Push and Pull Rap

Saturday morning STUR wasn't feeling the long run…
So she did a WOD at home for fun!
The one she picked was called Murph -
Did the run, pull-ups, push-ups, and squats on her own turf!
Meanwhile STEB pulled a double:
A swim then a run, it wasn’t too much trouble.

Scene of STEB's swim...

...and run!

Later that day she headed over to STUR’s
One can only imagine what for!
The rabbits had a gathering and STUR was happy to host…
Besides they had a couple of birthdays to toast!

Ready to watch some Kona highlights? YES!

The main event was watching the Kona highlights
Since they were there in person to see the sights!
Apparently neither the Rabbits or KBun made the cut...
They didn't want to show cute bunnies hopping around? What?!
The bunny mascots received surprise leis that looked a bit like a cravat
Made by the Beast in different colors – then it was time to scat!
They headed on over to a place called Cooper’s Hawk
It was a winery restaurant and their salads rocked!

Cool wall at Cooper's Hawk!

At first there might have been a little debacle
While wrestling with the flipping seat belt buckle!
There was also a birthday celebration going on there…
Some Team Z tri folks took over the bar – better beware!
It was great to see some old training peeps
Did they have fun in the end? You bet they did - heaps!
Sunday morning STEB practiced some powerlifting stuff
Deadlifts were the main move, along with back and triceps work, sure enough!
One piece of equipment looked like a headstone to STEB
Happy to report she does not need one of these yet!

Interesting equipment!

Back at home she climbed back up on her roof
Now Santa is back if you want the scoop!

Welcome back, Santa!

STUR and the Beast got in a nice long swim set...
Did they also have some fun with a reindeer relay? You bet!

It's always fun to be with the fam!

Later STEB went with some fam to her Aunt Shirley’s show
It was also a Christmas concert sing a long, don’t you know?

The concert and sing a long was fantastic!

Slippery Rap

Friday morning early, STEB left home
This time to ATL for the traveling gnome
She was headed to see Luna and PGoodz
And to deliver some furniture – understood?
She had a great drive, despite heading into a wintry mix
Then towards the finish things got slippery awfully quick!
And some people had just abandoned their cars
But STEB arrived safely and without any scars
On Saturday STUR did indeed brave the "blizzard" -
Better get in a long workout she figured!
Looked for a workout that wasn't too tough -
Settled on 25 x 200 - but at the end it got rough
Saturday STEB and PGoodz had lunch at the Dwarf House Chick-fil-A
Then a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame? You don’t say!

The College Football Hall of Fame helmet wall was AUsome!

Dinner that night at Mellow Mushroom with PGoodz’s old college roommate
Who has a highway named after him in their home state!
Saturday evening STUR went to a holiday party at her CrossFit box -
Dancing to the DJ on the gym floor kind of rocked!

STUR and friends cuttin' a rug!

Early start on Sunday wasn't exactly easy -
She thought about staying in bed...but only briefly.
Got a lift into town from JRab -
So much better than taking a cab!
She stood around shivering and waiting -
Found a place in the start line - no more debating!
Took off with the rest of the group around the mall -
Up to the Kennedy Center and Hains Point y'all!
STUR got warm but never shed a layer -
A few slippery spots but nothing major!
After crossing the finish of the Jingle All the Way -
She posed for a Washington Monument selfie - yay!

What a fun snowman medal and hat!

Meanwhile on Sunday, STEB hit the road back towards home
The trip was a complete breeze, don’t you know?
There were still some abandoned cars along the roadway
But in the end there were zero delays!

No Fall Rap

Friday STEB went to work with her dog Riley
So they could drive to PA afterwards for a quick trip with family
Friday night there was some movie watching going on
Including “Elf” which STEB had never seen – which is wrong!
Saturday she and Stilt might have baby sat a toddler
Which really made the time pass in a blur!
Later they went to Stilt’s daughter’s away basketball game
And had to lug the toddler and his stuff up a crazy hill, insane!

About to start!

The Yellow Jackets ended up losing to the Bearcats
But it was fun to see Kerri play college ball and follow her stats!
STUR and the Beast took off late on Saturday afternoon -
They would be getting in the water very soon!
Their destination was the Germantown Rec Center...
Here they'll find a nice pool in all its splendor!
Time for the Winter Solstice Swim Meet -
Checked in and looked over the heat sheets.
Found their Lane 4 teammates and settled in for the events -
Were they pumped?!! 100 percent!!
Both Rabbits had very solid swim times -
There weren't any PRs but that's just fine!
For the first time they both did two relays - IM and free!
Lots of fun to do they would certainly agree.

