I did it! I did the shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach on Sunday.
I just couldn't sit on the sidelines. Although I have been "banned" from running outside and have the last two weeks aqua jogging behind water aerobics (those instructors sure are crotchety), I was able to squeak out 13.1 miles on the road.
My longest road run was 12 miles. and it wasn't pretty - hence the aqua jogging.
Let me rewind a minute for those who may not know me.
In 2008 I trained for this race. I trained hard.
I wanted to finish sub-2 hours. I wanted it bad.
I was running along feeling great when it hit. That awful feeling you really don't want at a race. Stomach cramps.
At mile 10 I had to hit the trusty ole nasty-ass Port-o-jon.
If you are not a runner...avoid these traveling potties at races. To say they are raunchy would be an understatement.
Needless to say I finish that race in 2:04:06. A time that has stuck with me.
I did one stand alone half marathon last yea,r but it was a fun run, not for time. I couldn't even tell you what my time was. it was at disney. you stop and wait in line and take pictures and simply have fun!
back to sunday. this was my 2nd attempt at breaking 2 hours. training was not up to par due to this chronic injury so I wasn't sure what to expect. I usually run 4 minutes/walk 1 minute. but i decided to run to each water stop then walk 1 minute.
for the first 6-7 miles I was feeling good. hitting around 8:30-8:40 at the mile markers.
then at mile 7 hit the head wind. fatigue started setting in.
at mile 10 I was done.
at mile 12 I was ready to stop. I took a couple extra walk breaks here.
then came the boardwalk. that final half mile.
official finishing time......
1:58:38
I did it! I broke two hours!!!!
there were MANY PRs all around.
IronGreg did the full marathon and finished in 3:10 qualifying him for Boston! Way to go, babe! I'm proud of you!
Lesson learned: don't take the sandwich bag a gu chomps you found in the pantry from last season for a running race. they are un-chewable.
such an Sham-ROCK-ing weekend for everyone! high five.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Weekend Training
Saturday I was scheduled an EASY 75 minute run. I love when I see that "e" word on my schedule. Unfortunately, due to the shin issue, I spent 90 minutes pool running. It went by fast than I thought it would.
I used a friends adice and clipped my iPod shuffle to the top of my head.
The pool was quite the place to be on a saturday morning. but i was able to run along the lane line behind the water aerobics.
I finally got off the trainer and hit the road Sunday for a 3 hour tour. Damn, I got my butt kicked. I used to be pretty good at hills, I was the last one up every single hill. With IMCDA in 3.5 months...guess I will be doing. hill repeats. oh boy.
that brings us to this weekend. shamrock.
I'm doing it.
I can't sit on the sidelines and wonder what if.
Sure it may hurt.
Sure I may not PR.
BUt I can't just watch.
still waiting on my new shoes, btw.
I used a friends adice and clipped my iPod shuffle to the top of my head.
The pool was quite the place to be on a saturday morning. but i was able to run along the lane line behind the water aerobics.
I finally got off the trainer and hit the road Sunday for a 3 hour tour. Damn, I got my butt kicked. I used to be pretty good at hills, I was the last one up every single hill. With IMCDA in 3.5 months...guess I will be doing. hill repeats. oh boy.
that brings us to this weekend. shamrock.
I'm doing it.
I can't sit on the sidelines and wonder what if.
Sure it may hurt.
Sure I may not PR.
BUt I can't just watch.
still waiting on my new shoes, btw.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Gazelle Sports
I love my Asics DS trainer 14’s. but they came out in 2009.
(the 15 in 2010 and now they are on the 16 in 2011).
Well model 16 gave me this blasted injury.
So I was on a mission to find some 14’s.
being that they are the model from 2 years ago you can imagine my search.
But I found them!!!!!!!!!!! At a retailer, gazelle sports, in Michigan.
And they have them in green, not the pink i have had, so they match my kit as an added bonus!!!!!!!
I had the pink when I wore pink, and now I wear green, and found them in green! (hey, like i told my ortho surgeon, I am not getting on the podium, so I may as well look good)
you can look at image to the right ------> and I am wearing the pink ones during IMAZ
you can look at image to the right ------> and I am wearing the pink ones during IMAZ
I bought the last 3 pairs in their inventory!!!!! (clearance price AND free shipping, too!)
$209.00 for 3 pairs of glorious sneakers.
Let the Aqua Jogging Begin
My shin pain is either serious shin splints...or a stress fracture. the road to recovery is the same at this point, so I am not going to drive all over town getting a MRI or Bone Scan done. I mean does it really matter?
So PK and I talked briefly this morning about how to adjust the training plan...
Running.
Friday's run starts session one of aqua jogging. I did this a LOT after surgery when I had a few months before IMAZ, so now I am doing it a few months before IMCDA. Hmm...I smell a trend. A trend that I would like to stop, thank you very much.
Biking.
