FL recap (photo intensive!)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Here's a view from the "key" (island) -- well, very small key -- where I ran a couple of times in the rain. The second time in a pretty good thunderstorm.



There were sculptures scattered throughout. Miami seems to be big on outdoor sculpture. Why not?



A little shrine. You might be able to see that it's wet since it had already started to rain that day.



Last Miami run through a local park. Sunny, finally!



Fountain in the park.



Besides run, ST, yoga, & shop, I didn't do a lot in Miami. I needed to relax! And there was one swim the last day -- soooo cold when I got out of the pool! It was only about mid 70s & all the people NOT swimming had grabbed the few sunny spots. Grrrr. Still felt good.

Our first sunset in Key West, the day we got in. We had great weather there -- narrowly missing Tropical Storm Rianna. We'd dropped the car off at the airport (about 1 mile from the hotel), and then took a walk after dinner.



View on my running route in Key West. There aren't many beaches there, unfortunately!



I was astounded this photo came out as good as it did considering it was really breezy & taken with my cell phone.



Southernmost everything -- it's the southernmost point in the US. This was the southernmost hotel, I believe. Naked guy on the beach not far from here (sorry, no photo, actually naked guy with a decent bod tho).



Key West reminds me of New Orleans & Austin. Halloween is a big deal in Austin, too, and there's the whole Keep Austin Weird vibe. We sat here a couple of times before we noticed the pencil . . . never did get a photo of the Santa on the motorcycle or the guy on the bike with all the lights . . .



Stumbled across these parrots in a small square off Duval street. Also saw a buy riding down Duval with a parrot on his shoulder at one point . . .



Really wished we'd walked along the ocean again when I saw this sunset from our hotel room our last night. But DH's foot was bothering him.



DH & I in front of the dolphin sculpture at the front of our hotel after breakfast on our last day. My hair was so wild because of the 4 mile run right before. Then again, due to the humidity, my hair was always pretty wild this trip.



My Key West mug & ring.



Can't you just see Lola thinking snow? seriously? It's October!



And the view this morning . . . that's Lola again in the far left . . . MORE snow predicted for tomorrow. Ok, get it out of your system now & give us a mild winter next year!



Key West also reminds me a bit of Hawaii. The year-round moderate temps, the chickens (not nearly as many as HI), the palm trees & of course it's an island. But not nearly as beautiful as HI. But a heck of a lot closer!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KANSASROSE67 10/31/2011 1:07PM

Gotta love the contrast! I've never been to Florida...thanks for the blog tour. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 10/31/2011 9:56AM

Thanks for sharing pics of your trip, looks like some great scenery and nice that you shared your running route pics too, feel like I was there with ya. Nice Ring, a girl can never have too many amethysts, right? Nice pic of you and the DH. Glad you had a fun trip, sorry you had to return to the dirty "S" word.... snow. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 10/29/2011 5:00PM

Your Morning view would have me packing to go back to Florida. Loved seeing the photos. Looks like you had a great time. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

DDHEART 10/29/2011 10:16AM

Great photos and love that you got out to run....good girl! I'm back from my last work trip and seriously in need of a run or twenty! Glad to be back and soooooo glad to catch up on you and your latest exploits! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWNAC304 10/28/2011 2:40PM

Thanks for sharing, these pictures are beautiful! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/28/2011 9:53AM

Beautiful photos! Ring looks great- amethyst w/peridot and blue topaz? HSN has some good deals on real gemstones and I recently got a few bangle bracelets to match rings that were a steal. Seems too early for snow? Have a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 10/28/2011 9:21AM

Looks like a great trip!!! Look at those collar bones ;-) Beautiful ring!!! Lola, does look a little pissed. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 10/28/2011 9:02AM

Terrific pics! Thx for sharing! I have lots of friends and family in FL, yet haven't set foot in the state since my parents brought me down to visit an aunt / uncle when I was 3 or 4...! MUST get there sometime! I'd love to get around and check things out...except for Disney...spare me the Disney...lol! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

BRRRRR. Seriously?

Thursday, October 27, 2011

It is snowing. I kid you not. 80s yesterday; 30s today. But that happened occasionally in TX & it's not supposed to stay this cold. It's actually coming down pretty good, altho hubby said he couldn't see it at work.

We met up for lunch today, be ause I had to stop at the grocery store & he wanted me to give my opinion on a suit he'd ordered. And I had to pick up the dogs.

We had pho, which is Vietnamese chicken noodle soup, only I ordered a veggie version. Really hit the spot, as did my oatmeal this morning & no doubt my veggie chili will this evening.

Yesterday I had one goodbye run before we left. Not as many critters at first. Rain was forecast, but it stayed dry. I decided to walk one song & run one song - pushing myself harder when I ran. I was really breathing heavy during the run intervals!

The sun tried to peek out, bu it remained overcast. Eventually I did see 4 pelicans gliding over the water - I didn't know they flew together like that.

The weather in key west pretty much stays in the 70s-80s year round. Now that we know we can fly down there with only one plane change . . . if we ever get a longing for warmth during the winter that might just be the ticket.

