Saturday, July 5, 2008

On the road again...to China!

So the running has been a little rough lately. I looked through my logs and decided that I just haven't run enough to expect very much. I was on my feet and walking several hours a day in Scotland, but running was spotty before we went, did one nice long one there but I was gone like 11 days, people. That's not enough running for me to maintain. And I've paid. Oh I've paid.

I've struggled through a couple rough ones trying to get some semblance of order and comfort back. I finally decided I was trying to go way too far, crashing at 3 or 3.5 or 2.5 for that matter. Since I changed my eating pretty drastically ( AHEM, 3rd in the big Vivalicious Independence Day Challenge, thank you very much) my energy and stamina have been a little whack too. I finally just did a 2.6 at a nice rip to get some confidence back and followed it with 3 yesterday. I have a long way to go but things seem like they might be coming back to me. Just when I am ready to take off for China....

Oh well, I'll either run while I'm there or not, it will be here when I get back. :D I'm definitely going to run some on the wall, and plan to do at least a couple runs, but we'll see, maybe it will be more!



So here's the lowdown of how the trip unfolded. Basically the friends that we have traveled with some lately mentioned to me last weekend that she had the opportunity to go see her son and daughter in law (whom I have met and adore!) in Beijing but her husband (who happens to be my work partner) couldn't make it work on such short notice. He didn't really want her traveling on her own. That's where I entered the picture. :D YIPPEE.
I have a passport and a slightly less stringent schedule, and a very supportive Hub who thought it sounded like one of those once in a lifetime how could I not encourage you to go thingys. How can I pass up built in tour guides who have lived there a couple years and at the height of their clean up for the Olympics???(by the way, he's going to have the kids for 11 days, he's at the casino right now having a little boy time before this whole thing kicks into gear!)

Some United miles and a few phone calls for a visa later, I'm going!! And I'm totally pumped. And it was only 9 days away at the time. Now, it's WEDNESDAY!!!! How many thousand years of history can you cram into a weekend to get ready for a trip? Ha ha. I'll do my best.

We're going to see all the big stuff and hopefully have lots of time for other interesting activities. I've heard you can get an hour and a half massage for $10. (oh.my.heavens.) I'm also very interested in the shopping. There's a possibility of a side trip to Hong Kong with a stop in Shanghai. I can't even believe this is me talking! So....I'll take lots of notes and lots of pics and likely catch you on the flip side. I'll be gone 9th - 19th. I can't wait to share the details with you when I get back!!

38 comments:

Michelle said...

Nancy, I am so stinkin' jealous!!! You are going to have a fabulous time! Can't wait to hear all about it and see the pics!!

HAVE FUN!!!!!!

Andrew is getting fit said...

Have a great time!

J said...

Nancy that is awesome!! What a cool trip! Have fun and enjoy yourself.

I am like you in regards to running, if I take a lot of time off I have a hard time coming back. I am always jealous of people who can take FOREVER off, and then just go out and run like it's no big deal. That's why I am such an obsessive consistent runner--I am too afraid of what will happen!!!!

Jess said...

That sounds like it will be a wonderful trip! Take lots of pics and we'll want to hear all about it when you return! Safe travels.

Kent said...

Add me to the list of jealous BRF's... I hope you have a fantastic time, and you couldn't pick a better time with the country prepping for the Olympics. I hope you have safe trip with lots of adventures to tell us about when you get back.

Marcy said...

Awwwwhhhh Nanc you're so lucky!! On both the husband and the trip front ;-) HAVE FUN!!! ;D ;D

Sonia said...

Wow! Sounds like an amazing trip!! You'll have so much fun =) It will be something to be there right before the olympic games too!

Running or not enjoy your vacation!!

Viv said...

Nanc, I seriously think it is running or pund lossage. Kmow what I means.. You kept moving and staying active and that totally counts. You are going to have such an awesome time, make sure you tell me everything!

