If I am not back, I am just going to resort to being a lazy, overweight, slow, coach potato. I have this weird thing where I like to start on the first day of the month, and by start I mean start a diet/workout regimen. So, February 1, 2013 - I am starting! That gives me a couple of days to plan (and sit some more - I have sat and sat and sat and sat). I am tired of sitting, and it is about time.
Here's to 2013 (minus 1 month) being about health, happiness, and life. #virtualcheers
More to come, who even looks at this still?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I'm back
Hi again. It's me, Jenna. I don't expect you to remember me. (Or to even be looking at this anymore). But, I ran! 2 days in a row to be exact! I can't hardy believe it, but it is so very necessary. It is scary how quick you lose your athletic ability. I hope that because I am somewhat young that I can gain it back quickly. I was running a ton and then just up and quit. Now, my chest feels tight when I run. I don't feel comfortable...it sucks. I can handle it. I just have to keep at it and these feelings will go away for the most part. Anyways, just a quick check in post. I am back at it and back to blogging, which I have missed. I want you to know that if you have fallen off the bandwagon and jumped on the lazy-train like me, you can turn around. You can pick yourself back up and start again. You can meet your goals and lose weight or tone up or whatever it is you want. You can be healthy. Do it. I think you will be glad you did. I know I will.
In other news, I am about to become an aunt again. This time to my sister's baby boy. I cannot wait. Seriously, I am so excited. Maverick David can't get here soon enough. I am obsessed with asking women how old their babies are so that I can try to imagine how big Maverick will be when he is that age. My sister is doing great, thank God. She is literally the cutest pregnant woman that you ever did see. Mav will be fun to say the least. He will be loved to infinity and beyond, especially if I have anything to do with it. God is good, my friends.
In other news, I am about to become an aunt again. This time to my sister's baby boy. I cannot wait. Seriously, I am so excited. Maverick David can't get here soon enough. I am obsessed with asking women how old their babies are so that I can try to imagine how big Maverick will be when he is that age. My sister is doing great, thank God. She is literally the cutest pregnant woman that you ever did see. Mav will be fun to say the least. He will be loved to infinity and beyond, especially if I have anything to do with it. God is good, my friends.
Monday, April 16, 2012
2012 IU Half Marathon Race Report
On Saturday, March 31, I ran 13.1 miles through the best place on Earth: the Indiana University campus. I wasn't prepared to do well - I was prepared to walk if necessary. My longest training run, since the Monumental Half in November, was 6 miles (only once). I had ran some leading up to the race, but in NO WAY did I feel even half as prepared as I did for the Monumental. Still, I had signed up, paid $45, and my best friend Kate was coming from New York to run it too. I was doing this thing!
Alex and Clint, Kate's husband, were running the 5k which started at 8AM. After their start, we did a small warm up jog and used the restroom. We saw another friend, who actually was one of my roommates my senior year at IU, and talked with him for a while. He is the real deal when it comes to endurance athletes. Alex told me after the race that he had seen Craig, while waiting to cheer for me, and that he did not look winded at all. In fact, Craig looked like what he was doing was easy. On what I would call a course that was much more hilly than anything in Indy, Craig ran under 1:30.
As for me, I took a whole new approach to this race in most ways. I did not wear my watch. I obviously didn't feel trained. I listened to music. I wasn't worried about my time - I was just trying to hold a steady pace. I wanted to completely zone out and forget what I was doing in order to NOT have to walk. One thing remained the same: the straw. Seriously, try it. I friggin' love it.
*About the straw: cut a straw in half and carry it with you. At each water station, drinking is so much easier. I learned in the Monumental that if you don't want to stop, that you should carry at least 2 straws in case you drop one.
Here is how zoned out I was: I dropped the straw I was carrying without even knowing until I saw the first water station. That's right, within the first 2 miles of the race, I had zoned myself so far out that I completely forgot what I was doing. I couldn't tell you where I dropped the straw, no idea. So, that meant walking quickly through the first aid station so I could take in some water. These 4-5 steps were the only steps I "walked" throughout the entire race, and I do not count them, SO THERE! I dug my other straw half out of my butt pocket and held on tight.
