A Good Last Workout for 2007

After a low key week, Coach said to take today and tomorrow pretty easy too. Today at lunch, Jess and I enjoyed the 42 degree (but feels like 35) weather. It was to be 45 minutes and “add 5 beats to your ranges and stay within that for the entire run”. So I set my watch, put on my new Adidas top (they were really cheep so I bought one in white with maroon strips too) and we were on our way. Jess was sticking to the 4:1 and I was just trying to go. And I went. And it was good.

I am definitely seeing an improvement. I ran pretty much the entire time. I walked a minute at 14, 29, and a little before the hill up the side of the Capital. I was really happy with my self that after a comfortably hard run, I could still make it up the hill.

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year!! 2008 the year of IRONMAN!!

Nothing too Exciting

Not much to report. I am really enjoying my off week and light workouts.

I got home Thursday and it was 52 degrees in DC. Much better than the 20 degrees I left back in Wisconsin! I thought about taking Carlos out for a ride, but I was tried from the trip and my couch felt neglected. It did feel good just to sit and take a bit of potato form.

Friday I was at work, one of 5 people! I did manage to hit the gym at lunch for 35 minutes on the stationary bike. It's nice when people aren't around because you can use the machines for more than 25-30 minutes (the time cut offs at my 2 gyms).

Saturday Merissa got me out of bed to do a short run. I would have slept much longer if she wasn't arriving at my apartment, so I am thankful for that! After a good 35 minute run, I got so much done! Ran errands in the city, 3 loads of laundry (and NO missing socks!), and some much needed cleaning. I even made dinner with tons of leftovers to store in the freezer. It was very productive for a Saturday.

Now I am back on the couch, looking at Carlos against the wall. You can just tell he wants to go on the trainer and be given some love... In time... I will get there.

Goodbye Nice Y

Today is my last day in G-dale and it was a jam packed holiday weekend. I could have definitely use a few more days of rest, relaxation, friends and family, but duty calls back in DC. After a nice restful day of eating and not working out yesterday, today I knew I had to go to the gym. Only 35 minutes on a treadmill, but I kept putting it off. Leisurely coffee, post-Christmas bargain shopping, lunch and embarrassing Suzie at work (she won't let me post those pictures). More shopping with Therese and Nicole, playing with Nicole's 1 and a half year old Andrew... All this before hitting the Y.

It has become second nature to plan ahead when it comes to workouts. So, last night I packed my new super cute LL Bean snowflake (another theme of Christmas :-) bag with my stuff. True to form as of lately, I was running super late in the day and was seriously thinking of skipping the run. Having the understanding parents I do, I went anyway and just pushed back dinner a bit.

So, I get to the Y, change and realize I forgot a headband and good hair tie. I knew exactly where they were sitting on the dresser at home. Now this is important because my new hair cut doesn't exactly all fit into a pony tail (and yes, that was the ONLY thing I requested). I get up to the treadmill and realize I forgot my iPod. Dang! I know I will have to do Ironman without it, but still... I breath heavy and it's worse in the gym so I don't like to hear it. Oh well, I hop on and start.

Reason number 2 for needing the iPod (number 1 is hearing my own heavy breathing): Listening to stupid peoples conversation on the treadmill next to me.
Girl 1: Did you see that Mary* lost like 25 pounds
Girl 2: Yes, she like went to some fat camp in California. It was like $2000. FOR A WEEK!
Girl 1: I KNOW! She like said she only at salad. Yuck. I mean, salad...
Girl 2: Totally
Girl 1: Maybe I should try it.
Girl 2: Like totally. It worked for Mary.
Girl 1: But I would like have to eat salad, without dressing. I mean really
Girl 2: Well, maybe you could just eat pasta salad, that doesn't have dressing.
Girl 1: Maybe that's what Mary did.
Girl 2: I think so. I am tired, it's been 10 minutes.
Girl 1: McDonald's for dinner?
Girl 2: Um yeah! We just worked out and totally earned it.


* Names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent.

I am trying not to let that conversation ruin the fact that I did 35 minutes on the treadmill, zero walking, for the first time I can remember. Slow, but 0 walking.

I Hope Santa was Good to You All!

He sure was to me :-) After a lot of craziness this year, Christmas came together very nicely. My parents were very generous and I am extremely lucky to have all that I do, especially with my family. My Christmas did have a bit of a theme; Ironman. My parents do read this blog, and my dad will post comments, and they have a good idea of what type of things I need. For example, they were aware that I lost one of my biking gloves. So, my dad was thoughtful enough to get me a new pair of cycling gloves.

Apparently, my face was ‘priceless’, especially when he told me to put them on. When I did, there was a note to get new set gloves. Very clever, very clever.


I also received some financial support to help upgrade Carlos for everything I need: starting with a new seat, stem, upgrade kit and aero bars.

I am very thankful to have the family I have who support me in everything I do, including my crazy adventures.


Oh, and I had a really good swim yesterday at the Y. I checked my log and today is my first day off since the 12th of December. Oh, it feels good to rest. This is an easy week, something I feel I have earned over the past few weeks. Woo-Hoo!!

Good Workout, Bad Game

I was expecting a terrible workout. I thought I would just be counting down the time of the 40 minutes on the stationary bike and 40 minutes on the treadmill. The stationary bike was okay. Not great, not bad. My legs were tired, again, and I was worried about the run because I had such a bad jog yesterday.

Well, to my pleasant surprise, my first 15 were great, straight jogging (slowly of course) but straight and felt good. I couldn't remember exactly what I was supposed to do: some sort of run x minutes with my HR up and walk a minute X number of times. So, I decided on a run (faster than I normally do) 4 min, walk 1 min, 5 times to take me to 40 minutes total. IT FELT GREAT!! I had my best minutes/mile (for me) in a very long time. And, I could have kept doing what I was doing. A feeling I have not had in a few weeks.

