Better, but Cautious

Yesterday was the first day I woke up and felt no spasms or twinges with the second set of anti inflammatories. While that is great for me, for now, I am also very apprehensive because that is what happened last time when things were better, and out of the blue - bam! Spasm city! I really don't want to go through that again as the spasms were ridiculously bad.

So, I am laying low for a few more days - and going nuts. I am walking more and eating a lot less to make up for not working out. I am really hoping all this rest will help. I am testing out new chairs at work, very careful about my posture, both at the office, out to dinner, and at home. Made a few more PT appointments for next week, have a chiropractor appointment on Friday.

Something has got to start working.

Still Trying to Figure It Out

Well, I was supposed to participate in a race today with Tammy this morning- but no, not for me right now. I really wanted to go, but knew it wasn't a good idea. I was going to go volunteer, however sitting in a car for a few hours, and not sure what I would be doing - while still having spasms, I figured wasn't smart either. So, the weekend was good but pretty uneventful.

Saturday I ran a boat load of errands and my back hardly had 1 twinge. It was sore, with some tightness, but that was all. When I got home, I threw in a movie to relax. After I got up, spasms on the left side galore. Interesting.... Sitting isn't good.

Sunday Arin, Brooke, Diane and K headed out to Sandy Point for an OWS. Now my Dr and PT both said I could swim, as swimming doesn't bother the back. Things felt okay and it was nice to do something. We relaxed at the beach for awhile but the sun never came out and grocery shopping needed to be done. And spasms - not so many...

So I am taking notes, trying to figure out what sets off the spasms, where they are, how intense, what I was doing. It's quite the web and I can't find any one solid, full proof, trigger.

Trying EVERYTHING I Can Think Of

Really, I am.

Doctors.
Drugs.
Physical Therapy.
NOT WORKING OUT.
Sitting.
Standing.
Changing my work chair.
Made and appointment with the ergonomic department to come look at my office set up (it's on Monday).
No more flip flops.
Shoes with inserts.
Shoes without inserts.
Also, acupuncture.

A bit of a (n expensive) long shot, but I am willing to try anything to get my back better.
Well, it was an experience.

First of all, I was yelled at for drinking an iced coffee (apparently cold drinks makes pain worse...), told to stop taking my anti inflammatories, informed that muscle relaxers don't work, and to stop taking all other prescription drugs I am on... But I could take 1 over the counter Aleve...

Given all of this, I went through with the treatment anyway. Was stuck with a few pins on my left forearm, right hand, left knee, and tried to relax as directed. When she came back in, I think she fully expected the pain to be gone - but no, not so much. Still spasms when I sat up, and moved around. More pins in the back, stomach, forehead - still not better. And I was trying. I wanted the spasms to go away. If I could get the mind of matter to work - totally worth the money. But no luck.

And I don't think I will be going back for treatment #2... It's hot and I like iced lattes

Meh

Not again!

It's really not fair. Really! I had been doing the right things. Am a good person. KARMA! I know you shouldn't do good things just so good things happen to you, but why do I feel I can't get a break?

Horrible.Back.Spasms.AGAIN! Not cool. Don't like taking so many drugs. Nothing is working. Not fair!!!

BOOO!!!!

It hurts.

Sorry...

Hey All. Sorry, I just really haven't had much to blog about.

Monday was a horrible metro accident. I appreciate all the e-mails and phone calls wondering if I was okay. It was on the red line, my line, but I live in the opposite direction. Also, luckily, the trains were coming into the city, out out - otherwise I don't want to think about what might have been. Also, lucky because I was going to swim practice that night at CUA and decided to drive, not metro. Sometimes listening to that little voice in your head is the best thing you can do.

Merissa was in town from Cleveland and staying in Woodley so I got to see her not only once, but TWICE! WOOT! It was great to catch up, something that is worth skipping a workout.

And that's really it. I am just trying to take it easy and figure out what is going on with my back. My PT is awesome. She also started a bike handling skills clinic on Wednesdays at noon. Hopefully I can continue to attend as learning to ride in groups, close quarters, slight bumping, pace lines are all good things.

I'll Take It!!

When you get up at 4 in the morning, it has to be worth it. Well, if it wasn't for a race, the sun raise was totally worth it. I only wish my camera could have captured this better.