The hills got to me soon enough and I was not able to stay in that far away place deep inside my brain for much longer. I treasure the fact that I was able to go there for the first 3-4 miles of the race though. Without that, I don't know if I would have made it without walking. Being able to zone out made the race feel shorter to me. Back to the hills, there were plenty of those. With each uphill came a chanting in my head: "one less hill, one less hill." And with each uphill came a downhill. Now, I don't mean to brag, but I am good at downhills. My high school cross country coach taught us how to run down hill and recover at the same time. To put it simply, let the hill do the work and think about your feet or you might fall. Lean into the downhill and speed up your turnover while thinking of nothing but your feet (so you don't trip). I did this quite successfully during the race. I had plenty of chances to increase my speed and allow my body to recover some while the downward slope was working for me. At one point right after the 4 mile marker, there was a girl with a sign that said "The next 2 miles are downhill." I told her thank you.
Miles 5-10 were just me walking a thin line between zoned out and running downhill. I had very successful drinking at each water station. At mile 7 a man was sitting outside of his house with a beer station set up. Small dixie cups full of Keystone. Seriously? Who would want that?
About mile 10, I knew we were running back to campus. I am not good at directions, but I could tell the course was headed back. And that meant we were now running to the finish line. You are always running to the finish line, but there comes a point in a race that you feel like you are in the homestretch. For me, during this race, it was about mile 10 that the homestretch started for me. 3.1 miles is a decently long homestretch and I began to feel anxious. This was a new feeling. I wasn't anxious about doing well. I wasn't anxious about beating anyone. I really don't know what all the anxiety was about, but it was there, and it didn't help. I started wanting to walk. I felt FINE. There was no reason to walk other than it would feel nicer than running. That's not an excuse. Massive blisters on the bottom of your foot would be an excuse, but I didn't have those (and even when I did, I didn't walk). So, no walking. I was going to battle this anxiety all the way to the finish line. (It wasn't that bad, it just feel like anxiety in my chest, which is a feeling I hate.) In reality, if I had walked, I think the anxiety would have burst through because I would have been so disappointed in myself. I'm glad I didn't walk.
I saw the finish line and couldn't wait to cross it. I saw Alex and he was taking a picture of me - oh boy. I finished and felt pretty bad, like shaky bad. Oh, and whiny. Yes, I felt whiny (more like I was whiny). Alex was a saint and continuously asked me what I needed and told me he was proud of me. I kept saying how I almost broke 2 hours (I missed it by 29 seconds). He said I still did well. :) I got some water and got a picture with Kate :) Soon enough we were on our way to Bedford to clean up and relax some before heading BACK to Bloomington to enjoy the afternoon at Miss-N-Out, a Little 500 Series Event.
Little 5 is this coming weekend. I will be in the pit supporting the Delta Sigma Pi women's team as they race. Looking forward to that and some Bloomington running. I'd say if I train on some hills more often, I could get pretty strong...more to come on that as I transition into full on marathon training. I have to choose my race, but then I will be dedicated to FULLY preparing myself to compete and do well. If I don't train to compete, there is no point for me (I won't enjoy it as much). I will be marathoning in Indy in the fall, but just which marathon to choose...I'll let you know!
Alex and Clint, Kate's husband, were running the 5k which started at 8AM. After their start, we did a small warm up jog and used the restroom. We saw another friend, who actually was one of my roommates my senior year at IU, and talked with him for a while. He is the real deal when it comes to endurance athletes. Alex told me after the race that he had seen Craig, while waiting to cheer for me, and that he did not look winded at all. In fact, Craig looked like what he was doing was easy. On what I would call a course that was much more hilly than anything in Indy, Craig ran under 1:30.
