Last night was my first workout since getting sick last week. I'm still pretty, uh, snotty (meant literally, not figuratively - unfortunately), but I feel ok otherwise. (Well, aside from the fact that I feel like I gained about 10 pounds from not training last week). So anyways, I did a quick 30 minute run with some accelerations last night after I got done doing weights with one of my UNT athletes, and aside from the fact that I was dehydrated, it felt fine. I could tell, however, that I need to do a lot of core-strenthening over the off-season, because I didn't feel well-supported there at all. I'm going to be doing a lot of crunches in Europe.
On a side note, speaking of UNT athletes, I've been wrapping up the semester with one-on-one meetings with all of the UNT guys I coach individually, and it has been a very encouraging process. All of them feel really good about the coming year, and have been happy with their results so far, despite the inevitable setbacks that occasionally come with being an endurance athlete. It's good to know that even though as an athlete these past few months have been rough, as a coach, I've apparently been doing a decent job. It was very encouraging for me, and I feel really fortunate to be able to coach such great guys.
Anyways, so I gave the running thing a go last night and it felt pretty good. So this morning Aaron and I tackled my run heart rate test. Actually, I should say that Aaron tackled it, and dragged me along behind him kicking and screaming. Oh man, I was NOT feeling that test at all. If ever anyone deserved a good coach award, it is Aaron. The first portion of the test, where I had to go from super easy to super hard went ok. I was still feeling good and wanting to push myself. But as soon as I stopped for that first blood sample, and realized how much I had left, I just crombled - mentally and physically. My heart rate didn't want to behave and my mind was done. I spent the next 30 minutes telling Aaron that I was SURE I couldn't do another section of the test (for those of you who aren't familiar with heart rate testing, you basically have to increase your heart rate by increments of 5 throughout the test, holding each increment for 3-5 mnutes until your blood lactate... well, wait, I can't tell you that - Playtri secret!). I was hurting. By the time I was holding 165, I felt like crap. I told Aaron as much, and he continued to encourage me, even though I was complaining like a little girl. I was so discouraged because I used to be able to hit 200, even 210, while running and now here I was at 165 and wanting to pass out! So anyways, Aaron promises me that the 170 increment should be the last one... and then, we get the reading, and I have to do another increment. At this point I had mentally shut down, which in retrospect was actually a good thing because I wasn't thinking about anything except not flying off the back of the treadmill, so I wasn't focusing as much on the pain. I stayed at 175, Aaron got the reading, and then of course I had to start running AGAIN... JUST IN CASE. I was not a happy camper. I was cranky, and I let both Aaron (and Ahmed, who had the audacity to cheer me on towards the end - the nerve!) know it in no uncertain terms. How embarrassing.
Thank God that's over.
I left the gym after apologizing to Aaron for being a pain, took a hot shower, and then grabbed some coffee to ease the pain... whoever invented coffee deserves a special spot in heaven. Did you know that caffeine is actually a performance enhancing drug? It's true! A totally legal one, though, so cranky triathletes like myself can afford to indulge in its sweet, sweet goodness. Only a legitimate drug could have brought me back to life and actually make me able to get work done after that horrendous experience. Thank you, coffee.
And now, the one week countdown to Europe begins. In seven days, Ken and I will be getting on planes (from Detroit and Dallas, respectively) to Frankfurt, Germany to start our holiday adventure. No school for Ken, minimal work for me, and lots of snow, good food, and good wine. Oh, and hopefully a spa day for me if my bank account allows it. And, of course, lots of running since we are both doing the Austin Half Marathon in February - Happy Valentine's Day to us!
But before Europe, I've got a trip to Galveston to spend some holiday time with my mom - and maybe actually relax a little bit pre-vacation! There is no rest for the weary here in Dallas, as we are all in a rush to get all of our 2010 Playtri business wrapped up, and get 2011 well on the way before I leave the country. Because, oh yeah, I'll be leaving to coach the Hawaii camp a week after we get home! It's a rough life, but somebody's got to do it : )
Happy Tuesday!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tis' the Season to be Si-ick
Yes... I edited the lyrics a little bit. But it's just so true.
Monday was a super productive day, but about half way through, I felt a little tickle in my throat. Never a good sign. By that night, the tickle was more like an itch, and by Tuesday morning, it was a full blown sore throat. So instead of infecting the entire Playtri staff, I stayed home from work (and the coaches dinner at Maggiano's - a real bummer), and did some work on the computer. "Some" is a very flexible word, though - in this case it really means "very little," because I spent most of the day sleeping, drinking hot beverages, and eating comfort food. It actually would have been a completely awesome day... if I hadn't felt like crap. I went back to work on Wednesday, but I'm still not fully recovered, which means no training - ARRRGH! Because I obviously wasn't doing enough of THAT already. Very frustrating, but it's good that I've learned when to suck it up and keep going, and when to suck it up and take a break. Hard, but good.
Last night Ken and I went to Giuseppe's for dinner - I hadn't seen him all week, thanks to UNT finals, so it was good to have some quality time together. The wine and pasta was nice, too. Granted, it all would have been nicer if I could have gone 10 minutes without desperately needing to blow my nose, but I'll still take it. It was a nice break from work and laying around feeling sick, which is basically what the rest of the week has been.
It's hard to believe that it's already Friday, but it IS, so I am going to celebrate with Christmas movies and good food. And good wine. And Theraflu. Naturally. Oh, and with Ken, once his study group is finished. I'll be glad when finals are over : )
In other news... I'm moving to Dallas! Ok, not tomorrow or anything, but possibly in January if I find the right place. I've been putting it off, but it's time - I'm spending way too much time and gas commuting, and rental prices are actually pretty good right now in the Uptown/White Rock neighborhoods. It will be fun to be someplace new after living in Denton for SEVEN YEARS. I still can't believe it's been that long. So it's time for a change. It kind of sucks that I'll be moving away from Ken, but I think he'll be moving when his lease is up, too, so I might as well go now while the prices are good. And they really are pretty great.
Anyways, this has been a very rambly post... I'll try to be more focused in the next one.
Happy weekend everyone!
Monday was a super productive day, but about half way through, I felt a little tickle in my throat. Never a good sign. By that night, the tickle was more like an itch, and by Tuesday morning, it was a full blown sore throat. So instead of infecting the entire Playtri staff, I stayed home from work (and the coaches dinner at Maggiano's - a real bummer), and did some work on the computer. "Some" is a very flexible word, though - in this case it really means "very little," because I spent most of the day sleeping, drinking hot beverages, and eating comfort food. It actually would have been a completely awesome day... if I hadn't felt like crap. I went back to work on Wednesday, but I'm still not fully recovered, which means no training - ARRRGH! Because I obviously wasn't doing enough of THAT already. Very frustrating, but it's good that I've learned when to suck it up and keep going, and when to suck it up and take a break. Hard, but good.
Last night Ken and I went to Giuseppe's for dinner - I hadn't seen him all week, thanks to UNT finals, so it was good to have some quality time together. The wine and pasta was nice, too. Granted, it all would have been nicer if I could have gone 10 minutes without desperately needing to blow my nose, but I'll still take it. It was a nice break from work and laying around feeling sick, which is basically what the rest of the week has been.
It's hard to believe that it's already Friday, but it IS, so I am going to celebrate with Christmas movies and good food. And good wine. And Theraflu. Naturally. Oh, and with Ken, once his study group is finished. I'll be glad when finals are over : )
In other news... I'm moving to Dallas! Ok, not tomorrow or anything, but possibly in January if I find the right place. I've been putting it off, but it's time - I'm spending way too much time and gas commuting, and rental prices are actually pretty good right now in the Uptown/White Rock neighborhoods. It will be fun to be someplace new after living in Denton for SEVEN YEARS. I still can't believe it's been that long. So it's time for a change. It kind of sucks that I'll be moving away from Ken, but I think he'll be moving when his lease is up, too, so I might as well go now while the prices are good. And they really are pretty great.
Anyways, this has been a very rambly post... I'll try to be more focused in the next one.
Happy weekend everyone!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Bike? What's a Bike?
...Clearly I've forgotten, because there is no other way that my bike heart rate test this morning could have been THAT painful. I mean ouch. It was ugly. And heart rate tests are never exactly pretty to begin with, so you get the picture. And I might as well have forgotten what a bike is for all the riding I've been doing lately. Tex has been sadly neglected, and he is getting lonely. I'm worried he is going to run off with another triathlete.
But despite my hour of hurt this morning, the past few days have been pretty nice. Friday night Ken and I did the Denton Reindeer Romp at South Lakes Park - a 4.2 mile run. I averaged about an 8 minute mile according to the times, but we're fairly certain the course was long. Anyways, we both took second in our respective age groups, and afterwards we hit Rooster's for some barbeque, followed by some "framboise biere" (pink but delicious!) back at my place. ...aaaand then we passed out. Saturday I ran some errands, and then that night we had an event for Ken's public administration program - it was at the Addison Town Hall (very cool old building), and they had free food, live music, and an open bar (which later on in the evening proved to be not such a good thing... but more on that later). I got to meet some of Ken's school friends, which was fun - they were all very nice people. We went to Sherlocks after the event was winding down, but didn't stay too long. On the way home, the combined alcohol from the evening turned on me and we had to make a brief, um, pit stop in Lewisville. And the hangover the next morning wasn't too pleasant either. But, well... it happens. It just has to stop happening once we get back from Europe in January. I think I can, I think I can...
I'm not an alcoholic, I promise. I'm not even a big drinker. And I'm a total lightweight.
Anyways, Sunday was a very relaxing day - Ken and I took Jake to the dog park, and had brunch at Le Peep. Then I took about a 3 hour nap before taking care of a bunch of chores that had been piling up, especially since my disposal was broken up until Wednesday. The kitchen was a mess - that was probably the least pleasant thing I had to deal with. But everything looks lovely now, and I got fresh flowers for the rooms, too.
Tonight I'll be coaching my UNT'ers, and tomorrow evening is the Playtri coaches dinner at Maggiano's! Woooohoo! And I set the dinner info, so I know we'll be eating well. The only bummer is that Ken has class, but it was the only night that all of the coaches could be there, so I took one for the team. I'll bring home some leftovers.
Tomorrow is another early morning, with my run heart rate test at 7:30. It's going to be an early night tonight...
But despite my hour of hurt this morning, the past few days have been pretty nice. Friday night Ken and I did the Denton Reindeer Romp at South Lakes Park - a 4.2 mile run. I averaged about an 8 minute mile according to the times, but we're fairly certain the course was long. Anyways, we both took second in our respective age groups, and afterwards we hit Rooster's for some barbeque, followed by some "framboise biere" (pink but delicious!) back at my place. ...aaaand then we passed out. Saturday I ran some errands, and then that night we had an event for Ken's public administration program - it was at the Addison Town Hall (very cool old building), and they had free food, live music, and an open bar (which later on in the evening proved to be not such a good thing... but more on that later). I got to meet some of Ken's school friends, which was fun - they were all very nice people. We went to Sherlocks after the event was winding down, but didn't stay too long. On the way home, the combined alcohol from the evening turned on me and we had to make a brief, um, pit stop in Lewisville. And the hangover the next morning wasn't too pleasant either. But, well... it happens. It just has to stop happening once we get back from Europe in January. I think I can, I think I can...
I'm not an alcoholic, I promise. I'm not even a big drinker. And I'm a total lightweight.
Anyways, Sunday was a very relaxing day - Ken and I took Jake to the dog park, and had brunch at Le Peep. Then I took about a 3 hour nap before taking care of a bunch of chores that had been piling up, especially since my disposal was broken up until Wednesday. The kitchen was a mess - that was probably the least pleasant thing I had to deal with. But everything looks lovely now, and I got fresh flowers for the rooms, too.
Tonight I'll be coaching my UNT'ers, and tomorrow evening is the Playtri coaches dinner at Maggiano's! Woooohoo! And I set the dinner info, so I know we'll be eating well. The only bummer is that Ken has class, but it was the only night that all of the coaches could be there, so I took one for the team. I'll bring home some leftovers.
