MARINE CORP MARATHON Oct. 26th 2008

3:36:14 was the clock time, I am not sure what my chip time is yet, but it shouldn’t be too far off, I was close to the front of the start! 

A low down of the race.  The start was cold.  I wore tights, despite the best advise of 2 seasoned marathoners, one of which has done this particular race 7 or so time, I just know, my skin is thin from living in such a warm climate.  Well, the first 9 miles were tough, I was really cold, my legs muscles suffering the most, and my butt was numb.  It was so hard because I couldn’t get into a steady cadence, and my stride felt short.  I was aware of all this but it seemed, despite best efforts, I couldn’t fix it.  By mile 9, I started to warm up, and then, my muscles started to hurt.  I felt pings in my left buttox, quads and right knee.  I was a bit worried, but thought, I was going a good pace, and felt I could keep it up, despite the small pains.  The 3:20 pacer passed me around mile six, but the 3:30 pacers hadn’t yet, so I knew I was keeping my goal pace, I wanted to finish in 3:30.  I was loving the crown, I wrote my name on my arms and wore my Coast Guard shirt and everyone was yelling my name and go coast guard…  I was also egging them on by waving my arms up and down to get them to yell!  That was a blast!  By mile 17 I knew I had a race on my hands, I was on my target pace, but my quads were still tight and my stride still feeling short, but I knew if I kept my nose to the grindstone, pull that determination out, I could reach my goal time!  At mile 22, my right ankle cramped, like how it feels when you need to pop it, and it was still and wouldn’t bend… I tried to loosen it up on each step, but it slowed me down.  In fact, my dad was watching me online and said I was keeping my pace until mile 22.  I watched the 3:30 balloons pass me, and I couldn’t keep up.  Ther went my goal time, but the 3:40 balloons also hadn’t passed me, so I could still beat my personal best of 3:37…  just had to keep it up as best as I could.  The last part of the race is a hill.  I heald my head up high, shoulders back and attacked it… I finished at 3:36:14, clock time, so my chip time should be 3:35 sometime!  I beat my personal best!!!  Another little funny  … at the mile 17 aid station, I got a cup of powerade just as a guy reached in, he elbowed me, made me bite my tongue and pour it all over my face and shirt!  I shook my head, got another one, drank it, then got some water and poured that all over my face, oh boy!

Thanks for follwing my blog.  I will put it to rest for a bit, until I decide on my next event!

Kim

Week of OCt. 13th – Oct. 19

I really just want to continue to enjoy my running.  I don’t want to feel like t is a chore nor feel guilty for not running.  If I don’t run once between now and the MCM, I will still finish and do well.  I would also like to run a few times this week, because I DO enjoy it.  LAst week I really felt guilty for not running, and didn’t run and felt more guilty!  I need to get out of that groove and back into a good groove of feeling awesome while trotting along!  I really LOVE running!

Oct. 13 – OFF

Oct. 14 – 3 Mi.

We;;, now I can’t rememebr the rest of the training, but I will say, it wasn’t much!

Week of Oct. 6th – Oct. 12

3 Weeks until the MCM

I would like to do a soild week of running this week then cut it down next week.  I feel like if I can keep it up for this week then I will have a chance at a new PR,  (Personal Record).  As of now, my PR is 3:37.  I would like to break 3:30.  I have a lot to do for school which I also cannot let up on, so time to study!! 

Oct. 6 – OFF (1 hr. bike)

Oct. 7 – 12 miles (30 min. Bike)

Oct. 8 – OFF (1 hr. bike)

Oct. 9 - 4 mi. ( 30 min. bike)

Oct. 10 - 9 Mi.

Oct. 11 – OFF

Oct. 12 – OFF

I am obviously not doing to well with the running these days.  Of course, I ride my bike to work!!!

Week of Sept. 29 – Oct. 5

4 week until the MCM

Sept. 29 – 17 miles

Sept. 30 – OFF

Oct. 1 – OFF

Oct. 2 – 6 mi.

OCt. 3 – 5 mi.

Oct. 4 – 7 mi.

Oct. 5 – OFF

I didn’t do too well with training this week.  A combination fo school and laziness kept me from running the quantity of miles I would have liked.  Such is life though!

Week of Sept. 22 – 28

5 weeks until MCM

Short – 3 mi.     Medium – 7 mi.             Medium – 11 mi.                 Long – 16 mi.    Bonus _ 7 Mi.

Sept. 22 – 3 mi.

Sept. 23 – 7 mi., Capoeira 1.5 hours

Sept. 24 – Capoeira

Sept. 25 – 16 mi. run (my quads were tight because of Capoeira!!)

Sept. 26 – OFF

Sept. 27 -  (Day Work) 11.5 mi.

Sept. 28 – Day Work

My MCM Plan

So, I have 5 week until the race.  This week and next will be big weeks of running with next week being the biggest, then I will taper the 2 weeks then it is race week.  Taper will be moderate, still logging substantial hours.  I will run 4 days each week, one long, 2 medium and one short.  I am also planning to do Capoeira as much as possible.

2 Worst Pick up Lines Recently

1) When I go swim in the ocean, I walk down to the end of the street and often pass a guy working on his cars.  I always say hello, neighborly like.  The cars I’venoticed because although he is out there working on them, washing and cleaning them, if one didn’t know better, they may think they are abandoned!  The other day I was coming back from a swim and he was sitting in a chair outside his fence, it’s 7:30 am.  He is dressed in church like clothes, although it is a Thursday morning.  He stops me and say, “I noticed you don’t have any friends, if you give me your phone number, I’ll be your friend.”  I thank him but counter with the fact that I don’t give my phone number out.  I tell him I have a boyfriend after he asks, but he insists that if I gave him my phone number, we could be friends, only.  I graciously thank him, but insist that I don’t give my phone number out, and grant him a nice day.

2)  On the plane ride home we were waititng to get off the plane in Puerto Rico and the guy sitting in front of me says “you look familiar, do I know you from somewhere?”.  OK, heard that one before. ButI endulge and ask, do you run, are you in the running club?” No he answers.  SO, here is the kicker, I ask, where do you work?  He says, “I don’t work, I am the LAZIEST GUY EVER!”  OK, conversation OVER.  That maybe how to get gold diggers, so chase, don’t use that pick up line, OK!

Some Pictures, upon request!

Race Story

 I wanted to share this story because I think it important for everyone to know that things don’t always go as planned!

Here it is…    Well, the night before, I had a bought with food poisoning.  Oh NO is right.  At dinner, I wasn’t hungry at all.  I also hadn’t eaten much for the day, a smoothie in the morning, I shared a Quizno’s sandwich at around noon with my cousin, then I stopped at the store and got some grapes and munched on them (without washing them) in the afternoon.  So, I thought my stomach was tight because of nerves.  I ordered a meal because I knew I had to eat something, fueling for the next day!  When the food came, I had to announce to the group I wasn’t feeling well and needed to go back to the hotel.  Good thing, I threw up 4 times, in the parking lot on the way to the car.  I got back to the hotel and felt a little better, so thought it was over and went to bed.  About an hour later, I was up and in the bathroom for the next few hours.  It was a definite low.  For awhile I needed to call my aunt but couldn’t get off the bathroom floor because my stomach was so cramped I couldn’t move.  It was hell.  I finally called my cousin and aunt and they got me some Imodium and pepto, which helped, I got to bed around 2am.  I slept a bit but my stomach was still cramped in the morning.  I got a smoothie down and some water in the morning and decided I would start the race and stop if I had to, listening to my body.  I was spitting up, wet burps and throwing up the entire race (even in the water on the swim part–yuck!).  It was difficult to fuel under these circumstances, but on the ride I got down a bar and a Goo.  It was hard to think about anything else but the intense cramps and pain in my stomach.  I smiled big for every picture!  My body felt great, no pain elsewhere.  The run was was the hardest part.  My stomach was so cramped, and hurt so bad.  I knew I had to keep trying to fuel, so I’d get to an aid station, allow myself to walk, drink, start running again, then have to stop to throw up what I just drank, but I knew it wasn’t all coming out and I must be absorbing something.  It was all I could do to get through the run, one foot in front of the other.  I tried to run as much as possible, despite the pain, because it would be done faster.  I did it, my cousins chase and trey met me before the finish line and ran with me, they announced my uncle’s memory, it was so touching!  SO, I am very proud of my 6:18 time and happy to just have finished.  Although I had other expectations, I always ended to sentence, I’d can reach my goal if there aren’t any snafus, well, I think there was a snafu! 

Thanks everyone for your support.  Overall, I loved the distance and I will be doing another one of these someday!  Now, on to prepare for the Marine Corp Marathon, Oct. 26th!

Kim

Here are the results…

overall place:	190 out of 373
division place:	8 out of 14
gender place:	44 out of 89
time:	6:18:02
pace:	0:
swim:	47:14
t1:	3:30
bike:	3:08:39
t2:	2:01
run:	2:16:40

Logistics

Got up in the morning, went over to the bike shop and dealt with my bike.  The first shop put my bike together and the stem I requested on for me.  I wasn’t too confident in the bike, but didn’t really know what to look for or how it should feel, and the guy didn’t seem to be offering much insight, so I decided later to take it to another shop.  The second one was recommended to me by my cousin’s friend, who has done these races before.  They suggested I put my old stem back on, that the shorter stem seemed to be scrunching my up too much, so I did.  Hopefully it will feel good.  I liked the idea since I had been training on that stem anyway.  Also, I forgot to bring my tried and true seat, so I had to go with the new seat, not too psyched on that one, but hey, oh well, right!

Got over to OKC for check in.  Felt the water and it felt great.  I had to leave my bike in the transition area over night.  Tito wouldn’t have liked that one, but, mine wasn’t the nicest one!!  Tomorrows the big day, yippeee!!!

