Time to Taper.
Did a nice 5 miles this morning, with a lovely negative split. I'm always proud of myself when I do that since for two years I was not able to. The rest of the week I will be kind to my legs. I tried some sesame brittle from Fairway this morning before my run. It was yummy. I'm thinking it might be a nice option for munching on long runs. Anyone have any thoughts on this matter? It's got sugar and protein I imagine.
Had no control at dinner tonight and indulged in three stupid slices of pizza. I'm an idiot. Dear God in Heaven, these books had better get done soon or I simply won't survive the stress!!!!!!
Off to bed with a cup of tea as my only snack. Wahhhhh.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
It's a beautiful day for a run!
So, I have not been really focused since the lousy performance in Flushing in March. And with my birthday in the mix, I have put on weight. Have to say, no one's fault by my own. I was starting to really feel like maybe I shouldn't even have signed up for the half next weekend.
Yesterday, I was planning to run 10 today. Each person I talked with recommend less mileage than the person before. Bob: 8, Judy: 7, Mindy 6. But I know myself...I know that I needed to do something sort of substantial to feel ready for next week. So, I landed on 7.5-8.0 as the distance and 1:15 - 1:20 as the time. Seemed about right to me.
With my new, fancy, birthday watch on Joe and I set out from the Bethpage Library lot and went North in the park. Naturally, at the top of the first hill, he was out of my sight for the rest of the run. We agreed he would go longer than me so that he would not be waiting around for me because that makes me anxious. I turned around when the fancy watch read 3.82. Then the goal was to get back to the car before he passed me. So psyched! He never caught me until we were arriving at the parking lot.
Average pace was 9:51 for 7.78 miles. This is outstanding for me. So now I am very much looking forward to next weekend. Still not sure a PR is realistic. But I'm amazed at how good I feel. Nothing hurts at the moment. Wow. I'm doing my best on focusing on my form, landing more mid-foot, leaning forward a bit, my arm position as well. Perhaps it is truly helping.
Bad day in the pool on Friday. Felt like swimming through peanut butter. Funny the difference 48 hours makes and how good I feel today. I wish the pool was open tomorrow, but alas, I guess I'll have to get on the stupid bike instead.
Gorgeous day today...I hope everyone is out enjoying it!
So, I have not been really focused since the lousy performance in Flushing in March. And with my birthday in the mix, I have put on weight. Have to say, no one's fault by my own. I was starting to really feel like maybe I shouldn't even have signed up for the half next weekend.
Yesterday, I was planning to run 10 today. Each person I talked with recommend less mileage than the person before. Bob: 8, Judy: 7, Mindy 6. But I know myself...I know that I needed to do something sort of substantial to feel ready for next week. So, I landed on 7.5-8.0 as the distance and 1:15 - 1:20 as the time. Seemed about right to me.
With my new, fancy, birthday watch on Joe and I set out from the Bethpage Library lot and went North in the park. Naturally, at the top of the first hill, he was out of my sight for the rest of the run. We agreed he would go longer than me so that he would not be waiting around for me because that makes me anxious. I turned around when the fancy watch read 3.82. Then the goal was to get back to the car before he passed me. So psyched! He never caught me until we were arriving at the parking lot.
Average pace was 9:51 for 7.78 miles. This is outstanding for me. So now I am very much looking forward to next weekend. Still not sure a PR is realistic. But I'm amazed at how good I feel. Nothing hurts at the moment. Wow. I'm doing my best on focusing on my form, landing more mid-foot, leaning forward a bit, my arm position as well. Perhaps it is truly helping.
Bad day in the pool on Friday. Felt like swimming through peanut butter. Funny the difference 48 hours makes and how good I feel today. I wish the pool was open tomorrow, but alas, I guess I'll have to get on the stupid bike instead.
Gorgeous day today...I hope everyone is out enjoying it!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Time to Tri!!!!!
Ok, so today marked the opening of the triathlon season in our area with the Mini Mighty Man super sprint distance. For the 24 hours leading up to the event, I was filled with trepidation and dread. However, once it was underway, it was a total blast.
Last year, this was the first tri I had ever done. And I was still so new to all these athletic pursuits. Therefore, even though I had not exactly been training, I still figured I could take some substantial time off of last year's 58:57 time.
My strategy on the swim was simple. This is a 400 meter swim in a pool. 8 50 m laps. We enter the pool 5 seconds apart. We seed ourselves where we think we belong. I figured if I got in right behind Jackie Fagan, I could chase her feet for at least a few laps and this would make me work harder. A sound plan. IF I had seen her feet when I got in the water. She was gone like a rocket. And there I was, in the lane with all these people faster than me. The folks behind me were passing me, one after the other, after the other. When Joe passed me on the third lap I could have spit nickels.
Then Dennis passed me on the third lap as well. Right as we were coming up to the wall. Now, if you have never seen this event...let me explain something...the wall is usually my friend...in this case, not so much...it is a bit tricky. Sometimes we're a bunch of us arriving at the same time, all needing some space to touch and turn and push off under the lane line into the adjacent lane. So Dennis pushes off and I'm ready right behind him...only he didn't go where and how I expected him to. So I had to alter how I pushed off or I would have gotten kicked right in the face. As I pulled up, I smacked my head pretty good on the lane line.
Again, an explanation is needed here. If you have never had an encounter with those lane lines in a pool, they are a formidable force. When seen on TV, they appear to be almost balloon like, floating there, light as feathers. This is simply not so. They are immovable. They might as well be made of bloody cement for how much give they have when hit by accident. Just resting your arm over them gives black and blue bruises. So, yes, I have a tender spot right along my hair line now. Luckily, nothing visible to look like an idiot with. And luckily, it didn't really affect me during the swim, I kept right on going.