As for me, I took a whole new approach to this race in most ways. I did not wear my watch. I obviously didn't feel trained. I listened to music. I wasn't worried about my time - I was just trying to hold a steady pace. I wanted to completely zone out and forget what I was doing in order to NOT have to walk. One thing remained the same: the straw. Seriously, try it. I friggin' love it.
*About the straw: cut a straw in half and carry it with you. At each water station, drinking is so much easier. I learned in the Monumental that if you don't want to stop, that you should carry at least 2 straws in case you drop one.
Here is how zoned out I was: I dropped the straw I was carrying without even knowing until I saw the first water station. That's right, within the first 2 miles of the race, I had zoned myself so far out that I completely forgot what I was doing. I couldn't tell you where I dropped the straw, no idea. So, that meant walking quickly through the first aid station so I could take in some water. These 4-5 steps were the only steps I "walked" throughout the entire race, and I do not count them, SO THERE! I dug my other straw half out of my butt pocket and held on tight.
The hills got to me soon enough and I was not able to stay in that far away place deep inside my brain for much longer. I treasure the fact that I was able to go there for the first 3-4 miles of the race though. Without that, I don't know if I would have made it without walking. Being able to zone out made the race feel shorter to me. Back to the hills, there were plenty of those. With each uphill came a chanting in my head: "one less hill, one less hill." And with each uphill came a downhill. Now, I don't mean to brag, but I am good at downhills. My high school cross country coach taught us how to run down hill and recover at the same time. To put it simply, let the hill do the work and think about your feet or you might fall. Lean into the downhill and speed up your turnover while thinking of nothing but your feet (so you don't trip). I did this quite successfully during the race. I had plenty of chances to increase my speed and allow my body to recover some while the downward slope was working for me. At one point right after the 4 mile marker, there was a girl with a sign that said "The next 2 miles are downhill." I told her thank you.
Miles 5-10 were just me walking a thin line between zoned out and running downhill. I had very successful drinking at each water station. At mile 7 a man was sitting outside of his house with a beer station set up. Small dixie cups full of Keystone. Seriously? Who would want that?
About mile 10, I knew we were running back to campus. I am not good at directions, but I could tell the course was headed back. And that meant we were now running to the finish line. You are always running to the finish line, but there comes a point in a race that you feel like you are in the homestretch. For me, during this race, it was about mile 10 that the homestretch started for me. 3.1 miles is a decently long homestretch and I began to feel anxious. This was a new feeling. I wasn't anxious about doing well. I wasn't anxious about beating anyone. I really don't know what all the anxiety was about, but it was there, and it didn't help. I started wanting to walk. I felt FINE. There was no reason to walk other than it would feel nicer than running. That's not an excuse. Massive blisters on the bottom of your foot would be an excuse, but I didn't have those (and even when I did, I didn't walk). So, no walking. I was going to battle this anxiety all the way to the finish line. (It wasn't that bad, it just feel like anxiety in my chest, which is a feeling I hate.) In reality, if I had walked, I think the anxiety would have burst through because I would have been so disappointed in myself. I'm glad I didn't walk.
I saw the finish line and couldn't wait to cross it. I saw Alex and he was taking a picture of me - oh boy. I finished and felt pretty bad, like shaky bad. Oh, and whiny. Yes, I felt whiny (more like I was whiny). Alex was a saint and continuously asked me what I needed and told me he was proud of me. I kept saying how I almost broke 2 hours (I missed it by 29 seconds). He said I still did well. :) I got some water and got a picture with Kate :) Soon enough we were on our way to Bedford to clean up and relax some before heading BACK to Bloomington to enjoy the afternoon at Miss-N-Out, a Little 500 Series Event.
