Swim Gwynn Rap

On Saturday, STUR hosted an early morning party...
Were these rabbits and friend having brunch? Hardly!
Masters friend Betty drove STUR, KBun and the Beast -
They were chatty up and over the bridge to say the at least!
CBun and this group were the first to arrive -
Would they wear a wetsuit? Some would have to decide.
At the race briefing the water temp was 77.5...
Did this mean wetsuit legal? YES!! Ain't no jive!
The 5 milers went off first -
STUR was ready, excited, and about to burst!
The swimmers heard a rumor that the current going out was strong -
Hopefully on the way back they could just float along.
STUR couldn't believe how long it took her to get to the first buoy -
The current report was certainly correct-oh phooey!
STUR swam hard without a break...
Finally here's the turn around buoy for goodness sake!
A nice man in a boat gave her some water -
He was happy to do so, it wasn't a bother.
Took her much longer to reach this place than she thought it would -
She will have favorable current now- it's all good!
As she's swimming back who does she spy -
There's CBun in her blue cap-oh my!
Took out one earplug so she could have a chat -
They only had 1.5 miles to go- how 'bout that!!
STUR found another kayaker who offered Gatorade;
She was bonking and her day was saved!!
Last little stretch - would the shore ever come?
There's the Beast, KBun, and Betty cheering- don't be bummed!

STUR did it!!

Stayed on that very shore to wave CBun in -
She finished looking strong for the win!!
The Beast and KBun's race went very well too -
All these rabbits were very tough it's true!

Swim for Life success!

The food buffet afterwards  was again amazing-
Especially the chicken and cookies we were all praising!
Certainly Team Rabbit will be back next year-
To the DCAC folks who put on Maryland Swim for Life we give a cheer!
Meanwhile, PBun was over on the other side
Of these United States. Were you wondering why?
She was on vacation to see her cousin
And they planned to have a lot of fun!
Saturday morning they did a race
The Tony Gwynn 5.5k in this case!
PBun ran the whole way except twice in the last stretch
Which was all uphill but she did not kvetch!
PBun’s cousin did her first race ever!
Her walking pace could not be better!

Success at the Tony Gwynn 5.5K!

After they had planned to SUP in Mission Bay...
But it was cold and windy, so no sup'in way!

S'up? Not SUP!

STUR went to swim again on Sunday morning -
Although her energy was far from soaring...
Made another two miles in spite of it all
Swimming outside is the best y'all!
Headed over to Wakefield Park for a run/walk combo
Then scooted home to walk this guy-pronto!

Humphrey is a sweetie!!

Sunday PBun went to a nice family brunch
It had been a while since she had seen the LA bunch!

Fun family festivities!

Then on Monday morning they took a hike
Up to the top of Cowles Mountain - the view was a delight!
Little Gage was full of boundless energy
Can this be bottled? Must find a way!

You get a 360 degree view of the City of San Diego from up here!

Tuesday PBun was in for a real treat
Scenic tour in an antique biplane? How neat!
She must admit her tummy was in nervous knots
There was not a co-pilot – don’t give it another thought!

Despite PBun's nervous knots, the view was amazing!

Swim Bike Swim Rap

On Saturday BLUR and STUR had an early morning event-
Were they excited to drive down to Richmond? 100 percent!!
It was the Virginia Masters Open Water Championship-
In the James River they would take a dip!

Rabbits are ready to swim!

Got there in plenty of time to check out the venue-
STUR  and PBun had been there before - it's true!

Here's the familiar start / finish!

STUR's 5KEH race was the first to go-
It's a 4 loop course just so you know.
The current one way was really cranking-
"Just keep swimming!" She just kept chanting
The other way you sort of got a ride-
Some advice they got before definitely applied
Hug the shore when the current is strong-
Stay down the middle the other way to move along!
BLUR started her 1.25 K and charged through that current-
She had a plan to get it done- she was fervent!

Way to GO, BLUR!!!!

Finished strong and earned a trophy for second place-
Celebrated at Five Guys with an Oreo shake - that was the place!
Also that morning just after the crack
PBun and Jeff picked up KBun that's a fact

Riley's Lock House!

Information on the lock and area!

Headed on over to Riley's Lock on the C&O Canal
That's where they were starting their 70 bike ride without fail

Ready to roll!

Starting off it was a bit chilly
But it  would warm up in a hurry
The first half of the ride took them up to Point of Rocks
The views along the way were spectacular that's not a shock
A road called Flint Hill really gave them a fit
But no one had to walk to the top of it!
A man and his little kid cheered them on
The little one offered to give PBun a push - is that wrong?
Not long after they saw a jet in someone's yard
It was missing a wing so it couldn't have gone far!
At one of their pauses along the way
Saw a snake lounging in the shade!