How did I celebrate?? Wings, beer, and the Packer game with my friend Suzie of course!!! It is a Sunday in Wisconsin - There really isn't any other choice. But, that is where the "Bad Game" part in the title comes into this post. We left shortly after the start of the second half.

Anyone but the Bears, really... anyone but the Bears...

Oh, and I am still cold. Really cold. Rick informed me that it was 65 in DC this morning. Not exactly sure why 1. looked it up and 2. told me. Mean, just mean!

I LOVE the Y

Posting from G-Dale!!

After an early flight yesterday and an impressing landing in fog; to the point where you could not see the runway until we were on it; I am home at my parents house. After some lunch and chatting, I start to get antsy to find a gym.
I vaguely remembered there being a decent Y with a pool. I figured I would go there first for a swim, then go to the gym close to the house that I belonged to in high school the rest of the week. When I got to the Y, it was a really good deal for a week membership. Before I paid, I asked if it mattered that I belonged to a Y in DC. Sure enough, it did and I don't have to pay!! Woo-Hoo!! Oh, how I love it when random things happen in my benefit.

So, I hopped into the pool and had a decent swim. Coach is really working with me to build arm strength - i.e. 50's and 100's fast. That is so not the way I swim, so it's good, but my triceps do feel it this morning. I followed this up with a trot on the Treadmill. That was HARD!! My legs are definitely tired and need a break soon.

But, I am now off to the gym for a bike and run. I should have doubled up earlier in the week instead of just getting in the long workouts out of the way. Live and learn, now I know for next time.

Oh, my other favorite thing about being home (and when I say favorite I say it sarcastically), last night it was 40 degrees. This morning it is 16 degrees and the wind chill is 4 below. So glad to be home.

The Sandwich was SOOOO worth it!!

As expected, I didn't get up and go swimming. What was unexpected was how willing I was to skip my lunch run to go shopping and out to lunch. It's was the Friday before a 4 day weekend - no one was getting anything done. So, we went to lunch and for the first time, I had a meatball sub. It was SOOOO good! I don't know why I waited so long to try one. I inhaled that sandwich faster than anything I think I have ever eaten.

And the rest of the day, I complained how my stomach hurt.

I did come home and hopped on Carlos for 40 minutes with 2 sets of isolated leg drills. Dang, my legs are feeling it!! I am very much looking forward to a slow week next week. But, still to come for the weekend: 2 runs, a bike, and a swim if I can find a pool in G-dale.

Off to pack, early flight tomorrow.

I Just Can't Do It!!

So cozy, snug, and warm in my bed. I was in a nice dream land. Then it happens... the alarm goes of at 5:45! BOOO!!!! I think about how I really really should get out of bed and go swimming. But my throat hurts a bit. I am still really tired. My legs still ache. So I sleep another hour and 15 minutes. It was a great decision! A lot of times I wake up and think "I could have gone to the gym/pool", but not today. The sleep was WAY more important. With Christmas coming up and my trip home to G-dale, making sure I don't get sick is very important. Hopefully Roxanne will help kick my butt into swimming in the mornings again after the new year.

Did I work out at lunch, no. I got a hair cut which is also very important. Why, to look cute of course! HA! But, also because I HATE it when I am biking/running and I can feel the hair of my pony tail on the back of my neck. YUCK! My only demand for my hair cut was that it can all fit into a pony tail. I am very low maintenance and lazy. The cut is okay, a few too many layers, but not bad for the price I paid. The real test will be when I wash/style it my self.

So did I work out after work?? YES - I am not that big of a slacker, but it is thanks to Kristin and Merissa. I had a headache, my stomach hurt and I just felt off. I was going to go home and bike on Carlos; i.e. sit and look at Carlos; but when talking to K and M, I realized I would have to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday (2 swims, 3 bikes and 4 runs this week). So, I went to the gym and hopped on the T-mill. It actually wasn't too bad and I felt much better when I was done. And there was no falling off, always a plus! (NOTE - This is Jess's (a regular reader, random commenter, frequent running partner, and wonderful friend) favorite picture so I am going to use it whenever possible)

Will I swim tomorrow morning, no, I won't, even though I should. I am willing to skip a swim (it is my 'strongest') this week. I will set my alarm, and re-set it for an hour later and enjoy the sleep.

They HURT!!!

Ohhh... my LEGS!!

Today was workout number 6, in 5 days, and the 4th over 60 min - all were biking and running (the other two were, can you guess... swimming - SHOCKING!!). So, it's understandable why my legs are a bit on the wobbly side. It also explains why today's 70 minute run, 4:1, was not great. I knew within 10 minutes that it would not be a good run. I knew within 20 minutes that I had to go to the bathroom. After the turn around and a quick stop in the bathroom, I just could not get back into a decent rhythm. It was reminiscent of a few months back when I could not control my heart rate.
But, I kept going, and always finding a good stride when I went past a cute boy ;-)

I finish, look at my stats, breathing hard, had a runny nose, was cold and my legs hurt. Then it happened, that little smile started to sneak onto my face. Only once during the 70 minutes, for a split second, did I even think of cutting it short and turning around early. Usually, that is all I think about - stopping. This run wasn't about stopping, it was just about going. It was a different feeling, and I liked it.

But I am very excited to go to bed early and SLEEP!

I Get Thrown Off at Times

Through out the day, I often think about what I am going to blog. What is so interesting, or something I think I can make semi interesting to blog about. For example, I had today's written in my head as I was heading back from a movie with Lauren. It was going to be about my choices and sacrifices. Giving up a cooked dinner to swim, but still meet up for a movie. The importance of sleep (that I am not getting) and eating well (which I am not doing) - I will talk about this later.

