Normally on a beautiful 70° spring day I would run outside, But I am trying to reach 36 gym visit in three months. I clearly work out this much, but I don't do every work out at my gym.
The deal when I joined was that if I visited 36 times in the first three months, I would be credited back my $180 sign-up fee. This credit can be applied to goods and services at the gym. That's at least two massages, if not three, when they have specials!!
Today's run was 45 minutes with a 10 minute warm-up (5 walking, 5 jogging) and then five repeats of four minutes in zone four with a two minute walk following. The last five minutes was spent walking.
I feel fine although I am incredibly hungry!!!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Unplanned joy ride! 4/29
I found myself with all my gear from camp this weekend (more on that in my next post) at a building in Hoffman Estates the better part of the day today. The building is located across the street from a Cook County Forest preserve with paved paths.
Despite no bike on my schedule today, I decided to just ride for pleasure over my lunch hour. I felt it was important to bring it back to what's important and just enjoy a bike ride. Albeit I did wear my heart rate monitor to ensure I did not work too hard and I kept track of the time. I wanted to make sure I was keeping low heart rate zones so I didn't overdo it (I really don't EVER over do it!!).
About 45 minutes of a nice sunny ride outside and I got back into my car to drive to my next appointment. Believe it or not I did the car change of clothes! Since there was a decent headwind I really wasn't stinky or sweaty and no one was the wiser!!
After work, I drove back downtown to check in at my gym. I am only 12 visits away from getting my sign-up fee returned. I am sure I will be able to do this before we leave for India!
Despite no bike on my schedule today, I decided to just ride for pleasure over my lunch hour. I felt it was important to bring it back to what's important and just enjoy a bike ride. Albeit I did wear my heart rate monitor to ensure I did not work too hard and I kept track of the time. I wanted to make sure I was keeping low heart rate zones so I didn't overdo it (I really don't EVER over do it!!).
About 45 minutes of a nice sunny ride outside and I got back into my car to drive to my next appointment. Believe it or not I did the car change of clothes! Since there was a decent headwind I really wasn't stinky or sweaty and no one was the wiser!!
After work, I drove back downtown to check in at my gym. I am only 12 visits away from getting my sign-up fee returned. I am sure I will be able to do this before we leave for India!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
4/25/13- Lunch run
Nice and easy and almost fun run today on the treadmill over lunch...
I hit up our building gym at 120 S LaSalle today for my hour run since I'm meeting up with Jackie and her family visiting this evening for dinner at Big Bowl this evening.
I listened to Endurance Nation's free podcast on the (4) pillars for a good Ironman. They really spoke to me and I found myself understanding more about myself and feeling like I'm truly preparing myself for this challenge. It also helped pass the time very quickly.
1) RACE DAY IS ABOUT EXECUTION, NOT FITNESS. All of this is about fitness, but race day I'll be prepared physically, I just need to put it all together. There will be a lot of very fit looking bodies, but 90% will not know how to complete an Ironman.
2) IT'S ALL ABOUT MILE 18 IN THE MARATHON, OR RATHER "THE LINE". The line is the point where your body and your mind are truly fighting each other... it's a deep, dark and painful place for which I really need to mentally prepare. The entire race leading up to the marathon, or to mile 18, or to my "line" and "the suck" is preparation for that moment and that's the moment when the race starts.
3) KEEP YOUR HEAD IN A "BOX" AND ONLY WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN ACTIONS. Narrow your focus onto each small task and push out any and all actions by others. Don't fight to "win the hill", just worry about your race and your preparation. Everything else is superfluous.
4) KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE. Work on your mental toughness in every long ride and run leading up to the race. Be able to recall what your reason is and bring it up when you reach "The Line". Don't use it before then, but keep your body moving when it hits.
Ironman is going to hurt. Ironman is a massive goal. It's a swim "all day long", bike "all day long" and run "all day long" pace put into one day with a clock. We can't control the temperatures, the crowds, the other participants, but you can control YOU and the dialogue between your body and your mind.
I'm really totally terrified and energized by pushing myself to do this. I am not special and I am not unique: I know many, many people who have done it (and no doubt have done it and will do it faster and "better" than I), but I am so proud of myself right in this moment for taking on this challenge. I really, really am.
I hit up our building gym at 120 S LaSalle today for my hour run since I'm meeting up with Jackie and her family visiting this evening for dinner at Big Bowl this evening.
I listened to Endurance Nation's free podcast on the (4) pillars for a good Ironman. They really spoke to me and I found myself understanding more about myself and feeling like I'm truly preparing myself for this challenge. It also helped pass the time very quickly.
