Okay, so I sprained my ankle, knee and strained my calf last Sunday. Crutched it through the week and my body finally recovered yesterday. Yesterday we played in DC all day. This morning got on the treadmill at 6 and then did a 6 K in the rainy Baltimore weather. Yes, I finished it with just a little stiffness in the calf - - awesome body recovery. Came home (aka hotel) and got prettied up and went to the Phantom of the Opera. Now, some nice rest time.
Actually, I'm more bummed than annoyed, but anyhow. So every year, Dave and I use the Mooseman race weekend as a way to bring our more athletic friends together. We have 5 or 6 that sign up for the Oly race and a few of us do the half. None of them are hardcore tri peeps and it's a challenge for them to even train for the event let alone get through it. So we do the best we can to get them motivated and excited for it and basically just make it a big party/reunion weekend.
Well this year, we had a few who were very fired up by their results last year and decided to take the plunge and sign up for the 70.3. They've all raced on the course for the Oly so they knew what they were getting into terrain wise etc. That was until the race director completely revamped the bike course last week- a month out from the race. To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything major, maybe a few different turns etc, but a few of us figured we'd go check it out and we were already up that way for the bike race yesterday.
As it turns out, the changes are major. There used to be one challenging climb that was tough to get over but manageable. They got rid of that and added a 4+ mile climb where the last 3/4 mile is north of 10% with the last kick hovering around 16%. You have to do that twice on two loops. I'm sorry, but that completely changes the race. Three of us made it up that climb without walking (I barely did and I was on a road bike packing a compact and granny gears) and the rest were completely defeated by it. They didn't sign up for a 4+ hour bike ride, but that's what it will be for most of them, and to be perfectly honest- I wouldn't be much faster. Took me 2 hours to get 32 miles and I wasn't exactly goofing off.
Anyhow, sorry for the rant. Just frustrated that they waited till now to let people know. I would have chosen a different race for my friends. They aren't tri-geeks and now they're afraid of the course they just plunked down M-Dot level $$ for and can't get back because it's too close to the race date.
Leigh- I seem to recall an article by the race director of Mooseman who basically went on a rant about the State of NY Transportation Dept and something about the fact that the race crossed 2 counties (rather went into another county for something like 1 mile) they caused all sorts of permit issues. I remember reading that he thought he'd have to change the course so that it was contained within 1 county, but at the last minute whatever the permit issues were, the Dept of Transportation finally gave the approval and he didn't have to make the change.
Do you have any idea why they changed the course? I realize Mooseman also got bought out this year as a 70.3 so I'm wondering if it's related to the 70.3 takeover or the Dept of Transportation dealio. Either way- I agree, it sucks esp for anyone who is just trying the distance for the first time and thought they were getting one thing but ended up with another.
@ Nemo- supposedly the changes are to minimize traffic on the bike course so that they can spread the swim waves out.
There was a lot of traffic on the old course. Since the women are the last wave, that I know first hand. They don't close the roads during the race so there were LOTS of complaints about riders crossing the yellow or moving into traffic to get around people. The current changes, while nicer to drivers, are less safe for riders. Not sure how it will work out though. Now we're adding steep, fast and winding descents on two lanes roads into the mix. That means it will be people bombing down those to make up lost time and trying to get around nervous riders who are on the brakes.
Leigh, I can picture those roads in my mind's eye. Holy smokin' hills! I think that sucks, and you are COMPLETELY right about the descents and the safety factor. Sounds not good to me. Sucks, in fact.
@ Suzanne- That's what I ride on the TT and it is by far more comfortable than anything to date. Hope it continues to work for you. Hope the knee feels better. Alternate ice and heat to that spot. Get that bad stuff outta there. But as you know, rest allows things to stiffen up, even a few minutes at a light.
@Nemo- I need to do a century like that! Do you think the Patches would let me tail them? ;-) And my neck is sore from riding yesterday. Can't imagine how you feel.
Lots of housework. Since we were sleeping and sick all last weekend and working all week, I had much to catch up on. My most hated chore is laundry. 7 loads later... Gonna make DH vacuum the house this week since he is not on call. Did some cooking for the week. All this with a run and swim too. I wanted to nap but the book I am reading is so good that I couldn't fall asleep. Guess that's good. hope everyone had a great weekend.
Guess its good that the mishaps are happening now. Be careful out there my friends!
Gina-Glad your calf is getting better.
Linda- how is your finger? How is the swelling?
Suzanne- Way to get it done today, in the rain. I wimped out. More on that in a minute. Take it easy
Jo- glad you recovered as well. How did you sprain everything?
M- how is your butt, Nemo- your calf behaving? Becky- how's your hand. Anyone else? Sheesh!
When i read about Trent riding into car yesterday, my heart sank, and he wasn't evaluated right away, my head was spinning. I guess since i work in trauma, see bad stuff, i think worst case. Two fridays ago, took care of a cyclist that was hit by a truck- truck turned in front of him. When we moved him to OR table and I saw his cycling kit, , again, my heart sank. he was going to be ok
Kristen- congrats on a great day!
