NEMO!!!!!! so glad you took your computer, we had already missed you!!!
in fact we had aged so much without your presence that we are now wearing bifocals and writing very large!!!
#13. You know you are a triathlete when Team Estrogen has your # and emails you coupons... and you actually think that dry fit clothing could be worn around town!!
Beth, I'm jealous that you've got power. I did something unbelievably stupid and wrecked my PT CPU. It's always hard to remove my CPU from the cradle, and I actually cracked one when I mistakenly launched it across the room. So, I decided that a little teflon lube would help avoid this problem. Who knew that teflon lube eats away at plastic? Now, the CPU won't snap into the cradle and is thus useless. AGH! I hate riding without numbers!
Kris---Ah! So great to hear about your adventures in trail running.
Nemo---Are you in NZ? Is it the coolest place ever? So glad you brought your computer. We missed you!
Beth---There's a way to set the PT to gather and display your watts so that it's not changing every second or every pedal revolution so that the numbers aren't changing around so fast. It also allows you to save more data on your CPU for the long rides.
Marianne---Wait, wait...I've got one right from this chicka group:
#16 You know you're a triathlete when mice infest your house, they head straight for the Cytomax and Infinit.
Beth and Kristen...yay! Did I miss when you got PMs?!!I'm super new to using power, too, so let's learn together! ARggg..learning all about WKO+ and downloading was tough in itself!
Linda...loved how you wore workout clothes under your work clothes! I do the same thing!
M - I was just telling my husband two weeks ago that my running tights will outlive me. The blue pair that I wear are 12 years old! They're fine. Not terribly appealing to look at, but I can't justify replacing them. They still work!!
Love the list AND the EN chicka additions!! Are we that easy to peg??
I feel out of touch with Gina and Su's travel plans...are they already in AZ by now?
Colleen - It stinks that what seems like would have been an inventive solution to your PT CPU ended up messing it up. Frustrating!! I hope you get a replacement one soon.
The TG meal calorie amounts are pretty staggering. I've often thought that TG would be a great post-IM recovery meal.
Kristen knows that I bailed from my run this AM after my first interval because I felt icky - lightheaded, queasy, etc. I let myself off the hook for the workout and didn't plan to come back to it later. Oddly, when I left work tonight I just figured I would run when I got home. It wasn't even a question or a negotiation. I walked in the door, literally dropped my stuff, changed my clothes and hit the treadmill. in 35 minutes I had finished the rest of the intervals that I hadn't done in the morning. I felt fine. It didn't suck. And it seemed like the right thing to do. Who knows what this morning's challenge was all about.
Olivia -- Love the getting back on the treadmill. In another thread, Carrie wrote something about thinking of intervals as vitamins -- your prescribed dosage of vitamin ftp. Way to get in yours for the day!
Dana and Kristen -- High five to my fellow power newbies! I'm so glad I have company on my journey from "what are those crazy bouncing numbers?" to talking about power like Coggan is my bff.
Kitima and Linda - thanks for the power tips! I really would've spent all winter trying to make the numbers not bounce without you. And keep them coming! I feel a little overwhelmed with power information. Is there a quickstart power one-page guide somewhere? The power webinar has me rather dazed.
Colleen - Oh, the teflon tube! Who would've thought that would literally fry your head unit. Did you get any bonus points for amusing the customer service reps at Saris?
No recovery drinks in the shower, but I do often stretch there - arms, hamstrings, neck.
17. You also know you are a triathlete if when sprint for the train in heels (because you often have to do this because you left yourself fifteen minutes to get ready for work after running) your (naturally) do not spill your coffee or lose your shoulder bag. Instead of being out of breath, you simply notice your core must be getting stronger.
I am certain my fastest running times have all happened in work clothes and Nike Cole Haans.
We got in yesterday evening around 6ish, landing in time with a beautiful sunset over the mountains. Had a mediocre sushi dinner and then on to our hotel. Uh, a bit to spartan and really too far from race site. Collapsed into bed around 10 (really midnight for us) and slept so so.
Up this morning and headed for coffee and then made the decision to completely change hotels, if possible. Took us 30 min on the phone and will cost more, but got rooms for everyone @ ;the host hotel- Tempe Mission Palms. Lovely place, courteous staff.More importantly, is 2 blocks from race site. MUCH better for our crew of 7 that arrives tonight !!
Spent time in line @ registration, but met some nice, funny people. Also, saw the hard core contingent sizing everyone up. Dropped the obligatory $$$$ on schwag, then off to find lunch. We are sooooo picky about our food and refuse to eat the crap offered most places. Ended up @ ;Subway - turkey for me and veggie patty for Su. Then off to find Whole Foods and stock up on some stuff for the room. NOT ENOUGH H20 in the world right now. It is dry,dry, dry here!! Headed to TBT to pick up our bikes and finally back to the room to organize and relax.
Team dinner is @ ;a pub literally out the front door. We will swing by and then dinner with family. Swim and short bike tomorrow.
Gina - so glad you arrived safe and got the hotel situation fixed. Nothing worse than a crappy hotel. Hope everyone else gets in safely - have great race!!!
M - very funny w/ the text size ! I have a great recipe to add to your other thread - I just need to find the time to type it in there. Hopefully over the weekend.
New puppy is keeping me on my toes - up early, to bed too late and too many trips out to potty multiple times during the day and she wants to chew on EVERYTHING!! Can't turn my back for a second. DH is out of town on a hunting trip - so the boys and I are on our own for the next 5 days.
