New York City.... the town that truly never sleeps....

New York City.... the town that truly never sleeps....

I had the pleasure of traveling to NYC with one of my good friends recently.  Her daughter's show choir group from the High School was going and her husband didn't want to go, so I got to go. :>)   I love NYC.  I had only been 2X before so I was looking forward to going again.  We had talked about it for months.  This was going to be my friends 1st trip to NYC so she was very excited.  ALTHOUGH, we were not so excited when we got the itinerary and saw that we would be leaving on the bus from the high school at 1:30am!  Now y'all know me..... I like to get my 7-8 hours sleep every night.  I had no idea how this 1:30am crap was going to work out. :>)  

I tried to sleep for a couple of hours before leaving my house to greet the 1:30am bus, but sleep didn't happen.  I tossed and turned.  So I hoped I'd be able to sleep on the 2 hour bus ride to the airport or on the 2 1/2 hour flight to NYC.  That didn't really happen either!  So basically when we arrived in NYC right before lunch, we had all been up 24 hours +..... YIKES.  Our rooms were not ready at the hotel so they told us we could go enjoy NYC a little bit and come back.  All I wanted to do was get in the room and crash on the bed. LOL  We were starving so we stopped at the first place we came too.  It wasn't that great and it was EXPENSIVE.  My lunch was $60!  Here's a picture of my lunch which was supposed to be red fish over veggies with spinach.  

Did I mention it was COLD! The high on Thursday when we arrived was 31 and the low 17! Here we are all bundled up..

Thankfully our room was ready by 2pm and we were able to get in and freshen up before our show that night.  I had no idea what the show was going to be about.  We would be going with a big group of the kids.  Everyone had picked the show they wanted to see so there were several groups of us going in different directions.  The show Kate, my friend's daughter, had picked was sold out so she picked this one.....

The stage at the start of the show... it starts with a young kid sitting on his bed..  The play is about suicide.  The message was pretty good about how you just never know what is going on in a person's head.  We should stop and notice people around us, etc.  It's not a show that I personally would go see again.  I prefer more of the upbeat fun shows.  This one made me depressed and sad.  

Here we are waiting on the show to start.... still looking pretty tired ... hee hee  I was SO ready for my bed that night.  We had an early morning the next day with a tour to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.   Boy it was hard to get up that next morning.  It was a cold ride on the ferry.

Before when I've seen the Statue of Liberty, I saw it from a boat on the Hudson river.  This time we had tickets to climb up in the statue.  I couldn't wait to do that.  

Giving the kids instructions before we leave on the Ferry.

This use to be the town protection.... cannons were shot out these windows.

There she is as we approach on the Ferry.

 Looking down from the Statue... oh and did I mention it's like 200 steps to climb up in the pedestal of the statue? I forgot to take the first picture on the first floor.  This picture of the 108 steps shows where you are at and that you have 108 steps left to go.  Krista basically ran up the steps!! My legs were feeling the 200 steps when we finally got to the skirt of the Statue of Liberty... ha

 Here you can see the ice/snow still on the ground in places.  This is looking down from statue back towards the town. 

Next up... Ellis Island

Leaving and now heading to the 911 memorial, wall street, china town, little Italy, etc. 

                         Just look at that snow still on top of those buildings.  

 Pictures of our walk to 911.  These buildings are amazing!  You had to throw your head way back to look up to see the top of them.  It's like they literally reach heaven they are so tall! 

The Bull on Wall Street.   ... There is an old wise tell that if you rub the balls of the bull, you'll have good luck!  There were people lined up for days just to do that.  I quickly grabbed this shot before the person walked up to take their turn.  As you can tell the balls are a different color.  Our tour guide said due to so many people rubbing them that with the oils that come off your body that over time it has changed the color of the bulls' balls.  

We finally made it to the 911 memorial.  This is where the twin towers did stand. 

This building is new since I was last in NYC.  It's the One World Observatory.  It's huge! The empire state building is by far no longer the tallest building in NYC. 

We took the subway to China town & Little Italy after leaving 911.  This is the world trade center mall where we took the subway.  It looks like a huge dove... check out it's wings.... it was designed to let light flow inside the transportation center.

The Subway... you must travel the subway if you visit NYC.