I got to transition, set up, and started walking around. It's always so fun to chat with people, feel the energy of the race, wishing everyone luck - especially when the race is in your city, your back yard, and 9 of the top 10 Olympians will be racing a few hours after you. What a great energy! At some point, I realized the race would be starting soon and I should mentally prep for a race. Only a sprint, but still, that's what I said last week about the Bay Swim - and we know how that turned out...

Well Janel was with me and was awesome. I was also excited for Nicole (who is Tony's wife that I did Ironman Moo with last year when we started the run together), as it was her first race. We lined up and jumped in. Jumped in where you ask - yes, the Potomac River. (NOTE - this pic is from the day before, the water was much calmer) Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Yes, some people said they hit logs, ran into water bottles, saw tires - but I didn't and have swam in much MUCH worse places. The water didn't even taste that bad...

Swim time, not too bad. 15:13. But, looking at my 100M split, I would have liked to have been a bit faster. T1, I am always slow. But, Carlos and I were feeling good after yesterday's practice ride so we were off.

I have to say, I L.O.V.E.D riding through the streets of DC with no cars. It also helped that I had my DC tri jersey on and heard tons of "Go DC Tri!" It's always a good feeling. I would have liked a better pic, one with the Washington Monument, but oh well. The bike was good. Carlos did well and averaged 16.8 mph. Not bad for a flat course! My HR was up the entire time, but knew I wouldn't have a great run so wanted to push a bit more.

So far, everything was feeling good. My back was a bit twinge, nothing too bad. T2 was fast for me, under 2 minutes so I can't complain. But this was the moment I wondered if doing this race was a good idea or not. My back was TIGHT! But 3.1 miles, if I walk, I walk. I do the run walk and if I had to walk the whole thing, fine. But I kept seeing DC Tri people and they were so encouraging... I had to run. Lori and Ed were at one turn and just started yelling for me to run. I did, laughed, and they snapped a few pics. But after about mile 1, when the rain started, I did feel better. Things were loosening up and I was feeling pretty good. I ran a bit more and was just happy to be finishing. Not a great 5K time, but given my back and lack of training, I was happy.

As I heard my name announced when I crossed the finish line, I also heard "And here is America's Mayor, Adrian Fenty!" Oh cr*p. All the cameras are recording him and I really didn't want to make it on tv. Yes, I finished before him (and I will ignore he the Oly course, twice the distance as I did), but still... I didn't make it on TV (yay), but also didn't get the great finisher photo I was hoping for with The Capital in the background. Oh well... I know it was there.

Overall, it was a good race. Tons of great people, good friends, and strong accomplishments. I was proud to race in my backyard and celebrate with some friends over a few beverages while we watched the pros. I was home and ready for a nap all by 3.

A pretty good Sunday.

Oh, and of course, a celebration with America's Mayor.

Hapy Dad's Day!

Before I get to my race report for today, I just wanted to wish my favorite daddy a very a happy dad's day!!

Love and hugs!

Oh Carlos

Sometimes I don't know how/why he doesn't throw me off.

This morning I met up with Diane and K for a quick ride around Hains Point. They are getting ready for SheRox and I was more than happy to get a quick ride in before tomorrows race. I really wanted to make sure my back would be okay. Also, I take Carlos out for sprint races and I needed to make sure he would be okay too.

Well, we get all packed and on the road just in time for the rain to start. REALLY!?!?! I am SOOO sick of rain around here! But, we were there, and it's good practice, so off we went. Even though Carlos really doesn't like the rain.

The good news is 12 or 13 miles with just a few twinges. The bad news, my shoes are still wet. Good news no falling in the rain. Bad news, everything thing is wet. Good news, biking in the rain is always good practice - even if it's not fun. And Carlos wasn't too happy - not all of his gears are working, but I will still use him tomorrow.

Oh, and of course, less than 2 hours later, it was sunny and humid. Typical June in DC. Blah! But, I did my packet pick up (with lots of pretty eye candy pro triathletes ;-). Dropped off Carlos on his bike rack, with his new present, and ran into a bunch of DC Tri people.

I am really hoping tomorrow goes well. I NEED a good race!!

Well My Therapist Said

Today was day 2 of physical therapy. I had to switch therapists because the first one I saw on Tuesday was going out of town. So, I had to go through what happened again, along with my laundry list of foot/knee/hip/shoulder/elbow issues, but this time my back was feeling fine. The prescriptions were working wonderfully and it was like night and day.