One intensity ride during the week and one long ride on the weekend.
Swimming.
Call me Nemo. Or Dory. Swimming. Swimming. Swimming.
I hope I have enough bathing suits between 3 swims a week and however many aqua jogs a week.
Strength.
I had my session with "Jillian" this morning. I will still meet with him 2x/week. We are going to focus on abs/core, arms, and back. minimal legs.
I wonder when walking up and down stairs becomes 100% pain free. Today isn't nearly as bad as Wednesday. Track on Tuesday really killed me. Blasted track.
I think everyone training for CDA should be on my plan. that makes it fair, right?!
I definitely spent yesterday moping around the house having a pity party. IronGreg gave me one day to feel sorry for myself and find the mindset of a new training plan. It sucks watching so many people just train their hearts away with mild normal aches and pains but no injuries and than I haven't been injury free since 2007!!!! I mean come on now. I think I am due here. I eat right. I stretch. I take care of myself. but to no avail. I'm stubborn. I don't accept being told I can't do something. That makes me want it more...and throw fits along the way.
Back to that Shamrock question from yesterday.
PK says no.
I say yes. I mean this could be a stress fracture already so what's the harm in one day of running outside! I have two triathlons in April that are training races for IMCDA. I will have to run outside for those, too. At this point...F-it. I will aqua jog to my heart's content. and Run outside for races. Sure it will hurt. and sure my times will suck.
But I am not a quitter.
(IronGreg's reminder last night...when he gave me flowers to cheer me up. aw.)
I quit smoking and trained for a 10k. (in 2005)
I trained for my first marathon (in San Francisco) 100% on the elliptical due to knee injury.
I trained for triathlons with stitches in my foot (granted that prolonged the healing process. oops.)
I trained for my first ironman aqua jogging and on the elliptical. from intense surgery (fasciotomy) to ironman in 7 months.
I am not going to quit now.
I may be stubborn.
I am not a quitter.
So PK and I talked briefly this morning about how to adjust the training plan...
Running.
Friday's run starts session one of aqua jogging. I did this a LOT after surgery when I had a few months before IMAZ, so now I am doing it a few months before IMCDA. Hmm...I smell a trend. A trend that I would like to stop, thank you very much.
Biking.
One intensity ride during the week and one long ride on the weekend.
Swimming.
Call me Nemo. Or Dory. Swimming. Swimming. Swimming.
I hope I have enough bathing suits between 3 swims a week and however many aqua jogs a week.
Strength.
I had my session with "Jillian" this morning. I will still meet with him 2x/week. We are going to focus on abs/core, arms, and back. minimal legs.
I wonder when walking up and down stairs becomes 100% pain free. Today isn't nearly as bad as Wednesday. Track on Tuesday really killed me. Blasted track.
I think everyone training for CDA should be on my plan. that makes it fair, right?!
I definitely spent yesterday moping around the house having a pity party. IronGreg gave me one day to feel sorry for myself and find the mindset of a new training plan. It sucks watching so many people just train their hearts away with mild normal aches and pains but no injuries and than I haven't been injury free since 2007!!!! I mean come on now. I think I am due here. I eat right. I stretch. I take care of myself. but to no avail. I'm stubborn. I don't accept being told I can't do something. That makes me want it more...and throw fits along the way.
Back to that Shamrock question from yesterday.
PK says no.
I say yes. I mean this could be a stress fracture already so what's the harm in one day of running outside! I have two triathlons in April that are training races for IMCDA. I will have to run outside for those, too. At this point...F-it. I will aqua jog to my heart's content. and Run outside for races. Sure it will hurt. and sure my times will suck.
But I am not a quitter.
(IronGreg's reminder last night...when he gave me flowers to cheer me up. aw.)
I quit smoking and trained for a 10k. (in 2005)
I trained for my first marathon (in San Francisco) 100% on the elliptical due to knee injury.
I trained for triathlons with stitches in my foot (granted that prolonged the healing process. oops.)
I trained for my first ironman aqua jogging and on the elliptical. from intense surgery (fasciotomy) to ironman in 7 months.
I am not going to quit now.
I may be stubborn.
I am not a quitter.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
to Shamrock? or not to shamrock? that is the question.
A few weeks ago my soleus and calf muscle in my bad leg were tight. some knots. PK dug into them over coffee. Because doesn't everyone want their coach to dig into their muscles at Starbucks? haha.
Saturday I ran 12.2 miles. My shin hurt, but not where the usual surgery pain is. no pain, no gain, right. I am an Ironman after all.
sunday I hit the elliptical for a fast 45. Holy shin bone.
Ice. Ice. Ice.
Every night I fall asleep in my ice pack. I un-velcro it sometime in the middle of the night when it actually eels heavy from being thawed out.
Now it's Tuesday and I have track. I rarely do track because hill repeats inflame the bad shin muscle, as does running stadium stairs. If we are on the track, I typically do every other speed drill so the added recovery keeps the inflammation at bay.