I came home today to one of the BEST things that has happened to me so far during this experience. It was a package from Roxanne and Sarah. We stopped exchanges presents awhile ago because we find random stuff and just buy it for each other. We don't need holidays. So needless to say, I was a bit surprise. I read the card and open the present.
I have no idea where they found this shirt, but it is the best and I LOVE it! I can not thank you two enough! This will definitely help keep me motivated over the next 8 and a half months. Thank you thank you thank you! It means way more than I can say in this post.

No Judgement!!

I received my workouts for the week from Coach. Because I will be back in G-Dale on Saturday morning, I want to get my long workouts out of the way for 2 reasons.

1. I don't want to ride for 70 min on a stationary bike when I could, and should, make the time for Carlos.
2. I can still run outside here for 70 min in 40-50 degree weather and not in G-dale with 18+ inches of snow and 20 degree weather.

Soooo... tonight I did the bike. With the writers strike, there is no good tv on (Chuck and Heroes on NBC are my Monday favorites), only reality tv. I did not want to bike to choir music or a quiz show that takes forever due to commercials. So, thanks to cable, I found a cheesy movie on the Oxygen network. It's so bad... but it did help with the 70 minutes on the bike.

That makes 4 workouts, 3 of which were 60 plus minutes, in 3 days. Wow, do my legs feel it!! But, all in the good way. I still have a long way to go, but I am really feeling like the base work I am doing now is a good start.

Another Good Run!!

Well, I have to hand it to Coach, I think he knows what he is talking about. Tonight I did a 70 minute run and I almost feel like I had a break through. I did my usual trot on Rock Creek this evening. It was a bit later than expected, but this morning I didn't want to get out of my comfy bed to go out in the rain, and I had to do some shopping this afternoon! Anyway, I started off on my 4:1, feeling pretty good. I am paying attention to my heart rate and controlling my pace pretty well. It was getting dark, so I take off my iPod. It probably wasn't the wisest decision to be running where I was with little light, but oh well - I am obviously fine. So, I am approaching a bridge, followed by the hill, and then a REALLY big hill. Well, this is the FIRST time I made it up the first hill! It wasn't easy, but I made it. I normally take a few steps and just walk the rest of the way. I really think it does have to do with concentrating on the HR, not going out too fast, and just keeping it consistent.

I am still a bit disappointed with my min/mile pace. But this week was better than last and hopefully that will continue. YAY!

Really Good Weekend

Where to start, where to start...

After Friday's great run, I left work early to set up for my annual party. A bunch of my girl friends come over, we chat, decorate cookies and drink wine. Our cookies didn't look like this, but close. It's a nice, relaxing holiday party. Well, I got a bit carried away with the wine and made for a late Saturday. But we had a good time!!


Saturday I met up with some friends for ice skating in the National Sculpture Garden. Last time I remember going skating, I fell on my knee, not good. So, I wanted to go and watch. This is Merissa and Kristin, I think they missed their calling in life. Anyway, before I let my self go watch, I made my self sit on Carlos - which made me late. But, I really need to make my workouts a priority again. Anyway, that ride was that hard! I now know how it feels trying to work out after a few too many beverages. Will do my best to not make that mistake again! But I had a good ride with a few 1 legged drills. Those really are hard!

At night I had a dinner party with my former running group. These people are great! I almost feel like I am on a commercial or TV show with them. We just have the best time. Laughing constantly, joking, teasing, but most importantly - They are the most supportive group of friends. Whether it's about our relationships (or lack there of), jobs, or crazy things like doing an Ironman, they are there. To listen, ask questions, or just be, it's really nice to have a group of people like this in my life.


Today was put on hold due to the "Wintery Mix". It just turned out to be rain. Anyway, I am a wimp and decided to just swim in the morning before my brunch plans at noon. Wow, it has been awhile since I swam!! My triceps were BURNING. But, in the good way. I celebrated my 2000M with stuffing my face with Dim Sum - which I was also late too, sorry!!!. Anyway, it was soooo good! This was followed up with some cardio with Kristin and Merissa. When I say cardio, I mean shoe shopping.


Good times, good times.

Somedays I do LOVE living in DC

There are a lot of things I don't like about DC. The traffic, tourists, attitudes of people, expensive housing and general cost of living, a lack of the great tri-fecta (male, single, straight - and a fourth for me, tall) and of course - politics.

Then there was today. It's December 14, 54 degrees out and the sun is shinning for the first time in 5 days. Today's run was to be "40 minutes. This time first 15 minutes at regular HR, then for the next 15 go to 175, then last 10 minutes lets see if your HR will go back down under 170."

This is very different from my 4:1 I have grown to love. So I give it a try. The first 15 min consisted of down hill, stop lights, and just making it to the mall. It was pretty easy to keep my HR around 160. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel keeping my HR at 175 for 15 min (I usually get a walk break after 4 min) but wanted to try. After the first 5, I turned around (that was 20 min out of my 40 min total). I felt good and let the HR go between 175 and 180. Next thing I notice, it's 25 min, and I only have 5 min left. I am feeling a bit more out of breath, but overall great. I really didn't think I could do it, but did. I only had to stop for about 10 sec at a light within that 15 min time frame.

Now this might now sounds like a lot, but it is for me. I went the same distance I would on a 4:1, but mentally, felt better that I could maintain a higher HR and didn't have to walk.

Tomorrow there is a high of 39 with a Wintry Mix to Rain and I am reminded that it is December. Good thing tomorrow is a swim and 60 min on the trainer. But it's days like today that am I glad I live in DC and have the random 54 degree day.