Little 5 is this coming weekend. I will be in the pit supporting the Delta Sigma Pi women's team as they race. Looking forward to that and some Bloomington running. I'd say if I train on some hills more often, I could get pretty strong...more to come on that as I transition into full on marathon training. I have to choose my race, but then I will be dedicated to FULLY preparing myself to compete and do well. If I don't train to compete, there is no point for me (I won't enjoy it as much). I will be marathoning in Indy in the fall, but just which marathon to choose...I'll let you know!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Hi
Hi, happy new year, hope you are well.
I've been busy, but back to the blogging grind I go. This update may shock you so prepare youself:
I have the IU Mini Marathon on Saturday and I am not even the slightest bit prepared.
Are you shocked? I sort of am. I'm just going to get through it and hope for the best. I won't PR. I may even have to walk some. But I am going to enjoy it gosh darnit.
I just ran 5 miles today at lunch and felt ok. I am going to stretch all evening and drink a gallon of water tonight and probably 2 gallons tomorrow (plus more stretching). 13.1 seems scary to me, so I just have to stay positive or I could freak myself out. I will make a [hopefully humorous] race report and then the real training will begin for the Indy Mini and more this Spring/Summer.
Other news in my life in case you would like to know what has kept me so busy:
I've been busy, but back to the blogging grind I go. This update may shock you so prepare youself:
I have the IU Mini Marathon on Saturday and I am not even the slightest bit prepared.
Are you shocked? I sort of am. I'm just going to get through it and hope for the best. I won't PR. I may even have to walk some. But I am going to enjoy it gosh darnit.
I just ran 5 miles today at lunch and felt ok. I am going to stretch all evening and drink a gallon of water tonight and probably 2 gallons tomorrow (plus more stretching). 13.1 seems scary to me, so I just have to stay positive or I could freak myself out. I will make a [hopefully humorous] race report and then the real training will begin for the Indy Mini and more this Spring/Summer.
Other news in my life in case you would like to know what has kept me so busy:
- Work is going well. I have lots of clients and I even got to travel to Las Vegas for a week and met a lot of them.
- Alex got a great new job!
- It is finally light enough outside after work that I can actually run. (Next year we will either have to get a treadmill, or I'll join a gym.)
- Kenda is good and keeping us busy. I am sure to fill lots of future posts with more stories about her and running with her.
- I fell in love with Lululemon - expensive relationship
- I got new running shoes: Asics Gel-Nimbus 13
- I didn't even ask for this color but they are gray and purple (which is my favorite color combo)!
- We got glassblock windows in our basement
- We got a new backdoor
- We changed up our landscaping
- I got my hair cut (over 10 inches)
- I am reading The Hunger Games and loving it. Alex and I saw the movie so I had to start reading the trilogy.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Running sporadically isn't going to work for this girl
Quick update in case anyone checks in...
#1 I just put my Hilly Hundred Report up...its way late
#2 I signed up for the IU Mini Marathon (a half) on March 31st 2012!
#3 I have not ran enough since the race (shall I say since my feet healed) to be worth anything
Let's talk about each of these:
#1 Read the post if you are interested :)
#2 I do not think I will run the half in January that I had previously considered. It is a night trail race. For me, that spells potential danger. My husband Alex is just recovering from an accident (2 broken wrists [that's both], 4 cracked ribs, and a tear in his kidney) and we are just now receiving the hospital, doctor, ER, and ambulance bills for that, sooooooooo yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaa - I am not going to run a trail run in January at night! Instead I will be running a hopefully much safer race around IU's gorgeous campus on March 31st. I am so excited! I have big plans for my training and hope for a major PR. I think some of my close friends will be running this race as well, so that will be awesome.
#3 All that being said, so far, my training sucks. I have ran 5-6 times since the race on November 5th...terrible. I am running twice a week with my work friend. We just did 5 miles today. That is the longest distance I have ran since the race. It really felt ok, but my lungs were cold and I didn't feel as relaxed as I did before the race. I am going to get back to it. It is just so hard when I have to work all day and it gets dark at 5 and we have to take Kenda to the park so she can run around...winter is difficult. Upside: Christmas is almost here which means a week off work! :)
That's my quick update. Right now Kenda is sleeping right beside me (I am sitting on the floor). She is so cuddly after 9:30 :)
Goodnight!
