Greetings from Paris!
Hubby and I are sitting in an Internet Cafe, trying to figure out how to use a French keyboard-- the good old QWERTY board does not work.
So far the trip is going well. Amsterdam was great. Everything they say is true. Great walking city with plenty of bikes to dodge. The streets follow the canals and round the city in a circular motion. Therefore, we only got "lost" twice. Fortunately, lost is relative in Amsterdam. The city is small, so eventually you get where you wanted to be.
We went to the Anne Frank Huis -- very interesting, also to the Red Light District. Even MORE interesting... Ate a wonderful Argentinean dinner; had great coffee. The people were very nice and friendly.
The train ride to Paris was amazing. Service was spectacular -- got fed not once but twice, with food that was very good indeed. We went through the Hauge, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels on our way to Paris.
Good news -- arrived on time; bad news -- arrived during rush hour. Over 2 million people apparently used the Gare du Nord station to get home. Chaotic and exciting.
Found the apartment -- very quaint on a great street with an open market and good bakeries.
Tried to get to the Tourism office to buy Museum tickets but got hopelessly lost going there and, after getting there and being told it was too late in the day to buy them, on the way back. That was a bit frustrating: maps didn't jive, streets twisted and we wandered much more than we wanted to. But, we finally made it back and had a lovely dinner at the restaurant near our apartment. All was well.
I'm turning over the keys to Hubby so he can tell you about today...
Greetings,
Today was the day for the Louvre. It is quite hard to describe all of the world's finest pieces of art in one place. Unbelievable and Fantastic just don't do it. Amy's tolerance for ancient artifacts was put to the test. I am happy to report that she passed...
We started our tour of the Louvre by making a bee-line for the Mona Lisa. The crowd was just starting to gather in the lobby of the museum and luckily we beat the rush. This painting is absolutely amazing, no pictures or posters can prepare you for how this masterpiece looks up close. Not only the eyes follow you around the room when looking at it, but the mouth changes from an odd smirk to a smile and then back again as you move from side to side. DaVinci was incredibleé.
One of the most interesting items we saw in the antiquities section was the collection of tools dating back 200,000 years.
7 1/2 hours later, we felt satisfied that we finally saw half of the collection, oh well we have to go back!
Now Amy will tell of our adventure strolling down the Champs-Elysées.
We had a great walk through the gardens, to the Concorde Plaza, through the park leading up to the Champs (including sharing a snack of crepe de chocolat and banana along with a great version of the good old hot dog...)
We got to the Arc de Triomphe -- took great photos, which we can't upload yet (wrong size port) and then had a real dinner at a cute overpriced place in the Champs.
Some very nice locals helped us with directions to this internet cafe, so after dinner; we took the Metro to an area close to our apartment and are winding down our day here. Phew.
Tomorrow: the museum D'Orsay, the Effel Tower and a much cheaper dinner in this neighborhood!
Are we having fun?
Oui, sure youbetcha :)
P.S. KLM rocks. More about that later.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Monday, October 2, 2006
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia....
Twin Cities Marathon is over and the results are on the books.
I finished -- not in stellar form, certainly not with a PR (personal record), but finished none the less.
It was much hotter than normal last Sunday. The afternoon temps hit the low 80s -- and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. These were very different conditions than we had been training in over the last few (and muy important) long runs.
Hubby dropped me off at the Metrodome at about 7:15. I had just enough time to get in line for the portapotties and then line up in the corral for the start of the race at 8:00 am.
I lined up with the group running with the Cliff Shot Pacer aiming for a 5:30 finish. Met the pacer -- met a couple of folks running in her group and then turned to see Marcia and Cheryl, my training partners. They were getting some last minute encouragement from our Coach, Sarah.
We all wanted to run with the pacer, but her plan was to run and take walk breaks during the waterstops. We had trained using a rhythm of six minutes walking and one minute of walking. The first water stop at TCM wasn't until mile 2.5. Given our pace, we were not scheduled to reach that point until about 24 minutes in to the race. We didn't feel comfortable changing our routine, so we decided to stick with our plan but to try to keep the pacer in site.
Marcia and I ended up running together slightly ahead of the pacer. (Actually, we were about 3 minutes ahead of her for more than half the marathon.) We felt great -- were enjoying the large crowds, the really beautiful fall leaves on the trees and scenery along the parkway, meeting new friends along the way.
Many of our friends were out watching the event and cheering us on. We saw our running friends Katie and AmyK near Lake Harriet. Not too far from them was another running friend, Bev, although the look on her face was not so encouraging. A few steps later we found out why.
There was a man in his late 40s that was laying on the pavement. Medics were around him -- one man was performing CPR; another was using the breathing bag trying to revive him. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain. The man was rushed to the hospital, but passed away of an apparent heart attack.
He had been an avid runner with no history of problems. According to the paper, he and his son were running the marathon. His son went ahead of him and then his dad had his attack. The son didn't find out what happened until after he passed the finish line. Very tragic...
Seeing the man on the sidewalk certainly changed the mood of those of us running. We all got very quiet and I'm sure a few of us sent up a prayer or two. And yet, we all kept moving forward.
My good friend Mary found us a couple times on the course: near Calhoun and then along Minnehaha Parkway. Marcia's son was out there for us; she saw some women from her book club, and we found a couple other friends, including Angel and Carla (our Ironwomen friends).
Our good friend Dori found us right after that first water stop. She had her trusty camera with her and snapped a couple of pics. She also met us right before the course crossed over from Minneapolis to St. Paul. She was like god-send out there. She had ice, gels, and great words of encouragement.
Hubby found us several times along the route: near Calhoun, before Minnehaha Falls -- all times I was feeling pretty dang good.
About mile 15, I started to lose it mentally. The weather caught up with me; the sun was draining and I could not keep my mo-jo. That AND I had to find a restroom. I told Marcia to go on ahead of me and that I'd try to catch her.
That was pretty much the last time I saw her until the finish line.
Not long after leaving Marcia, Cheryl passed me by looking very strong. Not long after Cheryl passed me, that 5:30 pacer passed me. Drat.
I keep going, although I really could not get a good rhythm back.
Usually I have a bad patch or two during marathons, but I'm able to get it back. Not this time. I just kept cursing and considering dropping out. But, pretty much every time I was going to pull out, I'd look up ahead, and there would be Hubby -- ringing the cowbell, giving me a "high five", and encouraging me to move on.
I did.
Slowly but surely, I made my way through St. Paul to the Capital. I DID cross that finish line, at 5:57:49. Very sucky time.
My coach was waiting for me at the finish. I crossed the line, got my metal, saw her and just burst in to tears. I was SOOOO disappointed in my inability to make my goal time of 5:30. She was very kind to me -- and that helped, although truth be told, I am disappointed that I continually have "Race Day" issues that cause me to not perform well. I can train like the dickens, but I tend to choke during the big events.
Anyway, I did finish -- about 10 minutes or so after Marcia did; about 15 minutes after Cheryl and about 30 minutes after our other training partner, Mary.
I would have never made it without the help and encouragement of Hubby and my friends out there yesterday -- and certainly would never have been able to do it without my great training partners.
So it all starts with Marcia. If she hadn't had a milestone birthday and got that hair-brained idea that it would be "great" to run a marathon for her birthday, I wouldn't have signed up, trained, run the race or had CAKE at the end to help celebrate her b-day.
Dori sent me a picture of all of us at the finish -- The folks in the photo include Marcia, Cheryl and me, along with Marcia's husband and our other friend Nat, who both ran the 10 Miler earlier that day. I'm in the grey.
(Hubby took a bunch more photos that I will post eventually. He is in the middle of the "last minute panic" of trying to get ready to leave on our big adventure tomorrow. I best not bug him now to have him teach me how to upload those....)
In any event, here's to you, Marcia. Congrats on your 1st victory taiming the 26.2 mile beast!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Last of the Long Runs...TCM one week away!
I did not run with my running buddies yesterday. It was a grey, cool and wet morning. I just wanted a morning to sleep in, catch up from a long week of travel and work and just "be".
Today was a much better day for my last long run of 10 miles before the marathon next week.
We finally have a nice sunny day here -- first time in about a week. The lakes were crowded, but not too terribly so. I ran to Lake Calhoun for my warm up and then did a 6 minute run/1 minute walk and covered all three lakes (Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet). I covered the distance in 1:58:00, which is a very good time for me.
I know I should have been practicing either my marathon or Long Slow Distance pace, but the day was great and I felt pretty good.
I also got nabbed by a bit of competitiveness. When I was running the first half of Calhoun, I passed a woman who was speedwalking next to a guy that was running slow. I went from the first half of Calhoun over to Isles and closed that lake out, came back to finish Calhoun and then hopped over to Harriet.
I bumped in to that couple again. The woman was really kicking the speedwalking thing in to high gear and for whatever reason, I didn't feel like having my butt handed to me by a speedwalker. So I passed them.
Then it was one of my walk breaks and they passed me. When it was time for me to run again, I passed them and put a bit of distance between them and me. Walk break, they caught up and passed again, which REALLY bugged me. So I kicked up my pace.
She must have had her own competitive edge, because the next time they passed me, they were both running and at a pretty good clip.
And so it went, back and forth for about half of the lake.
With not much left to go, I finally decided "screw it" and kicked it out myself.
I passed the imaginary finish line way before they did. (And the crowd went WILD! LOL).
Now the hurry-up-and-wait starts till next week and the Marathon and then the trip to Europe.
Yippee!
Today was a much better day for my last long run of 10 miles before the marathon next week.
We finally have a nice sunny day here -- first time in about a week. The lakes were crowded, but not too terribly so. I ran to Lake Calhoun for my warm up and then did a 6 minute run/1 minute walk and covered all three lakes (Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet). I covered the distance in 1:58:00, which is a very good time for me.
I know I should have been practicing either my marathon or Long Slow Distance pace, but the day was great and I felt pretty good.
I also got nabbed by a bit of competitiveness. When I was running the first half of Calhoun, I passed a woman who was speedwalking next to a guy that was running slow. I went from the first half of Calhoun over to Isles and closed that lake out, came back to finish Calhoun and then hopped over to Harriet.
I bumped in to that couple again. The woman was really kicking the speedwalking thing in to high gear and for whatever reason, I didn't feel like having my butt handed to me by a speedwalker. So I passed them.
Then it was one of my walk breaks and they passed me. When it was time for me to run again, I passed them and put a bit of distance between them and me. Walk break, they caught up and passed again, which REALLY bugged me. So I kicked up my pace.
She must have had her own competitive edge, because the next time they passed me, they were both running and at a pretty good clip.
And so it went, back and forth for about half of the lake.
With not much left to go, I finally decided "screw it" and kicked it out myself.
I passed the imaginary finish line way before they did. (And the crowd went WILD! LOL).
Now the hurry-up-and-wait starts till next week and the Marathon and then the trip to Europe.
Yippee!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Tick Tock...big fun coming in ONE week!
Long time, no post.
Our running club is winding down our training for Twin Cities Marathon, which happens in 9 days!!!
Last Saturday we ran sixteen miles as the "beginning of taper". Those miles really felt more like thirty-six. Typical start to the taper. We are tired, way over the whole training thing and now just waiting for the big event.
I feel pretty ready, although one never knows about race day. Could be good, could be not so good.
I haven't run since then. The weather here has been horrible -- unseasonably cold and very, very rainy. Fortunately, I had to go to a business meeting for a few days in Phoenix. I brought running clothes, but never got the chance to get out.
Tomorrow is our last long run before the event. We are scheduled to go 10 miles. The forecast is for rain and cold. Should surely make the run as fun as it possibly can. (Wonder how you can code HTML to indicate sarcasm....?)
The other really fun thing coming up is the trip Hubby and I will be taking to Europe! We leave on October 3rd and will travel to Amsterdam, Paris, Bern (Switzerland) and Florence.
My brother, sister-in-law and niece will also be in Florence for part of the time we'll be there. That will be fun spending time with them half the world away from where we usually get together.
It will be our first time in Europe and we are getting very excited about it. We have most of our arrangements made, have some tickets for museums already and are now just counting the days till we go.
I'm very excited but admittedly nervous about the whole flying thing. I don't like flying in general -- so the thought of sitting on a plane for over eight hours is just not particulars appealing.
I also don't like the idea of leaving our kitties for so long, but fortunately have some friends that will be living in our house while we are gone. It is nice to know that the cats will have company 24/7 while we are gone.
Lots to look forward to and lots to do before we go.
Makes life interesting, wouldn't you say?
There
Our running club is winding down our training for Twin Cities Marathon, which happens in 9 days!!!
Last Saturday we ran sixteen miles as the "beginning of taper". Those miles really felt more like thirty-six. Typical start to the taper. We are tired, way over the whole training thing and now just waiting for the big event.
I feel pretty ready, although one never knows about race day. Could be good, could be not so good.
I haven't run since then. The weather here has been horrible -- unseasonably cold and very, very rainy. Fortunately, I had to go to a business meeting for a few days in Phoenix. I brought running clothes, but never got the chance to get out.
Tomorrow is our last long run before the event. We are scheduled to go 10 miles. The forecast is for rain and cold. Should surely make the run as fun as it possibly can. (Wonder how you can code HTML to indicate sarcasm....?)
The other really fun thing coming up is the trip Hubby and I will be taking to Europe! We leave on October 3rd and will travel to Amsterdam, Paris, Bern (Switzerland) and Florence.
My brother, sister-in-law and niece will also be in Florence for part of the time we'll be there. That will be fun spending time with them half the world away from where we usually get together.
It will be our first time in Europe and we are getting very excited about it. We have most of our arrangements made, have some tickets for museums already and are now just counting the days till we go.
I'm very excited but admittedly nervous about the whole flying thing. I don't like flying in general -- so the thought of sitting on a plane for over eight hours is just not particulars appealing.
I also don't like the idea of leaving our kitties for so long, but fortunately have some friends that will be living in our house while we are gone. It is nice to know that the cats will have company 24/7 while we are gone.
Lots to look forward to and lots to do before we go.
Makes life interesting, wouldn't you say?
There
Sunday, September 10, 2006
One last Tri (update) and 20 Miler Done!
The 'official' results for St. Croix Valley were FINALLY posted last week on Thursday. Took those folks forever to get them upload on the site. Then took me even longer to post this -- but at least there is a photo of me "charging" the finish line. (And, if you look closely to the left of me, you see two cheering women. Those are my good friends Angel and Carla both of whom are competing in Ironman Wisconsin as I write this. GO Angel and Carla!!!)
My swim was 13:56, with a T1 time of 2:45. I was well ahead of last years 2:07 swim time and 4:22 T1 time. (6:11 ahead on the swim; 2:37 ahead during T1, for a total of 8:48 ahead of 2005 results.
Then the "2-flat" meltdown. My bike time was recorded as 1:00:09. Last year it was 44:35. A whopping 15:36 over last year.
I'm guessing that the officials added all the time it took for me to get back in to the transition area after discovering Flat #1 and then trying to find someone with an airpump, filling the tire, getting back in and out of transition again in to my bike time.
T2 was faster this year (1:18 vs. 1:58 in 2005 (40 seconds ahead).
Run took me 32 SECONDS longer this year over last year (45:51 vs 45:19)
Total recorded time on the course for 2006 = 2:04:47
Time for 2005 = 1:56:19
"Official" difference of 8:28.
Grrrrr.
I know that, technically, the recorded time is the recorded time, but my "woulda/coulda/shoulda time" = 1:45:23 (if swim, T-times and run time were all as they were and IF my bike time had equaled 2005 time).
Sigh. Thus endth my 2006 Triathlon season.
All in all, I had a great season all the way from Tri-U-Mah in February until St. Croix Valley. I'm already excited to start training for 2007!
Speaking of training: I'm STILL training for Twin Cities Marathon. There is only about three weeks to go till race day and, thank heavens, we are just entering taper time.
I ran my last LONG run yesterday with my team. Marcia, Cheryl, Mary and I slogged along together for the entire 20 mile run.
We started at the State Capitol and followed the Marathon course back to mile 16, which runs along Minnehaha Parkway. That was our turnaround and we headed up the Marathon course again to the "finish". This is a great practice run because you can make mental notes of where certain spots are along the trail: "Okay, this is the distance from the Lake Street bridge to the Franklin Bridge -- lots longer that I thought". "Here is the spot that the big dreadful hill starts". "There are the portapotties".
We start out fresh for the first 10 miles and by the time we turn around to head back, we've got some of the mental/physical challenges created -- tired; sick of doing the walk/run thing; this is how the hill feels NOW, not 8 miles ago, etc.
Our little running group has really bonded over the training season. We were all keeping each other very motivated and on-task with our pace and our run/walk pace. It's been a blast running with them and really getting to know them.
After we were done with our run, the four of us had lunch at Cafe Latte -- a popular St. Paul restaurant. Food and conversation were both terrific.
Now we enter taper -- pull back on the miles a bit, rest, recover and get ready for October 1st. Fortunately, I've got lots to keep me occupied at work and at home.
Hubby and I leave for Europe on October 3rd. We're working on finalizing our plans. It will be both of our first times overseas. We are both very excited and I'm sure I'll cover more about our plans on the blog over the next couple of weeks.
Now, though, I think I'll go stretch my quads....
Monday, September 4, 2006
A Tale of Two Flats: Keep On Peddlin'
I'm still waiting for my official results for the St. Croix Valley Sprint triathlon. The event was held last Saturday -- and today is Monday.
