At the event yesterday, the committee prepared a little goodie bag for participants to take away. That goodie bag contained things like energy bars, fruity water, replenishing powder, fig newtons, coupons, business cards and samples of pain relieving gel.
But there is so much more I will take away from this experience. Here are some examples of those "things."
Success has a plan. Goals can be accomplished simply by following a plan. While I'm not sure how far to pursue this triathlon thing, I've been feeling like I overshot my initial mark. The training and preparation I did for the Race on the Base was more than that race required, however, there are other races. We upped the ante and are currently seeking an Olympic distance triathlon to participate in this summer. We have some ideas, but nothing set in stone yet.
Knowing I can do something, and having done something before, is hugely motivating when that thing is difficult to accomplish on any given day. Yesterday, when running was difficult, I kept telling myself that I had done this thing before, and I could do it again.
Positivity enables positivity. On the run yesterday, we had a quarter mile left. I was feeling good about the distance left, but my hips were so tight and I really wanted to walk it. I saw a woman walking and clapping my hands, told her 'Let's go! You can do this, it's only a quarter mile! Let's go!' She picked up her run and shouted her thanks. People need encouragement sometimes, and it is so easily given.
Food is so important. It is a needful thing, a pleasure, and it can bring people together. The past few weeks has taught me (again) the relationship between what I want to do and what I eat. My life has revolved around what I'm doing vs what I'm eating. What I eat, fuels what I do. I still love baked goods and chocolate and the occasional potato chip, but those are the exception, not the norm.
Friends are everywhere! There are amazing people everywhere, doing all sorts of things. So cool.
If you want to do something, but don't know how to do it, ask someone. Or go online, or read a book, or take a class, or join a club. Knowledge is everywhere, and is easily attained.
Dedicating actions to a greater good, allows that greater good to have a place within your heart.
Gratitude changes everything, especially perspective.
Celebrate accomplishments with friends and family.
Training with a buddy is more motivating than solo.
My training partner, my sweet JE, is amazing.
Laugh, lots, at yourself. It's far more fun than crying about something.
Plan for the week
Monday: AM: run 5K (I'm working... still)
PM: Grocery shopping
Dinner: At the wholesome Choice Food Court
Tuesday: AM Easy 1.5 mile lap, Sets--upper body, cycle to work
PM: Swim 800 yds
Dinner: One dish chicken, kale, potatoes
Wednesday: AM 2.5 mile run, dynamic stretching sets, cycle to work
PM: bored stupid and wondering what on earth to do with ourselves
Dinner: Homemade Pizza
Thursday: AM: Ride the Back Bay
PM: Swim 800 Yds
Dinner: Thai curry
Friday: Run 3.5 miles, Sets--upper body, Bike to work
PM: ???
Dinner: Paella (maybe...)
Saturday: Bike ride--do something fun!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 149: Post Race
How fun was that? That was totally amazing! The weather held, the wind blew gales, the people cheered, we ran-biked-and swam! I'm a little elated right now.
We got to the base and got our packets with our bib numbers and t-shirts. Bib numbers were assigned alphabetically. I was 686, JE was 687 (we happened to meet Mr. Martin, number 688, just as we were discussing how the numbers were issued). The volunteers marked our bodies with giant sharpies. Our numbers went on our arms and our ages by the end of this year went on our calves.
The bike racks were set up according to age bracket and gender in the transition area. We set up our stuff, JE in the 30-39 Males and I in the... Big fat faux pas! Ooops! That U after the "29 and U," actually means, "Under," not "UP." I moved my stuff, laughing with another woman who was just about to do exactly the same thing. Race-Brain=Duh!
Friends from our training class found us, including Jen, who hung with us a while. We all warmed up a bit (despite the sun, it was not altogether warm). What do you do for an hour before your race starts? Chatter and stroll. It was really fun. As we were heading to the race start, my dear friend Swantje found us. Swan is another 6', and a tailoring dynamo. She taught me everything I know! She came to cheer us on (I feel so blessed to know her!).
DW, Jen, JE and I were standing around at the start line, Julie, a woman from our class came and stood with us saying, "I need my comfort-zone." Another friend from church found us and stood with us also. Being over 6 feet tall, in crowded events, definitely has its advantages.
Speeches were made, the National Anthem sung (I always tear up--especially in light of Egypt and Libya). And then the race began. When the crowd started moving, it was a bizarre visual effect, with so many bodies moving forward around the same speed initially, like something writhing. And then the speedies moved on ahead, and the slower-polks fell behind. We ran around the tarmac in a large triangle. The wind blew in our faces at first and then we turned a corner and had a tailwind. Running was not easy. That one mile marker almost knocked all of my intention out of me. I swear that was the world's longest mile! My guts were going crazy! By the end of the second mile, I was feeling better and had momentum. I picked up my pace and passed a gaggle of women in my same age group. Of course, just after passing them, my shoelace came untied. I ate some humble pie as the gaggle zoomed passed as I fumbled with my shoelace. Next time I will use elastic laces
We transitioned smoothly and started our cycle laps. 3 laps on the tarmac, a little longer than the run. Remember that headwind thing? It was so much worse on a bike. We ducked down into the wind and peddled with everything we had, just to maintain 13 mph. Remember the tailwind thing? We sat up high in the saddles to make ourselves big sails and flew down the runway at 27 mph, without breaking a sweat. Fun!
We had been hearing so much about the horrible cramps athletes get when they jump into the pool after running and cycling so hard. We had anticipated the worst, but when we got to it, it was possibly the most enjoyable part of the event. My rhythm was there, the motion was set. The pool was incredibly crowded with people. It was divided by four, 50 yard laps. each lane was one direction, so at the wall, everyone needed to go under the lane dividers. There was a huge backup of people trying to get under all in one spot. I touched the wall on the far side of the lane and swam at a diagonal around the people, under the lane-divider and did my next lap. That little formula worked slick. It was crazy how fast the swim went!
I stopped to look back to make sure JE was coming. He stepped out of the crowd ahead and grabbed me over the finish line. We were met with water bottles, fruit, hugs from friends, and dog tags with the Race on the Base logo.
It was perfect. We finished with more people behind us than in front of us. Out of one-thousand participants, JE was finisher number 490, and I was 493. In my age group, I was 25 out of 69--and in the upper crust of my age group. Hurray!
We are getting a little rest before we meet friends at our favorite taco joint. It has been an awesome day!
We got to the base and got our packets with our bib numbers and t-shirts. Bib numbers were assigned alphabetically. I was 686, JE was 687 (we happened to meet Mr. Martin, number 688, just as we were discussing how the numbers were issued). The volunteers marked our bodies with giant sharpies. Our numbers went on our arms and our ages by the end of this year went on our calves.
The bike racks were set up according to age bracket and gender in the transition area. We set up our stuff, JE in the 30-39 Males and I in the... Big fat faux pas! Ooops! That U after the "29 and U," actually means, "Under," not "UP." I moved my stuff, laughing with another woman who was just about to do exactly the same thing. Race-Brain=Duh!
Friends from our training class found us, including Jen, who hung with us a while. We all warmed up a bit (despite the sun, it was not altogether warm). What do you do for an hour before your race starts? Chatter and stroll. It was really fun. As we were heading to the race start, my dear friend Swantje found us. Swan is another 6', and a tailoring dynamo. She taught me everything I know! She came to cheer us on (I feel so blessed to know her!).
DW, Jen, JE and I were standing around at the start line, Julie, a woman from our class came and stood with us saying, "I need my comfort-zone." Another friend from church found us and stood with us also. Being over 6 feet tall, in crowded events, definitely has its advantages.
Speeches were made, the National Anthem sung (I always tear up--especially in light of Egypt and Libya). And then the race began. When the crowd started moving, it was a bizarre visual effect, with so many bodies moving forward around the same speed initially, like something writhing. And then the speedies moved on ahead, and the slower-polks fell behind. We ran around the tarmac in a large triangle. The wind blew in our faces at first and then we turned a corner and had a tailwind. Running was not easy. That one mile marker almost knocked all of my intention out of me. I swear that was the world's longest mile! My guts were going crazy! By the end of the second mile, I was feeling better and had momentum. I picked up my pace and passed a gaggle of women in my same age group. Of course, just after passing them, my shoelace came untied. I ate some humble pie as the gaggle zoomed passed as I fumbled with my shoelace. Next time I will use elastic laces
We transitioned smoothly and started our cycle laps. 3 laps on the tarmac, a little longer than the run. Remember that headwind thing? It was so much worse on a bike. We ducked down into the wind and peddled with everything we had, just to maintain 13 mph. Remember the tailwind thing? We sat up high in the saddles to make ourselves big sails and flew down the runway at 27 mph, without breaking a sweat. Fun!
We had been hearing so much about the horrible cramps athletes get when they jump into the pool after running and cycling so hard. We had anticipated the worst, but when we got to it, it was possibly the most enjoyable part of the event. My rhythm was there, the motion was set. The pool was incredibly crowded with people. It was divided by four, 50 yard laps. each lane was one direction, so at the wall, everyone needed to go under the lane dividers. There was a huge backup of people trying to get under all in one spot. I touched the wall on the far side of the lane and swam at a diagonal around the people, under the lane-divider and did my next lap. That little formula worked slick. It was crazy how fast the swim went!
I stopped to look back to make sure JE was coming. He stepped out of the crowd ahead and grabbed me over the finish line. We were met with water bottles, fruit, hugs from friends, and dog tags with the Race on the Base logo.
It was perfect. We finished with more people behind us than in front of us. Out of one-thousand participants, JE was finisher number 490, and I was 493. In my age group, I was 25 out of 69--and in the upper crust of my age group. Hurray!
We are getting a little rest before we meet friends at our favorite taco joint. It has been an awesome day!
Day 149: Race Day 1
6:47 woke up feeling groovey. I didn't hear rain on the roof. When I
looked outside, the sky was gray and pale. Not too bad.
7:30 DW just came over as I was trying on a store bought pair of tri-
shorts. We left with me still wearing them. Hmm
7:40 the sky is blue as we head toward Long Beach. Some big fluffy
clouds here and there. Lovely so far!
From Iris's iPhone
looked outside, the sky was gray and pale. Not too bad.
7:30 DW just came over as I was trying on a store bought pair of tri-
shorts. We left with me still wearing them. Hmm
7:40 the sky is blue as we head toward Long Beach. Some big fluffy
clouds here and there. Lovely so far!
