Thanks Dad and Grandpa for your service in the military. Thanks for my freedom. Thanks all of you military personnel for your service!
What a great day. We went running beach side on the trails in Crystal Cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Afterward we sat reading for several hours. Though it was not warm by California standards, the beach was jam packed with people in swimsuits. We bundled up in fleeces and hats, and were grateful that the car was so sun baked when we got into it.
Before we ran, we went to Trader Joe's market and picked up lunch and some snacks. I was realizing as we were there, that there is a huge difference in what we chose for food today verses what we would have chosen for food a year ago. We are conscientiously trying to eat leaner and healthier. Instead of chips, we buy popcorn. Instead of candy, we buy fruit (OK, and salt water taffy--I love salt water taffy, and this stuff had no hydrogenated oil and all natural color and flavor! And I RAN FOUR MILES!) Chocolate has become a treat, as in we only eat the good stuff on rare occasions.
Something that has also changed is our willingness to go do something active. Tonight, when we got home from the beach, we changed from our beach gear to our swim gear and went for 30 laps with speed intervals every 4 laps. The last six alternated every 3rd lap. On my third speed interval, I tried elongating and reaching far out in front of me, and exaggerating my rotation. Perhaps it was my fastest lap, next time I need to take my chronometer.
There is still no race in my future, things still need to be decided. But, I can at least come up with something for now that will make me stronger and faster.
Last night, as I was looking at races, I started to get fearful when I was looking at the swims. Not fun, not good. This fear is real, and it sucks. I feel like I need to get back up on the horse. I do not want my first race to be my last, and to feel that fear about it.
Name of my Fear:
Nope, no name is coming. Just that musty smell in the water. Weird, because I grew up swimming in lakes and rivers in Washington State far colder and mossier than that lake. I am just going to have to get over there and swim it until I can figure out how to swim in it.
Plan for the week: Shooting for 9 workouts per week: 1 recover, one speed and one distance in each discipline. I have also committed to running 80 miles in June, that equals about 3 miles per day.
Monday: 4 mile recovery run
PM: speed swim
Tuesday: AM: Wake up early and 15 minutes of Sun Salutations. 2 mile run plus weight training. (the baker is back, so I will be working in the AMs)
PM: A bit lost without my bike... So... Hmmm... Another 3 mile run with speed intervals. run 5 minutes, sprint 30 seconds. Followed by stretching
Dinner: Salad with spring greens, goat cheese, candied pecans, cherries, and good bread with soft boiled eggs.
Wednesday: AM: Wake up early and 15 minutes of Sun Salutations. 4 mile run (recovery)
PM: Long swim 48 laps working toward a goal of owning 2,500 yard by the end of July
Dinner: Chicken Enchiladas with green sauce
Thursday: AM: Wake up early and 15 minutes of Sun Salutations. 2 mile run Do some core training with Club Nike
PM: Really hoping to have Little Red back to go for a nice little training ride on the Back Bay with some speed intervals. Add a mile to my MPH every 5 minutes for 40 minutes.
Dinner: Spaghetti and salad with some good bread.
Friday: AM: Wake up early and 15 minutes of Sun Salutations. Long run: 6 miles, working toward a 10 mile goal by the end of July. (this seems like a big leap, but hopefully the core and weight training will help here)
PM: Recovery Swim--24 laps
Saturday: Long ride up Santiago Canyon? JE has band practice again. So happy for him!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Day 240: Rest Day
Sat at the beach and watched the surf roaring in the wind. Sea spray blowing off the tops of the swells. Serenely beautiful. Accompanied by a nasty little headache.
It's hard to plan when I am not sure what I am planning for. I have a few options for September, some much more attainable than others (feeling a bit intimidated by the Orangeman--Yikes!). I would also like to find a race for mid July. Aside from perhaps golf, I don't think I could have chosen a more expensive sport.
My bike is in the shop until mid-week, so I'll need to get creative
Am I hooked? I think I am really enjoying the challenge and the sheer physicality of it. I have never done anything quite like this before and really enjoy achieving the goals I set for myself.
Plan for the week: build a stronger base
Monday: AM: Run 3 miles and then Weighted sets Lunges, squat thrusts, sit ups, push ups, leg extensions
PM: Swim 36 laps.
Dinner: Pancakes and eggs
Tuesday: AM: Day one of 120 days of 15 minutes of sun salutations.
This is it for tonight. I need to have a serious talk with my JE and figure out a race of two. Until then it's all guess work, and I don't feel like planning twice.
It's hard to plan when I am not sure what I am planning for. I have a few options for September, some much more attainable than others (feeling a bit intimidated by the Orangeman--Yikes!). I would also like to find a race for mid July. Aside from perhaps golf, I don't think I could have chosen a more expensive sport.
My bike is in the shop until mid-week, so I'll need to get creative
Am I hooked? I think I am really enjoying the challenge and the sheer physicality of it. I have never done anything quite like this before and really enjoy achieving the goals I set for myself.
Plan for the week: build a stronger base
Monday: AM: Run 3 miles and then Weighted sets Lunges, squat thrusts, sit ups, push ups, leg extensions
PM: Swim 36 laps.
Dinner: Pancakes and eggs
Tuesday: AM: Day one of 120 days of 15 minutes of sun salutations.
This is it for tonight. I need to have a serious talk with my JE and figure out a race of two. Until then it's all guess work, and I don't feel like planning twice.
Day 239: Running for my Life
The week before I left Nar'yan Mar, Russia, I was at a party on the first floor of the building where I was living. My host asked to see photos of my family (always take photos when you travel--people are as curious about you as you are about them) so I bounded up the flights of stairs to my apartment on the 4th floor. When I got to the top of the stair, there was a strange man wearing a yellow dog shopka--the traditional Russian fur hat. He stood smoking, leaning against the wall between the apartments on either side of the stairwell. There was a distinct sense of evil in his countenance.
I walked into my the entrance of my apartment and closed the door behind me. The entrance was lobby to two apartments, and the second door went into my living room. As I found my photo album, I heard the outer door open. Fear gripped me for a few moments, but I determined I would not be cowed by this man. I would not let fear rule my life. I walked out of my door into the stairwell with the man watching which door I was leaving from. Fine.
Perhaps I stayed too long at the party downstairs, because my host's middle-aged son and daughter were fairly lit by the time I left. "I love you, I love you!" said the man with the few teeth he had left, dangling in his mouth. I said my good-byes as politely as possible and shot up the stairs with the little man trying to chase me, proclaiming his love.
At the bottom of the third story stairs, a couple of young men sat, holding their hands up in a "Halt!" position. With the drunk man still following me and no time to try out my slow Russian explanation of why I couldn't stop, I grabbed the guys hand and moved it out of my way, continuing my run up the stairs--except that he had grabbed my hand with both of his and wrenched my thumb from my hand. Madness? Instinct? Genius? Not sure what happened, but I kicked him in the kidney. He let go of my hand. Both men were on their feet. I continued to run up the stairs--thinking only of escaping the little drunk man.
When I got to the landing, I looked back. Both men were right there--the hand grabber a couple steps back from me.
At that moment, in a clear, calm, concise voice, I heard the words, "Punch him." This part of the story is only like looking at old black and white photographs. I can see my clenched fist in my peripheral, right next to my ear, and I can see those men on the steps--stopped forever, mid step. The next photo is of hand-grabber, falling backward with his head thrown backward to the side. Next is a photo of the landing--close up, where I think I must have tripped tripped because I wasn't actually stopped on the landing, but on the step just before the landing. And then comes the moment of impossible and confusing detail--the crack in the glass of my photo album because I dropped it, the purple lines across the back of my hand that remained bruised for months after I got back to the States, the metal edge of the concrete stairs, the coldness of the cement under my knees. And again that calm, clear voice: "Scream."
I opened my mouth and let out murderous rapture. There was not a living soul in or around that building who did not come running to see what the commotion was. My two assailants departed, and within seconds, two more young men flew down the stairs from the floor above.
Four. There were four men to take me. I don't know where, I don't know why. But I know that that little drunk man, saved my life.
Within seconds I was surrounded by friends--strangers who cared enough to find me a blanket, wrap me up, escort me home. People who picked up my broken album and jewelry and brought it to me with an apology for it being broken. People who did not speak my language, but cared anyway.
The police came quickly and took a report, translated through Tatiana Ivonovna, my friend. I was never really alone in Nar'yan Mar after that. People knew and watched out for me.
Strangely, this experience made me less afraid to go to Moscow for a week on my own. Until that point, I'd been very nervous about it. It wasn't a cocky feeling that I could take care of myself, but a humble gratitude that I was being so fervently watched over.
Tonight, JE and I ran though the trails of Irvine-one of the safest cities in the U.S., if not the world. We met no one on the trail, all was safe and quiet. But emotionally, I really needed that run. When those demons of self doubt start tearing at me, running is a tremendous relief. Cycling, too, though it's harder to get the burn in my muscles. Not swimming--swimming in a pool is far too introverted.
I walked into my the entrance of my apartment and closed the door behind me. The entrance was lobby to two apartments, and the second door went into my living room. As I found my photo album, I heard the outer door open. Fear gripped me for a few moments, but I determined I would not be cowed by this man. I would not let fear rule my life. I walked out of my door into the stairwell with the man watching which door I was leaving from. Fine.
Perhaps I stayed too long at the party downstairs, because my host's middle-aged son and daughter were fairly lit by the time I left. "I love you, I love you!" said the man with the few teeth he had left, dangling in his mouth. I said my good-byes as politely as possible and shot up the stairs with the little man trying to chase me, proclaiming his love.
At the bottom of the third story stairs, a couple of young men sat, holding their hands up in a "Halt!" position. With the drunk man still following me and no time to try out my slow Russian explanation of why I couldn't stop, I grabbed the guys hand and moved it out of my way, continuing my run up the stairs--except that he had grabbed my hand with both of his and wrenched my thumb from my hand. Madness? Instinct? Genius? Not sure what happened, but I kicked him in the kidney. He let go of my hand. Both men were on their feet. I continued to run up the stairs--thinking only of escaping the little drunk man.
When I got to the landing, I looked back. Both men were right there--the hand grabber a couple steps back from me.
At that moment, in a clear, calm, concise voice, I heard the words, "Punch him." This part of the story is only like looking at old black and white photographs. I can see my clenched fist in my peripheral, right next to my ear, and I can see those men on the steps--stopped forever, mid step. The next photo is of hand-grabber, falling backward with his head thrown backward to the side. Next is a photo of the landing--close up, where I think I must have tripped tripped because I wasn't actually stopped on the landing, but on the step just before the landing. And then comes the moment of impossible and confusing detail--the crack in the glass of my photo album because I dropped it, the purple lines across the back of my hand that remained bruised for months after I got back to the States, the metal edge of the concrete stairs, the coldness of the cement under my knees. And again that calm, clear voice: "Scream."
I opened my mouth and let out murderous rapture. There was not a living soul in or around that building who did not come running to see what the commotion was. My two assailants departed, and within seconds, two more young men flew down the stairs from the floor above.
Four. There were four men to take me. I don't know where, I don't know why. But I know that that little drunk man, saved my life.
Within seconds I was surrounded by friends--strangers who cared enough to find me a blanket, wrap me up, escort me home. People who picked up my broken album and jewelry and brought it to me with an apology for it being broken. People who did not speak my language, but cared anyway.
The police came quickly and took a report, translated through Tatiana Ivonovna, my friend. I was never really alone in Nar'yan Mar after that. People knew and watched out for me.
Strangely, this experience made me less afraid to go to Moscow for a week on my own. Until that point, I'd been very nervous about it. It wasn't a cocky feeling that I could take care of myself, but a humble gratitude that I was being so fervently watched over.
Tonight, JE and I ran though the trails of Irvine-one of the safest cities in the U.S., if not the world. We met no one on the trail, all was safe and quiet. But emotionally, I really needed that run. When those demons of self doubt start tearing at me, running is a tremendous relief. Cycling, too, though it's harder to get the burn in my muscles. Not swimming--swimming in a pool is far too introverted.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 238:
My keyboard battery just died. I love and hate technology.
Had a nice ride with DA (21 miles). Learned a lot about this crazy
sport. Lots to process. I think he challenged me to go for a half
Ironman. Definitely something to think about. JE is totally into it. I
worry about my crazy toes...
From a tiny little handheld piece of technology with more power than
O'Hera would have known what to do with
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Day 237:
My run was amazing, this morning. I was strong and happy and sunk below my 10 minute mile mark for my 3.23 miles. A short rest builds up the strength to do an activity better, faster and longer.
Today, I took a challenge to run 80 miles in June, that is 3 miles per day, 6 days a week. Or I could do 6 miles, 3 times a week. Whatever I opt for, I am committed to running 80 miles in June. Perhaps I could work my way up to running 10 miles at a time. Why not?
A funny thing happened with my ankle. If you have been on board with this blog, you know how stricken I was with an Achilles tendon, for a couple months. It was so bad, I felt I needed to ask a friend if he would run for me in the Tri if I needed it. One day, the thought occurred to me that I really didn't want to have a runner. I wanted to do it myself--period. It seemed as if my body had been waiting for me to commit to that, before it could start to heal. It was only a matter of days before I could run, unhindered by my ankle. I wonder what other things are hindered by my own thinking...
