A10 Brick Rap

On Saturday STUR had planned a rare bike ride-
Sheila her bike had spent too much time inside!
She pumped up her tires and headed out after eight-
Very nice indeed to sleep in so late!
Found her pink helmet and bike shoes-
Around Fort Hunt park she would cruise.
For 17.5 miles she sat on that bike seat-
Did a short brick run after- sweet!!

STUR and Miss Tessie!

Afterwards she relaxed around with her pup-
Getting the bike ride done- she was pumped!
Meanwhile STEB picked up the Beast
They were in for a triple training day to say the least
Started things off at Providence REC
They were there for a one-hour swim set
Then a brief dip in the hot tub was next
After that they were off to South Lakes High School for the rest

The Beast and STEB ready to roll!

STEB might have dropped an F bomb or two
When she smashed her knee on the trailer hitch chute

STEB left a little skin on the trailer hitch receptacle!!

Two bike loops on the Reston Tri course
Colts Neck Road was bumpy of sorts
Reminded STEB of Stagecoach Road
From IMWI in 2013 don't you know?
Next up was a short run on the path
They were joined by CBun for that!

CBun, The Beast, and STEB - ready to run!

STEB and CBun might have taken a wrong turn or two
But the tunnel was familiar if you want the truth! 

looks like they are in a bomb shelter here!

After their efforts they went to Chick fil A
Always a great way to top off a training day!

Yum!

Later on she met RBud for some coffee and a chat
Was it was fun to catch up? As always, natch!

Lots to catch up on!!

Sunday morning started but it was really still night
STEB hit the road at 4:20? That's right!
It was time for the Annapolis Ten mile run-
STEB picked up STUR for the fun!
Got to STUR's house lickety split -
No traffic to speak of to give them a fit
But unfortunately STUR put the wrong address in her Waze-
It sent the two Rabbits on an orange cone maze!
They finally found the right parking lot-
Got there just before the car onslaught!

This bottle opener is very cool!

They picked up their numbers, hat, and bottle opener-
Time to become like a roadrunner!
After packet pick up it was time for a pre race run selfie
It was dark but you could see the reflector on STEB's hat how funny

Rabbit ears at the ready!

They each did some pre race laps around the naval academy stadium-
In the beginning they felt like titanium!

The finish line they will see a little later!

Race is about to start - get to the starting line-
But a last minute trip to the porta potty would be just divine-

No weeds were growing in these porta potties though!

Quick stop over at Bobby's Pottys please -
Then in a group of runners they did squeeze.
STEB was excited to run a new race
And happy that Mother Nature was being nice in this case
The weather wasn't too humid or hot
STEB had a plan and would give all she got
Their ears got a shout out at the start line
The announcer said ‘all wildlife is welcome’ - sounds fine!
Race started well - STUR was running along -
Here comes STEB looking very strong!
The two rabbits met up right before the bridge -
STUR 's knee was being troublesome - just a smidge.
Through the hilly neighborhoods - they went back and forth -
This was good - STUR was never bored!
The rabbit ears also got plenty of love along the way
And the juggler was there as Forrest Gump - how great!
Saw some familiar faces on the course
A selfie while running? Let's be good sports!

It's hard to selfie while running!

STEB enjoyed the hills more than she thought would
The shade was a surprising bonus and that's good

This time the bridge wasn't too bad!

The bridge was really the part with the most sun
A shadow selfie there seemed like fun

Got this idea from P-Diddles!

Next a rabbit selfie on the bridge -
Just up around the corner is the finish passage

Smiling because the finish is not too far now!

The finish line couldn't come soon enough-
After crossing they got to collect their stuff-
A cold hand towel and a pullover hoodie-
Say thank you to the volunteers, don't be snooty!
STUR had a little more running to do -
She told herself she'd run 16 its true!
This meant two more miles on the pre-dawn path...
Glad this didn't require too much math!
STEB loved that ice cold wet towel
And of course the DD ice coffee samples

Iced coconut cream puff coffee? Yes!