So, it was a bit hard to explain the exact problems I was having because they were no longer there. I know drugs won't solve the problem - they are just a (wonderful) band-aid, so I am still keeping my appointments for next week.

If I want to keep doing tri's - and possibly another Ironman, I need to fix these issues NOW.

Oh, and my therapist said I was fine to race on Sunday! As did my doctor. Both said yes, assuming I felt okay. Woo-Hoo!

Update

Well, things have been a bit interesting the past 2 days. I have been in so much pain from back spasms that I was stuck on the floor for 20 minutes and I have also been feeling w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l. I went to my general doctor and she prescribed me some muscle relaxers and anti inflammatories. She said they would make me feel very mellow or I would be up to 4 in the morning cleaning out my closet.

I went the mellow road.

Thanks to everyone to was making sure I was okay through out the day!!

Seriously???

Right now I am sitting at home, on the couch, with a heating pad on my back. On Saturday afternoon of a day of sight seeing - my back started to twinge. Not good I thought, but whatever. I took some Aleve, but it didn't seem to help much.

Sunday was, well, Sunday, and it really didn't bother me much during the swim. After is a different story. I attempted to relax the muscles with some cider - but that didn't help either.

Yesterday during touristy stuff I did more stretching, resting, whatever I could to help. Not much worked. With some DC tri club forum advise, along with facebook advice, I kept trying different things. Ice/heat/ice/heat. More Aleve. Nothing seems to be working.

This morning, I tried to lay down with the legs up against the couch for 15 minutes. It took me 20 minutes to get back up - and was worse than I imagined. The spasms won't stop! Poor Mom and Dad stopped by to say goodbye on their long drive home and I was in so much pain... not the way I wanted to say goodbye.

So, I have an appointment at 2 and I am really hoping things go okay. I am starting to get a bit frustrated and down about this stuff and not sure what to do. Sunday's race is looking bleak and I am really trying to stay positive. Really REALLY trying.

So This Is What Happened

My parents were in town. It was Arin's first Bay swim and I was so excited for him. Saturday we did some touristy stuff, low key shopping, and I made a nice pasta/chicken dinner.

Sunday we got to sleep in a bit as it was an 11:30 start. We made it out to Sandy Point State Park without too much of an issue. Arin and I pick up our numbers (40 and 41) ran into Tammy and Dad set up ladder ball. ME found us, we relaxed and played some ladder ball as Mom and Dad took pictures. After listening to the pre race talk, we got into our wet suits, I greased up, and we all headed to the beach. They decided to start the swim 15 minutes early - and I should have known...

Mile 1 was pretty easy. I did pull way to the right (south), but had plenty of time to correct. Mile 1 was about 28 minutes.
Mile 2 wasn't too bad. I didn't want to go too quick, knowing I had 2.4 more to go. I stopped at the food boat, had a cracker, and went on my way.
Not exactly sure what happened next. I told Arin, Tammy and a few others - in all my experience, to stay to the left. Some how, I didn't and I started to fight the current and stay within the bridges. I threw up a few times and won't be having cran-raspberry clif blocks any more. It took me about an hour 10 minutes to get to mile 3.

Knowing I don't quit, I just kept saying to my self I am not a quitter, and to keep swimming. I adjusted my focus from swimming to the north bridge to angling the correct way to the south bridge. I went from breathing on my left to alternating to just my right. I counted pylons to know I was actually moving somewhere - even though the mile 4 buoy wasn't getting any closer. At one point I turned around behind me and saw a barge go by and I knew I was close to the end but I didn't look at my watch. I just kept swimming. The person in front of me grabbed a kayak. I saw the person behind me grab a kayak. I wasn't stopping until I had to.

What felt like forever, and the mile 4 buoy not getting closer - a kayak yell for my attention and it as over. 1 hour 16 minutes and I only made it another half mile. My day was over, about 3.5 miles, 3 hours and 22 minutes. I grabbed on to the kayak and were were shot out of the bridges like a cannon. I climbed onto one boat with 4 other swimmers. We were transferred to another boat with 4 others swimmers. 9 of us total.

Somethings I heard/learned on the boat and from others after the race

• Last year there were 20 people pulled, the year before 15. This race, over 100
  
• They misread the current by 2 hours
• One swimmer wouldn't stop and they sent the police after him.
  
• There were 2 other Ironmen on the boat
• There was 1 point where it looked like someone just turned on the current - straight south, and people looked like they were just swimming in place.
  

But all I could think about was my family, and how Arin did. As I pulled into the dock, I saw my mom and when I got off, I was so incredibly happy to hear Arin did great and finished in 2 hours 30 minutes. He beat the current and did awesome.

Unfortunately, I couldn't focus on that and just lost it. I was so mad, upset and shocked at not finishing. I wasn't even prepared to not finish - it wasn't even a thought. So my reaction wasn't my best when I saw Mom, Dad, Arin, ME, and Brooke. And Brooke brought cupcakes!!!

So now, a day later, I know it's not the end of the world. I did my best, and it just wasn't enough this time. All I can hope is that I do better, become stronger, and move on.

That Didn't Go As Planned...

Yup, not as planned...

So this is my first DNF. Not what I wanted, but I am grasping at straws to find some positive things that came out of this situation. Tomorrow I will try and post what happened - however right now I am just writing down my thoughts.

1. I didn't quit. I always say there are 2 options. I finish or I get pulled off the course. Today, I got pulled off the course after 3 hours and 22 minutes of trying to swim across the bay.

2. Sometimes it's not just mind over matter. If that was true, I would have finished.

3. My brother kicks a$$. He had am amazing swim and I am so happy for him. He needed it and I would have rather had it be we both finished, but I am SSSOOO glad he kicked so much Bay Swim Butt!

4. My family is incredible. Everything they have done for me - I can not express in words.

5. So are my friends. They are there awesome. They are there to give me a hugs, cupcakes, words I need to hear to put things in perspective, and just listen.

6. I didn't want the shirt anyway. This year's logo was ugly. Yes, someone said I could still get the finisher stuff - but no. I didn't finish and I don't want the finisher stuff.

7. Cardio wise, I was fine. Swimming wise/muscle/speed - not so much. 3600 yds doesn't cut it for a 4.4 mile swim.

8. Doing an Ironman 9 months ago does not mean you are still in shape.

9. Number 1 is very important. It means more to me than anything.

So this is what I can come up with. Most of my readers know I post a picture with all my posts - but today I just couldn't. It didn't seem right. Hopefully tomorrow.

P.S. Congrats to all the Eagleman 70.3 finishers!!!

I Am The Bay

Tomorrow is one of my favorite events. The Great Chesapeake Bay 4.4 Mile Swim. Am I ready - in some ways yes, others no.

I think I have the cardio endurance and I definitely have the experience (this is my 4th year). But right now, I do not have the swim confidence/ability/training. I can crank out 3600 yds in no time (well, about an hour and a half) I am just worried about having to more than double that in about 3 hours.

But, all I can do is my best. Arin is doing it for the first time and I am super excited for him. My parents are in town to witness the event and be a great support.

So, here are 2 of my favorite pictures from the event. It's a good reminder for my self that I can do this, I am the bay, 4.4 miles is nothing. HA!

Ummm... Should I...

I just got back from a HIP happy hour and I left early to clean my apartment as Mom and Dad are on their way. Instead of cleaning, I am thinking.

See, S (I didn't ask to use her name) asked me if I would ever do another Ironman. This is the first time someone asked me and my first reaction wasn't "NO!!". I thought about it and said I would if I had someone to train with. Well, for some reason I wasn't expecting what she said next - but sure enough, we started talking about 2010.

So now instead of cleaning, I am thinking about another Ironman. The first subject I wrote out for this post was "Ummm... Could I..." but I know I can. I already am an Ironman. But there are a lot of other issues. Would my foot handle another Iroman, my knees, my shoulder, my back? I keep thinking I want to move - but can I keep putting things off for this phantom move?

There is some time. We do need to give it some serious thought... I left with a more than 50% yes - I want to do this again. But, there are a lot of factors.

We shall see...

Okay, Fine

Well Tuesday night was karting and I really didn't think I would feel anything. I was fine when I woke up and through out the day. Didn't feel a think anywhere from the karting 'workout'. That is until I went for my swim...

I wrote a workout for the club to do, and 2 x 1000 straight for my self. I eventually got into the pool (I talk a lot to delay the process of getting in - especially when it's really cold) and started. About 650 into my first 1000, I started to feel it in my triceps and lats. Dang - I was surprised. I stopped to check on someone having wet suit issues (and yes, we know you aren't supposed to wear wet suits in a chlorinated pool, however it was a must try on for Sunday's Bay swim) and it was a good excuse to stretch out a bit. I started up again and did the rest of the remaining 350 and next 1000 straight. Needless to say, I am a bit worried about Sunday. There is little I can do now - just need to go and do it.