1) RACE DAY IS ABOUT EXECUTION, NOT FITNESS. All of this is about fitness, but race day I'll be prepared physically, I just need to put it all together. There will be a lot of very fit looking bodies, but 90% will not know how to complete an Ironman.
2) IT'S ALL ABOUT MILE 18 IN THE MARATHON, OR RATHER "THE LINE". The line is the point where your body and your mind are truly fighting each other... it's a deep, dark and painful place for which I really need to mentally prepare. The entire race leading up to the marathon, or to mile 18, or to my "line" and "the suck" is preparation for that moment and that's the moment when the race starts.
3) KEEP YOUR HEAD IN A "BOX" AND ONLY WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN ACTIONS. Narrow your focus onto each small task and push out any and all actions by others. Don't fight to "win the hill", just worry about your race and your preparation. Everything else is superfluous.
4) KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE. Work on your mental toughness in every long ride and run leading up to the race. Be able to recall what your reason is and bring it up when you reach "The Line". Don't use it before then, but keep your body moving when it hits.
Ironman is going to hurt. Ironman is a massive goal. It's a swim "all day long", bike "all day long" and run "all day long" pace put into one day with a clock. We can't control the temperatures, the crowds, the other participants, but you can control YOU and the dialogue between your body and your mind.
I'm really totally terrified and energized by pushing myself to do this. I am not special and I am not unique: I know many, many people who have done it (and no doubt have done it and will do it faster and "better" than I), but I am so proud of myself right in this moment for taking on this challenge. I really, really am.
Wed 4/24/13 EARLY swim. Wow. Really early.
I had an annual internist exam at 8am on Wednesday, so I went to swim before that. I had to fast from midnight until my appointment, so that was a bit challenging starting out the morning.
I got on the bus to the gym in the Gold Coast around 5:15am and started swimming by 6am. I swam for an hour and almost, almost finished the workout, but I had to shower, dry my hair and get to Northwestern in Streeterville by 8am. At least it was an easy swim...
I had my annual check up with Dr. Grauer, who unfortunately approved this stupid low carb diet that Coach McGee put me on for the next 6 weeks. I was really hoping he would say it was a bad idea. Instead he told me to "eat like a Greek" (which coincidentally made me think that all the Greeks are totally poor right now, so that's really a diet!) and that he'd been doing it and had lost 25lbs. Boo Dr. Grauer. Boo.
Then he sent me across the street for some blood tests, urine sample, and an EKG.
I'm still alive! That's all I know so far. Aside from the fact that he suggested that I also set up a mammogram. Next thought? Wow. I'm old.
I got on the bus to the gym in the Gold Coast around 5:15am and started swimming by 6am. I swam for an hour and almost, almost finished the workout, but I had to shower, dry my hair and get to Northwestern in Streeterville by 8am. At least it was an easy swim...
I had my annual check up with Dr. Grauer, who unfortunately approved this stupid low carb diet that Coach McGee put me on for the next 6 weeks. I was really hoping he would say it was a bad idea. Instead he told me to "eat like a Greek" (which coincidentally made me think that all the Greeks are totally poor right now, so that's really a diet!) and that he'd been doing it and had lost 25lbs. Boo Dr. Grauer. Boo.
Then he sent me across the street for some blood tests, urine sample, and an EKG.
I'm still alive! That's all I know so far. Aside from the fact that he suggested that I also set up a mammogram. Next thought? Wow. I'm old.
Tuesday, 4/23/13
Tuesday, was a yoga/ride combo!
I made it to Om on the Range for Beth's 60 minute vinyasa at the end of the workday and it was much needed! She had some really inventive transitions that I hope to jot down and teach in my own classes at some point again in the near future... (runner's lunge with a ton of add-ons/variations to opposite leg Vasisthasana (side plank) to high/low/high to pigeon, for example) My legs were shaking!!! At one point we also went from 4 staffed pose to some crazy foot in the elbow thing (greyhound?!) that I have never tried before. I really loved it. It was all almost virtually impossible, but fun.
Then I went home, stuffed my face and jumped on my bike trainer for a relatively easy ride. Michael came home after me, had dinner himself and then we watched TV "together". I was on my bike and he was on the couch with Ferra! I guess you've got to work with what you can! :)
I made it to Om on the Range for Beth's 60 minute vinyasa at the end of the workday and it was much needed! She had some really inventive transitions that I hope to jot down and teach in my own classes at some point again in the near future... (runner's lunge with a ton of add-ons/variations to opposite leg Vasisthasana (side plank) to high/low/high to pigeon, for example) My legs were shaking!!! At one point we also went from 4 staffed pose to some crazy foot in the elbow thing (greyhound?!) that I have never tried before. I really loved it. It was all almost virtually impossible, but fun.
