My 40 for 40 | Peaches Prattlings

{January 18, 2015} A new experience…challenge accepted…and failed

Not a complete failure and I’ll tell you why, but still sucked, to be blunt.

As you know, I am in Anaheim, CA to participate in The Rebel Challenge, 10k on Saturday and Half Marathon on Sunday. I did the 10k yesterday morning, started at 5:30am, my wave actually started closer to 6am, I finished 1:35:45, I was quite pleased with my time. I ran the first 3 miles, just like other races I have done and then did walk/run for the last 3, so I am happy. I ran 4 miles yesterday! I crossed the finish line and got my medal, headed back to the hotel satisfied.

Today, I participated in the Half Marathon, but did not finish. I had to stop at the medical tent, my usual blister issue, and after that I was three minutes behind the pacers, couldn’t catch back up with them and unfortunately, something happened that had never happened to me at a race, the course was cut off and I was shuttled back to the start. I collected the medal for the half marathon, but because I didn’t finish the race, I didn’t get the third medal, for The Rebel Challenge. I am just disappointed in myself.

There are a few things that contributed to this, I am not taking away any blame from myself at all. The shuttle did not show up to take a few of us to the park, so we walked the two miles to the park and then ran a mile to the start, right there…three miles! We also just made the start, they were closing the corral! I ran/walked the next ‘just under’ nine miles, about mile 7 I needed to stop at the medical tent for the blister, I just couldn’t catch up to the pacers, it happens. I also hadn’t trained for the run, my own fault. So, I got on the shuttle with everyone else, there were three shuttle busses getting sent back to the start, no one was happy.

After we got our medals, I walked to the shuttle busses, stopping at Jamba Juice, [apples and greens, yum] and since the shuttles wouldn’t be running until 10am, it was 9:20, I walked the two miles back to the hotel. So…even though I didn’t finish the half marathon, I did walk 18 miles today, I think I did alright.

It’s silly, but the mani/pedi I treated myself to helped, emotionally and cleaned my feet up.

I know, I did something, something more than other people wouldn’t attempt and I should be proud of the fact that I showed up and I tried and I am, I’m just disappointed in myself. Every experience is just that, an experience and I am ready for the next challenge.

{January 16, 2015} Hollywood Geek Out!

I know, I’m posting so early!

I’m meeting a friend, tell you about him later, and I may go back to the room and pass out (the race stats at 5:30am!) So I wanted to be sure I posted.

I am meeting my friend in Hollywood, so while I waited for him to get off work and meet me, to Hollywood I went!

I haven’t been here since college and I toured a little with AM, but no cell phones or Facebook. So…Hollywood sign, Mann’s Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame, stars and handprints!

Enjoy the photos! (I put my Chuck Taylor’s in a few…so you would know it was me! )

{January 15, 2015} I didn’t spend a dime!

Ok, anything extra!

I am in California to “run” two races, I say “run” with quotes because I have not trained at all, so I will be running some and walking most. And I am perfectly fine with that. But that’s not what this post is about.

So… here is what I was talking about…

As you know, for some races there are expos, you might remember CKM and I walking around the Hot Chocolate or Peachtree RoadRace Expos after we would get our race packets. This is a fun time to walk around, check out different vendors, see what’s new in running outfits, shoes, gear, other races, being…all that good stuff.

We have found some good stuff, I’ve shared with you some of the running dresses, skirts, socks, stuff like that. I go with the intention of maybe finding a new running outfit, which I have gotten a lot of use out of every dress, skirt, pant that I have gotten at the expo.

Some expos are better than others, some are called expos and they are just packet pick up and others are huge events. The Disney Expo I went to in Florida last February was stellar, this one was ok, not as many vendors, still good, but…. I WALKED AWAY AND BOUGHT NOTHING! Who am I, what did I do with me? I couldn’t believe it!

But… check out the gear I got! I don’t really need anything else! I got a shirt for the 10k, half marathon and The Rebel Challenge! All three are long sleeve performance shirts, who’s styling! And my Bibb has my name on it! ROCK ON ME!

