Last night was fun! We started with dinner at the The Ritz. Michelle and I did get there in time for a happy hour drink. She got a lemon drop and I got a peachtini.

Our table was ready, so we moved over there with our drinks. We were joined by Megan. Then Kristi. Then Rachel. We had a great dinner. eat Mine was quite yummy. Thanks to the website coupons, we got both appetizers that we ordered for FREE!

Michele F and Crystal joined us for a drink before they headed up to Denver. After they left, it became apparent that we were in the middle of the dance floor and that they might want us to finish up so they could clear our table from the dance floor. After giving all the wait staff a hard time, we finally checked out and moved to a booth off of the dance floor. We chatted for a long time. Rachel took her leave. We ordered a round of drinks.

We were all amused by the antics of a bachelorette who was quite drunk. After a while, I walked Megan to her car – to protect her from the “riff-raff” After I got back, Michelle and I headed to the dance floor. We were further amused by said bachelorette when she got down on all fours on the dance floor… She was getting married on Tuesday, and no one would dance with her. So I obliged her with a bump and grind – I’m sure the pictures her friend took of us will come back to haunt me some day.

Kristi joined us on the dance floor for a few songs. Grin There was a group of guys, Soul something that were doing the crazy new breakdancing style. That was entertaining, too.

Michelle and I walked Kristi to her car and thought we might try and catch the pin up girl contest at South Side Johnny’s, so Kristi dropped us off down there. The bouncer said that we missed it, and the band did not sound promising, so we headed across the street to SoDo.

SoDo had a decent crowd and modern dance music – these were VJs – there were big screens and tvs all over the club that matched the music playing. We grabbed drinks and a table. And hit the dance floor some more. It was fun! We were people watching and noting each person’s dancing style giggle For the most part, it was current hip hop that I had never heard, but then the broke into a mix of 90s club music – Salt N Pepa’s Push It, Beastie Boys Brass Monkey, Rob Bass Joy and Pain…etc. That was AWESOME! Michelle attracted a few guys who came over and danced with us for several songs. We got some drink specials. We danced and people watched. Close to one AM, I was done. I didn’t even finish my last 2 drinks. So we headed back up and I drove us home

I definitely want to do that again! I hope more mamas can join us next time!

The boys spent the night at my parents last night so I was able to sleep in until 8 AM!!! Woo hoo! I took a nice hot shower this morning and had some fun time with Doug before picking up the boys from my parents house.

My dad said that Zander cried for a long time last night. He did great at dinner and with getting ready for bed, but when it was time to actually go to close his eyes and go to sleep, he wanted his mama. My mom stuck it out with him while Zevan went to lay down with my dad. Zander eventually fell asleep and my dad put Zevan in bed with him. Zevan woke up around 5 AM, crying and looking for me, but my dad got him back to sleep. They were both in great moods when I picked them up. So, I’d call that a successful first night away from home for the boys.

Speedwork. UGH. My least favorite running work out for sure. I went to the track at the junior high nearby.

Afterwards, I took Zevan to Hunter’s birthday party at Pump It Up (Zander changed his mind at the last minute and wanted to stay home with Dad). I took him on every inflatable doohickey. Very tiring. Especially since I hadn’t eaten. Pizza and ice cream cake for lunch.

Came home and napped with the boys. :sleep:

Try to call RCI to book timeshare week for Vegas. They were CLOSED. Stress level begins to rise.

Called around to Target stores to find the Portable Dual Screen DVD player that Doug’s mom wrote us a check for (THANK YOU, GRANDMA) so we could entertain them on our trip to Santa Fe next week.

Packed clothes and toys and wrote a bedtime routine out for my parents to follow. Boys are driving me crazy with general loudness. Worrying about how they are going to handle spending the night at my parents house bumps up my stress level.

Got in the car with the boys. Told Zander that I’m running late. He says, “What?! It’s going to rain!” “Oh, sweetie, I’m not going running. I am running late. It means I have a lot to do in very little time.” “Oh. (pause) When can we get ice cream?” Sigh.

Went to Target, bought the DVD player and miscellaneous items. Told the boys they MUST behave while we are in Target. They actually complied.

Dropped boys off at my parents house with my dad and McDonalds dinner.

Got home and had 20 minutes to get ready for mom’s night out. Briefly thought about bailing out.

Whoops. It’s naptime for Zevan. I’ll write more later.

As I typed the title of this entry, it came up as one I have used once before, just a couple of months ago. How do I seem to always lose track of days?

I’m OVERWHELMED. Which seems to be my general state of mind these days. I can’t get out from under my life.

Let’s try and recap, shall we?

Tuesday 8/8
Went to Leads Group Meeting (see CoSpringsNetwork)
May have a client who wants to barter spa services for a website. *That’s* what I’m talking about! Emailed my girls, my posse, if you will, about who seriously wants to join me on a child-free, spouse-free trip to Las Vegas in October.

