Kristen - I know what you mean! I don't get the taper crazies every time but the worst was in 2007? 08? when I was training for the Bay Swim. I remember sitting at my desk at work and feeling like I was seconds away from exploding with energy.
Dana, I'm also struggling with the exhaustion as I ramp up my training. I hope that once the hours per week plateau I'll be able to handle it better.
I told my coworker the other day that I was having a come to Jesus with myself about the sacrifices I had to start making. I'm going to set the alarm for 5:30 regardless of whether I actually need to be awake at that time, just so I can train myself to get up then. I think the constantly-changing wake up time makes it harder in the end. I'm also going to ask my boss if I can start work at 9:30 instead of 9:00 so that I have more time in the a.m. to get the workout in and stretch and ice. Friday and Saturday nights out with friends are going to be severely limited at this point - I need the chronological and mental space the night before the big rides to get my ducks in a row.
Once I get through the next two weeks of heavy work travel I think I'll be okay...
@Suzanne - good strategy re: the wake up time... I've tried to do that and failed miserably. I need to stick to it! And I miss you already (per the no fun with friends comment). That said, I'm happy to ride with you on some weekends since I'll be doing long rides myself - our mileage/time goals probably aren't the same, but I suspect we might be able to figure something out... I make an earlier turn back or something...I think I need to stick to flats a bit longer, though - until my hand can grip the bar a bit better (last week showed me I'm definitely not ready for Columbia and I made the right call on scratching).
@Beth - we'll have to come up with a name for our gym!
12 mile run in the books this a.m. - total time: 1:48 (and the ankle was okay...crossing my fingers that it stays that way)
I programmed my Garmin correctly last night but during the run thought, "Wait a sec - it can't be 2 x 10 @ z3, it must be 3 x 10. I did it wrong!" So I did 3 x 10. Now that I'm online I see that, no, I actually WAS in my right mind last night. But hey - I did it! A little extra work can only help me.
I've been marveling at how much easier the biking and running distances are this year compared to last year. I mean, I've heard athletes talk about training being a multi-year endeavor, and I've experienced that to some extent, but this year it's really obvious that my body has a much deeper "well" of endurance. Last year I remember being trashed - TRASHED- after long runs and rides. I'd be a puddle of Suzanne goop on the floor. This year my legs have absorbed the extra distance with ease - I finished today's run pretty strong and was even able to run up the steep rabbit trail at the end that used to reduce me to crawling speed. Neat!
I hope to have your stamina as I enter HIM mode - I will admit that depsite everyone in da hous telling me I'd be fine, I was a bit skeptical I'd be able to pull off the ride last weekend. To go from 90 minutes on the trainer to 56 miles of constant pedaling seemed a bit freaky... and my legs did okay (save some calf tweaks - I'm gonna go shoe shopping ASAP), it was more mentally fatiguing for me bc of all the self doubt, wind, concentration, and, well, hand pain. I did a 20 minute run which felt awful but was faster that I thought possible given my perceived fitness level... Even that night and the next day my legs felt fine (but mentally I was still a soggy mess of goo...but mental toughness will come, too).
I finally had a phone consult with Infinit today. Gonna give it a try. Hopefully I'll get it soon so I can start training with it, and, if all goes well, use it at EM... if not, I'll certainly have lots of time to get it figured out by my next A race and IMFL... I got 2 mixes of about 230 cal each (lemon lime for bike and orange on the run). No caffeine in either. And no protein in the run mix... not sure what other tweaks Lori made (didn't check the dials bc I wouldn't really know what was good for me anyway). We'll see...
Hugs all around... it's been a crazy work day for me... chasing my tail all morning (on a total firedrill/crazy project), then PT (which always hurts)... and I get home to find out I can stop chasing my tail but my mojo is lacking to start my next task... so I'm checking the forums... I guess I should get back to it.
Suzanne, I noticed the same thing, too! I switched my long ride/run this week due to a race this weekend and couldn't believe how great I felt after the long ride! (ok, being out in the sunshine helped, too!) And like you, Suzanne, I'm also hoping that the fatigue will at least "settle in" a little better as the hours plateau. This week is spring break for us up here in the north, so I have some extra time to do some extra cleaning, shopping, etc. AND NAPPING! And I always remember what Kris would say: hire some help with the cleaning! Looking into hiring someone to help with the house.
Keep workin' it, ladies! Trying a new crockpot recipe tonight- Kraut and Sausage- will let you know how it goes. (turkey sausage!)
PS...thanks for the words of encouragement...this is what I love about this haus...even being gone for a few weeks, the mojo slides and you are all still here to help a chicka out. You guys rock! I'm so lucky!