Fly Day!

Actual Workout: 45 min run, 30 min swim

Off on the plane to Tulsa today!  I fly through Dallas and arrive at 7:30 pm in Tulsa!  I am super excited….

I like Mornings…..

Actual Workout: 7 mile run

Planned Workout: 

Work: OFF

Comments: I am realizing that I just really like to workout in the morning!  I got up early and went out for a run and felt great all day long!  I think if I don’t workout in the morning then I agonize the whole day over not working out and it really ruins my day.  So, I think I will make it policy to get up and get a workout in, before I even notice I am awake!  I can always go back to bed, right!

my ride felt great!!!

Actual Workout: 1 hour bike ride, which felt AWESOME!

Planned Workout: 

Work: OFF

Comments:  Well, I had planned to go a little longer, maybe an our and a half, but, I got turned around because the road was closed, but good thing because it started to poiur right when I got home…. FEW … didn’t want to get my bike wet, then I’d have to clean it before I left!!

sept 14 My Half Birthday!!!

Actual Workout: 6 mi. run, 1/2 hr bike

Planned Workout: 

Work: OFF

Comments:

Motivation is Difficult

Actual Workout: OFF

Planned Workout: Make up day

Work: OFF

Comments: It has been really difficult to motivate to get on my bike.  I think it is because the seat hurts so bad!  I can’t wait to get my new one….  They forgot to mail it, so I had it sent to Oklahoma.  To be safe, I am going to take my seat off my other bike and ride the race on that seat, because I don’t want to be breaking in a new seat during the race!

30 minute killer ool

Actual Workout: 30 min swim

Planned Workout: 

Work: Night

Comments: I went to the pool and swam for a strong 30 minutes.  Felt great, then slept until it was time for work!

Actual Workout: 30 min bike

Planned Workout: 

Work: Day

Comments: Rode my bike to work today then got a flat tire so my friend drove me home.  I was tired so I went to bed.  I got woken up by the neighbor’s dog.  GRRRR….

1st Capoeria Class!!

Actual Workout: 1 hr bike, Capoeria Class

Planned Workout: 

Work: Day

Comments: I wen to my first Capoeira class today!  WOW, I loved it and I am going to commit to learning the art.  Not only that, it was a great workout and I only did it for a little while, and I only did the very beginner lesson.  Wait until I actually get that down and move on to more advanced moves!  It will also fit nicely into my schedule because the class starts at 6:30, so I can get off of work and ride my bike there in plendy of time!!  I am super excited forthis new hobby!

I dunno…

Actual Workout: lazy, again.

Planned Workout: 

Work: DAY

Comments: I just don’t know… mental sabotage I guess…. I will work through it!  BE STRONG and JUST DO IT

Actual Workout: lazy.

Planned Workout:

Work: OFF

Comments: I am disappointed in myself because I was just lazy all day.  I really should just motivate and go out because I really beat myself up over these lazy days, especially with the race being so close.  I agonize over my lack of workout all day long, if I just did it, I would not only not be so pissed at myself, I would feel better and be more productive since I am not pre occupied with the lack of workouts!  Why is this such a difficult lesson for me to learn??

Sorry SO boring….

I know this blog could be a bit boring to someone who is not really into reading about one’s training, but today I realized that, it is even MORE boring than that…!!!!

I was describing my site to an acquaintance, whom I just gave my card to this morning at Pinky’s (my favorite breakfast place!), and he asked if it just had pictures of me running and stuff…  I thought, WOW, it doesn’t even have THAT… how pathetic.  SO, I’ll work on the entertainingness of the blog…. coming SOON!  It is now pouring outside, so no pictures today… I do want a few pictures with my new bike though, so stayed tuned?

Sabrina in 2:10

Actual Workout: 16 miles _ I came in #6 female!

Planned Workout: 16 mi run

Work: OFF

Comments:  Good Morning!  I ran an organized race, called the Sabrina, supporting Autistic children this morning.  I met my friend Gelin there and we ran the 16 mile race.  I finished in about 2 hours and 10 minutes, which I feel like is a great time, and Gelin ran in 2:22, which is also a great time, especially since this was her first 16 mile race… the longest she has ran thus far!  GO GELIN!  We then had breakfast together at Pinky’s.  I got the Drunken Pilot and she had my toast, we both had cappuccinos, it was fantastic (as always)!!!

Case of the I Don’t wannas, argh!

Actual Workout: 60 min bike

Planned Workout: 180 bike, 60 min swim

Work: OFF

Comments:  I got up with the intention of riding for 3 hours.  I decided to go to Old San juan and ride, so I could go fast and get used to my bars.  I felt off this morning, and had a hard time getting out the door.  I finally got over to old SJ, my butt was really hurting because of the seat and I just wasn’t into my ride at all.  I rode for an hour and called it a day.  I did take a long nap, which I think was part of it, I was exausted form not sleeping the day before.  NOW, at 11PM, I can’t sleep because I slept so much today, and  I have to get up at 4am to go run the Sabrina 16 mile race that starts at 5.  I best try to get some rest.  The good news is, I can sleep after the race, and the faster I go, the soon I sleep (not really true because I have breakfast planned with my friend Gelin), but soon enough!!!  I will be fine though, I am not worried!  G’ night….

1.5 Hrs of Sleep….

Actual Workout: 1 hr bike, 6 Mi. run

Planned Workout:   6 mi. run (intervals) 

Work: OFF

Comments: I didn’t get to sleep very much this morning but I worked through it, rode to work and ran on the treadmill!  Not the 10 miles per hour pace, but a pretty good clip!  Also, I got to watch Days of Our Lives, someone else put it on… can you BELIEVE, Hope, Beau, Stephano and a bunch of other characters are still there… WOW, it’s like I never stopped watching it 15 years ago!!!  (same thing my mom said when I was watching, about 15 years before THAT!)  ohhh,,,, so funny!

Dear Timex, Please fix all ummmnth BROKEN watches…

Actual Workout: 45 min swim, 1 hr bike from and to work

Planned Workout:  OFF (1 hr bike to work)

Work: Night

Comments:  I really wanted to sleep today, but the neighbor’s barking dog on one side and the other side neighbor drilling, made it a bit difficult.  A good dose of pancakes and eggs, a pile of pillows and ear plugs helped me right to sleep.  THEN, through my ear plugs and pillows, I hear ‘beep beep beep’, ‘beep beep beep’…. well, the same watch that, a week after I got it got moisture inside so I could hardly ever read it, then yesterday got stuck on the date, unable to get the time up, now, randomly beeps!  I only got the watch a couple of months ago… I may have even made an entry about it….  I have the worst watch luck, this IS my ummmnth watch, who really knows, but I DO have 5 on my shelf waiting to be sent to Timex, maybe they will fix them??  So, I hit the beeping watch on the counter, possibly stopping the beeping?… only to chip off the plastic side piece.  Now they will never believe I JUST GOT IT ~ I just looked on my CC printout and see that I bought it on July 14th, so, I’ve had it only 7 weeks, it didn’t even last thorugh my training, which is why I purchased it in the 1st place… boo hoo

Oh Yeah, my swim was great, the water was calm but murky!  My landlord, Tito warned me to be careful of jellyfish today.  Well, I usually get stung a few times during a swim, but I’ve learned that, the sting goes away after a few minutes, and leaves no mark, so, although a bit uncomfortable, no biggie.  TODAY, no stings!!!

Boston…. Here I come!!!

Actual Workout: 90 min bike, 9 Mi, run

Planned Workout:  9 mi. run, strength (30 min bike to work)

Work: Night

Comments: I got up at 5:30, peeked outside and the road was still dry… sweet, I can go for a ride.  As I am getting ready, I hear a bit of thunder, see a few flashes, but as a Colorado girl, I never not go because weather might roll in!  I get on the bike at 6:00 and headed out, only to get poured on at the end of my street.  Boo hoo, so, I came home and set up the indoor trainer and watched the 2nd Charlie’s Angels – WOW, I didn’t know Demi Moore made an appearance- CUTE!  I rode for an hour and half, then did a quick transition into my running kicks and headed out in the rain for a run.  The rain felt SO AWESOME!  I didn’t even care about splashing in the puddles!!!!  I didn’t take music either, since I won’t be able to listen to it in Oklahoma, I better start getting used to it!  I just got home, will make some pancakes and eggs, then take a nap and go to work for the night!  CIAO!

swim swim!

Actual Workout: 60 min swim, 1 hr bike ride

Planned Workout:  50 min. swim (1 hr bike ride to work)

Work: Day

Comments: I got a great swim in despite….., the pool being packed tonight, at one point there were 5 people trying to swim in my lane, good thing someone got irritated and left, four was still TOO many, but, oh well…..  It was good to see so many people wokring out.  There was a kids group too, but it was cool.  I kept catching my watch on the lane divider, I think there’s a bruise!!!  

We’ll see how tomorrow pans out for my working out, there are is a lot of weather and flood warnings out for San Juan!

Hey Hay Hey

Actual Workout: 1 hr. bike, 20 min. rowing machine, strength (cut a little short due to friends stopping by!)

Planned Workout: 4 mi. bricks, strength (1 hr bike to work)

Work:  Day

Comments:  Guess I am making up my own workouts these days, but I go with how I fell … I know, not race horse esque, but hey, I don’t eat hay either!

It’s Muggy and I feel LAZY!

Actual Workout: 15 Mi. Run

Planned Workout: 240 bike, 70 min swim

Work:  OFF

Comments:  OK, I have been lazy this week, realitive to my “crunch week’ plans.  I just need to move on from that laziness and go one with training!  I am still OK for the race and have begun my taper a little earlier than anticipated by a few days, no biggie!