Alright, at the moment, very annoyed with myself. I was supposed to do a 75 k ride this am, but for a good part of week, started psyching myself out with the rain forecast. Got up this am, was stalling- threw stuff in the car, got to start, it was raining and foggy. Rain wasn't that bad, but just did not have the mojo to ride 40+ miles in the rain. Thing is, the rain did not live up to all the hype. Cleared up shortly after. came home and fell asleep for a bit, eventually went for a run. Have done plenty of races in rain, so I need to wrap my head around training in the rain, especially with the history of Lake Placid. So I have till midnight to just get over it, tomorrow is another day. Its just don't have that many more days, feel behind since my OS was less than ideal. Where did my discipline go? If anyone finds it, will you send it my way, along with a swift kick in my internet A$$. ( although with the way I feel, i think i did it to myself already) Any suggestions for good cycling rain gear?
Leigh- that does suck. Wonder if it would help to get as many people as possible to complain to RD about this late switch? It will certainly show up next year in sign up if people are not satisfied
Nemo- nice work on century!
Olivia and Carrie- have a great race week! I'll be thinking of you guys all week.
(Gina).. okay so sure enough it has been a bit since I posted here! okay so I was double dog tired yesterday and super hungry,,, and then this morning ran 10 miles albeit in 1;53 with walk breaks. felt slow, heavy legs but enjoyed the run. trie dthe 5' 30" but I didn' tset my Garmin for that and lost count of 5' increments! but still I did my best on counting up 5' and 30" is only long enough to get a bite or change music on IPOD so anyways that is my fav distance. This afternoon, hubby and I rode for one hour. wind at our backs but then we turned around and 7 miles into the headwind and so it was a 7 mile interval with me breathing hard as the wind wanted to knock me over. small ring, big ring couldn't quite find the sweet one... I have eaten countless calories this weekend... no really. weight not coming off of course! and I told you I was going GF no sugar, well at the church picnic, ??? A snickers chocolate cake... it was divine. Also Luna Protein bars?? very good. tasty. on sale at Krogers right now. so... I am eating like an Ironman! okay on the run pace, now when I had some rabbits to chase, my pace got faster, ie dudes up ahead of me... all of those 5ks I think! but then they disappeared...and my legs got heavier...okay now I am rambling must be the chocolate.! scooting off to get ready for bed. I take the dog in tomorrow for hopefully last check up!! and what do we do tomorrow/? 1st day of training and I don't see any tng plan in my dashboard! oh yeah the arm still hurts/shoulder gonna call doc for steroid, have massage scheduled too ...but the piriformis was feeling good but thought I felt the right IT twinging! I am getting to be a hypochondriac
Linda: How's the finger? You can just buddy tape it to your middle finger (which the what you'd do if you had a simple fracture of it anyway).
Olivia: Safe travels to Utah this week. I'm so excited to cheer you on, chica!
Becky: Rant away about celebs and the overinflation of their "achievements"! For some gals, those J-lo is their source of inspiration. I figure if she inspires one woman to exercise (vs. buying the same moisturizer that she uses) then it's not a bad thing. I had no idea Sarah Palin ran a marathon...
Barb: How's your hamstring?
Gina: How's your calf? Glad to hear you're hurting less.
Suzanne: Ugh! Hate those tip-overs. Hope your leg is healing up.
Nemo: Wow! I foresee you pulling ME up those hills at ToC. Or we could tuck behind the boys peloton... And deviled eggs at an aid station---that's a dream come true for me!
Jo: A sprained ankle?! Good Lord, the chicas are getting the injuries early and out of the way I hope. What happened?
Leigh: I had no idea Moose was bought up by WTC. Crap! I was planning 2011 to be my year of no WTC races---just local, grassroots stuff with Mooseman on my list. The bike course change sounds horrible---are they trying to make it a Savageman?
Tracy: Don't feel badly about the rain cycling mojo. When I lived in Seattle, I didn't think twice about riding in the rain. However, in Upstate NY I would NEVER do it on the road. Drivers just aren't expecting to see you in the rain (at least not here!). Their visibility is decreased. Their ability to stop is decreased. I don't think it's safe at all. Plus, all the recent news of our EN peeps getting into cycling accidents adds to the car vs. bike paranoia (which I have ALOT of since moving back east). I can't tell you how many CHILDREN on bikes vs. car accidents I saw when I was a resident---and so many of them ended up being organ donors! Tracy, you made the right decision today. No point in training if you're not going to feel safe about it.
Marianne: I think the worse part about recovering from an injury is wondering about every little niggle that comes up. I'm always thinking that I've torn some major ligament that's holding my joint together and will have some limb flailing about. You did alot of training today---it's no wonder you're hungry!
It poured rain here today. After riding outside for the last 3 weeks, I just could not bring myself to get on the trainer today. No, I wasn't tired or needed recovery---I simply didn't do it because I was WHINY. Period. So I went for a swim instead. After a round of drills, I did the swim golf and continue to be amazed at how well those drills work to decrease my stroke rate. I finally have my appointment with my PCP next week to have my thyroid checked. Unless I was a house cat or a Giant Panda in my former life, it cannot be normal for me to want to sleep 12-14 hours a day. I'm not even close to Race Prep. I don't have kids. I don't work full-time. There's really no good reason for me to be this tired! You'd think with all this free-time I'd have learned a second language or written that novel about EN Chicas and our IM journey by now. Ha!
