So, I was reading this blog. Not at work of course. And I got to the part where she refers to her children as crotch parasites and I spit my coke out on my desk, all over my monitor, all over my keyboard and I am now officially a sticky, sugary, Diet Dr Pepper covered mess.
It's a good thing I just restocked my Kroger brand clorox wipes (which are SOOO not as good as regular Clorox wipes).
Dear lord. Crotch parasites. I've never laughed that hard. Ever. Even at Tucker Max. Seriously. Crying at my desk.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Nada to Talk About.
Eh, this week has been eh. Nothing terribly exciting to talk about.
Monday I met up with ATP to run some hills...my legs were angry about th 65 mile bike the day before and the 15 mile run the day before that. Slowly but surely, I finished the hills...at the very, very, very, back of the pack. It was painful, but I logged 6 miles for the morning...it may have taken 3 hours to do it, but it was done.
I worked late on Monday putting the finishing touches on the presentation I was doing at a training session for the next few days. Exhausted at lunch and without energy to go to my normal lunch workout, I went and got my nails did. Dulce de Leche by OPI is my new favorite nail color. FYI. My nail lady was nice and didn't yammer on in Vietnamese the whole time so I was able to get in a good little nap. perfect lunchtime break.
Tuesday, Tommy and I woke up super early to get in a Turbo Tuesday on the Trainer. There was nothing good on TV, so we found some radio...I think I miss Octane on Dish Network TV. Uverse 0: Dish Network 1. The Uverse radio just wasn't as good.
The trainer workout was tough - the main set was 8/6/5/4/3/2/1 hard with 1 min easy between each. Ouch. I made Janelle walk at the park with me after work since I didn't have time to do my transition run that morning.
Went to training. The sessions went really well and I hope I can get more into facilitative type activities like that soon. I really enjoyed it.
On Wednesday, I slept in, with intentions of doing a sprint workout after work, but my lunch didn't settle well for me and I broke out in a cold sweat and spent an hour hugging my toilet. Not exactly the stuff that triathlete's are made of, eh? So, the track was neglected. I'd feel guilty about missing a workout, but since I didn't actually EAT anything yesterday, I figure it comes out even in the calories department.
Packing for Colorado was tough. It's really cold at night, warm in the day, blah blah blah. I had to pack so many layers, it was ridiculous. I'm pretty sure Paige and Zach will show up with one little carry-on suitcase that has BOTH their clothes in it. Whereas, Tommy and I have one giant suitcase with our clothes in it (most of which is mine) and one carry-on with shoes (it's about half and half there). Seriously. I am the worst packer EVER. It looks like I'm moving.
Anyways.
I'm looking forward to spending the weekend with P&Z in the mountains..even though I may freeze. I am looking forward to sleeping in, no humidity runs, gorgeous biking, beer, wine and hot springs! I brought Red Bull to work to help me survive until then...
Monday I met up with ATP to run some hills...my legs were angry about th 65 mile bike the day before and the 15 mile run the day before that. Slowly but surely, I finished the hills...at the very, very, very, back of the pack. It was painful, but I logged 6 miles for the morning...it may have taken 3 hours to do it, but it was done.
I worked late on Monday putting the finishing touches on the presentation I was doing at a training session for the next few days. Exhausted at lunch and without energy to go to my normal lunch workout, I went and got my nails did. Dulce de Leche by OPI is my new favorite nail color. FYI. My nail lady was nice and didn't yammer on in Vietnamese the whole time so I was able to get in a good little nap. perfect lunchtime break.
Tuesday, Tommy and I woke up super early to get in a Turbo Tuesday on the Trainer. There was nothing good on TV, so we found some radio...I think I miss Octane on Dish Network TV. Uverse 0: Dish Network 1. The Uverse radio just wasn't as good.
The trainer workout was tough - the main set was 8/6/5/4/3/2/1 hard with 1 min easy between each. Ouch. I made Janelle walk at the park with me after work since I didn't have time to do my transition run that morning.
Went to training. The sessions went really well and I hope I can get more into facilitative type activities like that soon. I really enjoyed it.
On Wednesday, I slept in, with intentions of doing a sprint workout after work, but my lunch didn't settle well for me and I broke out in a cold sweat and spent an hour hugging my toilet. Not exactly the stuff that triathlete's are made of, eh? So, the track was neglected. I'd feel guilty about missing a workout, but since I didn't actually EAT anything yesterday, I figure it comes out even in the calories department.
Packing for Colorado was tough. It's really cold at night, warm in the day, blah blah blah. I had to pack so many layers, it was ridiculous. I'm pretty sure Paige and Zach will show up with one little carry-on suitcase that has BOTH their clothes in it. Whereas, Tommy and I have one giant suitcase with our clothes in it (most of which is mine) and one carry-on with shoes (it's about half and half there). Seriously. I am the worst packer EVER. It looks like I'm moving.
Anyways.
I'm looking forward to spending the weekend with P&Z in the mountains..even though I may freeze. I am looking forward to sleeping in, no humidity runs, gorgeous biking, beer, wine and hot springs! I brought Red Bull to work to help me survive until then...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Week 6 - 122 Miles
In the water: 2.37 miles - 1 hour 15 minutes
On Rocky: 96 miles - 5 hours 51 minutes
In my Asics: 24.1 - 4 hours 5 minutes
On the bosu ball: 2 hours
Total Mileage - 122.47 miles, 11 hours and 11 minutes (and 2 hours of strength training...)
I'm not quite an Ironman this week. Siiigh.
It was a tough week. Coming off last weekends 12 mile run and 100 mile bike, I knew this week would be tough. I was surprisingly okay until the weekend - my legs felt like they were made of lead on our 15 mile run and the hilly bike was TOUGH. My goal for the bike ride was to ride the first 45 at my normal speed and then just relax and chill for the last 20 miles. I acheived all my goals so all in all, it was a success.
That being said, I am exhausted. I took a 2 hour nap yesterday, went to bed at 8:30PM and I am still tired. On my way to the park this morning, I tried to rationalize closing my eyes for just a few minutes (while driving!)...that's how you know you're tired. I'm bailing on core today and am going to get a manicure...my body will thank me. I plan on working out tomorrow and Wednesday and then it's recovry time in Colorado with Paige and Zach. Yeehaw!!
