What It Takes.......November 2010
Hello ladies! I hope you had wonderful weekends!
It was Jon Stewart rally and Marine Corps Marathon weekend in DC... lots to do. I went to the rally but couldn't see or hear anything... so that was a bust. Bummer. I only knew a few folks doing MCM and didn't go out - slept in, did a short jog only so I could stretch stretch stretch. I'd planned to make up a swim, but I'm over swimming... then watched football and went to a friend's for dinner and to greet trick or treaters...
I dropped off the bike and gear bag Saturday... wow. I didn't swim at all this past weekend (shocker... only once last week, once the week before). I'm not bouncing off the walls with nervous energy like you all were talking about before IMWI. I am feeling surprisingly blah. Sometimes super anxious, sometimes just disbelieving it's race week... I just want to get it over with. Seriously. It's not real to me yet. But, I'm dreaming about it... and last night was not a happy dream - hence my post about swim strategy. I can swim (despite my lack of swim training this past month)... but the mass start, the potential for shitty waves, the swallowing salt water - those are things I can't really practice and I don't know how to prep for them.
Right now I have a knot in my stomach. I leave Wed. Today and tomorrow at work are going to be impossible. Seriously. And I don't even have lists to make or IM protocol to read. I am going to drive myself crazy.
Comments
If you want some good why we race/get your head on straight literature, check out
Once a Runner.
or visit Fat Cyclist, when he being funny, or not.
And almost all of Team NIL is racing a silly 5k/15k on Saturday, too. So extra pink-visored, good race vibes coming your way!
Gotta tell you ladies, that pink visor has become my super duper good luck charm. When I race running races locally around here I generally wear my local team kit (not EN), but I LOVE LOVE LOVE having the Chica visor to carry you all with me!
Becky- sooooo looking foward to your race this weekend! Yeeeeeha it's finally here! When do you fly to Florida?
I had an amazing 2 hour run this weekend in the woods on trails. You wouldn't think there would be enough trails out here on the beach to do that, but we do have a great maritime forest where I can run- and I just LOVED it! No MTB though, it's parkland so foot traffic only :-(
:-)
@Nemo, my flight leaves Wed around noon. We arrive around 3:15. I hope, but suspect it won't be likely, to get to athlete check in before they close up at 4... but the bikes can be picked up until 5, so I should be able to knock at least that out so I can put Jina back together and give her a look over.
Now, I appreciate this may be a personal question and you may not want to share, but as race day approaches, I wonder what your "one things" are.
As for me, I have lots of things that I draw on during race days... and looking back have had many really tough races over the years (Chicago in a heat wave, Marine Corps with a knot the size of a softball in my calf, EM heat/wind/humidity, hail at Timberman...) and managed to get through them by sheer stubbornness and unwillingness to throw in the towel. This past year, I have you to thank for that. You have all been so helpful and so inspiring to me... I can remember training rides thinking about things we've talked about or things you're going through... so, in many ways, at various times through out this year, you've been my one thing (i.e., for my first ever "big day" it was hot as hell but Nemo had been evacuated from her home... we've had crashes, cancer, you name it... and one of the chicas or someone in the haus has gone through it and that's what I draw on for my strength - what I'm going through will pass... what you go through is life and is much harder than a few hours/a day of discomfort)... I will be thinking about you all and your journeys this past year when I'm out there racing... as well as my own journey from fat kid with no self esteem to jock with more jutzpah that I deserve to have...
but I do want to thank you all for being you and being honest in here. It's been so nice for me to feel like I've finally found a group of woman I can connect with (never been one to have many women friends -- I've been told I'm kind of outspoken and intimidating... to men and women alike). So I cherish the friendships I've made here!
@Becky- the anxiety could be blunting the nervous energy and excitement. But we are all here to cheer you on! Have a blast!
@Nemo- running on trails on an island, for 2 hours!!- doesn't even seem possible. Glad you enjoyed it. My trail running will wait until the walkers tramp down the leaves. I hate the thought of turning an ankle on a root or rock I can't see.