+1 on #17. Just last night I sprinted to the train...in my cowboy boots. They actually worked pretty well. I tend to pride myself on those little Z5 bursts...I sometimes wonder if the others on the train are marveling at my speed and my ability to recover so quickly...as I settle in with my reading material. HA HA!
Hooray for hotel switching, Gina! So glad you're better situated now. Hope your food shopping went well and that you're working your way through the stash.
G--Good choice on the move! So exciting! Post when you can. Wish I was there too. Sigh.
Robin--It is, literally, not one minute you can turn your back, isn't it? If you find it challenging with all your experience, that makes me feel better! OMG, I could not believe the hyper-vigilance it took, since I hadn't had a puppy since childhood. At almost 7 months, Cali is like a totally different dog. I'll even leave her for about 45' out of the crate to go to the store! Now that's progress! Anyway, teammate Mike Hedman, who has a lab puppy, gave me some funny advice re chewing toys--"think truck tire." One thing that saved our life was a 6' piece of nylon rope we got at Home Depot. She could chew on that all day, and it doesn't fray or make pieces. Chomp, chomp, chomp! Frankly, puppyhood is exhausting.
We just had a HUGE here fight because I kept saying, take the dog out, take the dog out, take the...and she peed on the rug. I was not happy. She hasn't done that in months. I take her out all day long, and feel I am off duty in the evenings, dammit! Today when I was taking her out, Cali started running out the door, which we train her not to do so I wasn't expecting it. I got pulled and slammed the door shut on my finger!!! I am no baby, but the pain is still immense. The fingernail is already all black, it's swollen, and is looking bruised on the underneath pad-side too. Wicked hurts.
Did my 5 vials of blood today for round 3 of bone marrow donor testing. I'll hear back in 4-6 weeks. If this goes through, I'll be a "match," and they'll do the super-duper, ultra-final testing. Pretty amazing, isn't it? I registered as a donor more thn 25 years ago. This is the 3rd time I've been contacted, but the other two never went past the 2nd round. I think it's fascinating.
Workouts so-so this week. Hitting the power and paces, just not thinking too much about it all. Busy at work, so I guess I'm focused on things other than my tri-life. For once.
Linda with your5 vials of blood given I hope you are upping the iron intake??!! I worry about us.... well the finger sounds bad getting stuck in door and I hate it when dogs make accidents that coulda been prevented.
Here is some words to drive any mother crazy..."Mom, I need a posterboard cuz my project is due tomorrow" as we are leaving for bball practice!!! so off I got before I pick up 10 year old to buy poster board ...
Good luck Gina and thanks for the update.... love to hear more so will keep looking. Olivia = train?? m
Gina---So glad to hear you and Su arrived safely...kinda figured you did as I say the blow-up Mdot pictures on FB. Good call on the hotel. The older I get the less tolerant I am of mediocre accomodations for IM---it's not a camping trip! You need a comfy bed and hot shower after something like an IM.
Linda---Ouch! for your finger. To bleed and bruise under the fingernail all the way to the fingerpad takes a big hit. My lab "puppy" is 10 years old and I think he's alot of work. Ah, puppyhood!
Tonight's ride is dedicated to Olivia and Carrie Chavez. My a$$ was glued to the couch tonight. I'm talking strong magnetic forces between my butt and the cushion. At 7pm, I annouced that I simply wasn't going to ride, that I was much too tired. Then I got to thinking about Olivia rallying and getting on the treadmill tonight and Carrie saying that intervals were like vitamins for your FTP. Before I knew it I was in the pain cave, rocking out on the iPod, and hitting all my watts. Thank you!
Kitima, and my day's mt bike ride was dedicated to you!! , I am getting off the bike a bit more, like sitting up more I mean got the poster board and big bros are home to help out! I am tired so signing off.
Way to go Kitima! I'm glad I could be of motivational assistance to you. That makes me smile! Hope you felt good after getting the work done....and that you weren't cursing Carrie and me while you were riding.
Linda - I am sorry your finger's hurt, and really sorry that you have to explain to "the boys" that you should be off duty in the evening. It really is reasonable. Poor Cali too, I'm sure she really didn't want to pee on the rug. The marrow donation thing is incredible.
M - Channel the frustration of the last minute posterboard request for your next workout. You'll fly! I can't imagine...you do everything you can to be prepared, think ahead, handle groceries, laundry, etc. You've got your evening plans all mapped out and you're on your way and then.....INCOMING.....the child drops that bomb and things get out of whack.
I've said it before, and it is worth sayiing again...you iron parents are incredible for the things you balance and achieve. It's inspriring!
Speaking of parent related topics...question for you all...Brian and I found one of our nieces on Facebook and are debating telling her mom about the problems we see with the page. First problem: her profile is totally open so that anyone in Facebook-land, "friend" or not can get to all of her pics and details. Second problem: her profile pic is a really rather racy, showing most of her bare midriff and bare legs, and she's wearing some ridiculous Coors Light shirt. Third problem: she's 15!!!! It's just not right. I feel like her mom (Brian's older sis) should know about it, if you were the mom in this case you would right?
Olivia---No cursing at all! Once I'm on the trainer I'm right as rain. It's just all the whining and crying it takes to get there.
What do about your niece's FB? I would tell her mom with the preface of "You didn't hear this from us..." If your niece's picture and profile is open to everyone, then her parents can have a look at it even without your prompting. I would want to know about something like that if I had a daughter.
Marianne---Good luck on your second mtb race this weekend! I'll be riding my mtb this weekend too---another weekend of great weather for Nov. Woohoo! Hunting season (deer by gun) is going to start soon so gotta get all the dirt riding in while we can. Speed is our friend (especially over rock gardens) and brakes are the enemy (especially a handful of front brake!).