(Unfortunately, I didn't have on leg warmers while I was attempting this!)
Monday REST DAY 4/22
I couldn't bear the thought of working out after getting up at 3:30am for my flight from Austin, TX to Chicago (and directly to the office...), so I swapped my rest day with Wednesday.
I came home, unpacked and did laundry. I also caught up a LOT on this blog! :)
I came home, unpacked and did laundry. I also caught up a LOT on this blog! :)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Sunday, 4/21 2 hour run in Austin, TX
After a brunch with all the gals, we ended up sitting around the pool in the sunshine and shade catching up. It was a great lazy day to be outside.
Normally, I would have liked to have run outside too, but I didn't want to deal with the stress of not knowing where I was and where I was going... I sat outside with Jenn while Michelle took Michelle and Michele back to the airport since we were on the same flight home on Monday morning.
Around 5pm, I got onto her complex's treadmill and watched the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion. I know it's pathetic, but I love that shit! It really does make me lose track of time on the treadmill.
This run wasn't really too bad, although my heart rate monitor is totally messed up when I run. I don't think it's right AT ALL. It was a 5 minute walk, 2 min jog, 5 min walk, 3 min job, 5 min walk, 5 min jog. Then after that warm up, it was 3 minutes increasing in zone 2 and then high zone 3 for 11 minutes with a 1 min walk- six times.
After the run, we cleaned up and headed to Sixth Street for dinner. By the time we got home, we were all exhausted since we had sat and fried in the sun all day! Jenn and I had to get up at 3:40am to get to the airport for our 6am flight. Unfortunately, we didn't sit by each other, but I did sleep and that was important. It was a really long day. I'm pooped.
Normally, I would have liked to have run outside too, but I didn't want to deal with the stress of not knowing where I was and where I was going... I sat outside with Jenn while Michelle took Michelle and Michele back to the airport since we were on the same flight home on Monday morning.
Around 5pm, I got onto her complex's treadmill and watched the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion. I know it's pathetic, but I love that shit! It really does make me lose track of time on the treadmill.
This run wasn't really too bad, although my heart rate monitor is totally messed up when I run. I don't think it's right AT ALL. It was a 5 minute walk, 2 min jog, 5 min walk, 3 min job, 5 min walk, 5 min jog. Then after that warm up, it was 3 minutes increasing in zone 2 and then high zone 3 for 11 minutes with a 1 min walk- six times.
After the run, we cleaned up and headed to Sixth Street for dinner. By the time we got home, we were all exhausted since we had sat and fried in the sun all day! Jenn and I had to get up at 3:40am to get to the airport for our 6am flight. Unfortunately, we didn't sit by each other, but I did sleep and that was important. It was a really long day. I'm pooped.
Saturday - true day off
My schedule said I had the day off and I kept thinking and talking about potentially going to the gym to get a ride in- even an hour- but I was having too much fun with my girlfriends in Austin, Texas.
Six of us met down there for a girl's weekend and it was good times all around.
Needless to say, there was no dieting on Saturday!!! I did eat salad for lunch, but I enjoyed my beverages and food. I kept it in mind, but didn't stay too strict. I know it's important to get my metabolism in check for this race, but I also believe in moderation. I could be training for this race on my own and I wouldn't have the benefit of the metabolic testing and could finish all the same. I don't want to get too hard on myself about it all.
Six of us met down there for a girl's weekend and it was good times all around.
Needless to say, there was no dieting on Saturday!!! I did eat salad for lunch, but I enjoyed my beverages and food. I kept it in mind, but didn't stay too strict. I know it's important to get my metabolism in check for this race, but I also believe in moderation. I could be training for this race on my own and I wouldn't have the benefit of the metabolic testing and could finish all the same. I don't want to get too hard on myself about it all.
Friday, 4/19 No workout... flooding
I intended to ride a couple hours before work and before my 1/2 day for my flight to Austin, TX for girl's weekend.
However, when we went down to the storage space, we found that we were flooded like a lot of other homes in the Chicagoland area... After cleaning it up, I had to get to work and missed my workout.
It was a busy morning and then I left at lunch time to get to the airport for my flight.
However, when we went down to the storage space, we found that we were flooded like a lot of other homes in the Chicagoland area... After cleaning it up, I had to get to work and missed my workout.