Thanks Tracy! got my plan uploaded and now printed. gonna switch some stuff and look ahead. anybody know from IMWI what the big epic weeks/events are (got the dates?. (nope I don't have excel and don't have handy dandy guide!) scooting. m
Next on the list are Olivia, Carrie C, (and honorary Paula) for IMSG. Hope you all are locked and loaded. Can't wait to follow and cheer you on!!
Today is the official kick off day for those of us doing IMMOO. After talking and worrying about it for months, here it is and I am actually excited. Remind me of this in mid July when I'm a sufferin' and whinin'.
I am looking forward to finally meeting Kris F this weekend. She is coming to Chattaboogie for the 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge. I am registered for the metric, which I am sooo not ready for, but it will be ok. We need everyone to do their best "stay away" rain dance. This ride has seen pouring rain for the last 3 years.
Suzanne - I love the Cobb v-flow --- and the tiny allen wrenches that came with it. That pink Adamo may become a thing of legend. Like the rodeo bull no one could ride, is there any chica who can handle (and love) this Adamo race?
And falling totally sucks! I'm glad you are okay. I took a similar fall once, got a concussion from hitting the side/back on my head that was not protected on the curb.
Nemo - Cool ride! (And I kinda want to visit you next year and do it for the food.)
Jo -- Crazy runner girl! You can't have the 1/2 mary packet I picked up for you this weekend unless you are the uber icer/rester of leg.
Leigh - Lame about the course change! Races really are all about the course, aren't they? (Except with Nemo's ride, where it was somewhat about the food.)
Tracy - Rain really is a mojo sucker, isn't it? I do love this jacket, because it scrunches up nicely in the jersey pocket and is a good ride insurance policy.
IMSG peeps? - I give you "All the Wine" by The National as race inspiration.
Me? Worse night sleep ever. Remind me to not waiting until nine to start bike intervals. I finished at 10:30, couldn't settle down to go to bed until 11:30 and then kept waking up. I also have a sore upper left arm, which never happens. I wonder if this is from being in aero or from drawing with my laptop balanced on yesterday's train ride? I may be sore from drawing. Weird.
I was witness to the lopsided pink ISM last weekend when I rode with Suzanne.
I'll be the next to get the Cobb V-flow.
Beth- thanks for the rain jacket suggestion! looks great. Nice job getting on your bike last night though. Saw that on FB. I was impressed! Hope your day isn't too rough after little sleep.
Gina & Kris - will start the "stay away" rain dance. Its that time of year. Hope you guys get a good food spread like Nemo's ride from the weekend
Thanks Kitima- I have become Paranoid as well since moving back east. I think seeing some of the accidents I do adds to it ( and the way people drive). The rain I was anticipating came last night, it was heavy and Would have been very unsafe to be riding in, so feel better about my decision.
Morning ladies... not much for me but wanted to touch base.
I took yesterday off - volunteered at a race... felt pretty yucky all day so I just bagged my set run (so I guess my OS went out with a wimper)... I should have run this morning but just couldn't do it - have had a headache for about a week now. I will swim tonight (bag is already packed) and will run in the morning -- setting 2 alarms to get the job done (my regular alarm and I'll set my phone alarm, leaving it in the living room)... followed by the set swim after PT. Weight is holding steady, down 3, but still up 5-7 from my norm... have 7 weeks til EM so hopefully I can drop that by then... and then worry about getting to race weight over the summer training for Timberman and IMFL.
@Suzanne - ouch. hope your knee (and ego) are okay. I'll take a look at that seat. My Terry seems to be okay, though... I'm sure as I'm logging 4 hour rides regularly, though I'll know if it's the one for me or not. I'm looking for new shoes and the Sidi T2s are pink and I thought of you...
I need to go back to bonzai though to try them back on - the clerk there yesterday was clueless re: shoe sizing (at least based on what I've since read about shoe fit)... sure he measured my feet, but then he had me put them on and walk around in them... not sit on a bike or even sit at all. Thinking about it, I think there was too much give... shitty - it's not like the place is next door... anyway...
@Leigh - rant away, that totally sucks. And you know, I think you should be able to get your money back. You/your friends signed up and paid $$ for a race with an advertised course of X - then after they have your money they change the course to Y... there's no "consideration" for that change (legal gobbeldy gook)... not sure what the disclaimer says, though... if the RD reserves the right to make changes, etc. But I do think that if enough folks write in and complain you might make some headway - after all word of mouth (via the internet) is powerful -- and if folks start dissing the RD and his races and threaten not to go back (and spend zero at the expo on race related stuff), etc you might move him to action... money speaks, after all... I don't know. That just totally blows. Especially if it ended up that they didn't need to change the course - maybe with enough pressure he'll change it back... or at least let folks downgrade to the OLY (with a refund, maybe...) or defer the registration to another affiliated race in the 2010 season -- give the RD lots of options to make it right. Good luck.
Tracy- I think your discipline has eloped with mine. Hopefully they will return to us after joining together to multiply (see, this is where a EN 3.0 emoticon would be so nice!). I planned to get up at 5:30am this morning to do both my swim and run before work. I just couldn't get my ass out of bed until 6:00 and by the tim I got to the Y to swim, and finished that up, well I just didn't have the energy to do the run too. SO now I gotta find a way to work in that run this afternoon.
