When life gives you snow...

Husband and son enjoyed the 12+ inches of snow that we ended up getting. You know how boys are, we couldn't just have any snowman...it ended up being 10+ feet tall.

The 10K I was fretting about is tomorrow. The course has been shortened to a snow packed 8K. I think I'm going to wear hiking boots and just plan to have fun with it. No race goal anymore, I just hope to stay upright and enjoy the scenery. Getting there in the morning might prove to be tricky; our driveway and neighborhood streets are a mess.

Whatever your plans are, please stay safe this New Year's Eve.

More snow in New Mexico

Who ordered this weather? It was delivered to our house by mistake. I kindly request that it be returned to its rightful owner. Today I woke up to more snow in New Mexico.

According to the weather channel, there is a 30% chance of snow here today. Given that it has been snowing for a good 8 hrs straight, I'd think they could at least predict the chance of snow a weeee bit higher than that! Updated Saturday morning - it snowed all night and is still snowing. 11 inches so far!!

I've done well against my training plans all week until today. I think I'll just do some core exercises and call it a day.

And, btw, thanks Flatman for suggesting Sports Tracks. I downloaded it and am trying to figure it out. So far, I am finding the various map options to be pretty cool. :)

After Christmas Ramblings

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We've been playing a lot of Mah Jong as a family, which is a tradition at our house for this time of year. But I would have to say that my most cherished Christmas memory from this year would have to be when my 13yr old daughter said grace before the Christmas meal. It was a beautiful, heartfelt blessing that almost brought a tear to my eye. Even though the teen years can be 'trying', I am really enjoying watching my kids develop into the distinct individuals that they are becoming.

Santa brought me a Garmin 205; I can already tell that I am going to have fun with this new gadget. If anyone can suggest some training analysis software that is better than what it comes with, please let me know.

I started feeling motivated to get moving again after being mostly lazy last week. I ran 4.8 miles on Christmas afternoon with my husband while the turkey was cooking. Yesterday I did some core and strength work in the morning and went on a 12.4 mile bike ride in the afternoon. This morning I was in the pool at 6am for 1750.

Plans through Friday: Repeating the 4.8 mile loop later this afternoon (and compare to Christmas day run... oooh...ahhh...data...*drool*). Spinervals and more core/strength work on Thursday. 2250 swim and 6mi run Friday.

Oh, and apparently I have created a substance potentially harder than diamonds which is now stuck to the bottom of our 5qt stock pot. Cool, huh?

Beginnings

"With the possible exception of the equator, everything begins somewhere." - C.S. Lewis

First off, thank you all *so* much for the encouraging words about my upcoming 10K. I really appreciate it. I failed to mention that said 10K is 9 short days away. Yikes! I think I'm stressing because it is so close.

Yesterday I got my butt kicked by Coach Troy (Spinervals No Slackers!) and later went on a 6 mile run in my Z2/Z3 HR. Not so sure what will happen when I start out at my 5K pace on race day, but everything begins somewhere.

Today I took it easy - 1250M swim and 6 mile bike ride. I thought about riding longer, but there are still some icy patches on the road so I cut it short - better safe than sorry.

Merry almost-Christmas-Eve!!

Fears and Doubts

"Some say if only my fears and doubts will leave then I will get to work. But instead you should get to work and then your fears and doubts will leave." - Dwight L. Moody

With a little bit of fear and trepidation, I have signed up for my first 10K. For most of you (maybe even ALL of you), it won't seem like much of a milestone, but you have to realize that I haven't been in this as long as you all have. I did a grand total of six 5Ks and one Sprint Tri in 2006. I can add one more 5K to the list if we look back to 2005. Before that...nada.

What fears am I chasing down exactly? I guess I'm concerned that my slownest and general lack of athletic ability will be exposed for what they are.

But you know what? I could let that stop me from experiencing a lot of things that I intend to do this year. Bah humbug, I say! Instead, I choose to chase down this fear. Finish line, here I come!!!

Snow in the desert

Could we possibly have a white Christmas? Seems unlikely. But then again, maybe, just maybe, since these are the scenes out the front and back of our house this morning.

Today will be a bike trainer (spinervals) and core day. With a few snowball fights and some snowman building thrown in for good measure. :)

Update: Accomplished the following: spinervals training ride, snowman, snowball fight.

Blew off: core workout - go figure! playing in the snow was more fun. :)

spondyloarthropathies

Husband & I ran in the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis this morning.

Son ran his first 5K also.