It was a busy morning and then I left at lunch time to get to the airport for my flight.
Birthday run 4/18
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on the treadmill at the gym.
A free birthday smoothie.
Home to chill and just order in Chinese food and do laundry because I'm heading out of town tomorrow.
MB wanted to take me out, but since I was still feeling run down and had the throat/nasal drip, I asked if we could just stay in this time. It was a relaxing night and exactly what I needed.
A free birthday smoothie.
Home to chill and just order in Chinese food and do laundry because I'm heading out of town tomorrow.
MB wanted to take me out, but since I was still feeling run down and had the throat/nasal drip, I asked if we could just stay in this time. It was a relaxing night and exactly what I needed.
Wednesday swim, skipped due to feeling run down 4/17
This Wednesday swim looked like a lot of fun with a group as it was a LOT of 25s. I was intending to go, but I had been nursing a borderline sore throat and post nasal drip for the past couple of days, so I decided to stay home.
I did go during the day to apply for my Indian visa (and have subsequently heard that it's ready!!) and I came home and laid low.
I did go during the day to apply for my Indian visa (and have subsequently heard that it's ready!!) and I came home and laid low.
Easy Tuesday, 4/16, Only yoga.... but then biking!
A day when I "only" have to show up for yoga after work is an easy day.
As I've said before, however, yoga is becoming increasingly difficult. Not from a stamina point of view (which shows me that my heart is getting stronger), but from a stretching and strength perspective. I think that's the case -obviously- because my riding and running is tightening my quads, hamstrings, and legs all around and that they are often fatigued.
So, for example, when Beth gave us some time to get into headstands (that I LOVE! and get so excited and anxious about), I couldn't do it. I was so tired and I felt like it wasn't worth collapsing into my neck because the rest of my body was tired, so I skipped it. It made me feel really, really sad, honestly.
I just don't feel like I have the time right now to hone my yoga skills since I really need to keep moving forward with my endurance skills.
After yoga, I met my dad for dinner at Naniwa on Wells since I had started a low carb diet per my coach (more on that another time). When I got home, I decided to make up the hour and 15 minute bike I had skipped that morning, so needless to say I was up until about 10:30pm on the bike and then I find it hard to wind down...
As I've said before, however, yoga is becoming increasingly difficult. Not from a stamina point of view (which shows me that my heart is getting stronger), but from a stretching and strength perspective. I think that's the case -obviously- because my riding and running is tightening my quads, hamstrings, and legs all around and that they are often fatigued.
So, for example, when Beth gave us some time to get into headstands (that I LOVE! and get so excited and anxious about), I couldn't do it. I was so tired and I felt like it wasn't worth collapsing into my neck because the rest of my body was tired, so I skipped it. It made me feel really, really sad, honestly.
I just don't feel like I have the time right now to hone my yoga skills since I really need to keep moving forward with my endurance skills.
After yoga, I met my dad for dinner at Naniwa on Wells since I had started a low carb diet per my coach (more on that another time). When I got home, I decided to make up the hour and 15 minute bike I had skipped that morning, so needless to say I was up until about 10:30pm on the bike and then I find it hard to wind down...
Morning swim and evening 2 hour ride 4/15
Off to Union Station for a 2,500 yard swim in the morning. I like this pool a lot and it's close to work. Not only that, the parking is free and pretty cheap if you go over the free 2 hours.
There are always real swimmers there and although you have to share the lane sometimes, it's not too many people.
Lots of meetings at work and then home to ride for 2 hours on my trainer in the living room. Again, I really wasn't hitting my heart rate zones, but I stayed on the bike and worked on my shifting. I think as long as I'm putting in my time and not "over riding", we'll see the results.
I HOPE SO (at least)!!!!
There are always real swimmers there and although you have to share the lane sometimes, it's not too many people.
Lots of meetings at work and then home to ride for 2 hours on my trainer in the living room. Again, I really wasn't hitting my heart rate zones, but I stayed on the bike and worked on my shifting. I think as long as I'm putting in my time and not "over riding", we'll see the results.
I HOPE SO (at least)!!!!
Sunday, 1 hour bike ride and Grandma's headstone ceremony
Sunday marked one year since my Grandma Gussie died and we all got together to dedicate her headstone. Kate flew in from Brooklyn for the day and we all met at the cemetery in Arlington Heights.
I was happily surprised that Rabbi Heather Altman from Anshe Emet presided over the ceremony and she was lovely for a mostly lay crowd. I really like her.
Then we all went to lunch- on grandma- and enjoyed each other. It was a really fun lunch!
