The crazy life

I haven't been running or any sort of retraining.  This semester of nursing school is kicking my butt.  That and the wife and I just bought a new house and are working our way into it.  It is a beautiful historic row house.  The inside is all updated and functional.  We are having picking furniture and finding places for all our little things.  Wg are enjoying saying good bye to all the hand-me-down furniture that we have gathered along the way.  I have removed TEN truck loads of crap to Goodwill and the dump.  We aren't done yet...

FUCK LUPUS TRI

Yesterday, I woke up and shortly started having the runs and puking.  I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get out of bed to greet my visiting family, let alone compete today.  I woke up and went to packet pick-up and the newbie meeting.  The energy in the air was incredible.  It made me want to do it so badly.  After a nap, my family started arriving.  It was various degrees of cousins.  Last night there was a lot of bike talk and switching pedals.  Plus, for three of us it was our second tri and our first with some really distance.  We also did a lot gear getting together for the youngest in the group who doesn't have gear and didn't train.  He is a college athlete and just went for it.

This morning we woke up at O'Dark Thirty, assembled the troops, and were at the transition area by 5:30am.  I brought a bucket to carry my stuff and to sit on during the transitions.  I had decided that I was going to take my time and be relaxed through the whole event, especially since I was so sick yesterday.  It was quite cold this morning.  My toes were numb.  The water temp was really nice so no wetsuits allowed.  As soon as I got in I started wiggling my toes to warm them up.  The men had an in-water start at 7:30 and we joined them  on the course at 7:35.  The water was calm with little/ to no current.  My swim time was 26:12 for 750 meters.

The bike was really hilly.  It started off rough but then got really fun.  At first I was paranoid because there weren't other bikers near me.  I thought I had gone off course.  Once we turned into the back roads and I knew that I was on the right course, I started to have some fun.  The downhill parts were great and the ups weren't too bad.  I was able to drink from my water bottle for the first time on the bike.  I did it three times.  I also got out of the saddle for some of the hills.  My bike time was 1:18:36 for 17.7mile ride.

When I got off my bike I couldn't feel my feet at all.  I got off and started running and almost fell over, so I walked the rest of the way into the transition area. The run out was spotty, I did a lot of walking but I ran most of the way back in.  My run time was 31:58 for a 5k.

My overall time was 2:21:41.  The three men in my family all placed in their age groups and the woman finished with smiles.  It was a great day.  We had six other family members in support and then had a great cook out afterwards.

After a few burgers and beers I'm getting ready to drink a cup of tea and relax into the evening.

Tri-ing hiatus

On July 13, I did a super sprint.  It was 1/4 mile swim, 8 mile bike, and a 2.4 mile run.    Three things I learned, I need to swim more in rough water, bike more hills, and run when I'm tired.  My bike chain was slipping during the bike portion.  I need to take it in and get it looked over.  I haven't done much training since.

The Wife joined a gym a while back but doesn't go.  I told her that I could meet her after work, so I joined as well.  The two weeks after the tri we went regularly which was good, but it was all that I was doing, now we don't even do that.  I've swam a few times.  I've really been struggling with the Lupus.  The heat just drains so much out of me.  I wake up after a full night sleep, wak
L the dog and then have to take a nap.  The fatigue that comes with autoimmune diseases is just awful.  Plus my joints are hurting.  I know that if I excercise I will get more energy and my joints will hurt less, but I can't stay awake long enough.

Today is Aug 1st.  I have 25 days until the race.  I rededicated myself  to training and my goal of completing the tri with a smile on my face.  Today I ran/walked somewhere around 3 miles.  The garmin is dead and I can't remember where I put the cord to charge it.  So I just went and will just go again tomorrow.  I'm visiting a dear friend in New Jersey for the next few days and will run around here a bit.

My tri for one

Yesterday I went swimming.  It was a failure.  The water was rough, I was not having fun.  It sucked.  I swam three laps and stopped after each one.  It was a total of 0.24 miles.  I took me about 20 minutes.  I left feeling very discouraged.  I left thinking that I can make it through the mini tri on the 13th but there is no way that I can make it through 6 laps for the Aug. race.  I stopped by my mom's on the way to class.  She made me a yummy bacon breakfast while I looked up swim lessons.  The Y near me does have adult swim lessons.

Today, I went back for round two.  I told myself that I was going to do two laps without stopping if the water was calm.  I got there and it was calm.  I jumped in and the frantic turtle* was off.  I tried to stay calm and just go.  I swam three laps without stopping. When I go for a bike ride I go for over an hour, when I run I run longer than 30 minutes.  Maybe I just need to go.  It will take me longer than 20.   I told myself that I have to have faith that I can do this.  My body will go.  I got out and was sitting on the dock I thought that I needed to keep going.  I would get back in and do 3 or 4 more laps, which is the Aug distance and if I needed to stop I would stop.  I got back in and did four more laps without stopping.  The Aug distance is .46 miles (750meters).   I went 0.56 (901meters).  The frantic turtle may not be pretty or fast but just might get the job done.  I showered off because the water was REALLY muddy after all this rain.

On my way home I was thinking that my tri shorts came in the mail yesterday and I haven't been on my bike in a while...  I got home changed and headed out.  I started out and it didn't feel good.  I was struggling. I started to question if I should have tried to bike after drastically increasing my swimming.  I just said," Katie your body will do it.  These first few miles might not feel good, but your body will do it".  It was kind of a revelation.  Not every mile will feel good but my body will do it.  I figured if it still felt bad after the first two miles I could turn around.  I rode 18.1 miles.  The Aug distance is 17.7.  I got home and ate breakfast and was itchin' to go for a run.

I changed again and went to the gym at school, it was raining again, and ran 4.1 miles.  The Aug distance is 3.1.   I completed my first tri today.

Tonight we are going to a Fourth of July party.  Much of my brother's family will be there.  I'm looking forward to it.  I plan to eat oysters and go to bed early.

*My dad joined me for a swim one day and later told my mom that I looked like a frantic baby turtle learning to swim.    Real encouraging.  He also told her that he wasn't sure if I could make it.  Well, now i think I just might!

Poorly organized race....but fun family night out

Saturday night at the end on June one could plan on it being warm.  It also happened to be humid.  My dad and I ran a 5k while the wife, the mother, an aunt, a cousin, and a niece all walked the I mile course.  It was nice to be there all together doing something fun, different, and active.  A while back when signing up for the race I asked dad if he wanted to run together or each run our own race.  He said he would run my pace with me.  It was nice.  The bad thing was that they had one young guy maybe 14yo running the aid station.  He didn't have waters prepared when I past the water station either time.  When I was finished my mother and aunt, both nurses, seemed to be a bit worried.  They said that my face was purple and the tip of my nose was white, too much circulation and not enough.  They said I looked like I was in distress.  Dad did a great job he finished close on my heels.

Yesterday was the wife and my 1 year wedding anniversary.  W went for a two mile walk in the woods, did some garden maintaince, made a cake and went out to dinner.

Today, it is raining. I got up erly to go swimming but it was storming.  I packed my clothes and heading to the gym after class.  I struggled for the first 1.5 to 2 miles but then felt like I could have run all day.  I wonder why it is taking longer to find my stride.  Now it is raining again and it is the perfect weather to go barefoot trail running.  A cooling rain but the air temp is still warm you you don't get cold.  The ground is soft.  I'm now debating going up to the park for a second quick run or taking a long hot bath.

Down with DOMA

On Tuesday I got up early and went for an18.1 mile ride.  It took me 1:18.  There were a few traffic stops and the like but a very nice ride.  I've noticed it takes me about a mile into a run until I 'get my stride'.  I think I have noticed that it takes me about three miles into a bike ride until I'm in the groove.  This does also coincide with the hills that I tackle at the beginning of every bike ride.  I was very excited because I have now pedaled my race distance.

Yesterday, I woke up feeling awful.  I was dragging and just not feeling into it.  I figured I pack my running stuff and go to the gym after class.  I procrastinate.  After class I started the debate.  I decided I would go and if I wasn't feeling it, I would walk.  When I got inside the gym was almost empty, I got my favorite dreadmill and hoped on.  I put in my headphones and was hoping the news was on it. It was.  I was at an easy jog, listening to the verdict over DOMA and waiting to hear about Prop 8.  I was running and think about the positive ways this will affect my life, like joint health insurance, filing taxes together etc.  After I heard about Prop 8 I looked down saw that I was going faster than I realized, was crying, and had gone almost 3 miles.  I was feeling good, so I cranked up the speed went a bit more and then did it a few more times to sprint my way to 3.4 miles.  I left feeling great.