The shaded snake and other cool sights from this stop!

KBun stopped to get a picture of the colored cemetery
In goes back to 1879. Golly gee.

The Point of Rocks Colored Cemetery

Before they got to Point of Rocks town
They got to see a train crossing gate go down

Thankfully they did not get stuck on the wrong side of the tracks!

Thankfully they weren't caught on the wrong side
And it gave them a brief break from traffic on their ride
Next they made a sharp turn right into a climb
They were practically in Virginia at this time

Dickerson Market was a welcome stop!

Twice they visited the Dickerson Market
They've got a flushing porta potty can you dig it?

Salty chips are always a good idea on a hot ride!

PBun remembered this one climb and descent from 2009
Feathering the brakes works just fine
At one point PBun went off into the rubble
She didn't fall down so it wasn't any trouble
When they had 16 miles left
Made a decision though PBun might have been bereft
They continued on their original course
They will climb up Mt. Nebo next time - no remorse!
After the took a gander along the canal

Views from the C&O Canal towpath

There is much water in there - oh well!

The canal was pretty empty here.

Stopped at Potomac Pizza for a bite and to cool off
Their pizza and salads just hit the spot!

So good!

Sunday PBun picked up the STUR
They were headed over to PG County for sure
To the Sports and Learning Complex to swim 100 100s again
It was Father's Day- this wasn't on a whim!

It's Father's Day - we just swam 100 100s!

Since CBun's sis was in town
She had to miss the swim that went down!
KBun did the National Harbor open water swim in the sunshine
Followed by a run on Mt. Vernon Trail - divine!
The rabbits started again at 10:20 AM
This seems to be the standard for them!
At one hour in they were at 29...
Only 71 more till shower time!
Took their first break when they got to 60 -
Finally time for a snack and the bathroom-whee!
BLUR arrived when they reached 62 -
Had to stop and say hi - what's a rabbit to do?!!
PBun was happy she had her paddle accessories
She might not have been able to finish otherwise you see!
Even though their time today was not a PR -
The tired rabbits were just happy to go that FAR!
The rabbits were once again denied the fun slide -
Don't worry they took it all in stride!
Followed this.up with a bite at Chipotle
Because this is the tradition you see!

NYC to Cambridge Rap

STUR and JRab went on the train to New York City-

STUR and JRab, all cleaned up!

For the wedding of Anna and Emre - it went rather zippy!

Super fun themes!

The wedding itself was certainly the highlight:

Nice view!

The ceremony, food, and DJ playing ABBA was out of sight!!

Museum selfie!!

Museums, Central Park, and many subway rides...

What a group!

Nice to have a big family group by their side.
Meanwhile, PBun went over yonder towards Cambridge
Did she have a swim/bike/run race planned? Yes – a smidge!
On Friday afternoon she headed out
Was traffic was great? Without a doubt!
Got checked in to her hotel in Easton then hit up the store
A couple gallons of water and some snacks – score!
Saturday morning she was up bright and early
After breakfast headed out to do a bike course preview, surely!
A quick stop at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center
Which she planned to visit later, for sure

Maddie outside the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

Once done, she tested the shuttle bus system over to GreatMarsh Park
That is where the Athlete Village was – this was not a lark!

PBun is excited to check in!

Got checked in and hit up the IM store for a few goodies
A pint glass, a name T, and cute tank, if you please!

Checking out the swim course views!

Back at the hotel she gathered up Trixie
Time to get her checked in you see
From the shuttle lot she rode her over to the Village
Only 2.5 miles – a pretty short pilgrimage

PBun will see YOU tomorrow, finish line!

Most everything seemed to be in working order
But she adjusted a little brake rub, on the spur

Trixie is racked and ready!

Next she headed over to the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center
Such an amazing experience albeit a bit somber

This bust is on a platform and they stand 5 feet tall.
This is an actual representation of Harriet's height!