I know many in Da Haus use Infinit but I use Carbo pro, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" so found this: www.powertri.com, free shipping over $46, based out of UT and Carbo is $cheaper than Sports Quest. anyways, they got bunches of stuff on website, I had to call to figure out free shipping option, but got it done. bought 2 of them so should be good to go for long rides! Next up, is figure out this Garmin 310Xt. I am getting geared up to train! but now I note that many of my summer dry fit stuff needs replacing.. hmm so I am "saving" my EN kit so it doesn't wear out! wearing a Hammer pink sports bra now and it seems to be rubbing me.. and oh by the way I still like the Hammer nutrition website cuz their Voler tri clothing is still a good price. nope I don't use Hammer but have it written all over my backside or front side. anyways, checking outta here .. shout out to y'all. m
@ Dana- one thing no one has mentioned- perhaps you need a rest day. If you follow the plan to the letter and do not make allowances for the fact that you are full time mom with an outside the home job, you will run into the proverbial brick wall and it will not be a fun experience. I know from whence I speak, and Linda Patch can write a dissertation on the stuff. Give yourself permission to take a day off. I am only suffering from a head cold, but yesterday's run- even cut short- did me in. I had to nap after work and skip the biking today.
@Gina- So sorry about the crash. Hope the calf is getting better.
@Suzanne- I changed my work to start at 8:30 (from 8:00) and that 30 minutes really helps.
Happy to report that all systems are go! I went for a short run yesterday, and other than the bruises still being sore, my calf seems fine. It still is sore if I really stretch it out, but running does not bother it one iota . (Thnak you Leigh)
Kristen- ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE??!!!
LPatch- How is the finger this morning??? I know how that hurts! Remember I smashed mine in the car door the day after my Dad died? Took me 6 months to loose 2 fingernails. Ick.
Thanks, Michele. Another good piece of advice. I'm such a type A personality it's hard not to do that. ;0)! I have been taking one day off a week...in fact, completely! We usually make it a "dinner out" night! (Wish I could just take one day off a week from work!)
I went to the chiro yesterday and had a good discussion about goog tri-bike posture. I hadn't thought about how the neck bend in aero presses against one's cerebellum. Good incentive to keep head down and chin tucked!
In non-tri life, I've started thinking about what I want to do next, career-wise. The most attractive jobs of the week? Something in the strategic design planning web. Because I think about how people work in systems and with things all the time. Maybe someone might pay me dollars to do that. And, I have two quilts on the drafting board. Two! I kinda want to lock myself away and just work on them until they are done.
I also saw an incredible play last night on the light and fuzzy subject of internet sexual predators. Ah, what David Schwimmer is doing after Friends. I stayed for a panel discussion after the show with lots of smart people who discussed victims' rights. The audience had lots of teenagers, so the discussion was particularly valuable -- how do young people (or just people) keep themselves safe? And, what do we do when people we can usually trust do something that breaks that trust?
Checking in quick... @Dana- you got it Sista!! It's quite ok to take those short cuts any time you need and the crockpot is marvelous!!
@Gina, Linda & M- yah on the running coming back!!
@Beth- Never too early to talk about food!! And must confess, am also a Trader Joe's neophyte.... none here!
Running a half mary tomorrow. Had planned on selling my bib again this year since century ride is following week but they decided 2 wks ago not to allow this year so me and 14,999 of my closest friends will hit the road for the Derby mini and full marathon. Of course, stormy weather in the forecast and I WILL ditch the run if thunder/lightening show up! Tough call though as you park at the end and they bus you to the start. Once you hit the bus, no turning back!!
Starting to get very psyched about century next weekend and meeting Gina & Su! I bought a rain jacket so that should assure me that things will be bone dry :-) 6 weeks till Kansas (oh gosh,, did I say that????) so right back in the saddle after 3 states.
@Gina - yay!!! glad to hear you're on the mend, that's great news.
@Beth, I've been thinking about my next career pretty much since year 2 or 3 of this career (and I'm now 11 years post J.D.). I got the book what color is your parachute about a year ago but haven't dusted it off yet... perhaps I should.
I know being a desk jockey is not for me. I think I could have been an amazing litigator but so much time is spent researching/writing/kissing partner's asses... I'm not interested in the initiation for the sake of initiation, I guess I figured my merits/skills would have got me where I wanted to be, sadly that's not how life is in the big law firm/good ole boy network. Besides I am an extrovert, I need interaction. I am also a problem solver who likes to think outside the box (also not smiled upon in the stuffy law firm)... I want to work for people who inspire me and push me to be my best...and who, in turn, I can inspire and push. I hold most people to a very high standard but myself to an even higher one... perhaps that's why I want to be a trainer - so I can help people change their lives/save their lives (like I did)...
so the infinit has shipped... should have it by the RR next weekend (I hope)... fingers crossed. Monday is my first day of HIM... I'm scared to leave the OS nest!
G--GREAT news on the calf. I am SO happy to hear that. Now you can soon try the 5'/30" and report back.
Kris and Kristin--have fun ladies, and rip them all a new one!
Suzanne--I bow too. Wonderful running!
Smashed finger report (smooshed it in the car door yesterday). It's very difficult to go through life without using your index finger. It's the size of a hot dog, and blue from the top to the joint at the palm. I can't bend it much, and it just does not want to do things like peel oranges,etc. I thought it might keep me off the bike, but I think I can finagle.
Re careers...I am not kidding, we women here with overlapping, complimentary talents, think about what we could do together in 2-3 years--ala RnP model. I am SO ready to do something new, or the same work which I'm good at for a completely different set of clients. Part of me wants to go the dog walker route (I don't literally want to be a dog walker), but something with a decent wage, cash money, name your hours, and very little pressure. Whatever comes next has to be very meaningful so that it just fills me up and doesn't feel like a job, or it has to be a "dog walking" equivalent. I've had the previous years ago, and it's a wonderful place to be.
Nice 45' run today with 1x mile; 2x .5, and a big stinkin' hill. I am going outside on the bike come hell or high water tomorrow, that much I know!
OUCH Linda! You poor thing. I'm a big fan of ice buckets for injured extremities! I'm sure the medical experts will chime in, but be sure to start some heat therapy on that sucker in a few days to get rid of the extra swelling.
@Linda... yikes, still that swollen - are you sure it's not broken? I definitely know how hard life can be without a finger (good thing mine wasn't the index, but the first few weeks I was in a brace that had my whole hand immobilized). Please be careful if you're going to ride. glad to hear you could run without a problem, took me a few weeks to be able to bc it would throb! Be careful, good luck!
Some days I think being an actual dog walker would be okay. If only it would pay my school loans and mortgage.
Kris you are amazing! The number of events that you churn out and perform well in is an inspiration! I'm going to hope that your rain jacket purchase takes care of the rain for your...after last year you deserve a bit of dry racing!
KO you're going to kick butt tomorrow! I can't wait to hear about the day. I hadn't realized that WTC renamed that race. What a bummer. The homogenization and brand dominance kind of starts to sicken me a little. (Reminds me of a Seinfeld quote...from George Costanza "you're killing independent George!")
Linda I'm sorry about your finger. That has to SUCK! Ice for sure and let's keep hoping it isn't broken.
Dana the day off concept is beautiful!
Seems like I've always been dreaming about other job options...Having just moved to a new internal role I'm going to focus on trying to get this one right...once I figure out what it actually is, that is. I'm good with my work if it's challenges, stretches, and scares me a bit (or a lot sometimes)....kind of like IM. Maybe by the time I get it right we will have all cooked up our "ChicaSpin Consulting" company and turned it into something that we can do with just the right amount of time spent working to allow for training and recovery. I really do agree with Linda that with our collective talent and drive we could kick a lot of booty in a business. And how cool would it be to work with this crew of remarkable women!
It's 39 degrees and wet out....guess I'll ride indoors for my final Saturday pre-IMSG ride... although DH thinks I should "practice" in these conditions in case the St. George race day forecast goes even further down hill. I told him to pi$$ off!
Chicas Rule, Inc. or ChicaSpin. Brand consulting/strategic planning/pr for all of those athletic companies that want to sell stuff to us -- and all the other women.
And, we should write a book about Ironman Wisconsin this year. Because I would love to read a book about over a dozen women from all over the country doing a serious race. And maybe Oprah would, too.
and hey, why limit the book to just WI (sniffle)... we can have chapters or parts for various IMs...and the EN Chica experience... there will be several chicas representing at IMFL, after all...
and, you know, to be honest, I'm just not that keen on all the rich and famous, ie, J-Lo and Terri Hatcher, deciding this is the next cool thing and everyone gawking over how great it is that they're athletic/finished a sprint or a marathon or whatever...first of all, it's pretty much their job to be thin and in shape (so they look pretty)... not to mention how hard could it really be for them? seriously, if I had a zillion dollars for all the best equipment and a few personal trainers and coaches and dieticians/chefs - oh, and no "real" job so I had all the time in the world to train not to mention "people" to cook and clean and shop (and raise kids) for me... I'd be pissed if I didn't qualify for Kona and they're all like whoop-de-doo how awesome am I that I did a sprint... whatever... I'm not so impressed (if they did an IM, maybe I'd be impressed).. It just takes the reality and the struggle out of it. the true heroes are the mere mortals (us) who get out there and try to balance it all (life, work, training) and get it done... Maybe I'm too cynical. Well, that and I'm pissed Sarah Palin has a better marathon PR than me.
