Last night I went to track! First time since the fasciotomy!
I was not surprised that I had lost speed.
I was surprised with how much I was able to maintain.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
This weekend's animal count:
Deer............................5
Butterfly....................2
Bunnies......................2
Snake Alive...............1
Same snake dead.....1
Bald Eagles...............0
Turtle........................1
Thank you to "miso" for stopping halfway up the hill for a "Turtle Intervention". the turtle was safely placed on the side of the road.
Although we were hoping for a good Raptor sighting, there was none.
"Lou" was on duty to count birds and squirrels. I will update with her count when I receive the final tally.
why do we count animals you may be asking? Well, as we train for our Ironmans (Florida and Arizona) we get what we call "ride drunk" and "run drunk", so we come up with means of entertainment.
This weekend was a 5.5 hour / 97 mile ride. A new distance for me. I did 3 loops (2 with friends, and 1 on my own), and after each loop I write down my splits and reset my computer. So you can imagine my excitement and disappointment when I got home and realized I rode 97 miles. my longest distance ever - whoo-hoo, but man I would have gone 3 more miles to hit my first triple digit ride.
We introduced some friends to the "Amiga Alphabet Game". the overall winner was Miso with "Ann Arbor" for cities that start witht he letter A. We did have some good items for the category "Things you pack for vacation" with the letter D, but, well, some things are better not on the blog.
Tonight I go back to track for the first time post-op. I have done some minor speed work, but now an hour's worth with Coach K telling me to correct my form. Yesteday we told her we were all going to show up in out bikinis to track since it is so hot outside, but well, that would not be good for any party involved, so normal running attire it is.
Deer............................5
Butterfly....................2
Bunnies......................2
Snake Alive...............1
Same snake dead.....1
Bald Eagles...............0
Turtle........................1
Thank you to "miso" for stopping halfway up the hill for a "Turtle Intervention". the turtle was safely placed on the side of the road.
Although we were hoping for a good Raptor sighting, there was none.
"Lou" was on duty to count birds and squirrels. I will update with her count when I receive the final tally.
why do we count animals you may be asking? Well, as we train for our Ironmans (Florida and Arizona) we get what we call "ride drunk" and "run drunk", so we come up with means of entertainment.
This weekend was a 5.5 hour / 97 mile ride. A new distance for me. I did 3 loops (2 with friends, and 1 on my own), and after each loop I write down my splits and reset my computer. So you can imagine my excitement and disappointment when I got home and realized I rode 97 miles. my longest distance ever - whoo-hoo, but man I would have gone 3 more miles to hit my first triple digit ride.
We introduced some friends to the "Amiga Alphabet Game". the overall winner was Miso with "Ann Arbor" for cities that start witht he letter A. We did have some good items for the category "Things you pack for vacation" with the letter D, but, well, some things are better not on the blog.
Tonight I go back to track for the first time post-op. I have done some minor speed work, but now an hour's worth with Coach K telling me to correct my form. Yesteday we told her we were all going to show up in out bikinis to track since it is so hot outside, but well, that would not be good for any party involved, so normal running attire it is.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Why Did the Turkey Cross the Road?
Saturday's ride was filled with animals.
Not just the handfuls of cows (moooo) and hoseys (naaaaay), that live on the farms we ride past (although they smell really foul at times, we are pretty lucky to ride past them).
This weekend we also encountered:
Deer...............8 (2 of which were bucks)
Rabbits..........2
Chipmunks....1
Groundhogs...2 (which were close to taking us out)
And the winner of all wild animal sightings...
Wild Turkey...1
No, I am not referring to a post-ride detour at the ABC store for a quick fifth.
But a gobbling Turkey.
He strutted his stuff across the street right in front of us.
(and yes it was a "he" b/c of the way he was strutting his stuff...much like a peacock does)
Had he been any slower, well then I would be celebrating Thanksgiving a little early this year.
Gobble! Gobble!
Not just the handfuls of cows (moooo) and hoseys (naaaaay), that live on the farms we ride past (although they smell really foul at times, we are pretty lucky to ride past them).
This weekend we also encountered:
Deer...............8 (2 of which were bucks)
Rabbits..........2
Chipmunks....1
Groundhogs...2 (which were close to taking us out)
And the winner of all wild animal sightings...
Wild Turkey...1
No, I am not referring to a post-ride detour at the ABC store for a quick fifth.
But a gobbling Turkey.
He strutted his stuff across the street right in front of us.
(and yes it was a "he" b/c of the way he was strutting his stuff...much like a peacock does)
Had he been any slower, well then I would be celebrating Thanksgiving a little early this year.
Gobble! Gobble!
Friday, August 7, 2009
TWICE
TWICE this week I have run for 10 minutes straight!