 

Again back at the hotel it was time to get organized
Because Sunday would be very early to rise!
Caught up with Morgan in transition
To wetsuit or not was their discussion!
PBun had already planned to go sans
Morgan decided the same, understand?
They took a pre-race dip to check out the water
And met Erin who was racing all the way from Australia!
Soon it was time to go get lined up for the rolling start
The cannon booms were loud! They did their part!
Quick hello from Lesley - Morgan's other half
She took PBun's crappy flip flops to the trash!
PBun felt like she had a smooth swim
And was pleased with her time when she got to the end!
Up the ramp and run into transition
Finding Trixie was her next mission!
Mission accomplished and time to ride
Only 56 miles underneath mostly cloudy skies
Happily there didn’t seem to be much wind
Though PBun always says it’s her friend!
Nice to cruise through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
At more than 28,000 acres, this place is huge!
One very interesting thing that she saw
Was a dude riding a quad bike with a dog!
Would you believe she had to state “passing on your right?”
Not once. Not twice. But actually thrice!
Before long she was rolling back into town
And only a half marathon to go? No time to frown!
She hit T2 and changed in to her bunny running shoes
Donned her ears and headed for the run out chute!
The ears got plenty of love as along the way
And saw a few familiar faces, too – yay!
Shout out from Morgan at about 1/3 through
He only had 1/3 left – it’s true!
Finally she was at the halfway point
They were serving SNO-CONES in the joint!
PBun partook in one that was grape flavored
And that cool treat she definitely savored!
Along this section that there were lots of mosquitoes
Now she is paying the price, don’t you know!
But happy that she was on her way back
Though now the sun was out to stay, isn’t that whack?
Before long she was back at the park and made the final turn
There’s the finisher’s chute and a medal she will earn!

PBun did it!

After a quick bite she gathered her things
Back to the shuttle bus with Trixie
They made it on – the last passenger
And wrapped up a nice race weekend that went by in a blur!
**
PBun raced for her friend Debbie who is fighting ALS
Please consider helping out Debbie directly at #NortonStrong or the #WarOnALS

This race was a walk in the park compared to Debbie's fight.

Big Swim Rain Rap

STUR woke up Saturday to NO thunderstorms- yippee!
She had plans to meet CBun at the Lake Newport Pool you see.

That water looks fab!

The Reston crew was a very welcoming bunch-
The lane she got in was speedy- she had a hunch.
Kept her moving for the 2 hours in its entirety-
So happy for the motivation and swim set variety!
Saturday morning PBun got an early start to her day
First a walk with Riley you don't say
Then headed over to Providence REC
For 7:55 AM practice, Coach Fred was on deck
The warm up had a 300 kick set
PBun was thinking ‘what the heck?’
The practice included two 200 IM drill
Any form of butterfly is always a thrill!
After practice she headed back home
Waited a while to start her run, you know
Again did loops around her neighborhood
This method of practice seems to be good

Loops success!
(Thankfully not Froot Loops...)

KBun was racing again on the Big Island
Where she had a photo op with Mike Reilly

Having fun with The Voice of Ironman!

This was a redemption race from a year ago
KBun's plan was to nail it - wind or no

Welcome athletes!

Her plan was to use some red tinted goggles for the sun
They'd worked great on her pre-race test run

Another lovely Hawaiian sunset!

But then on race morning she tried something different
Wearing her hair down instead of up changed the goggle placement
Turns out that caused her goggles to leak
Swimming back to where she could stand seemed bleak
It was like she was swimming into a pack of piranhas
To avoid them she had to duck dive down into the water!
She ended up swimming with one eye closed
But finished that swim, got on the bike and hit the road
She was able to conquer the trip to Hawi and back
In time to run in the hot sun on a golf course, how about that?
She was able to cross the finish line
And made that race her b!tch this time!
Saturday it seems that CBun did a little shopping 'n stuff...
Now she is the proud owner of a gently used SUP!

S'up?

Sunday STUR peeked out - was it another day of rain?
Headed to the outdoor pool anyway - it's not insane!!
BLUR confirmed she was on her way--
Would the weather stop their workouts? Not today!!!!
A good sized group gathered there at the pool-
Even though the day was very cool!

STUR and BLUR look blurry here!

STUR got in exactly 4000 and was happy with that!
BLUR swam continuously - no time to chat!
STUR planned to go on a run no matter what-
So over to Wakefield Park she did strut!

STUR stayed upright!

Encountered muddy trails and slippery bridges-
Chilly and rainy but at least it wasn't frigid!
In the end she ran for an hour -
Her mood was much better- never sour!
Meanwhile PBun got in a short walk
Before the rain set in, which rocked
Then it was time to hop on her trainer
Because the pouring rain made it a no brainer
Got in 20 miles before she was done
Then did her powerlifting workout after for fun!
After KBun had time to recover
She saw some fun things the island had to offer
Headed up to a lovely volcano view

Mauna Kea!

Hanging loose!

And some paddle boarding if you will!

Go KBun!!

Swim Bike Bling Rap

On Saturday STUR had some more swimming to do -
To get to her 16 miles this week it's true.
Visited Chinquapin on a Saturday for the hopefully last time in awhile -
Got in 6300 meters total with a smile.
Meanwhile PBun and Jeff picked up KBun around 6
Headed to Cambridge MD to bike for a bit

Madding hanging out at the bike parking lot!

