Random Adventure

When people find out that the husband is a pilot, I usually get this in response: "Oh that's so cool. I bet you get to fly anywhere you want for free!" Um, not so much. While we technically can fly for free on his airline, it has to be done as standby. And guess what! The economy kinda sucks and airlines are struggling (and who isn't) so they aren't offering as many flights. That means the number of empty seats is limited. Since I met The Pilot, we were able to visit friends in DC and he has been able to jump seat on trips where I have purchased a ticket. We have also tried to visit DC before and weren't able to get on the plane. No seats. My point of this is that the life of a aviation family really isn't that glamorous or cool. The biggest perk of the job is that The Pilot loves to fly. I have a husband who enjoys his job (most days). End of story.

So our aviation adventures are pretty limited, but earlier this week The Pilot was home and he got a phone call from a former co-worker. This person had started a new job with a company that provides flight training for different airlines, including training for business jets (as opposed to the airline jet that The Pilot flies). They have flight simulators for the different kinds of aircraft. The Pilot's former co-worker was still learning to operate the flight simulator and the best way to learn how it all works is to have someone actually flying the simulator. Enter The Pilot. He played guinea pig while the other guy created bad weather and made the plane malfunction. Then The Pilot had to figure out what to do. They were probably both geeking out about the opportunity. I know The Pilot was especially because it was a chance to "fly" a Cessna Citation X, which I guess is the fastest civilian aircraft.

I was wrapping up my work day when The Pilot sent a text and asked if I wanted to fly it too. Sure, why not. Never mind the fact that I used to operate the Star Tours ride at Disney World (ahhh my college days!) and motion simulators make me nauseous. That just added to the adventure of it. The Pilot was probably silently praying that I wouldn't throw up in front of his buddy.

It sort of looks like some kind of lunar rover....or a fancy Lego.
But what do I know, I work at a desk all day.

There wasn't time to show me all the the bells and whistles but I did get to take the controls to take off, fly around and land. I will say I had a pretty smooth landing. I may or may not have flown into restricted airspace at the Nation's Capital and might have knocked off the top of the Washington Monument during my landing into DCA but my passengers would have enjoyed the smooth landing.

I've got this.

Something is wrong with this picture. I shouldn't be second in command.
I'm the captain of this ship yo! ;)

Thank you for flying Gym Class Dropouts airlines. We don't have peanuts or Biscoff but that was one smooooooth landing now wasn't it??

After I was successfully nauseous, we got to take a tour of the facility (mostly other simulators and classrooms). It was pretty cool to see how they teach the different aircraft. (Pilots come to this place already knowing how to fly in general. This is where they go to learn the ins and outs of a specific plane). So while I didn't get to "fly anywhere I wanted for free," this was definitely something I would have never had the chance to do if The Pilot wasn't a pilot. Fun times.

And don't worry, there were no protein spills. My WDW friends will get a kick out of that term!

What Not To Wear: Episode 1

Over the years I have found there are certainly articles of clothing I cannot wear while training. Sometimes I know right away, while trying something on in a store. Other things will work for short workouts but not when I'm in for a long haul. For the most part I know what works and what doesn't but every once in awhile I will run into something that worked for awhile and simply stopped working or after a certain amount of miles will start driving me bonkers or will cause bodily harm.

That's what happened on Saturday. I was coaching my Team in Training walkers (May is race month!). It was pretty chilly when we got started (upper 30s-lower 40s I think) so I had on a long sleeved technical shirt and a light weight jacket. Both things I have worn before. I know I've worn the shirt for long distances but I'm not sure about the jacket. I honestly didn't think much of it when getting dressed. We had 10 miles scheduled and while it's been awhile since I've walked that far, I just didn't really think about it. The Goofy Challenge and really the full marathon distance has warped my definition of "far." Ten miles is far! So is 20 but I need to remember not to underestimate that 10 miles is still far! And I need to think through the clothing I'm wearing for the distance I plan to travel.

Anyways, I didn't notice any issues throughout the 10 miles other than allergy season has slapped me across the face and I spent 10 miles sniffling and coughing. When I got home, I took a shower and noticed that the back of my neck was burning when the water hit it. Weird. I thought maybe I just scratched my neck when messing with my pony tail (it happens). After getting dressed, I noticed the collar of my shirt felt like it was really rubbing the back of my neck. I got a mirror and looked at the back of my neck. There was a red mark, about 2 inches wide across the back of my neck. I couldn't really tell if it was a scratch or what so I just went about my business, thinking briefly that it may have been raw from the jacket I wore during the 10 miler.