Tuesday after my ride, I did a transition run for 11:29 minutes! (1.3 miles)
And last night after swimming I did 10 minute intervals on the treadmill.
Very exciting!
Tuesday after my ride, I did a transition run for 11:29 minutes! (1.3 miles)
And last night after swimming I did 10 minute intervals on the treadmill.
Very exciting!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Running Away
Sunday I was supposed to do my long "run".
I have recently gone up to 20 minutes of intervals: 3:00 running with 2:00 walking (keeps it at an even 5 minutes which is easier to keep track of while in action).
So my plan was to do 20 minutes on the treadmill of my sweet interval action. Then hit the trusty elliptical for 50 minutes.
I was sore from a great bike ride on saturday, so I decided an easy swim would be good to stretch out prior to running.
Man I can be so smart sometimes!
I hopped on the treadmill. got into my 3:00/2:00 rhythm while watching Ace Ventura.
Next thing I know 60 minutes have gone by...and I felt great! I didn't want to stop, but I knew I had to. (um clearly I have lost my mind)
Monday comes and I venture on over to see Dr. Z for my next post-op appointment.
He has a new PA, Logan. nice kid. First time I felt old in this situation. Liek is this kid old enough to have gradtuated? Maybe I should call him Doogie. (ah. I love NPH)
Anywho. Prior to Dr. Z coming in the room I hear him telling Doogie about my surgical history and how I am an "accomplished and amazing triathlete". I wanted to laugh out loud. I have this guy FOOLED!
Well Dr. Z said the discoloration behind my knee is fine (if you say so. you're the expert here). Overall he ws FILLEd with good news...
1. I can run for TEN mintures straight and begin to build up from there!
2. I can do intervals for as long as I want.
3. no more post-op visits! (which means no more co-pays whoohoo!)
He said for me to call him if I need anything. I said, "Dr. Z, no offense, but I hope I don't ever have to call you again." Good thing he thinks I'm funny (glad someone does haha).
He told me to send him all my race clippings to post on the board.
Right. I'll do that from all my podium finishes.....
I have to say that I have really enjoyed the relationship I have developed with Dr. Z - I trust his medical opinion and I know he only wants me to get better, the right way. His team are all such great docs. I might have to visit him from time-to time. maybe not.
I have recently gone up to 20 minutes of intervals: 3:00 running with 2:00 walking (keeps it at an even 5 minutes which is easier to keep track of while in action).
So my plan was to do 20 minutes on the treadmill of my sweet interval action. Then hit the trusty elliptical for 50 minutes.
I was sore from a great bike ride on saturday, so I decided an easy swim would be good to stretch out prior to running.
Man I can be so smart sometimes!
I hopped on the treadmill. got into my 3:00/2:00 rhythm while watching Ace Ventura.
Next thing I know 60 minutes have gone by...and I felt great! I didn't want to stop, but I knew I had to. (um clearly I have lost my mind)
Monday comes and I venture on over to see Dr. Z for my next post-op appointment.
He has a new PA, Logan. nice kid. First time I felt old in this situation. Liek is this kid old enough to have gradtuated? Maybe I should call him Doogie. (ah. I love NPH)
Anywho. Prior to Dr. Z coming in the room I hear him telling Doogie about my surgical history and how I am an "accomplished and amazing triathlete". I wanted to laugh out loud. I have this guy FOOLED!
Well Dr. Z said the discoloration behind my knee is fine (if you say so. you're the expert here). Overall he ws FILLEd with good news...
1. I can run for TEN mintures straight and begin to build up from there!
2. I can do intervals for as long as I want.
3. no more post-op visits! (which means no more co-pays whoohoo!)
He said for me to call him if I need anything. I said, "Dr. Z, no offense, but I hope I don't ever have to call you again." Good thing he thinks I'm funny (glad someone does haha).
He told me to send him all my race clippings to post on the board.
Right. I'll do that from all my podium finishes.....
I have to say that I have really enjoyed the relationship I have developed with Dr. Z - I trust his medical opinion and I know he only wants me to get better, the right way. His team are all such great docs. I might have to visit him from time-to time. maybe not.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Cool Picture
Thanks to my swim buddy, Dealio, for this great shot of IronGreg coming in to T2 at IMUSA
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ironman USA
What a weekend! Everyone did so well. I am in awe and inspired (and a little scared).
The morning started out nice.
Everyone was ready for the day to begin.
BAM!
And they're off.
And the rain begins.
We were broken up into 3 groups of sherpas. Although some of us missed some poeple, we saw others and together we were able to see everyone get out of the water.
Everyone except Tyler.
After a phone call to Richmond to check the website, he had a split so we knew he ws safe and on his way to the bike.
by now the rain has let up, but the sun has not come out fully...yet.