Man, I gotta get back on the wagon! 20 weeks to IMWI? I don't think that's enough time!! [insert EN 3.0 emoticon shaking in fear here]
I have a few running skirts. The ones with the spankies (like underwear) inside tend to ride up and give me a wedgie for the first 20 minutes of my run then inexplicably stop riding up for the rest of the run. I wore the marathon skirt during IMLP 2007 and was comfortable. The ones with the compression shorts inside bunch up around my groin. I think the quality of the fabric doesn't justify the price...that being said I've bought all of mine on sale.
I have 2 of the transition skirts. The one with the tabs for the race number is awesome. I've used those to race HIM's where my racing suit is like a one-piece bathing suit with a small pad. I wear those skirts for the runs to cover up the jiggling of thighs and butt.
I absolutely love the look of running skirts but haven't found a brand that I really love yet. Anyone with favs on that one?
Kitima --I've had exactly the same experience with the skirt sport spankie (marathon girl) skirts -- run for twenty minutes with wedgie, but sweat a little and it stays put. NOT a good choice for a brick run.
I have two alo sport skirts that I love. Unfortunately, I don't tihnk they make them any more.
I am a huge fan of running skirts - and so far, the only one that I really like is by Brooks (but I have others, I'd say my next fav is one by Nike). it has compression shorts under the skirt. Some ride up but I guess I get over it because I know the skirt is covering it up. Brooks seems to have the length of the shorts right (for my taste, at least).
Tracy, Nemo - I think our mojo's are out having a good time together. I didn't get up in time for my run. Already planning on a pm swim, so I'll have to make up the run tomorrow morning (followed by another pm swim).
I wanted to share this with you gals. It appeared today on a friend of ours FB page. Her name is Jennifer, we call her Jenla. She spent last Wed-Sat with us, in her "betweenst" time from going to Florida to Montana. She and her DB(and 2 dogs) spend the summers in West Yellowstone, MT teaching and guiding fly fishing expeditions. When the snow reaches the roof of their house, then they move back south to Florida, where Jen substitute teaches and her DB takes folks salt water fishing. They live a life that is removed from so many of the trappings I fall prey to and I always feel like I learn from them. I hope you see the beauty in Jenla, even without meeting her.The included art is all her work.
The world of medicine is one I know peripherally through ER (I’m old), Grey’s Anatomy (not that old), a couple med students who befriended me along the way, a handful of doctors I’ve visited thankfully, rarely, blood donations I’ve made with eyes squeezed shut, and just living on the planet.
Some of my favorite people have dedicated their lives to the field of medicine. Among them, summer neighbors who mostly fix damaged faces and broken spirits, mainly in California but regularly around the world, and their wives who doctor them, nurture me, and inspire everyone they know with their intelligence, warmth, patience, and humor. I have a far away friend who finished med school while I finished my dress and dance like someone else stage, who has always made me think, smile, calm down, find beauty, and embrace the strange mix I am. I also root for, learn from, love dearly, try to live up to, and wish I could live with two fascinating, generous friends in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Bicycles, Acrylic on Canvas, 36" x 30" SOLD
I just spent not enough days with these two, an ob-gyn 3rd year resident & nurse anesthetist, dog lovers, Ironman finishers, organic food buyers and growers, thinkers and doers, who have loved me and my art for a decade. They have four of my pieces now, these two old, and two new previously posted. But that’s not why I love them. We have ridden hundreds of bicycle miles together, shared more wine, coffee, quesadillas and giggles than most people could stomach, slogged through sadness and laughed until our faces and bellies grew new muscles.
Landscape for Sula, Acrylic on Canvas, 8" x 10" SOLD
Turns out, friends who inspire you to eat well, love your person intentionally and energetically, laugh gently at yourself, question the future, evoke the past, touch the people and things you care about many many times daily, sleep when you can, drink good coffee when you can’t, who have a history and lots of tomorrows that intersect your own, is the real medicine. Even if you’re not sick, a dose of people you love, who support, know, accept, question, adore, pamper, challenge, remind, entertain, and welcome you – this is the medicine. What a field to be in.
Wow, Gina. That is beautiful. I needed that right now, right this minute. Thanks for posting it. I too want to move when the snow reaches the roof of my house, then come back again--you know, my "dog walker" life.
Where to begin with y'all?
My dumb finger is getting better. It was tricky shifting the bike on this weekend. The whole thing is still a lovely shade of blue, and it's numb-ish. Swelling way down so we're on the mend. Thanks for asking, everyone!
@Tracy--maybe karma, the divine, who-knows-what kept you from doing that ride. If you would have gone against your instinct, maybe it would have been a bad wreck. Sometimes we think we made the "wrong" decision inexplicably, but who knows what protective forces are at work. Live to ride another day in the sun!
Re sportskirts--I like them. I like the gym girl the best. That, and a T or a tank, is my summer uniform. I seem to not wear them running very often, and opt to wear them more like clothes.
