It's been a great week of eating, sleeping, stretching, watching movies, eating some more, napping, and squeezing in homework here and there :D
Thanksgiving was spent at my stepdad's house, and we had an awesome smoked turkey. I've always had roasted turkey but who knew smoked would taste so good.
Friday I got in the water for a 30min easy swim, yesterday I walked 30min because I'm super intense haha, and did another 30 of core, push ups, pull ups, and resistance cords (all upper body). Then today my mom and I took my brother to Stone Oak so he could ride for 2hrs and she and I did a 90min walk. I was pretty tired after that, metnally more than anything because walking frustrates me :)
Tomorrow morning I'll fly back to Dallas very early so I can make it to 930am class. I have an exam and a HUGE presentation in the afternoon.
Then another exam Wednesday that I need to get an A in to avoid taking the final, a group project to finish by the end of the week, and a long take home final from a marketing class.
I'm hoping to have it organized by Friday because it's my birthday! 21!!!
In two weeks time I will be free of school!!!! Graduation is Dec. 13, however I'm not attending as I'd rather enjoy dinner with friends/family than sit and participate in a ceremony. Plus my friend Blake gets in from Lubbock that weekend as he's running the White Rock Marathon.
Finally after those packed two weeks I'll be driving home for much needed X-mas Holidays and quality time with my family that I probably won't be seeing again until a summer race (hopfeully Brazil!)
My race schedule is up...it's a toss up between Honu 70.3 and Brazil depending on financial aid, and that choice will determine whether I do Vineman 70.3 or Big Kahuna before my larger than life A race KONA :D
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
IMAZ
I meant to post this yesterday but didn't get around to it. After about 4hrs of sleep Sunday night I was up at 3am waiting for it to be 7 so I could head down and claim my slot. Finally the time rolled around and my mom went with me (my brother was still passed out in bed hehe). I get there and suddenly realize I don't have a form of ID on me- NOOOO! So I called my mom immediately and begged her to drive back to the room for my wallet. Luckily our hotel was only 3 miles away otherwise I would have been mortified. Anyway she made it back quickly and I checked off the most important task of the weekend :)
From there we came to pick up my brother and went to the awards ceremony. I loved the awards as they were outside in perfect sunny weather overlooking Town Lake.
It was amazing to hear all of the fast AG times in the older divisions. Joe Bonness is one amazing dude!!! After that was over we explored Tempe a bit, I packed up my bike that Tarp kindly agreed to drive back to Dallas so I wouldn't have to fly with it, and finished the evening in the hot tub followed by a hip-down ice bath in the hotel pool (the water was that cold and it was awesome!).
The weekend was better than I could have ever asked for. I really enjoyed visiting Arizona, although you really can't play tourist too much amidst all the race stuff. Saturday we went to the 5km run race that my little bro wanted to do and he killed it! I was so proud seeing him fly in at 17:43 getting 2nd overall :)
Then Sunday....
I woke up at the usual 3:30am, having slept soundly for 8hrs :) got my transition bag, checked it a million times, and went down to the race. I wanted to get there as soon as it opened, take care of setting everything up perfect and then just chill. I made the mistake of telling my mom and bro to meet me near special needs bags as I heard someone say that's where the swim start was- yea, but we were getting in near the ramp so I didn't see them before to give them a hug/kiss :(. Well, instead I found a little tree, laid down, feet up on it, and closed my eyes to replay the race a couple of times in my head through various scenarios.
After that it was time to get the wetsuit on and jump in! BRRRR, the water was cold hehe, but expected and it's actually nice temp for a 2.4mile swim. I found Jeanne at the swim start- how cool is that? I mean, one person out of like 2000. So she and I made our way to the front, not like we're 50-1:00 swimmers but it's a good position to draft. Before I knew it- BOOM! All I can say about that mass start is FREAKIN' COOL! The swim went by pretty smooth although I spent more time than I would have liked jumping packs and pulling my own water. The turnaround came quickly and with about 600m to go my left arm/wrsit was numb/not responding haha it was so odd. It must have been the cold. Good thing the ramp came soon after. I got out fast and had my wetsuit stripped.
T1- I sort of took a lunch break in transition haha. Time? 7ish minutes!!! Worth it? Yes because I wasn't cold for 1 second of the bike ride. I stopped to use the port-a-potty and then went into the tent to ut on all my dry clothes. Obviously the sports bra and shorts were hell to put on while damp. Then ankle to knee compression thingies, socks, arm warmers that weren't cooperating, helmet, sunglasses, shoes, and finally outta there!
Bike time :) The bike course was sweet. My plan was to be pretty conservative the first loop and build from there. I always start to feel great after 3hrs so I knew that would be the "high" to start laying it down from. I didn't know in what position I had come out of the water but definitely was not going to falter from my race plan....UNLESS...the runner girl in my AG that I had extensively researched passed me. In that case I would analyze her pace and as my coach said- you never know if they're crazy or super fit. Well she went by at about mile 25 and given that it was her first IM I chose to think she was crazy :)
We had a fairly challenging headwind on the first two loops going out but I loved tucking tight into aero and flying with the tailwind back! I yelled at my mom after the first loop that 2053 was ahead and to keep tabs on her. Lap two- port-apotty break to pee, well at least I was hydrating hehe. I started to find my comfort rythm and then pushed the tempo from there. About 10miles into the third loop I passed the girl back and thought "yes, it's go time, push a little here and gain ground for the run". So I did....after pee stop 3.
Back to T2- pee stop 4....this was good because I was worried Friday when we got here about the incredibly dry conditions. Saturday morning I had woken up light headed because I totally underestimated the amount of water you have to drink in a dessert- go figure!
Alright so this transition was less embarrasing :D And, I remembered to get sunscreen rubbed on me. Time to run!!! No more issues except from within could arise. Time to suffer haha...and suffer I did!
The first two miles came in 15min. A little fast, but I can hold that haha NOT! I actually felt very strong through the first lap. As always my salt tabs were an issue but this tme they didn't fall they just got wet. So eating them was, well, eating them vs swallowing them. eeewwww. Second lap, all was still good I banked on picking it up half way through the second one. But then- OUUUUUCCCHHH!!! Horrible, deathly, excrutiating quad pains. Not now, please not now. Oh, I forgot to mention, by this point I had seen my mom twice at the top of the bridge (about half way into each loop) and her words were "pick it up she's like a minute back!!". So at mile 14 the quads had to deal with it. just 12.2 miles and the would get their relief. I hit them, massaged them, put sponges on them, and they still hurt like hell. So it was time to deal with it on another level: On the last loop I saw my mom and she yells "just push as hard as you possibly can!". Ok, I thought, if I can pick up the pace then my legs are just being wussies. So I went for a burst (not a sprint, but a burst hehe). My body responded well to the change in tempo and the last 10km were a sufferfest of heart over mind and body. I wanted to stop so bad, I waned to jump in that lake and swim away. But, hell no! I had not covered 130 something miles already to be passed by some other girl and loose my trip back to Kona. Nor was I going to let temporary pain deprive me of the most amazing feeling of accomplishment knowing that I was able to suffer like never before.
