Tonight we went out to dinner after sending the kids off to camp for the weekend. I bored him with talk about stuff including my desire to do a 70.3 next year. I've been trying to get a sense of how he might feel about that. Sometimes he seems very supportive, other times he seems resentful.
Anyway, he's apparently expecting a bonus from work in the next month. While we were on the way home from dinner I asked him what he was planning to spend it on.
He said "I'm thinking about getting a road bike."
"You ARE?!?!? Do you want to try triathlon? or duathlon? or start riding to work? or what?!?!?!, " I responded with great enthusiasm.
He shook his head indicating a negative response.
"I just wanted to be able to go out with you on your weekend training rides."
Huge apologetic teary-eyed smile on my end.
I love this man. I still don't know how he feels about me doing a 70.3 next year. But if he'll start riding with me...well, that's better than any race. :)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Mid-week miscellany
Official Cherry Garcia chip time says I finished in 01:05:29 - that's 30secs faster than I thought. How could I have lost 30secs? I was sloppy with my watch, that's how! I didn't start it right away and I didn't end it right away so I kinda' rounded up.
Tuesday I picked up a new pair of running shoes. I wish they didn't alway upgrade shoes. I liked what I had, but they don't make them anymore. Now I have a new model. I bought one pair. If I like them, I'll buy a second in a different color and start my rotating thing. They last longer that way. Plus I get to postpone the agony of trying yet a new model when they decide that these are no longer good enough to manufacture. Sigh.
Last night Husband & I got to go on a date to watch Bruce Hornsby & Ricky Skaggs in concert at the zoo *without* our children. And this weekend the kids are going on a church youth group camping trip Fri-Sun which allows us to go on *another* date without the kids. Gosh, and we could count the Cherry Garcia race as a date too, since we didn't bring the kids with us that evening either. Incredible, huh? I've been waiting 15yrs for us to find time alone together again. I'm liking it. :)
Short term race plans are few and far between. Next up is Socorro Chile Harvest Sprint Tri (Aug) and the Chips -n- Salsa half Mary (Sep). Nothing planned for July as of yet. Of course, that is how June started off too. We'll see what happens...
Tuesday I picked up a new pair of running shoes. I wish they didn't alway upgrade shoes. I liked what I had, but they don't make them anymore. Now I have a new model. I bought one pair. If I like them, I'll buy a second in a different color and start my rotating thing. They last longer that way. Plus I get to postpone the agony of trying yet a new model when they decide that these are no longer good enough to manufacture. Sigh.
Last night Husband & I got to go on a date to watch Bruce Hornsby & Ricky Skaggs in concert at the zoo *without* our children. And this weekend the kids are going on a church youth group camping trip Fri-Sun which allows us to go on *another* date without the kids. Gosh, and we could count the Cherry Garcia race as a date too, since we didn't bring the kids with us that evening either. Incredible, huh? I've been waiting 15yrs for us to find time alone together again. I'm liking it. :)
Short term race plans are few and far between. Next up is Socorro Chile Harvest Sprint Tri (Aug) and the Chips -n- Salsa half Mary (Sep). Nothing planned for July as of yet. Of course, that is how June started off too. We'll see what happens...
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Cherry Garcia 10K Race Report
Ah yes, a local evening race that serves pizza & ice cream at the finish line. What's not to love about that?!?!
Husband & I both ran the 10K and it was a first for both of us. I had planned a 10K in January, but it was cut short due to over a foot of snow.
I wasn't sure what I could pull off today, and was hoping to come in under my 10K time from the Oly back in May. Sure, that was at the end of a triathlon, but it was also at a much lower altitude and I felt strong on the run. I figured it was a reasonable trade-off and made for a good goal. My time there was about 01:08:00.
How did it play out tonight? I started off strong, but somewhere right after mile 2, I started struggling. Can't pinpoint what went wrong, but I faded fast and didn't feel strong at all.
I don't have precise splits, but it broke down to something like this: 9:30, 10:00, 11:00, 11:00, 11:30, 11:00, 2:00 adding up to about 01:06:00.
Despite feeling pretty cruddy after mile 2, I did come in under my time goal. And since it was my first 10K, I'm counting it as a PR. WooooHooooo. And of course, there was that ice cream and pizza at the finish line. All in all, a nice evening.
P.S. Thx for comments on my last post about wheelsets. I have so much to think about...
Husband & I both ran the 10K and it was a first for both of us. I had planned a 10K in January, but it was cut short due to over a foot of snow.