My motivation went on vaycay with all of yours. I'm not going through the paces in a bad way, or feeling negative, it's just that I'm often very disrupted, and quick to jump on the take-a-day-off bandwagon (which is not necessarily a bad thing). Today I should have swum, but after riding two days on the weekend, I felt like I didn't want to. Didn't say I *couldn't physcally, but didn't feel like it--so I didn't. That will have to stop pretty soon.
Still feel a bit sluggish, and not 100% myself. But ever onward and upward! I'll get there.
Gina, that's fantastic! What wonderful friends you have! You and Kris F. are going to have a blast.
Linda, glad to hear the finger is doing better.
Beth, I like the chica book idea. I'm in!
Becky, I hope you get to feeling better soon.
Thank you to all of you for all of your support and for tracking me yesterday! I'll try to get a race report out tonight or tomorrow.
Today has been really nice. I scheduled myself off work today for fun and relaxation, and T took the day off, too. We woke up late, took the dog for a walk, watched a movie, took a nap, and are headed to my sister's for dinner tonight. My whole body is sore and I have some painful rub marks in some interesting places, but I'm feeling good.
Question for you ladies re: aero helmets on IMs. Do you wear it, or not? I wore mine yesterday, and, being heavier than my normal helmet, I had a lot of increased neck and shoulder soreness during the ride. I was ready to tear it off and throw it away at an aid station after 2 hours. Do y'all look nerdy and do long practice rides with it, or not wear it for IM, or just suck it up?
Comments
warning: small rant.
Actually, I'm more bummed than annoyed, but anyhow. So every year, Dave and I use the Mooseman race weekend as a way to bring our more athletic friends together. We have 5 or 6 that sign up for the Oly race and a few of us do the half. None of them are hardcore tri peeps and it's a challenge for them to even train for the event let alone get through it. So we do the best we can to get them motivated and excited for it and basically just make it a big party/reunion weekend.
Well this year, we had a few who were very fired up by their results last year and decided to take the plunge and sign up for the 70.3. They've all raced on the course for the Oly so they knew what they were getting into terrain wise etc. That was until the race director completely revamped the bike course last week- a month out from the race. To be honest, I wasn't expecting anything major, maybe a few different turns etc, but a few of us figured we'd go check it out and we were already up that way for the bike race yesterday.
As it turns out, the changes are major. There used to be one challenging climb that was tough to get over but manageable. They got rid of that and added a 4+ mile climb where the last 3/4 mile is north of 10% with the last kick hovering around 16%. You have to do that twice on two loops. I'm sorry, but that completely changes the race. Three of us made it up that climb without walking (I barely did and I was on a road bike packing a compact and granny gears) and the rest were completely defeated by it. They didn't sign up for a 4+ hour bike ride, but that's what it will be for most of them, and to be perfectly honest- I wouldn't be much faster. Took me 2 hours to get 32 miles and I wasn't exactly goofing off.
Anyhow, sorry for the rant. Just frustrated that they waited till now to let people know. I would have chosen a different race for my friends. They aren't tri-geeks and now they're afraid of the course they just plunked down M-Dot level $$ for and can't get back because it's too close to the race date.
Do you have any idea why they changed the course? I realize Mooseman also got bought out this year as a 70.3 so I'm wondering if it's related to the 70.3 takeover or the Dept of Transportation dealio. Either way- I agree, it sucks esp for anyone who is just trying the distance for the first time and thought they were getting one thing but ended up with another.
@ Nemo- supposedly the changes are to minimize traffic on the bike course so that they can spread the swim waves out.
There was a lot of traffic on the old course. Since the women are the last wave, that I know first hand. They don't close the roads during the race so there were LOTS of complaints about riders crossing the yellow or moving into traffic to get around people. The current changes, while nicer to drivers, are less safe for riders. Not sure how it will work out though. Now we're adding steep, fast and winding descents on two lanes roads into the mix. That means it will be people bombing down those to make up lost time and trying to get around nervous riders who are on the brakes.
Leigh, I can picture those roads in my mind's eye. Holy smokin' hills! I think that sucks, and you are COMPLETELY right about the descents and the safety factor. Sounds not good to me. Sucks, in fact.
@Nemo- I need to do a century like that! Do you think the Patches would let me tail them? ;-) And my neck is sore from riding yesterday. Can't imagine how you feel.
Lots of housework. Since we were sleeping and sick all last weekend and working all week, I had much to catch up on. My most hated chore is laundry. 7 loads later... Gonna make DH vacuum the house this week since he is not on call. Did some cooking for the week. All this with a run and swim too. I wanted to nap but the book I am reading is so good that I couldn't fall asleep. Guess that's good. hope everyone had a great weekend.
Guess its good that the mishaps are happening now. Be careful out there my friends!
Gina-Glad your calf is getting better.
Linda- how is your finger? How is the swelling?
Suzanne- Way to get it done today, in the rain. I wimped out. More on that in a minute. Take it easy
Jo- glad you recovered as well. How did you sprain everything?
M- how is your butt, Nemo- your calf behaving? Becky- how's your hand. Anyone else? Sheesh!
When i read about Trent riding into car yesterday, my heart sank, and he wasn't evaluated right away, my head was spinning. I guess since i work in trauma, see bad stuff, i think worst case. Two fridays ago, took care of a cyclist that was hit by a truck- truck turned in front of him. When we moved him to OR table and I saw his cycling kit, , again, my heart sank. he was going to be ok
Kristen- congrats on a great day!