On Rocky: 96 miles - 5 hours 51 minutes
In my Asics: 24.1 - 4 hours 5 minutes
On the bosu ball: 2 hours
Total Mileage - 122.47 miles, 11 hours and 11 minutes (and 2 hours of strength training...)
I'm not quite an Ironman this week. Siiigh.
It was a tough week. Coming off last weekends 12 mile run and 100 mile bike, I knew this week would be tough. I was surprisingly okay until the weekend - my legs felt like they were made of lead on our 15 mile run and the hilly bike was TOUGH. My goal for the bike ride was to ride the first 45 at my normal speed and then just relax and chill for the last 20 miles. I acheived all my goals so all in all, it was a success.
That being said, I am exhausted. I took a 2 hour nap yesterday, went to bed at 8:30PM and I am still tired. On my way to the park this morning, I tried to rationalize closing my eyes for just a few minutes (while driving!)...that's how you know you're tired. I'm bailing on core today and am going to get a manicure...my body will thank me. I plan on working out tomorrow and Wednesday and then it's recovry time in Colorado with Paige and Zach. Yeehaw!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Triathletes Dishwasher
I know you are all curious as to what the inside of my dishwasher looks like. Lord knows I lie awake a night thinking about how you stack your plates and organize the cups inside yours. I know what a big deal this is. Trust me. But to ease your worries, I have included a picture of the inside of our dishwasher from last night. Only at a triathletes house would you see something like this:
The problem is only exaggerated by the fact that there are two of us - but seriously. We used 11 water bottles, 9 Fuel Belt bottles...and only 3 plates?
This weekend was great. Friday night we stayed home, watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which was soooo not funny the first time I watched it, but HILARIOUS the second time), drank too much wine and stayed up way too late.
We met ATP for a 12 miler in the morning where I had one of the best runs of my life! I try to keep my long run heart rate in the 160's...normally, this translates to a 10:30-11min mile. It's a long run so it's meant to be easy and about a minute to a minute and a half slower than your race pace. Well, on this wonderful occasion, a 165 HR translated to a 9:40 mile. What?? I thought that surely I wouldn't be able to sustain that pace for the whole run, but my heart rate stayed steady and my legs felt great. It was amazing!! Then I remembered that I was supposed to do a 100 mile bike ride the next day and I really needed to take it easy on the run. Ooops. Whatever. I was a speed demon!!
Tiffany and Brock were in town for Whitney's wedding, so the boys played golf while Tiffany and I ate a delicious crepe breakfast and then played with the puppies at the dog show. My happy place. Tommy and I made sushi for dinner, drank a little too much wine (it's a theme) and went to bed early.
Sunday we met Francis, Adam and Laura in BFE for the the Katy Flatlands Century Ride...my first century ride ever. After a few flats, lost chains and lost people, the 5 of us finished our first 100 milers with an average pace of about 18.7mph. Not bad!! All in all, it went really well. I had some dark moments between miles 50 and 65ish, but it was mostly mental. We went out for a painful 2 mile run and then relaxed with some spaghetti. We took an ice-y bath...just FYI, 3 bags of ice for a whirlpool tub is not enough.
We came home, cleaned the house on our adrenaline rush, ordered a giant delicious Candelari's pizza and relaxed while watching Die Hard (when I picked it, I thought it was Lethal Weapon...I was going for a comedy...ooops).
It was a wonderful weekend. It's a sad sad Monday round these parts.
The problem is only exaggerated by the fact that there are two of us - but seriously. We used 11 water bottles, 9 Fuel Belt bottles...and only 3 plates?
This weekend was great. Friday night we stayed home, watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which was soooo not funny the first time I watched it, but HILARIOUS the second time), drank too much wine and stayed up way too late.
We met ATP for a 12 miler in the morning where I had one of the best runs of my life! I try to keep my long run heart rate in the 160's...normally, this translates to a 10:30-11min mile. It's a long run so it's meant to be easy and about a minute to a minute and a half slower than your race pace. Well, on this wonderful occasion, a 165 HR translated to a 9:40 mile. What?? I thought that surely I wouldn't be able to sustain that pace for the whole run, but my heart rate stayed steady and my legs felt great. It was amazing!! Then I remembered that I was supposed to do a 100 mile bike ride the next day and I really needed to take it easy on the run. Ooops. Whatever. I was a speed demon!!
Tiffany and Brock were in town for Whitney's wedding, so the boys played golf while Tiffany and I ate a delicious crepe breakfast and then played with the puppies at the dog show. My happy place. Tommy and I made sushi for dinner, drank a little too much wine (it's a theme) and went to bed early.
Sunday we met Francis, Adam and Laura in BFE for the the Katy Flatlands Century Ride...my first century ride ever. After a few flats, lost chains and lost people, the 5 of us finished our first 100 milers with an average pace of about 18.7mph. Not bad!! All in all, it went really well. I had some dark moments between miles 50 and 65ish, but it was mostly mental. We went out for a painful 2 mile run and then relaxed with some spaghetti. We took an ice-y bath...just FYI, 3 bags of ice for a whirlpool tub is not enough.
We came home, cleaned the house on our adrenaline rush, ordered a giant delicious Candelari's pizza and relaxed while watching Die Hard (when I picked it, I thought it was Lethal Weapon...I was going for a comedy...ooops).
It was a wonderful weekend. It's a sad sad Monday round these parts.
Week 5 - 142 miles
In the water: 2.08 miles - 1 hour 15 minutes
On Rocky: 115 miles - 6 hours 6 minutes
In my Asics: 25.3 - 4 hours 20 minutes
On the bosu ball: 2 hours
Total Mileage - 142.38 miles, 11 hours and 41 minutes (and 2 hours of strength training...)
An Ironman is 140.6 miles...I completed 142.38 miles this week. I think I'm ready! Haha. I mean, covering 142 miles in a week is basically the same as doing it one day, right? But all in all, a great week of training. I ran my fastest 12 mile run EVER (AND I was within my target HR zones for long runs - wierd!) AND I completed my first century ride!!! It was a big week and I feel really great about it!!