I wore a santa hat just to remind myself not to take this race too seriously. :)

The course wasn't easy. It started uphill for about three quarters of a mile. When I saw the hill, I knew there was no chance of a PR for me today. However, since I train on hills, I also knew that I could run the whole thing in my own slow runnin' kinda' way.

All in all, it was a fun way to spend the morning. :)

Looks like the local run raised over $10K for the Arthritis Foundation. This has special meaning to me. My husband suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis - a chronic rhuematoid condition affecting the spine and sacroilioc joints. As for me, I spent the full 2004 year in pain from Reactive Arthritis triggered after a shigella dysentery that I picked up in India. Apparently his disease and mine fall into the family of spondyloarthropathies. Try saying that three times fast!!

Anyway, it was my disease going into remission that triggered my interested in Triathlon. I TRI because I can...and every day that I can is truly a gift.

Slow Cyclin'

I took off this morning for a bike ride feeling pretty good after my big swim yesterday. It didn't take long for my bike to remind me who's boss.

I suppose I'm not going to get any better by wallowing in self pity. Sigh. I just need to get out there more often and ride.

Big Swimmin'

Today I did an insanely huge swim workout by my standards. I added it all up - warm up, drills, speedwork, other strokes, kicking, cool down - 3200 in total. Then I came home and ate everything in sight.

Plodding on...

Okay, so blogger beta issues notwithstanding...it is time for me to think about and plan my 2007 season. i'm not as sophisticated as some of you (yet) with being able to put them on my sidebar. For now, I'm just happy that I have some semblance of a plan. Capiche?

My main goal this year is to complete an olympic distance triathlon. I'm targetting the Las Vegas Triathlon (Storrie Lake) which should be at the end of July. This will be my A race.

To get there, I hope to compete in the Rio Rancho Duathlon in early April and the Milkman Triathlon in early June.

I will compete in a few other sprint tris unrelated to that goal - Jay Benson and Socorro come to mind quickly.

I will definately need to buy a wetsuit, practice in it, practice in open water.... I hope I don't freak out.

I may finish last, but I intend to finish.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Rut Roh George!

I switched to blogger beta and now my old comments mostly show from 'anonomous' when they used to show from other blogger users. BUMMER!!!

Pennies from Heaven

I really like listening to the Elf Soundtrack at Christmas time. One of my favorites is Pennies from Heaven

"Ev'ry time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven..."

Found new meaning in that last night. My daughter asked to go Christmas shopping for her friends. She wanted to buy for 6-7 girls. She had a budget, we found some things on sale, and she promised to pay me back.

When we came home, she presented me with a pile of change. Uggh. At first I was not at all happy that she was paying me back in pennies and dimes and such.

But then she explained that she has been saving her change from lunch for the past several months so that she would have money to buy Christmas gifts. And she had counted it out and knew how much she had. And she promised me that it was all there.

"...pennies from heaven....for you and me"

The Battle in my Mind

I'm just about ready to head out on my traditional Sunday Morning Run. The run I so look forward to (except when it is freaking cold out). Just wanted to clear my head before I go out.

I have just been been exhausted this week and it affected my training plans. I hope next week is better. When stuff stops me from achieving my training gooals, I find myself fighting THOSE thoughts again. The ones that say I'm never going to be any good at this, so maybe I should just give up. How can I expect to go longer or faster if I can't even find the energy to do my planned workouts? Who am I kidding, I am *not* an athlete, much less a triathlete.

I need my run this morning if only to drive those thoughts out of my head!!

On a more positive note, I have been thinking about ShyTriGirl, Geek Girl, and Chad who were all doing Sprint TRIs this weekend - looking forward to race reports.

And....husband, son, & I are running a 5K next Sunday. It will be son's 5K debut! I hope this is the beginning of something for him.

UPDATE AFTER RUN: My run was supposed to be 70min. I ran a little far before turning around and it ended up taking a few minutes longer than planned. Somewhere on the way back, I heard my own voice say out loud "Don't give up, Lisa".

ONE MORE UPDATE:
James 1:3-4 - For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything

Favorite Snack Bars

For anyone who might be reading this, I'm wondering what your favorite snack bars are. Favorite as in the ones you most enjoy eating (not necessarily the best performing).

These are my top 3 personal favorites.

#1 - Clif Mojo Bar - Honey Roasted Peanut. I think this is the best thing out there. Luckily for me, I may be alone in that opinion if my family is typical - they think these are horrid. I would try other Mojo flavors, but I'm alergic to tree nuts, so this is the only one they make that I can eat.

#2 - Clif Luna Bar - Chocolate Peppermint Stick (Peanut Butter Cookie is good too). Even the kids like this. They are temperature sensitive though...too hard when it is cold outside and the little coating melts if it is too hot. Just right at room temp, though. :)

#3 - Kind Bar - Banana Oatbran (i think - I ordered these and ate the last one so i don't know if that is the right name). Again, it is the only one they make without tree nuts, but very yummy.

Inner Fool-1; Inner Athelete-0

I have been trying to figure out why exactly I am putting myself through all of this nonsense. I think I have been trying to wake up my inner athlete, who has been asleep for a good 40 years.

Yesterday, I managed to wake up my inner fool instead. My inner fool thought it would be a good idea to go for a 70min run before church. Why that might sound good on paper, let me just say that it was freaking cold outside. I have no idea what the temperature was exactly, but while my inner fool had me out there trying to move my body, my inner athlete was wisely curled up in a ball trying to stay warm.

I'm thinking my inner athlete would be more successful if my inner fool would just stop trying to sabotage the plan.

A few "Ah Ha!" moments

1) Running in Colorado at 7000+ ft was DIFFICULT. Could not get enough oxygen. I live at 5000-ish ft so I didn't expect to notice a difference, but I did. I think I would feel like super-woman if I ever entered a race close to sea-level. SIGN ME UP!!!

2) While trying to do single leg peddling on my bike trainer yesterday, I discovered that a 'front-to-back, back-to-front' motion was much smoother than my usual 'top-to-bottom' choppy motion. It also used some different muscles. I hope that I discovered an improvement rather than something that will make my cycling even worse.

3) This morning I learned (sort-of) how to back stroke and breast stroke. Hopefully nobody will try to save me from drowning when I try these out again; I'm sure it looks like I'm in distress. I am happy to get one step farther from feeling like an imposter in the water. Someday, I might actually be mistaken as a swimmer.

4) As suggested by Vickie in a comment to an earlier post, I counted my steps yesterday to determine my running cadence. It is about 80-82 when I'm feeling okay. I bet it slows to a shuffle when I'm tired. I will try to keep that in mind and count all during my next long run to see how it pans out.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving. We're going to leave in about an hour to drive up to Colorado (yikes! i need to pack).

I can't get the story of the tortoise and the hare out of my head, so I will leave you with a few parting thoughts.

In many ways I can relate to the tortoise. I'm by no means the fastest one out there when I race or train. As I don't give up, I have lots of opportunity to 'win' on my own terms. I consider every PR a win. And the includes every first time that you try something (new distance, new sport).

So my version of Tortoise and the Hare is slightly different, because the Tortoise got out there and gave it his best effort :

There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, Slow and Steady, the tortoise, challenged Hare and ran his first race.

Hare ran down the road for a while and then and paused to rest. He looked back at Slow and Steady and mocked him, "How could you think you could win a race when you trod along at your slow, slow pace?"

Slow and Steady continued on and on. He never, ever quit until he came to the finish line. The animals who were watching cheered loudly for Tortoise.

"No need to brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won his race!"

Today I did something different - intervals on the treadmill. 12 intervals of about .13 miles FAST (well...my version of FAST anyway) with 2min slow/rest in between. And I kept track of the speed and pace of each one (per the treadmill output). The fastest pace that I could maintain this morning for that short distance was 8:06 min/mi. Average was more like 8:15, I think. That is a lot faster than my 5K pace, so I kind of surprised myself. But, I've never tried running FAST for a short distance before, so I really didn't know what to expect.

I tried to be sure to stretch well afterwards, and my legs felt tired but okay when I left the gym. After sitting on my rear for about 3 hrs straight at work, my legs sure complained when I tried to get up and walk. They are still complaining now.

Another long run today, but at moderate pace. It felt great. I thought back to some of my happiest times running and was out there running with a big ol' goofy smile.

To keep my pace up, I started singing Jingle Bells a la piano student - counting meticulously to keep beat.

Jin-gle Bells (four) Jin-gle Bells (four) Jingle all the way (two three four). Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse opens sleigh, (two three four).

Yeah, I know. It was lame. But it kept me on pace and my legs responded to the rhythm of the song better then they did to my previous attempts at bargaining with them. It went something like this:

Come on, legs! keep going. don't slow down! what do you mean you don't want to go this fast anymore? Trust me, NOBODY calls this fast! Besides, I'm not asking you to go fast, I just want you to keep moving. Maybe I'll sing you a song to distract us both...

This morning I went for a 70min Zone2 Easy Run along the ditch bank on Loma Larga.

It was Heaven on earth!