Last night's main set was 4 x 800 descending. PK told me to start at a 2:15/400 pace. Okay that works.
I hit: 4:13, 4:00, 3:43, 3:42.
As you can see there was minimal difference in the last two. Each time as I started it was like winding up my shin muscle to work for me. The last 200 it hurt so bad I went down to a jog.
I had to sit out of the timed 100 at the end.
Why does speed work injur me?!?!
This morning my leg pain is now to the point where I am ready to cut the damn thing off and ask McSteamy and Callie to give me a new one. A few tears shed at the idea of being injured...again. I just can't be no injured. It's so frustrating I just want to SCREAAAAAAAAMMMMMM.
Some words PK and fellow trainee and PT, Meredith threw out on the pool deck this morning...
- no shamrock half marathon
- shin splits?
- stress fracture?
not the way a girl training for an Ironman wants to start her day.
I was able to get in an appointment with PT Meredith this afternoon. We did some ultrasound on it and some icing. Hopefully this will help alleviate some of the aggrevation going on in there.
We are going on the theory that this is a serious case of shin splints. No impact for awhile. i'll take tonight off the bike. Try it on sunday (scheduled for a 2:45 ride). and back to aqua jogging I go. no roads. no elliptical.
If this keeps a stress fracture away, then I'll take it.
Is it ideal? no. But hey, when do I like to do anything the easy way?!
you may be wondering, what the hell did I do to get these anyways?
Well, I'll tell you. Because I know EXACTLY what has caused this crap. (bitter? yes i am)
I wear Asics DS Trainer. I love them. I've been wearing model 14 for two years now. I loved them so much I bought about 500 pairs. Well, I am down to my last pair. So, I bought the new version, 16, since they have a new model. Like cars, shoes get redesigned every year to supposedly make them better. BULL. SHIT.
I want the 14 back!!!! Screw you Asics. Look what you have caused me!! (again, bitter? yes!)
So to Shamrock? or not to shamrock? that is the question.
On a side note. I have friends who also blog. they are so enjoyable to read. their words flow. Verbiage is well used. Topics are usually interesting.
then I re-read my posts. I am all over the place.. and most of the time I don't care if there are mis-spellings or lower case instead of capitals. I type fast. I don't type well. but it's me. It's my typing character. And the train of thought..well that's how my mind works.
So I may not be as fluid as the skilled writer, but thanks for reading anyways!
xo.
fave.
Saturday I ran 12.2 miles. My shin hurt, but not where the usual surgery pain is. no pain, no gain, right. I am an Ironman after all.
sunday I hit the elliptical for a fast 45. Holy shin bone.
Ice. Ice. Ice.
Every night I fall asleep in my ice pack. I un-velcro it sometime in the middle of the night when it actually eels heavy from being thawed out.
Now it's Tuesday and I have track. I rarely do track because hill repeats inflame the bad shin muscle, as does running stadium stairs. If we are on the track, I typically do every other speed drill so the added recovery keeps the inflammation at bay.
Last night's main set was 4 x 800 descending. PK told me to start at a 2:15/400 pace. Okay that works.
I hit: 4:13, 4:00, 3:43, 3:42.
As you can see there was minimal difference in the last two. Each time as I started it was like winding up my shin muscle to work for me. The last 200 it hurt so bad I went down to a jog.
I had to sit out of the timed 100 at the end.
Why does speed work injur me?!?!
This morning my leg pain is now to the point where I am ready to cut the damn thing off and ask McSteamy and Callie to give me a new one. A few tears shed at the idea of being injured...again. I just can't be no injured. It's so frustrating I just want to SCREAAAAAAAAMMMMMM.
Some words PK and fellow trainee and PT, Meredith threw out on the pool deck this morning...
- no shamrock half marathon
- shin splits?
- stress fracture?
not the way a girl training for an Ironman wants to start her day.
I was able to get in an appointment with PT Meredith this afternoon. We did some ultrasound on it and some icing. Hopefully this will help alleviate some of the aggrevation going on in there.
We are going on the theory that this is a serious case of shin splints. No impact for awhile. i'll take tonight off the bike. Try it on sunday (scheduled for a 2:45 ride). and back to aqua jogging I go. no roads. no elliptical.
If this keeps a stress fracture away, then I'll take it.
Is it ideal? no. But hey, when do I like to do anything the easy way?!
you may be wondering, what the hell did I do to get these anyways?
Well, I'll tell you. Because I know EXACTLY what has caused this crap. (bitter? yes i am)
I wear Asics DS Trainer. I love them. I've been wearing model 14 for two years now. I loved them so much I bought about 500 pairs. Well, I am down to my last pair. So, I bought the new version, 16, since they have a new model. Like cars, shoes get redesigned every year to supposedly make them better. BULL. SHIT.
I want the 14 back!!!! Screw you Asics. Look what you have caused me!! (again, bitter? yes!)
So to Shamrock? or not to shamrock? that is the question.
On a side note. I have friends who also blog. they are so enjoyable to read. their words flow. Verbiage is well used. Topics are usually interesting.
then I re-read my posts. I am all over the place.. and most of the time I don't care if there are mis-spellings or lower case instead of capitals. I type fast. I don't type well. but it's me. It's my typing character. And the train of thought..well that's how my mind works.
So I may not be as fluid as the skilled writer, but thanks for reading anyways!
xo.
fave.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Melted Heart
My two nephews have taken over this heart of mine. I was once talking with my sister about how it's amazing the love that you are filled with before they are even born. she told me to just wait until I have my own - I can't even imagine.
TD is getting so big. He's almost 3 now and he is just the funniest guy. Friday I met them for lunch and when I walked in he spotted and was just waving and saying "Auntie! Auntie! we're over here!" Before I could get there his arms were wide open and he was making the "big hug" noises.
then I received a picture letter from TD's new baby brother, BB, asking me to be his Godmother. How special am I?!
I have the best best nephews any Auntie could ask for.
they are constantly melting my heart with their love.
TD is getting so big. He's almost 3 now and he is just the funniest guy. Friday I met them for lunch and when I walked in he spotted and was just waving and saying "Auntie! Auntie! we're over here!" Before I could get there his arms were wide open and he was making the "big hug" noises.
then I received a picture letter from TD's new baby brother, BB, asking me to be his Godmother. How special am I?!
I have the best best nephews any Auntie could ask for.
they are constantly melting my heart with their love.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
building mileage
It's hard building mileage with this injury. but, thanks to ProK slowly but surely I am putting the miles in the bank. this weekend I rode a hard 3 hours on the trainer - thanks to Coach Troy and the IM moo video.
then on Sunday I ran 10 miles!!!
My run started out a little different. Instead of eating oatmeal, I ate greek yogurt, black berries, and a honey stinger. My stomach felt a little funny, but not bad so off I went.
Instead of running 4 minutes and walking 1 minute, we mixed it up. Started with the 1 minute walk and then a 7 minute run. it's so funny how you get so used to certain intervals. those 7 minutes felt like forever!
I took in a new Honey Stinger gu at every other walk break, so every 16 minutes.
Around 30 minutes I realized that something was not right...
the new breakfast? who knows i changed so much.
the new gu? who knows it could have been the yogurt.
geez what did I do! i have to take some extra walk breaks to compose myself. As I passed friends houses, starbucks, and the like I thought about talking a potty stop, but I just couldn't bear to do it. So I trucked on.
As i ran onto my street there was no cool down.
time as bad either, especially considering the stomach.
I am glad I finally got to 10 miles. a decent amount of post run inflammation, so icing and the elliptical it is. I also get a massage on thursday so TP can work on my calf muscles. ooh that's gonna hurt! but it will feel s good at the same time.
In 2 weeks I am doing Shamrock Half Marathon. I cannot wait to get down there with mi amigas and training friends. Miso and Lou and I are sharing a house. Good times. good times. Poor IronGreg is doing the full marathon...and he has to put up with us three before it!
note to self: go back to oatmeal before long runs!
then on Sunday I ran 10 miles!!!
My run started out a little different. Instead of eating oatmeal, I ate greek yogurt, black berries, and a honey stinger. My stomach felt a little funny, but not bad so off I went.
Instead of running 4 minutes and walking 1 minute, we mixed it up. Started with the 1 minute walk and then a 7 minute run. it's so funny how you get so used to certain intervals. those 7 minutes felt like forever!
I took in a new Honey Stinger gu at every other walk break, so every 16 minutes.
Around 30 minutes I realized that something was not right...
the new breakfast? who knows i changed so much.
the new gu? who knows it could have been the yogurt.
geez what did I do! i have to take some extra walk breaks to compose myself. As I passed friends houses, starbucks, and the like I thought about talking a potty stop, but I just couldn't bear to do it. So I trucked on.
As i ran onto my street there was no cool down.
time as bad either, especially considering the stomach.
I am glad I finally got to 10 miles. a decent amount of post run inflammation, so icing and the elliptical it is. I also get a massage on thursday so TP can work on my calf muscles. ooh that's gonna hurt! but it will feel s good at the same time.
In 2 weeks I am doing Shamrock Half Marathon. I cannot wait to get down there with mi amigas and training friends. Miso and Lou and I are sharing a house. Good times. good times. Poor IronGreg is doing the full marathon...and he has to put up with us three before it!
note to self: go back to oatmeal before long runs!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
3 sets of 10
I met with "Jillian" this morning. It was my own personal last chance workout.
It was 40 minutes of non-stop iron pumping.
I think my arms are still shaking.