When I got back from my run, I tried out a new strengthening routine. Lots of glut strengthening. I'll need to make sure I stretch carefully each time I do this, to ensure I don't cramp my hip, again. I have also committed to do 15 minutes of Sun Salutations each morning when I get up--if I feel like doing more yoga, I will do more, but I need to stretch my hips, shoulders and ankles.
This arvo, I spent some time sitting by the pool. I never do that. Just sit. It felt good to get warm, as I was so close to turning on the heat in the house. Most people think of California and think: warm, sunny beach. The reality is that when the rest of the nation starts heating up, we get what is called marine layer--a dense, wet cloud cover that cools things down and often doesn't let up until the afternoon. Sometimes it does not let up; particularly near the beaches. We call it June gloom but sometimes it lasts May through part of August, almost everyday." Summer is not my favorite time of year here. January and February, on those amazing clear golden days--so rare, but so beautiful, when you can see the dunes on Catalina because it looks like you could swim there. That is California at it's most sublime.
So, what is happening with this bakery business of mine? not much. The baker, whose kitchen I borrow, had a family emergency and left for Germany a week ago. He called yesterday to let me know he would be back sometime next week. I am patiently and excitedly waiting for a CD with my Logo and web info on it. I'll order business cards soon! In the mean time, I should be baking for photos for my website, but don't want to have all those baked goods in the house without somewhere to take them. Do it anyway, my inner coach is telling me--Tomorrow! OK. In the morning I ride with DA, the arvo I spend with my oven and a camera. I've been hesitant to take samples around to the businesses in my area without my web address and ordering info, but I am sure I can find someone who would like some fresh baked pie from my kitchen...
As I was getting ready for a date with my JE tonight, I realized I really need new jeans. I'm swimming in more than just the pool! All my skirts are at my hip.
Today, I took a challenge to run 80 miles in June, that is 3 miles per day, 6 days a week. Or I could do 6 miles, 3 times a week. Whatever I opt for, I am committed to running 80 miles in June. Perhaps I could work my way up to running 10 miles at a time. Why not?
A funny thing happened with my ankle. If you have been on board with this blog, you know how stricken I was with an Achilles tendon, for a couple months. It was so bad, I felt I needed to ask a friend if he would run for me in the Tri if I needed it. One day, the thought occurred to me that I really didn't want to have a runner. I wanted to do it myself--period. It seemed as if my body had been waiting for me to commit to that, before it could start to heal. It was only a matter of days before I could run, unhindered by my ankle. I wonder what other things are hindered by my own thinking...
When I got back from my run, I tried out a new strengthening routine. Lots of glut strengthening. I'll need to make sure I stretch carefully each time I do this, to ensure I don't cramp my hip, again. I have also committed to do 15 minutes of Sun Salutations each morning when I get up--if I feel like doing more yoga, I will do more, but I need to stretch my hips, shoulders and ankles.
This arvo, I spent some time sitting by the pool. I never do that. Just sit. It felt good to get warm, as I was so close to turning on the heat in the house. Most people think of California and think: warm, sunny beach. The reality is that when the rest of the nation starts heating up, we get what is called marine layer--a dense, wet cloud cover that cools things down and often doesn't let up until the afternoon. Sometimes it does not let up; particularly near the beaches. We call it June gloom but sometimes it lasts May through part of August, almost everyday." Summer is not my favorite time of year here. January and February, on those amazing clear golden days--so rare, but so beautiful, when you can see the dunes on Catalina because it looks like you could swim there. That is California at it's most sublime.
So, what is happening with this bakery business of mine? not much. The baker, whose kitchen I borrow, had a family emergency and left for Germany a week ago. He called yesterday to let me know he would be back sometime next week. I am patiently and excitedly waiting for a CD with my Logo and web info on it. I'll order business cards soon! In the mean time, I should be baking for photos for my website, but don't want to have all those baked goods in the house without somewhere to take them. Do it anyway, my inner coach is telling me--Tomorrow! OK. In the morning I ride with DA, the arvo I spend with my oven and a camera. I've been hesitant to take samples around to the businesses in my area without my web address and ordering info, but I am sure I can find someone who would like some fresh baked pie from my kitchen...
As I was getting ready for a date with my JE tonight, I realized I really need new jeans. I'm swimming in more than just the pool! All my skirts are at my hip.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Day 236: Reassessing
Last night I dreamed in Scrabble tiles. Perhaps I've become addicted to Words with Friends. My friend CH and I have been playing around 6 games at a time. It's more than just the game for us, it's about spending time with a soul-sister from across a continent. The other day, I posted an unusual game on Facebook and was invited by one of my more intellectual friends to play. After I played "iodizes" for 73 points, he resigned saying that all he'd had for the past three turns were vowels.
Last night, I finally saw my results for Sunday's race. When I saw my swim time, I was shocked! I seriously thought I was out there so much longer! But it was within my high estimation. My cycle was a tiny bit slower than I had anticipated and my running was about 15 minutes longer than I wanted it to be. My transition times are terrible!
Total time:3:56:46.0
Swim: 40:27.4
Transition 1: 5:30.1
Cycle: 1:51:55.8
Transition 2: 4:51.3
Running: 1:14:01.2
After seeing this on the internet this morning, I set out on a long bike ride (54.1 miles) to the coast. Riding on that vast open stretch of land, where the sea claims the continent, clears my head and quiets my thoughts. I tease that my best thinking happens in the shower, but in reality the open road on a bike has infinite capacity for profound thinking.
About the time I got to the Huntington Beach board walk, I had a very clear notion of how to improve my race times. In our triathlon training class, we had an hour long core strengthening class. We worked a lot on our legs, strengthening them. Yesterday, online, I also discovered some great tips from a pro trainer. I think that a lot of time can be scraped off the bike and run, simply by really working on strengthening my legs. And running more. A lot more.
So far, my game has had a lot of vowels, but I know as I stick to it and play well, I can still have a great time. And when all is said and done, it's all about working through the hard stuff satisfactorily. And sportsmanship.
Last night, I finally saw my results for Sunday's race. When I saw my swim time, I was shocked! I seriously thought I was out there so much longer! But it was within my high estimation. My cycle was a tiny bit slower than I had anticipated and my running was about 15 minutes longer than I wanted it to be. My transition times are terrible!
Total time:3:56:46.0
Swim: 40:27.4
Transition 1: 5:30.1
Cycle: 1:51:55.8
Transition 2: 4:51.3
Running: 1:14:01.2
After seeing this on the internet this morning, I set out on a long bike ride (54.1 miles) to the coast. Riding on that vast open stretch of land, where the sea claims the continent, clears my head and quiets my thoughts. I tease that my best thinking happens in the shower, but in reality the open road on a bike has infinite capacity for profound thinking.
About the time I got to the Huntington Beach board walk, I had a very clear notion of how to improve my race times. In our triathlon training class, we had an hour long core strengthening class. We worked a lot on our legs, strengthening them. Yesterday, online, I also discovered some great tips from a pro trainer. I think that a lot of time can be scraped off the bike and run, simply by really working on strengthening my legs. And running more. A lot more.
So far, my game has had a lot of vowels, but I know as I stick to it and play well, I can still have a great time. And when all is said and done, it's all about working through the hard stuff satisfactorily. And sportsmanship.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Day 235: Watersheds
About a week before the race while riding with DA.
DA: Aren't you worried about the swim?
Me: The swim is the least of my worries. I'm worried about my cycling. My cadence is so slow! I'm water, I follow the path of least resistance.
DA: Most people are concerned the most about the swim. Once the swim is over, the race is done.
When two rivers converge together they create a ridge of land between them, carving it out as they flow to the sea. As the river carves deeper, the ridge towers higher. This is called a watershed. For boats heading up river, a critical decision rests upon which way they choose to go. Water at these points is often treacherous and fast and any navigator understands the importance of knowing which way to go before approaching that convergence.
The term watershed also refers to a critical point on a persons life. "A critical point that marks a division or a change of course; a turning point."
One of my watershed moments happened last summer: my bike tour changed my life. There were a few times that I gagged on my own fear and still pressed forward, having hope that things would turn out well. And that sublime moment, looking down the foggy cliff, knowing I had made it beyond the moment I feared most and feeling that intense gratitude and whole-souled love for my life--it was all worth all the work and hardship. It is all worth it.
Work and hardship are what make us appreciate what we have. At those moments when we can look back and see the accomplishments we have achieved, we grow in our love of life, God, other people and our selves. Sometimes we create hardship for ourselves so that we can feel that accomplishment--like my training. And yet, for me, I have needed to do this--for reasons that are my own. Challenging myself, and fulfilling that challenge, has enabled me to feel gratitude and with that gratitude comes happiness and contentment. Change is hard. But fulfilling the desire to change is gratifying.
When I think about swimming a mile, that is intimidating (I think that is why I choked in my last race--I had not seen a mile swim laid out like that before). But breaking it down into smaller segments and then into smaller segments is so much more doable. If you are seeking a change in your life, if there is something that needs your attention, take that challenge. "A year from now, you may wish you had started today," Karen Lamb.
Right now, navigating this course, I have a lot of questions about what my training should be, how to continue, how to grow a tiny business. There are people out there willing to help, people who know so much more than I do right now.
Plan for the week:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday: AM: Ride to work with JE and do a wee recovery run. Go light, see how I feel and shoot for 4 miles.
PM: Recovery stretches
Dinner: Quesadillas with avocado and peach salsa. Side salad
Thursday: AM: Ride to work with JE and and ride with DW
PM: Light swim--24 laps
Dinner: Scrambled eggs with ricotta, broccolini, and crusty bread
Friday: AM: Ride with DA--hoping he can guide me on how to improve and where to look for answers
PM: Kareoke at the Prospector Contact me if you are in! It shall be a blast-ola!
Dinner: Black pepper honey steak, with mushroom ambrosia and couscous (Lynn Rosetta Casper's How to eat Supper)
Saturday: AM: Head to the beach with my sweetheart and do some ocean swimming
JE has BAND PRACTICE later that day!!! I'm stoked for him!
DA: Aren't you worried about the swim?
Me: The swim is the least of my worries. I'm worried about my cycling. My cadence is so slow! I'm water, I follow the path of least resistance.
DA: Most people are concerned the most about the swim. Once the swim is over, the race is done.
When two rivers converge together they create a ridge of land between them, carving it out as they flow to the sea. As the river carves deeper, the ridge towers higher. This is called a watershed. For boats heading up river, a critical decision rests upon which way they choose to go. Water at these points is often treacherous and fast and any navigator understands the importance of knowing which way to go before approaching that convergence.
The term watershed also refers to a critical point on a persons life. "A critical point that marks a division or a change of course; a turning point."
One of my watershed moments happened last summer: my bike tour changed my life. There were a few times that I gagged on my own fear and still pressed forward, having hope that things would turn out well. And that sublime moment, looking down the foggy cliff, knowing I had made it beyond the moment I feared most and feeling that intense gratitude and whole-souled love for my life--it was all worth all the work and hardship. It is all worth it.
Work and hardship are what make us appreciate what we have. At those moments when we can look back and see the accomplishments we have achieved, we grow in our love of life, God, other people and our selves. Sometimes we create hardship for ourselves so that we can feel that accomplishment--like my training. And yet, for me, I have needed to do this--for reasons that are my own. Challenging myself, and fulfilling that challenge, has enabled me to feel gratitude and with that gratitude comes happiness and contentment. Change is hard. But fulfilling the desire to change is gratifying.
When I think about swimming a mile, that is intimidating (I think that is why I choked in my last race--I had not seen a mile swim laid out like that before). But breaking it down into smaller segments and then into smaller segments is so much more doable. If you are seeking a change in your life, if there is something that needs your attention, take that challenge. "A year from now, you may wish you had started today," Karen Lamb.
Right now, navigating this course, I have a lot of questions about what my training should be, how to continue, how to grow a tiny business. There are people out there willing to help, people who know so much more than I do right now.
Plan for the week:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday: AM: Ride to work with JE and do a wee recovery run. Go light, see how I feel and shoot for 4 miles.
PM: Recovery stretches
Dinner: Quesadillas with avocado and peach salsa. Side salad
Thursday: AM: Ride to work with JE and and ride with DW
PM: Light swim--24 laps
Dinner: Scrambled eggs with ricotta, broccolini, and crusty bread
Friday: AM: Ride with DA--hoping he can guide me on how to improve and where to look for answers
PM: Kareoke at the Prospector Contact me if you are in! It shall be a blast-ola!
Dinner: Black pepper honey steak, with mushroom ambrosia and couscous (Lynn Rosetta Casper's How to eat Supper)
Saturday: AM: Head to the beach with my sweetheart and do some ocean swimming
JE has BAND PRACTICE later that day!!! I'm stoked for him!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Day 234: Recovery
Nice peaceful lazy day to think things through. When I climbed out of bed this morning, it was with a very contented feeling of accomplishment. Yes, I baulked the swim, but I kept going. I finished!
Cycled to JE to ride home with him from work. There was a magnificent tailwind hurling me down to road, which means quite a headwind on the way back. As we passed though one of the parks near the railroad tracks, we spotted bright green parrots flying and squawking in the trees. I love where I live.
Made a nice pasta and chicken for dinner.
I will post my week plan tomorrow, tired tonight.