Jeanne said before the start poitning to her head then her heart "don't let this (head) mess with this (heart)". Priceless.
One thing's for sure, if not for those incredible crowds of people that line practically the entire AZ course, my battle would have been much more hellish. With less than a mile to go I was in absolute euphoria. Taking that left toward the finish I knew it was in the bag and I started to tear up. I was also still kind of scared that my legs would sieze on me but thankfully the finish shute was in sight and I crossed.
My mom and bro were right there, I hugged my mom and said "I won, I did it, I won, I'm going back to Kona!!!" and started to bawl :)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Kona Baby!!!
OOOUUUUUCCCCHHH!!!!! That's all I can say right now haha.
Race report later...
Great day, great weather, amazing spectators/volunteers, awesome course and a PR with Kona 2009 written all over it :D
Race report later...
Great day, great weather, amazing spectators/volunteers, awesome course and a PR with Kona 2009 written all over it :D
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Pre-Race Kona Slot Mindset
Any given Sunday, no matter what...
Don't Quit
by Anonymous
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -
You might succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt -
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.
Don't Quit
by Anonymous
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -
You might succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt -
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The spirit of Ironman
I love Dr. Suess and I thought this an appropriate metaphor to the Ironman community- no matter who you are (amateur, pro, BOP, MOP, FOP), where you come from, what your intentions are on race day (finish, win), we're all there for the same reason- we love this sport. It's a community that I was humbled and delighted to become a part of and hope to never lose perspective of that as I continue my journey in triathlon.
Enjoy the read :)
Bellies With Stars
THE SNEETCHES
by Dr. Suess
Now the Star-bellied Sneetches had bellies with stars.
The Plain-bellied Sneetches had none upon thars.
The stars weren't so big; they were really quite small.
You would think such a thing wouldn't matter at all.
But because they had stars, all the Star-bellied Sneetches
would brag, "We're the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches."
With their snoots in the air, they would sniff and they'd snort, "
We'll have nothing to do with the plain-bellied sort."
And whenever they met some, when they were out walking,
they'd hike right on past them without even talking.
When the Star-bellied children went out to play ball,
could the Plain-bellies join in their game? Not at all!
You could only play ball if your bellies had stars,
and the Plain-bellied children had none upon thars.
When the Star-bellied Sneetches had frankfurter roasts,
or picnics or parties or marshmallow toasts,
they never invited the Plain-bellied Sneetches.
Left them out cold in the dark of the beaches.
Kept them away; never let them come near,
and that's how they treated them year after year.
Then one day, it seems, while the Plain-bellied Sneetches
were moping, just moping alone on the beaches,
sitting there, wishing their bellies had stars,
up zipped a stranger in the strangest of cars.
"My friends, " he announced in a voice clear and keen,
"My name is Sylvester McMonkey McBean.
I've heard of your troubles; I've heard you're unhappy.
But I can fix that; I'm the fix-it-up chappie.
I've come here to help you; I have what you need.
My prices are low, and I work with great speed,
and my work is one hundred per cent guaranteed."
Then quickly, Sylvester McMonkey McBean
put together a very peculiar machine.
Then he said, "You want stars like a Star-bellied Sneetch?
My friends, you can have them . . . . for three dollars each.
Just hand me your money and climb on aboard."
They clambered inside and the big machine roared.
It bonked. It clonked. It jerked. It berked.
It bopped them around, but the thing really worked.
When the Plain-bellied Sneetches popped out, they had stars!
They actually did, they had stars upon thars!
Then they yelled at the ones who had stars from the start,
"We're exactly like you; you can't tell us apart.
We're all just the same now, you snooty old smarties.
Now we can come to your frankfurter parties!"
"Good grief!" groaned the one who had stars from the first.
"We're still the best Sneetches, and they are the worst.
But how in the world will we know," they all frowned,
"if which kind is what or the other way 'round?"
Then up stepped McBean with a very sly wink, and he said,
"Things are not quite as bad as you think.
You don't know who's who, that is perfectly true.
But come with me, friends, do you know what I'll do?
I'll make you again the best Sneetches on beaches,
and all it will cost you is ten dollars eaches.
Belly stars are no longer in style, " said McBean.
"What you need is a trip through my stars-off machine.
This wondrous contraption will take off your stars,
so you won't look like Sneetches who have them on thars."
That handy machine, working very precisely,
removed all the stars from their bellies quite nicely.
Then, with snoots in the air, they paraded about.
They opened their beaks and proceeded to shout,
"We now know who's who, and there isn't a doubt,
the best kind of Sneetches are Sneetches without."
Then, of course those with stars all got frightfully mad.
To be wearing a star now was frightfully bad.
Then, of course old Sylvester McMonkey McBean
invited them into his stars-off machine.
Then, of course from then on, you can probably guess,
things really got into a horrible mess.
All the rest of the day on those wild screaming beaches,
the Fix-it-up-Chappie was fixing up Sneetches.
Off again, on again, in again, out again,
through the machine and back round about again,
still paying money, still running through,
changing their stars every minute or two,
until neither the Plain- nor the Star-bellies knew
whether this one was that one or that one was this one
or which one was what one or what one was who!
Then, when every last cent of their money was spent,
the Fix-It-Up-Chappie packed up and he went.
And he laughed as he drove in his car up the beach,
"They never will learn; no, you can't teach a Sneetch!"
But McBean was quite wrong, I'm quite happy to say,
the Sneetches got quite a bit smarter that day.
That day, they decided that Sneetches are Sneetches,
and no kind of Sneetch is the BEST on the beaches.
That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars,
and whether they had one or not upon thars.
Enjoy the read :)
Bellies With Stars
THE SNEETCHES
by Dr. Suess
Now the Star-bellied Sneetches had bellies with stars.
The Plain-bellied Sneetches had none upon thars.
The stars weren't so big; they were really quite small.
You would think such a thing wouldn't matter at all.
But because they had stars, all the Star-bellied Sneetches
would brag, "We're the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches."