I really love long slow runs early on Sunday mornings. It is so beautiful and quiet at that time. What a wonderful time to thank God for all the good things in my life.

This afternoon I went for another swim. While, it wasn't quite as enjoyable as my long slow run, it was nice too. When you truly enjoy what you're doing, it is so much easier, isn't it?

Not sure I will ever feel that way on the bike, but one can only hope!!

I dragged my slow self out on the bike today and completed 30miles. Took me forever since I'm slow as molasses, but I got it done.

Also had two pit stops to pee and two other stops to fix low front tire. Stupid goat heads...grrrrr.

Anyway, I'm glad that whole adventure is behind me for the day.

I think I was more tired after swimming yesterday, but today was more of a challenge just for me to complete the full distance.

I may be slow; I may lack natural ability on the bike; but I have really come a long way in the water. Whenever I am feeling down about how much I totally stink as a cyclist (which is pretty much every time I ride), I really do need to reflect back on what I *have* accomplished in the past year.

This time last year, I honestly could not swim one length of the pool. I got help and worked hard. By February I could do 100s. By April I could do 200s. In May, I did my first 400. It was hard. It took everything I had to complete that distance. Today I did 400 as a warm up. *I* did this. AS.A.WARM.UP. My swim workout contained a total of 2000M. I finished it. I'm hungry and I'm tired, but I did the whole thing.

I really think I just need to apply the same discipline and determiniation to the bike. Keep at it. Celebrate small accomplishments. Never give up. Eveutally I really should be able to see improvement. And maybe this time next year, I will be just as proud of my progress cycling as I am today of my swim.

Today I ordered Bodylastics elastic bands. We have a few physioballs already. I'm hoping the combination will make my core workouts more fun and interesting at home.

Guess this is a sign that it is getting colder outside. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be trying so hard to find fun ways to have fun and stay fit while indoors.



Speaking of which, I have my bike on my trainer and two spinervals sitting out. I should be ready to go tomorrow morning....I've eliminated my excuses.


UPDATE: The training demons were out to get me this morning. I could not get my DVD to play in the player that I put it in. I mucked with it for 20mins, then figured I needed to go to Plan B. Moved the bike in trainer to a new location and a new DVD player. Chain fell off in the process. Put chain back on, washed hands and was back in business a full 35min later than expected. Was a *leeetle* bit late to work, but no worries, training accomplished. And it was a good workout. :D

This first bit has nothing to do with training.

We had to make the tough decision to put our last remaining old dog down. He was old and hadn't been well for some time, his quality of life was poor, and it was selfish to keep him alive just for our own sake.

Until today, we've had at least one dog for the entire 17.5+ years of our marriage. It has been hard parting with each of them (3 in total), and it has been particularly difficult today to have no more dogs in the house. Good thing we still have the two cats...being totally petless (is that a word??) would be really depressing.

Now back to training.

Today I got to run for an hour. Went slow, but no more groin pain. YAY!!

I usually take Mondays off from training, but I'm running for an hour (slow) again tomorrow morning...or at least that is the plan. I have SOOOO missed running. When I swim, I count strokes and laps and such. I like swimming, but it keeps my mind as busy as my body. On the bike, I think about how much I suck at cycling and struggle with what gear I should be in, etc. But when I run long and slow, I am able to put my body on autopilot. I get this incredible rush and an overwhelming sense of peace. And I really need that right now.

This morning, rather than go out on a 1-1.5 hr bike ride, I opted to put my bike on the trainer, do some spinning, and ended up popping "Spinervals - Sweating Buckets" into my DVD. Not sure who all uses Spinervals or how this one compares to others, but I think it was time well spent. Normally, I would much prefer riding outside, but it was just too cold at 6am for me to hop on my bike this morning. I started off thinking "Oh well, this was better than nothing". However, it may have actually been better than my outside ride would have been. The workout seemed well structured. I also think I put more effort into it than I would have otherwise.

If anyone has a favorite Spinervals, let me know. I can imagine getting bored quickly if I don't have some variety here.. I may end up using these once a week so that I don't limit my cycling to the weekends.

Guess what I got to do today? RUN!!!!

It was just running strides today, and Thursday I will be on the treadmill...but on Sunday I get to run for real. I was a little nervous, but no pain today. I think that is a good sign. YAY!!

My 13yr old daughter has a new CD by a group called FM Static. She popped the CD in my car and told me to listen to the song, Six Candles, because it reminds her of me and my triathlon efforts. I must say, she nailed it! So wise at such a young age.

If you get a chance, listen to it. I think the meaning comes across better in the song than just the lyrics, but it could just be me. I will share anyway.