Afterwards, Kate and I dropped MB at home and she and I went to my gym for my workout. She walked on the treadmill and I did my bike workout. It's hard to keep my heart rate up both on my trainer and on the stationary bike. I really do prefer the compu-trainer. I was supposed to also make up a swim, but I skipped it because we just didn't have time + there was a kids group swimming and I wasn't about to try and swim around 30 8-year-olds!
After our workout, Kate and I went to a fancy dinner at Acadia via a trip to Little Goat and saying hello to cousin Gina.
I was happily surprised that Rabbi Heather Altman from Anshe Emet presided over the ceremony and she was lovely for a mostly lay crowd. I really like her.
Then we all went to lunch- on grandma- and enjoyed each other. It was a really fun lunch!
Afterwards, Kate and I dropped MB at home and she and I went to my gym for my workout. She walked on the treadmill and I did my bike workout. It's hard to keep my heart rate up both on my trainer and on the stationary bike. I really do prefer the compu-trainer. I was supposed to also make up a swim, but I skipped it because we just didn't have time + there was a kids group swimming and I wasn't about to try and swim around 30 8-year-olds!
After our workout, Kate and I went to a fancy dinner at Acadia via a trip to Little Goat and saying hello to cousin Gina.
4/13/13 Saturday recovery, not...
After my birthday blow out on Friday night, I woke up naturally around 8:30am and got up and cleaned the house, did the dishes and 3 loads of laundry.
I was really, really trying to avoid a 12k time trial outside at Chase Park.
I ran a bunch of errands and did a few other things and finally got over to the track around 2-3pm. After a warm up, I did a HORRIBLE time trial (slow) and really didn't run "hard" for the reason I was supposed to be doing it. I did run the 12k and then went home and quickly got ready for Tona's 40th surprise party.
I was really, really trying to avoid a 12k time trial outside at Chase Park.
I ran a bunch of errands and did a few other things and finally got over to the track around 2-3pm. After a warm up, I did a HORRIBLE time trial (slow) and really didn't run "hard" for the reason I was supposed to be doing it. I did run the 12k and then went home and quickly got ready for Tona's 40th surprise party.
4/12/13- Day of rest!
I had my birthday party on Friday night and it was a lot of fun!
Since my apartment is tiny, I rarely have people over anymore. Plus, we live so far north a lot of friends complain about coming up here, but I invited about 20-25 friends and my cousin Gina prepared all the food (Le Cordon Bleu grad).
Good times!!
Since my apartment is tiny, I rarely have people over anymore. Plus, we live so far north a lot of friends complain about coming up here, but I invited about 20-25 friends and my cousin Gina prepared all the food (Le Cordon Bleu grad).
Good times!!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The super fan
I wish Ferra could come to Madison to support me at the race!
She is a truly loyal "fan" and always sits near me while I'm on my bike on my trainer (like below, tonight!). She looks at me encouragingly (longingly?) the entire time I ride!!
She is a truly loyal "fan" and always sits near me while I'm on my bike on my trainer (like below, tonight!). She looks at me encouragingly (longingly?) the entire time I ride!!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Ironman training wounds
Since I don't think many of you would want to see a bike saddle sore (!!), I thought I'd share just one if my small, but painful training "wounds".
The small red patch is not a freckle or age spot, but a "rub wound" from something I stuffed into my jog bra for the half marathon I ran on Saturday. I have two more much worse under each breast from my heart rate monitor strap. Those have broken skin and are like what you'd see when you wear a new pair of shoes and get a blister. They all require daily dosing of anti-bacterial to heal (ala Neosporine) since they are constantly being rubbed by my bras and often wet and sweaty due to my incessant workouts. Yes, they sting during my regular work life but my office isnt liberal enough for me to go braless! ha!
I apply body glide on my heart rate monitor, but after a certain point in miles and sweat it just kind of stops working and yesterday I didn't carry any to reapply.
I'm also currently nursing a painful bump on my right side where my crotch has rubbed my bike shorts and my new seat which tells me I may need another seat adjustment. I'm learning as I go!
TMI??? Well, I'm just a regular gal trying to accomplish something I think extraordinary. Keeping it real!!!!!
The small red patch is not a freckle or age spot, but a "rub wound" from something I stuffed into my jog bra for the half marathon I ran on Saturday. I have two more much worse under each breast from my heart rate monitor strap. Those have broken skin and are like what you'd see when you wear a new pair of shoes and get a blister. They all require daily dosing of anti-bacterial to heal (ala Neosporine) since they are constantly being rubbed by my bras and often wet and sweaty due to my incessant workouts. Yes, they sting during my regular work life but my office isnt liberal enough for me to go braless! ha!