As sherpas we thought the weather seemed pretty good for a bike ride. Me, Emmie, and Jenn staked out our cheering location at the beginning of the 2nd loop as they climbed a hill - this way they had to slow down and we could take pictures! although we saw pretty much everyone, not everyoen realized it was us cheering them on - too funny. they are too fast =)
As it was time to run, the sun decided to come on and shine hard. It was a hot marathon. And afer the rain just sticky. Not ideal conditions, but everyone made it look so easy. How did they do that?!
IronGreg had an amazing race finishing in 10:23:31
101st overall and 21st in his AG.
I'm so proud of him. He has worked so hard and it showed.
We stayed the entire race and I msut say the last hour was my favorite (next to watching my friends finish). the crowd was amazing. Watching the Ford Everyday Hero who had completed the course a few years ago in 11 hours who was then hit by a bus as a NYC fireman came across the line with about 50 spectators running him in at 16:57. Followed by another finisher finishing in 16:59:59. The support and cheering cannot be put into words. And that is why I love this sport.
Some moments to highlight:
- the male winner had the lea by 30 minutes at the beginning of the run, and still finsihed with 20 minutes ahead of #2. hello speedy.
- the female 2nd place winner started the run in 4th. she looked liek she was running a 5k or out for a daily jog. she had the biggest smile on her face and was flying having so much fun. i'll have what she's having!
- TG40 finsihed her 2nd Ironman. After someone hitting her 100 meters into the swim and breaking her toe.
- TG Lynnie finished her 3rd Ironman. After getting her goggles broken half way into the first loop and then having a crash on the bike (not her fault either!). She rode the 2nd loop of 56 miles with only 1 aerobar.
- TG KB finished her 500th Ironman (4th in 2 years) - after breaking a spoke on the bike. she was able to sister it to another spoke and continue forward.
- TG Cyndi and TG Shelley get the award for an Ironman hero. There was aguy in front of themon the bike that fell so hard his helmet shattered. They both stopped and waited 20 mintues until the EMS showed up - hope he doing alright, he wasn't doing so hot.
- Bethany, Bart, and Ed - you are Ironmen!
- Shout out to all my other friends who succeeded the Ironman - Tyler, Cook, Adam, Amy, Shawn, Kate, Coach Blakey Blake, Coach "Maro Diablo", Amy, Michael, Rick, and Rick. High Five to all of you.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
IMUSA
Tomorrow I am heading out to cheer on IronGreg and lots of my friends who are all participating in Ironman USA in Lake Placid, NY.
This weekend will make so many memories and I look forward to sharing them with everyone.
I have my handy-dandy (and maybe a bit OCD) excel charts showing everyone's *estimated* split times in one and another one with the times I will be standing at specific posts and who I am looking out for.
I have my sister's nice camera (thank you sister) so I can be sure to capture those action shots!
I have packed half my wardrobe and then some, so hopefully I will be prepared for the freakish weather of Lake Placid. And I can fend off any alligators, too.
And yes, the wetsuit is already in Lake Placid with IronGreg so I can take a few dips around the course and follow the cable like one of the pros. Too bad the bike isn't coming. Darn. (Sarcasm? From me?)
I will have my phone on me, so I will try to touch base with some of you throughout the day. And if you are away from the computer and need some IM updates, feel free to give me a call. (if you don't have my number I guess you are SOL huh).
Remember to go to www.ironman.com to track our FAVulous athletes.
Kick butt, my friends.
The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. ~Author Unknown
Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. ~Newt Gingrich
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. ~Author unknown, in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11
One may go a long way after one is tired. ~French Proverb
This weekend will make so many memories and I look forward to sharing them with everyone.
I have my handy-dandy (and maybe a bit OCD) excel charts showing everyone's *estimated* split times in one and another one with the times I will be standing at specific posts and who I am looking out for.
I have my sister's nice camera (thank you sister) so I can be sure to capture those action shots!
I have packed half my wardrobe and then some, so hopefully I will be prepared for the freakish weather of Lake Placid. And I can fend off any alligators, too.
And yes, the wetsuit is already in Lake Placid with IronGreg so I can take a few dips around the course and follow the cable like one of the pros. Too bad the bike isn't coming. Darn. (Sarcasm? From me?)
I will have my phone on me, so I will try to touch base with some of you throughout the day. And if you are away from the computer and need some IM updates, feel free to give me a call. (if you don't have my number I guess you are SOL huh).
Remember to go to www.ironman.com to track our FAVulous athletes.
Kick butt, my friends.
The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. ~Author Unknown
Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. ~Newt Gingrich
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. ~Author unknown, in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11
One may go a long way after one is tired. ~French Proverb
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Viognier and Peaches
Friday:
all I can say is...Chik-Fil-A Appreciation Month.
