S'more Swim Rap

On Saturday STUR planned to take a break from the swim-
Does that mean she will head to the gym?
Nope! She decided to try a run in her hood-
For the most part it went pretty good!
This weekend STEB was supposed to run and do an open water swim
Saturday she woke up exhausted so went back to sleep again.
Later that day she, Andrew, and Riley hopped in the car
They were going to Acme PA - not too far!
It was a weekend of family celebration
Stilt was having a party for her daughter's graduation!

Stilt and STEB!

Sunday morning she was to meet CBun and BLUR for a swim in the lake -
It's Jim McDonnell Lake Swim time for goodness' sake! 

Hmm, 66.5 degrees? No problem!

It was posted that the water temperature was 66.5-
With no wetsuit on- STUR will feel alive!
She met up with CBun and did the pre race dance-
They better line up on time- mustn't take a chance!

CBun is happy to be finished!

A little dicey getting in but she acclimated lickety split-
Got first place in her age group with some swimming grit!
Met up with BLUR and they all got ready for the two miler-
Some wore wetsuits, some did not- they are all fighters!
STUR had no pacing plan like her one mile "balls to the wall"-
A medal for second place was her final haul!

STUR and CBun celebrating!

Then the three rabbits scooted over to see CBun's new bunny pad -
They were very hungry - lots of snacks to be had!

STUR and her bling!

CBun's place is beautiful with a nice golf course view-
The kitchen was great- shiny and new!
Sunday morning STEB helped decorate the hall at the club
Polish Falcons Nest 147 that is where in the back the women are still snubbed!

Scenes from the grad party!

STEB and family returned without mishap on Sunday night
With a quick stop at Phantom Fireworks – outta sight!

This place was huge!

Monday morning STEB was still sleepy
But took a nice walk with Riley who was full of glee!
Later it was yard work and cleaning up the leaves
Finally got up the last of them up from Fall if you please
Capped things off with a nice dinner on the grill
Afterwards, S'mores for the taking if you will!

Mmmm S'mores!

Memorial Day for STUR meant a workout at the box -  
The WOD is called "Murph" and she'll go until she drops!
Luckily she didn't "drop" even though hot at the end-
Hopefully a bit of DOMS will be the trend!

STUR getting those push ups done!
(Photo taken from CFK post.)

Team Rabbit is thankful for those that gave the ultimate sacrifice
For our freedom they sadly paid the price.

Swim Half Cat Rap

Friday STEB headed to Chattanooga
Was she excited for her race on Sunday? Duh!

And happy to be here!

But first, she took an important phone call:
LUNA the kitty has turned up, y’all!
She traveled about 25 miles over 3 months
We bet the path she took was a labyrinth
From Huntsville ending up in Ardmore, A-L
Like her Instagram account says, she was raisin’ hell!

Luna, being assisted by the wonderful folks at Berry Animal Hospital in Ardmore, Alabama!

Packet pick up was pretty much a breeze
Half the distance means half a back pack if you please!

The half back pack is pretty cool!

That afternoon STEB dropped off her bike to be tuned
Then drove the bike course which was nice to see what loomed!

Course preview: The town of Chickamauga is very cool!

There was one particular sharp left turn
That had a short and steep hill – nice to learn
STUR had a Saturday that was pretty low key -
3500 meters at the pool was all it was going to be.
This means she had time to hit her CrossFit box…
A partner WOD with rowing and kettlebell swings? That rocks!!
Meanwhile, Saturday morning STEB went out for a run
Then rode the bike trainer for a few – what fun!
Later that morning her younger son arrived in to town
They dropped off her bike and checked out Lookout Mountain – wow!

Trixie, just hanging around!

They got an amazing view of seven states
And Rock City – boulders all over the place.

Scenic Selfie at Rock City!

Views of Seven  States
(VA-TN-NC-SC-GA-AL-KY)

See Rock City!

We saw Rock City!

STEB chickened out of the Fat Man Squeeze
She kind of had a panic attack, if you please!