 We ended up eating in China town.  It was way after my lunch time and we were starving!! The group split and some went to little Italy and some to china town to eat.  Our kids wanted to go here so this is where we ended up.  I was a tad nervous about the food, but it was AMAZING.  It was either really good or it was just that I was starving. LOL 

 Before heading back to catch the subway we had to stop at a bakery in Little Italy and get some snacks to take back to our room. :>)  OMG they were DELICIOUS!!

 Time Square was packed as we walked back to our room.

We rested our feet for just a little bit and then back at it we went.  Now to Empire State building.   We had tickets to go up inside and view.  I'm so glad we got to ride the elevator this time.  No more 200 steps.. ha 

I will say that I got a tad nervous while looking down from the Empire State Building.  I started thinking about 911 and how anything could happen and here I was so far up in the sky.  It was beautiful looking down at the city lights, but I was also ready to get down to ground level. :>)  

We left there and headed to find the Stardust.  Someone had recommended it to Krista.  They have singing waiters. We walked forever, but we found it!  Oh and did I mention it's now like 10pm! and we are still going.... 

It was so much FUN.  We finally made it to bed around midnight.  Boy I was EXHAUSTED.  The kids had a workshop on Saturday morning so I had already found a map of Central Park and planned a run.  But at the moment laying in the bed, I was wondering how the heck I was going to run.  I was so TIRED>  

I got up and got ready.  I was excited to get out of the city somewhat and run.  I LOVE central park, but I've never ran there.  Me and my husband have went and walked around and it's so nice to be where you see green grass and trees.  It's right there in the city, but feels like you're out of the city.  It was still very cold but I LOVED it.  I felt so good on my run.  Yes, my legs were tired from all the standing and walking, but overall my run felt great.  There were so many people out running or walking dogs.  It really was my highlight of my trip. :>)  AND there was still snow all over in Central Park.  It was so pretty.  I got in 8 miles.  The fountain was frozen!

There was 2 hockey games going on. 

I saw the horses as I was leaving.  Our plans was to come back later this evening with the girls and ride. 

I could have stayed in the park all afternoon, but it was time to go shower and meet the kids after their workshop. 

We grabbed lunch at The Shake Shack... I was starving after that run and no breakfast.  I never eat this stuff.  LOL 

The went on to see the St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Trump Tower, Sack's, Tiffany's, and several other places down 5th avenue ended back up at Central Park for our carriage ride.  :>) Oh we visited the Hershey store also. :>) 

 This church is AMAZING.  I lite a candle for Drew. :>)  March is his bday month.  This will be his 2nd bday in heaven. :( 

I have laughed and laughed at these cards!

This horse didn't think ours was going fast enough so she passed us. 

Central park was still pretty that night, but I enjoyed my run way more that morning.  It was just a tad chilly in that buggy. LOL  

When we were in Tiffany's I asked one of the sales guys if there were any good places to eat close by.  He told me about one on 6th avenue that was just a couple blocks when you come out of Central Park so that's where we headed.  It was by far the best food we had the whole trip!  It was AMAZING.  I don't even know how to say the name of the restaurant, but I took a picture so I could remember for future reference.  

My dessert to go. :>) 

Well that was the end of our 3rd day.  Another LONG day. ha  Sunday was calling for 100% chance of rain so our plan was for the girls to sleep in while Krista and I went to the Peloton studio for a ride and then we would try to shop a little that afternoon and hopefully get tickets to another broadway show.  Krista and I were both so excited to get to go to peloton and meet Matt one of our favorite instructors!  He is amazing! and boy he is just a doll in person.  So sweet!  We meet him on the street as we were walking up and he gave Krista a big old hug.  I so wished I had my phone out for a picture, but it was in my pocket zipped up due to the rain.  She was grinning from ear to ear. :>)  

We made it back to the room to clean up and go have lunch.  Of course the girls were starving and didn't want to look around much for food so we went directly across the street to Juniors.  We wanted to try their cheesecake anyway. :>)  It was good. 