The race coordinators split the St. Croix Valley events over two days: Sprint distance (0.3 mile swim/10 mile bike/4 mile run) happens on Saturday and the International distance (1.2 swim/ 24 mile bike/ 6 mile run) takes place on Sunday.
I thought that the results would be posted after the International event, but alas, I'm still waiting.
The event started off really well: I came out of the water in 13:38.
This was a 6.5 minute improvement over my swim time last year. It would appear that those lessons really paid off. Well, that and the fact that I didn't walk the entire swim. (The swim course is very shallow. I figured that out last year when I swam up to one of the support rafts to hold on for a minute and accidentally let my feet dangle below me and my toes hit the sandy bottom of the river. I looked up at the person on the raft and she said to me, "Oh yeah, you can touch the WHOLE WAY!".
With that information, what is any reasonable bad-swimmer to do? Walk!
This year, having that same information in my head, knowing I could touch if I needed too and armed with months of practice and lessons, I swam the majority of the course and when I needed a quick break, I just put my feet down and walked a step or two before paddling again.
I was so happy when I got out of the water so quickly, made my transition fast and hit the bike route.
That is when the "fun" started.
I got out about 4 blocks from the start and noticed that my bike was dragging. I looked down and could see that my rear tire was flat.
I had pumped up both tires before I left the house and why the tire was flat seemed to be a mystery.
I considered just going on with the flat, but the drag was really pulling me back. I also thought that, because the course is very hilly, riding the whole 10 miles with a flat would ruin the tire and be very tough.
I turned around, went back to the bike transition area and looked for someone with an air pump. None was to be had. I went over to the announcer and asked him to ask the crowd if anyone had an air pump. A very kind man, who apparently was the head cook for the luau that takes place for the "after party", had one in his truck, so he took me W......A......Y..... far away from the transition area, got his pump out and pumped up my tire.
I was very grateful but also dreading the precious seconds/minutes that were ticking away getting this little problem fixed.
He finished filling my tire and then I made it back to transition and out on to the course -- dead last.
Other bikers were coming back in to transition. A lovely, steady stream of bikers peddling their hearts out, looking over to me with that "Who is that poor schmuck?" look on their face. It was me, just trying to get through the course.
I thought about quitting a number of times -- especially during miles one through three. It just seemed like an insurmountable course and that I'd never be able to beat my course time from last year.
I kept peddling.
About mile 3.5, I saw some people ahead of me. VICTORY! Surely I could catch up with them and maybe even PASS them! I peddled on.
I did pass them -- and a few other stragglers. Hurrah! I gave it my all, pushing up those lovely but very steep hills to the turnaround at mile five.
They had a water stop there and I grabbed some water. In between gulps, I told the two volunteers that I had had a flat. One of them said to me, as he was staring down at my rear tire: "Are you going to fix it"?
Huh?
I looked down and saw it -- a tire that was flat as a pancake. CRAP.
Now there is nothing I can do. The folks at the turnaround couldn't take me back. I was five miles to the bike finish -- if I walked it, it would take over an hour.
I just threw caution to the wind and peddled on. Fortunately, all that uphill on the way out becomes downhill on the way home, so I could coast a bit. The landscape in that part of Wisconsin is really beautiful, so I just tried to enjoy that and make my way home.
At one point around mile seven, I saw a deer poke out from the woods. I have seen deer a number of times out on runs or racecourses. I always take this as a good sign. The deer looked straight at me as I was coming down the hill toward it. It then just sauntered across the street and disappeared in to the woods on the other side of the course.
Thankfully, I got through the bike course and made a very quick transition out on to the run course. Most of the other participants were coming back in from the racecourse at this point. I still pointed my feet out and kept going. I felt pretty good during the run and even passed by a number of other runners.
I hadn't looked at my watch since I got out of the swim. I was too afraid that I'd get discouraged. With less than a mile to go, I thought I'd risk it and see what the damage was. Total time elapsed at that point was 1:58.
Last year, I finished the event at 1:56, so I was behind. But not THAT much behind considering all the bike troubles.
I finished the race pretty strong, clocking on my watch at about 2:04 -- so about eight minutes behind last year's time.
Hubby was there waiting for me, ready with his encouraging smile, a hug and an "attagirl". He also snapped some photos that I'll post when I have my official time.
We ate some pork sandwiches from the luau (dee-lish-si-ous at 10:00 am, let me tell you) and then started to pack up to go home.
I stopped by the Official's table to let them know that my times might look screwy. When I came in to transition to try to find an air pump, I crossed over the timing mat and had to cross it again after I got my tire pumped up and got out on to the course again. This means I crossed the bike transition four times (as opposed to two). They thanked me for letting them know and said that the impact would probably be that my splits would look a little "off".
I'm anxious to see what they look like and what my times for each leg really were. I know that my total time is what counts, but still want to see what the components were.
Any way, the lesson of the day was and continues to be: when life gives you a flat or two, just keep on peddlin'.
The race coordinators split the St. Croix Valley events over two days: Sprint distance (0.3 mile swim/10 mile bike/4 mile run) happens on Saturday and the International distance (1.2 swim/ 24 mile bike/ 6 mile run) takes place on Sunday.
I thought that the results would be posted after the International event, but alas, I'm still waiting.
The event started off really well: I came out of the water in 13:38.
This was a 6.5 minute improvement over my swim time last year. It would appear that those lessons really paid off. Well, that and the fact that I didn't walk the entire swim. (The swim course is very shallow. I figured that out last year when I swam up to one of the support rafts to hold on for a minute and accidentally let my feet dangle below me and my toes hit the sandy bottom of the river. I looked up at the person on the raft and she said to me, "Oh yeah, you can touch the WHOLE WAY!".
With that information, what is any reasonable bad-swimmer to do? Walk!
This year, having that same information in my head, knowing I could touch if I needed too and armed with months of practice and lessons, I swam the majority of the course and when I needed a quick break, I just put my feet down and walked a step or two before paddling again.
I was so happy when I got out of the water so quickly, made my transition fast and hit the bike route.
That is when the "fun" started.
I got out about 4 blocks from the start and noticed that my bike was dragging. I looked down and could see that my rear tire was flat.
I had pumped up both tires before I left the house and why the tire was flat seemed to be a mystery.
I considered just going on with the flat, but the drag was really pulling me back. I also thought that, because the course is very hilly, riding the whole 10 miles with a flat would ruin the tire and be very tough.
I turned around, went back to the bike transition area and looked for someone with an air pump. None was to be had. I went over to the announcer and asked him to ask the crowd if anyone had an air pump. A very kind man, who apparently was the head cook for the luau that takes place for the "after party", had one in his truck, so he took me W......A......Y..... far away from the transition area, got his pump out and pumped up my tire.
I was very grateful but also dreading the precious seconds/minutes that were ticking away getting this little problem fixed.
He finished filling my tire and then I made it back to transition and out on to the course -- dead last.
Other bikers were coming back in to transition. A lovely, steady stream of bikers peddling their hearts out, looking over to me with that "Who is that poor schmuck?" look on their face. It was me, just trying to get through the course.
I thought about quitting a number of times -- especially during miles one through three. It just seemed like an insurmountable course and that I'd never be able to beat my course time from last year.
I kept peddling.
About mile 3.5, I saw some people ahead of me. VICTORY! Surely I could catch up with them and maybe even PASS them! I peddled on.
I did pass them -- and a few other stragglers. Hurrah! I gave it my all, pushing up those lovely but very steep hills to the turnaround at mile five.
They had a water stop there and I grabbed some water. In between gulps, I told the two volunteers that I had had a flat. One of them said to me, as he was staring down at my rear tire: "Are you going to fix it"?
Huh?
I looked down and saw it -- a tire that was flat as a pancake. CRAP.
Now there is nothing I can do. The folks at the turnaround couldn't take me back. I was five miles to the bike finish -- if I walked it, it would take over an hour.
I just threw caution to the wind and peddled on. Fortunately, all that uphill on the way out becomes downhill on the way home, so I could coast a bit. The landscape in that part of Wisconsin is really beautiful, so I just tried to enjoy that and make my way home.
At one point around mile seven, I saw a deer poke out from the woods. I have seen deer a number of times out on runs or racecourses. I always take this as a good sign. The deer looked straight at me as I was coming down the hill toward it. It then just sauntered across the street and disappeared in to the woods on the other side of the course.
Thankfully, I got through the bike course and made a very quick transition out on to the run course. Most of the other participants were coming back in from the racecourse at this point. I still pointed my feet out and kept going. I felt pretty good during the run and even passed by a number of other runners.
I hadn't looked at my watch since I got out of the swim. I was too afraid that I'd get discouraged. With less than a mile to go, I thought I'd risk it and see what the damage was. Total time elapsed at that point was 1:58.
Last year, I finished the event at 1:56, so I was behind. But not THAT much behind considering all the bike troubles.
I finished the race pretty strong, clocking on my watch at about 2:04 -- so about eight minutes behind last year's time.
Hubby was there waiting for me, ready with his encouraging smile, a hug and an "attagirl". He also snapped some photos that I'll post when I have my official time.
We ate some pork sandwiches from the luau (dee-lish-si-ous at 10:00 am, let me tell you) and then started to pack up to go home.
I stopped by the Official's table to let them know that my times might look screwy. When I came in to transition to try to find an air pump, I crossed over the timing mat and had to cross it again after I got my tire pumped up and got out on to the course again. This means I crossed the bike transition four times (as opposed to two). They thanked me for letting them know and said that the impact would probably be that my splits would look a little "off".
I'm anxious to see what they look like and what my times for each leg really were. I know that my total time is what counts, but still want to see what the components were.
Any way, the lesson of the day was and continues to be: when life gives you a flat or two, just keep on peddlin'.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Junior Achiever
I finally got a swimming lesson in yesterday. I am taking a few days off from work to enjoy the last bit of summer laziness here in Minnesota.
With my time off, I decided to catch up on some things that I've been neglecting: swim lessons; cleaning out some clutter; a golf lesson; going to the fabulous Minnesota State Fair and more. Oh yeah, and relaxing.
I've been traveling so much for work lately that my swim schedule got a little off. I will be competing in my last tri for the season on Saturday, so last week I got back in the pool for some laps and then immediately signed up for another lesson.
So yesterday, my coach Dave had me do some drills that should increase my fluidity in the water -- really reaching my stroke out (meaning not cutting in to the water at my eye line, but to cut in to the water about inline with my wrist of my extended arm). Once I cut in to the water, I should set my extended arm in to the anchor position and rotate over to the other side.
He also helped me with a "yeah, I'm a swimmer" kick-off from the sidewall. He had wanted me to learn how to do flip turns, but I can't get beyond getting water up my nose -- yet -- so I'm still pushing off the wall for my turnaround.
The new technique works like this: I crouch down both my legs on the wall in more of a sideways position (I'm looking at the side wall, not the wall ahead of me). I get in to position underwater while I'm crouched down and then push off underwater. This helps me cut through the water more efficiently because I'm already on my side and not lying "flat" in the water creating drag.
I still have three lessons left and am feeling like I'm really coming along.
I took my lesson in the middle of the day and Dave had a client after me. A young boy of about ten or so. Once my lesson was over, I decided to relax in the whirlpool and watch Dave coach the kid.
The kid -- aka the "Junior Achiever" was quite something to watch. No pushing off the sidewall for him. Oh no. He used the diving platform to spring -- cat like -- in to the water and then he swam his 100 freestyle like an Olympian, flip turns and all.
I was amazed. The kid really was fast. I must have been staring at him with an amazed look on my face because at one point, Dave looked over to me in the whirlpool and said "You don't want to know how fast he is going".
Damn straight.
I know that I am a plodder -- be it a running plodder or a swimming plodder. I'm really okay with that.
I do admire those speedsters -- and I fully accept the fact that I started this athletic journey of mine a little late in the game. No matter to me. I still enjoy being out there working my body, feeling physicially fit and taking in the surrounding around me (wonderful scenery when I run; feeling the velvet fluidity of the water when I swim. You know how it goes.)
I'm sure that this kid is competing on some team some where. Good for him. He was amazing to watch and did ignight a little of my competitive nature. If he can do a flip turn, I can to.
Looking forward to being a Senior Achiever.
With my time off, I decided to catch up on some things that I've been neglecting: swim lessons; cleaning out some clutter; a golf lesson; going to the fabulous Minnesota State Fair and more. Oh yeah, and relaxing.
I've been traveling so much for work lately that my swim schedule got a little off. I will be competing in my last tri for the season on Saturday, so last week I got back in the pool for some laps and then immediately signed up for another lesson.
So yesterday, my coach Dave had me do some drills that should increase my fluidity in the water -- really reaching my stroke out (meaning not cutting in to the water at my eye line, but to cut in to the water about inline with my wrist of my extended arm). Once I cut in to the water, I should set my extended arm in to the anchor position and rotate over to the other side.
He also helped me with a "yeah, I'm a swimmer" kick-off from the sidewall. He had wanted me to learn how to do flip turns, but I can't get beyond getting water up my nose -- yet -- so I'm still pushing off the wall for my turnaround.
The new technique works like this: I crouch down both my legs on the wall in more of a sideways position (I'm looking at the side wall, not the wall ahead of me). I get in to position underwater while I'm crouched down and then push off underwater. This helps me cut through the water more efficiently because I'm already on my side and not lying "flat" in the water creating drag.
I still have three lessons left and am feeling like I'm really coming along.
I took my lesson in the middle of the day and Dave had a client after me. A young boy of about ten or so. Once my lesson was over, I decided to relax in the whirlpool and watch Dave coach the kid.
The kid -- aka the "Junior Achiever" was quite something to watch. No pushing off the sidewall for him. Oh no. He used the diving platform to spring -- cat like -- in to the water and then he swam his 100 freestyle like an Olympian, flip turns and all.
I was amazed. The kid really was fast. I must have been staring at him with an amazed look on my face because at one point, Dave looked over to me in the whirlpool and said "You don't want to know how fast he is going".
Damn straight.
I know that I am a plodder -- be it a running plodder or a swimming plodder. I'm really okay with that.
I do admire those speedsters -- and I fully accept the fact that I started this athletic journey of mine a little late in the game. No matter to me. I still enjoy being out there working my body, feeling physicially fit and taking in the surrounding around me (wonderful scenery when I run; feeling the velvet fluidity of the water when I swim. You know how it goes.)
I'm sure that this kid is competing on some team some where. Good for him. He was amazing to watch and did ignight a little of my competitive nature. If he can do a flip turn, I can to.
Looking forward to being a Senior Achiever.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
FORE!
I've been golfing just about a year now and just L O V E it! I started golfing last year after hubby and I got invited to play with another friend and his wife. They were playing on a Couples League and their partner couple could not make one of the weekly rounds. They invited us to play and, although I dragged my feet as much as I could, we went and I thought it was great.
I couldn't get a ball in the air -- couldn't putt at all -- but there was something about being outside on an early fall evening, playing a lovely Par-3 course with my husband and friends.
I was hooked.
Since then, Hubby and I played a number of times last fall, squeezing the very last drop out of reasonable play time in Minnesota. Believe me, there were plenty of times when we were scurrying out there on the course when it was freezing cold wearing sweaters, running gloves, hats and jackets.
We had a chance to golf in Las Vegas last January -- another Par 3 where we were partnered with another man who was practicing his short game. Fritz was a very fascinating man to talk with and to learn from, making our mid-winter golf experience even more enjoyable.
For all the Minnesota golf junkies who can't make it out of town during our inclimate winters, we have Golf Domes available. Domes are big structures with inflatable dome ceilings where you can practice your drives and chips. Hubby and I frequented the dome often during the winter months.
Finally, spring came and we signed up for the same Couples League that our friends play on and we had the opportunity to play with them every Friday night for the past 3 1/2 months. Our last game for the summer league was last Friday and I'm really sad to see the league come to an end.
My game has improved -- I took some lessons, which helped -- and getting out every week helped too. I still can't drive worth a dang, but every now and then, I make a shot or a putt that makes it all worth while.
It is really nice to have an activity that my husband and I both can enjoy together. I can see us golfing together for many years to come.
That being said, one of my goals for this summer was to play a full eighteen, or "the big boy course" as I like to call it. Hubby and I went to a course about an hour north of Minneapolis yesterday and, man oh man, was I handed a big piece of humble pie.
Lost about a million balls; really couldn't drive (chip or putt) very well; couldn't really get the dang ball out of the tall grass very effectively; it was an amateur nightmare. Hubby didn't play his level best either, but still we had a great day out there together.
I still have a very long way to go with my game, but that is okay with me. As an adult, I've had so much fun discovering different interests and passions, whether those interests were running (started at 39); scrapbooking (started at 41); learning Spanish (some where in my 30s); political involvement (in my 40s); swimming and triathlons (40's), etc. Adding one more -- golf -- won't be that big of a thing.
I blew off a Long Run to go golfing -- the marathon is about 5 weeks away. I'm not worried -- yet. We still have a couple of long runs that will put me to the test. I also will compete in my last triathlon for 2006 this Saturday.... I know that I'll cover the distance, although I probably shouldn't be too over confident about my swimming or biking.
I'll keep you posted!
I couldn't get a ball in the air -- couldn't putt at all -- but there was something about being outside on an early fall evening, playing a lovely Par-3 course with my husband and friends.
I was hooked.