Gina, great news about the running! Linda, so sorry to hear about the finger! Ouch!! Hope it's feeling better! I didn't take notes, so I don't know who else is recovering, but good vibes sent out to all of you! I'm still dealing with an unhappy hammie, but it hasn't stopped me! Marianne, hope all is well with you too honey! Love the Chica company thing. I agree with Becky, that you should include chapters about other Chicas in other IM's... Book could be titled "Chicas in the Haus" or Chicas of the Haus". I hope everyone had a great day today! I got in a run and a bike, despite the overcast, rainy looking weather! Hope to bike again tomorrow, but it is supposed to rain, so it may happen in my garage! Becky, I hear you about the celebrities getting huge kuddos for doing a sprint tri! I have to say though, that Oprah was my inspiration to try running a marathon. So, all of my endurance craziness is her fault!! LOL! It's your fault Oprah!
@Barbara - lol... I give huge, huge props to the former "biggest losers" who are now trying tris (one did Kona last year in 17:17 or something like that) now those are people I can get behind and think are real difference makers and role models!
when I beat sarah palin's marathon time, maybe I'll revisit my bad attitude! :-)
Hi all! I write to share my shame: Yesterday's brick workout was awesome except...about 45 minutes in I dropped my chain on a hill, couldn't unclip fast enough, and went over. Not a bad crash, since I wasn't really moving at any speed - it was more of a tip-over than a crash. Anyway, I immediately look around to confirm that no one was around to see this - drat! Two very nice women immediately appeared and made sure I was okay. Sigh.
So the assessment after the crash - ahem, tip-over - was a very mild scrape of the elbow. No biggie. And there appeared to be a bruise on my left knee that didn't hurt a bit. So fast forward about 2.5 hours - I'm zippin' along, feelin' great, and the tip-over is long forgotten - and I stop at a long red light and put my left leg down. When I started riding again, my left knee was suddenly really, really painful - WTF! It's the bruise! After five minutes the pain subsided - I like to imagine the circular motion of my knee acting as a centrifuge, spinning all the swelling out - and I was able to run after the ride no problem.
But later that day? And today? Ouch! The damn bruise could not be located in a more perfect (read: maximum potential to cause pain on movement) spot - right there on the edge of the patella. And it's the size of a penny. Seriously? So now it's Sunday morning, raining outside, and I'm staring at a 3 hour ABP ride, wondering if I should even bother. Maybe a ride would help? How hard is it raining, anyway? What's the pool schedule for today? Sigh. (And before anyone chimes in, I'm 100% certain this is not a broken anything - there wasn't any pain immediately after cra-, er, tipping and I have full range of motion, etc.)
In other news, I got the Cobb V Flow Max. (Sorry Beth, I decided to admit defeat to your GPV.) I like the Cobb so far (60 miles in). We'll see!
Suzanne- I hope that bruise heals quickly! If you need a day off, don't sweat it! Oh- and are using the Cobb V Flow Max on your road bike or tri bike? I need a new saddle for my road bike (really, honestly need here- the old one is torn apart on both sides) and while the Terry Butterfly has served me well, I've been thinking about switching to either Cobb or an Adamo. Oh- and I have the box of Chica saddles that Beth sent me- none of those work for me unfortunately).
ChicaSpin and a book titled Chica's in the haus- simply brilliant! I'm all in! Actually, when Joe and I moved down here the original plan was that he would work as a Surveyor and eventually I'd quit my job and scale back to find some part-time work that would let me volunteer and do something that felt more meaningful. Unfortunately the economy hasn't exactly cooperated with that plan, but I still dream about it. One day!
OK- if your in the Jan OS you'll have already read this next update about my century ride, so you can skip ahead to the next post!
I went off the training plan this weekend and hit up a century ride on Saturday with the local roadies. You had options of 30, 60, or 100 mile distances. We all started together and folks took the turn-off's when they hit their preferred distance. That left me alone with hubby/wife kick ass strong rider combo of Val & Robert for the last 70 miles of the 100! Crap! I was pretty scared because these two can really drill it, but they knew I was a weaker rider and they were awesome! The deal was that I would "sit in" for the ride and let them do all the pulling. That let me ride at a comfy .75 IF for the ride while they could push themselves a bit harder (especially when we faced the high winds- which we did for most of the final 50- ugh). The last 20 miles for me was a real struggle, even at .7IF. My back and neck were just tooooo tired & achy from being in the drops all that way (trying to stay out of the wind). I was very happy to get off the bike, and in awe of Robert & Val who seemed to have taken a picnic ride! Meanwhile Robert & Val (who haven't done a Tri over an Oly distance) just kept saying "OK- and THEN you run a marathon???" as if I was some kinda super person. I guess it's all in your perspective.