I probably would've done more, like a walking tour or a boat ride, but since DH had been working I decided to let him decide. Our last day we just hung out at the hotel. Breakfast & lunch outside, hung out by the pool & I swam, & did ST in the afternoon. Then walked to the Italian restaurant we'd had dinner at the first night. Not too many restaurants within walking distance, but there was an hourly shuttle into town, too.

So for now I sit sipping my apple cider tea, watching the snow fall with a doggie lap warmer, while yesterday's warm, brilliant sunset fades into memory.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

*ERICA* 10/28/2011 9:14AM

We are suppose to get 4-6 inches on Saturday in PA...i'm not ready for the snow!!! this is just crazy!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 10/28/2011 8:17AM

28 here this morning...and I am just shivering! Not at ALL ready for winter...ugh! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

SLS-NY2IN 10/27/2011 10:21PM

Guess Mother Nature gave you instant air-conditioning -Via snowfall. Hope it quickly warms back up for you. Snow today and gone tomorrow is the best way to enjoy snowy day!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 10/27/2011 3:21PM

You were in FL, and now in TX? I've thought of relocating to TX, and have done a lot of research. Snow???? Wow! I always admire your willingness to run in unfamiliar places where the safety factor is unknown. I remember saying that when you were walking around the Czech Republic. (smiling) Have fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 10/27/2011 3:07PM

It's kind of chilly here, too....not in the 30's though. Pho....yum!!!! It sounds like you had a nice trip. Yay for a goodbye run :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

Mission accomplished

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Had a nice run along the water yesterday. I haven't been tracking mileage or pace, but I guestimated 4 miles & it looks like I was right (DH checked it out on google maps later while he was trying to figure out how far we'd walked).

There were different critters to watch. I watched the pelican glide effortlessly over the water & wished running was as effortless for me. Actually, if I run slow & take walking breaks, it sort of is. I want running *faster* to be effortless. But I suppose it's not meant to be, is it?

I saw whole schools of itty bitty fish jumping out of the water, followed by larger fish.

And I saw the fighter planes zooming around the sky.

We went to breakfast after my run & it was perfect: chocolate chip pancakes! I often have pancakes on my run days, altho usually I save them for long runs. They have the same stuff every day, but rotate one special dish each day also. My money's on French toast today. Which I think I'll skip. Tomorrow I run & maybe I'll make myself a waffle & top it with PB2 (which is what I did with the pancakes).

We walked around by the marina yesterday & lunch was a salad with pineapple, mandarin oranges, avocado, artichokes & macadamia crusted mahi mahi. It sounded delicious but was just ok.

Then we walked Duval st, the main drag, from the Atlantic to the gulf of mexico - which is only about 1 1/2 miles but felt longer as I was going in & out of shops & back & forth across the street.

I was on a mission to buy a mug. I began collecting mugs from places we go to about 10 yrs ago. But I have to really like the mug & preferably it's made locally, so not just any mug will do. I did finally find one at the shop I also ended up buying an amethyst ring from. You can never have too many amethysts when it's your birthstone, I say.

And finally we bought some chocolates to bring back for the pet sitters. And I bought myself a dark chocolate coated pretzel rod. Which I'd like to save for this weekend's long run but I'm a bit worried about it surviving the trip home.

Mission accomplished.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGBYFAITH2 10/25/2011 9:44PM

You are making me dream of wonderful vacations to warm destinations! How wonderful that you are appreciating the beauty of it all. Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 10/25/2011 2:15PM

I've been AWOL: where are you? Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 10/25/2011 1:51PM

Sounds like a lovely view on your run. What did you think of those crazy roosters roaming around in the shops down there? We had one follow us, scared my daughter to death, lol. enjoy the rest of your trip and lovely weather, gonna be a cold weekend coming up, ugghhh. Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 10/25/2011 12:20PM

My birthstone is an amethyst too...and I'm glad, because I LOVE them. Sounds like you're having lots of fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 10/25/2011 10:21AM

The view on the run sounds so great. I love watching the animals on the water. Sounds like you guys are having a really great time. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 10/25/2011 9:59AM

It's so great to break out of the same old, same old and savor some new sights! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 10/25/2011 9:14AM

What a great run. Yummm....chocolate chip pancakes. I haven't had those in ages. No, you can never have too many amethysts ;-) My engagement ring is amethyst. Dark chocolate covered pretzel rod....oooooh...you're making me hungry. Report Inappropriate Comment

MYINNERSTRENGTH 10/25/2011 8:48AM

Your run sounds like it was a beautiful one with all that you experienced and saw......that's great! If you would not have went out, look at what you would have missed! Have a great time on the rest of your trip!!! Kammy Report Inappropriate Comment

Were you tired during the change?

Monday, October 24, 2011

I'm guessing that's what's going on . . . TOM was 2 weeks late this month & that has never happened before, altho it's been unpredictable for a while now.

For months I've been tired. Not overwhelmingly tired & since there's no other symptoms, I don't think it's related to my thyroid. Just wondering if others felt that way while "transitioning".