You're amazing, but you're taking too much time
I’ve only got six candles left and I’m trying to keep this off my mind
It’s getting darker, but it’s the way they make feel
They try to fill my head with questions
They all doubt you, but I know you're real

If it takes time then I’ll be patient
Know that I will still believe
I’ll take your hand and hold it tightly
Because I know you’ll carry me

Take me high, take me in, take these last six candles
And when I’m tired, and wearing thin,

Give me the strength to carry on.
Here I am, see my hands, take these last six candles
We’re moving on, we’ll keep, keep, moving on

And I’m so thankful for every breath I take
There's not a moment that goes by I waste wiping tears out of my crying face
Don’t look so sad, you’ve missed the point
I’m still so glad I knew you.
Against the odds I’ll take my chances
and burn this candle through you

If I could ever see the way you understand me
When no one else can see it I know you surround me
I’ll be the one who listens only when you tell me
Not walking, but running, not talking, yellin'

And they might never understand why I do what I do
But I can only speak my mind and what I feel is true
I’ll take a vow to be the only one who stands if it takes
All that I am, I will be standing!!!

I really need to find time to stretch more often. I don't want a repeat injury. I'm finding all kinds of creative ways to work this in.

On top of that is my new mantra: patience, pacing, and persistence.

MOTIVATED!!

I spent most of the aftenoon/early evening watching finishers at IronMan Florida. That sounds lame, but there was a house full of 13yr old girls here - that requires a certain level of endurance in its own right.

It is kind of funny - I went on what turned into a 20mi bike ride that wiped me out all day...and ended up sitting on my rear watching others go the distance. But it did motivate me. I really want to find a way to do that polar bear triathlon. And get serious about my race calendar. I need to put the goal I'm working toward as being a half iron distance event in 2008.

Now if I can just make it up those darn hills tomorrow morning on my bike....

What races do I want to do next? I keep asking this of myself. Last year it was an easier question. I was going from couch to Sprint. That was a long, slow journey, but the end point was clear. Right now, I'm a little more fuzzy.

I'd like to do the Polar Bear Triahtlon in (eek!) about a month. Barriers to this? Well, there is the little issue of me not being able to RUN at the moment due to a groin injury...but never mind that. The real issue is that there is no way I am going if I have to drive myself (I don't have a clue where this is and I would have to drive in the dark on Friday...yuck). So far I don't have any other transportation option so this race probably won't happen for me. :(

Next season, I would like to do a few 5Ks, a 10K, a half marathon in the spring, the Rio Rancho Duathlon (whatever it is called), Jay Benson, Socorro (again), and Chips-n-Salsa half marathon. That isn't necessarily my final list, but I'm not sure what other local Tri's or interesting events are actually out there, but an Olympic distance event next year would be cool too.

I would like to feel ready for a half-iron distance Tri in 2008. Is that too much of a stretch goal? We'll see...

One last thing that I feel I need to say: You don't have to WIN, you just need to TRI; and TRI, I will.

P.S. Bathing suit bottoms are still missing!!!!!

ACK!!! I cannot find my bathing suit bottoms. I have looked all over the house. They aren't in my gym bag, in my 'other bag' of somewhat dirty but still okay to wear gym clothes, hanging in the bathroom to dry, in my gym clothes drawer, in the laundry basket, on the closet floor, in any other drawer... THEY HAVE DISAPPEARRED!!!

This is why we shouldn't put all our eggs in one basket. This is why I usually buy things in twos and threes when I like them. This is my only pair of bathing suit bottoms. I like to swim in an athletic top of somesort and this pair of bottoms. I find this much more comfortable than a traditional swimsuit. And it is hard to find bottoms that fit, so finding a replacement that I like isn't going to be an easy task.

Before you gasp in horror at the thought of me swimming bottomless, let me assure you that I have other options...aka tri shorts, but I'm really getting tired of being "that woman who swims in long shorts."

Sigh.

Aye Carumba! My injury has me benched (from running) for two weeks if I follow the advice of the individual's who's advice I sought out. TWO WEEKS!!! Mind you, if someone told me "you need to refrain from cycling for two weeks" I'd answer "okay!" because i'm really good at NOT riding my bike. But to tell me not to run??? That's like asking me not to breathe.

I am happy that I have some stretching and strengthening exercises now to help prevent this in the future, but I'm definatly not happy about hte thought of not running for two whole weeks. :(

This morning I intended to go out on a 2 hour moderate ride and get home in plenty of time to make food for son who has a full day marching competition. Got up and out the door at about 7:15am. What do I hear? Flap..flap..flap... Drat! A flat. Not just a flat, A REAR flat. UGGGH. I was definately not a happy camper.