I then ran home and showered.  Sweat was running in rivulets down my arms.  I then met a good friend for a nice lunch.  It was a great day yesterday.

SRICK?

Yesterday, I was able to go out and pedal 11+ miles.  The garmin was dead so I had to go with the bike computer.  The two never agree.  I tend to believe the garmin.

Today, I went swimming and then went for a run.  I haven't been swimming in a few weeks because of my shoulder, I sound like a baby I know but it hurts, the last time I went the water was cold.  Dd started swimming and keep saying that the fish were aggressive.  I didn't believe him.  They hadn't been bothering me at all.  I would see a few jump but that was it.  Well, the water is warmer and I was under attack!  I swim alongside of a dock, when I got to the end the first time a fish swim into my chest.  I grabbed it, pushed it away and yelled at it.  I felt bad for yelling because some people sleep on their boats and don't nesscessarily want to wake up at 5:45 on a Friday. This fish was large.  It was the size of a massive Jewish deli hoagie.  After I pushed it away it started ramming my legs.  So I turned around and started swimming back.  Everytime I got to that end it started ramming me again.  That is one way to increase my work load.  I had been stopping every quarter of a lap.  I had started to swim the backside of the lap without stopping.  Because of this aggressive fish, I now swim whole laps before taking my break.

After I finished swimming, I got the river water out of my hair and did my Friday 5K and then met the ladies for a walk.  It was a good way to start the day.

I apologize for the crazy day references.  I'be worked the past two nights and just realized that it is Sunday.  I started writing this Friday night.

Favorite runs

We are visiting the wife's family and friends for her birthday and this is where we were both living when we met.  Last night we stayed at a friends house that live near one of my favorite runs. After a night of tequila and laughs I set out my running clothes for the morning so I didn't disturb everyone when I snuck out it the am.  I couldn't find the car keys.  I got so disappointed but I thought that I wouldn't be able to go to the park where I learned that I like running.  After I had a little hissyfit in my head I climbed into bed and said to myself, run it in your head.  As I was calming down to go to sleep I pictured the different little ponds that the trail winds around.  I pictured all the tree roots and turns.  I saw the turtles jumping off the banks into the water.  It was really serene.  When I woke up I got dressed and found the keys and was able to go.  I snuck out and ran.  I went around all the lakes a few times and thought all about the different people that I have run with in this park,  some of whom are no longer with us.

I'm a believer!

I took a week off because of the horse incident.  My shoulder is still messed up, but better enough.  I could stand taking more time off.  I never would have guessed that I would say that.  This week my biking was awesome.  I see how tapering before the race will really help.    I wasnt sure before if it made sense but now i know.  I flew on my bike this week.

Tuesday I went for a ten mile and it was my ride of large animals.  I was riding and came across two worms that were over a foot long and as thick as a sharpie.  Then as I was pedaling home I came across a turtle the size of a dinner plate.  It was in the middle of the travel lane on a busy road.  The cars go  60-65mph on this road.  How could I leave it?  I put my bike down and walked over to this large critter and it started hissing and jumping at me.  I am not a turtlist.  I can't tell them apart.  I knew it wasn't a red ear slider but other than that, I know nothing.  I was afraid it was a snapping turtle.  I car was coming so I went back to the shoulder.  The SUV just straddled it, but it still jumped up to attack the car.  I knew I had to get it out of the road.  I went looking for a stick.  That way if it was a snapping turtle I could get it to snap onto the stick instead of my finger.  Well,  i couldn't find a  stick, go figure, the only time I think I could find a stick.  I found a thicker green weed.  The turtle started walking toward me and the green leaves.  His little nose was bleeding from where he hit the car.  I then thought he might just walk the rest of the way.  Well, then another car was coming.  It stopped.  I was like crap, now I have to go pick it up.  I went over and told him that I was going to pick him up.  I started to and he kinda flipped over a little.  I sternly told him to stop that and I picked him up again and moved him into the tall grass next to the road, in the direction he was going.

Then yesterday I pedal 16.7 miles.  I was only two shy of my race distance.  It felt really good.  I wasn't sure how long I would go.  I left early so I would have plenty of tme to go as far as I wanted and not have to turn around because of time.

This morning I ran an easy 2.9 miles.

A good ride and a bad ride

Yesterday, I went to a good 11.5 mile ride.  I pedaled until my GPS said I went 5 miles, I turned around and went the long way home.  I then spent an hour cross training by pulling weeds.  Today I went horseback riding.  It didn't go well.  I took a dirt bath.  I got back on and we were successful the second go round.  With the way I hurt it reminds me that I'm not young anymore.

Just like butta....

I went swimming this morning before class.  It was so peaceful out.  There wasn't any chop.  The only movement to the water surface was behind the ducks and the occasional fish jumping.  I was able to swim .24 miles which is three laps alongside the dock.  It was hard to get started because the water was so cold.  It took my breath away at first.  I have a shortie but I don't want to wear it.  Maybe I should.  They add bouancy.  I did my modified breast stroke but because it was so calm I thought I would work on freestyle a little. I went a few strokes then had a bit of a panic attack. I tried again next lap.  I did ok but didn't get too far.  The Wife, who was a competitive swimmer in high school, told me that I need to turn more as I. Trying to breath.  I'll try again tomorrow if the water is calm.

Keeping me on my toes

When I first started running it was to get in shape for rugby.  I had also just gone through a bad break-up.  I would run and sob. A I ran I would just snotty cry.  I don't know how I ran I just knew that I needed it.  At some point I decided I would try to complete a marathon.  I would lead with my heel and follow through my whole foot.  I did not get far in my training.  I then ran sporadically until I was in a trail running group.  This is when I was doing my most running.  I ran on my toes because I was hoping over roots and such.  I would also often take a lap barefoot as my cool down.  Even as far back as my childhood I have always LOVED running barefoot in nature.

I think the trouble I was having when I first starting running this time was not knowing how to run.  I was doing a cross of leading with my heel, like when I was road running last, but I have run the most on my toes on the trails.  I think it was making it hard for me to find my stride.  Now that I figured that out a few runs ago it has made all the difference.  I'm enjoying my runs more and slipping in to them.  It is like im in the run instead of struggling against them.

How was the swim?

It was more of a drown, really.  I decided to bike this morning instead of three days in a row trying not to drown for .16 of a mile.  I did bike 8.3.  I wanted to do ten but didn't have time before I had to leave for class.  I thought I would provide some pictuers.

This is a horse that is staying at my neighbors.  He is a doll face and HUGE.  He is a bit in love with Benny.  He greets me every morning. 

This is me before the race this past Saturday.  I forgot to take a picture when I got home, before the garden tour.

This is going to be one of my new goals.  I will add it to my training.  I missed most of May so I'll start in June.

This is the YUMMY icing I made for my brick of a cake.

This is me and my brother's diabetic dog Blue. 

In the Water

Yesterday I went for a bike ride.  It was not very successful.  I was struggling and probably should have taken the day off.  I wanted to go 10 miles but ended up going 4.3.   I was full of self-doubt.  I was getting really down on myself.  Here I was struggling to bike, I hadn't been in the water yet.  Everyone who has done a tri makes a big deal about the swim.  I had even been in the water yet.  I'm flailing on two of the three events.  

I decided I would hit the water today.  Let me just see how bad I am at swimming.  I understand that swimming by myself and in a crowd of people are two different things, but let me just see where I'm jumping off.  I ended up swimming four lengths of the dock.  Not too bad.  I did my mortified breast stroke because the water was really choppy.  There were white caps and the like.  Tomorrow I'm going to bring my GPS and walk the dock to see how far a length is.  I need to be able to do a half mile.  I will let you know how it goes.

New PR!!!

