The Little Things

I've been so busy and so exhausted lately that it's been hard to take a pause and enjoy life. My training isn't where it needs to be, but sometimes a little breather is just what the doctor ordered. I arrived in Madison Friday morning and had a leisurely breakfast with my dad, just the two of us, then picked up my rental bike for Horribly Hilly. I had planned to run and when I went to unpack my gear, I realized I didn't bring running shorts. Shoot. The last thing I needed was a great excuse to skip it.

I ended up going to the carwash with my dad where we got to sit and chat some more. Then took my mom for a pedicure while I got a manicure. It was now late afternoon and I figured I'd buy some run shorts so I could at least consider running at some point over the weekend, and ended up buying a bunch of dresses as well. I can't remember the last time I shopped with my mom.

By the time we got home we had time for a quick beer (Spotted Cow!) and had a little birthday celebration with my brother and nephew.

My nephew, Maddox

My brother has a great sense of humor and got me the perfect gift.

The original redneck wine glass

Shortly after we were off to dinner at Lombardino's, the same place I ate the night before my last Ironman Wisconsin. I love this place and will try to eat here again pre-race. Following dinner we drove to Mount Horeb to meet up with my friends Laura and Chris at the Grumpy Troll. We all did IMWI together in '09 and Chris did IMLP with me last year. We rode HHH together in '09 and were getting ready to do it again. I love spending time with them, it is always fun.

Outside Grumpy Troll after a few pre-race libations

So while my training took a pause, my life did not. And that was something I needed far more. It was definitely the beginning of a really incredible weekend.

Next up, the Horribly Hilly Hundreds 2011 report. Or perhaps I'll stop procrastinating and post Alcatraz first. We shall see.