Alright, at the moment, very annoyed with myself.
I was supposed to do a 75 k ride this am, but for a good part of week, started psyching myself out with the rain forecast. Got up this am, was stalling- threw stuff in the car, got to start, it was raining and foggy. Rain wasn't that bad, but just did not have the mojo to ride 40+ miles in the rain.
Thing is, the rain did not live up to all the hype. Cleared up shortly after. came home and fell asleep for a bit, eventually went for a run. Have done plenty of races in rain, so I need to wrap my head around training in the rain, especially with the history of Lake Placid. So I have till midnight to just get over it, tomorrow is another day. Its just don't have that many more days, feel behind since my OS was less than ideal. Where did my discipline go? If anyone finds it, will you send it my way, along with a swift kick in my internet A$$. ( although with the way I feel, i think i did it to myself already) Any suggestions for good cycling rain gear?
Leigh- that does suck. Wonder if it would help to get as many people as possible to complain to RD about this late switch? It will certainly show up next year in sign up if people are not satisfied
Nemo- nice work on century!
Olivia and Carrie- have a great race week! I'll be thinking of you guys all week.
Gotta scoot- rain is here with lightening!
Have a great week everyone
Olivia: Safe travels to Utah this week. I'm so excited to cheer you on, chica!
Becky: Rant away about celebs and the overinflation of their "achievements"! For some gals, those J-lo is their source of inspiration. I figure if she inspires one woman to exercise (vs. buying the same moisturizer that she uses) then it's not a bad thing. I had no idea Sarah Palin ran a marathon...
Barb: How's your hamstring?
Gina: How's your calf? Glad to hear you're hurting less.
Suzanne: Ugh! Hate those tip-overs. Hope your leg is healing up.
Nemo: Wow! I foresee you pulling ME up those hills at ToC. Or we could tuck behind the boys peloton... And deviled eggs at an aid station---that's a dream come true for me!
Jo: A sprained ankle?! Good Lord, the chicas are getting the injuries early and out of the way I hope. What happened?
Leigh: I had no idea Moose was bought up by WTC. Crap! I was planning 2011 to be my year of no WTC races---just local, grassroots stuff with Mooseman on my list. The bike course change sounds horrible---are they trying to make it a Savageman?
Tracy: Don't feel badly about the rain cycling mojo. When I lived in Seattle, I didn't think twice about riding in the rain. However, in Upstate NY I would NEVER do it on the road. Drivers just aren't expecting to see you in the rain (at least not here!). Their visibility is decreased. Their ability to stop is decreased. I don't think it's safe at all. Plus, all the recent news of our EN peeps getting into cycling accidents adds to the car vs. bike paranoia (which I have ALOT of since moving back east). I can't tell you how many CHILDREN on bikes vs. car accidents I saw when I was a resident---and so many of them ended up being organ donors! Tracy, you made the right decision today. No point in training if you're not going to feel safe about it.
Marianne: I think the worse part about recovering from an injury is wondering about every little niggle that comes up. I'm always thinking that I've torn some major ligament that's holding my joint together and will have some limb flailing about.
It poured rain here today. After riding outside for the last 3 weeks, I just could not bring myself to get on the trainer today. No, I wasn't tired or needed recovery---I simply didn't do it because I was WHINY. Period. So I went for a swim instead. After a round of drills, I did the swim golf and continue to be amazed at how well those drills work to decrease my stroke rate. I finally have my appointment with my PCP next week to have my thyroid checked. Unless I was a house cat or a Giant Panda in my former life, it cannot be normal for me to want to sleep 12-14 hours a day. I'm not even close to Race Prep. I don't have kids. I don't work full-time. There's really no good reason for me to be this tired! You'd think with all this free-time I'd have learned a second language or written that novel about EN Chicas and our IM journey by now. Ha!
Monday!!
Congrats to Kristen on the Lonestar 70.3!!
Next on the list are Olivia, Carrie C, (and honorary Paula) for IMSG. Hope you all are locked and loaded. Can't wait to follow and cheer you on!!
Today is the official kick off day for those of us doing IMMOO. After talking and worrying about it for months, here it is and I am actually excited. Remind me of this in mid July when I'm a sufferin' and whinin'
.
I am looking forward to finally meeting Kris F this weekend.
She is coming to Chattaboogie for the 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge. I am registered for the metric, which I am sooo not ready for, but it will be ok. We need everyone to do their best "stay away" rain dance. This ride has seen pouring rain for the last 3 years.
Anyone else miss the 3.0 emoticons???
Yes! To the return of the 3.0 emoticons!
Suzanne - I love the Cobb v-flow --- and the tiny allen wrenches that came with it. That pink Adamo may become a thing of legend. Like the rodeo bull no one could ride, is there any chica who can handle (and love) this Adamo race?
And falling totally sucks! I'm glad you are okay. I took a similar fall once, got a concussion from hitting the side/back on my head that was not protected on the curb.
Nemo - Cool ride! (And I kinda want to visit you next year and do it for the food.)