I wasn't sure what I could pull off today, and was hoping to come in under my 10K time from the Oly back in May. Sure, that was at the end of a triathlon, but it was also at a much lower altitude and I felt strong on the run. I figured it was a reasonable trade-off and made for a good goal. My time there was about 01:08:00.
How did it play out tonight? I started off strong, but somewhere right after mile 2, I started struggling. Can't pinpoint what went wrong, but I faded fast and didn't feel strong at all.
I don't have precise splits, but it broke down to something like this: 9:30, 10:00, 11:00, 11:00, 11:30, 11:00, 2:00 adding up to about 01:06:00.
Despite feeling pretty cruddy after mile 2, I did come in under my time goal. And since it was my first 10K, I'm counting it as a PR. WooooHooooo. And of course, there was that ice cream and pizza at the finish line. All in all, a nice evening.
P.S. Thx for comments on my last post about wheelsets. I have so much to think about...
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Wheelsets
For some reason, I have it in my head that I need new wheels. Something other than the Alexrim DA22 that came stock on my bike.
I really don't know much about wheels or what all is involved in replacing them or how long they should last or anything. Yet, I think I need new ones. Mostly I'm guessing the stock wheels that came on a bike that cost me $650 probably aren't doing anything to help my speed. I admit, I am a little confused by all the bicycle technical mumbo jumbo and am over my head on this one.
But that didn't stop me from doing some research. And the Spinergy XAerolite caught my eye.
So...
Would you consider this a reasonable upgrade/investment from what I have?
Can I move my cogset from my old wheels over or do I need to replace that also?
What should I know or think about that I don't know or haven't thought about before I even consider this?
Thanks in advance and have a fun weekend!!
I really don't know much about wheels or what all is involved in replacing them or how long they should last or anything. Yet, I think I need new ones. Mostly I'm guessing the stock wheels that came on a bike that cost me $650 probably aren't doing anything to help my speed. I admit, I am a little confused by all the bicycle technical mumbo jumbo and am over my head on this one.
But that didn't stop me from doing some research. And the Spinergy XAerolite caught my eye.
So...
Would you consider this a reasonable upgrade/investment from what I have?
Can I move my cogset from my old wheels over or do I need to replace that also?
What should I know or think about that I don't know or haven't thought about before I even consider this?
Thanks in advance and have a fun weekend!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Mid-week Misc.
Is it just me or is it TOO HOT?!?! It was still 91deg at 9pm when I picked Son up from HS Band practice. That is crazy. I don't even wanna know what temp it was when I was riding home from work today. Luckily our cooler is working and since most of our house has adobe exterior walls, it's well insulated. And that certainly gives me incentive to stay INDOORS. Blowing off planned running left and right, though...
What ever happened to the ice cream man? I want one of those orange push pops right about now. Doesn't that sound good? Mmmmmmm. When I was a kid, I could count on the ice cream man coming by on a hot afternoon, but now the ice cream man never comes by my house. :(
Made a deal with Daughter. She'll continue to give me pedicures if I pay her for it. It's a win-win. She'll accept $3 for a half hour of work, does a nice job, and I don't have to drive anywhere or pay too much. She had been doing it for free before, but I guess it's only fair to pay for it. It's not like I can (in good faith) assign that to her as a chore. LOL.
Operation Aquarium is still going okay. All the fish are still alive. Water parameters look okay. Family interest and participation is still moderate. Moods are generally positive.
Sleep/mood journal is proving to be interesting.
Husband IM'd me telling me he's on his way to the airport to come home.
Life is good. :)
What ever happened to the ice cream man? I want one of those orange push pops right about now. Doesn't that sound good? Mmmmmmm. When I was a kid, I could count on the ice cream man coming by on a hot afternoon, but now the ice cream man never comes by my house. :(
Made a deal with Daughter. She'll continue to give me pedicures if I pay her for it. It's a win-win. She'll accept $3 for a half hour of work, does a nice job, and I don't have to drive anywhere or pay too much. She had been doing it for free before, but I guess it's only fair to pay for it. It's not like I can (in good faith) assign that to her as a chore. LOL.
Operation Aquarium is still going okay. All the fish are still alive. Water parameters look okay. Family interest and participation is still moderate. Moods are generally positive.
Sleep/mood journal is proving to be interesting.
Husband IM'd me telling me he's on his way to the airport to come home.
Life is good. :)
Monday, June 18, 2007
Let's pretend...
Let's pretend that after a race, you decide to take the little pump off your bike and put it into the race bag for safe keeping.
And this is also where your bigger frame pump was during the trip to the race (the one you normally carry in your backpack when commuting.