On Rocky: 115 miles - 6 hours 6 minutes
In my Asics: 25.3 - 4 hours 20 minutes
On the bosu ball: 2 hours
Total Mileage - 142.38 miles, 11 hours and 41 minutes (and 2 hours of strength training...)
An Ironman is 140.6 miles...I completed 142.38 miles this week. I think I'm ready! Haha. I mean, covering 142 miles in a week is basically the same as doing it one day, right? But all in all, a great week of training. I ran my fastest 12 mile run EVER (AND I was within my target HR zones for long runs - wierd!) AND I completed my first century ride!!! It was a big week and I feel really great about it!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Hump Day Update!
1. I saw this quote today "All charming people have something to conceal, usually their total dependence on the appreciation of other' - Cyril Connolly. I like this guy. He justifies why I am soooo not charming. Suck it!
2. On my way to work today I passed a 15 passengar van filled with prison inmates in their striped jumpsuits. They were whooping and hollering at me. I've never experienced anything like it. In the last week, I've had a great grandma tell me I'm 'smokin' and prison inmates harass me. It's my lucky day. Hey, any publicity is good publicity!
3. Sunday, July 12th was my dear friend Erik's brithday AND the 2 year anniversary of Bernie the Burglar and his Great Garage Apartment Caper!
4. This Sunday I will ride in my first century ride EVER. It's a 100 mile organized ride through the beautiful countryside of Katy, TX. Ha. Just kidding. The only benefit to riding through Katy is that it's flat and therefore I can go fast...which makes me feel like a superstar!
5. Last night I met my pal Sara for the Brian O'Neills Pub Run at, where else? Briann O'Neills. Don and I came, we saw and we conquered...and then Don was wasted for the rest of the night. After the run around Rice we had a beer with Sara's friends (and a delicious slice of chicken quesadilla!) it was my perfect kind of night...a good run, good people and good beer!
6. I went to a knee doc today. He basically said the same thing that my chiropractor was saying all along but my insurance covers it more completely. I will start therapy soon...again. I'm not hopeful.
7. This weekend is the Dog Show. OMG. I love love love LOVE the dog show. I promise I won't bring home any puppies. NOT!
8. I get to hang out with Tiffany this weekend - hooray!!
2. On my way to work today I passed a 15 passengar van filled with prison inmates in their striped jumpsuits. They were whooping and hollering at me. I've never experienced anything like it. In the last week, I've had a great grandma tell me I'm 'smokin' and prison inmates harass me. It's my lucky day. Hey, any publicity is good publicity!
3. Sunday, July 12th was my dear friend Erik's brithday AND the 2 year anniversary of Bernie the Burglar and his Great Garage Apartment Caper!
4. This Sunday I will ride in my first century ride EVER. It's a 100 mile organized ride through the beautiful countryside of Katy, TX. Ha. Just kidding. The only benefit to riding through Katy is that it's flat and therefore I can go fast...which makes me feel like a superstar!
5. Last night I met my pal Sara for the Brian O'Neills Pub Run at, where else? Briann O'Neills. Don and I came, we saw and we conquered...and then Don was wasted for the rest of the night. After the run around Rice we had a beer with Sara's friends (and a delicious slice of chicken quesadilla!) it was my perfect kind of night...a good run, good people and good beer!
6. I went to a knee doc today. He basically said the same thing that my chiropractor was saying all along but my insurance covers it more completely. I will start therapy soon...again. I'm not hopeful.
7. This weekend is the Dog Show. OMG. I love love love LOVE the dog show. I promise I won't bring home any puppies. NOT!
8. I get to hang out with Tiffany this weekend - hooray!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week 4 - 104.1 Miles
In the water: 3.1 miles - 1 hour 59 minutes
On Rocky: 80 miles - 4 hours 40 minutes
In my Asics: 21 miles - 3 hours 33 minutes
Plus:
Nothing. I think I went to one abs class...slacker!
Total Mileage - 104.1 miles, 10 hours and 12 minutes
On Rocky: 80 miles - 4 hours 40 minutes
In my Asics: 21 miles - 3 hours 33 minutes
Plus:
Nothing. I think I went to one abs class...slacker!
Total Mileage - 104.1 miles, 10 hours and 12 minutes
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Smokin'
Today at the gym (after a measley 1500m swim), I was getting dressed amongst the old women. They were all chatting away. I usually stay out of the chatter because I just want to get in and out of there with seeing as little old woman T&A as possible. I thought I heard them talk about me, but just ignored it - I never talk to them, so why would they be talking to me now? Well, one them came over, nekkid as a jay bird, and said, "We are talking about you!".
At this point, horrified as I am by the 3 foot long boobs in front of me, can no longer hide from the conversation, so I reply, "Well, what what are you saying?".
One of the old women (approximate age is 104), who is sitting totally nekkid on the bench (as in she placed her bare bottom on a community bench in a YMCA locker room...who KNOWS what sort of diseases her ass has), says, "Girl, we were just talking about how smokin' hot you are!".
WHAT?
I mumbled out some sort of thanks but I was so perturbed by the fact that my great grandmother just said 'smokin' that I couldn't say much else. She said 'smokin'. OMG. I'm still cracking up.
Nonetheless, I'm feeling quite fabulous today! Nothing like a bunch of old geezers (one of whom is likely this lady) to inflate your ego. Ain't nobody break my stride. Ain't nobody gonna slow me down!
I feel like a million bucks!
At this point, horrified as I am by the 3 foot long boobs in front of me, can no longer hide from the conversation, so I reply, "Well, what what are you saying?".
One of the old women (approximate age is 104), who is sitting totally nekkid on the bench (as in she placed her bare bottom on a community bench in a YMCA locker room...who KNOWS what sort of diseases her ass has), says, "Girl, we were just talking about how smokin' hot you are!".
WHAT?
I mumbled out some sort of thanks but I was so perturbed by the fact that my great grandmother just said 'smokin' that I couldn't say much else. She said 'smokin'. OMG. I'm still cracking up.