Since then, Hubby and I played a number of times last fall, squeezing the very last drop out of reasonable play time in Minnesota. Believe me, there were plenty of times when we were scurrying out there on the course when it was freezing cold wearing sweaters, running gloves, hats and jackets.
We had a chance to golf in Las Vegas last January -- another Par 3 where we were partnered with another man who was practicing his short game. Fritz was a very fascinating man to talk with and to learn from, making our mid-winter golf experience even more enjoyable.
For all the Minnesota golf junkies who can't make it out of town during our inclimate winters, we have Golf Domes available. Domes are big structures with inflatable dome ceilings where you can practice your drives and chips. Hubby and I frequented the dome often during the winter months.
Finally, spring came and we signed up for the same Couples League that our friends play on and we had the opportunity to play with them every Friday night for the past 3 1/2 months. Our last game for the summer league was last Friday and I'm really sad to see the league come to an end.
My game has improved -- I took some lessons, which helped -- and getting out every week helped too. I still can't drive worth a dang, but every now and then, I make a shot or a putt that makes it all worth while.
It is really nice to have an activity that my husband and I both can enjoy together. I can see us golfing together for many years to come.
That being said, one of my goals for this summer was to play a full eighteen, or "the big boy course" as I like to call it. Hubby and I went to a course about an hour north of Minneapolis yesterday and, man oh man, was I handed a big piece of humble pie.
Lost about a million balls; really couldn't drive (chip or putt) very well; couldn't really get the dang ball out of the tall grass very effectively; it was an amateur nightmare. Hubby didn't play his level best either, but still we had a great day out there together.
I still have a very long way to go with my game, but that is okay with me. As an adult, I've had so much fun discovering different interests and passions, whether those interests were running (started at 39); scrapbooking (started at 41); learning Spanish (some where in my 30s); political involvement (in my 40s); swimming and triathlons (40's), etc. Adding one more -- golf -- won't be that big of a thing.
I blew off a Long Run to go golfing -- the marathon is about 5 weeks away. I'm not worried -- yet. We still have a couple of long runs that will put me to the test. I also will compete in my last triathlon for 2006 this Saturday.... I know that I'll cover the distance, although I probably shouldn't be too over confident about my swimming or biking.
I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Trophy Wife
Another long week of sales meetings and travel just ended for me.
I started the week in Minneapolis (home base) attending a two day meeting for one of my company's sales teams. Monday was a blast -- we got to do a little team building by playing golf. The Manager of the group is a member at a very nice country club in the area and we played his course. My first "big boy" course.
We were divided in to four teams of four (each team had one woman). I golfed with the Manager, a sales guy and an account manager, who I happen to sit next to at work. We had a great round of golf and everyone contributed. I helped "seal the deal" on three holes, which I was very proud of.
Tuesday were meetings (bleah). After work, I ran with the Beginning Runners that I'm coaching at my Health Club. We had a beautiful run along the downtown trail. I got home about 8:00 pm and found that the mailman had delivered a package for me from LifeTime Fitness.
Inside the package was a very nice trophy: acrylic, triangular in shape, with a photo of the elite athletes entering the water at the LifeTime Triathlon.
Remember when I posted about coming in first in my Athena age group? And I was joking about it because I was Number One out of, you know, ONE? Apparently, LifeTime recognized this as a legitimate placing because the engraving on the trophy reads:
LifeTime Fitness Olympic Distance First Place Female, Athena, 40 - 49.
I ROCK.
Although I do thing that getting the award is kind of funny, there is another part of me that is HUGELY proud of this goofy piece of plastic. I feel slightly vindicated for all those times that the faster, skinner runners in my running club sniffed their noses at me plodding along in my slower-than-molasses style.
I really no longer run for the tee shirts (although I do like it when the race officials decide to give out technical shirts that I can use for running or long sleeved shirts that are good for sleeping), I do like the hardware (medals). The trophy is very nice and I'm going to display it proudly.
In ended the week on the East Coast attending another meeting. The sales group works in Portsmouth, NH, a wonderful seacoast town located about an hour outside of Boston. I have been to Portsmouth three times and just LOVE it there. Very pretty land; wonderful town built around a square, fun progressive people and great running routes. I ran on Thursday night for about an hour -- through the town, out towards the sea, through some beautiful neighborhoods. Felt terrific!
We had a fancy dinner on Thursday night -- the sales team, some of their preferred customers and some of us from Minneapolis. We ate outside overlooking a beautiful bay.
The meetings were held on Friday morning and, frankly, this group is probably the most grumbly of them all. They complain about everything. My presentation kicked off the meeting at 7:30 am and, from what I hear, the group stayed out the night before partying. Imagine how happy there were to hear from me, then, bright and early in the A. of M.
I got through it, meetings ended and we were on our way home. Phew.
Got home in time to meet Hubby and our friends for our golf league where I played a really great round of golf. Yippee!
Next week, I'm in town all week (yippee!) and Hubby and I will celebrate our 1-year anniversary (yippee!)
Wonder how he feels about having a Trophy Wife?
I started the week in Minneapolis (home base) attending a two day meeting for one of my company's sales teams. Monday was a blast -- we got to do a little team building by playing golf. The Manager of the group is a member at a very nice country club in the area and we played his course. My first "big boy" course.
We were divided in to four teams of four (each team had one woman). I golfed with the Manager, a sales guy and an account manager, who I happen to sit next to at work. We had a great round of golf and everyone contributed. I helped "seal the deal" on three holes, which I was very proud of.
Tuesday were meetings (bleah). After work, I ran with the Beginning Runners that I'm coaching at my Health Club. We had a beautiful run along the downtown trail. I got home about 8:00 pm and found that the mailman had delivered a package for me from LifeTime Fitness.
Inside the package was a very nice trophy: acrylic, triangular in shape, with a photo of the elite athletes entering the water at the LifeTime Triathlon.
Remember when I posted about coming in first in my Athena age group? And I was joking about it because I was Number One out of, you know, ONE? Apparently, LifeTime recognized this as a legitimate placing because the engraving on the trophy reads:
LifeTime Fitness Olympic Distance First Place Female, Athena, 40 - 49.
I ROCK.
Although I do thing that getting the award is kind of funny, there is another part of me that is HUGELY proud of this goofy piece of plastic. I feel slightly vindicated for all those times that the faster, skinner runners in my running club sniffed their noses at me plodding along in my slower-than-molasses style.
I really no longer run for the tee shirts (although I do like it when the race officials decide to give out technical shirts that I can use for running or long sleeved shirts that are good for sleeping), I do like the hardware (medals). The trophy is very nice and I'm going to display it proudly.
In ended the week on the East Coast attending another meeting. The sales group works in Portsmouth, NH, a wonderful seacoast town located about an hour outside of Boston. I have been to Portsmouth three times and just LOVE it there. Very pretty land; wonderful town built around a square, fun progressive people and great running routes. I ran on Thursday night for about an hour -- through the town, out towards the sea, through some beautiful neighborhoods. Felt terrific!
We had a fancy dinner on Thursday night -- the sales team, some of their preferred customers and some of us from Minneapolis. We ate outside overlooking a beautiful bay.
The meetings were held on Friday morning and, frankly, this group is probably the most grumbly of them all. They complain about everything. My presentation kicked off the meeting at 7:30 am and, from what I hear, the group stayed out the night before partying. Imagine how happy there were to hear from me, then, bright and early in the A. of M.
I got through it, meetings ended and we were on our way home. Phew.
Got home in time to meet Hubby and our friends for our golf league where I played a really great round of golf. Yippee!
Next week, I'm in town all week (yippee!) and Hubby and I will celebrate our 1-year anniversary (yippee!)
Wonder how he feels about having a Trophy Wife?
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Running on my Own...
After waxing poetic about how great it is to have such wonderful friends to make those long runs worth while, I ended up bagging them on Saturday and running on my own.
It wasn't as bad as "bagging" really sounds, though.
Hubby and I golf in a Couples League on Friday nights. I had promised him that my running this marathon would not cut so much in to our time together as training for my other events has in the past. So, despite what my coach says about having Fridays be a total rest day before the big Long Slow Distance (LSD) Saturday, we golf on Fridays. It is a small Par 3 course -- very pretty -- and we golf with another couple that have been our friends for several years. We walk the course -- really no biggie, LSD run or not.
Last Friday, we got off the course later than we usually and Hubby and I putzed around on the way home -- ran a couple of errands, had dinner late, etc.
I woke up at 6:00 to run and just decided "screw it". I slept in.
Honestly, part of my rebelliousness was because we were supposed to go 18 miles. We had just done a 1/2 marathon the week before and I felt that going from 13 to 18 was a big leap that I wasn't ready for. So, the alarm blared at 6:00 am and I promptly turned it off.
I knew that I'd have to make up the miles and get a run in. I got out of the house about 1:00 pm and followed a route from my block along Lake Harriet and then connecting with Minnehaha Parkway. Most of the run corresponded with the marathon route, including the one really ugly spot of the marathon route off of Cedar Avenue, near Lake Nokomis.
(It is interesting to me that this section is also a section of the LifeTime Fitness Triathlon. I LOVE it when I'm doing the Tri, but HATE it as part of the marathon. I suppose it's because I'm riding a bike when I'm on Cedar during the Tri versus not being quite at the half-way point for the marathon.)
In any event, I got out there and did my thing for 16 miles and was very glad I ended up running alone.
Here are the things I observed during my run, that would have escaped me had I run with the group:
Fish swimming against the current in Minnehaha Creek.
Sleeping ducks nestled in creekside.
My first glimpse of a tree with leaves that just hinted at color change (uh oh!).
The Minnesota Freeze playing a tournament near Nokomis. (Apparently the Freeze is our Australian-style football league -- whatever that means).
Great gardens and yards that adorn the beautiful homes along the parkway.
Kids playing in the park, including a dad teaching his son how to play T-ball.
People walking their dogs.
A wonderful elderly couple out in their yard. The husband was going to take the dog for a walk -- the wife was standing close to him, stroking his face and smiling. I hope Hubby and I are like that when we are their age.
Finally, after I was just about done with my run, I veered off the course, whipped my shoes and socks off and waded in to the wonderful waters at Lake Harriet beach. My aching feet and knees were 'oh, so happy'.
I think I needed this kind of run -- where I can take my time and observe things around me rather than just ticking off the miles and getting the run "done".
Sometimes you just have to run and smell the roses.
It wasn't as bad as "bagging" really sounds, though.
Hubby and I golf in a Couples League on Friday nights. I had promised him that my running this marathon would not cut so much in to our time together as training for my other events has in the past. So, despite what my coach says about having Fridays be a total rest day before the big Long Slow Distance (LSD) Saturday, we golf on Fridays. It is a small Par 3 course -- very pretty -- and we golf with another couple that have been our friends for several years. We walk the course -- really no biggie, LSD run or not.
Last Friday, we got off the course later than we usually and Hubby and I putzed around on the way home -- ran a couple of errands, had dinner late, etc.
I woke up at 6:00 to run and just decided "screw it". I slept in.
Honestly, part of my rebelliousness was because we were supposed to go 18 miles. We had just done a 1/2 marathon the week before and I felt that going from 13 to 18 was a big leap that I wasn't ready for. So, the alarm blared at 6:00 am and I promptly turned it off.
I knew that I'd have to make up the miles and get a run in. I got out of the house about 1:00 pm and followed a route from my block along Lake Harriet and then connecting with Minnehaha Parkway. Most of the run corresponded with the marathon route, including the one really ugly spot of the marathon route off of Cedar Avenue, near Lake Nokomis.
(It is interesting to me that this section is also a section of the LifeTime Fitness Triathlon. I LOVE it when I'm doing the Tri, but HATE it as part of the marathon. I suppose it's because I'm riding a bike when I'm on Cedar during the Tri versus not being quite at the half-way point for the marathon.)
In any event, I got out there and did my thing for 16 miles and was very glad I ended up running alone.
Here are the things I observed during my run, that would have escaped me had I run with the group:
Fish swimming against the current in Minnehaha Creek.
Sleeping ducks nestled in creekside.
My first glimpse of a tree with leaves that just hinted at color change (uh oh!).
The Minnesota Freeze playing a tournament near Nokomis. (Apparently the Freeze is our Australian-style football league -- whatever that means).
Great gardens and yards that adorn the beautiful homes along the parkway.
Kids playing in the park, including a dad teaching his son how to play T-ball.
People walking their dogs.
A wonderful elderly couple out in their yard. The husband was going to take the dog for a walk -- the wife was standing close to him, stroking his face and smiling. I hope Hubby and I are like that when we are their age.
Finally, after I was just about done with my run, I veered off the course, whipped my shoes and socks off and waded in to the wonderful waters at Lake Harriet beach. My aching feet and knees were 'oh, so happy'.
I think I needed this kind of run -- where I can take my time and observe things around me rather than just ticking off the miles and getting the run "done".
Sometimes you just have to run and smell the roses.
Friday, August 11, 2006
In to the LONG stuff now....
Tomorrow my running group and I will be tackling 18 miles. Can you say BLEAH?
We only have about seven weeks until Twin Cities Marathon, so the long, tough stuff starts now.
Actually, most of the training drills this session have been much tougher than in previous years. Don't know why exactly, but our mileage seemed to go up fast on the long runs and our weekly sessions seem to alternate between doing fast runs and hill runs. (What the heck ever happened to Easy Does It or EDI?)
I'm glad I have a good group of gals to run with, however. My friend Marcia, who's birthday this year started this whole thing; new friends Jane, Mary and Ally; old friends Cheryl, Bea, Kathy, Bev, etc. Makes the runs really worth it.
Last weekend, a number of us ran the Urban Wildland 1/2 marathon. It was a great event. I finished 10 mintues faster than I did at the Wells Fargo 1/2 earlier this year and felt pretty good the whole way through the race.
I ran mostly with Marcia and Ally -- until a potty break sent them ahead and me waiting to "go" -- literally. We were running 7 minutes with a 1 minute walk break. The course is very pretty. We ran through residential areas and nature preserves. It was great fun.
The rest of this week was spent mostly in Salt Lake City (SLC) for work. I flew out Sunday and back late Wednesday, just in time to miss all this new travel fear and crap. SLC is very pretty with the mountains and interesting buildings downtown. There is definitely a Mormon influence (you have to be a "member" to go in to bars, but I hear that membership is pretty easy to get); downtown is a ghost town after 5:00 pm; but they do have plenty of coffee houses (thank heavens) and I hear that most of the city has a pretty liberal bend. (The conservative crowd has settled in the suburbs).
I ran once. Found a great path through the city, by the Tabernacle, up to the capital, through a beautiful part and up a mountain side. W O N D E R F U L.
I communed with nature and came up with a gratitude list while the miles pounded away.
I'm not so sure I'll be as grateful tomorrow about mile 15...
Got home on Wednesday night and the new terror warnings came out Thurday morning. Hubby and I have plans to go to Europe this October after the marathon. I really don't want to cancel our trip although I will say that I do have some anxiety about the trip. (I'm not a very good flyer to begin with.) We are not making any decisions yet about our trip. We'll wait out this recent thing for a week or so and then decide.
Stepson goes back to his mom's on Monday, which also produces a yin/yang feeling in me. I love him and have a hard time living with him. Part of it is he is 16 and part is that he has been some what spoiled by his parents. I usually end up in the role of WSM -- wicked step mother -- nagging him about helping around the house or at a minimum getting out of the house. If he had his way, he'd sleep in late every day, eat junk food till he burst and then would sit on the computer playing games with cartoons on in the background.
Yet, on the other hand, he is a smart, personable kid who can be a lot of fun to be around. Once he leaves, the house gets quiet and it isn't long until I miss him.
Funny little ironies, no?
We only have about seven weeks until Twin Cities Marathon, so the long, tough stuff starts now.
Actually, most of the training drills this session have been much tougher than in previous years. Don't know why exactly, but our mileage seemed to go up fast on the long runs and our weekly sessions seem to alternate between doing fast runs and hill runs. (What the heck ever happened to Easy Does It or EDI?)
I'm glad I have a good group of gals to run with, however. My friend Marcia, who's birthday this year started this whole thing; new friends Jane, Mary and Ally; old friends Cheryl, Bea, Kathy, Bev, etc. Makes the runs really worth it.
Last weekend, a number of us ran the Urban Wildland 1/2 marathon. It was a great event. I finished 10 mintues faster than I did at the Wells Fargo 1/2 earlier this year and felt pretty good the whole way through the race.
I ran mostly with Marcia and Ally -- until a potty break sent them ahead and me waiting to "go" -- literally. We were running 7 minutes with a 1 minute walk break. The course is very pretty. We ran through residential areas and nature preserves. It was great fun.
The rest of this week was spent mostly in Salt Lake City (SLC) for work. I flew out Sunday and back late Wednesday, just in time to miss all this new travel fear and crap. SLC is very pretty with the mountains and interesting buildings downtown. There is definitely a Mormon influence (you have to be a "member" to go in to bars, but I hear that membership is pretty easy to get); downtown is a ghost town after 5:00 pm; but they do have plenty of coffee houses (thank heavens) and I hear that most of the city has a pretty liberal bend. (The conservative crowd has settled in the suburbs).
I ran once. Found a great path through the city, by the Tabernacle, up to the capital, through a beautiful part and up a mountain side. W O N D E R F U L.
I communed with nature and came up with a gratitude list while the miles pounded away.
I'm not so sure I'll be as grateful tomorrow about mile 15...
