Great Day On The Gateway

>> Wednesday, August 20, 2008

I’ve had a great couple of workouts in the last few days. On Monday, I did 2500 yards in the pool in 44:43, my fastest time ever at that distance. Yesterday, I did a nice brick workout. I spent the morning going 50 miles on the Gateway Trail (my favorite local trail), and then I got home and did a 4 mile run-off. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Two things happened worth noting on my ride on the Gateway:

First, just after turning around at the end of the trail, I got stung right in the top of my foot. I’m used to being stung (I had a hive of bees for 2 years in high-school and I had no protective bee-keeping gear; so when I wanted to take a look inside the hive, I’d just open it up and get stung like 5 times in the hands and arms), but this one hurt. I immediately pulled over, lifted up the tongue of my bike shoe, and saw a small wasp struggling. Super. I pulled out the wasp, but the stinger was still in me. I had to undo the top 2 straps of my shoe to be able to pull out the stinger. It hurt, but I got home fine. And it wasn’t so bad that I had to call off the run. Here’s how it looked as soon as I got home from the ride (just before the run):



Secondly, just after being stung, I thought I recognized a fellow blogger out on the trail. I stopped and asked, “Excuse me, are you Sunshine?” She’s a local blogger who always posts great photos from her runs and walks down the Gateway. “Why, yes I am,” she said back. I introduced myself as blogger “Steve in a Speedo,” and she didn’t know what to say. I thought she maybe didn’t know who I was or had never been to my blog. As it turned out, she DID know who I was, and after a little stumbling over her words, she said something like this:

“Oh, I don’t know what to think about that whole ‘Speedo’ thing. You have to understand, I’m a 70 year old woman, and I have to apologize that I just don’t comment on your blog a whole lot. I’m just not sure what to think sometimes...”

How funny is that? She’s not sure what to make of some of my “adventures.” After all, she IS a 70 year old retired pastor. She was an absolute sweetheart. We talked for a few minutes. She’s doing a half marathon shortly, as part of a Grand Prix of races throughout the Midwest. She commented that Steelhead was a bummer being it was cut down to a duathlon (so she DOES read my blog!). I’m glad I stopped to say hi, even if she wasn’t sure what to think of me. She told me to wish Pharmie her best and said she didn’t want to keep me from my workout. So off I went.

Sunshine, it was a pleasure to meet you! I hope to see you out there again!

Also, If you haven’t read the previous post, I’m still looking for ideas regarding what to wear/do during the Half Ironman that I have coming up in 2 and a half weeks. I’m NOT going for speed; I just want to have a great time. Right now, I’m leaning towards throwing out candy to the spectators while I’m on the bike (like a parade), and getting a Grim Reaper outfit (complete with scythe) to wear during the run:



That might will get hot! But can you imagine being passed by Death?!? Not to mention the sight of Death with a race belt and race number? I’m still open to all ideas!

40 comments:

K 10:20 AM, August 20, 2008  

I still think wearing a women's "bathing suit-style" trisuit is your best bet. Be sure to wear a sports bra with it too.

Graham 10:28 AM, August 20, 2008  

trying to outrun "Death" at the finish line would be hilarious!

Sunshine 11:05 AM, August 20, 2008  

You were doing a pretty good friendly smile... even after being STUNG!!
We appreciate the news about wasps on the trail... it is their season for stinging, I think. Sweet Pea got a bad reaction here a couple of weeks ago.. and I hadn't thought much about carrying Benadryl on the Trail.

I will be more careful about saying anything to you that I'd just as soon you did not post in elaborated detail. Lesson learned.

Glad you stopped to say Hi; see you on the Trail.

ShirleyPerly 11:28 AM, August 20, 2008  

Oh, cool that you got to meet Sunshine! That wasp must have been pissed to be stuck in your shoe. Glad it didn't get caught in your bike helmet.

I once saw a woman with a foam alligator stuck on her bike helmet which was pretty amusing to see go by amongst all the super serious folks. Maybe put something fun around your aero helmet?

Runner Leana 11:36 AM, August 20, 2008  

I noticed on Rainmaker's sight that he decorated a bike for a friend (http://dcrainmaker.blogspot.com/). I think you should totally hang a basket off the front. It might help you to carry the candy around!