Yesterday I ran a 5k.  It was along side Furnance Bay.  It was a very pretty, shady run.  It was organized, I use the term loosely, by Good Shepard Catholic School.  It was a small race maybe 50 or so runners.  There were quite a few kids.  They thanked me for participating.  THe start line was not clearly marked, we were all just kinda standing around for a while.  Father then lead us in a pre race prayer.  One of the organizers then came over and shouted us the directions, it was an out an Back all on one road so the directions were easy.  Being a solid middle of the packer I don't worry about directions too much.  There were about five or six yippee skippy runners that had run prior to the race and were jumping up and down before we started and the ran it several more times one they were finished.  For the first mile there was a woman running right next to me.  At that point the yippee skippy runs were headed back toward the finish.  We cheered them on.  The cheering broke the ice between the woman had been next to me for the past ten minutes.  We decided to run the race together.  I told her my goal was to run the whole thing., her goal was to finish.  We kept each other at a good pace.  It turns out that she teaches math where I go to school for nursing.  We exchanged information and may do some more running together in the future.  Her husband had finished and met up with us the finish with her, so I got to meet him as well.  They seem like a very nice couple.  She wanted to walk for a bit so I ran ahead and finished in 30:06!!!  I shaved 1:19 off my last time.  Not bad.  I think running with someone really helped.  There were not time chips, so I'm going off my Garmin, I figure it is more accurate the the race time.  I'm counting on a guy who grabbed the bottom part of my bib as I crossed to write down my time.  It was a nice morning.

I then got home and cleaned up.  The Wife and I then went on the Secret Garden Tour.  It s lovely seeing the different houses and gardens.  It  was a great way to spend time together.

Cut the Crap Hamlet, My Biological Clock is Ticking and I want Babies Now

My biological clock is running a muck.  I'm crying at EVERYTHING and I'm nesting.  I I have cooked really good dinners this week and have started baking.  This is absurd.  My mother does not nor has not ever baked.  I have never baked.  I made cornbread this week that went really well.  Tonight I made rolls and a yellow cake with chocolate icing.  Well, I only keep unbleached whole wheat flour in the house.  My rolls and cake were dense.  After dinner of yummy chicken salad on these rolls, I felt like my stomach was a cement mixer.  I wanted to go for ten miles but there was no way that was going to happen.  I went 4.3 instead.  Maybe it will help me in the morning for my 5k.  I think will have to bake for carb loading before the race in August.  A few rolls and a piece of cake it is like power pellets packed with complex carbs.  The Wife is such a good sport.

Sneaky Broads

My mom is a member of a walking club.  They are three women that meet in the community park and walk.   I lovingly call them the Sneaky Broads.  She is also a member of a book club that I call Broads on Books and a garden club that I call The Dirty Broads. Anywho, the community park is also where the transition area is for the tri.  This morning I grudgingly decided to wake up erly and go to the park and run the 5k of the tri.  I got back to the park in perfect time to join the Sneaky Broads for their morning constitutional.  They meet at 7:30.  We walked for 50 mins. And talked about grandchildren and the houses we passed.  It was very nice.  They did comment that they thought they were going faster than normal.  They decided they were showing off for me.  W passed several schools in our journey.  We got to talking about parent pick up and drop off.  I told them what we used to do at the Catholic school.  One woman asked how can you tell which child goes in what car.  My response, "Well, it is a Catholic school so anywhere between 3 and 6 kids get into a car, you kinda get to know the family."  My mom thought this was kinda funny.

Now that the new mailbox post is cemented in, I'm going to move the mailbox over and then head back down into the shop.

Bike in the "Shop"

With working last night, I decided not to run or bike today.  After cementing the new mailbox post I brought the Nora the Wonder Bike 'down to the shop'.  The shop consists of a hook  in the ceiling next to my sewing table and a piece of string I use to suspend the back of the bike.  I adjusted the pedal cages and ran the bike through her gears.  It did slip on one of my back cogs, I have a bit of research to do to diagnosis the issue.  I did, however, start to install the new happy birthday bike computer.

From the Mouths of Babes

Friday:  I rode 7.65 miles.  I'm still working on trying to upload the trip from the Garmin.  I just haven't sat down to do it.  It was a good ride, but my bike would slip in and out of gear as I was pedaling.  It will have to come down into "my shop" for some work.  I would love to do it today.  That way I can alter the pedal cages and attach my new bike computer.  When I got off the bike I then went for my first BRICK.  I was going to run a mile.  I got off the bike and started the run and felt good.  I run around the yard after each bike ride so my legs are pretty use to it.  Once I tried to make them go farther then the yard, they protested.  I ended up walking most of the mile with a tight left quad, but I still did it.  I ran it home and sprinted at the end.

I also then mowed the lawn and weed-wacked the hell out of it.  I totally consider that x-training.  I was a major arm workout that I felt for a few days.  Plus my four year old niece was visiting.  We went to the water and got in up to our shorts.  It was cold but not too cold where it took your breath away.  I think I will get to start swimming soon.

Saturday:  We went to an awesome canning class in Philly.  We have a big garden and are going to join a CSA.  I want a way to preserve all this good food but am afraid of getting people sick with canning.  I feel much more confident now.  Plus the strawberry jam we made is are REALLY YUMMY!

Sunday: I slept most of day since I had worked the night before, but then went to Mom's house for dinner where we did the cooking and cleaning.  Then we played a few games of rummikub and watched the season final of Project Runway.  The Whip made a wonderful meal of stir-fry shrimp and asparagus, brown rice, and a fully homegrown spinach, arugula, and radish salad.  For desert we had vanilla ice cream with our strawberry jam as a topping.  The jam is made with a different type of pectin so it uses much less sugar then normal so you really get to taste to fruit.

Monday:  Today I went for a run.  I ran 2.8 miles.  I ran most of it and walked some.  I did it in 29:23.  I think the biking is building different leg muscles which is making it harder to run.  I have decided that every day that I exercise will include at least a mile run, just to keep the running part of my legs developed too.  I have a 5k this weekend and I have a good feeling about it.  I enjoyed my run this morning.  I was hoping to swim a bit today but I think it might storm so I'll stick to the kitchen.

As I said my four year old niece was visiting. 

Niece: You have a booboo on your hand.
The Wife: Yes, I was playing with our cat and she got a little too rough.
Niece: You have a cat?
TW: Yes, we have two.
N: You have two?  Are they both girls?
TW: Yes
N: Why?
TW: Well, they are sisters.
N: Are they married?
TW: No, they are sisters.

I love it.  I think the niece is still trying to figure out my marriage.  The niece just turned four and The Wife and I have been together 5 years in November, so The Wife is not new, but our wedding anniversary is June 30. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's day.  I'm off to buy a new mailbox post someone has run into ours yet again.

I might could...

I might could type good.  We had our nursing final today.  We started drinking at 10:30am.  I haven't done that since college the first tme.  Then we all Tom naps in the afternoon.  I had t go to mms for dinner ans more drinks.  I already have a headache and feel hungover.  It last a lot longer now that I'm older but it starts sooner too apparently.

Sleep Attire

Yesterday, after a fairly inactive week, I hoped on the bike and rode six miles.  It felt really good to be out there.  It was the same route I did last week that I wasn't sure the mileage, while I took my new happy birthday garmin with me.  It is six miles.  Please don't think I'm pretentious for writing out six. I often type this blog on my iPad and it is just easier to type out the word than switch to the number keyboard.  Anywho, it took me longer yesterday. 29:05 that includes a very short jog after the bike.  Every time I bike I go for a little run, like around the front yard to teach my legs that they can/will run after biking.

Today I ran a mile in 9:18.  I was thinking I would do two but I had had such a bad run last week that I wanted to have a good experience.  I ran the whole thing, sprinted at the end.  It felt short but I'm ok with that.  I might go out again later today, but probable not since tonight is family dinner.

I have found that if I have nothing planned for a day, it is really hard to motivate to run.  Yesterday I had to go to the hospital for my last day of clinicals, I'm certainly glad to not have to wear my whites for a few months, then I got to hear a speaker, it was easy to hope on the bike.  I was still dressed up from hearing the speaker when The Whip got home, so we decided to go out to eat.  It was a very nice dinner.  We sat out on the deck and the food was to die for.  We came home, changed my clothes and was off. On a side note.  I put on my spandex base layer and was donning my tech jacket when The Wife gave me big kisses and told me I was getting skinny.  She know how to make a girl feel good.  I rode my six and came home finished sweating, I always seem to sweat more when I finish exercising then when I'm out doing it.  I then took a nice long bath in Epsom salts.  I thought my hammies could use it.  Due to my possible lack of motivation today, today's schedule run and study, I slept in my running clothes last night.  I do this often to help encourage myself to get out there.  It is one less excuse I get to use.  At school I also like to park in front of the gym even though it is a longer walk because then maybe I'll walk in and use it.  I think they school may have caught on because they are now building a building in that closer lot and everyone must park by the gym.  I wonder if it is helping to bring up the gym user numbers. 