I took them to see Grand Central Station before we began our shopping.  I don't think the girls were impressed.  They were over walking and sight seeing by this point and only wanted to shop. :>)  The weather was NASTY.  It rained off and on all day.  The WET and COLD don't mix well.  Krista and I did stop in the Rum Room Lounge (a scene from the Godfather was filmed in here) for a hot toddy while the girls were up in the room while we had went out to stand in line to try to score discount tickets to another show.  The toddy was SO GOOD.  I got a hot buttered rum... YUM YUM 

We also ended up getting tickets to Kinky Boots.  I was so excited.  We had heard nothing but good reviews.  Our seats was right up on the stage!  It was an AWESOME show.  Not what I expected at all.   The dancers and costumes were AMAZING>  It was really a fun show which is EXACTLY what I LOVE.  

I could touch the stage!

Another long day in NYC.  By now, my legs are really feeling all the walking, standing, climbing stairs, running in central park, etc.  I was ready to go home.  But first we had a long travel day on Monday. I hoped to sleep on the plane or bus ride....but only got in about an hour sleep.  The lady on the plane next to me had to get up a couple of times to go to the bathroom.  Each time I would be just dozed off and she'd shake my arm and need out. :<>)  Krista and I talked mostly on the bus ride home about our wonderful trip.  It was very busy and tiring, but I loved every minute of it.  and Yes... NYC never sleeps.  I'm glad to not be hearing the constant sound of car horns! LOL  I could never live in a big city.  I like my quiet time too much.  I love to visit and hope to take my daughter back to some shows.  I think she'd love it.  And I LOVE mother / daughter trips. :>) 

Bye Bye NYC.... until next time.

 On the bus ride home. :>) 

and that's a wrap.  I could have post a million more pictures.  LOL  It was FUN.  Matter of fact, I'm still tired from the trip.  I went straight back to work and workouts on Tuesday.  I slept in my office at lunch today because I couldn't hold my eyes open.  Wish I had a rest day off work and workouts at the same time... hee hee 

Hope you are doing some traveling with your family or friends.  Enjoy life to the fullest! 

D

P.S. Krista wore her garmin watch the whole time and it said we walked 33 miles in our 4 days in NYC! Plus my 8 miles I ran.... that gives me 41 miles in 4 days! Not to mention the time change and we lost an hour!  No wonder I'm so freaking TIRED. :<>)  

Quad Burner Duathlon 3-2-19

Some races are just better than others. Know what I mean? I think most of the time we all hope for a great race.  However they usually aren't all great.  Yesterday was my first time to ride my bike in an event since my bike wreck.  I was a tad nervous before the weekend and got even more worried on my drive to Bay St. Louis on Saturday morning.  It was so foggy that you could barely see anything.  I was extremely worried about the bike ride on the main road where cars would be while we were racing.  I almost switched to the 4 mile run instead of the duathlon when I arrived at packet pickup.  I saw a couple of people doing that and wondered if I really should or not.  I decided to just pray.  I walked up under the pavilion and begin some stretching and quietly praying.  I prayed for the fog to lift by the time we did our first run or for each car to see us as we rode.  I turned on my bike light in transition so it would be on.  I didn't care that it would be sitting there flashing while I was gone to run.  I wanted to be seen on the road on the bike.  I ran into Robin and we grabbed a picture right before the race.  She was doing the 4 miler.  

Got my bike all ready.

 Nice medals

Bike shoes ready

Oh they warned us about it being gnat season....but honestly.... you had to be there to understand that when I say it was GNAT CITY... it was GNAT CITY.   No one was standing still as we waiting for race time.  Everyone was spraying bug spray and flapping their hands and arms trying to get the dang things to go away.  It was awful.   Finally it was time to start.  They started the 4 mile runners a couple of minutes before us and then it was time for the duathlon peeps.  We would run 2 miles then come back in and get on our bikes and bike 11 miles then run another 2 miles.  It's a short duathlon and it's flat so you can basically get pretty fast.   Usually the bike all depends on the wind.  It's directly on the beach so most of the time we have a mighty wind blowing.  This year the wind was kind to us.  YIPPIE 

My first two miles were fast.  I averaged 8:35 according to my Garmin.

