I Need a Vacation!

Tomorrow I am headed to Las Vegas for the SEMA show. Sparkle and I are the only ones going again this year. I suppose it is because we did the best job last year! I think I am just about packed, but what a pain. Packing is the WORST part about going anywhere! We'll be there Monday thru Friday and then we get next weekend to recover and do more laundry.

I rode the indoor trainer again this morning. I got about 45 minutes in before I had to get ready for church. It wasn't the best ride I've ever had, but it did what I needed. Just before I got the trainer, Sparkle had (finally) hung a mirror that we'd had sitting on the floor for (literally) years. Turns out she hung the mirror in the perfect place, without even trying! I can be contantly checking on my form while I ride. And, that is something that I really need a lot of help with...

Because Las Vegas isn't exactly the fitness capital of the world, the goal for this week is to get a workout in tomorrow morning before we head out and then get at least one more "workout" in out in Vegas, be it walking or running or whatever. Then, get another workout in on Friday when I get home. The other goal for next weekend is to finish up my training plan, so I can get to work on Monday! Finally!

Running Scared

This morning's run was one of the scariest runs I've ever been on. I didn't get hit by a car, or see anyone else get hit by a car. Nothing like that at all. My hamstring has still been bothering me off and on, but since I haven't really been doing much running lately, I haven't taken too much notice of it lately. And usually when I start running, it only takes about 3 painful steps before I am able to run with relatively little discomfort. Well, not today!! I ran about 4 blocks (limped really) with my hammy tied in knots. It hurt more today than it has hurt all year. THAT is not what I wanted to experience at this stage in the game. I stopped to stretch and was able to make it through the rest of the run. All in all, I ran about 3.7 miles home from my training session this morning. My heart rate is still out of control, so I decided that today would be a "mental training" day.

I just concentrated on staying relaxed and keeping my stide steady. I ran as slow as I needed to in order to maintain my heart rate under control, and just focused on keeping moving. I put some ice on my hamstring when I got home, I think I'll try to do a little more cycling in the next couple days to work on maitaining some sort of fitness and not bother the injury any more.

Yesterday's workout was about 2.5 miles of running outside followed by 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer. And 10 minutes of stretching.

Tomorrow is another day and hopefully my body will soon start to cooperate!

Then Again... Don't We All?

Here I sit, in front of the computer, happy, in my indoor cycling clothes, still with a little bit of sweat on my forehead from the 30 minute spin I just completed on my new indoor bike trainer. I bought a Kurt Kinetic trainer (thanks for the help Mom/Dad and Curt/Dottie) and it works like a charm. The cats are pretty skeptical (and that's good because kitties and Kinetic trainers do NOT mix), so they just sat back and watched me work. I think I'll really like being able to ride all winter long without ever having to leave the house. I can watch the snow falling outside my door and still be in a tank and shorts. It may get a little crowded in here when Sparkle gets a trainer, too!

Actually, it just felt good to move, becasue I have taken the last 2 days off of working out all together. My voice is still shot and I am still pretty tired, but the workout felt great and I'll probably do something tomorrow morning again as well to ease myself back into the groove of working out.

My sister emailed me today asking if there was some special diet I would be doing during training. A timely question really because I am tempted to blame some of my fatigue and sickness at least partially on diet. For my training diet, my plan is to concentrate on eating more fruits and veggies (which will come as a surprise to anyone who watched me eat my way through childhood and adolescence) and work on eating more whole grains and less refined sugars. But that is only as a general rule... because thankfully, athletes need (at certain times) some sources of quick fuel, i.e. sugar). Basically, I just need to start eating better overall. But then again, don't we all???

Not Again!!

Once again, I have found myself in the unfortunate position of being sick. This time, however, it is not a full-blown, wanna kill yourself, kind of sick. But, my voice is basically shot. Not good for someone who talks and teaches for a living! I am back once again on the OJ diet, drinking that and water as much as I can. This better not be a sign of the year to come, or I am in BIG trouble! Consequently, I have not been working out. I am opting instead to focus on getting well and feeling better.