And just for fun, pretend that you decide to commute by bike to work on Monday, without remembering to put either pump back to its rightful location.
In your pretend world, let this be the first day commuting that a flat is encountered.
And by the kindness of a colleague you are able to get a ride home. Only to try to fix the flat while wearing white pants for some reason.
Let's pretend this happens on the same day you get a call from the Doctor telling you that your bloodwork is great and nothing obvious is wrong.
And the doctor suggests that maybe you aren't sleeping as well as you think you are, or maybe you are depressed.
And suggests that you start keeping a journal for the next week, keeping track at various points of the day how you are feeling. What is your mood, energy level, etc.
What might your first entry be? Just pretending of course...
And this is also where your bigger frame pump was during the trip to the race (the one you normally carry in your backpack when commuting.
And just for fun, pretend that you decide to commute by bike to work on Monday, without remembering to put either pump back to its rightful location.
In your pretend world, let this be the first day commuting that a flat is encountered.
And by the kindness of a colleague you are able to get a ride home. Only to try to fix the flat while wearing white pants for some reason.
Let's pretend this happens on the same day you get a call from the Doctor telling you that your bloodwork is great and nothing obvious is wrong.
And the doctor suggests that maybe you aren't sleeping as well as you think you are, or maybe you are depressed.
And suggests that you start keeping a journal for the next week, keeping track at various points of the day how you are feeling. What is your mood, energy level, etc.
What might your first entry be? Just pretending of course...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Long Version
This morning I was fortunate enough to have been able to race in the Adventure Gallup Triathlon. If you've followed along, I signed up for the race only 4 days in advance and almost didn't make it due to some personal logistical issues.
It's only a sprint, but the race venue is at 6600 ft above sea level. That's high altitude even to us folks who already live a mile above sea level. Also, there are hills-a-plenty on the bike and the-hill-that-would-not-end on the run.
Yikes!! What had I gotten myself into?!?!
My friend (same one that went to Lubbock with me) and I arrived in Gallup at 6:45pm or so on Friday night. My daughter came along. We checked into the hotel, picked up race packets, drove the bike and run course, had a bite to eat, then back to the hotel for sleep.
First impressions as we drived the course: Um....that bike course is really hilly. And there is road construction debris everywhere. Where are we supposed to ride?!?! And what is up with the hill on the run?
Morning came quickly and we were off. Daughter thought about coming along to cheer us on and take photos, but when we were ready to leave at 5:30am, she opted for more sleep. Can't say that I blame her.
Racked my bike, and was greeted by Misty; I had racked right next to her. It was nice to see a familiar face. :)
Checked out the pool. It was to be a 375 pool swim. Up and back in each lane, then over serpentine style, working our way to the exit. They seeded us by estimated swim time. I had submitted 8:40 as my conservative estimate. After the past few swims, conservative seemed the way to go.
I was really nervous and the event was postponed 30mins or so as they waited for EMS to arrive. Finally the first swimmers were off. WoooooHooooo.
We were instructed to pass at the wall due to the way we had to navigate the pool. By the middle of the second lane, I was right on the heels of the woman in front of me and had to slow down rather than pass. I passed her at the wall and then just swam my own pace the rest of the way. My swim split including getting out and over the mat was just over 8mins. Yesssssss!!! I think I could even have come in under 8 if I could have passed earlier. But, coming in way under my estimate was enough for me to count it as redeeming myself in the water. Goal 1 accomplished!
T1 was rather uneventful. I think I cleared it in 01:02 or something like that.
Then to the bike. Right off the bat the road was bumpy and uphill and I hadn't gone a half mile before the little yellow poofy think in my aerobottle bounced out. Crud! Stoppped and laid down my bike, ran back to get it, then back off I went. And the bike just got worse after that. Up and up and up and bumpy and rough road and road construction debris and nowhere really to ride comfortably. In my mind, some parts were just plain scary. It was an out and back and at least back was better than out. Finally that was done. Bike split too disgusting to post. But I did manage to stay upright the whole time. We'll count that as a check mark in the Dont Get Hurt category. Another positive...never used my aero bars, but loved the aero bottle (other than the yellow poofy thing bouncing out).
Into T2. Racked bike, took off helmet and sunglasses. Took off bike shoes. Took off right sock. Crud! What am I doing? Put right sock back on. Put on running shoes. Watched rack fall down when someone else came in to rack bike. Grabbed my race belt and hat and took off. T2 time was something like 58 seconds.