I apply body glide on my heart rate monitor, but after a certain point in miles and sweat it just kind of stops working and yesterday I didn't carry any to reapply.
I'm also currently nursing a painful bump on my right side where my crotch has rubbed my bike shorts and my new seat which tells me I may need another seat adjustment. I'm learning as I go!
TMI??? Well, I'm just a regular gal trying to accomplish something I think extraordinary. Keeping it real!!!!!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Run Abe!!!
Towards the end of the work day I got a slight jump on my drive to Springfield for the "Presidential half marathon" that runs in the shadows of Abraham Lincoln's life in Springfield.
It was perfect race weather and a lovely little race. A race report will follow!
It was perfect race weather and a lovely little race. A race report will follow!
Quick swim and forgotten watch
This morning I made up a small portion of my missed Wednesday swim before work.
Since I had to work in downers grove I decided to try the FFC Union Station. I drove in several circles over there to try and identify the correct parking garage because there was no FFC signage on it. I pulled into the one that seemed logical after being forced to go down several oneway streets and held my breath- it was the right one!!
Union Station is awesome!!! Wow! My coworker Wade had mentioned how the pool there has a lot of glass. I thought he might be exaggerating but he wasn't at all! It's literally a glass box, smack in the middle of the facility with the one side that isn't part of the "fish bowl" facing the street! In any case I love the natural light that all their pools have.
MB gave me a 45 minute workout and that's what I did today. I swam hard because I wanted to "beat" the guy swimming in the lane next to me!
I realized that I had forgotten my Garmin watch which was an issue because I had intended to leave directly for Springfield at the end of the day.
After a quick swim, I got ready and headed to work dreading that I had just added an hour to my trip to Springfield.
Since I had to work in downers grove I decided to try the FFC Union Station. I drove in several circles over there to try and identify the correct parking garage because there was no FFC signage on it. I pulled into the one that seemed logical after being forced to go down several oneway streets and held my breath- it was the right one!!
Union Station is awesome!!! Wow! My coworker Wade had mentioned how the pool there has a lot of glass. I thought he might be exaggerating but he wasn't at all! It's literally a glass box, smack in the middle of the facility with the one side that isn't part of the "fish bowl" facing the street! In any case I love the natural light that all their pools have.
MB gave me a 45 minute workout and that's what I did today. I swam hard because I wanted to "beat" the guy swimming in the lane next to me!
I realized that I had forgotten my Garmin watch which was an issue because I had intended to leave directly for Springfield at the end of the day.
After a quick swim, I got ready and headed to work dreading that I had just added an hour to my trip to Springfield.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Worst bike morning ever
I was initially signed up for a flat course at TCS this morning which was an hour ride. I was doing this for a second power test, an hour long power test, to be able to ride based on power and not heart rate.
Last night, after reviewing the warm up and cool down, I realized I needed a 90 minute time slot. Since virtually every early morning I've gone to TCS I'm alone on the ride, I thought nothing of changing it to the interval training ride that started 30 minutes earlier at 6am. In the unlikely case it wasn't possible to change it to a longer flat course, I thought I could do the FTP test in erg mode. I was sadly mistaken.
As if that weren't enough, the ONE other gal riding was running late, so it was impossible to ask her if she'd mind a flat course instead. Shaun, the guy running the system/ride, said he couldn't change it to a flat course because he received a text from her saying she'd arrive around 6:15am. So I got on and warmed up, hoping that by the time my 10 minute warm up was over, she'd be at the studio. Unfortunately, 6:15 came and went so I started my threshold ride in erg mode... when 6:15am came around, I asked Shaun if he could please change the ride and he said no. My blood was boiling by this point! Eventually at 6:35am, he acquiesced and said that we could switch it over to an hour, flat power ride. Unfortunately, by starting at that point, I had already been riding in erg mode for 20+ minutes and I had a morning meeting that I had to make so I truly couldn't stay on long enough when I factored in my shower, hair, parking, etc. (I have a lot of hair to dry!!). So, I wrote hard for another while, while incredibly angry, and after the lady showed up at 6:40am. Ugh!
The whole thing was wasted, especially since it's a cut back week and I was well rested. Super annoying.
The worst of it is that the only time I get an endurance athlete "high" is biking and this was truly the first time on the bike that I was so incredibly angry and frustrated (common on the treadmill!!) and got to work in the absolute worst mood.
Exercising is supposed to release stress and tension, but this morning (and most of my runs) cause it and that isn't a good thing.