It was pretty narrow in the Fat Man Squeeze!

Stopped on the Northshore side for lunch
Taco Mamacitas had tacos by the bunch!

All kinds of fun tacos here!

Saturday night it rained and rained buckets
What would race morning be like? Hope she wouldn’t have to chuck it!
In V-A, Sunday morning dawned cool and cloudy -
But STUR and BLUR strutted up to the Potomac River proudly!
They were to do a WaveOne open water swim practice
It’s that time of year again – always an oasis!
Learned the water temp was 70.4 -
STUR thought jumping off the dock might be a chore.
She opted for the ladder to ease her body in the river -
Took off like a shot though, no time to shiver!
Both she and BLUR stayed in the entire 75 minutes -
Showed they both have good swimming fitness!

Bad @$$ OWSers!

Getting out of the water was the hardest part of the day…
STUR had her heater on as she was leaving? No way!
Two hours after a lovely nap that was 2 hours in length -
She was going to meet the Beast at the pool - would she have the strength?
Another long swim - it wasn't shorter -
If you're measuring in total miles, about 4 and a quarter!
Down in T-N STEB's race day dawned cloudy, cool, and humid
But things were a go – the course was not flooded!

Pre shortened swim!

The men's and women's pro waves went off without a hitch
But the age groupers got a change, there was a little glitch!
See, the 1.2 mile river swim is current assisted
And on this morning, the TVA did not fix it!

There was a bit of flow before the swim start!

The river was flowing quite heavily
And the pros even had trouble you see
So the age groups got a little swim break
And only had to swim the downriver part for heaven’s sake!

70.3 Chattanooga Swim Course!

STEB had an effortless .8 mile swim -
Except for her goggles fail - for the win!
On the way to T1 she got to see Patrick
That was exciting even though it was quick!

T1!

Then heading out on the bike Lookout Mountain was covered in a foggy shroud
Returning though the sun was out - blue skies with some clouds
Got passed by a dude who was wearing a Speedo brief
It said ‘budgie snuggler’ on his butt - oh good grief!
Turns out he had raised funds for charity
Children's Hospital in Mississippi
STEB had a nice and uneventful ride
Got up the crazy steep hill in stride
Enjoyed and appreciated all the lovely scenery
Chattanooga really is a nice place to be!
Rolled in to T2 ready to run...
Then saw Patrick again – son of a gun!

Early on the run!

The run course did not make a lot of sense before the race
But no matter - STEB planned to do a run / walk pace
The volunteers and spectators were all super nice
And the rabbit ears were a hit and always suffice!
On the run she got to see Pat thrice
And while on the pedestrian bridge? Make that twice!

Second time seeing Patrick on the bridge!
(Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge!)

Approaching the finish line chute area was really nifty
Down a hill around a corner – here STEB was running swiftly
The announcer gave her rabbit ears a shout out
And they were a hit on the run course without a doubt!

Nice view of the John Ross Bridge!

By the way, who doesn't like hay?
KBun having fun at her run turnaround on Sunday!

KBun and her new friends!

Kipping Fixie Cap Rap

Saturday morning was the Cap2Cap Half Century
STEB was ready to roll – woo wee

STEB - ready to roll!

Despite the rather wet conditions
And lack of sleep – she had a mission!
One last solid training ride
Before 70.3 Choo arrived!
At the start they played Walking on Sunshine
Which was funny since it was raining at that time!

Lovely morning for a ride! (It really was!)

STEB couldn’t stop singing the song Centerfield
Because a lady's shirt said 'put me in coach' for reals!
In hindsight STEB should've ridden Trixie
Because Candy was acting like a fixie!!  

Candy - before the fixie incident!

See sometimes Candy's gears won't shift
STEB just rolled with it and wasn't miffed
She rode by what looked like a huge sun dial
But with the overcast you wouldn't be able to tell time for a while
STEB wasn't worried about the bike pace line
It wasn't a race anyway so that's fine
Rest stop number two was at a church
They had quite a sense of humor – guess which was her perch?

