lines running through my head today

My heart is like the ocean.
It gets in the way.
So close to touching freedom,
Then I hear the guards call my name.

-Tori Amos

race pictures

Warning: viewer discretion advised. There's nothing scandalous, but if you look closely at my running photos, please promise me that you won't make fun of me. Sure, go ahead and laugh, but make sure I can't hear you. I already know how bad and weak and like death I look. They took these snaps the first mile of the run when my upper legs enjoyed a royal time cramping up. Don't say I didn't warn you.

happy friday

I've almost made it through my first full week of school. Hurray for me. Happy moments of this week have included:

• Soft rain falling on me the last third of my ride to school Tuesday. If I wouldn't have been on my bike, I wouldn't have enjoyed the smell or feel.
• Seeing Shanna and Crystal and baby Marlee.
• Swimming outside with Ma and Lisa yesterday. So peaceful.
• Running 10 with Lisa Wednesday. I haven't gone longer than a 6 since I did my half marathon.
  
• Huge slip and slide Monday night.
• Finishing I Am the Messenger (for the second time, yes, it's just that good, to me).
• Students saying thank you at the end of class. I still don't know what merits their thanks, but it's grand to have kind and thoughtful students.
• This Andrew Bird collection that Jess posted on her blog. I cannot stop listening to it.

Happy almost weekend!

how could i forget?

Now I don't want to jinx the future, but Neil Young has been a part of my last two races. Back in May I started the Ogden half marathon with a live band jamming out "Long May You Run."

And I can't believe I failed to mention that there was a band at the finish of my triathlon Saturday. As I was on the last quarter mile or so of my run, what did I happen to hear? Sweet strains of "Heart of Gold."

They pump me up so much, those songs of Neil. Sigh.

I doubt there will be a live band at the Yuba triathlon as there wasn't one last year, but here's to hoping that when I next race to the tune of a live band, they'll be playing one of Shakey's songs.

regina's coming

November 6. In the Venue.

Margie's already bought me my birthday present (a ticket)!!!

Cannot wait.

I have the best friends ever.

Bonus: the fact that the concert's on a Friday night and I don't have to feel guilty about staying up late on a school night. Concert going nightly and teaching daily don't mix very well.

Deanna, I teach English to sophomores and juniors.

Tamber, try SBR sports (4th North in Orem). You could even try mine on if you'd like to borrow it.

Leslie, hey! And I think you'd rock at triathlons. Just put a wetsuit on, then you'll float!

results, but no photos

14th out of women. (Out of 76.)
3rd in my age group. (Out of 16.)
65th out of everyone. (Out of 203.)

My transitions are pretty quick I must say. As for my bike, I need to improve there. I envy those who zoom by me wearing their speedy helmets and cruising on their tri bikes, but I'll make do with what I have. Running also could use a boost. My cramping upper legs didn't help out the first mile. But I'm still happy. I think I did alright.

I gave my dad my camera, but didn't really expect him to take any pictures because I'd much rather have him cheering me on. As soon as the fancy Zazoosh place puts up their pictures, I'll post a link, so we can have a gander.

speaking of wetsuits

I raced the Jordanelle triathlon yesterday. I'm not sure I want to bore anyone with the details, but it was fabulous and fun. I finished third in my age group. I don't know my splits because they weren't posted. Sad. But I was about two minutes off my Yuba time from last September. Not bad for taking of a luxurious month in Europe. Then again, I don't quite know how much I can compare the two races because the courses differ. I guess we'll see, though, because I'm doing Yuba in three weeks.

Happy new week!

PS: School's going well. My students behaved themselves quite well the first two days. We shall see how this week goes. Happy Monday!