Jet loves the futon

So, we return to "Jet's Blog", the blog which almost disqualified me from owning Jet because the rescue group thought I was too focused on triathlon to own a dog. Fortunately, we met each other half way. :)

One of the questions on my rescue application was where will the dog stay at night. I didn't mean to be vague but... my dogs stay inside at night. Where they sleep is up to them. Jet could sleep in our room in a doggie bed, on the terrazzo, wherever.

Since losing over 10 pounds, Jet has decided that our futon is the place to be. Sorry Mom&Dad, the futon gives a girl the space and cushion she deserves.




At first Jet was not so sure.


But then she realized the potential...especially the velure pillows...

And can you blame her? If my bed were this comfortable, I'd never wake up.


All the girls out there know exactly how Jet feels. The.best.bed.ever.

So, yeah, there were 2 years where this blog was dedicated to my dissertation and triathlon but...there were no dogs because I wasn't ready. I didn't want another dog. I wanted Nikki back. Only when I saw Jet's face did my heart say "it's time".

Jet meets birds

So, we've enjoyed Jet's company for a few weeks now. There have been a few tears but many more laughs. Today we present you with the pictures from Jet Meets Birds. Most of you know that my sweet baboo and I share our home with 2 Dutch blue lovebirds, 12&13 years old. Many people were worried that a large 10 year old doberman would not mesh well with such established birds. Lovebirds are small but mighty. Ready?

Jet meets the birds:




That's it. Jet laid her head back on the cool terrazzo floor and slept. The birds are not satisfied with this relationship. They dive bomb her once or twice a week but she just doesn't care. Even when Kayko tried to land on her butt today, Jet ran behind me and looked at Kayko as if to say "you FREAKY FLYING MENACE, stay OFF me!".

BABY SEA TURTLES!!

Thanks to a friend, we got to see some baby loggerheads make it out just before the storm. Either they hatch or the nest could drown. Tough life either way. Godspeed little ones.

Temporarily Unemployed

Don't get me wrong, I need some time off but time off without pay or planning is a little harsh. Still, I managed to swim 1500yds before lunch so there is a bright side!

Ah, yes, hurricane season in Florida is such a joy.

For those of you who wondered about the name of my blog, let me re-introduce you to an obscure Jimmy Buffett song.




Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season
1974
Squalls out on the gulf stream
Big storm's comin' soon
I passed out in my hammock
And God I slept 'til way past noon
Stood up and tried to focus
I hoped I wouldn't have to look far
I knew I could use a Bloody Mary
So I stumbled next door to the bar

Chorus:
And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can't run at this pace very long
Yes it's quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But it cleans me out and then I can go on

There's somethin' about this Sunday
It's a most peculiar gray
Strollin' down the avenue that's known as A1A
Feelin' tired, then I got inspired
I knew that it wouldn't last long
So all alone I walked back home
Sat on my beach and then I made up this song

Chorus:
And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can't run at this pace very long
Yes it's quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But then it cleans me out and then I can go on

Well the wind is blowin' harder now
Fifty knots or thereabouts
There's white caps on the ocean
And I'm watchin' for waterspouts
It's time to close the shutters
It's time to go inside
In a week I'll be in gay Paris
That's a mighty long airplane ride

Chorus:
And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can't run at this pace very long
Yes it's quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But it cleans me out and then I can go on

Coda:
Yes it cleans me out and then I can go on

Joe's Race Report from Top Gun

Here is a link to Joe's race report from the Top Gun tri. Read and enjoy!

RR: Top Gun Tri

Today's race wasn't about me. I've never officially coached anyone
but today gave me a taste of what it must feel like to have "your
athletes" at the race, trying to make sure you give them support but
let them savor the day and race their race. Shawn and I racked our
bikes and chatted up the other ladies. 15 minutes before they closed
transition I realized my water bottle was IN THE CAR. Nothing like a brisk jog before the race to get the blood flowing! We ran into our friend, Kurt at the beach. Kurt joined the triathlete ranks this year, thanks in a large part to my evil influence and it was great to have him around. He helped calm Joe down and we knew there would be a friendly face cheering from the sidelines. Thanks Kurt! Shawn was having a tough morning as well so we chatted with other girls, realized that one girl on our rack was dedicated to winning the Athena category, and decided we would swim on the outside. Typical pre-race conversation.

Joe is in the 35-39 age group which meant he left the beach 20 minutes before Shawn and I. We were able to see him leave and finish the swim before our wave started. SCORE! One big worry off the list. Did I mention my mind was elsewhere?

Then it was time to start. The swim went quickly. Less than 10 minutes for 1/4 mile which is pretty good given my lack of training these past few months. I ended up behind 4 big guys who would alternate freestyle with breast stroke. And they were kicking me whenever I tried to break through the line. They were not malicious but that didn't help my left ribs. Finally got mad enough to sprint (at Linae speed) past them for some clear water to the finish.

T1 took forever because we have a 3 minute run to transition. Bleah.

Riding the bike made it clear that not only was my head elsewhere, I had forgotten to pack my race-day-legs. It frustrated me to see the speedometer but I focused on offering encouragement to racers as I passed. Sure, I'm way under-trained for racing but negative thoughts are more toxic than food poisoning during a race. Looking for Shawn and Joe focused me away from the burning in my legs. Eventually I settled into a 20mph pace around mile 7 but it was too late. Yes, Layne, I'm still riding the Gatorskin tires.

T2 passed without drama.

The run...was hot...I was slow...but competitive. Registering for the Athena division was bittersweet but it made sure I stayed on task. If that girl wanted first Athena, she would have to earn it. So every time my body yearned to walk, there was the immediate thought that she was only 3 minutes behind me and if she had her running legs going, every second counted.

Which turned out to be a GREAT thing. I took first in the Athena 39&under with a time about 1:23:30. Joe waited at the finish line, looking happy. Great day! Shawn also raced well but I'll leave them to their stories.

Right now I'm deciding what my next steps will be. Definitely want to return to formal coaching but my goals remain a little unclear. I'd like to move out of Athena again and back into the Age Group ranks. Competition is stiff in my age group but I know I could be a contender if I could just stay focused!

p.s. my Gatorskin tire flatted on the way home from the race. Go figure.

Post Race Photos from Top Gun Tri

Shawn and Joe enjoy a well deserved brewski.









Linae joins in the fun.









For Neil.



















We had a blast. There will be a race report to follow but please enjoy our triumphant post race photos!

Not Spam

My blog was suspended for a day because Blogger thought I was spam. Useless? Boring? Yes. But not spam.

We had a great race day. More photos to follow.