Nonetheless, I'm feeling quite fabulous today! Nothing like a bunch of old geezers (one of whom is likely this lady) to inflate your ego. Ain't nobody break my stride. Ain't nobody gonna slow me down!
I feel like a million bucks!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Dirty Sock by N'Sync
I discovered last night that my poor, pitiful husband only has 4 pairs of socks...so once a week, he digs in the dirty clothes hamper to find dirty ones to wear. Who knows how long this has been going on, but I think I am a terrible wife for not only not buying my husband enough socks to get him through his week, but also for not even knowing that I only ever folded 4 pairs of socks. I'm sure this is a violation of our wedding vows.
So, last night, upon my discovery, after calling him a pig, we started singing "Dirty Sock"...to the tune of "Pop" by N'Sync. We cracking ourselves up. Surprisingly, the actual lyrics appear to be about filthy people who rewear dirty clothes...
"Dirty Sock"
Sick and tired of hearing
All these people talk about
What's the deal with this sock life
And when is it gonna fade out
The thing you got to realize
What we doing is not a trend
We got the gift of smelly feet
We gonna wear em till the end
It doesn't matter
'Bout the where I work
What I wear around my neck
All that matters
Is that you recognize
That it's just about respect
It doesn't matter
About the shoes I wear
And where I go and why
All that matters
Is that you smell my feet
They are stinky all the time
Do you ever wonder why
This smell can get you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your feet
begin to smell
(Your feet begin to smell)
Baby you can't stop
(You can't stop)
And the smell is all you got
Come on now
This must be, SOCK
Dirty sock
Baby you can't stop
I know you
Like this dirty sock
This must be
Now, why you wanna try
To classify the type of thing
That we do
'Cause we're just fine
Wearin' what we like
Can we say the same for you?
Tired of feelin all
Around me stinky-y feet
Just worry about yours
'Cause I'ma get mine
Now people can't you smell
[Chorus Repeat]
Ooh
Man I'm tired of doing of laundry
Dirty, dirty, dirty sock
Dirty sock
Do you ever wonder?
[Echoes]
SOCKS!
Do you ever wonder why
This smell can get you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your feet
begin to smell
(Your feet begin to smell)
Baby you can't stop
(You can't stop)
And the smell is all you got
Come on now
This must be, SOCK
[Chorus Repeat]
I need to buy my man some new socks. Apparently.
So, last night, upon my discovery, after calling him a pig, we started singing "Dirty Sock"...to the tune of "Pop" by N'Sync. We cracking ourselves up. Surprisingly, the actual lyrics appear to be about filthy people who rewear dirty clothes...
"Dirty Sock"
Sick and tired of hearing
All these people talk about
What's the deal with this sock life
And when is it gonna fade out
The thing you got to realize
What we doing is not a trend
We got the gift of smelly feet
We gonna wear em till the end
It doesn't matter
'Bout the where I work
What I wear around my neck
All that matters
Is that you recognize
That it's just about respect
It doesn't matter
About the shoes I wear
And where I go and why
All that matters
Is that you smell my feet
They are stinky all the time
Do you ever wonder why
This smell can get you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your feet
begin to smell
(Your feet begin to smell)
Baby you can't stop
(You can't stop)
And the smell is all you got
Come on now
This must be, SOCK
Dirty sock
Baby you can't stop
I know you
Like this dirty sock
This must be
Now, why you wanna try
To classify the type of thing
That we do
'Cause we're just fine
Wearin' what we like
Can we say the same for you?
Tired of feelin all
Around me stinky-y feet
Just worry about yours
'Cause I'ma get mine
Now people can't you smell
[Chorus Repeat]
Ooh
Man I'm tired of doing of laundry
Dirty, dirty, dirty sock
Dirty sock
Do you ever wonder?
[Echoes]
SOCKS!
Do you ever wonder why
This smell can get you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your feet
begin to smell
(Your feet begin to smell)
Baby you can't stop
(You can't stop)
And the smell is all you got
Come on now
This must be, SOCK
[Chorus Repeat]
I need to buy my man some new socks. Apparently.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Random List of Boredom.
Here is a silly list that Allison is making me do. And because I don't want to play with Six Sigma or Excel anymore, I am obliging her. What a good friend I am.
1. Do you like blue cheese? No. I don't do crumbly cheeses. Ever. At all.
2. Have you ever smoked? Yes, but don't tell mom. I tried desperately to become a smoker in college because I like sitting outside and I needed a purpose, but it just didn't work for me. I tried really hard though.
3. Do you own a gun? Yup. Tommy and I got a shot-gun after we got robbed in two years ago...not that I know how to shoot it.
4. What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite? All of them. Mass quantities of sugar is always a good thing. Always.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? It depends on the doc and how define nervous. I mean, I'm not a HUGE fan of putting my feet in stirrups...
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like 'em! Yummy. With ketchup. Never mustard.
7. Favorite Holiday Movie? The Grinch. OMG. We watch it year round at our house.
8. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? It depends on the time, but probably juice. Strawberry-Orange-Banana Kroger brand Crystal light. OMG. I heart that stuff. Drink it by the gallon.
9. Can you do push ups? Yup.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry. I heart heart heart heart jewelry. My favorite is probably my wedding band - which was Tommy's mom's wedding band as well. But after all that ooey, gooey squishyness, my favorite is probably this giant, awesome, gold, pearl thing that was my grandmothers...it's fabulous.
11. What's your favorite hobby? Being lazy. Eating cheese. Drinking wine. All preferably outside. But since all of that contributes poorly to my waistline, I do it all very rarely. Siiiiiiiigh. Why couldn't I be cute and naturally thin?
12. Do you have A.D.D? I think so....but Tommy says I'm a hypochondriac.
13. What trait do you hate about yourself? I wear my feelings on my sleeve...good, bad or otherwise. You know what Christy's feeling...all the time. Ugh.
14. Middle Name? Marie
15. Name 3 thoughts this exact moment:
1. I need a mental health day.
2. My legs hurt. Ow.
3. I want to skip my noon meeting and go to pilates instead.
16. What do you read in the bathroom? Whatever is in there. The tags on the towels. I don't care. I don't spend a lot of quality time in the loo, eh?