8 days until my next weigh-in!
It was 40 minutes of non-stop iron pumping.
I think my arms are still shaking.
8 days until my next weigh-in!
Monday, February 21, 2011
pot roast
i sure do love baking. but something about eating healthy, i am banned from baking.
IronGreg and I are both training for IMCDA. so our evening time has become limited. and by the time we eat, we are too tired to cook. so i have been collecting recipes of the past few months of quick, easy, and healthy recipes.
I love Betty Crocker. this is my secret....
www.bettycrocker.com
keyword: healthified
I find TONS of recipes here.
well i recently ran across a slow cooker recipe on there, that was so easy. and i made it even easier.
IronGreg and I loved it.
Carmelized Onion Pot Roast
no need to do any real prep - just throw it all in the slow cooker and put it on low: 8-10 hours.
and don't worry about measuring. it works.
enjoy.
IronGreg and I are both training for IMCDA. so our evening time has become limited. and by the time we eat, we are too tired to cook. so i have been collecting recipes of the past few months of quick, easy, and healthy recipes.
I love Betty Crocker. this is my secret....
www.bettycrocker.com
keyword: healthified
I find TONS of recipes here.
well i recently ran across a slow cooker recipe on there, that was so easy. and i made it even easier.
IronGreg and I loved it.
Carmelized Onion Pot Roast
no need to do any real prep - just throw it all in the slow cooker and put it on low: 8-10 hours.
and don't worry about measuring. it works.
enjoy.
running
i am running outside again.
this time i am using the Galloway method...at least my version of it.
After the surgery I had to use a run/walk method as I entered the world of working out again.
My body seemed to like this method and it's stuck. It worked for me during IMAZ, so I am continuing it. It does make it hard to run with friends which stinks, but I am learning to run by myself and enjoy it...although if it weren't for IronGreg I would be totally lazy. thank you, IronGreg. but don't tell him I said that. :)
I am building up my time slower than my team mates b/c of this blasted chronic injury.
but I am also freaking out that I will not be ready for the race.
so this past weekend I was scheduled to run for 75 minutes. others were scheduled for 2 hours.
so instead I ran for 90 minutes. and DAMMIT my leg is all shades of painful. why can't I just run?!?!?!
and my pace was slower than normal, too.
so i am pouting. i know we are supposed to have bad days. but i don't want any.
go away slow legs. run faster! and pain free!
this time i am using the Galloway method...at least my version of it.
After the surgery I had to use a run/walk method as I entered the world of working out again.
My body seemed to like this method and it's stuck. It worked for me during IMAZ, so I am continuing it. It does make it hard to run with friends which stinks, but I am learning to run by myself and enjoy it...although if it weren't for IronGreg I would be totally lazy. thank you, IronGreg. but don't tell him I said that. :)
I am building up my time slower than my team mates b/c of this blasted chronic injury.
but I am also freaking out that I will not be ready for the race.
so this past weekend I was scheduled to run for 75 minutes. others were scheduled for 2 hours.
so instead I ran for 90 minutes. and DAMMIT my leg is all shades of painful. why can't I just run?!?!?!
and my pace was slower than normal, too.
so i am pouting. i know we are supposed to have bad days. but i don't want any.
go away slow legs. run faster! and pain free!
dieting really sucks
i met my husband four years and 10 pounds ago.
ahhh. fat and happy.
however, this year my pants don't fit! i actually had to get a pair re-lined b/c i busted the lining so badly it was beyond repair. i picked them up. put them on. and yes, the thighs were so snug that if i attempted to sit down, i would split them all over over.
so long FAVorite pair of black slacks. it's been a good few years.
ironman training is in full swing. IMCDA is four months away.
IronGreg and I disagree on what I should be fueling my body with on a regular basis, so i started working with a nutritionist.
I also am not good in the weight room. i get intimidated easily. (you can laugh at me, but that's how I feel). so we decided to get me a personal trainer. although it's a guy...a straight one, i like to call him Jillian.
beginning of february was weigh-in and fat test #1.
they were done by each person using different methods on back-to-back days. and they both came out the same.
not bad. but not where I need to be.
so the goal is to lose 5% body fat (and 8lbs) in one month. they both swear it can be done.
my next weigh-in is in one week. as of this morning i have gained 1lb. this is not looking so good.
I now have 9 days to lose 9lbs and 5% body fat.
And IronGreg is not letting me have my greek yogurt dessert tonight. butthead.
Allow me to quote the movie "Never Been Kissed" starring Drew Barrymore.
"that's it. only water and ex-lax 'til the prom."
ahhh. fat and happy.
however, this year my pants don't fit! i actually had to get a pair re-lined b/c i busted the lining so badly it was beyond repair. i picked them up. put them on. and yes, the thighs were so snug that if i attempted to sit down, i would split them all over over.
so long FAVorite pair of black slacks. it's been a good few years.
ironman training is in full swing. IMCDA is four months away.