To start they did 10 miles on the Eagleman 'stick' section
U-turn then back to the parking lot - first part was done!
Quick refill then headed back out
The heat was there without a doubt
The took the loop section by section and regrouped along the way
Did the little breaks they took help? You could say!

Ohhhh, they're halfway there!

Made an actual pit-stop at the marine store
The A/C inside was delightful that's for sure!
The rabbits then had renewed energy
To see them through the final 15 miles you see
Finished those off then loaded up and locked the bikes
Then it was time for their brick runs, all right!
PBun was happy she went a full mile
Afterwards she was full of endorphins and a smile

KBun and PBun got to put their toes in the Choptank River!

Headed over to Great Marsh Park on the Choptank River
A little Smith Island Cake awaited them - it did deliver!

Fun cake and fun themed napkins!

Hit the road for a smooth ride home
Another early morning awaited them, dont you know?
PBun was up again at the same time
Made it to the Beast's house just fine...
Then she had a mishap with STUR 's trunk bike rack
Now she has a forehead bruise- isn't that whack?!

Ouch!

STUR was in charge of driving the rabbit gang-
She got off course a couple of times- can you hang?

Carpooling is the most fun!

Made it to the lake and scored a great parking spot
A short walk and along the shore the rabbits copped a squat

Maddie, checking out the lake scene!

It was announced that the lake temperature was 78.8 -
"No wetsuits can be worn!" was the mandate!
CBun gathered the rabbits for some video fun
Took a few tries to get it done

Team Rabbit also posed for a pyramid!

Before any of the rabbits got in the water to swim
A cute little bird landed nearby on a chair for a bit

Baby bird had a mohawk!

Seemed he was hungry and needed his mom
So Morgan tried to feed him - is that wrong?
Then all rabbits but PBun went to swim one mile Listening to the pre-race talk always takes awhile.
Finally they were off to swim all 4 turns on the course-
STUR apparently swam long but she has no remorse.
During her swim in her head STUR had the "Immigrant Song"-
She believed it kept her going strong!

PBun saw a guy who swam the 1 mile all butterfly
Was he the same one she saw at colonies zone? Oh my!
After the rabbits finished their 1 mile
KBun went to run for a while
She stopped along the way and even went to church service
Then came back to the lake - it was really no fuss!

Start line Minions!

PBun swam only the 2 mile race
It was the championship one in this case
And as she swam along
In her mind she had a different 'song'
Because every time she hit warm water
She thought 'hot pockets' over and over
As STUR exited the 2 miler she was getting her composure-
She didn't notice a tap on her shoulder..
PBun snuck up behind and was the culprit
It was pretty funny they must admit!
Throughout the morning a local band kept the swimmer entertained
The Josh Allen Band rocked, these rabbits did exclaim!

Bunny Bling!

1 mile swim!

2 mile swim!

After three rabbits had gathered their awards
They decided to some more food they would head towards!
Ended up at the Merrifield Five Guys
Where they had burgers, shakes, and of course some fries
When it was all over they laughed at STUR's trunk...
Look at all of that swimming junk!

Swim explosion!!

Reminded them of that time they had a triathlon explosion
That weekend of the Paw Paw Tunnel experience -- so much fun!
The Jim McDonnell Lake Swim was a successful training day
The rabbits were glad they came out to play!
Memorial Day morning STUR picked up the Beast -
Were they glad it wasn't 5am? To say the least!
Headed over to the Old Keene Mill pool -
The day was actually drizzly and cool.
They each got in 3400 meters in the Olympic size-
It was so nice to be swimming outside!!

Happy outdoor swimmers!

Next up for STUR was the Murph Memorial WOD -
She'd be with the CrossFit Kingstowne squad.
Every year the workout is as follows:
1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1 mile run; gulp and swallow!
She got it done and might have been a sweaty mess -
But doing it with a motivating crew is the best!

STUR and her crew!

PBun began her day with a nearly 10 mile run
Happy she could be outside as well and didn't miss the sun
She practiced by doing loops in her neighborhood
Her house was home base, understood?

Happy outdoor runner!

That afternoon she visited an old high school friend
She and Debbie met on the track team way back then

PBun with Debbie and the War on ALS pillow she made her!

Debbie is running a different race these days
To beat ALS so PBun is raising awareness though the foundation for Jon Blais

Help BPun fight the War On ALS, here.

=====

While Team Rabbit always likes to keep things light and humorous, we wanted to say that they were very sorry to hear about the loss of a fellow swimmer over the weekend and wanted to offer our condolences to him and his family.