First mile was okay, but I think it was slightly downhill. Then we came upon the-hill-that-would-not-end. Second mile, not so good. Got a really nice view for a bit as we started a slight downhill, then across the park, over the river, through the woods to grandmothers house we go...oops, i mean onto the track...and we're done. Run split...33-something. Ouch. My slowest in well over a year. Good think i didn't have a run goal this weekend. :)
This was the first year for this particular event and the race directors did a nice job. I'm really glad it worked out so that I could go. I feel so alive and refreshed when I do these things. There's so more to it than how long it takes to get to the finish line. This is a race I would do again.
It's only a sprint, but the race venue is at 6600 ft above sea level. That's high altitude even to us folks who already live a mile above sea level. Also, there are hills-a-plenty on the bike and the-hill-that-would-not-end on the run.
Yikes!! What had I gotten myself into?!?!
My friend (same one that went to Lubbock with me) and I arrived in Gallup at 6:45pm or so on Friday night. My daughter came along. We checked into the hotel, picked up race packets, drove the bike and run course, had a bite to eat, then back to the hotel for sleep.
First impressions as we drived the course: Um....that bike course is really hilly. And there is road construction debris everywhere. Where are we supposed to ride?!?! And what is up with the hill on the run?
Morning came quickly and we were off. Daughter thought about coming along to cheer us on and take photos, but when we were ready to leave at 5:30am, she opted for more sleep. Can't say that I blame her.
Racked my bike, and was greeted by Misty; I had racked right next to her. It was nice to see a familiar face. :)
Checked out the pool. It was to be a 375 pool swim. Up and back in each lane, then over serpentine style, working our way to the exit. They seeded us by estimated swim time. I had submitted 8:40 as my conservative estimate. After the past few swims, conservative seemed the way to go.
I was really nervous and the event was postponed 30mins or so as they waited for EMS to arrive. Finally the first swimmers were off. WoooooHooooo.
We were instructed to pass at the wall due to the way we had to navigate the pool. By the middle of the second lane, I was right on the heels of the woman in front of me and had to slow down rather than pass. I passed her at the wall and then just swam my own pace the rest of the way. My swim split including getting out and over the mat was just over 8mins. Yesssssss!!! I think I could even have come in under 8 if I could have passed earlier. But, coming in way under my estimate was enough for me to count it as redeeming myself in the water. Goal 1 accomplished!
T1 was rather uneventful. I think I cleared it in 01:02 or something like that.
Then to the bike. Right off the bat the road was bumpy and uphill and I hadn't gone a half mile before the little yellow poofy think in my aerobottle bounced out. Crud! Stoppped and laid down my bike, ran back to get it, then back off I went. And the bike just got worse after that. Up and up and up and bumpy and rough road and road construction debris and nowhere really to ride comfortably. In my mind, some parts were just plain scary. It was an out and back and at least back was better than out. Finally that was done. Bike split too disgusting to post. But I did manage to stay upright the whole time. We'll count that as a check mark in the Dont Get Hurt category. Another positive...never used my aero bars, but loved the aero bottle (other than the yellow poofy thing bouncing out).
Into T2. Racked bike, took off helmet and sunglasses. Took off bike shoes. Took off right sock. Crud! What am I doing? Put right sock back on. Put on running shoes. Watched rack fall down when someone else came in to rack bike. Grabbed my race belt and hat and took off. T2 time was something like 58 seconds.
First mile was okay, but I think it was slightly downhill. Then we came upon the-hill-that-would-not-end. Second mile, not so good. Got a really nice view for a bit as we started a slight downhill, then across the park, over the river, through the woods to grandmothers house we go...oops, i mean onto the track...and we're done. Run split...33-something. Ouch. My slowest in well over a year. Good think i didn't have a run goal this weekend. :)
This was the first year for this particular event and the race directors did a nice job. I'm really glad it worked out so that I could go. I feel so alive and refreshed when I do these things. There's so more to it than how long it takes to get to the finish line. This is a race I would do again.
Short Version
Mission accomplished!
Swam well, had fun, & didn't get hurt.
Long version coming later...
Friday, June 15, 2007
A collection of un-related thoughts
My daughter and I decided to clean up our fish tank and get some new inhabitants for it. I had been thinking of tearing it down and was waiting for the last few fish to die. We ended up going with serpae tetras and put 5 in. If they do well, we'll ad 3 or 4 more so they have a nice schoal to be comfortable in. Now we're researching suitable tank mates for the future. The hidden gem in this story is that we have been getting along GREAT while having the aquarium project to work on together. It's 180deg from last week.