Tri`in

Actual Workout: 1 hr. swim, 2 Hr. Bike, 20 min run

Planned Workout: 5 mi. run, strength

Work: OFF

Comments:  Great workout today, had to cut the run short due to a down pour ……

School girl

Actual Workout: 6 mi. run, strength

Planned Workout: 120 min bike, 60 min swim

Work: OFF

Comments:  Well, I worked on a paper all day, enough said!

Slacker

Actual Workout: 1/2 hr bike home form work

Planned Workout: 6 mi. intervals, 90 min bike, strength

Work: OFF

Comments: Pretty exausted from the workweek, so, I took today off

Actual Workout: 1 hr bike

Planned Workout: OFF

Work: Night

Comments:

Actual Workout: 12 mile run

Planned Workout: 8 mi run (30 min bike ride to work)

Work: Night

Comments: I got up at 5am, and went out for my run.  It was nice and overcast a relatively cool; I had a fantastic run and felt strong.  The ocean was calm and grey.   I felt like I was running fast but my GPS ran out of gas so I couldn’t tell what my pace was., oh well, I like to stay in tuned to my body!

tired

Actual Workout: 1 hr bike ride to and form work

Planned Workout: 65 min swim, strength (1 hr bike ride to work)

Work: Day

Comments:  I was SO tired when I got home from work, so I went to bed instead of working out;

nutbutter gut

Actual Workout: 105 min bike

Planned Workout: 5 mi. bricks

Work: Day

Comments:  I had huge aspirations today.  I felt great when I got home.  I was hungry.  I scooped a spoon full of almond butter and a spoon full of honey and mowed down.  I had a difficult time deciding if I was going to go outside, but decided to climb on the indoor trainer since, there was lot of traffic I noticed on my way home from work, and since it was Sunday, they were all probably drunk (the drinking law around here is, if you crash and the cops decide to show up, you might be tested)  So, after about 15 minutes on my trainer my gut started to go nuts and it didn’t feel good.  The almond butter was sitting in it like a brick and, if you can imagine, it hurt.  Oh BLAH, argh….  I tried to ride through it, but ended up getting off the bike, abandoning my run and sitting on the couch watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics.  This isn’t the 1st time that snack has made me feel like a slug, so, no more of THAT snack!!!

I CAN ride 55

Actual Workout: 200 min bike ride, 1 hr swim

Planned Workout:60 min swim, 195 min. bike

Work: OFF

Comments:  Good Day!!!!  What a great day … I worked out, ate, worked out and now plan to eat then go to bed!  My bike ride this morning was PHENOMENAL!!!  I met my friend Connie at the bike shop and we took off for a ride.  She showed me a great route and critiqued my riding style.  She said “you ride like a runner”!  Well, call a spade a spade, right!  The clouds looke ominous so we did a shorter loop than we had planned, which was great for Connie because the wind really picked up.  I added another hour th my ride in the wind, because, one, my race might be windy and two, I really needed the concecutive saddle time.  At the end of my ride, I logged 55 miles, WOW, and it felt great!

I then went for a swim in the ocean this afternoon and geez, I got a pounding more than usual.  I took some waves in the face that I thought I was for sure going to bruise.  Also, I kept getting stung by grass.  I have touched plenty of grass before and sometimes I get little stings, but these clumps of grass today were relentless.  Luckily, the sting only lasted for a few minutes, so I did NOT have to pee on myself!    I plan to be in bed early tonight!  CIAO…

Delayed

Actual Workout: 6 Mi. Run

Planned Workout: 6 mi. run, Strength

Work: Curacao

Comments:  I got up in Curacao and went for a run, and my flight was planned to take off at 1000.  It got delayed for and hour and half, but that didn’t really matter since I had a four hour lay over in St. Marteen anyway.  Then, in St.Marteen, the flight was delayed for a couple of hours, one while we were in the airport and then after we got on the plane, there was a mechanical issue so there was another delay.  I am glad thoiugh, we didn’t have to wait too long on the airplane, a hour isn’t bad.  I’ve heard of a lot long delays while people have been stuck on the plane.  I was really tired when I got home so I didn’t do another workout.  I had a salad and a pancake for dinner and am going to bed at 9PM, no Olympics tonight, I have an early morning bike ride planned with Connie!

Gold Medal Turtle

The day before yesterday, I arrived in Curacao.  For those trying to remember the islands, it is a Dutch Island, far south, between Aruba and Bonaire.  although I was tired from traveling, I decided to got for a swim.  Immediately, I recognized that the water is much clearer than at my house, and there were plenty more fish.  I saw clown fish and trunk fish, which are some of my favorite.  I thought to myself, the only thing that would really top this off and prove it was way better than my house was if I saw a turtle.  Well, I swam for my hour and spotted cigar fish among other colorful fish, including a flounder, but no turtle. 

Today, i went out for another swim, this time in another direction.  I was in a fantastic groove, lost in my stroke and thoughts, when low and behold,  I SAW A TURTLE!!!!!!  Ahhh, it was fantastic, a little guy, swimming around, frolicking about putting on a little show for me before he got lost on the deep blue sea!  My next thoughts were of Shawn Johnson and Keri and Misty, and their gold medals!

I also saw a really big baracuda, which started me!!!

60 + 60 + 60

Actual Workout: 60 min swim, 60 min bike and 60 min run ( 10 miles!!!!)

Planned Workout: 8 mi. run, 60 min swim, 80 min bike ride

Work: Curacao

Comments:  WOW!  What an incredible workout!  I first went for a swim in the ocean, and I saw a turtle (more on that later!).  I then went up to my room, showered off the sand, changed and went down to the gym at the hotel and got on the bike for an hour.  I quickyl filled my water after the bike and jumped on the treadmill, where I felt so strong!  I was running so fast and felt solid, I ended up running over ten miles in the hour, WOW if I could keep that up for my marathon, you do the math then look at the time for the olympic winner….  (yeah right!)  Anyway, it was a great workout. 

PS>  I really hate the indoor bike so an hour on that thing is self dicipline for sure!

Morning Trot!

Actual Workout:  8 mile run

Planned Workout: 120 min bike, 5 mi. intervals, strength

Work: Curacao

Comments: I got up early this morning and headed out for a run from the hotel.  I found a great trail next to the ocean, then it headed up to the town, where we ate dinner last night, a place called the Bistro.  I ran for about 1 hour and 30 minutes and logged 8 miles.  At the end of my run I started to run with a man named Alan.  He had a great story, former Navy etc. and is now living here in Curacao with his wife.  It was neat exchanging stories and I think we could have had a whole lot more if it wern’t for our time constraints, HI ALAN!  All in all, great morning!!

I’m in Curacao!

Actual Workout: 1 hour swim

Planned Workout: 45 min swim

Work: Curacao

Comments: I arrived in Curacao today for a work trip.  It is really pretty!  I saw a ton of fish on my swim and the water was really clear, much more so than at my house!

T2 went AWEsome

Actual Workout:  210 min bike, 7 Mi. run

Planned Workout: Transition

Work: OFF

Comments: Well, today I did a transition workout.  I rode my bike (YES, my NEW Fezzari bike for 3 hours, ending up at the CG base, then hopped on the treadmill for a 7 mile run.  It all felt fantastic (well, except my seat I’m getting a different one!)  I still didn’t get the leg fatigue I should expect after riding my bike, I don’t know what’s wrong.  Maybe I am not riding my bike hard enough???  Well, I loved my workout day, it was a great kick off to Crunch Week!  OFf to Curacao tomorrow.  I packed my running and swimming stuff and I made a plan for a bike ride on Saturday when I get home.

Get Out of Jail Free Card – USED!

Actual Workout: OFF

Planned Workout: 35 min. swim, strength

Work: Day

Comments: I am SO stinkin tired!  I went to bed and only got 3 hours of sleep becuase I am an Olympic addict!  But, today officially ends recovery week, so, tomorrow starts crack down week.  NO EXCUSES, I will find a way to train in Curacao and beyond! Recovery week is about allowing the body to rest and heel, now it is build time again!

Actual Workout: OFF

Planned Workout: 5 mi. run

Work:  Day

Comments: Well, I went out for a walk with the dog I am watching, ran into a friend and chatted instead of going for my run.  I was a bit disappointed in myself because I stayed home after that so I could watch the Olympics, but I should of run.  Oh well,  I will run today and stick to my training program.  A horse wouldn’t have missed his run, right!?!  time to crack down!

An Attack of the Pool

Actual Workout: 55 min swim, strength

Planned Workout:  55 min swim, strength

Work: OFF

Comments: My swim was incredible!  After my warm up, I turned up my music and swam, fast, really paying attention to a consistent stroke as I maintained speed.  I kept the speed up for about 40 minutes, I felt strong and fast!  It’s exciting to feel like I will be able to maintain a great pace in my race.  I will swim the full 1.2 miles, intentionally.  I have probably swim farther than that in my swims, because it usually takes me about 40 minutes to swim a mile, but I haven’t counted because I usually just loose count!!  I should get a counter – it might make it a little easier!

Curacao

I just found out today I will be going to Curacao for a few days next week for work.  I will be able to get some work outs in, and usually there is a gym in the places we stay in so I bet I will be able to exercise as much as I want, I just won’t be able to ride my NEW bike …. boo hoo!  I know I know, I get to go to a Caribbean Island I’ve never been to.  No better way to see the island than go for a run, right!!!  I am excited!  I just hope I get to watch the Olympics, especially since Track and Field are going to be in full force!  I am an Olympic addict!  Last Olympics, I was in boot camp and my sister taped all of the for me on VHF tapes, I think there were over 20 tapes .. YEP, I do have the world’s Gold Medal Sister!