Took in the stadium views while STUR knocked out 2 more
Miles that is, she kicked @$$ for sure!

Nice view of the field!

STEB drove them home with a doughnut snack-
They both enjoyed the race - one day they'll be back!

The 42^nd edition of the A10 race was a very well run event

Not to be confused with this military jet!

STEB and her training class standing in front of an A-10 back in the day!

STEB is so glad she did this race with STUR
And its always fun to write rhymes after!

Look how pretty Stella is!

CBun was out with Stella by the way
She rode the 30 mile loop of the Reston Century!

This is a great sign!
Yet?

She and her bike got all warmed up
Are they ready for the Reston Tri? Yup!

They did it!

KBun had a biking double with her coach
Nokesville one day and Cambridge the other no joke
BLUR went on a Saturday run of five miles 
And a swim on Sunday - that makes her smile!
Sunday afternoon, STEB's dog Riley had fun lined up
It was a doggie birthday party with lots of pups!
You see little Kaiser was turning one
And the dogs and humans pawsitively had fun!

Dog parties are the most fun!

STEB's son Andrew got his Jeep back...
And this past rabbit weekend is a wrap!

Not bad for 28 years old!

Moon FEATure Rap

STUR couldn’t wait to get to the mitten for Swim to the Moon
Since she knew a fun race would be coming up soon!
On Friday she and JRAb hopped on an aero plane -
Had a smooth flight - it wasn't a pain.
Lots of family visiting did ensue…
But soon it would be time for the race - woo- hoo!
Friday afternoon STUR did a recovery spin
Riley and Diego were there to cheer her for the win!

Riley and Diego - hanging out!

Then Saturday morning a swim run brick was on the schedule
So STEB headed to a non-typical weekend practice pool

It was like Team Z practice on a Saturday. Sort of!

Swam at practice with Mark and Jim
Even managed to do 3x100 IM!
After she ran from Providence RECenter to Fairview Park
She was flying by the seat of her pants but not on a lark

One of several creek crossings!

Crossed over a bridge and ran by some lakes

Even saw some duckies, for goodness’ sake!

On the Fairview Park Drive bridge over Rt. 50 and duckies at the pond!

Didn't get lost as she explored a few trails
Got over a downed tree twice without fail

STEB didn't trip!

Stopped to use a port a potty
It had weeds growing inside it - kind of creepy!

This was just...weird!

Later she and Andrew headed over to Gambrills, M-D
They were meeting family to celebrate her aunt's 90th birthday!

STEB with her cousin Ann and Aunt Terry sporting her 90th birthday tiara!

STEB played her ukulele for a group sing a long
"I Love How You Love Me" was her aunt's favorite song!

STEB with her Aunt Shirley and cousins Deanna and Dana!

"Hang On Sloopy" is her aunt's cake cutting tune 
She's been known to dance with a knife around the room!

The two sisters!

STUR’s Sunday morning started extremely dark -
But she and JRab slid in and found a place to park.
First things first: STUR must sign up for the 1.2…
She didn't want to pay extra online, it’s true.
They said it was full but she had been given permission -
The race director had made this momentous decision.
She got two swim caps and two timing chips -
Doing two swim races will really be a trip!
Got body marked and looked over the course map -
She wanted to go in the right direction - no mishap!

It's getting light!

It was getting light now- no glow sticks needed -
The second wave is where she was seeded.
She breezed through Half-Moon Lake;
The first aid station she did not partake
Stopped at the second one right under a bridge
Gatorade and Gu for you? Yes, just a smidge.
Next wound around a neat little canal -
Swim to Lake Patterson? We shall!
First through a tunnel before you reach the shore -
Wow! This swim is certainly not a bore!!
You get out and run around a cone on North Shore Beach -
"Go back the same way you came!" No need for a speech!
STUR didn't stay long - the 5 KEH swimmers were all lined up-
Ready to mow us down soon *gulp!
STUR just kept swimming but stopped at the rest of the aid boats -
All shallow enough to stand at - no need to float.
Back in Half-Moon Lake - the final home stretch -
Her first medal of the day she'll get to fetch!
JRab was there for the cap and chip switch up-
To swim another 1.2 she'd have to get pumped!
The RD told the wave to start slow since they all were "fresh!"
STUR laughed; she just wanted to make ANY kind of forward progress.
She did just that and managed to finish -
Then a place to sit in the sun was her wish!