Building Strength or Just Mean?

Today I finally hopped back on Carlos who has been sitting so nicely on the trainer. Had an okay 45 minute ride. I am supposed to be doing 1 legged drills. I clip out with one foot, wrap it around the back of the trainer, pedal with one leg for 30 seconds and switch. Do this 3 times on each leg. 2 times within the ride. Wow, by the end of each time with the leg, it hurts!! But, in the good way :-)

I really hope this is building strength in the legs and this isn't Coaches way of being mean. HA!

Other People's Children

That is usually what I say about annoying kids. But, it also works for adults too.

I was chatting with a friend of a friend about Ironman. He just completed IM Fla, his first race. He finished sub 12 hours and was disappointed about his time. Riiiggghhhttt... So we chat about my progress, goals (finishing in 17 hours), and having a coach. He tells me that there were 6 of them that signed up and only 2 finished. That freaked me out. But, he said I would be fine because I had a coach. Again, riiiggghhttt....
More chatting about the experience. The conversation switches to almost how easy it is to finish. Something like 'All you have to do is swim, bike 13 mph, and run a 15 minute mile'.
I respond "I know, that will be hard for me."
'Well, biking 13 mph is pretty easy. I mean all you have to do is push down and you will go 13 mph otherwise you won't go anywhere and would fall off your bike'.
That is so not true, because I have done races and my avg is slower than 13 mph! By this time, I am almost getting offended. It's really NOT easy to go 13 mph for 112 miles!! I know he can, easily, but I am going to work my butt off for over a year and hopefully go that speed. To follow up with a marathon, with 15 minute miles, again will not be easy for me. His response, "Oh, you can walk that with no problem".
By this time, I am almost going to say some inappropriate things and basically just stop talking to him.

Sometimes I don't know if it's the type of people who do these events, living in DC, or a combo of the two. It just really rubbed me the wrong way. I know I am sensitive to my speed, but the entire conversation just left me feeling a bit insulted.

In happy news, I had some pictures developed - I broke my digital and had to use a disposible. I forgot what was on the camera and found these pictures from going to Madison for my golden ticket with my mom. Not the best, but you get the idea.

Time Just Gets Away From Me

Boy, I am not exactly sure what happened, but it's Tuesday and I haven't blogged in almost a week. Here is my recap.

Got back to DC on Thursday just in time for dinner and to see Avenue Q. Was really good - but not for kids.
Friday was a busy day at work and the evening started with a few drinks with Lauren at La Tasca. That turned into a long night.
Saturday was not a great day, starting around noon. Oops... Silly Lauren!
Sunday was 40 and drizzling out, but i met with Merissa and Jess for a 60 min jog. It was good, and actually held the 4:1 the entire time with my HR under 175. Still not getting faster, but I am getting better at controlling the HR.
Monday just got away from me, again.

I am not sure what is going on. I really want to do this, am dedicated, but somethings up. I don't feel burned out, but I am tired all the time, finding it hard to get my workouts in and clean my apartment. Christmas decorations are not up and I am really behind in planning my annual Cookies and Wine party (which is Friday).

I guess this is why you start training so early. Not just the physical side, but the mental aspect of everything as well.

Some people make me giggle

Tonight is my last night in Baton Rouge. After teaching class, I took a nice walk along the Mississippi. I had a light dinner, waited for the first commercial during Project Runway and headed to the gym for 35 minutes on the treadmill. Of course, this was the first time someone else was in the gym with me and the TV was on CNN. How do you ask to switch from CNN to Bravo?? You don't :-(

Anyway, the fact that she was watching CNN was not the part that made me giggle, but her presence in general. Now those who know me know I am not always about fashion. I do like to look okay when I go to the gym, but will never wear make up. I won't wear a navy blue shirt with black shorts. I won't wear a blue sports bra under a white shirt. One other thing I won't wear to the gym, a matching BLACK NYLON TRACK SUIT FROM 1984!! Okay, this picture isn't black, but you get the idea. The sound it was making coming from the treadmill just really made me giggle. And the hair. Again, mine is 9 times out of 10 in a pony tail. I don't really know how to describe the hair I saw. Brown roots, blond tips, spiral perm, shoulder length, down and not moving. The hair must have had a can of hair spray to keep it from moving.

Now I am not judging because she was very nice. AND, I am really the last person who should be commenting on appearance in clothes and hair. However, I do not know the last time I saw a tracksuit like this one. It just really did make me giggle.

And the jog went fine. Another attempt at the run/walk of 4:1 keeping the HR under 175 for those 4 minutes. I am really hoping that if I can stay on track for awhile, I will start to see some improvement...

Not Great, but MUCH Better

I am in Baton Rouge. I've to to say, what a nice town! Everyone is so friendly!!

Anyway, this was supposed to be my 'easy' week. 2 hard weeks, 1 easy. Well, last week being sick and all, it wasn't really a hard week. So, Coach asked if this could be a hard-er week. Not a problem because I really haven't been tired or sore from any of my workouts. However, there is no lap pool and only a recumbent stationary bike. Greeeaaaattt... So after I told Coach this, he gave me a schedule with swimming and biking. Um, okay... maybe he just didn't read my message closely. So I responded letting him know my current hotel situation, again. He responded right away with some modifications. I was getting a bit worried that his personal coaching might fading a bit. Hopefully this was just a fluke situation.

I spent last night on the treadmill and tonight on the treadmill and recumbent bike. It feels good to be back on track a bit. Oh, and I can now let my HR go to 175!! Woo-Hoo!! My body just reacts differently to running and I think Coach is starting to realize that. Running with my HR only to 170 is just easy, I don't go anywhere and I am never tired after the fact.