B. Kramer 11:43 AM, August 20, 2008  

I bet you could find a breathable Death outfit. But I would encourage you to find an old-timer and run at his heels ... saying, "I'm gonna get you!"

Brian 11:46 AM, August 20, 2008  

I second the basket idea. Plus might as well add the bell if you have the basket. Instead of saying ´on your left´ just ring a ding ding. Also maybe one of those fake arms people hang out of their trunks of their cars.

Rainmaker 12:04 PM, August 20, 2008  

How 'bout a Borat mankini?

Otherwise, i like the basket idea. The one I got in the photo that Leana linked to I got for $5 at Target (standard model), the incredibly loud bright pink horn was only a couple bucks as well. Zip ties and you're all good.

Jess 12:26 PM, August 20, 2008  

Ouch on the wasp sting!

:) 1:38 PM, August 20, 2008  

Woman's trikini x2. I DOUBLE-DOG DARE you!!!

Now you HAVE to do it...

J~Mom 1:56 PM, August 20, 2008  

Do you want me to find you the pic of that outfit that the guy wore here? It was hilarious!

Formulaic 2:42 PM, August 20, 2008  

The basket and the horn!! Perfect!

Death would be awesome. It would be damn hot, but you could wear something farm animal like. You already know where the costume is at!

Sunshine 4:09 PM, August 20, 2008  

PS Definitely, I did not say that I didn't know what to think about the Speed-o thing. I said I didn't want to say what I thought on your blog.

Viv 4:48 PM, August 20, 2008  

Ouch the sting...Steve I swear the funniest things happen to you. OK sorry not funny just random. That is so cool about Sunshine!

Amytrigirl (aka Amybee) 4:49 PM, August 20, 2008  

I'm not sure I have any original ideas for you Steve, but do think the Grim Reaper would be hysterical.

Also like that you and Sunshine bumped in to each other. She does have nice photos on her blog.

Okay, one last thing: I find it slightly disheartening that you signed up for Square Lake 1/2 iron wiht a lousy three weeks to train.

I spent all summer training for Pigman and just finished it (my first 1/2 iron distance). You will "train" for three weeks and beat my time easily WHILE wearing those yellow bowl of sunshine shorts...

sigh.

Jim Smith II 5:52 PM, August 20, 2008  

You need to get yourself one of these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Ly3b_UYZE
or these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JtZkNXfes4

TriJenPB 6:03 PM, August 20, 2008  

I like the idea of being passed by death or "death passing you by". How about a borat mankini http://boratswimsuit.com/, now that would definitely get you some attention!

Marcy 6:06 PM, August 20, 2008  

Ooohhh Steve just go nekkid already :P

Liz 7:37 PM, August 20, 2008  

If I were in a race and saw someone dressed as the Grim Reaper I would think two things simultaneously:

1. I hate you (because you are ahead of me/were ahead of me in that outfit).

2. That is awesome.

Judi 8:54 PM, August 20, 2008  

I am thinking PINK hair would be best. You can also just use beets or cool aide. It will wash out.

Come on....please?????

And if you do decide to go for my dare, which it is still a dare, LINK to my blog, will ya? Hook a sista up!

And when I do IMKY I will do mine pink too. :)

teacherwoman 10:07 PM, August 20, 2008  

Never been stung by a bee. That looks like it hurt!

Anonymous,  12:03 AM, August 21, 2008  

Steve, holy hell! I too was out on the Gate Way today, and on my way back (approx 5 miles from the start) i felt something hit my arm and get stuck between my MP3 player and my arm. I tried to brush it out/move my MP3 player but I didn’t see anything come out. This was then followed by a HELL of a sting and burning pain in my arm (insert your own dirty joke here). But it swelled up like your picture and still burns almost 4 hours later. My whole arm feels like I got a tetanus shot today, it’s all tingly and numb feeling. I am now set on killing every bug I see for the next 3 days in retaliation. Maybe they will pass the word on to the wasps that they shouldn’t f#$k with me………

Snacky Treat

RunBubbaRun 6:54 AM, August 21, 2008  

That sucks, being stung and all, good you weren't alergic to it.