Last year, when the swim was over, my arms were so tired, I had to try twice to haul my butt up and out of the water. I was determined to not have that happen this year. And in fact, had some anxiety about it...because that is just the way I am! So, I'm in the home stretch...25 m to go...there is some crazy woman flailing her arms all over the damn place, smacking me in the head and arms with every one of her strokes and we are approaching at the same speed. She gets there a second before me. And now I'm pushing up but I've got nowhere to put my foot. I've got a leg out of the water, but nowhere to put it. She is taking for freakin' ever to move her hand. And meanwhile, I can feel my tri top has ridden up over my belly and all the world can see my belly hanging out while I'm suspended there waiting for her to get the heck out of my way! (reality check, perhaps it was 3 seconds, but it felt like 3 minutes) Anyways, she finally moves along, but now I need to bob back down and push up again because my momentum had stalled. And there are people behind me. And my suit is still up. And there is a camera there. I'm just ready to sink into the water forever, I'm so mortified.
But I hear Barbara yelling my name, just over my shoulder, so like a superhero, I haul myself out and yank down my shirt and start running for the door. Let me just say, there is nothing like having someone you look up to be there for you to cheer you on when you are busy looking like an idiot to give you a fresh rush of "can-do" adrenaline! Thanks Barbara!!!!
Out the door I go. Into temperature of somewhere around 40 degrees, sopping wet, bare feet, pulling off the goggles and swim cap. The grass is wet from all the people exiting the pool. And I swear to God, I kid you not, it was actually frosty. Brrrrrr.
Into the transition area I arrive. I find my spot. Jackie is still in the area. So is Dennis. I am thrilled about this. I look over to find Joe. No sign of him. Grrrrr. He is smoking me. And we know he will do the bike in half the time and the run much faster as well. My only hope to measure up was in the swim and he blew past me. Jackie asks me how I did. This is when I realize, I have (yet again) forgotten to push the start button on my watch. Really...I do not excel at any of the technological gadgets. It's pretty pathetic.
To clarify what needs to happen in transition one: put on socks (without drying feet, leaving them muddy and grassy, I hate this with a passion), put on bike shoes, put on race belt with bib number, put on sunglasses, put on helmet, (helmet must be secured before you unrack bike), blow nose (this is particular to me, not the general population), unrack bike. Run the bike out of the area, to the road where you are allowed to mount and ride away.
Off Jackie goes. This is not good, my bike is still racked. I don't want her too far ahead of me. I'm securing my helmet, almost ready. Unracking my bike, I'm saying good bye to Dennis, wishing him well. As I turn to see him go, I see he is wearing something with long sleeves and I remember my jacket. Where the heck is my jacket? I put it under my bag so it wouldn't blow away. Prop up bike so it doesn't fall. Oops. Prop it again. Where is the jacket????? It's not under the bag...what did I do with it???? Damn!!!! Oh, it is under someone else's bag. Whip it on. Grab bike. Away I go. An outloud pep talk the whole way to the mounting area. You can do this. It's only 6 miles. You'll be fine. It's short and flat and closed. You will not fall. You can do this. You will not fall. You can do this.
Safely mounted, I'm off for a chilly 6 mile ride. It is 3 loops in the park. Legs were freezing, but the rest of me was actually pretty comfortable, surprisingly enough. I merge onto the course safely. Now it's time to get moving! I look down at my speedometer, it is not working. Dear God in Heaven, I forgot to push the button!!!!! What is it with the damn buttons in my life???? And I simply could not screw up enough courage to take a hand off the bars to push the button. I'm such a knucklehead!! Oh well, I'll just keep going. I'm happy to report that although many people passed me handily, I did some of my own passing. And some of them were even younger than me. (I can tell the age from the body marking on the right calf. We all have our ages written on our leg.)
Six wide, slow turns later, I am finally finishing the bike. I have not seen Jackie on the course so she is still out there somewhere ahead of me. Not happy. I was hoping to make up some ground on the bike and be about even coming into the run. Oh well. Into the finish chute of the course I glide. And I do mean glide. Last year, I fell off my stupid bike at the dismount. I was determined not to do that again. Alas, I slowed down a bit early and a bit much. But, I did not fall! Run the bike into the transition area for T2.
The second transition involves the following: find the right location to return your bike, rack your bike, remove your helmet, remove your bike shoes, put on sneakers, in today's case remove the jacket, grab hat and napkins (for more nose-blowing) and put hat on while running out of the corral onto the course.
When I arrive at my spot, I entered the aisle on the wrong side. Nuts. Rack bike, run around to the other side to get shoes changed. Cannot seem to stamp my right foot into sneaker. Grrrrr. Feet are still soaked of course. Looking for Jackie. No sign of her. Grrrrr. No time for nose-blowing now, that's for sure. I'll have to manage that along the course. Off I go.
The run is short. Only two miles. I'm feeling pretty good for just coming off of the bike. It's an odd feeling getting your legs moving in the new rhythm of running immediately following biking. I feel like a toddler just learning to run. But today, I didn't feel too much of that. And my feet weren't too numb. And my knee didn't hurt. And my arms weren't numb at all. This is all good news. Across the field I go, out onto the path. I'm maybe a half a mile into it and there he is coming back, my husband, totally smoking me. Grrrrr. Shortly behind him I see Dennis. Nice job Honey, you're beating Dennis! Well, I want to beat Jackie...where the heck is she? No sign of her. Grrrrr. Must move my feet faster! Lean forward! Think of Brian's chicken. No, that makes me laugh. Think of the Road Runner. Yes, that's right...fast feet!
Down the home stretch where I know Joe will be waiting for me. (It's always good to come home to Joe...figuratively as well as literally!) And today Natasha will be there as well, with Joe's folks. As I come into the shoot, there she is, waving mightily. She's all I see, my gorgeous daughter. And I know I have to look good for her as I finish strong with a smile on my face a mile wide. No matter how long after Joe I finished. And even if I finished after Jackie. Just doesn't matter for that moment when I know my daughter is there cheering for me!!!