STEB was in...the WAR ROOM!

Went past a couple of battlefields along the wayBut there were no reenactments that day!
The rain eventually stopped and the sun tried to come out
STEB felt like she could have pedaled more than 50 without a doubt! 

On Saturday morning- STUR met the Beast at their usual place-
4500 meter swim at a very nice pace!
Next she scooted over to CFK for a kipping pull up class -
After a while her shoulders ran out of gas!
While taking Riley for her Sunday morning stroll
STEB saw lots of bug exoskeletons - whoa!!

The 17 Year Cicadas are BACK!

Next headed to the Mother’s Day 4 Miler race
She was not worried about her pace

The start/finish line!

Got lost when arriving at the race venue
STEB was a little stressed and confused
What? No porta potty lines?
A Mother's Day gift - that sounds just fine!
Saw Leanne and her daughter Alexis
Stopped for a scenic group selfie - of course

Always nice to see familiar faces!

Back to the corrals and found her friend Kim
They decided to run the race together – win!

Happy to be running with Kim!

While standing in line at the back of the pack
STEB ran into Caroline – how about that?  

So nice to see Caroline!

Had not seen her in practically forever –
She really misses swimming behind her!
Next day STUR was SUPER sore but that was the bomb -
In her chest and core she had the DOMS!
This time she and the Beast had a different plan-
Going to drive all the way over to PWFP but not for a suntan!
The Beast would bike and STUR would run!
Saw each other twice on the loop - what fun!

STUR and The Beast! They are kick @$$!

STUR got in a solid 7.2 and the beast 18 -
It was quiet out there - not the place to be seen?
After a brief rest, The Beast and STUR were back at it...
Ended up with 4800 swim meters – they didn’t quit!
At her turnaround point on a nice Sunday run
KBun met Sailor the horse at Meadowbrook Stables – how fun!
He wanted an apple but you’re not allowed to feed -
Look at KBun’s pearly whites next to that steed?!

KBun and Sailor!

Blur has no pictures and hardly a rhyme,
But to swim two miles and run three, she had time.
Hours of work getting her house for sale squeaky clean.
Then house hunting in between.
Celebrating her anniversary dinner out,
Followed by purging, de-cluttering and sorting things out
Later, STEB tried something new for dinner
Beer Butt Chicken – and it was a winner!

Actually, it's Beer Can Chicken! 
 

Windy Indy Amsterdam Rap

STUR headed to the airport early on Friday-
Time for her getaway to Indianapolis- YAY!
Flights went smoothly as to be expected-
Bumpy and rainy- just glad she wasn't ejected!
Shuttle to her hotel then met Jeff and Andy-
Their hotels were connected on the inside- very handy!!
Packet pick up at the Indiana convention center-

THE Wall of Fame!

Found her name on the wall of fame- winner! 

Zooming in on STUR and Andy!

Before dinner they had some time to kill-
Toured the Indiana State House - for real!

Inside the Indiana State House - Shhh!

Went back to the expo to meet up with local friend Mark-
This had been planning this all along- it wasn't on a lark!
He kindly suggested a place to carbo load-
It had great spaghetti and meat balls - they were sold!
STUR was very tired from her long morning of travel-
Time to hit the sack so she wouldn't unravel...
STEB had a nice day of rest on Friday
But Saturday of course she would get up early
First she attended a Yappy Hour party
To send off Peanut for the Running of the Chihuahuas smarty!

Little Peanut in her Cinco de Mayo dress! Sorry for the butt view!

She was there with Andrew and Riley
Who of course was quite smiley!
Got to meet a couple of cute pups
And dinner on the deck was what was up!
Race morning STUR was even able to sleep in a bit-
Start of the race right outside her window - that's legit!

Welcome to Indianapolis!!

