Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Napa or Bust!


This is my last entry. I am actually a little sad to say goodbye...goodbye to my team, to Trainer Tim, to the last 16 weeks. I am sincerely teary-eyed just thinking about it.


So, the trip to California was life-changing. How's that for a sentence to live up to? Let me recount the days the lead up to the trip, the trip, and the way home.

Packing. Lots of lists. Lists that I didn't look at until Wednesday. Tim had toilet paper on his list. That was a surprising item for me. Usually, I expect hotels to provide toilet paper. I couldn't figure out why the Hilton wouldn't have such a necessity. Apparently, because of nervous stomachs, the port-o-lets run out of toilet paper, so THAT'S why I needed it. Thanks for the important item, Tim. I didn't use it, but I WAS glad I had it. So, I was still packing Thursday at 11:00 pm. I just hate trying to figure out what to wear. I underpacked. I always underpack. Luckily, I surround myself with people who overpack. I didn't have to handwash any underwear, so all-in-all I was good to go.


We left the house at the crack of dawn. My mother-in-law and her husband dropped us off at the airport and FINALLY, I had my ticket in my hand. You see, I am a person who has to consult itineraries and tickets a zillion times within the week of travel. Becky (the ticket hoarder) would not let us have them...overwhelming for me. I got to touch and hold my tickets! Wha-Hoooo! Paul and I are not travelers. Southwest does not assign seats. Instead, they have this "A, B, C system". Yup. Nice system. Let's just say this chickeepoo had to sit in the middle on every frickin' flight! The ride to Vegas was exciting, but I had to sit by an Asian man who must have eaten beans the night before...he was tooting up a storm. I tried to gamble in Vegas, but Becky (now the time keeper) insisted that I stop to make the connection to San Francisco. Ergggg....! I was certain that slot machine had my name on it.

San Francisco was amazing! Our limo bus even stopped at the Golden Gate bridge. We took several pictures and started to feel like a team! Unfortunately a goodly portion of my team hadn't eaten for 8 or so hours, so we had to stop to get something to eat. Okay, I am as flexible as the next guy, but the restaurant we stopped at...with a bus filled with several people suffering from Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis...was McDonald's. I shit you not. While inside, Paul made a friend with a scary local guy. I wish I would have gotten his picture. Imagine a guy who looks like Crosby (of Crosby, Stills, and Nash), one hundred pounds heavier, in a shirt that is too small and clothes that have not been cleaned for at least 2 weeks, and his breath had the odor of alcohol and decaying teeth, combined with body odor. He thought we RAN to San Francisco from Wisconsin. Seriously. At the bridge, I took some real time to thank all those I was running for. I had their names listed on the back of my shirt. Thank you for gifting me their names. It was an honor...(Diddo, Jean, Aaron, Clara, Patty Pauer, Suzie, Mariah, and all the kids suffering with IBD)



We got to the hotel. Safe and sound. Paul and I had dinner and wine. Felt great to be here. Paul had the opportunity to meet my running friend, Mary Brown. Without her constant encouragement and wonderful stories, I would not have been able to make it. Thank you Mary, my friend. I was honored to attend the VIP party her. She raised over $8000 to fight Crohn's. Because of this, she was invited to attend a wine tasting at one of the vineyards. I was her guest and so very proud of her. Yup, she is one amazing lady--fighting the disease that affects her son and her mom. Tough stuff.


Saturday 6:45 a.m. run with the team. I have to say that Wisconsin has what it takes! We were the first to get up and run. It felt great to stretch the legs and hear everyone's feet working together...in unison...one team, fighting for a cure! Once again, I took time to think about everyone who helped me get here.
Went to the EXPO to get my number. Funny story...Mary Brown thought she wasn't signed up. She believed that out of 3000 people, there was only one Brown in this race. She missed column two. So cute. Anyway, I was number 3303--I could tell by the pattern that it was a winner! I got to know Jenny Z's husband more at the expo. We, finally, met up with Kerry and her husband! Yeah, my running ladies were all accounted for.


Left the Expo and went to the pool. Expected to lay out and maybe jump in. Instead, drank a margarita and got sunburned. My toes...AGAIN. My left big toe is still blistered. Geez... There were many poor influences at the pool...poor influences, but in a good way. Jim bought the drinks, and the gang of Vegas mentors (Amy, Rochelle, Anne and Sarah) peer pressured me into taking the drink. Naughty. I did pay it forward, though...right Jenny Z and Song? Made sure you guys caved under the pressure of margaritas as well!