{January 9, 2015} My day..don’t blink…

You might miss it!

The early part of the day started off normally enough, I actually got to sleep in a bit, the girls didn’t wake me, go girls!

I got up as GES was heading out to get breakfast with a friend, took a shower, got some things done around the house, put up some curtains, made some lunch, got some work done, looked for a new project, made some phone calls, the usual. Then the excitement began…

Do you remember the other day when I had to get a new battery? Well, yesterday, I went to get in the car to pick up MGS, it wouldn’t start, the indicator lights came on but nothing…I called the garage, they sent a tow truck to pick it up and away went Annie. The driver said he had seen issues like this, it probably just needed a jump, what? I just got a new battery! Nope, take it away, let’s see what the garage says.

Back to today…I get a call..it’s the starter motor, what? I called around, they had the best price… please take care of it.

I head out in my car at 3:45 to get EJS from school, take her to karate, 45 minutes later back to the house, pick up GES, go to EJS’ school for Winter Fest! There was pizza, veggies, photo booths, flip book photo booths, a DJ, dancing, games and fun. We hung out for a while, ACS showed up with MGS for some fun, then took me to get my car from the garage. I drove back to the school because I had both car seats.

Then we leave school and head to temple for services, EJS is in the junior choir, a lot of fun to see her singing and enjoying herself, the choir was terrific and services were enjoyable.

After services, oneg with lots of sweets for a sweet Shabbat, lots of talking and good company. Eventually, it was back to the house for jammies and a few more pages of Harry Potter, we might get to the end of chapter one by the end of the weekend!

Have a great weekend my friends!

PS. Last night was my cousin MS’ birthday. Happy Birthday cousin!

{January 1, 2015} Resolutions

It’s new years day, hello 2015, did you make any resolutions?

Resolutions date way back, Babylonians, Romans, Medieval Area, all had resolutions and you can even find people in the Eastern Hemisphere, although they are more popular in the Western Hemisphere.

Today, many resolutions, and I am stereotyping here, usually revolve around weight loss, they indulged a little too much over the holidays. I met someone last night who’s resolution was to concentrate on herself and find a husband. Some resolutions are a bit far fetched and some are very simple, it all depends on who you are and how you handle it.

Have you heard the joke “I resolved years ago, never to make a resolution”. Ha ha

I have made resolutions over the years, but none seemed to stick whole heartedly. The one resolution I made, and I’m not sure its a resolution, but I am going to say it is, so there!

I started this blog a long time ago, but it was January 6, 2013 that I decided to post to my blog every day and by golly, I have done that! I blogged for the first year and felt like it was second nature, then January 6, 2014 rolled around and I had to decide, two years or one. I really don’t have to answer that, do I?

Now, January 6th is just around the corner, literally, and will I keep writing? You bet your sweet buppie! I love writing it, it’s become a part of me and of you, obviously, I saw the stats on the site. “You like me, you really like me!”

The other things that could be resolutions, I will commit myself to them, just not today!

So, tell me… did you make any resolutions?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year’s_resolution

{December 31, 2014} What a year it’s been.

It’s New Year’s Eve and what a year it’s been!

There have been a lot of changes, some good, some bad, but experiences nonetheless and like you, I have grown with each one. I would like to share some of the things that have happened to me this year.

I got a new job in February that I love. It gives me the opportunity to do two things I absolutely love: train on software applications and travel for work. I have been in multiple cities for this job, my friends on Facebook are trying to keep up! Someone asked me if I was traveling for work or did I win the lottery? My response “I love my job so much it feels a little like both!” This job not only allows me to travel to new locations for work, I get to travel to different locations on the weekends, it allows me to go to fun places to visit family and friends and do races in cool places. Aside from that perk, I am always learning new modules for the applications I teach, it helps build my skill set and makes me a better trainer.

I went to the Bar Mitzvah of one of my closest friends from high school. CS was pregnant at my wedding! Oh my! What an honor and treat to be a part of it!

