Errands by Two Wheels.
Aug/100
This past June, Trevor received two panniers as a birthday present. These bags hang on either side of the rear wheel of his Surly, and allow him the ability to transport stuff via bike.
One of his first legitimate uses of these panniers ended up being a grocery shopping errand. Not only do we live close to a grocery store, but now we can pick up small amounts of groceries with two man-powered wheels instead of four gas-powered ones.
Other handy uses of these bags will be for Trevor’s commutes to work, allowing him to bring a change of clothes with him from home, and pack his lunch on his bike. Or just bring an extra Arnold Palmer to quench his thirst.
Race Day!
Jul/100
It is hard to believe but it was only 1 week ago when Team Compassion completed the Bluegrass 10K race that we had been training and fundraising for since January! The day before the race we met our goal of $3,000 for Compassion International’s Child Survival Program! We were blown away that nearly $1,000 came in within two weeks of race day! (If you would still like to give and did not get a chance to do so, it is not too late! Just let us know.)
We had 8 Team Compassion runners and 2 friends last minute join us for the race day. Several of us even sported our “Team Compassion” running shirts. It was bright and early on race day, before 7am, but just look at our shining, eager faces!
The race was a lot of fun. This was my second time completing the race but this second time around it was great to have friends who were running with me, too. The course is over 6.2 miles, and is fairly shaded and flat (thankfully). Many neighbors and people in the community come out to watch and cheer everyone on in the race. The race was a huge accomplishment for many of us – for most it was the first time completing a 10K. My sister, Karen, and Trevor were uncertain if they would be able to run the whole time (both have had knee/ankle issues)… but in the end they each maintained a run for the entirety of the race! For myself, it was a personal accomplishment to beat my race time from 2006. Kristi completed the 10K in 1:08:10 (10:59 pace) and Trevor completed the 10K in 1:15:09 (12:07 pace).
Ah, the glorious sight of the Finish line…!
The obligatory post-race group photo of all the triumphant Team Compassion runners! We did it!
Thanks for your support (financial and emotional) and prayers for good runs and meeting our goal. We appreciate you very much!
Shuffle Shuffle Shuffle.
Mar/104
Some of our fabulously fun running team for the Compassion 10K came out for the Shamrock Shuffle 3K this Saturday. (Left to Right, Tabitha, Alyssa, Meghan, Trevor, Karen, Kristi, Rebekah)
The race got off to a start with the sound of bagpipes being played from the sidelines. (Which caused us to wonder, aren’t bagpipes Scottish, not Irish?) Here is a shot of Trevor and I running at the start – we’re in the center sporting green bandannas. (Picture by Chad Bowman.)
Around 20 minutes later, we were crossing the finish line, and most of us crossed the finish line within a minute of one another. Trevor’s time was 20:47, mile pace of 11:31, and Kristi’s time was 19:29, mile pace of 10:48. Here I am, sprinting to the finish line. (Picture also by Chad Bowman.)
(to save face I cropped out the little girl who was beating me in that photo… ;))
What a great team effort! Best yet: both Trevor and I sustained a run the whole time! Go team Compassion!
Next Up: 5k on Saturday May 15th!
On the Sport of Disc Golf.
Feb/100
One of my favorite ways to spend time during the summer is throwing plastic discs at metal chains. It’s a sweet, pleasing sound to hear the clang of metal confirming a well-thrown putt (or, even better, a spectacular birdie/eagle attempt).
Disc golf is an easy, relaxing way to spend time outdoors and get a little exercise along the way. It’s not strenuous, so it’s easy to fall right into. The learning curve is quick and easy, and the investment for a set of discs (around $10 each) isn’t so steep that someone just interested in the sport couldn’t try.
Best of all, it has been a great source of community. In fact, every one of my close friends now has spent time with me on the course — it’s a mutual love we all share.
Today was a rare warm day in February, so Kristi, my friend David, and I went out to play a round of disc golf. The course was wet and muddy from the melting of all the snow we’d recently received, but it was a great time spent this afternoon.
Kristi even had a chance to play sports photographer (which was good training for David and me, when we become pro disc-golfers).
(Setting up for a drive)
(Trying to sink a putt)
To anyone even remotely interested in disc golf, I totally recommend trying it out. There are very few outdoor activities that are as easy to start, as fun to play, and as rewarding so as to merit re-plays.
10K Training
Kristi's Training Mileage:
Trevor's Training Mileage:
Good Reads
Kristi's read shelf:
Trevor's read shelf: