I Invested in My Tooshie

It was actually nice to not have to run to the gym today during lunch. I had 27 hours off where I didn't workout! I can tell I am getting towards the end of my second hard week because I am TIRED!

Anyway, today I headed to the bike shop for a new seat and stem - this was the recommendation of my bike fitter. So, I got to the store about 1 minute before they closed. They changed their hours and didn't post that on the web site. But, they were super nice and by far my best bike shop to date.

I have said before, I know nothing about bikes. They brought out 2 saddles and asked which one. Of course I went for the one with more of a cushion. The more knowledgeable guy explained that for a long ride, I would want a firmer one. It was more than twice the price, but I took his advice. After he put everything together, I was on my way back home to test it out.

This is what I just spent the last 30 minutes on.

It's not very comfortable. The new super padded shorts helped, but not enough. And the cute flower print on the seat really did not make it any more comfy on the booty. I really hope it gets better soon. I have 35 and 75 minute ride left this week...

My New Running Coach

Yesterday I was tired all day. I think it was because I got up at 5, but I won't dwell on that topic. I did manage to get out at noon for my run, which was my tempo/higher HR run.

Now I am a sucker for marketing, stuff in general and impulse purchases. This also includes late night purchases on iTunes. Some of you may heard of this guy, Lance Armstrong. Well, he put together a "run longer" continuous mix, that happens to be 40 minutes long. Yesterday I tried it. He talks you through the warm up, intervals, tells you to keep going, and my favorite "Pain in temporary, quitting is forever". I really couldn't do what he was asking but it was fun to have new music to keep me going and Lance telling me I could do it.

Thanks Lance! I am looking forward to more 40 minute runs with you.

Today my goal is to finally make it to the bike shop for a new seat and stem. And a 35 minute ride.

I Did It I Did It I Did It!!

Yes, I got out of bed and went for a swim! I roll out of bed at 5, put on my suit, sweats, hopped into my car and drove to the pool. I did my workout out and came home. It was a new strategy and I think it worked okay. I didn't have the best swim, but that's okay.

I just hope I can do my lunch run. There is a high of 71 degrees.

Now, I do have a question. I came back, showered and sat on the couch. I might have fallen asleep for a bit, or an hour. Is that still considered a nap if it's before the sunrise???

Food is Really Important

I just finished my 40 minute bike on my trainer. Dang, that was harder than it should have been. I think it has something to do with my poor eating. Today I was distracted by my new food obsession - the meatball sub. That replaced my salad for lunch. It was sooo good!! AGAIN!

On my way home from work, I stopped by the store to get the basics: milk (I checked this morning and the one in my fridge expired 12/18/07 - oops), cheese (it was moldy - all over; gross), eggs, and butter. My plan was to get a snack, bike, have a small dinner. Well, that snack turned into a bit more. I am not going to admit to what it was, because it is soooo not healthy. Let's just say it was in the potato family and from a bag. And there was some type of dairy based paring to go with that form of potato. I wanted to stop, but I couldn't until the bag was empty and I was very close to licking the container.

When I put on my biking shorts, it wasn't good. Neither was the next 40 minutes. But, I still did my time. What helped was watching American Gladiators. I used to LOVE watching that as a kid and am not embarrassed to say I was excited to see it coming back. That was entertaining to watch as I pedalled away.

What a GREAT Workout!!

I have mentioned the ups and downs of living in DC, and today was definitely a great day to live in DC. It's January 6 (a special day I will get to in a minute) and there was a high of 53 today! I couldn't pass up the chance to bike outside. It was raining in the morning, but made plans to go biking and running at 2. I loaded up Marcus (still so great to just throw Carols in and go) got to Hains Point and was ready to go. Rose was going to meet me, but was running late, so I started.

Now this is the first time I have been on my bike, not on the trainer, since I had it fitted. During the fitting, the seat was raised. Wow, I almost bit it just trying to clip in!! EMBARRASSING because about 5 'real' cyclists flew by right when I wobbled around trying to start. I realized that clipping out was not going to be easy. So, after my first lap, I went back to Marcus and thank goodness because I would have wound up on the ground if I did not have the car to balance on. I lowered the seat just a bit and practice clipping in and out. I didn't fall, but I would not use the term 'gracefully' to describe how I look. (You will see this image again when I do fall... and I know I will eventually) I met up with Rose for 3 of my 6 laps. She took a outfit tip from Kristin and was dressed in head to toe black.

I finished my bike and took my time changing and getting ready for my run. When I started, I did not think there was any way I would be able to go 40 minutes. Then something happened, I just kept going. I started with a 3:2 and kept adding to the running and taking away from the walking until I hit a 4:1. I felt so good. This is the first time I realized I might actually be able to do this Ironman. I know I can do this mentally, but my body is the only thing I am not sure of. After doubles on Friday and Saturday, this was awesome. An amazing feeling. Woo-Hoo!!

I mentioned earlier that today, January 6, was a special day. It is my wonderful mommy's birthday. Mom I hope you had a great day!! I love you much!

