The Coldest, Snowiest Winter

Everyone in the midwest is fed up with this winter, and I'm at the front of the line standing there with my picket sign which says: "Please, Bring me Some Warmth".

I have been out twice on the Katy Trail in the last month as we have had two breaks in the weather.

The Katy Trail is very muddy right now, and hard to push through. Still, it was good exercise. 

My bike alone by the tree- nothing is alive or green now. It's pretty desolate out there, but it is good to be in the sun, for any amount of time possible during this time of the year. 

I'll keep everyone posted on when Biking Club will meet again, however, I'm thinking things will get going again after Spring Break at ASH. 

Number 326

In an effort to update my blog, I will tell you about something crazy I did on August 24th:


I completed my first triathlon ever just 7 days after my 40th birthday. I didn't want to blog about it when I was training for this triathlon last summer, because honestly I wasn't quite sure I could finish. I can't believe I am posting this picture either, however, you have to remember that was taken after 3 hours and 55 minutes, some of which was in the lake, and the latter of which was spent running in sweltering heat. So, I'll give myself a break on the 'au natural' look.

Last summer, my younger brother (by 8 years) started his first triathlons. He did a few in spring, and I'll admit that I got a little jealous. I wasn't necessarily jealous of 'him' I will just say that I was inspired by what he was doing, and I wanted some of the thunder. (Plus, my parents were giving him a lot of attention.) I had an generally adequate base for everything and just went with the attitude that the worst thing that could happen would be that I would have to quit somewhere along the race. It seemed like the worst case scenario of not being able to finish, wasn't that bad, and I went with the goal of wanting to finish with integrity and not be completely wiped out in the end.

I wish I had written about it a little sooner than this point (Feb 2014), as it would have been fresh in my mind. This triathlon was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, besides of course delivering two babies.

My foot gives me trouble, but it held out all summer up until the race and I hope I can be this blessed in 2014 because I want to do it again. I'm addicted now.

I ended up finishing most definitely in the latter part of the race, however, I was really proud that I did something so magnanimous. I felt like afterwards I could do pretty much anything.

The stats:

Long Course Distance (Olympic Distance Triathlon): .93 mile swim/ 24 mile bike/ 6.2 mile run

Number of Finishers : 315
Number of Females: 83
Number of Males: 227
Average time: 3:03:47

11/13 in my age group and total time: 3:55:53


Then, I did the Rec-Plex Triathlon the next month which I will tell you was about 1000x easier.

The stats:
The course: 500 meter swim/ 21 mile bike/ 5 mile run
Number of finishers: 236

12/16 in my age group and Finishing time: 2:45


* I am really hoping and praying that my foot holds out for next season as right now it is really hurting through the long, cold winter.

I LIKE to be on THE RIGHT SIDE of Jesus.

One more day of bliss with the kids at home on summer vacation and then we can all breathe a deep sigh of relief after tears are shed and go back to our Fall through Spring lives. I don't know about you, but I for one am SUPER excited about my son Anton being a part of the Primary program at ASH. I feel like we are really moving up in the world.

Additionally, I feel like we as a family feel more comfortable about things regarding school. It was kind of scary last year in pre-primary. I feel like we can do it now...  last year my main goal was getting Anton to school on time with a 1 1/2 year old in tow. We found out through the meeting last Thursday that we could now CHOOSE our drop off and pick up point. No more hand holding, we are clearly in the big leagues now. After hours of contemplation and weighing all of the variables, we are choosing to go to the RIGHT of Jesus. I hear this side moves faster.

With all of these new things happening at the beginning of the year, and the excitement that fills the fall air at any new school years beginning, I would like to tell anyone who might be reading about: Bike Club. I decided to start Bike Club last spring which some people think is this group that is run by several women. Really, it's just one person (me) who had the idea and it is very casual.

Essentially, I ride on Sundays at 8 a.m. leaving from the Bike Stop Cafe off of Main Street in the Historic Area and we ride most often to the Page Extension and back. We chat, and/or have coffee and/or a small breakfast afterwards at the Bike Stop. We leave from the Bike Stop because Tony, the owner is really great about making any corrections on your bike before we leave, blowing up tires, putting on water bottle holders, etc. You can ride with us sporadically, or every week, or as your schedule allows.

I started the group for two or three reasons: 1. I thought it would be a good way to meet other new parents. 2. I love biking. 3. I thought it would be a great way to accomplish reasons #1 and #2 while simultaneously being "involved" at the Academy.

It turns out that this has been a really great thing. (In my opinion) The best unanticipated bonus for me is that I've met several remarkable women who have older children at the Academy and I've learned so much from them. It was hard to break out of my shell when I was comfortable with my old friends and lifestyle, yet I'm so glad I did.

This group is a moms only, (no kids please) group. Initially, I wanted the group to be 'womens only' because I feel that having men along can at times make the women feel intimidated. This way we can get that so desperately needed time just for us while our kids and husbands rest comfortably in their beds on a Sunday morning. Many times, my all boy clan is still in their jammies and on the couch when I get back home- they seem to move loads slower when I'm not around. Any other moms at ASH are welcome to join at any time, and PLEASE don't be intimidated. If you have any questions don't hesitate to call or e-mail me.

We have been off for three weeks due to some training I've been doing for a sports event, however, we will be riding on Sunday, September 1st and continuing until the weather no longer allows.

And, good luck with your new school year!