Not enough hands to hold all their bling!!

In the end they collected a fair bit of bling -
They headed to Chick-fil-A and counted their medals: cha-ching!
Next up STUR had a very quick turn around -
Early on Sunday she was going to pound the ground!
She would be returning to the Blue and Gray Half Mary -
Was she angry about the early alarm? On the contrary!
Hopped out of bed and grabbed her ears,
Got to Fredericksburg in good time - never fear:)
From years past - the race started in a different place -
Start line at Old Mill Park in this case.
Hospital Hill was replaced with his evil twin -
And at about mile five it did begin.

A little hill history!

This one's name is Fall Hill Road -
She slowly ran up - trying not to implode.
The route mostly went on the Rappahannock Trail -
Lots of really beautiful views without fail.

Pretty river views!

Back down Fall Hill Road - three miles to the finish -
Do you want a medal? STUR got her wish!!

More bling?! Yes!!

Once finished she discovered they had run out of donuts -
She didn't throw a tantrum - she must be a grownup!
Happy to be able to run in such beautiful weather -
An excellent event and new course altogether!
Sunday morning STEB headed over to Tyson’s Playground
And at the powerlifting team workout she could be found!
The day’s workout focused on biceps and chest
Between each rep STEB is learning to appreciate the rest!
Back at home later that day
STEB climbed up on to her roof – no way?
Yes, she was up there to put up Christmas lights
Happy to report she did not fall off which was nice!
Her son helped by holding the extension ladder natch
And was at the ready to call 911 in case of a mishap
Then she had to suck up some leaves...
As they were making the front steps dangerous it seems!

Pre Turkey Rap

Friday night STEB went to the Wizards game
They played poorly but came back close - insane
The game flow looked like a crazy bike elevation profile
The could ride it and would not be in denial!

Is this a game flow chart or a bike elevation profile?

Saturday morning STUR hit up the Mt Vernon trail-
She wanted to get in her 10 miles without fail.
Ran 3 miles out to Chrissie Wellington road-
She started slow-she didn't want to implode.
Then headed 2 miles out under the Woodrow Wilson bridge-
Had some pain in her knee but didn't get discouraged.

STUR selfie on the run!

Finished her 10 and headed to Five Guys -
Just got a burger and skipped the fries.
Meanwhile STEB was spectating a powerlifting meet
All the folks were inspiring and it was really neat
Got to hang out with Barry for a bit
Bummed she forgot to take a selfie pic!
Sunday morning brought a short shake out run-
Then some burpees just for "fun"-
Sunday STEB was busy as can be
Starting with a 4 mile run you see
After she did a powerlifting squat workout...
Then headed over to see KBun without a doubt!

STUR and STEB were together at masters swim later -
They had fun with turkey relays at end - don't be a hater.
STEB thought it was great to see STUR at the swim practiceBut the 25 meter pool kicked her butt - that's a fact!

UVW Rap

Friday night meant Uke Club for some of the rabbits
STEB met up with the Beast, Mike, and others to practice their habit
The blue and yellow Daily Ukulele books were in use
Even if you don't have one you can share - no excuse!

Ready to uke around!

They played for nearly two hours straight
STEB still has sore fingertips for goodness sake
Saturday morning meant a brick of swim and run
It was also a tad chilly out but STEB had fun
It was a bit tough getting into to the swimming groove
But in the end it was the right move
Afterwards she ran an easy loop
Partly on single track and that's the scoop

STEB did not have to do much yielding!

For her run Saturday STUR got a bit of a late start-
She was helping her doggie Tessie before she did depart.
Arrived at Mt Vernon trail on a chilly day-
The parking lot was almost empty - no way!

Say no to the freeze!!

Parts of the trail looked like the frozen tundra-
How far to run was the conundrum!
The trail was eerily quiet for the weekend-
Not so many cyclists around each bend!

Scenic selfie!

Potomac river selfie at her 4 mile turnaround place-
She could take her time it wasn't a race.
After coffee with RBud that afternoon​
STEB tried to take a nap before having to zoom
Off to CapOne Arena for the Wizards game against the Hawks
The Wiz finished off nicely which of course rocks
STEB was behind the biggest Wizards fan
Selfie with a wizard? Sure why not, man!

This dude is AUsome!!

She also got pics of some cool arena stuff
Like a championship trophy among other things sure enough!

It's the 40th anniversary season of the year the Bullets (Wizards) won the NBA Championship!
And...The Opera isn't over 'till the fat lady sings!