Pasta party. Overwhelming. To all those who shared your stories with me that night, thank you...sincerely....from the deepest depths of my soul...thank you. I hope Team Challenge helps finance research that finds a cure for our brothers, sons, sisters, daughters, mothers, fathers, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, parents, grandparents. Too many children suffering. Too many adults dying. And, Miss Becky...Tyler...Tim...Anne...Mentors.....thank you for that cheer line. I was a proud member of Team Wisconsin that night.

Couldn't sleep. Made Paul stay awake with me. Kind of felt bad. Oh well.

The day of the race. Nerves got ahold of me. Too many bagels...too many stolen bananas...not enough sleep. Missed the runners picture waiting for the bathroom. Thankful I had the toilet paper if I needed it. Thankful we found the team before the start of the race...amazed by the beauty of the vineyards. I held to my promise of taking a picture every three miles and texting it to my baby girl. She sent encouraging text messages throughout the race with my friend Monica and her daughter, Allison. Mary and I stuck together...kept to our strategy and ran the whole thing...We caught up to the walkers and loved high-fiving them. I love our team! Betcha Greg missed running in front or behind us...you missed some good stories! A little funnyism from me...never turned on my ipod, so I handed it off to Chris Tingley during the race. Didn't want my hydration belt anymore, so I handed it off to Sarah and Rochelle at mile 12 or so. It's so weird that I did that, but at the time, I just didn't want the extra stuff on me anymore...both of them took my stuff without question. Thanks!


The great thing about Team Challenge is that you never feel alone. Every mile Team Challenge is cheering for you at the water/bathroom stops. Throughout the race, coaches from every Team Challenge team encouraged the athletes. There wasn't a moment that I felt I wasn't going to finish the 13.1 miles. I couldn't wait to see my husband at the finish line. Don't know if you all know this, but my husband is ALWAYS at the finish line! Both of us had tears at the end. He is truly my rock and the guy that REALLY pushes me to do my best and makes me do MORE than what I think I can do. I finished in 2 hours and 34 minutes. I am really proud of that time. My goal? To finish the race! Made my goal.






Watched and cheered as my teammates finished one-by-one. Got to taste some amazing wine. got to eat some amazing food. Great morning. Yup! That's just the morning! Crazy, huh?


Took the limo bus from one of the levels of hell. The air conditioning didn't work in the bus. It was filled with hot, sweaty bodies, and stopped on a highway because of an accident, blowing hot air on everyone who is smelly, dehydrated, crabby and getting more tight as the minutes ticked away. In the seats behind Paul and I, ladies began talking baby talk, imitating their toddlers at home. I was overwhelmed. It took everything in me to not scream at the top of my lungs at the women behind us and go crashing through the bus doors. I was almost willing to risk being left on the side of the road at some points.





That night Paul and I celebrated our 15th anniversary in Bodega Bay. I can't describe the taxi driver in a true light. Let's just say that it almost cost a house payment to get to the restaurant and back. We now know the history of California and I think took a tour of the whole freakin' state! I was just thankful to get back to the hotel alive. I thought for sure that he was going to kill us and bury our bones in one of the vineyards. Fyi...the lobster tail was amazing.