One more day of teaching and back in DC Thursday night.

In New Orleans

After I did the dance of joy for finding my watch, I finished my packing -but was not successful. Why, because it was 80+ degrees here!! I did not pack for this, it's December!! So my workouts this weekend have not been traditional. I came to visit some friends and their 2 kids. I did chase around a 2 year old, in 80 degree weather - so I think that totally counts as a workout.

It has been a great weekend here with them, and I am not just saying that because I gave Kristen this web address and she will hopefully become a regular reader. Overall it has been a relaxing weekend - which was much needed. They have always been very supportive of my race activites, never give me a hard time for not drinking or leaving the party early because of an upcoming race, listen to me talk for hours about an event without an eye roll, and have provided great care packages. To this day, my Champ Bear keychain hangs on my bag that goes with me to almost all my races. Now that I think about it, he wasn't there in Chicago - with the wetsuit incident... Interesting...

Anyway, this was my frist time to New Orleans. I remembered reading/seeing something about a new 70.3 race here. So, we looked it up and sure enough, April 5, 2009. That is about 7 months after Madison. Could I do that, so soon after Madison... It's something to think about.

One race at a time, one race at a time.

One Item Came out of the Black Hole!!

I am packing for my next work trip. I fly to Baton Rouge tomorrow, rent a car and drive to New Orleans for the weekend. Some friends moved there in August and this is a convenient way to visit. I am spending the weekend with them and heading back to Baton Rouge Monday to teach a class the rest of the week. So, as normal, I put off packing til the last minute. I am laying out my work outfits, workout stuff, and weekend wear. Also presents for my friends 2 kids, computer cords and binders of stuff for the class. I realize I need a bigger carry on and find my trusty college backpack. Guess what was in side (actually in the mesh pocket on the outside of the bag) my watch!!! Woo-Hoo!! 1 thing has made it out of my black hole apartment. This is my attempt to show my watch coming out of the black hole.

Again, what does this have to do with my Ironman training? Well, this will help me with my timing during swimming as I hate using the pace clocks. Also, mentally, it's the watch I have used for every race, so it means the world to have it back. Silly yes, but what can I say. I did call my wonderful parents to tell them the great news, and asked if they read this blog. They do, and received a delivery from Timex yesterday. Oops... Sorry!! I hope they take returns...

I am feeling better and hope get a few good workouts in Baton Rouge. I am staying at a Hilton and made sure they have a gym. They do! YAY!

Still, Sick...

And annoyed.

I have been out of work for 2 days. I move from my bed, to the shower, to the couch, back to the shower and back to bed. It really stinks. I feel like I should be working out, but don't even have the energy to get off the couch. Today is better than yesterday, but still not that well. All there is to say is BOO!!

Thanksgiving, Good Friends, Bike Fitting and Still Sick

Sorry for the delay in posting. The holiday weekend got away from me. I did not go out of town, just ran out of time.

Thanksgiving was great. I went out on a 35 min jog in between making cheese cake and an apple tart thing. I figured 35 minutes was enough to eat as much as I wanted. And I did.

Friday I worked (one of the few who did) biked on the trainer for 45 minutes and it felt good. Went for drinks with my old roommate and left early because I started to feel that thing.. you know, that thing when the cold you thought went away, did not.

Saturday I woke up, not being able to swallow. Ouch! I had a 50 minute run and Rose met me at Rock Creek. She was a sweetheart and did the slow run/walk 4:1 with me. She is a way faster runner, but stuck with me. It felt good to do something a bit longer, but felt almost easy. I still know I can go faster, but my HR still won't let me. Anyway, we celebrated with brunch at Open City. YUM!! This was followed by a much needed nap and the cold was coming on full force. I ditched my plans at night and spent some quality time on the couch.

This morning was my biking fitting. 2 hours hoping on and off, tweaking and adjusting, and a list of new things to upgrade on Carlos, I am not confident I don't need a new bike. YAY!! I would like one, but $500 of stuff is much better than $1500 for a new one, plus upgrades. I tried to do more time on the trainer, but took a nap. Tried again and coughed up that stuff on Mucinex commercials (don't worry, I won't post a picture). Boo!!

Okay, nothing too exciting. Just some good workouts and another cold.

My Apartment is a Black Hole!!

This is getting annoying! I was supposed to time myself during a swim a few weeks back for some 400’s. I went looking for my Ironman Timex watch and it was no where to be found. I called home thinking my mom could help. I mean when I was little, she always found what I had lost. Unfortunately, being 800 miles away, there was little she could do. The last time I know I had it was in Chicago for the Big Shoulders Swim. I e-mailed Therese, where I stayed, and she didn’t see it either.

So yesterday, I TORE my apartment apart, looking for the remote. 2 hours later I found 1 sock and the remote. Not the other 6 socks, biking glove, or watch.

Where does this stuff go??? I am most upset about the watch. I ran Marine Corps Marathon with that watch in 2003, and every other race I have ever done: swims, runs and tri’s.

Why I am I talking about this now?? Well, I had to time my 500’s today. I know about where I should be and using the pace clock, I can figure it out. But I miss the ease of my watch. It was big, bulky, and men’s. And I miss all the good times (ha, get it, times, watch, time keeper… anyway…) with my watch. It was so reliable. I knew how all the buttons worked, it did what I wanted…. AHH!!!

And to my loving parents, who I think still read this blog; I have given yet another obvious hint about the holiday that is coming up!!

Florence Chadwick

My mom sent me a copy of this story today. It is now a on my door. Currently, she is going to see if there is a relation. Regardless of what she finds, I am going to believe there is.

