Training Log Archive: vmeyerIn the 1 days ending Mar 31, 2011:
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Thursday Mar 31, 2011 #
9 AM
Note
Off to the PIG! I decided to attend as an intermediate training goal, after noticing that the weekend was free of other obligations. Turns out I had inadvertently erased a race timing obligation off of my calendar. Oops! Luckily, I noticed this a couple of days ago, so I was able to get a backup plan in place for the race timing.
I decided to fly in on Thursday, and early Thursday at that, to have some cushion in case the fickle end of March weather came into play. It turned out to be a good decision since there was bad weather predicted for the next day. WDC may not have been affected, but it was nice to be at the meet site and not have to worry about it.
Roger dropped me off at the airport at 5:15 AM, and though the flight was late leaving DC, it was on time at the other end, landing at 8:30 AM. I picked up my car. Love seeing my name in lights.
I am so used to driving the minivan, that riding low in a strange place is stressful, so I decided to travel first class by getting a bigger car.
The vehicle had a backup camera with the image in the rearview mirror. This took me a while to get used to since it is in a different place then my van, but I really like it. I also like the feature where it beeps when you get too close to something backing up. Tested that out right away.
First stop was the Cincinnati Zoo. Since solo driving in new places is always an adventure for me, getting to the zoo was no different. I drove around and around, at times in some crunchy neighborhoods, before I finally saw the parking lot entrance. The sign pointing into the lot was only viewable from one direction. I finally saw it, did my tenth or so U-turn, and I was there. Whew!
With temps in the 30s, and a Thursday morning at the end of March, I didn't figure that the zoo was going to be too crowded. And it wasn't...perfect!
Checked out the map to make sure I knew where I was starting from and then set off.
It wasn't too long before some school groups caught up with me. I was watching the peacock at the time and was afraid that they would scare it away.
Well, I shouldn't have been concerned, because this is what happens when the peacock's feathers are ruffled. So, cool!
I took a picture of the tigers.
I then I had my picture taken with the tigers.
Twin cheetahs posing.
Black bear and some school girls.
Polar bear doing laps.
Recycled art in the Go Green exhibit.
Three girls twirling. This group was notable because they were carrying worksheets that they had to complete. They also seemed to be having fun.
And, the massive crowds on my way out of the park.
And, so you have it, my epic tale of nothingness.
I decided to fly in on Thursday, and early Thursday at that, to have some cushion in case the fickle end of March weather came into play. It turned out to be a good decision since there was bad weather predicted for the next day. WDC may not have been affected, but it was nice to be at the meet site and not have to worry about it.
Roger dropped me off at the airport at 5:15 AM, and though the flight was late leaving DC, it was on time at the other end, landing at 8:30 AM. I picked up my car. Love seeing my name in lights.
I am so used to driving the minivan, that riding low in a strange place is stressful, so I decided to travel first class by getting a bigger car.
The vehicle had a backup camera with the image in the rearview mirror. This took me a while to get used to since it is in a different place then my van, but I really like it. I also like the feature where it beeps when you get too close to something backing up. Tested that out right away.
First stop was the Cincinnati Zoo. Since solo driving in new places is always an adventure for me, getting to the zoo was no different. I drove around and around, at times in some crunchy neighborhoods, before I finally saw the parking lot entrance. The sign pointing into the lot was only viewable from one direction. I finally saw it, did my tenth or so U-turn, and I was there. Whew!
With temps in the 30s, and a Thursday morning at the end of March, I didn't figure that the zoo was going to be too crowded. And it wasn't...perfect!
Checked out the map to make sure I knew where I was starting from and then set off.
It wasn't too long before some school groups caught up with me. I was watching the peacock at the time and was afraid that they would scare it away.
Well, I shouldn't have been concerned, because this is what happens when the peacock's feathers are ruffled. So, cool!
I took a picture of the tigers.
I then I had my picture taken with the tigers.
Twin cheetahs posing.
Black bear and some school girls.
Polar bear doing laps.
Recycled art in the Go Green exhibit.
Three girls twirling. This group was notable because they were carrying worksheets that they had to complete. They also seemed to be having fun.
And, the massive crowds on my way out of the park.
And, so you have it, my epic tale of nothingness.
2 PM
O Training 55:43 [2] *** 2.75 mi (20:16 / mi) +77m 18:38 / mi
shoes: Pink!! Ice Bugs
After the zoo, I headed to the grocery store and started picking up items for the Saturday night dinner I was having in the cabin. After a little shopping, I headed into Oxford to pick up a practice map. Maps were available at the copy shop where they were printed,
On the way to Oxford, a warning went off that I needed air in one of my tires. So, I drove around looking for free air, and finally found a place in town. A local police officer was filling up his tires, so he did mine as well. I didn't even have to get my hands dirty. This little service really tickled me.
Then I headed over to the practice area. I got there after another little driving adventure involving a closed road and a detour, but it was just a minor inconvenience.
After taking the day off yesterday, I was looking forward to stretching my legs in the terrain.
Map with tracks of the practice area.
Headed across the street from the parking and into the woods.
Note the rule "Do not disturb plants or animals." I didn't, but something else must have...
Enjoyed my tour around the controls. The weather was perfect and the woods had some lovely areas. It was also clear that the Pig was not going to as muddy and slippery as some other years. Yeah!
After the model, I drove to Hueston Woods and checked. There is a big lodge, but I had booked a cabin. Three nights for the price of two. It was a great choice. Right in the park but also close to Oxford for the event the next day. The only down tick I had was no free internet, and then when I wanted to actually pay to use the internet, I wasn't able to get connected.
On the way to Oxford, a warning went off that I needed air in one of my tires. So, I drove around looking for free air, and finally found a place in town. A local police officer was filling up his tires, so he did mine as well. I didn't even have to get my hands dirty. This little service really tickled me.
Then I headed over to the practice area. I got there after another little driving adventure involving a closed road and a detour, but it was just a minor inconvenience.
After taking the day off yesterday, I was looking forward to stretching my legs in the terrain.
Map with tracks of the practice area.
Headed across the street from the parking and into the woods.
Note the rule "Do not disturb plants or animals." I didn't, but something else must have...
Enjoyed my tour around the controls. The weather was perfect and the woods had some lovely areas. It was also clear that the Pig was not going to as muddy and slippery as some other years. Yeah!
After the model, I drove to Hueston Woods and checked. There is a big lodge, but I had booked a cabin. Three nights for the price of two. It was a great choice. Right in the park but also close to Oxford for the event the next day. The only down tick I had was no free internet, and then when I wanted to actually pay to use the internet, I wasn't able to get connected.