OK Watch out for those 10$ massages, Missy...LOL!

teacherwoman said...

Oh man, I m jealous! You are going to have a blast! I can't wait to hear all about it when you return!!!

Jamie said...

That sounds like a fabulous trip! Safe travels and be careful of those $10 massages ;);)

E said...

That truly is a once in a lifetime trip. Be safe and have fun!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an awesome awesome adventure. :)

(I wouldn't worry about running until you get back... just sit back and have a hoot.)

Unknown said...

I've been to Shanghai 2x, never to Beijing. It was a bit of culture shock for me, but very interesting both times.

Kevin said...

Have a great trip

Amy said...

Nancy, have a wonderful trip - it does sound like a great opportunity! Can't wait to hear how it went!

Wes said...

Have a great time in China!! Bring me back a box of those deep fried frogs, will ya :-)

Tina Mickelson said...

We are so excited for you and we know that you can't give us all the details of the trip since it would take you 11 days to type all that up...LOL but we do expect the hilights. Go have fun. Run when you get back home. (well run on the great wall if you can and get a picture for us)We'll all be here when you get back.

Tina
http://gottagrubnrun.blogspot.com

The Laminator said...

Sounds like an amazing trip. Of course you can't pass it up. Have fun, Nancy!

Michelle said...

Nancy, have have have an amazing time dude!!! Chinese food perhaps? Enjoy a run or two or three! Will miss you, take lots of photos OK?

Bev said...

Have a blast and soak it all up. I wish I was a little mouse in your pocket.

Sunshine said...

What a magical time for you!
Wishing you a safe and delightful trip.

sRod said...

Is there space for one in your suitcase? Have a blast!

Topher said...

I'm so jealous I may never speak to you again or do any of your races. Or, I might say "enjoy, have a great time!" and look forward to pictures. Time will tell.

RunningNan said...

I would've taken up that chance too!

P.O.M. said...

Have a fantastic time! Can't wait to hear about it (and see lots of pics).

RunToTheFinish said...

Amazing how things in life just happen when they should, this came at the perfect time for you. Have so much fun!!

akshaye said...

Awesome! Its great how that trip came about. Have a wonderful time!

Nitmos said...

PLease, please run on the wall (if it's allowed). That is a Once in a Lifer for sure. Bring a camera.

C said...

You are going to have such a fabulous time! Can't wait to see the pics when you get back.

RunnerGirl said...

You are one lucky lady - hope you have a blast on your trip. I can't wait to hear all about it and see the pictures! Be safe.

Anonymous said...

have such an AMAZING TRIP.

Ive never been....

M.

chia said...

You ladies had better come back with some stunning shots :-). So stoked for you girl - many happy healthy safe wishes for your travels :-)!!!

Lily on the Road said...

Oh Nancy! You deserve all of this, enjoy every moment and load up that memory bank 'cause we want to know ALL about this trip!!!

I had a similar experience, but it was Sydney, Australia in 2000 ust before the Olypic's, make sure if you can, go to the Beijing Olympic site.....you'll be amazed!!!

Don't worry about running, you can always do that, this is a once in a life time opportunity!!

have a GREAT TIME!!!

Vickie said...

Have a great time! And watch out for those $10 "massages."

Laura N said...

I'm so behind on my blog reading & commenting. I am sure you are already asleep & getting ready to leave. Well, anyway, hope you have/had a super great time. What an amazing summer you are having.

And great job on the weight loss! I heard from my cousin in law, who went to China earlier this year, that she lost weight while there b/c the food was not to her liking. Not sure how adventurous you are with food, but perhaps this will be an opportunity to lose weight on vacation?? Maybe not a bad thing, haha. Take care!

Laura said...

I'm the most behind of all, so you're already gone, but belatedly I hope you have an AMAZING time!

Anonymous said...

truly amazing.

thanks for taking the time to share all this with us (the above post)...the great unwashed masses.

Miz.

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