PS- the food at the aid stations on this Century was by far the best EVER!!! Fresh made smoothies, cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, pulled pork sandwiches, home baked goods of every kind, and tons of fresh fruit. I think you could easily eat more calories than you burn on this one!
Suzanne let your body work out whatever protest its makinig about the tip over. It's annoying, but it IS. If you have to stand down today and ice please do. It sounds like it's kind of miserable out anyway.
Nemo, your century experience sounds like tons of fun! What great friends you've got! Someday you'll be able to return the favor to them. And you call those aid stations? Holy cow! Sounds like a progressive gourmet lunch!
OK...time to focus and finish my race plan so I can get going with the packing!
Nemo, congrats on the century! That food sounds soooooo yummy.
I put on my big girls pants and got out on the bike this morning. Luckily the rain stopped! The knee was fine, happily. So, walking up and down a flight of stairs = BAD but riding almost 3 hours = OK. Funny how that works. I've cleaned off the bike finally and now it's time to clean of myself - ugh, covered in dirt!
Comments
Dana, I'm also struggling with the exhaustion as I ramp up my training. I hope that once the hours per week plateau I'll be able to handle it better.
I told my coworker the other day that I was having a come to Jesus with myself about the sacrifices I had to start making. I'm going to set the alarm for 5:30 regardless of whether I actually need to be awake at that time, just so I can train myself to get up then. I think the constantly-changing wake up time makes it harder in the end. I'm also going to ask my boss if I can start work at 9:30 instead of 9:00 so that I have more time in the a.m. to get the workout in and stretch and ice. Friday and Saturday nights out with friends are going to be severely limited at this point - I need the chronological and mental space the night before the big rides to get my ducks in a row.
Once I get through the next two weeks of heavy work travel I think I'll be okay...
@Suzanne - good strategy re: the wake up time... I've tried to do that and failed miserably. I need to stick to it! And I miss you already (per the no fun with friends comment).
That said, I'm happy to ride with you on some weekends since I'll be doing long rides myself - our mileage/time goals probably aren't the same, but I suspect we might be able to figure something out... I make an earlier turn back or something...I think I need to stick to flats a bit longer, though - until my hand can grip the bar a bit better (last week showed me I'm definitely not ready for Columbia and I made the right call on scratching).
@Beth - we'll have to come up with a name for our gym!
@LP- kickass about the run! love it and your new game plan. will be fun to follow.
@Gina- hope the calf keeps getting better every day.
@all- You are all some very busy women! I like to think I'm a multi-tasker but I've got nothing on any of you.
12 mile run in the books this a.m. - total time: 1:48 (and the ankle was okay...crossing my fingers that it stays that way)
I programmed my Garmin correctly last night but during the run thought, "Wait a sec - it can't be 2 x 10 @ z3, it must be 3 x 10. I did it wrong!" So I did 3 x 10. Now that I'm online I see that, no, I actually WAS in my right mind last night. But hey - I did it! A little extra work can only help me.
I've been marveling at how much easier the biking and running distances are this year compared to last year. I mean, I've heard athletes talk about training being a multi-year endeavor, and I've experienced that to some extent, but this year it's really obvious that my body has a much deeper "well" of endurance. Last year I remember being trashed - TRASHED- after long runs and rides. I'd be a puddle of Suzanne goop on the floor. This year my legs have absorbed the extra distance with ease - I finished today's run pretty strong and was even able to run up the steep rabbit trail at the end that used to reduce me to crawling speed. Neat!
@Suzanne - way to rock it, chica!
I hope to have your stamina as I enter HIM mode - I will admit that depsite everyone in da hous telling me I'd be fine, I was a bit skeptical I'd be able to pull off the ride last weekend. To go from 90 minutes on the trainer to 56 miles of constant pedaling seemed a bit freaky... and my legs did okay (save some calf tweaks - I'm gonna go shoe shopping ASAP), it was more mentally fatiguing for me bc of all the self doubt, wind, concentration, and, well, hand pain. I did a 20 minute run which felt awful but was faster that I thought possible given my perceived fitness level... Even that night and the next day my legs felt fine (but mentally I was still a soggy mess of goo...but mental toughness will come, too).