From Iris's iPhone
Friday, February 25, 2011
Day 148: Dedication
I should not be up. I should not be eating peanut butter malt balls. It should not be raining, but it is pouring. I should be in bed. I am not sleepy. I feel fat and bloated. I must sleep. At this moment, there is a bit of fear and wonder--wonder why I'm doing this... Carb-loading sucks. I'm buzzing and can't do a dang thing about it. I'm hoping food coma takes over soon.
My friend DW, has been planning on participating in this Tri, but because of the weather she is reconsidering. She is worried about riding in the rain and that it will be slippery on tiny bike tires. This is my worry too. I received an email from my friend and inspiration, DA, saying he was in a bike crash and broke his collar bone. This is my fear. No fear is enough to keep me from trying and putting my best effort into this, but there is fear. And lightning and swimming pools.
The Race:
5K run
change shoes, add goggles, helmet and maybe gloves
12 mile bike ( don't forget the bike computer)
Take off shoes, goggles, helmet and socks and any other clothes I've needed if it's raining and cold, add swim cap and swim goggles run to pool,
200 yd swim
walk out of pool to cross finish line
What I'm hoping: That my body will take over and go, while my mind prepares for the next event (I'm hoping that my brain picks up all this training and just turns off, while my body says, 'Oh, hey, I've done this before. No sweat!' In reality, I'll turn purple and pour sweat); that I will finish with honor and grace, that I will have courage and valor; that I won't forget my kindness in my hurry.
Since I found out about a friend's cancer, I've been wanting to dedicate my race to her and her sweet family. I've debated it, talked it over with JE, prayed about it. My hesitation is, should I dedicate a race to someone so full of life? Two weeks ago, the day I forgot my helmet and ran backwards cheering my training mates on in their ride and forgetting myself, was the day that it confirmed to me that I should go ahead and do this. In my heart at least, and now publicly. So, my friend, this race is dedicated to you, to let you know that you are often in my thoughts and that I am cheering for you. I love you.
Now, get better, damn it!
My friend DW, has been planning on participating in this Tri, but because of the weather she is reconsidering. She is worried about riding in the rain and that it will be slippery on tiny bike tires. This is my worry too. I received an email from my friend and inspiration, DA, saying he was in a bike crash and broke his collar bone. This is my fear. No fear is enough to keep me from trying and putting my best effort into this, but there is fear. And lightning and swimming pools.
The Race:
5K run
change shoes, add goggles, helmet and maybe gloves
12 mile bike ( don't forget the bike computer)
Take off shoes, goggles, helmet and socks and any other clothes I've needed if it's raining and cold, add swim cap and swim goggles run to pool,
200 yd swim
walk out of pool to cross finish line
What I'm hoping: That my body will take over and go, while my mind prepares for the next event (I'm hoping that my brain picks up all this training and just turns off, while my body says, 'Oh, hey, I've done this before. No sweat!' In reality, I'll turn purple and pour sweat); that I will finish with honor and grace, that I will have courage and valor; that I won't forget my kindness in my hurry.
Since I found out about a friend's cancer, I've been wanting to dedicate my race to her and her sweet family. I've debated it, talked it over with JE, prayed about it. My hesitation is, should I dedicate a race to someone so full of life? Two weeks ago, the day I forgot my helmet and ran backwards cheering my training mates on in their ride and forgetting myself, was the day that it confirmed to me that I should go ahead and do this. In my heart at least, and now publicly. So, my friend, this race is dedicated to you, to let you know that you are often in my thoughts and that I am cheering for you. I love you.
Now, get better, damn it!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 147:
Imagine driving on a freeway for months and then coming to your exit to the race track. The way to the racetrack is all school zone, and the yellow light is blinking to slow down. This is how I feel about not being able to really train the past couple days, my body is chomping to move and sweat. Soon, so soon!
Today marked my last scheduled work day. We'll see. It was a hectic day and E left early, leaving me with quite a lot of work. There was a communication gap and I, not really understanding that I was now entirely responsible for all of the menswear and not just the jacket, was stuck at the last minute with all the alterations and finishes on a vest and a pair of pants (which I patterned and cut, but someone else sewed). I'll need to finish them this weekend sometime and take them in on Monday.
Tomorrow, I'm scheduled to cut and sew bike/run/swim shorts for JE and myself. We shall see if that happens!
Today marked my last scheduled work day. We'll see. It was a hectic day and E left early, leaving me with quite a lot of work. There was a communication gap and I, not really understanding that I was now entirely responsible for all of the menswear and not just the jacket, was stuck at the last minute with all the alterations and finishes on a vest and a pair of pants (which I patterned and cut, but someone else sewed). I'll need to finish them this weekend sometime and take them in on Monday.
Tomorrow, I'm scheduled to cut and sew bike/run/swim shorts for JE and myself. We shall see if that happens!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 146: Commuting
We slept in and only commuted by bicycle today. I wonder if this is really taking it easier than advised. The trouble is, I'm beat! It will be my last day of work tomorrow, and I still have a weeks worth of work I'd like to get done.
We were half way to the park and ride (in our case this translates a bit differently than most people would use the term), when I realized I had left the house without putting on my cycling shoes. In fact, the only shoes I had were my turquoise Vans. It really made me appreciate my cycling shoes.
Josh put new skinny tires on my bike. Super speedy, without even trying! I outdistance JE coasting downhill!
So with my super busy day, the ride to the car was really peaceful. JE and I discussed how amazing it is that we get to unwind before we get home. We are so fortunate to live within 10 miles of work, though, admittedly, it was a conscious decision to not commute. Our time is used to live, not commute. I'm so thankful for that foresight.
We were half way to the park and ride (in our case this translates a bit differently than most people would use the term), when I realized I had left the house without putting on my cycling shoes. In fact, the only shoes I had were my turquoise Vans. It really made me appreciate my cycling shoes.
Josh put new skinny tires on my bike. Super speedy, without even trying! I outdistance JE coasting downhill!
So with my super busy day, the ride to the car was really peaceful. JE and I discussed how amazing it is that we get to unwind before we get home. We are so fortunate to live within 10 miles of work, though, admittedly, it was a conscious decision to not commute. Our time is used to live, not commute. I'm so thankful for that foresight.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 145: Intention
Tonight at our training class, someone asked what I did before I started training. They completely stumped me. I was sitting on the stationary bike, muttering, 'I can't remember... What did I do?' JE was at a loss, also.
I've been thinking a lot about the things I'm looking forward to after this is all done. My mental list includes things like: staying warm in bed past the alarm, reading, getting together with friends more often, strolling, lackadaisical bike rides, spontaneity, writing for myself (no offense, I'm extremely flattered that so many people tune in--Thank YOu!!!).
And the things I might miss: my new muscly body, the way my clothes have (or haven't) been fitting, eating anything and having very little guilt, my drive to go, this crazy business, these awesome mornings and evening workouts, purpose and a plan, calibration, moving my body and improving those movements.
But I don't think this is the end. Life is liquid, we fill it with flavor and drink it in. I'm wondering what the next flavor I will choose will be like. Gatorade for the soul.
JE took my bike to the shop today. Josh did a bunch of work and flipped my handlebars. It's sort of funny how incredibly different the attitude of Little Red is; she looks so much more aggressive than before! I'm wondering if I seem like that to my friends? Here is a quote a friend left me on Facebook: "You will DESTROY that race! You will be like GODZILLA on Tokyo, like Roger Ebert on a Rob Schneider film, like Zeus raining lightning down from Olympus! Or you'll just give it your best and feel INCREDIBLE about tackling a challenge of this magnitude." Of course I'm still laughing about that, but it does make me wonder. My hope is to finish the race--not last.
Sometimes when I exercise, I have to set my intention before I begin: to finish the distance or time, to quicken my pace, to achieve more balance, to release that stress or tension. It's very personal, and I can't share it until I accomplish it. But having that aim in mind, before I start, has been a major contributor of improving myself physically.
JE has been looking into Ironman races. I've been threatening to buy race skates. The world is our skate park!
I've been thinking a lot about the things I'm looking forward to after this is all done. My mental list includes things like: staying warm in bed past the alarm, reading, getting together with friends more often, strolling, lackadaisical bike rides, spontaneity, writing for myself (no offense, I'm extremely flattered that so many people tune in--Thank YOu!!!).
And the things I might miss: my new muscly body, the way my clothes have (or haven't) been fitting, eating anything and having very little guilt, my drive to go, this crazy business, these awesome mornings and evening workouts, purpose and a plan, calibration, moving my body and improving those movements.
But I don't think this is the end. Life is liquid, we fill it with flavor and drink it in. I'm wondering what the next flavor I will choose will be like. Gatorade for the soul.
JE took my bike to the shop today. Josh did a bunch of work and flipped my handlebars. It's sort of funny how incredibly different the attitude of Little Red is; she looks so much more aggressive than before! I'm wondering if I seem like that to my friends? Here is a quote a friend left me on Facebook: "You will DESTROY that race! You will be like GODZILLA on Tokyo, like Roger Ebert on a Rob Schneider film, like Zeus raining lightning down from Olympus! Or you'll just give it your best and feel INCREDIBLE about tackling a challenge of this magnitude." Of course I'm still laughing about that, but it does make me wonder. My hope is to finish the race--not last.
Sometimes when I exercise, I have to set my intention before I begin: to finish the distance or time, to quicken my pace, to achieve more balance, to release that stress or tension. It's very personal, and I can't share it until I accomplish it. But having that aim in mind, before I start, has been a major contributor of improving myself physically.
JE has been looking into Ironman races. I've been threatening to buy race skates. The world is our skate park!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 144: Pillaged
Tonight at dinner, JE thought he could save me, by whirling my lumpy bechamel in the blender. No such luck, I had to start over. It was well worth it, melting cheese into it to top our roasted potatoes, was nigh to heavenly. Or, perhaps I was just really hungry.
I'm supposed to be taking it a bit easy this week, let myself recuperate from Saturday's work out and let the glycogen build up in my muscles again. But how could I possibly pass an opportunity to have a half day at work, and hit the trail on my bike. Thirty-two miles later, with a bit of extra sun on my legs and face, I feel amazing.
Finished with my ride, I rode to JE's work, just as he was getting off. We rode off into the sunset and found our favorite orange tree, full to bursting with beautiful, small Valencias. We transferred all of my civilian wear into one pannier and filled the other with oranges. JE set the pace and I struggled to keep up, blaming my long journey and low blood sugar for my slowdown. When we got to the car, I unloaded the panniers from my bike. We pillaged about 20 pounds of oranges. We'll eat them this week and this weekend after the race.
It had been sunny and bright for my entire ride, but there was a definite chill. I'd wondered many times if I should put on a jacket, but was too enthralled with being in the sun, to do anything about it. When I got to the car and sat down is when I realized how cold I'd gotten.