Left California on Monday at 6:00 a.m. It was a full day of travel...stopping in Vegas and then, Kansas City. By this time, the team felt like a family. It was a beautiful day to really reflect on several things. Last year at this time, I thought I was going to be recovering from a surgery to remove my colon--this year, I ran 13.1 miles in California. People had faith in me before I had faith in me. So many people on Team Challenge are faced with the challenges of this disease every day...whether as parents, siblings, or other caregivers. Crohn's and Colitis is ugly; the people running/walking to fight this disease are so incredibly beautiful. Every person on the team had his/her own reason for joining this team. I believe that I was put on this team to hear everyone's reason, to share everyone's story, to meet every single one of you. Your faces are engraved in my memory. You all make me proud!
Marge: you are an amazing woman. You've come so far! Keep Going.
Mary-Pat and Jane: Love you busty girlfriends!
Fred: Always run with blades--leave it all on the track!
Mariah: You are truly my hero.
Greg and Nancy: You are the most upbeat people...keep fighting this disease!
Amy: You did it...and on a sore foot!
Rochelle: You kept me motivated. Thanks.
Sarah: Really? You just became a runner? Yup, totally motivating!
Jenny Z: I am not SNAKEY...just like to win!
Katy: Keep running!
Anne: Your Dailymile blog makes me motivated to keep exercising. Keep it up!
Dave: You may not be good with names, but you are an amazing man. So sincere!
Jim: You are just naughty...no alcohol before a race!
John and Melissa: Thanks for a great night at VIP and advice on the race. You are so brave and upbeat, John. Great work fundraising!
Karen H.: You knew I could do it...thanks for that faith.
Howie and Carly: You ran with me when I was chafed...bad time during training. I so appreciated the conversation. Thanks for the humor! You two are an amazing couple...
Kerry: You got me to the finish.
Jeff: So glad I got to know you and follow you in every practice...did you notice you followed me in the Half? Had to give you a bit of a dig!
Song: I know you will be great--wherever life takes you!
Sam: Hey teacher! Keep smiling!
Karen: Greatest grandma in the world. I admire every fiber of your being. Great job!
Jenna: Talk about energy!
Tina: Watching you train with such passion was amazing.
Becky: The BEST cheerleader "in the world"!
Tyler: You have such passion, commitment and dedication. Thank you.
Kevin: Missed you in Napa, but thank you for believing in me throughout the practices!
Tim: Amazingly optimistic all the time...thanks for knowing that I would finish and getting my body ready for the 13.1 miles.
Mary: Well, you know how I feel...thank you for your friendship. Plain and simple.
Until next time....

Monday, July 12, 2010

Trek Triathlon--Fun, Fun, Fun

The Triathlon was this weekend. I have to say that I really didn't feel necessarily prepared for the three events. I have been concentrating so hard on running. I wanted to hang out with my girlfriends and if I had to do a triathlon to do that, I would. So, I did. It was fun and hot and exhausting and exhilerating and ...emotional. Margarita Senioritas were in the Trek Tri House!


My overall time was one minute slower than last year. However my run was 3 minutes faster. So, considering that I trained in running, I am pretty happy with that. I will admit that I did brush my hair during every transition. I also stopped to pose after the swim and during the run. Couldn't do that on the bike, but I did slow down to smile! I totally did not push myself because I am so excited about the half marathon. I used the tri as a practice event...gettin' out the nerves and willies.
So, because I am one of the quirky people, I am forced to share all the stupid things that I do on a regular basis. First of all, I freaked because Sandy didn't feel like my bag was heavy enough. I was convinced that I must of forgotten something and couldn't get my mind off of it for the hour drive. Saturday was beautifully sunny and warm. Perfect day to set up for a triathlon. I forgot to wear sunscreen and I am on face medication that makes me "sensitive to the sun." I didn't realize SENSITIVE meant my skin would feel like it was on FIRE and blister. My arms and toes burned.
We slept at Anna and Bob's home. They are such sweet people to allow women to take over their basement. I couldn't sleep, even after taking a benedryl...and my toes felt like they were on fire. I slept maybe 3 hours...tops.
My toes are now bright red and on my left foot...second toe from the baby, I have a blister. CRUD! We walked to the swim start. I felt great. Started with the front crawl. Hips began to hurt and my foot cramped. Maybe I should have swam more than one time since this time last year. Oops. Moved to my back...and like a beached whale I motored my way across the lake. Before getting out, I adjusted my wetsuit...looked at the photographer and smiled! Made it.
The bike route changed and I loved it. Thought I was going fast. Hmmmm...went slower than last year. Oh well. I sang up every hill, wished all the volunteers a good morning and even slowed for the photographer. Many lovely ladies liked my shiney blue bike. Me too.
Got off the bike and had to prepare for putting my shoes on my red and blistered toes. My feet felt like they were on fire...and it was hot. I didn't care....off I went! 10 minute miles. I am happy, happy, happy with that! Yeah.
At the finish stood my husband and my daughter. Sarah was the official photographer and rocked the tri! I am so lucky to have such a supportive family. They come every year. They smile and wave and push me to go faster.
Wish I could put more pictures on this blog...but I guess I used up all my picture room. Don't get it. I hate technology. Anyway, I am SO ready for the Half Marathon. I will run for wine!
My next blog will be AFTER the Napa to Sonoma...so exciting!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Top Five Lake Front Favorites

