Sunday, January 3, 2016

Happy New Year (WW # 22)

Welcome!  This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.  The purpose is to connect with and support other active women.  We want to hear about your adventures. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!   {See complete rules}

Don't forget to use this badge in your post.
 



I didn't post a 2015 recap so I thought I'd do a quick number summary:

Running:   151 times for 944 miles
Road Cycling:   30 times for 733 miles
Pool Running:   9 times for 15 hours and 41 minutes 
Water Skiing:   30 runs for roughly 15 hours
Dog Walks:   Not Counted
  
Half Fanatic:  Jupiter / 4 HMs in 21 days
# Half Marathons:   8
# Other Races:   10
# New States:   1 = Mississippi


I was surprised when I saw my mileage after being sidelined for 10 weeks out of the year.  And, holy cow -- I spent almost 16 hours pool running.  Pure insanity.

On to the Weekly Wrap.  Well, it was another rainy week.  And busy!  Work was crazy due to year end, holidays and traveling.  I'm so far behind on reading blogs too.  The rain followed me to the beach later in the week.  I think I need a little, no make that a lot, of sunshine.  

Tuesday I ran 6 early morning miles @ 10:03 pace.  I was pleased with this run after struggling with a 15 mile run 3 days earlier.  Wednesday morning I rode on my new bike trainer for 40 minutes.  


I've never been a fan of New Year's Eve.  I just don't like it.  But this year, I took a helicopter tour along Florida's panhandle coast.  I've been coming to this area since childhood and have watched this yellow helicopter fly overhead countless times.  I figured New Year's Eve was the perfect time to take the plunge.  It was awesome!  Even in the gloomy weather, the beautiful emerald green water color was still apparent.  You could see dolphins swimming below.




I have to say a big Roll Tide for Alabama's win over Michigan State on New Year's Eve.  Of course we will be glued to the TV next Monday night as they play for another National Championship title.  After the game, we attempted to shoot fireworks on the beach in the wind and rain.  That was not much fun. 

Friday I ran 9 miles @ 10:17 pace.  This was an early morning, rainy, cool and windy run along the beach front road.  I felt strong during this run and only stopped once for water and GU from the good old mailbox.


Sunday afternoon I ran 4 easy miles.  Being off my feet for 10 weeks and then quickly increasing miles has taken my old lady hips to the edge.  Let's hope they don't fall off the cliff.  Oh by the way, this run was Garminless.  My 110 died after 666 activities.  Hmm...possessed perhaps?  I have a new 225 en route.  I'm also wearing PoPo's Fitbit as mine conked out on Christmas Eve.  Aggravating!

I had a little time to catch up on blog reading Sunday afternoon and realized I can't comment on any Blogger blog using my laptop.  I think every electronic device I own is possessed.  I apologize!  I am reading.  Ugh...just don't let me touch anything else.

In summary, I ran three times for 19 miles and rode on the bike trainer for 40 minutes.  I also did a 20 minute yoga routine for hips probably 5 times this week.  I didn't count.  {I know!  Me!  Who am I?}  And yes, the Disney marathon is only a few days away.  EEK.  I'm both thrilled and admittedly anxious.  Come on foot, hips, IT band -- let's do this thing!

And that's a wrap!


Have you flown in a helicopter?  Did you like it?

What model of Garmin or other GPS device do you use?




85 comments:

  1. My foot ow! And today on the bike my ITB started talking to me? Come on man! The foam roller and I will be spending some serious quality time together tonight.

    We vacationed on St George Island a few times. I love that part of Florida!

    You are going to great at WDW! This is the perfect marathon for your first. I can't wait to see how you do!

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    1. Why is it always something? I take my foam roller everywhere I go. It's truly an addiction. No other tropical location beats those sugar white sands in the FL panhandle!

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  2. Eeek, just realized I haven't been using the badge! I always link back to both of you, will have to figure out how to paste in a badge for wordpress, or just embed it as a photo. I'm with you on NYE, I was in bed before 10PM . The helicopter tour sounds cool. I've never done one of those. Happy New Year!!