“Florence Chadwick was no stranger to goal setting. An American swimmer, she was the first woman in history to swim the twenty miles across the English Channel from France to England to France.”
“Florence set another unbelievable goal: be the first woman to swim the twenty-one miles from Catalina Island to the west coast of California. On the morning in 1952, the ocean was shrouded in fog – she could hardly see the boats accompanying her to keep away the sharks. Fatigue wasn’t a big problem, but the bone-chilling temperature of the water was. After 15 hours of nonstop swimming, she succumbed to the temperature of the water and asked to be pulled into one of the boats. Her mother and trainer, in a boat alongside her, urged her to keep on as they were getting near the coast. Yet all Florence could see was fog.”
”She was pulled out of the water too cold and tired to continue. Later, she realized that she was only half a mile from completing the swim and achieving her goal. When she learned how close she was when she quit, she blurted out, “I’m not excusing myself, but if I could have seen the short, I might have made it!” It wasn’t the distance or the cold that ultimately did her in – it was the fog.”
“When Florence Chadwick lost sight of her goal, she lost the will to continue.”
“2 months later, when there was no fog, she completed the swim. Same island, same coast, same distance, same body of water. The only difference between victory and defeat was the ability to see her goal”

On days like yesterday, and bad days to come, I just need to keep in mind my goal: hearing “Amanda you are in Ironman”

My Schedule This Week

Well, something is still going on with my stomach. If felt a bit better today, but not there yet. Coach thinks I might be getting sick and wanted me to take the day off. I have had a lot of days off, and will again soon for one more work trip. So, I went on a 30 min trot. It felt okay.

Here is my ambitious schedule for the rest of the week.

Tuesday – Ride 30 minutes. In this session, do 1 x 5 minute bout up tempo, or comfortably hard.
Swim on Tuesday as well. Same 500 warm up, this time 5 x 200 comfortably hard, with 45 seconds rest. For now, with your swim background, this should be a piece of pie (Its Thanksgiving week, so I use pie instead of cake)
Wednesday – Run only. 35 minutes
Thursday – Swim only. Straight set of 3 x 500, 60 seconds rest. End with 6 x 50 with high arm turn-over, short rest, 15 seconds.
Friday – Ride only, 45 minutes, straight.
Saturday – Long run 50-55 minutes would be long.
Sunday - Long ride – 90 minute outside or 60+ (70?) minutes inside.

I am pretty exccited. This should be a good week. I need a good solid week or two, without travel to help with the confidence.

Not Good :-(

I just got off the trainer and Carlos after a horrible 45 minutes. I felt sick, was sweating, could not breath and my HR would not go up. I do not know what was going on. This was probably my worst workout so far. Boo!

Maybe it was because I only had 1 glove...

Good Ride, 7 Socks, and 1 Glove

The high yesterday was 52. So, at 2 pm I clipped in for an hour and a half ride. I went on the Mt. Vernon trail which has a few more hills than anywhere else I have been riding. What really concerns me is my time. I am not where I need to be in order to finish the bike by the cut off. I know I have 10 months, but it does concern me.

I cancelled my plans at night to stay home with quarters and my 4 weeks of laundry. Yup, that is 6 loads... and it's still not all done. I would have kept going but there is only 1 working dryer and I had no where else to hang clothes.

What does this have to do with my Ironman training? Well, as I was pairing my socks, I realized I ran out and I had a lot of unmatched socks. 7, 7 socks (5 I wear during my workouts) that do not have a match. How does that happen!?!? Also missing, my left biking glove!!

Seriously, 7 socks and a biking glove all went missing from my apartment to the washer and dryer outside my door. I just don't get it... But, biking gloves would make a great stocking stuffer!! (Just in case my parents are reading :-)

High of 50 – Feels like 39

That is what it said on weather.com my zip code at noon today. I figured I would be fine for my 35 minute jog. I got outside and was smacked in the face by the wind. WOW was it strong today! Trotted down to the Mall and it was painful. The wind was coming from all directions – as were the leaves and dirt. But, after the turn around, it did get a bit better. I never really felt the wind at my back helping me out, but it was better than running directly into the wind, or the cross wind. Today’s jog also had my HR all over the place. Wednesday’s was fine, getting better keeping it down, but not today. Oh well…

I may try to get outside this weekend with Carlos. There is a high of 51 on Saturday. Waiting until noon or 1 and Proper clothes might make this possible.

I'm In I'm In I'm In!!!

To my pleasant surprise, I received an e-mail this morning

'Congratulations on being selected as an entrant into this year's 4.4 mile swim!"

I am in again!! This year I am really excited. Last year I didn't really want to do the race. It was by far the hardest thing I had done in 2006. But, the 2007 race was great. I even stopped to make sure I finished after 2 hours and 30 minutes! Who stops during a race!

Anyway, I am in for year 3 and super excited. I am pretty sure I won't look like this before the race.

Hopefully, it will just be more of a smile...

Back with Carlos

After spending the past 5 days with Marcus, I knew Carlos would be jealous. He showed it too as I tried to put him on the trainer! But, after some finagling, I hopped on for a good 45 minutes. I didn’t look at the HRM, wasn’t counting down the time, and just kept going. It felt good- really good. My knees hurt, but I think that might have more to do with driving close to 1700 miles the past 5 days.

While I was riding tonight, I was watching The Biggest Looser. Their challenge was a 24K triathlon: cycle 20K on a spin bike (the top 6 move on), run 3K on a treadmill (top 3 move on), and swim 1K (1 winner). I was watching and thought how great it was for those people. In 10 weeks they went from barely being able to walk a mile to doing that type of activity.

