The Best Christmas Gift(s) ever

Today I got the best Christmas gifts ever. Both were from my husband who I have been dropping hints for a long time. The first gift was the video "The Distance of Truth", a movie about the Badwater Race in 2005. It is an inspiring movie that provides more insight into the race which someday I hope to run. My second gift may enable this dream to become a reality...Southwest plane fares! This means I will be able to fly to many races that were on my radar but I might not otherwise have entered.

Already I have added Rocky Raccoon to my spring calendar to prepare for my 3rd Umstead 100 miler. And in the summer I will do Vermont 100. Finally I am going to do either an ironman or a 100 miler in the fall. This should strengthen my "running resume".

In addition to these awesome gifts, Tristan and I had a nice day. Although our day started out quite early with Billy waking up around 5 a.m. (which is fine on a workday but on a holiday he should appreciate sleeping in!!) We started out the day by having breakfast with my sister, dad and sisters friend Imelda at Cindy's condo in Reston. In the afternoon we returned home in hopes of tiring out Billy. We went for a ~5 mile run (with Tristan, Billy and I), 2 mile walk at a local park (Tristan, Billy, Gilligan and I) and an hour and a half at the dog park (Gilligan, Billy and I). By the end of all this activity Billy seemed to be slowing down. I base this on the observation that initially at the dog park Billy would run after dogs chasing things and run past them and circle around. At the end Billy would run after the dog but at about 70% of the way, he would start turning back...it was obvious he was just "phoning it in"!

Tommorrow we will go on a long hike because a tired dog is a good dog. I think Gilligan likes hikes but even if he doesn't I think Gilligan does like Billy tired because Billy has alot of pent up energy he uses on everyone in the household. I can run 100 milers and I am exhausted by our houseguest. I guess it's good to be a puppy.

Happy Howl-o-days!

Santa Paws

Santa Claws

Mrs. Claws (well except she is Boo's half sister, oops!)

Powder (don't ask, don't tell, okay!)

Billy peering downstairs past Gilligan.

Happy Holidays!

Here are some pictures from today of our various pets (and one guest pet).

Gilligan looks happy about being Santa Paws, while Zaboo and Sagwa look less excited about being Santa Claws and Mrs Claws. Powder just got fixed (or is it broke?)/spayed on Monday so she is definitely not in the Christmas spirit (although her pain meds might be like a good strong Eggnog which of course makes the season brighter!)

Well, it's off to my sister's for dinner and Church.

Have a great day!

Houseguest for the Holidays

Gilligan barking and Billy oblivious. Gilligan has personal space issues (he likes to get in others personal space but hates it when others get in his space--this plays out daily with Powderpuff who stalks Gilligan and loves to be close to him...Powder is oblivious to his dislike of being close or else just doesn't care; I think the same is true for Billy)

Gilligan and Billy pretending to behave...I think they are hatching a plan to double team us! Or else they are appreciating the pictures on the wall of Maymont, which is the place where Tristan and I got married.

Last evening we accepted delivery of a houseguest for the Holidays: Billy. We have known for several weeks we are going to pet-sit Billy, a friends puppy. Billy is a huge Old English Sheepdog puppy with lots of energy. In fact, last night Tristan and I considered breaking out the hard liquor or tranquilizers to settle down (we debated: would it be a better idea to consume it ourselves or to give it to Billy?)

Over the past few weeks we warned Billy's family that our house is a mess (we live life to the fullest but our obituaries will probably not include the phrase "and they had cleanest house ever"). In fact the few people who have seen our house have commented that we probably should be nominated for the show "Clean Sweep" in which a professional organizing team comes in and declutters and tidys a house. Perhaps even a frat house would be neater then our house. The only statement I will make about our house is that all "dangerous" items are behind closed doors, in closed cabinets or not even in the house. When Billy's family dropped him off I think they were shocked. On a positive note, Billy seemed not to care:-)

Well, Billy fit right in to our family, although he did wimper a few times and occasionally looked for his family during the evening. Also I think he was a bit puzzled (and perhaps frightened) by our cats. By this morning this hesitancy related to the cats seemed to be over as I put a cat right in his face and neither animal seemed to care (immersion therapy is my tactic...I am like the dog whisperer except I am terrible at it and I don't go "psst" alot).

Last night Tristan walked Billy (solo--what a sissy Tristan is!). This meant he had to go out twice in some nasty weather; once for Billy and once for Gilligan. This morning I walked Billy with Gilligan (having been brought up with multiple dogs I figured I could pretend I had control of both of them--in fact it was a bit of anarchy on our walk, however, after Gilligan and I got dragged around a bit, but ultimately we did make it back to the house). My impression is that Billy is willing to go in the backyard to do his business; however, Gilligan needs a walk and an audience so I think we tend to walk both dogs (and build up our upper body carrying their poop:-).

This should be quite an adventure because I believe pound for pound, there is more dog in our house then person. For sure, there is more pet (both in count and weight) in our house then person. I sure hope they do not form some crazy pet alliance and vote us out of the house in the next week.

