So, I've been practicing running up hills and down hills. The course, although there is a great downhill at the beginning, we have to run back up it to the finish line. And what a hill it is. Trying to work on a game plan so I don't exhaust myself before I have to run up that hill, again.
Results, tomorrow.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Success!
If one needs an answer to a question, Ask It! I emailed the person in charge of the shows asking if she knew who the judges would be for the next two shows. She emailed me immediately with the judges for the October 31 show. My coach says these two people are great judges. I've heard of them and have done dressage tests before them, so I agree. They are fair. So, now I need to tweak the left-end circle and continue working on my halts so I can get wonderful halts in the test on October 31.
Knitting - A co-worker of mine asked me to knit a baby blanket for her granddaughter. I said I would, found some nice Swish (from KnitPicks) yarn that is machine washable (perfect for babies, eh?) and ordered blue, pink, light green and yellow and white. The pattern I am doing actually calls for only two colors, but she wanted all the traditional baby colors. I have figured out to start with blue on the border, then one full repeat, then do one full repeat in each color, then continue until I'm happy with the length, then finish off with the blue so I have blue borders on each end. Sounds like a plan to me. Just waiting for the yarn to arrive! I so love starting new projects, don't you?
I blocked the scarf Sara made for her boyfriend using blocking wires. Why didn't I purchase blocking wires eons ago? So much easier once the wires have been threaded through the stitches. {hits palm of hand on forehead} Live and learn.
Still working on sweater coat, but I will need some #10 DPs to work on the back pleat. I'm very close to that part, but I still have the mittens I started for a Christmas gift to fall back on while I wait to get the DPs.
Sara took me on a pre-run of the 5K/10K we are running on Saturday. Lots of steep hills and lots of gradual hills. Very tiring, but now that I know the course, I think I might be able to do a better time. Sara is running the 10K, so she has to do those hills 2 times! Egad!
Knitting - A co-worker of mine asked me to knit a baby blanket for her granddaughter. I said I would, found some nice Swish (from KnitPicks) yarn that is machine washable (perfect for babies, eh?) and ordered blue, pink, light green and yellow and white. The pattern I am doing actually calls for only two colors, but she wanted all the traditional baby colors. I have figured out to start with blue on the border, then one full repeat, then do one full repeat in each color, then continue until I'm happy with the length, then finish off with the blue so I have blue borders on each end. Sounds like a plan to me. Just waiting for the yarn to arrive! I so love starting new projects, don't you?
I blocked the scarf Sara made for her boyfriend using blocking wires. Why didn't I purchase blocking wires eons ago? So much easier once the wires have been threaded through the stitches. {hits palm of hand on forehead} Live and learn.
Still working on sweater coat, but I will need some #10 DPs to work on the back pleat. I'm very close to that part, but I still have the mittens I started for a Christmas gift to fall back on while I wait to get the DPs.
Sara took me on a pre-run of the 5K/10K we are running on Saturday. Lots of steep hills and lots of gradual hills. Very tiring, but now that I know the course, I think I might be able to do a better time. Sara is running the 10K, so she has to do those hills 2 times! Egad!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Short Course Event a Success Even Though I Pulled a Bad Judge
Saturday went out to the barn to have a lesson and beautify Bella for Sunday's show. Things went well; still struggling with the left bend, but I think that will always be something I have to work on. I'm just so left-brained.
The big day arrives! Fortunately, being in the lower level class we didn't have to be at the event until later in the day. However, I still had to get to Cathy's fairly early to re-wash Bellas feet. Of course, it rained, and she got muddy. After a second washdown of her feet we got everything loaded into the trailer and off we went. The weather was fairly disgusting as it has been pouring in the morning, but did taper off for a bit. When I left the house to go to Cathy's, it had started to rain, again. At Cathy's it was misting, but getting better.
The closer we got to the event, the better the weather was. It had quit raining and the sun even came out. It ended up being a really nice day - except for the humidity.
I warmed up for dressage, Cathy and I both not wanting to annoy Bella too much, so we did only a few halts. When it came time for me to ride, Bella was very up. I was happy about that. We went into the ring, halted at the X, and Bella was square! No backing up, no trying to go forward. I continued on my test, doing the best I could. It wasn't perfect, but it was a good test. Now, time for the final halt.....Bella was full square, no backing up, no trying to go forward. Just for those halts, it was a good test.
Fortunately for me, I never saw my score until I had finished by XC and was done for the day. When Cathy brought me my test, we were both shocked and dismayed at the score! Cathy had a feeling this particular judge did not judge fairly (?). Not sure if that is the right word, but she trashed me on just about everything I did. My halts were a 5 and a 6. Even Cathy said that they should have been a 7 or even 8! I was almost in tears because I felt so good about that test. Cathy was dismayed, as well, and put it all down to the fact this judge was living in la-la land somewhere.
