I got my butt out and ran a bunch last week! Well, I say a bunch but really only 2 times, but hey I ran 2 days in a row and set some person records. I have not been fit to run since I was a sophomore, maybe a junior in high school- so we are looking at 6 years ago. I love running with Maggie because she is in awesome shape and she pushes me to want to chase her. Sometimes I have to give up and walk for a spell, but the fact that she is still running makes me angry and so I continue to crawl along after her. The first day we ran at my house, which has a TON of terrain!- and I started out by running the first stretch and going even further than I've ever gone when running from here. Then I took a quick, aprx. 1/4 mile walk break, and turned around to run all the way back to my driveway without stopping. I had yelled ahead to Maggie that I was going to start walking at the last bridge, then I got there and still felt good so I just kept on running! Almost 2 whole miles of running total, and the last 11 minutes I ran non-stop.
We then got our butts out of bed early the next morning and I went to run with her at the golf course where she lives. They have more hills than I do, but not as steep, so it was a good change. I made myself even more proud by coming out and running almost a mile and a half to begin with without stopping! I then walked a bit while Maggie ran, and then I got angry and ran down a big hill and around a big turn. We had another walk break and then I ran about a half mile to finish up the morning and we enjoyed the long 1 1/2 mile walk back to her house. But almost 5 miles total and I didn't want to die! I am slowly making progress- and that is what matters!
As far as my riding goes- things have been swell. I had a good flat lesson last week and then I spent part of Thursday and Friday helping to set up for the combined test this weekend. I entered Goose in the Preliminary division in preparation for River Glen in a couple of weeks. To say I was nervous to compete in front of the home crowd is an understatement. I almost slept through my alarm because of work the night before, left the shirt I wanted to show in hanging on the door, but we made it with all of our tack and my horse in the trailer. Goose was a star- I cannot say how proud I am of this horse and what he is turning into. He has given me several firsts, and this weekend he did not disappoint- by scoring my first ever score in the 20's! Yes, I know it was a generous score, and I am not headed to the event next weekend thinking it will happen again. But I am riding my high for right now, and probably framing the test! Not only was it in the 20's but it was a stinking 23!!! Whoop whoop- my little does-not-trot-well OTTB turned into a DQ for the day! He then came out and jumped a great clear round for me- securing the blue ribbon and tons of treats for himself. If I can take deep breaths and keep my leg on, I feel good about the show jumping at River Glen!
Deb also had a rocking weekend in her return to the Preliminary level, scoring a 27.7 on the flat and having a very controlled and poised show jumping round. I love that she came out and kicked her demons in the ass and that things are on the right track for her. As you can see Goose and Jester are best friends, and I am hoping for some 1-2 finishes from these two kids over the next couple of months!
I then finally had a day off yesterday, which resulted in lounging around for awhile before a fitness day on my horse and some cleaning up in the barn. Maggie and I went down and met my mom and some friends for a late lunch and hung out on the patio for a few hours, which was a nice change for me. I almost never get days off on the weekend when others can do stuff, so it was a good time. I got to hang out with some old friends I haven't seen in awhile, and when we grabbed dinner I had to snap a picture of the menu that I cannot get to load :-( But for the chicken section the header is "Bird" is the Word. I am thinking it is fate that I could end up working a couple of days a week at this restaurant! Haha
Until next time- hopefully sooner than later!
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