Had my Dr appt yesterday. She listened to my symptons, ordered some blood work, and now I'm waiting for results. I'm not waiting very patiently. I keep hoping the phone will ring, but realistically, it probably won't be until Monday.
I should have added a third goal for my race tomorrow - Don't get hurt. For that matter, I should have made that a goal for today at home. I managed to do a number on my toe trying to move a chair while barefoot and proceeding to drop it on my unprotected foot.
Timed a moderate 400 in the pool this morning, or as it turns out a 450. Looking at my splits, it is apparent that I hit the lap button at 100, 100, 150, & 100. Was happy with my time when I figured out what I had done. I hope to be able to pull off a similar performance tomorrow.
Leaving in about two hours, so I guess I better pack so I'm ready to go when my friend stops by to pick me up.
Have a good weekend everyone!!!
Had my Dr appt yesterday. She listened to my symptons, ordered some blood work, and now I'm waiting for results. I'm not waiting very patiently. I keep hoping the phone will ring, but realistically, it probably won't be until Monday.
I should have added a third goal for my race tomorrow - Don't get hurt. For that matter, I should have made that a goal for today at home. I managed to do a number on my toe trying to move a chair while barefoot and proceeding to drop it on my unprotected foot.
Timed a moderate 400 in the pool this morning, or as it turns out a 450. Looking at my splits, it is apparent that I hit the lap button at 100, 100, 150, & 100. Was happy with my time when I figured out what I had done. I hope to be able to pull off a similar performance tomorrow.
Leaving in about two hours, so I guess I better pack so I'm ready to go when my friend stops by to pick me up.
Have a good weekend everyone!!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Roller Coaster Ride
Life's just been twisting and turning and sometimes I don't know which way is up.But...I now signed up for the Gallup Sprint Triathlon afterall. YAY!! Looks like a challenging little course at an altitude of 6500 ft above sea level and with some hills on both the bike and run. It's a pool swim, though.
I have only two goals for the race:
1 - Redeem myself in the water - mostly to gain confidence moving foward. I had a terrible time trying to get by all the bodies in the water at Jay Benson. That was immediately followed by freaking out in the lake at Buffman Squeaky, spending more time flailing than swimming. I want *this* swim to be something I'm happy with.
2 - Have fun. I don't want to get all caught up by how much I suck on the bike or how much hills or high altitude suck. It took a lot of planning and negotiating to get me there. I just want to enjoy the experience.
In other news...
I have a Dr appt because I haven't been feeling well lately and I'm convinced something is wrong (thyroid or something like that). More later when I have more info and feel like sharing.
My husband is in China on business. I'm effectively a single parent for the next week. Yikes!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
or not...
Just when I was getting excited, ran into some logistical problems that make going on Saturday just waaaaaaaay to much of a hassle. DRAT!!
Unless something changes in the next 24hrs, I guess that isn't going to happen after all. :(
Unless something changes in the next 24hrs, I guess that isn't going to happen after all. :(
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Plan B?
Not long ago I mentioned that I had nothing on the race calendar this month. Shortly afterward, Husband & I signed up for Cherry Garcia 10K which is now in two weeks. And with a strange turn of events, I find myself able to sign up for the Gallup Sprint Triatlon which is next Saturday. In many ways, it is a stretch for me to sign up for a race with such short notice, but I know my training will get me to the finish line. I have a few logistical details to work out, but I think I'm going for it; I'll know for sure by Monday.
With that in mind, Friday I went for a relatively short pool swim, only 1000M. Today I did a short bike/run brick (8mi/2mi). Tomorrow I'm scheduled for a long run and Husband wants to join me; that should be enjoyable.
With that in mind, Friday I went for a relatively short pool swim, only 1000M. Today I did a short bike/run brick (8mi/2mi). Tomorrow I'm scheduled for a long run and Husband wants to join me; that should be enjoyable.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Parenting as an Endurance Sport
ARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH . I am the parent to two teenagers and I swear they are trying to kill me.
Oh no, they aren't so obvious as to do it by coming after me with a knife, gun, or other weapon. They are doing it slowly and painfully; through their actions.
Yeah, sure, they are great kids and I love them dearly. But they are teens. And being teens seems to equate to emotional responses and bad decisions. They do things and make decisions that no rational being can explain...
I'd swear at times that they are actively plotting against us, but that would imply that they had enough energy and gumption to actually make something happen. I haven't observed that to be true. Teens are inherently lazy.
So, PLEASE, if you are a parent that survived the teen years, clue me in. Give me the secret password. Give me hope. Tell me what I need to know to make it through these times. I know you must have felt this way too. Help a sister out!! I'm really having a bad day!!!!