I finally had a phone consult with Infinit today. Gonna give it a try. Hopefully I'll get it soon so I can start training with it, and, if all goes well, use it at EM... if not, I'll certainly have lots of time to get it figured out by my next A race and IMFL... I got 2 mixes of about 230 cal each (lemon lime for bike and orange on the run). No caffeine in either. And no protein in the run mix... not sure what other tweaks Lori made (didn't check the dials bc I wouldn't really know what was good for me anyway). We'll see...
Hugs all around... it's been a crazy work day for me... chasing my tail all morning (on a total firedrill/crazy project), then PT (which always hurts)... and I get home to find out I can stop chasing my tail but my mojo is lacking to start my next task... so I'm checking the forums... I guess I should get back to it.
Keep workin' it, ladies! Trying a new crockpot recipe tonight- Kraut and Sausage- will let you know how it goes. (turkey sausage!)
@Gina- So sorry about the crash. Hope the calf is getting better.
@Suzanne- I changed my work to start at 8:30 (from 8:00) and that 30 minutes really helps.
back to work!
Morning everyone-
Happy to report that all systems are go! I went for a short run yesterday, and other than the bruises still being sore, my calf seems fine. It still is sore if I really stretch it out, but running does not bother it one iota
. (Thnak you Leigh)
Kristen- ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE??!!!
LPatch- How is the finger this morning??? I know how that hurts! Remember I smashed mine in the car door the day after my Dad died? Took me 6 months to loose 2 fingernails. Ick.
Suzanne- That is a stellar run. I bow to you.
Michele- Hope the head cold is improving
Dana- Good to see you back in here
Becky- It took me several tweaks with the Infinit
Surgeon here. Gotta scoot.
Take care of your parts and your hearts. Hugs!
Gina
Gina, YAY for a healing calf and feeling good! You must be relieved.
And, yes, I am more than ready to rumble. Let me at it!
Hooray, Gina!
I went to the chiro yesterday and had a good discussion about goog tri-bike posture. I hadn't thought about how the neck bend in aero presses against one's cerebellum. Good incentive to keep head down and chin tucked!
In non-tri life, I've started thinking about what I want to do next, career-wise. The most attractive jobs of the week? Something in the strategic design planning web. Because I think about how people work in systems and with things all the time. Maybe someone might pay me dollars to do that.
And, I have two quilts on the drafting board. Two! I kinda want to lock myself away and just work on them until they are done.
I also saw an incredible play last night on the light and fuzzy subject of internet sexual predators. Ah, what David Schwimmer is doing after Friends. I stayed for a panel discussion after the show with lots of smart people who discussed victims' rights. The audience had lots of teenagers, so the discussion was particularly valuable -- how do young people (or just people) keep themselves safe? And, what do we do when people we can usually trust do something that breaks that trust?
@Dana- you got it Sista!! It's quite ok to take those short cuts any time you need and the crockpot is marvelous!!
@Gina, Linda & M- yah on the running coming back!!
@Beth- Never too early to talk about food!! And must confess, am also a Trader Joe's neophyte.... none here!
Running a half mary tomorrow. Had planned on selling my bib again this year since century ride is following week but they decided 2 wks ago not to allow this year so me and 14,999 of my closest friends will hit the road for the Derby mini and full marathon. Of course, stormy weather in the forecast and I WILL ditch the run if thunder/lightening show up! Tough call though as you park at the end and they bus you to the start. Once you hit the bus, no turning back!!
Starting to get very psyched about century next weekend and meeting Gina & Su! I bought a rain jacket so that should assure me that things will be bone dry :-) 6 weeks till Kansas (oh gosh,, did I say that????) so right back in the saddle after 3 states.
Have a great weekend chickas!
@Gina - yay!!! glad to hear you're on the mend, that's great news.
@Beth, I've been thinking about my next career pretty much since year 2 or 3 of this career (and I'm now 11 years post J.D.). I got the book what color is your parachute about a year ago but haven't dusted it off yet... perhaps I should.
I know being a desk jockey is not for me. I think I could have been an amazing litigator but so much time is spent researching/writing/kissing partner's asses... I'm not interested in the initiation for the sake of initiation, I guess I figured my merits/skills would have got me where I wanted to be, sadly that's not how life is in the big law firm/good ole boy network. Besides I am an extrovert, I need interaction. I am also a problem solver who likes to think outside the box (also not smiled upon in the stuffy law firm)... I want to work for people who inspire me and push me to be my best...and who, in turn, I can inspire and push. I hold most people to a very high standard but myself to an even higher one... perhaps that's why I want to be a trainer - so I can help people change their lives/save their lives (like I did)...
so the infinit has shipped... should have it by the RR next weekend (I hope)... fingers crossed. Monday is my first day of HIM... I'm scared to leave the OS nest!
