LSR - Run Dedicated to my Parents

This morning Adrienne came down to run with me on the bike path. We ran the first five miles together, and then she turned around and I went another mile with Sam before turning back. I didn't have my Garmin watch this morning, so I really ran based on how I felt. It was nice, but I prefer to have my watch on my long runs to ensure I don't go out too fast. Sam ran the entire way - 12 miles - and had no problem. Adrienne came back on her bike to bring us water with about a mile and a half left. I started feeling the run around mile ten, and that makes me feel good. Adrienne really picked up her pace on the way back, so I would like to run the entire way with her to see if I can stay with her. Total distance:  12.2. Total time:  1:53. Average pace:  9:14. I'm estimating on the distance because I didn't have my watch. After mile five, I ran for ten minutes before turning around.

Here are the races on my schedule for this fall:
1. OUCH half marathon
2. Run with Carl
3. Quad Cities half marathon
4. Rails to Trails marathon


So, today's run is dedicated to my parents - Tuesday is their 30th wedding anniversary. Thirty years is a long time! My family met at Thunder Bay Grille for brunch and then most of us went to The Dark Night Rises. Brunch was pretty good, but the movie was awesome! It's something I can't wait to watch on our new television that David conveniently bought while I was on my trip. :)

My dad is a principal and is probably the most hard-working person I know. I remember he got us into running, but he was so surprised to hear that I was going out for cross-country in high school after Erin graduated. My dad is now on a weekend training schedule, and he has been for probably the past five years or so. He tends to get long runs in just to be ready in case someone wants to run a race. It's funny because his three oldest children have followed him into the education field and he wants us to succeed. He started his career as an industrial technology teacher, and whatever "off" time he has is spent working on someone's house.

My mom works at the Camanche Post Office. She stayed home with us and worked at a preschool while we were growing up. I remember her putting on our Christmas shows and making our dresses. For my mom's 50th birthday, my immediate family ran the Des Moines Marathon, and my mom and I ran together. Growing up, my sisters and I loved wearing her old running tank tops, and I still have one - a blue Quad Cities Angels tank.

Today at brunch, we talked about when my parents got engaged and married, and what our early vacations were like. They did not have any money, but they still made sure we went on vacation every summer. It's fun discussing our family vacations because it seems like each one has its own stories - my dad almost losing our camper off of a drop-off after driving over a bridge held up by crushed cars, my dad almost taking off the top of the camper at the Denver airport, eating cold-cut sandwiches and drinking Schweppe's Ginger Ale in the parking lot at Disney World, swimming at the Y with the rope swing in Colorado... My parents would do anything for family, and they want to be a part of our successes.

Happy 30th anniversary! Here's to thirty more years...

Mom and Dad at Jessica and Kyle's wedding rehearsal - 2011

At Jessica and Kyle's wedding reception - happy parents!

The parents with David at districts - 2011

Grandma Simkins, Mom and Dad, and Grandma and Grandpa Zimmer -  anniversary brunch August 2012

Our ridiculous family

Run Dedicated to my Brother David

I stayed in bed this morning contemplating whether I wanted to get out and run or take the day off. I opted to run, more for Sam's benefit than my own. I think she loves having me home so that she can get out of the house and get some exercise, and it seems like we are getting back into shape together. (Right now she is asleep on the couch.)

My plan was to run 4 miles this morning, but I cut it short because I pulled my right hamstring. Actually, I'm pretty sure I pulled it Tuesday, ran on it yesterday, and then really felt it today. Total distance - 3.2 miles. Time - 27:54. Average pace - 8:49. Not bad, considering I felt like I was going much slower. I think I will hit up the bike tomorrow and begin working more bike workouts into my exercise routine.

Looking at the race calendar for the next few months, my plans have changed.

1. I thought about doing the DeWitt Triathlon but have decided against it. I'm sure I could do it, but it would be painful and I would hate my life. I'll get back to it next year.
2. Ouch Half Marathon - I'm playing this by ear. I'm registered for the half, but I am considering dropping down to the 5k. It really depends on my long runs the next few weeks.
3. Quad City Marathon - Instead of running the marathon, I am running the half. There was no way I could have gotten in my long runs overseas, and I am starting from scratch as it is. I am actually a little relieved that I'm going to be running the half because I feel much more comfortable at that distance.
4. Rails to Trails Marathon - November 4th. Erin said she is running this marathon, so I have opted to make this my marathon for this year. The date will give me more time to train, and it will be cooler, which always plays to my favor.