On Roehr's blog, she's been sharing about how tired she is. I think there is a really nasty rash of that going around to everyone I know, me included. I've been getting pretty decent amounts of sleep, but am just DRAGGING when it is time to get up. I need another vacation. Oh wait! I get one next week!! That's right, 4 nights in Vegas. I will have to work hard at getting to bed at a decent time and still getting a little exercise worked in somewhere along the way. As if walking nearly 30 miles of convention hall isn't enough...

Still no forward progress on the bike trainer. Tomorrow Skunk River is open late and I get done with work around 6, so hopefully I won't have any time to blog tomorrow night because I'll be riding!

Not There Yet

I thought that after an afternoon of holding the couch down and a good night's sleep, I would feel better about facing Monday morning. But, when the alarm went off, I did not have much get-up-and-go. The workout turned out to be okay, but I am already starting to realize how much I hate working out indoors. My next resolution is to start taking my runs back outdoors, even if the weather is less than cooperative. Once the time change takes place, I'll get (for a little while anyways) a little more sunlight earlier in the morning. I also need to get back in the weight room. My schedule has been so crazy lately that I haven't been making time to get that done.

My program research is going well, and I am starting to get a better grasp on exactly what I want to do. As one of the Carmichael Training System coaches told me last weekend, "It takes about 20 minutes to figure out the basic outline of how to set up a program, but hours and hours to actually get everything tied together."

I tried to go buy my new indoor trainer today, but Ronn said that he has another brand coming in on order tomorrow, and I need to try both of them out before I make my decision. That Ronn, he's so smart and always watching out for my best interest. He's been a great resource for me for years. He sold me my Raleigh road bike, which I love!! I think because he got me into a bike that is really perfect for me, I've enjoyed riding 110 times more than I could have with a mediocre bike. Plus, Ronn is very encouraging and we work well together.

I've developed a bit of a cough today, just a tickle in the back of my throat. I've been slamming OJ and water all day because I'm NOT getting sick again. Even though I had a bit of a rough weekend, I think I can pull through before this gets too out of hand.

It's Hell to be OLD!!

This was not what I would call a good training weekend, but it was a good weekend for getting some things out of my system! I was greeted in my classes by a big batch of black balloons and candy. Both classes sang to me and my boss made cupcakes for them as well. Team Satisfied headed out to dinner and drinks at O'Malley's and to G$'s house for a party. Sunshine got called out to work, so she dropped us off at the Whiskey River for some final evening activities. Saturday my parents came to town and we had the traditional Hickory Park BBQ lunch, complete with the singing wait-staff and ice cream sundaes in honor of Dottie's and my birthdays. I did require a brief nap prior to the main event: the 30th birthday party at Curt and Dottie's house.

It was a very festive time with friends from all over coming to help me celebrate. The highlight of the evening was the "Tippy Cup" battle-of-the-sexes that was held in the garage. The men dominated, led by Royce, but I think the women really held their own. Most of the matches were decided by mere seconds. I guess you could call that an athletic event, but not really very cardiovascular in nature...

I did get a couple of gift certificates for Skunk River Cycles, so tomorrow I will be going in to get my bike trainer! Soon, my living room will be "Cycling Central." I also got another training program (Mark Allen), so I will be putting my program together soon!

The End of an Era

Today is my last day as a 20-something. It's been a little easier transition than I thought it would be... I have been working a ton since I got home - and some VERY early hours. I am pretty tempted to sleep in tomorrow and just take it easy, but I'm sure that I won't be able to sleep in. Bummer. My workouts have been a little random lately:

Monday - I ran 4 1/2 miles, but couldn't ever get my heart rate into a manageable range. Consequently, I did the last 2 miles just run-walk. I think I was just really low on gas. My diet kinda sucked on Sunday night and all day Monday.

Tuesday - I got on the elliptical trainer at work, but only lasted 20 minutes before giving up. I still had no go-juice and I wasn't about to push it, so I spent another 20 minutes stretching and called it a day.