G--GREAT news on the calf. I am SO happy to hear that. Now you can soon try the 5'/30" and report back.
Kris and Kristin--have fun ladies, and rip them all a new one!
Suzanne--I bow too. Wonderful running!
Smashed finger report (smooshed it in the car door yesterday). It's very difficult to go through life without using your index finger.
It's the size of a hot dog, and blue from the top to the joint at the palm. I can't bend it much, and it just does not want to do things like peel oranges,etc. I thought it might keep me off the bike, but I think I can finagle.
Re careers...I am not kidding, we women here with overlapping, complimentary talents, think about what we could do together in 2-3 years--ala RnP model. I am SO ready to do something new, or the same work which I'm good at for a completely different set of clients. Part of me wants to go the dog walker route (I don't literally want to be a dog walker), but something with a decent wage, cash money, name your hours, and very little pressure. Whatever comes next has to be very meaningful so that it just fills me up and doesn't feel like a job, or it has to be a "dog walking" equivalent. I've had the previous years ago, and it's a wonderful place to be.
Nice 45' run today with 1x mile; 2x .5, and a big stinkin' hill. I am going outside on the bike come hell or high water tomorrow, that much I know!
@Linda... yikes, still that swollen - are you sure it's not broken? I definitely know how hard life can be without a finger (good thing mine wasn't the index, but the first few weeks I was in a brace that had my whole hand immobilized). Please be careful if you're going to ride. glad to hear you could run without a problem, took me a few weeks to be able to bc it would throb! Be careful, good luck!
Some days I think being an actual dog walker would be okay. If only it would pay my school loans and mortgage.
KO you're going to kick butt tomorrow! I can't wait to hear about the day. I hadn't realized that WTC renamed that race. What a bummer. The homogenization and brand dominance kind of starts to sicken me a little. (Reminds me of a Seinfeld quote...from George Costanza "you're killing independent George!")
Linda I'm sorry about your finger. That has to SUCK! Ice for sure and let's keep hoping it isn't broken.
Dana the day off concept is beautiful!
Seems like I've always been dreaming about other job options...Having just moved to a new internal role I'm going to focus on trying to get this one right...once I figure out what it actually is, that is. I'm good with my work if it's challenges, stretches, and scares me a bit (or a lot sometimes)....kind of like IM. Maybe by the time I get it right we will have all cooked up our "ChicaSpin Consulting" company and turned it into something that we can do with just the right amount of time spent working to allow for training and recovery. I really do agree with Linda that with our collective talent and drive we could kick a lot of booty in a business. And how cool would it be to work with this crew of remarkable women!
It's 39 degrees and wet out....guess I'll ride indoors for my final Saturday pre-IMSG ride... although DH thinks I should "practice" in these conditions in case the St. George race day forecast goes even further down hill. I told him to pi$$ off!
Chicas Rule, Inc. or ChicaSpin. Brand consulting/strategic planning/pr for all of those athletic companies that want to sell stuff to us -- and all the other women.
And, we should write a book about Ironman Wisconsin this year. Because I would love to read a book about over a dozen women from all over the country doing a serious race. And maybe Oprah would, too.
I'm in for the chicas, inc (or whatever)!
and hey, why limit the book to just WI (sniffle)... we can have chapters or parts for various IMs...and the EN Chica experience... there will be several chicas representing at IMFL, after all...
and, you know, to be honest, I'm just not that keen on all the rich and famous, ie, J-Lo and Terri Hatcher, deciding this is the next cool thing and everyone gawking over how great it is that they're athletic/finished a sprint or a marathon or whatever...first of all, it's pretty much their job to be thin and in shape (so they look pretty)... not to mention how hard could it really be for them? seriously, if I had a zillion dollars for all the best equipment and a few personal trainers and coaches and dieticians/chefs - oh, and no "real" job so I had all the time in the world to train not to mention "people" to cook and clean and shop (and raise kids) for me... I'd be pissed if I didn't qualify for Kona and they're all like whoop-de-doo how awesome am I that I did a sprint... whatever... I'm not so impressed (if they did an IM, maybe I'd be impressed).. It just takes the reality and the struggle out of it. the true heroes are the mere mortals (us) who get out there and try to balance it all (life, work, training) and get it done... Maybe I'm too cynical. Well, that and I'm pissed Sarah Palin has a better marathon PR than me.
Sorry, I've been in a grumpy mood lately...
Love the Chica company thing. I agree with Becky, that you should include chapters about other Chicas in other IM's...