With their snoots in the air, they would sniff and they'd snort, "
We'll have nothing to do with the plain-bellied sort."
And whenever they met some, when they were out walking,
they'd hike right on past them without even talking.
When the Star-bellied children went out to play ball,
could the Plain-bellies join in their game? Not at all!
You could only play ball if your bellies had stars,
and the Plain-bellied children had none upon thars.
When the Star-bellied Sneetches had frankfurter roasts,
or picnics or parties or marshmallow toasts,
they never invited the Plain-bellied Sneetches.
Left them out cold in the dark of the beaches.
Kept them away; never let them come near,
and that's how they treated them year after year.
Then one day, it seems, while the Plain-bellied Sneetches
were moping, just moping alone on the beaches,
sitting there, wishing their bellies had stars,
up zipped a stranger in the strangest of cars.
"My friends, " he announced in a voice clear and keen,
"My name is Sylvester McMonkey McBean.
I've heard of your troubles; I've heard you're unhappy.
But I can fix that; I'm the fix-it-up chappie.
I've come here to help you; I have what you need.
My prices are low, and I work with great speed,
and my work is one hundred per cent guaranteed."
Then quickly, Sylvester McMonkey McBean
put together a very peculiar machine.
Then he said, "You want stars like a Star-bellied Sneetch?
My friends, you can have them . . . . for three dollars each.
Just hand me your money and climb on aboard."
They clambered inside and the big machine roared.
It bonked. It clonked. It jerked. It berked.
It bopped them around, but the thing really worked.
When the Plain-bellied Sneetches popped out, they had stars!
They actually did, they had stars upon thars!
Then they yelled at the ones who had stars from the start,
"We're exactly like you; you can't tell us apart.
We're all just the same now, you snooty old smarties.
Now we can come to your frankfurter parties!"
"Good grief!" groaned the one who had stars from the first.
"We're still the best Sneetches, and they are the worst.
But how in the world will we know," they all frowned,
"if which kind is what or the other way 'round?"
Then up stepped McBean with a very sly wink, and he said,
"Things are not quite as bad as you think.
You don't know who's who, that is perfectly true.
But come with me, friends, do you know what I'll do?
I'll make you again the best Sneetches on beaches,
and all it will cost you is ten dollars eaches.
Belly stars are no longer in style, " said McBean.
"What you need is a trip through my stars-off machine.
This wondrous contraption will take off your stars,
so you won't look like Sneetches who have them on thars."
That handy machine, working very precisely,
removed all the stars from their bellies quite nicely.
Then, with snoots in the air, they paraded about.
They opened their beaks and proceeded to shout,
"We now know who's who, and there isn't a doubt,
the best kind of Sneetches are Sneetches without."
Then, of course those with stars all got frightfully mad.
To be wearing a star now was frightfully bad.
Then, of course old Sylvester McMonkey McBean
invited them into his stars-off machine.
Then, of course from then on, you can probably guess,
things really got into a horrible mess.
All the rest of the day on those wild screaming beaches,
the Fix-it-up-Chappie was fixing up Sneetches.
Off again, on again, in again, out again,
through the machine and back round about again,
still paying money, still running through,
changing their stars every minute or two,
until neither the Plain- nor the Star-bellies knew
whether this one was that one or that one was this one
or which one was what one or what one was who!
Then, when every last cent of their money was spent,
the Fix-It-Up-Chappie packed up and he went.
And he laughed as he drove in his car up the beach,
"They never will learn; no, you can't teach a Sneetch!"
But McBean was quite wrong, I'm quite happy to say,
the Sneetches got quite a bit smarter that day.
That day, they decided that Sneetches are Sneetches,
and no kind of Sneetch is the BEST on the beaches.
That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars,
and whether they had one or not upon thars.
Monday, November 17, 2008
I RAN, I RAN, I RAN!!!! YAY!!!!!!!
Actually, jogged haha....but whatever it didn't hurt. OMG it was like an early x-mas present :)
So I didn't know if my new Saucony's would get here on time and I wanted to break them in at least a little bit before Sunday....so I went to Luke's Locker and asked for Duncan- known for being THE shoe guy. I explained the pain I'd been having and that I hadn't run since last Wednesday. Did he think I needed new Superfeet insoles? He took one look at my shoes and said, "no just take those off and let me show you something". He was able to completely bend the shoe. The outer edge of them were beyond worn out.
So I tried on new ones and lightly bounced around the store. WOW!!!! My feet no longer felt pushed downward on their outer edge...they were back up-center :D
Without second thought, I bought them. Then the dilemma....to run, or not to run? I didn't have anymore pain, but would I just make that tendon mad again and set myself back once more? Well, like a drug addict with fix in hand, I got home and couldn't contain myself. Afterall, I wanted to wear them in just a little, right? :D
So I went out for an ez 20min run. AHHHH!!! I cannot express the joy. I was like a caged animal. I wanted to run for hours. But no, 20min and then icing.
No pain!!! Tomorrow I'll get ART, and then hold off for a 30min run until the evening.
Wed just a 45min swim and Thurs all three- 30min swim, 45min bike, 30min run.
Now is when I can look back and once more confirm that everything happens for a reason. I got extra rest and sparked an enormous fire inside me to RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN!!! And I still don't get to unleash it until Sunday hehehehe (evil laugh)
Well, now I'll be signing off until I arrive in Tempe Friday. There's much packing, school stuff, and errands to tend to in the next three days.
Later~
So I didn't know if my new Saucony's would get here on time and I wanted to break them in at least a little bit before Sunday....so I went to Luke's Locker and asked for Duncan- known for being THE shoe guy. I explained the pain I'd been having and that I hadn't run since last Wednesday. Did he think I needed new Superfeet insoles? He took one look at my shoes and said, "no just take those off and let me show you something". He was able to completely bend the shoe. The outer edge of them were beyond worn out.
So I tried on new ones and lightly bounced around the store. WOW!!!! My feet no longer felt pushed downward on their outer edge...they were back up-center :D
Without second thought, I bought them. Then the dilemma....to run, or not to run? I didn't have anymore pain, but would I just make that tendon mad again and set myself back once more? Well, like a drug addict with fix in hand, I got home and couldn't contain myself. Afterall, I wanted to wear them in just a little, right? :D
So I went out for an ez 20min run. AHHHH!!! I cannot express the joy. I was like a caged animal. I wanted to run for hours. But no, 20min and then icing.
No pain!!! Tomorrow I'll get ART, and then hold off for a 30min run until the evening.