So there you have it. I am a little frustrated because I left on my trip in pretty good shape and I returned feeling like I lost everything. I know I can get back to where I was, but it takes so much work and pain to get there.

Today's run is dedicated to my actual brother David. (As opposed to Brother Dave. David is a common name in my family.) David will be a sophomore in high school and just turned sixteen. I was ten when he was born, and I remember being so excited to have a brother; I even made a scrapbook of his first year for the county fair. Our relationship is different than the ones with my sisters because we really didn't grow up in the same house; I went to college when he was eight years old. That being said, we get along well and I am so glad he is a part of our family. He gets along really well with my husband, and they like to play video games, watch action movies, and eat wings and pizza.

Not having any kids of my own yet, I have made it a priority to attend as many of his cross-country meets, track meets, and marching band shows as possible. He's also in concert band, and maybe I should make more of an effort to attend those concerts in order for him to see that sports aren't everything in life. But then, I'll leave that to his parents :). David has become a hard worker when it comes to running. He sets goals and works to achieve them. He was the only freshman at his districts to qualify in the top ten for state cross-country and he helped qualify the 4x800 team for state track. He has matured quite a bit, even since eighth grade. He is better able to take things in stride and consider the effect something might have - or won't have - in the long run. He also got his first job this summer working at Mycogen. He is growing up so quickly, and I truly think he is a great kid.

At Jessica and Kyle's wedding - he is now officially taller than me

RAGBRAI 2011 - Stopping for some breakfast burritos!

State Cross-Country 2011

David finishing the Quad City Triathlon 2011

Home Sweet Home

Well, I am writing this while sitting on Jessica's couch watching HGTV. Yesterday was long! By the time I got home, I had been up for twenty-four hours. I stepped out of the airport and was immediately hit with heat and humidity. No more fifty-degree weather for me.

Getting home is bittersweet. I am so happy to be here; I missed my family and my routine. That being said, I was very comfortable with the people on my trip and made quite a few friends. I was surrounded by educators who wanted to learn and wanted to be there. Now I have the task of putting everything I have learned together. Only two more weeks and I'm getting back into the swing of school.

My running has suffered because of my trip, but I am not upset at all; instead, I have altered my goals. I am moving my marathon to November and will run the Quad City half marathon. My training will pick up again tomorrow.

Here are some things I have learned while traveling:

1. I-pad over laptop - I chose to take my laptop because I wanted to be able to upload pictures. It turns out, most of our hotels did not have free wi-fi, so uploading pictures wasn't really a priority. Also, there is a cord I could have bought that would allow me to connect my camera to my I-pad.

2. Bring limited cash - Exchanges/kantors charge commission, so ATM's are the way to go.

3. Bring travel-sized items - Really. I chose to bring regular-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash because I thought three weeks was quite a long time. It turns out our hotels were nice enough to have pretty good items in the bathrooms. My toiletries contributed greatly to my luggage weight.

4. Really, bring only what I use at home - I brought lotion, but I don't even use lotion at home. I thought, Well, you never know... Actually, I do know. I also brought all of my make-up, even though I don't wear make-up at home. I used it once. I brought wedges that I wore only once, and sandals that I didn't wear at all. Consolidation is key.

5. Bring less clothes-wash more often - Tank tops aren't necessary. T-shirts will suffice. Dresses are nice, but they don't allow one to mix and match.

6. The smaller the luggage the better - I had to schlep everything around.

7. Bring a watch and sunglasses

8. Always bring feminine products. You never know when someone might need them.

9. Really, try not to worry about money, but think twice about purchases.

10. Drink plenty of water.

11. If taking a journal, make sure it is spiraled and can be folded back. It should be small enough to fit in a purse/bag.

12. Bring rain gear! And make sure the rain coat has pockets.

13. Bring nail clippers and tweezers.

14. Always keep food with you. And don't feel bad about taking food from breakfast at the hotel.

I'm sure there's more, but that's what I have right now. Below are a few pictures from the last part of my trip.

My hotel room at the Bristol Hotel in Warsaw. It was divine. 

