The Trouble With Bahrain

It was coming down to mere days before our Spring Break departure and our flight departing from Bahrain posed a bit of a dilema. Will the demonstrations turn violent, will things get worse while we are gone trapping our car, is it safe to bring our family there?

After hours and hours of debate and angst we decided to change our flight plans through Doha which caused a whole new set of problems too painful to relate here.

In the end we made it after a 24 hour layover in London and a few other hiccups along the way.

For the next few days its all about Jenkins cousins, shopping, and mixing it up with a few adventures for the kids.

We Tri'd It

Slow and Steady was my theme today.
O.K maybe not so slow compared to my practice times but definitely steady.

This was the 1st ever UDH Triathlon Event and it was a huge success!
Thank you Maryanne for organizing this along with the Recreation Dept. and all the volunteers.

WE HAD A BLAST!

The question on all our minds was just how long it would take us to do the 500 meters swim, 20K bike, and 5K run. Most of us ladies had never competed in anything like this before but all decided to give it a go fitting in a run here and a swim there often lugging kids along with us.

Chris was going to compete in the Tri. himself but when we couldn't find a babysitter he had to back out. Then a team who really wanted to compete lost their cyclist due to a leg injury so Chris stepped in at the last minute and our regular babysitter just happened to call and say she was available.

Before a Tri. was ever scheduled for UDH. I got in the pool and did the 500M swim in a lousy 20 minutes. I'm just not a strong swimmer nor did I ever swim for a team so my technique is questionable. After a bit of practice and a few pointers from a former swim coach I had it down to 15 minutes and was happy with this but knew I'd be the last one out of the pool.....and I was.

But after a few Sports Beans and a bit of adrenaline my swim plus transition to bike totaled to 14:33.

To my surprise by my third lap I had caught up to two of the ladies ahead of me....making up some serious time. It's been a windy week with dusty yucky days. It finally cleared of dust today but there was still a nasty head wind for half the coursemaking my bike plus transition time 49:31. I transitioned really fast this time and got out ahead of two ladies and caught this one on the course.

We ran the last kilometer and a half together both huffing and puffing and at the corner I said let's SPRINT IN, not that I had much left in me but the crowed loved it. We would have tied if I just kept my big mouth shut instead she crossed just before me making my total time 1:38.04.

I came in 5th out of 7 and was thrilled with my time! My goal was under 2 hours and was hoping for 1:45 so with the minimal training and a few Sports Beans and the adrenaline to just keep going, in my eyes, I had an extremely successful event. This had been something I've wanted to TRI for a long time but didn't know if the opportunity would every arise or at a time (not pregnant/nursing) when I could.

Not only was it fun to compete with so many friends but so many kids as well. There was a Super Sprint that kids as young as Zach competed in. Maybe next time we can get the boys involved or maybe do a family Jenkins team.....that would be AWESOME!

As for Chris, he and his team....

placed 1st in their division. That little girl is quite the fish and the boy has some quick feet making this trio a triple threat.

A Day Of Rage

It was all over Twitter, Facebook, and all everyone could talk about the last few weeks. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/saudi-arabia-police-quell-protests
What will happen March 11? Should we stay home or go ahead with our normal Friday activities? Is history in the making? Then the advisement from our government officials came to just stay home because no one was certain what might happen if protests did occur after the King announced that they would not be tolerated.

Well the only rage I'm aware of was in my home trying to have a home Primary day and then helping the boys keep the Sabbath Holy. I read in the NY Times that one protest of about 500 people did occur in Al Hasa, go figure in all the entire country there was a small showing in the city closest too us. However, nothing has come of it and I don't think any thing will.

As for us however, the impending protests did cause us some angst. We had plans to drive to DHA to see a comedy show then stay the night with friends. Once it was finally advised to not be out and about on Fri. we changed our plans to go up on Thurs. afternoon do some shopping, go to the show and head home late. By mid morning the wind picked up and by early afternoon a Shamal was blowing in. When I called DHA my friends said it was all clear there so we pressed on. Along the route other than winds, dust, and camels extremely close to the road and few that chose to dart across in front of traffic all was well.