Got home on Wednesday night and the new terror warnings came out Thurday morning. Hubby and I have plans to go to Europe this October after the marathon. I really don't want to cancel our trip although I will say that I do have some anxiety about the trip. (I'm not a very good flyer to begin with.) We are not making any decisions yet about our trip. We'll wait out this recent thing for a week or so and then decide.
Stepson goes back to his mom's on Monday, which also produces a yin/yang feeling in me. I love him and have a hard time living with him. Part of it is he is 16 and part is that he has been some what spoiled by his parents. I usually end up in the role of WSM -- wicked step mother -- nagging him about helping around the house or at a minimum getting out of the house. If he had his way, he'd sleep in late every day, eat junk food till he burst and then would sit on the computer playing games with cartoons on in the background.
Yet, on the other hand, he is a smart, personable kid who can be a lot of fun to be around. Once he leaves, the house gets quiet and it isn't long until I miss him.
Funny little ironies, no?
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Mugs
Last night, at some point in the middle of it, I officially became older than my mother.
My mom, known to her family and friends as Margaret or "Mugs", died of breast cancer on August 6th, 1969 at the age of 47. I was 10 years old.
Although I don't remember much of her, I do vividly remember parts of her illness, and the morning she died.
It was very hot in Milwaukee that August. My mom's illness had progressed and she had been bedridden for most of the summer. The cancer that had started in her breast spread to other organs, including her lungs. She ultimately had to have a tracheotomy, which was supposed to help her breathe, but would clog with mucus causing more coughing and problems. Little by little, she withered away.
My grandmother came to live with us that summer to help my dad out. That particular weekend in August, my mom's favorite sister, Sharon, came up from Illinois with my two cousins. Our house was full of people. My sister Tina, then 5, and I had to sleep in a bedroom that was in a part of the house that must not have been insullated very well. It was hotter than heck in that room. I didn't sleep well that night. I remember waking up in the middle of the night and hearing a lot of commotion down stairs. I was too tired to get up so I just rolled over and went back to sleep.
The next morning, my dad woke me up. He had Tina with him and he picked her up and put her on his lap. I knew right then. He said "Your mother passed away last night. I'm sorry". I just laid there looking at him and looking at Tina. In an instant, every thing changed.
Zoom ahead one year, five years, ten...move forward twenty, thirty and now thirty seven. Might as well be 1,000 years for all I can remember and for all that I have missed.
I've had a lot of mixed feelings about this particular day, when I'd pass my mother in age. IF I'd pass it by. For years, I thought that her fate was my fate -- that I'd get cancer and be dead already. I'm not alone having that type of thought, I know. Many people who have lost a parent fear that they will come to the same early end.
But I did make it past her time -- albeit only by a few hours now. I'm hoping that those hours will stretch in to days and months and years....leaving me to die peacefully an old woman.
Very melancholy blog enter, I know. I've been moody for the past couple of weeks and pretty sad about this date. I'm (still) angry that she died and angrier that I don't remember her. I'm sad that she's not here and that she -- and I -- and Tina -- missed so much.
I'm not so idealistic that I believe, had she not gotten cancer and lived, that we would have had this perfect mother/daughter thing. I just would have liked the chance to have experienced it, instead of looking at it through the lens of an outsider observing my friends with their mothers. Or my friends as Mothers with their children.
Anyway, for what ever reason(s) that was not meant to be. It was just sort of a hard day and I guess I just wanted to acknowledge that along with the woman I never really knew.
My mom, known to her family and friends as Margaret or "Mugs", died of breast cancer on August 6th, 1969 at the age of 47. I was 10 years old.
Although I don't remember much of her, I do vividly remember parts of her illness, and the morning she died.
It was very hot in Milwaukee that August. My mom's illness had progressed and she had been bedridden for most of the summer. The cancer that had started in her breast spread to other organs, including her lungs. She ultimately had to have a tracheotomy, which was supposed to help her breathe, but would clog with mucus causing more coughing and problems. Little by little, she withered away.
My grandmother came to live with us that summer to help my dad out. That particular weekend in August, my mom's favorite sister, Sharon, came up from Illinois with my two cousins. Our house was full of people. My sister Tina, then 5, and I had to sleep in a bedroom that was in a part of the house that must not have been insullated very well. It was hotter than heck in that room. I didn't sleep well that night. I remember waking up in the middle of the night and hearing a lot of commotion down stairs. I was too tired to get up so I just rolled over and went back to sleep.
The next morning, my dad woke me up. He had Tina with him and he picked her up and put her on his lap. I knew right then. He said "Your mother passed away last night. I'm sorry". I just laid there looking at him and looking at Tina. In an instant, every thing changed.
Zoom ahead one year, five years, ten...move forward twenty, thirty and now thirty seven. Might as well be 1,000 years for all I can remember and for all that I have missed.
I've had a lot of mixed feelings about this particular day, when I'd pass my mother in age. IF I'd pass it by. For years, I thought that her fate was my fate -- that I'd get cancer and be dead already. I'm not alone having that type of thought, I know. Many people who have lost a parent fear that they will come to the same early end.
But I did make it past her time -- albeit only by a few hours now. I'm hoping that those hours will stretch in to days and months and years....leaving me to die peacefully an old woman.
Very melancholy blog enter, I know. I've been moody for the past couple of weeks and pretty sad about this date. I'm (still) angry that she died and angrier that I don't remember her. I'm sad that she's not here and that she -- and I -- and Tina -- missed so much.
I'm not so idealistic that I believe, had she not gotten cancer and lived, that we would have had this perfect mother/daughter thing. I just would have liked the chance to have experienced it, instead of looking at it through the lens of an outsider observing my friends with their mothers. Or my friends as Mothers with their children.
Anyway, for what ever reason(s) that was not meant to be. It was just sort of a hard day and I guess I just wanted to acknowledge that along with the woman I never really knew.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Low Profile
I've been keeping a low posting profile since LifeTime. No particular reason -- just not a lot of excitement happening in my life, unless, of course, you count the HEAT that has been happening over much of the US.
We've been training through it -- hill work; lactate threshold runs, etc. Bleah. The marathon is a mere 8 weeks away. We are running a practice 1/2 marathon race this Saturday (the Urban Wildland) and then those dang long runs really spike up for about five weeks until taper starts. I just have to hang in there and get them done.
I will confess that I cheated this last weekend. I was in Chicago for a business meeting last Thursday and Friday. Since I had lived in that FANSTATIC city for a few years, I decided to stay over the weekend and spend some time visiting my good friends Bev and her husband Ron. I had all good intentions to get up at 6:00 am to do a run on Saturday, but the heat and humidity were really off the charts.
I did get a small, but lovely, run in on a treadmill at Bev's health club. No substitute for a full-blown long slow distance, but what do you do?
The heat is supposed to pull back a bit by Wednesday. That will be a very welcome relief.
On other more important news, it is no secret that gas prices are out of this world. Hubby and I are some what lucky in that we live fairly close to downtown and can bus to work some days. I've even been able to ride my bike from time to time.
This whole global warming and oil-thing are very frightening and disconcertng. I read a GREAT article in The Chicago Tribune called "A Tank of Gas, a World of Trouble". The article is very long, but well worth the read as it follows the path of oil production from places in Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela all the way to a service station in Elgin, Illinois.
Thomas Friedman, the superb columnist for the New York Times, has written a number of articles about "Petropolitics", which are very interesting. The basic premise is that as the price of oil goes up, the less democratic oil producing states are.
Hubby and I are looking at all sorts of ways to reduce our oil consumption, starting with some "car-free" days every week. We'll bus or bike or walk to where ever we have to go. It is a small start, but some thing within our control to help try to stem the tide.
What are others doing?
We've been training through it -- hill work; lactate threshold runs, etc. Bleah. The marathon is a mere 8 weeks away. We are running a practice 1/2 marathon race this Saturday (the Urban Wildland) and then those dang long runs really spike up for about five weeks until taper starts. I just have to hang in there and get them done.
I will confess that I cheated this last weekend. I was in Chicago for a business meeting last Thursday and Friday. Since I had lived in that FANSTATIC city for a few years, I decided to stay over the weekend and spend some time visiting my good friends Bev and her husband Ron. I had all good intentions to get up at 6:00 am to do a run on Saturday, but the heat and humidity were really off the charts.
I did get a small, but lovely, run in on a treadmill at Bev's health club. No substitute for a full-blown long slow distance, but what do you do?
The heat is supposed to pull back a bit by Wednesday. That will be a very welcome relief.
On other more important news, it is no secret that gas prices are out of this world. Hubby and I are some what lucky in that we live fairly close to downtown and can bus to work some days. I've even been able to ride my bike from time to time.
This whole global warming and oil-thing are very frightening and disconcertng. I read a GREAT article in The Chicago Tribune called "A Tank of Gas, a World of Trouble". The article is very long, but well worth the read as it follows the path of oil production from places in Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela all the way to a service station in Elgin, Illinois.
Thomas Friedman, the superb columnist for the New York Times, has written a number of articles about "Petropolitics", which are very interesting. The basic premise is that as the price of oil goes up, the less democratic oil producing states are.
Hubby and I are looking at all sorts of ways to reduce our oil consumption, starting with some "car-free" days every week. We'll bus or bike or walk to where ever we have to go. It is a small start, but some thing within our control to help try to stem the tide.
What are others doing?
Monday, July 17, 2006
It Was What It Was....(Time results for LifeTime)
I'm STILL Number One in my Age Group (and STILL last of all the Athena's that competeted...) but that being said, here are my results from the LifeTime Tri last Saturday == (Note: if you are really interested, the very long, very descriptive report is the posting just prior to this one):
Swim: 1:00:49 Really terrible time. NEXT year, this is where I should be able to really knock some minutes off. Need to do much more open water swimming.
T1 (Transition One): 3:51.03 So happy to just be out of the water, I took a little extra time to appreciate dry land.
Bike: 1:30 Faster than anticipated, but still everyone kept passing ME.
T2 (Transition Two): 3:16 How the heck long does it take to whip off a helmut, rack a bike, put on a race belt and baseball hat and GO????
Run: 39:44 Slower than a normal 5K, but I lollygagged under the waterhose that the Minneapolis Fire Department rigged up for us.
Total: 3:17:39.
Not dead last of all the Oly racers, but pretty darn close. The real point is: I'm not dead.
My great friend Dori found me at the finish line and took a snap of me with her "crap cam". So here I am, in all my post-race glory.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Number One (out of One)
Well, I finished the triathlon -- swim and all.
However, the event had some kinks and I has a "less than stellar" performance in the swim.
The day was very hot and humid. By the start of the race at 8:00 am, the air temp was already in the 80's -- the water temp was 82 degrees. The race officials had been keeping an eye on the forecast for the day and at about 7:40 am, they announced that the Olympic distance for age-groupers and relay teams would be cut back a bit. Professionals and Elites had to do the full distance for each section. Others, including the Athena's, had to do the full swim (0.9 miles); but our bike got cut back by about 3.5 miles and the run by a full 5K (3.1). This means my totals were 0.9 swim; 21.35 for the bike and 3.1 for the run.
Official race results have not been posted, but my total time was 3:17 and some odd seconds. Last for all the Athena's (17th), with two either no shows or DNF (Did Not Finish) behind me.
However, I was the 1st Athena in my age group. (What that really means is that every one else in my wave was younger than me. Much younger.) Still and all, I should be able to have some fun telling people that I was first in my age group BEFORE I tell them the truth. Might as well bask in the glory for at least a second or two.
While I was waiting in queue for my heat to start, I chatted with some of the other women in my group. Most of them had done the event the year before. We shared some tips and had some giggles. There was a woman that had a megaphone across from us and I kept thinking that I knew that voice. I DID. It was Dori. It was so good to see her! I had not seen her since before her Grandma's event. She gave me a shot of encouragement and a hug and we were off!
The swim was tough for me. The route was a triangle and I got to the first buoy pretty easily. Fortunately, there were a number of support people out there. I took a break at the first buoy and then started on the very long stretch to the next turn around point. That is where I started to have some troubles.
As predicted, the heats that started the race after mine started to catch up with me, and soon other swimmers were bumping in to me, swimming over me and otherwise annoying me. There was a strong breeze which churned up some wave action that I had to swim against. Many times I'd do six strokes, pull my head up and found my self in basically the same place I had started. I got frustrated and a little nervous. The water was very deep (about 30 feet), which I hate. The support people along this stretch were positioned further apart. I'd poke my head up to site and, after a number of very bad words spoken aloud, I basically made up my mind to just simply swim from one support person to the next support person. I used the crawl; side stroke, back stroke, breast stroke and my good old friend, the dog paddle.
To borrow the slogan from my home state, the great state of Wisconsin, I just keep trying to move Ever Forward.
Finally, finally, finally I got to the second buoy and turned toward the beach to get back to shore. It still took me painfully long time to reach a spot in the lake where I could touch the bottom. Hallelujah and hooray, I got out of the lake and moved to T1. (Swim time was about a pitiful 1:00:00)
On my way back in to the Transition Area, I saw my loving Hubby and my SIL (sister-in-law), who came to cheer me on. Other friends were positioned along the chute: Angel and Carla (my IronWoman friends); Kathy T and Bea, my running friends. It was GREAT to see them there.
T1 went pretty well -- and I was off on the bike route. I'd ridden the course many times during my training, so I knew what to expect. I refueled by drinking my Endurance Formula Gatorade and just tried to keep positive and in the moment. (Meaning, trying to beat myself up too badly about my swim). I felt that I rode pretty well -- but again, not exactly sure of my time. By the time I got back in to T2, it was 2:39:00 on my watch.
My thigh was acting up (from what ever strange thing happened to it on Friday night) so it talked loudly to me as I was starting the run, however, miracle of miracles, I felt okay during the run. I did walk a bit -- it was now in the 90's, with high humidity and sun that wouldn't quit.
Some very kind spectators were out on the run course with bags of ice and extra water. The Minneapolis Fire Department had a truck out hooked up to a huge mister/sprinkler. Most runners took their sweet time while running through that spot.
I turned the final corner to the chute and came through at 3:17 something. There were volunteers at the chute that gave us towels that had been soaked in ice cold water. Boy, did THAT feel great!
I saw Dori at the finish, but Hubby and SIL were no where to be found. I borrowed Dori's cell phone and called him. They were still waiting for me to come in from the bike portion! He thought my time was excellent for the event. I'm just happy that I finished in one piece.
Marcia and Natalie also participated in the Sprint event -- although I did not see them there. The event was HUGE -- probably 2,000 participants. However, I did hear that they both finished and were pleased with their results.
I'll post official times when I get them... until then....
I'll bask in the glory of being #1 in my Age-Group (1 out of 1, that is).
However, the event had some kinks and I has a "less than stellar" performance in the swim.
The day was very hot and humid. By the start of the race at 8:00 am, the air temp was already in the 80's -- the water temp was 82 degrees. The race officials had been keeping an eye on the forecast for the day and at about 7:40 am, they announced that the Olympic distance for age-groupers and relay teams would be cut back a bit. Professionals and Elites had to do the full distance for each section. Others, including the Athena's, had to do the full swim (0.9 miles); but our bike got cut back by about 3.5 miles and the run by a full 5K (3.1). This means my totals were 0.9 swim; 21.35 for the bike and 3.1 for the run.
Official race results have not been posted, but my total time was 3:17 and some odd seconds. Last for all the Athena's (17th), with two either no shows or DNF (Did Not Finish) behind me.
However, I was the 1st Athena in my age group. (What that really means is that every one else in my wave was younger than me. Much younger.) Still and all, I should be able to have some fun telling people that I was first in my age group BEFORE I tell them the truth. Might as well bask in the glory for at least a second or two.
While I was waiting in queue for my heat to start, I chatted with some of the other women in my group. Most of them had done the event the year before. We shared some tips and had some giggles. There was a woman that had a megaphone across from us and I kept thinking that I knew that voice. I DID. It was Dori. It was so good to see her! I had not seen her since before her Grandma's event. She gave me a shot of encouragement and a hug and we were off!
The swim was tough for me. The route was a triangle and I got to the first buoy pretty easily. Fortunately, there were a number of support people out there. I took a break at the first buoy and then started on the very long stretch to the next turn around point. That is where I started to have some troubles.
As predicted, the heats that started the race after mine started to catch up with me, and soon other swimmers were bumping in to me, swimming over me and otherwise annoying me. There was a strong breeze which churned up some wave action that I had to swim against. Many times I'd do six strokes, pull my head up and found my self in basically the same place I had started. I got frustrated and a little nervous. The water was very deep (about 30 feet), which I hate. The support people along this stretch were positioned further apart. I'd poke my head up to site and, after a number of very bad words spoken aloud, I basically made up my mind to just simply swim from one support person to the next support person. I used the crawl; side stroke, back stroke, breast stroke and my good old friend, the dog paddle.
To borrow the slogan from my home state, the great state of Wisconsin, I just keep trying to move Ever Forward.
Finally, finally, finally I got to the second buoy and turned toward the beach to get back to shore. It still took me painfully long time to reach a spot in the lake where I could touch the bottom. Hallelujah and hooray, I got out of the lake and moved to T1. (Swim time was about a pitiful 1:00:00)
On my way back in to the Transition Area, I saw my loving Hubby and my SIL (sister-in-law), who came to cheer me on. Other friends were positioned along the chute: Angel and Carla (my IronWoman friends); Kathy T and Bea, my running friends. It was GREAT to see them there.