Hill Training at Sugarloaf Mountain and a Family walk at Great Falls

My sister, Cindy and I at Great Falls. Notice the water is quite high...we have had several days of rain; however it is not at flood stage (nor even close)

Gilligan deciding if he will go with Tristan (hiking) or stay with me (running). I think he would have preferred the choice of "staying in the car" but that option was not included in his decision tree!

A self portrait running down Sugarloaf. This was my 2nd lap up the mountain and actually it was a pleasant day to run up and down, up and down.

Gilligan escaping from Tristan off the trail to join me in my jogging. Guess it is obvious who Gilligan's favorite is, isn't it???

Tristan and Gilligan at the start of our hike (again you can see Gilligan is pulling to get to his "favorite" parent)

Today Tristan and I went to Sugarloaf Mountain so I could get a hill workout in preparation of VT100 (?) and he could get ready for his June mountaineering trip up Mt Rainier. We only climbed up and down the mountain for 2 hours (he used the trail, I used the road), so we did not go that far; however, we had more activity in the afternoon when we met up with my sister and my dad at Great Falls for a little more hiking/walking.

The day was pretty nice temperature-wise for both running and hiking. It was a bit overcast; however, after 4 out of the last 7 days having rain, it was a nice change.

Critters Pictures

Gilligan and his "girlfriend" Powder Puff Girl (aka Puffi). Puffi loves Gilligan so much that I would almost suggest she stalks him. They are quite the pair.

Sagwa and Zaboomafoo (aka Boo or Zaboo) chilling and looking cute.

Gilligan taking a moment to savor and enjoy the moment earlier this fall. I think next time I am tired in an ultramarathon I will assume this position!

More Pictures from the Las Vegas Marathon 2008

With the "Running Elvi" at the Run through Wedding Chapel about mile 8 on the course...is it true that "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas??" I did not marry either, but wouldn't getting married to two Elvi during a marathon be an awesome story?

At the Las Vegas Marathon sign along the course...if only this was the finishline!

Approaching the finish taking a self portrait (oddly enough even though there were 10,000+ runners I finished pretty much all alone just like I did at Death Valley with 300 runners!)

With Elvis and Showgirls right after I finished the marathon

Savoring my victory in running a "Double" in the Excalibur Whirlpool after the marathon. It was really nice and relaxing (although not as good as the Death Valley warm spring fed pool)

Start of Las Vegas Marathon Pictures

At the "Fabulous Las Vegas" sign

Being interviewed by the local CBS Chanel from Las Vegas (they asked about my picture taking in the marathon...I even mentioned my 700+ pictures from the Death Valley Marathon!

With Tristan at the beginning of the marathon. He was in front of our Hotel and aparently did not realize I would REALLY late and almost stopped cheering for runners.

In front of the Excalibur (the hotel we were staying at). I think it would have been easier if I took a right here instead of continuing on the course another ~26 miles!

At the start of the Marathon. Notice my Hefty Couttoure outfit (it was a bit chilly). In fact because rain was potentially predicted I carried it the entire race and now can be "green" and reuse it in a future event (I'm thinking Disney Goofy is it's next exposure).

Death Valley Marathon pictures part II (comments to be added later)

At the Furnace Creek Ranch prior to the race (what a nice resort!) And such a great day for a race-mid 50's to mid-70's during the event.

After the start at "about 8 a.m.", what a nice treat to be able to sleep in, then essentially role out of bed to participate in the race!

Running in the "Wilderness" during the race. I am being extra cautious of potential wildlife that might be ready to attack or eat me!

My "good luck sheep" enjoying a beverage along the course! I thought the sheep was really cute so bought it right before the race. He did a good job of sitting on my fanny pack (thanks to a few safety pins) and kept me company

Showing off my new "bling" after the finish at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center.

Pictures from Death Valley (vacation not marathon)

At the highest Dune (on Friday at least) within the Sand Dunes. We started about 2 miles to the West of this picture and climbed various dunes until we reached this summit.

A crow at Artists Pallette along Artists Drive. In this section of Death Valley one can see many different colored rocks including red, orange, yellow, green, brown, among others. It is a very pretty drive.

At a Salt Lick at Badwater. I love salt, so I was really happy here! It was good quality (strong) salt! However sadly an "incident" occurred while taking this picture.

At Badwater, the lowest point in America (250+ feet below sea level!). In the summer it can get quite toasty here however, during our trip it never was above 75 degree's which was very pleasant.

At the Warm Spring pool at Furnace Creek. The water was a very comfortable upper 70's and the scenery of the mountains and desert was just spectacular!

Tristan and I had a great time at Death Valley and Las Vegas and are ready to pack our bags to go back!