Guest Speaker:  Yesterday I had the opportunity to listen to Sorrel King speak.  She has become an author, public speaker, and patient safety advocate even since her 18 month old died to medical errors.  She was a guest speaker in honor of nurses week at the hospital.  It is a sad story, but what she has done with her sadness and anger is amazing.  She is trying hard to change the culture surrounding medicine.  She has helped implement family/patient activated rapid response in many hospitals as well as trying to create other things in empower the patient/family.  If you ever have the chance to watch the video of her speaking at the IHI conference, DO IT.  She spoke at Grand Rounds at Johns Hopkins after her daughters death and then she was invited to speak at the IHI conference.  (Institute for Health Improvement)  Someone video taped her speaking and that has become the film Jossie's Story which is showed at hospitals, med schools, and nursing school.  It is a very moving video. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it.   I have ordered the book and cant wait to read it.  That will be one of the first things I do after summer school.  I will let you know what I think when I get there. 

Ok, I really need to study now.  Have a great day.

Long Week

Monday: I was debating going for a ride but decided against because it was a scheduled rest day.  Hindsight is 20/20.  I should have gone.

Tuesday: I spent the day trying not to toss my cookies.  I really thought I was going to lose it in a patient room during morning rounds.  No, I'm not preggo, we are not even trying.  I'm just sensitive to hormonal changes in my body.

Wednesday: I got out a rode.  I did over 5 miles because I took the long way home.  I'll clock it soon. I did it in 28:10.  Not bad.  There were two cyclists going the other way on the road and they waved.  I sent sure if I was capable of waving back but I smiled and nodded.

Thursday: I did nothing.  I wasn't suppose to do nothing.  Wednesday was my last lecture of the semester and I just didn't want to change out of my pjs, so I didn't until the whip came home and we went out to dinner.

Friday: I tried to run.  I was going to go for 2.6.  My calves were burning.  I ran the beginning and part of the end but I walked most of it.  I think it took me somewhere around 36 minutes.  I stopped a few times to stretch out my calves.  I also allied that I had not ran since Sunday.  Im going to make more of an effort to do bricks, just to keep my running up.  I worked Friday night and tonight so I did not run during the day today.

Since my calf issues I pushing my fluids again.  I have never beenone to take in many fluids.  This is something that I need to work on.  I now have a job that enables to go to the bathroom often, I need adjust my fluid intake.

A Day at the Zoo

So today, I'm still proud of my finish yesterday.  I was getting worn down by then I realized that the finish line was just around the corner and I took off like the speedy thing I know I can be.  I ran the whole thing, finished strong, and I am not sore today.  I want to post more pictures from the zoo for you.

This is one of the tigers.  I was amazed at how many adults do not know their big cats.  Parents were telling their kids all sorts of wrong info.  There are signs identifying the animals, if you don't know them.

They are kinda hard to see in the picture but I think they were called rhinoceros horn-bills.  They were just the craziest birds I had ever seen.  It looked almost like they had two beaks.  The top one is orange, not a beak, the bottom one is yellow, is the beak.

This is the cheetah that wanted to run and play with us.  They can run 60m/hr.  Pretty amazing.  They breath in the opposite way of us.  Our diaphragm pulls down forcing our lungs to take in air.  As the cheetah runs the mechanics of the body movement forces air in and out of their lungs, like an accordion.  This is what allows them to be able to run so fast.  Sorry once a teacher, always a teacher.

I made the best, easy dinner last night.  We grow asparagus and we had our last harvest of the season.  I used the recipe from allrecipes.com  It is the lemon asparagus pasta.  I added cherry tomatoes and a bit of balsamic vinegar for a bit of a kick.

Today is a rest day, even though I'm itching to get out there.  I really want to bike, but it is drizzly out.  Plus I have to return my mother's chickens to her.

Run Wild

This morning was my first 5k in YEARS.  I thin kit might have been 9 years ago that I ran one.  I have run one 8k in there, maybe 6 years ago.  I ran the Philly Run Wild 5k.  It was a neat race.  It is at the zoo.  We ran one lap inside the zoo, one outside, and then one more inside.  Here I am pre-race, ready to run. 

The first lap some of the animals were starting to come out.  It was neat to have goats, peacocks, eagles and other such animals cheering us on.  They were very vocal.  I was at 9:55 for my first mile.  I was still right on target for finishing in under 30, my goal.

I forgot to look at my watch at mile two.  It wasn't too eventful.  It was actually harder to run the loop outside the path was more narrow, so it required more jockeying.  There were over 1100 participants.  It was their largest turn out yet.  The funds raised are going toward helping native orangutangs.  The dense forest where they live is being cut down for palm oil.  They think they raised enough money today to buy 300 more acres of land as a preserve.

One our last loop into the park more of the animals were out.  Plus the loop inside was a little different so we got to run past the most beautiful pair of hyacinth macaws.  We also passed the Lorikeets.  There was a sign with an arrow pointing to wear we could feed them (not during the run, but a standard zoo sign)  I thought this was a little odd.  They are mainly nectar birds.  Are we feeding them apple juice?  Anyway, we ran past the cheetahs and two were sitting up in the corner looking at us pass and the third was skipping across the top of their little hill.  It looked like it wanted to join in the fun.

According to my stopwatch I finished in 31:25.  I was hoping for under 30, but just didn't make it.  I'm ok with that.  I ran the whole thing without walking and I think it is still competitive with my dad's PR to realize that I can't be crossed off the competitor list just yet.

Like the banana?  So did the monkeys I was looking at while eating it.  They did have apple slices, which they were eating, so I wasn't to rude by not offering to share.

The wife needs the computer now.  So I will write more later.

1 Mile 9:45

The training schedule required one mile.  I was debating more.  I was thinking if I went for a longer run today I might work out some of my mental games before tomorrow.  It didn't happen.  I went for a run; it was one mile and I didn't work on speed.  I'm not going to get down on myself.  I got out there and did it.  My time wasn't horrific.

Aero bars and I friends... maybe....

I knew going into this week it was going to be demanding.  I had a paper due today.  I got most of it done Tues evening and Wed night at work which really helped. 

Wednesday
     I had a big test.  I got up around 4:30 so study some more, eat a good breakfast, and get ready for the day.  I was in class then until 3:30ish and then had my 3 miler.  I cooked dinner and went to work.

Thursday
   Yesterday was exciting.  I have a cousin that has been very active in triathlons for the twenty or so years.  He was a competitive Iron-man athlete with corp sponsors.  He also coached and was a marathon organizer.  Well, he stopped by for a visit yesterday.  We realized that we hadn't seen each other in something like 15 years.  Since then he has gotten married, had three kids, and gotten divorced.  I've graduated high school, college, had a few careers and got married.  We had a lot of catching up to do.  We talked a lot about tris.  We drove the course that we will be doing in August.  He's younger brother might join us on the course too as might one of his daughters.  It will be nice to have so much family around.
      He gave me a lot of pointers and I asked a lot of questions.  We talked mostly about cycling.  I have a running background and its too cold for swimming.  I did confess that I swim in my kitchen.  He made a really good point that the cycling portion is that part where you can make or lose the most amount of time.  It is the longest of the three events.  He also wanted to look at me on my bike.  He held the back and the Wife held the front.  We talked about positioning.  He was amazed at how well the bike fit.  My plumb line was good.  Depending on the shoes I might want to lower the bike seat down a quarter of an inch.  He also showed me where to adjust the cages on my pedals so I can get more of my foot on the pedal.  No clipless pedals needed at this time.  If after August I want to keep going then I'll look into it.  We had so much to talk about and had such a good time.  I only got an hour and a half of sleep.  That made for a long night at work last night.
Friday
     It was a long but fairly uneventful night at work.  They had a monitor up all week honoring the different secretaries at work.  Well in the middle of the night they changed it to say Happy Birthday.  I then had a patient pass out ON me while they were washing their hands after going to the bathroom.  It was scary, but everything worked out fine.  I came home and climbed into bed.  I SLEPT!!!  I struggle to say awake long enough to set the alarm clock.  I know who sets an alarm clock on their birthday, but I want to sleep tonight.  When I finally got out of bed at 1:40 I was debating what to do.  I had schedule myself a 4 mile bike ride but then I was thinking that I might need another 3miles before Sunday.  I was debating running it today and biking tomorrow.  I was feeling tired.  I then started arguing with myself.  Is it my head getting in the way or is it my brain making excuses.  Once I came to that thought.  I was like wow, ok.  No it is your body you have not had a full nights sleep since Tuesday, your ass is tired.  So I went for a 2.6 ride.  I was not going for distance so I worked on the mechanics of it.  I STAYED IN THE AERO BARS THE WHOLE TIME!!!!!  I was very swervy at the beginning but then it felt pretty good.  I worked on pedaling more in lower gears and worked on 'scrapping the dirt of my shoes' instead of pushing down.  For much of the 12:20 seconds I was saying scrap, scarp scrap.  When I was going up hill I worked on pullup a little on the handle bars instead of leaning down. 
    Ok, way enough rambling.  I need to get cleaned up a bit and then eat a yummy dinner for my birthday!  Wifey gave me beautiful flowers.  This post is long enough  you will have to wait for pictures.   Have a great night.