Now, for anyone with the fortitude (and the time) to have read this far, I guess I really should share the results. I did not come close to my goal time. But I did beat last year's time. Here's the scoop.
2012 Time 2013 Time
Swim 11:32 9:49
T1 3:17 3:44 (Joe's comment, "What, did you do your hair???")
Bike 21:44 22:53
T2 1:17 2:04
Run 21:09 18:20
overall 58:57 56:47
It was a total blast!!!!
Ok, so today marked the opening of the triathlon season in our area with the Mini Mighty Man super sprint distance. For the 24 hours leading up to the event, I was filled with trepidation and dread. However, once it was underway, it was a total blast.
Last year, this was the first tri I had ever done. And I was still so new to all these athletic pursuits. Therefore, even though I had not exactly been training, I still figured I could take some substantial time off of last year's 58:57 time.
My strategy on the swim was simple. This is a 400 meter swim in a pool. 8 50 m laps. We enter the pool 5 seconds apart. We seed ourselves where we think we belong. I figured if I got in right behind Jackie Fagan, I could chase her feet for at least a few laps and this would make me work harder. A sound plan. IF I had seen her feet when I got in the water. She was gone like a rocket. And there I was, in the lane with all these people faster than me. The folks behind me were passing me, one after the other, after the other. When Joe passed me on the third lap I could have spit nickels.
Then Dennis passed me on the third lap as well. Right as we were coming up to the wall. Now, if you have never seen this event...let me explain something...the wall is usually my friend...in this case, not so much...it is a bit tricky. Sometimes we're a bunch of us arriving at the same time, all needing some space to touch and turn and push off under the lane line into the adjacent lane. So Dennis pushes off and I'm ready right behind him...only he didn't go where and how I expected him to. So I had to alter how I pushed off or I would have gotten kicked right in the face. As I pulled up, I smacked my head pretty good on the lane line.
Again, an explanation is needed here. If you have never had an encounter with those lane lines in a pool, they are a formidable force. When seen on TV, they appear to be almost balloon like, floating there, light as feathers. This is simply not so. They are immovable. They might as well be made of bloody cement for how much give they have when hit by accident. Just resting your arm over them gives black and blue bruises. So, yes, I have a tender spot right along my hair line now. Luckily, nothing visible to look like an idiot with. And luckily, it didn't really affect me during the swim, I kept right on going.
Last year, when the swim was over, my arms were so tired, I had to try twice to haul my butt up and out of the water. I was determined to not have that happen this year. And in fact, had some anxiety about it...because that is just the way I am! So, I'm in the home stretch...25 m to go...there is some crazy woman flailing her arms all over the damn place, smacking me in the head and arms with every one of her strokes and we are approaching at the same speed. She gets there a second before me. And now I'm pushing up but I've got nowhere to put my foot. I've got a leg out of the water, but nowhere to put it. She is taking for freakin' ever to move her hand. And meanwhile, I can feel my tri top has ridden up over my belly and all the world can see my belly hanging out while I'm suspended there waiting for her to get the heck out of my way! (reality check, perhaps it was 3 seconds, but it felt like 3 minutes) Anyways, she finally moves along, but now I need to bob back down and push up again because my momentum had stalled. And there are people behind me. And my suit is still up. And there is a camera there. I'm just ready to sink into the water forever, I'm so mortified.
But I hear Barbara yelling my name, just over my shoulder, so like a superhero, I haul myself out and yank down my shirt and start running for the door. Let me just say, there is nothing like having someone you look up to be there for you to cheer you on when you are busy looking like an idiot to give you a fresh rush of "can-do" adrenaline! Thanks Barbara!!!!
Out the door I go. Into temperature of somewhere around 40 degrees, sopping wet, bare feet, pulling off the goggles and swim cap. The grass is wet from all the people exiting the pool. And I swear to God, I kid you not, it was actually frosty. Brrrrrr.
Into the transition area I arrive. I find my spot. Jackie is still in the area. So is Dennis. I am thrilled about this. I look over to find Joe. No sign of him. Grrrrr. He is smoking me. And we know he will do the bike in half the time and the run much faster as well. My only hope to measure up was in the swim and he blew past me. Jackie asks me how I did. This is when I realize, I have (yet again) forgotten to push the start button on my watch. Really...I do not excel at any of the technological gadgets. It's pretty pathetic.
To clarify what needs to happen in transition one: put on socks (without drying feet, leaving them muddy and grassy, I hate this with a passion), put on bike shoes, put on race belt with bib number, put on sunglasses, put on helmet, (helmet must be secured before you unrack bike), blow nose (this is particular to me, not the general population), unrack bike. Run the bike out of the area, to the road where you are allowed to mount and ride away.
Off Jackie goes. This is not good, my bike is still racked. I don't want her too far ahead of me. I'm securing my helmet, almost ready. Unracking my bike, I'm saying good bye to Dennis, wishing him well. As I turn to see him go, I see he is wearing something with long sleeves and I remember my jacket. Where the heck is my jacket? I put it under my bag so it wouldn't blow away. Prop up bike so it doesn't fall. Oops. Prop it again. Where is the jacket????? It's not under the bag...what did I do with it???? Damn!!!! Oh, it is under someone else's bag. Whip it on. Grab bike. Away I go. An outloud pep talk the whole way to the mounting area. You can do this. It's only 6 miles. You'll be fine. It's short and flat and closed. You will not fall. You can do this. You will not fall. You can do this.
Safely mounted, I'm off for a chilly 6 mile ride. It is 3 loops in the park. Legs were freezing, but the rest of me was actually pretty comfortable, surprisingly enough. I merge onto the course safely. Now it's time to get moving! I look down at my speedometer, it is not working. Dear God in Heaven, I forgot to push the button!!!!! What is it with the damn buttons in my life???? And I simply could not screw up enough courage to take a hand off the bars to push the button. I'm such a knucklehead!! Oh well, I'll just keep going. I'm happy to report that although many people passed me handily, I did some of my own passing. And some of them were even younger than me. (I can tell the age from the body marking on the right calf. We all have our ages written on our leg.)
