What It Takes... July 2011
I can't believe it's already July! Wow!
@Sheryl - omg, are you okay? feel better!
@Jen - welcome to the thread. great to meet you, too! Heading out to riley's lock tomorrow to ride 70 then to columbia for 2 loops Sunday. Starting at 8 both mornings. EN'ers will be with me!
I think I'm starting to get sick and am not happy about it... started feeling a sore throat come on last night and definitely have one today. Argh. That's always how it starts for me. Hopefully it won't get in the way of training... 2 big rides this weekend with Michele and Jonnie, with Kate and Tracy joining us Sun. Hmm...
Hope you all have wonderful holiday plans!
0
Comments
Humm ... my boyfriend and I are currently on a central Florida bike trail adventure. While I'm in OS, we're taking the time to actually go out and check out new bike trails every Saturday morning. Today was pretty fun where we explored a 20 mile long course... we didn't end up riding the whole thing back and forth because if our timing was as we expected, we'd be into 90+ degree Florida heat. This trail is already my favorite, but I need to keep remembering that we're on an adventure, and next week has to be something new!
@Becky, Sorry to hear you are getting sick. No fun and especially not during the summer!
@Charlene, we haven't "met" virtually, I don't think. I have taken a break from the forums while we move across country and settle in but your adventures sound like a LOT of fun. My goal is to pick up a great mountain bike at L L Bean with husbands new employee discount!! Can't wait to try it out!
Nemo, your hiking adventures sound amazing! Can't wait to get the CR (climb report) when you return!
Have a safe and fun 4th tomorrow everyone!!
@Charlene - that sounds awesome. i can't wait to ride just to have fun! But since I just signed up for CDA, it will have to wait about a year.
So, the weekend with Jonnie and Michele was a success. We got to catch up for a ride with Suzanne K on Sat and Tracy W and Kate G Sunday. Lots of fun. I forgot to get a pic with Suzanne, but here's one of the chicas on Sunday:
@ Becky, awesome picture! Hope you are feeling better, as well!
Really looking forward to seeing everyone at IMWI camp in a couple of weeks!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that picture of you ladies! What a strong and fabulous group! Simply fantastic.
I had a GREAT time in Colorado with Olivia last week. She and her DH spent the weekend with Joe and I, helping us acclimate to the altitude and showing us the ropes. They they went back to work and we were on our own to do a few 14ers on our own. It was a fabulous adventure and I'm pretty sure we'll be back to Colorado again for more fun. I took a TON of pictures that you should be able to see here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2041320164888.112917.1600850731&l=4b0fd43b92
Oh, that's a great pic! Glad you all had fun riding!
And, no fun, Becky. If you want a good relationship theory read, check out Mating in Captivity. Excellent theories on boy/man weirdness.
Nemo- I am loving your CO photos and am extremely jealous. I'm going to post a few photos of my Grand Canyon trip soon, it was fantastic.
Barb- Sorry I missed you in Muncie! Glad to see you finished!
I had a tough race in Muncie. Trying to refocus now for my HIM in September and reassess my triathlon goals then and not get caught up right now. I've spent a lot of time with family recently which interestingly enough has really made me take a close look at my own life. I'm interested to see where the rest of this summer takes me- for some reason it feels like I'm at a crossroads. Very interesting. (Ha! Just re-read that and realized how vague that sounds, but it's actually pretty vague to me, it's just an interesting feeling of self-reflection I've had for a while now.) Anyway, hope everyone is doing well!
x2 what Nemo said, Jennifer, you've had quite a year so far, don't push it. And good luck with your journey, too... I think I'm at a crossroads too. When I left private practice to take my life back I hoped that things would just fall into place but it hasn't quite worked out that way. I have a better schedule and new hobbies and friends, but I still feel like something is missing. Gotta figure out what I want and need to be happy... hmm... maybe that's the second list you were referring to.
@Beth, that book sounds fun and interesting. Will have to take a look. Speaking of books, I got through Dragon Tattoo and loved it and saw the movie (which was dramatically different but still good). I have a queue of other books to read but am looking forward to the rest of the series. I'm rereading the last Harry Potter now to watch the last movie. When I saw the first half I was confused as it had been so long since I'd read the book. After that I have a book about IMWI that a friend who raced it last year leant me.
speaking of WI, I can't believe camp is in a few weeks... Jonnie and Michele will never want to see me again after this race is done. :-)
bike test for me tonight (I just can't ever hammer out that kind of ride right out of bed). I hope watching the tour, listening to music, and working out my angst will help me nail it...although my numbers from the last test have been really hard to keep up with in my training rides!