IronGreg and I disagree on what I should be fueling my body with on a regular basis, so i started working with a nutritionist.
I also am not good in the weight room. i get intimidated easily. (you can laugh at me, but that's how I feel). so we decided to get me a personal trainer. although it's a guy...a straight one, i like to call him Jillian.
beginning of february was weigh-in and fat test #1.
they were done by each person using different methods on back-to-back days. and they both came out the same.
not bad. but not where I need to be.
so the goal is to lose 5% body fat (and 8lbs) in one month. they both swear it can be done.
my next weigh-in is in one week. as of this morning i have gained 1lb. this is not looking so good.
I now have 9 days to lose 9lbs and 5% body fat.
And IronGreg is not letting me have my greek yogurt dessert tonight. butthead.
Allow me to quote the movie "Never Been Kissed" starring Drew Barrymore.
"that's it. only water and ex-lax 'til the prom."
trying this again
where have I been hiding?
behind a broken computer.
I keep typing blog posts, but for some reason i am not able to actually post them.
well two weeks ago, i got a virus.
it was a stressful week.
but i did end up with a fancy new laptop.
so here i am. back to blog world. i am going to try this again.
and before i type too much...let's see if i can actually post now!
behind a broken computer.
I keep typing blog posts, but for some reason i am not able to actually post them.
well two weeks ago, i got a virus.
it was a stressful week.
but i did end up with a fancy new laptop.
so here i am. back to blog world. i am going to try this again.
and before i type too much...let's see if i can actually post now!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Saturday, November 13, 2010
HCA 8k
First of all I would like to apologize for my absence. I haven't been able to write posts from my computer for some reason.
Today I ran my 4th 8k.
In 2005 I tried running it - the same race as today. finished in 1:01:and change.
In 2007 I ran the Turkey Trot 8k with my brother - 53 minutes
2008 Turkey Trot again. 50 minutes.
2010 HCA VA 8k. Finish Time...42:14. 8:29 pace.
This year has been an off year. I haven't done as much as in previous years. Something about a wedding. haha. This spring I tried to start running again, but my leg felt otherwise. Back to square one. I spent lots of time on the elliptical and slowly making my way onto the treadmill. I recently was able to make it to the last 3 track workouts, too. Although I haven't run more than 3 miles this year.
I originally wanted to race the half marathon. not just as a run, but actually race it. i knew that was not going to be in the cards for me, so a few months ago I emailed the RD and switched down to the 8k. Still 2 miles more than what I have been able to run.
The race went well. I made it to mile 1 at 9:20 - I didn't think I was going to run an 8:30 pace...my secret goal.
Then at mile 2 I look at my watch - right on track. Can I keep this pace for another mile?
Mile 3 - 26 minutes. One more mile?
Mile 4 - 34 minutes. Wow - I can do this. less than a mile to go.
Finished with beating my goal.
IronGreg beat his goal for the half marathon.
My girls doing the marathon all PR'd as well.
What a great to be racing.
I can't wait to hear how all my friends at Beach to Battleship have done!!
Today I ran my 4th 8k.
In 2005 I tried running it - the same race as today. finished in 1:01:and change.
In 2007 I ran the Turkey Trot 8k with my brother - 53 minutes
2008 Turkey Trot again. 50 minutes.
2010 HCA VA 8k. Finish Time...42:14. 8:29 pace.
This year has been an off year. I haven't done as much as in previous years. Something about a wedding. haha. This spring I tried to start running again, but my leg felt otherwise. Back to square one. I spent lots of time on the elliptical and slowly making my way onto the treadmill. I recently was able to make it to the last 3 track workouts, too. Although I haven't run more than 3 miles this year.
I originally wanted to race the half marathon. not just as a run, but actually race it. i knew that was not going to be in the cards for me, so a few months ago I emailed the RD and switched down to the 8k. Still 2 miles more than what I have been able to run.
The race went well. I made it to mile 1 at 9:20 - I didn't think I was going to run an 8:30 pace...my secret goal.
Then at mile 2 I look at my watch - right on track. Can I keep this pace for another mile?
Mile 3 - 26 minutes. One more mile?
Mile 4 - 34 minutes. Wow - I can do this. less than a mile to go.
Finished with beating my goal.
IronGreg beat his goal for the half marathon.
My girls doing the marathon all PR'd as well.
What a great to be racing.
I can't wait to hear how all my friends at Beach to Battleship have done!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Catching up...I seem to be doing that a lot these days.
Since I got laid off my life has been a whirl wind!!
I did find a new job. two in fact. I am going into design sales. Like a pharmaceutical rep is to doctors, I will be to architects and designers (A&D community), dealers, and end users. I will represent a handful of lines: a couple of furniture lines, some fabric lines, 2 carpet lines, and an art line.