Cycled to JE to ride home with him from work. There was a magnificent tailwind hurling me down to road, which means quite a headwind on the way back. As we passed though one of the parks near the railroad tracks, we spotted bright green parrots flying and squawking in the trees. I love where I live.
Made a nice pasta and chicken for dinner.
I will post my week plan tomorrow, tired tonight.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Race Day: Post Race
Forgive the pre-story-story, but...
In 1998, I was with a film crew shooting a movie in Nauvoo, Illinois. I was driving a massive 12 passenger van on a little country road past a farm, when all of a sudden the tornado warnings started screaming. Having grown up in Washington State, my range of experience with tornadoes was with movies like Twister and the Wizard of Oz. I panicked. All I could think to do was to get myself back to where all of my coworkers were and hope someone would know what to do. The field next to the road seemed a good place to do a U-turn, but I must have swung too hard and knocked the power steering out. The van was completely stuck--so I thought in my panicked state. Did I mention I was in a panic? Fear is a weird thing--if it can get it's teeth into you, there is no reasoning with it. I found my way into the barn near the road and stood gaping at the the amazing amounts of pitchforks, axes, and all things sharp and pointy. The reality check happened as I lifted a hard hat and realized that if a tornado did indeed hit that barn, there was no way that hard hat was going to save me. I put the hat down and left the barn for the van. Much more calm, I watched the rain pelt the window and said a little prayer. When it stopped raining, I took a walk of shame back to the set.
Today:
We woke really early and headed to the lake. Parking was easy, we just followed a truck with a tri-bike in the back. The morning was cool and overcast with a slight mist making things damp.
JE was in the first wave. As he was prepping for his swim, my gut was wreaking havoc and I need to find a bathroom. I got back to him just before he took off. He remembers nothing of our final visit before his take off, he didn't remember I was there! Funny, he was so zoned out--or dialed in?
My wave was third. I met my friend Julie whom I trained with in a class last January/February, and stood with her before the race began--she is in my same wave. The buzzer went off, and I waded out into the water. I dove in and all of my senses went crazy. My nose filled with the musty scent of the lake, my eyes saw my white skin under the dark water, the taste of the water was off, the sound of so many bodies thrashing around me. It sent me into a panic, all I could think was: I don't want to do this! My gut felt like I was going to throw up, and looking back at shore, I wondered if I could swim to one of the nearby neighborhoods and just disappear. Then I remembered all of you, waiting (and so supportive) for this entry. Thank you for being my inspiration!
For a little while, all I could do was breast stroke, then I flipped over and did a back stroke. I couldn't find rhythm or breath. To the side of me was a woman whose face mirrored how I was feeling--except she looked like her fear had no handle. I asked her if she was OK and she said she was panicking. I swam with her for a while, trying to talk my way out of my panic as much as I was trying to talk her out of hers. She could not put her face in the water. She could not find breath, she sounded out of breath and alarmed. When I asked her what her inner-coach was saying, she replied that she wasn't there today. (Mine was! The entire struggle, I was being barked at by my inner-coach, relentlessly! 'Just keep moving forward! Put your head in that water and swim! Find your rhythm--three strokes, breath, three strokes, breath.' Finally Caroline succumbed to her fear, she looked crazed--a woman possessed. I was so afraid she was going to start blindly thrashing and take me down with her. The entire route was lined with life-guards on surf boards. I hailed a life-guard and he paddled to her, she hung on his board like it was life itself. I told her I would be down the course and left.
Then my real swim began. Still dealing with that irrational fear, I put my face in the water and swam two strokes to one breath. When I looked back up, the giant yellow buoy was so much closer that I could have hoped--turn around point. Eventually, I did find my rhythm and finished, but it was so frustrating to get passed by all the different waves of people, particularly the older men who started last.
Even more frustrating was coming into the transition area and seeing all but a couple dozen of the bikes gone. And know that I really baulked the swim--the one area I had the most confidence and the least fear--before I started.
What was awesome, was seeing my JE waiting there with my towel and a bottle of water in hand. My knight in shining armor had waited for me. Such a hero, my hero.
I dried off as best I could and put on my cycling cleats, shoving my socks into my jacket pockets. The cool morning was kept firmly at bay though my screaming yellow jacket and a headband to cover my ears.
Santiago Canyon is a beautiful place, and one of my favorite places to ride. The way to Irvine Lake (which marked the turn around point) was lined with police vehicles and volunteers, ensuring racers safe passage at all intersections. We had a bit of a tailwind on the way, and averaged around 25mph. The way back was a different story. It was slow into the headwind, but we still averaged around 13mph. Not a bad ride!
Getting into the second transition area, my toes were absolutely on fire. As soon as I got over the microchip sensor, I took off my cleats (which was a bit unnerving to some of the volunteers there) and ran to find my running shoes (where I had placed them yesterday). As I was racking my bike, a woman came up next to me and removed her bike--she was finished--as in all done. I still had an hour to go.
Running with JE is a pleasure. Mostly we goofed off and ran at a leisurely pace. We were already so far at the end of the pack--we may as well have just had fun with it. We speed walked up the hills (we actually passes some people who were running up the hills), me drenched with sweat and lightheaded with the exertion.
The entire length of the race, volunteers offered water and cheer. They were so amazing. This day would not have been anywhere near as organized and lovely had it not been for those people and their encouragement.
When we reached the club house, a volunteer informed us that we only had about 75 yard left to run. At the same moment, JE and I both said, "Race ya!" We took off down that corridor with a strong run. Perhaps a couple hundred people had stayed to cheer on the stragglers, but they were so willing to give us a cheer as we sprinted over the finish line. Of the 1,000 participants, there were 632 finishers, 430 men, 202 women. And no losers.
At that point, I wanted nothing more than to lay my poor body down on the grass and rest, but knew that I would cause myself more pain later in doing that than if I were to walk it off and cool down a bit. We still had to collect our gear.
The awards ceremony was just finishing up, and we witnessed the youth awards. The announcer declared that it was all finished, as there was no more hardware out there to be had. As we had just barely returned our microchip anklets, I thought we were the last people to finish and that all the microchips were now accounted for. Not so, breath easy.
On the way to pick up our bikes, we met Julie again. She had finished 10 minutes earlier than her goal! So proud of her!
It is a great feeling to have accomplished this. When I think about the things I have been able to do in the last year (my cyle tour, training and running in triathlons, starting an itty-bitty bakery and blogging all about it), I am just so grateful. These things are things I have been wanting to do, but always put off, thinking that someday was always in the future. It isn't. Someday can be right now. Dreams are passions realized. I try to live by my own motto, 'There are a million excuses, but only one reason. What ever that reason is, live by it.' It's all about having a goal.
Now what? In the immediate future: sleep and food...
Tomorrow, Possibly head to my favorite Korean spa in LA and I will come up with a plan to further my training. My next race I want to take my time down to the 3 hour range. Training. And baking. Perhaps I can come up with my own energy bars...
In 1998, I was with a film crew shooting a movie in Nauvoo, Illinois. I was driving a massive 12 passenger van on a little country road past a farm, when all of a sudden the tornado warnings started screaming. Having grown up in Washington State, my range of experience with tornadoes was with movies like Twister and the Wizard of Oz. I panicked. All I could think to do was to get myself back to where all of my coworkers were and hope someone would know what to do. The field next to the road seemed a good place to do a U-turn, but I must have swung too hard and knocked the power steering out. The van was completely stuck--so I thought in my panicked state. Did I mention I was in a panic? Fear is a weird thing--if it can get it's teeth into you, there is no reasoning with it. I found my way into the barn near the road and stood gaping at the the amazing amounts of pitchforks, axes, and all things sharp and pointy. The reality check happened as I lifted a hard hat and realized that if a tornado did indeed hit that barn, there was no way that hard hat was going to save me. I put the hat down and left the barn for the van. Much more calm, I watched the rain pelt the window and said a little prayer. When it stopped raining, I took a walk of shame back to the set.
Today:
We woke really early and headed to the lake. Parking was easy, we just followed a truck with a tri-bike in the back. The morning was cool and overcast with a slight mist making things damp.
JE was in the first wave. As he was prepping for his swim, my gut was wreaking havoc and I need to find a bathroom. I got back to him just before he took off. He remembers nothing of our final visit before his take off, he didn't remember I was there! Funny, he was so zoned out--or dialed in?
My wave was third. I met my friend Julie whom I trained with in a class last January/February, and stood with her before the race began--she is in my same wave. The buzzer went off, and I waded out into the water. I dove in and all of my senses went crazy. My nose filled with the musty scent of the lake, my eyes saw my white skin under the dark water, the taste of the water was off, the sound of so many bodies thrashing around me. It sent me into a panic, all I could think was: I don't want to do this! My gut felt like I was going to throw up, and looking back at shore, I wondered if I could swim to one of the nearby neighborhoods and just disappear. Then I remembered all of you, waiting (and so supportive) for this entry. Thank you for being my inspiration!
For a little while, all I could do was breast stroke, then I flipped over and did a back stroke. I couldn't find rhythm or breath. To the side of me was a woman whose face mirrored how I was feeling--except she looked like her fear had no handle. I asked her if she was OK and she said she was panicking. I swam with her for a while, trying to talk my way out of my panic as much as I was trying to talk her out of hers. She could not put her face in the water. She could not find breath, she sounded out of breath and alarmed. When I asked her what her inner-coach was saying, she replied that she wasn't there today. (Mine was! The entire struggle, I was being barked at by my inner-coach, relentlessly! 'Just keep moving forward! Put your head in that water and swim! Find your rhythm--three strokes, breath, three strokes, breath.' Finally Caroline succumbed to her fear, she looked crazed--a woman possessed. I was so afraid she was going to start blindly thrashing and take me down with her. The entire route was lined with life-guards on surf boards. I hailed a life-guard and he paddled to her, she hung on his board like it was life itself. I told her I would be down the course and left.
Then my real swim began. Still dealing with that irrational fear, I put my face in the water and swam two strokes to one breath. When I looked back up, the giant yellow buoy was so much closer that I could have hoped--turn around point. Eventually, I did find my rhythm and finished, but it was so frustrating to get passed by all the different waves of people, particularly the older men who started last.
Even more frustrating was coming into the transition area and seeing all but a couple dozen of the bikes gone. And know that I really baulked the swim--the one area I had the most confidence and the least fear--before I started.
What was awesome, was seeing my JE waiting there with my towel and a bottle of water in hand. My knight in shining armor had waited for me. Such a hero, my hero.
I dried off as best I could and put on my cycling cleats, shoving my socks into my jacket pockets. The cool morning was kept firmly at bay though my screaming yellow jacket and a headband to cover my ears.
Santiago Canyon is a beautiful place, and one of my favorite places to ride. The way to Irvine Lake (which marked the turn around point) was lined with police vehicles and volunteers, ensuring racers safe passage at all intersections. We had a bit of a tailwind on the way, and averaged around 25mph. The way back was a different story. It was slow into the headwind, but we still averaged around 13mph. Not a bad ride!
Getting into the second transition area, my toes were absolutely on fire. As soon as I got over the microchip sensor, I took off my cleats (which was a bit unnerving to some of the volunteers there) and ran to find my running shoes (where I had placed them yesterday). As I was racking my bike, a woman came up next to me and removed her bike--she was finished--as in all done. I still had an hour to go.
Running with JE is a pleasure. Mostly we goofed off and ran at a leisurely pace. We were already so far at the end of the pack--we may as well have just had fun with it. We speed walked up the hills (we actually passes some people who were running up the hills), me drenched with sweat and lightheaded with the exertion.
The entire length of the race, volunteers offered water and cheer. They were so amazing. This day would not have been anywhere near as organized and lovely had it not been for those people and their encouragement.
When we reached the club house, a volunteer informed us that we only had about 75 yard left to run. At the same moment, JE and I both said, "Race ya!" We took off down that corridor with a strong run. Perhaps a couple hundred people had stayed to cheer on the stragglers, but they were so willing to give us a cheer as we sprinted over the finish line. Of the 1,000 participants, there were 632 finishers, 430 men, 202 women. And no losers.
At that point, I wanted nothing more than to lay my poor body down on the grass and rest, but knew that I would cause myself more pain later in doing that than if I were to walk it off and cool down a bit. We still had to collect our gear.
The awards ceremony was just finishing up, and we witnessed the youth awards. The announcer declared that it was all finished, as there was no more hardware out there to be had. As we had just barely returned our microchip anklets, I thought we were the last people to finish and that all the microchips were now accounted for. Not so, breath easy.
On the way to pick up our bikes, we met Julie again. She had finished 10 minutes earlier than her goal! So proud of her!
It is a great feeling to have accomplished this. When I think about the things I have been able to do in the last year (my cyle tour, training and running in triathlons, starting an itty-bitty bakery and blogging all about it), I am just so grateful. These things are things I have been wanting to do, but always put off, thinking that someday was always in the future. It isn't. Someday can be right now. Dreams are passions realized. I try to live by my own motto, 'There are a million excuses, but only one reason. What ever that reason is, live by it.' It's all about having a goal.
Now what? In the immediate future: sleep and food...
Tomorrow, Possibly head to my favorite Korean spa in LA and I will come up with a plan to further my training. My next race I want to take my time down to the 3 hour range. Training. And baking. Perhaps I can come up with my own energy bars...