Six wide, slow turns later, I am finally finishing the bike. I have not seen Jackie on the course so she is still out there somewhere ahead of me. Not happy. I was hoping to make up some ground on the bike and be about even coming into the run. Oh well. Into the finish chute of the course I glide. And I do mean glide. Last year, I fell off my stupid bike at the dismount. I was determined not to do that again. Alas, I slowed down a bit early and a bit much. But, I did not fall! Run the bike into the transition area for T2.
The second transition involves the following: find the right location to return your bike, rack your bike, remove your helmet, remove your bike shoes, put on sneakers, in today's case remove the jacket, grab hat and napkins (for more nose-blowing) and put hat on while running out of the corral onto the course.
When I arrive at my spot, I entered the aisle on the wrong side. Nuts. Rack bike, run around to the other side to get shoes changed. Cannot seem to stamp my right foot into sneaker. Grrrrr. Feet are still soaked of course. Looking for Jackie. No sign of her. Grrrrr. No time for nose-blowing now, that's for sure. I'll have to manage that along the course. Off I go.
The run is short. Only two miles. I'm feeling pretty good for just coming off of the bike. It's an odd feeling getting your legs moving in the new rhythm of running immediately following biking. I feel like a toddler just learning to run. But today, I didn't feel too much of that. And my feet weren't too numb. And my knee didn't hurt. And my arms weren't numb at all. This is all good news. Across the field I go, out onto the path. I'm maybe a half a mile into it and there he is coming back, my husband, totally smoking me. Grrrrr. Shortly behind him I see Dennis. Nice job Honey, you're beating Dennis! Well, I want to beat Jackie...where the heck is she? No sign of her. Grrrrr. Must move my feet faster! Lean forward! Think of Brian's chicken. No, that makes me laugh. Think of the Road Runner. Yes, that's right...fast feet!
Down the home stretch where I know Joe will be waiting for me. (It's always good to come home to Joe...figuratively as well as literally!) And today Natasha will be there as well, with Joe's folks. As I come into the shoot, there she is, waving mightily. She's all I see, my gorgeous daughter. And I know I have to look good for her as I finish strong with a smile on my face a mile wide. No matter how long after Joe I finished. And even if I finished after Jackie. Just doesn't matter for that moment when I know my daughter is there cheering for me!!!
Now, for anyone with the fortitude (and the time) to have read this far, I guess I really should share the results. I did not come close to my goal time. But I did beat last year's time. Here's the scoop.
2012 Time 2013 Time
Swim 11:32 9:49
T1 3:17 3:44 (Joe's comment, "What, did you do your hair???")
Bike 21:44 22:53
T2 1:17 2:04
Run 21:09 18:20
overall 58:57 56:47
It was a total blast!!!!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Lactate Set Today.
So, I get to the pool early. Not necessarily because I'm eager to be the first one to show up for practice. Just because Natasha goes in early this year for her Police Science program and I head over after dropping her at school. This gives me the opportunity to watch the earlier practice and note the differences between the athletes in the slow lanes and in the fast lanes. I have identified a few things that the speedy folks have in common. I do enjoy watching them.
1) Their butts are higher in the water. Nice to watch. I'm getting better at this. It makes me wonder though if others are watching my butt too. Hmmmm. Well, there is certainly plenty of it for viewing!
2) They have huge arm swings with the high elbow thing going on. I can't seem to do that. Particularly not quickly like they do.
3) They have the coolest kicks going...they remind me of those wind up toys, in tempo and appearance of ease. My kick is getting better, but it is no where near theirs yet.
Well, I knew I was in trouble when the folks leaving the early session each walked by me and warned me it was a tough workout. Not one. Not two. Like 6 or 7 people warned me of this. And they did so quite joyfully. Like, "Ha, it's someone else's turn now!" Into the cold water I went, with a little bit of trepidation today!
God bless Heddy. She keeps telling me how beautifully I'm looking. And don't get me wrong, this does indeed make me happy. But I'd rather be fast damn it. ;-)
Gave it my best in the lactate set. Definitely was better than in the past. But still 11 seconds slower than Jackie Fagan. Grrrr. And then, I come home, and ask Joe what his times were last night. Well, that was a total misjudgement on my part. If I was annoyed at my performance by comparing myself to Jackie, then I was really upset when compared to Joe. He was 2 seconds faster than her. And I used to beat him in the water. It was the only place I could. Man, it's just not fair. I swear I'm going to languish in lane one forever.
Alas, it was awesome anyways. Swimming with my buddies makes my day! (And darn good thing too....still have 9 more books to finish...will it ever end this year???)
So, I get to the pool early. Not necessarily because I'm eager to be the first one to show up for practice. Just because Natasha goes in early this year for her Police Science program and I head over after dropping her at school. This gives me the opportunity to watch the earlier practice and note the differences between the athletes in the slow lanes and in the fast lanes. I have identified a few things that the speedy folks have in common. I do enjoy watching them.
1) Their butts are higher in the water. Nice to watch. I'm getting better at this. It makes me wonder though if others are watching my butt too. Hmmmm. Well, there is certainly plenty of it for viewing!
2) They have huge arm swings with the high elbow thing going on. I can't seem to do that. Particularly not quickly like they do.
3) They have the coolest kicks going...they remind me of those wind up toys, in tempo and appearance of ease. My kick is getting better, but it is no where near theirs yet.
Well, I knew I was in trouble when the folks leaving the early session each walked by me and warned me it was a tough workout. Not one. Not two. Like 6 or 7 people warned me of this. And they did so quite joyfully. Like, "Ha, it's someone else's turn now!" Into the cold water I went, with a little bit of trepidation today!