No Pain, IS Gain

Actual Workout: 7 Mi. run, Strength

Planned Workout:   6 mi. run (intervals) 60 min. swim

Work: OFF

Comments:  I went for my run this morning and felt great!!  I didn’t feel my butt, just a slight ache, but I came home and iced it, and the rest of the day, I didn’t notice a thing!  The rest of me also felt great running this morning!  I am really excited that I am definitely on the up and up, especially since I get my bike tomorow!!! FINALLY… now, hopefully there is a break in all the rain predicted for the next few days, argh!!

Feelin Good Today

Actual Workout: 20 min run, a lot of stretching!!!

Planned Workout: 45 min. swim

Work: OFF

Comments: I know a 20 minute run is not impressive, but I was trying to feel it out and…. it felt great!  I am planning to re evaluate my schedule, using the last few days as part of my ‘recovery week’ time.  I also plan to go for a run tomorrow, about 6 miles.  I feel good and I am excited.  I am going a bit stir crazy now!

Stretching?  OK OK, I am NOT a big stretcher, but yesterday when Connie felt my hips, she said “wow, you need to stretch” … not the first person to say that.  So, I will concede.  I have never been flexible, and I almost feel like if I stretch, I might come unravelled!  I know I have tight muscles, all over.  I am even thinking about Yoga….  ?I will start with a great effort to stretch everyday!  Any suggestions??

Recovery will take time

Actual Workout: 45 min swim

Planned Workout: 85 min. bike, 7 mi. running intervals, strength training

Work: OFF

Comments:  i went ot the pool today.  I had a togh swim, my hip started to hurt after about 20 minutes.  Its more of a ‘pain in the ass’ now, and now a specific place so I think this is a good sign of recovery.   I did another 20 minutes with the paddles and leaving my legs to flat, which felt great.  I am trying not to be worries, but it is a bit difficult.  I met Connie today who had some great encouraging words, thanks Connie!  The one’s that stuch was that I am not going to loose my fitness.  I feel good at the end of the day!

Actual Workout: 25 min swim

Planned Workout: OFF (Recovery Race BEGINS!)

Work: Day

Comments:  Swam in the ocean today;  I felt OK but was getting a bit worked and could feel my hip, so I cut the swim short.  I will go into the controlled environment to assess how I feel.

On the UPs

Actual Workout: 25 min swim

Planned Workout: 6 Mi. run (30 min bike ride to work)

Work: Day

Comments:  I felt much better today.  I still drove to work and will tomorrow, just because I don’t want to have to assess how I am feeling while I am trying to get to work at 4 am.  My swim felt good today.  I wish it was longer. I was getting a bit worked by the ocean so I was having a difficult time concentrating on my muscle.  I felt it ping a couple of times, so I decided to head in.  Over all though, the pool tomorrow will be great, and I think I am on the road to a full recovery in the next few days!

Still Recovering

Actual Workout: OFF

Planned Workout: 60 min. swim, stength (1 hr bike ride to wrk)

Work: Day

Comments: I am still recovering from my injury.  Today, it was irritating, I hope it heals quickly, I don’t like it!

Gluteus Minimus is no small Injureus

Actual Workout: OFF – not even my bike ride to work… uuuhhh oohhh!

Planned Workout: 4 mi. bricks (1 hr. bike ride to work)

Work: Day

Comments: OK, so last night at dinner, my ‘butt’ started to hurt.  I massaged it before I went to bed, but I woke up this morning with my butt still in pain.  Throughout today, I have found that I probably pulled my Gluteus Minimus on my bike ride yesterday, so I will treat it as such, take a rest, and take care of my butteus!  SO, am glad I drove to work today and I am not going to swim either.  I will go home, use some heat and go to bed early, letting my body heal!  I definitely think this will easily be worked through and should not affect my training too much nor effect my race.

Tough motivation Day

Actual Workout: 120 min bike ride

Planned Workout: 60 min swim, 195 min. bike

Work: OFF

Comments:  I finally got out the door for a windy ride, but as always, it felt great!  I went to dinner with a friend and so I forwent my swim, I plan to do it tomorrow, which will be fine, except I  don’t really like putting those trainings off, just in case!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETSEY!!

Barbie Runner … Hooker?

Actual Workout: 17 Mi. Run

Planned Workout: 16 Mi. run, Strength

Work: OFF

Comments:  I went on a long run this morning, intending to go for 16 miles but ended up with 17 (because I kept dropping my bandana and having to go back!)…. I went to Old San Juan, did a few laps around El Morro, down the cat path a couple of times, over to base for water and on home.  Felt sluggish the whole time, but I am proud of myself for keeping my pace, even through some tummy pains.  That is also good practice because racing isn’t always funa nd games, sometimes your tummy has issues.

HOOKER?  OK, this morning I decided to see what it was like to wear my Nike running skirt on a long run.  It is true that I pass quit a few all hours clubs, and they are in full force when I leave my house at 4:45am, but I have never been ‘approached’ before.  Well, I was in condado, about 2.5 miles from my house, when I heard a ‘beep beep’.  Of course, I turned to look, only to see a guy winking, raising his eyebrows and pointing at me, with his blinkers on in his car.  I made a plan to dash into the nearest hotel if he followed, he didn’t.  I got another mile or so, near the Normandie hotel, and another car slowed in front of me and  put their flashers on, what is this?  In another few miles, I made it into Old San Juan, close to San Cristibol fort, where I made a right turn and head up a pretty steep hill.  I see another guy in a car stopped on the corner, but it seems that he is just making a phone call, OK, until he follows me up the hill and checks me out.  I really can’t believe this since, ok, yes, I am wearing my running skirt, but, I am also wearing my waters bottles around my waist, I am obviously running, unless the hookers, run?  To top the whole morning off though, in another mile, I pass a young girl, who was all dressed up , obviously doing some sort of walk of shame, since now it is close to 6am, who gives me the up and down look, then totally cocks her lips to one side and grunts in disgust over my running skirt.  Made me laugh out loud I’ll tell ya. 

I had a lot of titles picked out for this entry…. some of the runners up were

“Dolly Parton and Pan Flutes … SUCK!”  >  I was having a trying time on my way home this morning, and on my IPOD first came Dolly Parton, who about made me puke, followed by a Pan Flute song oh geez, I really don’t like pan flutes, didn’t when I was in Peru and especailly don’t when I need something to help keep me going!

Something about a horse….  today I needed to be the horse, not only because I was having trouble with the run, but still kept at it, but also since when I was heading back to the stable, I was suppose to feel better and go faster, I just kept a steady pace!

I feel great now, got my dose of Price is Right … my grandma would have been proud of this young guy because he outbid an old lady.  See, my grandma likes the young people to win because she thinks that the old people don’t deserve it or they won’t enjoy their prizes long enough or something along those lines, I like her rationale, and a guy got boo’d by the audience because he bid $1 over an old lady and won!

Tri Fecta

Actual Workout: 140 min bike, 6 mi. intervals, 60 min swim

Planned Workout: 150 min. bike,  5 mi. interval run,  60 min swim

Work: OFF

Comments:  A great workout day!!  My bike ride was on the indoor trainer today so I could watch the Price is Right;  I definitely go farther outside without getting bored, I was pretty bored on the trainer today.

I ran at Central Park with the BQN runners again.  I guess I messed up the training because of the language thing because my friend passed me and said “your not doing repeaters”;  since I was in the midst of what I started I didn’t stop to find out what repeaters even were.  I simple did 400 sprint and 400 recover for 4.5 miles and an 800 cool down, we did a 2 mile warm up together. 

My swim was also good.  I went at 4:30 to 5:30 and there were a lot of people there this time, to be expected though!  I sure do like listening to my music, but it is difficult to dance when a good song comes on when I’m in the water, I might drown someday!!

Actual Workout: 9 mi. run

Planned Workout: 9 mi.  run, strength

Work: OFF

Comments:  I ran inthe evening today;  I much prefer the morning runs but it was nice to sleep in a bit!

Race Horse Story

Then there’s the racehorse.  Have you ever been to the Kentucky Derby or another big horse race?  The physiology of equine athletes is similar to that of human athletes, and they are trained in much the same manner as a runner.  They use heart rate monitors, train with intervals and endurance, follow a periodization plan, and eat a diet designed to enhance performance.

Psychologically, racehorses differ a great deal from multisport athletes.  they never question their training program preparation.  When it comes time for a workout designed by their trainer, they do it without wondering if it’s enough.  They don’t get out in the morning and put in a few junk miles for “insurance.”  They don’t and fret after a poor performance.  Stable life goes on as usual.

On Derby day, racehorses are nervous just as human athletes are; they know what is about to happen, but they don’t magnify the tension by comparing themselves with the other horses (“Look at the legs on that stud!”).  Instead, they are very purposeful in their approach to training and racing.  There is but one reason for everyday existence — to get faster.  If the horse is physically strong and the trainer is smart, this happens.

If you are to succeed in multisport, the first thing you must do is believe in yourself, you must have a purposeful, racehorse trust in your training.  Continually second guessing and changing training direction after every race are a sure way to fail.  train like a horse.

This goes along with a bumblebee story, but I left the bumblebee parts out since you haven’t heard that story yet.  I do like it and might post it!  This is an excerpt from Joe Friel’s Triathlete’s Training Bible.

Progress Update

This week and next week are big building weeks for me.  This is where I need to be the race horse (I’ll fill you in on that story soon!) and do my training as planned (I often himm and haww before I do my workout);  the days are packed with long building sessions and I need to keep at it.  I am looking forward to this, I can tell I am getting stronger everyday.  It is truly amazing to push myself like this and see the results.  The human body is an incredible vessel which passes tests and sets new limits when asked, I dig it!!! 