I'm supposed to run a half mary this weekend. I am just not that into it. Won't decide until the last minute if I will go, but I am tapering as if I plan to run Sunday morning.
Work continues to kill my spirit. Have started looking into doctoral programs, going part-time here vs. leaving all together. Only reason it's hard to leave is that I have some seniority and have decent vacation plan, but still want more. I need more play time!!
This is a very homey time- as in cooking and baking as the leaves fall and holidays approach. Enjoy it all, my many sisters!
so I voted this morning bc I couldn't ride... I have 2 bikes in my living room but neither has a saddle on it. Nice. So, 45 min ride (3x8's yippee) and a 30 minute jog when I get home at some point.
Dan was supposed to help me with my bike after my swim last night (yes, I actually swam - can you believe it... and it was wonderful. 1600m of varying sets with breaks in 32 minutes. Glorious! I've been waiting for a swim workout like that all season...)... Anyway, we met for dinner then walking to the cars he asked about my tool... uh, nope, that's been packed that's why I need your help. (Well, besides the pain in the butt of doing a quickie fit solo). He didn't bring his tools! And he didn't want to drive home (about 5 minutes), get the tools and drive to my place (about 10 minutes). I was slightly annoyed... but not terribly put out... but, the thing that got me was that I clearly noted in my email that I had packed my tool (I"m not, after all, completely helpless)... apparently he skimmed over that part. So, I shrugged it off and said, no problem, I'll vote before work and do the spin after work... I guess he's gonna come over when I get off so we can deal with it then. Bizarre. Whatever.
But, you know, I've been noticing this a lot lately... I talk and he hears but doesn't listen or apparently actually digest what he reads in my emails... and it's troubling... I pay attention when he talks/people talk to me. I can even do a zillion things at once and maintain multiple conversation lines and still pay attention (which annoys the crap out of him),,, Had he simply forgotten to grab them walking out to the car to meet me, well, that I can understand. But he didn't even know he needed the tools in the first place. That's just not right. I know, I know... cut him some slack - but, as I said, this is a trend that I'm starting to notice more and more... . Anyway... we'll see. No rash decisions.... I know I've been really touch lately... and he's put up with a lot from me and my schedule... and for the most part has been super supportive. But, there's a spider sense tingle going on.... After a year I need to figure out if this/he is what I want my future to be. And that's hard.
So, to surprise and thank him for all his patience I booked a b&b and dinner reservations for the sat after IMFL - in a little beach front town on the eastern shore (Onancock, VA). it's kind of a long drive (4 hours)... but I suspect we'll stop along the way for lunch. get there in time to have wine and cheese at the inn, then go to dinner. Sun we can wander around, antique, etc... before heading home. I hope it's nice.
And, very exciting... I emailed Coach Rich about pricing for power! If all goes well, I'll get it all set up to fiddle with it in December, in time to start OS in January! Speaking of that, I added to the P90X thread... with some questions since I know many of you are doing it and have really liked it!
That's enough outta me. I'm so terribly bored at work - which is annoying... but considering the timing, I can't (and won't) complain... but I have things to do at home (go to the pet store for food, finish packing my "normal clothes" stuff, work out)... argh...
Hi Chicas
Becky- your really are ready!!!! ENJOY- I agree, lots of incredible inspiring women here! Love you all- Big Hugs
Michele- sorry about work stresses, looking for new job. I hear you. Reminds when I was going through that as NP at VA in Tucson, ughhhhh I knew that i could always do agency work in the ICU,( yes, I perceived it to be THAT BAD) then got the flight RN job. There were some days i was almost in tears dreading going to work. Good Luck! oh the GRE, will you have to take it again?
Oh- and Homey time- yes, on a roll with organizing, cleaning and cooking- about to go take on basement and freshen up pain cave
Beth- I would also like some suggestion on decorating, so when you finish at Nemo's, do you mind coming up to Baltimore?