T1 went pretty well -- and I was off on the bike route. I'd ridden the course many times during my training, so I knew what to expect. I refueled by drinking my Endurance Formula Gatorade and just tried to keep positive and in the moment. (Meaning, trying to beat myself up too badly about my swim). I felt that I rode pretty well -- but again, not exactly sure of my time. By the time I got back in to T2, it was 2:39:00 on my watch.
My thigh was acting up (from what ever strange thing happened to it on Friday night) so it talked loudly to me as I was starting the run, however, miracle of miracles, I felt okay during the run. I did walk a bit -- it was now in the 90's, with high humidity and sun that wouldn't quit.
Some very kind spectators were out on the run course with bags of ice and extra water. The Minneapolis Fire Department had a truck out hooked up to a huge mister/sprinkler. Most runners took their sweet time while running through that spot.
I turned the final corner to the chute and came through at 3:17 something. There were volunteers at the chute that gave us towels that had been soaked in ice cold water. Boy, did THAT feel great!
I saw Dori at the finish, but Hubby and SIL were no where to be found. I borrowed Dori's cell phone and called him. They were still waiting for me to come in from the bike portion! He thought my time was excellent for the event. I'm just happy that I finished in one piece.
Marcia and Natalie also participated in the Sprint event -- although I did not see them there. The event was HUGE -- probably 2,000 participants. However, I did hear that they both finished and were pleased with their results.
I'll post official times when I get them... until then....
I'll bask in the glory of being #1 in my Age-Group (1 out of 1, that is).
Friday, July 14, 2006
O.M.G.
Tomorrow is the big day -- LifeTime Triathlon!
I'm home, carbo-loaded, packed and hopefully ready.
My bike rack is on the car -- the bike is on the rack; all my race numbers are appropriately affixed to my bike, helmut and race belt.
I'm trying to relax, but finding that very difficult.
It is going to be very, very hot tomorrow. Air temp about 95 -- heat index in the afternoon of over 100 degrees PLUS humidity.
The organizers slipped a piece of paper in to our "goodie" bag indicating that they reserve the right to shorten the course or to cancel the event entirely. I'm hoping that does not happen.
They are also going to make the wetsuit decision tomorrow morning. Seems kind of silly that, with the air temp so hot, that wetsuits would even be an option. I'm pretty sure I can skip wearing one, although I would like the added buoyancy as a safety net.
I pulled a thigh muscle some how this afternoon. I've been icing and elevating my leg. I'm 99% sure that by tomorrow it will be nothing.
I'm going to "act as if" and have the best possible time I can have tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
I'm home, carbo-loaded, packed and hopefully ready.
My bike rack is on the car -- the bike is on the rack; all my race numbers are appropriately affixed to my bike, helmut and race belt.
I'm trying to relax, but finding that very difficult.
It is going to be very, very hot tomorrow. Air temp about 95 -- heat index in the afternoon of over 100 degrees PLUS humidity.
The organizers slipped a piece of paper in to our "goodie" bag indicating that they reserve the right to shorten the course or to cancel the event entirely. I'm hoping that does not happen.
They are also going to make the wetsuit decision tomorrow morning. Seems kind of silly that, with the air temp so hot, that wetsuits would even be an option. I'm pretty sure I can skip wearing one, although I would like the added buoyancy as a safety net.
I pulled a thigh muscle some how this afternoon. I've been icing and elevating my leg. I'm 99% sure that by tomorrow it will be nothing.
I'm going to "act as if" and have the best possible time I can have tomorrow.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
We're having a Heat Wave...a MN Heat Wave..
All together now! Sing at the top of your lungs:
We're having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave,
The temperature's rising,
It isn't surprising,
It's LifeTime Triathlon time!
Last year, the triathlon was held on the hottest day of the summer and this year looks to be the same. Predicted high for Saturday is a whopping 98 degrees.
Last year, when I did the 'measly' sprint distance, my heat was second to last to start. The air temp was in the high 80's when I started the swim; the water temp was 86 degrees. By the time I got to the run portion, it was in the mid-90's.
This year, I'm doing the Olympic distance. I thought I was SO smart to sign up as an Athena, which is a category for us "husky" gals. (Meaning weighing more then 145 lbs). The Athena wave will start the 0.9 swim early in the event -- right after the Pros and Elites.
Well, Ms. Smarty-Pants (aka 'me') forgot that all the age groupers will start the swim after me. So, Ms. SLOW Smarty-Pants (aka 'me' again) will have all those skinny speedsters swimming over me. Should be very interesting.
I'm trying not to get too wrapped up in this whole thing, but I am having some anxiety about the event. Most of my concern is about being able to finish the swim confidently. I've covered the distance (my last long swim last week was 2000 yards), but have done the majority of my swimming in the pool or with the extra mental and physical support of a wet suit.
It will be HOT, but I can handle that relatively well. I'm pretty sure I am not going to wear my tri suit. It is a one-piece and, once sweaty, it will be very difficult to get on and off if I need to use the portapotty mid-race. I've got plenty of PowerAde, gels and other nourishment to fuel me on the course, so that should be okay. It is just the swim that looms heavily.
Fortunately, I've got some new responsibilities at work, which is keeping me very busy during the day and that helps keep the anxiety somewhat at bay...
The goal is to keep breathing, keep relaxed and keep cool (ha ha).
We're having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave,
The temperature's rising,
It isn't surprising,
It's LifeTime Triathlon time!
Last year, the triathlon was held on the hottest day of the summer and this year looks to be the same. Predicted high for Saturday is a whopping 98 degrees.
Last year, when I did the 'measly' sprint distance, my heat was second to last to start. The air temp was in the high 80's when I started the swim; the water temp was 86 degrees. By the time I got to the run portion, it was in the mid-90's.
This year, I'm doing the Olympic distance. I thought I was SO smart to sign up as an Athena, which is a category for us "husky" gals. (Meaning weighing more then 145 lbs). The Athena wave will start the 0.9 swim early in the event -- right after the Pros and Elites.
Well, Ms. Smarty-Pants (aka 'me') forgot that all the age groupers will start the swim after me. So, Ms. SLOW Smarty-Pants (aka 'me' again) will have all those skinny speedsters swimming over me. Should be very interesting.
I'm trying not to get too wrapped up in this whole thing, but I am having some anxiety about the event. Most of my concern is about being able to finish the swim confidently. I've covered the distance (my last long swim last week was 2000 yards), but have done the majority of my swimming in the pool or with the extra mental and physical support of a wet suit.
It will be HOT, but I can handle that relatively well. I'm pretty sure I am not going to wear my tri suit. It is a one-piece and, once sweaty, it will be very difficult to get on and off if I need to use the portapotty mid-race. I've got plenty of PowerAde, gels and other nourishment to fuel me on the course, so that should be okay. It is just the swim that looms heavily.
Fortunately, I've got some new responsibilities at work, which is keeping me very busy during the day and that helps keep the anxiety somewhat at bay...
The goal is to keep breathing, keep relaxed and keep cool (ha ha).
Monday, July 3, 2006
Hindsight is 20/20
At long "anticipated" last, results for MinneMan are now posted -- My official time was 1:49:29.
The good news is that this is the best Sprint time that I've posted. The bad news is that I was 9 out of 9 in my age category. I thought that there was at least one woman that finished after me, but it turns out that she is only 38 (aka "Whippersnapper"). She had just racked her bike in the wrong transition spot with us geezers.
I try very, very hard not to compare myself with others out there. I'm slow and I know it. I really try to concentrate only on competing with myself, but that never seems to quite work. So now, I've got all these mixed emotions: I did great for ME but I was LAST in my age group.
(I'm also trying to work every angle I can: "Okay, if I had competed as an Athena, I would have been fourth from last". " Of all the women that started in my heat, there were 9 behind me". "Of ALL the women in the race that finished after me, all but one was younger than me". "I beat 10 guys!" What ever straw I can grab, I'm grabbing....)
Anyway, here is the recap:
Left Minneapolis at 5:25 am to get to Anoka. The weather was interesting. Blue skies to the east, big black clouds to the west along with the faint sound of thunder. By the time I hit 94 West, I was in driving in a downpour. The radio weather reporter said that there were very thin bands of showers moving through, so I kept moving up to Anoka and the start line. The weatherman was right. Within 10 minutes, I was driving on dry pavement.
When I got to the park, the skies were again mixed. I got to the transition area while they were announcing the water temperature -- just cold enough that wetsuits were legal. Yippee! I'm a lot more buoyant with it on and, yes, it does help with speed.
We were about 20 minutes to start time when the sky got very dark and we heard the first clap of thunder. The event was a USTA sanctioned event and their rules are that an event will be delayed for 30 minutes after thunder and/or lightening. We were now at Delay Number One.
I wandered the course; hit the portapotty (a number of times); wiggled in to my wetsuit; chatted with some other women (including the Whippersnapper mentioned above). More thunder. Delay Number Two. Wandered some more. Saw Dave, my swim coach, who was supervising the swim portion of the race. He looked a bit panicked because there were now rumors that the swim portion could be cancelled due to the weather, making the event a duathalon. Finally, the rain came. It poured for about 5 minutes and that was it. Skies opened up, sun came out, humidity ratcheted up and we got ready for the start.
I was in the 5th wave. The combined all the age group women of "35 plus", so my field started with 57 women. The water was clear, the ground was pretty sandy and it really didn't get too deep too fast, which helped calm my swim anxiety. The 0.3 swim was a triangle course -- out to a buoy, turn around the buoy and then back.
Once I got my head in the water, it took me a couple strokes to get my rhythm down, but soon I was in the groove and actually doing OKAY! I stayed with the pack until the turn around. I was really surprised by that and feeling pretty good.
Turned around the buoy and started back when I got off course. I thought I was doing fine but when I lifted my head, I was in the middle of the triangle. Then the panic started. I thought that I would take a little "catch my breath" break and looked for the support person around me. It was DAVE. There was no way I was going to paddle over to him and hang out there. So, I got back on course and found the next person -- a very nice girl. I hung with her for a minute and then started off again. Got off course again. This time I just swore (several times) and continued to paddle forward.
Finally, got back to where I could touch and got back on dry land. Swim time was 13:58. Sounds slow, but it was my best swim time ever for a triathlon. I was 7 out of 9 for my group.
Transitioned quickly and was off on the bike. The route was pretty much a big rectangle. We were in traffic for most of the race, although there were police at intersections and volunteers aplenty. Well, except for that first turn, where two policemen were manning the corner but not telling us to turn left. I went straight for about 100 feet and then figured it out.
Course was pretty flat, but did have some long gradual hills and a couple of biggies. Dropped my water bottle once and debated picking it up. It was one from a previous tri and has sentimental value, so I turned around and picked it up. Good thing, because apparently, for sanctioned events, there is a two-minute penalty for littering and dropping your water bottle counts as littering!
Finished the bike (13 miles) in 52.38, and 7 out of 9 in my group again. Again, a pretty quick transition -- popped a Cliff Block Shot, got my hat on and then off for the run.
Problems started from the get-go. Had to use the bathroom; found a portapotty. I was wearing my new trisuit, which I love, but is a one piece, so had to wiggle out of that (as opposed to just dropping my drawers...). Quads were squawking, so walked to loosen them up. Then there was the sun. Hot, high and roasting. Very little shade on the course. I did not run well at all. I also think I ran out of gas, having planned my nutrition for a 7:30 start, not an 8:45 start.
I just kept moving forward and was feeling better after about mile 2. One mile to go, back through a shaded parkway (thank heavens!) and then the finish line.
Crappy run time of 37.04 and 9 out of 9 in my group. Whaddya do?
Well, since hindsight IS 20/20, what I do is get my mental stuff together for LifeTime and train the best I can this week. It's a much longer course; we probably won't be able to wear wetsuits; it will probably be hot.
All in all, I am pretty proud of my results and the day.
Think I'll go for a bike ride now.....
The good news is that this is the best Sprint time that I've posted. The bad news is that I was 9 out of 9 in my age category. I thought that there was at least one woman that finished after me, but it turns out that she is only 38 (aka "Whippersnapper"). She had just racked her bike in the wrong transition spot with us geezers.
I try very, very hard not to compare myself with others out there. I'm slow and I know it. I really try to concentrate only on competing with myself, but that never seems to quite work. So now, I've got all these mixed emotions: I did great for ME but I was LAST in my age group.
(I'm also trying to work every angle I can: "Okay, if I had competed as an Athena, I would have been fourth from last". " Of all the women that started in my heat, there were 9 behind me". "Of ALL the women in the race that finished after me, all but one was younger than me". "I beat 10 guys!" What ever straw I can grab, I'm grabbing....)
Anyway, here is the recap:
Left Minneapolis at 5:25 am to get to Anoka. The weather was interesting. Blue skies to the east, big black clouds to the west along with the faint sound of thunder. By the time I hit 94 West, I was in driving in a downpour. The radio weather reporter said that there were very thin bands of showers moving through, so I kept moving up to Anoka and the start line. The weatherman was right. Within 10 minutes, I was driving on dry pavement.
When I got to the park, the skies were again mixed. I got to the transition area while they were announcing the water temperature -- just cold enough that wetsuits were legal. Yippee! I'm a lot more buoyant with it on and, yes, it does help with speed.
We were about 20 minutes to start time when the sky got very dark and we heard the first clap of thunder. The event was a USTA sanctioned event and their rules are that an event will be delayed for 30 minutes after thunder and/or lightening. We were now at Delay Number One.
I wandered the course; hit the portapotty (a number of times); wiggled in to my wetsuit; chatted with some other women (including the Whippersnapper mentioned above). More thunder. Delay Number Two. Wandered some more. Saw Dave, my swim coach, who was supervising the swim portion of the race. He looked a bit panicked because there were now rumors that the swim portion could be cancelled due to the weather, making the event a duathalon. Finally, the rain came. It poured for about 5 minutes and that was it. Skies opened up, sun came out, humidity ratcheted up and we got ready for the start.
I was in the 5th wave. The combined all the age group women of "35 plus", so my field started with 57 women. The water was clear, the ground was pretty sandy and it really didn't get too deep too fast, which helped calm my swim anxiety. The 0.3 swim was a triangle course -- out to a buoy, turn around the buoy and then back.
Once I got my head in the water, it took me a couple strokes to get my rhythm down, but soon I was in the groove and actually doing OKAY! I stayed with the pack until the turn around. I was really surprised by that and feeling pretty good.
Turned around the buoy and started back when I got off course. I thought I was doing fine but when I lifted my head, I was in the middle of the triangle. Then the panic started. I thought that I would take a little "catch my breath" break and looked for the support person around me. It was DAVE. There was no way I was going to paddle over to him and hang out there. So, I got back on course and found the next person -- a very nice girl. I hung with her for a minute and then started off again. Got off course again. This time I just swore (several times) and continued to paddle forward.
Finally, got back to where I could touch and got back on dry land. Swim time was 13:58. Sounds slow, but it was my best swim time ever for a triathlon. I was 7 out of 9 for my group.
Transitioned quickly and was off on the bike. The route was pretty much a big rectangle. We were in traffic for most of the race, although there were police at intersections and volunteers aplenty. Well, except for that first turn, where two policemen were manning the corner but not telling us to turn left. I went straight for about 100 feet and then figured it out.
Course was pretty flat, but did have some long gradual hills and a couple of biggies. Dropped my water bottle once and debated picking it up. It was one from a previous tri and has sentimental value, so I turned around and picked it up. Good thing, because apparently, for sanctioned events, there is a two-minute penalty for littering and dropping your water bottle counts as littering!
Finished the bike (13 miles) in 52.38, and 7 out of 9 in my group again. Again, a pretty quick transition -- popped a Cliff Block Shot, got my hat on and then off for the run.
Problems started from the get-go. Had to use the bathroom; found a portapotty. I was wearing my new trisuit, which I love, but is a one piece, so had to wiggle out of that (as opposed to just dropping my drawers...). Quads were squawking, so walked to loosen them up. Then there was the sun. Hot, high and roasting. Very little shade on the course. I did not run well at all. I also think I ran out of gas, having planned my nutrition for a 7:30 start, not an 8:45 start.
I just kept moving forward and was feeling better after about mile 2. One mile to go, back through a shaded parkway (thank heavens!) and then the finish line.
Crappy run time of 37.04 and 9 out of 9 in my group. Whaddya do?
Well, since hindsight IS 20/20, what I do is get my mental stuff together for LifeTime and train the best I can this week. It's a much longer course; we probably won't be able to wear wetsuits; it will probably be hot.
All in all, I am pretty proud of my results and the day.
Think I'll go for a bike ride now.....
Saturday, July 1, 2006
MinneResults from MinneMan
Here is the MinneVersion:
I PR-ed my Sprint distance time by 5 minutes. (PR= Personal Record).
Naturally, none of the Sprint distances for the races I did last year were of consistant value:
Buffalo was 0.25 mile swim (s)/ 12 mile bike (b)/ 3 mile run (r);
LifeTime Sprint was 0.4 s/15 mile b/3 mile r;
St. Croix Valley Sprint was 0.3 mile s/ 10 mile b/ 4 mile r.
Today the distance was .03 s/ 13 b/ 3 r ---- still, beat my best time from last year by 5 minutes.
Go me!
I'll post an actual race report -- with all the exciting detail -- as soon as "official" results are posted.