The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Memorial.

The night we went to a Chopin concert in a palace. I loved getting dressed up.

The Bristol Hotel was right next to the Presidential Palace. It was like staying right next to the White House.

My Last Day in Poland

It's hard to believe tomorrow morning at this time I will be on a plane with a destination of Newark, New Jersey. While I have had an amazing experience, I am ready to be back in Iowa.

Yesterday was amazing. I don't mean I had a pretty good time. I mean, I had experiences that I don't think I will ever have again. Monnie and I got up early, swam for half an hour, and then sat in the sauna. What a relaxing way to begin the day. We then got on the bus and went to a teachers' institute here in Warsaw. I was able to get an idea of how the Holocaust is taught to students in Poland. We then visited the last remaining part of the Warsaw Ghetto wall, the memorial at Mila 18, and the Umschlagplatz (the station where people were deported from Warsaw).

We were then given the afternoon off, so I went with a group to get something for lunch (again, I had chicken noodle soup). I walked around for a bit, saw some sites, and then went back to the hotel to get ready.

Okay, here is the experience:  We were taken to a replica of an old palace where we were treated to a private, exclusive Chopin recital performed by Maciej Poliszewski. He studied at Julliard and at the Music Academy in Moscow. It was amazing. We were in a small room that reminded me of Pemberley. The pianists face displayed all of the emotion of the music.

After dinner, we ate at Belvedere. Again, fantastic. We were treated to a three course meal consisting of salmon, duck, pears, and white chocolate mousse.

When we got back to the hotel, a few of us found a black and white movie playing outside of a cafe. Although it was in Polish, we grabbed some hot chocolates and enjoyed the end of the film.

This was the perfect day. Today we are off to Treblinka, and then tomorrow, we leave. I feel like I have been gone for ages, and yet I feel like there is so much more I need to experience. I will post pictures later as the wireless connection here is terrible.

Running Overseas

So far, I have run in three countries. I must say, I am rather proud of myself for getting up and getting at it so often. I figured I would be the only one exercising, so I looked at the workout rooms ahead of time, believing I would be on the treadmill for three weeks. Boy was I wrong. I have yet to work out in a gym; rather, I have found people who love running as much as I do.

As much as I liked running in Israel, it was hot and hilly. Germany was nice, but I have truly enjoyed running in Poland. The morning weather has been around 50 degrees and the streets seem to go on forever. I am appreciating my Garmin more and more. It is so nice to know the distance and pace of each run, especially when running in totally random places.

While I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring in the wee-hours of the morning while most people are sleeping, I am ready to be home. There is something to be said about knowing where I am going, approximately how far the distance is, and that I am safe (I will not run by myself). Literally, I have been running on 5-6 hours of sleep each night, which is far less than I need to function at home.

My reasons for running have been reaffirmed during my trip. There were a few days of traveling that I did not get up and run, and I was jittery, antsy, and just annoyed more easily. Running has helped me relax (maybe a little too much. I find my eyes drooping in the early afternoon). I have also come to view exercise in general as vital to a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. I consider myself in pretty good shape, and so I move around quite easily. Stairs do not pose a problem, and I can walk for extended periods of time. That is required for a trip like this, but there are a number of people on this trip who struggle by the end of the day. I am grateful that running is enjoyable.

There is a woman on this trip who used to do gymnastics and run, even setting a state record in high school in the 1500 meter run. She is now severely overweight, and she said that she had accomplished what she wanted in high school, moved on, and has not exercised since. Her experience made me think about all of those athletes in high school who put their whole selves into a sport and then get burnt out, only to become sedentary later in life. While I was by no means fast in high school, I went out for cross-country in track because I enjoyed it (for the most part). Somehow, that has stuck with me, and I believe that's what we need to get across to people. I am not running to set any records or even compete against other people. I run because it keeps me healthy, and if I get a PR, great. I guess I want to encourage people more to just get out there an do something.