Beth- read Once a Runner on your suggestion- enjoyed, have also read The Fat Cyclist Blog- never finished What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Muakami so I went back to it. Really enjoying it and it makes me want to do some writing!
I also read Running Long recently by Matt Long. he is the NYFD firefighter hit by a bus in 2005, almost died. he came back and finished IMLP in 2009. I saw him at the midnight finish after working medical tent. I cried a few times reading the book. he would talk about wanting to run again and be an athlete during his rehab. Although I was not hit by a bus, my injury cycle of last 2 years, i could identify with that- Just wanting to Run! get my athletes's body back
My foot is doing better, go back to OS on Thursday. My PT thinks I will be able to go from the boot to an ankle brace. Foot is feeling much better, ROM much better, strength and balance coming back, Probably, at least I think, won't need surgery. I am walking around the house without the boot for short period.. I did the eliptical for 30 min with some good intervals on sat. Swimming with a pull buoy. No kicking. Made the mistake of trying to push off wall with foot, won't do that again for a bit.
Always amazes me how time goes by. Last Tuesday was the 2 year anniversary of my dad passing away. Did ok last week, maybe cause i was coming off nights, slept away most of day or was in a fog. Today, having a hard time, been thinking about him, miss him- came out of the Blue
Have a great Day everyone!
@Becky - When I was dating the last bf, he confessed to only listening to most people 30% of the time and to me (because I was special) 60% of the time. I have no idea if this is normal. I'm learning lately to spell out requests. To boys. To people at work. That, and learning how to shut up and meeting and pay attention seem to be making the world easier to deal with.
@Michele -- I kick your work in the shins! And isn't cooking and baking delightful.
@Nemo - Love the chica visor here, too. I do feel like I'm carrying you all with me.
Decorating - I'd totally make that tour! It would be fun. I get to organize a local theatre's office soon. I'm sooo excited. =-)
Me. I've been running, writing, drawing, trying to decide if the new couch should be "fern," "slate," or some other color. And taking lots of long walks. My friend Alex and I walked six miles on Saturday night and found a park in Chicago that actually looks like nature and a few of the prettiest little, hidden streets of houses. It is very cool to have a fellow architecture/city explorer.
And Beth- I thought if I applied to Rush and was accepted, I would come to see you!
Thanks for the support ladies. Work is not as fun as it used to be, but I still have 2 students this semester and I love to teach. I even taught a manager (non-medical) to give shots and let her give me my flu shot. She did a great job.
My plan for dealing with work- at my annual review in December, I am going to ask for more vacation time in lieu of a raise. The answer will be my guide.
Beth- I love your couch color choices- all sound good to me. Happy shopping.
Michele -- Yes, please, get accepted at Rush and visit!
@Tracy, I understand about missing your dad. I lost my dad and mom a little over 2 years ago and sometimes, I miss them so much I can't breathe. I know it's hard...hope you feel better soon.
@Beth, I love your life!!! I love reading all that you do! You make me smile and help me refocus on being positive!
@Michele, Sooooo understand the job thing. I'm truly thinking of calling in sick tomorrow to look for a job. I love that you see the things you like to do to help refocus! Hope things are better so that you can stand it until you decide what to do.
I'm formulating a plan for what I want to do when I grow up....Should take about 6 months to prepare!!! I'll share when I feel sure....
Love you all!!!
I'm baaaaaaack from my two month break ('cause you know, every dollar counts these days). November OS woot! Missed you guys!
I just thought I'd share one of the things I'm doing for core and to mix stuff up a bit during my fun time. Once a week I do a "drill" run. I run about 5 min, then insert some running drill or core workout (butt kicks, high knee skips, lunge walks, side steps, whatever). I end up back home and do a few more one leg squats and dead lifts and call it a day. It's been pretty fun- just something different that keeps me interested
OK- gotta go. Meeting in 30 seconds!
Yeah! My thought exactly! Welcome back Suzanne!