Tomorrow is another early morning, with my run heart rate test at 7:30. It's going to be an early night tonight...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thanksgiving Hangover
Ok, so I may never eat again. Either that, or I am ready to begin my winter hibernation. I think I gained about 10 pounds in saturated fats and alcohol this weekend - who knew I would drink exponentially more with my family than I would as a young adult in Dallas?
Oh, yeah, and my training went absolutely to hell last week.
Aaron told me a few weeks ago to get all of my screwing around out of the way now, because the serious training for Worlds starts in January. So in case you've been wondering why my training blog for a world championship looks more like a bad example of a Biggest Loser contestant, there's your answer. Trust me, I know things have been, well, kind of a joke the last couple of months. My thought is that if I can become so mentally exhausted of laziness and poor eating habits that I just can't stand either one of them by the time the new year rolls around, I'll be in a great position to start what Coach Jeanne has affectionately referred to as "the nun plan" in January. Granted, I'll be ever so slightly behind physically, but for me, the correct state of mind is crucial for good training, so I'll take a setback early on, rather than burnout three months before the big race.
So anyways, Ken and I spent the last 4 or 5 days in Austin with the fam, eating and drinking way too much, and not really working out enough. We slept in, watched bad TV, napped with Lester the cat, and finished planning our trip to Europe (when we weren't surrounded by family and food). It was a completely lazy and wonderful vacation and I loved every second of it. Our evenings were on a set itinerary - Thursday was Thanksgiving Dinner, Friday was Cheese Fest (classier than it sounds), Saturday was Trattoria Lisina at the Mandola winery, and Sunday was Chili and Movies Night. We had free, delicious food and expensive wine every night we were there - though by Sunday, I had about had it with the eating and drinking, and all I really wanted was a giant bottle of Tums. Ken and I spent one night just laying around and listening to the interesting sounds our stomachs were making. But it was still a great time, and so relaxing.
We drove back yesterday, and I spent last night catching up on work and putting up my small (but still real!) Christmas tree in the living room, and forcing Chuck to pose for pictures in his Santa costume. (He is sooo glad I'm home...). We stopped at the Collin Street Bakery for fruit cake on the way, so of course in addition to my already substantial over-eating from last week, I have a heavy chunk of candied fruit, butter, nuts and eggs to eat my way through as well. But I'm not complaining. And then Thursday is the Denton Wassail Fest... I love the holidays.
Now I just need to work off last week's over-indulgence in time for the weekend...
Oh, yeah, and my training went absolutely to hell last week.
Aaron told me a few weeks ago to get all of my screwing around out of the way now, because the serious training for Worlds starts in January. So in case you've been wondering why my training blog for a world championship looks more like a bad example of a Biggest Loser contestant, there's your answer. Trust me, I know things have been, well, kind of a joke the last couple of months. My thought is that if I can become so mentally exhausted of laziness and poor eating habits that I just can't stand either one of them by the time the new year rolls around, I'll be in a great position to start what Coach Jeanne has affectionately referred to as "the nun plan" in January. Granted, I'll be ever so slightly behind physically, but for me, the correct state of mind is crucial for good training, so I'll take a setback early on, rather than burnout three months before the big race.
So anyways, Ken and I spent the last 4 or 5 days in Austin with the fam, eating and drinking way too much, and not really working out enough. We slept in, watched bad TV, napped with Lester the cat, and finished planning our trip to Europe (when we weren't surrounded by family and food). It was a completely lazy and wonderful vacation and I loved every second of it. Our evenings were on a set itinerary - Thursday was Thanksgiving Dinner, Friday was Cheese Fest (classier than it sounds), Saturday was Trattoria Lisina at the Mandola winery, and Sunday was Chili and Movies Night. We had free, delicious food and expensive wine every night we were there - though by Sunday, I had about had it with the eating and drinking, and all I really wanted was a giant bottle of Tums. Ken and I spent one night just laying around and listening to the interesting sounds our stomachs were making. But it was still a great time, and so relaxing.
We drove back yesterday, and I spent last night catching up on work and putting up my small (but still real!) Christmas tree in the living room, and forcing Chuck to pose for pictures in his Santa costume. (He is sooo glad I'm home...). We stopped at the Collin Street Bakery for fruit cake on the way, so of course in addition to my already substantial over-eating from last week, I have a heavy chunk of candied fruit, butter, nuts and eggs to eat my way through as well. But I'm not complaining. And then Thursday is the Denton Wassail Fest... I love the holidays.
Now I just need to work off last week's over-indulgence in time for the weekend...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Half Marathon by the Sea...
Mission accomplished! One half marathon in 2 hours on very little run training - aside from my feet screaming at me by the end, definitely a successful day. The weather in Galveston was really perfect on Saturday morning - 60's and 70's, no wind, blue skies, humidity but hey - it's Galveston so what do you expect? It was a beautiful day for a run, and after catching the very first shuttle to the start line (my mom does not like to take chances on missed start times - well, I can't blame her), we got to wake up while watching the sun come up over the Gulf. For a first time event, things were extremely well-organized, minus the lack of, um, "facilities" at the start and finish lines. That's going in my post-race survey for sure... But anyhow, aside from that oversight, everything went as smoothly as could possibly be expected. There were pace groups for the 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:15, etc. runners - I latched on with the 9:15'ers, hoping to hit the two hour mark. I can truthfully say that if it hadn't been for that pace group, there is no way I would have made it to the finish in two hours. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The first 4 miles of the race went by pretty easily. I got to know my pace leader, and was feeling very comfortable with the speed. The roads were nice and flat, and there was a surprisingly big turnout for the event (around 1500), so there was definitely a party atmosphere happening - aided by the live music at the aid stations. My first obstacle came around mile 4.5 when there was no more denying that I needed a port-o-potty stop (thank goodness they at least had them at the aid stations). I had to stop and wait to use the facility, and by the time I got in and out, my pace group was long gone. So I had to catch them. I didn't all out sprint, but I definitely picked up the pace until I at least had them in my sight. After about a mile, I was back with them, but I paid a price for that fast mile early on. By mile 6, my feet were starting to give me negative feedback - but nothing I couldn't handle. However, it got continually worse with each mile. By mile 8, each step was painful, and by mile 9, I had to revert to heel-striking - something I haven't had to do in about a year and a half. I felt it in my knees the next day, but my feet could no longer take the front-loaded impact that morning. So by mile 10.5 when we finally turned off of what by then seemed like the never-ending seawall, I was feeling pretty shot - definitely the worst I've ever felt at that point in a half marathon, including the XTERRA Trail Running Worlds and those who know me know that that's saying something. My cardio felt fine - I was barely breathing heavy, but my legs felt like lead. Now, my original plan was to save a finishing kick for the last mile and hopefully break 2 hours, but by the time we got there, I realized my finishing "kick" was going to have to be used to keep me on pace for two hours... oh well, the best laid plans.
In the end, the course was long, so my final time was something like 2:01:00, but according to all the Garmins around me, I finished my 13.1 in 2 hours, so I'll take it. There were stuffed BBQ baked potatoes and Bluebell ice cream at the finish, so I very magnanimously forgave the race it's shortcomings and proceeded to stuff my face. It was a very lady-like 20 minutes, I can tell you that.
After I refueled, I headed to the finish hoping to catch my mom coming through. I saw her trotting up about 10 minutes after I found a shaded spot to stretch out in the grass. She looked great! She had beat her goal time by over 20 minutes, and said she felt even better than she did the last time she did a half marathon. We took off as soon as she got some of the post-race eats, and headed home for showers and naps. Now that was a great nap.
The rest of the weekend in Galveston was a blast - getting to see family and friends, going out to eat, going to the movies, sleeping in every day - but it was also very nice to come home to Ken and Chuck this morning. I have today off from training, so later I'm headed to the dog park with Ken and Jake to watch Jake terrorize all of the other humans there, and probably try to undress me in public. ...Don't ask.
We leave for Austin Wednesday night, and then I can't believe that Thanksgiving (and the Austin Turkey Trot) are the next day!!! I am ready for a hard run, and then the delicious, all-you-can-eat, gourmet food-and-wine fest that is Thanksgiving with the Hawk/Walker/Johnson clan. And napping during the football games. And then more food. Oh I love holidays.
Until next time...
The first 4 miles of the race went by pretty easily. I got to know my pace leader, and was feeling very comfortable with the speed. The roads were nice and flat, and there was a surprisingly big turnout for the event (around 1500), so there was definitely a party atmosphere happening - aided by the live music at the aid stations. My first obstacle came around mile 4.5 when there was no more denying that I needed a port-o-potty stop (thank goodness they at least had them at the aid stations). I had to stop and wait to use the facility, and by the time I got in and out, my pace group was long gone. So I had to catch them. I didn't all out sprint, but I definitely picked up the pace until I at least had them in my sight. After about a mile, I was back with them, but I paid a price for that fast mile early on. By mile 6, my feet were starting to give me negative feedback - but nothing I couldn't handle. However, it got continually worse with each mile. By mile 8, each step was painful, and by mile 9, I had to revert to heel-striking - something I haven't had to do in about a year and a half. I felt it in my knees the next day, but my feet could no longer take the front-loaded impact that morning. So by mile 10.5 when we finally turned off of what by then seemed like the never-ending seawall, I was feeling pretty shot - definitely the worst I've ever felt at that point in a half marathon, including the XTERRA Trail Running Worlds and those who know me know that that's saying something. My cardio felt fine - I was barely breathing heavy, but my legs felt like lead. Now, my original plan was to save a finishing kick for the last mile and hopefully break 2 hours, but by the time we got there, I realized my finishing "kick" was going to have to be used to keep me on pace for two hours... oh well, the best laid plans.
In the end, the course was long, so my final time was something like 2:01:00, but according to all the Garmins around me, I finished my 13.1 in 2 hours, so I'll take it. There were stuffed BBQ baked potatoes and Bluebell ice cream at the finish, so I very magnanimously forgave the race it's shortcomings and proceeded to stuff my face. It was a very lady-like 20 minutes, I can tell you that.
After I refueled, I headed to the finish hoping to catch my mom coming through. I saw her trotting up about 10 minutes after I found a shaded spot to stretch out in the grass. She looked great! She had beat her goal time by over 20 minutes, and said she felt even better than she did the last time she did a half marathon. We took off as soon as she got some of the post-race eats, and headed home for showers and naps. Now that was a great nap.
The rest of the weekend in Galveston was a blast - getting to see family and friends, going out to eat, going to the movies, sleeping in every day - but it was also very nice to come home to Ken and Chuck this morning. I have today off from training, so later I'm headed to the dog park with Ken and Jake to watch Jake terrorize all of the other humans there, and probably try to undress me in public. ...Don't ask.
We leave for Austin Wednesday night, and then I can't believe that Thanksgiving (and the Austin Turkey Trot) are the next day!!! I am ready for a hard run, and then the delicious, all-you-can-eat, gourmet food-and-wine fest that is Thanksgiving with the Hawk/Walker/Johnson clan. And napping during the football games. And then more food. Oh I love holidays.
Until next time...
Monday, November 15, 2010
Oh Yeah... I'm Doing a Half Marathon This Weekend...
Most people don't exactly forget when they have a half marathon coming up... the same could not be said for me as it really just occurred to me last week that I would be doing one on the 20th. This Saturday. The really fun part is, the most I've run at one time in the last, mmmm... 6 months or so, is probably about 6.5 miles. Yeah... This should be interesting.
