Twelfth Night after walking and running...

Jen and I went to see Twelfth Night last evening at the Shakespeare Tavern here in Atlanta. I wish I had taken my camera with me so you could see the outside of the building. Take a run over to the link and check the place out - it is modeled after the Globe, but on a much smaller scale. The ambience, the actors, the stage direction, the music interwoven seamlessly all combined for a terrific evening and one where I found myself constantly smiling. It was a faithful performance even to the point where you felt you were a part of a production that was probably put on much as envisioned in Shakespeare's day. And the food was good, too!

Earlier that same day, much earlier, Jen ran a 10k here in Atlanta in order to have a qualifying time for next year's Peachtree. I'm proud to say she broke 54 minutes!! Woo Hoo, Jen!

For our part, Karyn and I did 15 miles in 5 hours. We stopped more often for stretching, and sat for breakfast, and a fruit purchase at Kroger's. We were most happy with our time and though we could feel our legs and the last three miles felt more like ten, we did well. We are ready.

Today, Tink and I did ten miles with a few stretch breaks, and a stop at home after the 5.5 mile point. I definitely had pain in my left arch, but I am planning on getting the better orthotics ( I will post a link after I pick them up at REI, can not remember the name of them right now) for my second set of sneakers this week.

I have raised the $2200 I needed to walk - thank you to all my supporters and to those who are helping to clothe and sneaker me for the 3Day - you all rock!

Trout

Nick and Teresa came over Tuesday night with Jameson so we could all watch the premiere of Heroes together which I had dvr'd from the previous evening. Nick made us a delicious dinner of mushroom risotto and grilled chicken breast. Teres and I were only allowed to watch. Thanks, Nick!

Anyhow, Nick told me that they are calling Jameson "Trout" as a nickname because he can not pass up a worm outside - alive, dead, crusty, squished - you get the idea. Nick says, "If Jameson had been a fish he would have been caught immediately because he can't pass up a worm!" I think that is so funny - I guess I'm just that kind of doggie Grandma.

Karyn and I did 15 miles today - we were definitely feeling our legs at the end. Achy, but in a good way. Hoping to do 10 tomorrow. Jen and I are going out on the town tonight - next blog will tell the details...

Mad Men gets the Emmy!

First season finished and their first best drama series Emmy won...what a fantastic ensemble show. The brainchild of Matt Weiner, late of Sopranos fame, this classy(and classic) well written, well acted, well developed smart show is a must see. If you have not started watching, I suggest you rent season one and start from the beginning. I promise you will be hooked. It's a peek into my childhood but it relates to the present, too. Have we come as far as we think we have?

Check out Mad Men. You won't be sorry. (If you know me, you know I mostly am a TCM kinda girla, so not much for the tv. Besides Heroes, which is a totally different direction, Mad Men is all I watch.)

Training: Totally pooped Girla here on Sunday - no mileage. My body wanted rest and my brain needed to be able to concentrate on study, so the school needs won out.

Daddy's HOME! (Plus 3Day Musings)

Daddy is back home from the hospital - yay. He sounds good on the phone, wish I could be there in person. Thanks to everyone who said a prayer - prayer works!

Tonight I got the front yard cut then Tink and I headed out for our long neighborhood route - we had a beautiful sunset to walk by and I don't think the temperature is above 77.

The Atlanta 3Day is five weeks away - I can hardly believe it. Now's the time to start making up my list and making sure I have a headlamp for night time trips to the potty from the tent, and I still am not sure about my pillow situation. I may hit REI this weekend to look for a travel/camp pillow that will fit better in my duffel. If anyone has a suggestion either email me or leave me an idea here, ok?

My kids and Gene were very generous in buying all my sneakers. I am still doing well with my feet - thank goodness. My fanny pack (which I've had since Arizona) is on its last legs -I'm praying it lasts through the walk, the water bottle stretchy material is really starting to give. I need a few more pair of socks, and I have to get my shirts made up. I will be contacting my supporters to see who they want me to walk in honor or in memory of so I can get all the names on my shirts. I was thinking of fuschia shirts with gold writing - if I can get something that looks just right.

What else? Well, I have my shorts, sleeping bag, sweats/hoody for pjs and campwear, and I know I am missing something - oh, I have a hat this year - I wore it last weekend for the 15 miles and I really liked it. It's one made by UnderArmor so it has very breathable material on the cap and the brim will be perfect. And it feels ok on for me - which is good since I am so not a hat person.

Thank you all for reading and keeping up with me and my training - I really appreciate it.

15 Miles Today

Maureen and I met at 0645 and did 13 miles by 11 a.m. with a McDonald's stop for coffee/biscuit and a potty stop on the way back. We saw a few other 3Day folk training and ran into two people from our parish. Very fun. I picked up Tink and did 2 more so I have got 15 under my belt today - finished by noontime so that was good with the stops. We also stretched more than we have been doing. I have to tell you I can feel my feet big time right now, but still BLISTERLESS!!!! HOORAY!!! Keep those good vibes and prayers coming - they are working. Tomorrow I am going to do 10 but will have to break it into 2 five milers with Mass in the middle.

Headed to the tv to check out Ike's damage to the Galveston and Houston areas now, but you could not believe all the people at the gas stations this morning. It reminded me of the Jimmy Carter gas rationing days. When will we learn?

Augie Doggies

To the left you see Kate, Ky, Tink, and I before we head off on a neighborhood walk. I think this one was 4.5 miles; I would like to finish off August here by posting a few more photos. Be patient with me! Not everyone gets such a spectacular birthday month as I had.


This next one is of Amicalola Falls - I think we had
completed over 175 stair steps when we reached the bridge
that you can see in the middle. The bridge brings you to the next stairs - 425 steps!




This last one is Mana, Kate, Ky, Tink, and I after we completed the final upward trek. Kyla was so good walking so many stairs: she did the first 175. We gave her a break on the bridge and took turns doing the final 425.