I PR-ed my Sprint distance time by 5 minutes. (PR= Personal Record).
Naturally, none of the Sprint distances for the races I did last year were of consistant value:
Buffalo was 0.25 mile swim (s)/ 12 mile bike (b)/ 3 mile run (r);
LifeTime Sprint was 0.4 s/15 mile b/3 mile r;
St. Croix Valley Sprint was 0.3 mile s/ 10 mile b/ 4 mile r.
Today the distance was .03 s/ 13 b/ 3 r ---- still, beat my best time from last year by 5 minutes.
Go me!
I'll post an actual race report -- with all the exciting detail -- as soon as "official" results are posted.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Vaay - Kaay- Shun!
Ahhhhh --
I'm in the middle of a very relaxing week of vacation which I'm spending in the exotic location of "my home".
Hubby and Fireball (stepson) left for their Game Convention last Tuesday. We all got up at about 4:00 am -- they packed up, I made coffee and waved a cheerful goodbye as they drove off to Columbus OH at about 5:15 am. I went back to bed. Ahhhhhh.
The rest of my lazy days have included getting rid of some clutter around the house (Ahhhhhh), get-togethers with some girlfriends, golfing my first "long" course, hanging around the lake, a bit of bike riding, a swim lesson where I performed TERRIBLY and an equally tough "long swim" of 1600 yards last night. (Who the heck knows why some workouts are so much better than others...). It has been wonderful.
I've been trying to take notice of all the wonderful aspects of this time off -- calm days, lazy mornings spent outside watching birds, bunnies and butterflies in the backyard with Gorby (our 15 year old cat); people watching down at Lake Harriet; sunsets; summer smells of flowers or BBQs or rain. I get so caught up in "Every Day" that every day moments get lost. I'm going to work harder on noticing more.
Tomorrow is the MinneMan Tri -- 0.3 swim; 13 mile bike; 3 mile run. I am feeling "ready" and nervous at the same time. The distance doesn't so much cause me worry -- just general angst.
I have to get my stuff ready to take: pan to wash the sand off my feet after the swim; socks; racebelt; shoes; goggles; cap(s); trisuit; wet suit; hat; sunscreen; Powerade, gels and Clff Shot Blocks; race numbers; stuff to wear after the race, blah, blah, blah.
I'm glad I am doing the event tomorrow. It should help give me a feel for how I might work LifeTime, which is about two weeks away.
I'm hoping that all the swim lessons and workouts will positively impact my swim experience and time ("tick-tock" time, not "joy of the event' time). I'm not so concerned about the bike or run, but...I've learned from participating in other events that one should never take any thing for granted.
The weather is predicted to be warm with the possibility of some thundershowers. Those could put an end to the swim adventure in a hurry.
In the meantime, I'm going to just enjoy today -- put my feet up -- possibly take a quick bike ride with a couple of other tri/running friends, maybe play a quick round of par-3 golf with some golf friends -- carbo-load and get some sleep.
Ahhhhh......
I'm in the middle of a very relaxing week of vacation which I'm spending in the exotic location of "my home".
Hubby and Fireball (stepson) left for their Game Convention last Tuesday. We all got up at about 4:00 am -- they packed up, I made coffee and waved a cheerful goodbye as they drove off to Columbus OH at about 5:15 am. I went back to bed. Ahhhhhh.
The rest of my lazy days have included getting rid of some clutter around the house (Ahhhhhh), get-togethers with some girlfriends, golfing my first "long" course, hanging around the lake, a bit of bike riding, a swim lesson where I performed TERRIBLY and an equally tough "long swim" of 1600 yards last night. (Who the heck knows why some workouts are so much better than others...). It has been wonderful.
I've been trying to take notice of all the wonderful aspects of this time off -- calm days, lazy mornings spent outside watching birds, bunnies and butterflies in the backyard with Gorby (our 15 year old cat); people watching down at Lake Harriet; sunsets; summer smells of flowers or BBQs or rain. I get so caught up in "Every Day" that every day moments get lost. I'm going to work harder on noticing more.
Tomorrow is the MinneMan Tri -- 0.3 swim; 13 mile bike; 3 mile run. I am feeling "ready" and nervous at the same time. The distance doesn't so much cause me worry -- just general angst.
I have to get my stuff ready to take: pan to wash the sand off my feet after the swim; socks; racebelt; shoes; goggles; cap(s); trisuit; wet suit; hat; sunscreen; Powerade, gels and Clff Shot Blocks; race numbers; stuff to wear after the race, blah, blah, blah.
I'm glad I am doing the event tomorrow. It should help give me a feel for how I might work LifeTime, which is about two weeks away.
I'm hoping that all the swim lessons and workouts will positively impact my swim experience and time ("tick-tock" time, not "joy of the event' time). I'm not so concerned about the bike or run, but...I've learned from participating in other events that one should never take any thing for granted.
The weather is predicted to be warm with the possibility of some thundershowers. Those could put an end to the swim adventure in a hurry.
In the meantime, I'm going to just enjoy today -- put my feet up -- possibly take a quick bike ride with a couple of other tri/running friends, maybe play a quick round of par-3 golf with some golf friends -- carbo-load and get some sleep.
Ahhhhh......
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Feelin' Groovy
This was one of those days where things just sort of came together on my long run.
I have not done an actual long slow distance (LSD) run in a very long time. In fact, the whole "running" thing has been taking a pretty big back seat lately as I've been trying to really get this "swimming" thing down.
My running club started marathon training on June 12th for our October 1st Twin Cities Marathon .
I've had some recent struggles with the way my running club. We have a new director and, although most people just think that the director is the greatest thing since dri-wick, we seem to have some personality clashes.
I may struggle with the director, but I love running with my friends at the club. They pull me through the rough spots, make me laugh during the fun spots and inspire me every single time we are out there.
I promised my running coach (who is a very good friend of mine) that I would not let my jaded opinion seep in to any of the workouts that we perform.
My goal is to suit up, shut up and train.
Today was a great example of keeping my goal and having a great day.
Our LSD called for running 10 miles. I started out with three of my regular partners and one other new person in our group. We got in to our rhythm pretty easily -- doing a run of 9 minutes with a walk break of 1 minute.
The day was humid but we had cloud cover, which helped us keep a little cooler. By the time we hit Lake of the Isles and were veering over to Lake Calhoun, the sky opened up a bit and shared a little cooling rain with us. It felt wonderful.
It was a great run and I really felt able to keep the pace and the rhythm up for the entire run. That is always a great feeling.
My friends and I went to breakfast after the run and our coach joined us. She would like us to change up the run/walk ratio. Her idea is that we should run fewer minutes (like 6 max) and then take a walk break.
I am not so sure that I like that advice. My concern is that if I train that way, I won't be ready to run with the Cliff Bar Pace Team .
I ran with a pacer at Grandma's in 2004, who did a 9/1 run/walk. That was awesome.
I'm worried that if I train doing fewer minutes running that I won't be able to add minutes during race day. I've sent in a email to the pacer that will be heading the TCM team to see what her plan is. I'll see what her response is and then go from there.
However, today, I kept my promise to my coach/friend. I neither endorsed or pooh-poohed her idea. I just kept chewing my bagel and drinking my coffee, feeling proud that I passed my first "test".
My next "test" starts tomorrow. It is peak-week for my Olympic event training. Tomorrow is a 25 mile bike ride; my swim yardage calls for 1,250 and 1,500 yards respectively; my runs will reach 6 miles.
Naturally, being the good "overacheiver" that I am, I am going to do the 25 miles, but will actually try to do 1,600 yards or more in both swims. I just want to KNOW that I can do the distance.
I have a sprint tri on Saturday for my practice event. Hubby and Fireball(stepson) are leaving on Tuesday for their game convention so I'll be at the tri on my own this time around. Sort of scary to do it all on my own (I really like someone being able to actually see me get out of the water...). I'll probably find some kindhearted spectator at the event to help keep an eye out for me.
On that note, I'm going to hit the hay while I'm rested, relaxed and still feelin' groovy.
I have not done an actual long slow distance (LSD) run in a very long time. In fact, the whole "running" thing has been taking a pretty big back seat lately as I've been trying to really get this "swimming" thing down.
My running club started marathon training on June 12th for our October 1st Twin Cities Marathon .
I've had some recent struggles with the way my running club. We have a new director and, although most people just think that the director is the greatest thing since dri-wick, we seem to have some personality clashes.
I may struggle with the director, but I love running with my friends at the club. They pull me through the rough spots, make me laugh during the fun spots and inspire me every single time we are out there.
I promised my running coach (who is a very good friend of mine) that I would not let my jaded opinion seep in to any of the workouts that we perform.
My goal is to suit up, shut up and train.
Today was a great example of keeping my goal and having a great day.
Our LSD called for running 10 miles. I started out with three of my regular partners and one other new person in our group. We got in to our rhythm pretty easily -- doing a run of 9 minutes with a walk break of 1 minute.
The day was humid but we had cloud cover, which helped us keep a little cooler. By the time we hit Lake of the Isles and were veering over to Lake Calhoun, the sky opened up a bit and shared a little cooling rain with us. It felt wonderful.
It was a great run and I really felt able to keep the pace and the rhythm up for the entire run. That is always a great feeling.
My friends and I went to breakfast after the run and our coach joined us. She would like us to change up the run/walk ratio. Her idea is that we should run fewer minutes (like 6 max) and then take a walk break.
I am not so sure that I like that advice. My concern is that if I train that way, I won't be ready to run with the Cliff Bar Pace Team .
I ran with a pacer at Grandma's in 2004, who did a 9/1 run/walk. That was awesome.
I'm worried that if I train doing fewer minutes running that I won't be able to add minutes during race day. I've sent in a email to the pacer that will be heading the TCM team to see what her plan is. I'll see what her response is and then go from there.
However, today, I kept my promise to my coach/friend. I neither endorsed or pooh-poohed her idea. I just kept chewing my bagel and drinking my coffee, feeling proud that I passed my first "test".
My next "test" starts tomorrow. It is peak-week for my Olympic event training. Tomorrow is a 25 mile bike ride; my swim yardage calls for 1,250 and 1,500 yards respectively; my runs will reach 6 miles.
Naturally, being the good "overacheiver" that I am, I am going to do the 25 miles, but will actually try to do 1,600 yards or more in both swims. I just want to KNOW that I can do the distance.
I have a sprint tri on Saturday for my practice event. Hubby and Fireball(stepson) are leaving on Tuesday for their game convention so I'll be at the tri on my own this time around. Sort of scary to do it all on my own (I really like someone being able to actually see me get out of the water...). I'll probably find some kindhearted spectator at the event to help keep an eye out for me.
On that note, I'm going to hit the hay while I'm rested, relaxed and still feelin' groovy.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Kudos and Kool Stuff
My running friends are awesome.
Several of them participated in Grandma's 1/2 and full marathon last Saturday in Duluth. As I've posted countless times before, I did not get in to the 1/2 this year.
I was very unhappy about it in the few weeks after my registration failed to be picked in the lottery. Then, I sort of resigned myself to reality and cut back on my running to concentrate on my swimming.
I did want to support my friends running the events, so at 4:00 am last weekend, two other friends of ours that were not running in the events and I loaded up the car and drove up to Duluth to cheer on our friends.
The day was very warm and humid for Duluth standards. The 1/2 marathoners cut a bit of a break as they started out on their course at 6:30 am when it was still cool and cloudy.
AmyK, Bea and I arrived in Duluth in time to grab some coffee and see the winner of the 1/2 cross the line. We then found our cheering spot and camped out for the rest of the day.
Our 1/2 friends Marcia, Julie, MaryJo, Jen and Sarah did an awesome job. Sarah is a co-worker and this was her first half. Marcia is the "ring leader" organizing a band of women that will run Twin Cities marathon this fall, including me. She has been training like a manic and it showed. She rocked.
The marathon started an hour after the 1/2 and the temp in Duluth was 64 degrees -- not so bad until you combine it with 90% humidity. That was some thing for us as spectators. Runners felt that impact 10-fold! The sun would peak out from time to time and that was brutal. By the end of the 6-hour race cutoff, the temps were in the 80s.
I love watching the full marathon. As a confirmed back-of-the-packer, it is very interesting (and strangely comforting) for me to see that the front runners and mid-packers also struggle a bit as they hit miles 22, 23, 24 and beyond.
Very few people could claim a PR that day. Folks were running past us looking pretty shot. (We were at a spot at about mile 25.5 on the course). Hot, sweaty -- some glazed-- but mostly happy to be nearing the end.
Our friends were terrific! Karen was in her typical rhythm; Angel, who is training for an Ironman, was slower than she wanted to be but was full of smiles when she passed. Carla, a new friend also training for an Ironman, did PR, which was something! KathyT, one of the folks I coached last year when she was a beginner was also smiling as she finished her FIRST marathon. Then there is my good friend Dori . Unfortunately, we missed out on being able to cheer her out on the course, but she did a GREAT job considering the conditions.
My hats off to each of them. They inspire me every day in very unique and special ways. I'm honored to be friends with each and every one of them.
Kool Stuff: I had a very good week of training. Running better (being back in training really helps -- duh). Swimming pretty well too. I went to an outdoor pool swim with my Tri club. The pool is longer than your standard -- a full 50 yards, as opposed to 25. Angel and Carla were also at the swim last night. Although you can't socialize much when swimming, it is just nice to have familiar faces there to keep you going.
I felt pretty strong in the water and got 1600 yards in -- so pretty much covered the distance I will need to swim at LifeTime.
My plan is to get in to the lake again this weekend -- after a round of golf tonight and a long run of 10 miles tomorrow with my marathon pals.
Enjoy!
Several of them participated in Grandma's 1/2 and full marathon last Saturday in Duluth. As I've posted countless times before, I did not get in to the 1/2 this year.
I was very unhappy about it in the few weeks after my registration failed to be picked in the lottery. Then, I sort of resigned myself to reality and cut back on my running to concentrate on my swimming.
I did want to support my friends running the events, so at 4:00 am last weekend, two other friends of ours that were not running in the events and I loaded up the car and drove up to Duluth to cheer on our friends.
The day was very warm and humid for Duluth standards. The 1/2 marathoners cut a bit of a break as they started out on their course at 6:30 am when it was still cool and cloudy.
AmyK, Bea and I arrived in Duluth in time to grab some coffee and see the winner of the 1/2 cross the line. We then found our cheering spot and camped out for the rest of the day.
Our 1/2 friends Marcia, Julie, MaryJo, Jen and Sarah did an awesome job. Sarah is a co-worker and this was her first half. Marcia is the "ring leader" organizing a band of women that will run Twin Cities marathon this fall, including me. She has been training like a manic and it showed. She rocked.
The marathon started an hour after the 1/2 and the temp in Duluth was 64 degrees -- not so bad until you combine it with 90% humidity. That was some thing for us as spectators. Runners felt that impact 10-fold! The sun would peak out from time to time and that was brutal. By the end of the 6-hour race cutoff, the temps were in the 80s.
I love watching the full marathon. As a confirmed back-of-the-packer, it is very interesting (and strangely comforting) for me to see that the front runners and mid-packers also struggle a bit as they hit miles 22, 23, 24 and beyond.
Very few people could claim a PR that day. Folks were running past us looking pretty shot. (We were at a spot at about mile 25.5 on the course). Hot, sweaty -- some glazed-- but mostly happy to be nearing the end.
Our friends were terrific! Karen was in her typical rhythm; Angel, who is training for an Ironman, was slower than she wanted to be but was full of smiles when she passed. Carla, a new friend also training for an Ironman, did PR, which was something! KathyT, one of the folks I coached last year when she was a beginner was also smiling as she finished her FIRST marathon. Then there is my good friend Dori . Unfortunately, we missed out on being able to cheer her out on the course, but she did a GREAT job considering the conditions.
My hats off to each of them. They inspire me every day in very unique and special ways. I'm honored to be friends with each and every one of them.
Kool Stuff: I had a very good week of training. Running better (being back in training really helps -- duh). Swimming pretty well too. I went to an outdoor pool swim with my Tri club. The pool is longer than your standard -- a full 50 yards, as opposed to 25. Angel and Carla were also at the swim last night. Although you can't socialize much when swimming, it is just nice to have familiar faces there to keep you going.
I felt pretty strong in the water and got 1600 yards in -- so pretty much covered the distance I will need to swim at LifeTime.
My plan is to get in to the lake again this weekend -- after a round of golf tonight and a long run of 10 miles tomorrow with my marathon pals.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Open Water is Different --- very different
My Tri Club sponsored an Open Water Clinic last night at Lac Lavon Park, located in Burnsville MN.
My swim coach, Dave, was the facilitator and there were about 30 to 40 triathletes of varying ability that attended including my friend Angel, who is in training for her first IronMan.
I've been feeling much more confident in the water -- well, perhaps better said,"The Pool". You know -- nice clean water, marked lanes, walls you can get to in a hurry where you can cling for your life whenever the going gets tough.
This clinic was at The Lake -- and not your regular triathlon-type lake with a nice, sandy beach start.
No, this lake was pretty much your average Minnesota park lake. No real shoreline where we enter the water. Tiny fish hanging around the shoreline hoping to find a bug or a leg in a wetsuit that looks tasty and easy to swallow. Oh, and the weeds. Since we've had so much rain (and so many homeowners use that fertilizing-crap on their lawns to help them look "nice", which then runs off in to our lakes and streams...) the weeds were huge.