We arrived in town ran a few errands, got turned around in a Mall, stuck in heavy security traffic, and finally dropped the boys off an hour late at the sitters. Once we finally got our seats we sat through a so-so comedy show that had quite a lot of Arabic in it for a show that was advertised as ALL ENGLISH. Oh well, we were back on the road by 10:30 and that's when the real trouble began.

Just outside of DHA we drove into the worst sand storm we have ever exprierenced. It was complicated by the fact that it was late, dark, and Chris was tired. The bigger boys fell asleep not long into the ride and G was happily oblivious to the entire experience until the last bit where he too fell asleep. As we struggled to keep our car on the road the visibility kept decreasing and at time there was none at all. If felt like a blizzard. "Just turn around," was a thought but there really aren't places to turn around. Luckily most of the squirrels, as we like to call them, were driving slowly with their hazards on. At one point I was in a complete panic because Chris decided he could not stay awake without some help and had to pull over to get a drink. The only problem was we were in the median and he had to cross the highway on foot wearing a black T shirt. Not long after this there were no more cars and no more lights we were alone on the last stretch of road home. With no reference points it was a bizarre feeling. We didn't see the flares that welcome us home and thankfully none of those camels were still near the road. We couldn't even see UDH until we arrived at the first security point. At first we thought maybe the storm had caused a power outage instead it was just that bad of a storm and you just couldn't see the city.

Many prayers of help and thanks were offered and granted in our behalf. Even though it took us the same amount of time to get home as usual if felt as though sections of the road had been removed and the trip shortened as we arrived at certain reference points quicker than we expected. It's easy to see how quickly you could get turned around without a fixed point of reference.

I guess in the end history was made on March 11 just not here. I'm happy to say that our good friends, the Carruths, in Tokyo are safe and well. Their daughter and son in law were flying in when the earthquake happened. They were diverted but now have been reunited. Other than major delays and inconveniences for them their part of the country is OK.

A Runny Day For Zach

Although Zach may have been the most competitive Jenkins competing this day. He was definitely the least captured on film.

But the few we did get were action packed....

and show what an all around athlete he can be some day.... if he chooses.

Chris and I decided we don't care which sport they want to do but they must do something to keep active and busy.

It will be interesting to see over the next few years what they each choose to play, which talents they develop, and what interests they keep or toss aside as they mature.

And with this final video another Track and Field Day comes to a close.

A Runny Day For Ethan

This year the boys weren't the only ones to get a work out. With 3 boys in the different events at the same time and with G. needing extra supervision I was all over the place. At least this year Chris was able to make it and get the videos.

What form, what technique, too bad the darn breeze blew it back a bit.

I love Ethan's facial expressions. This day really is one of the most fun of the school year for the kids.

As usual the obstacle course was everyone's favorite. Really if they wanted to just do 3 different courses and the dashes at the end that would keep everyone happy.

I must preface this video. Chris turned the camera and I thought we could change it upright but I couldn't figure out how. What is great about this snippet is that Ethan totally biffs it but comes up with a huge grin on his face.

Now tilt your head to the right and enjoy.

In preparation for the event Ethan's K4 teacher had the students all wear tennis shoes to school the day before and they went out and practiced their sprints.

Ethan has always had a, uhm, how shall we say it....a unique running style clearly shown here.

I love this shot not only because Ethan is loving the experience but big brother Zach is cheering him on. That means a lot to a little brother.

Ethan was so exhausted after competing, then staying up a bit late because Chris and I had a meeting after dinner that ran long, he slept in until 8:30 the next morning. Two hours past he normal rise and shine time.

Exhaustion but happy exhaustion.

A Runny Day For Graham

This years Jr. Track Meet was a little different in that the weather was perfect....sun shiny but not hot and Graham was old enough to participate. He and his besties were carbo loading for the first event.

But having just woken up for a nap he was not so sure he wanted to participate.

After a few dry runs and a little coaxing from Mom he gave in to his inner runner/climber and got to work.