However, there was of course at least one incident that mars our experience (actually several). But this one has to do with the picture of me at the Salt Lick by Badwater. Tristan and I walked around Badwater exploring the sights (including the salt flats). I got the brilliant idea to get a picture of me simulating licking the salt. I hand my camera to Tristan then bend down (which is tough considering I have the flexibility of the tin man from the Wizard of Oz). I have my fanny pack with two full bottles of water (they warn you of dehydration and I take this seriously!) I finally am really close to the salt and one of my bottles gets ejected from my fanny pack. It slams into my finger at high rates of speed. In fact a few seconds after my pinky is hit it turns black and blue. I am in excruciating pain. I think my finger might need to be amputated. Not only is it bruised somehow my soda bottle scraped off some skin. In getting up I get some salt in my wound. It is TERRIBLE. Tristan mocks me alot for this injury but I would like to point out that it is Five days later and my finger still is tender. And perhaps it will still need to be amputated. I guess I am lucky it was my pinky which is a vestigile organ and not my opposable thumb which is the only thing that separates me from my primate cousins....

A few pictures from the Death Valley Marathon 2008

Here are a few pictures from the Death Valley Marathon. I have 795 more on my camera's digital stick (although only about 200 are of good quality). To show more of my experience I will post more later, but here are a few highlights of my race.

With my friends Richard T., Lauri F., and Joe C. (from left to right) after the finish of the marathon.

With Lauri before the start of the Death Valley Marathon

With Tim E. and Lisa B. before the start of the marathon

Running along the course early in the race (in fact I am running backwards to maximize the sun exposure but minimize the glare...hence my sub-optimal performance:-)

With my new friend Larry at the finish (apparently he has read my blog...in fact several folks came up to me to get a picture with me, guess dressing in pink and carrying "Sparke-ley" makes me stand out).

Actually someone asked me about silver "Sparkely", I had to confirm silver sparkely is retired except for 50 and 100 mile races.

Success at Death Valley and Las Vegas Marathons

This evening Tristan and I arrived back from my first Double Marathon.  Both courses were beautiful and interesting in their own way.  And I got to see many old friends and make new friends along the way.  But this double was TOUGH.  I can't figure out if it was my 50 miler 2 weeks prior, the 2 days of hard core hiking (including 2.5 hours hiking/stumbling up and sliding down the "Sand Dunes" as was recommended by my friend Jamie) or that I am just a sissy.

I will write more tommorrow and include some pictures.  I took 800 during Death Valley and 400 during Las Vegas (and went through two camera batteries in each event...thank goodness for digital camera's).  

I also learned what happens in CA does not stay in California and what happens in Las Vegas does not necessarily stay in Vegas (let's say I would not recommend drying one's unmentionables in a rental cars window's in the presence of my "friends" with camera's and other "friends" I have and graciously share our room with think it's okay to startle freshly showered people clad in only a towel looking for unmentionables to put on...maybe I need new friends or maybe I need friends who do not carry camera's around:-) 

Ready, Set, Marathon: Death Valley and Las Vegas Marathon 2008

Here are some pictures of friends who I anticipate seeing at the Double Marathon this weekend
With my friend Lauri F. at the dismal start of the Richmond Marathon mid-November

With my friend Richard T. at the Niagara Ultra 50 km this past June 2008 sponsored by the St Catherines Road Runners club at Niagara on Lake.

With Lisa Bliss during the Umstead 100 mile race this past April 2008. I had just finished (~29 hours) and she had finished in about 18 or 20 hours!

Tomorrow Tristan and I fly to Las Vegas for a running/hiking vacation. I will be doing my first "double" marathon and am a bit nervous. I know I have run marathons on a weekly basis, the Disney Goofy, 50 milers and 100 milers but I have never run marathons on consecutive days.

Tomorrow evening Tristan and I fly Southwest from BWI to Las Vegas (I am using my frequent flier miles for a free trip, yahoo!). During our vacation our tentative plans are to get up early Thursday to drive to Death Valley for some hiking. Friday we will continue hiking and swim a bit in the spring fed pool at Furnace Creek Ranch. Saturday I will run the Death Valley Borax Marathon while Tristan plans to hike Telescope Peak. Sunday I get up very early to start the Las Vegas at 6 a.m. (ugh!!). Monday, I am not sure of our plans but we are debating between hiking Red Rocks, lounging by the Excalibur pool or trying to gamble our way into enough money to make up for all our TSP retirement loses (and considering Tristan and I are statisticians and originally math majors we should be able to gamble and win, right??)

During this trip I know I will be meeting up with many running friends. My friends Richard T. and Joe C. from the Niagara Ultra will be running (and in fact my friend Richard is doing packet pickup at Las Vegas so Tristan and I can maximize our time at Death Valley). During the weekend, my friend Lauri will be staying with us (and hopefully driving me from Death Valley to Las Vegas so Tristan does not feel rushed on his 15+ mile journey up Telescope peak 11,000+ feet). I am looking forward to seeing Lisa B. from Umstead. I noticed on her blog she is nursing an injury but hopefully is well on her way to recovered. Finally I know many of my friends in the Marathon Maniacs and 50 States Marathon club are also going to be at both marathons (with a 2.5 hour drive separating the marathons, it is not a bad two-fer).

If I have the opportunity to get internet access, I will try to post any highlights of this trip; however, I am not overly optimistic about this.