill inside (which I do a lot to stay out of the sun), I listen to music…my favorite this week has been From the Inside Out by Hillsong United. Here’s some of the lyrics…

A thousand times I’ve failed, Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again, Still I’m caught in your grace
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades,

Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise,

From the inside out, O my soul cries out…

Since February I’ve been the Assistant Site Manager at Kona Sea Villas (KSV) condominium complex where Cliff and I lived the first 1 1/2 years we were in Kona - now we live 6 miles south at Keauhou Punahele. KSV is a beautiful complex with 12 buildings and 72 units, and I work 2-4 hours per day, Monday through Friday. It's the best job! I take care of the pool, spa and exercise areas, act as liaison to the landscaping crew, address owner and resident concerns, and do various miscellaneous things that come up each day. The job is never boring, and is flexible enough so that I am able to get my training in, which I really appreciate!

Ride, Party...Ride, Worship...Swim!

We had a fun weekend! Saturday was a 4-hour bike ride with a 30-minute highlight…our favorite professional triathlete, Bree Wee (breeweehawaiiblogspot.com) caught up to me and we rode and chatted. It was inspiring, as Bree is always so gracious in sharing her wisdom and encouragement to the local athletic community. Here’s Bree heading back into town on Queen K, and even though I was soon waaaay behind her, I smiled all the way :) Saturday night was a big bang of a birthday party complete with great people, food and a band. Sunday while Cliff raced in the Mango Trashcan Triathlon at the pier and on Alii Drive, I "rode to nowhere" in RPM (Spin) class, before going to church. Planetshakers have some good songs...Now I'm Free and Lord of All are two great ones!

Another 6 months have gone by, which means another stab at getting my thyroid and hormone levels regulated with new medications and dosages. I’m looking forward to the day I actually feel “normal!” Notice the really cool part of the picture…the two plates have the imprints of hand-tatted doilies my Gramma Connie made – very special!

Monday, Monday…a new week…more opportunities to train toward Ironman! Today was a great swim in the ocean on the full 2.4 mile course. Our group of 7 swam, floated, kayaked and drafted for an hour, 45 minutes, including talking and eating delish brownies at the halfway point. The water was a little rough, but clear and beautiful!

A Little Run, A Little Spin and a Beautiful Sunset…

Going to The Club in Kona is one of the things Cliff and I do for fun! Today we ran on the treadmill, then did an RPM class led by super-instructors Amy and Malia. RPM is a 45-minute “Spin-ish” sort of class, for those of you familiar with indoor cycling. I enjoy the classes for a change of pace, to stay out of the sun, and to have the instructors “coach” me. Cliff is a certified RPM instructor, and the end of this month he will be team teaching a 2-hour class, followed by a "floaty" dip in the ocean complete with water floats and toys!

While running, I was listening to my favorite song on my ipod…Revelation Song by Gateway Worship, although I must say that Cheryl at Solid Rock Ministries does a better job than my recording. I try really hard not to sing out loud, but I do mouth a lot of the words, and wave my arms and hands around in time with the music. Fortunately, most people are concentrating on their own workouts, and not paying any attention to my air drumming and cymbal crashing!

After class, it was time to relax in the hot tub, and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Gorgeous!

Countdown to the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship Race...81 days!! (October 9)

Up, Up and Up...

"Pedal Till Ya Puke, Run Till Ya Ralph"...how much fun does that sound like? Believe it or not, 61 guys and gals of all ages either rode, ran or walked up Kaloko Drive yesterday...6.5, 3.5 or 1 mile...straight up, up & up! Fun(?), pain(?) was had by all at the 20th Annual event lovingly and happily put on by Sean "Peaman" Pagett and his dad Bill "Papa Pea" along with other great volunteers.

While Cliff muscled through the 3,000 foot rise, 6.5 mile mountain bike ride (1st place in his division!!) I drove up, up, up and down cheering and taking pictures. At the finish, Cliff was awarded a special "Pedal 'Til You Puke" t-shirt, complete with a graphic graphic - thanks to friends Jill and Gerd :)

The rest of the day was enjoyed at church (great music and message, as usual!!) then "refueling" at the "new" second location Splashers Restaurant across from the pier. They serve really yummy burgers! Next time I'll be sure to take a picture...my new camera has a dedicated "food" setting!

Speaking of camera settings, I was all set to try the new camera underwater this morning during our usual Monday ocean swim, but...first there were reports of choppy, rough and dark water, then...once we got to the parking lot it was raining (and still choppy) so we decided to skip it for today. On my way to work from there, it poured, poured, poured! It's not that we couldn't have swam...it's just that we are so used to beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, all the time, we didn't feel too bad saving this one for another day. All those fishy and dolphin pictures will have to wait!

Off to yoga..."Gentle Yoga with Brooke"...it's the best!!

Countdown to the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship Race...82 days!! (October 9)