As I sat at home looking for a job, I had a job prospect land in my lap. My own design business! A guy I know in the industry had a client come to him for a good size project. Unable to tackle it, he contracted the project out to ME! So after a long conversation with my accountant I started my own interior design firm. Logo to be revealed soon. My brother has a friend who designs web sites so I Am going to work with him to get that running. All in due time.
So my focus will be design sales, but I will have my own little interior design firm on the side. TLC will be knocking on my door any day for my won show :)
Speaking of TV - IronGreg and I have been watching WAY too much DIY network. This weekend we have truly become weekend warriors. IronGreg had Friday and Monday off, so we've been going non-stop! We have painted the hall bath a third time and installed new towel bar and toilet paper holder. The toilet paper holder was mounted in the wall, so last weekend IronGreg took that out and filled in the hole with drywall. Our new custom window cornice will be ready next week. and then that bathroom will be complete! Gasp!
I bought new house numbers to put on the front door. I was going to install these one day while IronGreg was working, but may as well include this in our weekend house push. So we did. But in the mean time, we decided to also paint the front door. It took three coats...which requires a lot of drying time.
i finally hung the window treatments in the dining room.
We decided to rearrange the office since I will be working from home and will be spending more time in there looking at my 1980's monitor. So we rearranged the furniture and unpacked a LARGE box of office files. Well we made it 80% of the way through the box.
Last but not least...the downstairs bathroom. Installed beadboard. painted beadboard. painted wall above chair rail. installed new towel ring, robe hook, and toilet paper holder. hung new mirror. and the vanity. oh the vanity. it looks god. too bad the trap doesn't fit with the vanity so we have go get a bottle trap and in order to install that we need a plumber. danggit. so close. we recently had to snake that shower, so we need a new drain in that shower. since the plumber is coming to install a new trap, we may as well get him to install a new drain, too. then we just need new sconces and art work!
so the house is coming along.
I really need to start taking the"after" pictures.
Today is memorial day. Call me old school, but this is the last day to wear white until Easter. We are having a memorial day cook out so you better believe I will be wearing white!
happy grilling everyone!
oh! I rode TWICE this weekend. yes you read that right!
75 minutes on saturday with a 1 mile t-run...in 8:12
and 2.5 hours on sunday.
and i hit two new 100 meter swim PR's. first I hit 1:34...then I hit 1:32. oh yeah baby.
I did find a new job. two in fact. I am going into design sales. Like a pharmaceutical rep is to doctors, I will be to architects and designers (A&D community), dealers, and end users. I will represent a handful of lines: a couple of furniture lines, some fabric lines, 2 carpet lines, and an art line.
As I sat at home looking for a job, I had a job prospect land in my lap. My own design business! A guy I know in the industry had a client come to him for a good size project. Unable to tackle it, he contracted the project out to ME! So after a long conversation with my accountant I started my own interior design firm. Logo to be revealed soon. My brother has a friend who designs web sites so I Am going to work with him to get that running. All in due time.
So my focus will be design sales, but I will have my own little interior design firm on the side. TLC will be knocking on my door any day for my won show :)
Speaking of TV - IronGreg and I have been watching WAY too much DIY network. This weekend we have truly become weekend warriors. IronGreg had Friday and Monday off, so we've been going non-stop! We have painted the hall bath a third time and installed new towel bar and toilet paper holder. The toilet paper holder was mounted in the wall, so last weekend IronGreg took that out and filled in the hole with drywall. Our new custom window cornice will be ready next week. and then that bathroom will be complete! Gasp!
I bought new house numbers to put on the front door. I was going to install these one day while IronGreg was working, but may as well include this in our weekend house push. So we did. But in the mean time, we decided to also paint the front door. It took three coats...which requires a lot of drying time.
i finally hung the window treatments in the dining room.
We decided to rearrange the office since I will be working from home and will be spending more time in there looking at my 1980's monitor. So we rearranged the furniture and unpacked a LARGE box of office files. Well we made it 80% of the way through the box.
Last but not least...the downstairs bathroom. Installed beadboard. painted beadboard. painted wall above chair rail. installed new towel ring, robe hook, and toilet paper holder. hung new mirror. and the vanity. oh the vanity. it looks god. too bad the trap doesn't fit with the vanity so we have go get a bottle trap and in order to install that we need a plumber. danggit. so close. we recently had to snake that shower, so we need a new drain in that shower. since the plumber is coming to install a new trap, we may as well get him to install a new drain, too. then we just need new sconces and art work!
so the house is coming along.
I really need to start taking the"after" pictures.
Today is memorial day. Call me old school, but this is the last day to wear white until Easter. We are having a memorial day cook out so you better believe I will be wearing white!
happy grilling everyone!
oh! I rode TWICE this weekend. yes you read that right!