When we got into the swimming pool, for the first 3 laps, I felt like a cold bubble was surrounding me. My entire body was covered in goosebumps and I couldn't stop shivering. My head was trying to play mind games with me and tell me that I was too tired to do any more laps. I pushed forward, and swam my half mile, even practicing my entry into the pool--feet first.
Cold and exhaustion are the best seasonings.
I'm supposed to be taking it a bit easy this week, let myself recuperate from Saturday's work out and let the glycogen build up in my muscles again. But how could I possibly pass an opportunity to have a half day at work, and hit the trail on my bike. Thirty-two miles later, with a bit of extra sun on my legs and face, I feel amazing.
Finished with my ride, I rode to JE's work, just as he was getting off. We rode off into the sunset and found our favorite orange tree, full to bursting with beautiful, small Valencias. We transferred all of my civilian wear into one pannier and filled the other with oranges. JE set the pace and I struggled to keep up, blaming my long journey and low blood sugar for my slowdown. When we got to the car, I unloaded the panniers from my bike. We pillaged about 20 pounds of oranges. We'll eat them this week and this weekend after the race.
It had been sunny and bright for my entire ride, but there was a definite chill. I'd wondered many times if I should put on a jacket, but was too enthralled with being in the sun, to do anything about it. When I got to the car and sat down is when I realized how cold I'd gotten.
When we got into the swimming pool, for the first 3 laps, I felt like a cold bubble was surrounding me. My entire body was covered in goosebumps and I couldn't stop shivering. My head was trying to play mind games with me and tell me that I was too tired to do any more laps. I pushed forward, and swam my half mile, even practicing my entry into the pool--feet first.
Cold and exhaustion are the best seasonings.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 143: Cereal Weekend
Every now and then, JE and I go crazy for all those sugary breakfast cereals we never feel are worthy to be called breakfast. This weekend it was Pops and Honeycomb. That is what we ate for dessert, and lunch. It seems that it is always an augmentation to some grand feast we have planned for ourselves. Today was our Valentine Feast: Moroccan Lamb with couscous. It was fantastic.
Moroccan Lamb
Mix in a large bowl
2 Tbl Ras El Hanout seasoning (recipe online or available in spice shops)
Pinch of Saffron
1/2 cup water
Add, cover and place in fridge overnight:
3 lb boneless lamb leg or shoulder (trimmed of fat and cut into 2.5 inch chunks)
In a Dutch or French oven, saute:
1/2 cup butter
2 medium onions, finely chopped
Cinnamon stick
4 cloves garlic sliced
When onions are translucent and fragrant, add the marinated lamb and cover with:
6 cups chicken broth
Cover and place in 300 degree oven for 4 hours
Return to stove top and add:
2 cups dried apricots coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cup whole, blanched almonds
3/4 cup honey and a couple handfuls of baby carrots
Boil down to a thick syrupy glaze, stirring often, and serve with couscous and flat leaf parsley.
The four hours this was cooking, we spent down at Crystal Cove State Beach. We sat for along while, until we got cold, and then walked the entire length of the 2.5 mile beach. The sunset was amazing tonight.
Saturday, at our trianing, I asked what we should be doing this week for training. Jimmy said that we have our fitness already and that this week won't be adding to that, just maintaining it. It is also a bit of a recovery week from our ride yesterday. I set a new pace record. For 3.5 miles, I ran a 10 minute mile average! Hurray! I'm hoping this is my race-pace (I know this sounds remarkably slow to some folks out there, but this is good for me).
This week's plan:
Monday:
AM: Running 20 minutes at park and cycle to work, Sets
PM: Swim 800 yards, plus warm up and cool down
Dinner:Roasted potatoes with chicken breast and creamed spinach
Tuesday:
AM: Gentle Yoga, Cycle to work (Take bike into shop for tune and race-ready)
PM: Core Strengthening and Training
Dinner: Chipotle
Wednesday:
AM: Run 20 minutes
PM: Swim: 400 yds
Dinner: Panini with homemade tomato soup
Thursday:
AM: Bike Back Bay
PM: Bike home
Dinner: Indian curry or Taco Salad
Friday:
REST DAY!!!
Pick up Race packets
Dinner: Pasta with red sauce and beef
Saturday:
Race on the Base!
Dinner: With friends at Baja Fish Tacos on Lake Forest. Please come celebrate with us!
Moroccan Lamb
Mix in a large bowl
2 Tbl Ras El Hanout seasoning (recipe online or available in spice shops)
Pinch of Saffron
1/2 cup water
Add, cover and place in fridge overnight:
3 lb boneless lamb leg or shoulder (trimmed of fat and cut into 2.5 inch chunks)
In a Dutch or French oven, saute:
1/2 cup butter
2 medium onions, finely chopped
Cinnamon stick
4 cloves garlic sliced
When onions are translucent and fragrant, add the marinated lamb and cover with:
6 cups chicken broth
Cover and place in 300 degree oven for 4 hours
Return to stove top and add:
2 cups dried apricots coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cup whole, blanched almonds
3/4 cup honey and a couple handfuls of baby carrots
Boil down to a thick syrupy glaze, stirring often, and serve with couscous and flat leaf parsley.
The four hours this was cooking, we spent down at Crystal Cove State Beach. We sat for along while, until we got cold, and then walked the entire length of the 2.5 mile beach. The sunset was amazing tonight.
Saturday, at our trianing, I asked what we should be doing this week for training. Jimmy said that we have our fitness already and that this week won't be adding to that, just maintaining it. It is also a bit of a recovery week from our ride yesterday. I set a new pace record. For 3.5 miles, I ran a 10 minute mile average! Hurray! I'm hoping this is my race-pace (I know this sounds remarkably slow to some folks out there, but this is good for me).
This week's plan:
Monday:
AM: Running 20 minutes at park and cycle to work, Sets
PM: Swim 800 yards, plus warm up and cool down
Dinner:Roasted potatoes with chicken breast and creamed spinach
Tuesday:
AM: Gentle Yoga, Cycle to work (Take bike into shop for tune and race-ready)
PM: Core Strengthening and Training
Dinner: Chipotle
Wednesday:
AM: Run 20 minutes
PM: Swim: 400 yds
Dinner: Panini with homemade tomato soup
Thursday:
AM: Bike Back Bay
PM: Bike home
Dinner: Indian curry or Taco Salad
Friday:
REST DAY!!!
Pick up Race packets
Dinner: Pasta with red sauce and beef
Saturday:
Race on the Base!
Dinner: With friends at Baja Fish Tacos on Lake Forest. Please come celebrate with us!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 142: Electric
While cruising northern Taiwan, JE and I stumbled into a hot springs resort. We checked in and made ourselves at home. The back of the hotel, was a mass of small swimming pools, all filled with geothermal water. Some smelled strongly of sulfur, others were carbonated. Some were very hot, others were cold. There were floral scented pools and vats of tea for soaking. All afternoon, we went from one pool to the next, repeating favorites and visiting the charcoal heated steam room. That night, we treated ourselves to a foot massage. Except that it wasn't really a treat. It hurt, really really really hurt. That was my first experience with reflexology. We winced and limped our way back to the comfort of one of the couples pools, overlooking a very scenic view of misty mountains.
After our run and cycle extravaganza this morning, we were looking for reflexology, to help massage out some of these cramps in our legs. We had eaten breakfast with new friend Jen and two of her kids (Hof's Hut--decent omelets and sausage). Next door the restaurant we found a storefront with a small lobby and a few reflexology charts. We wandered in and discovered that, yes, they did reflexology, however a full body massage was only $20. In like Flynn, as they say.
I have to admit, it was not a western type of massage--HE used hot rocks and rolled them down my spine--The storefront was sectioned off by curtains--people walked by (on the curtained corridor) to the nail clinic at the rear of the shop. It was awesome, but if you are looking for private, comfortable, same-sex massage, this isn't your ticket. If you are looking for real reflexology, this isn't your ticket, either. Decent massage at an unreal price? Awesome. Just be prepared to pay $5 as a tip. You will be asked for it and made to feel really guilty if all you have is $4.
The run/ride this morning was really challenging and really fun at the same time. Getting my legs to work after riding a bike is difficult! I'm really glad I was able to rest yesterday. I think that helped. As we were running through one glade, I saw a bluebird. It surprised me, with its brilliance. As I passed that area again, I notice there were dozens of them flitting in the trees. On the far side of the park, a group of radio controlled airplane pilots were flying their craft. A great blue heron stood in the midst of them, just standing and watching. Weird, this interaction of man and wild.
My man is sitting on the porch right now, watching it rain. Electrical storms in southern California are a treat for us transplants. I love them. And I love him. Gotta go be with my man. G'night all.
After our run and cycle extravaganza this morning, we were looking for reflexology, to help massage out some of these cramps in our legs. We had eaten breakfast with new friend Jen and two of her kids (Hof's Hut--decent omelets and sausage). Next door the restaurant we found a storefront with a small lobby and a few reflexology charts. We wandered in and discovered that, yes, they did reflexology, however a full body massage was only $20. In like Flynn, as they say.
I have to admit, it was not a western type of massage--HE used hot rocks and rolled them down my spine--The storefront was sectioned off by curtains--people walked by (on the curtained corridor) to the nail clinic at the rear of the shop. It was awesome, but if you are looking for private, comfortable, same-sex massage, this isn't your ticket. If you are looking for real reflexology, this isn't your ticket, either. Decent massage at an unreal price? Awesome. Just be prepared to pay $5 as a tip. You will be asked for it and made to feel really guilty if all you have is $4.
The run/ride this morning was really challenging and really fun at the same time. Getting my legs to work after riding a bike is difficult! I'm really glad I was able to rest yesterday. I think that helped. As we were running through one glade, I saw a bluebird. It surprised me, with its brilliance. As I passed that area again, I notice there were dozens of them flitting in the trees. On the far side of the park, a group of radio controlled airplane pilots were flying their craft. A great blue heron stood in the midst of them, just standing and watching. Weird, this interaction of man and wild.
My man is sitting on the porch right now, watching it rain. Electrical storms in southern California are a treat for us transplants. I love them. And I love him. Gotta go be with my man. G'night all.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 141: Reboot
Sometimes the only way to get going again is to stop and reload. It has been a long week, crazy busy with work and workout.
I failed my run this morning. We ran our neighborhood beat. A mile and half in, I was denied the ability to carry on by utter exhaustion. We walked home, me feeling sick as a dog. My body was talking, telling me to slow down. My one day off this week was a 12 hour work day. Humble pie.
