Sunday, August 6, 2017

Runners Just Wanna Have Fun

Am I right?

After last week's RA flare, I was slapped into reality. Laying on the couch last Monday, struggling to move without pain, all I could think was "this is really happening!" followed by "this is NOT really happening!" I was mad and sad all over again. I'm sorry to put it out there, but guys, this is so not fair. I've got things to do and places to be, and spending my days on the couch is not on the plan. Fortunately, the steroids that my rheumatologist prescribed kicked in fairly quickly and I was back on road and the water sooner than I expected. This summer has been filled with water sports and this past weekend was no exception!




Tuesday morning, I woke up feeling sluggish but better. I decided to skip my planned run but went to CrossFit. I figured that I could hold back on the intervals if I needed to. Mentally, I needed this workout. Steph gave me the push I needed but I did feel a little woozy when we were done. Still, my heart was happy when I drove home to get ready for work. Someone at work asked me if going to CrossFit was the smartest thing I could have done and I replied that I thought it was. I figured that my body would tell me otherwise.


Wednesday, I decided to test out the knees on an easy 4 around my neighborhood. Those run walk intervals were once again a run saver. While my knees were still a little achy, they didn't seem to be bothered by the run and I knew that I would be able to take my trip to Alabama to see Holly! I was so excited. After our #holottafun weekend in Panama City Beach last December, we made a vow to get together in the summer to water ski and it was finally going to happen!

I won't lie to you guys. Although I have been waterskiing since I was 12 years old, I haven't skied for the last 2 years and I was a little worried. You've all seen Holly's videos and pictures. You know she's really a good skier. Was I intimidated? Maybe a little bit....

I arrived on Thursday in Atlanta and Holly was there to pick me up. It was so great to see her and we talked non-stop for the entire 2 hour ride to her house. Once we got there, she introduced me to her family and we just hung out. Her boys are the same age as mine, the dogs were playful, and it was just like being home. The weather wasn't the best, so we postponed our skiing for the next day.


At 5:30 the next morning, Holly woke me up and her husband took us to the lake. We hoped to catch the sunrise, but the clouds were thick. No matter, the water was warm. Holly graciously asked me if I wanted to go first and I took her up on it, hoping that would take the pressure off and calm my nerves. Thankfully, I popped right up out of the water on the first attempt. I don't know what I was worried about. As they say, it was "just like riding a bike". I think my face hurt from smiling so much!



Then Holly skied. That girl is unstoppable. I love to ski, but I sure can't ski for the length of time she does. It's pretty amazing.


Holly had this idea that we should try to ski together. I had never skied "tandem" before. It took us a couple of tries to get out of the water but we did it and it was so much fun!


The next day, we ran a 5k near Birmingham. When I made plans to visit Holly, I told her I wanted to run a race in Alabama. The funny thing is, there aren't a lot of races in Alabama in August. I can't imagine why--it's so darned hot and all. Anyway, she found one and it was a really nice little race. In fact, it's worthy of its own recap, which I'll publish on Wednesday.

The afternoon after the race, we went back to the lake for more water skiing. After we did our tandem ski the day before, I shared the pictures with my sisters. One of my sisters commented that we should be wearing flowered caps like the ladies at Cypress Gardens did back in the day. We also got a few comments about the Tommy Bartlett show, which is a water ski show in the Wisconsin Dells. Holly and I decided we needed to up our game. Neither of us wanted to carry each other on our backs, but we figured we could do another tandem ski and have some fun with it. We got crafty and we enlisted one of Holly's son's to be our photographer.

Rocking the flowered bathing caps
Personally, I think if Cypress Gardens was still in business, they would be calling us right now....


While we were waiting for the waves to calm down, a pontoon boat full of partiers cruised by. They spotted our flowered caps and started hooting and hollering. We couldn't really understand what they were saying but they were clearly waiting for us to go. Finally, we heard a "we're not getting any younger here" and they left. Once they were gone, we took off. I don't know about Holly but I was pretty surprised that our caps didn't fly off!



After that stunt, we just skied our hearts out. My hamstrings were crying for mercy, so I didn't go nearly as long as Holly. Just watching her ski is like poetry in motion. Being out on the water was pretty sweet. I couldn't stop smiling.

So happy!!!
Sunday, we "slept in" but went for a short 4 miler before we had to leave to get me to the airport. Our paces were matched but that southern humidity made those run/walk intervals very attractive. I'm happy to have conquered the Alabama heat!



Recapping this weekend just puts a huge smile on my face. I love that this weekend had my 2 all time favorite activities, running and water skiing! I love that my RA responded so well to those steroids so that I could do these things. I love that Holly and her family hosted me. Alabama's got this northerner's heart. Hush puppies, fried pickles, and country music. I loved it all!

Ever tried water skiing? Have you heard of Cypress Gardens? 

I'm linking this post with Holly, Tricia, and guest host Heather for the Weekly Wrap!




81 comments :

  1. I can almost see you smiling as I read this post! I can clearly tell that you've had so much fun this weekend!

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    1. It felt so good to do all this and spend time with one of my favorite people!

