Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday Mishmash

Last Saturday night Jeff and I went to the championship matches for both the men's and women's USA Rugby college teams, which was the culmination of a two-day event held at Texas A&M.  Our friend's niece was playing for Norwich University, and her team won!  Let me tell you, those players are tough.  I think I'd last about a minute on the field, or until my first tackle...then I'd be carted off the field on a stretcher, crying for my mommy. 

Neither of us had ever watched a rugby match before...it was a crazy combination of football and soccer with some gymnastics randomly thrown in - you might think I'm exaggerating, but look:
You can see the white ball being thrown in - not sure why they do this, but it made me laugh every time it happened.

Here's the trophy presentation - Norwich is in the red jerseys. 
These women are hardcore! 

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I might have mentioned that there's this race on Sunday.  Well, this being Texas, we are experiencing stupid weather for December - the temperature predictions are for a warm and muggy day, with a chance of thunderstorms in the late morning.  Right now it's looking like 66 degrees for the start of the race, with temps warming up into the mid-70s fairly quickly.  While I'd rather have one damn race, just one, dammit run with the temperatures in the 40s, it's not like I can't handle these temps - after all, we've been training in it for most of the year.  But people are freaking out on the race's Facebook page - I guess maybe they are faster runners, and know that these conditions mean that they won't have an optimal race?  Any case, the race director has gone above and beyond to make things as safe and comfortable as possible.  He sent out an email yesterday outlining the following:
  • the race will now be open for 7 hours to allow runners to slow down in the heat and still finish
  • they will have towels in iced buckets at certain aid stations along the course
  • "cooling zones" in the form of school buses, with A/C running at full blast, will be parked at the last two aid stations along the course - you can go in and literally chill out for a few minutes, if need be - plus they will have more cooling zones at the finish
  • they've also increased the amount of liquid on the course by 20% (good thing because I like to not only drink water, but pour it down the back of my neck when it's so hot)
These temperatures are still about 10 degrees cooler to start than we had in San Antonio.  Plus, I'm not a fast runner.  So honestly, the weather isn't huge on my worry list.  You all know what my deal is...and I'm going to try my hardest to run without freaking out.  Enjoy every mile.  Cross the finish line not only with a smile on my face, but feeling proud of my accomplishment.  Those are my goals.

Oh - and guess what the low is supposed to be the day AFTER the race?  A lovely 42 degrees.  At this point everyone is hoping the cold front will move in a day early, but it's doubtful.  Texas weather...not exactly convenient.

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One last thing.  You may have seen references to gizoogle.net floating around - it's a parody of Google, but done in translations via Snoop Dog-speak, which is to say, pretty foul language.  I put my blog in, and busted a gut laughing at their version of my last post.  It's even given me an additional mantra to silently repeat as I run, so thank you, Snoop Dizzle.

Have a great weekend!

22 comments:

  1. Shelley, I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourself during the race. And hey, I think runners have it all backwards. The ones who are going slower get to savor the experience and get their moneys worth:) Have a great race!

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    1. LOL - I should figure out cost per mile. Nah, that involves too much math. But heck yeah, I'll definitely be milking it for my money's worth, lol!

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  2. If you cross the finish line you are a winner. Have fun.

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    1. Thanks, Darlene - I plan on winning this race. ;)

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  3. Gizoogle cracks me up!

    Weather is one of those things that cannot be controlled and this is where you tell yourself that you've done all the training, you're ready, and when you line up on Sunday, you're going to do the best you can in the circumstances you're handed. Because that's the truth!

    You know I'll be here in Connecticut screaming as loud as I can for you guys.

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  4. I've never heard of Gizoogle - can't wait to check it out!

    You've got this Shelley - warm weather or not, you are not sitting on the sidelines, so you've already won in my book.

    Go Shelley!! I'll be screaming from Chicago, so you'll probably hear me before Helen! :D

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  5. I bet this is your best race yet!

    Plus, its local, right? So maybe you will get a good night's sleep? Well, at least you'll be in your own bed!

    I'll be cheering from California! Does that mean you'll hear me AFTER the race is over???

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    1. LOL at my screamers - I'll be sure and listen for all of you ladies! :)

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  6. Aren't you loving the Texas weather gods this year?

    Fo shizzle, we know you can do this. Go Shelley Go!

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    1. Texas weather gods seem to be particularly rude to runners this year. Fo'shizzle. ;)

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  7. So glad to hear you were at the USA Rugby competition, the sports needs more supporters. My niece played at the event. She was on the University of Northern Iowa team. I too love to watch rugby. I have always said they need an adult women’s leisure team, what a great way to burn off some frustrations!!! Can you imagine how you would play after a hard day at the office? LOL :)

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    1. It was really cool to watch and honestly, I think the women played more aggressive than the men!

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  8. The thing that impresses me the most is your commitment over the long haul to achieving this goal. I'm saying a little prayer that the experience will be wonderful.

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  9. Hehe, glad you like gizoogle for your blog/mantra. I agree, it's naughty, but it does have its place and time.

    So very sorry about your 66 degree + temps this weekend. Honestly. I just finished 6 miles in 48 degrees, long sleeves and long skirt/pants. Heavenly (and slow, haha). I'm cheering for a strong finish for you. Looking forward to reading about your race.

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    1. Doing a long run in the 40s is my favorite temperature. Just a little jealous over here, reading about your lovely run!

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  10. It was about 41 degrees this morning and foggy when I ran...but it was beautiful. Godspeed and enjoy the race!

    http://runningsurvivor.blogspot.com

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  11. I have never seen rugby before, just the shirts.

    And does it really get into the 40s in Texas? Seems like ya'll are just always in shorts :D

    Have a fantabulous race. I know you will. Enjoy the culmination of all your training! Good ankle vibes going your way.

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  12. By now you have finished your race and I'm so proud of you. I look forward to your race recap.

    I have never been to a rugby match either even though we have a rugby club in my village. Fun idea to go to a game and watch it.

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