And it doesn't help that this years logo is uglier than last years - which I didn't think was possible.

Interesting "Workout"

Monday was a swim. It was okay, not too bad, but no Michael Phelps.

I wanted to go for a run yesterday, but my meeting schedule didn't cooperate. 11-12:15 and 1-3 doesn't leave a lot of gym time. And the thunderstorms in the morning weren't very helpful either.

My plans last night were to go Karting. It was a belated birthday present that I kept putting off. However, Tuesday came and off we went. It wasn't as scary as I thought after watching some videos and doing some other types of car/track riding. I also didn't hate as I thought I might.

However, I did laugh when people called it a workout. Yes, I did sweat, but I can sit in a sauna and sweat and I don't call that a workout. But, I also wasn't driving as fast as the other, and therefore didn't have to 'control the kart' as the others did.

Overall, I did have a good time and it was an experience. As for a workout, I am still not sure. Maybe I will tell after my swim.

And Sunday's Post

Slowly catching up. It helps that I write these in my head through out the day...

Sunday's drive out to Sandy Point State Park was one of the best drives I have had in a long time. The sun was fighting through the clouds and haze in a way that made everything look like a black and white picture - with touches of green. It very much reminded me of one of my favorite moments in Ireland this past fall - this is a color picture on the left and one of the most beautiful places I have even been.

Anyway, I was hoping this would be a good sign for things to come.
Not so much.

There were 9 of us for the swim. We chatted as we got ready and headed to the beach. I of course had my special sparkle wetsuit bag and shared my big butt story - all of which I hope made a few people a bit more comfortable. We picked out a course of buoys and we were on our way. It was a good swim, but I remembered that ear plugs are very necessary. I did get a bit dizzy, but was okay. I am definitely nervous for next week as the bridge is SO FAR!!
Anyway, 6 of us headed out on a bike course. Now lately I have been doing okay on the bike, or so I thought. I don't know if it was the lack of sleep, eating queso as my primary food source, or just riding with really REALLY fast people. I was SMOKED!

It started off okay, I think mainly because we got a bit lost and there were a lot of turns. The cue sheet wasn't the best, especially with the mileage counts. So there was a lot of stopping, checking the map, and even using the iPhone for GPS help. Once we figured out where we were, and the correct route, we were on our way - a lot faster. About 12 miles into the ride, there were two larger hills; I totally bonked after second and was left in the dust by everyone else.

I was mad at my self for not eating well last week, not going to bed early enough, sleeping instead of showing up for Tue/Thur HP rides (and not even putting Carlos on the trainer to make up for it) and over all just disappointed in my self. It was a hard ride with a good lesson learned.

Things need to change. I need to do better. I WANT to do better. I don't like just getting by, or just having okay rides. I joke about being the excuse Queen, but it really does need to stop. I didn't realize this fast enough for a great Bay Swim on Sunday, but hopefully enough for a good Half Ironman in September.

Saturday's Post

I knew it would be a weekend of early mornings, but I thought I would have some time to post. Not so much. So, here we go with the recap.

5:15 am. BOOO!!! It was a very early morning. I hopped into Marcus and headed off to Dunkin for coffee/donuts for the volunteers at the DC Training tri. After a few wrong turns and heading down the wrong way on some one way streets (due to the road closures for the Race for the Cure) I made it to Hains Point.

Overall, a very successful training tri. We learned some stuff to do better for next time, but overall, I think it went pretty well and people had a good time. I also hope it was fun for Diane to watch and learn as she preps for her first tri coming up in August. Unfortunately for her in between cheering for ME, she had to deal with me yelling at her as my bike finish time helper.

The day ended with some Nat's vs. Mets baseball and delicious stadium food. I mean, I volunteered at the training tri, which is just like doing a tri, so I felt justified. Also, because I don't know how to read a map of the ballpark when I was buying the tickets, Arin and I were directly in the sun for the first 3 innings. But, I had a great time and it was nice to see the Nat's actually play like a real professional baseball team.

Good times.

Thinking of the Weekend

I am finalizing my weekend plans as Mother Nature appears to be giving us in the area a break from rain. The ONE think I really HATE about my plans is they involve setting my alarm very early (and glad my alarm is not a penguin with cymbals).