I give my deepest symathies to all those who live without the goodness of "the chik." I may not eat fast food often, and I also am actually nto a fan of chicken.
But the something about the mouth watering goodness when you take a bit of the orginal (or grilled) sandwich and the buttery bun with pickles and it all jsut melts in your mouth.
(great - I just made myself hungry!)
PK, Lynnie, and I had a wonderful date with with chicken sanwiches, waffle fries, diet lemonades, and milkshakes.
Immediately followed by food coma.
Saturday:
TG40 is fast. and don't let her tell you otherwise.
TG40, ESJ, and I headed out for a 3 hour tour (a 3 hour tour).
we made it back to home base in 2.5 hours, 45 miles later. And well, I had a massage appt, so we called it a day. Well ESJ went back out to finish what we started.
Headed out for a nice 10 minute run/walk with TG40.
I really need new sneakers.
So then I got my massage. The first really bad massage. I had a feelign when she introduced herself with a limp noodle handshake. Immediately I thought to myself "these hands are supposed to give me a deep tissure massage?"
I walked out of there with kots still up in my back.
So I visited Tom over at 3sports running. he's pretty much awesome. hooked me up with new kicks. similar to what I have, since I have noproblems with them, but much lighter weight. try them out tomorrow!
then i got a mani/pedi.
sigh - what a day. massage. shoe shopping. mani/pedi.
all that's left to do it nap.
and follow that up with an ironman party. high five!
Sunday:
damn 4am comes early. why did I sign up to volunteer the early shift? oh right - good race karma. it was 50 degrees outside. in july! greg and I shivered as we pointed people where to park.
private barrel tasting and polo match at King Family Vineyard? Oh alright if I must.
Detour by the peach orchard afterwards for peach milkshakes. mmm tasty.
Followed by dinner with my "other mom", Mother Rucker? well if you insist.
monday:
for serious? it's 5am already?
I sit on the side of the pool - not even putting my feet int he cold water.
Staring blankly into the water.
Thank you IMUSA people for this wonderful taper day.
After some good drills, and timed sprints - but only one 50 this week!
what's up next? RELAYS
guess who's lane won all the relays? that's right - mine. why? b/c we are pretty much awesome. High Five to BL and Blakey Blake, my FAVulous relay members. (we had AS for one of the relays). I ended up swimming the anchor leg every time. Talk about pressure! And these required flip turning at the shallow end! and then for the raly finale...I was the chosen membe to do the 50 fly leg. i wasn't sure if my right arm was even making it out of the water by the end.
but we won, so who cares! haha.
all in a weekend's work.
Good Luck to my IronGreg and all my friends taking on IMUSA this weekend. I CANnOt wait to watch you all succeed. HIGH FIVE!
all I can say is...Chik-Fil-A Appreciation Month.
I give my deepest symathies to all those who live without the goodness of "the chik." I may not eat fast food often, and I also am actually nto a fan of chicken.
But the something about the mouth watering goodness when you take a bit of the orginal (or grilled) sandwich and the buttery bun with pickles and it all jsut melts in your mouth.
(great - I just made myself hungry!)
PK, Lynnie, and I had a wonderful date with with chicken sanwiches, waffle fries, diet lemonades, and milkshakes.
Immediately followed by food coma.
Saturday:
TG40 is fast. and don't let her tell you otherwise.
TG40, ESJ, and I headed out for a 3 hour tour (a 3 hour tour).
we made it back to home base in 2.5 hours, 45 miles later. And well, I had a massage appt, so we called it a day. Well ESJ went back out to finish what we started.
Headed out for a nice 10 minute run/walk with TG40.
I really need new sneakers.
So then I got my massage. The first really bad massage. I had a feelign when she introduced herself with a limp noodle handshake. Immediately I thought to myself "these hands are supposed to give me a deep tissure massage?"
I walked out of there with kots still up in my back.
So I visited Tom over at 3sports running. he's pretty much awesome. hooked me up with new kicks. similar to what I have, since I have noproblems with them, but much lighter weight. try them out tomorrow!
then i got a mani/pedi.
sigh - what a day. massage. shoe shopping. mani/pedi.
all that's left to do it nap.
and follow that up with an ironman party. high five!
Sunday:
damn 4am comes early. why did I sign up to volunteer the early shift? oh right - good race karma. it was 50 degrees outside. in july! greg and I shivered as we pointed people where to park.
private barrel tasting and polo match at King Family Vineyard? Oh alright if I must.
Detour by the peach orchard afterwards for peach milkshakes. mmm tasty.
Followed by dinner with my "other mom", Mother Rucker? well if you insist.
monday:
for serious? it's 5am already?
I sit on the side of the pool - not even putting my feet int he cold water.
Staring blankly into the water.
Thank you IMUSA people for this wonderful taper day.