This will be my mom's second half marathon, and my... yeah right, like I remember what number this is. And really, timing-wise it's perfect because I'm right at the beginning of my base training for Worlds, and this will be the Winter of the Half Marathon (as I have named it in my head), where I will do, it seems like, at least one a month in order to build the strength I need as a foundation for the speed work I'll be doing come next summer. As aforementioned, my only (mild) concern is that I haven't been doing the "traditional" half marathon training by any stretch of the imagination. Of course, I can't be too worried - this won't be the first time my Playtri coach has put me in a half marathon with only a fraction of the running time that most folks would consider an appropriate amount of training for the event. At the Seabrook Lucky Trail Half last March, I hadn't even run a full hour in the three months before the event, and I crossed the finish with a smile on my face, and was recovered within two days of the event. I have to say, I do love a coaching system that allows me to be a fabulous runner without actually... well... running. Obviously I do run, just not as much as one might think. When I think about it, I've actually run more in preparation for this half than the last one (not counting the one at the end of the Lonestar 70.3). So I should be feeling pretty comfortable about this weekend.
But onto blogging about things that have already happened - Ken and I relayed the Bronda's Du yesterday morning at the Texas Motor Speedway, and it was a blast. Granted that it was freezing outside and it took Ken 20 minutes to wake me up and make me realize that, oh yeah, we had a race that morning. We'd spent the previous evening in Fort Worth with Aaron P. at the Flying Saucer, with me trying quite a few selections from the menu, then sobering up with black coffee at Barnes and Noble down the road before we headed home. We got to bed around midnight, and had the alarm set for 6:00 the next morning. Yeah... so obviously that was going to be a challenge. But we got there just in time, only to realize that I had a flat tire, which I quickly changed, then realized it was completely impossible for me to put the wheel back on the bike!! After much laughing, Ken stepped in and saved the day, and we got our packets (oh, yes, we missed packet pick-up the day before, which we all know Jack and Ester love) and got our transition set up, then we hung out in the cold for an hour waiting for things to get going. Ken had an incredibly fast first run leg, I was blown away when I saw him coming into transition right behind some of the fastest guys. What a stud! My bike was about what I expected it to be - 19 mph - considering I haven't been doing any speedwork recently, just hills and training pace rides. My hamstrings were shot afterwards, not having had a chance to warm up, but no after-effects today so all's well that ends well. The UNT Triathletes took first place in the collegiate team competition, making me an extremely proud coach, and all of my youth athletes, past and present, who competed did extremely well. It was so fun seeing all of them in one place, and having Ken get to see that part of my life (after all, it's a pretty big part).
Post-race we hit Le Peep for breakfast - belgian waffles for me, omelet for Ken - and then it was nap-time, chore-time, work-time... the usual Sunday.
Scheduled training is pretty sparse this week, since the half will constitute a lot of my workload. I'll be taking it pretty easy. I leave for Galveston on Thursday night, and will return Monday morning. But I'm sure there will be more updates before then...
This will be my mom's second half marathon, and my... yeah right, like I remember what number this is. And really, timing-wise it's perfect because I'm right at the beginning of my base training for Worlds, and this will be the Winter of the Half Marathon (as I have named it in my head), where I will do, it seems like, at least one a month in order to build the strength I need as a foundation for the speed work I'll be doing come next summer. As aforementioned, my only (mild) concern is that I haven't been doing the "traditional" half marathon training by any stretch of the imagination. Of course, I can't be too worried - this won't be the first time my Playtri coach has put me in a half marathon with only a fraction of the running time that most folks would consider an appropriate amount of training for the event. At the Seabrook Lucky Trail Half last March, I hadn't even run a full hour in the three months before the event, and I crossed the finish with a smile on my face, and was recovered within two days of the event. I have to say, I do love a coaching system that allows me to be a fabulous runner without actually... well... running. Obviously I do run, just not as much as one might think. When I think about it, I've actually run more in preparation for this half than the last one (not counting the one at the end of the Lonestar 70.3). So I should be feeling pretty comfortable about this weekend.
But onto blogging about things that have already happened - Ken and I relayed the Bronda's Du yesterday morning at the Texas Motor Speedway, and it was a blast. Granted that it was freezing outside and it took Ken 20 minutes to wake me up and make me realize that, oh yeah, we had a race that morning. We'd spent the previous evening in Fort Worth with Aaron P. at the Flying Saucer, with me trying quite a few selections from the menu, then sobering up with black coffee at Barnes and Noble down the road before we headed home. We got to bed around midnight, and had the alarm set for 6:00 the next morning. Yeah... so obviously that was going to be a challenge. But we got there just in time, only to realize that I had a flat tire, which I quickly changed, then realized it was completely impossible for me to put the wheel back on the bike!! After much laughing, Ken stepped in and saved the day, and we got our packets (oh, yes, we missed packet pick-up the day before, which we all know Jack and Ester love) and got our transition set up, then we hung out in the cold for an hour waiting for things to get going. Ken had an incredibly fast first run leg, I was blown away when I saw him coming into transition right behind some of the fastest guys. What a stud! My bike was about what I expected it to be - 19 mph - considering I haven't been doing any speedwork recently, just hills and training pace rides. My hamstrings were shot afterwards, not having had a chance to warm up, but no after-effects today so all's well that ends well. The UNT Triathletes took first place in the collegiate team competition, making me an extremely proud coach, and all of my youth athletes, past and present, who competed did extremely well. It was so fun seeing all of them in one place, and having Ken get to see that part of my life (after all, it's a pretty big part).
Post-race we hit Le Peep for breakfast - belgian waffles for me, omelet for Ken - and then it was nap-time, chore-time, work-time... the usual Sunday.
Scheduled training is pretty sparse this week, since the half will constitute a lot of my workload. I'll be taking it pretty easy. I leave for Galveston on Thursday night, and will return Monday morning. But I'm sure there will be more updates before then...
Friday, November 12, 2010
I Think it's my Psoas...
I angered the triathlon gods this week by saying that my weights workout with Ahmed on Wednesday morning "wasn't really that hard." So now I am suffering from ridiculous soreness in the most awkward parts of my body - lower abdomen, inner thighs, and (almost) everything in between. The triathlon gods always get me for stuff like this.
So yesterday, when I burst out laughing over something Ken says at breakfast and then immediately want to die because it feels like some place behind my abs is on fire, I start wondering what it could be. I've had sore abs before, and I've had sore abductor muscles (not fun, but I can deal with it) - this, however, was a whole new level of pain I'd never felt before. And then I remembered the one (unfortunately) memorable time I had a masseuse who decided to work on my psoas muscles, and right away I knew - it was my psoas. Psoases? Psoasi? I'm really not sure about the plural here, but they're definitely there, and it definitely sucks. If it wasn't equally painful on both sides, I'd be worried I had appendicitis. I'm blaming it (and, I think, rightfully so) on the new "suspension trainer" Ahmed recently installed in the Playtri gym, making it look not a little bit like a medieval torture chamber (well, maybe just to me, and I am biased at the moment).
For those of you wondering, the psoas muscles (psoas major - the psoas minor, interestingly enough, is only found in less than half of the human population) is a part of the hip flexor group (curse those knee abductions on that cursed suspension trainer!), and connects to the iliac muscle to create the iliopsoas (still there? or have you zoned out by now?). The muscles actually start behind the abdominal muscle on either side of the belly button (approximately), meaning it can cause what feels like abdominal pain or soreness. When it is heavily massaged, it can make you want to puke (that's my own scientific addition - from some personal research I've done).
I've never had a sore psoas before - it is acutely uncomfortable. Laughing is particularly painful, as is straightening my legs. And having Ken jab at my stomach saying "so is this where your psoas is??" An unforeseen consequence!
But enough about my psoas-es.
It's friday, thank God, and the weekend is almost here! I'll be spending all day at work today proof-reading the BRAND NEW Playtri website and making sure it is in top shape before we announce it to the world. It is going to be super sweet - you can actually view it now, but I'd go ahead and wait until we finish with our edits. I'm taking a break to run before lunch (I missed my run yesterday - whoops), and then after work I'm going to go kick Ken's butt at the bowling alley. He maintains that he'll win because as a triathlete I have no coordination, but then, he's a runner - and that isn't any better. So it's on. We'll probably both get our butts handed to us by his classmates who are unencumbered with endurance athlete status, and the resulting lack of grace and coordination.
Then, on Sunday, it's the Brondas Duathlon, where we will smash the relay competition to a messy pulp. Because we're awesome.
See you all on Sunday! (Unless you're doing Clearwater - in which case, GOOD LUCK!)
So yesterday, when I burst out laughing over something Ken says at breakfast and then immediately want to die because it feels like some place behind my abs is on fire, I start wondering what it could be. I've had sore abs before, and I've had sore abductor muscles (not fun, but I can deal with it) - this, however, was a whole new level of pain I'd never felt before. And then I remembered the one (unfortunately) memorable time I had a masseuse who decided to work on my psoas muscles, and right away I knew - it was my psoas. Psoases? Psoasi? I'm really not sure about the plural here, but they're definitely there, and it definitely sucks. If it wasn't equally painful on both sides, I'd be worried I had appendicitis. I'm blaming it (and, I think, rightfully so) on the new "suspension trainer" Ahmed recently installed in the Playtri gym, making it look not a little bit like a medieval torture chamber (well, maybe just to me, and I am biased at the moment).
For those of you wondering, the psoas muscles (psoas major - the psoas minor, interestingly enough, is only found in less than half of the human population) is a part of the hip flexor group (curse those knee abductions on that cursed suspension trainer!), and connects to the iliac muscle to create the iliopsoas (still there? or have you zoned out by now?). The muscles actually start behind the abdominal muscle on either side of the belly button (approximately), meaning it can cause what feels like abdominal pain or soreness. When it is heavily massaged, it can make you want to puke (that's my own scientific addition - from some personal research I've done).
I've never had a sore psoas before - it is acutely uncomfortable. Laughing is particularly painful, as is straightening my legs. And having Ken jab at my stomach saying "so is this where your psoas is??" An unforeseen consequence!
But enough about my psoas-es.
It's friday, thank God, and the weekend is almost here! I'll be spending all day at work today proof-reading the BRAND NEW Playtri website and making sure it is in top shape before we announce it to the world. It is going to be super sweet - you can actually view it now, but I'd go ahead and wait until we finish with our edits. I'm taking a break to run before lunch (I missed my run yesterday - whoops), and then after work I'm going to go kick Ken's butt at the bowling alley. He maintains that he'll win because as a triathlete I have no coordination, but then, he's a runner - and that isn't any better. So it's on. We'll probably both get our butts handed to us by his classmates who are unencumbered with endurance athlete status, and the resulting lack of grace and coordination.
Then, on Sunday, it's the Brondas Duathlon, where we will smash the relay competition to a messy pulp. Because we're awesome.
See you all on Sunday! (Unless you're doing Clearwater - in which case, GOOD LUCK!)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A One-Man Tent Built for Two...
So the tent wasn't actually built for two... it was definitely built for one. But we still fit!
Ken and Jake and I went camping this past weekend (Ken was amazed I hadn't already blogged about it by Sunday night) at the Chickasaw National Park in Oklahoma (Ken's choice - it was beautiful). We've been talking about going camping pretty much ever since we met, but this was the first weekend we didn't have anything else going on - not to mention that the weather was absolutely perfect.
I told Aaron about the trip ahead of time so we worked it out where I had short running workouts on Saturday and Sunday so I could get them in before/after the trip. We left after my run and a quick Wal-Mart trip (and Starbucks) on Saturday morning, and drove the two hours to Sulphur, Texas where the park is. If you've never been to this park (I hadn't), you need to put it on your list of places to visit - it is incredible and the trails are very well maintained, and not crowded at all. We got a great camping spot right up against some woods, and after we set up the tent (with lots of help from Jake, until we shortened his leash), we hit the trails. It was a beautiful hike, and Jake was so ecstatic I think he about ripped Ken's arm off a few times. That part was more fun for me than for Ken. We saw some incredible views, and a few of the natural springs that Sulphur is (apparently) known for. And yes, they smell like sulphur. They looked much prettier than they smelled. Supposedly we were supposed to be able to see bison as well, but I guess they were in hiding. Still, it was a great hike - we stayed out for about 2 1/2 hours, then headed back to the campsite for dinner.