Wednesday - I made it 30 low-level minutes on the elliptical trainer without any problem. Stretched for 15 minutes.

Today - I walked for 10 minutes on the treadmill, ran for 10 minutes, walked for 10 more, and ended with 10 good solid (FAST!!) minutes running - then 15 more minutes of stretching.

I am ready to start the next phase of my life as a 30 (GASP!) year old. I am very thankful to have a goal like this to help me cope with the trauma of it all!

Rants from the Road, Part Two

After two amazing days in Estes Park and RMNP, seeing hundreds of elk, a few fox, and one very small (but very frightening) snake, we made our way south to Colorado Springs via Friday-rush-hour traffic. After a VERY quick shower, we headed out to the Outback for dinner (and beers) with my friend, Nick, who lives in CS. The next two days I spent learning all the latest, greatest stuff about endurance training from the best in the business - the guys from Carmichael Training Systems and some other experts in the field. Roehr spent the days hiking and running in Garden of the Gods and met up with a 2-time IM Hawaii finisher to "talk shop."

I was really pretty wiped out after the week, so coming home was actually welcomed. But heading back to work was a bit more of a challenge!

Rants from the Road, Part One

Wow! Just returned from the big trip, and it was great! It was VERY relaxing and much needed. Roehr and I laughed a lot and learned that we are able to travel together well.

We started out on Tuesday (driving a 4-squirrel Hyundai Accent) traveling to Vail in the sleet/snow/rain. We stopped in Minturn to see the "Pope" and his bicycle shop. He spent at least 30-40 minutes discussing the in's and out's of carbon fiber vs. titanium and his thoughts on various bicycle manufacturers. Then we got a little off track talking about his favorite places to eat and drink in various cities across the continental US. You see, the "Pope" weighs in at a mere 300 pounds and yet still claims to ride the bicycles in his shop. He was out of tequila during our visit, so we'll be sure to stop into see him next time either one of us is in the area. Vail was (no surprise) very dead when we headed back to town. It was 4 o'clock and not a soul to be seen. Not even a place to have a beer. So, we did what all red-blooded triathletes on their first day of vacation would do... we went to the C-Store and bought a 6-pack! We enjoyed some cold beverages at Steve and Tina's while we became friends (tough job...) with Cooper! After S&T got home we headed out for a great dinner and then home to crash for the night.

The following day was to be a quick drive to Estes and head out for a hike. We managed to get a little sidetracked, between the outlet malls and the Coors Brewery, we never quite got the hike in. We were greeted the following morning with elk RIGHT outside the condo balcony. It was a taste of the day to come. We did 2 hikes totaling 13 miles, 2500 feet of elevation, and, thanks to our heart rate monitors, about 2700 calories each. We were both pretty sore, but managed to make it out for a big (not low-cal) dinner. Be sure to ask Roehr about the murder she committed that night!

A Blank Slate

Tonight I am faced with a blank slate, a white canvas, if you will. It is that time of year again, a time for introspection, reflection, and the chance to make something out of nothing. No, I'm not speaking of the start of a new decade in one's life (although that day is NOT very far away, I'm scared to say), but that hallowed of all holidays: Halloween. Sparkle picked up a couple pumpkins at the store this afternoon and even did the dirty job of cleaning them out. Now, my job is to carve something out of the orange flesh. What to do? A portrait of my cat (she's the perfect scary Halloween black cat, you know)? Perhaps a birthday cake with 30 candles (now THAT would be a lot of work)? No, I think this year it will have to be the symbol that I'll be thinking about for the next 11 months:



When I'm done I'll try to post a picture of the masterpiece. Anyways, the blank slate of the pumpkin is really a metaphor for my life right now. In less than 2 weeks, I'll be entering a new decade of life. For those of you really good with math, you'll appreciate the fact that although I'll be turning only 30, I'll be entering the 4 decade of my life. On my run with Roehr yesterday, I decided that is another reason why undertaking this adventure in the upcoming year is a good thing. When I was 26, I ran my first 26.2 mile race. I'm funny like that; I like to do challenging things in landmark years. I can only wonder what I'll be doing in the decades that follow!