I was not as excited about the workout when I saw the lake. Open water makes me a little nervous. When I did my tri's last year, I pretty much "got through" the swim portion, happy to emerge from the lake alive and relatively unscathed. I had been thinking that, because of my lessons, that the swim portion this year would be something that I'd enjoy more. That thought is currently still up for debate.
Angel and I got in to our wetsuits and in to the water to loosen up before the Clinic started. Angel is a very good swimmer. She got out in to the water and swam past the weeds easily. I got in and got panicky. Pretty much reverted to my dog paddle and back stroke, not liking this whole idea of swimming at all.
We got out and waited for the clinic to begin. Dave got there and we got rolling. He shared some great tips for siteing, water "ettiquette", placement, drafting, etc. It was also the first time I actually got to see him in the water. He is a great swimmer -- fluid, fast.
He also engaged the participants by asking questions and helping us joke through our fears. I was very relieved to hear that many of the folks attending also had some level of dread about the swim portion.
Then we did some drills -- getting in and out of the water "mass start" style. This is the portion of the tri that most people hate. You do indeed have people that swim over you, you do get kicked and jabbed. Eventually the field clears out and you find your place in the water to do your thing.
We then swam out and past those dang weeds (which really weren't so bad) and did some stroke and siteing drills.
In a triathlon, there are lots of people in support vehicles (surf boards; kayaks; canoes) watching the water for swimmers in distress. Swimmers also have the option of holding on to a support vehcile if they panic or need a break. I like that A LOT.
During our Clinic, however, we did not have that luxury. I was concerned that I'd get out there and get over-tired treading water. I forgot the beauty of the wetsuit. That helped keep me more like a bobble than a rock. Phew.
I did not do my best with all the drills, however. My goggles got foggy, leaked a little bit and then I got blindsided by the setting sun and couldn't site. I got way off course and panicked again. Fortunately, Angel was keeping an eye on me and really helped me through that rough spot.
I was also S L O W. (What else is new?).
I left the Clinic very happy I went (and got through it) but also still pretty concerned about my ability to get through that .9 swim at LifeTime.
Angel and I and a couple other tri friends have made a pact to get in to the open water more frequently in the weeks to come. This should help my overall comfort level. I'll also have some race practice when I do MinneMan on July 1st. Fortunately, that swim is relatively short -- only .3 miles.
Time will tell if I'll be able to sink or swim...
My swim coach, Dave, was the facilitator and there were about 30 to 40 triathletes of varying ability that attended including my friend Angel, who is in training for her first IronMan.
I've been feeling much more confident in the water -- well, perhaps better said,"The Pool". You know -- nice clean water, marked lanes, walls you can get to in a hurry where you can cling for your life whenever the going gets tough.
This clinic was at The Lake -- and not your regular triathlon-type lake with a nice, sandy beach start.
No, this lake was pretty much your average Minnesota park lake. No real shoreline where we enter the water. Tiny fish hanging around the shoreline hoping to find a bug or a leg in a wetsuit that looks tasty and easy to swallow. Oh, and the weeds. Since we've had so much rain (and so many homeowners use that fertilizing-crap on their lawns to help them look "nice", which then runs off in to our lakes and streams...) the weeds were huge.
I was not as excited about the workout when I saw the lake. Open water makes me a little nervous. When I did my tri's last year, I pretty much "got through" the swim portion, happy to emerge from the lake alive and relatively unscathed. I had been thinking that, because of my lessons, that the swim portion this year would be something that I'd enjoy more. That thought is currently still up for debate.
Angel and I got in to our wetsuits and in to the water to loosen up before the Clinic started. Angel is a very good swimmer. She got out in to the water and swam past the weeds easily. I got in and got panicky. Pretty much reverted to my dog paddle and back stroke, not liking this whole idea of swimming at all.
We got out and waited for the clinic to begin. Dave got there and we got rolling. He shared some great tips for siteing, water "ettiquette", placement, drafting, etc. It was also the first time I actually got to see him in the water. He is a great swimmer -- fluid, fast.
He also engaged the participants by asking questions and helping us joke through our fears. I was very relieved to hear that many of the folks attending also had some level of dread about the swim portion.
Then we did some drills -- getting in and out of the water "mass start" style. This is the portion of the tri that most people hate. You do indeed have people that swim over you, you do get kicked and jabbed. Eventually the field clears out and you find your place in the water to do your thing.
We then swam out and past those dang weeds (which really weren't so bad) and did some stroke and siteing drills.
In a triathlon, there are lots of people in support vehicles (surf boards; kayaks; canoes) watching the water for swimmers in distress. Swimmers also have the option of holding on to a support vehcile if they panic or need a break. I like that A LOT.
During our Clinic, however, we did not have that luxury. I was concerned that I'd get out there and get over-tired treading water. I forgot the beauty of the wetsuit. That helped keep me more like a bobble than a rock. Phew.
I did not do my best with all the drills, however. My goggles got foggy, leaked a little bit and then I got blindsided by the setting sun and couldn't site. I got way off course and panicked again. Fortunately, Angel was keeping an eye on me and really helped me through that rough spot.
I was also S L O W. (What else is new?).
I left the Clinic very happy I went (and got through it) but also still pretty concerned about my ability to get through that .9 swim at LifeTime.
Angel and I and a couple other tri friends have made a pact to get in to the open water more frequently in the weeks to come. This should help my overall comfort level. I'll also have some race practice when I do MinneMan on July 1st. Fortunately, that swim is relatively short -- only .3 miles.
Time will tell if I'll be able to sink or swim...
Monday, June 12, 2006
Easy Does It.
NOT.
I ran the final Easy Does It Five-Miler last Saturday. The folks over at Hazelden's Youth and Family Services have been putting on this lovely race for 25 years. For a variety of reasons, they decided that this year would be their last year to hold the event.
I've participated in this race for the last three or four years. The course is nice -- a little hilly, which is challenging, through neighborhoods and next to a lake. It's an "out and back", which is always nice for us back-of-the-packers as we can cheer on the leaders as they whiz by us on their way back to the finish.
In year's past, this race was always my last taper event right before Grandma's Marathon. I'd hit the start line all ready and raring to go... trained and "efficient". Not this year.
Since I did not get in to either of the Grandma's events, my running has taken a backseat to swimming. I've been spending much more time and effort trying to become more efficient in the water so that .9 swim portion of LifeTime Fitness triathlon doesn't do me in.
I ran the race on Saturday with my great friend Mary B. She is running Grandma's Marathon and has been training for weeks. It really showed in her performance Saturday. She took off ahead of me in the first 600 feet and I didn't see her again until she came back for me on the course after she had finisher her very own 49:00 minute race.
I struggled. The air was heavy, so my asthma was troublesome. I felt slow and cumbersome, like I was running through molasses. I wasn't physically achy, but mentally was not really able to get it together.
I was sure that I was really really behind the eight-ball time-wise, so when I saw the finisher chute I was surprised to see that I was coming in in less than an hour. Still and all, with my finishing time of 55:42, I was about 3:04 slower than last year.
I got in my 20-mile training bike ride yesterday. Another day where I felt like I was not moving at all. There was a lot of wind which was challenging and I did slog through the workout in less than 2 hours. My legs felt like rubber -- from the bike ride and probably the 9-holes of golf that we played that morning. That is when the doubts started creeping in.
I'm not sure how ready I am for this Olympic-distance triathlon. I've got 5 weeks to finish up training and prepare but my sluggish performances last weekend got me in a bit of a panic.
I'm trying to relax just a little bit -- Twin Cities Marathon training starts tonight, so that will help with my running; I've got plenty of training dates for biking and swimming to help shore up those two legs; I've got some time. I just have to remember:
Easy Does It.
I ran the final Easy Does It Five-Miler last Saturday. The folks over at Hazelden's Youth and Family Services have been putting on this lovely race for 25 years. For a variety of reasons, they decided that this year would be their last year to hold the event.
I've participated in this race for the last three or four years. The course is nice -- a little hilly, which is challenging, through neighborhoods and next to a lake. It's an "out and back", which is always nice for us back-of-the-packers as we can cheer on the leaders as they whiz by us on their way back to the finish.
In year's past, this race was always my last taper event right before Grandma's Marathon. I'd hit the start line all ready and raring to go... trained and "efficient". Not this year.
Since I did not get in to either of the Grandma's events, my running has taken a backseat to swimming. I've been spending much more time and effort trying to become more efficient in the water so that .9 swim portion of LifeTime Fitness triathlon doesn't do me in.
I ran the race on Saturday with my great friend Mary B. She is running Grandma's Marathon and has been training for weeks. It really showed in her performance Saturday. She took off ahead of me in the first 600 feet and I didn't see her again until she came back for me on the course after she had finisher her very own 49:00 minute race.
I struggled. The air was heavy, so my asthma was troublesome. I felt slow and cumbersome, like I was running through molasses. I wasn't physically achy, but mentally was not really able to get it together.
I was sure that I was really really behind the eight-ball time-wise, so when I saw the finisher chute I was surprised to see that I was coming in in less than an hour. Still and all, with my finishing time of 55:42, I was about 3:04 slower than last year.
I got in my 20-mile training bike ride yesterday. Another day where I felt like I was not moving at all. There was a lot of wind which was challenging and I did slog through the workout in less than 2 hours. My legs felt like rubber -- from the bike ride and probably the 9-holes of golf that we played that morning. That is when the doubts started creeping in.
I'm not sure how ready I am for this Olympic-distance triathlon. I've got 5 weeks to finish up training and prepare but my sluggish performances last weekend got me in a bit of a panic.
I'm trying to relax just a little bit -- Twin Cities Marathon training starts tonight, so that will help with my running; I've got plenty of training dates for biking and swimming to help shore up those two legs; I've got some time. I just have to remember:
Easy Does It.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Flat Side Against the Wall
Years ago, when Hubby and I were first dating, I wanted to install some new towel hangers in my master bathroom.
Being the independent woman that I am, I bought the fixtures, got my tool set out and started my DIY project.
The fixtures came with instructions -- illustrated instructions, mind you -- and yet I could not get this one little part to fit flatly against the wall. The instruction read "Place (weird, obscure) object with flat side against the wall".
I struggled with this little piece of metal for hours before finally throwing in the screwdriver and calling my (then) boyfriend.
He came over and instantly discovered my mistake. The piece had two flat sides. I had been trying to position the wrong side. He simply turned the (weird, obscure) object around and, POOF. Flat side was against the wall -- and, with a couple turns of the Phillips head, I had new towel racks.
I bring this up now because of what happened last night at my swimming lesson. As previously mentioned in this blog, I've been taking Total Immersion swim lessons. The lessons have been great and I've come a long way. I feel much more confident in the water -- move much more efficiently, and cover more water over less time. All good things.
Tthere have been a couple techniques of this method that continue to mystify me: front quadrant (FQ) swimming and anchoring, or "catching". FQ is basically when you keep your lead arm ahead of you for as long as you possibly can while your stroke arm does its thing. The lead arm should start its motion until both arms are fully extended.
Anchoring is what give you the strength in the water. Basically, the catch position is looks like this: extend your arm in front of you. Now, without moving your upper arm, bend your elbow down as if you were going to touch your desk. Water flowing around your forearm as you continue your stroke drives strength in the water.
Coach Dave has been trying to get me to refine these techniques and, since last night was my last night of lessons, we worked a ton on this. Finally, I 'fessed up I just wasn't getting it. "If I'm on my left side, with my left arm leading in front, my right stroke arm is coming out of the water, elbow high, I get it out to FQ position, how do I move it to anchoring if it is extended?", I asked.
"Um, Amy, you are anchorng with the OPPOSITE arm". (FLAT SIDE AGAINST THE WALL).
Oh.
Yep, took me six lessons to figure out that, in the scenario above, when I'm on my left side, when I hit the FQ positon with my right stroke arm, my LEFT arm goes in to anchor position as I rotate my hips around to complete the stroke.
Sigh.
I've signed up for six more lessons.
Being the independent woman that I am, I bought the fixtures, got my tool set out and started my DIY project.
The fixtures came with instructions -- illustrated instructions, mind you -- and yet I could not get this one little part to fit flatly against the wall. The instruction read "Place (weird, obscure) object with flat side against the wall".
I struggled with this little piece of metal for hours before finally throwing in the screwdriver and calling my (then) boyfriend.
He came over and instantly discovered my mistake. The piece had two flat sides. I had been trying to position the wrong side. He simply turned the (weird, obscure) object around and, POOF. Flat side was against the wall -- and, with a couple turns of the Phillips head, I had new towel racks.
I bring this up now because of what happened last night at my swimming lesson. As previously mentioned in this blog, I've been taking Total Immersion swim lessons. The lessons have been great and I've come a long way. I feel much more confident in the water -- move much more efficiently, and cover more water over less time. All good things.
Tthere have been a couple techniques of this method that continue to mystify me: front quadrant (FQ) swimming and anchoring, or "catching". FQ is basically when you keep your lead arm ahead of you for as long as you possibly can while your stroke arm does its thing. The lead arm should start its motion until both arms are fully extended.
Anchoring is what give you the strength in the water. Basically, the catch position is looks like this: extend your arm in front of you. Now, without moving your upper arm, bend your elbow down as if you were going to touch your desk. Water flowing around your forearm as you continue your stroke drives strength in the water.
Coach Dave has been trying to get me to refine these techniques and, since last night was my last night of lessons, we worked a ton on this. Finally, I 'fessed up I just wasn't getting it. "If I'm on my left side, with my left arm leading in front, my right stroke arm is coming out of the water, elbow high, I get it out to FQ position, how do I move it to anchoring if it is extended?", I asked.
"Um, Amy, you are anchorng with the OPPOSITE arm". (FLAT SIDE AGAINST THE WALL).
Oh.
Yep, took me six lessons to figure out that, in the scenario above, when I'm on my left side, when I hit the FQ positon with my right stroke arm, my LEFT arm goes in to anchor position as I rotate my hips around to complete the stroke.
Sigh.
I've signed up for six more lessons.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Hot Brick
The weather has finally turned. In typical Minnesota fashion we rocketed from spring to SUMMER. It's been warm and slightly humid since Friday. Today, we're in the 90's. The perfect weather conditions for me to do my first official T2 brick workout.
For all you non-tri-jargon savvy folks, that is a workout where you combine two disciplines. T1 brick is a swim/bike workout; T2 is a bike/run workout. "T", by the by, stands for transition. Transition includes all the activities that get you from one activity to another: pulling off a wet suit, goggles and swim cap; switching any clothes; getting your race number on; helmut; eating or drinking; whatever you do.
Today I rode my bike for 10 miles. As per usual, we slept in late. Hubby and I had a nice date night last night. We had dinner out and saw the 9:15 showing of "The DaVinci Code". It was a perfectly fine summer movie, despite all the goofy hype.
Anyway, we elected to sleep in late which meant I started my workout about 1:00 pm. Smack dab in the middle of our hot, sunny, windy day.
I rode around Lake Harriet and then along Minneahaha Parkway to Cedar Avenue -- five miles out in 25 minutes. Turned around and came back the same way. The second half of the ride was more in the wind than the first and I had to go slightly longer around Harriet, still and all, got back to the house in 26 plus minutes. Not too bad.
I didn't time my transition (which I know I should have). I had to "trick" myself to do the brick. It was hot, I was tired and I kept telling myself -- "just run to the corner" -- "just run to the lake" - "just run to the water pump". Eventually, the heat caught up to me and I walked a lot -- but I got it done. My run took much longer than either leg of my ride: 31:43, for only about 3 miles. Still and all, I'm did it.
I need to get more in. There is a definite transition in muscle use from bike to run. My quads get tight; I feel like I'm moving like a slug. Practice, practice, practice.
Tomorrow, the plan is to do an open water swim workout with a few of my girlfriends. I'm SO looking forward to putting on my wetsuit in 90 degree weather only to swim in a 59 degree lake!
For all you non-tri-jargon savvy folks, that is a workout where you combine two disciplines. T1 brick is a swim/bike workout; T2 is a bike/run workout. "T", by the by, stands for transition. Transition includes all the activities that get you from one activity to another: pulling off a wet suit, goggles and swim cap; switching any clothes; getting your race number on; helmut; eating or drinking; whatever you do.
Today I rode my bike for 10 miles. As per usual, we slept in late. Hubby and I had a nice date night last night. We had dinner out and saw the 9:15 showing of "The DaVinci Code". It was a perfectly fine summer movie, despite all the goofy hype.
Anyway, we elected to sleep in late which meant I started my workout about 1:00 pm. Smack dab in the middle of our hot, sunny, windy day.
I rode around Lake Harriet and then along Minneahaha Parkway to Cedar Avenue -- five miles out in 25 minutes. Turned around and came back the same way. The second half of the ride was more in the wind than the first and I had to go slightly longer around Harriet, still and all, got back to the house in 26 plus minutes. Not too bad.
I didn't time my transition (which I know I should have). I had to "trick" myself to do the brick. It was hot, I was tired and I kept telling myself -- "just run to the corner" -- "just run to the lake" - "just run to the water pump". Eventually, the heat caught up to me and I walked a lot -- but I got it done. My run took much longer than either leg of my ride: 31:43, for only about 3 miles. Still and all, I'm did it.
I need to get more in. There is a definite transition in muscle use from bike to run. My quads get tight; I feel like I'm moving like a slug. Practice, practice, practice.