Wed just a 45min swim and Thurs all three- 30min swim, 45min bike, 30min run.
Now is when I can look back and once more confirm that everything happens for a reason. I got extra rest and sparked an enormous fire inside me to RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN!!! And I still don't get to unleash it until Sunday hehehehe (evil laugh)
Well, now I'll be signing off until I arrive in Tempe Friday. There's much packing, school stuff, and errands to tend to in the next three days.
Later~
Race Week
Normally I'd be very anxious and excited to hop on the airplane for the race...but right now I want every second to go by like an hour in hopes that my foot will be 100% on Sunday. Saturday I saw Donald in the morning and got the deepest tissue work ever on the left leg- all along the anterior shin as it appears to be an aggravated peroneal tendon(s) that's giving me problems. I iced religiously that night and woke up feeling a lot better yesterday. At least now I can walk.
In order to be on the safest side, I won't run until the race...haha...wow, we'll see how that goes. I just have to remain positive that by resting it I will run like normal, pain free.
I am however doing little 30min sessions of water running and am really becoming quite the expert at it. Since July I probably will have logged 1/2 of my running time in the water- sweet.
It's possible that this situation can have a beneficial outcome. If I'm able to run pain free on race day, the added rest coupled with the non-impact preservation of form via water running and the absolute fire burning inside me to run HARD(!) will help me finish stronger than if this had not happened....or so I pray ;)
In order to be on the safest side, I won't run until the race...haha...wow, we'll see how that goes. I just have to remain positive that by resting it I will run like normal, pain free.
I am however doing little 30min sessions of water running and am really becoming quite the expert at it. Since July I probably will have logged 1/2 of my running time in the water- sweet.
It's possible that this situation can have a beneficial outcome. If I'm able to run pain free on race day, the added rest coupled with the non-impact preservation of form via water running and the absolute fire burning inside me to run HARD(!) will help me finish stronger than if this had not happened....or so I pray ;)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
I'm Cursed
I do not seek sympathy or self-victimization in this post- it's merely sharing a series of events that lead me to only one conclusion: I'm cursed. Contemplate the following all before key races and perhaps you'll agree:
1) Dec. 2006 training for Hawaii 70.3- fall on the bike while riding on wet roads from rain the day before. we were slowly (like 5mph) turning and my wheel slipped on wet gravel. hurt my shoulder pretty bad. didn't have insurance then and didn't want to hear a doctor tell me I couldn't do certain things for certain amount of time, or that I need surgery, etc. (I don't really trust doctors much). 4 weeks of no swimming.
2) June 2007, actual race week! spent the 4 days prior to the race getting daily massages and going in and out of the hot tub and making regular rounds to the ice machine in the hotel....my low back/glute (which have given me problems since I was 12 from tennis....the side I served on) were ridiculously tight- it went into spasm after getting off the flight. I guess it was not happy sitting for 8ish hours from Dallas to Hawaii. I actually felt no relief until exiting the swim on race day!!
3) Sept. 2007, 3 weeks out from Hawaii Ironman a 10 day case of food poisoning. I went to a very famous Italian restaurant in Dallas with a friend before leaving for a final heavy training week in San Diego and stupidly ordered Sea Bass instead of something simple and safe like pasta w/ oil. Sea Bass was undercooked and it was hell!!!! In the 10 days I dropped to 99lbs and couldn't even run 5min. When I finally spent a whole weekend in bed just eating (literally, no exceptions, I only got up to eat and use the bathroom) my ease back into running was not pretty. By race week my metabolism went nuts and I gained 15lbs.
4) July 2008, before Chicago Olympic and in prep for my big race the Cancun 70.3 a runner cuts the path at White Rock Lake when I yelled on your left and I flew over him and my bike, broke my right collarbone and due to landing on the concrete with my hip/lowback/glute had major major contusion on the left side and lost some sort of muscle there (I think that's what it is) that now just looks like a dent in my back.
5) Last Friday November 2008, I get hit by a car on my bike while on my way home (details in recent post). Nothing major resutled thankfully just a contusion on my hip and sore right arm.
6) Three days ago Nov 2008, 2 weeks before IM AZ, I guess running my 2hrs and then 1hr Wednesday with the imbalance (prior to seeing Ron for chiro work which was Thursday) caused major compensation by my left leg. That, plus running on canted pavement and the occasional twist while in deep grass resulted in ridiculously tight peroneal tendon/outer shin. Since Wednesday after the run (the pain started 40min in, mind you it was an easy steady run, nothing out of the ordinary or stupid) I cannot even walk. Dr. Mulhall saw it yesterday and was perplexed. I've been icing, Kinesio tape, stretching...Ron even did ART on it Thursday too...all to no avail! Today after more intense stretching, arnica gel, ibuprofen, you name it, it's starting to feel a little bit better. I'm really banking on a miracle. At least now I can walk through the super market without limping.
So....paranoia, or a curse?
1) Dec. 2006 training for Hawaii 70.3- fall on the bike while riding on wet roads from rain the day before. we were slowly (like 5mph) turning and my wheel slipped on wet gravel. hurt my shoulder pretty bad. didn't have insurance then and didn't want to hear a doctor tell me I couldn't do certain things for certain amount of time, or that I need surgery, etc. (I don't really trust doctors much). 4 weeks of no swimming.
2) June 2007, actual race week! spent the 4 days prior to the race getting daily massages and going in and out of the hot tub and making regular rounds to the ice machine in the hotel....my low back/glute (which have given me problems since I was 12 from tennis....the side I served on) were ridiculously tight- it went into spasm after getting off the flight. I guess it was not happy sitting for 8ish hours from Dallas to Hawaii. I actually felt no relief until exiting the swim on race day!!
3) Sept. 2007, 3 weeks out from Hawaii Ironman a 10 day case of food poisoning. I went to a very famous Italian restaurant in Dallas with a friend before leaving for a final heavy training week in San Diego and stupidly ordered Sea Bass instead of something simple and safe like pasta w/ oil. Sea Bass was undercooked and it was hell!!!! In the 10 days I dropped to 99lbs and couldn't even run 5min. When I finally spent a whole weekend in bed just eating (literally, no exceptions, I only got up to eat and use the bathroom) my ease back into running was not pretty. By race week my metabolism went nuts and I gained 15lbs.
4) July 2008, before Chicago Olympic and in prep for my big race the Cancun 70.3 a runner cuts the path at White Rock Lake when I yelled on your left and I flew over him and my bike, broke my right collarbone and due to landing on the concrete with my hip/lowback/glute had major major contusion on the left side and lost some sort of muscle there (I think that's what it is) that now just looks like a dent in my back.