My family was together for Easter so I asked my mom to take a look because The Pilot was working (she's a nurse so it's not at all weird that I'm in my 30s and asking my mom to check out my rash). She confirmed that it was in deed rubbed raw. The jacket. Ten miles in the jacket.

So I have found that I can't wear that jacket for long distances. Since I didn't notice it rubbing at all, I may not be able to wear it for short distances either. I don't usually wear it to train in because I have another light weight jacket that is also water proof that I tend to wear more often. So I think this jacket may be worn for casual purposes and Team functions only. Boo!

The jacket taking a tour of the San Diego bay before the San Diego Rock'n'Roll Marathon with Team in Training in 2011.

Grown Up Water Wings

With just about 2 months until my triathlon I figure its time to start getting serious about this swim. I've done the distance multiple times so I'm not really worried about it (I know I'm not going to drown) but I'd also like to not have to use every swim stroke known to man just to get it done. You know, I'm tired so I think I'll do a side stroke. I just got kicked in the head so I think I'll do the back stroke now. I'm getting lapped by the old men who started after me so I think I'll doggy paddle for a few minutes. The goal is to swim freestyle for the entire 1/2 mile. We'll see how that goes on race day but in the mean time I think I will train.

I got in 1600 yards (roughly a mile, depending on who you ask on the interwebs) a couple days ago and another on tap tonight after work.

Also, this gem was shipped to my office last week.
This is the Xterra Vortex. Sounds fancy? Hopefully it makes me faster. Anyways...Team in Training is providing tri suits (more on that once it arrives) instead of wet suits this year so I decided to buy a new wet suit to hopefully race in. I have a wet suit from a couple years ago but it had long sleeves and it was so uncomfortable that I never actually raced in it. I think I did 3 open water swims in it and gave up. I thought I'd give wet suits another chance but opted for the sleeveless version so hopefully it doesn't impede in my awesome swim skillz. (Insert LOTS of sarcasm). Bonus, this sucker will keep me more buoyant in the water. This is the grown up version of water wings. It's also race legal (as long as the water temps aren't too high).

I thought about trying it on for my co-workers but that might be a little awkward. So instead, I tried it on in the privacy of my own home while The Pilot was away. I didn't want anyone laughing at me as I tried to shimmy myself into it. These things really should come with some Crisco and maybe one of those shoe horn things. Something else to note is you probably shouldn't try on a new wet suit after you have eaten a rather large Easter feast and have been munching on Reese's eggs all afternoon. But for the sake of the blog, I documented the new water wings.

To make it easier to get my feet through the leg holes, a Target bag and a World Market bag came in handy. This is a legit technique people.
Things got ugly for a little while and I was starting to wish that The Pilot was around to help pull up the wet suit. Several four letter words flew and some grunting was involved but I got it up and zipped. Then I instantly transformed into a super hero. I really need to find myself a cape.
If only one could wear a wet suit under a tight dress. This is the ultimate body control gear. I couldn't help but think of the scene from Steel Magnolias when Dolly Parton is saying she hasn't left the house without lycra since she was 16. "It's like two pigs fightin' under a blanket!" Darn You Tube for not having that clip.

Anyways, back to the wet suit. So far, I only have one issue with this wet suit. I must have a beefy neck or something because this thing is tight around my neck. I'll have to go on a crash diet/exercise program designed to lose an inch in just my neck. Or I'll just have to wait until I get a chance to do an open water swim and see if I get used to it. I hope I do because otherwise, the wet suit does fit and despite my tendency to dramatize, it was relatively easy to get on and it came off pretty quickly also. So here's to hoping this thing helps me cruise along during the swim portion of this tri....if not, I can always use it as full body Spanx. I am going to be a bridesmaid in the fall...I bet I could totally wear this under my dress to hold it all in. What do you think? I just need a bouquet and I'm good to go.
P.S. I have one theory about the neck of this wetsuit. Just like with shape wear, the junk has to go somewhere. And if it can't fit in the trunk, it must have gotten pushed up around my neck. Not a flattering visual but hey, I'm nothing if not dramatic.

Spin for a Cure

The Pilot and I participated in one of my teammates' fundraisers yesterday, Spin for a Cure. It was a 90 minute spin class led by Tim, our local TNT chapter's cycle coach. You know the guy, he's the one who likes to torture me. It was all for a great cause though. And was a great way to kick my butt into gear. It was also The Pilot's first spinning class. He held up well once he got the hang of how to increase and decrease the resistance on the bike. He survived and still loves me.....can't you tell??

It was definitely a team affair with lots of alumni and current participants joining in on the fun.