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  2. I'm so glad the RA behaved itself and let you hop on the plane and have a great time with Holly. It looks like you guys rocked the town (or at least the water) ;-)

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    1. I do love my running friends! It was another epic weekend. Next up LV!

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  3. As I read this I have a huge smile on my face. I'm happy you had so much fun with your friend and I'm sure you'd both be a fit for Cypress Gardens!

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  4. It looks like you girls had so much fun!!! I've never waterskied but you make it look easy in the photos.

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    1. The hard part is getting out of the water. Once you're up, it's easy!

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  5. So cool you guys got together. Sounds like such a fun weekend! You guys are so silly with the hats and flags. I haven't heard of Cypress Gardens but sounds like you'd be a great fit. :)

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    1. Oh, those flags and bathing caps were all part of the show! Very retro...

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  6. I'm glad you two had such a fun time! I loved seeing all the pics. I've never been to Alabama, I look forward to your race recap!

    I've never water skiied, I'm not sure I could handle it, lol. I'm glad your meds kicked in and you were able to have a great week after all!

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    1. I couldn't imagine missing this weekend! Glad I was able to go and have fun!

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  7. You are the best!! I loved seeing these pictures on FB - so hilarious and cool and just so FUN!! I haven't water skied in decades but I used to absolutely love it. So glad you had such a great time and put on an amazing show - LOL!! Looking forward to the race recap!

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  8. Oh this makes me smile so so much. I haven't water skied in far too long and I've never ever tandemed although I wanted to. And I want to now even more.

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    1. I never had the opportunity to tandem ski until this weekend. All it takes is finding someone who is your own kind of crazy. That would be Holly.

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  9. That sounds like such an amazing fun time! I wondered where you came up with the flowered swim caps! Your smiles are so genuine!

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  10. I'm so glad that you had such a fun weekend with Holly. You definitely deserved it!

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    1. This weekend really capped off what has been an epic summer!

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  11. I'm so glad you got the RA under control in time to enjoy your trip and time with Holly. I'm pretty sure seeing that Cypress Gardens water show was part of my parents' honeymoon. Your pics are so fun!

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    1. I wouldn't have missed this weekend for anything. Grateful for having a doctor who is so understanding and who got those steroids rolling immediately. Take that RA!

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  12. You 2 are just so cute together! Looks like this weekend was just what you needed. I have not skied since I was a child.

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    1. We could not have had more fun this weekend. The only bad thing is that it had to come to an end!

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    2. We could not have had more fun this weekend. The only bad thing is that it had to come to an end!

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  13. I'm so sorry about your flare, but I'm so glad it didn't stop you!
    What an amazing time!!! I was laughing so hard at your Cypress Garden's act. My family had annual passes there for many years growing up-- such good memories for me.

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    1. I think this is how my RA is going to be and I'm learning how to roll with it. I don't plan on stopping doing anything!

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  14. Sorry to hear about your RA flare but glad that you are feeling better.
    I love that you had such an awesome weekend!

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    1. I'm glad for those steroids! I can't let RA keep me on the sidelines.

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  15. I've surfed, but I've never water skied. I'm not much of a water person, but when I'm with friends, I'll try a few things. Having fun is important.

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    1. Oh, I love water sports! But I grew up doing all this stuff. Life is truly better on the water!

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  16. So glad you enjoyed your Alabama in August getaway so much. I have not water skiied since I was a kid! You two are definitely candidates for Cypress Gardens! haha!

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  17. Glad you survived your visit to the south - I'll bet that taste of heat/humidity made it easier to leave, LOL. You guys did so much and look like you had the best time! LOVE the water-skiing adventures!

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    1. You know, the heat wasn't horrible when I was there. It was humid, but we've had a lot of humidity this summer as well. It was a surprise how well I handled it.

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  18. This post just makes me smile too! I know what kind of host Holly is and I get the comfortable feeling just like you when I'm there. I'm so very glad yall got to get out on the lake! She is quite the skier but hey you are to missy! Isn't it so cool you can go miles and miles without having to turn around out there? I hate yall didn't get to see the sunrise though but it's still so peaceful out there that time of morning.

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    1. I'm so glad I got to spend time with her! That lake is great for skiing, that is for sure. I hope she invites me back!

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  19. I smiled the whole time I read this post! I'm so happy you guys got to hang out and ski -- and run! Your trip looks like so much fun!!!

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    1. It was just a great weekend. I love all the wonderful people this blog has brought into my life!

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  20. I used to go wakeboarding, but never waterskiing. I just loved the photo of you two on Instagram! I am so happy for you! That all looks like so much fun!

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    1. It was a great weekend of shenanigans! What more could you ask for?

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  21. You two definitely had the attention of the blogging world this weekend ...all eyes were on the tandem skiers! I'm glad you ladies had so much fun and that you even enjoyed running in Alabama's humidity ...it's certainly not for the faint of heart!