This past week I logged 17.25 hours of training (6hours-ish / 32 miles of running, 3 hours of swimming, 7.25 hours on my bike and an hour strength training)…. next week will be a goal of 19 hours.  The week of the 11th is a recovery week, so lighter training, followed by two really intense weeks before my taper.   Before I know it, it will be T1 and T2 time!  Oh YEAH!

Aug 3rd

Actual Workout: OFF (30 min bike ride to work)

Planned Workout: OFF

Work: Night

Comments: I ahd a nice relaxing day watching a friend in a beach soccer tournament, before I went to work.  That’s about it for the day!

Actual Workout: 5 mi. run, 2 hr. bike ride

Planned Workout: 10 mi. run – switched to 5 mi. run and 2 hr. bike ride

Work: Night

Comments:

Actual Workout: 14 Mi. run, 40 min swim

Planned Workout: 40 min. swim

Work: OFF

Comments: I did my long run today instead of tomrrow because I have soemthing to do tomorrow afternoon before I go to work, so it is going to be a difficult day to get enough sleep, but it will be worth it!  The run was fantastic.  I utalized the CG base againf or water and loved it again!  I saw so many Puerto Rician Parriots, which are on the endangered species list, but seem to be making a great come back!  They all almost got wipped out in 1988 by Hurriucane Hugo!  THEY say they are only in El Yunque Rain Forest, BUT, I know otherwise!  They are cool to see!

The swim was superb as well, I just love going to the Natatorium and jumping inthe cool cool water, it feels increadible!

Actual Workout: 1 hr bike (30+30 work rides), strength

Planned Workout: 4 mi. run (brick)

Work: Day

Comments: Super exausted after work, only because I was eating junk food all day, but I did some strength training while I visiste with my friend Christian, whow as up for a visit!

A couple of funnies from my bike ride today

1)  A pretty big cat had a pretty big baby iguana in it mouth.  Baby iguanas are distinct because they are bright, neon green in color.  The cat was running with this thing in it mouth and there were 2 dogs chasing the cat!

2) I was chased by a goose!  I dunno, they are not native down here, but I was riding my bike down a street and a goose came running out of a driveway chasing me.  All I could think about was getting bit by that mean painful looking beak!  BUT, I peddled fast and the goose turned around, thank goodness!

Great Bike Ride Today!

Actual Workout: 195 min. bike, 60 min. swim

Planned Workout: 60 min swim, 180 min bike

Work: OFF

Comments: I had a great bike ride today!  I got up and out the door by 6:30.  I wanted to go earlier, but my Friend Julie brought me back a Triathlete magazine from her trip to New York, and so I was up late reading it!  I loved it!  Back to the bike ride.  I am getting used to almost getting creamed every time I go for a ride in Pinones, in fact, I think people have a good handle on riders down there.  I was really pushing myself, and got all the way to the outlet malls, and had to go further  because I decided instead of stopping at 180 minutes, I wanted to be sure to go for 40 miles, while was going to be a little longer time wise.  I had to turn around a couple of times to get the time miles in, but I did it ~ I made it to 40 miles, at a high, sustained cadence, and felt great! 

My swim was equally fantastic!  I went to the Natatorium.  The pool is really cool because it is covered, which felt refreshing because it was extremely humid.  I did 500M fast swims, then rested, for 4 times.  The point was to be able to maintain the same speed and form throughout the entire swim, I did pretty well!

MUSIC

please help!  I have just downloaded my favorite workout music to my waterproof MP3 player and I am getting tired of the SAME music!  I NEED HELP… PLEEEASE tell me YOUR favorite workout music.  I like upbeat fast tunes to workout with!

N… runnin, runnin …. N… runnin, runnin … N…. runnin,runnin

Actual Workout: 6 Mi. run, 60 min. swim, 4 Mi. Intervals

Planned Workout: 5 mi. interval run, strength

Work: OFF

Comments: NAME THAT TUNE! Well, today was a great day!  I got up, went for a 6 mile trot, fussed around the house a bit, went over to housing and got some pointers from Linda and had a great hour swim workout, then went over to Central Park and met the Borinquen Runners for some interval training.  ’Candy’ was my coach today, stop the jokes, he was very good and NOTHING like you’d think he’d look like, I promise!  PLUS, they told me about a triathlon store, just up the street from my house, can you believe it!!  AND,t hey collect old running shoes to donate to Haiti (You proud, LIZ!) – It is a pretty cool operation actually, they collect the shoes, then the podiatrist members go to haiti and give people foot examinations and get shoes, great huh!  SO, I will be donating all my shoes to them, I can’t wait! OK, I am tired and gotta get upfor a bike ride in the morning, GOOD NIGHT!

Short Day

Actual Workout: 30 min bike (home form work), 20 min swim, 30 min run 

Planned Workout: 7 mi. run, 120 min. bike, 40 min swim

Work: OFF

Comments: OK, so drove all the way over to the pool, it was closed!  This was in the afternoon, becuase I spent 4 HOURS at PT, waiting, waiting, waiting from 6am to 8:30 am for my appointment.  Apparaently, it is NOT first come 1st serve, they do not even look at you until your appointment time.  ALthough I asked last week if I could come a 6am, and they said, yes, you can’t.  So, I didn’t get to bed until 10am and slept until 4pm, which is when I got up for a swim… SO the pool was closed, so I went for a swim in the ocean.  I got pounded so bad by waves and I was actually getting waves breaking on me, I was done after 20 minutes.  Then, I went for a run in Pinones with a friend.  It was really cool to show him one of my favorite places to run, he had never been there before!  He wants to go back (they always do!)

Holiday!

Actual Workout: 120 + 30 min.,  Strength (30 min was the ride to work!)

Planned Workout: 120 min. bike, 5 mi. interval run

Work: Night

Comments: I got an indoor training session in for 2 hours and as well as a good strength training session in for half an hour.  I worked tonight, although I was suppose to have it off, so good workout considering!  I will have Thursday off instead of today, so I will be able to add a good workout then.

Today was one of those days I was sure glad I rode my bike, it is a holiday weekend, and the traffic seemed terrible, but I just cruised by all those cars  on my 2 wheels!

SLEEP!

Actual Workout: Strength, 30 + 30 bike (from and to work)

Planned Workout: 50 min swim

Work: Night

Comments: WOW, I slept a LOT today;  I got home from work this morning and went to sleep around 6:30am and woke up around 3:30pm.  USUALLY I get up around 10 or 11 and do something (like swim) and then go back to bed, but I was tired, so I slept!  I needed it though and I am working tomorrow night, I traded with someone, so, 3 night watches in a row warrant as much sleep as possible.  I did get a good solid half hour of strength training in before work, so I wasn’t a complete waistoid!

A Trot Around Old San Juan

Actual Workout: 15 mile run

Planned Workout: 15 mi. run

Work: Night

Comments:  Great morning!  That sushi I had last night gave me the POWER!!!!  I left the house around 5:20 and headed down to Old San Juan.  I had a little water plan and it worked great!!  I decided I’d run in Old San Juan, 6 miles there, a few miles around El Morro and down on the path below El Morro, then fill up the water bottles on the CG base before I headed home.  I did it and I had enough water and it was cool and a fantastic plan for water on long runs!!!  YEAH!  A friend also suggested I hide water along the way the night before… I think I would be able to do that if I wanted to run toward Pinones, but it wouldn’t be cold….. hmmmmm….  Well,this was a great breakthrough for a first attempt!!

ALSO, I took my big IPOD and listened to all sorts of music;  I have over ten thousand songs, but I always listen to the same stuff, so I shuffled through songs I had either never hear or hadn’t heard in awhile, it was good entertainment for the 3 hour run!!!

60 OR 30 + 30

I can’t decide whether I should count my bike ride to and from work and two 30 min rides or if I can say I rode my bike for 60 minutes.   I kinda think that reporting 60 minutes is different than two30 minute rides because reporting 60 minutes implies I rode my bike for 60 minutes straight which is different on your body than riding two 30 minutes sessions, but than again I think, is it THAT much of a difference?  If I ride my bike for an hour a day, than it is an hour for the day no matter how it got sliced?  I am not sure, WHAT DO YOU THINK???

Thurday

Actual Workout: 20 MIN. ROWING MACHINE, 30 + 30 BIKE RIDE TO AND FROM WORK

Planned Workout: 35 min. swim, strength

Work: Day

Comments:I went home quickly and got a little workout in because I was heading out for the World Salsa Championship semi finals!  It was really fun to watch, so much talent!  Funny though, I had packed all my swimming gear again and didn’t go to the pool!  Its alright though, I think rowing on the machine is bewtter than getting butt kicked in the ocean because when I do that, my form is really bad and I have been reading that with swimming, form is everything!  This is why I am going next week with a professional swimmer who is going to give me some pointers to improve my form!

El Morro Today

Actual Workout: 7 Mile Run (w/ hills), 30 + 30 min bike ride

Planned Workout: 6 Mi. run with bricks

Work: Day

Comments:  Great run today!  I ran to El Morro after work and ran around the grass area ten times.  It is half a mile for one lap, and it has a steep hill on one side and then a gradual slope on the other, so it is a perfect place to get some hills in!  After that I ran down the walkway under El Morro, which is super pretty because it is under the old fort and next to the entrance of the San Juan Harbor, so it ends at the break water.  I felt good, my quads are still a bit sore from the half marathon Sunday.  I think they are sore form all the downhill running cuz I sure felt them today when I was running, down the hill!  NIGHT!