Sometimes I get upset because I don’t drink soda, eat fast food, doughnuts, and limit my sweets. Watching people cut those items out and loose weight can be frustrating to me. However, I have never had a problem swimming 1K or 1 mile. If I HAD I could go out and run/walk a marathon (not that it would be speedy) but I could do it. I have to continue to remember not compare my self to others – especially in the next. No one else has my parents (expect for my brother, obviously, my history, muscle memory, or drive. Watching those contestants have the drive to win the prize was inspiring. I really hope that is the type of inspiration I can take from watching others.

Heading Back Today... with a cold

Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I get sick pretty easy, but I thought that with the tonsils out, it wouldn't happen as much. I think just with the cross country work trip to San Francisco and then hop in the car for the road trip to Memphis, my body is not happy. Not the best eating, not working out - not great for me. BUT, it has been awesome and totally worth it. I would not change one thing - but maybe not getting sick.

I might try to put Carols on the trainer tonight, just to get 30 minutes in if I can. I have to go to work tomorrow and will be back on a set schedule soon.

Posting From Outside Nashville

Lauren and I are on our road trip, on night 2, outside Nashville, TN. So far the trip has included such stops as...
Front Royal
Dinosaur Land
Skyline Drive
Caverns
Jonny Appleseed Statue
Foamhenge
Natural Bridge
Mini-Graceland
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Cooters
and a drive by of Dollywood - just to name a few.

What the trip has not included is time for workouts - I do not count walking 1.25 miles around a cavern a workout. Also, our fine establishments for lodging have not had such accommodations. However, there has been a lot of driving, beautiful views and munching on snacks.

Here is Marcus on Skyline Drive. It was his first experience in snow. Yes, snow.



And yes, I do realize that in 10 months, I will be competing in Ironman Wisconsin. Oh boy, 10 months...

It's Up to Fate Now

I am back in DC, but for less than 24 hours. I am took a break from packing to enter my Great Chesapeake Bay 4.4 Mile Swim. I have done this race the past 2 years. After the first year, I said never again. I stuck with that too, for a few months anyway. Sarah told me I would want to do it again, but I didn't believe her. She was right. But, I only signed up for the lottery last year because I was swimming so much with Roxanne and her training for IMLP. I left it up to fate and secretly hoped I would not get in. I did, my parents came out, Arin came back from the Peace Corps, and I had a GREAT race. The 2007 race compared to 2006 - was almost easy. I had already started thinking about IM-Moo at the time, but knew I wanted to try and to do this race again.

Now it's all up to fate and if I am meant to do this race a 3rd year in a row.

Back to packing. Road tripping to Memphis.

I will start working out again soon...

No Gym, but there sure are hills!

Day 2 in San Fran. The hotel doesn't have a gym, but it does have wireless. It's something. I am half way done teaching my class and can only hope tomorrow goes as well as today. After being in the room from 8-5 (I had a granola bar for lunch... someone must stay with the laptops) my co-worker Emily and I ventured out into the city. We wandered through a major shopping area and found our way to Chinatown. We walked some streets/hills, did some cheesy shopping, walked some hills, kissed a dragon thing, walked some hills, had some dinner, and walked some hills back. I am really thinking of wearing my HRM tomorrow just to see how high it gets up these hills.

Did I mention there are hills in San Francisco?

NO GYM!!!

AHH!! I am in San Francisco. 2 hours to Chicago. An hour layover. 5 hours to San Francisco. My knees (especially the right one) really hurt because of the tiny amount of room you have in coach. 30 minute cab ride to the hotel - which leaves me a bit uneasy about the area. I check in, on my way up to the room and ask "Do you have a gym?"
Response - "No, but there is a gym we have a partnership with that is 4 blocks away for $15"
Me - "$15 a day?"
Them - "Yes"
Me - "Oh, okay." I would not feel comfortable walking around this area at night, not even 4 blocks. I am in the room at 8 am to answer questions. Teach from 9-5. Go to dinner with the class. It will then be dark. This is not a good situation.

What hotel doesn't have a gym!?!? Even the hotel in Springfield MO had a treadmill, stationary bike and stair master! NOTHING here, NOTHING!!

This isn't good for many reasons. I keep starting over. I had a good week last week and now this one will be limited. Also, Lauren and I decided to do a road trip to Memphis. We moved it from spring to now because come spring, I know I won't be able to travel. So, we are leaving Friday. I figured I would be okay because there would be a gym here.

I am also worried about Coach. I keep feeling like I am giving the impression that I am not dedicated or that this isn't important to me. It is, and I am. Things keep coming up and I am trying to adjust - but at times I really can't find an option.

All I can do is hope I am getting all this stuff out of the way now...

Ummm... Napping....

Well, I eventually did get off my butt and sit on my bike for an hour. Netflix and an Ugly Betty dvd really helped out. After the bike I made some lunch and sat down. The plan was to shower and head into the office. Well... a food coma must have set in because before I knew it, 2 hours had passed and I SMELLED!!

Not exactly sure why I slept so long. The past 2 nights I slept until I woke up, no alarm. I guess I needed the extra zzz's. I also wonder how much has to do with continuing to 'start over' with the weekly workouts. This week, hopefully it won't be so bad. I have to go to San Francisco for work. I will be teaching a training class and am soooo not prepared. But, hopefully I can find 30 minutes to an hour each day for some quality treadmill or stationary bike time. Emily, my co-trainer, always does a great job planning stuff to do after class. But, she knows I need to get some workouts in. And, besides, doesn't San Fran have some hills :-)

Too Cold, Distracted and Predictable

Still nothing too exciting about my workouts. Friday I had a decent jog around the Library of Congress and the Capital. There are less stop lights so it's better than going around The Mall. 35 minutes of a decent jog. It was pretty out, one of the nice things about fall in DC.