  I was grinning from ear to ear.  It was just the of those days where I felt great.  Nothing was hurting.  Praise Jesus.   I saw a couple of people that I knew were in my age group and beat them both on the run.  However, I took too long in transition and one of them got off on the bike ahead of me.   I don't think I would have caught her anyway, because she's usually in the 20 mph range on her bike.  She's FAST.   However, when I started riding I told myself don't look at the time.  Just ride.  I felt great.  Nova and I switch back and forth for a little bit with her being ahead of me and then me being ahead of her.  She's a great biker and also in my age group!  She told me she was out of shape, but she sure was hanging with me on the bike!  I finally decided to look down on the way back in just to see what my speed was and boy was I surprised when I saw 19 mph!  I couldn't believe it.  I've not really gotten up in speed since my accident.  I'm still a little gun shy on the bike.   But today I was moving.  The wind was not bad and my legs just felt so good.  You come in on a downhill and have to stop and get off the bike before going into transition.  By the time I got stopped and in transition I looked and my pace was 18.9 mph.  

I was still happy.  I wasn't sure where Jennifer Covington was at in her bike or if she was out running at this point.  I tried to quickly get my bike shoes off and running shoes on and out on the run I headed.  She passed me coming back in when I was almost to the 1 mile turn around. I knew there was no way to catch her but honestly I didn't care.  I was having a great race and smiling.  My pace on the 2nd run wasn't as fast.  I averaged 8:55.

 Overall I was thrilled.  

After I crossed the finish line several of us were standing around talking and finally one of them asked me if I knew I had gnats all over me.  I looked down and they were all over my arms.   Dead in my sweat!  They were all over my face too!  Everyone laughed and said they had them too but had wiped them off.  I knew I felt like I was eating bugs the whole bike ride, but I had no idea I literally had a million gnats stuck all over me.   YUK. I wished I had taken a picture before wiping them off.  You would just not believe how many there were unless you saw it.  It was just unreal.  Besides the gnats, the race was perfect.   The people who organize the Quad Burner series do a good job.  They also have the coolest swag! And the bib was so dang cute!! Just check this out!!  

And I also got 3rd place in my age group.

 Jennifer got 1st and some girl that I didn't know got 2nd.  When I looked at the results I was shocked.  I beat both of them in my run times.  Jennifer beat me on the bike.  But where they really beat me was in transition time!  I'll have to remember that next time.  I need to be faster getting in and getting out.  LOL. 

They even had green beer afterwards!

I just love this cup that I got for placing. 

 My watch is a little different than the race results on the 1st run. 

 I guess we all had the same start time.  I started in the back of the pack so it took several seconds for me to get up to the start line.  However, I'm just thrilled with my pace and how I felt.  It was a good day and I thank God for it.  He blessed me with a good race.  This morning I ran 8 easy miles.  My hamstrings are a tad tight and sore.. Hee Hee.  I need some YOGA.  

I hate I missed running with several friends at the MS50 on Saturday.  I didn't realize the QB race was the same date until late and I had already registered for the duathlon.  However, since I'm hearing it was the most mud ever out in the woods on the trial run.... I'm kind of glad I didn't go.  :>). I do plan to be back next year.  I love the race and the people.  I'm so proud of a young guy that graduated high school with my daughter.  He did his first 50 miler at the MS50!  Running long distance is more mental than anything.  You've got to have that mentality to tell yourself to keep going when you head starts trying to tell you that you can't.  You have to be able to push through the pain and not give up.  I do believe he's proved his one tough cookie!! Way to go Haden Cox!

Well, that's a wrap on my race weekend.  Yep, it's spring racing season and more races to come.  All practice for me basically as I build to that final destination.... Ironman in Chattanooga in September.  Lord willing... keep me strong and give me the endurance to finish. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

The Children's Center Classic Run 2-23-19

Another run in the books for 2019.  This time it's a 10K or for some.. that's 6.2 miles.  :>)  

I love this race for several reasons.  1. It's for the kids and 2. It runs around the campus of USM.

The USM Children's Center does so much for families.  Since 1974, The Children’s Center for Communication and Development has led Mississippi in early intervention services for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with significant disabilities.  When I was asked to push a child with the Freedom Riders I was thrilled.  Nothing better than doing a race for something greater than yourself. :>)  I was scared it was going to rain and actually wished for rain during the race.  It was a very HOT & MUGGY morning.  When I left my house my carport was so slippery from moisture because it was so HUMID.  

Here's a picture of the Freedom Riders waiting to start the 10K.