#1 I just put my Hilly Hundred Report up...its way late
#2 I signed up for the IU Mini Marathon (a half) on March 31st 2012!
#3 I have not ran enough since the race (shall I say since my feet healed) to be worth anything
Let's talk about each of these:
#1 Read the post if you are interested :)
#2 I do not think I will run the half in January that I had previously considered. It is a night trail race. For me, that spells potential danger. My husband Alex is just recovering from an accident (2 broken wrists [that's both], 4 cracked ribs, and a tear in his kidney) and we are just now receiving the hospital, doctor, ER, and ambulance bills for that, sooooooooo yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaa - I am not going to run a trail run in January at night! Instead I will be running a hopefully much safer race around IU's gorgeous campus on March 31st. I am so excited! I have big plans for my training and hope for a major PR. I think some of my close friends will be running this race as well, so that will be awesome.
#3 All that being said, so far, my training sucks. I have ran 5-6 times since the race on November 5th...terrible. I am running twice a week with my work friend. We just did 5 miles today. That is the longest distance I have ran since the race. It really felt ok, but my lungs were cold and I didn't feel as relaxed as I did before the race. I am going to get back to it. It is just so hard when I have to work all day and it gets dark at 5 and we have to take Kenda to the park so she can run around...winter is difficult. Upside: Christmas is almost here which means a week off work! :)
That's my quick update. Right now Kenda is sleeping right beside me (I am sitting on the floor). She is so cuddly after 9:30 :)
Goodnight!
Stepping back in time...2011 Hilly Hundred Non-race Report
Between the Hilly Hundred and the Monumental Half, my sister got married. So yea, I was pretty busy. I still wanted to get a recap on my blog though (for memory purposes).
Honestly, I have waited too long to type this up (the Hilly Hundred was in the middle of October)...I do have a few fleeting memories though:
Day 1 of the Hilly Hundred is misleading. It is actually about 58 miles. Last year, I only completed day 1 and I completely bonked at about mile 40 - leaving me 18 miles of agonizing riding. It wasn't so bad this year and I count my better physical shape as the reason why. It was pretty tough, don't get me wrong, but I was making it the entire time. We stopped a good 4 times probably. At about mile 45 I just had to pull over and stand up straight for a bit. There was a good amount of climbing, but I made it up each and every hill.
Day 2 was rougher. Although day 2 of the Hilly Hundred is only 49 miles, my rear end hurt from so much time on the saddle the day before. I was absolutely miserable the first 4 miles. I didn't want to put my full weight on my butt so I was over compensating with my legs. This led to some slight cramping and I knew I would never make it all day like that. I eased into the saddle and every time I let a little more weight go, I winced. Seriously, why am I doing this to myself? I asked Alex if I could turn around, he said sure, but I would have to wait for him at the car...about 3-4 hours or so. I decided I could forge ahead. After 5 miles or so, the pain started to subside and once we were at the first rest stop (about 9 miles in) it was tolerable. We stopped, stretched, hydrated, and tinkled. Then it was back to it...and back to the terrible pain! Ughhh! It hurt all over again for 3-4 miles. My quads are forever going to be stronger because of this ride. I was holding so much weight with them while cycling, just trying not to put much weight on my saddle. Once we hit some hills, I was scared about what that would feel like, but I think my concentration on not falling and continuing to pedal won out and the pain was at the back of my mind, making it manageable. The ride went on like this. After each rest stop, which felt so good, the saddle hurt like whoa for 3-4 miles. With about 10 miles left, I was so ready to be done. It wasn't enjoyable, it was grueling. I made a promise to myself to ride more before the Hilly next year to "callus" my sit bones...if I don't, I don't think I will complete it again.