You may or may not have guessed by my posts, that I am now single, DCM and I parted ways romantically, it was a mutual decision that was best for both of us. I hold no grudges or bear ill will towards him, we are still great friends and I am happy that he is happy with his life. I will always be thankful for our time together, our shared experiences and giving me something I never thought I would have, grandchildren!

Speaking of grandchildren… we have a new one! Baby W, DCM calls her Twig, too funny! She is a beautiful baby who I hope to meet one day. I got to see Baby A before the family moved to Texas, it was such a great visit, not only with Baby A, but his mommy, I felt really close to them both that day. Not to mention the fabulous mothers day gift I got!

I finally met LB’s sister, Baby L when I went to Las Vegas. LB was so excited to see me, she had me read the same book five times! I had the best visit with both wee tots and their mom, it felt good to talk to her one on one, so to speak.

I have gotten back in the dating world, gone out once or twice, but obviously nothing worth mentioning, but I have been enjoying life, who knows what next year holds!

I did a few races, 5k, 10k and mud runs, around the country, Disney, Atlanta, Colorado, Michigan and my second half marathon in Las Vegas. I drank some moonshine and Jameson! Ick but I did it!

As much traveling as I do, the one place I have never gone alone was overseas, so two months ago, I took myself to Ireland and it was feckin’ fantastic! I’m ready for more international travel!

I also had the fortune to visit friends and family around the country. I spent quite a bit of time in Atlanta with my favorite people and Miss A is walking! She is walking and running around like a champ! I had trouble keeping up with her a few times! Go Miss A!!! So very proud! You can only imagine how her mom, SDL feels!

As a result of being single, I got to spend more time with my sister’s family, I drove with two cats from Colorado to Kentucky to Boston, I know you’re jealous of that one! The girls get to experience unconditional love with the cats and even better, I have gotten closer with the girls they get so excited when I am there now, amazing!

I started skiing again after almost 20 years! I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I loved it! I skied a little in the beginning of the year and now I am spending New Years at Breckenridge skiing!

A big thing that happened in 2014, I know I didn’t talk about it with you…my sister became a SURVIVOR!!! In October/November 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and in November 2014, she got the all clear, so fantastic! 2014 was a really rough year for my family and we are so happy its over and looking forward to 2015

2015 will be a new year, duh. There will be so many new experiences to be had, projects, places to visit and work, nieces doing amazing things, I cannot wait to tell you all about them.

Along those lines, I have something that I will be sharing, medically speaking with you, I have shared with most of my friends, working through the list, and when I begin the process, there may be days I do not blog much, I hope I will at least be able to tell you what is going on.

Two years ago, January 6th, I rediscovered my blog, with the intention of posting every day and I did it and loved it. I feel lost if I don’t post and January 6th of last year, I decided to continue, guess what I’m going to do January 6, 2015!

You have all stuck with me throughout these last two years and I thank you! My blog has been viewed 4000 times THIS YEAR!!! O M G!!! THANK YOU! I will publish some stats in another post. I look forward to sharing the next year with you!

May 2015 bring you health, happiness and all the joy your hearts can handle!

Happy New Year!

thCHFBYUW9

{December 29, 2014} Luggage should arrive together, right?

Today was a travel day and it was quite a day, go figure!

Got up, packed my bags, impressed ST…it looked like I would never get it all in two bags, but I did! I was triumphant! I filled the second bag with the fabulous gifts I got, glad I had it! I was also able to leave the third bag in Georgia, since it was broken, it was filled with gifts for people here and to be shipped and I knew it wouldn’t be leaving with me!

We went to breakfast, stopped at the post office on the way back, shipped out belated gifts [they are on the way!] back to the house to collect my stuff, then headed to the airport.

During the morning, I got several messages from Delta that my flight was delayed 30 minutes, then back 20 minutes, then back to the original time, um….I was heading to the airport going on the original flight time. I returned the car, headed to the terminal and made it just at the mark, at least I was hoping. In order for your bags go on your flight, they have to be there 45 minutes prior to take off.