The judge put down comments like, not rounded on the top. There is no requirement in an Intro A test that there has to be rounding on the top. Even in the higher tests there is no requirement for that, but if the horse gets round, more points for the rider. She told me I had too much right bend. What the Hell does that mean? We have still to figure that one out. My transitions were really good, no aprubtness in them at all. We just have to chalk this down to pulling a bad judge.
My goal is to find out who is judging at the next event at this place. We're pretty sure they already have judges lined up well in advance of the shows. There were no postings of who the judges were going to be, and maybe they do that on purpose. There is already one judge I won't do any tests for. After she yelled at me for 5 minutes after my dressage test, that was the end of that. I don't need to be talked to like a 5-year old.
Didn't do much knitting; only a few rows on my sweater coat.
Alas, back at work.
The big day arrives! Fortunately, being in the lower level class we didn't have to be at the event until later in the day. However, I still had to get to Cathy's fairly early to re-wash Bellas feet. Of course, it rained, and she got muddy. After a second washdown of her feet we got everything loaded into the trailer and off we went. The weather was fairly disgusting as it has been pouring in the morning, but did taper off for a bit. When I left the house to go to Cathy's, it had started to rain, again. At Cathy's it was misting, but getting better.
The closer we got to the event, the better the weather was. It had quit raining and the sun even came out. It ended up being a really nice day - except for the humidity.
I warmed up for dressage, Cathy and I both not wanting to annoy Bella too much, so we did only a few halts. When it came time for me to ride, Bella was very up. I was happy about that. We went into the ring, halted at the X, and Bella was square! No backing up, no trying to go forward. I continued on my test, doing the best I could. It wasn't perfect, but it was a good test. Now, time for the final halt.....Bella was full square, no backing up, no trying to go forward. Just for those halts, it was a good test.
Fortunately for me, I never saw my score until I had finished by XC and was done for the day. When Cathy brought me my test, we were both shocked and dismayed at the score! Cathy had a feeling this particular judge did not judge fairly (?). Not sure if that is the right word, but she trashed me on just about everything I did. My halts were a 5 and a 6. Even Cathy said that they should have been a 7 or even 8! I was almost in tears because I felt so good about that test. Cathy was dismayed, as well, and put it all down to the fact this judge was living in la-la land somewhere.
The judge put down comments like, not rounded on the top. There is no requirement in an Intro A test that there has to be rounding on the top. Even in the higher tests there is no requirement for that, but if the horse gets round, more points for the rider. She told me I had too much right bend. What the Hell does that mean? We have still to figure that one out. My transitions were really good, no aprubtness in them at all. We just have to chalk this down to pulling a bad judge.
My goal is to find out who is judging at the next event at this place. We're pretty sure they already have judges lined up well in advance of the shows. There were no postings of who the judges were going to be, and maybe they do that on purpose. There is already one judge I won't do any tests for. After she yelled at me for 5 minutes after my dressage test, that was the end of that. I don't need to be talked to like a 5-year old.
Didn't do much knitting; only a few rows on my sweater coat.
Alas, back at work.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
XC SCHOOLING A SUCCESS!
Went xc schooling on Monday morning, which turned out to be Monday afternoon. My coach changed her schedule, but neglected to tell me about it! Instead of leaving at 11:30 from her place, we left at 1:00. Not really happy about it, but what could I do? Sallie showed up about 12:15, we got the rest of our tack together, got the horses on the trailer, and off we went.
After a warm-up we went over a few logs, then took Moonie through the water, Bella leading and Moonie fortunately following without any fuss. Then, we did some other small things, and Cathy set up a mini-course for us. We both did well! Gold stars for us! yay
Since I had a half a bagel in the morning and since I thought we were leaving at 11:30, I didn't eat anything when I left the house. By the time we got to Loch Moy and did some jumps, I was really running out of gas! I thought I was going to pass out! I was able to make it through and on the way back we stopped at McDonald's for a fish filet sandwich. Boy, was that good. Mylegs were shaking when I got back in the truck and the food and sugar definitely helped me.
Tuesday I had a dental appointment for x-rays and had a mold taken of the top of my mouth for an implant. I had a call from the doctor this a.m., to discuss my options. I'll call later; don't feel like messing with it right now.
We also bought a new 2011 Toyota Camry, which is really nice. Basic design as the older one we had and gave to Sara, with a few new upgrades. The best part? ZERO PERCENT FINANCING FOR FIVE YEARS!
Sunday I went out and bought new running shoes, new running shorts, and new exercise pants and top. Good thing I did all my expensive shopping before the car payments start!