As you all know, I adore running with my team. This week was a stinker. It was the heat...AND the GOSH darn humidity. I had a vodka lemonade at the Falls parade on Saturday night, and I felt it while running on Sunday. I made it about 3 miles and walked with a teammate. I would have jogged the whole 6, but the opportunity to walk was there...and I took it. I was kind of a loser, but I work out every day in some way shape or form. I know I can run these 13 miles. Now I know I need to avoid vodka the night before the race. And, I got to chat with Stephanie. She is an amazing lady--business owner, mother of 2 young kids, and still has time for her husband and home...and baking cookies!
To make up for my lack of enthusiasm at the team practice, I went for a swim to train for the triathlon on Sunday. It was a lovely day in the water...couldn't feel the heat or the humidity! And, my family said I looked HOT in my wetsuit. Everyone looks hot in a wetsuit. But, I took the compliment for everything it was. Paul and Sarah push me so much and I really appreciate it. Even if I don't say it. Paul put golfing on hold to take me to the lake. If anyone out there is a golf enthusiast, you understand the sacrifice. Thankfully, the rain stayed away and he could go on Monday!

At Team practice, we decided we needed a top 5 for our Lakefront practices. So, here is what we came up with...with some additions from me!

Favorites:
1. Becky's incredible enthusiasm! Tim's and Anne's bright smiles :) Our mentors' support.
2. Seeing all of our Teammates ready to run/walk...getting family updates--babies, marriages, health news. Becoming friends.
3. The initial down hill on Lincoln Memorial Drive.
4. Alterra's bathroom and water cooler.
5. Beauty of the lakefront and the diversity of people we pass by (many of whom take time to say "good morning"--How great is that?). High-fives from our TEAM as we pass!

Dislikes:
1. The smell right after the downhill on Lincoln Memorial Drive. YUCK!
2. The litter that is left after Saturday night partying on the Lakefront.
3. Humidity.
4. The uphill (that started as a downhill) at the end of our run on Lincoln Memorial Drive.
5. Chafing...anywhere...anytime.
  • I am going to miss the last team practice next Sunday to be with my girlfriends at the Trek Triathlon. I am so excited! I know it's an event, but I just love being with the ladies. It took me a while to decide whether I wanted to do this, but I am glad I am. Think of me on Sunday around 7:30 am. I will be swimming 1/2 mile across a lake only to jump on a bike and ride a few more miles and finish 'er up with a quick 3.1 mile fun run! I'm taking this one easy! I hope to smile through the whole thing. Expect "poses" in the race pictures!
  • Lastly, anyone thinking of Storming the Bastille on Thursday night? I have never run this one and thought it would be fun! Let me know if you are going, I will tag along!
Go TEAM CHALLENGE! Go TEAM WISCONSIN! A big shout out to my NAPA or BUST...busty girlfriends! Kickin' Crohns and Colitis in the BUTT, one dollar at a time--GRRRRRRRR!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Three Weeks to NAPA!

So excited for the Half Marathon! I can't believe that I feel confident enough to run this whole half marathon. I know that I can do it now. It's because of Team Challenge that I have this confidence. It starts with the commitment to the race, goes to Trainer Tim for his schedule and smile and good advice, and gets reinforced by my teammates every Sunday at the Lakefront.



Also, my confidence comes from the support system that put me in the 100 club. I received over 100 donations. That means that my "team" is well over 100 people if you add in all the families who made one donation for their whole family. This is the part that completely overwhelms me. Thanks for being my mental and spiritual support when I wasn't motivated to run. I keep training because I know that you guys all thought months ago that I would be able to do this...and now I can.