After some good drills, and timed sprints - but only one 50 this week!
what's up next? RELAYS
guess who's lane won all the relays? that's right - mine. why? b/c we are pretty much awesome. High Five to BL and Blakey Blake, my FAVulous relay members. (we had AS for one of the relays). I ended up swimming the anchor leg every time. Talk about pressure! And these required flip turning at the shallow end! and then for the raly finale...I was the chosen membe to do the 50 fly leg. i wasn't sure if my right arm was even making it out of the water by the end.
but we won, so who cares! haha.
all in a weekend's work.
Good Luck to my IronGreg and all my friends taking on IMUSA this weekend. I CANnOt wait to watch you all succeed. HIGH FIVE!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Catching Up.
I have had many intentions of blogging over the past week or so, but time just hasn't been on my side. well in the blogging sense at least.
1. Yellow Jersey Metric+
I rode the Yellow Jersey Metric+ on July 5th for the Livestrong Foundation. hmm I don't have a yellow jersey - well I do now. I got a fabulous one from http://www.teamestrogen.com/ and I love it. It's now my #1 weekend long ride jersey. Not only it is bright yellow - visible to drivers, but it also has cute little bike cogs all over it.
The ride was...well it was wet! As soon as we pull out of the parking lot, it started sprinkling. thenit start flat out raining! Me, KO, and B-Hott hooked up with a group of riders and we took turns drafting and pulling and jsut got to know more great people!
George. George saw I was on a TT bike so he started inquiring about my race season. I of course returned the line of questioning. And well, George is now my hero. George is a cancer survivor. He ha survived some major cancer which he lsot some organs - that's right - ORGANS. (I was like man my surgery is awful wimpy compared to that!). and he's out here. riding the longest distance in a few years. He still has to go to the cancer hospital every months for some testing - the same cancer hospital my dad was in at one point during his illness. He is my inspritation for my IMAZ training. Every time I don't know how I can go forward, I am going to think of George. George - it was FAVulous meeting you.
So there we were riding along and somehow our great little group got split up right at the end. So the girls and one guy rode it on in. We hit a few red lights, which allowed me to squeeze the 5lbs of water out of the chamois - talk abotu a diaper! I figured I had no excuse for not running afterwards - I was clearly already wet. then the last 3 miles were brutal. It ended up being just me a B-Hott and we were shiiiivvvveeeerrrrrring. It was plain miserable. I hopped in my car turned the heat on high, the seat warmers and the steering wheel warmers on high. Then took about a 30 minute shower and drank hot chocolate. ahh. thawed out.
2. Addiction
I have 2 new addictions: Bakery on Main Extreme Fruit and Nut Granola and Real Simple Magazine.
I have read the magazine before, but until the last ssue I have decided it's plain crack. Such good crack that I helped the recession out by getting a subscription. I think I might get the shakes waiting for my first issue to show up in the mail! Good thing their website has just as good crack on it!
3. Sunflowers
This weekend I rode with a couple girls. A nice casual social ride. I took "Lynn with an E" for her first 35 mile ride a few months back, so I was happy to take her on her first 50 mile ride. As we toodled down the country roades, kicking it up at times, and stayign together in traffic at others. One thing we noticed are the sunflower fields. We passed a handful of them and they jsut make you smile. We are so furtunate to have such great roads for riding so close to home. (although I could do with out the one farm who's cows clearly ate some bad mexican the night before)
Oh - and I saw George and my new bike buds out in the country riding along.
and that's brings us back to today. as I eat my stonyfield farm organic french vanilla yogurt with bakery on main extreme fuit and nut granola. yummy in my tummy.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Hoo-yah
I know - you can imagine me saying that sounding oh-so-marine-like!This morning I went to "Bring a Friend Day" with my friend's fiancee to Seal Team Physical Training. She has been doing it for about 2 months now and is looking totally fit.
I get there and we start with a warm-up run. Hmm I can't run quite yet, oh well.
Push-ups. Push-ups. did I mention we did some push-ups.
Okay the instructor wants to talk now. We'll jog in place with our arms up.
Bear Crawl.
Crab Walk.
Push-ups.
Sit-ups.
Let's go for another run.
I try to mention that I am not supposed to be running this much, but I'm not going to hang behind.
Time for 2:00 of sit-ups. Oh - I don't mind sit-ups. First my "buddy" (an instructor I am paired with) goes. Good gracious she did 112. And it wasn't even the most she's ever done. I get in a whopping 52. then they ask those with PR's to stand up and Tyler stood up - she got in her first 100 - you go on with your bad self.
Okay let's go run some more. Ohand this time we can carry people twice our size.
and somehow...it was fun?
Unfortunately, I can't do this AND train for IMAZ, so hoepfully in the wainter when it's nice and cold and dark outside in the mornings, I will be able to join. But I think I will be taking December OFF. that's right. I am goign to spend the month of December being FAT and LAZY. It's going to be nice.