I made it! Mostly! The desk agent did a late check in and said I should be fine, whew! I have to tell you, membership [Gold Medallion] has its benefits! I went through security and got to the gate after boarding had begun, love being able to just walk right up and sort of cut in front of people, sorry. Upgraded to first class, go me!

The flight was fine, it was snowing when we got to Denver, the entire ground was blanketed in white and it’s always interesting when you can see your breath on the jetway! Good for skiing!

I went down to baggage claim and after a while the bags came around and it was about 30 minutes and I got one bag and then….. nothing. I had gotten a call from Delta about missing luggage and I thought it was odd since I had one, but off to the Delta Luggage Help Office I went, right behind me.

Oh… side note… there was a hard suitcase that was buzzing, for a while. I’m wondering if someone left their toothbrush [or maybe something else…] on or the switch turned on. It was interesting that no one seemed that worried, just curious. Hmmm.

I went to the desk and asked about my bag, I’m so glad I kept the baggage claim sticker! It turns out that one bag came on my flight and the other took a later flight. Huh?

She could not tell me how it happened, but it happens. I am sure it does, just a first for me. Don’t they scan the bags? To see that they need to go to the same place? I guess not.

My bag was on the next flight, having just landed and it would be another 30 minutes before the bags would get to baggage claim. Did I want them to drive the bag to my hotel? No, I’ll wait. Why make someone drive in the snow to bring my bag when I could wait 30 minutes and have it, so I waited.

The bag finally showed up and I was on my way.

{December 7, 2014} My weekend…swoosh!

Go grab a cup of coffee, cocoa, tea, whatever, this is going to be my entire weekend! You know how these go!

I arrived in Denver on Thursday night, eventually, after taking off an hour late, sat down at the airport to book a hotel, I know, I know, why didn’t I do it before I left Chicago? Not a clue, but I found one pretty quickly, went to pick up the rental car and off I went.

I booked a hotel in Golden, Colorado “Where the West Lives” is the town motto. This is a great little town, charming, quaint and a little old west town and could be called a “one horse town” because it’s not that big, but it has character. http://www.cityofgolden.net/

I remember the first time I was there, for my friend AM’s wedding, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was, lots of walking, a stream that people swim, practice kayaking, just enjoy.

Friday, I worked for a few hours and then headed to the storage unit to pick up my skies, what I didn’t expect to find were gifts that I had bought for different kids for the holidays, how happy was I! I loaded it all into the car and headed back to the hotel. I headed to the post office to ship them to my sister’s house to figure it all out there. Then I headed to Khol’s to see what I could use my coupon for!

I know, what do you care about the piddly stuff, well, there is a thought process! I was in Kohl’s and I got two pairs of boots, oh, I bought a pair of black boots for work, on my way back from the storage unit! At Kohl’s I bought a pair of boots that will be great in the snow, perfect for going to and coming from skiing and then I bought some knock off UGG type boots, much cheaper! And all man made materials, which makes me happy.

After I took my bounty back to the hotel, I decided it was time for a bite to eat and off to Golden I went. It turns out they were having a candlelight walk, everyone has a lit candle and walks while they sing Christmas carols. They are walking towards the end of town for the lighting of the Christmas tree, I was there and got to see it, charming!

After the ceremony, I got a bite to eat and headed back to the hotel, I wanted to write to you, get some sleep because I was going skiing in the morning! The morning came too early when someone called at 7am, what? But I got up, had some breakfast and headed up to Breckenridge to go ski!

The drive was about 1.5 hours and I don’t mind it, it’s a beautiful drive, the mountains, snow, simply beautiful. The best part…the roads were clear. I got to Breckenridge and parked in a lot, hopped on the shuttle and onto the gondola I went. The hardest part for me is buckling the boots, it takes a long time and when I’m done, I’m sweating! So happy to share that with you!