Best part of the Hilly Hundred: the scenery. I am convinced that Indiana residents probably don't understand just how beautiful this state is. The fall scenery that you are exposed to during these 2 days is breath taking. It is picturesque and even surreal at times. The sheer beauty makes me proud to be a Hoosier :)
When we crossed the finish line, I immediately took my bike to the side of the road, got off, and started walking, which had never felt more amazing. Alex asked if we could ride to our car (about 0.2 miles). I said, absolutely not - you can, but I am not riding again until next spring. It may take that long for the bruises to heal...He walked with me :)
Honestly, I have waited too long to type this up (the Hilly Hundred was in the middle of October)...I do have a few fleeting memories though:
Day 1 of the Hilly Hundred is misleading. It is actually about 58 miles. Last year, I only completed day 1 and I completely bonked at about mile 40 - leaving me 18 miles of agonizing riding. It wasn't so bad this year and I count my better physical shape as the reason why. It was pretty tough, don't get me wrong, but I was making it the entire time. We stopped a good 4 times probably. At about mile 45 I just had to pull over and stand up straight for a bit. There was a good amount of climbing, but I made it up each and every hill.
Day 2 was rougher. Although day 2 of the Hilly Hundred is only 49 miles, my rear end hurt from so much time on the saddle the day before. I was absolutely miserable the first 4 miles. I didn't want to put my full weight on my butt so I was over compensating with my legs. This led to some slight cramping and I knew I would never make it all day like that. I eased into the saddle and every time I let a little more weight go, I winced. Seriously, why am I doing this to myself? I asked Alex if I could turn around, he said sure, but I would have to wait for him at the car...about 3-4 hours or so. I decided I could forge ahead. After 5 miles or so, the pain started to subside and once we were at the first rest stop (about 9 miles in) it was tolerable. We stopped, stretched, hydrated, and tinkled. Then it was back to it...and back to the terrible pain! Ughhh! It hurt all over again for 3-4 miles. My quads are forever going to be stronger because of this ride. I was holding so much weight with them while cycling, just trying not to put much weight on my saddle. Once we hit some hills, I was scared about what that would feel like, but I think my concentration on not falling and continuing to pedal won out and the pain was at the back of my mind, making it manageable. The ride went on like this. After each rest stop, which felt so good, the saddle hurt like whoa for 3-4 miles. With about 10 miles left, I was so ready to be done. It wasn't enjoyable, it was grueling. I made a promise to myself to ride more before the Hilly next year to "callus" my sit bones...if I don't, I don't think I will complete it again.
Best part of the Hilly Hundred: the scenery. I am convinced that Indiana residents probably don't understand just how beautiful this state is. The fall scenery that you are exposed to during these 2 days is breath taking. It is picturesque and even surreal at times. The sheer beauty makes me proud to be a Hoosier :)
When we crossed the finish line, I immediately took my bike to the side of the road, got off, and started walking, which had never felt more amazing. Alex asked if we could ride to our car (about 0.2 miles). I said, absolutely not - you can, but I am not riding again until next spring. It may take that long for the bruises to heal...He walked with me :)
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday Afternoon Football
Nope, not a running post...not yet!
Alex and I had the chance to go to a Colt's game via his generous boss who gave us tickets. The group we were sitting with was about 20 strong and included mainly people I did not know. I knew a few though. The Indianapolis Colts played the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am not going to recount the game itself, just the experience of attending...
Alex and I parked at his parents' and walked to Lucas Oil Stadium - about 1 mile. The streets were crowded, tailgating was in full swing, and although the Colts have not won a single game this year, there was not a soul in sight who wasn't wearing blue and white. As we approached the stadium, a man on a bull horn was shouting in a thick southern accent, "Welcome to Lucas Oil Stadium - shorter lines to the left." I, however, thought he was saying 'borderlines' to the left - Alex set me straight. It is impossible not to notice all the people asking for donations around the stadium. There were homeless people, cheerleading groups, school groups, charities, ect...I had no cash, but would have needed at least ten one dollar bills in order to give to everyone I walked by.