Ok ladies. Finally got the power meter. To see what arrived in the box, I was a bit shocked. So I got the tube and the tire on without swearing OR yelling. (my mom was sitting on the couch next to me). Even got the rear wheel off of the bike, but then was stumped. The cogs have to come off of the current wheel and then I have to put them on the new wheel? So how do I do that? What about using it on both road and tri bike?
To the others that have ordered from Rich am I supposed to get WKO+ and the power webinar somehow? I thought it would be in the box with the wheel.
Oh boy I hope I am up for this challenge!
If you road bike & tri bike are both the same speed bikes (9 sp vs 10sp) and you run the same size wheel (650 vs 700) then you should just be able to swap the wheel back and forth.
As for WKO and the power webinar- both of those are going to be downloads. I'd suggest double checking with Rich on how to get your download copies.
Thinking about the girls in Florida today- I'm looking forward to tracking them tomorrow.
Suzanne! Welcome back!
Carly - What Nemo said. And I also suggest getting a copy of Coggan's Training and Race with Power. Read chapters until you don't understand stuff. And then keep revisiting.
Welcome back Suzanne! Yeah! We should talk about planning a mid-atlantic cell get together like we talked about at Half Full
Carly- What Nemo and Beth said. Actually I was even able to put the cassette on. Not hard at all. I did bring it in to LBS to make sure i did it right.. I really want to learn how to do basic stuff on my bike this year, so it was a good start.
Hoping for nice weather for Becky and Nathalie for tomorrow. Will be at work, so may not be able to watch that much, hopefully I can catch the finishes!
Back to my basement cleaning /organizing, setting up pain cave. See how filthy dirty i can get today, but such a good feeling when all is clean and organized!
Have a great weekend everyone!
hi... home... tired... checking in. will write more tomorrow, and start putting RR together. Posted lots of pics on FB. Actually I only took a few, my bro Dan took some amazing picutes and I shared the album so I hope you will have access. What an amazing and crazy and emotional and happy and tiring... etc, etc... experience! Thank you all for your support and encouragement!
Good job you!!! So excited that all went well! Can't wait to read about your experience!
Hooray, Becky! Huge congratulations!
Carly - How's that powermeter?
Becky congrats again! Can't wait to read that race report.
Beth, thank you for asking. As always it seems it was a bit of a process but I did get my first FTP test done yesterday. The number of steps involved in the process from receiving the wheel to actually doing the test was a few too many for me, but got it done (with the help of the hause of course). Actually really learned a lot. (thanks Tracy for saying that it could be done). On Sunday my living room looked like the bike graveyard, had rear wheels off of 3 bikes, grease everywhere, tools etc. Bottom line, got it done. Still don't have my FTP because I think I did something wrong when I downloaded WKO+, because I can get the graph but I can't highlight it like the directions say to calculate the number. That is the plan for tonight, get that straightened out and continue on with the power webinar.
Wow, what an experience..! Race report in the works..did download power files and was right on the dot. More to come.. First time ever of any race i've done that i'm happy afterwards with the results but there is more then that for this one. Something really great happened out there even more then my PR. I have to collect my thoughts about it and write my RR. Thank you so so much for your support on EN and FB. It's been really touching to see that. I know I haven't participated in this forum in particular but I've always had tremendous amount of respect for all you chica's and feel grateful to be part of this team. Hopefully on my recovery and outseason I will have more time to be more part of it. ..EN rocks !!!
Nathalie
I'm going to read your report right away, Nat! Great to finally meet you after talking via the IMFL thread for so long!
@Carly - good luck with figuring out power... I'll be ordering it soon...and hopefully get it figured out myself. Scary!
@Nemo - have a great time visiting with your family!
I think I've recovered. Legs feel good... back/neck/shoulders feel good... sleeping like a rock. I might try a jog or something tomorrow if it's nice since I have the day off (Vet's Day)... we'll see... off the primal diet this week (not that I was super strict) but I'm giving myself the week to relax and eat whatever sounds good to me with no guilt! Pasta the last two nights... mmmm.... yummy!