We actually gathered wood for our fire, and Ken built a great fire for us, and I cooked some cheeseburgers (again, Jake really wanted to help, but was denied that privilege - however, he did get his own burger). We sat by the fire (in the awesome REI chairs Ken got for us) as the sun went down and the stars came out, and listened to Bob Marley and Stevie Ray Vaughn and watched Jake slowly pass out from all the excitement and activity of the day. The only thing missing was the marshmallows - we won't forget those next time... and I considered stealing some from the boy scouts a few sites over but it just felt too wrong. Though I'm sure they had like 30 bags. Anyways. It was a completely relaxing evening, and by the time we were ready to hit the tent, I could have fallen asleep standing up. It was nice.
Things got a little chilly in the tent when I "Bogarted" (Ken's term) the sleeping bag we were sharing in the middle of the night, but Ken went out into the cold to get my sleeping bag so we could both zip up, and things were much better after that. We're still not positive if Jake got any sleep - I think he spent the whole night standing guard. He is surprisingly territorial.
In the morning I cooked breakfast over the fire (and the propane stove), which we enjoyed with ice cold cans of Coke since I forgot the Nalgene coffee maker (as Ken reminded me no less than 20 times during the course of the trip). Jake also got his first taste of bacon, and I think he's hooked. We hit the Sulphur McDonald's for coffee, and then headed to the other hiking trails. We did about a two hour hike on Sunday - it was in a much more open area than the previous day's hike, but there were some beautiful views. Jake was definitely a little worn out, which made life easier for Ken since he wasn't trying to drag him all over the place.
Then we headed home - Ken drove, Jake and I slept - until Ken woke me up for Dr. Pepper and gummi bears. It was basically heaven.
Sunday night was the Playtri coaches/coordinators dinner at Ahmed and Staci's house where we had mediterranean food and I tried to get Ken to get a Playtri tri top for the Bronda's Du on Sunday - he said he isn't wearing anything that tight unless he's swimming or cycling, and since we are relaying the race and he's doing the run, we went with a tech shirt and a visor. At least he's still representing!
Last night I bought my plane ticket for Germany... so that trip is really happening! Now we get to plan our itinerary and hotels and everything else. We're going to be in Garmisch, Germany for Christmas, and I am so excited. This trip is going to be such a great adventure.
Now I just have to get through work today, then I have a bike ride and UNT's swim practice.
Until next time...
Ken and Jake and I went camping this past weekend (Ken was amazed I hadn't already blogged about it by Sunday night) at the Chickasaw National Park in Oklahoma (Ken's choice - it was beautiful). We've been talking about going camping pretty much ever since we met, but this was the first weekend we didn't have anything else going on - not to mention that the weather was absolutely perfect.
I told Aaron about the trip ahead of time so we worked it out where I had short running workouts on Saturday and Sunday so I could get them in before/after the trip. We left after my run and a quick Wal-Mart trip (and Starbucks) on Saturday morning, and drove the two hours to Sulphur, Texas where the park is. If you've never been to this park (I hadn't), you need to put it on your list of places to visit - it is incredible and the trails are very well maintained, and not crowded at all. We got a great camping spot right up against some woods, and after we set up the tent (with lots of help from Jake, until we shortened his leash), we hit the trails. It was a beautiful hike, and Jake was so ecstatic I think he about ripped Ken's arm off a few times. That part was more fun for me than for Ken. We saw some incredible views, and a few of the natural springs that Sulphur is (apparently) known for. And yes, they smell like sulphur. They looked much prettier than they smelled. Supposedly we were supposed to be able to see bison as well, but I guess they were in hiding. Still, it was a great hike - we stayed out for about 2 1/2 hours, then headed back to the campsite for dinner.
We actually gathered wood for our fire, and Ken built a great fire for us, and I cooked some cheeseburgers (again, Jake really wanted to help, but was denied that privilege - however, he did get his own burger). We sat by the fire (in the awesome REI chairs Ken got for us) as the sun went down and the stars came out, and listened to Bob Marley and Stevie Ray Vaughn and watched Jake slowly pass out from all the excitement and activity of the day. The only thing missing was the marshmallows - we won't forget those next time... and I considered stealing some from the boy scouts a few sites over but it just felt too wrong. Though I'm sure they had like 30 bags. Anyways. It was a completely relaxing evening, and by the time we were ready to hit the tent, I could have fallen asleep standing up. It was nice.
Things got a little chilly in the tent when I "Bogarted" (Ken's term) the sleeping bag we were sharing in the middle of the night, but Ken went out into the cold to get my sleeping bag so we could both zip up, and things were much better after that. We're still not positive if Jake got any sleep - I think he spent the whole night standing guard. He is surprisingly territorial.
In the morning I cooked breakfast over the fire (and the propane stove), which we enjoyed with ice cold cans of Coke since I forgot the Nalgene coffee maker (as Ken reminded me no less than 20 times during the course of the trip). Jake also got his first taste of bacon, and I think he's hooked. We hit the Sulphur McDonald's for coffee, and then headed to the other hiking trails. We did about a two hour hike on Sunday - it was in a much more open area than the previous day's hike, but there were some beautiful views. Jake was definitely a little worn out, which made life easier for Ken since he wasn't trying to drag him all over the place.
Then we headed home - Ken drove, Jake and I slept - until Ken woke me up for Dr. Pepper and gummi bears. It was basically heaven.
Sunday night was the Playtri coaches/coordinators dinner at Ahmed and Staci's house where we had mediterranean food and I tried to get Ken to get a Playtri tri top for the Bronda's Du on Sunday - he said he isn't wearing anything that tight unless he's swimming or cycling, and since we are relaying the race and he's doing the run, we went with a tech shirt and a visor. At least he's still representing!
Last night I bought my plane ticket for Germany... so that trip is really happening! Now we get to plan our itinerary and hotels and everything else. We're going to be in Garmisch, Germany for Christmas, and I am so excited. This trip is going to be such a great adventure.
Now I just have to get through work today, then I have a bike ride and UNT's swim practice.
Until next time...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ouch
Ouch indeed. This triathlete did weights this week for the first time in 3 months, and now, two days later, everything hurts. Emphasis on everything. This is where it actually starts to get hard - it's not really hard when you just have to make time to do everything. That's just an issue of motivation. This is actually an issue of pain tolerance - as in, how much of it do I have? Do I have enough to go run an hour's worth of hill repeats when my whole body feels like somebody pounded it with a meat tendurizing mallet like I was a piece of steak? When it hurts to laugh/sit/stretch/stand/bend/walk/breath? I wish I was exaggerating, but there's something about doing weights that gets me more than any other workout. It just destroys me for some reason.
So really at this point I'm wondering if this is discipline, or just plan masochism. I mean, who really thinks to themselves "Yeah, my body is completely battered right now, so I think I'll go run up a hill repeatedly,"? I know as triathletes, we all have to deal with this question at some point, because it always gets to a point where we need to do something downright painful to reach our goals, and any sane person has to question that. (Not that I'm labeling anyone here - I know most of us don't really fall into the "sane" category). I mean, why? Just... why? And why is it that after I finish running tonight (as I inevitably will), and I'm feeling even more beat up, and even more tired, that I will feel so darned pleased with myself?
Is this some weird American thing?
I've asked myself lots of times why I really like doing triathlons - I mean, in the end they almost all become massive pain fests where I push myself to the limit for a little piece of medal on a ribbon that might not even make it to the wall. More likely, it gets lost at the bottom of a transition bag. I even spend money to work with a sports psychologist form the OTC who can make me push through the pain even more. And I'm still not sure why.
Anyways, I don't have any answers for you today. Ha! And you were probably expecting some philosophical explanation about how we use pain metaphorically to overcome emotional insecurities... no. I have no idea why I still think this is so wonderful. If I have any insights, I'll let you know. Until then, it's time to finish up at work, then take my tired body out for an uphill run in the rain.
And then, at least, I get to see Ken. Massage? I'm thinking yes.
So really at this point I'm wondering if this is discipline, or just plan masochism. I mean, who really thinks to themselves "Yeah, my body is completely battered right now, so I think I'll go run up a hill repeatedly,"? I know as triathletes, we all have to deal with this question at some point, because it always gets to a point where we need to do something downright painful to reach our goals, and any sane person has to question that. (Not that I'm labeling anyone here - I know most of us don't really fall into the "sane" category). I mean, why? Just... why? And why is it that after I finish running tonight (as I inevitably will), and I'm feeling even more beat up, and even more tired, that I will feel so darned pleased with myself?
Is this some weird American thing?
I've asked myself lots of times why I really like doing triathlons - I mean, in the end they almost all become massive pain fests where I push myself to the limit for a little piece of medal on a ribbon that might not even make it to the wall. More likely, it gets lost at the bottom of a transition bag. I even spend money to work with a sports psychologist form the OTC who can make me push through the pain even more. And I'm still not sure why.
Anyways, I don't have any answers for you today. Ha! And you were probably expecting some philosophical explanation about how we use pain metaphorically to overcome emotional insecurities... no. I have no idea why I still think this is so wonderful. If I have any insights, I'll let you know. Until then, it's time to finish up at work, then take my tired body out for an uphill run in the rain.
And then, at least, I get to see Ken. Massage? I'm thinking yes.
Monday, November 1, 2010
November Already?
How is it already November? I feel like August just happened, and now Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Not that I'm not excited, but time is moving so fast! As it does, when you're having fun : )
Training went so well last week - some of my swims got cut short, but otherwise I did everything religiously, and even logged my nutrition for a day! Pretty amazing. Aaron has me riding up lots of hills on my bike, and this week we start doing weights again - yay! I'm ready to get my six pack and my triceps back, thanks very much. I'll do weights on my own this week to prepare for doing them with Ahmed (eek) next week. Time to get on the pain train. I'm starting to feel a little more confident about Worlds - back in September, I thought, you know, I'll just go to say that I've been and to visit China, but now, well, who knows? I've honestly been doing better with my training than I expected to, and if my body can handle the recovery aspect then maybe I'll see some big results by next year... How absolutely amazing would it be to podium at a world championship? I hardly even want to think about it because I don't want to jinx anything! But let's just say that I'm going to set my sights high.
I've also been having a lot of fun with my new training partner (Ken) over the weekend - we went to the movies, the DMA, a new Dallas restaurant (funny story there but you'll have to ask me in person - it isn't for general consumption), and to Le Peep on Sunday morning (which I think is now officially our Sunday breakfast spot because, well, it's awesome and they serve breakfast late). Tomorrow we're getting together to plan our Europe trip - I'm so excited. I've already bought a new coat and everything. (For the trip, not for tomorrow night). It's going to be an amazing adventure. This weekend, we're going camping (Jake is coming along, too) somewhere TBD in Oklahoma (Ken's responsible for figuring that out - I'm just providing the transportation). Then Sunday night is the Playtri coaches end-of-year get-together at Ahmed and Staci's house.
For those of you who haven't gotten to meet him yet... make sure you come to the Bronda's Du on November 14 because we'll be there doing our first race together! We're going to relay - he's doing the runs and I'm doing the bike. He thinks he's going to carry our team, but obviously he is sadly mistaken. I don't want to crush his spirit beforehand, though.
Tonight, I have to squeeze in a bike ride before a) the sun goes down and b) I have to coach the UNT guys and girls. Really, it all depends on the rush hour traffic. Which isn't really something you can depend on, per se, so I guess we'll just have to see what happens. Hopefully the traffic gods will smile on me. (This has not proved to be the case in the past, however, so everyone please keep your fingers crossed that I actually get to train today). Either way, it's going to be a loooong day. I'll be getting done just in time to go to bed - which is just fine with Chuck because all he sees me as is a giant, food-dispensing pillow anyways. Cats have it so good.