On & off I suffer from terminal insomnia, where I fall asleep no problem but wake up very early & can't get back to sleep. But even when I sleep just fine, I just always wake up tired. It may also explain why I've stayed at a higher weight & that is totally pissing me off.

Anyway, yesterday turned out to be gorgeous. Went to read by the pool in the morning, did some ST with a short HIT cardio after. Ate lunch - a yummy veggie hummus wrap - outside. Then swam & relaxed by the pool for a while.

Took the shuttle downtown & did a lot of window shopping but no purchases yet. We weren't very hungry, but eventually had the most amazing raw tuna/crab (cooked) avocado salad for dinner.

What we didn't realize is they have this sort of pre-Halloween festival here this week . . . lots of costumes, some clothing-optional. Interesting, to say the least!

Hubby is still snoozing so I think I'll have a snack & go out for a run (which will wake him since I didn't get my stuff ready last night).

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SLENDER_Z 10/27/2011 11:41PM

I don't remember feeling tired during the transition, though definitely after it was over and I was in full-blown menopause. Every woman is different, though, so that could be the cause. But your sleep troubles sound like a more likely culprit. I have had that same kind of insomnia -- it's pretty common in women "of a certain age." See your doctor to make sure it's not sleep apnea or something else serious that's making you so tired. There is a pill that they make especially for that kind of insomnia -- it's called Silenor and it helps you get a full night's sleep, and they claim it's completely non-addictive. :D But if your doc wants to give you a scrip for that, be sure to get some free samples first & see how it works for you. The stuff is crazy expensive, like 200 bucks a month. But it's great to be able to fall back to sleep like a normal person! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 10/24/2011 10:55AM

Hmmm...I've been tired lately, too. So maybe. Sounds like a great day....any day with hummus and veggies is a good one. Have a great run :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

WALIDGAZALA 10/24/2011 7:32AM

Interesting Report Inappropriate Comment

Some marathon tales

Sunday, October 23, 2011

We've made our way down to the southernmost tip of the US (that's Key West) & I'm actually blogging poolside. Looks like it will be a much nicer day than initially forecast - much appreciated since most of the weather in miami really sucked.

I did get in one sunny run & ran over one of the bridges connecting Miami to Miami beach - but not actually to the beach. Pretty good workout, to, as the bridge has a pretty good slope so it's uphill both ways . . . sort of.

DH joked that we should've stopped on marathon key so I could say I ran on marathon . . . speaking of marathons, one of the people we talked to ran a marathon before getting on a plane to come to the conference. Literally.

He ran a marathon starting at about 9:30 am them boarded a plane at about 1:30! Now THAT'S a fit person. First off, it'll take me almost as long to run my HM, secondly don't think I'd be going anywhere so quickly afterwards!

Altho I'm sure I'll gain weight as usual, I'm counting as major NSVs to mostly watch my portion sizes. Altho today's breakfast got away from me a bit.

During the conference we had a lot of buffets. I'd fill half my plate with salad/veggies, take only about a tablespoon of really rich stuff, & ate lots of fish. Never went back for seconds & only had dessert (at lunch) once.

An even bigger NSV: having only 3 bites of the 2 rich desserts we've had so far. One was a flourless chocolate espresso cake - heavy on the espresso, luckily for me since I don't lime coffee. The other was the key lime pie last night. Really, in my mind dessert always involves chocolate, so it was easy to stop after 3 bites. I did eat the whole warm chocolate chip cookie when we checked in; I'm no perfectionist!

I still feel I'm making strides in the whole portion control dept, tho.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IFDEEVARUNS2 10/25/2011 2:17PM

Finished my marathon at 1:30 but didn't get on the plane until 6 pm. It was OK, no problems with the legs. Usually when I fly after a dance weekend, my feet and legs swell up on the flight home. I'm not sure what the difference is; maybe I was just lucky. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 10/24/2011 5:34PM

I would have picked the cookie too! Sounds like you are doing really well. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 10/24/2011 8:51AM

Judy, sitting pool side sounds wonderful right now! Enjoy your trip and keep up the NSVs! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 10/24/2011 8:44AM

Wow! What SUPER control you're maintaining during your travels! Kudos to YOU! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

DISPATCHER04 10/23/2011 5:12PM

Love reading about your travels! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 10/23/2011 2:52PM

Poolside? I'm green. Or maybe blue... since I'm here on the porch typing with 2 layers and a coat on & thinking about putting on some fingerless gloves. Brrrr. You are soooo lucky. Laughed at marathon keys. You should have stopped! Great job keeping things in moderation at the buffet table. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 10/23/2011 1:48PM

It sounds like you are doing great. Vacation should be a little more relaxed. Buffets are definitely difficult. You totally have to have key lime pie in Key West. Warm chocolate chip cookie = no brainier...must be eaten. Report Inappropriate Comment

IMSMILEY88 10/23/2011 10:40AM

Sounds like you are doing terrific! And, can't imagine hopping on an airplane like your fellow traveler. Wow! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 10/23/2011 10:09AM

LOL! I was wondering how I missed you were doing a marathon! Sounds like you're doing a GREAT job with portion control! All of that temptation, and you made great choices! Keep it up!! Report Inappropriate Comment