Race Day: Pre Race
There is definitely anticipation for the day's events. A battle takes place in my head: I fight the images that pop into my head of me hobbling over the finish line with images of me running strong and smiling over the finish line. Live strong. Be strong. I am strong, just nervous.
It's is supposed to be cooler today than the past few days, only around 67. The lake is at a cool 70. Nervous wind chill going through a wet, cold me as I zoom up the hill on my bike. I wonder if I'll even feel it.
And the run. Heather talked me though the run, yesterday. Starts out with a hill, she said feels like you are running up a hill forever. Then down and up for 6 miles. All long hills. Short hill give me energy, and I skedaddle up them faster than I go down. I have not run up any long hills. Hence the nerves. I'll be fine. Just nervous!
Now for some breakfast and to go find parking!
It's is supposed to be cooler today than the past few days, only around 67. The lake is at a cool 70. Nervous wind chill going through a wet, cold me as I zoom up the hill on my bike. I wonder if I'll even feel it.
And the run. Heather talked me though the run, yesterday. Starts out with a hill, she said feels like you are running up a hill forever. Then down and up for 6 miles. All long hills. Short hill give me energy, and I skedaddle up them faster than I go down. I have not run up any long hills. Hence the nerves. I'll be fine. Just nervous!
Now for some breakfast and to go find parking!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Day 232: Race Prep and Anticiaption
One of the clinics we went to for our first race, handed out little equipment check lists to participants. It was awesome to have a ready reference for what I needed to pack today. So, I'll share:
Swim:
Anti fog for goggles
Tri-slide
Swim cap
Goggles
Tri or swim suit
Wet suit
Bike:
Bike
Helmet
Sunglasses
Bike shoes
Socks
Bike gloves
Tire pump
Spare tire/tube
CO2/mini pump
Water bottles
Run
Running shoes
Hat/Visor
Race bib
Race number belt
Socks
Orthotics
Fuel Belt
Miscellaneous:
USAT card
Photo ID
Timing Chip
Registration confirmation
Directions to race
Head lamp or flashlight (Not sure why this is on here--unless it is for a really long race!)
Transition mat or towel
Water bucket/pan
Flip flops/sandals
Warm clothing
Sunblock
Nutrition (bars, gels, drink)
Watch or HR monitor and chest strap
Advil/pain relief
Post race clothing
Victory speech
This morning, after we checked in and got our numbers (I am lucky number 400!), we went to Transition area 2 to plant our running shoes at the bike rack. I love the volunteers at events, they are always so kind and happy--totally cool!
When we got back to the car, we heard an engine on the street rev and rev. Apparently the kid's transmission melted down in the middle of the road. He was stuck trying to go up a hill in the middle of a 6 lane road. JE and I turned to go help push him into the parking lot, but before we could figure out how to climb down a 12 foot retaining wall, a guy on a motorcycle, a bicyclist (in his cleats), a couple of men is a car, and some passersby stopped and started pushing the truck up the hill. All within a minute. As I watched, a little turquoise and white Baja bug came up behind with hazard lights flashing and escorted the crew into the parking lot up the hill (like a whole block). So cool. If you think everything is going to hell, that's what you will see. Look for the goodness and you will find it.
As I took this photo, I met a woman named Heather, who is competing in my age group. We chatted for a while and she told me about a local women's tri club called trilavie I think I will look into going there. How cool to ride with more people who don't think I'm crazy for my long rides, swims, runs; and who challenge me. The people I have met in this sphere are so inspiring. Heather learned to swim four years ago and last year competed in Vineman. It was a really difficult swim, she got punched and elbowed and passed out in the water. She was told to quit but continued on and finished the race. Mental toughness. I hope to have that fortitude; but I hope I won't need it.
Swim:
Anti fog for goggles
Tri-slide
Swim cap
Goggles
Tri or swim suit
Wet suit
Bike:
Bike
Helmet
Sunglasses
Bike shoes
Socks
Bike gloves
Tire pump
Spare tire/tube
CO2/mini pump
Water bottles
Run
Running shoes
Hat/Visor
Race bib
Race number belt
Socks
Orthotics
Fuel Belt
Miscellaneous:
USAT card
Photo ID
Timing Chip
Registration confirmation
Directions to race
Head lamp or flashlight (Not sure why this is on here--unless it is for a really long race!)
Transition mat or towel
Water bucket/pan
Flip flops/sandals
Warm clothing
Sunblock
Nutrition (bars, gels, drink)
Watch or HR monitor and chest strap
Advil/pain relief
Post race clothing
Victory speech
This morning, after we checked in and got our numbers (I am lucky number 400!), we went to Transition area 2 to plant our running shoes at the bike rack. I love the volunteers at events, they are always so kind and happy--totally cool!
When we got back to the car, we heard an engine on the street rev and rev. Apparently the kid's transmission melted down in the middle of the road. He was stuck trying to go up a hill in the middle of a 6 lane road. JE and I turned to go help push him into the parking lot, but before we could figure out how to climb down a 12 foot retaining wall, a guy on a motorcycle, a bicyclist (in his cleats), a couple of men is a car, and some passersby stopped and started pushing the truck up the hill. All within a minute. As I watched, a little turquoise and white Baja bug came up behind with hazard lights flashing and escorted the crew into the parking lot up the hill (like a whole block). So cool. If you think everything is going to hell, that's what you will see. Look for the goodness and you will find it.
As I took this photo, I met a woman named Heather, who is competing in my age group. We chatted for a while and she told me about a local women's tri club called trilavie I think I will look into going there. How cool to ride with more people who don't think I'm crazy for my long rides, swims, runs; and who challenge me. The people I have met in this sphere are so inspiring. Heather learned to swim four years ago and last year competed in Vineman. It was a really difficult swim, she got punched and elbowed and passed out in the water. She was told to quit but continued on and finished the race. Mental toughness. I hope to have that fortitude; but I hope I won't need it.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Day 231: Taking a Leek
Most of my day was spent on my feet in my kitchen. I'm experimenting with recipes and baking for a friend. Tile flooring is not a fun surface to be on all day, and my back is having a hard time letting go of the tension. Someday, I will have counter heights appropriate for my height. It seems crazy that the world was built for people not over 5'8", and that I haven't done anything about it in my realm of the world.
So, Steak and Kidney pie: it was a success with our British friend and JE seemed to like it. I'll tell you what, after preparing the kidney? I never want to put that thing anywhere near my mouth! Yuck! Though from a scientific standpoint, dissecting a kidney was pretty interesting. I made straight up steak-pie for myself.
Actually, that isn't really true. I made a leek tart for myself. Leeks, eggs, milk in a tart pan. When I took the tart out of the oven, I had the tart resting on a hot pad in my left hand. Somehow, I had forgotten that the tart pan had a removable bottom. The outer ring slid down my left arm, burning my inner wrist and causing me to unload the leek tart into the sink--after several seconds of anguish. The end of leek tart--I'm just glad it was into the sink, it would have been an even bigger bummer if I had to clean up a giant custard mess from off the floor!
I went to the pool today, to unwind and to try to give my back a break. It was nice to just chill in the cool water. No pressure to do laps. In less than 2 days, I will be through this first big race. I am hoping I have done enough, and that these past couple weeks of lighter loads have a positive effect on my race. My biggest concern is that I haven't been as astringent about doing my sets--lunges, squats, sit-ups, push-ups. Going into my last race, I was doing speed drills and core strengthening circuit training. This time feels much more lackadaisical. But I have also learned that so much of getting through things like this is just mental. Knowing that I have done this thing before and that I can do it again--find my rhythm and just keep going, no matter what. Mind over matter, baby. It's all I've got.
So, Steak and Kidney pie: it was a success with our British friend and JE seemed to like it. I'll tell you what, after preparing the kidney? I never want to put that thing anywhere near my mouth! Yuck! Though from a scientific standpoint, dissecting a kidney was pretty interesting. I made straight up steak-pie for myself.
Actually, that isn't really true. I made a leek tart for myself. Leeks, eggs, milk in a tart pan. When I took the tart out of the oven, I had the tart resting on a hot pad in my left hand. Somehow, I had forgotten that the tart pan had a removable bottom. The outer ring slid down my left arm, burning my inner wrist and causing me to unload the leek tart into the sink--after several seconds of anguish. The end of leek tart--I'm just glad it was into the sink, it would have been an even bigger bummer if I had to clean up a giant custard mess from off the floor!
I went to the pool today, to unwind and to try to give my back a break. It was nice to just chill in the cool water. No pressure to do laps. In less than 2 days, I will be through this first big race. I am hoping I have done enough, and that these past couple weeks of lighter loads have a positive effect on my race. My biggest concern is that I haven't been as astringent about doing my sets--lunges, squats, sit-ups, push-ups. Going into my last race, I was doing speed drills and core strengthening circuit training. This time feels much more lackadaisical. But I have also learned that so much of getting through things like this is just mental. Knowing that I have done this thing before and that I can do it again--find my rhythm and just keep going, no matter what. Mind over matter, baby. It's all I've got.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Day 230: Stars
When JE and I were first married and living in Michigan, we visited a lovely little lake one night for a swim. The stars were out in abundance, as were the fireflies. The lake was quiet and still. As we walked into the lake, the stars reflected on the water and the fireflies were dipping mid-air. We were completely in awe, and surrounded by velvety blue darkness brimming with light.
A few days later, with that night still vivid in our memories, I was introduced to a whole new way to be uncomfortable. Swimmer's itch. A nasty little parasite that likes to find new homes under swimmer's skin.
Today, I had my first ever paid baking commission. 20 strawberry tarts, a dozen and a half of each of two different types of cookies. The pies are amazing. The cookies--JE loved them. I am not sold on cookies, just the mini pies.
JE accompanied me to deliver them. Afterward, we drove to the lake where we will be swimming on Sunday. It is a strange set up. We enter from one beach, swim to a buoy, and then end up on a second beach. We walk/run to transition 1 and pick up our bikes, ride for 13 miles up Santiago Canyon and back down to a second Transition Area where we change shoes and run around for 6 or so miles.
This tri sort of feels awkward, with it's two transition areas and start line so far from the transition area--do I take flip-flops and leave them on the first beach? If yes, then post race, I'll be picking up my bike, helmet, cycling shoes, cycling goggles, and water bottles from one area, my goggles and swim cap from another area, and my flip-flops from yet another area. I'm tempted to shove my goggles and swim cap into my under seat bag, just so I don't have to worry about them when I get back. Quickness during the race or loss of gear, not fair options.
As we pulled into the parking lot of what will be a transition area on Sunday, we saw a sign, warning about Lake Mission Viego having Swimmer's itch. I found a place to dip my toe and discovered that the lake is still fairly cool. The itch shouldn't be too much of a problem. One thing I am feeling so relieved about is seeing that long haul swim! No walls, no barriers; just me and a lake. I love swimming open like that. I'm not even worried about the temperature of the water.
My run tonight was interrupted by some rapid fire physical needs. This same thing happened last time, and proved to mostly be nerves. Nothing to be alarmed about. I am a machine--corn for dinner, corn at lunch--that's all I'm saying.
A few days later, with that night still vivid in our memories, I was introduced to a whole new way to be uncomfortable. Swimmer's itch. A nasty little parasite that likes to find new homes under swimmer's skin.
Today, I had my first ever paid baking commission. 20 strawberry tarts, a dozen and a half of each of two different types of cookies. The pies are amazing. The cookies--JE loved them. I am not sold on cookies, just the mini pies.
JE accompanied me to deliver them. Afterward, we drove to the lake where we will be swimming on Sunday. It is a strange set up. We enter from one beach, swim to a buoy, and then end up on a second beach. We walk/run to transition 1 and pick up our bikes, ride for 13 miles up Santiago Canyon and back down to a second Transition Area where we change shoes and run around for 6 or so miles.
This tri sort of feels awkward, with it's two transition areas and start line so far from the transition area--do I take flip-flops and leave them on the first beach? If yes, then post race, I'll be picking up my bike, helmet, cycling shoes, cycling goggles, and water bottles from one area, my goggles and swim cap from another area, and my flip-flops from yet another area. I'm tempted to shove my goggles and swim cap into my under seat bag, just so I don't have to worry about them when I get back. Quickness during the race or loss of gear, not fair options.
As we pulled into the parking lot of what will be a transition area on Sunday, we saw a sign, warning about Lake Mission Viego having Swimmer's itch. I found a place to dip my toe and discovered that the lake is still fairly cool. The itch shouldn't be too much of a problem. One thing I am feeling so relieved about is seeing that long haul swim! No walls, no barriers; just me and a lake. I love swimming open like that. I'm not even worried about the temperature of the water.
My run tonight was interrupted by some rapid fire physical needs. This same thing happened last time, and proved to mostly be nerves. Nothing to be alarmed about. I am a machine--corn for dinner, corn at lunch--that's all I'm saying.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Day 229: Chomping at the bit
This taper thing is killing me. Perhaps I am not doing it correctly, but to be so far from the routine of increasing daily workouts is hard. My muscles feel soft and my fear is that I am loosing strength--especially my core strength. I have determined to not eat anything that can't be readily burned off to try to offset some of this feeling. Just feel sort of blah.
