New Friends, New Adventures
July 10th, 2010
I know I have been MIA from the world of social media since last week, but I do have good reason. I’ve been hanging out with friends!
That’s right, after a year of living in this neighborhood, Dave and I have finally made, not one, not two, but THREE new friends! Dave and I successfully doubled our friend-arsenal in only a week. Based on our packed schedule this past week, we’re convinced our “friend slots” are now full. We are currently not accepting any new applications. Sorry, please try again later. 
Plus, our new friends are extremely athletic! Dan and Ashley were excellent cross country runners in college and Gary, also a cross country runner, is a short track speed skater and a strength and conditioning trainer. Amazing, no?
Two times this week, we braved the 100 degree heat and humidity and hit the trail in the early evening. The girls stuck together while the guys did their own thing. I am so happy to have a running partner, and especially happy that she doesn’t care that I slow her down. 
Dave and I decided to have a cookout and invited our new friends, plus our “old friends”. We all know food and friends make us happy, so Dave and I were hard at work in the kitchen.
In honor of new friends, I made a new drink: Pomegranate Limeade!
- 1/2 c. fresh lime juice
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 2 c. POM Wonderful Juice
- 5 c. seltzer water
Combine lime juice, sugar and POM and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add seltzer water, chill and then enjoy! 
Wonderfully refreshing in the Pittsburgh humidity—both the drink and the company!
However fun the cookout was, it didn’t compare to the next day’s adventure. Earlier this week, Dan and other-Dave (“old” friend) decided to do a sprint triathlon today. Last night around 10 pm, Gary and my-Dave decided to join.
Had they done a triathlon before? No.
Had they trained for this? No.
In fact, Gary didn’t have a functioning bike, so he borrowed mine!
The gals were happy to lend their support—and not swim in the open water!
{Ashley, me, Ashley} Plus, the scenery was lovely!
Because they registered the day of the tri, they all had to start in the last heat. Right before their heat began, we heard Gary shouting, “We may be in the last heat, but we won’t be finishing last!” Everyone cheered!!
{finishing!}
{the gang}
The swim wasn’t the best event, but the bike and run were fun for all. Gary ended up 12th overall, 1st in his age group, and Dan was 26th overall and 3rd in his age group! Congrats, guys!!
Next year, we’re all doing it!
{Dave, Gary, Dave, and Dan}
Now Dave has been bitten by the tri bug (a thing I’ve been wanting for months)! I’m excited to pick out a tri and train for it with Dave!
Have you ever competed in a triathlon? What is your favorite of the three sports? Have you ever signed up for a race on a whim?
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How fun!! Look at you being squished by 2 ashley’s….you have so many Ashley friends, hehehe
Glad you had an awesome week with friends + family!!
Never met an Ashley I didn’t like!!
Looks like a great adventure Abby! Can’t answer your questions since I’ve never done either of them!! BUT, we are finally doing our first 5K.. but that wasn’t a whim decision!
Yay!! Good luck!
Oh this makes me smile!! So fun!! They did an an awesome job! Yes I have competed ina triathlon before. In fact, it was with that same bike. hehe!
Hahaha.. actually Gary wrecked the bike! It’s at the shop now getting a tune up. He was all bloody, but stll had th 4th fastest bike time and the 2nd fast run time (16:38). And he’s never done a tri! I’m still blown away! But he trains olympic athletes, so I shouldn’t be too shocked!
Wow, amazing day! I’ve never done a tri and I’m still training for my first half-marathon. But who know what the future holds.
That is so exciting! I start training for another half this week. I love to train! I hope you find it as enjoyable as I do!
That is awesome! I love the whole sport of triathlon. Running is my favorite of the three sports though. Swimming scares the crap out of me, but I do it because I think it makes me a better person for facing my fears.
I’m so excited for your training!!
I thnk I’ll borrw your attitude towards swimming when I start training. Such a good perspective on it!
This is awesome.. what an amazing event. Glad you’re doing this again since you’ve hada lot of fun.
Thanks!!
This is awesome! What’s better than an impromptu triathlon?
I’m impressed and think it’s great that y’all will all do it together next year. I’m planning to run my first half marathon this December and just recently convinced my fiance to train for it with me! I’m pumped to run it together. I like the running and the cycling but I’m terrified of the open water swim…but I plan to conquer that fear at some point! 
Yes! Halfs are so much fun!! Tell me how your convinced your fiance, so I can try it on Dave.
And I’ll try conquering that fear of open water too!
wow how beastly!!! those tri events are so great!! I CANNOT SWIM WORTH CRAP! like .. its sad! anyway i am soo glad you are doing so well girl!! you deserve it!
You’re too cute. Congratulations on your new friends!!
I completed a tri (a 70.3!) and loved each leg! I had a panic attack in the water, but that was probably my favorite leg because I was most proud of overcoming it
And of course I’ve signed up for races on a whim- it’s practically my life’s mission to do so! lol
I lov reading all of your race recaps. You just might be my hero.
Your half ironman was AWESOME..just like you