This last week was a rough one. Here's the update:
  • Chafing update: Last week I ran in the cute skort you see above. It was the worst decision ever! I have a few remnants of that experience left in my inner thighs. I wore my old, cheap Adidas shorts this week and no chafing! Nike sucks!
  • New blood blister under the toe next to my big toe. Must of worn bad socks??? It doesn't hurt, but it's ugly, so I am now wearing brown sparkly nail polish. That was Sarah's suggestion.
  • Sarah was at camp and in the play Annie, Jr. She was a usherette and servant (she's the one in the green checkered apron). She also made a short appearance as a cold passerby in New York. She loved this experience. I think the acting bug has gotten hold of her!
  • However, while at camp, she acquired a rash that has turned into blisters and involved 2 visits to urgent care, a call to a nurse, and a call to Dr. Mark. Wondering what the rash is? No one knows. I can't tell anymore if it's going away. Her feet are so blistered that she struggles putting shoes on.
  • I love running in 50-60 degree weather. I didn't know that until I ran in 80 degree weather. It was hot this week. Many of you know that I smile my way through every run. (I don't know why I smile all the time...I just do). Well, this week nary a smile came across my face. It was just plain frickin' hot and frickin' humid. California won't be like this, right????
  • Sarah ate a piece of taffy for breakfast...good mother alert, sorry. Wasn't watching. She cracked her "funky tooth". Had to take her to the dentist for a quick 15 minute fix. An hour later, we left the dentist. Are you following Sarah's crappy week? It's a good thing she has a positive attitude!
  • Went for a 6 mile run on the bugline. I know that the bugline is buggy, but I really hate just HOW buggy it is. Nature update: saw a doe and fawn (again), over 10 chipmunks, a dead frog, and a woodchuck. A horsefly kept buzzing me...hate that! My face started itching. I ran with some makeup on. Must be allergic the new makeup. Guess I decided to join my baby girl in her rash experience. Still itchy and irritated...but not blistery.
  • Paul rode his bicycle to work on Friday. It sounded like an incredible adventure! I love that he is joining the Go Green effort that Sarah keeps lecturing him about. If he doesn't watch it, he might become a democrat! Naw...hell would have to freeze over, first.
  • Sarah won 3rd place for a picture she drew in a Humane Society art competition. If you visit HAWS in Waukesha, look for her picture!

So, as I close the blog for this week, I will again thank all of you for your support of what I am no longer believing is such a crazy idea. I love training for Napa! I have met so many incredible people--half of whom got caught in the downpour yesterday at training and still powered on...--and really gotten my body in shape and had the opportunity to see my husband truly proud of me. Thanks for asking how training is going and for supporting me when I get lazy. Keeping my face toward the SUNSHINE!

Napa or Bust!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Week 13--What a Week!

At Week 13's practice, this is what the runners saw when they got to the finish line. My daughter came with me. She made signs and brought clappers to make noise as the runners came in from 10-11 mile runs! I know they all enjoyed her energy. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see her!
I ran 10 miles today...it wasn't easy for some reason. I was hot. I had really bad hair...what's with that?! Maybe the humidity got to me. Here's a "too much information" caution. Ready for it--okay, so I will NEVER wear the cute gray skort again! I bought it because it looked cute, had shorts that seemed long enough, and was made by Nike. I always think exercise/sport type companies know something I don't. Anyway, the CHAFING was incredibly awful. At mile 5, the inside of my thighs started to feel uncomfortable. Miles 6 and 7, and my thighs were on fire. I thankfully ran into Jenny and Howie at mile 8 to take my mind off of the burning underneath the skirt! I ran like I just got off a horse for the last 2 miles. I'm actually surprised that my hips don't hurt from the unique strides I was taking.

Have to add some bragging to my blog this week. Look at that kick, would ya? Sarah graduated to her brown stripe belt. The next time she will graduate on a stage and receive her BLACK BELT! She is one tough cookie. She chose my father, her Papa, to present her with her new belt. My dad is an incredible man. During the school year, he took her to Karate every Wednesday. She looked forward to seeing him every week; they have a special relationship. Lucky girl! He wasn't the only one there, though. She had my mom there, her Nana--who made time in a very busy day to make it. I'll have to blog about their special bond on another day. Suffice to say...two peas in a pod! My sister and her husband came--What a nice surprise! And, her special crazy friend, Julie the Coolie, also came to share her special day.