So I did my first STPT and so far so good. Only pains are the palms of my hands. They were rubbed completely raw. Owie.
Monday, June 29, 2009
I Love the Tavern
Yesterday was my first race since Timberman (yes almost a year ago). Between takign the winter almost 100% off and then the surgery, I haven't done much (besides swiming) since August, either.
The day started as they always do - with that annoying buzz from the alarm clock. I finally get out of bed and am just freezing because I am so tired (and Greg's hosue is cold). I sleep walk around getting dressed and filling water bottles.
On the way there I realize I forgot a transition towel. Oops. Good thing I was wearing a long sleeved t-shirt turned into towel. I stood around transition just looking around at everyone scurrying to set up their spots.
This race was especailly cool because not only was I getting back in the game, but my brother was there and my cousin and I were on a relay team together - Lady and the Mustache. I was doing the swim and bike and he was running.
As we stood on the dock watching the first waves go off we see them swimming jsut to stay in place! I was int eh last wave. it looked as if everyone ws in an endless pool. Some people swimming forward and going backwards. Oh this is not going to be good. By the time e get to go in, we've learned that the key is to sit on the dock and swim into the river after the horn sounds instead of wasting energy waiting for the gun to go off. So that is what I did. There were people everyone. more than I ever remember. All colors of caps, too. I had to stop twice in the beginnign to catch my breath. What is wrong with me?! I have done this numerous times. I just couldn't shake the feeling of a weight on my chest. I wanted to unzip my throat so I could breathe. I thought about one of my good friends who recently had this happen to her. I just put my face in the water and took a breathe a sighted every other stroke to get into a rhythm. It worked. I was back on track. Of course I am being kicked let and right and I am sure I kicked a couple times myself - it happens on accident. But one guy accidentally (there is no way he could have planned this any better) just kicked my goggled right off my face. That sucked. So I had to stop and put them back on and I could feel myself drifting backwards. Ugh. Secretly my goal here was jsut to beat my brother's swim time. He is faster than me by far on the bike and run, but we've been pretty close on the swim, but he has always been faster. Finally made it to the turn around and was out. The stairs were so high though it was hard to get out.
Look at my watch and it's around 15:30 +/-. way to go, fave.
Official time - 16:27 (would have been 4th in my A/G if I weren't a relay)
Back into transition and I had to sit down I was a little dizzy.
I was off on the bike and ready to go. I knew it was harder going out than coming back in so I was going to relax more on the first half and then bring in on in since I didn't have to run afterwards. I realize about a mile that I was int eh small ring in the front - d'oh! no wonder I wasn't going anywhere. I get into a rhythm and am on my way. My goal was to average 18. I'm not the strongest cyclist and have only been riding again 5 times since surgery. but I really wanted that 18 average. Here comes the big hill. I don't want to muscle up it so I decide to switch into my small chain ring. and there it goes...dropped my chain. DAMMIT! At the bottom of "the hill". I watch people pass me as I am trying to quickly put it back. Then I get to go up the hill from a dead stop. awesome. but I made it up and made up some ground. and I am happy to say I think I was one of the few people out there not drafting. my goodness people! Hammer it in for the next few miles and back into transition I am. I look at my computer... 18.6 avg! heck yeah!
Official time - 1:02:52 17.9 pace.
Damn. that sucks. so close. Stupid chain.
(would have been 7th in my AG)
I had good friends come and watch which made me smile! love them.
Then I saw my cousin coming so I ran down the chute with him (in my flip flops) for a team finish. Can't wait for that photo!
Afterwards I met up with a couple girls to head off for another 2 hours on the bike.
All in a day's work.
oh - and I beat my brother by 4 minutes in the swim. oh yeah.
The day started as they always do - with that annoying buzz from the alarm clock. I finally get out of bed and am just freezing because I am so tired (and Greg's hosue is cold). I sleep walk around getting dressed and filling water bottles.
On the way there I realize I forgot a transition towel. Oops. Good thing I was wearing a long sleeved t-shirt turned into towel. I stood around transition just looking around at everyone scurrying to set up their spots.
This race was especailly cool because not only was I getting back in the game, but my brother was there and my cousin and I were on a relay team together - Lady and the Mustache. I was doing the swim and bike and he was running.