We talk all the time here in our EN space about taking baby step toward recovering from an injury or making progress toward better FTP's and Vdot's. So I see a patient and his wife this morning--a couple I've been trying to get to stop smoking for over a year. He has a bed sore from being admitted to hospital several times a year for pneumonia. They both smoke 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day. Today I ask them again about their smoking cessation plans. They happily report to me that they're both cutting back and onlysmoking one cigarette an HOUR. Even if they smoked every hour of a day---that's still less than 2 packs! Baby steps--woohoo!
Friday: going to run today, 2 x .5 miles and 2 x 1 miles @ TP; tidying up now. I see sun.... yes I will remember your MT bike rules. I think one of my problems is that my brain doesn't work fast!! I mean I see rocks and I hear others tell me they see a path thru them and can see the flat ones versus the ones that stick up.. I just see rocks!! so I have to sorta get my brain to fire a bit quicker!! as I am turning my bike faster to make turns and well just "reacting" a lot faster to stuff coming at me. and not knowing the course or route a lot of stuff comes at me and I think "uhhhh, just don't slow down!" like the whoop de doos where I can't see the other side! or the uphill rocky fire road with mud and a creek? and bridges that I am hoping are solid! but yes thanks on the good luck this Sunday. looks like a high of 62 and sunny that day so not too terribly cold for my 10 a.m. start. well mt bike time will be about 10:20ish. ! I did buy duck tape and now forget your little trick, do you wrap some around a pencil?? what did you do? all I remember is that you carry some with you! m
Oh, Linda! Take care of that finger. Slamming digits is the worst!
Marianne - Rock out on your mountain bike this weekend!
This morning, I was ten minutes into my bike warm-up and realized continuing was a bad idea if I wanted my legs to be all rested for 5k vdot testing tomorrow a.m. (ear infection from week one has me doing this late). I still wanted to do something, so I hopped on the other machine in the pain cave -- the skier's edge. Five minutes on that thing is an awesome core workout. And my muscles remember how to go side-to-side now. I've been overcooking my current vdot numbers since the beginning of the OS. Can Beth do a 5k all by herself without blowing up? Can she get a new vdot? Stay tuned. . .
Marianne---I wrap the duct tape around my tire lever. I think Colleen wraps it around a golf pencil. If you bash off your rear derailleur, you can use the tape to secure it to the bike and keep it from bashing into your wheel. Of course, you'll be riding a single speed at that point. The tape is also good for any major punctures or gashes in your tires. And if you break a spoke, wrap it around another spoke and it can be held down with the tape as well.
As for sighting on the mtb, whatever you look at is where you're gonna go. So if you're looking at a tree, rock, root that's where you're bikes going to end up. As far as obstacles or turns/switchbacks or rock gardens are concerned, of course your eyes will see them, but not laser lock your sights on those things. Instead, look for our exit route out of it. If possible, I try to look 20 yards (or as far as I can up the trail) ahead, scanning the obstacles I want to avoid and anticipating what I need to do to get to that point 20 yards in front of me. I think of that yellow line that is on TV for football games that marks where the 1st down will be and try to make my own "yellow line" through the trail.
Looks like you're going to have great weather for your race. Those race starts are quite different in pacing from IM. Try to pin it at the start--go out hard to be in the front of the group when you get to the singletrack area so you won't have to pass anyone while on the singletrack. Have fun! Can't wait to hear about it.
Sorry- I tried to send this to all the chickas via private message but keep getting a critcal error.. hopefully Gina won't have time to read or see this until I have it done and sent tonight.....
May be a bit late on the draw here, but had an idea to put together a quick video for our EN AZ chickas. If you want to participate, plse send a picture and or well wishes (just a few sentences at most). My email is run0317@gmail.com or just reply to this message or TRY to send me a DM (Kris Frazier) and I'll put it together tonight.
okay on pencil or tire lever. Thanks, and yes on sighting, I am trying to look further out than what is right in front of my wheel!!! I was getting tired yesterday and looked right at the mud and then at the tree boom went skidding down! but will try to pick a point 20 yards out and yes on the start. found that out the last time, as I seeded in the back and not able to pass the peeps and they kept falling over! so yes will try to be in front, sorta intimidating cuz then there are peeps behind you so you don't wanna wreck!! and have them run into you. Had some great training today and felt energetic! and that was a nice feeling.
#18 You say you're working on your body comp rather than, "I'm on a diet."
I think that's more a guy thing, based on evidence here. R started the thread about body comp and P keeps using the phrase with his extra runs and short rides to "keep the engine burning." It's cracking me up. Women, OTOH say, "I'm on a diet, and I ran 30' extra to burn 300 extra calories." How the sexes ever co-exist is an ongoing mystery.
Swam today for about 45'. LOVE my friends at masters, and I need in the in-person camaraderie since I run alone, and bike with Keith. I am keeping it real easy, using lots of crutches like pull bouy and paddles to keep the intesity real low. The coach wants me to fix some technique stuff anyway, so it's working out. I don't swim more than 2,000, often 1500-1800. That's enough. I just enjoy it so much, I'll try the trade off this third OS go-round. When the rubber realy his the road in a month or so, we'll see if I continue.
Messed up the schedule again by doing a swim brick (if there is such a thing). Moved tomorrow's run to today. It was shorts and short sleeves weather and sunny. On 11/20, how could I pass that up? Took Cali on the path, and it was a lovely 30'. Exercised her and me. Win-Win!