Becky- I know how you feel as most of my friends are in/entering that stage too. I found that things tend to ebb and flow and it's easier on my sanity and self-esteem to not focus too much on them. I try to get out and meet people and do things outside my comfort zone, and if it works great, if not then just on to the next one! I'm sure it'll cycle back for you too.
Hi Girls, its Linda Hopkins, been forever, have a new grandbaby and daughter got married and I am still "flying'. Husband almost licensed, mine has come harder. stll injured but if anyone can remember I qualfied for World in Las Vegas Sept. 11th and ever since the broken collar bone and a gazillion or health issues I have just barely been training. So funny because I logged on and read those "A B C's" yes it was me.....how long ago.. Just really sayin! g hi and will get more active as weeks approach. I am getting my knee replaced as soon as that race is over. Just have to get through the swim, manage the bike and "jog" the run portion. Just want the vibes from the expo and the once in a lifetime opportunity. Anyway , happy summer, if i knew how to post pics I would show you my new two week old baby grandson, Micah William Casburn, sooooooooo dang cute,
@Jennifer... gosh, to be turning 30 again. Jealous! If it's any consolation/motivation, my best in shape and being a total buff badass year was the summer I was 35. marathon training and starting to get into tris I was so frickin cut! then I had a bike crash, then I had hand surgery... and it took a while to get back into shape from that. never got to that level last summer (just doing tris and training the EN way) and so far I haven't hit it yet this year either - but I spent all winter not running bc of PF... So, for a 37 year old I still look good, but damn I look at pics from the summer of 09 and that's my goal! Thanks for the words of encouragement. 30 is kinda when things started shifting for me personally. I was in private practice working all the time as my friends were marrying off. 34 is when I finally blew the whistle to take my life back and own any problems that may result (couldn't blame the long hours on my unhappiness any more). It's been a lot of ups and downs since then, but I now have hobbies and am making new friends when I can...
@Linda - welcome back! and, congratulations!! Can't wait to read when you're flying the friendly skies! You can add attachments by clicking the link below the text box (assuming you selected the reply button as opposed to just wrote your reply on the main screen of the forum page)... and, sadly, the last time you gave the ABC advice it was when I split up with Dan... and Jennifer was reminding me of it when a new beau and I split... hmm... strange, huh?
My bike test last night was rough! Despite the 2 20' segments having higher NPs than my previous FTP (186, 185), my new FTP is still 183 - didn't realize the 2 min break was such a factor -- didn't seem to be before. I really struggled with yesterday's test, though. I couldn't do much of the 2nd 20 in aero. I guess the cold last week, the sporadic sleep, the stress, etc just caught up to me. I guess I'm glad I didn't drop... I'm gonna do the run test tomorrow. My first one since the start of OS. Should be interesting. I'm thankful the weather prediction is that it will be a mild day - not 95 with a heat index of 106. fingers crossed. I would much rather do it outside bc it's easier for me to just run than to set a pace on a treadmill and try to keep up.
Feeling much better about the Mike thing. I think I'm now just sad to be single... not mourning him but mourning my lack of finding HIM yet. So, that's an improvement. To get myself in a happier mood I scheduled my shots for my post IM vacation of a lifetime (African safari)... it will be so amazing... other than that, not much to report. I train, watch the tour, and am trying to get my head out of my butt about all things that I can't control (other people including Mike, my job, etc). I need an attitude readjustment and to take my own advice... if I don't like something change it. While I can't change my job situation I can change my attitude, keep my eyes open for what I want, and in the meantime start working on my master goal which is getting certified as a trainer and opening up shop with a friend of mine.
so, I started a blog. crazy. not sure why anyone would want to read what I have to say, but some folks have encouraged me to start one (after reading my race reports), so what the heck... www.thebexterchronicles.blogspot.com
happy training. I only have 2 3 hour rides this weekend... yay!
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
16. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
17. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
18. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
19. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
20. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
21. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.
Ladies.....Quit Laughing
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they
have.
love the list! thanks!!
so, I fell over on my bike this weekend. when completely stopped at a light. I had one foot on a curb and started to lose my balance and couldn't be my L foot out and down I went. Ugh... and you know what, I'm still in pain. The right side of my upper body is whacked. The pec, neck, and shoulder. Running yesterday was excruciating. The swim was okay, provided I breath on the left - for some reason having my L arm up to breathe right hurt...so I had to try to breath on even strokes, which is hard to do when you're used to bilateral breathing.
argh. gonna see the ART guy today and see what he says. I've started taking motrin and icing. holy shit... zero miles and hour and I'm hurting. stupid.