Swimming tonight was interesting. I read on a Daily Mile about a woman who swam laps but didn't touch either end of the pool. I tried this tonight in the condo complex pool that isn't heated. Initially I swam back and forth and then decided to swim the perimeter of the pool. It is an L shaped pool and turning all those corners threw my rhythm off. The struggle of navigating around the corners of the pool may be more exaggerated than the actual event, but I just don't know what to expect. Sunday I will be swimming a mile in a lake. How does that happen? From the third lap on, all I could think about was how incredibly hungry I was.
"Chinese" Chicken Salad for dinner. Yum!
"Chinese" Chicken Salad
2 cups finely sliced napa cabbage
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
1/2-1 cup cucumber chopped
1/2-1 cup celery chopped
2 carrots grated
1-2 cup pineapple or mandarin oranges
1-2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 brick ramen noodles broken up
Dress with:
2 Tbs soy sauce
4 Tbs rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 Tbs sesame oil
Toss salad with dressing and serve immediately. Makes a hell of a lot of nearly guilt free eating!
Swimming tonight was interesting. I read on a Daily Mile about a woman who swam laps but didn't touch either end of the pool. I tried this tonight in the condo complex pool that isn't heated. Initially I swam back and forth and then decided to swim the perimeter of the pool. It is an L shaped pool and turning all those corners threw my rhythm off. The struggle of navigating around the corners of the pool may be more exaggerated than the actual event, but I just don't know what to expect. Sunday I will be swimming a mile in a lake. How does that happen? From the third lap on, all I could think about was how incredibly hungry I was.
"Chinese" Chicken Salad for dinner. Yum!
"Chinese" Chicken Salad
2 cups finely sliced napa cabbage
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
1/2-1 cup cucumber chopped
1/2-1 cup celery chopped
2 carrots grated
1-2 cup pineapple or mandarin oranges
1-2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 brick ramen noodles broken up
Dress with:
2 Tbs soy sauce
4 Tbs rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 Tbs sesame oil
Toss salad with dressing and serve immediately. Makes a hell of a lot of nearly guilt free eating!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 228: Alters
Most of my day was spent either wandering shop to shop, or behind my sewing machine. I spent the better part of the morning seeking elastic laces and a racing jersey. The jersey was far too expensive, but I bought it anyway with the anticipation of returning it unworn and perfect tomorrow. It has been a good guide to help navigate these uncharted waters of "action wear." The arm hole and hem are all that are left to finish, and then I have something long enough and shaped so it doesn't ride up in strange and uncomfortable places. Got to admit, it is a bit wild--I didn't have enough of any one fabric to make it, so I used 4 different kinds. Debating putting in a shelf bra or just wearing my nice sport bra.
Around 5:30, realizing the day had slipped by, I jumped into my tri-shorts and a running jersey. I ran to the pool, swam a quick 600 yards (as in 8:38 minutes--a new record for me), ran back to the house and jumped into my cycling shoes and jacket then took off to find JE on his way home. It was a dual headwind kind of day, so I got a good workout, though it was a short one (8.1 miles). Once we were home, I discarded my bike and ran a couple miles. The new laces could be great, but I couldn't get my sweaty wet feet into my shoes! Seriously! I need to address this problem quick! Socks?
Every once in a while, I'll buy something usually off limits. Occasionally that something will become the staple in our house. Yesterday, I bought frosted flakes. That was breakfast and a quick dinner as we dashed out the door to go to the temple.
Lots of thoughts here....
Our temple is a sweet, beautiful, peaceful place. I learn a lot every time I go. Tonight I thought about the ancient tradition of sacrifice. Though the physical act of animal sacrifice ceased thousands of years ago, the act of personal sacrifice is requisite in every element of self improvement. My very simplified view of the purpose of religion is that it allows us to be better people, brings us closer to God by helping our fellow men. The act of sacrifice, whether it is time or talent, or money or self--the very act, brings hope. It takes faith to grab the shovel, but hope moves the mountain. I have hope in a lot of things; I have brought my heart to the alter, again and again. There is joy in sacrifice.
When we got home, around 10:30, we made a real dinner. This morning, I couldn't bring myself to make a meatloaf. I could not buy the meat, it just sounded awful! Fish. I bought a local halibut fillet. Tonight, we poached it in white wine, capers, and garlic. We sauteed some Italian squash and onions and ate hungrily.
Around 5:30, realizing the day had slipped by, I jumped into my tri-shorts and a running jersey. I ran to the pool, swam a quick 600 yards (as in 8:38 minutes--a new record for me), ran back to the house and jumped into my cycling shoes and jacket then took off to find JE on his way home. It was a dual headwind kind of day, so I got a good workout, though it was a short one (8.1 miles). Once we were home, I discarded my bike and ran a couple miles. The new laces could be great, but I couldn't get my sweaty wet feet into my shoes! Seriously! I need to address this problem quick! Socks?
Every once in a while, I'll buy something usually off limits. Occasionally that something will become the staple in our house. Yesterday, I bought frosted flakes. That was breakfast and a quick dinner as we dashed out the door to go to the temple.
Lots of thoughts here....
Our temple is a sweet, beautiful, peaceful place. I learn a lot every time I go. Tonight I thought about the ancient tradition of sacrifice. Though the physical act of animal sacrifice ceased thousands of years ago, the act of personal sacrifice is requisite in every element of self improvement. My very simplified view of the purpose of religion is that it allows us to be better people, brings us closer to God by helping our fellow men. The act of sacrifice, whether it is time or talent, or money or self--the very act, brings hope. It takes faith to grab the shovel, but hope moves the mountain. I have hope in a lot of things; I have brought my heart to the alter, again and again. There is joy in sacrifice.
When we got home, around 10:30, we made a real dinner. This morning, I couldn't bring myself to make a meatloaf. I could not buy the meat, it just sounded awful! Fish. I bought a local halibut fillet. Tonight, we poached it in white wine, capers, and garlic. We sauteed some Italian squash and onions and ate hungrily.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 227: Processing
The wind was cold in my ears this morning as I cycled into it around the Back Bay. It was a beautiful morning. There is a park bench I love, in Castaways Park. It overlooks the Newport Bay with the long strip of Balboa separating the bay and the Great Pacific Ocean. I stopped there and chatted, via mobile phone, with my older sister and my mom. Usually this is my favorite place to chat with my little sister, but she is off touring Europe on a wine tasting trip. She is a sommelier, and this is business.
This afternoon, I opened my business account and tried to advertise my "Fictitious Business Name," in one of the county newspapers. I'll list my name, once I get it listed in papers and confirm my web address. I also confirmed my first commissioned order for a friend at church: two baby showers. Sunday, I had some left over baked goods from my experimenting, so I took them to church. People raved, I told them what I am doing and several people wanted to know how to make an order.
Here is my thinking: People want whole, real, good food. I can provide that for them. So simple, both the concept and the food. I don't do uppity foods. The food that comes out of my kitchen, is just real. Real butter, real cream, real fruit, real chocolate, real nuts and plenty of them. It's real pumpkin pie made out of a real pumpkin. It's classic and it is what is missing in so much of our short cut culture. That is why people rave.
I have waylaid my swim until tomorrow. My fears of getting out of the water and jumping onto a bike have grown and I need to face them before the race. My weekly plan is again being switched around to accommodate this. Yoga tonight, I need a good stretch.
I just read a friend's blog and discovered this really cool challenge called the 120 day challenge. Think I might try something long loved and long neglected.
This afternoon, I opened my business account and tried to advertise my "Fictitious Business Name," in one of the county newspapers. I'll list my name, once I get it listed in papers and confirm my web address. I also confirmed my first commissioned order for a friend at church: two baby showers. Sunday, I had some left over baked goods from my experimenting, so I took them to church. People raved, I told them what I am doing and several people wanted to know how to make an order.
Here is my thinking: People want whole, real, good food. I can provide that for them. So simple, both the concept and the food. I don't do uppity foods. The food that comes out of my kitchen, is just real. Real butter, real cream, real fruit, real chocolate, real nuts and plenty of them. It's real pumpkin pie made out of a real pumpkin. It's classic and it is what is missing in so much of our short cut culture. That is why people rave.
I have waylaid my swim until tomorrow. My fears of getting out of the water and jumping onto a bike have grown and I need to face them before the race. My weekly plan is again being switched around to accommodate this. Yoga tonight, I need a good stretch.
I just read a friend's blog and discovered this really cool challenge called the 120 day challenge. Think I might try something long loved and long neglected.
Day 227: Rest day, Race Week
With 6 days and 7 hours to go, this week will be an important one. My level of fitness isn't really going to improve in the next few day, so I need to spend the week rejuvenating and relaxing. Muscle memory is established and my rhythm is in place. Short workouts with a few race pace intervals interjected are requisite. Unfortunately, I really only have two speeds: Slow and Stop.
Other things that include building my business will take a front row seat this week. And also, planning training for my next event in September. I'd like to work on gaining speed and strength, so I will be following a more intense training program that incorporates higher intensity training.
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
PM: Swim 24 laps (half my usual)
Dinner: Vegetarian chili and corn bread
Yogurtland with the Labrue family
Tuesday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
Run 3 miles
Dinner: Old-school veggie loaded Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
Out to Temple
Wednesday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
PM: Swim 30 laps
Dinner: Chinese chicken salad
Thursday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
PM: Run 3.5 miles
Dinner: Turkey Tacos
Friday: No big physical activity
Dinner: Sample of steak and kidney pie for British friend, PB (may need to make some sans Kidney for myself--not an offal fan)
Saturday: Swim 20 light laps
Set up shoes in transition area 2, and walk the course
Dinner: Pasta with some lean chicken, salad, bread
Sunday: 6AM set up bike, 7AM race time
Dinner: Party with the Warner's
Other things that include building my business will take a front row seat this week. And also, planning training for my next event in September. I'd like to work on gaining speed and strength, so I will be following a more intense training program that incorporates higher intensity training.
Plan for the week:
Monday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
PM: Swim 24 laps (half my usual)
Dinner: Vegetarian chili and corn bread
Yogurtland with the Labrue family
Tuesday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
Run 3 miles
Dinner: Old-school veggie loaded Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
Out to Temple
Wednesday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
PM: Swim 30 laps
Dinner: Chinese chicken salad
Thursday: AM: Cycle to work with JE
PM: Run 3.5 miles
Dinner: Turkey Tacos
Friday: No big physical activity
Dinner: Sample of steak and kidney pie for British friend, PB (may need to make some sans Kidney for myself--not an offal fan)
Saturday: Swim 20 light laps
Set up shoes in transition area 2, and walk the course
Dinner: Pasta with some lean chicken, salad, bread
Sunday: 6AM set up bike, 7AM race time
Dinner: Party with the Warner's
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Day 226: Layabout
Spent the morning in bed, trying to find a way to order myself into a vertical position. It really has been a crazy week. JE reminded me this arvo that I have only just this week decided to throw myself at this business venture. It was only last Monday that I actually found the kitchen and Tuesday registered to for a business license.
Around 9:30 tonight, JE and I left for our run. The sky has been gray and beautiful most of the day. As I was running, I started to feel wound up and like I needed to stop. 'Just relax and enjoy this,' my inner coach scolded. So I loosened my gait, straightened my back and just ran. My footfalls are fairly quiet, and with few people on the street and no one on the trail, the sound of my breathing permeated my world. Two steps to one breath, in. Two steps to one breath out. Rhythmic and light. I actually love to run--and I just did my 10 K. Feeling great!
As I ran, I started thinking about that relax and enjoy it. This is how I want my business venture to be. I need to relax and enjoy this process. I am learning a lot and have tons to do to be able to sell my product, what better way to do things than with joy.
Around 9:30 tonight, JE and I left for our run. The sky has been gray and beautiful most of the day. As I was running, I started to feel wound up and like I needed to stop. 'Just relax and enjoy this,' my inner coach scolded. So I loosened my gait, straightened my back and just ran. My footfalls are fairly quiet, and with few people on the street and no one on the trail, the sound of my breathing permeated my world. Two steps to one breath, in. Two steps to one breath out. Rhythmic and light. I actually love to run--and I just did my 10 K. Feeling great!
As I ran, I started thinking about that relax and enjoy it. This is how I want my business venture to be. I need to relax and enjoy this process. I am learning a lot and have tons to do to be able to sell my product, what better way to do things than with joy.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Day 225: Karo, Karo, Kareoke
Having been up for about 20 hours, I need to keep this brief, which makes me a little sad, because it was an eventful day.
I woke early and went to the bakery to finish my baking for the day. Met Rob, the "reformed Mormon," who claims to have been enlightened, but just sounded like he is trying to convince people that he is smarter than the rest of us poor sots. Perhaps he is, but then why would he need to beat the point to death?
Not feeling confident about this business venture. It has been a crazy week. Feeling like I need to find my focus. Scared to death. Need to make my product less cost prohibitive. This might be difficult when so many people are used to paying for things made of mixes that take so much less time and money than scratch and butter.
Went for a ride with DA and learned some things about racing, eating, Judaism, and changing a flat. On Santiago Canyon Road, I was completely impressed that as I rolled my bike into a shady spot to fix the flat, 2 cars stopped to ask if we needed help. Fun little 42 mile ride.
Went to the Prospector tonight with CC. SO much fun. Shirley Temple, O'Dooles and a Roy Rogers = sober merriment. She and JE sang Fight for your Right to Party. JE sounded uncannily like them. Funny. Bon Jovi and Def Leppard songs seemed to be the most popular, being incorporated into mass group sing-alongs.
