Summer in the PNW is Like Santa

They tell you it exists but the reality is someone fabricated the idea so we have something to look forward to.  I know, I know, I shouldn't complain since the rest of the county is baking.  But really, is a consistent streak of nice weather too much to ask for?  So it would seem...

This past weekend it was really nice on Saturday, hot and sunny.  The perfect weather (ha!) for Matt to participate in the Olympia Travers, a multi-event race comprised of mountain biking, road biking, kayaking, and running.  He and two other guys we run with signed-up to do it solo (it is a team event), I was the good wife/friend and carted everyone's gear around to the various checkpoints.  Everyone went into the event thinking it would be fun and easy, they finished with a slightly different opinion.  It seems it was a bit tougher than anticipated.  But, they still had fun. 

Matt sprinting to the finish.

Smiles at the end

Aren't you Worried?

Tuesday, our usual Rock Candy day, which Matt is partaking in this year as well.  Yesterday we set-off and at an intersection I turned away from the group to take a different route. Matt and I waved to each other without thought and off I went, alone.  Later when we were back at the car Matt informed me that one of the guys running with the group was concerned that my husband would allow me to run alone - Aren't you worried something will happen to her?  To which he respond "Well, no..." 

This whole exchange is made even more comical because I came across this gentleman (who is a lovely person) shortly before I made it back to the car, he had gotten split up for the group and was lost.  He came running up to me carrying a very large stick, to protect himself for anything that may be lurking.  The best part, it was the second stick he found, he had picked one up earlier but this one was bigger and looked to be a better weapon so he switched out.   

I guess everyone has a different comfort level. 

The foxglove are in bloom.

Moving Out

I am happy to report that the chickens are out of the garage and into their coop.  Actually, they have been out for over a week  now, I am just slow in posting the news.  They seem to be enjoying their new digs and have figured out that they need to head inside a night.  Below is a picture of Matt's masterpiece, I am really happy with how it turned out.

1911

Matt has been looking at handguns for awhile, after today he can stop his search (for now).  He wanted a 1911 and had been looking at Ruger, Remington, and Taurus.  He did not end-up with any of those, instead he got an Olympic Arms.  He has been giddy all day. 

Office Makeover

I spend 40+ hours a week in my home office.  The room is in a good location and has a good view.  BUT the decor left something to be desired, it was kinda dark and dreary.   I have wanted to do something with it ever since we moved in, but, I hate painting.  Since it was a long weekend I motivated myself to get it done.  I still have additional work to do, but the paint makes a huge difference. There is so much more light in my office now! 

Before

After

My view

Fancy Toy

Last week I mentioned my fancy new watch and after getting it out on a few runs I am happy to report - I love it.  It provides me with more data that I know what to do with.  From the readout it appears that I have a hummingbird heart.  My resting heart rate is normal (50ish), but activity causes me to spike in a hurry.  I need to do a max heart rate test so the results are a little more accurate.  Due to the heart rate issue and an incorrect activity setting, my watch has informed me each run was killing me.  I may not have felt awesome these past few weeks, but it surely isn't as doom and gloom as the watch is predicting.

Now onto the fun stuff, below is a peak at what the watch does (from yesterday's run).  If you want to see everything click here:  http://www.movescount.com/moves/move5583011

Run Summary

Route - I must admit, I am digging the GPS!

Speed and Altitude. 

Outdoors

The chickens are getting bigger

And the garden is planted

Now to finish the coop so we can move the stinky birds out of our garage...