On the positive side, the flat presented itself early enought that I could walk the bike home and deal with it in the comfort of my warm home rather than out in the cold on the side of the road. Also, while it did take a full hour before I was back on the road, I *did* get back on the road and still had time for a 1.5 hr ride. And son got fed and was delivered to the band room on time. And I have built up just a little more confidence in my flat fixing capability. However, I'm starting to think those slime lined tubes may not be such a bad idea...

Side note, as you probably know, today is the Ford Ironman World Championship race in Kona. I have a friend in the race this year! I just checked on him, and no data yet, so I assume that means he's still in the water as I type... I hope the day goes well for him.

UPDATE: Friend finished in 10:32:35. I bet he's happy. Hope he and his wife enjoy the rest of their week in Hawaii too. :)

This is so frustrating!!! I'm having pain again and need to figure out what is wrong and what to do about it. As near as I can tell it is one of the adductor muscles (not sure which one).

Yesterday I tried heading out for a run before dinner. Got about 150M out and bailed. I realized that I was sort of run-limping and that just can't be good. Walked home with a frown on my face, put some bike shorts on, and went for a short bike ride. Whatever is wrong, it doesn't hurt on the bike or in the pool.

Ix-Nay the Alf-Marathon-Hay.

Too many reasons not to do it. Luckily, got some sense knocked into me before I went off and did something stupid and hurt myself.

On a more positive note, working on swimming this week. In particular, bilateral breathing and completing the pull. I love swimming. Too bad I didn't how to do it earlier in life.

Ramblings from my 'long' run this morning. My long run was something like 8.3 miles, not really all that long, but long for me. Anyway, at the turn point, I was feeling pretty good and started entertaining the thought of signing up for the Duke City Half-marathon next Sunday. Half way back home, I was still feeling pretty good and started mulling over whether or not I could actually complete a half marathon next weekend. My legs don't always do what I ask from them. For example, when I had about a mile left to go, I decided to pick up the pace, but my legs acted like they hadn't even heard the request.

"One, two, three...let's GO!" Nothing.

"Let's try again...one, two, three...let's GO!!" Again, nothing.

"Okay, well just don't stop then." And I continued on at the same slow pace.

I haven't trained for it, but I think I could run the distance as long as I kept to a very slow pace. I won't make a decision until Tuesday (last day for 'early' sign up) and i still would need to pick up the packet on Saturday because i'm way past the point where they would mail them.

I probably need someone to knock some sense into me. I have never run farther than the distance I ran this morning which is still a good 5 miles short of a half marathon. And I am slow. I would have to avoid walking at all costs because if I stopped to walk, I probably would not be able to get my legs to start 'running' again.

If nothing else, it is something to think about...

Weekends are NOT my friend. I always have high expectations for weekends, but weekends usually let me down. Today started off being no exception.

Plan A) go for a run in the morning before taking daughter to the mall (at 10am), making batch #2 of applesauce, dropping off son for afternoon football game (he's in the band), watching band at football game, etc

However, I woke up late. And we were out of milk, so I needed to make a trip to the store. Before I knew it, I had apples half ready and a daughter anxious to go and a son who needed to be at the school pretty darn soon.

Plan B) Run after game and before dinner. Kinda just like it is a weekday and you're rushed to try to get a run in before family complains about wanting dinner...

I managed to sneak out while husband was off picking up son. Not as long of a run as I wanted. Not as fun either, it felt rushed. And while running, I thought about running farther and/or biking...and dinner.

Tomorrow morning I hope to get a nice long run while the family sleeps that gets me home in plenty of time to get ready for church, etc. And another 12.4 mile bike ride in teh afternoon would rock. But it's the weekend, and my plans usually dont' work out the way I intended....

Apologizing in advance...several random thoughts are about to burst out:

1) Another day, another bike ride. Same (mostly flat) course - 12.4 miles in 46:49min for an average speed of 15.89mph. I'm going to try to get this up to 16.5mph even if it is just a little increase at a time. I would also like to find time to go for longer rides. Today just isn't one of those days.

2) This morning I went for a short swim, 800M. Felt good, but I still feel like an imposter in the water (someone who looks like they know what they are doing, but really doesn't)

3) Made a test batch of applesauce. It wasn't too hard to do, but I think I should use the medium instead of fine grate. Daughter says it is not as good as Grandma's. I'm blaming it on the apples. If nothing else, the kitchen smells good now. :)

4) Bought some honey roasted peanut MoJo bars the other day on a whim. Yummy! I need to stock the cabinet with these as a somewhat healthy snack alternative.