5) Last Friday November 2008, I get hit by a car on my bike while on my way home (details in recent post). Nothing major resutled thankfully just a contusion on my hip and sore right arm.
6) Three days ago Nov 2008, 2 weeks before IM AZ, I guess running my 2hrs and then 1hr Wednesday with the imbalance (prior to seeing Ron for chiro work which was Thursday) caused major compensation by my left leg. That, plus running on canted pavement and the occasional twist while in deep grass resulted in ridiculously tight peroneal tendon/outer shin. Since Wednesday after the run (the pain started 40min in, mind you it was an easy steady run, nothing out of the ordinary or stupid) I cannot even walk. Dr. Mulhall saw it yesterday and was perplexed. I've been icing, Kinesio tape, stretching...Ron even did ART on it Thursday too...all to no avail! Today after more intense stretching, arnica gel, ibuprofen, you name it, it's starting to feel a little bit better. I'm really banking on a miracle. At least now I can walk through the super market without limping.
So....paranoia, or a curse?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
12 days left!!
And the countdown has begun :D
4am again, how strange....haha but seriously it will help on race day that this is (as of about a month ago) a totally normal wake up hr for me.
SMU pool opens at 6 (as opposed to 7) on T/TH so i'm off to swim in an hour. After that it's school through the afternoon (which is good as it will be rainy/muggy until then) followed by a 90min turbo workout and a short t-run.
The day will end with an awesome massage by Donald- I don't know what I'm gonna do to replace him when I move to California :( tear.
As an aside, Kinesio tape rocks my world! I don't get it...I've read and read about the reasoining behind it's wonders but it still amazes me.
I definitely plan on having my hip and shoulder taped by Dr. Mulhall Thursday before leaving for AZ so I can race with it on. I really suck at doing it myself especially on my hip because I have to lay down to stretch it and then can't see where to tape. On my shoulder I have no clue what's the proper way and google/youtube aren't much help.
4am again, how strange....haha but seriously it will help on race day that this is (as of about a month ago) a totally normal wake up hr for me.
SMU pool opens at 6 (as opposed to 7) on T/TH so i'm off to swim in an hour. After that it's school through the afternoon (which is good as it will be rainy/muggy until then) followed by a 90min turbo workout and a short t-run.
The day will end with an awesome massage by Donald- I don't know what I'm gonna do to replace him when I move to California :( tear.
As an aside, Kinesio tape rocks my world! I don't get it...I've read and read about the reasoining behind it's wonders but it still amazes me.
I definitely plan on having my hip and shoulder taped by Dr. Mulhall Thursday before leaving for AZ so I can race with it on. I really suck at doing it myself especially on my hip because I have to lay down to stretch it and then can't see where to tape. On my shoulder I have no clue what's the proper way and google/youtube aren't much help.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Food FAST!
Unlike the weekends where I have lots of time to kill between workouts, Mon-Thurs are quite busy with school, errands, and training...especially with the parking problem at SMU where I have to leave my house 30min before class (I live about 2min from school) in order to make it on time. So that leaves me with MINUTES to cook something really good and healthy- sometimes as little as 10min- yup TEN! Watch out Rachael Ray your 30min are part of the dark age ;) Also, I don't have the energy to prepare something dauntingly time consuming.
Anyway I thought I'd share a few of my healthy quick tips on my favorite meals (in no particular order):
1) eggs and brown rice- my comfort food, I usually have a big bowl of brown rice cooked the night before and then scramble some eggs with it
2) playing with ezekiel's sprouted corn tortillas- these rock! I'll take some ground buffalo, grill it and then toss Rao's (the absolutely best marinara sauce out there!) on top and eat it with the tortillas and some diced avocado
3) of course veggies with olive oil I love steamed broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, asparagus, snap peas, you name it. They steam in minutes and tossed with fresh olive oil, salt, and pepper (and sometimes some Bragg's Amino's for a soy sauce kick)
4) smoothies with mango chunks, blueberries, strawberries, peach slices, whey protein, and flax seeds...I use either plain yogurt or Goat's milk
*Goat's milk has become a staple in my diet. I have trouble with regular milk and goat's milk is easily digested by most people who are lactose intolerant. Plus I like the taste better and it's higher in a lot of nutrients than regular milk and never ever treated with hormones, antibiotics, etc.
5) Buffalo burgers with spelt hamburger buns from Rudi's bakery. Just add some lettuce, diced tomato, mustard, avocado, and onion
6) Brown rice tortillas from Food For Life- I make egg tacos, salmon tacos, beef tacos, chicken tacos, you name it!
7) salads! I love raw vegetables and usually make these the night before. Right before I make a dressing of mustard, apple cider vinegar and some olive oil
8) healthy tuna: NO MAYO! I mush a big avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, tomato, and toss with the tuna. Sometimes I'll make a sandwhich with this and ezekiel bread
9) French toast with ezekiel, omega 3 eggs, and sweetened with agave or raw honey
10) hemp milk, gluten/nut free granola, and spelt flakes cereal
11) ezekiel bread with raw almong butter and 100% fruit jelly or agave nectar
12) Amy's lentil soup tossed with diced chicken breast
13) Amy's cheese pizza
14) Sweet Nothings- organic fudge bars sweetened with fruit
There, those are a few, more to come later....and some indulgences listed in there too :)
Anyway I thought I'd share a few of my healthy quick tips on my favorite meals (in no particular order):
1) eggs and brown rice- my comfort food, I usually have a big bowl of brown rice cooked the night before and then scramble some eggs with it
2) playing with ezekiel's sprouted corn tortillas- these rock! I'll take some ground buffalo, grill it and then toss Rao's (the absolutely best marinara sauce out there!) on top and eat it with the tortillas and some diced avocado
3) of course veggies with olive oil I love steamed broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, asparagus, snap peas, you name it. They steam in minutes and tossed with fresh olive oil, salt, and pepper (and sometimes some Bragg's Amino's for a soy sauce kick)
4) smoothies with mango chunks, blueberries, strawberries, peach slices, whey protein, and flax seeds...I use either plain yogurt or Goat's milk
*Goat's milk has become a staple in my diet. I have trouble with regular milk and goat's milk is easily digested by most people who are lactose intolerant. Plus I like the taste better and it's higher in a lot of nutrients than regular milk and never ever treated with hormones, antibiotics, etc.
5) Buffalo burgers with spelt hamburger buns from Rudi's bakery. Just add some lettuce, diced tomato, mustard, avocado, and onion
6) Brown rice tortillas from Food For Life- I make egg tacos, salmon tacos, beef tacos, chicken tacos, you name it!