75 minutes on saturday with a 1 mile t-run...in 8:12
and 2.5 hours on sunday.
and i hit two new 100 meter swim PR's. first I hit 1:34...then I hit 1:32. oh yeah baby.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
hey! remember me?
i may be m.i.a. and so is my training but damn i sure do feel busy.
being unemployed i immediately thought how excited I was to have time to get things done.
IronGreg thought the same way
I am busier now than when I was working Full time!
the good thing is that now I get to watch the Today show which I jsut love.
yesterday they featured Comfort Zone Camp which is an organization I have been volunteering with for the past 5 years. you can check out the piece here: CZC on Today
Today they just interviewed a woman from my home town of Charlotte, NC (shout out to the QC).
A year ago she started a movement called Operation Beautiful. What a neat idea. All started...over a blog! Check it out! i can't tell you about it - you have to see it for yourself.
And tomorrow Train is on!!! Hey soul sister...
being unemployed i immediately thought how excited I was to have time to get things done.
IronGreg thought the same way
I am busier now than when I was working Full time!
the good thing is that now I get to watch the Today show which I jsut love.
yesterday they featured Comfort Zone Camp which is an organization I have been volunteering with for the past 5 years. you can check out the piece here: CZC on Today
Today they just interviewed a woman from my home town of Charlotte, NC (shout out to the QC).
A year ago she started a movement called Operation Beautiful. What a neat idea. All started...over a blog! Check it out! i can't tell you about it - you have to see it for yourself.
And tomorrow Train is on!!! Hey soul sister...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Triathlon we meet again
No I have not fallen off the face of the Earth.
Nor have I been so deep in training I forget to blog.
I have however, been laid off. You would think that would give me more time to blog, but instead it gives me more time to run errands and do DIY projects around the new house.
I demo'd IronGreg's closet (one of them) and installed a custom closet and it is mighty nice if I do say so myself.
Before
After
Nor have I been so deep in training I forget to blog.
I have however, been laid off. You would think that would give me more time to blog, but instead it gives me more time to run errands and do DIY projects around the new house.
I demo'd IronGreg's closet (one of them) and installed a custom closet and it is mighty nice if I do say so myself.
Before
After
I also installed some window treatments. But I jsut had a hard time uploading those pictures so you will just have to use your imaginations. They are black and white damask in my purple striped room!
I just met with renovation guy #1 to get some estimates for some DIY projects that we don't have the time for. sounds lame I know. Antoher guy coming thursday for another estimate.
In the mean time this week I am working on my portfolio - yuck. I have an interview on Friday with another architecture firm. I would like to venture into design sales instead of design itself. I had a phone interview with one independent rep group and am waiting to schedule the formal interview once their partner returns from vacation. Would love that gig.
Enough about work and DIY.
Triathlons.
That sport that I attempt.
I am trying (pun intended) to get back into trainign after a 6+ month sabbatical of sorts. I raced in a sprint yesterday. Same course as I did for my very first triahtlon 3 years ago. I had a good swim (even with the douche behind me). And had a decent bike (averaged over 18 which i normaklly would be happy wth until I saw all the 20 pace chicks). The run ont eh other hand. well I finished it. My legs were cramping and so today they are tender and my knees hurt. I am so old.
IronGreg did great finishing 9th overall and 1st in his age group.
Next up: West Pint Tri - I am so going to get my butt kicked.
well that's all I got for now.
back to this portfolio....
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Diamond and I meet again...
Saturday I was scheduled a bike ride.
Again, I missed it.
I am happy to ride about once a month.
But what is this I see?
ANOTHER ride on Monday? for 3 hours?
oh alright.
Luckily the Ironman Canada group had a recovery day so I went out and hoped for the best.
That's right.
I rode my bike.
(you can pick up your jaw now)
I rode 50 miles.
my avg. pace was 17.9, but my avergage moving pace was...19.1 that's right. high five to me.
I kept up with the group on flats, but got my butt handed to me on the hills. but hey they have been doing serious hill training for Mountains of Misery and Canada. so if I beat them up the hills then they might need to re-think their race schedule.
so with my first sprint of the year looming in 12 days...I guess it's time to start training.
And that august spring in the adirondacks...guess I better hit the hills.
play time's over :(
Again, I missed it.
I am happy to ride about once a month.
But what is this I see?
ANOTHER ride on Monday? for 3 hours?
oh alright.
Luckily the Ironman Canada group had a recovery day so I went out and hoped for the best.
That's right.
I rode my bike.
(you can pick up your jaw now)
I rode 50 miles.
my avg. pace was 17.9, but my avergage moving pace was...19.1 that's right. high five to me.
I kept up with the group on flats, but got my butt handed to me on the hills. but hey they have been doing serious hill training for Mountains of Misery and Canada. so if I beat them up the hills then they might need to re-think their race schedule.
so with my first sprint of the year looming in 12 days...I guess it's time to start training.
And that august spring in the adirondacks...guess I better hit the hills.
play time's over :(
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