I woke early and went to the bakery to finish my baking for the day. Met Rob, the "reformed Mormon," who claims to have been enlightened, but just sounded like he is trying to convince people that he is smarter than the rest of us poor sots. Perhaps he is, but then why would he need to beat the point to death?
Not feeling confident about this business venture. It has been a crazy week. Feeling like I need to find my focus. Scared to death. Need to make my product less cost prohibitive. This might be difficult when so many people are used to paying for things made of mixes that take so much less time and money than scratch and butter.
Went for a ride with DA and learned some things about racing, eating, Judaism, and changing a flat. On Santiago Canyon Road, I was completely impressed that as I rolled my bike into a shady spot to fix the flat, 2 cars stopped to ask if we needed help. Fun little 42 mile ride.
Went to the Prospector tonight with CC. SO much fun. Shirley Temple, O'Dooles and a Roy Rogers = sober merriment. She and JE sang Fight for your Right to Party. JE sounded uncannily like them. Funny. Bon Jovi and Def Leppard songs seemed to be the most popular, being incorporated into mass group sing-alongs.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Day 224: Shortcuts
It drives me crazy that the baker I am working with uses so many shortcuts. Mixes are not my thing. If it isn't from scratch, why pay someone else to make it?
After a long day of baking, the last thing I wanted to do was cook. Around 2:30 I realized I had not eaten anything all day, and didn’t eat until JE came home and picked me up (he rented a car for $35 for a week!!!) to take me for pho. SO good.
My legs were leaden today, so running was out, swimming was in. But even that was difficult--my legs were leaden. My thoughts are so scattered and it took a lot of effort to focus on the task at hand. But there was a lot of tension release in the pool tonight also. There is no shortcut in swimming. Either I swim my 48 laps, or I don’t. And the more focus I am, the faster it gets done.
After a long day of baking, the last thing I wanted to do was cook. Around 2:30 I realized I had not eaten anything all day, and didn’t eat until JE came home and picked me up (he rented a car for $35 for a week!!!) to take me for pho. SO good.
My legs were leaden today, so running was out, swimming was in. But even that was difficult--my legs were leaden. My thoughts are so scattered and it took a lot of effort to focus on the task at hand. But there was a lot of tension release in the pool tonight also. There is no shortcut in swimming. Either I swim my 48 laps, or I don’t. And the more focus I am, the faster it gets done.
Day 223: Baker’s man--or woman
A friend on Facebook wrote his status to be: “If you do your very best and you still lose......you're a loser.” It bothered me. It bothered me all evening, as I cycled to the grocery store to pick up some things for tomorrow’s baking experiment. It bothered me as I stood looking at apples having a panic attack because suddenly I felt I knew nothing about baking apples. It bothered me so much, because it is so short sighted. Who makes the rules that dictate if you win or lose? Whose finish line are you trying to cross--one dictated by the masses or one you set for yourself? In my opinion, the only losers are those who don’t try.
And so, I went to work today. I warned Max--my new associate, that I would pretend that I own the place--he said, “Good, as it should be.” I cleaned, I made bagel chips with his day old bagels, I served customers, I ran errands. My goal right now is to make myself absolutely invaluable. In exchange, I get to learn a bit about the bakery business and have a commercial kitchen to experiment in and soon to bake in. Soon: because I am working with a designer on a logo, website and business cards so that when I start to deliver little samples of my baked goods to businesses in the area, my name and company will not be lost in the exchange. I do have a small audience and an opportunity to sell some of my baked goods at this business, but expansion is key to success when we are talking $3-$4 at a time.
As I said earlier, I was standing over the apples, when my fear took hold. ‘What am I doing!?! I have no formal training in any of this! It’s all self taught and I’m not that good!’ I thought. I was almost in tears. When I got home, I picked up a couple of my favorite recipes, in anticipation of tomorrow. ‘Oh, right. I do this one thing, really well. People love this recipe. OK, I can do this one thing.’ And that is all anything is: that one thing I do really well. A step into the darkness.
With 10 days to go until my first ever Olympic length triathlon, sometimes I have the same sort of fear about that. But all things relate in my mind. I have completed several steps in this triathlon recipe, the final finishing time is coming really soon. I’ve done well, trained hard, changed my life. One more step into the darkness, and discovering light.
Total ride: 11 miles,
Total Swim: 1600 yards (got kicked out by security at 10)
And so, I went to work today. I warned Max--my new associate, that I would pretend that I own the place--he said, “Good, as it should be.” I cleaned, I made bagel chips with his day old bagels, I served customers, I ran errands. My goal right now is to make myself absolutely invaluable. In exchange, I get to learn a bit about the bakery business and have a commercial kitchen to experiment in and soon to bake in. Soon: because I am working with a designer on a logo, website and business cards so that when I start to deliver little samples of my baked goods to businesses in the area, my name and company will not be lost in the exchange. I do have a small audience and an opportunity to sell some of my baked goods at this business, but expansion is key to success when we are talking $3-$4 at a time.
As I said earlier, I was standing over the apples, when my fear took hold. ‘What am I doing!?! I have no formal training in any of this! It’s all self taught and I’m not that good!’ I thought. I was almost in tears. When I got home, I picked up a couple of my favorite recipes, in anticipation of tomorrow. ‘Oh, right. I do this one thing, really well. People love this recipe. OK, I can do this one thing.’ And that is all anything is: that one thing I do really well. A step into the darkness.
With 10 days to go until my first ever Olympic length triathlon, sometimes I have the same sort of fear about that. But all things relate in my mind. I have completed several steps in this triathlon recipe, the final finishing time is coming really soon. I’ve done well, trained hard, changed my life. One more step into the darkness, and discovering light.
Total ride: 11 miles,
Total Swim: 1600 yards (got kicked out by security at 10)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Day 222:
JE was running late, and I realized that he needed to get out the door sooner than I could be ready. He went flying while I started worrying over the computer. I got so much done! Not only do I have a commercial kitchen space, but my business name is now registered with the city (I'll tell you soon, but I still have to register it with the paper first) and I have a wholesale number. I'm legit! My good friend Randee from high school is working on a logo for me. He has a sweet little business in Wenatchee, Washington.
Around 2 o'clock I rode to the Civic Center in my town and finished registering my company name. Then I rode (with some of the world's best carrot cake) to Irvine Bikes then out to JE's work. His co-workers flipped out for my cake and asked when and where they were going to be able to go and buy my cake. Well, guess what!
At JE's work, I ditched the bike and ran up and back on the trail for 9.2 kilometers, smiling the entire way! I am so slow! So SLOW! Just under 11 minute miles. But I'm doing it!
Jetted my ankle again tonight. Essentially it is like getting a highly focused deep tissue massage. It helps a lot, also the brace, the ice and the rest between runs help tons.
Around 2 o'clock I rode to the Civic Center in my town and finished registering my company name. Then I rode (with some of the world's best carrot cake) to Irvine Bikes then out to JE's work. His co-workers flipped out for my cake and asked when and where they were going to be able to go and buy my cake. Well, guess what!
At JE's work, I ditched the bike and ran up and back on the trail for 9.2 kilometers, smiling the entire way! I am so slow! So SLOW! Just under 11 minute miles. But I'm doing it!
Jetted my ankle again tonight. Essentially it is like getting a highly focused deep tissue massage. It helps a lot, also the brace, the ice and the rest between runs help tons.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Day 221: Gumption
In my reading of Triathletes bible, many times the author mentions "mental toughness" as being an attribute to work toward. It is something I think about often as I pull up a hill with my legs burning or my toes on fire after a long run. Just the words invoke empowerment.
As we pulled up to the auto rental company on Saturday, I noticed a new business a couple doors down. A bakery. While JE was taking care of business, I walked over and got a couple bagels. The baker was on his own, prepping food in the back and helping people at the counter. He was pretty busy. All weekend, I had been thinking about this place, so conveniently located to my house, and the potential need of both businesses.
This morning, when we returned the car, I went again to get bagels. Same story.
JE and I rode to his work, and I continued on with the same route we did Saturday. Twenty eight miles. About 11 miles in, my head started to ache, and then turned into a bit of a brutal headache. I finished my ride and went home for a little nap.
I woke with a sense of urgency about getting to the bakery and talking to the baker to see if we could work something out. While I don't lay much store by my horoscope, I was inspired by mine today:
As I was walking down the sidewalk, I met an acquaintance and friend whom I spoke with a couple years ago--she was at the pool studying her nursing books. I don't remember why or how we met, but she needed someone to bounce her life crisis off--I was that someone. She was a single mom of 2 young teens, trying to finish nursing school, and working full time. I don't remember the particulars, but she thought she should drop school and just work so she could be with her family more. I'd like to say I inspired her to stay in school, but I think she already knew it would be wiser to stay and finish. I met her again, a year after she graduated. She called me her angel. Seeing her today, was a sort of inspiration and reminder of the importance of having a goal and striving toward it. I'm so proud of her!
I continued on my walk to the bakery. Can I just say that that bakery is within a quarter mile of my home--the sidewalk is not that long! But I met another friend who was coming up the walkway. He is leaving soon as a missionary. He invited us to go with him to the temple this Saturday. I am so proud of him, also.
At last I got to the bakery, introduced myself to the baker, Max. He was excited at the prospect of having help at the counter, of sharing his kitchen, and of having a cake decorator on hand. I have a kitchen! Now to take care of the rest of the business end of things!
Swimming tonight, with a light heart and a song! So strong and quick. So much to think and be grateful for about as I glided through the water.
12 days, eight hours until my next triathlon.
As we pulled up to the auto rental company on Saturday, I noticed a new business a couple doors down. A bakery. While JE was taking care of business, I walked over and got a couple bagels. The baker was on his own, prepping food in the back and helping people at the counter. He was pretty busy. All weekend, I had been thinking about this place, so conveniently located to my house, and the potential need of both businesses.
This morning, when we returned the car, I went again to get bagels. Same story.
JE and I rode to his work, and I continued on with the same route we did Saturday. Twenty eight miles. About 11 miles in, my head started to ache, and then turned into a bit of a brutal headache. I finished my ride and went home for a little nap.
I woke with a sense of urgency about getting to the bakery and talking to the baker to see if we could work something out. While I don't lay much store by my horoscope, I was inspired by mine today:
Inspiration is the keyword for the day. You may be feeling highly motivated to move on with what others may consider impossible dreams and turn them into reality. Do not let Impossibility stop you. Instead, you should consider all contingencies carefully and practically in order to make them work. Friends could be inspired by your vision and determination and follow your example. Go for it!
As I was walking down the sidewalk, I met an acquaintance and friend whom I spoke with a couple years ago--she was at the pool studying her nursing books. I don't remember why or how we met, but she needed someone to bounce her life crisis off--I was that someone. She was a single mom of 2 young teens, trying to finish nursing school, and working full time. I don't remember the particulars, but she thought she should drop school and just work so she could be with her family more. I'd like to say I inspired her to stay in school, but I think she already knew it would be wiser to stay and finish. I met her again, a year after she graduated. She called me her angel. Seeing her today, was a sort of inspiration and reminder of the importance of having a goal and striving toward it. I'm so proud of her!
I continued on my walk to the bakery. Can I just say that that bakery is within a quarter mile of my home--the sidewalk is not that long! But I met another friend who was coming up the walkway. He is leaving soon as a missionary. He invited us to go with him to the temple this Saturday. I am so proud of him, also.
At last I got to the bakery, introduced myself to the baker, Max. He was excited at the prospect of having help at the counter, of sharing his kitchen, and of having a cake decorator on hand. I have a kitchen! Now to take care of the rest of the business end of things!
Swimming tonight, with a light heart and a song! So strong and quick. So much to think and be grateful for about as I glided through the water.
12 days, eight hours until my next triathlon.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Day 220: Rest Day
My Gram's mother died of an abscessed tooth when Gram was about three and half. When her father remarried a few years later, my Gram was sent away to live with her nursemaid for a few months. Gram was in first grade and in order to get to school, her nursemaid's husband, who had no driver's license, hitched up the wagon and horse and drove the few miles into town to the school. Gram laughed as she told this story today, saying that it makes her sound much older than she is.
Sometimes, when we are together, Gram talks about World War II. Today, was one of those days. She talked about how many women she knew who were divorced following the war. About how general etiquette of the children deteriorated after women went to work in factories and couldn't be home to teach their children (this subject was introduced as she observed a "jerk" who was wearing a ball cap at the table with his family). She talked about the freedom in being able to work. And how the returning fathers never did bond with their children who were born while the fathers were away at war.
I hate that when people see my Gram holding JE's hand or my hand for stability as she makes her way down a restaurant aisle, they see only an ancient woman. If they knew her--even now, at 91, she is funny, fierce, loving, and sharp as a tack. She can keep a conversation going when I've exhausted all of my news. She is always learning new skills and practicing her hand at Chinese brush painting.
My Gram has been one of my biggest supporters in this endeavor to do triathlons. Often, when we talk, she tells me I should get a personal trainer. She is right. I didn't realize how upsetting this car thing has made me until she told me to get a personal trainer for my upcoming race and the reality of how much this repair will cost hit.
Sometimes, when I see the stats of where people are in the world who are viewing this blog, I feel like such an ingrate to complain about my life--in any way. All of you around the world--Hi! My life is good, rich, blessed. But what you see on TV? It is make believe. Life here is fast, complex and often beautiful, but comes at a cost. Life here is just expensive. But happiness comes free in a package deal with gratitude and grace.