God bless Heddy. She keeps telling me how beautifully I'm looking. And don't get me wrong, this does indeed make me happy. But I'd rather be fast damn it. ;-)
Gave it my best in the lactate set. Definitely was better than in the past. But still 11 seconds slower than Jackie Fagan. Grrrr. And then, I come home, and ask Joe what his times were last night. Well, that was a total misjudgement on my part. If I was annoyed at my performance by comparing myself to Jackie, then I was really upset when compared to Joe. He was 2 seconds faster than her. And I used to beat him in the water. It was the only place I could. Man, it's just not fair. I swear I'm going to languish in lane one forever.
Alas, it was awesome anyways. Swimming with my buddies makes my day! (And darn good thing too....still have 9 more books to finish...will it ever end this year???)
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Well written thoughts on Boston. Thanks Lauren for sharing the link.
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/for-boston/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NoMeatAthlete+%28No+Meat+Athlete%29
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/for-boston/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NoMeatAthlete+%28No+Meat+Athlete%29
Still stunned from the horrific violent attack yesterday in Boston, I went out to burn off some excess fury and calories from last night's orgy of stress eating. (Pasta, chocolate, wine...on a Monday...no, no, no)
Got on the bike, all by myself, and rode over to Seaman's Neck Road. This is a newly paved road that is straight and flat. A few side streets to slow and watch for. But othewise a good place for me to practice. I did 5.5 miles. Got up to a high of 16 mph. Which is not too bad, for me.
Then I dismounted, ran the bike 20 yards, changed shoes, and plodded along for two miles. It took over a half mile for my arms to stop tingling. And almost the entire two miles for the feet. I am simply wound too tight! In any case, I feel marginally better about participating in the mini-mighty on Sunday. Marginally. And I won't even use the word compete. Participate is a more appropriate word choice.
Still so sad for the folks in Boston...but a good sweat helped relieve some tension anyways. I hope to get some core work in at some point, but alas, there are still 9 spring books to finish. Give me strength!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
No Junk Miles!
That's what Joe tells me. Make every run count. Since I set out on my own today for a ten miler on a beautiful morning, I have to confess: I just ran along at a comfortable pace, enjoying the day. That would probably qualify as junk miles, but oh well, it's hardly a crime. It's still better than sleeping in!
Since I managed OK with no major ill effects to the ankle, I finally registered for the half on 5-5. Looking forward to it!
That's what Joe tells me. Make every run count. Since I set out on my own today for a ten miler on a beautiful morning, I have to confess: I just ran along at a comfortable pace, enjoying the day. That would probably qualify as junk miles, but oh well, it's hardly a crime. It's still better than sleeping in!
Since I managed OK with no major ill effects to the ankle, I finally registered for the half on 5-5. Looking forward to it!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Change is a Challenge!
So, Dr. Steve filmed me jogging along and has made some recommendations to help me run more efficiently and to help keep me injury free. Today I tried for the first time to really change from heel striking to landing more mid-foot. It is hard to change how you run. I found that out very quickly. He gave me some drills to do in the mirror before heading out. And I just saw these drills on Barbara's FB page. They dovetail nicely into everything he is saying.
http://endurancefilms.com/studio/3essentialrunningdrills/
This higher knees business requires a lot more energy. At least here in the initial phase of trying to do it. I was tired, with a capital T!!!
Found out something useful tonight...Taco Bell does have a couple of vegetarian options. Happy to report I stuck to my guns and did not order any meat. But man I used to love a taco from there. Or the chicken quesadilla. Alas, my veggie Cantina bowl was satisfying enough.
Still on the fence about registering for the Long Island Half Marathon. Will decide after Saturday's long run when I see how I feel. Keeping my fingers crossed!
So, Dr. Steve filmed me jogging along and has made some recommendations to help me run more efficiently and to help keep me injury free. Today I tried for the first time to really change from heel striking to landing more mid-foot. It is hard to change how you run. I found that out very quickly. He gave me some drills to do in the mirror before heading out. And I just saw these drills on Barbara's FB page. They dovetail nicely into everything he is saying.
http://endurancefilms.com/studio/3essentialrunningdrills/
This higher knees business requires a lot more energy. At least here in the initial phase of trying to do it. I was tired, with a capital T!!!
Found out something useful tonight...Taco Bell does have a couple of vegetarian options. Happy to report I stuck to my guns and did not order any meat. But man I used to love a taco from there. Or the chicken quesadilla. Alas, my veggie Cantina bowl was satisfying enough.
Still on the fence about registering for the Long Island Half Marathon. Will decide after Saturday's long run when I see how I feel. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Monday, April 8, 2013
A veritible trifecta!
So, three days, three separate sports, each with a modicum of success!
Saturday: Joe pumped up my tires and around and around the court I went, clipping and unclipping. Clipping and unclipping. Dare I say it again? Clipping and unclipping. Finally, I set out down Lynn Lane. I was in a total panic at the first stop sign, slowed, unclipped, stopped, and successfully started up again. The tension in my my shoulders was not to be believed. If anyone had tapped me to say hello, I would have shattered into a thousand pieces. Eventually, we wound our way around to Seaman's Neck and I got up the gumption to hit 15 mph. We went over the parkway, a semblance of a hill, and I screamed all the way down the other side, tapping the breaks the whole way. Yes, I understand this is not a real hill. Yes, I understand it was no big deal. Tell that to my sweating palms and my fluttering heart.
Poor Joe is behind me, trying his best to stay patient. He is on his hybrid and he can still barely ride slow enough to not pass me. At some point he asks me why I keep on stopping pedaling. I yell behind me, because I don't like to go fast. No reply. No comforting words. Not even a reminder that I will be racing and the whole point is to go fast. He knows this is hopeless. BUT, I rode 5 miles with no tears and no mishaps. That, believe it or not, is progress. I will look to ride again towards the end of the week. Prayers are always appreciated!