17. Current Worry? That I won't be able to get it all done...
18. Current hate right now? My bike saddle. Ouchie.
19. Favorite place to be? The beach...with Tommy, my family and my friends. Look out Cozumel 2009!!
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Truthfully, I have no idea. Um...at Francis's house? Oh yeah! It was fun!
21. Where would you like to go? Anywhere in my mother land of Mexico.
22 . Name three people who will complete this? None of my friends will complete it because (other than Allison) none of them are as lame as me. Sorry Allison. :)
23. Do you own slippers? Yup...They are ATM ones and I wear them year round. Wish I was wearing them now instead of these high heels!
24. What shirt are you wearing? Nothing. Ha. Jk. Black tank top with a kelly green cardigan.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never have, but let's be honest, as long as it's dark out, I'll sleep on anything.
26. Can you whistle? Not really. It's quite pitiful.
27. Favorite color? Brown. Brown and down!
28. Would you be a pirate? No? I don't get it. My family has talk like a pirate day sometimes. That's fun.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Some some by Hal Ketchum...it's lame. "Maybe I care too much, maybe I push you away..." Don't know why. Been singing that crap in the shower for over a decade.
30. What is your favorite name? Tommy!! But no really, I like lots of names, but if we are talking about for my future child, then Bennett.
31. Favorite boy's name? Bennett. Use your brain questionaire!
32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing. Girl pockets are too small to stash stuff.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Me. Ha. Jk. Rod Ryan on the Buzz probably.
34. What vehicle do you drive? Oscar the Honda CRV!
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I dunno, but it really hurt when I broke my nail on Saturday. Probably when I sprained my ankle 2 years ago.
36. How many TVs are in your house? 3...
38. What is the best memory as a child? All the terrible awful roadtrips my parents made us take. And driving around with my dad listening to easy listening radio. Hahaha.
39. Do you have any pets? Donny the Dog!
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Only when I behave.
41. Your favorite books? All of them. Just read a new Jane Green and one from Madeleine Wickham (Sophia Kinsella). Both good.
42. Do you collect anything? I used to collect toothbrushes. Hahaha. Gross!! Now it's mostly just race bibs, medals and such.
43. Favorite sports team? Aggies and Astros!!
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? Creepy. I dunno. Something by Beyonce.
1. Do you like blue cheese? No. I don't do crumbly cheeses. Ever. At all.
2. Have you ever smoked? Yes, but don't tell mom. I tried desperately to become a smoker in college because I like sitting outside and I needed a purpose, but it just didn't work for me. I tried really hard though.
3. Do you own a gun? Yup. Tommy and I got a shot-gun after we got robbed in two years ago...not that I know how to shoot it.
4. What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite? All of them. Mass quantities of sugar is always a good thing. Always.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? It depends on the doc and how define nervous. I mean, I'm not a HUGE fan of putting my feet in stirrups...
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like 'em! Yummy. With ketchup. Never mustard.
7. Favorite Holiday Movie? The Grinch. OMG. We watch it year round at our house.
8. Favorite thing to drink in the morning? It depends on the time, but probably juice. Strawberry-Orange-Banana Kroger brand Crystal light. OMG. I heart that stuff. Drink it by the gallon.
9. Can you do push ups? Yup.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry. I heart heart heart heart jewelry. My favorite is probably my wedding band - which was Tommy's mom's wedding band as well. But after all that ooey, gooey squishyness, my favorite is probably this giant, awesome, gold, pearl thing that was my grandmothers...it's fabulous.
11. What's your favorite hobby? Being lazy. Eating cheese. Drinking wine. All preferably outside. But since all of that contributes poorly to my waistline, I do it all very rarely. Siiiiiiiigh. Why couldn't I be cute and naturally thin?
12. Do you have A.D.D? I think so....but Tommy says I'm a hypochondriac.
13. What trait do you hate about yourself? I wear my feelings on my sleeve...good, bad or otherwise. You know what Christy's feeling...all the time. Ugh.
14. Middle Name? Marie
15. Name 3 thoughts this exact moment:
1. I need a mental health day.
2. My legs hurt. Ow.
3. I want to skip my noon meeting and go to pilates instead.
16. What do you read in the bathroom? Whatever is in there. The tags on the towels. I don't care. I don't spend a lot of quality time in the loo, eh?
17. Current Worry? That I won't be able to get it all done...
18. Current hate right now? My bike saddle. Ouchie.
19. Favorite place to be? The beach...with Tommy, my family and my friends. Look out Cozumel 2009!!
20. How did you bring in the New Year? Truthfully, I have no idea. Um...at Francis's house? Oh yeah! It was fun!
21. Where would you like to go? Anywhere in my mother land of Mexico.
22 . Name three people who will complete this? None of my friends will complete it because (other than Allison) none of them are as lame as me. Sorry Allison. :)
23. Do you own slippers? Yup...They are ATM ones and I wear them year round. Wish I was wearing them now instead of these high heels!
24. What shirt are you wearing? Nothing. Ha. Jk. Black tank top with a kelly green cardigan.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never have, but let's be honest, as long as it's dark out, I'll sleep on anything.
26. Can you whistle? Not really. It's quite pitiful.
27. Favorite color? Brown. Brown and down!
28. Would you be a pirate? No? I don't get it. My family has talk like a pirate day sometimes. That's fun.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Some some by Hal Ketchum...it's lame. "Maybe I care too much, maybe I push you away..." Don't know why. Been singing that crap in the shower for over a decade.
30. What is your favorite name? Tommy!! But no really, I like lots of names, but if we are talking about for my future child, then Bennett.
31. Favorite boy's name? Bennett. Use your brain questionaire!
32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing. Girl pockets are too small to stash stuff.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Me. Ha. Jk. Rod Ryan on the Buzz probably.
34. What vehicle do you drive? Oscar the Honda CRV!
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I dunno, but it really hurt when I broke my nail on Saturday. Probably when I sprained my ankle 2 years ago.
36. How many TVs are in your house? 3...
38. What is the best memory as a child? All the terrible awful roadtrips my parents made us take. And driving around with my dad listening to easy listening radio. Hahaha.