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    1. No worries. We appreciate the link backs too! The helicopter was amazing. Try it!

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  3. Nice job with all the yoga!! I have the garmin 620. I love it but I probably don't really need all the features it provides. But I got it as a bday gift over a year ago, so if it lasts me a few more years I will say it was worth it.
    Nice job with your 2015 workouts! Thats still alot of running with 10 weeks off!

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    1. My 110 lasted about 4 years. I can't complain about that. I try to remember some of those good stretches in the yoga routine and do them every day.

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  4. I am so impressed with your mileage for 2015! That is a ton of miles!! The helicopter tour sounds awesome! Your pictures look really pretty. I love the beach, wish I could have spent New Year's there!

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    1. With the injury, I was only down about 150 miles from last year. Not too bad, considering. The beach is always good, whether the sun is out or not. We enjoyed delicious seafood which is always worth the trip.

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  5. So nice that you got to spend the new year at the beach. Seeing dolphins from the helicopter would be so cool. Your yearly stats are impressive! Glad you are back to running and feeling strong. Whenever my hips start to hurt, daily foam rolling always helps.

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    1. Trust me, I can't do without my foam roller. But this is joint related. You know, that wonderful stuff that comes with age. I'm getting extra rest this week.

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  6. Never flown in a helicopter before. Would love to! Maybe Great Barrier Reef. Would've loved to at the Grand Canyon but never ended up doing that.

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    1. I would love to fly over the Grand Canyon! I haven't even been there yet. It's definitely on my list.

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  7. I'm not letting you anywhere near my laptop because it's on the edge right now, too, and I don't think it would take much to send it spiraling!

    Good luck on your marathon! Can't wait to hear all about it!

    As always, thanks for providing the linkup!

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    1. I hope my laptop makes it a while longer. With my luck, probably not. Ready or not, I'll be lining up on Sunday. Fingers crossed.

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  8. I would love to do a helicopter tour of the gulf coast. So pretty! I'm impressed with your mileage and active minutes despite being injured. Good luck on your marathon! You will do great!

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    1. Thanks. My mileage was only down about 150 from last year. I was pretty surprised about that too. We need to get together and ride!

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  9. wow sidelined from running for 10 weeks and you still got close to 1000 miles...that is CRAZY!! Way to go!!

    I am so impressed with your bike riding and pool running during injury! Way to take control and make it happen.

    Take good care of that hip/IT...you have a marathon to ROCK!!! Which you will...I know it!

    I have always wanted to ride in a helicopter....look at that blue/green water BEAUTIFUL!!!

    Have a great week!

    -Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom

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    1. I had to do something, right? It beats sitting and moping. I just couldn't see having to start over at the beginning either. I've done that before.

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  10. Your week sounds great and I'm impressed with your stats!

    I've never been in a helicopter and I'm not sure if I ever will. They are a bit scary!

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    1. I thought I'd be scared but I wasn't. It was very windy too! That was a very odd sensation, I must say.

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  11. I am too afraid of air sickness to try a helicopter ride! I have the new-ish Garmin 225. I bought it for the HRM but only glance at that data during spin class to confirm that I am dying!

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    1. I hope the wrist HR is comparable to the chest strap HR. Unfortunately, the marathon will probably be my first run with it. So, I need to get accurate info.

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  12. I've never flown in a helicopter - but it looks like fun! My garmin stopped working and I've been just running with my fitbit charge hr to check heartrate and nike plus. And trying more "naked" runs!

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    1. I would be waaay too frightened to ride in a helicopter with my fear of heights. I'm excited and nervous about the Disney Marathon. My body feels like it has so many little things that are sore right now, but I am going to keep a positive attitude and do my best on race day! When will you be at the expo?

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  13. I'm not a New Year's person either, but the last two years I've been sick, so when my friends said they were hosting a party at their house, I wanted to go. Nothing exciting, just food and card games.