Sunday: The Aspire 10K. One of my favorite races. It's got some hills. Most are not too steep, but one is very long. And one is steep right at the end. For some reason, there is never a start mat at this race, so the time recorded is the gun time. When a slow runner, there is a lot of time between the gun time and the chip time...so this annoys me greatly. In my case yesterday, there was a difference of 20 seconds. My chip time was 59:13 which was an entire 61 seconds faster than the last time I ran this race in 2011. Not my goal time, but a PR for the 10K distance, which earns me a pedicure! (Make the appointment Mindy!!)
Favorite moment in the race: When Janice yells my name as we ran up a hill just past the first water stop...she recognized the taped "sexy calf" from behind. I thought I would wet my pants laughing.
Worst moment in the race: When these two young women passed me up that final hill. I had worked hard to pass them THREE times. I actually groaned aloud when they passed me and said, "Not you two again!" They ended up beating me by 30-40 seconds. I looked up their ages. They are in their twenties. So, I've got 20 years on them...that made me feel a bit better. But not much.
Monday: swam 2300 meters, plus drills. Best moment: when I passed not one but two of my lane mates during a 300. And seeing Lisa cheering me on from the deck. It's great to feel like you're doing well. And that should be reward enough. But to have a witness makes it all the sweeter! And when that witness is Lisa, then I know I have done well!!! That made my week!
Worst moment: the last of the 12 100s where we had to do the alternate kick thing Lisa dreamed up for us. What a miserable exercise that was...My arms were so tired I could have wept! Where does she come up with this stuff???? I will say this though, I think it was somewhat easier to rotate the axis while not kicking. Even though it was harder to propel without the legs in play. Here's hoping that is what we were supposed to learn and that we all learned it and we won't have to do it again any time soon. :)
So, three days, three separate sports, each with a modicum of success!
Saturday: Joe pumped up my tires and around and around the court I went, clipping and unclipping. Clipping and unclipping. Dare I say it again? Clipping and unclipping. Finally, I set out down Lynn Lane. I was in a total panic at the first stop sign, slowed, unclipped, stopped, and successfully started up again. The tension in my my shoulders was not to be believed. If anyone had tapped me to say hello, I would have shattered into a thousand pieces. Eventually, we wound our way around to Seaman's Neck and I got up the gumption to hit 15 mph. We went over the parkway, a semblance of a hill, and I screamed all the way down the other side, tapping the breaks the whole way. Yes, I understand this is not a real hill. Yes, I understand it was no big deal. Tell that to my sweating palms and my fluttering heart.
Poor Joe is behind me, trying his best to stay patient. He is on his hybrid and he can still barely ride slow enough to not pass me. At some point he asks me why I keep on stopping pedaling. I yell behind me, because I don't like to go fast. No reply. No comforting words. Not even a reminder that I will be racing and the whole point is to go fast. He knows this is hopeless. BUT, I rode 5 miles with no tears and no mishaps. That, believe it or not, is progress. I will look to ride again towards the end of the week. Prayers are always appreciated!
Sunday: The Aspire 10K. One of my favorite races. It's got some hills. Most are not too steep, but one is very long. And one is steep right at the end. For some reason, there is never a start mat at this race, so the time recorded is the gun time. When a slow runner, there is a lot of time between the gun time and the chip time...so this annoys me greatly. In my case yesterday, there was a difference of 20 seconds. My chip time was 59:13 which was an entire 61 seconds faster than the last time I ran this race in 2011. Not my goal time, but a PR for the 10K distance, which earns me a pedicure! (Make the appointment Mindy!!)
Favorite moment in the race: When Janice yells my name as we ran up a hill just past the first water stop...she recognized the taped "sexy calf" from behind. I thought I would wet my pants laughing.
Worst moment in the race: When these two young women passed me up that final hill. I had worked hard to pass them THREE times. I actually groaned aloud when they passed me and said, "Not you two again!" They ended up beating me by 30-40 seconds. I looked up their ages. They are in their twenties. So, I've got 20 years on them...that made me feel a bit better. But not much.
Monday: swam 2300 meters, plus drills. Best moment: when I passed not one but two of my lane mates during a 300. And seeing Lisa cheering me on from the deck. It's great to feel like you're doing well. And that should be reward enough. But to have a witness makes it all the sweeter! And when that witness is Lisa, then I know I have done well!!! That made my week!
Worst moment: the last of the 12 100s where we had to do the alternate kick thing Lisa dreamed up for us. What a miserable exercise that was...My arms were so tired I could have wept! Where does she come up with this stuff???? I will say this though, I think it was somewhat easier to rotate the axis while not kicking. Even though it was harder to propel without the legs in play. Here's hoping that is what we were supposed to learn and that we all learned it and we won't have to do it again any time soon. :)
Friday, April 5, 2013
2900 yards today of liquid awesomeness!
It was a fabulous swim today. And for the first time I saw that water cresting over my head, making a trough for me to breathe in, with one goggle in the water! Lisa keeps talking about the water cresting, I was hoping it was doing this for me...well, now I know it was not...until today. I saw it a few times. And I was tempted to whoop with delight. Alas, there was no time what-so-ever for that rejoicing...just swimming, swimming, swimming. All the lanes doing speed play on the same interval? Very tough for the slower people. I made them all. But got very little rest. OK by me though...because as I said, I made them all! Debbie and I took turns leading, big fun all around. Although I still would have preferred to be at the back of the next lane up. ;-)
Off to watch a movie with no snacks. Grrrrr.