7) salads! I love raw vegetables and usually make these the night before. Right before I make a dressing of mustard, apple cider vinegar and some olive oil
8) healthy tuna: NO MAYO! I mush a big avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, tomato, and toss with the tuna. Sometimes I'll make a sandwhich with this and ezekiel bread
9) French toast with ezekiel, omega 3 eggs, and sweetened with agave or raw honey
10) hemp milk, gluten/nut free granola, and spelt flakes cereal
11) ezekiel bread with raw almong butter and 100% fruit jelly or agave nectar
12) Amy's lentil soup tossed with diced chicken breast
13) Amy's cheese pizza
14) Sweet Nothings- organic fudge bars sweetened with fruit
There, those are a few, more to come later....and some indulgences listed in there too :)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Success!
I'm soooo glad I went to see Dr. Mulhall today :D After more Kinesio tape and A.R.T on my calves, I had an awesome 2hr run! Almost always I like to get my key workout done first thing in the morning. As the day goes on I get a bit drained of energy especially with my 3:30-4:00am insane wake up hours! Ha.
So after getting home from Ft. Worth I headed out the door to White Rock and back. It took 30min to get rolling but wow, after that, I wanted to keep going forever.
Before seeing Dr. Mulhall I had some time to kill and wanted to make sure I had enough fuel in me for the run so I did a 60min ez spin, had a big breakfast and was set.
After the run I took an hour nap and then went to SMU to swim. My right shoulder/arm is pretty sore but a long warm up got me feeling awesome in the water. Overall it was probably one of my best swims, feeling-wise. Now I'm done with dinner, time for some homework and focus on keeping everything intact the days ahead.
The key thing right now is getting my arm back to its full strength and resting my whole body from the heavy load its undergone the numerous past weeks.
I have a couple of school things I need to take care of before next week, including 2 exams, so the taper comes at a good time ;)
Alright time for neglected homework...
This ended up being a good weekend afterall!
So after getting home from Ft. Worth I headed out the door to White Rock and back. It took 30min to get rolling but wow, after that, I wanted to keep going forever.
Before seeing Dr. Mulhall I had some time to kill and wanted to make sure I had enough fuel in me for the run so I did a 60min ez spin, had a big breakfast and was set.
After the run I took an hour nap and then went to SMU to swim. My right shoulder/arm is pretty sore but a long warm up got me feeling awesome in the water. Overall it was probably one of my best swims, feeling-wise. Now I'm done with dinner, time for some homework and focus on keeping everything intact the days ahead.
The key thing right now is getting my arm back to its full strength and resting my whole body from the heavy load its undergone the numerous past weeks.
I have a couple of school things I need to take care of before next week, including 2 exams, so the taper comes at a good time ;)
Alright time for neglected homework...
This ended up being a good weekend afterall!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Day After
Well, I'm happy to report today went surprisingly good! I was so pumped to be riding that I nailed my sets (intended for the 5hr ride yesterday) in 4hrs on the trainer perfectly. No pain- just felt tight in the psoas/oblique.
After lunch and a nap, I went to WR to run for 30min. It felt a little odd at first, as my gait was altered a little but I got through it without discomfort and after warming up my stride felt pretty normal.
The only bad thing is my right arm which suffered with the collarbone injury was the one I put out to stop my fall yesterday so it's a bit sore, though not bruised.
I was gonna do some resistance cords and core today but SMU gym was closed for the game and it's better to wait until tomorrow to give my arm a bit more rest. Plus I can't do core because that's the one movement that KILLS right now haha.
Tomorrow i'm heading to Ft. Worth in the morning to see Dr. Brian Mulhall for some Kiniseo taping and ART.
After that I'll be doing my last long run and then a swim in the afternoon. I don't know if I can get through 1hr of swimming with the soreness but hope so.
After lunch and a nap, I went to WR to run for 30min. It felt a little odd at first, as my gait was altered a little but I got through it without discomfort and after warming up my stride felt pretty normal.
The only bad thing is my right arm which suffered with the collarbone injury was the one I put out to stop my fall yesterday so it's a bit sore, though not bruised.
I was gonna do some resistance cords and core today but SMU gym was closed for the game and it's better to wait until tomorrow to give my arm a bit more rest. Plus I can't do core because that's the one movement that KILLS right now haha.
Tomorrow i'm heading to Ft. Worth in the morning to see Dr. Brian Mulhall for some Kiniseo taping and ART.
After that I'll be doing my last long run and then a swim in the afternoon. I don't know if I can get through 1hr of swimming with the soreness but hope so.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Dejavu
Warning to all: never go cycling with or near me when I'm a month or less out from a key race- I'm bound to either be hit by you or do you damage.
This morning by 9am I was back in room 3, floor 1, of the Doctor's Hospital next to White Rock Lake- the same bed, tv, sink, desk, and emergency gadgets that surrounded me when I broke my collarbone that unlucky July day were once again my uncomfortable environment.
As planned, I got on my trainer and rode a little over an hour. When I realized the sun had come up I quickly got off and went outside- it was about 6:55. I made it to the lake without traffic as rush hour hadn't begun and did a loop. Barely into the loop, I decided after my 40min IM pace set I'd ride back home and get my a** back on the trainer. Despite toe warmers, socks, jacket, and undershirt, I was frozen. I forgot a key compoenent- GLOVES! That's one lesson learned for AZ that I'll take as a plus for the day. I couldn't even drink because holding the water bottle hurt. Yes, I am a huuuuge wimp for cold weather, way more so than anyone I know.
Ok so, I left the lake and I'm 2 blocks from home, on the stop sign by the Church on Adams Rd. I'm ready to turn right, a car is on my left with no signal seemingly going either straight or left. We see no cars coming, we both proceed to move forward...then he turns right WTF?!?! Before I could realize it, I was hit and fell on my right hip/pelvis on the cement curve. "Sweet, here we go again" I thought. Seriously, I just got through an injury before my much anticipated 70.3 in Cancun, now this before AZ?? Not cool.
So I pick up my bike, tell the guy to go- at this point I know I can at least make it home- much better than last time (my falling skills are improving!); and remember I was cold, so dealing with useless "you hit me, no you turned wrong" issues was not priority- getting warm was!