I ran on Saturday morning, rode Saturday afternoon, no activity except for shopping on Sunday, rode on Monday, and no activity on Tuesday except for car buying. I'm bushed. Today I'm not sure what I am doing. Think it might be too hot to go outside and run. Guess it will be the TM, my friend.
I have deemed the Christmas shawl finished! It's quite long enough and I used maybe half of the yarn I bought. Maybe it's because I used to yarns together and made it a little longer faster. Who knows? Anyway, it's done except for the blocking. Ugh! That's another challenge in itself.
After a warm-up we went over a few logs, then took Moonie through the water, Bella leading and Moonie fortunately following without any fuss. Then, we did some other small things, and Cathy set up a mini-course for us. We both did well! Gold stars for us! yay
Since I had a half a bagel in the morning and since I thought we were leaving at 11:30, I didn't eat anything when I left the house. By the time we got to Loch Moy and did some jumps, I was really running out of gas! I thought I was going to pass out! I was able to make it through and on the way back we stopped at McDonald's for a fish filet sandwich. Boy, was that good. Mylegs were shaking when I got back in the truck and the food and sugar definitely helped me.
Tuesday I had a dental appointment for x-rays and had a mold taken of the top of my mouth for an implant. I had a call from the doctor this a.m., to discuss my options. I'll call later; don't feel like messing with it right now.
We also bought a new 2011 Toyota Camry, which is really nice. Basic design as the older one we had and gave to Sara, with a few new upgrades. The best part? ZERO PERCENT FINANCING FOR FIVE YEARS!
Sunday I went out and bought new running shoes, new running shorts, and new exercise pants and top. Good thing I did all my expensive shopping before the car payments start!
I ran on Saturday morning, rode Saturday afternoon, no activity except for shopping on Sunday, rode on Monday, and no activity on Tuesday except for car buying. I'm bushed. Today I'm not sure what I am doing. Think it might be too hot to go outside and run. Guess it will be the TM, my friend.
I have deemed the Christmas shawl finished! It's quite long enough and I used maybe half of the yarn I bought. Maybe it's because I used to yarns together and made it a little longer faster. Who knows? Anyway, it's done except for the blocking. Ugh! That's another challenge in itself.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Weekend Update
I survived yesterday's group riding lesson on the big Moonie! He has a big trot, an even bigger canter, but he is very comfortable. It does take a lot more preparation to do anything - like stopping! Really have to pull back on the reins and use that core! And boy, did I get a core workout yesterday.
I ran 3 miles yesterday; up the trolley trail and then back, which was much easier since it was all on a downward incline. After the upward incline run/walk the way back was a breeze! Well, sort of.
Today, I am planning to go to Dick's and get some new exercise leotards since the ones I have I have had since Sara was in middle school. I'm surprised they are still wearable - sort of. While I'm there, I might as well go across the street to Jo-Ann's. I'm really ready to make some fall clothes....I have a really gorgeous skirt and jacket pattern that I would like to make. Only problem is the right material.
Tomorrow is XC schooling at Loch Moy in preparation for the September 12 Short Course show. It's a first time showing at Loch Moy and a first time competing in the short course. At least there will be only one jumping event. Might be longer than usual stadium/XC jumping since all jumps are included at one time.
OK, time to start freaking out about it. This way by the time Sunday rolls around, I should be over the nervousness - sort of!
Knitting in store for today, too. Grocery store???? Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday.
I ran 3 miles yesterday; up the trolley trail and then back, which was much easier since it was all on a downward incline. After the upward incline run/walk the way back was a breeze! Well, sort of.
Today, I am planning to go to Dick's and get some new exercise leotards since the ones I have I have had since Sara was in middle school. I'm surprised they are still wearable - sort of. While I'm there, I might as well go across the street to Jo-Ann's. I'm really ready to make some fall clothes....I have a really gorgeous skirt and jacket pattern that I would like to make. Only problem is the right material.
Tomorrow is XC schooling at Loch Moy in preparation for the September 12 Short Course show. It's a first time showing at Loch Moy and a first time competing in the short course. At least there will be only one jumping event. Might be longer than usual stadium/XC jumping since all jumps are included at one time.
OK, time to start freaking out about it. This way by the time Sunday rolls around, I should be over the nervousness - sort of!
Knitting in store for today, too. Grocery store???? Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Long Weekend Coming Up
It's Friday, I'm sitting here wondering why I am here and when 3:30 will get here. I'm going to leave at 3:30, catch the 4:13. MARC, in its infinite wisdom, had a special 2:00 p.m. train. How they ever came up with that time I'll never know! But, I'm leaving in 45 minutes and should, I say should, be at Dorsey station by 5:00. We can only hope.