Right after she sweat her butt off at karate, we drove to Sarah's Stride to benefit the Ronald McDonald house. The run was a 5K. It was 81 degrees and sunny. Sarah was totally pooped at mile 2. She, in fact, didn't know how she would make it back to Hart Park. That's when inspiration showed up. Inspiration came in the form of a dad. His name is Daryl. We met him at mile 2, and he shared the story of his son, Walker, with my daughter. You see, Walker is at Children's Hospital. He is very sick and cannot walk, much less run. Sarah promised Daryl that she would use the legs she had to push it to the end.
Angels come in all shapes and sizes. I don't know exactly who was the angel on Saturday during that walk--was it Daryl? or was it Sarah? I guess it doesn't matter. They were there for each other on Saturday and I had the absolute privilege to be a witness.
We finished the race. My baby girl and I.
This week was filled with wonder and friendships. From getting a few more donations to walking with a great friend during Relay for Life to meeting that angel in H(e)art Park to running with my TC friends at the lakefront. I know this is getting so sicky sweet, but how can I not take time out to say thank you!
p.s. thighs still sore today. Got red, puffy dots lining my inner thighs. Glad it's cool, so I can wear longer pants. Oy!




Monday, June 14, 2010

The 12 Weeks of Training...



Okay, so it's been 12 weeks. I am completely amazed at how far we have all come. I thought I was going to need a breathing machine after our first run in the Pettit. Now, I can jog 10 miles and still go about my day!

So, in honor of the last 12 weeks, here is "The 12 Weeks of Training" sung to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. (Be forgiving on the syllabication)
On the first week of training, Becky Burris gave to me...a Team Challenge T-shirt (actually two of them!)

On the second week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a VERY pretty cork necklace (spirit award--whoooooo hooooo! I got spirit, yes I do; I got spirit, how 'bout you?)

On the third week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a bunch of fundraising tips (good stuff, guys!)
On the fourth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a Colorado Running Team hat. (I don't even live in Colorado, but I am now an official member of their team because that's what my hat says...what, what?!)

On the fifth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a trainer who promised me I would not die. (or at least not because of running...I mean some day I wll die, but rest assured not on Tim's watch :)

On the sixth week of training, my school family gave to me over $500 in donations. (I seriously work with the greatest staff on earth!)

On the seventh week of training, Team Challenge gave to me the need to see a chiropractor.

On the eighth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me support before my colonoscopy. (I love how this one sounds...colon looks beauteous and biopsies are negative)

On the ninth week of training, I pushed it way too hard. Ended up puking on someone's front yard. ('nuf said)

On the tenth week of training, Pilate Patty gave to me, one fantastic styrofoam roller. (See last blog about my almost sensual feelings about this exercise tool)


On the eleventh week of training, Mary gave to me the blessing of delightful conversations. (new hill hero!)

During the twelfth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a new friendship family. (I am so thankful for all of the inspiration and motivation...oh yeah!--thanks Daily milers!)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

It's a Team Effort

I love Team Challenge!


If it weren't for my team, I would have NEVER jogged 10 miles on Sunday morning. Every part of me wanted to NOT show up last Sunday. I wanted to sleep, but Paul insisted I get up and get ready. I couldn't find my Team Challenge shirt, then Sarah found it. I tried to drive to the Lakefront and got stopped by the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. Sat for 20 minutes waiting for thousands of bikes to go by. Just when I believed I would turn around and go back home, a police officer waved my car through the intersection. I made it to training only 10 minutes late. The team even waited for me to go to the bathroom! I was meant to make it to training. And, quite thankful that my teammates believed we would all run 10 miles without any problems.
This experience is teaching me SO much about what it means to be part of a team. Mary and I talked our way through the run. Now, next week we will have Stephanie join our fold. Can't wait to hear her stories!

The downside of running this much so early in the morning...I got crabby. I will probably have to make some more apologies to my husband's family. I had my brow furrowed and brought only one bag of chips to feed like 15 people. Wasn't thinkin'...then I made it everyone else's fault. My attitude sucked, and I should have walked home or just drank more beer. I promise to be a better person after training this Sunday. No more attitude problems for this lady--if so, just smack me!

My doctor has not donated to my cause yet. I am kind of disappointed. He also hasn't called about my biopsies. I think this may be part of my attitude problem, as well. I still like him, just was hoping for some support (can you see my lower lip out?).

Lastly, if you do not have a styrofoam roller to use after exercising, you are missing out on a truly wonderful piece of equipment. I roll almost every part of my body daily! Lovin' the roller almost as much as I adore dark chocolate and Shiraz wine! Hmmmm...maybe I will try a combination of the roller, wine, and fine chocolate...ecstacy!

Here's to next week's training! Wine glasses up! Go Team Challenge--Go Team Wisconsin--Napa or Bust!