I miss Mike. it's hard because whenever something happens I want to call him or email him... I admit I have a few times but I'm trying really hard not to. he has his kids this week so he's occupied and his emails and texts to me have slowed down (I guess he's used to talking to me too)... hmm... put my profile back up on match. I hate match, but hey, it is what it is. it can't hurt (well, anything other than my ego).
the blog has a second post. I hope I'll start having fun things to post about soon.
@Becky - you can email me any time you need someone to "talk" to
Got out on the TT bike tonight for the first time in months, since my love affair with my road/CX bike has been going so well. But tonight I was reminded of just how much I love my TT bike, too!
I'm super excited to be heading to Colorado next month to hike, bike, and watch a few stages of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Already plotting all of hiking and biking adventures. And I get to hang out with Olivia, too....yeah!!
so, the ART guy thinks I'm okay but wants me to get X-Rayed just in case I cracked a rib or something. Awesome. But he said I can hold off for a week to see how things go (he only said that bc he doesn't think I'm broken - just inflamed and swollen, etc). I am still one hurting unit. Can't even do situps bc the pressure on my chest is intense. Argh. I did ride this morning but skipped the brick run, swinging arms isn't so fun. Hope I can run tomorrow. We'll see... motrin, ice, and now an anti-inflammatory homeopathic analgesic cream (from the ART/chiropractor). This blows. And these tour guys go over handle bars, break noses, have zillions of stitches and keep riding. I fall over from a complete stop and am bruised and battered. What gives?
@Michele - thanks... oh, and I love your TT, too.
Can't wait to ride her next weekend!
@Nemo, so fun following your Colorado adventures and 14'ers. I'm looking forward to attempting to hike up Katahdin next year but it's under 6,000 so no big deal, huh?
@Becky, breaking up is so hard and even harder when we don't get the first word in. Hang in there, this too shall pass!
@Jennifer, you have been through so much!!! Congrats on your success!
@Linda! Congrats on the new grandbaby!!! So exciting. Wow...knee replacement...keep us posted on that progress.
So, we are in Maine. Not sure how I feel yet. For the first two weeks, my daughter called crying a lot and then I went back and spent a week with her for the Habitat 500 bike ride and I think she might have realized how much she likes being away from us
. Just not the same once the parents are gone and you have independence of activity then mom comes back! No sale on the house but we have had a LOT of lookers.
We did an all day kayaking class on Saturday. Archie's dad was signed up but he had hurt his arm and couldn't go so Archie's mom, who hasn't been in even a canoe for 40 years and is 71 years old, went with us. She rocked. She didn't do the roll over and dump out of the boat then self rescue but for crying out loud....no need. She loved it and had a great time!!!!
We got a brand new fully loaded Prius. Blizzard Pearl. I love it. I get distracted though trying to stay in Eco mode and then I realize people are getting pissed off around me.
So this weekend, we are camping with our oldest daughter who has a day off from cooking at the camp she works at here in Maine. Should be fun!
So great to check in and have the comfort of finding you all here safe and sound! Oh...and get this...Mr. I'm Never Doing Another Ironman is starting to talk about it. I think Archie and I might be hitting IMLP in 2013!!!! Should be a fun adventure!!!
See ya all!!!
@Sheryl. Thanks. Glad you're settled in and hope it's going well. I suspect that in no time you'll have a new routine and will be loving your new life. I would love the opportunity to pick up and move and start over... been thinking about it a lot lately although I think I'm still a few years off (and thinking of heading west to be closer to 2 brothers not to mention be in milder climates).
I can't believe the IMWI rally is this weekend. 7 weeks til the race... I hope I'll be ready. I'm really trying to get my tush in the pool. I'm doing what I can and following the program for the bike and running... and will have to trust the system. But wow, it'll be here before I know it. Not nervous yet, but I suspect that will come soon. More excitingly, I'll be on a once in a lifetime vacation a week and a half after IMWI which is going to be amazing... going to get my shots next week. I need to start shopping for a kick butt digital camera soon so I have time to learn how to use it.
Haven't spent any time on match or anything trying to meet anyone... and you know, that's fine with me. With training and traveling this weekend... and knowing I'm out of pocket for the entire month of Sept, just don't see the point. I need to start being okay with being single... but, I must admit, Mike and I still text and email. Not as often but communication is still there. When I went over to get my stuff the other day we talked and he said he wasn't back online or trying. He wants to take time to figure things out and what he can offer a relationship right now... so to sum it up, it wasn't me, it was him. finally a guy who said it and meant it. I still care a lot about him. I know it wasn't working but that's because I sensed he was changing... I can't help but wonder if, when he figures things out, he'll want to try again. Pathetic. I shouldn't hope. But I do. But, I do know in my heart of hearts that I'm not waiting, this isn't a good time for me to try to play the field...