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    1. I was glad we had a ballgame to watch. I did watch the ball drop on eastern time. Then, straight to bed!

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  14. 16 hours of pool running?! I had to do pool running in 2014 and nearly lost my mind! Bravo!

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    1. It was pure insanity. People looked at me as the weird old lady in the pool! I stayed in that water the entire time...working up to 2:45. Yikes.

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  15. I didn't do any yoga or go to the gym during my vacation - My bad.

    I did run a lot and see lots of movies.

    I have flown in a helicopter with my hubby & the kids at Disney.

    TRy resetting your Garmin - they NEVER die. I still have the BIG 205.

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    1. Oh, this one died. The light flickered and the screen filled with smoke. DEAD. It was cracked underneath and I did not realize it. A helicopter ride as Disney sounds very cool!

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  16. Wow. I am beyond impressed at your running & biking #'s. Especially being sidelined for a while. You go girl!!!

    I wish I could remember what Garmin I have & I've never flown in a helicopter, but BOY DO I WANT TO!

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    1. Oh, thanks! I did what I could do at the time. Try the helicopter. It was so cool. And yellow!!

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  17. The helicopter trip sounds so fun! Beautiful photo. And yay for Disney coming up so soon :) I hope you have a great time.

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    1. I'm both excited and quite anxious! I will have fun, though.

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  18. First off, your year-end milage is amazing. Second, I love that you took the helicopter ride. There are so many things I see and think, "I'll try that someday" and I end up only doing the things I've marked as goals for the year. One of my resolutions for 2016 is to use my nice stuff (no more saving special candles, plates, wines... or other weird things I do), and I think the idea of "take the helicopter ride" goes right along with that. Have a great week!

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    1. I'm trying hard to never have to say "I wish I would have" later on. Life is too short. It's one reason I'm running this marathon. It's definitely not the ideal circumstances, but what if it's the only chance I get?

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  19. I love that you counted your water skiing! I love to ski! Also, I'm with you on the Roll Tide, on not really being a fan of NYE, and on what in the world was up with all. the. rain? Craziness.

    I haven't ever been in a helicopter, but that looks like so much fun! I have the Garmin 220 and I love it, but if I get a new one, I'm gonna go w/ the 235 for the heart rate monitor. I also got a FitBit for Christmas and I'm enjoying it, but it's kind of making me crazy that the mileage is so far off!

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    1. I'm glad to know you like to water ski! I posted some boring GoPro footage of it over the summer on this blog. But I thought it was cool. The Fitbit mileage is very wrong, especially the faster you run. I hope the wrist HR info will be accurate on my new 225.

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  20. I'm so sorry! I never use the badge, but always link back to you. I will make sure I get that in next time. A helicopter ride sounds super fun. I used to be a flight nurse in a helicopter and I always loved going up, so fun and such a different perspective than an airplane!! So excited for your race in Disney! Can't wait to hear all about it!

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    1. No worries! We appreciate the link backs too and most importantly your continued support! How exciting to have been a flight nurse. I imagine you have a lot of stories.

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  21. That is awesome mileage for being sidelined that long!! I haven't been in a helicopter but would love to! I have the Garmin Vivoactive and love it! Have fun at WDW!

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    1. I think I would have been on target for setting a yearly mileage record had I not been injured. Let it go...

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  22. Sorry to hear about all of your devices conking out. Fitbit has great customer service so contact them about your problem and they will send you a new one. It has happened to me twice with my Fitbit One and they have always ended up sending me a new one. I have the new Garmin 230 and I love it. Your helicopter ride sounds amazing! Good luck at WDW! I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear all about it!

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    1. I have a Fitbit on the way. Their customer service is incredible! My Garmin 225 has arrived and I've been playing with it. I haven't gone for a run yet.

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  23. Yay! I am happy your runs are going so well! And look at those awesome stats! Are you looking forward to continuing cycling in 2016?!

