I blame Dad

Don't get me wrong. I love my dad. He's a great, great guy. I wouldn't trade him for any other dad...ever.

However, this whole genetics thing sometimes can backfire.

Case in point:
Dad had his appendix out (possibly by a butcher - you should see his scar). So did my sister...and so did I. Surprise, surprise! Last weekend, my little brother had his appendix removed. Welcome to the club, Jon!

And how about our knees?
Dad was told many years ago to stop running or face certain knee replacement surgery. He stopped running. My sister had to undergo patellar realignment surgery about 10 years ago - and she really could use the same surgery on her other knee. My oldest brother completely dislocated his kneecap (two words: gross and ouch) playing soccer.

It's hard to fight genes.

My MRI results showed (happily) no ligament, tendon or cartilage damage. But it did show a lot of wear on the my actual patella. It does not track in the groove (just like my sister's) the way it should.

And so, I've scheduled two consultations with two different orthopedic surgeons in December.

But, let's end this on a positive note. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Deanna B, Kathleen M and Kate O for donating to my Team in Training efforts. You rock!

Just your basic update

I'm (finally) trying to join in on the whole Twilight craze - and ordered the first book. We'll see if I get addicted like Margo, Deanna B & Cyndi. I trust those three, so I'm thinking I'll soon be voraciously reading all of the books. Stay tuned.

Huge thanks to Lynn D. for supporting my Team in Training fundraising efforts. As soon as I send in some donations that were mailed to me, my webpage should reflect a total of $930.00 raised to date. I have until mid-March to raise my funds, so you'll be hearing about it for the next few months.

Let me just give a big pat on the back to all the 8kers, half-marathoners and, of course, the marathoners for braving some nasty weather on Saturday. It was humid - very humid, hot, and to top it all off - windy. Just lovely running weather. But, you've got to go with what the day gives you, right?

Big goal for 2009: flip turns. I am fully aware that I won't actually do a flip turn (at least not on purpose) during an open water swim. But, I just think it would be a fun little addition to my (slowly evolving) swimming skills. I figure that swimming is gentle on the joints, so I better embrace it.

And...I'm headed for an MRI on the knee tomorrow. It's not the MRI test that worries me. It's what they will find. But, my friends (especially Blake,Karen H, and Rick) have made it clear that it's time to stop ignoring it.

Sometimes I listen to advice. It just takes awhile. :)

Don't forget...

that all donations - large or small - matter when battling cancer. Please consider checking out my website...and giving to the cause. Thank you to Tim and Sarah F, Rick S, CJ & Anita, Ray, Denise & Jeff, Annnnnn, Sandy L, and Josie-Posie for your support.

All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

You'll be a life saver!

Go here.

Looking ahead

I'm thinking about next year - triathlon-wise,that is. Not that I want to wish my time away. I don't. But, I need goals to keep me on track, and since my races are over for this year, I'm starting to ponder 2009.

1. Swim three times per week. I am one of those spastic kinds of triathletes who seems to forget how to swim if I am out of the pool for more than a week.

2. Baby my knees. I am also one of those triathletes who will run and run and run...even if my legs feel like they are about to fall off. I realize that I can't do that anymore. I am just figuring out what my knees seem to tolerate (the treadmill & nicely-cushioned tracks), what they don't like at all (split squats,step-ups, and running downhill) and what they love (swim workouts and drinking wine).

3. Maintaining balance. It is so easy to let one's life get a little out of whack, especially when training for endurance events. I've really had a lovely fall since I've had more time to focus on work and healing my knees. While I have really, really missed training with my buddies, I also feel more organized and effective in my career. I'm also looking forward to cheering for the trigirls, Rick and some of my other friends (go Amanda and Erin!)this Saturday.

4. Sneaking in some more reading. I love books. I love to read. So, why don't I do more of it? I definitely want to change that - Ironman training or not. And what do you know? The trigirls have their very own book club - that I've never attended. How lame is that? My goal is to get to the next TG book club. No - not the one on Wednesday. I haven't read the book...but the next one - in January. Hold me to it!

Big Weekend!

Where do I begin?

First, enormous congratulations to the new Ironman: Patti, Fred, Sharon, Shawn, Kate O, Kate G and Charlotte. Isn't it amazing crossing that finish line? Special congrats to Som, who has now completed 1,000,000 (that's for you, Carm) Ironman races - or something close.

And how 'bout Blake? Seriously, who runs 50 milers? Way to go...Ironman USA will seem like a piece o' cake after that effort.

Congrats are also in order for Amy M who completed the NYC marathon this weekend - speedy as ever.

Belated congrats to Coach Ed for competing in the Xterra World Championships last weekend.

It's easy to feel quite humble around these folks.

And, finally, a huge shout-out to my brother, Matt. The Timberman girls met Matt. (He loved being kissed by Patti).
Anyway, he ran in his second full marathon ever - and took 24 minutes off of his previous time to run a zippy 3:26 on a hilly course. He is creeping ever closer to qualifying for Boston (he needs a 3:20).

Yikes...you all are making me feel out of shape!