39. Do you have any pets? Donny the Dog!
40. Does someone have a crush on you? Only when I behave.
41. Your favorite books? All of them. Just read a new Jane Green and one from Madeleine Wickham (Sophia Kinsella). Both good.
42. Do you collect anything? I used to collect toothbrushes. Hahaha. Gross!! Now it's mostly just race bibs, medals and such.
43. Favorite sports team? Aggies and Astros!!
44. What song do you want played at your funeral? Creepy. I dunno. Something by Beyonce.
Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3 Race Report
It's a long one. I apologize in advance.
As mentioned previously, I signed up for this race because it was close, it fit in the schedule and I thought it would be EASY. WRONG!!!
We drove to Lubbock after work on Friday and got into town around 12:30am Saturday morning. Surprisingly, the drive only took 8.5 hours – we were quite proud of ourselves. We slept in, had some continental breakfast (I cannot resist unlimited amounts of Fruit Loops…I had 5 bowls), I took a nap…and around noon, we showered and headed out for the day.
We drove to the race site because we wanted to drive the course and then ride the first hill or two just to see how tough it was. I was wearing a maxi dress, so I just stuffed the skirt into some yoga pants and tested out my skills on hill #1. It was tough. Really tough. 8.9% incline for about a half mile. I averaged about 6mph and a cadence of 55rpm…not so hot. But I knew I would survive…hopefully.
After we tested out the hills, we set out to drive the course. The first two miles of the course are uphill/downhill/uphill…all about 9% grade and curvy.
Then, you finally have a chance to let your heart rate come down, eat a snack and settle in for the long haul. Basically, you go up and then down and then up and then flat for about 8-12 miles…then down and up and flat for about 8-12 miles…you do that a few times. There were a total of 8 treacherous uphills that could leave a grown man in tears. It’s out and back so you ride everything twice…if it was fun going down, you knew it was gonna be hell going back up.
On the way back, we stopped at the casa of Natalie’s parents for some beergaritas…speaking of, Natalie, send me that recipe!! They have an amazing house overlooking the canyon and it was gorgeous day for porch sitting and drinking…we were sad to leave!!
The 6 of us went to Orlando’s for dinner where Tommy and I fearlessly shared a large cheese pizza…this went well for me and not so well for Tommy the next day.
Tommy and I fell asleep early with the alarm set to wake us up at 3:30AM. That’s early. Even for us.
RACE DAY!!!
We woke up, showered, packed the car and drove out to the canyon. Transition opened at 4:30, race was scheduled to start at 6:30 (before the sun came up!). For some reason, I had a bad feeling about the day…I don’t know if it was the lightening, the wind or the cold that scared me, but it wasn’t good and I was soooo not excited. We were kind of expecting the swim to get cancelled because there was so much lightening, but it didn’t. Boo!!
We each set up our transitions and for once I got a great location. I had a long carpeted run in from the swim, a short run out and in on my bike shoes, and a long run out on the run. Best location there is if you ask me…unless you get all the way out of transition with your bike helmet on and you have to run all the way back…but that’s a whole different story.
Then we started the peeing process. I got a gold star for super fast peeing. GO ME! Everyone has to excel at something.
We did some last minute set ups on our transition area and headed down to the beach to watch the pros take off. We ran into James who was blissfully unaware of the hills that were ahead of him. Tommy and James were in the wave after the pros, so they got into the water and headed out! I waded in to pee (again, yes) while another wave got started. The outside air was freezing and windy, but the water was nice and warm…like baby pool pee water. Totally gross.
The swim start was a beach start – we had to run in the water for about 20 feet before we could swim. I’ve never done that before and I was a little concerned about my pre-race pee schedule getting messed up…I usually pee while treading water when I am waiting for the gun to go off. I usually pee before the gun and then once mid-swim…both of these would not happen and it would prove to be painful on the bike later. I also hadn’t decided which goggles to wear (I’ve been having goggle issues lately)…so I took my new Aquaspheres and my old crusty moldy goggles to the beach. I figured I could wear one and stuff the other into my suit. Done and done. I opted to risk it with the Aquaspheres…they were great with minimal leakage!! There are some great pics of me digging the other goggles out of my suit after the swim though. Lovely.
The Swim:
I started on the far left of my wave but at the front. Apparently the bad omen I had about the race was mostly just about the swim because my swim was ridiculous. I couldn’t sight and I couldn’t swim in a straight line for the life of me. I was so far off course that a kayak ran over me. I probably swam 1.5 miles instead of 1.2 (and looking at the numbers, the course may have been long anyway – the pro times were quite slow as well). The bouys were really far apart and small and I couldn’t find them and for some reason swimming in a straight line (which is not normally an issue for me) was impossible. I tried to pee mid-swim but I think the crash with kayak freaked my bladder out – there was no peeing to be had. I am normally a front-of-the-middle to a middle-of-the-middle of the packer…but no, not this time. I was 17 of 24 in my age group. This was probably the one chance in my life to beat Tommy on the swim and I decided to swim like freaking Rainman. Ugh. So pissed.
Swim Time: 45:29, Pace: 2:21/100m – 17/24 in my age group
T1:
I knew my transition would be slow, despite my primo location-o, because I was trying a few new things – I put on a heart rate strap (I could have swum in it, but since I never had, I figured this was safer), I had to start my new bike computer/heart rate monitor, put on my Garmin, but not start it, stuff sunglasses into my outfit (it wasn’t sunny yet, but it would probably GET sunny later and I didn’t want to be without), etc etc…it was just a lot of stuff that I don’t normally do.
T1 Time: 2:53
The Bike, Oh, the Bike:
We drove the course the day before so I knew what I was in for…kind of. When the race was over, Tommy said he was impressed with my times – he said he thought the hills would chew me up and spit me out (I did too!). There were 8 “challenging” hills (which means 8 super fast downhills!!), that were each about 7-9% grade and about ½-1 ½ mile in length…the rest was totally flat. I was hoping to average about 18mph.
Right out of transition there is a little mini hill that is just before a monster of a hill. I was prepared and had my bike in an easy enough gear to get up the mountain, but a hard enough gear to get some speed up ASAP. It was my first real ride with bar end shifters and dear lord, they are amazing. I just kept shifting into an easier gear (while remaining aero) to keep my cadence up and I actually felt pretty good on Hill #1. I was slow, but I was still in the saddle which is important for the running portion of the day.