    Your helicopter tour looks beautiful! We've taken two, over Chicago :)

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    1. I do plan to continue cycling in 2016. It would be nice to try some type of low-key cycling event for kicks. I bet the helicopter over Chicago was great!

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  24. Oh how fun! I've taken a few helicopter tours and it's always fun to get up and see things from a different perspective. I can't remember if I have done one over the ocean before, but I bet the views are stunning!
    Wow, that is a lot of pool running mileage, way to go!! You kept your body in the perfect condition to resume running when your foot healed and I'd say you are the perfect example of what to do in situations like that!
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I am really excited for you, and can't wait to hear how the race goes. Have fun!!!

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    1. Thanks, Kristy. I did the best I could. But, nothing replaces that time on your feet though. Hopefully, all will work out OK.

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  25. I don't think I would like the helicopter ride... but the view looks fabulous.
    Good luck to you this coming Sunday... enjoy the experience ! Happy New Year !

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    1. When he would bank and turn the helicopter, it was pretty crazy. But still fun! Thanks for the well wishes. Ready or not...

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  26. I've never been in a helicopter, but your view does look great. Good luck in WDW this week! Have a great time!

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    1. Thanks. At least it's at Disney and I plan to have fun no matter what.

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  27. I'm trying to decide on a Garmin monitor myself...
    Looks like you're living the life :) I always want to do a helicopter thing but I'm so scared of flying... I could probably do it if I had a few drinks first :) ... nah, then I'd be puking

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    1. I'll probably review the 225 after using it a few times. I was determined to fly in that helicopter! I was tired of thinking "no" all these years. I don't regret it. It was fun.

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  28. YAY for recovery! Glad to hear you are doing well, and GREAT job on your mileage. I've never been a big high mileage person as it always leads to injury! Happy New year!

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    1. Yeah, darn that injury stuff. Although my mileage was pretty high the last few years and I was OK. Sometimes, I think I was just due for an injury -- it had been quite a while.

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  29. Wow, you got some great mileage in this year, especially for being injured. I always add my mileage up at the end of the year too!
    I have never been in a helicopter and hope to not ever be in one...lol

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    1. I definitely would have set a new yearly mileage record had I not been injured. Hmm...maybe that is how I got injured! LOL.

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  30. Wow fantastic mileage especially since you were not running for awhile! Your helicopterride looks like so much fun. I've never been on one but I can say Marco Island was full of dolphins when we were there. Wooooot for race week!

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    1. You also see the pelicans riding the waves. I thought that was cute. YAY for race week. Let's get this thing over so life can resume! LOL.

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  31. Wow, a helicopter tour along the Florida coast sounds AMAZING. You are really kicking it with your mileage, especially considering you were on the mend for several weeks. You must have been thrilled with Alabama's victory over MSU (although, did you start to get bored after they ran the score up and the outcome was inevitable so early on????).

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    1. They can't sit down and stop playing once the score gets so out of whack. But, they did eventually use their second and third string players. The NC game should be a good one!

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  32. Hi Holly! Back at it and linking up :) A helicopter tour sounds like a great way to see the sights, I would be so scared :)

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    1. It's good to see you Jennifer! It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Fun!

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  33. definitely contact fitbit and they will send you a new one right away-they have great customer service!

    and you will rock the WDW marathon this weekend! It is my favorite race I have ever done and I am sad to not get back there this year.

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    1. A new Fitbit is already on the way. They do have great service. I really enjoyed the WDW half marathons I did, so I know it will be a great experience!

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  34. I've always wanted to take a helicopter ride. And yay for race week! Can't wait to hear how it goes - good luck!

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    1. If you get the opportunity, do fly in a helicopter. YAY! I'm excited and nervous.

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  35. I SO feel your "behind-on-blog-reading" pain! We were on a family trip (Dec. 26-Jan.3), and I had very limited time and wifi availability. I was pressed for time in prepping for the trip as well, so I've been MIA from the blog world (reading and writing) for almost two weeks...EEK!! I am rallying back, slowly. I have ridden a helicopter (a couple times). I am so jealous of your upcoming Disney adventure!!!