Head to the Mountains

Just returned from an 8 mile run with Roehr (and part of the running group). We saw lots of people out training today as well. It's kind of funny how once you get into a scene, like running or triathlon, just how many people you meet and are able to build friendships with. We ran part of the run with Dale, a tri club member and IM Canada finisher. He was frank about the challenges of completing an IM, but also provided some encouragement and words of wisdom. We also saw Lara and her husband out running and just exchanged greetings as they flew past us...

It was great to run a distance like that again, but it was lots more fun just being able to run with Roehr. I didn't really expect to go that far, but once we were moving, it just felt too good to stop. I didn't go the full 12 that Roehr was going, however. That would have been a mistake and I'd have probably been too sore tomorrow to want to do anything. Roehr and I didn't do a very good job of HR management. We were too busy gabbing about the IM and our upcoming trip to Colorado (in 3 days). Whenever I get to talking about fun stuff like training and traveling, my pace picks and pretty soon, I am huffing and puffing. But that could have been the fact that I haven't been doing any longer-type training in a few weeks...

I am looking very forward to the trip for a number of reasons. First, I am just needing a break from work for a couple of days. Secondly, I am excited to see my brother and Tina (and their house and dog, Cooper). But, I am enough of a geek that I am really looking forward to going to the NSCA Conference on Endurance Training. It could not have happened at a better time for me. I've got so many questions and will have some of the fore-most experts in the world to ask! Plus, there is the added bonus of the side-trip to the Coors Brewery for a tour one day...

X is for X-Ray

Another busy day... and I am tried. But I got a lot accomplished and I feel pretty good (although I will still probably go to bed around 9:30 tonite...). I did get my first adjustment at the chiropractor today. Good golly, I sounded like I was popping popcorn in my back and neck. The x-rays were pretty amazing. I have a pretty decent side-to-side curvature in my thoracic region and my neck is WAY out of place. All that time I've spend working on posture with the seniors is NOT paying off for me. But there is nothing like an x-ray to show you exactly how screwed up you are!But, there is just something about a good adjustment that makes me feel all good! Now all I have to do is figure out how I'm going to pay for all the wonderful care!

I did run again today, this time 3 miles on the treadmill. I didn't go very fast, but I still got it done and feel okay. And, I did my stretching for 15 minutes when I was done, plus I was trying to sneak some stretching in anywhere else that I could throughout the day.

My meeting last night with the tri club was very helpful. They had some good recommendations on training programs and bike trainers and lots of resources. Just the kinds of things I was looking for... And, as I suspected, the team will be behind me 100% the whole way!

Forward Progress

I finally feel like I am doing something to start this train rolling towards Wisconsin. Last night I ran 3 miles with the group! I didn't feel 100%, but I wasn't a slacker either. It felt so good to be running again! It took me about a mile before I really felt like I was good and warmed-up, then I felt more comfortable about lengthening my stride and going after it a little bit. I was able to finish 3 miles feeling really good! The hammy is a little sore yet today, but all in all, I feel much better having run.

I also went an visited a chiropractor today. We took some x-rays and other tests and I go back tomorrow to see what can be done about my freaky back. He's a Palmer graduate and comes highly recommended from a lot of people, so we'll see how he works out. It's too bad that my Ironman friend/chiro works in Story City, otherwise I'd be there. But this guy I saw today seems pretty cool regardless.

In preparation for the Colorado trip (and with the help of an Amazon gift certificate a friend sent me) I bought a couple of training books online today. Hopefully they aren't full of the same stuff just puked back out in a different form. Roehr and I should have lots to read about on the trip.

Tonight I have a tri club meeting. My goal tonight is to try to start talking to people who may want to train together this winter, figure out what kind of bike trainer I want to get, and get some practical advice on how many tri's I should be thinking about doing next year. One of the great things that I love about my tri club is that it is full of people with all levels of experience. I think there are about 4 people in the club who did IM Wisconsin this year - most of them have done multiple IM's and are a wealth of info.