Last night, after reviewing the warm up and cool down, I realized I needed a 90 minute time slot. Since virtually every early morning I've gone to TCS I'm alone on the ride, I thought nothing of changing it to the interval training ride that started 30 minutes earlier at 6am. In the unlikely case it wasn't possible to change it to a longer flat course, I thought I could do the FTP test in erg mode. I was sadly mistaken.
As if that weren't enough, the ONE other gal riding was running late, so it was impossible to ask her if she'd mind a flat course instead. Shaun, the guy running the system/ride, said he couldn't change it to a flat course because he received a text from her saying she'd arrive around 6:15am. So I got on and warmed up, hoping that by the time my 10 minute warm up was over, she'd be at the studio. Unfortunately, 6:15 came and went so I started my threshold ride in erg mode... when 6:15am came around, I asked Shaun if he could please change the ride and he said no. My blood was boiling by this point! Eventually at 6:35am, he acquiesced and said that we could switch it over to an hour, flat power ride. Unfortunately, by starting at that point, I had already been riding in erg mode for 20+ minutes and I had a morning meeting that I had to make so I truly couldn't stay on long enough when I factored in my shower, hair, parking, etc. (I have a lot of hair to dry!!). So, I wrote hard for another while, while incredibly angry, and after the lady showed up at 6:40am. Ugh!
The whole thing was wasted, especially since it's a cut back week and I was well rested. Super annoying.
The worst of it is that the only time I get an endurance athlete "high" is biking and this was truly the first time on the bike that I was so incredibly angry and frustrated (common on the treadmill!!) and got to work in the absolute worst mood.
Exercising is supposed to release stress and tension, but this morning (and most of my runs) cause it and that isn't a good thing.
Wednesday private Pilates (and no swimming)
Today was to be a strength day along with swimming... and I was given several free, private Pilates classes that I want to use before they expire.
I went to the gym before work with the intent that I'd swim afterwards.
Pilates was much better this time around than a few years ago and perhaps it's because my body really does need a lot more stretching that in the past, particulary with all the biking and running I've been doing (as compared to my "real life"). Yoga and Pilates used to be "easy" in the past and now, I can truly sympathize with the people I teach. There are moments that I cannot even manage to stay in tree pose without excruciating moments of discomfort in my knee, IT band and hip.
In this lesson, she introduced me to all the equipment. The hardest thing we did was mind blowing... she had me to a "Pilates pull up" on the "Wunda chair". It totally required me to think differently about my body weight and balance. Check THIS VIDEO out!! I don't think video can possibly explain how odd and difficult this move is. You really have to move your body weight forward and engage your core and trust your arms so you pull your weight up so your feet rise.
Anyhoo, after a 30 minute orientation, I was off to get ready for work. As I mentioned, I intended to swim after work, but a suburban meeting went long and I just went home to eat and rest. I am going to swim on Friday morning, I think, before work and before I leave for Springfield.
I went to the gym before work with the intent that I'd swim afterwards.
Pilates was much better this time around than a few years ago and perhaps it's because my body really does need a lot more stretching that in the past, particulary with all the biking and running I've been doing (as compared to my "real life"). Yoga and Pilates used to be "easy" in the past and now, I can truly sympathize with the people I teach. There are moments that I cannot even manage to stay in tree pose without excruciating moments of discomfort in my knee, IT band and hip.
In this lesson, she introduced me to all the equipment. The hardest thing we did was mind blowing... she had me to a "Pilates pull up" on the "Wunda chair". It totally required me to think differently about my body weight and balance. Check THIS VIDEO out!! I don't think video can possibly explain how odd and difficult this move is. You really have to move your body weight forward and engage your core and trust your arms so you pull your weight up so your feet rise.
Anyhoo, after a 30 minute orientation, I was off to get ready for work. As I mentioned, I intended to swim after work, but a suburban meeting went long and I just went home to eat and rest. I am going to swim on Friday morning, I think, before work and before I leave for Springfield.
Tuesday solo yoga
Tuesday was an interesting day...
MB had his knee surgery scheduled and I took the day off of work to be out there. The traffic was so incredibly horrific, that I actually missed seeing him before he went into surgery (which I found incredibly upsetting) and where my mind went to "What if he dies tragically during a knee surgery and I couldn't say goodbye?!" I almost sat there crying for the first hour we waited. I was basically yelling asking his mother why he didn't CALL me when they wheeled him in, but apparently he was somewhat abruptly taken into surgery and he managed to send me a text. A few hours later the physician's assistant came out to tell us things went remarkably well and the injury wasn't as severe as anticipated. Hopefully his recovery will go better than anticipated as well and he'll continue to heal and lose weight as that will continue to help his knee (among other things!).