Took a rest day from exercising and went to lunch with a friend. She's on WW and has lost 42 pounds! Way to go, Ellen! I had no excuse but to stay on track today and make a good choice for lunch. I had a western omelet with a side salad. The omelet comes with french fries (and they are really good!), but I asked for a salad instead of the fries. Best decision I've made today. I know I would be beating myself up if I had gone for the fries. I don't have many points left for dinner, but I do have the ever faithful flex points I can use.
Romeo has been hacking away, so Dave took him to the vet. Seems he has Kennel Cough, kind of a brochitis type of illness. He got a shot, and we have to give him some pills. Romeo did a lot of hacking last night and kept waking us up. At least now we know the problem and Romeo is on his way to recovery.
Tomorow I will probably go running in the a.m. since Romeo is not feeling well. He usually comes with me for a long walk, but I don't want to stress him and make him worse.
Cathy is having a September Group Lesson tomorrow; I'm going to ride my friend's horse, Moonie, the Rectangle. He is a very large horse; hope I don't get bounced off! Afterwards, we will have a little social hour and then go home.
Nothing planned for Sunday, but Monday is a XC schooling lesson for me. My short course show is September 12, so I need to get in some jumping beforehand.
Vogue Knitting LIVE! is in January in New York. It's the first time Vogue has put on anything like this. It's in the same vein as the Stitches East.Betty and I have already booked th hotel room and signed up for our classes. We will take the cheap bus to NewYork, then take the subway to the hotel. Sounds easy; let's hope it is.
Still slugging away on the Christmas shawl; every one else is patiently waitintg her turn to be picked up and finished. Patience, I'll be there soon.
Took a rest day from exercising and went to lunch with a friend. She's on WW and has lost 42 pounds! Way to go, Ellen! I had no excuse but to stay on track today and make a good choice for lunch. I had a western omelet with a side salad. The omelet comes with french fries (and they are really good!), but I asked for a salad instead of the fries. Best decision I've made today. I know I would be beating myself up if I had gone for the fries. I don't have many points left for dinner, but I do have the ever faithful flex points I can use.
Romeo has been hacking away, so Dave took him to the vet. Seems he has Kennel Cough, kind of a brochitis type of illness. He got a shot, and we have to give him some pills. Romeo did a lot of hacking last night and kept waking us up. At least now we know the problem and Romeo is on his way to recovery.
Tomorow I will probably go running in the a.m. since Romeo is not feeling well. He usually comes with me for a long walk, but I don't want to stress him and make him worse.
Cathy is having a September Group Lesson tomorrow; I'm going to ride my friend's horse, Moonie, the Rectangle. He is a very large horse; hope I don't get bounced off! Afterwards, we will have a little social hour and then go home.
Nothing planned for Sunday, but Monday is a XC schooling lesson for me. My short course show is September 12, so I need to get in some jumping beforehand.
Vogue Knitting LIVE! is in January in New York. It's the first time Vogue has put on anything like this. It's in the same vein as the Stitches East.Betty and I have already booked th hotel room and signed up for our classes. We will take the cheap bus to NewYork, then take the subway to the hotel. Sounds easy; let's hope it is.
Still slugging away on the Christmas shawl; every one else is patiently waitintg her turn to be picked up and finished. Patience, I'll be there soon.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Progress
Lost 3.0 pounds; YIPPEE! still working on running endurance, but I think it's getting better. Went outside last week from my office to the Lincoln Memorial and was able to run for a much longer time than I usually do. This week I'm back in the gym; temps went up to 90 and close to 100, again.
Labor Day is coming up; can't believe it's the end of summer, but with the heat we've been having, some cool temps would be nice. This Saturday I'm going to a Group Lesson at Cathy's. I have to think of something to take. Last time I took French bread and cheese; must take something more inventive this time or at least something different.
Dave's knee continues to mend and he is walking a little better. He has an appointment on Friday, so we'll see if the doctor sends him to physical therapy. Ouch!
Still slugging away at the Christmas shawl. My goal is to finish it, then continue working on the pair of mittens. This reminds me that Betty and I are going to NYC for the VogueKnitting LIVE in January.
Labor Day is coming up; can't believe it's the end of summer, but with the heat we've been having, some cool temps would be nice. This Saturday I'm going to a Group Lesson at Cathy's. I have to think of something to take. Last time I took French bread and cheese; must take something more inventive this time or at least something different.
Dave's knee continues to mend and he is walking a little better. He has an appointment on Friday, so we'll see if the doctor sends him to physical therapy. Ouch!
Still slugging away at the Christmas shawl. My goal is to finish it, then continue working on the pair of mittens. This reminds me that Betty and I are going to NYC for the VogueKnitting LIVE in January.
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