Nice view of the banners!

Sunday morning STEB was back at the Tyson's Playground
Giving the powerlifting team workout another go'round

Another view of the 'playground'!

That afternoon she had more coffee plans
She met up with her 11th grade English teacher, understand?
They got caught up on many years
And reminisced about things from back in the days that might not have been clear...
Sunday STUR wanted to run some more -
Got in 4 miles in her neighborhood- score!
Next she and JRab had some plans:
Headed to watch the Vikings play the Redskins - yeah man!

Skol Vikings!

The two were happy with the game's outcome…
Hope Washington fans weren't too glum!?

#HTTR anyway!!

Battle and Power Rap

Saturday morning STUR did the Battlefield half marathon out in Winchester-
These races are always just for fun- no pressure!
The drive down was all in the dark-
Very easily found a place to park.
Got her number and was greeted with cannons from the civil war-

It's a cannon!

Out by the start line there were even more!

Cannons everywhere!

In fact the start was signaled by the firing of one of these-
Scared the "bejesus" out of STUR- oh geez!
Surprised to see elite runners were in attendance-
Watching them warm up with their amazing strides- almost transcendent.

Ready to roll!

Line up time- STUR still in her gloves and long sleeves-
Not long before the warm up would be achieved.
An out and back in a neighborhood started them off-
STUR's knee dictates run/ walk don't scoff!

Took time to appreciate the scenery! (Dammit!)

She was also surprised a good bit of the race was off road-
During this part she really slowed!
Otherwise the course was NOT so surprisingly hilly-
At least there were perfect running temps- just a tad chilly.
STUR had fun going back and forth with many other peeps-
Were there aid stations and friendly volunteers? Heaps!
The finish and start lines were in different spots-
Did STUR get some pizza and gummy bears? Lots!

Nice medal (and nice hat)!!

On Saturday STEB was a total lazy bones
She kind of slept in and did some chores at home
Took down Halloween then got a dent fixed
Right in the Home Depot parking lot - in a jiff!
She finally took out her sewing machine
Got it threaded and sewed up t-shirt pillows it would seem

It's much faster with a sewing machine!

Sunday morning, even with the clock change
STEB couldn't sleep in as usual... that's not strange
Then at 9am she had somewhere to be
It was Tyson's Playground and it was neat!

Yay for a new rig!

You see STEB had her first official powerlifting workout
And she practiced the bench press without a doubt
She surprised herself and also had a good time
And is looking forward to getting stronger down the line!

STEB has a little light reading to do...

Sunday afternoon she got together with Nanette
Did they have lunch and get caught up? You bet!

Always good to catch up!

After a relatively lazy Sunday - STUR popped up with the Beast for a swim -
There were many crowded lanes with swimmers to the brim!

Swimming Pumpkin Rap

Saturday morning was a beautiful day
STEB pick up the Beast for the Great Pumpkin Ride – yay!
Made good time to Warrenton VA
Got packet pick up easily squared away
Started just before 10AM for the 32 mile ride
Selfie first, of course, Shaka style!

Start with a Shaka!

STEB felt really good on the first 19
Though one hill kicked her butt it would seem
Was a few miles short of the rest stop
When STEB got a rear flat, sure enough.
She had no problem removing the wheel, tire, and tube
Thankfully the Beast had a spare tube and CO2 cartridge she could use!
STEB fixed up her wheel with no real problem
But got a bit dramatic as remounting the wheel became irksome!
Because when it came to putting that rear wheel back
STEB required the assistance of several others, which is wack!
Three of them were struggling: STEB, the Beast, and Brock
When another rider approached and did it lickety split, that not a crock!

Pumpkin pie? Check!

Then after the rest stop STEB was just fried
She had absolutely no energy, though she tried
Would have been happy to stop right then
But gutted it out till the very end.
Even the last mile on the rail path was tough
But was she happy she did the ride? Sure enough!
It was a great day to be out on their bikes
STEB and the Beast enjoyed the pie and snacks, which were nice!

They did it!

The old turntable!

Info on the Turntable!

Saturday morning STUR went to a very familiar place-
The Mt Vernon Trail was the space!
Her ultimate goal was a longish run-
Tried to descend each mile just for fun!
That means she started off kind of slow-
40 seconds faster by mile 8- it's a go!
Sunday morning brought the George Mason sprint classic-
Three Rabbits would swim- fantastic!
The Beast and STUR came together so they got in to warm up-
Then they saw CBun and said 'Sup!"

Sup?!