Donned her bunny ears and headed to the 5k mass corral -
Even though cool and rainy- the crowd boosted her morale!
She was however seated mostly in the back…
Started to run and made contact with a man - whack!
Apparently these peeps were planning to walk -
She carefully made her way to the runners - she didn't balk.
When the 5k was done she trotted back to the start of the half -
Race number two?!! She had to laugh!
This time she started off way to fast -
Everyone was running - at this pace she wouldn't last.
Ran the same first 3 miles as she did before -
Settled into a more appropriate pace - SCORE!
Lots of folks out cheering and there was no more rain -
For all the bands and DJs that would have been a pain!
And was it "more cowbell" you needed?
Because around mile 3 by the cowbell lady you were greeted!
The aid stations once again were known as the "PITAREA"-

Ohhhh, it's Pit Area!

Very well stocked with water and Gatorade, there was no hysteria.
At mile 6 you finally arrive at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Andy and Jeff both got high 5's from Meb Keflezighi in there - no way!!
He must have moved on by the time STUR got there -

On THE track!!!

But she "flew" through the 2.5 miles without a care!
Once out of the track there was still a bit more to go…

WELCOME to Indianapolis Motor Speedway!!

The spectators and the crowds kept us entertained - putting on a show.
Finally STUR hits yet another finish line - she can sing!
Then she was on a mission to find that bling!

Look at that haul!!!

The "bling tent" is where she met the rest of her crew -
Had to walk around with THREE medals… What's a rabbit to do?

Happy finishers!!

She did just that while they all got some food -
And lots of talk about their respective races ensued.

It's a lovely morning to swim!

Saturday morning STEB first swam at Audrey Moore

The water temp was perfect!

Did she then run 9 miles in the rain? Sure!

Run start!

Underneath Braddock Road the trail was a muddy mess

This bridge was lovely, underneath Braddock Road, not so much!

So on the way back STEB took a trail detour – no jest!
Along the way she stopped for just a few...

No fishing!

Over the Lake Accotink dam, a the scenic view!

You are up higher than you think!
(But not 300 steps high!)

Later met up with some high school peeps
Back at Kilroy’s it was fun to say the least

Beers and apps? Yes!

Meanwhile, after a shower and nap STUR and her group went out around town…
A bit of walking and then the Indiana War Memorial was found!

Indiana War Memorial

These post-race peeps walked up 300 steps to the top for a view

Nice view from up top!
(Only 300 steps!)

This took well over 5 minutes - whew!
Met Mark again for pizza at a place called Bazbeaux's
For the evening entertainment a play is what they chose.
Sunday morning was another early day
STEB met Jeff to ride 46 miles you don't say?
They started off at Nokesville Park
Met a gal who'd done both IM Choo races on a lark
She gave STEB a few course tips
STEB is really looking forward to this!
It was a pretty windy ride
And that course is not flat - no surprise?!

Ohhhh, over halfway there!!

Followed the ride up with a short run
Ledo's Pizza after - all in all it was fun!
Sunday night was another Wizards playoff game
Number 4 and they tied the series up - insane!

Cool T-shirt giveaway laid out in the DC Flag pattern!

This time no players got ejected...
The home crowd was off the charts, as expected!
Sunday STUR, Andy, and Jeff had more time to play-
After breakfast they headed to the Indianapolis Zoo for the day
Saw dolphins and dogs in their respective talent shows -
Also, antics in the orangutan area was a go!
Travel back home was a tiny bit problematic -
But everyone got to their respective places - not too traumatic!
Meanwhile, BLUR was in Amsterdam…
She was working, not there on the lam!

Amsterdam is known as Venice of the North!!

Did she run through tulips and tourists and canals?

Lovely tulip gardens!

Lots of tourists!

Yes, and she also got to see a couple of her pals!

Fun to meet up with friends while away on business!
(And looks - more tulips!)

There was something funny in her room lying around...
Her own personal keg of Heiny could be found!

Pour me a Heiny!

And our fearless KBun was off doing good stuff
She walked many miles for the AVON 39 - it was tough

Pam the KBun with a racing President!

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