Enjoyable Run

It was 28 degrees at 8:30 this morning when we started our run. There was ice on the little river (not the Potomac, but this stream does lead into the Potomac) where the trail was on. ICE!!. Anyway, Jess dragged her roommate Kate along, and Kristin and Lauren were there too. Kristin, afraid of being teased about her outfits, came dress head to toe in matching blue. The shoes were blue, pants, shirt, vest and even the hat - all blue. Nice job Kristin!!

We started and Lauren and Kristin took off with their speedy selves. After awhile, I split from Jess and Kate. I didn't get very far before Rose came up behind me. She was great and ran the rest of the way with me. When we were finished, Jess and Kate were waving and cheering. Very cute.

Rose and I headed back to the car and Kristin and Lauren had the car nice and warm for Jess and Kate when they got there. The 6 of us decided that brunch was needed after our wonderful run. I didn't know it at the time, but I ordered the last omelet sandwich. Sorry Girls!! It was even more annoying because by the time Rose ordered last, more omelets just showed up... after they said they were out. Whatever... now we know not to go back. But we have a good time, chatting and catching up. As much as I like how I feel after a good working, my favorite part is the brunch after!

Yup, It's Friday Night and I am blogging

But I have a good excuse... I am trying to fight off ANOTHER cold. I started feeling off on Wednesday night. I am blaming this on the change in the weather. It goes from 48 to 18 to 32. It's annoying and the extra stress on my body from the working out, I just think I get will get anything that comes around. Stupidly after my swim on Wednesday when it was about 20 out, I forgot my hat. I did wrap my scarf around my head, but don't think it helped much. So all day yesterday, my nose was running and I used about 15 boxes of tissues. Not really, but you know what I mean.

So after a horrible night of sleep, I took today off to rest and sleep. It helped, but am still feeling a bit off. I did hop on my bike and had an okay ride. Tomorrow morning we are meeting for a run, 75 minutes. Hopefully it will go okay and Jess grabbed my running shoes from my cube at work...

Finally, I want to wish my FAVORITE (and only) DADDY a wonderful HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I love you Dad!!

Back to 2 a Days

Today was a hard, but good day. At lunch it was around 30 degrees but still made it out side. 15 minutes easy, 3x2 minutes at a high heart rate with 2 minutes walking, and finish with 15 minutes easy running. It started off going into the wind and it was tough. Trying to 'sprint' for 2 minutes, head into the wind... Not my idea of a good time. But, after I turned around and had the wind at my back, it's like a little hand giving you a push. It felt great. Overall, I was pretty happy with the run.

And then I went to the pool. See, I didn't notice all the people with the New Years Resolutions earlier because I didn't actually go to the gym. I ran outside. But, apparently, EVERYONE decided to start swimming today. Not fun!! Mainly because people don't know how to circle swim; which is one of my biggest pet peeves. Anyway, I did manage to get in a good 2300M, including 8 x 50 sprints. It took longer than it should have, but oh well. That's what happens when you have 5 people to a lane.

First Workout of the Year!!

I just wanted to post again that my 2008 is starting off right. Just had a good bike with Carlos with a set of 1 legged drills and 10x1 minute up tempo with 1 minute rest. It felt pretty good for a 45 minute ride. Watching The Office really helped too.

Oh, and I forgot to mention last night. I went to 2 small gatherings and had a good time at both. Kept it low key and didn't wake up with a headaches or anything else :-) At the second party, I ran into the guy that finished IM Florida and I had a hard time with his comments about how 'easy' it is to finish an Ironman. After chatting with a few people and my resolutions for the year, I had a different attitude about it all. We kept it light and I realized that he just has the best intentions. We were talking about wet suits and bikes. He confirmed everything the bike fitter said as well as the bike shop to go to. Now I feel a bit bad about how I reacted before and what I posted. I am just sensitive to my speed and it's something I am working on. But overall I am glad I have another person to ask about Ironman stuff.

Haaaaapppyyy NEW YEAR!!!

Happy 2008!!! For me, and a lot of my friends and family who are part of this journey with me, it's the year of Ironman. Woo-Hoo!!

But this is not my resolution. People talk about not keeping their resolutions and this year, I did a pretty good job with my 2007 one, so I am hoping I will have the same luck. My 2007 one was to stop over analyzing issue in my life and just take things as they are. That included my job, school (at the time), family, friends and my fitness/weight level. I have spent (wasted) a lot of time worrying about what is going to happen, try to plan for every possible situation (usually the worst) and have used a lot of energy.

This year I am building off this and want to work on just letting things go, not taking things so personally and stop expressing my opinion about everything (especially when I am not asked). This is the Forget-me-knot ring. They don't sell them in my size, so I keep a picture on my cube wall. It helps.

What does this do with my training? Well, not too much, but I felt the need to post this anyway. Part of the theory that when you write something down, you have a better chance of remembering.

Happy 2008!! Hope everyone has a safe, wonderful and happy year!!