Birthday Debate

Friday is my birthday.  Ive been trying to decide what to put on my list.  It is hard because things are expensive.  I asked The Whip for new running shoes.  I'm excited.  It has been a while s nice I've gone into the store and tried on different pairs.  I usually just bring in my old one and say do you have another pair of these?  I've been have some numbness and tingling in toes on the left foot so I want to try a different shoe, plus my running focus has changed.

I have neuropathy in both feet from the Lupus.  I just want to make sure that my shoe isn't triggering it.  Speaking of numb/tingling feet.  My feet get so tingling it can be hard to pedal.  After doing some research, it turns out it is fairly common.  The next thing on my list might have to be clip less pedals. I was hoping for a Garmin but it might just have to wait.  I also have little things like body glide and a spare tube for the bike.

You manifest the dasnaty in fron t of you

     I had a big test this morning and then a full day of class.  I was scheduled to run 3 miles today.  I have been feeling little dizzy and light-headed so I wasn't sure how it was going to go.  On my way home I measured the distance going to other direction on my road to have few hills on my run.  the 5k that is on Sun.  is pretty flat and so is the running course in August.
      I remembered tissues, the charged ipod, and the stopwatch.  I went the full 3 miles.  The first mile went pretty well.  I try really hard not to walk in the first mile and I didn't.  9:07, not bad.  The wind was at my back.  I found my stride around the .5m mark.  My body stopped struggling against me.  The second mile I did quite a bit of walking, mostly around the 1.5 mark.  20:29. The second mile my brain started acting up.  Once I was headed home the wind was pushing against me.  It was much harder to hear my book on tape.  The Art of Racing in the Rain.  The protagonist is a dog who makes observations about his family and the world and understands/frustrated with his limitation of interacting with it.  In chap 8, Enzo, the dog, is listening to his "master" talk about race car driving in the rain. (another palindrome) He says something along the lines of 'you manifest that which is in front of you.'  The wind picked up.  I thought it is either pushing you back or it is cool you off as you go through it.  I manifest how this last mile will go.  At the 2.5 I said no more walking period.  Even if you run one mailbox at a time.  It is my brain holding me back, not my body.  So, I ran the last half mile.  I even picked it up at the end and finished with a sprint, my favorite part.  30:31.  My goal for Sunday is under 30, but I secretly would love to beat my dad's PR, or at least come close enough to scare him a little.  He talks a lot of smack.  If I did my math correctly:

mile 1 9:07
mile 2 11:22
mile 3 10:02

Speed Work

Today I had planned to run a mile.  Since I was going to be running a short distance I thought I would work on my speed.  I had to run errands this morning and than went to a friends house to study for our big test on Wednesday, Benny was in his room all day.  I was going a short distance and it was the afternoon I didn't have the heart to leave him at home.  So he peed and pooped before we left.  I explained that this was going to be a short, fast run.  My goal was under 10.  See what had happened was... when Benny and I were driving to get turn around places, he made me do all the work.  I had to drive, watch the odometer, and write down turn around land marks.  So before we left for our short, fast run I looked at our list and for one mile it said "Yellow House".  WTF!!!  Which yellow house?  He and I took off at a GOOD clip.  A little too good.  I forget that we are out of shape.  I figured out that it was the yellow house just prior to the pink farm.  I'm going to check the next time I'm on the road.  Well, after we turned around guess who had to take a really big crap?  There was also a bit of traffic that we had to wait for..  We finished in 9:28.

Non mucus bike ride

I did the same 2.6 from yesterday but on my bike.  No mucus issues to report.  I was hoping to do it in under 15mins.  I did it in 11:58.  I remember my stopwatch today.  I also used my aerobars for most of the ride.  I'm really working on getting use to them.  I'm starting to feel good about going downhill in them but not up.  After my ride, I dropped off the bike and took a quick running lap around the front yard.  I apparently need to get my legs used to running after biking.  I had piled on the clothes to go for the ride because it is really cold in my house.  So after the ride and during my little run I was also striping.  I'm sure it was a funny sight.  The bike leaning up against the fence gate, me running the fence line of my front yard while removing many layers of coats.

I'm starting to debate if I should but clipless pedals/bike shoes on my wish list.  I'm not sure I like biking enough to keep throwing money into it.  Am I going to do this after August?  Would I like biking better if I had clipless pedals because it would be easier?  I know that I will keep running after the tri.   I enjoy running and have successfully had running programs in the past.  Plus I've always secretly wanted a 26.2 sticker on my car.  That is a sticker I need to earn.  I'm just not sure about the other two sports.  I haven't even tried swimming yet, I think it will kick my ass.  I will be in better shape by the time the water warms up.  Maybe I will learn to love them over the next 18 weeks.

Gross, Snotty Run

Today's post is going to be gross.  Please feel free to skip if you don't want to hear about my boogers.

After working all night I climbed into bed, the first two hours of sleep were great, but then every hour there were loud noises.  It is to be expected that the world would not give up their beautiful Saturday to let me sleep.  Oh well.  I was planning on getting up about three and going for me run.  Well, I could sleep past 2:15, even though I tried.  So I caught up on the running blog I read.  I just started reading it.  I'm now in 2009 in her blog.  I like it because I have so much more to read.  Plus she is funny.  I'll try to post a link here later.  It is the first blog that I have really read and what inspired me to write.  She has bad runs and skips some and she does gloss over it.  It seems like a true account as opposed to some holier-than-thou running propaganda.  Wow, who know I had such vehemence in there.

Anyway today's run, I grabbed the dog (afternoon run) and we headed out.  2.6ish miles.  My goal was under thirty.  I forgot to wear my sports watch with a stopwatch, but it took about 27 minutes.  I didn't look at the second hand.  There was quite a bit of walking today.  I started out really struggling.  About 3/4 mile into I need to blow my nose.  I usually bring a tissue with me.  I tend to be snotty to begin with.  Well, I forgot my tissue and was forced to use my sleeve.  At this point I was glad I wore a T-shirt. I normally run in a wife beater.  I then had a nasty green blob on my sleeve.  I rolled my short sleeves up and kept going.  From that point on I could breath much easier.  It was amazing much that made the run.  Then I turned the corner and was on the last leg, less than a mile to go, I feel like I have a sputum blocking my trachea.  I pull off into a farm.  I look like I'm about to puke because I'm having trouble breath, and what does the dog do?  He LIED down in the grass.  I said wait a minute.  Number one you are suppose to take a shit now, to cover for your mother and two we are exercising not napping!  I literally had to drag him the last 1/4 mile.  I'm sure it is funny to see me pulling a 112lb black great dane/lab mix down the road.

Number one reason for bringing the dog is so people looat the dog instead of me
Number two reason for bringing the dog is so I can breath while he is peeing on tall clumps of grass
and Three so he poops to buy me time to adjust the phlegm in my chest.

He is so fired, then I remember that when we used to run regularly 4ish years ago the longest I would take him was 3 miles and he was 4 years younger than.  From now on he'll just get to go for the short ones until he builds his endurance back up.

Day of rest

I worked last night so today, Friday, was a day off from excercise.  At work last night my job was to sit and watch someone sleep for 9 hours.  All I had to keep me occupied was a textbook.  I woke up early today and went and bought a couple of apple trees and picked up my mom's chickens.  I am chicken sitting while they are on vaca.  Tomorrow I plan to get home from work and sleep then get up and go for a run and then we are going to a beer tasting.  It is like a wine tasting with food pairing and all.  I'm not a big beer fan, but the wife came with me to the wine tasting, so it my turn to return the favor.  Plus I'm looking forward to the food!