5) Got new goggles (same as what i had, just new) today, my old ones were getting GROSS. Also got barbell with 100lbs of weights for son and therapy ball for husband. I walked out spending *way* less than i expected because of items on sale. YAY!! Big smile.

Conclusions:

1) I really like my new tires. Not sure if it is the tires themselves or just my confidence in having new tires, but I really like them.

2) I need to find McIntosh apples. I think that is what I need for some killer applesauce.

3) Sales are wonderful. I'm a genius for that one, huh?

Last night I brought my bike in the house and set forth to install my new tires. Told husband not to help me, give me advice, or even look at me while I was doing this; I really wanted to do it on my own. I was all proud of myself after taking care of the front tire. That wasn't *too* bad. Then I had to deal with the rear tire. Let me just say, I am surprised there is ANY grease left on my chain...it seemed to ALL end up on me!!

I was happy with myelf in the end, but I sure wouldn't want to flat the rear tire out riding and have to fix it on the side of the road.

Today I took my bike for a spin. Had to stop to adjust the front tire, wasn't lined up quite right. I went 12.4 miles in 47:30 --- 15.73mph. Still slow, but faster at what I perceive to have been less effort. New tires = Good.

Oh, and my applesauce making gadget arrived today. *clap*

I went swimming today - it should have been a day off, but then again, yesterday should have been a long run and i'm stayed of my injured leg like a good girl.

Let's talk about what is really on my mind - applesauce. My in-laws were here for the weekend and brought homemade applesauce. OH-MY-GOODNESS!!! Have you tried this stuff? It is wonderful. I love it. Must learn to make it.

So now I have this foodmill gadget on its way to me.



Apparently, all i do is cut up a gazillion apples, boil them, spend hours grinding them to a pulp in this tool, toss out the stems/seeds/peel that collects in the bottom, pour in freezable tubs, freeze....et voila! yummy homemade applesauce (no sugar added).

I can't wait. Not sure what will be more amusing to watch - me making applesauce or me putting new tires on my bike. STAY TUNED!!

I'm still sore, but not limping around anymore, so yesterday I went swimming and for a 14 mile bike ride. Neither hurt my pulled/sprained muscle. YAY! I don't think it would be a good idea to run today, maybe I'll head out on the bike again.

I've been seriously contemplating getting some coaching. I have a hard time trying to put everything together and know that with some good coaching I could do better.

I also went ahead and ordered some new tires. I expect them to arrive at the end of this week. It will be amusing (to say the least) when I try to get the old tires off and new tires on.

Happy Saturday!!

Okay, this really stinks. I couldn't get a Dr appt today to get some advice on my injury from yesterday and I'm still hobbling around. I attempted a visit to urgent care only to discover way more people waiting then seats. So I left and came home. I'll just try to manage this myself unless it doesn't get any better in the next few days.

Meanwhile, I've been reading lots of triathlon blogs while sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself. I wish I had gone all out my first triathlon season and planned for more than just one event. It seemed so impossible when I started, but I see now that it was more than possible. Missed opportunity...story of my life!

Note to self: Once I get this injury on the mend, I simply must work a lot more on my weakest area - cycling. I also must choose at LEAST 3 multisport events to compete in next year.

Today I am running in a new 5K event, Corrida de Corrales Fun Run. I think by the name Fun Run that there will be no timing chip, in which case, I guess it won't get to count this as a race.

Which reminds me, I ran my first 'fun run' 5K about this time last year. It wasn't chip timed, so I didn't count *that* as a race either. I think it took me something like 35-36min. It was a very small local event and I was concerned that I would finish last and feel like a fool. My husband ran with me and finished just behind me so that I wouldn't be last. There was only one other runner behind me. Guess what? Even though I was almost dead last, I felt like the biggest WINNER when I crossed the finish line. I had never run farther than 2miles up to that point, and I had just completed a 5K run! I love that feeling of being a winner and strive to remind myself that it is really just "me against the course." Here is how I felt that day:


I'm looking at a 10K at the end of the month which will yet another first for me. If I do it, I will have had my first chip-timed 5K, first Sprint Triathlon, and first 10K all this past year. I think I deserve feeling like a WINNER!!