We are scheduled to run 1.8 miles, ride for 4 laps (7.2 miles), run 1.8 miles and ride for 2 laps (3.8 miles). Rain or shine. Most likely buckets of rain--90% chance, and the worst of this storm happens then. I have run in rain and cycled in rain and don't mind either, but I have jitters right now. And exhaustion and a bum hip aren't helping any.
We made dinner and parked on the Giant Bean Bag and watched old movies and Kids in the Hall. It was a nice rejuvenating evening.
I failed my run this morning. We ran our neighborhood beat. A mile and half in, I was denied the ability to carry on by utter exhaustion. We walked home, me feeling sick as a dog. My body was talking, telling me to slow down. My one day off this week was a 12 hour work day. Humble pie.
We are scheduled to run 1.8 miles, ride for 4 laps (7.2 miles), run 1.8 miles and ride for 2 laps (3.8 miles). Rain or shine. Most likely buckets of rain--90% chance, and the worst of this storm happens then. I have run in rain and cycled in rain and don't mind either, but I have jitters right now. And exhaustion and a bum hip aren't helping any.
We made dinner and parked on the Giant Bean Bag and watched old movies and Kids in the Hall. It was a nice rejuvenating evening.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 140: Time vs Groceries
It was cold tonight as we jogged up the hill to the pool. The full moon was bright and haloed. We got to the pool a bit after nine and swam like hell until the security guard came to kick us out. My arms are really fatigued from all the swimming we've been doing lately.
Time is a at a premium right now. Our late start happened because we ran out of food at home. As we prepared to leave for the Back Bay, I was stuffing the last of the berries into the last of the yogurt, mixing in the last of the milk and the last of the raisin bran. It ended up tasting like a smoothie over cereal, not terrible. I started a grocery list of a few things to supplement our pantry until the weekend. That list took us to two different stores and filled the back seat of the car.
Our favorite market is a cool little market called Wholesome Choice. As we were standing by the hot food counters, drooling, I called it. There was no sense in buying all the stuff for dinner, going home to prepare it, clean up, put the rest of the groceries away, and then get in our work out. Something had to give. We spit a two item combo: Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag with golden rice. Not bad for seven bucks total. And we didn't have to clean up.
Our ride this morning was beautiful and cold. The sandpipers are here. As are a host of other migrating birds. We got a great display of some beautiful birds.
Time is a at a premium right now. Our late start happened because we ran out of food at home. As we prepared to leave for the Back Bay, I was stuffing the last of the berries into the last of the yogurt, mixing in the last of the milk and the last of the raisin bran. It ended up tasting like a smoothie over cereal, not terrible. I started a grocery list of a few things to supplement our pantry until the weekend. That list took us to two different stores and filled the back seat of the car.
Our favorite market is a cool little market called Wholesome Choice. As we were standing by the hot food counters, drooling, I called it. There was no sense in buying all the stuff for dinner, going home to prepare it, clean up, put the rest of the groceries away, and then get in our work out. Something had to give. We spit a two item combo: Chicken Tikka Masala and Saag with golden rice. Not bad for seven bucks total. And we didn't have to clean up.
Our ride this morning was beautiful and cold. The sandpipers are here. As are a host of other migrating birds. We got a great display of some beautiful birds.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 139:
After last night's circuit training, our legs were leaden. Moving was slow as we ran through the rain for our 2.5 mile loop. On our cool down walk home, we noticed a sheen on the water in the gutter. The smell of petrol was intense. We followed the water, there was a lot of gas running down the gutter which runs directly into the run off canals and into the ocean. We jogged up gutter for several blocks before we ran into the El Toro Water District maintenance vehicle. In several places, oil streaked rainbow arcs across the road, where cars lined the streets at night. The gas in the gutter was from a leaky gas tank, not just a few drops of oil let loose in the night.
Everything comes with a price.
It was a tough day at work. So tough that when I told my coworkers I was headed to Trader Joe's, several people wanted me to pick up chocolate for them. I built three bodices for Queen Elizabeth. What did you do at work today? Yah, I love my job. Tomorrow is tailoring a 1880's menswear jacket.
Swimming tonight was beautiful. My arms and middle back were still really tired from my big swim previous this week, but I did what was required. My cool down lately has been to swim the entire length of the pool underwater. I have killer lungs.
Dinner rocked! Thai chicken pineapple curry
Heat on medium high 2 ts oil in a skillet or wok and add:
One onion cut in half and sliced long ways
1 cup carrots (I used baby)
mix of peppers, zucchini, asparagus, whatever you have in the fridge cut into bite sized pieces
Stir and cook until fragrant
Add 3 cloves minced garlic
Add 3 Tbs red Thai curry paste
2 Tbs fish sauce
2 tbs sugar
2 15 oz cans coconut milk
bring to high simmer
Add two chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
one can pineapple
cook until chicken is done
Serve with steamed jasmine rice and top with dry roasted peanuts and cilantro or Thai basil
Everything comes with a price.
It was a tough day at work. So tough that when I told my coworkers I was headed to Trader Joe's, several people wanted me to pick up chocolate for them. I built three bodices for Queen Elizabeth. What did you do at work today? Yah, I love my job. Tomorrow is tailoring a 1880's menswear jacket.
Swimming tonight was beautiful. My arms and middle back were still really tired from my big swim previous this week, but I did what was required. My cool down lately has been to swim the entire length of the pool underwater. I have killer lungs.
Dinner rocked! Thai chicken pineapple curry
Heat on medium high 2 ts oil in a skillet or wok and add:
One onion cut in half and sliced long ways
1 cup carrots (I used baby)
mix of peppers, zucchini, asparagus, whatever you have in the fridge cut into bite sized pieces
Stir and cook until fragrant
Add 3 cloves minced garlic
Add 3 Tbs red Thai curry paste
2 Tbs fish sauce
2 tbs sugar
2 15 oz cans coconut milk
bring to high simmer
Add two chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
one can pineapple
cook until chicken is done
Serve with steamed jasmine rice and top with dry roasted peanuts and cilantro or Thai basil
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 138: Coming to a Head
My sister called and left a message on my phone: "I know that you are really having a great time at work, and I know how nice it must be for you to have a job, but I really miss being able to get a hold of you whenever I feel like talking to you! I miss my sister!" I miss my sister, too. With one more week left of work, I am seeing a looking forward to a little bit of good anytime phone-time!
Things are hot in all areas of my life right now. My triathlon is in a week and a half, my work is due in a week (so much to do!), and all the craziness at work seems to be possibly coming to some sort of resolve!
My world is getting to feel very small. All these stupid little things I could get hung up on, and put more energy into than is healthy. Bottom line: I just want to get paid, feel good about my work, do a good job, enjoy my work, enjoy the people I work with. Period.
We slept late today, which was entirely wonderful! However, everything comes at a price. JE and I have made a pact not to miss a workout. Any workout we plan at our planning meeting and sign off on, we have to make up during the week or on Saturday. Here is the kicker: if one of us misses a workout, both of us have to do it Saturday. We are adding today's run to tomorrows run. The only thing we haven't figured out how to make up, is the cycle commute.
Tonight, we got our butts kicked in our circuit training class. My back is really sore from all of last night's swimming.
Things are hot in all areas of my life right now. My triathlon is in a week and a half, my work is due in a week (so much to do!), and all the craziness at work seems to be possibly coming to some sort of resolve!
My world is getting to feel very small. All these stupid little things I could get hung up on, and put more energy into than is healthy. Bottom line: I just want to get paid, feel good about my work, do a good job, enjoy my work, enjoy the people I work with. Period.
We slept late today, which was entirely wonderful! However, everything comes at a price. JE and I have made a pact not to miss a workout. Any workout we plan at our planning meeting and sign off on, we have to make up during the week or on Saturday. Here is the kicker: if one of us misses a workout, both of us have to do it Saturday. We are adding today's run to tomorrows run. The only thing we haven't figured out how to make up, is the cycle commute.
Tonight, we got our butts kicked in our circuit training class. My back is really sore from all of last night's swimming.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 137: Windows and Chocolate Milk
Happy Valentines!
In the past few weeks, I have been trying to implement the protein and carb within 30 minutes of a workout. Often, I feel I don't workout hard enough or long enough to justify 200-500 recovery calories, but I do it anyway. Perhaps it helps with recovery, and allowing my body to do more later. Not sure.
Apparently chocolate milk is one of the best things you can eat/drink after a workout. I've been using plain yogurt with mixed berries as a snack 30 minutes before or after a workout. That seems to help give me energy before an evening workout without the heaviness of a full meal.
This morning we ran, as the sun was coming up. I love that the days are getting longer, and the sun rising earlier. Before we started, I set my intention to run the entire 5K without stopping. For as tired as I was, it felt great to be out there. The thought that pervaded my thoughts was about running off the shape of the chair I sit in to sew half the day, and the bloat from standing at my cutting table the other half of my day.
JE took me to lunch at Phan 55, in Irvine. We always go for pho. This was good. Pricey, but good. We also had the seafood crepe, a strange vegetable filled egg dish that comes with lettuce leaves to wrap it in and mint and fish sauce as garnish. It was so delicious! Frozen yogurt followed, at Cherry On Top--cute place!
Tonight, we swam. Our goal was 20 laps. I swam at least 28, without counting my 4 warm up laps. Forty-one laps in our 20 yard pool equals 1.5 kilometers which is the Olympic triathlon distance. We have our sights set.
But for right now, my eyes long to be closed
In the past few weeks, I have been trying to implement the protein and carb within 30 minutes of a workout. Often, I feel I don't workout hard enough or long enough to justify 200-500 recovery calories, but I do it anyway. Perhaps it helps with recovery, and allowing my body to do more later. Not sure.
Apparently chocolate milk is one of the best things you can eat/drink after a workout. I've been using plain yogurt with mixed berries as a snack 30 minutes before or after a workout. That seems to help give me energy before an evening workout without the heaviness of a full meal.
This morning we ran, as the sun was coming up. I love that the days are getting longer, and the sun rising earlier. Before we started, I set my intention to run the entire 5K without stopping. For as tired as I was, it felt great to be out there. The thought that pervaded my thoughts was about running off the shape of the chair I sit in to sew half the day, and the bloat from standing at my cutting table the other half of my day.
JE took me to lunch at Phan 55, in Irvine. We always go for pho. This was good. Pricey, but good. We also had the seafood crepe, a strange vegetable filled egg dish that comes with lettuce leaves to wrap it in and mint and fish sauce as garnish. It was so delicious! Frozen yogurt followed, at Cherry On Top--cute place!