Off to the lift I went and as soon as I got to the top, I just stood there for a moment and realized just how amazing this was and how happy I was, blissful if I can say that! I turned on some music and downhill I went. I did a few runs, then about 12:30, it was time for some lunch and let me tell you, the view from this place was fantastic! After a short break, back to skiing, I had to go! And you know what happened on my last run [I fell on my personality]

After skiing, I was ready to head back to the hotel and as I was leaving, passed the Race of the Santas, http://www.gobreck.com/events/community-events/Victorian-holiday-wonderland, I wish I had known about it! How much fun would it have been!

Saturday night was low key and then today, I repeated the process by getting breakfast and then heading to Breckenridge for another day of swoosh. After several good runs, I was ready to go “I’m going to do two more runs and skip the second” Made it to the bottom, no problem. Lunch, walk around and then it was time to go, I didn’t groove on driving at night through the mountains, no lights, go figure!

After lunch, I headed to my friend AM’s house to bring my skis so I don’t have to drive all the way to the storage unit to get them each time, he is pretty close to the airport, wahoo! We hung out, caught up, went to grab some dinner and then back to the house to chill.

After a while, it was time to go to the hotel, pack and get ready to head to Chicago tomorrow!

Anyone else tired? I am! I will post pictures from the weekend, tomorrow.

Good night!

{November 17, 2014} Volunteering and a Half Marathon!

What a weekend! After I tell you about it, you will understand why I was so tired last night!

I told you about my fabulous lunch on Saturday, then when I got back to the hotel, I changed into something a little warmer and better footwear, then headed back out to the SLS parking lot to volunteer for the Rock-n-Roll 5k.

We had to be there at 4:15pm, the race started at 6pm. Have you ever wondered how the medals at races got set up? The water, bananas, etc? Yup, volunteers. We started by taking the medals out of the individual plastic baggies, bunched them by 25 and then got our assignments for the run.
Another volunteer and I were slotted to give the first, second and third place men’s and women’s awards out aren’t they cool?

I was going to participate in the 5k, but I missed the cut off. There was a special medal, of course, if you did both races. And of course, a different shirt for each race. (Have you met me?)

About six we were told to get ready because in about ten minutes or so, he first runner would be coming through. Ten? Yup, ten to twelve minutes is about right for a 5k, if you are one of those really fast runners! Here they come!

It was a fun experience, there were about 5k for the 5k (tee her hee). After we gave out the awards, we started giving out waters. Technically people were supposed to keep going and get water a little farther up, with their medals, but apparently that wasn’t good enough, so we started giving out water. Most people were nice, some were not, it takes all kinds. Most people said thank you and one person said “Thank you for volunteering”, like I do, it makes you feel good!

The only part I didn’t care for was standing around, I don’t do well standing still and my feet don’t like it, but other than that, it was fun and exciting and rewarding. I went back to the hotel and thought I would get some sleep, ha ha.

The next morning, after about six hours of sleep, I went to have brunch with SF, a friend who grew up with my mom, she is CFL’s mom, who I had dinner with Friday night. It was SF, CFL, her husband and their two kids, we had a great time and a good breakfast.

After breakfast, back to the house for a minute, then SF drove me out to see Red Rocks, I had never been before, it was amazing and fascinating and bizarre, so cool! Then we drove the park, no hiking for me yesterday, I had a race later, headed back to the house for a bit, then SF drove me to the hotel, or tried to.

I had wanted to go to the hotel about 4 so I could rest, maybe take a nap. We got near the hotel and all the streets were blocked off, so she dropped me about half a mile from the hotel and I walked. I get to the hotel to check some stuff and sit down and I realize that the run started at 4:30! What?

My Swiss cheese brain, in typical JJ fashion, thought the run started at 6, like the 5k, not so! So I changed as quickly as I could and ran out the door! I wasn’t terribly worried, my corral was 46! I knew I would have some time. I ran to the monorail, talked to a few people who were staring at me then ran the almost one mile from the monorail to the start and they were only up to corral 36! Phew!