After a long day at the hospital and some lunch with him at his mom's house where he's recovering, I drove back downtown to do my workout.
I missed yoga at Om so I went to the gym and did an hour on my own. I haven't done this in a VERY long time and it was wonderful. I put a podcast on my iPhone and dimmed the lights in the empty FFC yoga studio while the sunset over the Chicago skyline and did my yoga for an hour.
MB had his knee surgery scheduled and I took the day off of work to be out there. The traffic was so incredibly horrific, that I actually missed seeing him before he went into surgery (which I found incredibly upsetting) and where my mind went to "What if he dies tragically during a knee surgery and I couldn't say goodbye?!" I almost sat there crying for the first hour we waited. I was basically yelling asking his mother why he didn't CALL me when they wheeled him in, but apparently he was somewhat abruptly taken into surgery and he managed to send me a text. A few hours later the physician's assistant came out to tell us things went remarkably well and the injury wasn't as severe as anticipated. Hopefully his recovery will go better than anticipated as well and he'll continue to heal and lose weight as that will continue to help his knee (among other things!).
After a long day at the hospital and some lunch with him at his mom's house where he's recovering, I drove back downtown to do my workout.
I missed yoga at Om so I went to the gym and did an hour on my own. I haven't done this in a VERY long time and it was wonderful. I put a podcast on my iPhone and dimmed the lights in the empty FFC yoga studio while the sunset over the Chicago skyline and did my yoga for an hour.
Monday swim
I'm having motivational problems this week...
I was supposed to swim 3,000 yards Monday night, but instead I swam 1,800 and then sat in the gym hot tub!!
I did the warm up and a couple of the 500s, but after getting so angry at the lady I was sharing the lane with, I just gave up, went to the hot tub, and then did my hair in the ladies lounge while watching some E! show. It was pathetic.
I'm glad (I guess?) I did something but it really wasn't enough.
I was supposed to swim 3,000 yards Monday night, but instead I swam 1,800 and then sat in the gym hot tub!!
I did the warm up and a couple of the 500s, but after getting so angry at the lady I was sharing the lane with, I just gave up, went to the hot tub, and then did my hair in the ladies lounge while watching some E! show. It was pathetic.
I'm glad (I guess?) I did something but it really wasn't enough.
Updated race schedule
COMPLETED: January 9th Experience Indoor Triathlon in Naperville
COMPLETED: March 9th- Indoor Triathlon at Lifetime Old Orchard
April 6- 1/2 "Run Abe" Lincoln Presidential 1/2 marathon (newly added)
May 18th- Galena Duathlon - my first duathlon (run-bike-run)
May 25th- Solider Field 10 mile run
June 23rd- Chicago Women's Half Marathon
July 13th- Afresh Muncie Ironman 70.3
((August 10th - 2013 Age Group Nationals I qualified, but my coach doesn't think this is a good idea.))
September 9th- Wisconsin Ironman
As one can note, I'm heavy on the initial races to check in and not sure what my plan will call for once the longer rides and such come into play.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
I love my new running shoes, however....
The problem is that I really don't like running. It's very rare that I get that "runner's high" or "in the zone"... I just plain don't like it.
I don't like it while watching movies, trashy TV, sexy people in the gym, outside on the trail. I just don't like it.
So the fact that my coach changed my Sunday run from what I was going to do (a repeat of Friday) to a 1:50 hour run was not awesome for me. I managed to stay moving on the treadmill while I watched "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and get pumped for our India trip for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Then I gave up and went up and showered in the locker room and primped while watching some horrible Chelsea show on E! or something.
The bathtub in my apartment wasn't training properly this weekend due to a clog in the sink, so I guess I'm thankful that I now belong to a fancy gym with towel service where I could clean myself up on over Easter!!!
I don't like it while watching movies, trashy TV, sexy people in the gym, outside on the trail. I just don't like it.
So the fact that my coach changed my Sunday run from what I was going to do (a repeat of Friday) to a 1:50 hour run was not awesome for me. I managed to stay moving on the treadmill while I watched "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and get pumped for our India trip for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Then I gave up and went up and showered in the locker room and primped while watching some horrible Chelsea show on E! or something.
The bathtub in my apartment wasn't training properly this weekend due to a clog in the sink, so I guess I'm thankful that I now belong to a fancy gym with towel service where I could clean myself up on over Easter!!!
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