Anyone else, your comments are appreciated, but be forewarned - those little darlings may turn to monsters one day and you'll be looking for the same advice. So come back and check the comments from those who have gone before us. Trust me on this.
Oh no, they aren't so obvious as to do it by coming after me with a knife, gun, or other weapon. They are doing it slowly and painfully; through their actions.
Yeah, sure, they are great kids and I love them dearly. But they are teens. And being teens seems to equate to emotional responses and bad decisions. They do things and make decisions that no rational being can explain...
I'd swear at times that they are actively plotting against us, but that would imply that they had enough energy and gumption to actually make something happen. I haven't observed that to be true. Teens are inherently lazy.
So, PLEASE, if you are a parent that survived the teen years, clue me in. Give me the secret password. Give me hope. Tell me what I need to know to make it through these times. I know you must have felt this way too. Help a sister out!! I'm really having a bad day!!!!
Anyone else, your comments are appreciated, but be forewarned - those little darlings may turn to monsters one day and you'll be looking for the same advice. So come back and check the comments from those who have gone before us. Trust me on this.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
More Misc.
I've had big time motivation issues for the past few weeks. I hope tomorrow I wake up feeling like going to swim as per my training plan. I haven't been to the pool in ages. That lake swim panic issue really turned me off to swimming. I keep thinking, what's the point?!?!? Another mental hurdle to overcome.
Husband agreed to run the Cherry Garcia 10K with me in a few weeks. He hasn't been training for a 10K and may end up walking quite a bit, but I'm glad that he's willing to join me on that one. It's a Sunday evening race with pizza and ice cream afterwards. We have a lot of 'real life stuff' going on that I haven't blogged about, so I hope this turns out to be a fun distraction for both of us.
One more pic of the same corner of Son's room now that it is mostly back together. I think it turned out nice and seems appropriate for a young man. :)
Husband agreed to run the Cherry Garcia 10K with me in a few weeks. He hasn't been training for a 10K and may end up walking quite a bit, but I'm glad that he's willing to join me on that one. It's a Sunday evening race with pizza and ice cream afterwards. We have a lot of 'real life stuff' going on that I haven't blogged about, so I hope this turns out to be a fun distraction for both of us.
One more pic of the same corner of Son's room now that it is mostly back together. I think it turned out nice and seems appropriate for a young man. :)
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Random Weekend Thoughts
"Aerobars suck, or maybe they don't, jury's still out"
Yesterday I took my bike out for a 25mile spin. The goal was to figure out how to ride in aero position. After 20mins, I hated my aerobars and wanted to take them off my bike. I could get one arm in, but was afraid to take the other arm off the safe position on the handle (by the brakes and shifters) and get it onto the aerobar. After 40mins, I had managed a few times to get both arms in for maybe 2 minutes. Then I'd get scared and go back to a safe position. After about 1.5 hrs, I was finally comfortable riding in that position for maybe 10mins at a time. Okay, so I guess I don't totally hate them, but it is definately going to take some practice.
"I'd just go farther"
After getting sunburned on my face because I was out longer than expected on my bike on Saturday, I grumbled something about "if only I could ride faster, then I wouldn't have been out so long, and I wouldn't have needed more sunscreen, and wouldn't have gotten sunburned." But my husband retorted "it woudn't make any difference, you'd just go farther, I know you". I think he's right...
"Walking doesn't have to equal stopping"
Until today, I have always run the whole way of whatever distance I set out to do. In the case that something caused me to stop running, I pretty much quit right then and walked the rest of the way, I just could not get running again. Having signed up for a half-mary, I figured it was time to learn how to get past this. So today, I set out with a goal of completing 8.5 miles with intentional stop/starts built in to teach myself how to get going again. The basic goal was run to a mile, walk one minute, then run to the next mile, run one minute, etc. And guess what? It basically worked. That was a good lesson. Sometimes the mental aspect of the sport is the toughest, glad to put that mental hang up to rest!
"Hey people, slow down and smell the roses"
As I was doing my run/walk think this morning, I smiled and said "Good Morning" to everyone that I passed or passed by me. I noticed something. Cyclists wizzing by and runners flying by, were generally not smiling nor did they return the greeting. In contrast, joggers, dog walkers, picture takers, etc. generally returned the smile and a greeting. I likened it to the difference between grouchy motorists on the freeway vs. drivers taking the scenic byway. I may be slower than molasses, but it was an absolutely beautiful morning, I have the good health to be out there, and I couldn't think of any reason not to smile and soak it all in.