About 5:15 we started and we were off! We ran down the strip past McCarren Airport, the executive side, private planes and helicopters and all to just past the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign! Then back down the strip, very surreal to be running down the strip, let alone just walking down the strip! No cars!

We continued all the way down the strip and could see runners on the other side finishing. We went past all the hotels, down towards my hotel, which I can tell you is about six miles from the airport! Past the nicer hotels, down towards the 39.99 per night, or could be per month, hotels, past all the wedding chapels, I think I saw Elvis!

I ran the first 3.5-4 miles and then I was kind of done running, I haven’t trained and I was fighting a cold, I’m ok with it though. We continued past the Pawn Stars shop, people stopped to take pictures, I did too, GES and ACS like it, so snap, snap. Down to old Las Vegas, parts of it were weird, we went through what we thought was a residential area, but it was a bunch of law firms, The Freemont Street Experience and then back onto the strip.

I have tricks to tell myself where I am and to motivate me to keep going. 3.1 miles, I just did a 5k, 4.5 miles, 1/3 done, stuff like that. When I got to mile 8, I got a bit of a second wind, then ten miles, “only three to go, you got this”.

Let me tell you…the last two miles were hard as hell! Then it was down to one mile, oh my gawd, I can do this, just 1.10 and let me tell you, all those shirts are right, I have always said it, that last .10 is brutal! I can do it, I can do it!

I finally crossed the finish line! I got my medal and foil blanket! I accomplished my two goals…FINISH AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE BEHIND ME. I did it!

My final time was 3:40:24. I was hoping to beat my first half marathon time, 3:21:21, but I am thrilled with what I accomplished! I finished a half marathon people! 13.1 miles! ‘That’s because I’m only half crazy!’

I got my banana, water, protein bar, foil blanket and headed to the monorail. The only bad part was it was at least a quarter or more miles to get out of the race area, then it was about half a mile to the monorail, let’s just say my body didn’t like me last night.

I can officially attest, it does get cold in Las Vegas! It was about 70 most of the weekend, then yesterday, got down to about 40, maybe less, but it was windy. I wore the new shirt and Capri pants with the sleeves and my black running shirt over it, I also had gloves and I’m glad I did! At one point, I took the black shirt off and a few times, the gloves, but I was glad to have them!

After the monorail, I got to the hotel, stood under a hot shower for about 20 minutes, I was freezing! Then I packed, I did not want to have to do it in the morning. It was a painful experience. Then I got into bed, wrote to you and passed out!

I woke up at 6:30am, for good, with the sun shining in my face, too early! I sat in a cold bath, which I should have sat in an ice bath last night when I got to the hotel, helps with the inflammation, and then a nice hot shower, got dressed and headed to SLS, albeit slowly, for breakfast.

I ended up at The Griddle, ordered some eggs, potatoes and toast and a pancake. I sometimes like one pancake, I did not expect what I got! It was the size of a small pizza! Can you believe it?

I took three bites and the rest, along with the eggs and potatoes went into a container, hopefully my taxi driver found someone to give it to!

I finished packing, then headed to the airport, where my flight was delayed, oh joy. I did get to talk to a lot of other people who participated and felt about as sore as I did, at least I’m not alone!

The flight finally leaves and the guy who sat next to me was from Staten Island! What are the odds? I’ve sat next to people from New York City before, but never where I grew up! He’s done quite a few runs, including the New York City marathon a few weeks ago!

He travels for work and sometimes races, like this one and like I do, so I told him about a few races I’m doing and I sent him the link for a few and told him if he’s ever in one of my cities for a race, ha ha, to let me know! Small world!

Now, I am at GES’ house, I am exhausted, my body hates me and I am going to go downstairs and get some sleep! You have to be as tired as I am after this post!

Goodnight!

{November 16, 2014} I’m tired!

Apologies friends, I had a very long day and I am beyond tired and going to bed.

I did Red Rocks and a half marathon, so I am a wee bit knackered. I promise to tell you all about it tomorrow!

Will somebody come and rub my feet please?

Goodnight!

Email Subscription

What was I thinking?