Adios, amigos
Training went so well last week - some of my swims got cut short, but otherwise I did everything religiously, and even logged my nutrition for a day! Pretty amazing. Aaron has me riding up lots of hills on my bike, and this week we start doing weights again - yay! I'm ready to get my six pack and my triceps back, thanks very much. I'll do weights on my own this week to prepare for doing them with Ahmed (eek) next week. Time to get on the pain train. I'm starting to feel a little more confident about Worlds - back in September, I thought, you know, I'll just go to say that I've been and to visit China, but now, well, who knows? I've honestly been doing better with my training than I expected to, and if my body can handle the recovery aspect then maybe I'll see some big results by next year... How absolutely amazing would it be to podium at a world championship? I hardly even want to think about it because I don't want to jinx anything! But let's just say that I'm going to set my sights high.
I've also been having a lot of fun with my new training partner (Ken) over the weekend - we went to the movies, the DMA, a new Dallas restaurant (funny story there but you'll have to ask me in person - it isn't for general consumption), and to Le Peep on Sunday morning (which I think is now officially our Sunday breakfast spot because, well, it's awesome and they serve breakfast late). Tomorrow we're getting together to plan our Europe trip - I'm so excited. I've already bought a new coat and everything. (For the trip, not for tomorrow night). It's going to be an amazing adventure. This weekend, we're going camping (Jake is coming along, too) somewhere TBD in Oklahoma (Ken's responsible for figuring that out - I'm just providing the transportation). Then Sunday night is the Playtri coaches end-of-year get-together at Ahmed and Staci's house.
For those of you who haven't gotten to meet him yet... make sure you come to the Bronda's Du on November 14 because we'll be there doing our first race together! We're going to relay - he's doing the runs and I'm doing the bike. He thinks he's going to carry our team, but obviously he is sadly mistaken. I don't want to crush his spirit beforehand, though.
Tonight, I have to squeeze in a bike ride before a) the sun goes down and b) I have to coach the UNT guys and girls. Really, it all depends on the rush hour traffic. Which isn't really something you can depend on, per se, so I guess we'll just have to see what happens. Hopefully the traffic gods will smile on me. (This has not proved to be the case in the past, however, so everyone please keep your fingers crossed that I actually get to train today). Either way, it's going to be a loooong day. I'll be getting done just in time to go to bed - which is just fine with Chuck because all he sees me as is a giant, food-dispensing pillow anyways. Cats have it so good.
Adios, amigos
Thursday, October 28, 2010
I Didn't Want to Say Anything Until I was Sure...
...But I'm going to Europe!!!!
Because yes, I felt like my training schedule wasn't challenging enough already : )
Anyways, as of two days ago, the new boy and I officially decided to head to the old country over the holidays for some fun in the snow. We will be there for Christmas and New Years (we're thinking New Years in Paris), but of course will be back in plenty of time for me to participate in the last insane rush before the Hawaii camp at the end of January. We're going to use Frankfurt (Germany) as our arrival and departure spot, then buy unlimited train passes when we get there. Then we'll go on to France, Belgium, Italy and Austria before we spend the last week or so in Germany. I. Am. So. Excited. Because I hear snowshoeing can be good run training - right?
I haven't been to Europe in 4 years and I can't wait to go back - both of us have been before (Ken actually lived in Germany for 2 years while he was in the service), so we have a pretty good idea of where we want to go and what we want to do. Of course, he is way more familiar with all of it than I am, so I be getting a tour guide as well. (A cute one who actually likes Americans).
So now I'm putting all of my extra money into savings so I'll be ready come December.
...Except for the money I'll be spending when we go to the DMA this weekend : ) And when I pay Ahmed to destroy me in the gym. And when I buy a super cute new coat for the trip. And gloves and boots. What? It's going to be cold...
I wonder how they say good bye in German...
Because yes, I felt like my training schedule wasn't challenging enough already : )
Anyways, as of two days ago, the new boy and I officially decided to head to the old country over the holidays for some fun in the snow. We will be there for Christmas and New Years (we're thinking New Years in Paris), but of course will be back in plenty of time for me to participate in the last insane rush before the Hawaii camp at the end of January. We're going to use Frankfurt (Germany) as our arrival and departure spot, then buy unlimited train passes when we get there. Then we'll go on to France, Belgium, Italy and Austria before we spend the last week or so in Germany. I. Am. So. Excited. Because I hear snowshoeing can be good run training - right?
I haven't been to Europe in 4 years and I can't wait to go back - both of us have been before (Ken actually lived in Germany for 2 years while he was in the service), so we have a pretty good idea of where we want to go and what we want to do. Of course, he is way more familiar with all of it than I am, so I be getting a tour guide as well. (A cute one who actually likes Americans).
So now I'm putting all of my extra money into savings so I'll be ready come December.
...Except for the money I'll be spending when we go to the DMA this weekend : ) And when I pay Ahmed to destroy me in the gym. And when I buy a super cute new coat for the trip. And gloves and boots. What? It's going to be cold...
I wonder how they say good bye in German...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Time for a Clean Slate
Ok, so training-wise, last week was pretty much a wash. I think I trained a total of 5-6 hours, and only about half of what I did was actually one my training schedule. But the good news is that it's Monday, which means I get a fresh start - a whole new schedule that isn't messed up yet. And I'm going to get it started right by doing my hill workout on the bike today during my lunch time at work - definitely one of the perks of working about 1/4 mile from White Rock Lake! I've got Tex in the car ready to ride, and all my cycling gear, so I am ready to rock those hills before lunch.
Even though my training wasn't perfect this weekend, I still had a great time. As most of you know by now, I'm seeing a new guy (his name is Ken), and I got spend a good chunk (i.e. almost all) of the weekend with him. Friday we went out to the bar with some of his buddies, then on Saturday I went to coach and when I came back we took Jake (the golden retriever) for a long run in the rain, followed by lunch and a nap, and then Liz Raz's awesome Halloween/Costume/Birthday party that night! (See facebook for lots of embarrassing and some mildly inappropriate photos). Sunday morning we had a late breakfast, and took Jake to the dog park before I went home to actually be productive for a few hours. I have to be honest - it's a little hard to be truly disappointed in my lack of proper training when I'm having an absolute blast with this guy. But I am still determined to do much better this week.
So stay tuned to see whether or not I'm true to my word...
Even though my training wasn't perfect this weekend, I still had a great time. As most of you know by now, I'm seeing a new guy (his name is Ken), and I got spend a good chunk (i.e. almost all) of the weekend with him. Friday we went out to the bar with some of his buddies, then on Saturday I went to coach and when I came back we took Jake (the golden retriever) for a long run in the rain, followed by lunch and a nap, and then Liz Raz's awesome Halloween/Costume/Birthday party that night! (See facebook for lots of embarrassing and some mildly inappropriate photos). Sunday morning we had a late breakfast, and took Jake to the dog park before I went home to actually be productive for a few hours. I have to be honest - it's a little hard to be truly disappointed in my lack of proper training when I'm having an absolute blast with this guy. But I am still determined to do much better this week.
So stay tuned to see whether or not I'm true to my word...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Life = Awesome. Training = Fail.
Alright, so here it is, my first week of serious backsliding. That didn't take long! I guess two good, solid weeks was success enough for the first round. Definitely better than I've done in a while. And it's not that I've lost my motivation... just my free time. You see, a number of awesome things have happened in the past 7 days:
-Started working full time for Ahmed and Staci - no benefits, but the pay is great!
-Partnered with Jeanne to organize the DFW Triathlon Year End Celebration for last night.
-Started seeing a totally awesome guy who I kind of want to spend lots and lots of time with.
Wait... what? Yes, I met someone and he seems pretty wonderful, his name is Ken and he has a golden retriever named Jake, and that's all I'm saying here because otherwise he'll somehow end up reading this and I'll be totally embarrassed.
So anyways, between work, other Playtri duties, and spending time with Ken, training has suffered since this week started. It's been 5 days aaaand I've already missed 3 workouts. Really not so great. Not to mention my noble "no more alcohol" goal totally went out the window at the Year End Celebration last night after I had a three hour panic attack leading up to the party. Trust me, you would have had a cocktail too. Oh, and I've been to McDonald's about 5 times this week. I know. It's pretty pathetic. I'm going to a world championship and I'm training like a college student. WTF?
But, Monday will be a new week and I WILL get back on track. And tomorrow Ken and Jake are going to do my hour run with me, so there's no getting out of that one. I have a feeling that Jake is going to make me work for it. I'm supposed to swim today and tomorrow, too, so everyone keep your fingers crossed that that happens - especially today since I'm still hungover and exhausted after last night and all I want is dinner and a movie, and maybe some love from a spastic golden retriever. (Which, coincidentally, I will be getting later on... ha!).
I've spent most of today downing coffee and trying to stay awake enough to function at work - we're in the process of applying for a new certification from USAT that is going to take some work, but will definitely be worth it. We're still in the proposal process right now, but hopefully things will move quickly - that is, if the administrative assistant gets her 6th cup of coffee and starts writing.
: )
Later gators
-Started working full time for Ahmed and Staci - no benefits, but the pay is great!
-Partnered with Jeanne to organize the DFW Triathlon Year End Celebration for last night.
-Started seeing a totally awesome guy who I kind of want to spend lots and lots of time with.
Wait... what? Yes, I met someone and he seems pretty wonderful, his name is Ken and he has a golden retriever named Jake, and that's all I'm saying here because otherwise he'll somehow end up reading this and I'll be totally embarrassed.
So anyways, between work, other Playtri duties, and spending time with Ken, training has suffered since this week started. It's been 5 days aaaand I've already missed 3 workouts. Really not so great. Not to mention my noble "no more alcohol" goal totally went out the window at the Year End Celebration last night after I had a three hour panic attack leading up to the party. Trust me, you would have had a cocktail too. Oh, and I've been to McDonald's about 5 times this week. I know. It's pretty pathetic. I'm going to a world championship and I'm training like a college student. WTF?
But, Monday will be a new week and I WILL get back on track. And tomorrow Ken and Jake are going to do my hour run with me, so there's no getting out of that one. I have a feeling that Jake is going to make me work for it. I'm supposed to swim today and tomorrow, too, so everyone keep your fingers crossed that that happens - especially today since I'm still hungover and exhausted after last night and all I want is dinner and a movie, and maybe some love from a spastic golden retriever. (Which, coincidentally, I will be getting later on... ha!).
I've spent most of today downing coffee and trying to stay awake enough to function at work - we're in the process of applying for a new certification from USAT that is going to take some work, but will definitely be worth it. We're still in the proposal process right now, but hopefully things will move quickly - that is, if the administrative assistant gets her 6th cup of coffee and starts writing.
: )
Later gators
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Fun Weekend and a Spooky Morning!
I have to say, this has been a particularly great weekend. While I missed my bike ride on Saturday, I got all of my other workouts in, and had a fun race at the Monster Triathlon II in Denton this morning.
It all started with dinner and wine at Guiseppe's on Friday night with a new friend. Nice to relax after a long day with good food and good conversation. And I got my 1 hour swim in ahead of time! Productive and fun.
Yesterday, I coached the NT3 kids in the morning, then hit McDonald's to fuel for my run. Yes. Chicken McNuggets. Don't judge. The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday, very fall, very beautiful. During my run I almost ran head-first into the homecoming parade, so I had to take a detour and headed west down Panhandle to the sounds of the UNT marching band. My run felt solid - I did it in my VFF's. I'm trying to do all of my runs in them again, now that Nationals is over. I can definitely use the extra muscle. Soon enough I'll be hitting the weights quite a bit to try and improve my base strength for the speed I'll need come next summer and fall. I can't wait.
Last night I went to the UNT football game with some good friends. We left at halftime because, well, we were already losing epically, and anyways we were all starving. We hit Sweetwater for beer, friend pickles, and some really questionable seafood gumbo. Then we headed back to Regina and Matt's home to watch some late night TV. It was a fun night.