CBun and STUR did a couple practice starts-
The energy at the pool was off the charts!
CBun and STUR were up first with 100 free-
Both swam their fastest 100 EVER- whee!
CBun really had a great meet-
Totally rocked the 50 free too- sweet!
The Rabbits had fun with BLUR's friend Al-
He videotaped the Rabbits swimming- what a pal!

Happy swimmers! Thanks, Al!

STUR also had a challenge with the 100 fly-
Wondering what made her sign up- she did ask why?!!
She enjoyed the fly- she will contend-
Even got a PR on the 200 free in the end!
The Beast swam in the most events-
For her- anything with backstroke is heaven sent!
Fly is also one of her winning strokes-
Her form is perfect - she knows the ropes!

End on a Shaka!

Team Rabbit looks forward to attending a swim meet again-
The only question is - when?

Epic Kona Rap, Part 2

Day after THE race, the Rabbits slept in for awhile -
But then back in the Infiniti they all did pile!

The Infiniti was the bomb!

They were invited to a brunch at the Fish Hopper-
The buffet they encountered was quite a whopper!
STEB can't quite remember what happened next...
But more shopping at the IRONMAN store is a good guess!
It was somewhat of a lazy day
And STUR and STEB helped move KBun's bike down the way
There they encountered the craziest wind ever
KBun experienced much of that for the race - oh brother!
Upon returning back to the rabbit burrow
There was some sunset viewing going on don't you know?

So relaxing...

Then the Beast, CBun, and STEB had a ukulele concert going on
Possibly the others thought it might have lasted too long!
Monday morning early the rabbits went to check out some sights
A drive over to Kilauea but no lava to cause a fright

Pretty views all over the place!

There were some beautiful views along the way
And a 25 degree temperature drop? Yes way?

Still warm here!

They all had to buy hoodies at the park gift shop
Before they took a walk through the volcano tube, which rocked

Mount Kilauea is an active volcano! 

Heading into the lava tube!

It was so chilly!

Had lunch over looking a smoking crater
Then drove over for a closer look - again they were spectators!
On the drive home they stopped at a cool coffee wagon

Yummy coffee and cookies!

They got yummy drinks and cookies at Flyin' Hawaiian

Flyin' Hawaiian was fun!

Rabbits were next headed to a traditional Hawaiian luau-
The Pacific Ocean was the backdrop- just wow!!

Ready for the luau to start!

Started off with a shell lei and perhaps a fruity drink-
Some Rabbits got tattoos in a blink!

Another pretty sunset!

A wonderful show with dancing and  fire twirling-

Dancers!

And also a great buffet they were serving.

Uncovering the pig!

Luau!

Tuesday morning the Rabbits headed over to Snorkel Bob's-
Did they have masks, fins, and snorkels? Yes! Gobs!!

Ready for their adventure!

First they picked up KBun to go along-
In the beginning they all felt strong!'
Headed to the Captain Cook trail head -
Started off nice, no need to dread!

And they're off!

Smiling, early on!

As the down part got much steeper-
RBug stayed with STUR as she fell behind- they were the sweepers!
So much grass and rocks to wade through-
Also it was very hot as well- it's true!

Hike views!

CBun and STEB just hiking along!

More hike views!

Took way much longer than they thought-
Much more water they should have brought!

Captain Cook Monument

Captain Cook

The treat was getting to snorkel in a beautiful cove-
Many fishes and corral to behold!

Cove view!

The fish here were amazing!

Got to see a lot of mongoose
Here is one, on the loose!

Mongoose!

Heading back up - it would be a haul -
Soon after they started STUR especially hit a wall!

Ready for the long hike back uphill!

Dehydrated probably from wearing a seasick patch-
Felt a bit better once it was detached.
"Slowly, slowly they went far"
Couldn't wait to get back in the car!
They made it and headed straight to the Banyan Mart -
Ice cream sandwiches were definitely in their cart!
Later found out most folks got to the cove by boat...
Team Rabbit learned this late, don't you know?
Tuesday's strenuous 4 mile hike
Was followed by a Manta ray snorkel at night
Two snorkel sessions in one day?
They're on vacation so what the hay?!
Met up at Big Island Divers so that they could check in
Turns out they would all get wetsuits since they really wouldn't swim

Captain and Brian!

Crew member Jade!

Headed over to the boat launch and waited for the crew
Brian and Jade were their names and there was a boat Captain, too

Selfie on the manta ray boat!

On the manta ray boat!

On the boat trip over to the cove where they would glide
Saw some dolphins playing off the port side
Also enjoyed another pretty sunset
The rabbits were not tired of that yet!