Saturday is the first DC Tri Club Training Triathlon. It's a great event for our club and I am happy to volunteer. However, I have to be there between 6 and 6:10. With coffee and donuts. The only Dunkin that opens at 6 is on the other side of town, which means an even earlier wake up time. But I am happy to do it - or so that's what I tell my self.

Sunday we are doing the Sandy Point swim/bike - take 2. Because of the thunder, lightning, rain at 6:00 am last week, we cancelled and then it became a beautiful day. This weekend, we are going no matter what!

So as I strive for balance, this weekend is heavily one sided. Early nights and very early mornings (earlier than I get up for work...) but it's my choice. I like to do this stuff and know as I work towards a balance between tri stuff and more social stuff, it all does work out in the end.

It's Thursday

You know what that means.

No, not Hurricane Thursday, it was Speedy Thursday!! I was hoping to get out of it as I had a 1 o'clock meeting, a 2 o'clock meeting and a 3:15 eye doctors appointment. That doesn't leave a lot of time for a treadmill workout with Charles. But, he stopped by at 10:30 - asking if I wanted to go.

I was tried from last nights swim, a bit sore from weights class (yes, I went to weights class as well yesterday - I rock) and Charles had his personal training session. Between us both being tired, and my meeting schedule, I was sure there would be no Speedy Thursday. However, some how by 11:30, I was on my lunch break at the gym, on a treadmill. I never really woke up, my foot hurt a lot, but I think I am getting better.

It has been raining, still, and after paying someone to poke me in the eye, I had a headache and just wanted to stay home. ME and I discussed, and cancalled yoga. About 30 minutes later, warmy and comfy on my coach, I felt this stragne feeling... it was guilt. So, I let ME know I re-signed up for yoga. And by 6:45 pm, we were on our yoga mats, focused on our breathing.

Again, it felt good and I am glad I went. Of course this was celebrated with a cider and the purchase of more queso. See - i have this very unhealthy obsession with queso from Whole Foods. It's all I want to eat, and it's ssssssooooooo good.

Is It Safe To Swim In The Rain with Lightning??

Just wondering. Back in my lifeguarding days, in an indoor pool, if there was lighting, we cleared the pool. Around here - not so much.

Okay, maybe I really didn't feel like swimming. It was a long, tough workout. And I know, I wrote it. I kept stalling by talking to everyone, just to avoid getting moving. But about 700 yds into the workout, we could see flashes from the lightning. I asked the lifeguard and she said it was fine, she swam threw lightning storms - but I could get out if I didn't feel comfortable.

Blah, what type of "DC Tri Club board member in charge of training" would I be if I quit. So I kept going. It never felt great (except for the straight 500) but I am glad I kept going. And there were some really great people I was swimming with, so that helps.

This Bay Swim is coming up way to fast and I need to get in these last few swims. Good thing I didn't electrocuted today in the pool. That would have stunk.

At Home Workout

I am lazy. We all know this. So, instead of working out tonight, I decided to work on my tire changing skills. Now I know I can change the tube so I really wanted to focus on the CO2 cartridge. My first try, completely wrong. FAIL.

So, for try two, I decided looked up the directions. I did EXACTLY what it said and it still didn't work. BOO! I am annoyed and really scr*wed if I get a flat on a course. Yes, this is something I should have learned long ago, should have down and be able to do really fast - but I just don't. I ran out of cartridges to keep practicing, and they aren't cheep. Oh well.

Tomorrow I am going to try and pick up Blain before swim practice, so hopefully I can pick up a few more, and maybe new Inflator as well...

Yesterday's Run

Charles and I were actually on the same meeting-less schedule yesterday and were able to go on a run around The Mall. Charles is one of the few people I will 'run' with. He knows my pace, is okay with it, makes me go faster, tells great stories to keep me distracted, looks good without his shirt, and helps me up Capital Hill.

Usually we get to The Mall and he takes off while I trot along eventually meeting back up to do some hills (okay, 1 hill, but it's a really big one). Yesterday Charles decided to stick with me. Both good and bad. I had to keep the pace up - which is both good and bad :-) At one point he did leave me to run around a patch. He literally ran a circle around me, going more than 3 sides of the square while I did one. I drew out this sketch on the right so you have a better idea of what I am describing. I ran the pink part while Charles ran the blue part. All in the same amount of time. He is really fast.

But like I said, he knows what he is getting into when we venture out for a 'run' together. An entire blog post about him.