Then, this morning, I raced in the Monster Tri, with about half of my UNT athletes and one of my NT3 kiddos. Everyone had a good morning, and a good time. For me, every event was good, but not great. 1:45 100's in the swim, 19-ish average on the bike, 7:11 miles on the run. Just good - not great. I didn't podium, which is kind of unusual for me in local races. But at the same time, I was still happy because I know I raced smart and didn't overdo it, and still had some decent times. It was a good race to wrap my season up with, especially since all of my athletes also had good days. (Well, minus James almost drowning trying to swim in his Green Man costume). Gabby (my 11 year old NT3 girl) actually BEAT me in the run, with 6:56/mile average! She is smoking! I was so proud - of her, and all of my UNT athletes. And apparently, I had some fans who came to watch, but unfortunately we never saw each other - hopefully next time : ) This afternoon, well... you can find out what I was doing this afternoon if you come to the RBM/Playtri DFW Triathlon Year End Celebration this Thursday at Cantina Laredo on Dallas Parkway at 7:00 PM. Curious? Come find out!
I'm looking forward to getting my training schedule for next week - it's time to kick some more butt!
Happy training everybody!
It all started with dinner and wine at Guiseppe's on Friday night with a new friend. Nice to relax after a long day with good food and good conversation. And I got my 1 hour swim in ahead of time! Productive and fun.
Yesterday, I coached the NT3 kids in the morning, then hit McDonald's to fuel for my run. Yes. Chicken McNuggets. Don't judge. The weather was absolutely perfect yesterday, very fall, very beautiful. During my run I almost ran head-first into the homecoming parade, so I had to take a detour and headed west down Panhandle to the sounds of the UNT marching band. My run felt solid - I did it in my VFF's. I'm trying to do all of my runs in them again, now that Nationals is over. I can definitely use the extra muscle. Soon enough I'll be hitting the weights quite a bit to try and improve my base strength for the speed I'll need come next summer and fall. I can't wait.
Last night I went to the UNT football game with some good friends. We left at halftime because, well, we were already losing epically, and anyways we were all starving. We hit Sweetwater for beer, friend pickles, and some really questionable seafood gumbo. Then we headed back to Regina and Matt's home to watch some late night TV. It was a fun night.
Then, this morning, I raced in the Monster Tri, with about half of my UNT athletes and one of my NT3 kiddos. Everyone had a good morning, and a good time. For me, every event was good, but not great. 1:45 100's in the swim, 19-ish average on the bike, 7:11 miles on the run. Just good - not great. I didn't podium, which is kind of unusual for me in local races. But at the same time, I was still happy because I know I raced smart and didn't overdo it, and still had some decent times. It was a good race to wrap my season up with, especially since all of my athletes also had good days. (Well, minus James almost drowning trying to swim in his Green Man costume). Gabby (my 11 year old NT3 girl) actually BEAT me in the run, with 6:56/mile average! She is smoking! I was so proud - of her, and all of my UNT athletes. And apparently, I had some fans who came to watch, but unfortunately we never saw each other - hopefully next time : ) This afternoon, well... you can find out what I was doing this afternoon if you come to the RBM/Playtri DFW Triathlon Year End Celebration this Thursday at Cantina Laredo on Dallas Parkway at 7:00 PM. Curious? Come find out!
I'm looking forward to getting my training schedule for next week - it's time to kick some more butt!
Happy training everybody!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Lesson #2 - Alcohol is not my Friend
Ok. I know what you're thinking. I went to college - I should have learned this lesson already. But the thing is, college-age bodies handle things better than bodies in their mid-twenties. Surprisingly better, as I discovered after one too many trips to the open bar at my girlfriend's wedding (at which my ex-boyfriend was my date - yes, also not my best idea ever) this past Sunday. Fast forward to Monday morning when I wake up, queasy, slightly dizzy, and with a headache I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Yep that's right - I'm not sick. I'm hungover.
I don't even remember the last time I was hungover. And let me tell you, it does not go well with swimming. I put off my one hour swim all day, hoping against hope that the symptoms would fade and I would at least start to feel something resembling normal. But no such luck. So I make my way to the pool around 8:00 PM, imagining how it would feel for my queasy stomach to be bobbing up and down in the water, and really wishing I can rewind to the night before and leave that bottle of wine alone. I actually made it 30 minutes before I had to stop to avoid losing my dinner in the pool. Then I had to call Aaron and explain to him that we needed to modify my plan for the week because I was massively hungover. There is no way for that not to be an embarrassing conversation.
But we did revise, and otherwise, the week has been going really well. I did an hour run last night all around town, and the weather was so perfect and I explored some new streets I hadn't run on before, and got to listen to the Denton High School Band as they practiced for the upcoming football game. It was one of those evenings when I really love Denton. Of course, I did have to turn down an invitation to the Stars game to get the run in... but it was worth it. Nothing like a good, long run. Then a relaxing evening with Chuck, a book, and some laundry. I know. Sometimes I really sound like an old lady. Don't judge.
Ahmed and Staci are back from Kona (and they brought me back some 100% Kona coffee - yeeeeeeees), and I spent most of the work day today updating our website and working on training plans for Ahmed. I've got an hour swim tonight, and then... well, wouldn't you like to know.
But homecoming is tomorrow and the Monster Tri is on Sunday, so I am looking forward to a fun weekend. Life is good.
Au revoir, mis amis
I don't even remember the last time I was hungover. And let me tell you, it does not go well with swimming. I put off my one hour swim all day, hoping against hope that the symptoms would fade and I would at least start to feel something resembling normal. But no such luck. So I make my way to the pool around 8:00 PM, imagining how it would feel for my queasy stomach to be bobbing up and down in the water, and really wishing I can rewind to the night before and leave that bottle of wine alone. I actually made it 30 minutes before I had to stop to avoid losing my dinner in the pool. Then I had to call Aaron and explain to him that we needed to modify my plan for the week because I was massively hungover. There is no way for that not to be an embarrassing conversation.
But we did revise, and otherwise, the week has been going really well. I did an hour run last night all around town, and the weather was so perfect and I explored some new streets I hadn't run on before, and got to listen to the Denton High School Band as they practiced for the upcoming football game. It was one of those evenings when I really love Denton. Of course, I did have to turn down an invitation to the Stars game to get the run in... but it was worth it. Nothing like a good, long run. Then a relaxing evening with Chuck, a book, and some laundry. I know. Sometimes I really sound like an old lady. Don't judge.
Ahmed and Staci are back from Kona (and they brought me back some 100% Kona coffee - yeeeeeeees), and I spent most of the work day today updating our website and working on training plans for Ahmed. I've got an hour swim tonight, and then... well, wouldn't you like to know.
But homecoming is tomorrow and the Monster Tri is on Sunday, so I am looking forward to a fun weekend. Life is good.
Au revoir, mis amis
Monday, October 11, 2010
Success!
Last week, I did not miss a single workout. NOT ONE. This is serious business. The old Morgan is back!
Now if I can just make it through this weekend without missing any workouts, it will be time to celebrate! And by celebrate I mean continue to work out consistently, eat healthy, and get lots of sleep. Yes.
Today I have a one hour swim - I think I am officially going to have to give up on the Masters swim program as I think that I'm just not going to be able to do the 5:00 AM thing. I mean that is early. And anyways I seem to be pushing myself just fine in swim workouts these days, so no real loss. I'm almost enjoying swimming... which I didn't even think was possible. At least, not when I was doing it in a pool anyways. I can't wait to show off my mad underwater skills next September. Watch out Bejing!
I had two weddings to attend this weekend - one on Saturday and one on Sunday. I'm still amazed that I got in all of my workouts on both of those days. Especially since I think I had some questionable cheesecake on Saturday night, and I woke up feeling less than my best on Sunday... And I'm definitely feeling less than my best today because, well, let's be honest - there was an open bar and a lot of good food last night and if you're not going to over-indulge at a wedding then when are you? Exactly. But I'm through after this weekend. New goal? 2 full months and no alcohol. Yep. And if I get to 2, I might just make it 3. Did you know that your body experiences negative after effects from alcohol for up to 40 DAYS after drinking?? That is a long freaking time (thank you Lisa Powell for enlightening all of us at July's Playtri meeting!). So, needless to say, I'm taking a good hard look at my current beverage habits, and I'm planning to make some changes.
I don't know yet what the rest of this week holds in terms of training, but I know Staci and Ahmed return from Kona on Wednesday, so I'll be back in Dallas for Thursday and Friday. I've got plenty to do today as I really didn't get anything done this weekend like I originally planned. First I'm headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up some supplies to start crafting the awards for the DFW Year End Triathlon Celebration. Fun : )
Ciao!
Now if I can just make it through this weekend without missing any workouts, it will be time to celebrate! And by celebrate I mean continue to work out consistently, eat healthy, and get lots of sleep. Yes.
Today I have a one hour swim - I think I am officially going to have to give up on the Masters swim program as I think that I'm just not going to be able to do the 5:00 AM thing. I mean that is early. And anyways I seem to be pushing myself just fine in swim workouts these days, so no real loss. I'm almost enjoying swimming... which I didn't even think was possible. At least, not when I was doing it in a pool anyways. I can't wait to show off my mad underwater skills next September. Watch out Bejing!
I had two weddings to attend this weekend - one on Saturday and one on Sunday. I'm still amazed that I got in all of my workouts on both of those days. Especially since I think I had some questionable cheesecake on Saturday night, and I woke up feeling less than my best on Sunday... And I'm definitely feeling less than my best today because, well, let's be honest - there was an open bar and a lot of good food last night and if you're not going to over-indulge at a wedding then when are you? Exactly. But I'm through after this weekend. New goal? 2 full months and no alcohol. Yep. And if I get to 2, I might just make it 3. Did you know that your body experiences negative after effects from alcohol for up to 40 DAYS after drinking?? That is a long freaking time (thank you Lisa Powell for enlightening all of us at July's Playtri meeting!). So, needless to say, I'm taking a good hard look at my current beverage habits, and I'm planning to make some changes.
I don't know yet what the rest of this week holds in terms of training, but I know Staci and Ahmed return from Kona on Wednesday, so I'll be back in Dallas for Thursday and Friday. I've got plenty to do today as I really didn't get anything done this weekend like I originally planned. First I'm headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up some supplies to start crafting the awards for the DFW Year End Triathlon Celebration. Fun : )
Ciao!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Three Days Down... Approximately 355 To Go...
Ok, so my first three days of official training for Beijing have been a success. YES! This is probably the first time in over a year where I've down three consecutive days of training exactly the way I was supposed to. Pretty sad, right? But that's why consistency is my #1 goal for this year.
Granted, I've kind of had it easy this week with Staci and Ahmed being out of town for Kona. Frees up the schedule quite a bit not having to drive into Dallas every day to work. But still - I'm glad that I'm off to a strong start. Let's see how many days I can go without missing a single assigned training session! It will be like, a game. Start placing your bets now...
I'm supposed to do the Monster Tri in Denton next weekend... of course... the balance in my checking account at the moment says otherwise... but that's what savings are for! Right? Right? I'm going to make it my first goal to do all of my training up through that race - then we'll go from there. It's crazy, because two years ago I never struggled for motivation - granted, two years ago I wasn't dealing with the after effects of mono (never, ever get that horrible, horrible virus). But still - I picture old Morgan looking at current Morgan and thinking Geez lady, pull it together. Don't fear, old Morgan - I am on it. In another year, I will have accomplished things you only dreamed of.
I still have to swim today - I coached some guys in the pool earlier, then needed a break before I did my own workout. Coaching takes it out of me. Needless to say, I missed Masters again this morning... 5:30 is just SO early! Not sure if that is going to work out or not... I'm going to try harder next week, but as long as I'm getting the swim time on my schedule in, I'm not going to worry about it.
It's going to be a slow night tonight - just work to catch up on and (tw0!) weddings to prepare for. (I just bought Jeremy a new dress shirt at Target so that he would have something to wear, though I feel bad that he is going to have to sport it two days in a row... oh well). Who would have thought two of my best friends would get married on the same weekend? How's that for coincidence? Oh well, as long as it doesn't interfere with my training...