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    1. I still feel like I haven't caught up. I may just have to let it go and focus on staying current from this point forward. But with more travel...I don't know.

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  36. That is an amazing amount of miles! What a year, you definitely don't give up! I rode in a helicopter in California, tons of fun, what a different view you get. Looks like a great weekend you had and Disney is right around the corner!!! Good Luck!!!!!

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    1. Thanks MB. I hope 2016 is injury free. If not, I know what I can do I guess.

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  37. I went on a helicopter ride in Hawaii, I loved every minute of it. Your tour looks and sounds like it was awesome as well. Looks like you had a great year despite the 16 weeks of pool running. I am impressed with that!

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    1. A helicopter ride in Hawaii would be amazing. It is good to know I can fall back on pool running in case I ever need to again.

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  38. We're going to get all these little problems ironed out BEFORE this weekend! And then it's going to be smooth sailing right on into the finish line, right?!? Say it with me.... :)
    You still had an impressive year even with you being out the last part. I think all the pool running and biking was a great change of pace.
    The pictures from the helicopter ride are just breathtaking! Man, that is awesome! They have rides up in the mountains too, I'd like to one day do that.
    I didn't know you could shoot fireworks from the beach, that would be cool! While in NOLA we were by the River Walk and you could look across the MS and see fireworks going off everywhere across the river, it was neat! Speaking of fireworks I cant' wait to see the ones in Disney!! I tried to get reservations for the viewing by the castle with all the desserts (I forget what it's called) but they are booked, I even picked a few random dates in April and they are booked then too.... As you saw my fitbit didn't weather last weekend so I have another one coming for this weekend. I wear it and my TomTom runner and I'll have it set to percentage complete in the marathon instead of pace! See you soon my friend!

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    1. You can't shoot fireworks where I live, but you can at the beach. My kids were never interested in the Disney fireworks, but I like them! Most times, we watched them on the bus going back to our hotel room. Ha! I think I'm just going to look at my HR and not pace during the race.

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  39. I can't believe it's here already. With the holidays, it just seemed to get here too quick. Ready or not... I'm staying away from the trainer this week (so far) to give my hips some rest. I'm being super cautious.

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  40. A couple years ago on a trip to Florida, I had a chance to go on a helicopter ride and at the last minute, I punked out - I was scared. I'd like to think I'm braver now and that I would do it now if I had the opportunity.
    Happy New Year to you. All the best at Disney!

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    1. You should definitely do the helicopter ride. It's not that scary. Thanks for the well wishes!

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  41. I have never been on a helicopter but it is on my list of things to do (helicopter ride). Oh, and I have the 225 and LOVE it.

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    1. I'm glad you like your 225. I've got to get the buttons and features memorized quickly so I can operate it correctly at the marathon. I'd hate to experience user problems!

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  42. I can't believe it took me until Thursday night to get back here to comment. It's been one of those weeks.

    There are certain blogs I can only comment on in a certain browser. It gets really frustrating some times.

    That helicopter ride sounds awesome!

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    1. I'm so far behind, it's pathetic. The browser problem doesn't make any sense. I try and memorize which blogs to handle differently. People tell me sometimes they can't comment on mine. I have no clue why.

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  43. Good week! That helicopter ride looks really neat. I've never been in a helicopter... not sure it's something I'm interested in. I've heard too many helicopter and Osprey stories from my dad (Navy stuff).

    How ironic that your 110 died after 666 activities - yikes! Your remark about ordering a new watch randomly reminded me that I need to order more Tailwind. Random, but I appreciate it, ha!

    I hope Disney went well today!!!!

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  44. I won some Tailwind recently. I'm going to try it soon (nothing new before race day). Disney was great. I'm so glad I decided to go ahead with it.

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I enjoy reading your comments. Thanks for taking the time to leave one!