I slowly pedal home, get inside and evaluate: 1) get on trainer for remaining 3 hours ignoring the pain and potentially doing more damage and adding more bad stress to my body, or 2) stop, get it checked out, move schedule around and race healthy if you still can! So option 2 it was. I drove myself to the ER, checked in and 5 hours later (ugh) after blood is drawn, urine sample, IV, and x-rays, I get the news. I didn't fall from an airplane, why all this testing? Well, they wanted to make sure I hadn't done internal damage- ok whatever, I guess I want to make sure of that too :/
So thankfully everything came back ok. It's just a big contusion on my pelvis and I'll be playing the next few days by feel as far as training goes. I'll be on my TRAINER tomorrow seeing how long I can ride comfortably and trying as much of my last long run Sunday as I can without any discomfort.
Right now I'm waiting for SMU pool to open to swim- I'm sooo hyper from the adrenaline of the incident plus laying down in a hospital bed for 5hrs and the IV :)
Also, I think it will help loosen me up(?).
Some good things to take out of this (my philosophy is that everything happens for a reason and it's soo true that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger): powertap wasn't even reading so my 5hrs data would have been worthless, I am now exponentially more fired up than before about tearing it up in AZ, I'm thankfull for my overall health and tremendous luck- the time in the ER really slaps you into reality when you witness other people's major health problems, or parents crying, etc.
Well, that's it, pool's open so I'm signing off!
train safe :)
This morning by 9am I was back in room 3, floor 1, of the Doctor's Hospital next to White Rock Lake- the same bed, tv, sink, desk, and emergency gadgets that surrounded me when I broke my collarbone that unlucky July day were once again my uncomfortable environment.
As planned, I got on my trainer and rode a little over an hour. When I realized the sun had come up I quickly got off and went outside- it was about 6:55. I made it to the lake without traffic as rush hour hadn't begun and did a loop. Barely into the loop, I decided after my 40min IM pace set I'd ride back home and get my a** back on the trainer. Despite toe warmers, socks, jacket, and undershirt, I was frozen. I forgot a key compoenent- GLOVES! That's one lesson learned for AZ that I'll take as a plus for the day. I couldn't even drink because holding the water bottle hurt. Yes, I am a huuuuge wimp for cold weather, way more so than anyone I know.
Ok so, I left the lake and I'm 2 blocks from home, on the stop sign by the Church on Adams Rd. I'm ready to turn right, a car is on my left with no signal seemingly going either straight or left. We see no cars coming, we both proceed to move forward...then he turns right WTF?!?! Before I could realize it, I was hit and fell on my right hip/pelvis on the cement curve. "Sweet, here we go again" I thought. Seriously, I just got through an injury before my much anticipated 70.3 in Cancun, now this before AZ?? Not cool.
So I pick up my bike, tell the guy to go- at this point I know I can at least make it home- much better than last time (my falling skills are improving!); and remember I was cold, so dealing with useless "you hit me, no you turned wrong" issues was not priority- getting warm was!
I slowly pedal home, get inside and evaluate: 1) get on trainer for remaining 3 hours ignoring the pain and potentially doing more damage and adding more bad stress to my body, or 2) stop, get it checked out, move schedule around and race healthy if you still can! So option 2 it was. I drove myself to the ER, checked in and 5 hours later (ugh) after blood is drawn, urine sample, IV, and x-rays, I get the news. I didn't fall from an airplane, why all this testing? Well, they wanted to make sure I hadn't done internal damage- ok whatever, I guess I want to make sure of that too :/
So thankfully everything came back ok. It's just a big contusion on my pelvis and I'll be playing the next few days by feel as far as training goes. I'll be on my TRAINER tomorrow seeing how long I can ride comfortably and trying as much of my last long run Sunday as I can without any discomfort.
Right now I'm waiting for SMU pool to open to swim- I'm sooo hyper from the adrenaline of the incident plus laying down in a hospital bed for 5hrs and the IV :)
Also, I think it will help loosen me up(?).
Some good things to take out of this (my philosophy is that everything happens for a reason and it's soo true that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger): powertap wasn't even reading so my 5hrs data would have been worthless, I am now exponentially more fired up than before about tearing it up in AZ, I'm thankfull for my overall health and tremendous luck- the time in the ER really slaps you into reality when you witness other people's major health problems, or parents crying, etc.
Well, that's it, pool's open so I'm signing off!
train safe :)
Oh boy
My wake up times are starting to get earlier and earlier. MUST STOP GOING TO BED AT TODDLER HOURS! Today I have a 5hr ride on plan and it looks like it will be done before 11am :) Since the sun doesn't rise until about 7, I'm gonna hop on the trainer at 5:30ish and do my first two hours on there. It works well since starting the second hour I have some specifics that I can control better on the trainer. What might not be so lovely is going out the door into the chilly 50s after being so warm inside. I'll ride over to White Rock just before the morning traffic starts getting bad and will probably end up doing around 6-7 loops of the lake before heaing back home.
I really really wanted to sleep in until about 9 and start around 10 when the temps will be more like 70s. Also I had told my friend Josh that we could start the South Ride loop (takes about 2.5hrs) at 930....I'll have to email him about my crazy schedule change :/
But there's little doubt that I'll experience cold on the AZ bike course so this will help (hopefully hehe).
I really really wanted to sleep in until about 9 and start around 10 when the temps will be more like 70s. Also I had told my friend Josh that we could start the South Ride loop (takes about 2.5hrs) at 930....I'll have to email him about my crazy schedule change :/
But there's little doubt that I'll experience cold on the AZ bike course so this will help (hopefully hehe).
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
My #1 Priority
It's November and in college (more so than in middle/high school due to the dorms) that means sickness EVERYWHERE! The change in weather and the months of close proximity in dormrooms contributes to this manifestation of germs that scares the hell out of me.
I walk into a building and can't escape the sound of a cough or sneeze. I've resorted to sitting either at the far right upper corner of the classroom or the very front edge. The two seats beside me are quickly loaded with backpack and clothes (jacket, sweater, whatever). I've seriously given thought to a face mask nuemours times as crazy as that sounds :/
Last year before Hawaii I fell into the worst illness ever, food poisoning. I'm not about to sacrifice having my best possible race again! Ironically, one of the downsides of reaching peak fitness is the susceptibility to getting sick.
At the airport I plan on being the odd person holding her breath at the sound of a slight cough, and covering my mouth/nose with my shirt :)
I'm feeling great as ever so all I need now is to protect the form I've worked hard to achieve and arrive at the race ready to battle!
I walk into a building and can't escape the sound of a cough or sneeze. I've resorted to sitting either at the far right upper corner of the classroom or the very front edge. The two seats beside me are quickly loaded with backpack and clothes (jacket, sweater, whatever). I've seriously given thought to a face mask nuemours times as crazy as that sounds :/
Last year before Hawaii I fell into the worst illness ever, food poisoning. I'm not about to sacrifice having my best possible race again! Ironically, one of the downsides of reaching peak fitness is the susceptibility to getting sick.
