Best part of yesterday:  It's a toss up.  Somewhere between seeing Frank and Little Dood at mile 6 on the run and finishing.  My spirits were really lifted by seeing them at that point.

So, ummm, OW!  That distance hurts.  Yesterday Coach Brett asked me if I would do the distance again and I said "Not for awhile."  A day later, I'm not so sure.  I think I might have had fun out there.  :o 

Random observations from yesterday:  1) Occasionally farmers f'up and a stalk of corn stands tall in a bean field.  2) Corn fields are miserable to run through.  3)  Central Illinois does, in fact, have hills.  4) Central Illinois also has some of the nicest people I have come across in a long time ... since Memphis I think.  4) Racing without a watch is interesting, nerve racking and refreshing.  (I forgot my Garmin in the hotel.)  5) I am stunned, amazed and proud as heck that I finished.  6) I don't know how the IM folks do it ... I will never, ever go the full distance.  I have a ton of respect for those of you who conquer it.

I'll work on the race report soon, I promise.  I won't blow this one off.  In the meantime, here are some pix:

Apparently, Athena is the way to go for me.  :)  Details and pix to follow.

Ahhhhhhhhh!  I leave in a few hours.  Lots to do.  Sorry for disappearing.  This week of freedom took me by surprise and I did not use the time wisely.  Must. Get. Ready!

Have a great weekend everyone.  I'll post race details on Sunday.  Have a great weekend!

Good luck IMoo'ers!!!!!!

1:15 PM- Please keep my friend Steve in your hearts this weekend.  His brain tumor has advanced so rapidly that he is now in hospice at home.  To give some perspective on how rapidly things have moved, he golfed 18 holes on May 19th.  Now he is completely paralyzed.  If you have the finances available to give, please donate to Unlocking Brain Tumors, www.unlockingbraintumors.org or any other organization focused on combatting this terrible disease.

Best part of yesterday:  A successful first day of school for Little Dood.  He's super excited to go back today.  So yea!

Lots going on today.  1:40 brick, then into the city to finally get this mop cut and colored, and then back out here to make zucchini bread.  I'm hoping to have time to squeeze in the green city market downtown (best farmer's market around!) but not sure that's going to make it this week.  There's always next week. 

Hope everyone has a great day! :)

Best part of yesterday:  The BBQ over at Robin's.  Just a fun group of folks and Little Dood got to play with some other boys.  It's funny to watch his competitive side develop around other boys.  Good times.

Today I dropped Little Dood off at school this morning.  He has his same teacher from the summer, who he adores and vice versa.  Makes the $10 bouquet of flowers we gaver her at the end of camp was well worth it!  She wanted a big hug from him as soon as he walked in.  I'm giddy. 

Good swim this morning.  Threw in 150 ankle bands to get my timing back on track.  Forgot my lap watch so I had to use the clock so take the results with a grain of salt.  I was pretty good with the 250s until the last one.  Then I felt like toothpaste being squeeze out of a tube.  Very jerky and thick.  (4:20, 4:15, 4:15, 4:23)  Overall a satisfying workout.