Swim meet for the boys this weekend, so I could potentially miss both days of working out. We'll see what happens. Personally, I hope they want to skip it!
Linda - I hear ya on the swimming. I am actually missing it! Sadly we are between coaches in our local Master's program and going to Lexington is just such a complete PITA (not to mention expensive) that I am putting it off until the 1st of the year before I decide what to do. Kinda long and complicated saga, but the only way to get access to the "good" pool locally is through the now floundering local Master's program. The "bad" pool is used for therapy and kids stuff, etc. and is HIGHLY cholorinated and has all kinds of wierd stuff floating in it (think old band aids and worse - ewwwww!) and a skim of old lady lotion and WHATEVER leftover from the days water aerobics classes, etc. YUCK. Of course this is the pool that I take my children to swim in for their swim team!. Our first swim meet is the first week of Dec. - good luck to yours this weekend and I hope you don't die of boredom! What a long day it is to sit around and wait for your child's 1 minute of glory. Sounds like Cali is feeling better and you had a great day to run - VERY happy to hear that!!!
Great idea Kris! but I doubt I will "git er dun".
ARGHHHHHH....... puppy just chewed the zipper pull off of my nice North Face jacket as I have been sitting here typing and she had her first accident on my best rug tonight - naturally . She is wearing me OUT and have only had her at the house for 3 days . At least my boys are old enough now that I can ask them to take her out - like your experience though Linda it doesn't always happen fast enough for me.
So I have lost my freakin mind!!! I am going to a movie at 10 pm tonight. That is about 30 minutes past my bedtime! What's worse - my girlfriends and I will definitely be the ONLY ones in the OVER 35ish crowd for sure. They don't seem to mind so I guess why should I? I still think I am going to feel really stupid sitting there with all of those giggling 15 year olds.... Yeah, I'll give you one guess what we are going to see .
Okay - so I am off to type in a recipe for M's recipe thread. It's an easy and yummy appetizer that feeds A LOT of people. Not very good for you however .
Robin--if you knew how good that makes me feel to hear you--the breeder--say she is wearing you out! Even my boys admitting that the first two months with her home--and I quote--kinda sucked. And they wanted a puppy like mad. I heard the following statement on Dog 101 on Animal Planet--that while Labs are the greatest dogs, they are THE mouthiest puppy breeds. Greaaaat. The biting/chewing defies description. And, oh, she peed on my rug again today! What the hell is up with that! What did you end up naming her, BTW?
Thank heavens the boys decided to just do the meet on Sunday! Ride is on for tomorrow! Yeah!
Great weekend all! Off to catch up on Project Runway!
I JUST read all 6 pages of posts to catch up...I am whooped. I am SOOOO behind in the new forums I could scream. I need a full day to read and I have no real time to speak of.
I would comment on all the topics but there are too many. I laughed a lot and the continual thought in my mind was ...these ladies are amazing!
Have a great weekend!
In my little world: Steve's Mom is still in the hospital, 11 days. Can't return home alone. Has no finances. We have offered to care for her and have her live with us. Steve's sister wants to first. So we will go that route and then may transition to our home. Lots of prayer, big decisions, has brought Steve and I even closer. He is amazing and I am so glad I married him.
Having some tests done on me. Had two rounds now and third is Monday. Will fill you in more larer. Just asking for your prayers.
Madison had a fun day with Thanksgiving dress up and party at school. Myself and the other room Mom running around decorating, setting up food...It was so fun! Kindergarten is COOL!!!
Throw work and training in there and you could say my house is a mess. Something had to give and that was it. We are digging ourselves out of the mess tonight. Marco...Polo... it is crazy. Phew!!
Linda - Her name is Esther and here she is! Raising a puppy is hard work no matter who you are, but I find as the years pass I am less and less able to keep up with them (and their crazy hours and sleep cycles!). and yes that is the VERY same jacket she decided to chew on last night several hours after this photo was taken. I toook her to school when I picked the boys up so they could show her off to all their friends (read - "I wanna be a 8 year old girl magnet ) and a friend snapped this while we were waiting for the kids to be dismissed.
Carrie - prayers said!! I hope it all goes as smoothly as possible with Steve's Mom and your tests. Glad you are enjoying this time with Madison while she is in Kindergarten. I can't even believe mine are in the 2nd and 4th grade and the year is almost half over - .
Kris - hope you had a great 22 miles today! What a perfect day for it - beautiful day here in Central KY!
Thinking of Gina and Su and all the other IMAZ peeps for tomorrow! I know I should post on their thread for the race, but I am going to go check out Beth's recipes and then check into the UK - Georgia football game for the night.
I am SO freakin' excited for Gina and Su!!!! They are SO ready, and I don't think Gina realizes how ready she is! Bodes well for her tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I wish them the best day ever!
Robin, try and repost the pic. We would all love to see that little cutie. And, yes, the older I get the less tolerance I have to many things. Currently, at the top of my list are teenagers.
Kris--full report. How are you feeling?
Had a great ride this morning, and looking forward to running tomorrow. Keith is taking the boys to the meet, and I'm staying home with the doggie, running at my leisure. Sounds good to me.
Robin, that puppy is gorgeous! She looks like trouble in a fur coat, though.
Carrie, I hope everything goes well with you and your family.
Not much on the schedule today. I'm in the Oct OS and test again tomorrow, so today is a great day to stay on the couch, follow all the EN peeps at IMAZ, and watch some football. Go Team EN!