Then came the first descent. Holy crap. I tried not to ride the brakes too much because the speed is nice, but at about 36mph, I started to freak out and needed to pump them a little. This would actually be the only downhill I got to enjoy because shortly thereafter, the rain started…and when the rain starts you can’t fly down hills with reckless abandon.
Hill #2 was slightly more challenging. About ¾ of the way up, my chain fell off due to stupid gear shifting (Obviously I should be able to shift both the big and little chain rings, up and down, all at the same time…poor Rocky took some serious abuse. It wasn’t his fault.). So, I am ¾ of the way up a mountain and I have to stop to put my chain back on. At this point, there is no way I can possibly get enough momentum up to get up the hill, so I had to walk Rocky to the top. It was degrading. But then it was okay when I flew by all those suckers later. Muuuuhahahah!
After Hill #2, it was flat for about 10 miles. I finally got to get my heart rate down, get into a rhythm and start eating. I got settled into an 80rpm rhythm (I know I’m supposed to do 90, but it just doesn’t feel natural) and had some Clif Blocs. The road in the park was crappy, but the road just outside of the park was crappier and the road past that was even crappierER. I hate to think of how Tommy felt on his bike because I felt horrible vibrations on a full carbon bike…it was painful. My fingers were numb so I didn’t really hold the handlebars. It hurt too much. Luckily, once we turned off of 50th St, the road quality improved some. I ate a granola bar around mile 10, before the next big downhill. I was still able to enjoy this downhill some – it was straight and the rain hadn’t gotten the roads too wet yet. But once again around 35-36mph, I start to freak out and slow down…but only a little, I didn’t want my tires to explode!
And then, at the bottom, I was staring into the face of Hill #3. Basically, this went on for the next 3 hours, so I’ll spare you the details. Once the rain started, the downhills became quite unsafe and I wasn’t able to build any considerable speed. The 18mph wind was brutal, but it wasn’t really gusting, just a constant painful 18mph wind (headwind, crosswind, etc…the tailwind was mahvelous though!), so it wasn’t too bad. It’s the gusts that really get to me. We had a great tailwind one way, a terrible headwind another way, and an irritating crosswind another way. So, I was able to make up some time when I was with the wind, but the crosswinds just make things more challenging!!
As you all know, drafting is illegal in USAT, but a group of us got stuck behind a cattle car that was going about our speed so we drafted that for a little while…we discussed it and decided it was legal.
And since I had not peed during the swim, as per my usual plan, by mile 30 I DESPERATELY needed to pee. It’s hard to keep up a decent cadence with a full bladder. But alas, there was not a single port-o-potty on the course. Not a single one! Peeing in the bushes is not only illegal, but it will also get you DQ’ed from a race. I cared not. I found some small bushes (it’s West Texas man, it’s not like they have proper foliage!), and showed my bare bottom to the world. And I felt like a million bucks afterwards.
On the final haul to the bike finish, another guy and I were really pushing it. My average speed had only been about 16.7mph and I was really hoping to be able to get it to 18mph by the end…I hadn’t done the math, but I was hoping that 20 miles would be enough time to overcome my deficit. Anyways, me and “29 - A” were really pushing it home – we kept passing each other and working our butts off. When we crossed the dismount line, they gave 29 - A a medal for finishing the Aquabike. WHAT? I just kicked my own butt to beat a guy who wasn’t even running afterwards?? Effers. Apparently, 29 – A is 29 years old and in the aquabike division. Terd.
All in all, I felt great on the bike. I definitely need a new saddle, but other than that, I pushed myself to my limits (which I never do!) and rocked the bike as best I could. Thanks Rocky!! I conquered the hills!!
Bike Time: 3:28, Speed 17mph – 18/24 in my age group
T2:
As typical of me this day, I was ridiculous in transition. First of all, it had rained so much that water had collected in my running shoes – I had to dump them out before putting them on. So, they were soaking wet…awesome. I didn’t bother re-bodygliding them…I figured it was too late for that. All my stuff was soaked, but the rain had passed and now the sun was shining his little head down on me!! I got all the way to the Run Out before I realized I still had my helmet on…and I had to go back and take it off. Idiot. And so I began running…squish squish squish.
T2 Time: 3:33 (judging by the times, no one else forgot to take their helmets off).
The Run:
First a stop at a port-o-potty and a break to find some ibuprofen…and now the run begins! When I headed out on the run, the clock said 4:45, so in my calculations, I should be passing Tommy around mile 3 (math is great to do while running). The first 3 miles were through the park, around the lake, in a nice shaded area. There were some small hills, but overall, it was a pretty course. Just after mile 3, you are greeted with a monster of a hill. Ugh. Haven’t we done this enough today? I tried to make myself run it, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Even walking it I couldn’t get my heart rate down. I saw Tommy at the top of the hill – we started cheering and he asked how I was doing. I was like, “Dude, I was doing great till this beast!!”. Haha.
At the top of the hill, I got back into running form (or slow jogging form, depending on your opinions…) and forged onward. There was a big downhill, but what goes down, must come up, and at the bottom of the hill I was greeted with a mountain. I didn’t even attempt to run this one…I just gave in and started power walking. Everyone was walking. The shade was gone now and the sun was out…things were starting to heat up. I made the turn onto the Energy Lab II – a 3 mile, straight as an arrow, flat as a board, no scenery, no shade, no nothing except the buzz of electricity from the power plant down the street. It suuuucked….but I was feeling pretty good.
I had this strange desire to beat 2:26 on the run. No idea where that number came from, but that was my goal. I hit the turnaround at 1:15, so there was a chance, but I’d have to pick it up (the way back only had one uphill so I thought this could save me 2 minutes?). Nonetheless, I headed back to the park, feeling pretty good considering and finished with a decent half marathon.