Tonight, we swam. Our goal was 20 laps. I swam at least 28, without counting my 4 warm up laps. Forty-one laps in our 20 yard pool equals 1.5 kilometers which is the Olympic triathlon distance. We have our sights set.
But for right now, my eyes long to be closed
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 136: Spent
Twelve hours later, I am spent. By 7 o'clock tonight, anything not done was slapped together to be finished tomorrow. I hate working sloppy, but there are times when that is the only solution if you don't have the amount of hands to finish the job properly. The women I was working with today, were incredible. No complaining, even though they all had good reason.
Plan for the Week
Monday:
AM: Brick training: Run 5K/bike to work
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
PM: Bike from work
Swimming: Swimming: 800 yards total. Swim 200 yds (5x40) reg, 160 (4x40) fast, 200 reg, 160 fast, 80 (2x40) backstroke
Dinner: Mushroom soup (Valentine's tradition--someday I'll share the recipe), good bread, and salad
Tuesday:
AM: Running: light 1.5 miles
PM: Circuit training class
Dinner: Chipotle?
Wednesday:
AM: Run 2 miles, Stretch
Bike to work
PM: Swimming: 800 yards total. Swim 200 yds (5x40) reg, 160 (4x40) fast, 200 reg, 160 fast, 80 (2x40) backstroke
Dinner: Thai pineapple Curry with Chicken, Rice,
Thursday:
AM: Leave early to cycle the Back Bay then to work
PM: Swimming: 800 yards total. Swim 200 yds (5x40) reg, 160 (4x40) fast, 200 reg, 160 fast, 80 (2x40) backstroke
Dinner: butternut squash and greens over bow-tie pasta (page 169 in How to Eat Supper)
Friday:
AM: Running, speed work. 10 minutes reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, cool down
PM: yoga
Dinner: Tuna Salad with Country bread (page 18 of How to Eat Supper)
Saturday:
AM: Brick Training in Los Alamitos (planning to be a bad one!)
followed by Breakfast with new friend Jen and her family and possibly a bike ride on the beach boardwalk. I will need some giant beanbag time...
Dinner: Roasted Chicken with creamy Swiss chard and au gratin potatoes
To Clarify, we try to eat at least one vegetarian meal per week. We use mason jars to store leftovers in easy grab-and-go portions for lunch the next day. The students at my work, drool over my leftovers and wish they had time to cook real meals.
Plan for the Week
Monday:
AM: Brick training: Run 5K/bike to work
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
PM: Bike from work
Swimming: Swimming: 800 yards total. Swim 200 yds (5x40) reg, 160 (4x40) fast, 200 reg, 160 fast, 80 (2x40) backstroke
Dinner: Mushroom soup (Valentine's tradition--someday I'll share the recipe), good bread, and salad
Tuesday:
AM: Running: light 1.5 miles
PM: Circuit training class
Dinner: Chipotle?
Wednesday:
AM: Run 2 miles, Stretch
Bike to work
PM: Swimming: 800 yards total. Swim 200 yds (5x40) reg, 160 (4x40) fast, 200 reg, 160 fast, 80 (2x40) backstroke
Dinner: Thai pineapple Curry with Chicken, Rice,
Thursday:
AM: Leave early to cycle the Back Bay then to work
PM: Swimming: 800 yards total. Swim 200 yds (5x40) reg, 160 (4x40) fast, 200 reg, 160 fast, 80 (2x40) backstroke
Dinner: butternut squash and greens over bow-tie pasta (page 169 in How to Eat Supper)
Friday:
AM: Running, speed work. 10 minutes reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, cool down
PM: yoga
Dinner: Tuna Salad with Country bread (page 18 of How to Eat Supper)
Saturday:
AM: Brick Training in Los Alamitos (planning to be a bad one!)
followed by Breakfast with new friend Jen and her family and possibly a bike ride on the beach boardwalk. I will need some giant beanbag time...
Dinner: Roasted Chicken with creamy Swiss chard and au gratin potatoes
To Clarify, we try to eat at least one vegetarian meal per week. We use mason jars to store leftovers in easy grab-and-go portions for lunch the next day. The students at my work, drool over my leftovers and wish they had time to cook real meals.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 135: In the Stars
We met at El Dorado Park in Long Beach for our brick clinic. As I was setting up my gear for my transition, I realized that my helmet and gloves were in the bottom of my pannier, sitting on the bed. A while ago, I saw a nasty bike wreck on the HB boardwalk, between two cyclist. The one not wearing a helmet, ended up on a backboard and taken away in an ambulance. I've heard too many stories of too many tragedies to fool around on a bike with no helmet.
We ran our first loop (1.8 miles) and then made the transition onto our bikes. I went through the motions of changing my shoes, and grabbed the bike and walk/jogged it to the street entrance. Once I had my transition time, I put my running shoes back on and ran a lap reverse of what the bike traffic was riding.
That second lap was tough. I had been running with Jen (new friend from our class--in a Long Beach ward. She is also 6'2.5"), who runs quite a bit faster than I do. Keeping up with her and maintaining a conversation, spent a lot of energy. As I left the parking area to start my second lap, a cyclist from class approached, I cheered her on. Each class member had a shout out by their own personal cheerleader. It wasn't long until I had completely lost sense of my own fatigue and was focused on them and their needs. I passed a group of women runners, going the same direction as the cyclists. A couple of cyclists from the group passed the women runners. I started cheering for the cyclists. When I passed the women again, on the other side of the loop (again when a cyclist was passing--with me cheering), they said, "you're just a cheerleader for everyone! That's so cool!" And they all started cheering for me, as I started cheering for them.
I took a shortcut across the grass, scattering geese (Canadian and a Beatrix Potter variety), and back to the starting point.
The ride ended and JE and I stood, talking with some of our new friends, about what to wear, about what to eat, about games (the board variety) and pancake breakfasts. This whole journey of training and learning has been really taxing and time consuming. But completely enriching.
Tomorrow... I'm working from 10-11. AM to PM. I would love to rant, but feel a need to wait until this thing sorts out. Hopefully that isn't too much longer. My horoscope, while not quite accurate, is somewhat telling: Matters pending with bureaucratic organizations will be cleared at last today. This will speed up a few of your projects. Agencies that may have been holding up your projects will be well disposed towards you now. This is your chance to get all that paperwork done as work is slated to be finished faster than usual at this time. Why wait to do something later that can be resolved here and now?
We ran our first loop (1.8 miles) and then made the transition onto our bikes. I went through the motions of changing my shoes, and grabbed the bike and walk/jogged it to the street entrance. Once I had my transition time, I put my running shoes back on and ran a lap reverse of what the bike traffic was riding.
That second lap was tough. I had been running with Jen (new friend from our class--in a Long Beach ward. She is also 6'2.5"), who runs quite a bit faster than I do. Keeping up with her and maintaining a conversation, spent a lot of energy. As I left the parking area to start my second lap, a cyclist from class approached, I cheered her on. Each class member had a shout out by their own personal cheerleader. It wasn't long until I had completely lost sense of my own fatigue and was focused on them and their needs. I passed a group of women runners, going the same direction as the cyclists. A couple of cyclists from the group passed the women runners. I started cheering for the cyclists. When I passed the women again, on the other side of the loop (again when a cyclist was passing--with me cheering), they said, "you're just a cheerleader for everyone! That's so cool!" And they all started cheering for me, as I started cheering for them.
I took a shortcut across the grass, scattering geese (Canadian and a Beatrix Potter variety), and back to the starting point.
The ride ended and JE and I stood, talking with some of our new friends, about what to wear, about what to eat, about games (the board variety) and pancake breakfasts. This whole journey of training and learning has been really taxing and time consuming. But completely enriching.
Tomorrow... I'm working from 10-11. AM to PM. I would love to rant, but feel a need to wait until this thing sorts out. Hopefully that isn't too much longer. My horoscope, while not quite accurate, is somewhat telling: Matters pending with bureaucratic organizations will be cleared at last today. This will speed up a few of your projects. Agencies that may have been holding up your projects will be well disposed towards you now. This is your chance to get all that paperwork done as work is slated to be finished faster than usual at this time. Why wait to do something later that can be resolved here and now?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 134: Overtime
What do you eat, after a really tough day at work? I just got home and feel like I need to eat, but have no appetite for anything. Twelve hour work day. The best part was staying late to finish some beautiful ballet bodices with Julie, my boss. She is lovely. I work with some really amazing and lovely people. The dance piece I was assigned, was finished last night, except one last major costume which I fit and finished just after lunch.
While I can't say this morning was a bust, it wasn't as productive and building as I would want it to be. We woke early, but didn't get out of the house early enough. We only got a 16 minute run, but did get to cycle to work.
Tomorrow is our brick clinic. Running and cycling!
I really need some giant bean bag time this weekend.
While I can't say this morning was a bust, it wasn't as productive and building as I would want it to be. We woke early, but didn't get out of the house early enough. We only got a 16 minute run, but did get to cycle to work.
Tomorrow is our brick clinic. Running and cycling!
I really need some giant bean bag time this weekend.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 133: Full Circle
About the last thing I really want to be doing right now, is blogging.
Yes, we swam tonight, and rode this morning. We did some of those sets, that we said we would do, but discovered afterward that we spaced them far too close together. I worked, all hell has broken loose there, and I am tired.
About a year ago, I sat in a medical clinic with a woman who told me earth-shattering news. While I am not altogether comfortable disclosing the whole of it here, it was devastating for me. It has been a difficult year, trying to overcome the emotional scars left from that visit.
This morning, in the same office, in the same room, I met the same woman. This visit was much more casual, and far less dramatic. I was hoping that she wouldn't recognize me, but she did. To change the subject, I talked about my training. She wondered if I cycled alone. She stated that she was afraid of the, "you know, the boogie man." I told her that I have a theory about the boogie man, and told her about my solo cycle tour. With tears in her eyes, she started talking about how she used to bike 25-30 miles a day, but that she had forgotten how much she loved it. She was going to go get her bike tuned.
Because of the events in my life that I found out about in that office a year ago, I have done some extraordinary things that now have the influence to change someone's life. That is the first good thing I have seen to come out of that.
Yes, we swam tonight, and rode this morning. We did some of those sets, that we said we would do, but discovered afterward that we spaced them far too close together. I worked, all hell has broken loose there, and I am tired.
About a year ago, I sat in a medical clinic with a woman who told me earth-shattering news. While I am not altogether comfortable disclosing the whole of it here, it was devastating for me. It has been a difficult year, trying to overcome the emotional scars left from that visit.