I hope everyone had a great day today! I got in a run and a bike, despite the overcast, rainy looking weather! Hope to bike again tomorrow, but it is supposed to rain, so it may happen in my garage!
Becky, I hear you about the celebrities getting huge kuddos for doing a sprint tri! I have to say though, that Oprah was my inspiration to try running a marathon. So, all of my endurance craziness is her fault!! LOL! It's your fault Oprah!
@Barbara - lol... I give huge, huge props to the former "biggest losers" who are now trying tris (one did Kona last year in 17:17 or something like that) now those are people I can get behind and think are real difference makers and role models!
when I beat sarah palin's marathon time, maybe I'll revisit my bad attitude! :-)
So the assessment after the crash - ahem, tip-over - was a very mild scrape of the elbow. No biggie. And there appeared to be a bruise on my left knee that didn't hurt a bit. So fast forward about 2.5 hours - I'm zippin' along, feelin' great, and the tip-over is long forgotten - and I stop at a long red light and put my left leg down. When I started riding again, my left knee was suddenly really, really painful - WTF! It's the bruise! After five minutes the pain subsided - I like to imagine the circular motion of my knee acting as a centrifuge, spinning all the swelling out - and I was able to run after the ride no problem.
But later that day? And today? Ouch! The damn bruise could not be located in a more perfect (read: maximum potential to cause pain on movement) spot - right there on the edge of the patella. And it's the size of a penny. Seriously? So now it's Sunday morning, raining outside, and I'm staring at a 3 hour ABP ride, wondering if I should even bother. Maybe a ride would help? How hard is it raining, anyway? What's the pool schedule for today? Sigh. (And before anyone chimes in, I'm 100% certain this is not a broken anything - there wasn't any pain immediately after cra-, er, tipping and I have full range of motion, etc.)
In other news, I got the Cobb V Flow Max. (Sorry Beth, I decided to admit defeat to your GPV.) I like the Cobb so far (60 miles in). We'll see!
Suzanne- I hope that bruise heals quickly! If you need a day off, don't sweat it! Oh- and are using the Cobb V Flow Max on your road bike or tri bike? I need a new saddle for my road bike (really, honestly need here- the old one is torn apart on both sides) and while the Terry Butterfly has served me well, I've been thinking about switching to either Cobb or an Adamo. Oh- and I have the box of Chica saddles that Beth sent me- none of those work for me unfortunately).
ChicaSpin and a book titled Chica's in the haus- simply brilliant! I'm all in! Actually, when Joe and I moved down here the original plan was that he would work as a Surveyor and eventually I'd quit my job and scale back to find some part-time work that would let me volunteer and do something that felt more meaningful. Unfortunately the economy hasn't exactly cooperated with that plan, but I still dream about it. One day!
OK- if your in the Jan OS you'll have already read this next update about my century ride, so you can skip ahead to the next post!
I went off the training plan this weekend and hit up a century ride on Saturday with the local roadies. You had options of 30, 60, or 100 mile distances. We all started together and folks took the turn-off's when they hit their preferred distance. That left me alone with hubby/wife kick ass strong rider combo of Val & Robert for the last 70 miles of the 100! Crap! I was pretty scared because these two can really drill it, but they knew I was a weaker rider and they were awesome! The deal was that I would "sit in" for the ride and let them do all the pulling. That let me ride at a comfy .75 IF for the ride while they could push themselves a bit harder (especially when we faced the high winds- which we did for most of the final 50- ugh). The last 20 miles for me was a real struggle, even at .7IF. My back and neck were just tooooo tired & achy from being in the drops all that way (trying to stay out of the wind). I was very happy to get off the bike, and in awe of Robert & Val who seemed to have taken a picnic ride! Meanwhile Robert & Val (who haven't done a Tri over an Oly distance) just kept saying "OK- and THEN you run a marathon???" as if I was some kinda super person. I guess it's all in your perspective.
PS- the food at the aid stations on this Century was by far the best EVER!!! Fresh made smoothies, cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, pulled pork sandwiches, home baked goods of every kind, and tons of fresh fruit. I think you could easily eat more calories than you burn on this one!
Nemo, your century experience sounds like tons of fun! What great friends you've got! Someday you'll be able to return the favor to them. And you call those aid stations? Holy cow! Sounds like a progressive gourmet lunch!
OK...time to focus and finish my race plan so I can get going with the packing!
I put on my big girls pants and got out on the bike this morning. Luckily the rain stopped! The knee was fine, happily. So, walking up and down a flight of stairs = BAD but riding almost 3 hours = OK. Funny how that works. I've cleaned off the bike finally and now it's time to clean of myself - ugh, covered in dirt!