STUR can totally do a 10 miler!

Her final tally was a feat of 8.2 miles - whee!
STUR loves Swim to the Moon - unsalted and shark free!

Two finisher medals? Heck yeah!

STUR celebrated her swims with a Total Eclipse Beer...

It was half Blue Moon and half Guinness - cheers!

Cheers to the 2017 Eclipse AND the Swim to the Moon!

Meanwhile that morning STEB had another brick -
This time was bike then run – pretty slick!
Got to the W&OD trail around 7:00 A-M
For a 90 minute ride out and back understand?

The trail at the stat and the stretching post at the finish!

First a short out and back headed east
A little warm up hill to say the least
Next she headed out to the west
When she turned around it was time to do her best
There were lots of runners out and about
Marathon training without a doubt!
Going through Vienna she glanced at the ground
Looked like Tie Fighters painted there - was Darth Vader around?

STEB wondered if she was in Dark Side territory! Especially with the approaching eclipse and all...

As she was heading back a box turtle was crossing the path
So she made sure to call out a warning to oncoming riders, natch!
Hopefully he did not get flattened
Because that would have made STEB saddened
Back at the car it was time to switch
To her running shoes and to be quick
Just 10 minutes is all that was required
She got it done and was inspired!
Then she had part 2 of the 90^th birthday celebration
Over to her cousin’s and of course more fun!
She got to meet a cute new puppy
Her name is Asta and she is as cute as can be!

STEB hated saying Asta (la vista) to this cutie!

Mishap Rap

Thursday afternoon STEB flew to Omaha
With many fellow athletes for the USATAGNC, y'all!
When she landed she turned on her phone
It decided to do a firmware update no joke
Thankfully she had a backup gadget
Her LG G Pad came in handy imagine that
Google maps got her to her hotel
And she settled in for a spell...
Also brought her phone back to life
She sure didn't need that strife!
Friday morning STEB was up early
Central time zone was the reason surely
After breakfast she took a little stroll
To where the college world series is at you know

This ballpark looked very cool! 

Couldn't get in but she got to take a peek
She thinks stuff like that sure is neat
At her hotel, there was a this cool sign saying welcome
Had to get a picture as it was pretty awesome!

Really, very awesome!

Afterwards she boarded a bus
Because packet pickup was a must!

Yes!!

Lots of walking was involved to get her tasks knocked out
She even got to ride Trixie briefly without a doubt
Started off with getting checked in
Then went to the USAT store - it was like IM!

STEB had fun taking in the AGNC experience!

After she got Trixie from T-B-T
She rode her then racked her because it was mandatory
After her nap the afternoon passed in a blur
She might have had on some Law & Order

OK - it was Law & Order: SVU...

Friday afternoon STEB also ran some errands
A trip to CVS she saw something for sale that had her stunned!

Rum, whiskey, vodka? STEB got a gallon of water instead!

Liquor for sale, right next to the snacks?
It's OK in Nebraska, but in Virginia that'd be whack!
Saturday morning came early as well
But it was race day and of course that's swell!
Hopped on the shuttle to get to the start
Even at this point the sky was still dark
Got over to transition and got stuff set up
There she borrowed her rack mates pump

Maddie, hanging around in Transition!

Would you believe she had a pump mishap?
She broke the handle right in half!
Apologizing profusely but what could she do?
Headed to the bike support tent it's true
There she got Trixie's tires topped off
Then wandered around to check the swim course and dock

Nice, flat water!

After that she had time to kill
The start was moved back 30 minutes? What a pill!
So STEB decided to sit down on some grass
And met a cute pup named George how about that?

Before Maddie had to be stashed in the bag!