This morning, in the same office, in the same room, I met the same woman. This visit was much more casual, and far less dramatic. I was hoping that she wouldn't recognize me, but she did. To change the subject, I talked about my training. She wondered if I cycled alone. She stated that she was afraid of the, "you know, the boogie man." I told her that I have a theory about the boogie man, and told her about my solo cycle tour. With tears in her eyes, she started talking about how she used to bike 25-30 miles a day, but that she had forgotten how much she loved it. She was going to go get her bike tuned.
Because of the events in my life that I found out about in that office a year ago, I have done some extraordinary things that now have the influence to change someone's life. That is the first good thing I have seen to come out of that.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 132: Crow
Each sunrise as we run, crows fill the sky. Flying in huge murders from south to north, they land in trees and antagonize cats. As I pedal home, hundreds of crows line the river bed and trees, flying north to south. They make a lot of noise as they pass.
Saturday, as I pedaled along the Huntington beach board walk, I was passing a couple of guys. (Not to sound overly self righteous, but, I always warn when I pass.) As I got alongside one, his buddy, who was about 5 feet ahead, shot off to the left, directly in front of me. I braked hard and in my frustration, yelled, 'Signal!'
This morning, after my run, I was pedaling to work on the bike trail. As I got to my turnoff, I looked back. There wasn't anyone there, so I began to slow and move over to the turn off. A pack of cyclist (I have no idea how I missed seeing them) came up on me, whistling and warning. "Signal!" someone yelled in frustration. The pack zoomed around me, as I came to a halt mid-trail. Crow has a bitter aftertaste.
As I continued on, I was flooded with self doubt. 'Am I really doing this? Am I some kind of joke? I can't do this!"
Over the past few months, I have developed an inner coach. One day, in circuit training, I was assigned 40 burpees. I had done 2, when I stopped to feel sorry for myself and complain about not wanting to do them. "Come on, Iris! Keep going! You are already 2 closer to 40 than you were when you started!" And the other day, on my 3rd set of 20 push ups: "Come on, Iris! You have already done 56! What is 4 more? Just get it done!"
So, this morning, as I was feeling defeated and sad, that inner coach said: " What do you mean you can't do this? You are doing it!" What is really cool? That inner coach is right! And what is even cooler? That inner coach is my own soul. I have that in me!
We even swam tonight, picking up the pace. I love the pool at night.
Saturday, as I pedaled along the Huntington beach board walk, I was passing a couple of guys. (Not to sound overly self righteous, but, I always warn when I pass.) As I got alongside one, his buddy, who was about 5 feet ahead, shot off to the left, directly in front of me. I braked hard and in my frustration, yelled, 'Signal!'
This morning, after my run, I was pedaling to work on the bike trail. As I got to my turnoff, I looked back. There wasn't anyone there, so I began to slow and move over to the turn off. A pack of cyclist (I have no idea how I missed seeing them) came up on me, whistling and warning. "Signal!" someone yelled in frustration. The pack zoomed around me, as I came to a halt mid-trail. Crow has a bitter aftertaste.
As I continued on, I was flooded with self doubt. 'Am I really doing this? Am I some kind of joke? I can't do this!"
Over the past few months, I have developed an inner coach. One day, in circuit training, I was assigned 40 burpees. I had done 2, when I stopped to feel sorry for myself and complain about not wanting to do them. "Come on, Iris! Keep going! You are already 2 closer to 40 than you were when you started!" And the other day, on my 3rd set of 20 push ups: "Come on, Iris! You have already done 56! What is 4 more? Just get it done!"
So, this morning, as I was feeling defeated and sad, that inner coach said: " What do you mean you can't do this? You are doing it!" What is really cool? That inner coach is right! And what is even cooler? That inner coach is my own soul. I have that in me!
We even swam tonight, picking up the pace. I love the pool at night.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Day 131: Tuesdays
Can I just say, I love Tuesdays? We slept in until 6, and then went for a quick mile and a half jog. JE drove me to work.
OK, so here is the deal: E is out sick, I am replacing E until he feels better. By the end of next week (when E returns), I have to pattern and build a man's period suit coat (I patterned and cut the vest and pants already), and three woman's bodices. That is a tough order. There are a lot of steps that could be done so easily by some one else, while I do other things that only I can do. Tough. But I am pushing it through, with the help of the awesome grads, who so willingly assist however they can. The real dilemma comes to play knowing that the previous show that has dress rehearsal coming up this weekend, needs to be finished, too. I have never missed an opening, and have no intentions of letting this one go unfinished.
I worked late tonight, almost a 10 hour day. JE picked me up and took me to circuit training. This class is great, it pushes me really hard and forces me to get uncomfortable. Sweat rolls off my nose for almost an hour. And afterward, I feel amazing!
OK, so here is the deal: E is out sick, I am replacing E until he feels better. By the end of next week (when E returns), I have to pattern and build a man's period suit coat (I patterned and cut the vest and pants already), and three woman's bodices. That is a tough order. There are a lot of steps that could be done so easily by some one else, while I do other things that only I can do. Tough. But I am pushing it through, with the help of the awesome grads, who so willingly assist however they can. The real dilemma comes to play knowing that the previous show that has dress rehearsal coming up this weekend, needs to be finished, too. I have never missed an opening, and have no intentions of letting this one go unfinished.
I worked late tonight, almost a 10 hour day. JE picked me up and took me to circuit training. This class is great, it pushes me really hard and forces me to get uncomfortable. Sweat rolls off my nose for almost an hour. And afterward, I feel amazing!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 130: Bricks, no really...
"Does it feel like we have been training for one hundred thirty days?" I just asked JE. Silence prevailed. He has Netflix on his iPod and can watch episodes of the X-Files any time he feels inclined. One day he was doing something in the garage. I called to him, but no answer. I opened the door to the garage to find him standing, staring at his wrist, head-phones in. He had taped his iPod to his wrist with clear tape and was watching a really good episode, completely distracting him from whatever his task was. So funny. I'm glad he has that way to relax, we worked really hard today.
Sleep was hard to find and hold on to last night. I was really anxious about brick training. This morning we woke at 5:30 and got packed and ready for the day. JE drove to work where I took off running. I ran one mile, turned around and headed back. When I got back to JE's work, I needed to find a potty. Bad.
I think perhaps more than any other thing that could possibly happen on Race Day, the thought of having to stop my rac and use an outhouse that is set up to allow thousands of other people to make a quick pit stop, is really disturbing. The thing with bodies is that they are like engines; the more you run them, the faster they go, the more fuel they need, the more exhaust the emit, and the more often they emit it. Enough said. Gross. Race day jitters and circadian rhythms might just align for some sort of outhouse adventures for me. I am NOT looking forward to that!
So my plan deflated a bit, what with taking care of business and all. My ride happened shortly after my run, but not quite as directly as I would have hoped. My gears are slipping a bit(on my bike, not my bowels). Not a good thing, and a bit of a worry, really. Little Red need to go see Josh.
All day long, I dreamed about dinner. It was so good! We had a protein bar (split it) before we left work, and biked to the car. When we got home, I put the potatoes in the oven to warm. We then walked up the hill to swim.
When I am first swimming, it is hard to do, just like running. But then comes the rhythm and the breath and it becomes something I could do forever. Except then I get really tired. Breaking my swim into pods, or drills, really made the time fly. All of a sudden, I was on my second fast 100. It was great, though that second 100 drill was really tough to keep momentum.
Dinner was super yummy. I treated the steak like stir-fry with the veggies and served it on top of the potatoes. Everything tastes better when you exercise your guts out!
Sleep was hard to find and hold on to last night. I was really anxious about brick training. This morning we woke at 5:30 and got packed and ready for the day. JE drove to work where I took off running. I ran one mile, turned around and headed back. When I got back to JE's work, I needed to find a potty. Bad.
I think perhaps more than any other thing that could possibly happen on Race Day, the thought of having to stop my rac and use an outhouse that is set up to allow thousands of other people to make a quick pit stop, is really disturbing. The thing with bodies is that they are like engines; the more you run them, the faster they go, the more fuel they need, the more exhaust the emit, and the more often they emit it. Enough said. Gross. Race day jitters and circadian rhythms might just align for some sort of outhouse adventures for me. I am NOT looking forward to that!
So my plan deflated a bit, what with taking care of business and all. My ride happened shortly after my run, but not quite as directly as I would have hoped. My gears are slipping a bit(on my bike, not my bowels). Not a good thing, and a bit of a worry, really. Little Red need to go see Josh.
All day long, I dreamed about dinner. It was so good! We had a protein bar (split it) before we left work, and biked to the car. When we got home, I put the potatoes in the oven to warm. We then walked up the hill to swim.
When I am first swimming, it is hard to do, just like running. But then comes the rhythm and the breath and it becomes something I could do forever. Except then I get really tired. Breaking my swim into pods, or drills, really made the time fly. All of a sudden, I was on my second fast 100. It was great, though that second 100 drill was really tough to keep momentum.
Dinner was super yummy. I treated the steak like stir-fry with the veggies and served it on top of the potatoes. Everything tastes better when you exercise your guts out!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Day 129: Rest Day
The kitchen was calling at 6:15 this morning. No rest for the wicked, as they say. I made Apricot Pecan Chews to take to JE's coworker and friend. With the extra egg yolks, I made lemon curd. I won't share the recipe, because Pete schooled me on making a true English curd this evening. Holy Cow! I will share that recipe when/if I ever see it. The embarrassing lemon curd (far more custard than tart, still pretty tasty, but not really curd) went into a tiny tartlette made in mini muffin tins. My crust rocked.
Pie Crust
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 Tbs sugar
1 ts salt
Pulse in a food processor to blend
add
2 sticks unsalted butter cut into cubes
pulse until you have pea sized chunks of butter
Pour over the top
2 oz vodka stored in the freezer
2.5 oz ice water
pulse to blend (dough will start to stick together when you compress it)
Divide dough in half and freeze half for later use. Roll the other half very thin on a floured surface. Using a medium biscuit cutter, cut out rounds and pat into mini-muffin tins. Bake at 400 until golden brown. Fill with lemon curd and top with sweetened meringue. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the tip of meringue is golden.
An egg carton comes in handy for transport and wrapping. I used mini cake cups to protect each tart and placed them on a ribbon stretched the length of the carton. The ribbon was functional to pop the tarts out of the egg holes.
We went to Pete's tonight, JE's coworker. He is every bit as passionate about food as we are--perhaps even more. We had a great time. He made some really amazing, non traditional pizzas. Awesome!