Yes, I'm still here and alive. I've been lurking. Thank goodness for email notifications so I can keep up with you guys. Here's why I've been absent (and why I'm posting now).
On July 1, my Dad was admitted to the VA hospital in Temple. I had gone up there ( a 3 hour trip from Houston) for his appointment with chemotherapy (he has prostate cancer that hasn't been responding to treatment and has metasticized to his hips, spine, ribs,etc). He had gotten very weak and could no longer walk and also had a rash. Turns out the rash was shingles (and he had the shot). He ended up in the hospital for two weeks trying to figure out the weakness. Several MRIs and scares later, they came back that it is not the cancer but age-related changes in the spine that is putting pressure on the nerves and causing the weakness. He is now in a wheelchair and in a rehab in Temple. We are trying to figure out his next move. I ended up spending the two weeks with him in the hospital in lovely Temple, Tx with one weekend home. On a side note, if you ever see wine by Salmon Creek - avoid it. Work was great about letting me stay with him and work it out. So stressful though. My marathon training went out the window. I did a 6 mile run with a friend the weekend I was home. I just dropped about half way through and ended up taking a 3 - 4 hour nap (does that still count as a nap) that afternoon.
I've been home two weeks and still in recovery mode. I didn't run (or maybe I did I don't remember) last week and ran a couple of times this week. I'm hoping to do 8 - 10 miles Saturday. I have my Certified Specilist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) exam tomorrow afternoon. This exam is a big deal and has been a bear to study for. I had planned on doing a lot of studying the month before the exam, but lost two weeks with the hospital situation. I'm feeling pretty good about it and am now procrastinating - why I'm posting right now. :-) We now are going to be on the "dirty" side of tropical storm Don tomorrow. I should be able to make to to/from the exam OK.
I'm looking forward to life returning to normal next week with work and training. I need to start updating my UH sports nutrition class materials with all the things I've learned from studying for the exam.
Hang in there everyone!
Oh Penny! So sorry to hear all this. I know it's so hard to go through. Such a great employer to let you have this time with your father. I'm sure he feels more at peace with you there to help navigate the medical issues and be an advocate for him. Take care of yourself! I think I slept for about a month after going through it so good job you to keep working on your marathon and exam. Will be thinking about you with your coming challenges!!! Take care!!! Hoping, too, that your area gets lots of rain but not too much !
Penny- sorry to hear about your dad. But good luck with your CSSD exam, I'm sure you'll do great!
Sheryl- glad to hear that you've gotten settled. Sounds like you've been having some fun too!
Becky- hope you are enjoying camp this weekend and that it's getting your mind off things.
Mary- loved the list, had to share it with a few friends in my office who got a kick out of it!
Things are low key here. Getting ready to race the Muddy Buddy with my sister on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it, but I've been so go-go-go the last couple of weeks I'm actually looking forward to having a little time to myself soon. I'm thinking about doing a sorta big bike weekend the following weekend because I have to take some days off work for some family and volunteering stuff. But since that stuff starts later in the day, I think I'll have a chance to get long rides in every day, so I'm gonna try and see. My bike mojo could use some work! Hope everyone is good. Enjoy your weekend, I know I'm REALLY glad it's Friday!!
Penny- so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope his health improves and you guys can figure out the next steps. This stuff is just never easy. But also- good luck on the exam, I'm sure you'll ace it!
Sheryl- wow, Arnie's mom ROCKS!!! Sounds like you are settling in to the new home OK.
Becky- I think your focus on IMWI and your own goals is a most excellent thing right now. Have a blast at IMWI camp this weekend- I really enjoyed it last year.
Jennifer- One of these days I'll do a Muddy Buddy- they sound like a lot of fun. Make sure to take lots of pictures!
As for me, I got talked into doing an Olympic this weekend at the last minute (registered on Tuesday). I must be out of my mind, it's gonna be 90-100 degrees with 80-88% humidity during the race with little to no wind on a course with absolutely no shade and dead flat (I'd welcome a hill only to give me a breeze!). Thankfully it's an "I don't really care" kinda race, so whatever happens happens (as long as I don't end up in the med tent!). Wish me luck!
Want weekend updates!!! What are y'all doing this weekend? I'm going to start mapping an annual Lighthouse Ride. First Annual will be next year! Y'all think about it. Three days of riding, one day of shopping! I'll let you know how it goes!!!
Two interviews this week. One seemed a good fit for me the other probably not so much. We'll see. Maybe they both thought, "Whoa...no way on this girl!!!"
Penny, thinking about you and your dad.
Take care all!!!
Nemo & Jennifer (and anyone else) - how were your races this weekend?