Getting around on bike, as a sole means of transportation in a place that is built around getting around by car, is not easy. Last week, several things I needed to get done, went undone because of the heat and my unwillingness to travel in it on bike. And yet millions of people around the world do so much more with so much less. (I am a spoiled brat.)
Planning this week is really hard for me. I've been trying to understand tapering, but not having much luck planning it. Last week should have been my peak week and now I am supposed to decrease my training by 20% this week and 30% next week. But I am really not confident about my run. (perhaps I am overtired tonight, and feeling fairly out of sorts). I am unsure what my goals should be, so I will do the best I can with what I've got. JE says that we have the components for our race and that we should just focus on that. And I think it will possibly all change tomorrow after a good night's sleep.
Plan for the Week:
Monday: AM: Ride to work w JE, pick up a few groceries, Sets
PM: Swim 36 laps--work on speed
Dinner: Herring, crackers, veggies
Tuesday: AM Cycle to work w JE, Stretch
PM: Run 9K
Dinner: Thai Chicken Curry
Wednesday: Cycle to work w JE, Sets
PM: Swim 42 laps
Dinner: Vegetarian chili and corn bread
Thursday: AM: Cycle to work w JE, Stretch
PM: Run 10K?
Dinner: Turkey Tacos
Friday: Cycle to work w JE, Sets
PM: Swim 48 laps
Dinner: Melody Brocious's Rooster named Chuck. Chuck au vin... Sound delish!
Saturday: Check out the course and find a new place to eat. Maybe run the 10K on the course to give me confidence that I can do it.
Sometimes, when we are together, Gram talks about World War II. Today, was one of those days. She talked about how many women she knew who were divorced following the war. About how general etiquette of the children deteriorated after women went to work in factories and couldn't be home to teach their children (this subject was introduced as she observed a "jerk" who was wearing a ball cap at the table with his family). She talked about the freedom in being able to work. And how the returning fathers never did bond with their children who were born while the fathers were away at war.
I hate that when people see my Gram holding JE's hand or my hand for stability as she makes her way down a restaurant aisle, they see only an ancient woman. If they knew her--even now, at 91, she is funny, fierce, loving, and sharp as a tack. She can keep a conversation going when I've exhausted all of my news. She is always learning new skills and practicing her hand at Chinese brush painting.
My Gram has been one of my biggest supporters in this endeavor to do triathlons. Often, when we talk, she tells me I should get a personal trainer. She is right. I didn't realize how upsetting this car thing has made me until she told me to get a personal trainer for my upcoming race and the reality of how much this repair will cost hit.
Sometimes, when I see the stats of where people are in the world who are viewing this blog, I feel like such an ingrate to complain about my life--in any way. All of you around the world--Hi! My life is good, rich, blessed. But what you see on TV? It is make believe. Life here is fast, complex and often beautiful, but comes at a cost. Life here is just expensive. But happiness comes free in a package deal with gratitude and grace.
Getting around on bike, as a sole means of transportation in a place that is built around getting around by car, is not easy. Last week, several things I needed to get done, went undone because of the heat and my unwillingness to travel in it on bike. And yet millions of people around the world do so much more with so much less. (I am a spoiled brat.)
Planning this week is really hard for me. I've been trying to understand tapering, but not having much luck planning it. Last week should have been my peak week and now I am supposed to decrease my training by 20% this week and 30% next week. But I am really not confident about my run. (perhaps I am overtired tonight, and feeling fairly out of sorts). I am unsure what my goals should be, so I will do the best I can with what I've got. JE says that we have the components for our race and that we should just focus on that. And I think it will possibly all change tomorrow after a good night's sleep.
Plan for the Week:
Monday: AM: Ride to work w JE, pick up a few groceries, Sets
PM: Swim 36 laps--work on speed
Dinner: Herring, crackers, veggies
Tuesday: AM Cycle to work w JE, Stretch
PM: Run 9K
Dinner: Thai Chicken Curry
Wednesday: Cycle to work w JE, Sets
PM: Swim 42 laps
Dinner: Vegetarian chili and corn bread
Thursday: AM: Cycle to work w JE, Stretch
PM: Run 10K?
Dinner: Turkey Tacos
Friday: Cycle to work w JE, Sets
PM: Swim 48 laps
Dinner: Melody Brocious's Rooster named Chuck. Chuck au vin... Sound delish!
Saturday: Check out the course and find a new place to eat. Maybe run the 10K on the course to give me confidence that I can do it.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Day 219: Pooped
Swimming (48 laps) was sweet and Cycling (28 miles) was hard. The hot weather changed from piping hot wind to kind of cold wind this afternoon. I'm afraid I am in a bit of a daze and really just want to go eat--dinner is waiting for this entry to be completed.
Running was an epiphany this arvo. It was so lovely to be pushed by the wind one way and cooled by it the other. I did the 8K as in my goal for the week. JE and I have been trying to work on brick work outs. We ride to his work, about 9 miles, and then ditch the bikes, trade shoes and run up the dirt trail. I ran the whole thing.
I am hoping I discovered a way to control the pain from my Achilles tendon. After my century the other day, we sat in the hot tub. I discovered a jet with a huge force of hot water. It was tenuous at first, getting my ankle into the stream, a lot of pain. After several minutes of moving my leg around in the stream, I was able to put the fullest force of the jet directly onto the most tender of places on my tendon. The next day, I had no pain and for the first time in months was able to run today without feeling like I knew I would be in trouble later. Tonight, I did the same thing. Hoping this works again.
The car is still in the shop, so we rented a car today to travel to see my 91 year old Grandmother for Mother's day tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing her.
Running was an epiphany this arvo. It was so lovely to be pushed by the wind one way and cooled by it the other. I did the 8K as in my goal for the week. JE and I have been trying to work on brick work outs. We ride to his work, about 9 miles, and then ditch the bikes, trade shoes and run up the dirt trail. I ran the whole thing.
I am hoping I discovered a way to control the pain from my Achilles tendon. After my century the other day, we sat in the hot tub. I discovered a jet with a huge force of hot water. It was tenuous at first, getting my ankle into the stream, a lot of pain. After several minutes of moving my leg around in the stream, I was able to put the fullest force of the jet directly onto the most tender of places on my tendon. The next day, I had no pain and for the first time in months was able to run today without feeling like I knew I would be in trouble later. Tonight, I did the same thing. Hoping this works again.
The car is still in the shop, so we rented a car today to travel to see my 91 year old Grandmother for Mother's day tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing her.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Day 218: Love Handles
Had a day off to catch up on some personal stuff and let my body recover from yesterday. Surprisingly, I feel great today.
Tried out a new recipe for Rhubarb Custard Pie. Awesome. I need a bakery.
2 weeks to go and I am freaked out tonight. Just the running part, everything else is slow, but has a handle for easy lifting.
Tried out a new recipe for Rhubarb Custard Pie. Awesome. I need a bakery.
2 weeks to go and I am freaked out tonight. Just the running part, everything else is slow, but has a handle for easy lifting.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Day 217: Cycling 101.4
On my handlebars is a polite little bell with a spring-loaded clapper which I use to warn pedestrians, dogs, other slower cyclists, and the occasional duck that I am passing through. This afternoon, around 5:20, I used it to celebrate. Just as my bike computer rolled over 100 miles, a pack of cyclists was headed toward me. 'I just completed my Century!' I shouted to them, pulling the clapper back and letting fly. Up went a cacophony of hurrays and whoops. Suddenly I had so much more energy than I'd had seconds previously, and felt such a sense of accomplishment.
I am not the fastest out there on two wheels. That isn't the point. The point is: I'm out there on two wheels. In honesty however, this was probably not the best timed century. If I were smarter, I would have ran today and worked on my endurance in my running. Next week.
My toes are burning with friction and my IT band is crazy tight in my right leg. Time for some stretching and massage on the foam roller, then a well earned rest.
I am not the fastest out there on two wheels. That isn't the point. The point is: I'm out there on two wheels. In honesty however, this was probably not the best timed century. If I were smarter, I would have ran today and worked on my endurance in my running. Next week.
My toes are burning with friction and my IT band is crazy tight in my right leg. Time for some stretching and massage on the foam roller, then a well earned rest.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Day 216: Nachos
Apparently, I was so engrossed in my tales of doom yesterday that I forgot to tell this sweet little diddy: yesterday was a really slow day for me. At one point, I stopped on my bike to watch some brand new ducklings swimming with their mama. My helmet was on, and I must have been holding very still; because out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a huge, black wing right next to my head. I looked up, suddenly and heard a flap and whoosh as a massive raven made a quick right angle and flew into a nearby tree. He sat on a branch, eying me quietly for a while as I laughed at him. All I can think, is that my shimmery silver helmet must have seemed a luscious place to land. As I rode past where he was perched, he started breaking off branches and dropping them at me. I think he was humiliated, or maybe I have an admirer.
Today felt so good to be out! The sun was bright, but the wind came from the sea--such a delightful feeling! The warm sun and the cool breeze. Twenty two miles of working on my intensity and cadence. To be honest, I rode with JE to work, parked my bike and ran 4 miles. Then got back on my bike and rode home. My initial plan was to head up to Shady canyon for some hill training, but by the time I was finished with my run and back onto my bike, my temp gauge on my bike computer read 102. I doubt that was true, but it was pretty hot, and windy.
When I got home, last night's dinner was prepackaged as a lovely well rounded lunch for me. Tabbouleh, hummus, and bagel chips. It was so nice not to have to think about what I was going to eat--I was so very hungry!
Dinner was a bit on the opposite side of that spectrum.
JE returned home and found me in my sewing room attempting to knock off a pattern from my now-see-through-swim bottoms. I usually have a post-ride-pre-workout snack prepared for him and dinner on the brink of being ready for us after our swim. When we got back from swimming, we threw chips and cheese and canned beans into a bowl and nuked it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes. Then added olives, salsa, and avocado. I do not recommend this dish. Blah...
And after working so hard for our swim! This afternoon, I watched videos on You Tube about swim techniques. Perhaps I watched too many of them to be effective, perhaps I really need to find a good swim coach. My butt does not drag (a good thing), and my rotations seem appropriate, but my arms feel weak. I swam 1.23 miles, that is a mile and a quarter. My speed is still not where I want it to be, but I don't know how to improve. This is the most frustrating thing of all of this: Knowing I need to improve, but not knowing how to improve.
Tonight in the pool, we met up with the would be surfer, again. His name is Ron and we talked about how tough swimming is, that it doesn't give the buzz that running does. When I asked him when his first surf was, he said around the middle of June, when the Pacific heats up. I told him I'd hold him to it.
Today felt so good to be out! The sun was bright, but the wind came from the sea--such a delightful feeling! The warm sun and the cool breeze. Twenty two miles of working on my intensity and cadence. To be honest, I rode with JE to work, parked my bike and ran 4 miles. Then got back on my bike and rode home. My initial plan was to head up to Shady canyon for some hill training, but by the time I was finished with my run and back onto my bike, my temp gauge on my bike computer read 102. I doubt that was true, but it was pretty hot, and windy.
When I got home, last night's dinner was prepackaged as a lovely well rounded lunch for me. Tabbouleh, hummus, and bagel chips. It was so nice not to have to think about what I was going to eat--I was so very hungry!
Dinner was a bit on the opposite side of that spectrum.
JE returned home and found me in my sewing room attempting to knock off a pattern from my now-see-through-swim bottoms. I usually have a post-ride-pre-workout snack prepared for him and dinner on the brink of being ready for us after our swim. When we got back from swimming, we threw chips and cheese and canned beans into a bowl and nuked it in the microwave for 5-6 minutes. Then added olives, salsa, and avocado. I do not recommend this dish. Blah...
And after working so hard for our swim! This afternoon, I watched videos on You Tube about swim techniques. Perhaps I watched too many of them to be effective, perhaps I really need to find a good swim coach. My butt does not drag (a good thing), and my rotations seem appropriate, but my arms feel weak. I swam 1.23 miles, that is a mile and a quarter. My speed is still not where I want it to be, but I don't know how to improve. This is the most frustrating thing of all of this: Knowing I need to improve, but not knowing how to improve.
Tonight in the pool, we met up with the would be surfer, again. His name is Ron and we talked about how tough swimming is, that it doesn't give the buzz that running does. When I asked him when his first surf was, he said around the middle of June, when the Pacific heats up. I told him I'd hold him to it.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Day 215: In It to Win It
A couple weeks ago, I accompanied JE and PB on a run. They have been running 8.5 minute miles and I am not that fast, so I rode along next to them on my bike. The trail we were on dips under roads and bridges along a waterway and comes back up at a slight incline. JE ran down these dips with surprising speed, while PB talked about how fast JE was going downhill. After observing this several times, I had a talk with PB about an analogy I use on myself.
I am at a door--there is a chain preventing me from opening the door--or perhaps a sandbag or some other obstacle. Whatever it is, it is on my side of the door, and only I can remove that obstacle. If I remove it, the door is free to open and I can walk through easily. His obstacle was thinking he couldn't run down a hill. He removed that obstacle, and was able to run down hills. He continues to improve his runs. Poor JE, PE is a running mad man...