Notice the clouds in the background.  The rain came much later in the day however.  I was pushing with Dawn & Matt.  We were pushing Korbin.  He's a character!  He quizzed us the entire time on the Hunger Games.  Dawn was not feeling too good after we got about a mile into the race.  She said her heart rate was all out of whack and she just felt so out of shape.  We stopped and walked often.  She begged us to leave her, but we told her we were a team and we would not leave her.  I'm glad we didn't because when we finished the race I found out another runner that I know had fallen out and was taken to the hospital.  I later learned he had a heat stroke.  He's a great runner too.  Just makes you more aware of what the heat can do to you no matter what shape you are in.  I'm glad he's doing much better now.  Several of my friends running saw the whole thing and we were all shaken by the event.  I wasn't even running fast.  Heck we mostly walked and I was soaking wet.  The humidity was so bad it was hard to breath.  Gotta LOVE south Mississippi. :>) 

I love this picture of one of the other teams.  Brodie looks like he's enjoying being pushed.  BTW the guy on the right not pushing is the guy that ran 50 miles the other week to raise money for the ARC kids! 

Here's a picture of me and Dawn with Korbin.  When we approached the finish line he wanted to get out and run across the finish line.  It's was amazing watching him!  That smile was so BIG.  When we found his mom after crossing, he wanted to know immediately if you saw him run across. :>)  

I love the medals that they make for us!  

So that's a wrap for now.  I've got many more races coming up.  It's RACE SEASON. :>)  This weekend I'll be on the coast for Duathlon.  I hate I'm going to miss the MS50 race this weekend.   I didn't realize they were the same date.  I wanted to do the Quad Burner series again this year especially since they added a sprint TRI in the mix.   So I'll miss the MS50 and be at the QB Duathlon their 2nd race of the series.  

IM training going well.  I'm taking it one day at a time.  Someone asked me last week if I was excited.  I really didn't know how to answer at first.....  I am, but I'm also holding back I think because I don't want to get overly excited since last year I was and then it didn't happen.  That's probably crazy, but it's how I feel.  I'm also missing big group runs badly.  Seems I'm always training alone.  Which I do like my alone time, but here lately it's just been so lonely.  Everyone is doing their own thing or not running much at all it seems.  I know life can be crazy busy and we must all adapt to the new.... I just don't like it sometimes. LOL  

I tell myself every day to just keeping taking it one day at a time and if God's plan is for me to be at the finish line I eventually end up crossing that IM finish line and it will all be worth it. :>)  

Happy training to you!

D

PBP 20 for 20 & Freedom Rider 50 (Jim Coll)

This weekend I got to participate in something wonderful.  I just had an hour run on tap for Sunday and found out that the PBP (Pine Belt Pacers) were having a 20 for 20 to celebrate their 20 years and Jim Coll was going to run 50 miles as part of a fundraiser for the ARC.  So I decided what better way to get my run in than to join them.  Plus I LOVE the ARC.  It's a wonderful organization that does such much for kids & adults with disabilities.  AND not to mention I thought it was just awesome what Jim was going to do.  You know me..... I have a sweet spot for raising money. :>)  

Here's the link to WDAM's news feature:

WDAM - Pine Belt Pacers Celebrate 20 years...

And Here is Jim's story..... He's a pretty cool guy:

This is my completely unofficial personal pursuit to run 50 miles on Feb. 10, benefitting the really awesome people of the ARC. Join me for all 50, and I'll donate $50 in your honor to the ARC. All contributions of assistance, financial, training or course support, are appreciated.

I'm embarking on this journey for a couple of reasons.

1. 2019 marks the 10th anniversary since James Daniel and I completed Ironman Louisville. Since then, I’ve struggled to find the right goal that would physically and mentally test me to the point that the test contributes to my personal development the way training and participating in an Ironman or qualifying for the Boston Marathon does. My physical and mental conditioning is not where it was 10 or 15 years ago, and I’ve been seeking the inspiration and motivation that will recover some of what I’ve lost over time.

2. In recent years, one thing has given my running a strong purpose—the ARC Freedom Riders. If you’ve ever seen Terri Clark, Jason Byrd and others post photos of these races, you get some sense of how meaningful it is not only for our ARC teammates, but for those of us who share our ability to run with them. This year, the ARC, including our Freedom Rider teammates, would greatly benefit from financial support as well.