I would just say just wear a "speedo" and that's it. That is your bloggy name.. Maybe throw in a bow tie to match..

Anne 7:28 AM, August 21, 2008  

Wasps are the worse! I'm so glad you had that encounter with Sunshine. She really is a sweetie and I think your conversation was so cute. Who can't resist someone with your blog's title?!

Sonia 8:58 AM, August 21, 2008  

What about this tri suit: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Oe0fXwvFjw0/SKv_gxSY_VI/AAAAAAAAA3g/nql4og-ljLY/s1600-h/marathon431x300.jpg

Sort of really tight fit but we know you like it lol

Janet Edwards 9:12 AM, August 21, 2008  

Ouchies, poor lil foot. I have not been having a very good year with regard to bee stings!!

I love the costume idea. I always skip the one Halloween run because it is always the day after my party...but you may have just inspired me! Maybe I will find some horrible costume and just run slow and have fun!!!

JT 10:17 AM, August 21, 2008  

Would you carry a sickle too? Plastic of course!

Kim 11:16 AM, August 21, 2008  

bumblebee antennas and a bright yellow speedo :)

triguyjt 11:32 AM, August 21, 2008  

I love the death idea.... after all...we usually feel like death warmed over during the half's

now, i gotta check out sunshine's blog

Anonymous,  11:44 AM, August 21, 2008  

Here are a couple options for you small speedo's...great suits!

Option #1: http://www.splish.com/store/product482.html

Option #2: http://www.splish.com/store/product473.html

Option #3: http://www.splishcustom.com/designs/show/17300

Option #4: http://www.splishcustom.com/designs/show/17990

Option #5: http://www.splishcustom.com/designs/show/26876

Anonymous,  12:20 PM, August 21, 2008  

Ah shit, just looked at when your 1/2 IM is AND it is the same day as IM WI! Damn it all.

I was hoping you would be wearing your 'outfit' at IM WI for all of us.

What do you think of the speedo options I posted for you? The weinie one or the 'killa' one?

Cy 2:16 PM, August 21, 2008  

Gotta go with the Spish Suits! Love em!

BTW- You are such a running machine that you'll rock the 1/2!

Calyx Meredith 3:40 PM, August 21, 2008  

I'm with Sunshine in that most of the time I have no idea what to think of your blog. That said, you know I'm weirdly drawn to it! I can't not read, but so much of the time I wonder what it must be like to be in your head. How did it even occur to you to dress up like Death for a 1/2 IM? What next, a shark fin on the back of your wetsuit? I love that you manage to have fun and be an accomplished athlete. (Even if you are twisted.) :D

Kelly 4:49 PM, August 21, 2008  

If you're worried about how hot the death costume would be, you could wear the death headpiece with the bowl of sunshine. Oh... and the scythe. Perfect.

Coach Liz 5:30 PM, August 21, 2008  

Oh Yeah!

Get a Splish suit. I like the "Party in my Pants" or "I'm a Winner, not a Wiener" ones. LOL that will get you a ton of crowd reaction and you won't be so hot. You will just need extra sun block.

Erin Leigh 8:37 PM, August 21, 2008  

Ouch that looks awful!!!

triblog carol 10:01 PM, August 21, 2008  

Steve, you mentioned throwing candy from your bike as a funny idea. You can get a penalty called "abandonment" for leaving things behind like Gu wrappers. Three penalties is a DQ, so maybe you shouldn't do that idea, or you won't get to fly past everybody with your lightning fast feet! I don't think the USAT officials would give you a break.

Fizzgig 10:48 AM, August 22, 2008  

seriously? a bee hive? is that for real?

Eric 1:29 PM, August 22, 2008  

I like the idea of trhowing candy to the crowd :-)

Herself, the GeekGirl 5:19 PM, August 24, 2008  

Google "running elvi" and see if you can find your way to the woman who makes special Elvis running outfits. Baboo and I each bought one for Las Vegas marathon and it was spactacular and very comfortable. We wore ultralight wigs that we had specifically styled.

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