Update: I finished today in 30:02. bleh! This race went out onto a dirt path on the ditch bank and somewhere during mile 2, I took a bad step and now i'm limping. From what I can tell I pulled/strained a groin muscle on the right side. :(

Went for a short run today, somewhere around 3.5 miles. I went out fast for the first mile and was feeling pretty good. Out of nowhere along comes a dog. At first it runs after me like it wants a piece of my hide, then it runs with me like it is my friend, then it decides take off for the center of the road and weave in and out of traffic.

"Hey! Is that your dog!" shouts some annoyed motorist.

If it was my dog, it would be on a leash. It wouldn't be chasing after runners and darting out in front of cars. If it was my dog, I wouldn't be running down the road trying to ignore the dog or picking up the pace to lose the dog when it seems to be distracted by a bunny. If it were my dog, I'd stop running, call the dog by name, grab it by the collar, and take it home.

"No!" is all I manage to get out as I keep running. Some pedestrians coming the other direction started whistling at the dog and they have leashes; they can deal with the dog.

I kept running...

TOPIC#1: BIKE

I admit it. I don't know much about bike tires and don't have enough experience changing tires to really be in a good situation for riding my bike too far from home. I carry tools and theoretically know how to change a tire, but if I get a flat I may end up calling hubby to come rescue me.

The Giant OCR3 that I ride came with Kenda Kontender tires. I like the idea of getting some new tires with less rolling resistance. This is the tire I'm thinking about at the moment: Vredestein Fortezza SE

I believe I'd gain two things by getting new tires. One, possibly a speed increase. Two, the 'opportunity' to practice the art of changing a tire in the comfort of my own living room (rather than on the side of the road).

Too bad nobody reads my blog - it would be great to see what others think about this idea (and any opinions about this particular tire or recommendations on another).

oh, and note to self: 15.02mph avg at mile 12 today. let's see where we are in a month.

TOPIC #2: RUNNING PACE

I found this nifty pace calculator and this is what I learned today based on the results of my last 5K race.

My max O2 pace is 8:46
My tempo pace is: 9:42
My easy pace is: 11:34
My long run pace is: 11:34-12:59

This is good stuff. And here I just thought I was slow when I went long, but I guess my body knows what my long pace is even if my head doesn't!

I spent so much time over the last year concentrating on one goal: completing my first sprint triathlon. Now that it is over, I really need to identify some new fitness goals. Here is my list so far (in no particular order):

• Stay fit, have fun, and feel good about myself.
• Compete in a 10K this year.
• Gain confidence on my bike.
• Improve my cycling ability and to participate in the Defined Duathlon and feel good about my performance.
• Complete two-three sprint triathlons, including Socorro with an improved performance.
• Improve my 5K running pace.
• Continue to improve swimming and learn bilateral breathing.

Today has been one of those days when I'm feeling not so good about myself. I decided it would be beneficial to look back at my progress this calendar year.

2006 Races
Sweetheart run - 5K team entry - 33:00.4 (my first chip-timed 5K)
Run for the zoo - 5K individual - 32:49.0
Cherry Garcia - 5K - 30:20.0
Soccoro Chile Harvest Sprint Triathlon - 01:37:01.8 (my first Sprint Triathlon)
Chips-n-Salsa 5K - 28:49.6

Other Accomplishments
bought road bike
learned to swim <- this is a biggie!!

I really should feel good about my progress running & swimming and for completing my first Sprint Triathlon, but for some reason I am still in a funk. I still feel like an athete-wannabe; I think it is because I've gotten nowhere fast with regard to my cycling ability. Guess I need to work on that next...

Anyway, here is a little motivation for the day:

Don't Quit.

Don't quit when the tide is lowest,

For it's just about to turn;

Don't Quit over doubts and questions,

For there's something you may learn.

Don't quit when the night is darkest,

For it's just a while 'til dawn;

Don't quit when you've run the farthest,

For the race is almost won.

Don't quit when the hill is steepest,

For your goal is almost nigh;

Don't quit, for you're not a failure

Until you fail to try.

~ Author unknown~

Back to blogging. So, I had a blog site, then deleted it, then created another, and deleted it. Third times a charm?

For the month of September, I had decided to focus on running only. No swimming, no cycling. I haven't missed being on the bike. However, I'm really anxious to get back in the pool. One week left. I guess I better put a training plan together so that I know what to do when I finally show up at the pool again. I am putting up pictures up to remind myself that I really do need to get back to cycling and swimming again soon.

Today is supposed to be my long slow run. I'm really good at slow, not so good at long. Today long equals six miles. I should probably be out there running right now, but my dear husband said he might run with me today. I'm waiting on him because I'd like some company out there on the road, but he runs too fast so I end up running alone anyway.