When we got home, we had our planning meeting. So here is our plan for the week:
Monday:
AM: Brick training:Run 2 miles/bike to work
PM: Bike from work
Swimming: 700 yards total. Swim 200 reg, 100 fast, 200 reg, 100 fast, 100 reg
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
Dinner: left over steak, spinach salad, warm vinaigrette over potatoes, asparagus
Tuesday:
AM: Running: light 2 miles
PM: Circuit training class
Dinner: Chipotle
Wednesday:
AM: Run 5K
Bike to work
PM: Swimming: 700 yards total. Swim 200 reg, 100 fast, 200 reg, 100 fast, 100 reg
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
Dinner: Curry Chicken (pg 205 of How to Eat Supper), Rice, Spinach with sauteed garlic
Thursday:
AM: Leave early to cycle the Back Bay then to work
PM: Swimming: 700 yards total. Swim 200 reg, 100 fast, 200 reg, 100 fast, 100 reg
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
Dinner: Tuna and black olives with pasta and wilted spinach (Costco spinach, goes a long way!)
Friday:
AM: Running, speed work. 10 minutes reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, cool down
PM: yoga
Dinner: Veg chili and corn bread with avocado
Saturday:
AM: Brick Training in Los Alamitos
followed by a lovely bike ride, up Santiago canyon (not set in stone)
Dinner: Pulled pork with King's sweet Hawaiian rolls and coleslaw. Yum!
Since I haven't been doing my weigh in or calorie count publicly, I will share with you that while I haven't been loosing any significant weight, I have dropped 2 inches from my hips and 4 inches from my waist since October. My thighs and calves have both gained half an inch (not exactly desirable for my thighs, but they are definitely far more muscle than they have ever been!
Pie Crust
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 Tbs sugar
1 ts salt
Pulse in a food processor to blend
add
2 sticks unsalted butter cut into cubes
pulse until you have pea sized chunks of butter
Pour over the top
2 oz vodka stored in the freezer
2.5 oz ice water
pulse to blend (dough will start to stick together when you compress it)
Divide dough in half and freeze half for later use. Roll the other half very thin on a floured surface. Using a medium biscuit cutter, cut out rounds and pat into mini-muffin tins. Bake at 400 until golden brown. Fill with lemon curd and top with sweetened meringue. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the tip of meringue is golden.
An egg carton comes in handy for transport and wrapping. I used mini cake cups to protect each tart and placed them on a ribbon stretched the length of the carton. The ribbon was functional to pop the tarts out of the egg holes.
We went to Pete's tonight, JE's coworker. He is every bit as passionate about food as we are--perhaps even more. We had a great time. He made some really amazing, non traditional pizzas. Awesome!
When we got home, we had our planning meeting. So here is our plan for the week:
Monday:
AM: Brick training:Run 2 miles/bike to work
PM: Bike from work
Swimming: 700 yards total. Swim 200 reg, 100 fast, 200 reg, 100 fast, 100 reg
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
Dinner: left over steak, spinach salad, warm vinaigrette over potatoes, asparagus
Tuesday:
AM: Running: light 2 miles
PM: Circuit training class
Dinner: Chipotle
Wednesday:
AM: Run 5K
Bike to work
PM: Swimming: 700 yards total. Swim 200 reg, 100 fast, 200 reg, 100 fast, 100 reg
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
Dinner: Curry Chicken (pg 205 of How to Eat Supper), Rice, Spinach with sauteed garlic
Thursday:
AM: Leave early to cycle the Back Bay then to work
PM: Swimming: 700 yards total. Swim 200 reg, 100 fast, 200 reg, 100 fast, 100 reg
Sets: Walking lunges, sit ups, push ups, squats
Dinner: Tuna and black olives with pasta and wilted spinach (Costco spinach, goes a long way!)
Friday:
AM: Running, speed work. 10 minutes reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, 5 minute reg, 1 minute fast, cool down
PM: yoga
Dinner: Veg chili and corn bread with avocado
Saturday:
AM: Brick Training in Los Alamitos
followed by a lovely bike ride, up Santiago canyon (not set in stone)
Dinner: Pulled pork with King's sweet Hawaiian rolls and coleslaw. Yum!
Since I haven't been doing my weigh in or calorie count publicly, I will share with you that while I haven't been loosing any significant weight, I have dropped 2 inches from my hips and 4 inches from my waist since October. My thighs and calves have both gained half an inch (not exactly desirable for my thighs, but they are definitely far more muscle than they have ever been!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Day 128: Swim and Brick
JE was quiet this morning as we headed to Los Alamitos for our second swim clinic. He explained later that he was feeling like a "lamb going to the slaughter," and there was nothing he could do about it. He knew that today's swim would be tough, and even wondered aloud at one point if it would kill him. Poor guy. I am not a very sympathetic wife; I laughed, thinking he was kidding.
We did swim our guts out, 700 yards in a 50 yard pool. There were 8-9 people from our training class there. We all jammed into one lane to give us the opportunity to swim in a crowded pool. Apparently, this Tri has a 1,000 person cap. We all start running together, 5K around a tarmac, then back to the transition area to collect our bikes. Then we do 3 laps around a four mile loop on the tarmac, and back to the transition area to prep for our swim. The pool will be set up in four lanes, so at the end of 4 laps (going under the lane dividers) we climb out of the pool and onto the chip reader, ending our race.
During our swim clinic today, the coach had us doing some lunges, squats, frog-leaps, jumping jacks, etc to get the blood to pool in our legs. He then had us do 200 yards, simulating our race (except we were all in one lane). The difference between my training swim and that swim today was blindingly different. My training swim is at night, in a short pool (20 yards), with solitude and focus. I rely on my breathing rhythm to guide my stroke and allow me to move with fluidity. Today, with the noise, the chaos, the yelling to "GO GO GO!" (from our coach--solo), I lost my breathing rhythm. I felt out of sync and heavy. That scares me a bit, knowing that that solo, will become a massive chorus come race day. Eventually, I just rolled over and swam my guts out in a backstroke ( I have a very proficient backstroke). I went a length and a half that way before I was scolded by the coach to get back into crawl mode. But, by that time, I had caught my breath, found my rhythm and was able to focus.
The last 200 yards were tough, but I kept at it. I did not finish last. Neither did JE. He did great, too! So proud of him.
After our swim, there was a clinic on the base about what to expect on race day and brick training. There was a lot to learn, and a lot of great information. Here are some highlights:
Training should include 9 workouts per week. 2 in the strongest event, 3 in the medium and 4 in the weakest. Training should include scheduling, organization, and journaling (including what I eat, how much I sleep and what training is effective). The goal of the race is to finish with a smile and to "try to be competitive." Spectators are allowed on the base but need ID to get on to the base. Treat the transition area as a place to focus on the upcoming events. Walk through the race with my bike and give my body the muscle memory of where to find my bike/stuff.
And somethings that came to light as I sat there: Most of the people who were at that meeting were older than I am. They are first time Triathletes, too (that blows me away! Awesome!!!). The other thing that blew me away was a very real sense that I am really doing this!
We dropped by Five Guys for lunch. 1,100 yummy calories later...
After a couple weeks of cycling on my tour, this past summer, I started to get sick if I ate anything greasy or heavy. It was as though my body had become a machine and required good, clean fuel to meet the demands of riding a fully loaded bike 50 miles a day. This same things seems to be happening again. Lately, when I eat something like a hamburger and fries, I just feel so sick in my gut. I am a machine!
We took our bikes this morning and dropped by the board walk at Huntington Beach. We rode through a lot of crowds of people, all out moving their bodies in the blessed sun. It was still sweatshirt weather, but it was beautiful out. We rode around 18 miles today. Seeing the Great Pacific and the sun makes me miss my long rides. During the past couple years I was unemployed, so I was able to ride up the coast a couple times a week. I miss that, but I love being employed--even just temporarily.
JE and I have plans to plan our weeks events and meals tomorrow. We made a pact tonight to have make up sessions of workouts Saturday if we miss any workouts this week. That would be brutal, so I say no to missing work outs. Hopefully having JE help schedule out training will help him to be more dedicated to it, and help me as well. We shall see. 9 work outs. Do we include our commute? We are going to have to chat...
Poor JE fell asleep at 8:30. Exhausted.
We did swim our guts out, 700 yards in a 50 yard pool. There were 8-9 people from our training class there. We all jammed into one lane to give us the opportunity to swim in a crowded pool. Apparently, this Tri has a 1,000 person cap. We all start running together, 5K around a tarmac, then back to the transition area to collect our bikes. Then we do 3 laps around a four mile loop on the tarmac, and back to the transition area to prep for our swim. The pool will be set up in four lanes, so at the end of 4 laps (going under the lane dividers) we climb out of the pool and onto the chip reader, ending our race.
During our swim clinic today, the coach had us doing some lunges, squats, frog-leaps, jumping jacks, etc to get the blood to pool in our legs. He then had us do 200 yards, simulating our race (except we were all in one lane). The difference between my training swim and that swim today was blindingly different. My training swim is at night, in a short pool (20 yards), with solitude and focus. I rely on my breathing rhythm to guide my stroke and allow me to move with fluidity. Today, with the noise, the chaos, the yelling to "GO GO GO!" (from our coach--solo), I lost my breathing rhythm. I felt out of sync and heavy. That scares me a bit, knowing that that solo, will become a massive chorus come race day. Eventually, I just rolled over and swam my guts out in a backstroke ( I have a very proficient backstroke). I went a length and a half that way before I was scolded by the coach to get back into crawl mode. But, by that time, I had caught my breath, found my rhythm and was able to focus.
The last 200 yards were tough, but I kept at it. I did not finish last. Neither did JE. He did great, too! So proud of him.
After our swim, there was a clinic on the base about what to expect on race day and brick training. There was a lot to learn, and a lot of great information. Here are some highlights:
Training should include 9 workouts per week. 2 in the strongest event, 3 in the medium and 4 in the weakest. Training should include scheduling, organization, and journaling (including what I eat, how much I sleep and what training is effective). The goal of the race is to finish with a smile and to "try to be competitive." Spectators are allowed on the base but need ID to get on to the base. Treat the transition area as a place to focus on the upcoming events. Walk through the race with my bike and give my body the muscle memory of where to find my bike/stuff.
And somethings that came to light as I sat there: Most of the people who were at that meeting were older than I am. They are first time Triathletes, too (that blows me away! Awesome!!!). The other thing that blew me away was a very real sense that I am really doing this!
We dropped by Five Guys for lunch. 1,100 yummy calories later...
After a couple weeks of cycling on my tour, this past summer, I started to get sick if I ate anything greasy or heavy. It was as though my body had become a machine and required good, clean fuel to meet the demands of riding a fully loaded bike 50 miles a day. This same things seems to be happening again. Lately, when I eat something like a hamburger and fries, I just feel so sick in my gut. I am a machine!