Adios muchachos!
Granted, I've kind of had it easy this week with Staci and Ahmed being out of town for Kona. Frees up the schedule quite a bit not having to drive into Dallas every day to work. But still - I'm glad that I'm off to a strong start. Let's see how many days I can go without missing a single assigned training session! It will be like, a game. Start placing your bets now...
I'm supposed to do the Monster Tri in Denton next weekend... of course... the balance in my checking account at the moment says otherwise... but that's what savings are for! Right? Right? I'm going to make it my first goal to do all of my training up through that race - then we'll go from there. It's crazy, because two years ago I never struggled for motivation - granted, two years ago I wasn't dealing with the after effects of mono (never, ever get that horrible, horrible virus). But still - I picture old Morgan looking at current Morgan and thinking Geez lady, pull it together. Don't fear, old Morgan - I am on it. In another year, I will have accomplished things you only dreamed of.
I still have to swim today - I coached some guys in the pool earlier, then needed a break before I did my own workout. Coaching takes it out of me. Needless to say, I missed Masters again this morning... 5:30 is just SO early! Not sure if that is going to work out or not... I'm going to try harder next week, but as long as I'm getting the swim time on my schedule in, I'm not going to worry about it.
It's going to be a slow night tonight - just work to catch up on and (tw0!) weddings to prepare for. (I just bought Jeremy a new dress shirt at Target so that he would have something to wear, though I feel bad that he is going to have to sport it two days in a row... oh well). Who would have thought two of my best friends would get married on the same weekend? How's that for coincidence? Oh well, as long as it doesn't interfere with my training...
Adios muchachos!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Who Stole my Swimsuit?
I am officially back from south of the border. Talk about a whirlwind trip - we saw a good chunk of the city AND got Michelle and Javi married off. Just so you know, Mexican weddings are way more hardcore than ours. And their beds are just harder. But Mexico City is still there and still very beautiful and interesting, and we all had a wonderful time (especially me, as I spent at least half of the trip sleeping and being lazy).
I had last week and this Monday essentially off from training so that I could recover from the grand mess that was Nationals and mentally prepare for the coming year of training. So yesterday was really my first official day of training for Beijing - just a 30 minute training pace run - but I did it! My biggest goal this year is consistency, so every scheduled workout I complete is a big victory. I was off from Playtri duties yesterday, but I did go and coach the youth team over at the GCISD Nat, and then did my run on the beautiful trail in the park by the school. We're havin some perfect fall weather this week, and I enjoyed every minute of that run. I kind of wanted to keep going when it was time to stop, but I refrained.
Last night I coached a UNT swim workout. A helpful tip - don't wear your Uggs to the pool - just because it is cold outside does not mean that the pool will not be humid and sweltering. My poor feet. They got the sauna treatment last night.
But, regardless of ALL this, the thing I was most excited about this week was supposed to happen this morning - I'm joining a Masters swim team! If you know me, you know my skills in the water are less than impressive. Just check my swim split from Nationals. Uh... on the other hand, please don't. Anyways, this is our new plan to get me swimming like a fishie by the time I get to Beijing. I'm pretty sure my workouts will be more effective with a coach yelling at me from the deck. I tend to do better when people are yelling at me.
Anyways, I was up at 5:00 this morning, ready for my first day of practice at 5:30. Got out of bed, gave Chuck a pat on the head, went to grab a swimsuit, and... wait... where are my swimsuits? Not in the drawers. Not in my swim bag. Not in the dirty laundry. Not hanging on the door. How do two swimsuits just disappear??? But they are gone as surely as Brad and Angelina love foreign babies. So of course I do the only logical thing left. I go buy a McDonald's hotcake breakfast, eat the whole thing, and go back to sleep.
I was awakened just a little while ago by Javier knocking on the door, wanting to borrow the bike pump. Now, it's time to get my sleepy butt over to Sports Authority to find a swimsuit so I can make the 11:30 practice. Take 2!
I'll let you know how it goes.
I had last week and this Monday essentially off from training so that I could recover from the grand mess that was Nationals and mentally prepare for the coming year of training. So yesterday was really my first official day of training for Beijing - just a 30 minute training pace run - but I did it! My biggest goal this year is consistency, so every scheduled workout I complete is a big victory. I was off from Playtri duties yesterday, but I did go and coach the youth team over at the GCISD Nat, and then did my run on the beautiful trail in the park by the school. We're havin some perfect fall weather this week, and I enjoyed every minute of that run. I kind of wanted to keep going when it was time to stop, but I refrained.
Last night I coached a UNT swim workout. A helpful tip - don't wear your Uggs to the pool - just because it is cold outside does not mean that the pool will not be humid and sweltering. My poor feet. They got the sauna treatment last night.
But, regardless of ALL this, the thing I was most excited about this week was supposed to happen this morning - I'm joining a Masters swim team! If you know me, you know my skills in the water are less than impressive. Just check my swim split from Nationals. Uh... on the other hand, please don't. Anyways, this is our new plan to get me swimming like a fishie by the time I get to Beijing. I'm pretty sure my workouts will be more effective with a coach yelling at me from the deck. I tend to do better when people are yelling at me.
Anyways, I was up at 5:00 this morning, ready for my first day of practice at 5:30. Got out of bed, gave Chuck a pat on the head, went to grab a swimsuit, and... wait... where are my swimsuits? Not in the drawers. Not in my swim bag. Not in the dirty laundry. Not hanging on the door. How do two swimsuits just disappear??? But they are gone as surely as Brad and Angelina love foreign babies. So of course I do the only logical thing left. I go buy a McDonald's hotcake breakfast, eat the whole thing, and go back to sleep.
I was awakened just a little while ago by Javier knocking on the door, wanting to borrow the bike pump. Now, it's time to get my sleepy butt over to Sports Authority to find a swimsuit so I can make the 11:30 practice. Take 2!
I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Back to Reality... Well, Kind of...
Home again. Back to work, coaching, and my dirty house. And my cranky cat who is by no means pleased that I abandoned him for the weekend. But wait - before things can settle down, I have to make a quick trip to Mexico City!
One of my very best friends in the world is getting married south of the border this weekend, so I'm already packing my bags again to leave tomorrow night. Oh, normalcy... I know you really do exist... someday we will meet again... Needless to say, this will make my first week of training for Beijing somewhat complicated.
I met with my coach, Aaron, today to talk about the coming year. Obviously, my ultimate focus is Beijing, and everything else will sort of be centering around that. With the goal of being competitive at an international level in mind, Aaron asked me to make certain commitments, which I will share with you here:
Starting today:
1. CONSISTENCY - No more excuses and no more missed workouts
2. Daily/weekly feedback and heart rate files - HR files I'm going to start after Mexico
3. Join the local Masters swim team
Starting in January:
1. Two races a month or one race/one one-on-one camp a month - basically two weekends of pain every four weeks
2. Move up to the Platinum plan - I should have done it a long time ago anyways
3. Log my nutrition - UGGGH this will be the toughest thing
So now I have the plan, and all I have to do is follow it - good thing I have a totally bizarre weekend to get me started! But then again, that's my life, so it's probably appropriate.
Adios, amigos!
One of my very best friends in the world is getting married south of the border this weekend, so I'm already packing my bags again to leave tomorrow night. Oh, normalcy... I know you really do exist... someday we will meet again... Needless to say, this will make my first week of training for Beijing somewhat complicated.
I met with my coach, Aaron, today to talk about the coming year. Obviously, my ultimate focus is Beijing, and everything else will sort of be centering around that. With the goal of being competitive at an international level in mind, Aaron asked me to make certain commitments, which I will share with you here:
Starting today:
1. CONSISTENCY - No more excuses and no more missed workouts
2. Daily/weekly feedback and heart rate files - HR files I'm going to start after Mexico
3. Join the local Masters swim team
Starting in January:
1. Two races a month or one race/one one-on-one camp a month - basically two weekends of pain every four weeks
2. Move up to the Platinum plan - I should have done it a long time ago anyways
3. Log my nutrition - UGGGH this will be the toughest thing
So now I have the plan, and all I have to do is follow it - good thing I have a totally bizarre weekend to get me started! But then again, that's my life, so it's probably appropriate.
Adios, amigos!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Lesson #1: It Ain't About Feelings
After all my smack talking and over-the-top confidence about yesterday's race - I sucked. Let's all say it with an Ahmed accent: "When you do good, you do good - when you suck, YOU suck." And boy did I suck. We are talking epic, mind-blowing suckiness. I'm not posting splits - you can look them up if you like - because after this blog, this race is over, done, and I'm not thinking about it again. But before I close the topic entirely, let's review the timeline of suckiness, just for kicks.
I should interject here and mention that I still qualified for Beiking - I just had a crappy race. Just in case you were wondering.
So, timeline of suckiness, here we go:
All of 2009 and 2010 - inconsistent training, lots and lots of it, and insufficient recovery (not a great basis for spectacular athletic performance). Plenty of decent showings in local races, but not a lot of real improvement.
1 week before USAT 2010 Sprint National Championship - I decide I am going to kick ass at this race. I'm almost cocky about it. Danger, Will Robinson!
Day before the race - I feel pretty good, though a bit nervous, and I think I might be ready to really beat up on some people tomorrow. Ignoring the doubt creeping in.
Race morning (here's where it get's fun)
-Arrive at the race site about a half hour later than I would have liked
-My mp3 with my pump-me-up music has decided not to work
-I realize my back brake is rubbing
-We have a 1/2 mile walk just to get to transition
-Takes 10 minutes just to figure out how to get around all of USAT's barriers to get to the bike mechanics - finally I awkwardly jump a barrier, no pictures, sorry
-I'm more nervous than I've been since my very first triathlon years ago - freaking out
-Finally get into transition
-Get down to the swim start and finally figure out the swim course
-Get in water, warm up
-Start
-Have a sucky, SUCKY swim, no draft, ridiculously slow, no where even near the pack
-Get out thinking this is a really bad way to start a race, I need to swim more...
-Finally get on the bike (my part of transition is already empty of course)
-It's starting to rain, lovely
-My quad muscles start to seize up within the first mile of the course
-I can't even see anyone from my age group
-My chain falls off, so I have to stop and put that back on
-Back on the bike
-Still not catching ANYBODY
-Starting to get a little depressed here...
-1 mile left and it starts to POUR, hard, stinging, blinding rain - SO AWESOME!
-NOT
-Finally dismount (I did that right at least)
-Start the run
-My shoes are squeaky from sitting out in the rain
-My legs are done
-And... where is everyone in my age group?! Do I really suck that much?!
-Apparently, yes
-I start to feel a little weepy
-But I keep going
-Where are those 6:40 miles today?
-Finally, FINALLY the finish line
-Please everyone, look away, this is too shameful
-I walk straight away from the crowd because I have to collect myself before I do something embarrassing like throw down my water bottle, or cry
-Please just don't let me have gotten last
-11th - oh thank god
-We have to ride our bikes back to the car up a giant freaking hill IN THE RAIN, then go back for the awards
-It starts to rain harder
-Cold
-Wet
-Generally miserable
-And it's actually more pleasant to run back to the car than to walk, because we're so far away and we're freezing
-I've never been more happy to see dry clothes in my entire life
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I qualified for Beijing 2011.
So the lesson - don't trust your feelings, because they'll tell you you're gonna do awesome when really, you're just gonna suck. From now on, I trust my training and I trust the plan. That's it. I'm done being cocky, and I'm done placing any significance on how I place at local races because they really just don't count.
Lesson learned.
Until next time, compadres.
I should interject here and mention that I still qualified for Beiking - I just had a crappy race. Just in case you were wondering.
So, timeline of suckiness, here we go:
All of 2009 and 2010 - inconsistent training, lots and lots of it, and insufficient recovery (not a great basis for spectacular athletic performance). Plenty of decent showings in local races, but not a lot of real improvement.