Comments
NEMO!!!!!! so glad you took your computer, we had already missed you!!!
in fact we had aged so much without your presence that we are now wearing bifocals and writing very large!!!
#13. You know you are a triathlete when Team Estrogen has your # and emails you coupons... and you actually think that dry fit clothing could be worn around town!!
Beth, I'm jealous that you've got power. I did something unbelievably stupid and wrecked my PT CPU. It's always hard to remove my CPU from the cradle, and I actually cracked one when I mistakenly launched it across the room. So, I decided that a little teflon lube would help avoid this problem. Who knew that teflon lube eats away at plastic? Now, the CPU won't snap into the cradle and is thus useless. AGH! I hate riding without numbers!
Kris---Ah! So great to hear about your adventures in trail running.
Nemo---Are you in NZ? Is it the coolest place ever? So glad you brought your computer. We missed you!
Beth---There's a way to set the PT to gather and display your watts so that it's not changing every second or every pedal revolution so that the numbers aren't changing around so fast. It also allows you to save more data on your CPU for the long rides.
Marianne---Wait, wait...I've got one right from this chicka group:
#16 You know you're a triathlete when mice infest your house, they head straight for the Cytomax and Infinit.
Beth and Kristen...yay! Did I miss when you got PMs?!! I'm super new to using power, too, so let's learn together! ARggg..learning all about WKO+ and downloading was tough in itself!
Linda...loved how you wore workout clothes under your work clothes! I do the same thing!
Kit...glad you got the shot!
Congrats on the new PMs girls!
Ooops. Right, bigger font....that's better.
M - I was just telling my husband two weeks ago that my running tights will outlive me. The blue pair that I wear are 12 years old! They're fine. Not terribly appealing to look at, but I can't justify replacing them. They still work!!
Love the list AND the EN chicka additions!! Are we that easy to peg??
I feel out of touch with Gina and Su's travel plans...are they already in AZ by now?
Colleen - It stinks that what seems like would have been an inventive solution to your PT CPU ended up messing it up. Frustrating!! I hope you get a replacement one soon.
The TG meal calorie amounts are pretty staggering. I've often thought that TG would be a great post-IM recovery meal.
Kristen knows that I bailed from my run this AM after my first interval because I felt icky - lightheaded, queasy, etc. I let myself off the hook for the workout and didn't plan to come back to it later. Oddly, when I left work tonight I just figured I would run when I got home. It wasn't even a question or a negotiation. I walked in the door, literally dropped my stuff, changed my clothes and hit the treadmill. in 35 minutes I had finished the rest of the intervals that I hadn't done in the morning. I felt fine. It didn't suck. And it seemed like the right thing to do. Who knows what this morning's challenge was all about.
Olivia, way to go on finishing those intervals! I don't know if I could have forced myself onto the treadmill after work.
Beth and Dana, I agree, let's stick together as power newbies. I'm sure everyone else here can help us out a lot.
Olivia -- Love the getting back on the treadmill. In another thread, Carrie wrote something about thinking of intervals as vitamins -- your prescribed dosage of vitamin ftp. Way to get in yours for the day!
Dana and Kristen -- High five to my fellow power newbies! I'm so glad I have company on my journey from "what are those crazy bouncing numbers?" to talking about power like Coggan is my bff.
Kitima and Linda - thanks for the power tips! I really would've spent all winter trying to make the numbers not bounce without you. And keep them coming! I feel a little overwhelmed with power information. Is there a quickstart power one-page guide somewhere? The power webinar has me rather dazed.
Colleen - Oh, the teflon tube! Who would've thought that would literally fry your head unit. Did you get any bonus points for amusing the customer service reps at Saris?
Also, really love the list.
No recovery drinks in the shower, but I do often stretch there - arms, hamstrings, neck.
17. You also know you are a triathlete if when sprint for the train in heels (because you often have to do this because you left yourself fifteen minutes to get ready for work after running) your (naturally) do not spill your coffee or lose your shoulder bag. Instead of being out of breath, you simply notice your core must be getting stronger.
I am certain my fastest running times have all happened in work clothes and Nike Cole Haans.
From Tempe!!
Hello everybody
We got in yesterday evening around 6ish, landing in time with a beautiful sunset over the mountains. Had a mediocre sushi dinner and then on to our hotel. Uh, a bit to spartan and really too far from race site. Collapsed into bed around 10 (really midnight for us) and slept so so.
Up this morning and headed for coffee and then made the decision to completely change hotels, if possible. Took us 30 min on the phone and will cost more, but got rooms for everyone @ ;the host hotel- Tempe Mission Palms. Lovely place, courteous staff. More importantly, is 2 blocks from race site. MUCH better for our crew of 7 that arrives tonight !!
Spent time in line @ registration, but met some nice, funny people. Also, saw the hard core contingent sizing everyone up. Dropped the obligatory $$$$ on schwag, then off to find lunch. We are sooooo picky about our food and refuse to eat the crap offered most places. Ended up @ ;Subway - turkey for me and veggie patty for Su. Then off to find Whole Foods and stock up on some stuff for the room. NOT ENOUGH H20 in the world right now. It is dry,dry, dry here!! Headed to TBT to pick up our bikes and finally back to the room to organize and relax.
Team dinner is @ ;a pub literally out the front door. We will swing by and then dinner with family. Swim and short bike tomorrow.
More later!!
Gina, I'm so excited for you!
Gina - so glad you arrived safe and got the hotel situation fixed. Nothing worse than a crappy hotel. Hope everyone else gets in safely - have great race!!!
M - very funny w/ the text size
! I have a great recipe to add to your other thread - I just need to find the time to type it in there. Hopefully over the weekend.