Riding… inside and out

Actual Workout: 180 min. Bike, short swim

Planned Workout: 60 min. swim, 180 min. bike

Work: OFF

Comments: I HAD planned to get up early and ride, BUT I could not fall asleep last night, so I slept in until my PT appointment.  Then, I decided it was time to figure out the indoor trainer, so could also catch the Price is Right!  I strolled down to my favorite PR bike shop, The Bike Stop, and picked one up!  Ivan was great, he even put it together for me.  I got home and viola it was ready to go!  I got my fix of PiR, then went outside to finish my ride, and rode 3 hours in all!  I loved it…. 

For my swim, I went over to housing to give my friend Terri some pointers to help her improve her swimming, so I swam around there a bit and got some exercies;  I had planned to go to the pool after, but man, I was tired and had to get things ready to for work, so I went home did that and then hit the sack at 7:45pm ….. early yes, but, not so early when you have to wake up at 3:50am, right!

A little Rowing Today

Actual Workout: 30 min rowing machine, strength

Planned Workout: 7 Mi. run, strength

Work: OFF

Comments: I haven’t revamped my training program since I added my run yesterday;  I HAD planned to go for a swim, but, I went at 6:30 tonight only to find the pool was closed.  So, I went home a used my rowing machine for half an hour then did strength training at home while watching Family Guy!  I got my paper done earlier today, so now that class is mission complete.  My other class is going to be a doozy, but I am already liking it!

13.1 = 1:97

Actual Workout: 13.1 Mile Run

Planned Workout: 13.1 Mile Run, (hills)

Work: OFF

Comments: I had a great day!  I ran the Villalba Half Marathon, with a lot of hills and it was great!  The hills here a bonus and since I was not killed by them I felt good about the race! 

The day… I met the bus, which was a charter type bus (not a school bus, as I expected) at ten am.  We left the parking lot at 10:15, wow!  When we rolled into Villalba there were already tons of people out and I made them comment to GElin, what are all these people here for, it looks like they are getting ready for a parade!  Well, sure enough, there was a parade, this was a major event, they had to crown the next “Marathon Queen”!  So, before we took off for the race, we got to see all of the candidates;  their dresses and ‘get ups’ were elaborate …  The dresses were of traditional style, sewn sequence, hoops and the whole shebang, and when I say ‘get up’, I mean it… they had to walk in some sort of elaborate structure, on wheels and decorated to the T with feathers and ribbons and shiny things.  Some had themes, such as, jesus, ocean, horses.  When we finished the run, we got to hear the speech of the Queen relinquishing her crown tot he new crown.  I said HEAR, because I didn’t understand what she was saying and Gelin said I was lucky!  This half marathon has been going on since 1968, my T-shirt says so!  I am home now and tired, so GOOD NIGHT!

Sleep

Actual Workout: 150 min bike

Planned Workout: 90 min. bike, 60 min swim, Strength

Work: OFF

Comments:  SOmetimes PR is frustrating, as you may know from my other posts.  THIS morning was just another example.  I got off of work at 0530.  I had a PT appointment at 0845.  Instead of going to bed for a couple of hour then waking up super tired, I decided to go for a bike ride to wait for my appointment.  I got to my appointment, only to find out that in was cancelled, no PT appointment.  I was SO irritated, I hadn’t slept since 3 PM the day before and I was so tired. 

Also, I am in the midst of writing a research paper I am a bit behind on, so it is important for me to get the right sleep so I am not too groggy for this paper writing!  This is why the rest of the workouts were skipped today;

Tomorrow is half marathon day, Gelin warmed me that there are a lot of hills, and that at the end, there is a very steep hill with a clock at tthe top, but that is NOT the finishline.  A lot of people will stop there but keep going,t he finishline is in 400 more yards!  OK!  I can’t want for domino’s~

My Bell … Ding Ding!

While I was in Austria, I purchased a bell for my bike.  In Austria, you ding the bell and people know exactly what to do, get out of the way, a bike is coming!  Weeeellllll, in Puerto Rico, you ring the bell and they look around for an interesting sounding bird!  When they finally look behind themselves and see a bike coming they are so startled, it’s great!  I love my BELL!  I ding HI to almost everyone coming my direction and shoot them a big smile hello….  The bell works though…

I WISH I had a bell for running… people have no concept of sidewalk sharing.  They are on the sidewalk and that entire section of sidewalk is owned by them or their group.  When I run up behind people and say excuse me, they think I want to ask a question, therefore, stop, creating even more of a hazard!  A little ‘ding ding’ would give them the heads up that someone on the move is comin in hot…  funny, I have grown so accustom to my bell on my bike, I sometimes mimic the bell ringing while I’m running!  Really though, I usually just avoid the request to share the sidewalk by hopping into the street for a second to pass, especially if they have an umberella (could poke an eye out!)

Does gulping saltwater cure the common cold?

Actual Workout: 60 min. swim in the ocean, 60 min bike (from and to work)

Planned Workout: 60 min. swim, run (I would like an 8 mi. run, but this day I have a get out of jail free card because it is my 2nd night watch night, I will do what I can!)

Work: NIGHT

Comments: So, I got up around 10:45 and headed out to the pool, and realized half way there that I put my pool ID outside my bag, on the couch, not INSIDE the bag… so, I turned around and went home.  I swam in the ocean instead.  It was pretty windy, therefore choppy, and I swallowed a ton of water, but it was a good swim anyway.  I tried to get up at 3, but I was still tired so I stayed sleeping and didn’t run before work.  I still need sleep cuz of my cold, but I think it is gone now, thanks to all the salt water I drank (right??)…

OH, I forgot to mention yesterday, one of Gelin’s selling points on the race this Sunday is, they are gonna have Domino’s on the bus, everyone KNOWS how much I love Domino’s … OH YEAH!

The Gauntlet

Actual Workout: 6 mile run, 2 hour bike ride, strength

Planned Workout: 9 Mi. run

Work: Night

Comments:  Good morning COLD ….  I got up at 4 and ran to base to get my bike so I could ride it.  I started coughing and felt pretty sluggish and considered not going for my bike ride.  But, I felt pretty good after I started to ride, so I continued and felt OK by the end.  I went to PT today, got home from that and hit the sack so I could rest before night watch!

I committed to doing a half marathon this Sunday with my friend Gelin.  We are going over there with the late people, but this time I am mentally prepared, and I realize this is going to be an all day affair.  I am excited though, we are taking a bus to some place in the middle of the island and there are going to be a lot of hills!  Gelin’s friends said this race is for boys…  WANNA BET!

A Cold!

Actual Workout: SICK DAY

Planned Workout: 45 min. swim, strength

Work: Day

Comments: MAN, I got a cold and feel run down, I am taking today off and going to bed early (8 PM) so I can get up in the morning and have a good workout!

FINALLY, The Pool……

Actual Workout: 45 min swim

Planned Workout: Bricks with 3.5 mi. run

Work: Day

Comments: You read right, I FINALLY got to swim in the pool, for reals!!  I was a bit bummed because I had this huge awesome plan to ride my bike over after work, then to home. Well, this morning I packed all my swim gear, remembered my ID, and OHHHHH, I forgot my bike lock… grrrr…. oh well, I ran into a lady with the sweetest little Boarder Collie mix whom I chatted with a bit, then chatted with my landlord Tito, and drove to the pool (which is actually only about 4 miles away), and had a great swim!!  I really don’t want to ride my bike over there after dark, because I don’t think it is very safe…  The pool is super cool too… it is covered but open, and there was a water polo game going on!  I will definitely be going there A LOT!

A Whole New World

Actual Workout: 1 hr. spinning class, 45 min run, 20 min strength training

Planned Workout: 55 min. swim, 150 min. bike, Strength Training

Work: OFF

Comments:  I discovered Fort B’s gym today!  I had been wanting to go over there for a spinning class but the traffic etc.  Tonight I finally got into the car (right, see, I have to drive which I hate doing!) and went. WELL, it ONLY took 15 minutes to drive!  First, I discovered the nautilus room, WOW great equipment and it wasn’t very crowded… then I went over to the spinning class, which was as expected but really cool they are offered there, I was sweating SO MUCH!  I then did a quick transition to the treadmill for a great run!  I was so jazzed by the end, then Donna summers came on, so I danced a bit while I was cooling down… I am sure everyone thought I was a nut, but, well….  I just might be one!  I am definitely going to incorporate the Fort B gym into my weekly routine!  I think it will really help get into my strength training!!!

I Find Money!

When I was a kid, I used to go to Knott’s Berry Farm all the time… well, the rides kinda got old, so I started searching the ground for money, and I would find so much!  Some days I’d go home with eighty bucks!  The best place to look was around the snack areas and vendors, and especially the game areas.  People would reach into their pockets a drop tens and twentys all over the place! 

You know how people sometimes think it’s funny to start a conversation by saying “I found ten dollars”, but they really didn’t?  Well, Someone said that to me on a Friday, and that very weekend, I found ten dollars, and got to go back to work on Monday and start the conversation that way, but I wasn’t joking!  On New Year’s Day, 2007, when I was living in San Francisco, I walked out of my house and thought, “I wonder if I will find ten dollars today?”.  Sure enough, a block and a half up from my house, I found ten dollars.

Today on my run, I found eight dollars.  You know what I was wondering, “Where in the world are my other two dollars!”

I Found 8 Dollars…

Actual Workout: 11 mi. run, 30 min swim, strength

Planned Workout: 5 mi. run, 55 min. swim

Work: OFF

Comments: I had such a fantastic run this morning.  I got up around 0545 and was out the door around 0615.  I set out for an 8 mile run but was feeling so great, I kept going!  I was bounding with energy and if I hadn’t run out of water and if my mind wasn’t stuck on breakfast,  may gone further, but 11 miles is awesome!!  On my way out, at around mile 4, I found eight  bucks he ground!!  (Read more about how I have spent a lifetime of finding money in the soapbox sections!)

