Staying strong has benefits that result in FUN

I have been MIA the past week or so. We went on vacation with some close friends whose family has a lake house not far from here. We had a wonderful time. Our friends, Jen and Greg, have kids the same age as ours and enjoy the same things we do (water sports, playing board games at night, laughing, and relaxing). Jen even went out with me for a run. It was nice running with her again*.

I did run twice while on vacation. That is a feat in itself (especially if you have ever tried Jen's mojitos!) I did a five miler with Jen and then seven a couple days later. The seven miler was brutal because we left for early morning skiing as soon as I finished. Later that afternoon, I swam out to a buoy and back in my first ever open water swim (a triathlete I am NOT). I suppose my run, ski, swim combo is my own version of a triathlon! :-)

We went to this lake last year and had a great time then, as well. When it came to water skiing, I felt much better this year. I am the strongest I have been in a long time... maybe ever. The stronger I am, the better I can enjoy the things I love to do most. I water skied last week on multiple days. While I was a bit sore in my shoulders and arms, I felt great in my legs (other than a bit of tightness in my left quad). I am not nearly as sore as I was last time. I know all the running and cross-training I have done in the past months really paid off by allowing me to make better turns and stay out there longer. A week like that makes me want to continue to stay fit to enjoy fun outdoor activities for years to come.

Here are some pictures of our great time. Yup... that's me.




My husband, Kenny, got up on the wake board for the second time in his life. I think he enjoyed it more this year. Last year he was having major hip pain. This year, with his new hip, he is able to try more things pain free!




The handsome devil looks like he is enjoying himself!


Our friend, Greg, had some good wake boarding moments himself**.


I usually don't post a lot about my kids here, but I just can't help sharing a few pictures of them this time. They are so darn cute!


Having fun floating around in the water***




She is a daddy's girl at heart!



Finally.... there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Naps ARE a good idea, especially for three-year-olds.



*Jen was one of my running partners in 2008 for the marathon. We ran a hilly, but fun, fourteen mile run last year while staying at the lake. It still is one of my favorite runs of the training. Last week's run with Jen brought a lot of the memories of training back. Good times.
**Jen, I know you are reading this.... I would post some cool shots of you on skis, but I know you'd kill me :-)
***My five-year-old swims perfectly well. In the lake, for some reason, he gets nervous about the depth. He is convinced that it is harder to swim in forty feet than it is in five feet. On the other hand, his little sister is fearless, which is much more nerve-wracking for a mom! I was constantly calling her name to make sure she wasn't under the boat or something.