Sunset headed to the manta ray night snorkel!

Once they arrived and everybody suited up
They handed out new masks and snorkels - that's pretty cool stuff
Attached to each person's tube was a little light
Then into the water and grab hold of the surfboard - hold on tight
The crew tugged them over to the viewing spot
STEB took pics and everyone's waiting to see what she got
Many manta rays were spotted in the under water light
There were also lots of schools of fish feeding - it made quite a sight
After on the way back they had a hot chocolate treat
Then the lights went out which made stargazing rather neat

Wednesday morning the rabbits took a trip
Jetted over to the island of Oahu for a little bit
They arrived at Kona International so early
That they were there before airport security!

A trip within a trip? Yes!

Jet setting to Oahu for the day!

The Rabbits got the first flight out of the big Island-
As it turns out it was perfect timing!
Headed over to Pearl Harbor after picking up the rental van-
Stamps in their passport? They were a fan!
Breezed right into the park after getting their tickets for free-
They were timed for a movie showing you see.
Their tickets were for the 8:45...
Hotdogs for breakfast first? Well all right!
After the movie they boarded a boat-
To see the USS Arizona which was a little remote.
Such a solemn and moving tribute to the lives lost-
Stories of men who fought for our country at any cost.

The USS Arizona Memorial

From inside the memorial

USS Arizona diagrams

For the Beast- driving around the island was like a trip down memory lane-
She lived there for four years - that's insane
Stopped by her old school and saw her hangout beaches -
Beautiful place to live- we were speechless!

So pretty!

Just another scenic selfie!

The Beast used to body surf here back in the day!

Kitties lounging on the rocks at the park!

More stunning scenery!

Rabbit Island!

Last thing before they jetted back to Kona
They met with Tracey from Team Z - don't you know
She and CBun had a great history:
In 2011 Hiking Kili then IMAZ!
Met her at Kalapawaia - a cafe and deli
It was a cool little place and the food was yummy

Cool place!

Thanks for meeting us, Tracey!

Thursday was another lazy kind of day it's true
Most rabbits went for a run then all hung out at the pool
Later they did some shopping in town
And The Marketplace is where they could be found
Everyone got some cool Kona stuff
Then selfies with Ukulele Rob? Sure enough!

Thanks, Ukulele Rob!

Later STUR and STEB headed up to meet KBun and Lionel
They needed to head back to the main land yall
Got them situated at the airport
After a hunt for gas for the vehicle, which was hard!

Friday all good things must come to and end
The rabbits had to pack and get out of town again
First there were a few things to do:
STUR and the Beast had one last swim on the Kona course it's true

STUR and the Beast!

Meanwhile the others watched and had breakfast
With a gecko and a view at Kalikala It was delish!

Well hi there! You may not have any of our waffles though!

Nice breakfast view!

After that they had to get CBun to the airport
With a side stop at one of THE most beautiful views

This water!!!

New friend Chris told us about this gem!

Of Manini'owali Beach where the water was stunning shades of blue
They also checked out a random lava tube along the Queen K

Lava tube selfie!

THE lava tube along the Queen K!

About two miles up from the airport on the right you don't say
After getting CBun settled at KOA
Back to the condo more cleaning and packing was underway
In traffic they saw a young gal hiking
So they gave her a ride to their destination
Kira had just arrived from Canada, eh
And was off to find a bike and do some hiking for a few days
At Wal-Mart they dropped her off
And did last minute shopping for stuff
Back at the ranch they had to check out by 3pm
Then they had time to kill understand?
As they made their way back up the Queen K
They saw Kira biking with a trailer, no way!
The last cool thing the rabbits did was all right
They checked out the Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve site

So cool to be able to stop here.

Seriously amazing.

This is AMAZING!

Had to walk carefully along the King's Highway Foot Trail
At least this trail was flat and no one had to bail!

This was all very cool and too bad there wasn't more time to explore.

But it was mostly flat!

After a dinner at A-Bays Island Grill
They made their way back to the airport for the final time oh well
Had to first drop off the awesome rental car
Then a bus to the terminal - it wasn't too far
RBug was first at terminal one
Then the others at terminal two - the trip was done
After a bit of a luggage shuffle who did they see standing in line
None other than Rinnie - a photo op is just fine!

Rinnie was so gracious to take a picture while waiting in line to check bags!

Before long it was time to board
Aloha, Kona! It's been most epic for sure!

Last view of the pool and some flowers at the Rabbit Burrow!