As we stood on the dock watching the first waves go off we see them swimming jsut to stay in place! I was int eh last wave. it looked as if everyone ws in an endless pool. Some people swimming forward and going backwards. Oh this is not going to be good. By the time e get to go in, we've learned that the key is to sit on the dock and swim into the river after the horn sounds instead of wasting energy waiting for the gun to go off. So that is what I did. There were people everyone. more than I ever remember. All colors of caps, too. I had to stop twice in the beginnign to catch my breath. What is wrong with me?! I have done this numerous times. I just couldn't shake the feeling of a weight on my chest. I wanted to unzip my throat so I could breathe. I thought about one of my good friends who recently had this happen to her. I just put my face in the water and took a breathe a sighted every other stroke to get into a rhythm. It worked. I was back on track. Of course I am being kicked let and right and I am sure I kicked a couple times myself - it happens on accident. But one guy accidentally (there is no way he could have planned this any better) just kicked my goggled right off my face. That sucked. So I had to stop and put them back on and I could feel myself drifting backwards. Ugh. Secretly my goal here was jsut to beat my brother's swim time. He is faster than me by far on the bike and run, but we've been pretty close on the swim, but he has always been faster. Finally made it to the turn around and was out. The stairs were so high though it was hard to get out.
Look at my watch and it's around 15:30 +/-. way to go, fave.
Official time - 16:27 (would have been 4th in my A/G if I weren't a relay)
Back into transition and I had to sit down I was a little dizzy.
I was off on the bike and ready to go. I knew it was harder going out than coming back in so I was going to relax more on the first half and then bring in on in since I didn't have to run afterwards. I realize about a mile that I was int eh small ring in the front - d'oh! no wonder I wasn't going anywhere. I get into a rhythm and am on my way. My goal was to average 18. I'm not the strongest cyclist and have only been riding again 5 times since surgery. but I really wanted that 18 average. Here comes the big hill. I don't want to muscle up it so I decide to switch into my small chain ring. and there it goes...dropped my chain. DAMMIT! At the bottom of "the hill". I watch people pass me as I am trying to quickly put it back. Then I get to go up the hill from a dead stop. awesome. but I made it up and made up some ground. and I am happy to say I think I was one of the few people out there not drafting. my goodness people! Hammer it in for the next few miles and back into transition I am. I look at my computer... 18.6 avg! heck yeah!
Official time - 1:02:52 17.9 pace.
Damn. that sucks. so close. Stupid chain.
(would have been 7th in my AG)
I had good friends come and watch which made me smile! love them.
Then I saw my cousin coming so I ran down the chute with him (in my flip flops) for a team finish. Can't wait for that photo!
Afterwards I met up with a couple girls to head off for another 2 hours on the bike.
All in a day's work.
oh - and I beat my brother by 4 minutes in the swim. oh yeah.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Swimming Swimming Swimming
This morning I had images of Dory from Finding Nemo in my head.
Swimming. Swimming. Swimming.
I need to learn the art of DEscending.
We had to do 3x100 descending. TWICE.
The first time I got 1 second faster each interval.
The 2nd time we had to start with our 2nd interval time and descend from there.
Well I hit the first one on the head. the 2nd 100 was the same time. And then I was 3 seconds slower.
Hmmm. Did you ask us to DE-scend or A-scend?
At least my 4x50 kicking was descending?
I had my 8 week post op appt this morning. Good thing he only asked me to do small jumps b/c my legs are tired.
I get to stop going to PT. As much as I love AnnieHoo, she ain't cheap. And that's a lot of time off work.
I go back in 6 weeks (14 weeks post-op) and get the "okay" to go on the normal training plan with no more interval running. But maybe I like interval running.
Last night I rode 25 miles with the girls. Miso not going to pull Miso anymore! We did the Miller's Lane hill. Took a lot more energy than it did 10 1/2 months ago. I realized how long it has been since I have really trained on the bike. maybe I should not have slacked for so long before the surgery? but it was a nice break. then I dropped my chain on the way back up to Manakin. And accomplished getting grease EVERYWHERE. my cute shorts (which have pretty flowers on the side). the pink flowers were now block. my pink bar tape...black. But this did give me a chance to wiat up for some of the other girls and we had a nice leisurely ride back into west creek. And thankfully the dishwashing soap trick worked! my shorts and bike are grease free!
well I guessI better get back to work.
Swimming. Swimming. Swimming.
I need to learn the art of DEscending.
We had to do 3x100 descending. TWICE.
The first time I got 1 second faster each interval.
The 2nd time we had to start with our 2nd interval time and descend from there.
Well I hit the first one on the head. the 2nd 100 was the same time. And then I was 3 seconds slower.
Hmmm. Did you ask us to DE-scend or A-scend?
At least my 4x50 kicking was descending?
I had my 8 week post op appt this morning. Good thing he only asked me to do small jumps b/c my legs are tired.
I get to stop going to PT. As much as I love AnnieHoo, she ain't cheap. And that's a lot of time off work.
I go back in 6 weeks (14 weeks post-op) and get the "okay" to go on the normal training plan with no more interval running. But maybe I like interval running.