Next she heard a familiar name!
A friend of STUR's brothers? How insane!
She introduced herself and they chatted a bit
Boy is Donna Smyers really fast and fit!
Finally it was time for STEB's warm up swim
The water was nice a flat - that's a win
They played this crazy sound before each wave started
Then that's when the horn blast sounded
First all the athletes had to be in the water holding on to the dock
STEB couldn't believe she was starting Age Group Nationals - that rocks
Clockwise swims are STEB's fave
Made sighting a breeze wouldn't you say?
The course was 1500 meters in length
And if you didn't know, swimming is STEB's strength

STEB's Garmin data shows that she swam a smidge in Iowa!

Before she knew it she was headed to the exit ramp to stand
Nice volunteers were there to lend a hand.
The trip to transition was not too tough
STEB located Trixie then put on her bike stuff
She followed others out to the mount line
Next up a 24 mile bike ride sounds just fine
STEB really loved the bike course it was an out and back
Including the two hills around the halfway point natch!
The out seemed faster due to the help of some tail wind
And the headwind was not as bad as that day in Cambridge!
As she headed towards the turn-around some return riders yelled a warning
Two black dogs were crossing the street up ahead on that very morning!
STEB saw them disappear into the corn field
Reminded her briefly of "Children of the Corn," for real!

Note: this picture was taken the day before on STEB's course preview drive!

One nice bike course thing to point out:
The railroad tracks were covered like Chattanooga - without a doubt
Another thing that STEB has only experienced at one other race:
The bike course was completely closed to traffic for goodness sake!
Well, except for the afore mentioned canines...
STEB was thrilled and would take that any time!
She finally rolled back up to T2
A 10Keh run was all that was left to do!
The course was a 2 loop out and back
And she got to see many new rabbit fans. Fact!
She got to give a shout out to local named Suzy Mink
And her rack mate with the pump found her by her ears - you think?
She had explained before about Team Rabbit
How the team had made running with ears their habit!
STEB had the plan to run the whole race
And walk through the water stops as was the case
She stuck to her plan and was very happy
And hit the red finish carpet finishing strong you see
After a nice ice bath in the recovery tent
STEB had tasks to do – more walking is what that meant
Lunch at a food truck and then dropping Trixie off
A little shopping and photo op then she was off

Happy finisher!

Another walk to catch the 'wrong' hotel shuttle - whoopsie-daisy
But the driver had invited them on as a courtesy!
After STEB relaxed and got cleaned up
She had a gear bag to go and drop
Finally after that she took a recovery walk
To Lewis and Clark Landing but she wasn't ready to stop!
Next she went over to a pedestrian bridge
It is called The Bob and she walked it a smidge
It actually would take you to Council Bluffs, Iowa
But STEB went just to the state line - no duh!

Bob was very cool!

All in all she had a fantastic trip there
And got to check off her third new state this year!
It was a win just toeing the USATAGNC start line
The race organizers, officials, volunteers, and fellow racers made it a wonderful time!
One dude said Team Rabbit won best kit
The rabbit ears certainly are legit!
Meanwhile on Saturday STUR met CBun in her hood for a run -
The day was foggy and cloudy, absolutely no sun.
CBun had graciously printed out cue sheets...
Turn by turn directions of the trails and the streets.
Plan was to do a ten mile loop first -
But too bad that the route was unrehearsed...
Let's just say they got a little mixed up at times -
But neither one of these Rabbits started to whine!
In exactly 10.2 they made it back to Lake Audubon pool-
Then they did two out and backs to make 15 miles- cool!
They did see one deer along the way-
He or she was enjoying the greenery buffet.

Oh deer!!

Then there was only one thing left to do-
Head over to 7-Eleven for a Slurpee - its true!
The Beast and STUR can't seem to get enough of open water-
So on Sunday over to National Harbor they did saunter!
The Harbor Fest 5keh was on tap -
They'd have to do four times the lap!
Once again the two Rabbits finished very close to each other -
They would have done another lap if they had their druthers!
Next they waited for the 2.4 milers to come in-
Got to cheer KBun into her finish for the win!

Happy Harbor Fest Finishers!