ar·bo·re·tum

[definition] A place where an extensive variety of woody plants are cultivated for scientific, educational, and ornamental purposes.

This definition does not encompass the HILLS that Lexingon's Arboretum holds, but I will say that I didn't curse them as much this weekend as last weekend. I also only ran 2 miles. Here are some pics from this morning's run. Way to represent the Tri Team, Linds!!! Whoo hoo (we ARE hard-core)

"Blah" Week

Well, just as the title explains, this was a "blah" week for me. (Everyone has those, right??) I did manage to get a decent run in but it was only 2.77 miles. I was kinda disappointed because I thought I had gone at least 3!! Oh well. I swam for 45 minutes on Tuesday (drank half the pool) but didn't swim on Thursday--and now I'm kicking myself for this. I did other non-tri workout activities and concentrated on getting my fundraiser letters together and getting through this week. I have to say that being away from Lexington is taking its toll on me. I have one more week of my internship in Ohio before I can finally begin training with the Lex team during the week. I have a run tomorrow at the arboretum and then hopefully will be able to swim with Lindsy on Sunday at one of the public pools!

Who Let the Dogs Out (woof woof woof woof woof)

Let me begin this post by saying that I love dogs, but I don't love being chased by dogs. Today, Lindsy and I decided to do another ride since our swim practice this morning was cancelled (we're totally hard core!). Lindsy has a program to map out good rides, so I let her take care of that. (see below for the website of the route we took) I got a little nervous when Linds said, "This one's gonna be hilly, Neen. But you can do it." and I noted that the distance was just short of 19 miles! (refer to previous post on my feelings about hills--it IS a little different on a bike, but the feelings are still not the best) Needless to say, I sucked it up and followed Linds out onto an obviously hilly road thinking to myself that if this is the worst of it I will survive. BOY was I wrong! But it wasn't the hills that shook me up (but they were hell...). And it wasn't the locusts that seemed to dive bomb straight to my mouth (although, during the first mile I thought I would have to turn around because of them). It was the DOGS! Yep, I said it. The dogs. Who'da thought it. We rounded one corner and several dogs just appeared and chased us. THEN a beast of a Rottweiler came bounding out chasing Lindsy, with me behind it! This was a nightmare because I was just thinking, "I have to pass this!!!! How the heck am I going to get around this beast with fangs without getting my leg chewed off????" It seemed that this one particular road was full of bike-chasing-dogs! Lindsy's advice: PEDAL PEDAL PEDAL! I don't think I have ever gone that fast or had so much adrenaline in my entire life. But, obviously I am alive to tell about it. We were well rewarded for our stresses with incredible scenery of horse farms, the Kentucky River, lush greenery, and historic looking homes. Can we say beautiful?? It was a ride I will never forget. I will post pics as soon as I can! (Thank God for strong legs and beautiful scenery!)

Lindsy saved a turtle!

This is what I mean by beautiful scenery! Gotta love KY's historic rock walls

Taking a break by the Kentucky River.