So here’s where I’m going with all this. On Sunday, Feb. 10, I plan to run 50 miles, beginning and ending in downtown Hattiesburg. I’ll also donate $50 to the ARC in honor of any Pine Belt Pacer who wants to join me for the full run. My goals are very straightforward—to test myself in a new way (I’ve not previously run an ultramarathon) and to raise money for a good cause.

Isn't he amazing!  I'm always inspired by people who step up to help others.  :>) He started out with a goal of $2,500 and yesterday after he finished the 50 miles, I heard the total was up to $7,500.  Just goes to show that one person can make a difference.  Sometimes it takes a small spark to ignite a fire. :>)   

So now on to the run for me....  Well, it was a HOT one when we started with the sun out and temperature in the mid 60s.  I was pouring sweat by mile 3.  I thought for some reason that the whole 20K was going to be a straight shot on the flat trace.  They took us on a bus from the finish line, which was the Thirsty Hippo downtown Hattiesburg, to Clyde station on the trace.   However, it was not all FLAT!... After 3 miles we turned off to a side road and ran a couple of hills.  Geez... I wasn't planning that for my easy Sunday run.. hee hee...  and did I mention it was HOT!  I was doing pretty good with a pace of around 9:20 before the hills....but was getting very hot.  Once I hit the hills my pace slowed and I even removed my hat because I felt like so much heat was around the top of my head.  I was soaking wet and so glad I brought my base salt.  We did close to 2 miles off the trace and then we were back and headed straight down to downtown Hattiesburg.  I was so glad the clouds finally covered the sun and the wind begin to pick up.  At least it seemed to cool things off somewhat.  By now the pack was all separated.  The really fast people were gone,the few average people like me were in the middle and then there were some slower peeps.  Jim had started his 50 miles at 6am and we had all hoped he would catch up with us when we started and we would be able to run to the finish with him, but that didn't happen.  In hindsight we should have started around 3pm and not 2pm so some of us could have ran with him.  He did have a old college buddy that actually came from Texas I believe to run the whole 50 with him!  Talk about a good friend.  I don't think any of mine would want to run 50 miles with me. LOL  Heck, I don't even want to run 50 miles!  The 50K (31 miles) was enough for me. :>)  

I was glad to finally reach the finish line.  I could barely believe that just a few weeks ago I did a half marathon (13.1 miles) in a much faster time than the 20K (2.4 miles) for this run.  I think the heat and it being in the afternoon was not a good combination for me.  However, I did get grandmasters.  Guess it's good to be older and not many people were racing. Hee Hee.    For me it wasn't a race.  I was there to run for the ARC.   I don't get to do much with the PBP group due to living in another city.  They do weekly runs during the week, but the time isn't convenient for me or the driving to get there.  Maybe one day if I move to Hattiesburg. 

Here's a few pictures:

Crazy Nestor taking pictures of everyone before the race. 

Loading the bus to head to the start line. 

My grandmaster award.... it's a picture frame made by an adult ARC student.  Love it! 

Jim when he finished his 50 miles.  This little boy had been waiting on him and was so excited.  We were all excited.  It was awesome watching him cross that finish line! 

Oh and did I say my day started with going to see the grand girls? 

We took them out to lunch and then Gary went back home with them to play while I went to run.  He said he had a fabulous time with the girls.  I'm so glad he's doing more and more of this.  It's hard for him to go to Drew's house.  He says he keeps thinking why isn't Drew there.  But it's much better for him when he has a great day with the girls.  He said they played baby dolls and all kinds of stuff.   And as you can see in the picture, he got them an ice cream cake.  LOL   Things will never be easy without Drew, but we are all finding our new "norm" as time passes.  Your girls are wonderful, Drew.  I know you'd be so proud! We miss you! 

D

P.S.  Ironman training going full force.  I had 2,500 yards on tap this am for my swim and really didn't want to do it when I got up.  I was pretty tired from my long bike on Saturday followed by long run on Sunday, but I got in and got it done and felt good when it was over.  :>)  September will be here before we know it!  I also had a chance to talk to a runner yesterday that has done Chattanooga Ironman and a couple other ironman races.  She took my number and said she'd let me know when she was riding.  Riding is one of the toughest things to me when training when you get to those really long bike rides... 65+....   time seems to go by faster when you ride with someone rather than alone.  I hope to maybe catch Susan on a few rides.  :>)