At the airport I plan on being the odd person holding her breath at the sound of a slight cough, and covering my mouth/nose with my shirt :)
I'm feeling great as ever so all I need now is to protect the form I've worked hard to achieve and arrive at the race ready to battle!
Obama!!
Yay, such a great historical day :)
...on a triathlon note- I just got done with the best turbo bike workout followed by a 45min run. There's nothing like running when it feels effortless and fast as if you're being pushed forward.
...on a triathlon note- I just got done with the best turbo bike workout followed by a 45min run. There's nothing like running when it feels effortless and fast as if you're being pushed forward.
Monday, November 3, 2008
What a week :)
The training deposits are in the bank (pretty much the only sort of banking nowadays, hehe), and this week I'll gradually start to taper. The week started out with me feeling kind of a like a train ran over me which I'm attributing to two things: 1) a sudden onset of PMS symptoms in my 20s, and 2) a shock to my body with mon-wed being fairly light days after the big weekend.
By Friday I was back to normal for the rest of the weekend but falling asleep when driving out for a long ride with Tarp in Ft. Worth. Since I decided not to go to San Antonio/Austin as the driving takes a lot out of me, I set up my 5.5 hr ride with Tarp and agreed to meet him at 8am at the Benbrook YMCA. It looked as if the Y had a swim team thing going on that morning so Aaron was kind enough to join me at the nearby 24hr Fitness for my prebike swim. Needless to say I had to be out of my house at just before 5 to make the 1hrish drive to Ft. Worth and had it not been for a Starbucks sent from heaven about halfway there, I likely would have fallen asleep behind the wheel! Not pretty. The coffee worked its magic though and the swim went well. I met Tarp and he had a wheel problem going on and was going to have to go home and get another rear wheel. So David, this guy I had just met, and I rode an hour before Tarp came back with a wheel.
We rode the awesome Weatherford loop and of course I had no idea where on earth I was EVER haha so I just followed Tarp's directions. About 5ish hrs in Tarp had some bonking issues and we were relatively close to the Y so I kept plugging along thinking I could make it back at 5.5 on my own....WRONG :) I did make it back but in 6:03 and after an exciting experience riding on the freeway, having to unclip and walk across the knee-high shrubs that separate the freeway from the axis road (that freeway was about to lead me onto a bridge as the only exit which led to another major freeway that would have taken me to the other end of the world). Back at the car I was feeling really good- the adrenaline from that little mishap sure helped hehe- and had a really good 30min t-run on the trail. Then back at home to eat half a farm for dinner!!
Finally my last adventure was on my long run yesterday. I forgot about the time change so when I woke up at 4am, it was actually 3- crap. So I ate breakfast, chilled for a while and left at 5am real time from my house out to White Rock. About 30min into the runa dog from some random house decides to join me- ugh! At first I was really pissed because he kept running around like crazy and in circles...really why do people with dogs not have them on a leash when they're out and keep them safe in their property at night?!?! 10min after realizing he was not going to part from me, I made the best of it and called it near me and ran with him at a great steady effort. In fact he actually made me feel extra safe as White Rock has definitely had its fair share of assaults/battery at dark hours with female runners :/
At an hour and a half in however, it got thirsty and tired (yes my unforgiving pace and stamina tired the dog haha right!) and I continued home on my own.
Well that's it in my little world for the week. Today is OFF day which I don't particularly enjoy when in the middle of such great training rythm but know I need. Friday I'll head out with Tarp again only for a ride of 5hrs very easy pace and Saturday a short brick s/b/r which I'll do on my own- Baylor masters, South Ride, and run at WR then one last long run and we'll be two weeks from the Tempe-tear-up! :)
By Friday I was back to normal for the rest of the weekend but falling asleep when driving out for a long ride with Tarp in Ft. Worth. Since I decided not to go to San Antonio/Austin as the driving takes a lot out of me, I set up my 5.5 hr ride with Tarp and agreed to meet him at 8am at the Benbrook YMCA. It looked as if the Y had a swim team thing going on that morning so Aaron was kind enough to join me at the nearby 24hr Fitness for my prebike swim. Needless to say I had to be out of my house at just before 5 to make the 1hrish drive to Ft. Worth and had it not been for a Starbucks sent from heaven about halfway there, I likely would have fallen asleep behind the wheel! Not pretty. The coffee worked its magic though and the swim went well. I met Tarp and he had a wheel problem going on and was going to have to go home and get another rear wheel. So David, this guy I had just met, and I rode an hour before Tarp came back with a wheel.
We rode the awesome Weatherford loop and of course I had no idea where on earth I was EVER haha so I just followed Tarp's directions. About 5ish hrs in Tarp had some bonking issues and we were relatively close to the Y so I kept plugging along thinking I could make it back at 5.5 on my own....WRONG :) I did make it back but in 6:03 and after an exciting experience riding on the freeway, having to unclip and walk across the knee-high shrubs that separate the freeway from the axis road (that freeway was about to lead me onto a bridge as the only exit which led to another major freeway that would have taken me to the other end of the world). Back at the car I was feeling really good- the adrenaline from that little mishap sure helped hehe- and had a really good 30min t-run on the trail. Then back at home to eat half a farm for dinner!!
Finally my last adventure was on my long run yesterday. I forgot about the time change so when I woke up at 4am, it was actually 3- crap. So I ate breakfast, chilled for a while and left at 5am real time from my house out to White Rock. About 30min into the runa dog from some random house decides to join me- ugh! At first I was really pissed because he kept running around like crazy and in circles...really why do people with dogs not have them on a leash when they're out and keep them safe in their property at night?!?! 10min after realizing he was not going to part from me, I made the best of it and called it near me and ran with him at a great steady effort. In fact he actually made me feel extra safe as White Rock has definitely had its fair share of assaults/battery at dark hours with female runners :/
At an hour and a half in however, it got thirsty and tired (yes my unforgiving pace and stamina tired the dog haha right!) and I continued home on my own.
Well that's it in my little world for the week. Today is OFF day which I don't particularly enjoy when in the middle of such great training rythm but know I need. Friday I'll head out with Tarp again only for a ride of 5hrs very easy pace and Saturday a short brick s/b/r which I'll do on my own- Baylor masters, South Ride, and run at WR then one last long run and we'll be two weeks from the Tempe-tear-up! :)
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