    Can't wait to read about that race recap ...congratulations on the AG win!!

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  22. Everything about this sounds like so much fun! I haven't been water skiing since I was a kid and now I want to try again. I'm so glad you felt good, too!

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    1. I don't think you can ever be too old for waterskiing! I just love that I can still do it!

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  23. Trust me, there have been plenty of wipeouts over the years. But once you hit that sweet spot...it keeps you coming back for more!

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  24. {sniff sniff} That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said about my waterskiing. I'm so glad you came to Alabama. I can't seem to wipe the smile off of my face. I saved our fashionable caps, btw. We need to make it an annual summer thing. But in the meantime, we've got other adventures to plan. Let's get cracking. PS...next time, oysters.

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    1. I'm thinking we better decide about those bathing suits I found at Target. We need to up our game. Yes to an annual trip. I can't imagine anyone I'd rather visit with!

      Oysters may need some cocktails...

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  25. You had such an awesome weekend!! visiting with blogging friends, a race and skiing! How awesome!!

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    1. It was just wonderful! What can I say? That southern hospitality is something else!

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  26. Glad that your steroids kicked in quickly so that you could enjoy your trip! It looks like it was a total blast. How awesome is the running and blogging community?!!

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    1. Right? I have met the most amazing people through this blog. I'm so grateful!

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  27. Looks so fun! I've always wanted to try water skiing but never have! One day!

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  28. Looks like you two had so much fun! Love the bath caps with the flowers! I have tried water skiing and it's fun! You and Holly are both awesome at it!

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    1. We were trying to recreate the glory days...Cypress Gardens was the ultimate in waterskiing...

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  29. Oh my goodness, it sounds like you two had a blast! I can't wait to read the race recap as well.

    The first time I waterskied was when I was in college. We went out on the Potomac River where it's so wide you can't see the shore on the other side and I was awestruck at seeing such a huge river. Anyway, I watched my roommate ski, and then her brother, and then it was my turn to try. I put on the safety belt, hopped in the water and after a couple of attempts, I got up... for about five seconds. I hit the water so hard that the nylon strap on the belt broke (it was dry rotted and they didn't realize it). When I hit the water everything flew in opposite directions and I panicked and started going down. Not being a very good swimmer, I realized that I would drown if I didn't calm down. I swam back to the surface and doggie paddled to my ski just as the boat came back around to get me. I did eventually learn to waterski, but always with a vest on.

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    1. Yikes! I'm surprised you tried again! I've had my share of mishaps, but with the vest, I always felt safe.

      Then there was the kneeboard--oh, man, that thing is the devil!

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  30. Your pictures from the weekend had me smiling and now I'm smiling again. So much freaking fun! I love it!

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  31. OMG., that's soon much fun!!!! I've never been and terrified to try!

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  32. This post makes me smile! Sounds like you two had a blast!

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  33. What a super cool visit! How much fun you guys must have had!

    I have never been water skiing, but I think I might enjoy it!

    So funny thing about Cypress Gardens. It does still exist! Legoland now owns the property, and there is still a water ski show (although not anything like it used to be) but if you find your way to the back of the Legoland theme park, you can walk through the remains of Cypress Gardens. The gazebo is still there and all the beautiful plants, but it's gone totally wild. Oh, and the riverboat is crashed on the side of the canal.

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    1. That's good to know--I'm going to have to check it out next time I'm in Florida!

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  34. Yes! Work hard, play hard! You look great on those waterskiis! I've never tried water skiing - not sure if I can even get up - maybe I should give it a try ;)
    I used to wakeboard all the time, but I got tired of the painful falls! And after I learned to wakesurf, I never wanted to wakeboard again!
    Have a great day Wendy!

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    1. I tried wakeboarding a few years ago--my boys prefer that to waterskiing and they talked me into it. I was scared to death but I did it!

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  35. What a fun week you had! The pics were great! Loved the shower caps!!!

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  36. I'm glad the steroids helped out and you felt better! It looks like such a fun weekend and those tandem skiing photos are great :) I only tried water skiing once, when I was a teenager, and I was horrible at it. I've never tried again.

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    1. I wasn't going to miss this trip for anything! I'm so sorry you had a bad experience on waterskis that you never wanted to go again.

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  37. I am happy the steroids helped and it looks like your Alabama trip was amazing!!!! I have never water skiied, but now I want to because you both make it look so fun!

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  38. Looks like you had a fun trip. I love water skiing. Now you have me inspired to try tandem.

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  39. Crazy back at work after a week away and I almost missed this FANTASTIC!!! post. Good thing I keep them in my mailbox if I can't read them right away.
    I can't believe these videos! Not only am I amazed, yet again, but the fun you radiate is contagious. Thrilled for you that your weekend with Holly in Alabama was all you wished it to be.
    Keep on inspiring us. You're wonderful.

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    1. I'm so sad that Holly lives so far away! Glad it's a quick flight...

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  40. This sounds like an AMAZING weekend :) I've never water skied - I'm not much for water sports, but you two certainly make it sound like fun!

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