My training has been a little strange these last few days due to my schedule. Yesterday, I did 15 minutes on the elliptical (as a warm-up) then about 30 minutes of upper body strength work, with 15 minutes of stretching in between. Stretching has to be the new leaf that I turn over this year, even if it is the only thing I change about my training. I hearby vow to do at least 10 minutes of stretching per day from now til September 10, 2006! I ended yesterday with the 3 mile run with the group. Today is a rest day for me. Except for the stretching which I will do as soon as I am done blogging!

Sore Back

I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I did 45 minutes on the elliptical this morning, then some core work for about 15 minutes before my classes. I taught 2 classes (one woman tried to commit suicide in the 8am class - 80+ year old tripped on the carpet and did a total face-plant), then trained 2 clients, then took Sparkle's Core & Strength class. All that by 1pm and I still had to go to work for the rest of the day!

My back was pretty sore after all the core work today - actually I couldn't do all the stuff in the class because it hurt so bad. I have got to get in to see the chiro!

Tomorrow will be another adventure. It's the last night of my running group. I'm gonna run with them if it kills me - which it may, but I'll forge ahead!

Here Today, Gone to Maui

I have found the cure for the common cold!! You'll never believe it, but mahi mahi will do the trick! Friday, I still was struggling pretty bad with the cold, like I was living in a fog. After work, I went to eat with the females of Team Satisfied and G$ and ordered the "Here today, gone to Maui" mahi mahi sandwich at Wallaby's. When I woke up at 5:45am on Saturday, I was cured! I still sound like a crack addict, but all else is well!

I gained a new appreciation for mothers yesterday. I babysat for Payton from 7:30 til 3. I'm not sure how a mother gets anything else accomplished during the day when there is a one year old scooting all over the place, getting into everything. After Payton had his morning nap, I strapped him into the jogging stroller and we went out for about 45 minutes. I even tried running for the first time in 2 weeks. I was less than successful, partly due to my hamstring still not feeling right and partly because I'd been sick for the previous 4 days. So, most of our time was spent walking around Boone, looking at squirrels and enjoying the beautiful fall day. But let me say, I have NO idea how a single mother can survive. I was wiped out by Payton's energy and curiousity.

Last night I went to a good ol' fashioned kegger. It felt just like high school! However, between the cold and the babysitting, I wasn't really in the mood to get all crazy. Good thing... because Sparkle and Sid decided early on that they were gonna tie one on! Sparkle was doing her fair share of smack talkin' about how she is a "Tippy Cup" ringer. We didn't keep an exact total, but I am pretty sure the women beat the men 2 times out of 3. Today was spent catching up on laundry. I never thought that my new schedule of getting up early to work out would have the undesirable side effect of producing lots of extra laundry! I think I got a good workout huffing the dirty and clean clothes up and down the stairs fifty times today.

I also wanted to spend some quality time working on a training plan for next year. Every time I sit down to work on it, so many more questions come up. This week's list:

a. Should I try to schedule the same disciplines each day of the week (at least for the majority of the schedule)?
b. Should one day per week be an off-day or should I try to do something everyday, even if it is just an easy recovery workout?
c. Should I "taper" for any of the other races I'll be doing during the summer or just train through them?

I'm so anal. I'd love to have an order to everything so that I would just automatically know what workouts come on what days, but I know that isn't always feasible. And weather is so unpredictible, I'll need to learn to roll with the punches as they come. The added difficulty that I will face next spring is trying to incorporate my running club workouts with my training schedule.

This week is just going to be another "recovery/rest" type week. I'll lift 3 days and do a good core workout 3 days with at least 30 minutes of cardio each day. Next Tuesday, I go to Colorado with Roehr to see my brother and very pregnant sister-in-law, hike in Estes Park for 2-3 days, then to the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Conference on Endurance Training. It is a double bonus for me: first I get CEU's for my certification AND I get to meet and talk to some of the best trainers in the nation and pick their brains about the best ways to train for the ultimate endurance event! Whenever we get a chance, Roehr and I will be making plans for next year!