It was a fabulous swim today. And for the first time I saw that water cresting over my head, making a trough for me to breathe in, with one goggle in the water! Lisa keeps talking about the water cresting, I was hoping it was doing this for me...well, now I know it was not...until today. I saw it a few times. And I was tempted to whoop with delight. Alas, there was no time what-so-ever for that rejoicing...just swimming, swimming, swimming. All the lanes doing speed play on the same interval? Very tough for the slower people. I made them all. But got very little rest. OK by me though...because as I said, I made them all! Debbie and I took turns leading, big fun all around. Although I still would have preferred to be at the back of the next lane up. ;-)
Off to watch a movie with no snacks. Grrrrr.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
With the first step out of bed this morning, I knew it was not going to be a stellar day. The ankle/heel hurt significantly. Off to the pool I went though, figuring it shouldn't bother me. Well, it certainly didn't bother me like a run would have, but it was definitely a factor, much to my surprise and disgust. Kept on keeping on, following the black line, struggling to keep up to my lane mates. Lisa encouraged me to don a fin on the good foot. Then I kept up fine, but I simply hate having to do that. And not to mention how ridiculous it is to have one flipper on. I feel like a one legged duck. Quack.
The amusement of the morning came from my taped ankle. Gene thinks I should wear a brighter color to act as a flag of sorts in the water in case anyone is coming up on me from behind. The consensus in the locker room is that it looked sexy. My swim buddies crack me up. I love you all and am so grateful to have you in my life!
Still trying to get the hang of engaging the lats with the pull...just not feeling it yet. UNLESS, we are doing underswitch...then I get it. So, why can't I translate that to regular swimming? Dipped if I know. The good news is that there will be another opportunity to try, try again on Friday. (Provided I survive the trip to NJ for work tomorrow which I am not looking forward to. Have to leave here by 6:15 and who knows when I'll get back. Guess tomorrow will be the rest day for the week!)
Ate too much today, but not as much as I wanted to. Sorry Alice, did not do you proud today. But, it certainly could have been worse.
The amusement of the morning came from my taped ankle. Gene thinks I should wear a brighter color to act as a flag of sorts in the water in case anyone is coming up on me from behind. The consensus in the locker room is that it looked sexy. My swim buddies crack me up. I love you all and am so grateful to have you in my life!
Still trying to get the hang of engaging the lats with the pull...just not feeling it yet. UNLESS, we are doing underswitch...then I get it. So, why can't I translate that to regular swimming? Dipped if I know. The good news is that there will be another opportunity to try, try again on Friday. (Provided I survive the trip to NJ for work tomorrow which I am not looking forward to. Have to leave here by 6:15 and who knows when I'll get back. Guess tomorrow will be the rest day for the week!)
Ate too much today, but not as much as I wanted to. Sorry Alice, did not do you proud today. But, it certainly could have been worse.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Focus and Determination
So, it stands to reason that if I am able to focus on my stroke in the pool for lengths of time, then I should be able to translate that to my form running on the roads as well. In the pool, there is that element of danger, mainly drowning, that motivates me to stay focused. On the roads, I'm so easily distracted. I look at houses. I enjoy landscaping. I'm always on the lookout for animals large and small. I think about what I have to do when I'm done. I compose syliloquies for upcoming confrontations. I do math with my pace and my mileage. But I rarely focus on my form for more than a few strides at a time. And of course, that means I'm shuffling along most of the steps of the way and running only a few paces every now and then.
My goal today was go out and try to stay focused for more of the time in a five mile run. Not worrying about time so much. Just trying to maintain my focus on my form. That being said...I don't really know what constitutes good form yet. But I do know this. I know when my shoulders are tense, that can't be good. I know I think about driving my hips forward, like in swimming, I seem to go faster. I know that when I watch fast runners, their legs kick way out behind them and mine do not. I know that they seem to launch off of their toes, making it look like they have the longest strongest toes ever. My feet are short and my toes (although adorable) are not the least bit useful as launchers.
So, even with a pretty stiff breeze, I had a nice time on this five mile jaunt! So the focus thing was successful. At least as a beginning. Just think if I really had a clue what I was doing! Ankle is taped, and feels pretty good. Lots of other body parts hurt now. But of course, at this point, I expect that. Dr. Steve wants the ankle in an ice bath. Brrrrrr. Not looking forward to that. I liked it better when it was a warm salt bath he prescribed!
Managed to squeak in some situps, squats and body by jake exercises as well before I had to run back out the door again.
My pact with Alice has served me well again today. The fist two meals were healthy and small portions. I really wanted to fall off the wagon and get a pepperoni slice tonight. But, I got an eggplant parm slice instead. Now, calorie-wise, that may have not been any better, but at least it involved a vegetable. AND, I only ate half. My family thinks I'm nuts, but when I put my fork down, I now shout ALICE!!!! kind of like a battle cry. Can you hear me Alice??? Two hours till bedtime, the last challenge of the day. No snacking. Who's going to be at the pool tomorrow? Tell me I look thinner, even if it isn't true...I need the positive reinforcement!
OK, enough jibberjabber. I must do the darn ice bath for the ankle. Blech.
So, it stands to reason that if I am able to focus on my stroke in the pool for lengths of time, then I should be able to translate that to my form running on the roads as well. In the pool, there is that element of danger, mainly drowning, that motivates me to stay focused. On the roads, I'm so easily distracted. I look at houses. I enjoy landscaping. I'm always on the lookout for animals large and small. I think about what I have to do when I'm done. I compose syliloquies for upcoming confrontations. I do math with my pace and my mileage. But I rarely focus on my form for more than a few strides at a time. And of course, that means I'm shuffling along most of the steps of the way and running only a few paces every now and then.
My goal today was go out and try to stay focused for more of the time in a five mile run. Not worrying about time so much. Just trying to maintain my focus on my form. That being said...I don't really know what constitutes good form yet. But I do know this. I know when my shoulders are tense, that can't be good. I know I think about driving my hips forward, like in swimming, I seem to go faster. I know that when I watch fast runners, their legs kick way out behind them and mine do not. I know that they seem to launch off of their toes, making it look like they have the longest strongest toes ever. My feet are short and my toes (although adorable) are not the least bit useful as launchers.