So, Yesterday, I was in a dither about this coming tri. Three weeks and I am not feeling particularly ready. Today, I have been talking myself up, unlocking that little chain on my door.
Here is part of my conversation:
I knew going into this that I am not in it to win it; however, I may not ever win a race, I will never quit a race. I am competing against myself, no one else cares more about my performance than I do. Success is in the attitude. I know I can do this, I have done much more difficult things. Fatigue is part of getting stronger, I am tired because of my hard work--and it will pay off. Yes, my ankle hurts, but if I have to walk the race to finish it, I will walk the race (I'd rather run it, but I'd rather finish). Yes, they open the course at 10:30 to traffic--that gives me 3.5 hours to finish, plenty of time even going slow! Think of the adrenalin!
My training this morning was really tough though the physical intensity wasn't. We rode to JE's work, early, so we could run on the trail he has come to love.
It's a strange thing that for weeks and sometimes months, everything on the road is fine: no close calls, everyone paying attention, rules followed. And all in one day, all hell breaks loose*! JE and I were flying down the hill near our home. It is a steep hill and we get to speeds over 30 miles an hour. The speed limit on that road is posted at 30, so we often take the lane to avoid the line of parked cars on the street. This morning as I watched JE zoom down the hill, some lady pulled out just before him, causing him to break and swerve around her. She then rode the double yellow line next to him for the next 100 feet, and you know darn well that JE would have been toast had a car been coming in the opposite direction. Stupid stupid stupid! What was she expecting him to do, endanger himself by sliding over into the parking lane? Not cool, stupid. All I can say about my response was that she is probably very grateful that the lights were both in her favor--I hope she felt as threatened as we did.
As I pulled up to the second light, I signaled alerting traffic that I was moving into the turn lane. I could hear the bus coming, but expected the driver to respect both the red light in front of us and my out-turned arm. She only slowed in the pedestrian cross walk, zipping past me--close. It was a short-bus, and evidently she needed to be on that bus...
The third light: I got to the other side, and a woman in a giant white sedan brushed by so close, I could feel the whoosh of her mirror--she was riding the white line of the bike lane. Bitch.
Eighty percent of our ride is on trail, but, this morning rattled me. We got to JE's work and prepped for our run. It was terrible, I was weak and tired and didn't have much faith that I could keep going. I did most of a 5 mile run, but it was not easy nor pretty. When I got home, I iced and relaxed with my foot up, reading the Triathletes Bible. It was a good reminder of just what I want and how to achieve it. It put some sense into all of this.
*Yesterday, after years of cycling near dogs with no incident, three dogs tried to jump their leashes and come after me, barking and baring teeth. What the heck? Was it the new moon? Unlock pure crazy!
I am at a door--there is a chain preventing me from opening the door--or perhaps a sandbag or some other obstacle. Whatever it is, it is on my side of the door, and only I can remove that obstacle. If I remove it, the door is free to open and I can walk through easily. His obstacle was thinking he couldn't run down a hill. He removed that obstacle, and was able to run down hills. He continues to improve his runs. Poor JE, PE is a running mad man...
So, Yesterday, I was in a dither about this coming tri. Three weeks and I am not feeling particularly ready. Today, I have been talking myself up, unlocking that little chain on my door.
Here is part of my conversation:
I knew going into this that I am not in it to win it; however, I may not ever win a race, I will never quit a race. I am competing against myself, no one else cares more about my performance than I do. Success is in the attitude. I know I can do this, I have done much more difficult things. Fatigue is part of getting stronger, I am tired because of my hard work--and it will pay off. Yes, my ankle hurts, but if I have to walk the race to finish it, I will walk the race (I'd rather run it, but I'd rather finish). Yes, they open the course at 10:30 to traffic--that gives me 3.5 hours to finish, plenty of time even going slow! Think of the adrenalin!
My training this morning was really tough though the physical intensity wasn't. We rode to JE's work, early, so we could run on the trail he has come to love.
It's a strange thing that for weeks and sometimes months, everything on the road is fine: no close calls, everyone paying attention, rules followed. And all in one day, all hell breaks loose*! JE and I were flying down the hill near our home. It is a steep hill and we get to speeds over 30 miles an hour. The speed limit on that road is posted at 30, so we often take the lane to avoid the line of parked cars on the street. This morning as I watched JE zoom down the hill, some lady pulled out just before him, causing him to break and swerve around her. She then rode the double yellow line next to him for the next 100 feet, and you know darn well that JE would have been toast had a car been coming in the opposite direction. Stupid stupid stupid! What was she expecting him to do, endanger himself by sliding over into the parking lane? Not cool, stupid. All I can say about my response was that she is probably very grateful that the lights were both in her favor--I hope she felt as threatened as we did.
As I pulled up to the second light, I signaled alerting traffic that I was moving into the turn lane. I could hear the bus coming, but expected the driver to respect both the red light in front of us and my out-turned arm. She only slowed in the pedestrian cross walk, zipping past me--close. It was a short-bus, and evidently she needed to be on that bus...
The third light: I got to the other side, and a woman in a giant white sedan brushed by so close, I could feel the whoosh of her mirror--she was riding the white line of the bike lane. Bitch.
Eighty percent of our ride is on trail, but, this morning rattled me. We got to JE's work and prepped for our run. It was terrible, I was weak and tired and didn't have much faith that I could keep going. I did most of a 5 mile run, but it was not easy nor pretty. When I got home, I iced and relaxed with my foot up, reading the Triathletes Bible. It was a good reminder of just what I want and how to achieve it. It put some sense into all of this.
*Yesterday, after years of cycling near dogs with no incident, three dogs tried to jump their leashes and come after me, barking and baring teeth. What the heck? Was it the new moon? Unlock pure crazy!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Day 214: Hit the Road, Jack
With the wind not awake yet, I rode with JE to his work then headed up Santiago Canyon. As I neared the top of Jamboree, the wind and heat picked up. Another hot one...
Riding through Santiago Canyon, I spotted a big orange sign cautioning a coming road closure. I didn't pay much attention to it, until I realized it was a sign about my upcoming race! Suddenly, those hills were important, and my pace and cadence essential. Why am I so darned slow??? I thought that perhaps, it was the wind choking me. There were a couple times I had to push to go downhill, but that didn't stop the roadies (why do I suddenly want to call them "Road-Rash?") from passing me by. I am so soulfully slow.
So, with this tidbit of info, I rode home and checked out the route (honestly, why I didn't think to do this sooner is beyond me!). Apparently there are two transition areas in this race. Weird. Should have paid attention to this info before I signed on. Oh, well.
My swim seems to be improving--I think... Not sure what a good time to swim a mile is, but I swam over a mile in 43 minutes.
Dinner is on the table. It smell so good, and I am so very hungry! We roasted instead of barbecued. Who has time?
Riding through Santiago Canyon, I spotted a big orange sign cautioning a coming road closure. I didn't pay much attention to it, until I realized it was a sign about my upcoming race! Suddenly, those hills were important, and my pace and cadence essential. Why am I so darned slow??? I thought that perhaps, it was the wind choking me. There were a couple times I had to push to go downhill, but that didn't stop the roadies (why do I suddenly want to call them "Road-Rash?") from passing me by. I am so soulfully slow.
So, with this tidbit of info, I rode home and checked out the route (honestly, why I didn't think to do this sooner is beyond me!). Apparently there are two transition areas in this race. Weird. Should have paid attention to this info before I signed on. Oh, well.
My swim seems to be improving--I think... Not sure what a good time to swim a mile is, but I swam over a mile in 43 minutes.
Dinner is on the table. It smell so good, and I am so very hungry! We roasted instead of barbecued. Who has time?
Day 213: Rest Day
Again with the Santa Ana winds. Hot and dry and windy. My skirt blew around my legs as we rode to church on bike. It felt strange to ride in church clothes, very fundamentalist. We attended church in Irvine, because getting to that church required riding over very few hills as opposed to ours at the top of Everest.
Why are there no bike racks anywhere in Irvine? There are bike paths and lanes on almost every major street, but finding racks is next to impossible. It is a bit ridiculous, particularly in the strip malls next to the trails. Nothing.
After church we dropped by Flame Broiler for a quick bite before we headed out on a "Sunday Drive," so to speak. We sat outside in the shade and enjoyed the view. Five bites into my lunch and my gag was triggered. I sat concentrating on not loosing my lunch for the next five minutes before I excused myself and made friends with a hedge. Not pretty. I puked until my gut was empty. Afterward I sat and tried to quiet my tummy with a soda water, while JE finished his meal--and mine. Just as I finished a twenty ounce cup, my tummy couldn't be quiet anymore. This time I found my way to the bathroom and anything that was left in there, wasn't there afterward.
We bagged the Sunday ride and rode the ten miles home. I felt fine, aside from feeling really tired and having a monster headache from nearly bursting my head open. Sometimes food just does that to me. Strange thing. Sushi stopped being palatable after a similar episode. Loosing my lunch in a parking lot...
So, There are two and a half weeks of training before I need to taper down in prep for my race. Still anxious about my ankle and running. I have asked a friend if he would fill in for me if I can't, but I really really really want to do this--on my own (he is a saint for even considering it--thank heaven for good friends). So, I think my goals need to be to train in bricks this week and next, work on my hill climbs on bike, run when I am able --work on increasing to the 10K (if unable to run, replace it with hill training on the bike), continue core strengthening, eat well including the 1/4 protein, 1/4 carb, 1/2 vegetable and fruit rule.
JE has been running with Pete from work, who forces him to run faster--this is a good thing. While I have been swimming on my own. It isn't exactly unifying, but with our longer workouts, comes greater fatigue and greater need for sleep in the mornings. Thus we have slackened our pace of training in the mornings.
Plan for the Week:
Mon AM: Ride to work and beyond (shoot for 40 miles of varying terrain)
PM: swim 48 laps, work on speed and consistency, Sets
Dinner: BBQ chicken, corn, asparagus, French potato salad (uses vinaigrette instead of mayo)
Tuesday: AM: Cycle to work followed immediately with: Run for 42 minutes with a goal of 10.5 minute miles
PM: take it easy, but keep moving!
Dinner: Falafel, tabouli, hummus, pita, tzatziki
Wednesday: AM: cycle to work and beyond--try the route for the race?
PM: swimming 48 laps, sets
Dinner: Vietnamese Bun--vermicelli salad with shrimp
Thursday: AM: Brick: cycle back bay, 7K run
PM: take it easy
Dinner: haystacks
Friday AM: Cycle to work
PM: Swimming 53 laps, Sets
Dinner: One dish chicken, potatoes and leeks
Saturday: Run 8K
Dinner: Spaghetti and meat balls
Why are there no bike racks anywhere in Irvine? There are bike paths and lanes on almost every major street, but finding racks is next to impossible. It is a bit ridiculous, particularly in the strip malls next to the trails. Nothing.
After church we dropped by Flame Broiler for a quick bite before we headed out on a "Sunday Drive," so to speak. We sat outside in the shade and enjoyed the view. Five bites into my lunch and my gag was triggered. I sat concentrating on not loosing my lunch for the next five minutes before I excused myself and made friends with a hedge. Not pretty. I puked until my gut was empty. Afterward I sat and tried to quiet my tummy with a soda water, while JE finished his meal--and mine. Just as I finished a twenty ounce cup, my tummy couldn't be quiet anymore. This time I found my way to the bathroom and anything that was left in there, wasn't there afterward.
We bagged the Sunday ride and rode the ten miles home. I felt fine, aside from feeling really tired and having a monster headache from nearly bursting my head open. Sometimes food just does that to me. Strange thing. Sushi stopped being palatable after a similar episode. Loosing my lunch in a parking lot...
So, There are two and a half weeks of training before I need to taper down in prep for my race. Still anxious about my ankle and running. I have asked a friend if he would fill in for me if I can't, but I really really really want to do this--on my own (he is a saint for even considering it--thank heaven for good friends). So, I think my goals need to be to train in bricks this week and next, work on my hill climbs on bike, run when I am able --work on increasing to the 10K (if unable to run, replace it with hill training on the bike), continue core strengthening, eat well including the 1/4 protein, 1/4 carb, 1/2 vegetable and fruit rule.
JE has been running with Pete from work, who forces him to run faster--this is a good thing. While I have been swimming on my own. It isn't exactly unifying, but with our longer workouts, comes greater fatigue and greater need for sleep in the mornings. Thus we have slackened our pace of training in the mornings.
Plan for the Week:
Mon AM: Ride to work and beyond (shoot for 40 miles of varying terrain)
PM: swim 48 laps, work on speed and consistency, Sets
Dinner: BBQ chicken, corn, asparagus, French potato salad (uses vinaigrette instead of mayo)
Tuesday: AM: Cycle to work followed immediately with: Run for 42 minutes with a goal of 10.5 minute miles
PM: take it easy, but keep moving!
Dinner: Falafel, tabouli, hummus, pita, tzatziki
Wednesday: AM: cycle to work and beyond--try the route for the race?
PM: swimming 48 laps, sets
Dinner: Vietnamese Bun--vermicelli salad with shrimp
Thursday: AM: Brick: cycle back bay, 7K run
PM: take it easy
Dinner: haystacks
Friday AM: Cycle to work
PM: Swimming 53 laps, Sets
Dinner: One dish chicken, potatoes and leeks
Saturday: Run 8K
Dinner: Spaghetti and meat balls
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