Wednesday 8/9
Usual breakfast/lunch and Grandma & Grandpa Scott’s. My parents went to Denver, so I had to let their (previously our) dogs out and feed them several times. Cleaning lady had to reschedule (I REALLY REALLY HATE THAT), so I came home to a messy house. So, I had to pick up. Went climbing with May and had dinner at Village Inn.

Thursday 8/10
Ran with Linda in GOG on the trails. It was supposed to be my 2 mile easy run. I think we ran 3-4 miles. We ran for about 50 minutes at a good pace. Got home and worked on client sites. Exciting Christian Books and DallyWorks Consulting.

Friday 8/11
Hung out with my dad for part of the day. Worked on finding a property using my dad’s RCI timeshare week for the Vegas trip. 20 minutes on hold before I spoke with anyone. My first choice weekend is unavailable, but the next week is good. But I can’t book until I speak with at least 3 of my friends who want to come.

I’m tired. And I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow.

Ohmigod… I LOVE this website:
Where the Hell is Matt?

Today’s Workout
Long Run
Dist: 6mi @12:13

See the 2nd mile – 16:31.5 for 1.1 miles? At about 1.5 miles, I got this horrible cramp in my left shin and had to stop and stretch. And tighten my shoes It was definitely a cramp. Yowch. Then I mostly walked the next 2.5 miles after that. Because it was primarily uphill. On the down hills, it didn’t hurt.

So I was basically able to run the last mile and a half, with no shin pain. And it doesn’t at all hurt now, which is good.

After some research, looks like I’ve got anterior shin splints.

Excerpt from WebMD.com:

Lateral shin splints (sometimes called anterior shin splints) are usually due to overuse and inflammation of the anterior tibialis muscle and the muscle compartment in the front of the leg, along the outside front of your shin. The anterior tibialis muscle flexes your foot upward. People frequently get anterior shin splints from the repetition of flexing the muscle. For instance, on the treadmill, if you walk fast enough, and for long enough, or if you’ve suddenly increased the speed, or you’re walking on an elevation, the muscle gets overworked and starts to cramp. It would be like doing hundreds of biceps curls until your arm started to cramp. Plus, on the treadmill, there’s no letup since the mill just keeps going. You could potentially have the same problem if you walked or ran briskly outdoors for a long period of time at a speed faster than you’re used to.

Treatment for shin splints includes rest, massage, ice, stretching, and strengthening. Rest and ice is sometimes the best treatment. You should also be stretching your calves and Achilles tendon real well. If you have the problem during running or walking, try warming up more and don’t increase the speed too quickly. You can also try varying the speed and elevation of the treadmill if you use one instead of keeping it the same.

Add that to my plantar fasciitis in my right heel, and I’m a recipe for disaster. Which is why I made an appointment to see a podiatrist next week.

I maybe should have worked up to 6 miles for my long run…next Tuesday I’m supposed to run 7 miles! Ay caramba!

First, I’m happy to report that I did complete my 2 mile easy run from my training schedule on Thursday. But I had to do it with the ZBoys. In the double stroller. It took me nearly 29 minutes. 2:47 above my target pace of 12:13. Oh well. You try pushing 60 lbs of ZBoys in a 15 lb double jogger. UGH.

Today’s workout?
Tempo Run
Dist: 5mi, inc
Warm; 3mi@10:34; Cool

I’m not very smart. I was up at 6:30 AM (thanks, Zander), but kept procrastinating. By the time I went for my run at 9:15 AM, it was FREAKIN HOT.

I took a double shot of NutraEarth and drank maybe 4-6 oz of water.

I jogged along Mesa Road from 19th to Fillmore, uphill. (according to Mapquest, after the run, .95 miles). My “warm up.” I clock my time at the traffic light – 02:10!!! Krikey!

I began to regret not bringing the water bottle. Then I started really running from Fillmore to Hill Circle (according to Mapquest, after the run, 1.14 miles – that extra 0.14 is killer). UGH. Hot, hot, hot. Uphill. Took me 12:29.8, which was not boding well for my target pace. And did I mention that it was hot?! I’ve got tanlines to prove it.

Okay, then I turn around at Hill Circle. So now I’m going downhill. That should help. My shins start to hurt. Ouch. Must get my time back down. I pass lots of cyclists today. I’m thinking, “When I get to Fillmore, I’m just going to walk the rest of the way.” Get to the light at Fillmore in 9:48.1. My heart is beating out of my chest at 176. Dammit, I’m just going to keep running. At least until I get to the Speed Limit sign (approx 1/2 mile).

I jog in place at the light again. This time for only 0:42! And the final mile…My shin doesn’t hurt anymore. I feel like I’ve got my stride now, and this final mile is so familiar to me. I keep saying to myself, out loud, “C’mon, just go! Go, go, go!” I get to 19th in 9:43.0. Yes!

Except it’s too hot and I’m a little dizzy when I get to my garage. I’m not feeling well. I get in the house and drink some water. Hop in the shower. Eat a sandwich. Not feeling very good at all. Sit on the sofa. And totally crash.

I think I might have had a touch of heat exhaustion.

Note to self: Start running by 8:00 AM!