We took our bikes this morning and dropped by the board walk at Huntington Beach. We rode through a lot of crowds of people, all out moving their bodies in the blessed sun. It was still sweatshirt weather, but it was beautiful out. We rode around 18 miles today. Seeing the Great Pacific and the sun makes me miss my long rides. During the past couple years I was unemployed, so I was able to ride up the coast a couple times a week. I miss that, but I love being employed--even just temporarily.
JE and I have plans to plan our weeks events and meals tomorrow. We made a pact tonight to have make up sessions of workouts Saturday if we miss any workouts this week. That would be brutal, so I say no to missing work outs. Hopefully having JE help schedule out training will help him to be more dedicated to it, and help me as well. We shall see. 9 work outs. Do we include our commute? We are going to have to chat...
Poor JE fell asleep at 8:30. Exhausted.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 127: Symphony
Our alarm is set to a local classical music station. In my past life (pre-tri-mode) I would often lay in bed and listen to whatever piece of music was on the radio. It was such a luxury today to live that moment again. The piece that was playing (Leos Janacek: Sinfonietta by the Philharmonia Orchestra) was so beautiful, I lay in bed and listened to the complete suite. By the time it was over, it was nearly 6 o'clock. We hurriedly dressed and got out the door for our morning run. There was a cloud just above the eastern horizon, blocking the sunrise from spreading across our sky. The light beneath the cloud was brilliant and yellow. Beautiful.
We rode to work in the cold, and I rode back in a punch bowl of brilliant pink sky with a slice of brand new moon. As I passed the river, a volery of egrets, bright white against the dark eucalyptus trees, flew overhead.
I have been asked to stay at work for another week, as my coworker is still out. He seems to be getting dumped on, lately. I wish him well.
Now, off to do something fun with my sweetpie!
We rode to work in the cold, and I rode back in a punch bowl of brilliant pink sky with a slice of brand new moon. As I passed the river, a volery of egrets, bright white against the dark eucalyptus trees, flew overhead.
I have been asked to stay at work for another week, as my coworker is still out. He seems to be getting dumped on, lately. I wish him well.
Now, off to do something fun with my sweetpie!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 126: Thursday
We sent Mom off with a bowl of oatmeal and a prayer for her safe journey. It was a really cold morning. The car thermometer read 41, my bike computer read 48. Our noses ran streams as we cycled to work. My hand ached by the time I got there. Getting the lock on my bike and taking off my helmet, were difficult tasks because of my cold, stiff fingers.
As I was getting into the shower at work, I noticed that water was pooled around the drain in the floor between the stalls. My thought was to keep an eye on it while I showered. As I dried off, the puddle on the floor started bubbling and filthy black sludge was coming out of the drain. Oh, Iris, RUN! I think I may have even said that out loud. I grabbed all of my things and bolted to higher ground. Holding the main bathroom door closed with one foot, I struggled to quickly get my clothes onto my still wet body.
Throughout the day, maintenance and janitorial trailed hoses and mop buckets through the shop. Around 3, the shop filled with the sweet smell of raw sewerage. Apparently the leak had found it's way into the air intake room. By the time I left, all sense of smell had left. I have no idea how bad it really was.
JE met me on the trail heading home. As we peddled our way through a neighborhood, we heard the Hokey-Poky playing from a building. JE slowed down and apologizing went to find the source. "I'm sorry, I've just got to see..." We looked over the fence into the courtyard and discovered it empty. There was a sign for a preschool in the building, but it was dark and abandoned. Looking up at the second floor on front side of the building, we saw a lot of bearded men standing with their backs to the window. It was a huge, brightly lit room with high ceilings. The sign on the outside read, "Chabad of Irvine." Perhaps a bar mitzvah?
We were starving when we got home. We baked a chicken dish and polenta with roasted butternut squash while we swam. But JE made a couple simple corn tortilla and cheddar quesadillas to energize our swim.
Gosh! With as crazy and weird as today was, it is just so nice to have these awesome outlets to de-stress with. It is so good to feel my arms working, pushing the water under me, my legs keeping my southern half bouyant. My breath forced in rhythm with the rotations of my whole body's movement. Rhythm, breath, heartbeat, movement; that is all there is and need to ever be.
The stars are out tonight, shining bright and cold.
As I was getting into the shower at work, I noticed that water was pooled around the drain in the floor between the stalls. My thought was to keep an eye on it while I showered. As I dried off, the puddle on the floor started bubbling and filthy black sludge was coming out of the drain. Oh, Iris, RUN! I think I may have even said that out loud. I grabbed all of my things and bolted to higher ground. Holding the main bathroom door closed with one foot, I struggled to quickly get my clothes onto my still wet body.
Throughout the day, maintenance and janitorial trailed hoses and mop buckets through the shop. Around 3, the shop filled with the sweet smell of raw sewerage. Apparently the leak had found it's way into the air intake room. By the time I left, all sense of smell had left. I have no idea how bad it really was.
JE met me on the trail heading home. As we peddled our way through a neighborhood, we heard the Hokey-Poky playing from a building. JE slowed down and apologizing went to find the source. "I'm sorry, I've just got to see..." We looked over the fence into the courtyard and discovered it empty. There was a sign for a preschool in the building, but it was dark and abandoned. Looking up at the second floor on front side of the building, we saw a lot of bearded men standing with their backs to the window. It was a huge, brightly lit room with high ceilings. The sign on the outside read, "Chabad of Irvine." Perhaps a bar mitzvah?
We were starving when we got home. We baked a chicken dish and polenta with roasted butternut squash while we swam. But JE made a couple simple corn tortilla and cheddar quesadillas to energize our swim.
Gosh! With as crazy and weird as today was, it is just so nice to have these awesome outlets to de-stress with. It is so good to feel my arms working, pushing the water under me, my legs keeping my southern half bouyant. My breath forced in rhythm with the rotations of my whole body's movement. Rhythm, breath, heartbeat, movement; that is all there is and need to ever be.
The stars are out tonight, shining bright and cold.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day 125: Pho = fuh, not foe
We didn't run again this morning! What the heck! I miss my run! We did bike to work, however. At one point, our trail runs in view of the 405. Today, it was standing still. "Sucker!" I called out as I zoomed by. "SUCKERS!!!" I called louder, hoping someone, somewhere, could hear me. Doubtful... I love my commute.
JE and I part ways at one point. He rides east, I ride west. The wind was shooting out of the east, scooting me down the road, while JE struggled against it. After work, it was the reverse story. The wind had picked up a titch, too (though I doubt he would admit that).
On my way through southern Oregon, there was a point where the road wrapped around hills. Each time a hill ended, a canyon descended into the sea. Sometimes a bridge closed the gap between mountains, but more often, a winding narrow road would climb into the canyon for a bit, then double back on itself to go around the next hill. Every time that road turned to go into a canyon, I was met with a gust of cold wind. Battling the winds almost made me quit one day. It was just too much. I still don't love riding in the wind.
We met mom at home and took her to our favorite Pho restaurant, Pho Ba Co in Stony Brook Plaza on Barranca. Their fresh lime soda is one of my favorite things ever!
Tomorrow is Thursday. Hurray! I'm swimming tomorrow, if it kills me!
JE and I part ways at one point. He rides east, I ride west. The wind was shooting out of the east, scooting me down the road, while JE struggled against it. After work, it was the reverse story. The wind had picked up a titch, too (though I doubt he would admit that).
On my way through southern Oregon, there was a point where the road wrapped around hills. Each time a hill ended, a canyon descended into the sea. Sometimes a bridge closed the gap between mountains, but more often, a winding narrow road would climb into the canyon for a bit, then double back on itself to go around the next hill. Every time that road turned to go into a canyon, I was met with a gust of cold wind. Battling the winds almost made me quit one day. It was just too much. I still don't love riding in the wind.
We met mom at home and took her to our favorite Pho restaurant, Pho Ba Co in Stony Brook Plaza on Barranca. Their fresh lime soda is one of my favorite things ever!
Tomorrow is Thursday. Hurray! I'm swimming tomorrow, if it kills me!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 124: Way!
It was a great day! At 6:30 the alarm went off. But we snoozed until 7 and did some light yoga. We drove to work. These Circuit Training days are awesome for not feeling like I need to overwhelm myself with morning activities. The class by its lonesome, kicks my hinders.
Work was awesome, too. I finished patterning a three piece suit, which I will mock up in muslin tomorrow. I'm hoping to have a fitting with the actor on Monday. My work days are numbered, so I need to cram as much of this build into the next two weeks as I can. I am also building three bodices. They are beautiful, and tailored 1880's styling. It will be a fun challenge.
Patterning burns braincells, so much math and precision. It was fun to transition into something as physically demanding as that circuit training. For 50 minutes, I literally drip sweat. For someone my age, height and weight, that burns over 700 calories--in 50 minutes! That is a whole meal!
B came and sat at my table and talked with me today. She expressed that she is concerned about loosing weight for her eventual wedding. She is a beautiful woman, tall and trim. It makes me sad that so many people buy into this ideal body type garbage. It is a process to learn to be happy with a body for the things it can do, not necessarily how it looks. My body is learning to do some pretty cool things. So, friends, please don't be unhappy with your body, especially if you are healthy. Maybe just spend a little time learning some new, fun, challenging skills! And then fall in love with how awesome it is to move!
PS JE just signed up to do the triathlon, too!!! WAY COOL!! His reason? "Why not set a goal and stick to it?"
Work was awesome, too. I finished patterning a three piece suit, which I will mock up in muslin tomorrow. I'm hoping to have a fitting with the actor on Monday. My work days are numbered, so I need to cram as much of this build into the next two weeks as I can. I am also building three bodices. They are beautiful, and tailored 1880's styling. It will be a fun challenge.
Patterning burns braincells, so much math and precision. It was fun to transition into something as physically demanding as that circuit training. For 50 minutes, I literally drip sweat. For someone my age, height and weight, that burns over 700 calories--in 50 minutes! That is a whole meal!
B came and sat at my table and talked with me today. She expressed that she is concerned about loosing weight for her eventual wedding. She is a beautiful woman, tall and trim. It makes me sad that so many people buy into this ideal body type garbage. It is a process to learn to be happy with a body for the things it can do, not necessarily how it looks. My body is learning to do some pretty cool things. So, friends, please don't be unhappy with your body, especially if you are healthy. Maybe just spend a little time learning some new, fun, challenging skills! And then fall in love with how awesome it is to move!
PS JE just signed up to do the triathlon, too!!! WAY COOL!! His reason? "Why not set a goal and stick to it?"
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