I must be pretty predictable because my dad call during lunch. At the end of the message, he said "I know it's lunch and you are probably out for your jog." I came back to my desk and my boss needed something and said "But I figured you were out for your lunch run." Wow, I had no idea I was that predictable...

Yesterday, I was supposed to bike for 45 minutes on the trainer or 60 minutes outside. It was a bit too cold to go outside, so I got dressed and put Carlos on the trainer. Then I sat on the computer and watched cable: for about 2 hours. This internet thing is really distracting. I eventually did do my workout, but it took awhile to get going.

Today it's not going to warm up as much as I hoped, so I will bike on the trainer again. As you can probably guess, I am sitting in my bike clothes, on the computer, watching cable, looking at Carlos on the trainer.

Oh, he looks so ready to go!! I guess I should do my workout...

Nothing too exciting to report

Sticking to the schedule
Monday - swam and ran
Tuesday - ran
Wednesday - swam (or is it swum?? Grammar is not my strong point!)

The rest of the week
Thursday - Bike
Friday - Run
Saturday and Sunday - Bike

I haven't fallen, tripped over anyone, or been really annoyed by people. It's odd... There is usually something!!

Comfortably Hard

Today was a good workout day. Started by getting up at 5:30. As I stated before, getting up is NOT easy for me, but I did. Mainly because Roxanne was going to be at the pool. It always helps to have a partner. I had to wait 15 minutes for a train, so we didn't have much pool time together. But, I did what Coach wanted, a good 2400M. 400 warm up, 4x400 - comfortably hard, 400 stretch cool down. Now, seriously, comfortably hard... That means moving quickly for 16 lengths of the pool, but not too hard, keep it comfortable. It just made me laugh a bit while I was swimming. I celebrated with my favorite latte - a light white sugar free raspberry

After learning my largest project at work isn't going well, my 3o minute run on the schedule was looking pretty good. Out I went for a beautiful 55 degree jog. This is the weather that makes DC beautiful. Sunny, clean, and crisp air. Something that does not happen very often.

By 4, I was ready to hide under my desk and take a nap. No such luck, but I did make it to the end of the day, and feeling good about my schedule.

Beautiful Day

At 1 pm, it was about 55-60 degrees, slight breeze and sunny. Just a beautiful fall day. I tore my self away from my new obsession with cable and internet to go biking. I was quickly reminded how much I love being able to toss Carlos in the back of Marcus and be on my way. It cuts out so much time!!

Anyway, I hop on Carlos and take off, yelling "On your left" to pass all the casual walkers. Most of the time, people move. Today, not so much. But, I didn't hit anyone, fall, or get hurt. All positive signs of a good ride. Afterall, it's October 27 and I can still bike outside.

Also, I was able to use my new sunglasses. When I was little and would go visit my grandparents in Missouri, we would always stop at Bass Pro Shop - a favorite of my dads. The most recent trip, I picked up a pair of Polarized sunglasses for $18. My mom, dad, Kristin, everyone talks about how much they love the sunglasses.

For $18, it was worth the try. And what did I think... I LOVE THEM!!! I really didn't think I would notice much of a difference, but I really did. I need to go and get a few more pairs. I know I will drop them, run over them, or just misplace them. They may not look the best, but I don't care, my helmet and spandex tights doesn't do much for me either.

Woo-Hoo!! Internet!!

This is my first post from my apartment with Internet! YAY! And I have cable too. It makes me really happy. Even though I had to wait from 11-2 for the guy to come; so I biked on the trainer for an hour (it was raining til around noon) and he didn't come until 3:15, it's all good.

I was counting down the time on the trainer, but it's something I will have to get used to. Tomorrow should be in the 60's, so I am hoping to go out in the afternoon, after Marine Corps Marathon. I want to go cheer people - and the city (and streets) shuts down for the morning.

Off to watch Boston play

PAUSE does not mean STOP

Ready... Take 3!!

So I am ready to start my Ironman training for a third time. The actual first time, after the tonsil surgery, and now after the passing of my beloved grandmother. After a 16 hour drive, catching up on sleep, unpacking, a few too many 'beverages' one evening, and a few tears: working out seemed like a good idea that I just couldn't get my self to do.

I made my self go yesterday.
It's raining, and has been for 3 days, so the treadmill it was. 35 min of walking - basically because my HR is still too high.

I tried again today for 40 minutes. My gym is in my office, which means there are co-workers everywhere. I am self conscience - especially about my slowness. After my warm up, I hit the PAUSE button on the treadmill. I hopped off and grabbed a magazine to cover my speed and distance. I stepped on the 'stopped' treadmill to start my jog. Only, it wasn't stopped. Nope, PAUSE does not mean STOP. It means "Pause for a few moments, than start again without the person using the treadmill knowing it."

So, I am pretty sure you can picture the scene. I attempted to step on the treadmill, expecting it to be PAUSED, and fly right off. Step a few more times again in confusion, scrapping my knee, and hitting my ankle.

Yup, everyone stopped and stared - all those co-workers. Great…

(There are no good pictures of people falling off treadmills, so I attempted to create this one. Bad, I know... But it's a Friday)

Lessons learned
1. Don't use the pause button
2. Should not have let the fact I didn't want people to see my speed/distance interrupt my workout.
3. Look to see if a treadmill is moving before stepping onto it.

I hope all you readers can benefit from my workout today.

Happy weekend!

Inspirational video from Coach

140.6

From my coach

This is why I picked him. He knows me pretty well

I love you Grandma!

I learned last night that my grandmother passed away. She was by far the strongest woman I have ever known and will always been in inspiration to me.

Needless to say, I will be out of touch for awhile. I know she was proud of me for the things I have accomplished and all I plan to do - and for that I am forever grateful.
I will love you always