New puppy is keeping me on my toes - up early, to bed too late and too many trips out to potty multiple times during the day and she wants to chew on EVERYTHING!! Can't turn my back for a second. DH is out of town on a hunting trip - so the boys and I are on our own for the next 5 days.
Robin
+1 on #17. Just last night I sprinted to the train...in my cowboy boots. They actually worked pretty well. I tend to pride myself on those little Z5 bursts...I sometimes wonder if the others on the train are marveling at my speed and my ability to recover so quickly...as I settle in with my reading material. HA HA!
Hooray for hotel switching, Gina! So glad you're better situated now. Hope your food shopping went well and that you're working your way through the stash.
G--Good choice on the move! So exciting! Post when you can. Wish I was there too. Sigh.
Robin--It is, literally, not one minute you can turn your back, isn't it? If you find it challenging with all your experience, that makes me feel better! OMG, I could not believe the hyper-vigilance it took, since I hadn't had a puppy since childhood. At almost 7 months, Cali is like a totally different dog. I'll even leave her for about 45' out of the crate to go to the store! Now that's progress! Anyway, teammate Mike Hedman, who has a lab puppy, gave me some funny advice re chewing toys--"think truck tire."
One thing that saved our life was a 6' piece of nylon rope we got at Home Depot. She could chew on that all day, and it doesn't fray or make pieces. Chomp, chomp, chomp! Frankly, puppyhood is exhausting.
We just had a HUGE here fight because I kept saying, take the dog out, take the dog out, take the...and she peed on the rug. I was not happy. She hasn't done that in months. I take her out all day long, and feel I am off duty in the evenings, dammit! Today when I was taking her out, Cali started running out the door, which we train her not to do so I wasn't expecting it. I got pulled and slammed the door shut on my finger!!! I am no baby, but the pain is still immense. The fingernail is already all black, it's swollen, and is looking bruised on the underneath pad-side too. Wicked hurts.
Did my 5 vials of blood today for round 3 of bone marrow donor testing. I'll hear back in 4-6 weeks. If this goes through, I'll be a "match," and they'll do the super-duper, ultra-final testing. Pretty amazing, isn't it? I registered as a donor more thn 25 years ago. This is the 3rd time I've been contacted, but the other two never went past the 2nd round. I think it's fascinating.
Workouts so-so this week. Hitting the power and paces, just not thinking too much about it all. Busy at work, so I guess I'm focused on things other than my tri-life. For once.
Linda with your5 vials of blood given I hope you are upping the iron intake??!! I worry about us....
well the finger sounds bad getting stuck in door and I hate it when dogs make accidents that coulda been prevented.
Here is some words to drive any mother crazy..."Mom, I need a posterboard cuz my project is due tomorrow" as we are leaving for bball practice!!! so off I got before I pick up 10 year old to buy poster board ...
Good luck Gina and thanks for the update.... love to hear more so will keep looking. Olivia = train?? m
Gina---So glad to hear you and Su arrived safely...kinda figured you did as I say the blow-up Mdot pictures on FB. Good call on the hotel. The older I get the less tolerant I am of mediocre accomodations for IM---it's not a camping trip! You need a comfy bed and hot shower after something like an IM.
Linda---Ouch! for your finger. To bleed and bruise under the fingernail all the way to the fingerpad takes a big hit. My lab "puppy" is 10 years old and I think he's alot of work. Ah, puppyhood!
Tonight's ride is dedicated to Olivia and Carrie Chavez. My a$$ was glued to the couch tonight. I'm talking strong magnetic forces between my butt and the cushion. At 7pm, I annouced that I simply wasn't going to ride, that I was much too tired. Then I got to thinking about Olivia rallying and getting on the treadmill tonight and Carrie saying that intervals were like vitamins for your FTP. Before I knew it I was in the pain cave, rocking out on the iPod, and hitting all my watts. Thank you!
Kitima, and my day's mt bike ride was dedicated to you!!
, I am getting off the bike a bit more, like sitting up more I mean got the poster board and big bros are home to help out! I am tired so signing off.
Way to go Kitima! I'm glad I could be of motivational assistance to you. That makes me smile! Hope you felt good after getting the work done....and that you weren't cursing Carrie and me while you were riding.
Linda - I am sorry your finger's hurt, and really sorry that you have to explain to "the boys" that you should be off duty in the evening. It really is reasonable. Poor Cali too, I'm sure she really didn't want to pee on the rug. The marrow donation thing is incredible.
M - Channel the frustration of the last minute posterboard request for your next workout. You'll fly! I can't imagine...you do everything you can to be prepared, think ahead, handle groceries, laundry, etc. You've got your evening plans all mapped out and you're on your way and then.....INCOMING.....the child drops that bomb and things get out of whack.
I've said it before, and it is worth sayiing again...you iron parents are incredible for the things you balance and achieve. It's inspriring!
Speaking of parent related topics...question for you all...Brian and I found one of our nieces on Facebook and are debating telling her mom about the problems we see with the page. First problem: her profile is totally open so that anyone in Facebook-land, "friend" or not can get to all of her pics and details. Second problem: her profile pic is a really rather racy, showing most of her bare midriff and bare legs, and she's wearing some ridiculous Coors Light shirt. Third problem: she's 15!!!! It's just not right. I feel like her mom (Brian's older sis) should know about it, if you were the mom in this case you would right?
Happy Friday!
Olivia---No cursing at all! Once I'm on the trainer I'm right as rain. It's just all the whining and crying it takes to get there.