Side note:  I truly thought I would lose weight on this trip because I didn't think I would enjoy any of the food. Wrong! There has been bread galore, and I have taken to making a few cheese sandwiches and sneaking them out of the breakfast area for late-afternoon snacks. Fish has been served a few times for dinner. In Israel we primarily had buffet style meals, but in Germany and Poland, most dinners are three-course meals. A few nights ago I had some delectable split-pea soup followed by chicken and mashed potatoes, and then a brownie. Last night we went to a local restaurant and had a grilled chicken salad, salmon, and then chocolate mousse. Tonight was mushroom-potato soup, turkey with cheese dumplings and cranberries, and then ice cream topped with pears and chocolate syrup. Like I said, I have not gone hungry. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised if I gained weight!

Yesterday was the day when everything caught up to me. My body was exhausted and I just really wanted to go home. I'm a little better today (my friend Monnie and I went for a swim this afternoon followed by some time in the sauna), but I really am ready to be home. I am now counting the days and checking my flights home.

Sorry I don't have pictures. The internet at the hotel is uber-slow...

Lublin - Poland

Today was spent on the bus. We left Krakow at 7:30 a.m. and I was able to get a short run in beforehand. I ran 2.5 miles with Toshimi, and we were able to make it to the river, which was located close to our hotel.

Our stop for the day was at Belzec, one of the killing centers that was part of Operation Reinhard. Operation Reinhard was not devised by Reinhard Heydrich, but it was eventually named in "honor" of him after he died (by wounds suffered after an assassination attempt). Over 400,000 Jews were killed at Belzec in a span of only six months. Operation Reinhard camps were established for one purpose - to destroy Polish Jews. The "buildings" that were constructed at this camp were made out of tin, making it obvious that this was not meant to be a permanent camp (unlike a camp like Auschwitz, which had many brick and mortar buildings).

Elaine, the program director, shared a little of her father's story. He is a survivor of Mauthasen, but his family was killed at Belzec. His mother was pregnant and, after delivering her baby in a hospital, was taken to Belzec. Along with her went Elaine's father's two younger siblings and the new baby. Not knowing her name, Elaine's father and his brother eventually named her Sarah (after the war). What is devastating is that people who came to this camp never even had a chance. They got off the train right in front of the camp, dropped their belongings, and were sent to the gas chambers. The only people who were kept alive were those replacing other slave laborers.

Again, I thought about those who never even had a chance; those men, women, and children whose lives were taken from them. One thing that has been stressed on this trip is focusing on remembering the lives lost. People who were murdered had traditions, families, and lives that were destroyed. One woman at Auschwitz found a muddy puddle and washed her face with the water because that is what humans do - they keep clean. Another woman in a ghetto paid a rabbi with food she was supposed to be eating so that her son could have a bar mitzvah. Chess sets have been found during excavations of camps. People wanted to hold on to their humanity.

Tomorrow will bring a short tour of Lublin and then we are visiting Majdanek. It is hard to believe that I am here for only four more days.

Wall of names of those who were killed at Belzec.

Lublin. Unfortunately, we are only here for one night.

Poland - Krakow

I needed today. Yesterday was emotionally draining, and we really have not had a break during this trip; there has always been something planned. This morning we went to a synagogue, the Galacia Museum, the Schindler Museum, and the Krakow Ghetto Memorial. It was a pretty full morning. I was able to sleep in until seven o'clock, but that almost made me more tired!

Lunch was had at a restaurant in the town square, and then we were able to do some shopping. It was great to just walk around and enjoy being in the city. I went with a group to E. Wedel, which has great chocolate. The hot chocolate was divine, and I ended up purchasing more chocolate than I probably need.

This is a short post, which is fine with me. Tomorrow we leave early in the morning for Belzec. I have five more days in Poland until I leave to come home. Last night at our after-dinner meeting, I experienced a situation that made me long for home. Today provided the rejuvenation I need to make it through the rest of the week. The people here are great, and the nice thing is that I can spend time with different people and get to know all of them.

p.s. I won't get into it now, but I have truly learned to appreciate PV more than I did before. I've had conversations with teachers about their districts, schools, administrators, and curricula, and I have come to the conclusion that I have a pretty solid position.

Yesterday my post was not uplifting in the least, so I will leave you with some more positive pictures from today.

The gate to Schindler's Factory. These are not originals; rather, they are designed this way because that's how they are in the movie.

Enjoying THE BEST cup of hot chocolate in the world at E. Wedel. It is like a melted chocolate bar in a cup. 

Today's lunch group. We walked, talked, ate, and shopped. It was a refreshing afternoon (and it didn't rain!).