So, even with a pretty stiff breeze, I had a nice time on this five mile jaunt! So the focus thing was successful. At least as a beginning. Just think if I really had a clue what I was doing! Ankle is taped, and feels pretty good. Lots of other body parts hurt now. But of course, at this point, I expect that. Dr. Steve wants the ankle in an ice bath. Brrrrrr. Not looking forward to that. I liked it better when it was a warm salt bath he prescribed!
Managed to squeak in some situps, squats and body by jake exercises as well before I had to run back out the door again.
My pact with Alice has served me well again today. The fist two meals were healthy and small portions. I really wanted to fall off the wagon and get a pepperoni slice tonight. But, I got an eggplant parm slice instead. Now, calorie-wise, that may have not been any better, but at least it involved a vegetable. AND, I only ate half. My family thinks I'm nuts, but when I put my fork down, I now shout ALICE!!!! kind of like a battle cry. Can you hear me Alice??? Two hours till bedtime, the last challenge of the day. No snacking. Who's going to be at the pool tomorrow? Tell me I look thinner, even if it isn't true...I need the positive reinforcement!
OK, enough jibberjabber. I must do the darn ice bath for the ankle. Blech.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Welcome back to the long course!
We had been missing the long course at Eisenhower. The pool has been set up as 25 meters or 25 yards for months. Easter Sunday it was scheduled to be reconfigured again for 50 meters and I was looking forward to it. Silly me. When we got there yesterday and looked out, it looked way longer than twice what we had been swimming. The lanes looked forever long. Like in the next town long. Clearly we had been in the short course for more months than was prudent.
Feeling intimidated, I was just about to drop into lane one with the thought of just hanging on. Alas, Lisa Hiller must have read my mind. (That'll teach me to think.) She moved me right over to lane two. No taking it easy for me! By now, anyone reading this blog knows that this pleased me immensely...even though it meant more work. If only I had known how much work...I might not have grinned like an idiot.
There was to be a fair amount of kicking, so we donned our flippers and got to work. 3100 meters later, we were done the work. What a great swim!!! But boy oh boy, I was totally exhuasted! It's a great feeling, but not when you have to stand at Mass for an hour immediately following it. Most of the Mass I looked like a flamingo, standing on one leg and trying not to fall asleep.
Fast forward to this morning. More long course. Boards are out, so more kicking. For the love of Moses. I put my flippers on and with the first kick, I knew it was going to be a long, tough workout. Not only was I tired from the day before, but Mother of God the ankle was hurting. After finishing with the kicking portion, I took that fin off and swam with one fin on and one off. A little odd, but allowed me to almost keep pace with my lane mates. Almost, but not quite. A bit of a discouraging day. But the first time I did two swims in a row, and especially after the distance we did yesterday...I'm not too worked up about it.
Dr. Holly took care of a lot of my below the knee ailments today. She is very good about naming every muscle and tendon that she is attacking. I forget the names. But was so happy that when she pressed here, it made a place over there feel better. By the end, even my Achilles was feeling better. The test will be to run tomorrow. I'm taped up and ready to go.
And then there's the bike. I really have to get back on that damn bike. This week. One day, even if it is just for 15 minutes...I have to do it...I'm going to check the forecast and put it on the calendar...
Shook hands with a shared vow yesterday with one of my buddies that we would watch our portion control all week together. I'm happy to report, I resisted a second helping of lasagna at dinner yesterday in that spirit. And, in the same vein, did not finish my lunch today. Rather, I took some home to be savored tomorrow. So far, so good. The week is off to a good beginning...even if my yearbook pages are still not all finihsed...but that is a topic for another blog...
We had been missing the long course at Eisenhower. The pool has been set up as 25 meters or 25 yards for months. Easter Sunday it was scheduled to be reconfigured again for 50 meters and I was looking forward to it. Silly me. When we got there yesterday and looked out, it looked way longer than twice what we had been swimming. The lanes looked forever long. Like in the next town long. Clearly we had been in the short course for more months than was prudent.
Feeling intimidated, I was just about to drop into lane one with the thought of just hanging on. Alas, Lisa Hiller must have read my mind. (That'll teach me to think.) She moved me right over to lane two. No taking it easy for me! By now, anyone reading this blog knows that this pleased me immensely...even though it meant more work. If only I had known how much work...I might not have grinned like an idiot.
There was to be a fair amount of kicking, so we donned our flippers and got to work. 3100 meters later, we were done the work. What a great swim!!! But boy oh boy, I was totally exhuasted! It's a great feeling, but not when you have to stand at Mass for an hour immediately following it. Most of the Mass I looked like a flamingo, standing on one leg and trying not to fall asleep.
Fast forward to this morning. More long course. Boards are out, so more kicking. For the love of Moses. I put my flippers on and with the first kick, I knew it was going to be a long, tough workout. Not only was I tired from the day before, but Mother of God the ankle was hurting. After finishing with the kicking portion, I took that fin off and swam with one fin on and one off. A little odd, but allowed me to almost keep pace with my lane mates. Almost, but not quite. A bit of a discouraging day. But the first time I did two swims in a row, and especially after the distance we did yesterday...I'm not too worked up about it.
Dr. Holly took care of a lot of my below the knee ailments today. She is very good about naming every muscle and tendon that she is attacking. I forget the names. But was so happy that when she pressed here, it made a place over there feel better. By the end, even my Achilles was feeling better. The test will be to run tomorrow. I'm taped up and ready to go.
And then there's the bike. I really have to get back on that damn bike. This week. One day, even if it is just for 15 minutes...I have to do it...I'm going to check the forecast and put it on the calendar...
Shook hands with a shared vow yesterday with one of my buddies that we would watch our portion control all week together. I'm happy to report, I resisted a second helping of lasagna at dinner yesterday in that spirit. And, in the same vein, did not finish my lunch today. Rather, I took some home to be savored tomorrow. So far, so good. The week is off to a good beginning...even if my yearbook pages are still not all finihsed...but that is a topic for another blog...
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