There's Lisa and Marcia having fun in the back.

Tim....you are starting to look a little blurry. Is that normal? Maybe it's all the sweat in my eyes. Thanks for leading a great class for a great cause!

Honeymoon

So I've been completely MIA recently. That's what happens when you go from honeymoon to two back to back events at work including 4 days in Omaha. And as you can imagine, my training has been a little hit or miss so there not much to report there. So while I try to reclaim my chaotic life, here are some pictures from our much belated honeymoon to St. Lucia.

Dorks.

A room with a view.

Zip lines through the rain forest.

We can actually clean up!

Cycle Adventure

Also known as "Push your bike up a mountain" adventure.

At least at the end of the bike ride we got to cool down under a waterfall.

It wasn't just a fluke, we cleaned up again!

We climbed up two "mountains" at Pigeon Island National Landmark.

A bar in the pool? Sounds good to me.

Required hammock photo...dorks.

Firsts of the Season

Remember that triathlon I signed up for? I've still be training. A little erratically but still putting in some work. We have been having some unseasonably warm weather here so I finally got a chance to get on my bike...outside! As much as I have enjoyed getting my butt kicked in 90+ minute spin classes lately, I was so excited to get outside.

Last Wednesday I met up with Lisa for a ride. We were both a little wobbly in the beginning. No, you don't forget how to ride a bike but after 5 months off the bike, it takes some time to find your bike legs....and to get your core muscles to engage and hold the bike in a straight line. The bike path was crazy busy so there was no point in trying to push the pace. It was also the end of rush hour so we had to wait a couple of times to cross a few streets. Besides, we hadn't seen each other in an entire week (sorry, Lisa but I'm very glad you weren't on the honeymoon with me and The Pilot) so we had a lot to catch up on. :) So we ended up having a nice ride of about 12.5 miles. So from the time we got to the parking lot, chatted with a friend we ran into, rode, then chatted some more by our cars when we finished, it was an hour and 45 minute training...for 12.5 miles. Land speed records! We were having so much fun I didn't even take pictures. So here is my lonely bike riding off into the sunset...or something like that.
First outdoor ride of the season. Check!

The next morning was a swim practice with my tri team. They train at 5:45 am once a week. Last year it was 6 am and it was at a different pool. A much closer pool. That, along with a change in my work schedule makes it very difficult to go to the early morning swims. So in my 24 hours of spring "firsts," I finally made it to a swim practice.

Let me tell you, the 4:45 am alarm was offensive. But I dragged myself out of bed, trying to not wake up The Pilot who was home sick. I managed to get to the pool on time and I even made it about 30 minutes before I started to feel exhausted and I started drinking pool water. As I get tired, I sort of forget which "side" the air is on and which "side" the water is on. Talent.

It really did feel somewhat decent for the first 30 minutes but then it went downhill quickly. I had an asthma attack on Sunday (more on that in another post) and this was my first cardio-heavy workout since and my lungs were angry. My chest was still really tight and I could really feel it in the pool. Fail. I kept plugging along and got through the workout even though I got slower and slower with each stroke. I think I ended up swimming about 1000 yards....just over 1/2 a mile I think. It was too dang early for photos and really, no one needs to see me and all my paleness in a swimsuit.
First official morning swim of the season. Check! (Don't worry coach, I swear I have been in the pool more than just this one time!)

Back On The Grid

Sorry for the blog blackout but The Pilot and I finally took our much delayed honeymoon. After 7 months of wedded bliss, we finally headed out of this place! We spent 6 days without cell phones, without TV, without emails and blogs. We spent 6 entire days with just each other and it was glorious! The island of St. Lucia wasn't too bad either. ;)

While I catch up on the 200+ backlog of emails, the blogging may take a back seat but I'll try to work on the honeymoon pictures as well as my triathlon training updates (which are admittedly sporadic but still happening).

For anyone who honeymoons at a beach location, it is required that you take a picture of your feet. I'm not sure why, but if you peruse Facebook and blogs, there is ALWAYS a picture of the honeymooners feet. And who am I to buck tradition? It's a good thing I got a pedicure right before we left of this wouldn't be nearly as cute. I can't speak for my husband's feet. He's probably already rolling his eyes that I'm posting this.
And as much as I love my husband, I wouldn't normally try to cuddle with him when it's 90 degrees with 100% humidity out....but I AM cuddling with him in the photo because as you can see, I'm trying to keep my pasty white legs out of the sun so that I don't burst into flames. I am one of few people who can spend 6 days in the West Indies and come back the exact same shade of porcelain as when I left wintery Ohio. It's a talent.