A man, a plan, a canal, Panama!

Last night Boo and I want for another car ride, one of his favorite activities.  We planned out and backs that are 1-5 miles in length.  I then came home and found three different training plans for couch to sprint.  I will have to augment them some since they plan for a 14 mile bike when mine will be 18.  The longest one in 22 weeks.  The shortest 11 weeks.  I'm currently 19 weeks out.  So i'll take some from all three and put together that works my my schedule.  Last night I planned the next three weeks.  I will run/bike 5 days and rest two.  I also signed up for two 5k's.  The first one is 9 days away.  So I'm going to focus mainly on running.  I will still bike two days but run three.  After this first 5k, I will probably switch it.  I feel like I need more work on my biking.  Today I biked 4.3ish.  I might have been 4.4.  I went a little longer to avoid a steep hill.  Everywhere around me is hills.  The race is ALL hills for the bike.  It's killing me, Smalls, but it is what I am going to need to do.  So will it be.  Interesting things I saw on the side of the road during my bike: 3 dead animals (1 deer, 1 squirrel, and 1 chipmunk), a can of WD40, and a bow for like a violin or viola (it was really small, I think it was a kids)

I am secretly in love with palindromes and I am apparently full of allusions today.

In the wake of Boston

I have not run since the last time I said that I have run.  I ran today.  I ran in honor of Boston.  It was my little stand against terrorism and my way of honoring those who ran, those who support, those who were injured, those who were killed, and those that threw themselves in to help.  I was watching the news last night with my dad and the newscast was about the bombing and Dad jokingly said "Well, our little tri might be next, maybe we shouldn't do it."   I just looked at him and said, "No, this is all the more reason to do it.  We have to let them know that we will not back down and given in."  His response, "You are one tough little bitch, aren't you."  Damn skippy!

One of my goals for tonight is to create a training schedule from now until the race.  There are plenty of training plans online, so I'm going to meddle a few together and figure out something that will work for me and my work schedule.

So today, Day one all over again.  It is amazing how much your body fights against you when you are trying to do something good for it.  Benny and I headed out and did about 1 mile.  My road is a one way street so it is hard to drive it and get an accurate distance.  We did it in about 14 minutes.  I wanted to go slow as to not kill myself.  Benny was so well behaved even though we had to run on a busy road.  We live in the country so the road is really wide to allow for farm equipment.  We run in the huge shoulder and have no problems. 

I've also decided that I'm going to start running on the road again.  It is tougher on the body, but it starts just at the end of the driveway.  Plus the race is a road race.  I think I need to make it as convenient as possible.  I really want to be successful.  I feel really good right now that I did it.  I didn't just say I was going to do it.

I have also decided that I need to get over myself and be ok with running in the afternoon.  I'm struggling to get up and run.  I don't like people watching/looking at me when I run.  I just need to suck it up.  I also need to remember that today wasn't bad.  TIP OF THE DAY: Run with a cute dog and no one looks at you.  They are looking at the dog.  On the plus side, it wore him out.  He is now laying on the floor instead of up in my face.

Bastard Birds

I have a small bird feeder on the maple treen my front yard.  Last year my big need to be thrown away at the end of the season,so now I have the little.  The big one I would fill once a week or soon big deal.  The little one I cannot keep full.  I keep going out to find it empty and all the seed is on the ground.  All the seeds are getting eaten off the ground, so no sweat off my nose.  I have now seen the culprit.  It is a few big black birds that sit on the side and spill all the seeds.  I may have to get a bigger bird feeders for the black birds.

Today is a fabulous day.  I worked last fight so I only get to. Enjoy two hours of it before I have to get ready and go back.  I got the table and chairs out of the basement, wiped them down and am enjoying the sun, warm air, and freshness.  Today it really feels like spring.  I hung the hummingbird feeders.  I can't wait to plant the window boxes and hanging baskets.

The Art Thing

I'm sorry that it has been a while since I've written.  I'm also sorry that the first thing I've written in a while was a drunken mess.

Most of my friends are significantly older than myself.  One of my friends lives in an old tavern.  When they bought it, it didn't have all the walls let alone electricity and running water.  They have done an amazing job restoring the building.  They do most of the work themselves which is amazing.  They also research/collect things related to George Washington.  They do not believe that Washington would have stayed at their tavern but that he would have visited it for meals.  The building dates back to the mid 1700's.  Well, another friend of ours is a painter.  He painted a copy of Charles Peale's portrait of Washington in Trenton.  Last night was the unveiling of the painting.  They served all of George Washington's favorite foods and fish house punch.  After looking up recipes this morning for the punch I see why I was sleeping on the bathroom floor last night.  It was a fun evening.  I'm really glad that we were invited.

Fish house punch

Friends of ours had an unveiling OG a painting of George Washington tonight and they served sl l his favorite foods.  Figs rum cake and fish house oubch.  Well now I'm sleeping on the floor of the bathroom.

Sew excited!

Yesterday on my snow day.  I got to sew.  I'm a quilter, but with school I have not gotten to sew in months.  I made my parents a quilt for Christmas but never but the binding or finishing edge on it.  Yesterday, I got to work on it.  I went to the rents and worked on it there and had mother daughter time.  It was nice to have just the two of us after the chaos of the weekend.  After the horrible ru on Sunday I told my running partner that she did not have an option.  Today we are going after class.

Snow day

This is what the house looked like when I woke up this morning.  Needless to say, no running today.  I'm packing running clothes for the gym tomorrow.  It is 3/25!  This is not a normal time for snow for us.  We are expecting spring.  Our daffy have started to bloom.

Lion in the bed

Just a quick story before I go for a run.  We have two cats.  Last night as a treat they got to sleep in bed with us.   Emma was between us and I was starting the movie that we were going to watch while falling asleep.  Well the MGM lion roared at the beginning.  Emma jumped out of her skin and ran away.  She did not come back to bed all night.

Family biking

Yesterday with my nieces was wonderful.  We peep jousted and watched Despicable Me.  I had never seen it.  It was cute.  I put the littlest down and then watched Fraggle Rock with the older two and then they went to bed.  I missed the BBQ but it was ok.

Today we went on a family bike ride.  My dad, brother and I left the local park they did 10.5 miles and I did 6.  It was much easier today then it was on Monday.  It wasn't as windy and they bike much closer to my speed.  My wife, mother, and two of the little girls met us at the park.  We played and played on the jungle gym.  It has been quite sometimes since I have been on a slide. 

We got home and dyed Easter eggs.  Dad liked Gladys so she moved to his home.  I think she might get a new name.  I introduced swimoutlet.com to dad.  It could be dangerous.  He signed up to do the bunny run next weekend which is a 5k.  I'm working Friday night, so I think I'm out.  I do want to sign up for some smaller races as part of my training. 

I'm home for a quick nap and a shower then off to the More Guts than Talent talent show.  I will have pictures to share...

Snow on Spring Break

I was going to run today but then it snowed.  That's right it snowed.  I like running in the rain but I have my limits with snow.

On another note, I finished my last paper for sociology.  So now I just have my nursing classes, working PART-TIME and pre-season training.

My brother, his wife, and their three girls are coming into town tonight.  Not cross training, but definitely exhausting.  I'm babysitting tonight while the grown-ups go out and play.  If they get back in time I'm going to swing by my running partners birthday bonfire.  She is now working full time so I might be out a running partner.

I might be a little MIA this weekend.  Family bike ride might still be in order for tomorrow.

Lunch

For lunch I had the rest of the bean mixture, added spinach, craisins, cheese, salad dressing and it was wonderful!

Adventurous Cooker

When I'm cooking for myself and no one else is expected to eat what I make.  I go out there.  This morning was not exception.  This was my Indian Mexican omelet.  I cooked some white beans and an orange pepper that I seasoned with chili powder, cumin, curry, salt and pepper.  I also noticed so turkey in the fridge so I added that.  I removed the bean mixture from the pan and wiped it out.  I didn't want the eggs to have a curry taste.  I then pour in the eggs as they got firmer I added cheddar cheese and the bean mix.  Folded it over and topped it with salsa.  It was yummy!  The sweetness of the beans countered the spices perfectly. 
So on another note.  I take pictures with my ipad.  I then email them to myself, save them to my computer and attach them to the blog.  When I open the emails on my ipad the pictures are facing the correct way.  When I open them on the computer they are upside down.  I have tried taking the pictures upside down, i've tried saving them upside down, but I can't get them to post right side up!  I figured it must be something with yahoo, so this morning I tried emailing them to my gmail account.  It turned it 90 degrees instead of 180.  I'm getting closer.

