My treadmill needs servicing and the parts have been delayed.  What should have been 1 week, has turned into two weeks and I worried that it would be difficult for me to keep up with my running and training. So I have been trying to exercise in other ways and to include the kids to keep me motivated.  I did an evening run with my sun on Friday while my daughter rode the bike with us.  Today we went out for a treat of ice cream at our local drive in (Sonic) and then to Union Park to feed the ducks and to take pictures (yes I can still get the kids to do such things, my son goes for the "behind the wheel experience" and my daughter loves the Mocha Java...).

It was a gorgeous afternoon, wind blowing real good, with the threat of rain on the horizon (l love days like this).

     I was surprised to say the least, when we came across one of those portable climbing towers a church group had set up.  It had come all the way from Durham, a 2 1/2 hour drive from New Bern. It was 24 feet high, and there was no price for admission.

So, having never done it , and wanting to (especially having read so much about climbing at Steve's place), my daughter and I gave it a try!

     The lead retracts as you climb and when you reach the top you push a button that releases it to repel down.

     I climbed three times (my son didn't feel like doing it so he is the one who took the pictures). I was wearing a pair of Timberland sandals and did pretty good I thought.

     My daughter climbed 4 times. She had been wearing Rainbow flip flops and kicked them off almost immediately. We could have kept climbing a few more times, but there was thunder and a lightning bolt, so it was time to finish.

I think this was her favorite part. I want one for the backyard, anyone know how much one of these things cost? Do you think the neighbors would mind?

     I did take some pictures, but the ones I will remember from today, are the ones my son took.

     Sometimes adventures are right around the corner!

Have a wonderful week!

hugs and kisses and running on,

Sheila

JUNE 1, 2008 - JUNE 30, 2008

NEXT RACE: BEAUFORT, NC

     At 6:45 this morning here in New Bern, North Carolina, it was 80 degrees and the temperature is supposed to reach a high of 99 degrees today, I have no idea what the temperature was at 7:30 when we started the race. They have issued a heat advisory due to the high humidity that will make that 99 degrees feel like 105. My 15 year old son did the 5K (3.1 M) today but did an easy walk run (his first 5k time).  I finished in 28:50 with a 9:18 pace taking 15 seconds off my last official run time (my friend Monica did it in just over 22 minutes!). No metals (smile) no hoopla...(smiling bigger here) just a great start to a great day! I accomplished what I set out to do (in more ways than one).

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

love and hugs,

Sheila

(Before and After) WHAT A DIFFERENCE 28 MINUTES AND 50 SECONDS MAKES!