This evening I went out for a swim in the ocean.  Whenever I wait until the evening I get pounded with waves, and today was no different….  I had planned a 45 min swim but was tired of getting drinking salt water so I went in!  It was a great swim though… hopefuly tomorrow the pool will be taken care of and I will get to go there in the evenings and get a good workout instead of getting worked!!

I am going to re-work next weeks training to reflect the additional time I took off this week.  I know I am not suppose to make up training days, but I had also planned it to be a recover week, and I feel this week was a recovery week, so I will switch them up a little.  And, it IS MY training plan so I can do whatever I want and whatever I feel is best!!!  I can’t really change it too much since I do work the whole week, but I will do what seems right!  Have a great week!!!

Nice Ride

Actual Workout: 140 min bike ride

Planned Workout: 120 min. bike, 45 min. swim, strength

Work: OFF

Comments: I woke up later than I wanted but it felt good to sleep.  I drove over to the Outlet mall where I have wanted to try starting a road ride.  I loved it, there was a nice shoulder and plenty of space!  I still haven’t changed the flat on the road tires, so I rode on my mountain bike tires.  No biggie, I just didn’t go as fast as I would have with the other tires.  I went 26 miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Probably slow, but I was pedaling the entire time and got a good workout which is the important part. 

I didn’t do the other workouts, I had to do homework.  I am bummed though, I feel like I am missing to many now, so I need to manage my time better;  I’ll work on that!! (smile everyone, I know it’s my life story!!) ~~Kim

Swimming Up Stream

Actual Workout: NONE

Planned Workout:  180 min. bike, running intervals

Work: OFF

Comments:  I had 2 doctors appointments and my second one, I got the skin growth taken off of fmy eye and the doc suggested I rest since A) it already hurt and B) it would hurt even more if sweat got in it and C) it would really hurt to wipe it off since it is a wound on my eye!  I took his advice!

I also TRIED to get my swimming pool stuff done, but alas, swimming up stream… I got the doctor’s signature, and went over to the pool, where I was informed that she takes lunch from 12-1 which is why she is not there.  I point out that the time is 11:45, and that she should be there, only to get a shoulder shrug and a look like, well, she’s not!  OK, so I went back on my way to the second doc appointment to drop off my signed form and pictures only to be told that, I actually now have to take a swimming test, would have been nice to know that YESTERDAY, when she told me the other rules…..  so I haven’t been back since I can’t put my face in the water, I will go Monday.  Hopefully that will be the end of the saga, yeah!

DAY OFF

Actual Workout: OFF (rescheduled for this Sunday, the 13th), 30 min. bike ride to work

Planned Workout: 55 min. swim

Work: Night

Comments: OH! I made a grand effort to go to the pool to swim today.  I got up at 10:30, went to the pool, paid my one dollar, only to find out I NEED the medical form.  OK, so, the Doc said I could just go to the medical center and he’d signing it for me, since I was just there last week.  SO, of course, he wasn’t there and I had to make an appointment for tomorrow for a different doc, it’s just never easy, is it!!!  So, now I have 2 appointments tomorrow!!!  The good news is, the pool will be all sorted out tomorrow and I will really excited when it’s totally raining out! 

As far as training, I am not too worried about not getting that swim in today, I didn’t take my last off day, and I have the weekend off to get some good workouts in! I am definitely excited for this weekend, it is going to be a great workout homework weekend!  

I got the runnersvision.com website all together today!  I hope everybody likes it!  ~KIM

Ten then PT

 

Actual Workout: 10 mi. run, strength, 30 min. bike ride to work

Planned Workout: 10 mi. run, strength

Work: Night

Comments: What a great day!  I got up at 5, went out and ran down to Pinones for a 10 mile run, came home and went to my first physical Therapy Appointment!  WOW, it was great and my back feels awesome!  The highlight was the traction  machine….  after my deep heat, sonic treatment and massage,  she put me on a traction machine which elongated my spine and was absolutely amazing.  It was what I want to feel when I hang!  How can I get one of those machines, I loved it!!!  Got home, took a nap and got up and rode my bike to the gym on base for 20 minutes of strength!  What a fantastic day!

The Cause…

Aunt Wanda and Matt decided on The Claremore Veterans Center, just outside of Tulsa Oklahoma, which is where Uncle Jerry lived the last couple of years of his life.  The website is up and running (with all the info)        ….  www.runnersvision.com …..       so check it out!

Also, I really LOVE comments, so check up on me and post regularly!  ~~KIM~~

Bricks on the Inside

Actual Workout: Bricks – 6 mi bike/2 mi run X 2

Planned Workout: 50 min. swim, 60 min. bike

Work: Day

Comments: Well, I went over to the gym after work (I had to drive and the traffic was horrible!);  I did 6 miles on the stationary bike, at level 12, then got right on the treadmill for a 2 mile run.  It was taxing for sure, BUT, I didn’t feel the fatigue in the legs like what you feel when you get off of the real bike, wierd.  Maybe I didn’t ride for long enough;  I didn’t really like riding the stationary bike, the seat is big and I can tell if I ride it too long, I will totally chafe.  Also, I do think it is different than riding my real bike, so, I think i will try to ride outside on my real bike as much as possible.  I think I am going to get an indoor trainer, which will be especially good for those rainy days when I need to ride;  I can already tell, saddle time is going to be my difficulty!

Intervals for the first time

Actual Workout: 800/400 X 4

Planned Workout: Bricks with 4.5 mi. run, strength

Work: Day

Comments:  I got home and rode my bike over to the track behind the Normandie Hotel, about 4 miles from my house, thinking I would be able to run on the beautiful, all weather track, yeah right!

So, there was a cement ring outside the nice track where I ran!  It was nice though, beautiful view and swift breeze.

The intervals went well.  I decided to do half a mile fast run and a quarter recovery.  It went well and I left due to darkness, although I was gettting slower on my 800s.  Next time I will time myself, this time I just wanted to get the feel of these types of intervals.

Workouts not working out!

Actual Workout: 40 min bike, 30 min swim (1/2 mi)

Planned Workout: 50 min. swim, 165 min. bike

Work: OFF

Comments:  I got up at 4 am this morning to run with a club my friend suggested, met her, and got to the meeting point at 5am….  we waited around till about 5:30 or so when I got really impatient and thinking I wasn’t going to make my breakfast date with a friend, when my running friend suggested she take me back, I quickyl agreed, since I was feeling like I wasn’t going to enjoy my run now anyway, so I went home.  Honestly, I cannot believe that people would say to meet at 5am and now start running until 45 OR SO minutes later, could have had finished the run by then!  I guess I may not be cut out for group runs!

SO, I drove around and figured out a bike route to the swimming pool, its a start, right?  And, went to go have breakfast with my friend, only to learn that he didn’t even show up….  man, things just arn’t going so well today….  I took a nap!  I got up to go for a bike ride, and got a flat tire about 4 miles down the road, Oi VAE, I didn’t feel like changing it there, it’s stinkin hot out and it held a bit of air, so I went home.  The ocean was calling, no wonder, since it was SO hot out…. I went for a swim.  I had no expectations since it was windy out and a storm is coming.  Despite the big swells and choppy waves, my swim was good.  I swam longer than I expected, and got a whole half mile in!  Mt arms were tired from yesterday, but they got worked out, my strokes were long and I was able to get into some good grooves.  I am getting good at swimming in choppy water, my breath timing is getting better.  If there is chop in the lake on Oklahoma, I will be ready!!!  I gotta say though, I am excited to go to the pool!  This week!

I know I need some saddle time and I am a bit concerned about not getting that long bike ride in today, but I cannot beat myself up on this one, I will get the saddle time in!

It’s a MILE

Actual Workout:1 mile ocean swim

Planned Workout: OFF

Work: OFF

Comments:  I got up early this morning, -after going to bed last night at 4 PM (I layed on my bed for a sec because I was going to go for a bike ride!) and woke up at 5:30 this morning- and walked the distance of the swimming area, which turned out to be a half a mile, so, viola, one down and one back is a mile ocean swim!  The waves were still pretty choppy, but the swim was calmer than the past few days!  The swim felt great too, glad to know how far I am going!

Happy 4th!

Actual Workout: 6 mi. run

Planned Workout: 6 Mi. run, 30 min. swim, strength

Work: OFF

Comments: I got up at 4:30 and had a great beach run with Gelin!  We ran in Isla Verde and saw a beautiful sunrise!  She told me about Borinquen runners club, so I am going to do a run with them on Sunday morning!

The Test

Actual Workout: 120 min. bikem 5 mile brick

Planned Workout: 120 min. bike, 5 mi. intervals (running)

Work: OFF

Comments: Today was my first test, and I passed.  I think that today’s workout proved that I will be great at my 1/2 Ironman!  I did a 25 mi. bike ride, a quick transition, then a 5 mi. run!  The bike ride was slow because it took a long time to get through traffic in Isla Verde, and because of the bike I am using right now for training.  When I get my real road bike, my speed will increase.  The transition was quick and the run wasa awesome!  My legs felt a little jello-ey, but not too bad….  I will continue my brick training and it won’t be an issue come race day!

Collage of Exercise

Actual Workout: 35 min swim, 20 min. rowing machine and 20 min. strength

Planned Workout: Strength Training, 50 min. swim,  bike to work

Work: Night

Comments:

Truckin’

Actual Workout: 8 Mi. Run, 90 min. bike ride (in 3 sets of 30 min. – see comments)

Planned Workout: 8 Mi. Run, ride to work

Work: Night

Comments:  I got up and ran this morning.  My 8 miles felt great.  I then went to the doc on base for my back, on my bike.  So, I rode there and back, then to work this evening, making my bike ride today three 30 minute rides. 