What do about your niece's FB? I would tell her mom with the preface of "You didn't hear this from us..." If your niece's picture and profile is open to everyone, then her parents can have a look at it even without your prompting. I would want to know about something like that if I had a daughter.
Marianne---Good luck on your second mtb race this weekend! I'll be riding my mtb this weekend too---another weekend of great weather for Nov. Woohoo! Hunting season (deer by gun) is going to start soon so gotta get all the dirt riding in while we can. Speed is our friend (especially over rock gardens) and brakes are the enemy (especially a handful of front brake!).
We talk all the time here in our EN space about taking baby step toward recovering from an injury or making progress toward better FTP's and Vdot's. So I see a patient and his wife this morning--a couple I've been trying to get to stop smoking for over a year. He has a bed sore from being admitted to hospital several times a year for pneumonia. They both smoke 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day. Today I ask them again about their smoking cessation plans. They happily report to me that they're both cutting back and only smoking one cigarette an HOUR. Even if they smoked every hour of a day---that's still less than 2 packs! Baby steps--woohoo!
Friday: going to run today, 2 x .5 miles and 2 x 1 miles @ TP; tidying up now. I see sun...
. yes I will remember your MT bike rules. I think one of my problems is that my brain doesn't work fast!! I mean I see rocks and I hear others tell me they see a path thru them and can see the flat ones versus the ones that stick up.. I just see rocks!! so I have to sorta get my brain to fire a bit quicker!! as I am turning my bike faster to make turns and well just "reacting" a lot faster to stuff coming at me. and not knowing the course or route a lot of stuff comes at me and I think "uhhhh, just don't slow down!" like the whoop de doos where I can't see the other side! or the uphill rocky fire road with mud and a creek? and bridges that I am hoping are solid! but yes thanks on the good luck this Sunday. looks like a high of 62 and sunny that day so not too terribly cold for my 10 a.m. start. well mt bike time will be about 10:20ish. ! 
I did buy duck tape and now forget your little trick
, do you wrap some around a pencil?? what did you do? all I remember is that you carry some with you! m
Oh, Linda! Take care of that finger. Slamming digits is the worst!
Marianne - Rock out on your mountain bike this weekend!
This morning, I was ten minutes into my bike warm-up and realized continuing was a bad idea if I wanted my legs to be all rested for 5k vdot testing tomorrow a.m. (ear infection from week one has me doing this late). I still wanted to do something, so I hopped on the other machine in the pain cave -- the skier's edge. Five minutes on that thing is an awesome core workout. And my muscles remember how to go side-to-side now. I've been overcooking my current vdot numbers since the beginning of the OS. Can Beth do a 5k all by herself without blowing up? Can she get a new vdot? Stay tuned. . .
Marianne---I wrap the duct tape around my tire lever. I think Colleen wraps it around a golf pencil. If you bash off your rear derailleur, you can use the tape to secure it to the bike and keep it from bashing into your wheel. Of course, you'll be riding a single speed at that point. The tape is also good for any major punctures or gashes in your tires. And if you break a spoke, wrap it around another spoke and it can be held down with the tape as well.
As for sighting on the mtb, whatever you look at is where you're gonna go. So if you're looking at a tree, rock, root that's where you're bikes going to end up. As far as obstacles or turns/switchbacks or rock gardens are concerned, of course your eyes will see them, but not laser lock your sights on those things. Instead, look for our exit route out of it. If possible, I try to look 20 yards (or as far as I can up the trail) ahead, scanning the obstacles I want to avoid and anticipating what I need to do to get to that point 20 yards in front of me. I think of that yellow line that is on TV for football games that marks where the 1st down will be and try to make my own "yellow line" through the trail.
Looks like you're going to have great weather for your race. Those race starts are quite different in pacing from IM. Try to pin it at the start--go out hard to be in the front of the group when you get to the singletrack area so you won't have to pass anyone while on the singletrack. Have fun! Can't wait to hear about it.
Sorry- I tried to send this to all the chickas via private message but keep getting a critcal error.. hopefully Gina won't have time to read or see this until I have it done and sent tonight.....
May be a bit late on the draw here, but had an idea to put together a quick video for our EN AZ chickas. If you want to participate, plse send a picture and or well wishes (just a few sentences at most). My email is run0317@gmail.com or just reply to this message or TRY to send me a DM (Kris Frazier) and I'll put it together tonight.
Thanks
Kris F
#18 You say you're working on your body comp rather than, "I'm on a diet."
I think that's more a guy thing, based on evidence here. R started the thread about body comp and P keeps using the phrase with his extra runs and short rides to "keep the engine burning." It's cracking me up. Women, OTOH say, "I'm on a diet, and I ran 30' extra to burn 300 extra calories." How the sexes ever co-exist is an ongoing mystery.
Swam today for about 45'. LOVE my friends at masters, and I need in the in-person camaraderie since I run alone, and bike with Keith. I am keeping it real easy, using lots of crutches like pull bouy and paddles to keep the intesity real low. The coach wants me to fix some technique stuff anyway, so it's working out. I don't swim more than 2,000, often 1500-1800. That's enough. I just enjoy it so much, I'll try the trade off this third OS go-round. When the rubber realy his the road in a month or so, we'll see if I continue.
Messed up the schedule again by doing a swim brick (if there is such a thing). Moved tomorrow's run to today. It was shorts and short sleeves weather and sunny. On 11/20, how could I pass that up? Took Cali on the path, and it was a lovely 30'. Exercised her and me. Win-Win!