1 week before USAT 2010 Sprint National Championship - I decide I am going to kick ass at this race. I'm almost cocky about it. Danger, Will Robinson!
Day before the race - I feel pretty good, though a bit nervous, and I think I might be ready to really beat up on some people tomorrow. Ignoring the doubt creeping in.
Race morning (here's where it get's fun)
-Arrive at the race site about a half hour later than I would have liked
-My mp3 with my pump-me-up music has decided not to work
-I realize my back brake is rubbing
-We have a 1/2 mile walk just to get to transition
-Takes 10 minutes just to figure out how to get around all of USAT's barriers to get to the bike mechanics - finally I awkwardly jump a barrier, no pictures, sorry
-I'm more nervous than I've been since my very first triathlon years ago - freaking out
-Finally get into transition
-Get down to the swim start and finally figure out the swim course
-Get in water, warm up
-Start
-Have a sucky, SUCKY swim, no draft, ridiculously slow, no where even near the pack
-Get out thinking this is a really bad way to start a race, I need to swim more...
-Finally get on the bike (my part of transition is already empty of course)
-It's starting to rain, lovely
-My quad muscles start to seize up within the first mile of the course
-I can't even see anyone from my age group
-My chain falls off, so I have to stop and put that back on
-Back on the bike
-Still not catching ANYBODY
-Starting to get a little depressed here...
-1 mile left and it starts to POUR, hard, stinging, blinding rain - SO AWESOME!
-NOT
-Finally dismount (I did that right at least)
-Start the run
-My shoes are squeaky from sitting out in the rain
-My legs are done
-And... where is everyone in my age group?! Do I really suck that much?!
-Apparently, yes
-I start to feel a little weepy
-But I keep going
-Where are those 6:40 miles today?
-Finally, FINALLY the finish line
-Please everyone, look away, this is too shameful
-I walk straight away from the crowd because I have to collect myself before I do something embarrassing like throw down my water bottle, or cry
-Please just don't let me have gotten last
-11th - oh thank god
-We have to ride our bikes back to the car up a giant freaking hill IN THE RAIN, then go back for the awards
-It starts to rain harder
-Cold
-Wet
-Generally miserable
-And it's actually more pleasant to run back to the car than to walk, because we're so far away and we're freezing
-I've never been more happy to see dry clothes in my entire life
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I qualified for Beijing 2011.
So the lesson - don't trust your feelings, because they'll tell you you're gonna do awesome when really, you're just gonna suck. From now on, I trust my training and I trust the plan. That's it. I'm done being cocky, and I'm done placing any significance on how I place at local races because they really just don't count.
Lesson learned.
Until next time, compadres.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
11 Hours to Go
I have just had the most relaxing day I've had in probably over a year. I ignored my work emails. I watched college football. I got up and ate breakfast - and then went back to bed. I had easy swim, bike, and run workouts where I was supposed to go slow. I read a book. I had a delicious dinner. And I will be asleep by 10:00. Can I have an A race every week, please?
I am ready for tomorrow. I don't know why, but I feel absurdly confident about this race. For no real reason, I know that I am going to wake up tomorrow and, barring external circumstances outside of my control, have one of the best races of my life. I haven't felt this kind of fierce confidence in almost two years, since before I had mono and had to kind of sidetrack my life a little bit. I've missed feeling this way. I'm still a little anxious - after all, my competitors are still mostly an unknown element - but I know I can suck it up and do what I have to do.
James and I are now in the process of putting stickers all over everything we'll be racing with tomorrow. No one to put the supporter stickers on this time, but I know I have lots of people out there supporting me even though they couldn't be here this weekend. Thanks to all of you for encouraging and being there for me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my friends and family. James is about to take an ice bath, and I am about to put on my pj's and climb in bed - it won't take me long to black out tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, as we'll be heading out of 'Bamy as soon as the awards ceremony is over and we can claim our spots for Beijing - ETA for Denton, TX is around 10:00 PM.
Don't forget to check back for pictures of the winning victory dance - the mashed potato - tomorrow or Monday. I promise not to disappoint - my dancing is well worth documenting, I assure you all. I'll get a video if that's possible.
Good night, friends.
I am ready for tomorrow. I don't know why, but I feel absurdly confident about this race. For no real reason, I know that I am going to wake up tomorrow and, barring external circumstances outside of my control, have one of the best races of my life. I haven't felt this kind of fierce confidence in almost two years, since before I had mono and had to kind of sidetrack my life a little bit. I've missed feeling this way. I'm still a little anxious - after all, my competitors are still mostly an unknown element - but I know I can suck it up and do what I have to do.
James and I are now in the process of putting stickers all over everything we'll be racing with tomorrow. No one to put the supporter stickers on this time, but I know I have lots of people out there supporting me even though they couldn't be here this weekend. Thanks to all of you for encouraging and being there for me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my friends and family. James is about to take an ice bath, and I am about to put on my pj's and climb in bed - it won't take me long to black out tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, as we'll be heading out of 'Bamy as soon as the awards ceremony is over and we can claim our spots for Beijing - ETA for Denton, TX is around 10:00 PM.
Don't forget to check back for pictures of the winning victory dance - the mashed potato - tomorrow or Monday. I promise not to disappoint - my dancing is well worth documenting, I assure you all. I'll get a video if that's possible.
Good night, friends.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tomorrow, Tomorrow!
...we leave for Alabama! Bright and early in the morning - after UNT's open water practice, of course. Then we'll settle in and enjoy our 12 hour drive... Question - should "12 hour drive" and "enjoy" really be allowed in the same sentence? We'll get into old 'Bamy around ten or eleven (at night, obviously), and crash. I'll be skipping the race the following morning - I'd like to watch some of my friends compete, but I know I need to save my energy and my focus for Sunday's event. I'm going to cozy up in the hotel room with a couple of books and that continental breakfast they promise, with breaks to answer some of the 200-odd emails I've gotten regarding the Stonebridge races this weekend.
Today was another wild day - par for the course for pre-race week. Added to that, Ali's birthday party was today, and Staci had to not only handle race logistics, but also the giant bounce-house-slide-combo set up in the backyard. She's basically my hero. Somehow, everything that needed to get done got done and after delivering 20 boxes of swag to RBM for tomorrow's packet pickup, I was free to come home and visit my favorite guy (you all know who he is), cuddle with Chuck, and actually start packing. Just an average day in the life of a Playtri coach!
Now it's most definitely time for sleep - another early morning tomorrow!
Today was another wild day - par for the course for pre-race week. Added to that, Ali's birthday party was today, and Staci had to not only handle race logistics, but also the giant bounce-house-slide-combo set up in the backyard. She's basically my hero. Somehow, everything that needed to get done got done and after delivering 20 boxes of swag to RBM for tomorrow's packet pickup, I was free to come home and visit my favorite guy (you all know who he is), cuddle with Chuck, and actually start packing. Just an average day in the life of a Playtri coach!
Now it's most definitely time for sleep - another early morning tomorrow!
Three Days...
Let the countdown begin! Sprint Nationals is this Sunday - just three days away. Guess what else is this weekend - just guess. That's right, the Playtri RBM Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon! Which means that we are all running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to make sure everything is ready to go, starting with packet pickup today in Fort Worth. The week before putting on any race is going to be stressful - period. There's always a million last minute things to do, emails to send, things to pick up... and of course doing all of this right before an A race is maybe not exactly ideal. But that's life.
So, of course, my taper has been all over the place this week - I'm getting workouts when and where I can. This morning I snuck in a swim after coaching the UNT triathletes' track practice, though I'm now going to be 30 minutes late to work which means 30 minutes less to do the one million aforementioned last minute things. Now Chuck is watching me type this as I wait for the water to heat up so I can wash off the chlorine and hit the road. He actually has his back turned towards me for the most part - he probably knows I'm leaving him for the weekend. Not to mention that we had exceptionally little cuddle time this morning. So he just gives me the occasional, disdainful over-the-shoulder glance. He's such a cat.
Alright, water is heated, time to start the day. Chuck says I should start by giving him more food. Until next time, amigos...
So, of course, my taper has been all over the place this week - I'm getting workouts when and where I can. This morning I snuck in a swim after coaching the UNT triathletes' track practice, though I'm now going to be 30 minutes late to work which means 30 minutes less to do the one million aforementioned last minute things. Now Chuck is watching me type this as I wait for the water to heat up so I can wash off the chlorine and hit the road. He actually has his back turned towards me for the most part - he probably knows I'm leaving him for the weekend. Not to mention that we had exceptionally little cuddle time this morning. So he just gives me the occasional, disdainful over-the-shoulder glance. He's such a cat.
Alright, water is heated, time to start the day. Chuck says I should start by giving him more food. Until next time, amigos...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Qualified Before the Qualifier...
This first post is coming about 5 days sooner than expected. You see, the USA qualifier for the 2011 ITU Sprint World Championship (the 2010 USAT Sprint National Championship) isn't until this Sunday. However, due to an unexpected turn of events, it seems that all I have to do to qualify at this point is 1) show up and 2) finish the race. For whatever reason, women ages 25-29 decided they weren't really interested in this event, and only 14 registered, and since there are 18 qualifying spots for Beijing in each age group... well... you do the math. Oh, and registration is closed.
So, here I am, realizing a bit prematurely that I'll be taking a little trip to the far east next year. It's exciting, but also a bit terrifying. I think I'd feel better if I were actually having to win the spot, because I'd feel more like I earned my way - then I'd know I was good enough to be racing at that level. As it is...
But anyways, I'm going to do my very best to prepare to kick butt over in Beijing, starting with the Championship this weekend. If I don't podium, I better know the reason why - since I've already qualified, this is the only real "win" available, and it's always nice to win. As long as my bike doesn't have a bad day (as it did at the Avia Austin Tri) and I don't let my head get in the way, I think I might just have an exceptionally good race. According to my sports psychologist/counselor (her name is Karen and she works with the acrobatic and combat sports at the OTC - you will probably read a lot about her here), I just have to focus on my plan for the race, and stop stressing about the fact that my house is a disaster and I have 200 unread messages in my inbox. Because those things really aren't important - right? I'm also supposed to go in planning to win (see above), because that's what winners do. And I want to be a winner. Yay.
However, first, I have two more days of work and one looooong drive to Tuscaloosa. So I'm off to pick up t-shirts and stuff packets for the Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon this weekend, and then on to the monthly Playtri coaches meeting, where Ahmed will bestow his infinite wisdom upon us. And remind us to pass out more flyers.
So, here's to the beginning of a what will hopefully be an exceptionally good year of training, racing, and showing the world (literally) just what I can do...
So, here I am, realizing a bit prematurely that I'll be taking a little trip to the far east next year. It's exciting, but also a bit terrifying. I think I'd feel better if I were actually having to win the spot, because I'd feel more like I earned my way - then I'd know I was good enough to be racing at that level. As it is...
But anyways, I'm going to do my very best to prepare to kick butt over in Beijing, starting with the Championship this weekend. If I don't podium, I better know the reason why - since I've already qualified, this is the only real "win" available, and it's always nice to win. As long as my bike doesn't have a bad day (as it did at the Avia Austin Tri) and I don't let my head get in the way, I think I might just have an exceptionally good race. According to my sports psychologist/counselor (her name is Karen and she works with the acrobatic and combat sports at the OTC - you will probably read a lot about her here), I just have to focus on my plan for the race, and stop stressing about the fact that my house is a disaster and I have 200 unread messages in my inbox. Because those things really aren't important - right? I'm also supposed to go in planning to win (see above), because that's what winners do. And I want to be a winner. Yay.
However, first, I have two more days of work and one looooong drive to Tuscaloosa. So I'm off to pick up t-shirts and stuff packets for the Stonebridge Ranch Triathlon this weekend, and then on to the monthly Playtri coaches meeting, where Ahmed will bestow his infinite wisdom upon us. And remind us to pass out more flyers.
So, here's to the beginning of a what will hopefully be an exceptionally good year of training, racing, and showing the world (literally) just what I can do...
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