I have had some requests for knee updates.  Thanks for asking ;)

We are doing okay around here.  I remain hopeful that I will be running by the fall.  I am still able to attempt some small runs, and I have had a more pain free ones lately.  I ran my first 4 miles (holy crud it was so slow and hard) early this week since March 15.  Yea!  Seriously, though, it is amazing how out of shape the body can get after close to 5 months.  It is like it has just stopped working!  Everything is still low key- about 2 runs per week at 2-3 miles if everything is pain free.  I am hoping in a couple of weeks I may be able to do a little more.  

Since mid-June, I have backed off of the bike.  I just ride about 2 times per week now, easy pace and fun.  I am making sure I am not adding any hidden stress to my knee while it is really trying to recover.  I opted to not do any road racing with the M&B girls this year until I make a full recovery.  I have, however, been a good spectator.

  

So that leaves swimming- yesterday was a day from hell.  I would like to personally thank everyone that did not show up to lunch time master's, as I had Sam's attention all to myself.  Lucky me. Following a big warm-up, I had to do a 500 for time.  He was not satisfied that it was my absolute fastest (hello....I am out of shape...cut me some slack!!!!), so I got to follow up the 500 with 10x 50 at a faster pace than the 500 with 5 seconds rest, followed by 10 x 50 with an even faster pace with ten seconds rest.  (I swear he said 5 seconds rest, but every time I got to the wall, all I heard him say was 3...2...1...-  what happened to the 5?)  

I lost count of all laps.  I quit triathlon somewhere in the middle of a 50.  And, I decided I hated Michael Phelps by the time it was over for making it seem so easy.  Lucky for me, I had to go to work and he couldn't make me do anymore.  And I couldn't raise my arms above my head to wash my hair in the shower I was that tired.  And pros do twice that as a main set and eat it for breakfast.  I don't get it.  I told Dave, and he said it was good- that I needed my butt kicked like that since I can't run.  Thanks, I guess.  Despite all of this torture, I am still a slow swimmer.  But I can agree that I am not as slow as I was in 2006 or 2007.  So....I have made progress.  

With my free time (not much of it with studying and working) I am still doing Bikram, working on my pull-ups (did 3 on my very own Tues night) and living vicariously through my athletic friends.  The boards are right around the corner- I have the date locked in...

Doggies

Heike and I were talking the other day about dogs and such- specifically our own dogs.  She asked me if Rooney and Cayenne still slept together.  We are both in agreement that that is not only really cute, but a special bond.  If you remember, Cayenne was a stray pit bull (mix) that was wondering our neighborhood.  People had called the pound on her and no one would feed her.  When I found her she was underweight and scared- by the time I got her into my house, she wouldn't even leave to go to the bathroom because she was scared she wouldn't get back in.  Rooney really took her under his wing.  

This is a flashback picture- the second day Cayenne stayed at our home.  Rooney and Cayenne were already playing tug-o-war!  Cayenne is just a big as Rooney now- and more muscular.  I can't believe how fast they grow up!

Cayenne is now a bossy, bratty, cute little girl.  She is still hyper and annoys Rooney to no end sometimes, but they are still BFF.  

So, I snuck into the living room Sunday night to see if they were snuggled together, and snapped a picture for Heike.  

On this note- check out my sister's new blog.  It has nothing to do with triathlon or daily life, and everything to do with promoting kindness to animals and educating and inspiring others to help the fight against animal cruelty.  

www.k9company.blogspot.com

My sister rocks.  We both love animals and talk frequently about our frustrations with society and the things we wish we could do to help.  The difference is- my sister is taking action.  She walks dogs at the Humane Society every single Sunday with her husband, and she is really trying to help make this world a  better place for animals.  Check out her blog- and consider adoption the next time you think about owning a pet.  (adoption- not just for dogs- for kitties too!)

I have not lost interest in blogging- I just can't seem to get in a good, condensed post lately. I don't even know where to start! It is amazing how much my life is changing right now, and I feel like I just spend most of my days trying to keep up!  

Things really are good around here. I am still focusing on the final hurdle (PT boards), and that seems to make everything else seem really small stuff in comparison.  Work is going great.  Roo, Caya, Presley, and Dave are great.  I am busy, busy, busy- but what else is new?  I know things will just keep evolving for me over the next few months, and it will be neat to see where I am as a person as these changes take place.  

Dave and I have just been taking care of business and getting things moving around here.  This picture speaks volumes.  He changes my brakes, and I stand on the porch and check on him.  What a team.