Jo -- Crazy runner girl! You can't have the 1/2 mary packet I picked up for you this weekend unless you are the uber icer/rester of leg.
Leigh - Lame about the course change! Races really are all about the course, aren't they? (Except with Nemo's ride, where it was somewhat about the food.)
Tracy - Rain really is a mojo sucker, isn't it? I do love this jacket, because it scrunches up nicely in the jersey pocket and is a good ride insurance policy.
IMSG peeps? - I give you "All the Wine" by The National as race inspiration.
Me? Worse night sleep ever. Remind me to not waiting until nine to start bike intervals. I finished at 10:30, couldn't settle down to go to bed until 11:30 and then kept waking up. I also have a sore upper left arm, which never happens. I wonder if this is from being in aero or from drawing with my laptop balanced on yesterday's train ride? I may be sore from drawing. Weird.
Happy Monday morning!
Definitely miss the 3.0 emoticons!
Anyone tried "Skirt Sports" apparel??
Ok- didn't mean to hit submit
I was witness to the lopsided pink ISM last weekend when I rode with Suzanne.
I'll be the next to get the Cobb V-flow.
Beth- thanks for the rain jacket suggestion! looks great. Nice job getting on your bike last night though. Saw that on FB. I was impressed! Hope your day isn't too rough after little sleep.
Gina & Kris - will start the "stay away" rain dance. Its that time of year. Hope you guys get a good food spread like Nemo's ride from the weekend
Thanks Kitima- I have become Paranoid as well since moving back east. I think seeing some of the accidents I do adds to it ( and the way people drive). The rain I was anticipating came last night, it was heavy and Would have been very unsafe to be riding in, so feel better about my decision.
M-happy I can help, and you got the plan set up.
Happy Monday
Morning ladies... not much for me but wanted to touch base.
I took yesterday off - volunteered at a race... felt pretty yucky all day so I just bagged my set run (so I guess my OS went out with a wimper)... I should have run this morning but just couldn't do it - have had a headache for about a week now. I will swim tonight (bag is already packed) and will run in the morning -- setting 2 alarms to get the job done (my regular alarm and I'll set my phone alarm, leaving it in the living room)... followed by the set swim after PT. Weight is holding steady, down 3, but still up 5-7 from my norm... have 7 weeks til EM so hopefully I can drop that by then... and then worry about getting to race weight over the summer training for Timberman and IMFL.
@Suzanne - ouch. hope your knee (and ego) are okay. I'll take a look at that seat. My Terry seems to be okay, though... I'm sure as I'm logging 4 hour rides regularly, though I'll know if it's the one for me or not. I'm looking for new shoes and the Sidi T2s are pink and I thought of you...
I need to go back to bonzai though to try them back on - the clerk there yesterday was clueless re: shoe sizing (at least based on what I've since read about shoe fit)... sure he measured my feet, but then he had me put them on and walk around in them... not sit on a bike or even sit at all. Thinking about it, I think there was too much give... shitty - it's not like the place is next door... anyway...
@Leigh - rant away, that totally sucks. And you know, I think you should be able to get your money back. You/your friends signed up and paid $$ for a race with an advertised course of X - then after they have your money they change the course to Y... there's no "consideration" for that change (legal gobbeldy gook)... not sure what the disclaimer says, though... if the RD reserves the right to make changes, etc. But I do think that if enough folks write in and complain you might make some headway - after all word of mouth (via the internet) is powerful -- and if folks start dissing the RD and his races and threaten not to go back (and spend zero at the expo on race related stuff), etc you might move him to action... money speaks, after all... I don't know. That just totally blows. Especially if it ended up that they didn't need to change the course - maybe with enough pressure he'll change it back... or at least let folks downgrade to the OLY (with a refund, maybe...) or defer the registration to another affiliated race in the 2010 season -- give the RD lots of options to make it right. Good luck.
Man, I gotta get back on the wagon! 20 weeks to IMWI? I don't think that's enough time!! [insert EN 3.0 emoticon shaking in fear here]
I have a few running skirts. The ones with the spankies (like underwear) inside tend to ride up and give me a wedgie for the first 20 minutes of my run then inexplicably stop riding up for the rest of the run. I wore the marathon skirt during IMLP 2007 and was comfortable. The ones with the compression shorts inside bunch up around my groin. I think the quality of the fabric doesn't justify the price...that being said I've bought all of mine on sale.
I have 2 of the transition skirts. The one with the tabs for the race number is awesome. I've used those to race HIM's where my racing suit is like a one-piece bathing suit with a small pad. I wear those skirts for the runs to cover up the jiggling of thighs and butt.
I absolutely love the look of running skirts but haven't found a brand that I really love yet. Anyone with favs on that one?
Kitima --I've had exactly the same experience with the skirt sport spankie (marathon girl) skirts -- run for twenty minutes with wedgie, but sweat a little and it stays put. NOT a good choice for a brick run.
I have two alo sport skirts that I love. Unfortunately, I don't tihnk they make them any more.
I am a huge fan of running skirts - and so far, the only one that I really like is by Brooks (but I have others, I'd say my next fav is one by Nike). it has compression shorts under the skirt. Some ride up but I guess I get over it because I know the skirt is covering it up. Brooks seems to have the length of the shorts right (for my taste, at least).