I'm part vampire

I've decided I must part vampire because of my love/hate relationship with garlic.  I love the taste but it doesn't sit well.  I had wonderful falafel for dinner tonight.  My wife and I went to bed around 6pm because we were both so tired.  I fell asleep during labrynth, a favorite.  Now the garlic is making the old tum-tum upset and I can't sleep!

Bike ride

Mom and I drove the running and biking portion of the race on Monday.  She missed the turn and we just kept going.  I got so dishearten.  I thought there was no way I can do this, bu then she realized that she missed the turn.  I feel better about now.  I'm still feeling overwhelmed.  I just keep telling myself "that why you signed up for an August race.  You have time to get there.  One thing for sure is that it is a really hilly course.

After we drove the course we headed out on our bikes.  I think I went about 4 miles.  I know I sound like a runner not a biker, but it is what it is.  I just half way up the second hill and thought to myself, I have to make it home from here.  I turned around and headed back to the park.  Once I got closer to the finish  it got easier.

Biking fucking sucks!  It is way harder then I remember.  True I haven't been on a bike in oh twenty years. I tried to spit the first time and I really thought it landed on my shoulder because I was afraid to turn my head.  The next two times went fine.  I'm working on getting used to the caged pedals.  I got better at flipping the pedal over so I could get my foot in.  I also used the aero bars three times.  I swerve way more with them.  It was cold and rainy.  I was coasting down the first big hill and the wind was trying really hard to keep me on top of the hill. 

This is my new bike.  From now on I'm going to hold the camera upside and see if that helps.  I did learn how to position it different on the page.  I had a bad night at work on Monday, but when I woke up Tuesday afternoon the sun was out.  It was warm.  I slept for about 5 hours and everything was better. 

Today the plan is that mom is going to come over this morning and we are going to clean the house really well and fix the gutter.  We are then meeting for dinner at like 3:30 which means leaving earlier.  So I hope to get a run in between cleaning and dinner.  I do totally count cleaning as cross training. 

FIELD TRIP!

Yesterday I went on a field trip.  I bought a new to me bike off Craigslist.  I'm so excited.  A nice British couple was selling it.  It had been the wife's bike when she used to tris.  It was built as a tri bike.  It has aero bars and caged pedals, which is great so I can bike in my running shoes.  Gladys is just too tall for me.  I think this bike is a much better fit.  When the sun comes up, I'll take a picture.  I'm still going to do a little work on Gladys and see if my dad want to use her.

That's right, my dad.  He has recently lost over forty pounds and has signed up to do the race as well.  It will be his first tri too.  We won't run together because we'll have different start times, but it will be nice to know he is out there too.  It has really amped up his work outs too.  He told me last night over Corn Beef and Cabbage (capital letters because it is one of my all time favorite meals) that he used to be happy if he walked for 30 minutes on the treadmill but not anymore.  My mom is super cute, she says she is in training for training.  On the weekends she has been walking my dad's runs and biking with him. 

Next weekend my brother and his brood are coming to town, so my dad, brother and I might go for a ride.  Mom and I are going to go for a ride today.

Today is the start of my Spring Break.  I have to work tonight, but it is the only day a work this week.  Today I'm going to couch and read my book for school.  Gang Leader for a Day for sociology class.  I have to write a paper about it by Friday.  So couching, reading and a bike ride is my relaxing day before work.  Benny, the dog, is already fast asleep next to me.  I'll let you know how the ride went later.

Psychology 10what!

I just finished my last paper for psychology!  All I need to do is turn it in and I have officially completed the course!

Too much

This is my last week of having two papers due.  I'm so excited.  I can see light at the end of the tunnel.  Needless to say I can't workout today.  I really need to finish one paper and make a good jump on the second.  I just have to make it to Tuesday morning.

On the flip side, I might be buying a new bike and an indoor trainer.  I will let you know more when I do.

Five miles uphill

I didn't make it to yoga yesterday.  I chose sleep.  I would have only gotten two if I was going to make it to yoga, but today I went for a great five mile walk in the park near my house.  It was power walking and we ran up the hills.  There were quite a few hills.  After being copped up in my seat all morning I just needed to get out and move.  I did do a few cartwheels in the grass.  I'm attaching a picture of myself when I woke up yesterday as proof that I did not need to be in public.  Since I'm sharing bad pictures I also thought I would attach a picture of me in my new swim cap.  It looks nothing like me.  My mother says it looks like Im in an ad for sperm.  Gotta love moms.

Oops neither are facing the right direction.  Oh well.  Anyone know how to fix this?


On our way back to my running partners house we saw a cow giving birth.  We took a picture it is not the best picture but it was still pretty neat.  When we got back to her house she gave my a quick hooping lesson.  She is a hoop dancer and I happen to be in a hula hooping competition in 10 days.  I have a whole lot of practicing to do.  I just can't keep that thing up anymore!  I was awesome when I was six!

Great the only picture up right is the birthing cow.

Extra Shift

When I woke up yesterday morning it was foggy and drizzly.  So I thought I would write a paper for a while and then go for a spin on Gladys.  Well, as the paper writing was happening a friend reminded me that I was going to meet her in the skills lab.  As I was leaving the skills lab I got called into work.  So I ended up not having to time to go for a ride, but it means I will only have to work one day next which is spring break.  I thin k it will be worth it.  I'm currently waiting for HR to open, then I'm going home to sleep.  I want to try and make the noon yoga class at school.  I was going to try and go to Dicks after HR but I just need the sleep.  Sorry this is a lame post but hey I've been up for over 24 hours at this point.  Cut a girl some slack.

Snowmagedon!!!

Snowquester!  Big storm coming this way!  The federal government closed today because of the weather.  Our local schools because of the weather.  Does my college?  Nope.  I still had to take my test on poop disorders.  I think I think my grumpiness of the lack of even a two hour delay carried through to my workout today.  I thought school would be closed and so then the gym would be too. 

I went just like I'm supposed to I wanted to run two miles today.  It wasn't very successful.  I lacked consistency the whole way through.  I walked some, jogged some, ran some, power walked, slow walked....  One mile into it I was having my gas issues again and the gym had very few people in it except for a guy stretching his legs right behind my treadmill.  So I went and had unsuccessful quiet time in the bathroom.  I got back on and did the next mile.  My legs are kinda fried from yesterday.  After my lack of good experience on the dreadmill I hoped on the rower trying to get some arms in and help relieve my legs a little.  Man my ass is swore, yoga terms it would be my seat bones.  After 7 minutes I gave up came home and ate a brownie. 

This month the gym is offering two classes a week.  Tomorrow is barre-fusion.  I signed up.  I'm hoping it is a lot of stretching.  I can use it.  Now that I've figured out how to attach pictures I have a few that I owe you.

This is Gladys, my not so trusted steed.  She and I are going to spend quality time over Spring Break fixing her up a bit.  Sorry she is upside down.  I'm not sure how to fix it.

As promised, here I am in my new bathing suit.  At least I'm right side up.

BRICK

My goal is to workout five days a week.  If I do three I won't be mad at myself.  Yesterday, I was hoping to run but my running partner was sick and the couch was really comfy.  My mom asked if we could go for a walk, she is trying to lose weight,  how could I say no?  The three of us headed out, she, myself, and my dog.  My dog counts as a whole because he weighs over 100lbs.  He is a great Dane lab mix.  We power walked 3 miles.