We had to wait a bit to meet up with everyone and get our tickets. I met and shook hands with all the people in our group. My favorite was a boy about 4th grade or so - he reminded me or me when I was his age. He was slightly shy, but polite. his Dad immediately told everyone that he was in the Indianapolis Boys' Choir, to which he quickly corrected, "there are girls in it too, DAD!" Alex asked if he had any Holiday shows coming up. He told us 2, and spared no detail :) I asked him about sports and he said he gave up basketball to do choir and spellbowl - a kid after my own heart! Then he articulately told about his upcoming spellbowl meet and although he was only the 2nd alternate he was expected to practice the words. There was more to the story, but I'll cut it short. It was adorable how excited about being the 2nd alternate on his spellbowl team he was. Throughout the game, I wanted to to talk to him more, but I never got to. I did figure out who he reminded me of (besides myself) - Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory! He looked like Sheldon from 4th grade!
Once inside the stadium, the crowd just got tighter. If I had a child, I would have been death gripping him/her. We got a coffee ($5.50 - robbery). We got to our seats and I just took in the stadium - its massive!
If I am not going to recount the game, this post is about over...but there is one last topic to discuss...the Colts Cheerleaders...Holy Moly. Skanktastic is the best word to describe them. After what I saw, I doubt I would ever let a daughter of mine be a cheerleader. DIE-SCUSTING. Seriously. That's all I have to say about that.
If only Peyton was still playing and the Colts actually had a shot...maybe next year with a little Luck! ;)
Alex and I had the chance to go to a Colt's game via his generous boss who gave us tickets. The group we were sitting with was about 20 strong and included mainly people I did not know. I knew a few though. The Indianapolis Colts played the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am not going to recount the game itself, just the experience of attending...
Alex and I parked at his parents' and walked to Lucas Oil Stadium - about 1 mile. The streets were crowded, tailgating was in full swing, and although the Colts have not won a single game this year, there was not a soul in sight who wasn't wearing blue and white. As we approached the stadium, a man on a bull horn was shouting in a thick southern accent, "Welcome to Lucas Oil Stadium - shorter lines to the left." I, however, thought he was saying 'borderlines' to the left - Alex set me straight. It is impossible not to notice all the people asking for donations around the stadium. There were homeless people, cheerleading groups, school groups, charities, ect...I had no cash, but would have needed at least ten one dollar bills in order to give to everyone I walked by.
We had to wait a bit to meet up with everyone and get our tickets. I met and shook hands with all the people in our group. My favorite was a boy about 4th grade or so - he reminded me or me when I was his age. He was slightly shy, but polite. his Dad immediately told everyone that he was in the Indianapolis Boys' Choir, to which he quickly corrected, "there are girls in it too, DAD!" Alex asked if he had any Holiday shows coming up. He told us 2, and spared no detail :) I asked him about sports and he said he gave up basketball to do choir and spellbowl - a kid after my own heart! Then he articulately told about his upcoming spellbowl meet and although he was only the 2nd alternate he was expected to practice the words. There was more to the story, but I'll cut it short. It was adorable how excited about being the 2nd alternate on his spellbowl team he was. Throughout the game, I wanted to to talk to him more, but I never got to. I did figure out who he reminded me of (besides myself) - Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory! He looked like Sheldon from 4th grade!
Once inside the stadium, the crowd just got tighter. If I had a child, I would have been death gripping him/her. We got a coffee ($5.50 - robbery). We got to our seats and I just took in the stadium - its massive!
If I am not going to recount the game, this post is about over...but there is one last topic to discuss...the Colts Cheerleaders...Holy Moly. Skanktastic is the best word to describe them. After what I saw, I doubt I would ever let a daughter of mine be a cheerleader. DIE-SCUSTING. Seriously. That's all I have to say about that.
If only Peyton was still playing and the Colts actually had a shot...maybe next year with a little Luck! ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)