Tracy, Nemo - I think our mojo's are out having a good time together. I didn't get up in time for my run. Already planning on a pm swim, so I'll have to make up the run tomorrow morning (followed by another pm swim).
I wanted to share this with you gals. It appeared today on a friend of ours FB page. Her name is Jennifer, we call her Jenla. She spent last Wed-Sat with us, in her "betweenst" time from going to Florida to Montana. She and her DB(and 2 dogs) spend the summers in West Yellowstone, MT teaching and guiding fly fishing expeditions. When the snow reaches the roof of their house, then they move back south to Florida, where Jen substitute teaches and her DB takes folks salt water fishing. They live a life that is removed from so many of the trappings I fall prey to and I always feel like I learn from them. I hope you see the beauty in Jenla, even without meeting her. The included art is all her work.
Medicine
26 April 2010
The world of medicine is one I know peripherally through ER (I’m old), Grey’s Anatomy (not that old), a couple med students who befriended me along the way, a handful of doctors I’ve visited thankfully, rarely, blood donations I’ve made with eyes squeezed shut, and just living on the planet.
Some of my favorite people have dedicated their lives to the field of medicine. Among them, summer neighbors who mostly fix damaged faces and broken spirits, mainly in California but regularly around the world, and their wives who doctor them, nurture me, and inspire everyone they know with their intelligence, warmth, patience, and humor. I have a far away friend who finished med school while I finished my dress and dance like someone else stage, who has always made me think, smile, calm down, find beauty, and embrace the strange mix I am. I also root for, learn from, love dearly, try to live up to, and wish I could live with two fascinating, generous friends in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Bicycles, Acrylic on Canvas, 36" x 30" SOLD
I just spent not enough days with these two, an ob-gyn 3rd year resident & nurse anesthetist, dog lovers, Ironman finishers, organic food buyers and growers, thinkers and doers, who have loved me and my art for a decade. They have four of my pieces now, these two old, and two new previously posted. But that’s not why I love them. We have ridden hundreds of bicycle miles together, shared more wine, coffee, quesadillas and giggles than most people could stomach, slogged through sadness and laughed until our faces and bellies grew new muscles.
Landscape for Sula, Acrylic on Canvas, 8" x 10" SOLD
Turns out, friends who inspire you to eat well, love your person intentionally and energetically, laugh gently at yourself, question the future, evoke the past, touch the people and things you care about many many times daily, sleep when you can, drink good coffee when you can’t, who have a history and lots of tomorrows that intersect your own, is the real medicine. Even if you’re not sick, a dose of people you love, who support, know, accept, question, adore, pamper, challenge, remind, entertain, and welcome you – this is the medicine. What a field to be in.
Gina -- That is making me all teary-eyed. What wonderful people -- and art!
So, book about chicas. I do happen to know a very good writer looking for a project. Worthy pitch?
Yes Beth- a worthy pitch for sure!
Wow, Gina. That is beautiful. I needed that right now, right this minute. Thanks for posting it. I too want to move when the snow reaches the roof of my house, then come back again--you know, my "dog walker" life.
Where to begin with y'all?
My dumb finger is getting better. It was tricky shifting the bike on this weekend.
The whole thing is still a lovely shade of blue, and it's numb-ish. Swelling way down so we're on the mend. Thanks for asking, everyone!
@Tracy--maybe karma, the divine, who-knows-what kept you from doing that ride. If you would have gone against your instinct, maybe it would have been a bad wreck. Sometimes we think we made the "wrong" decision inexplicably, but who knows what protective forces are at work. Live to ride another day in the sun!
Re sportskirts--I like them. I like the gym girl the best. That, and a T or a tank, is my summer uniform. I seem to not wear them running very often, and opt to wear them more like clothes.
My motivation went on vaycay with all of yours. I'm not going through the paces in a bad way, or feeling negative, it's just that I'm often very disrupted, and quick to jump on the take-a-day-off bandwagon (which is not necessarily a bad thing). Today I should have swum, but after riding two days on the weekend, I felt like I didn't want to. Didn't say I *couldn't physcally, but didn't feel like it--so I didn't.
That will have to stop pretty soon.
Still feel a bit sluggish, and not 100% myself. But ever onward and upward! I'll get there.
Gina, that's fantastic! What wonderful friends you have! You and Kris F. are going to have a blast.
Linda, glad to hear the finger is doing better.
Beth, I like the chica book idea. I'm in!
Becky, I hope you get to feeling better soon.
Thank you to all of you for all of your support and for tracking me yesterday!
I'll try to get a race report out tonight or tomorrow.
Today has been really nice. I scheduled myself off work today for fun and relaxation, and T took the day off, too. We woke up late, took the dog for a walk, watched a movie, took a nap, and are headed to my sister's for dinner tonight. My whole body is sore and I have some painful rub marks in some interesting places
, but I'm feeling good.
Question for you ladies re: aero helmets on IMs. Do you wear it, or not? I wore mine yesterday, and, being heavier than my normal helmet, I had a lot of increased neck and shoulder soreness during the ride. I was ready to tear it off and throw it away at an aid station after 2 hours.
Do y'all look nerdy and do long practice rides with it, or not wear it for IM, or just suck it up?