Tomorrow, the plan is to do an open water swim workout with a few of my girlfriends. I'm SO looking forward to putting on my wetsuit in 90 degree weather only to swim in a 59 degree lake!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Swim Master
Doesn't that title just sound powerful?
S W I M M A S T E R.....(dum dum dahhhhhhh). Of course, this has nothing to do with my powerful command of the water or my mermaid-like ability to streak, stealth-like, under the deep blue sea.
No, it simply refers to the new swim group I swam with last night. The group is actually the Minnesota Tri Masters group, which is part of the Minnesota Triathlon Club.
I joined the club about a week ago and last night's swim was my first "official" event with the group.
My swim coach, Dave, oversees (or shall I say "overseas") the MnTriMasters group. They meet several times per week to do this Masters Swim thing. Basically, he runs us through a series of warm ups and drills, which focus on techniques or speed or both.
Last night, there were about 15 of us or so in the pool. I was the only newbie and I was also the slowest fish in the pond -- a very familiar place for me to be. I shared a lane with two other people, a man and a woman a bit older then me who are both training for the Florida IronMan.
The session was quite the experience. I did interval drills; something called "3:00 o'clock"; some goofy thing that related to my pace per mile and more.
I did my best to keep up, but, much like it was for me in the beginning of my running career, I basically have two swim speeds: slow and very slow.
Still, it was fun and challenging. I swam about 1800 yards, or a touch over a mile. That was a lot for me.
Couple of things for me to note and capture from a training perspective:
The good news is that I did the mileage. The swim portion for my "big" tri this summer is 0.9 miles. I went over a mile last night, so I know I can do the distance AND I still have about 7 weeks of training to go.
The not-so-good news is the longer I was out there, the more ragged my technique was. I'm sure it will improve over time as I do more of these distances, but it was interesting for me to "feel" my stroke deteriorate.
My coach gave me a few points, but it was not a private lesson night for me. I'm sure I'll hear more from him next week when I see him one on one.
I rode my bike to and from the session, so I got a bit of a brick workout in, which was good.
I'm also planning on meeting a couple of my friends on Memorial Day for our first official open-water swim of the season.
That should further distinguish the master from the thrasher!
S W I M M A S T E R.....(dum dum dahhhhhhh). Of course, this has nothing to do with my powerful command of the water or my mermaid-like ability to streak, stealth-like, under the deep blue sea.
No, it simply refers to the new swim group I swam with last night. The group is actually the Minnesota Tri Masters group, which is part of the Minnesota Triathlon Club.
I joined the club about a week ago and last night's swim was my first "official" event with the group.
My swim coach, Dave, oversees (or shall I say "overseas") the MnTriMasters group. They meet several times per week to do this Masters Swim thing. Basically, he runs us through a series of warm ups and drills, which focus on techniques or speed or both.
Last night, there were about 15 of us or so in the pool. I was the only newbie and I was also the slowest fish in the pond -- a very familiar place for me to be. I shared a lane with two other people, a man and a woman a bit older then me who are both training for the Florida IronMan.
The session was quite the experience. I did interval drills; something called "3:00 o'clock"; some goofy thing that related to my pace per mile and more.
I did my best to keep up, but, much like it was for me in the beginning of my running career, I basically have two swim speeds: slow and very slow.
Still, it was fun and challenging. I swam about 1800 yards, or a touch over a mile. That was a lot for me.
Couple of things for me to note and capture from a training perspective:
The good news is that I did the mileage. The swim portion for my "big" tri this summer is 0.9 miles. I went over a mile last night, so I know I can do the distance AND I still have about 7 weeks of training to go.
The not-so-good news is the longer I was out there, the more ragged my technique was. I'm sure it will improve over time as I do more of these distances, but it was interesting for me to "feel" my stroke deteriorate.
My coach gave me a few points, but it was not a private lesson night for me. I'm sure I'll hear more from him next week when I see him one on one.
I rode my bike to and from the session, so I got a bit of a brick workout in, which was good.
I'm also planning on meeting a couple of my friends on Memorial Day for our first official open-water swim of the season.
That should further distinguish the master from the thrasher!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Adopt A Highway
Not a very catchy title, but it's how I spent my morning today.
My good friend Amy P had adopted a highway near her home in surburban Minneapolis. She organized an Earth Day event and invited a number of her friends to pitch in.
The weekend we were supposed to go was rainy and cold so she moved the date to today. Fortunately, the weather gods smiled upon us, bestowing us with mild temps and partly sunny skies.
She and her husband had the helpers meet at their home for breakfast. There were five of us in total. We ate, geared up and figured out "the rules" -- walk one side of the freeway, facing oncoming traffic (just like the running rules!); don't collapse cans (they may have syringes or other items in there that we don't want to "disturb"); watch out for items used to produce Meth.
Yes, Meth.
The city actually provided a handout to Amy to show us that described what to avoid. It even included pictures of the dangerous items, just in case we were confused.
Fortunately, we didn't not find any Meth or Meth making supplies, but we did find bucket seats torn out from a vehicle and heaped to the side of the highway -- lots of cans and plastic bottles; candy wrappers; a plastic shovel; lots of paper and foil; wires, cigarrette boxes and receipts. I found a receipt from a local convenience store. Someone had charged a Gordita Burrito and a Hawaiian Punch. Total $2.00. About a quarter of a mile from that spot, Lisa, another worker bee, found a receipt for the exact same thing. Very strange.
Also very strange to me that people think it is totally okay to throw all this crap out the windows of their cars. Are we really so "above it all" that we can't be accountable for our own garbage? Apparently so.
Hubby sometimes teases me because I keep a bag in my car where I lob all my empty water cans and coffee cups. I wait until the bag is full and then it hits our recycle pile. I'm not sure why that is so strange. I'd rather muck up my own car than muck up the planet.
Reuse, refuse, recycle!
My good friend Amy P had adopted a highway near her home in surburban Minneapolis. She organized an Earth Day event and invited a number of her friends to pitch in.
The weekend we were supposed to go was rainy and cold so she moved the date to today. Fortunately, the weather gods smiled upon us, bestowing us with mild temps and partly sunny skies.
She and her husband had the helpers meet at their home for breakfast. There were five of us in total. We ate, geared up and figured out "the rules" -- walk one side of the freeway, facing oncoming traffic (just like the running rules!); don't collapse cans (they may have syringes or other items in there that we don't want to "disturb"); watch out for items used to produce Meth.
Yes, Meth.
The city actually provided a handout to Amy to show us that described what to avoid. It even included pictures of the dangerous items, just in case we were confused.
Fortunately, we didn't not find any Meth or Meth making supplies, but we did find bucket seats torn out from a vehicle and heaped to the side of the highway -- lots of cans and plastic bottles; candy wrappers; a plastic shovel; lots of paper and foil; wires, cigarrette boxes and receipts. I found a receipt from a local convenience store. Someone had charged a Gordita Burrito and a Hawaiian Punch. Total $2.00. About a quarter of a mile from that spot, Lisa, another worker bee, found a receipt for the exact same thing. Very strange.
Also very strange to me that people think it is totally okay to throw all this crap out the windows of their cars. Are we really so "above it all" that we can't be accountable for our own garbage? Apparently so.
Hubby sometimes teases me because I keep a bag in my car where I lob all my empty water cans and coffee cups. I wait until the bag is full and then it hits our recycle pile. I'm not sure why that is so strange. I'd rather muck up my own car than muck up the planet.
Reuse, refuse, recycle!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Where the H%$@ is the Sun?
It's been over a week since we've had any thing like reasonable weather. Rain, cold tem;s; more rain, more cold temps. Not particularly inspiring for training outside.
We finally are having a sunny morning, but the weather guys say it will cloud up this afternoon and, you guessed it -- rain.
I woke up at 6:00 am this morning fully expecting to get to the gym for my swim practice. It was sunny out; comfy in bed with Hubby and the cats. Back in to bed I went. My training schedule calls for a 3.5 mile run today and a 500 yard swim. Nothing too taxing. I'll get them in this afternoon or early evening.
We live near a chain of lakes and every day as I drive or run by them, I stare out at the water. It still looks plenty cold and choppy. I'm not so thrilled about getting in the open water for some practice sessions. I did buy a wet suit, so I know I'd be mostly protected, but mine is sleeveless so there is the "freezing arms/freezing face" hurdle to get over.
My new Tri Club is already doing some open water swims (or so I hear). They will go out again tomorrow. I may brave it -- or wait one more week.
I got a run and a 10 mile bike ride in last weekend. Both went well.
The one nice thing about the weather being uncooperative is that the lakes are not very crowded. When the weather is nice during the early weekends of the summer, the lakes get so jammed with people, runners, roller bladers, bikers and other human and furry creatures, that getting any training in during peak time is pretty tough. I pretty much had the paths to myself when I was out there.
Hopefully this patch of weather will move on soon so we can enjoy a bit of spring while training!
We finally are having a sunny morning, but the weather guys say it will cloud up this afternoon and, you guessed it -- rain.
I woke up at 6:00 am this morning fully expecting to get to the gym for my swim practice. It was sunny out; comfy in bed with Hubby and the cats. Back in to bed I went. My training schedule calls for a 3.5 mile run today and a 500 yard swim. Nothing too taxing. I'll get them in this afternoon or early evening.
We live near a chain of lakes and every day as I drive or run by them, I stare out at the water. It still looks plenty cold and choppy. I'm not so thrilled about getting in the open water for some practice sessions. I did buy a wet suit, so I know I'd be mostly protected, but mine is sleeveless so there is the "freezing arms/freezing face" hurdle to get over.
My new Tri Club is already doing some open water swims (or so I hear). They will go out again tomorrow. I may brave it -- or wait one more week.
I got a run and a 10 mile bike ride in last weekend. Both went well.
The one nice thing about the weather being uncooperative is that the lakes are not very crowded. When the weather is nice during the early weekends of the summer, the lakes get so jammed with people, runners, roller bladers, bikers and other human and furry creatures, that getting any training in during peak time is pretty tough. I pretty much had the paths to myself when I was out there.
Hopefully this patch of weather will move on soon so we can enjoy a bit of spring while training!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
This One's for Dori!
I'm breaking one of my "rules" right now and actually posting while at work. Well, it's sort of "work" as it is after 5:00 pm and I'm only hanging around here because Hubby, who works for the same company, is on a teleconference and, since we carpooled today, I'm stuck here waiting for him to finish before we can head home.
I've owed a post for a while. My good friend Dori and I ran the Wells Fargo 1/2 marathon together last Sunday. She has posted a well written, thoughtful, detailed account of our 13.1 mile journey on her blog. I, on the other hand, have been sort of slug-like with my postings. Not because I'm not interested in running, but more because time seems to be just FLYING by...
Anyway, here are my unremarkable remarks about the race: I really wasn't so sure I was even going to run the dang thing. I have not really been putting much heart, soul or mileage in. But, I decided to give it a try.
Dori and I have trained together but have not run a race together. She has always been a very methodical, disciplined runner. She may not agree, but anyone who knows her or reads her blog can tell you. It takes a lot of discipline to put in miles BEFORE you meet up with your training group for your LSD run!
The day was really beautiful -- clear, cool, sunny and breezy. I've run the race twice before and was familiar with the somewhat hilly course. I also knew from experience that the field of 1,000 runners is typically very fast. I remember the first year I ran Wells, I was with some other marathon friends who were slow-pokes like me. We got to the startline and I looked around at the crowd. Pretty much the entire field -- less about 25 of us -- were all lean, lithe runner-types. That year, like every other year, I got dusted in less then the first mile. (sigh).
The good news is that I sort of like it when the field quiets down. Less pressure; more room on the road to see the pavement, run the tangents and see the scenery. Dori and I were doing a run/walk split of 9/1 and that worked out great. We bumped in to a few other runners at the start doing a variation of the run/walk thing. Chatted with them a bit, but mostly we just talked with each other.
The course is very pretty. You can see water (lake and marshes); country fields; HUGE McMansion type houses; tiny cottage-houses from years past, and more.
The miles came "quickly" -- our conversation helped move the miles along.
About mile 10, I took a gel and then had to walk a bit more. My last long run before the race had been a 8-miler and that was several weeks before race day. The mileage was starting to take its toll on me.
Dori went on her way -- looking strong and happy to to be out there. I pulled back a bit and then about mile 11 or so, a running group of three women and one man were gaining on me. One woman in particular was quite peppy and coaching on her running mates. "You can do this. Looking awesome".
Then she said the magic words: "Okay, now we're going to run for three minutes and walk for two".
BINGO. "That," I thought to myself, "sounds like a mighty fine plan". I asked them if I could join them and they said "Why not!", so off we went.
Turns out the "Coach" was a sister to both one of the women in the group and the man. She had run a number of marathons, but the rest of her group were participating in their first 1/2. They were GREAT to run with and really helped keep me going those last couple of miles.
I got to that last 400 meter stretch -- I could see Dori at the finish, cheering me on, and I just kept moving forward till I crossed the line. Not my best "time" (clock-wise)but certainly one of my very best times (fun-wise.
Dori and I had a much appreciated coffee together afterwards, which was the perfect way to end that event.
I owe her a big THANKS for helping pull me through and giving me a kick in the training pants.
I've owed a post for a while. My good friend Dori and I ran the Wells Fargo 1/2 marathon together last Sunday. She has posted a well written, thoughtful, detailed account of our 13.1 mile journey on her blog. I, on the other hand, have been sort of slug-like with my postings. Not because I'm not interested in running, but more because time seems to be just FLYING by...
Anyway, here are my unremarkable remarks about the race: I really wasn't so sure I was even going to run the dang thing. I have not really been putting much heart, soul or mileage in. But, I decided to give it a try.
Dori and I have trained together but have not run a race together. She has always been a very methodical, disciplined runner. She may not agree, but anyone who knows her or reads her blog can tell you. It takes a lot of discipline to put in miles BEFORE you meet up with your training group for your LSD run!
The day was really beautiful -- clear, cool, sunny and breezy. I've run the race twice before and was familiar with the somewhat hilly course. I also knew from experience that the field of 1,000 runners is typically very fast. I remember the first year I ran Wells, I was with some other marathon friends who were slow-pokes like me. We got to the startline and I looked around at the crowd. Pretty much the entire field -- less about 25 of us -- were all lean, lithe runner-types. That year, like every other year, I got dusted in less then the first mile. (sigh).
The good news is that I sort of like it when the field quiets down. Less pressure; more room on the road to see the pavement, run the tangents and see the scenery. Dori and I were doing a run/walk split of 9/1 and that worked out great. We bumped in to a few other runners at the start doing a variation of the run/walk thing. Chatted with them a bit, but mostly we just talked with each other.
The course is very pretty. You can see water (lake and marshes); country fields; HUGE McMansion type houses; tiny cottage-houses from years past, and more.
The miles came "quickly" -- our conversation helped move the miles along.
About mile 10, I took a gel and then had to walk a bit more. My last long run before the race had been a 8-miler and that was several weeks before race day. The mileage was starting to take its toll on me.
Dori went on her way -- looking strong and happy to to be out there. I pulled back a bit and then about mile 11 or so, a running group of three women and one man were gaining on me. One woman in particular was quite peppy and coaching on her running mates. "You can do this. Looking awesome".
Then she said the magic words: "Okay, now we're going to run for three minutes and walk for two".
BINGO. "That," I thought to myself, "sounds like a mighty fine plan". I asked them if I could join them and they said "Why not!", so off we went.
Turns out the "Coach" was a sister to both one of the women in the group and the man. She had run a number of marathons, but the rest of her group were participating in their first 1/2. They were GREAT to run with and really helped keep me going those last couple of miles.
I got to that last 400 meter stretch -- I could see Dori at the finish, cheering me on, and I just kept moving forward till I crossed the line. Not my best "time" (clock-wise)but certainly one of my very best times (fun-wise.
Dori and I had a much appreciated coffee together afterwards, which was the perfect way to end that event.
I owe her a big THANKS for helping pull me through and giving me a kick in the training pants.
Monday, May 1, 2006
GIG update / Tri Training starts TODAY!
Get in Gear got my time published...33.35 which equates to 10:49/mile.
I'm not the speediest creature on the planet, but still feel pretty good about the fact that I ran the whole dang thing.
Training for LifeTime Tri starts today. I have to get a swim and a run in today. That, plus golf lessons start. I'll be Ms. Athletic today.
I set my alarm for 5:30 to get to the gym by 6:00 am for my swim... hit the snooze about a zillion times and will have to work in the swim later today.
Also have to start my "I want to be a Sleek Triathlete" program today too. I'm doing LifeTime as an Athena, which means I have to weigh more than 150 lbs. No problem there. I just want to weigh much CLOSER to 150 than I currently do today. So, I'm back on Weight Watchers .
Should be an interesting twelve weeks or so.
I'm not the speediest creature on the planet, but still feel pretty good about the fact that I ran the whole dang thing.
Training for LifeTime Tri starts today. I have to get a swim and a run in today. That, plus golf lessons start. I'll be Ms. Athletic today.
I set my alarm for 5:30 to get to the gym by 6:00 am for my swim... hit the snooze about a zillion times and will have to work in the swim later today.
Also have to start my "I want to be a Sleek Triathlete" program today too. I'm doing LifeTime as an Athena, which means I have to weigh more than 150 lbs. No problem there. I just want to weigh much CLOSER to 150 than I currently do today. So, I'm back on Weight Watchers .
Should be an interesting twelve weeks or so.
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