Yesterday I took my bike out for a 25mile spin. The goal was to figure out how to ride in aero position. After 20mins, I hated my aerobars and wanted to take them off my bike. I could get one arm in, but was afraid to take the other arm off the safe position on the handle (by the brakes and shifters) and get it onto the aerobar. After 40mins, I had managed a few times to get both arms in for maybe 2 minutes. Then I'd get scared and go back to a safe position. After about 1.5 hrs, I was finally comfortable riding in that position for maybe 10mins at a time. Okay, so I guess I don't totally hate them, but it is definately going to take some practice.
"I'd just go farther"
After getting sunburned on my face because I was out longer than expected on my bike on Saturday, I grumbled something about "if only I could ride faster, then I wouldn't have been out so long, and I wouldn't have needed more sunscreen, and wouldn't have gotten sunburned." But my husband retorted "it woudn't make any difference, you'd just go farther, I know you". I think he's right...
"Walking doesn't have to equal stopping"
Until today, I have always run the whole way of whatever distance I set out to do. In the case that something caused me to stop running, I pretty much quit right then and walked the rest of the way, I just could not get running again. Having signed up for a half-mary, I figured it was time to learn how to get past this. So today, I set out with a goal of completing 8.5 miles with intentional stop/starts built in to teach myself how to get going again. The basic goal was run to a mile, walk one minute, then run to the next mile, run one minute, etc. And guess what? It basically worked. That was a good lesson. Sometimes the mental aspect of the sport is the toughest, glad to put that mental hang up to rest!
"Hey people, slow down and smell the roses"
As I was doing my run/walk think this morning, I smiled and said "Good Morning" to everyone that I passed or passed by me. I noticed something. Cyclists wizzing by and runners flying by, were generally not smiling nor did they return the greeting. In contrast, joggers, dog walkers, picture takers, etc. generally returned the smile and a greeting. I likened it to the difference between grouchy motorists on the freeway vs. drivers taking the scenic byway. I may be slower than molasses, but it was an absolutely beautiful morning, I have the good health to be out there, and I couldn't think of any reason not to smile and soak it all in.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Another month in the books
May Totals:
indoor cycling - 0
outdoor cycling - 174 mi
swimming - 10,200 M
indoor running - 0 mi
outdoor running - 35 mi
core/strength - 3000 reps
races - 3 (5K, sprint, & oly)
fun meter - pegged
Not bad, especially since I've done practically nothing for the past week while we've been busy working on the house.
June Forecast:
I currently have no races on my calendar for the month. I'd like to squeeze in another sprint, but that probably won't happen. It's more likely that I'll find a convenient 5K or 10K. I'll try to talk my husband and/or son into joining me.
Today is my swim day and I totally overslept!! Gah!! I'll run at lunch time instead so I don't start off the month with a big ol' goose egg in my log book.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Blue-ti-ful
Changes:- replaced adjustable stem with fixed stem
- removed goofy top-bar brakes
- re-routed brake cables
- replaced old computer with new one (with cadence)
- added airstryke aerobars
- added profile aerobottle
- re-wrapped with blue tape
- added blue water bottle cage (for fun)
- new pump mounted to bottle cage
The view from my seat sure looks different! Aerobars will take some practice, but after that windy weekend in Lubbock without them, I'm convinced this was a wise investment.
Son's room during demolition last weekend.
...and Son's room today with walls gone blue and tile installed. It's obviously not quite done, but we're getting closer. By end of day tomorrow, the baseboards should be back up and we'll be ready to start moving things back in. I am *so* ready for this to be over.
I didn't take photos of daughter's room, but she's got tile too and we picked up a blue area rug and funky blue storage shelves.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Friday morning, I took my bike in for some work. I'll post more about that when I get it back. I really hope I end up happy with what I'm having done... That was the beginning of my weekend of changes.
Then I picked up Son's friend and they helped me get stuff out of son's room and closets and start tearing up carpetting. Having two teenagers on deck sure makes furniture moving a much more manageable task. When they were done helping me, they went to friend's house to help shovel gravel and build a tortoise pen. Teenage boys can really come in handy. :)
Once empty, his room began morphing from a boring off white color to "Herringbone," a muted blue/green that seems quite fitting. I found an area rug at Target online that I want to get for him...it will be perfect. I need to check a few local Targets to see if they have it in stock so that I don't have to pay shipping.
Then Daughter helped haul all her stuff out of her room and we got the carpetting out of there as well. At this point, their stuff is all over the house whereever they could find room to put it. The garage has the tile and mortar and grout plus the old carpet and pads. I'm not a neat freak, but this is pushing even *my* limits.