My goal is to run M,W,F and bike T, H.  Until the water temp warms up and I add swimming.  I do kitchen swim at least twice a week.  I just wonder what the neighbors think!  So, today was suppose to be a bike day, but I really wanted to run.  I got my iPod issues settled so I was able to put an audiobook on it, I was ready to go.   I got to the gym and realized that I didn't bring my ear phones.  :(

I did figure out how to hook up earphones to the dreadmill and bike, but alas no earphones.  I wasn't sure how this work out was going to go.  Since I'm in "pre-season" I'm really flexible with what I do. I try to push my bike workout to be a third longer than running, other than that I roll with it.  I was able to get on the dreadmill in front of the tv on hgtv instead of sports, score, I ran for a mile and then hoped on the bike.  I rode for three miles and then realized that I hadn't been on the bike for 15 minutes.  So I rode until the 15 was up, 3.3miles.  I then got back on the dreadmill!  I ran for a quarter of a mile, walked half and then ran for the last quarter.  I always look forward to the sprint at the end of my run.  When you leave it all on the road.  I jogged until I hit the mile marker so I would know that I would get my mileage, but then I cranked up the machine and just ran.  It was amazing!  My labored breathing became even and my body was like this is what I want to do.  I remembered how much I like running fast.  I ran another quarter.  My next dreadmill run I'm going to remember my headphones, open her up and just see what the old girl can do!

Getting to know me

I'm 32 years old.   I've had several careers.  I worked in professional theater and I taught school.  Now I'm in nursing school.  I get very antsy in jobs, so I'm hoping that nursing provides a diverse enough field that I won't have to go back to school every time I get restless.

I never played sports growing up.  I danced and spent time in the theater.  After college is when I found my athletic side.  I randomly joined a rugby team and LOVED it.  I played for two years until I broke my hand.  During that time I started running on my own to get in shape for the team.   I then become a soccer coach for a few years and would exercise with the girls.

A friend and I started trail running together as a way of having accountability.  We would invite people to join us.  There were about 15 of us in the group.  The group met everyday.  At the end of the run we would decide where we would run the next day and who ever showed up ran.  I only ran M-F.  I was still doing 25-30 miles a week.  We would vary long and short runs.  We would all start at the same time and wait for everyone to get out of the woods when we were done.  Everyone set their own pace and often pair-up ish for the run.  We would usually have 3 to 8 people show up for any given run.  It was a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people.

Well, that is my not so athletic history.  I was diagnosed with Lupus last year, which means I must exercise when I can.  I also need to eat a high protein, high veggie, low carb diet.  This sounds like a perfect recipe for a tri!

Success on the rower!

    I'm taking too many classes this semester due to the fact that my Winter session classes have papers due every week.  The last one is due during spring break.  Once I get through that, life will be easier.  Today I was able to combat the tedium of the gym by bring my research for this weeks paper. It is about the use of alternative medicine for sleep disorders.  As I pedaled awayi wasn't forced to read subtitles on some sporting event I care nothing about, I read.  I started on the standard bike, in kinda the position I would be in on a road bike.  I did this to steady my hands as I was trying to highlight.  The first mile flew by.  After 2 1/4 miles I jumped on the bike that is more like a chair and finished my five miles.  Walking in I wasn't sure if I had four in me, but I had planned to do five.  The reading did the trick.  It was still hard to highlight in the chair like bike, but I had my journals on a clipboard and just braced it on my chest.  I was feeling pretty good after the five, but I didn't really feel like I had worked my abs.  So I hopped on the row machine.  I had tried one once before in a different failed attempt to workout a few years ago.  I got on, could nearly do one pull and gave up.  I was told later that it is adjustable.   Today the rower was set to suitable amount of resistance.  I might google it later to determine just how to adjust it.  I saw where one would adjust it, I just didn't try today.  I did row for ten minutes.  I was glad to get my arms involved.  I tried to use them as mush as possible.  We will see if they are putty tomorrow.

It's official!  I just registered for my first tri!  It is at the end of Aug.  I'm considering now to be my pre-season.  I'm getting in shape for when my serious training starts, but I can't back out now!  I've been running and biking.  I have to admit that I don't have pool access until warm weather, so I stand in the kitchen and practice my strokes standing up when know one is home.

My running date finally happened!  We ran a mile walked a mile.  It felt so good to be out in the sun, in the woods running again.  I get so energized being surrounded by nature.  It felt awesome.  It also felt good to chat and run.  Sometimes I like to run by myself and have in my head time, but other times it's nice to be a little distracted.  Plus it helps me to stretch.  My new running partner is a stretcher.  Stretching is one of my favorite things to do, I don't know why I don't do it more often.  It was always one of my favorite parts of ballet class when I was little.
     I think running trails is physically harder.  It had rained all night so my feet sank in the ground as I was running, there are tree roots, hills and turns.  The treadmill I really have to fight mental stagnation.  I'm running, obsessively watching the counter to hit my distance and trying to distract myself reading the subtitles on what ever sports program is on the tv.
      I got good and bad news from my doctor yesterday.  I was diagnosed with Lupus a year ago, so exercise is really important.  Good news:  the disease is being managed enough that I only have to go every six months.  The bad news:  I've gained 7 pounds since Oct.  that is my biggest weight gain ever.  I called my mom and she laughed at me.  She said misery loves company. And that she was glad she wasn't the only one gaining.  I know she was just teasing, but gotta love moms.  Needless to say this fatty boom-ba-latty is going to get she ass running and biking more.  Come Aug, time for next visit and first triathlon, there will be less of me on the scale.

Is there light at the end of this tunnel?

My running date was canceled, which is a blessing in disguise.  1) it was really cold out, it snowed.  2) I rode the bike at the gym instead and 3) by the time I leave work in the morning I will have been in a hospital 50 out of the past 73 and 8 hours driving to and from those hospitals.

The gym environ is one that I'm still struggling with.  When I exercise it moves my bowels along, which creates gas.  When running outside its no big deal, just let it go.  What do you do in the gym?  You are staying in the same place for a good thirty+ minutes and so are the people next to you!

Day One

My swimsuits came yesterday.  I wore out my four-legged alarm system.  He usually tells me when a squirrel runs across the yard, let alone the mailman.  I'm going to post a picture of myself in my new suit.  I've decided not to post a picture of me in the two piece.  I can sausage my way into it, but it is certainly my goal suit.  I will post a before and after once I reach the after.

Today was my first day exercising.  It has snowed the past two days, so I was forced into the school gym.  I ran on the treadmill.  I only let myself run a mile.  It took me just around 11 minutes.  I didn't want to go farther because I have a running date with a classmate tomorrow.  We are hittin' the trails.  I love running on trails.  I hate the dreadmill.  Today I was forced to run and read subtitles on some car race.  It made the mile seem really long.  I'm going to have to think of something else to do while running/riding inside.

I debated including my numbers in such a public forum, but in the nature of full disclosure, here it goes.  At the beginning of the month I had my insurance wellness check.  When I got on the scale the woman, very loudly claimed, "Wow, I cant believe you weigh that much."  Remind me to play poker with her.  She is supposed to be a medical professional.  I know the way I took it was not what she meant, but none the less.  I am 5'6 and weigh 146lbs.  My waist circumference is 28.5 inches.  My body Mass Index is 23.5 and I am 22.9% body fat.  On the scale provided this is good, but on the verge of fair.  I want to get an excellent.  So a goal is a body fat percentage of 20 or less. 

Off to write a paper for class.  A 32 year old writing papers again.  

Waiting on FedEx

I have decided to compete in my first triathlon.  I haven't started training yet, but I have started reading books about triathlons.  I'm not sure I'm up to the challenge, but this is one more way to hold myself accountable.  At first I wasn't telling anyone that I might be interested because then I could still back out.  I started talking little at work and at school.  (I work full time and go to nursing school full time, which is a blog in itself.)  I made a decision and told my family.  My dad is now thinking about running with me, which is awesome.

I'm not sure when I'm going to win, but I'll make it work.  I'm new to blogging, so we'll see how this goes.  Even if no one reads it, it will be good for me.

Since I've made this big decision, I have been acquiring equipment nesscessary to be successful.  I bought my first road bike ever for $65 on Craigslist.  It is a bit old; I've named her Gladys.  It is a reference to the Flavia De Luce novels.  I'm excited to do some work on her.  I've made it so her saddle (seat) stays on while riding.

I've also bought a new swimsuit from swimoutlet.com.  It is my first serious swimmer suit, instead of my usual frolic in the water suit.  According to the shipping tracking it went out on delivery at 7:05 this morning, but I'm still waiting and it is

killing me.  I bought a grab bag suit, which puts a sense of excitement in the package because I don't know what I'm going to get.  You enter your size and they choose the pattern.  Doing this I was able to get a $40 suit for $17.  I'm not normally a person that spends too much time on money, but I'm trying to do this as in expensively as I can to make sure it sticks before spending a lot of money.