I told my Aunt Wanda about my idea for racing the Redman in honor of Uncle Jerry today.  She thinks it is such a great idea and will be a tremendous honor to him.  I asked her the best foundation to raise money for.  She is getting back to me after she consults Matt (my cousin).   This is really inspiring, training will be great!

Rowing Machine – Does it count?

Actual Workout: 20 min. rowing machine, 20 miute strength

Planned Workout: 40 min swim, Strength Training

Work: Day

Comments:  Some friends came over after work so I chatted with them, then it was too late to go swimming.  I really need to get to the natatorium so I can learn their schedule and such, so I don’t always have to rely on the ocean for swimming.  I moved my swim to Wednesday.

Does the rowing machine count as a workout?  Of course it does, I get my heart rate up, right!

Short Workout!

Actual Workout: bike to work, 2 Mi. run.

Planned Workout: Short Run (bricks), ride bike to work and home, 30 min each way

Work: Day

Comments:  My Uncle Jerry pass away today.  I have decided to do a triathlon in Oklahoma  (where that part of my family is from), raising money in his honor.   More to follow when details come together.

Great Saturday

Actual Workout: Strength training, 60 min. bike and 40 minute swim

Planned Workout: 40 min swim, strength training

Work: OFF

Comments: I woke up at 5am on my own (well, with a little help from the cat I am watching)… I got up and rode my bike to the gym on base, did some upper body and abs training then rode to Pinky’s for some breakfast with my friend Christian.  All together the workout this morning was fantastic!  I did think that it was so refreshing to be up at 5 am working out on a Saturday morning instead of being tired from a late night the night before, lovin it!!! 

I did some chores around the house then hit the ocean for my swim.  I know the bike ride today was extra, but it was transportation, right?  I still wanted to swim.  I got pounded in the waves, the surf is up!  Most of the time my timing is on, and I lean or twist around enough to get a clear breath of air, but sometimes, not so much!  I zig zag a lot too, I am either getting the lights scared out of me because I hit the rope or am heading into the shore, straight lines have never been my strong point~ scissors included!  At the end of the swim, man oh man i got a mouth full a couple of times on a row, I was ready to go in.  I was thinking that ocean swimming is like trail running and pool swimming is like pool swimming.  I gotta say, I actually do want to swim in the pool sometimes!  I think I get a great workout though when I get pounded in the ocean!

Still trying to figure out the key to buying my bike.  My friend Jeff has given me more things to think about, so much to absorb, but I am ready!  CHEERS!

Early Bird

Actual Workout: 6 Mi run and 80 minutes bike ride

Planned Workout: 6 Mi. run, 80 min bike

Work: off

Comments: I am sticking to the early bird schedule and I love it!  I woke up and ran at 5:30 this morning.  I went on my bike ride in the afternoon around 4.  There was a cross wind, therefore wind in both directions.  I went down to Pinones, around the path to Loiza and back.  I think the milage was shorter than I expected because it was slow going though Isla Verde, lot of cars.  I rode about 14 miles, and I expected to ride about 16 miles in 80 minutes, but it was a good workout especially with the wind!

Some Hillz

Actual Workout: 3 mi. hills (at Santa Ana), 40 min. swim

Planned Workout: 50 min swim, intervals

Work: off

Comments: Went running with Gelin this morning at the trail system near Fort Buchanan.  I cut the swim short because it was in the ocean and I was getting pounded by waves.  I am sure though, that I got WAY more of a workout than 50 minutes in the pool!

Broken Seat Day

Actual Workout: 30 min. Mountain Bike Ride;   15 min. strength

 

Planned Workout: 60 min. bike ride, strength

Work: Off

Comments: My seat broke on my ride and I planned to go for a ride in the morning with the Bike Stop Shop guys.

Not too much to report

Day off

Work: Night Watch

First Official Training Day

Day1, I dont have a planned training schedule yet.

30 minute swim

20 minute Abs Workout

My next set of goals….

I have realized that I really enjoy these races, and enjoy training.  I have also wanted to do a triathlon, but thought that I would have to get out of Puerto Rico before I set that as a goal.  WELL, not the case!  I found a triathlon just down the street from my house on Sept. 21st!  So, I started my training on Monday!  I am very excited for this and so far, training has been going well.  I had also been planning to run the Marine Corp Marathon is Washington DC on Oct. 26, ansd still do!  I missed the registration but a friend of mine had signed up but decided not to run it, so he will transfer his registration to me! VIOLA, I’m in!

 

One MAJOR decision aside from the idea of doing these awesome races is that I am not going to be drinking any alcohol until after my marathon.  The reason is because, when I have any alcohol, even just a glass of wine or a beer, my motivation goes down hill really fast.  This is a very long training period and I need to stay motivated and on top of my game, so I’ve made that decision!  I am excited for it too, I think I am steering away from drinking, I am tired of it, so this will be good discipline for me!

I have also decided not to run for a charity this time.  I really enjoyed running for the charity last time, and thanks to all my friends who donated, but I was hoping that it would go beond my friends and I would be able to raise money from other people and that people might start following me, but that didn’t happen, only my friends donated and I don’t want to ask my friends for more money.  If anyone wants to send a sponsorship or and sort of fun gear items my way, I will gladly accept them, triatholons are expensive and I need a lot of gear! 

Same gig as before, I will post my trainings and some thoughts and feelings!

Thanks in advance for the support!

Kim

Catching you up….

To catch you up….

I actually ran the Vienna City Marathon on April 24th, with my great friend Donna, then we spent a month in Austria and Hungary touring around on our bikes.  YES, it WAS a fantastic trip, no I didn’t want to come home nor go back to work, but it all had to be done,right??

I didn’t post anything about the training for that marathon because, well, I really didn’t do much training, I felt like a slacker, and was, but luckily, I did enough and was still in good shape from my Disney Marathon.

The Vienna City Marathon was amazing.  I took 180 pictures of the city, and will organize them, someday!?!  I ran it in 4 hours and 23 minutes;  I really had a blast carrying my camera and taking pictures.  My Friend Mark told me that some people try to get their personal slowest time, which I think is wonderful, depending on your goals!

So, for my next goal set, read the next post….

Kim!

January 11th

3.5 Mi Run

4 Mi Bike Ride

Great run this morning!  Heading to Orlando in a few hours!  Not only am I SO excited for my marathon, I have never been to Disney World before… What a way to see it for the 1st time, running through all the parks!

January 10th

12 Mi Bike Ride

January 9th

12 Mi Bike Ride

January 8th

4.5 Mi Run

12 Mi Bike Ride

40 Min Strength Training

WOW!  Energy today!  Well, the bike ride was to and from work, so that doesn’t count as much.  I ran on the treadmill this morning because it’s hot outside and I wanted to get my run in before tonight… 

Strength training is going well, but I am still not doing it enough, I should be doing it every other day.  But, I do it when I feel like, so, there! 

January 7th

Happy Birthday Justin!!! 

3 Mi Run

10 Min Swim

I was loving my run this evening and it was hard to quit at 3 miles, but I know it was the right thing to do, taper, RIGHT!?! 

I probably won’t have put the swim down, but I found out today that you don’t need much water to swim, but there is a place where it is just too shallow!  Thigh high, fine to swim, knee high, TOO SHALLOW!   I swam until I was beached and then I turned around.  I liked where I went, and I think with a higher tide it will be fine… always shallow but OK at higher tides.  Also, I haven’t swam in awhile and it felt awesome!  I am definitely swimming more from now on!!!

January 6th

10 Mi Run

And it felt wonderful!  I ran on the treadmill because the weather was still super rainy.  I watched the first part of the Bucs and the Giants game – Good one -

I love running on the treadmill and I am excited to incorporate it into my future runs!  I ran the entire 10 miles at Boston pace, which leaves me wondering… can I do it?  I think if I concentrate on my pace during my marathon, I might be able to.  I think my pace slows because I get distracted…. which might also happen at Disney, since, Goofy will be around, he easily distracts!

January 5th

1 Mi Run

55 Min Strength Training

YEP – only a 1 mile run… because I headed out the door, and it started to let loose down pour!  I do like running in the rain but this was so nuts, I couldn’t see, and when my IPOD stopped, I turned around….  SO, I pumped my rowing machine for 25 minutes and lifted some weights for another 20 or so minutes!  It was OK but I was a little tired and sitting down felt good!

January 4th

Rest day … well earned I think too!

I didn’t even ride my bike vecause I have a wedding to go to tomorrow so I want to get ample sleep in the morning, since I have to get up at 1000!  FEW thats early, when I won’t get to bed until 0630!!

January 3rd

7 Mi Run

6 Mi Bike Ride

I ran on the treadmill this afternoon before I went to work.  It was a great run with a good fast pace.  I think running on the treadmills is good for pace training and I think I will incorporate the treadmill in more on my next race.  I ran today my 7 miles at an 8:34, which is faster than Boston pace and it felt really good.  As far as pacing goes, I think it help you keep that pace, instead of always having to check yourself, or know what your WAS (after the fact) …. So, next time, pace training on the treadmill will be part of routine!

Bike ride was OK, I was tired, so I took it easy!

January 2nd

4.6 Mi Run

12 Mi Bike Ride

25 min Strength Training 

Whoa Nelly! What a great day!  The bike ride in the morning to work was a bit cool (Nice!) and the ride home was regular, but it hasn’t rained!

The run was fantastic too….  I just ran down to the bike shop then around the beach front.  The ocean was super calm tonight.  Good day!!