Last night I rode 25 miles with the girls. Miso not going to pull Miso anymore! We did the Miller's Lane hill. Took a lot more energy than it did 10 1/2 months ago. I realized how long it has been since I have really trained on the bike. maybe I should not have slacked for so long before the surgery? but it was a nice break. then I dropped my chain on the way back up to Manakin. And accomplished getting grease EVERYWHERE. my cute shorts (which have pretty flowers on the side). the pink flowers were now block. my pink bar tape...black. But this did give me a chance to wiat up for some of the other girls and we had a nice leisurely ride back into west creek. And thankfully the dishwashing soap trick worked! my shorts and bike are grease free!
well I guessI better get back to work.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Interesting Concept and Other Blabberings by Fave
If you take turns drafting and pulling.
And you don't look around at the pretty flowers.
You actually end up with a good bike pace average.
What a concept.
However, riding two days in a row...is hard.
I really have to get used to training again. I have taken about 10 1/2 months off. I mean I did stuff, but nothing "real training". And then spent the last 2 months doing jack.
Damn my body forgot how to do this stuff.
So, the I Love the Tavern Triathlon is this weekend. This was not on my original plan for the year, but since I had to drop out of Rockett's since I was on cruthces and stitched up, this one got added - the aquavelo only of course. just to "clear the cobwebs".
Well. Then my cousin and his famiyl were going ot be in town from NH touring some of the south's finiest civil war sites (his kids know mroe aboutthe civil war than those who have sutided it for 50 years). so since cousin Rick is going to be in town, my mom and brother are coming in town as well. and since I am doing a tri that weekend and my brother will be here, he may as well sign up for the race as well. and well since my brother and I are doing the race and cousin Rick is a runner...well then he may as well do the run for me. So I moved my registration from Aquavelo to 2-person relay. And "Lady and the Mustache" was born. my cousin rocks a great 'stache - and i don't think i would recognize him without it.
I am scheduled to do a big ride the day befor ethe race, so we shall see how this race turns out. It's all just a training day, right? just with results posted for all to see.
And you don't look around at the pretty flowers.
You actually end up with a good bike pace average.
What a concept.
However, riding two days in a row...is hard.
I really have to get used to training again. I have taken about 10 1/2 months off. I mean I did stuff, but nothing "real training". And then spent the last 2 months doing jack.
Damn my body forgot how to do this stuff.
So, the I Love the Tavern Triathlon is this weekend. This was not on my original plan for the year, but since I had to drop out of Rockett's since I was on cruthces and stitched up, this one got added - the aquavelo only of course. just to "clear the cobwebs".
Well. Then my cousin and his famiyl were going ot be in town from NH touring some of the south's finiest civil war sites (his kids know mroe aboutthe civil war than those who have sutided it for 50 years). so since cousin Rick is going to be in town, my mom and brother are coming in town as well. and since I am doing a tri that weekend and my brother will be here, he may as well sign up for the race as well. and well since my brother and I are doing the race and cousin Rick is a runner...well then he may as well do the run for me. So I moved my registration from Aquavelo to 2-person relay. And "Lady and the Mustache" was born. my cousin rocks a great 'stache - and i don't think i would recognize him without it.
I am scheduled to do a big ride the day befor ethe race, so we shall see how this race turns out. It's all just a training day, right? just with results posted for all to see.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Vineman 70.3
IronGreg and I have decided that 2010 is the year of local short distance events.
But Vineman 70.3 is so very tempting.
But Vineman 70.3 is so very tempting.
First Bike Ride in the Books
Yay!
This weekend I was able to get back in the saddle and on the road for the first time post-op.
It was a little slower than I would have liked (by .5mph) but I am blaming the 3 red lights.
I heard a sweet story this morning. Some TG's ran across a baby bird on their bike ride who had fallen out of it's nest. One of them kindly took the baby bird home and researched on what to feed the sweet baby and was able to find a rehab for baby birds who will work with the baby bird for the next 6 weeks or so until it is back to full health.
That just makes my heart smile.
Also this weekend was TD's 1st birthday party extravaganza! that was good times. That boy has lots of girlfriends! He also played basketball for the first time! What an exciting day.
Today. I am tired.
This weekend I was able to get back in the saddle and on the road for the first time post-op.
It was a little slower than I would have liked (by .5mph) but I am blaming the 3 red lights.
I heard a sweet story this morning. Some TG's ran across a baby bird on their bike ride who had fallen out of it's nest. One of them kindly took the baby bird home and researched on what to feed the sweet baby and was able to find a rehab for baby birds who will work with the baby bird for the next 6 weeks or so until it is back to full health.
That just makes my heart smile.
Also this weekend was TD's 1st birthday party extravaganza! that was good times. That boy has lots of girlfriends! He also played basketball for the first time! What an exciting day.Today. I am tired.
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