Swim meet for the boys this weekend, so I could potentially miss both days of working out. We'll see what happens. Personally, I hope they want to skip it!
Linda - I hear ya on the swimming. I am actually missing it! Sadly we are between coaches in our local Master's program and going to Lexington is just such a complete PITA (not to mention expensive) that I am putting it off until the 1st of the year before I decide what to do. Kinda long and complicated saga, but the only way to get access to the "good" pool locally is through the now floundering local Master's program. The "bad" pool is used for therapy and kids stuff, etc. and is HIGHLY cholorinated and has all kinds of wierd stuff floating in it (think old band aids and worse - ewwwww!) and a skim of old lady lotion and WHATEVER leftover from the days water aerobics classes, etc. YUCK. Of course this is the pool that I take my children to swim in for their swim team!
. Our first swim meet is the first week of Dec. - good luck to yours this weekend and I hope you don't die of boredom! What a long day it is to sit around and wait for your child's 1 minute of glory. Sounds like Cali is feeling better and you had a great day to run - VERY happy to hear that!!!
Great idea Kris! but I doubt I will "git er dun".
ARGHHHHHH....... puppy just chewed the zipper pull off of my nice North Face jacket as I have been sitting here typing
and she had her first accident on my best rug tonight - naturally 
. She is wearing me OUT and have only had her at the house for 3 days 
. At least my boys are old enough now that I can ask them to take her out - like your experience though Linda it doesn't always happen fast enough for me.
So I have lost my freakin mind!!! I am going to a movie at 10 pm tonight. That is about 30 minutes past my bedtime! What's worse - my girlfriends and I will definitely be the ONLY ones in the OVER 35ish crowd for sure. They don't seem to mind so I guess why should I? I still think I am going to feel really stupid sitting there with all of those giggling 15 year olds.... Yeah, I'll give you one guess what we are going to see
.
Okay - so I am off to type in a recipe for M's recipe thread. It's an easy and yummy appetizer that feeds A LOT of people. Not very good for you however
.
Happy Weekend Everyone! Robin
Robin--if you knew how good that makes me feel to hear you--the breeder--say she is wearing you out! Even my boys admitting that the first two months with her home--and I quote--kinda sucked. And they wanted a puppy like mad. I heard the following statement on Dog 101 on Animal Planet--that while Labs are the greatest dogs, they are THE mouthiest puppy breeds. Greaaaat. The biting/chewing defies description. And, oh, she peed on my rug again today! What the hell is up with that! What did you end up naming her, BTW?
Thank heavens the boys decided to just do the meet on Sunday! Ride is on for tomorrow! Yeah!
Great weekend all! Off to catch up on Project Runway!
Hi Ladies!!!
I JUST read all 6 pages of posts to catch up...I am whooped. I am SOOOO behind in the new forums I could scream. I need a full day to read and I have no real time to speak of.
I would comment on all the topics but there are too many. I laughed a lot and the continual thought in my mind was ...these ladies are amazing!
Have a great weekend!
In my little world: Steve's Mom is still in the hospital, 11 days. Can't return home alone. Has no finances. We have offered to care for her and have her live with us. Steve's sister wants to first. So we will go that route and then may transition to our home. Lots of prayer, big decisions, has brought Steve and I even closer. He is amazing and I am so glad I married him.
Having some tests done on me. Had two rounds now and third is Monday. Will fill you in more larer. Just asking for your prayers.
Madison had a fun day with Thanksgiving dress up and party at school. Myself and the other room Mom running around decorating, setting up food...It was so fun! Kindergarten is COOL!!!
Throw work and training in there and you could say my house is a mess. Something had to give and that was it. We are digging ourselves out of the mess tonight. Marco...Polo... it is crazy. Phew!!
XO Carrie
Linda - Her name is Esther and here she is! Raising a puppy is hard work no matter who you are, but I find as the years pass I am less and less able to keep up with them (and their crazy hours and sleep cycles!). and yes that is the VERY same jacket she decided to chew on last night
several hours after this photo was taken. I toook her to school when I picked the boys up so they could show her off to all their friends (read - "I wanna be a 8 year old girl magnet 
) and a friend snapped this while we were waiting for the kids to be dismissed.
Carrie - prayers said!! I hope it all goes as smoothly as possible with Steve's Mom and your tests. Glad you are enjoying this time with Madison while she is in Kindergarten. I can't even believe mine are in the 2nd and 4th grade and the year is almost half over -
.
Kris - hope you had a great 22 miles today! What a perfect day for it - beautiful day here in Central KY!
Thinking of Gina and Su and all the other IMAZ peeps for tomorrow! I know I should post on their thread for the race, but I am going to go check out Beth's recipes and then check into the UK - Georgia football game for the night.
Robin
I am SO freakin' excited for Gina and Su!!!! They are SO ready, and I don't think Gina realizes how ready she is! Bodes well for her tomorrow. From the bottom of my heart, I wish them the best day ever!
Robin, try and repost the pic. We would all love to see that little cutie. And, yes, the older I get the less tolerance I have to many things.
Currently, at the top of my list are teenagers.
Kris--full report. How are you feeling?
Had a great ride this morning, and looking forward to running tomorrow. Keith is taking the boys to the meet, and I'm staying home with the doggie, running at my leisure. Sounds good to me.
Robin, that puppy is gorgeous! She looks like trouble in a fur coat, though.
Carrie, I hope everything goes well with you and your family.
Not much on the schedule today. I'm in the Oct OS and test again tomorrow, so today is a great day to stay on the couch, follow all the EN peeps at IMAZ, and watch some football.
Go Team EN!