We ordered her a new computer desk that should arrive by week's end, just in time to put the room back together. We started painting her room a few months ago and I have some touch up that I want to do, but no more energy today. It will just have to wait until Friday.
Husband (aka "Bloody Knuckles") says we're paying someone to remove the carpet, tackboard, and screws when we do the last two rooms in the house later this summer. Wanna' guess why??
Tomorrow at 7am, the tiling begins. Hopefully it will be done by end of day Thursday. Coincidentally, the same day my bike is due to be ready to come home. Friday I'll finish touch up painting in Daughter's room and we begin putting things back together.
Will post pics later.
Oh, and I managed to sneak in a 7mile run this morning. I *REALLY* needed it.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Can't wait to go to work tomorrow, I need a rest....LOL
Then I picked up Son's friend and they helped me get stuff out of son's room and closets and start tearing up carpetting. Having two teenagers on deck sure makes furniture moving a much more manageable task. When they were done helping me, they went to friend's house to help shovel gravel and build a tortoise pen. Teenage boys can really come in handy. :)
Once empty, his room began morphing from a boring off white color to "Herringbone," a muted blue/green that seems quite fitting. I found an area rug at Target online that I want to get for him...it will be perfect. I need to check a few local Targets to see if they have it in stock so that I don't have to pay shipping.
Then Daughter helped haul all her stuff out of her room and we got the carpetting out of there as well. At this point, their stuff is all over the house whereever they could find room to put it. The garage has the tile and mortar and grout plus the old carpet and pads. I'm not a neat freak, but this is pushing even *my* limits.
We ordered her a new computer desk that should arrive by week's end, just in time to put the room back together. We started painting her room a few months ago and I have some touch up that I want to do, but no more energy today. It will just have to wait until Friday.
Husband (aka "Bloody Knuckles") says we're paying someone to remove the carpet, tackboard, and screws when we do the last two rooms in the house later this summer. Wanna' guess why??
Tomorrow at 7am, the tiling begins. Hopefully it will be done by end of day Thursday. Coincidentally, the same day my bike is due to be ready to come home. Friday I'll finish touch up painting in Daughter's room and we begin putting things back together.
Will post pics later.
Oh, and I managed to sneak in a 7mile run this morning. I *REALLY* needed it.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Can't wait to go to work tomorrow, I need a rest....LOL
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Do home improvement projects count as cross training?
Today I am particularly fatigued. I'm blaming it on two days in a row of biking to work. I think need to space by bike to work days farther apart. That hill on the way in is killer. Plus I may not have taken enough rest after my crazy adventures in Lubbock last weekend. I guess I should listen to my body more closely.
Even if I don't get a lot of training done this weekend, I will be doing some physical labor. We need to get everything out of both kids rooms and get the carpet pulled up by end of day Monday. Tile arrives Saturday. It would be ideal if painting is well underway before tiling begins. Son's room needs painting to begin. Daughter's room just needs touch-up detail to be completed. I'll be keeping busy.
I'm thinking tomorrow morning might be the perfect day to take my bike in for some work I want done on it. If they need to keep it for several days, now is a better time than most. Yeah, that is what I think I will do.
Even if I don't get a lot of training done this weekend, I will be doing some physical labor. We need to get everything out of both kids rooms and get the carpet pulled up by end of day Monday. Tile arrives Saturday. It would be ideal if painting is well underway before tiling begins. Son's room needs painting to begin. Daughter's room just needs touch-up detail to be completed. I'll be keeping busy.
I'm thinking tomorrow morning might be the perfect day to take my bike in for some work I want done on it. If they need to keep it for several days, now is a better time than most. Yeah, that is what I think I will do.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Chips-n-Salsa anyone?
I didn't think I would ever look at my splits, but after a few sleeps it no longer seemed like such a bad idea. I did indeed have a cruddy "swim" and an even cruddier bike leg, but my run ROCKED - 68:50 from whenever they started the run clock.
I was feeling really good on the run and believe that I could have kept on going. So as of a few moments ago, I'm fixin' to test that theory at the Chips-n-Salsa half-marathon in early September.
I was feeling really good on the run and believe that I could have kept on going. So as of a few moments ago, I'm fixin' to test that theory at the Chips-n-Salsa half-marathon in early September.
Ladies and Gentlemen, after 20months of putting on my running shoes and heading out the door, I think I have finally become a runner. Now to work on becoming a cyclist and open-water swimmer...
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