Oh, and here is a great article that I just read on feeling more connected and supported (by friends) in your life- I thought it was perfect for this spot here:

http://simplemom.net/3-concrete-ways-to-feel-more-connected-and-supported-in-your-life/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+simplemom+%28Simple+Mom%29


Jennifer Schuetz

cell: 314-503-7651
e-mail: klempjennifer@charter.net

Just Checking In for Summer: Still HERE

I am still going down to the Bike Stop and riding on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m., and just wanted everyone to know. It is still really great, and I've only been alone once. NOT that I minded one bit, but just wanted to let everyone know that I am still HERE. 

We are *ON* for Mothers Day.... On Till The Break of Dawn.

In this picture we have 4 Academy Alumni, 1 Academy Student, and 1 Academy hopeful. Can you name the Alums? They are in disguise so it may be tricky... 

I've had a few people e-mail me on if Bike Club is going to ride on Mothers Day.


Are you kidding me? OF COURSE WE ARE.


Biking is one of the things I love doing the most, and on Mothers Day, I want to do ANYTHING I DARN WELL PLEASE-- you better believe I'll be out on my bike, or a hike, or maybe both. Now, if you are the type of mom who loves brunch, then by all means- do that. We used to do the brunch thing until we realized that nursing the baby at the Art Museum just wasn't fun for me anymore. Gone were the days of the bloody mary at 11 a.m.- ish. Plus, the expense for my sister in laws family, my family, my sister in laws - in laws, and my husbands mother was quite a lot- all together we make a table of 16-18.

Somewhere around three years ago my husband had this great idea for all of us to go to a park and just have a bar-b-que there, and I think this has been his best idea ever. We can include everyone, (my sister in laws in laws, and the whole bit) and luck holding, it's been nice weather the past three years. Also, expense and effort is low because Alex assigns everyone to either a side dish or accompaniments for our grilled items.

This year, we are hoping for our best ever moms day at Brommelsiek Park. This park is very quiet with some great hiking, (and biking) and little pavilions with their own playgrounds for the kids. Aunt Barb brings the games, and we do Mothers Day competitions with the egg toss and the whole thing. Don't wear silk! Alex is super organized about everything, and I love him for that- it really means a lot to me that he is so careful with the planning. (He starts in February or March with park rental).

I will prepare chicken for grilling on Saturday and put everything marinated in zip-loc bags so it is all ready to go for Sunday. This year we will bring more charcoal. And I hope my parents will be on time. I plan to hike as well- the hiking trail there crosses over a creek in several points and opens up to a large field at one point where there is this huge, amazing tree. We scouted everything out last weekend, in the rain- so we know about the path in case anyone wants to take a hike. See, we are getting better at moving from good to really good.

I will see you on Sunday 8 a.m., and if not- I always bring my music to listen to if need be, although I am also quite fine to be alone listening to the whoosh of the tires, and the sound of the birds.

I do plan to only stay for a few minutes of coffee at the end and to get going right around 8 a.m. so I can get back to help get loaded and get showered for the park. I also plan to ride fast!

I wish every mom a wonderful Mothers Day....

Sunday May 5th - Our First Cancellation

I am canceling Bike Club today as there are showers predicted this morning and it is very wet. According to Accu-Weather, it is to become noticeably warmer today with a few showers, however, for the morning, I think it's reasonable to cancel.


This has been the wackiest weather I can remember this spring and we need to cherish those warm and sunny days more than ever. I wish you happy riding in all the sunny moments in your upcoming week...

Point Du Sable

For our bike ride on Sunday four of us met up, one of whom was Sister Glavin and a conversation prior to the ride included history of Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, who in history is known as the first Chicago resident, and later in life moved to St. Charles, for reasons which are unknown. Sources say he was of African descent, however, may have been a native of Santa Domingo. He married a Potawatomi woman named Catherine, had two daughters and was an avid Catholic. And, I need to get my facts straight on this part, however, I believe Sister Glavin told us that Dusable was believed to stay with a daughter or grand daughter when he moved to St. Charles and that her home was located where the workshop for the Academy is on the corner of 2nd and Decatur.

I had already decided to try to go the North direction on the Katy for our ride, as I wasn't sure that everyone knows about out newer Eco-Park which lies right along the river and goes under the 367 bridges for trains and also the highway. The Eco- Park shoots off of the parking lot of the boat loading ramp area down to the river and goes through to Dusable Park. The kids and I have been going to Point Dusable for a while now as it is a nice walk from our house. The park is a little older, however, there usually aren't that many people there and it can be a nice place to exercise while the kids play.

From Dusable Park the Eco-Park continues with a trail that goes under the bridges and now includes several areas where you can lookout over the river, and in one particular area there is a circular meeting point with benches and a middle campfire spot.

There are several informational stands on the trail with history of the Missouri River, Riverboats, St. Charles, and the Native Indian Tribes.

The Katy Trail was extended sometime last year, and the Eco- Park leads back up to it- where we rode up to the point of about 5 miles out. It was amazing riding along the river, as for the third week in a row we have had pure sunshine which glistened off the river right next to us.

I think I can honestly say that everyone was floored by this hidden gem right in our own backyard. I am so happy that I live in the area and have walked and biked it - so that I can show others how wonderful St. Charles is. Anyone whose children are attending ASH should really take advantage of seeing these beautiful areas right from Dusable Park- on a path that is all easily walkable.

I plan to ride up further in the near future to see how far the trail actually goes, and we wondered if it goes all the way to the confluence.

On a different less historical note, biking has been tough during the week for the past three weeks with all of the cold and rain. This truly has been an exceptional spring. I need to get out there more during the week as the weather gets warmer.

Tomorrow we are again scheduled for sunshine and if there are any cancellations I WILL POST ON THIS BLOG, by 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.


My own pictures to post later- as that makes this so much more interesting... :)