With the older kids it was a relay race but with the little ones is was a free for all complete with tackles and falls and noggin' bonks.

About 6 laps into the obstacle coarse he was still ALL SMILES.

The Long Jump was more of a lesson in patience. These little guys did not want to line up and were so excited they kept crashing into each other in the sand pit. The Middle School Student Volunteers didn't quite know what to do with these little guys who not only didn't follow their directions but didn't even have an inkling there was a specific process to be followed. All they knew was run + sand =fun.

On to the final event. Graham was the first to line up for the 20 meter dash, not that he knew why Mom made him stand there. I told him to just wait and when they said "GO", he could run.

So this video is just a short little bit of Graham's race. It would have been better but some ones booty and another little runner got in the way.

And he did!

Right to the end where his big brother was there cheering him on. Ethan would have been there too but he was queuing up for his own race.

As we walked home from yet another evening activity Graham said, "Today was a runny day."

Busy....And We Like It

I'll do really well all week, eating the right foods and portions and then something like this happens.....

SAEA UDH Chapter International Bazaar
and it blows my whole week.

Who can resist tent after.....

welcoming tent.

Full of exotic and unusual things to try such as this Date Bread or Colombian Cheese Bread or Chicken & Rice dishes from the Philippines or my favorite Spicy Peanut Sauce from Malaysia.

This young boy from Malaysia offered to do the Worm if I'd buy one of his treats. Since I was planning on buying it anyway I agreed.

Later he just offered to dance for money.

The dessert was much better than the dance.

There was lots of play time for the kiddos while the moms and dads gorged themselves and had to digest sitting down on the carpets they put out for seating.

We all grooved to some tunes by the UDH Middle School Rock Band.

This camera has been practically glued to my face lately with so many community events. No wonder Graham just had to have a turn. I've decided they are just trying to pack everything in before Spring Break because when we return it will be too hot for anything other than water activities.

As the sun set the wind continued to blow making it a bit chilly. Zach was sweet to run home and get me a jacket. I'm starting to feel like a bit of a pansy. The true test will come over our summer break back home.

Annual 3 Peaks Race

There were a few cool things about the 3 Peaks event this time. The first was we dominated in number of riders and podium spots.

Also this time it was on a Thursday instead of the usual Friday so Chris was able to compete.

Let's not forget about the spectators who gathered to watch.

The group circled around for a rolling start escorted by a Harley. The Harley plays an important part as he stays about 50 feet ahead of the lead rider during this 6 lap race. As the event progresses the leader will lap some of the last riders so it helps the Time Keepers keep track of the what lap the riders are on.

This is Chris, in black, about half way through the first lap. He was disappointed not only by the fierce wind but during the first few critical turns he got separated from his team mates and never caught up to them again.

By now some of the spectators had wandered off. Not even my homemade fresh Blueberry Cinnamon Struessel Top Muffins could keep them focused on the race.

It was nice to see even some of our UDH ladies competing. Curt in back should have had his wife there beside him but at the last minutes had to stay home with a sick kid.

What's amazing about these Triplets, by gear not by year, is 18 months ago they didn't even own serious bikes.

Now look at them: serious weight loss, serious equipment, and podium dominance at the end of the day. The first guy has lost so much weight he's kept the tailor busy taking in his clothes and people don't recognize him on camp any more.
Way too go Brian!

By this point the spectators or at least this one had gone wild.

Then he just became bored.

At one point I looked up and there was my gardener just tootling down the road on his old bike totally oblivious that a serious road race was on. It was too funny not to get a picture.

Here is Chris sprinting in for the finish....

beating the other rider by 1/2 a tire.

It was so windy that our GO DADDY GO sign ripped. So we saved this one until the end.

One of the Fitness Club President duties is to give thanks where thanks is due and hand out the awards.

As I said we dominated as seen in this winners picture everyone standing except for the guy with the red circle on his shirt is from UDH. Every one keeps asking where all these UDH riders came from, some just transfered in but most are home grown.

These are all the riders minus a couple of Saudi guys who had to leave right after the race and celebratory Shwarma.