Run Time: 2:32, Pace 11:38 – 21/24 in my age group (I SERIOUSLY need to work on my running)
Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon Ironman 70.3 – 6:42:17
All in all, I felt great through the whole race. I felt like I really pushed myself and did the best that I could. I’m a little disappointed that my best was only a 6:42, but I know that I did the best I could that day (despite the swim, but really, that would have only saved me five minutes) I got my nutrition down – I felt fueled, hydrated and strong through the whole race and I didn’t get sick afterwards.
The next day my legs were tired and achey, but not too sore. My lower back, shoulders and neck were really, really, really sore though. I did some stretching on Tuesday and an easy bike/run that felt pretty good.
Rocky was great. The bar end shifters are to die for amazing but for goodness sake, my hoo-ha needs a new saddle and I need to mount my aero bottle.
**************************************************************
Nutrition:
Wednesday – Mac and Cheese
Thursday – Sushi
Friday – Edamame for Breakfast, PB&J for dinner, beef jerky, popcorn, grapes, granola bars, Now and Laters, in the car
Saturday – 5 bowls of Fruit Loops, banana, English muffin for breakfast. Beef Jerky, popcorn, granola bars for lunch. 3 slices cheese pizza for dinner. 2 glass of wine and a beergarita.
Sunday – Race Day!
4:30am - Peanut Butter Sandwich and a Diet DP
Gatorade throughout
6:30am race starts
6:45 – 3 Clif Blocs
7:15 – My wave start
Bike…
Mile 2 – 3 Clif Blocs
Mile 10 – Granola Bar
Mile 20 – Granola Bar
Mile 35 – 3 Clif Blocs
Mile 45 – 3 Clif Blocs
Run…
Mile 1 – Gatorade and pretzels
Mile 2 – Water
Mile 3 – 3 Clif Blocs and Water
Mile 4 – Coke, Water and Pretzels
Mile 5 – Water
Mile 6 – Gatorade
Mile 6.5 – Water
Mile 7 – Water
Mile 8 – 3 Clif Blocs and Water
Mile 9 – Coke, Water and Pretzels
Mile 10 – Water
Mile 11 – Water
Mile 12 – Water
*************************************************************
Sorry Thomas. I know this isn't what you were going for. Someday, my pet, someday.
As mentioned previously, I signed up for this race because it was close, it fit in the schedule and I thought it would be EASY. WRONG!!!
We drove to Lubbock after work on Friday and got into town around 12:30am Saturday morning. Surprisingly, the drive only took 8.5 hours – we were quite proud of ourselves. We slept in, had some continental breakfast (I cannot resist unlimited amounts of Fruit Loops…I had 5 bowls), I took a nap…and around noon, we showered and headed out for the day.
We drove to the race site because we wanted to drive the course and then ride the first hill or two just to see how tough it was. I was wearing a maxi dress, so I just stuffed the skirt into some yoga pants and tested out my skills on hill #1. It was tough. Really tough. 8.9% incline for about a half mile. I averaged about 6mph and a cadence of 55rpm…not so hot. But I knew I would survive…hopefully.
After we tested out the hills, we set out to drive the course. The first two miles of the course are uphill/downhill/uphill…all about 9% grade and curvy.
Then, you finally have a chance to let your heart rate come down, eat a snack and settle in for the long haul. Basically, you go up and then down and then up and then flat for about 8-12 miles…then down and up and flat for about 8-12 miles…you do that a few times. There were a total of 8 treacherous uphills that could leave a grown man in tears. It’s out and back so you ride everything twice…if it was fun going down, you knew it was gonna be hell going back up.On the way back, we stopped at the casa of Natalie’s parents for some beergaritas…speaking of, Natalie, send me that recipe!! They have an amazing house overlooking the canyon and it was gorgeous day for porch sitting and drinking…we were sad to leave!!
The 6 of us went to Orlando’s for dinner where Tommy and I fearlessly shared a large cheese pizza…this went well for me and not so well for Tommy the next day.
Tommy and I fell asleep early with the alarm set to wake us up at 3:30AM. That’s early. Even for us.
RACE DAY!!!
We woke up, showered, packed the car and drove out to the canyon. Transition opened at 4:30, race was scheduled to start at 6:30 (before the sun came up!). For some reason, I had a bad feeling about the day…I don’t know if it was the lightening, the wind or the cold that scared me, but it wasn’t good and I was soooo not excited. We were kind of expecting the swim to get cancelled because there was so much lightening, but it didn’t. Boo!!
We each set up our transitions and for once I got a great location. I had a long carpeted run in from the swim, a short run out and in on my bike shoes, and a long run out on the run. Best location there is if you ask me…unless you get all the way out of transition with your bike helmet on and you have to run all the way back…but that’s a whole different story.
Then we started the peeing process. I got a gold star for super fast peeing. GO ME! Everyone has to excel at something.
We did some last minute set ups on our transition area and headed down to the beach to watch the pros take off. We ran into James who was blissfully unaware of the hills that were ahead of him. Tommy and James were in the wave after the pros, so they got into the water and headed out! I waded in to pee (again, yes) while another wave got started. The outside air was freezing and windy, but the water was nice and warm…like baby pool pee water. Totally gross.
The swim start was a beach start – we had to run in the water for about 20 feet before we could swim. I’ve never done that before and I was a little concerned about my pre-race pee schedule getting messed up…I usually pee while treading water when I am waiting for the gun to go off. I usually pee before the gun and then once mid-swim…both of these would not happen and it would prove to be painful on the bike later. I also hadn’t decided which goggles to wear (I’ve been having goggle issues lately)…so I took my new Aquaspheres and my old crusty moldy goggles to the beach. I figured I could wear one and stuff the other into my suit. Done and done. I opted to risk it with the Aquaspheres…they were great with minimal leakage!! There are some great pics of me digging the other goggles out of my suit after the swim though. Lovely.
The Swim:
I started on the far left of my wave but at the front. Apparently the bad omen I had about the race was mostly just about the swim because my swim was ridiculous. I couldn’t sight and I couldn’t swim in a straight line for the life of me. I was so far off course that a kayak ran over me. I probably swam 1.5 miles instead of 1.2 (and looking at the numbers, the course may have been long anyway – the pro times were quite slow as well). The bouys were really far apart and small and I couldn’t find them and for some reason swimming in a straight line (which is not normally an issue for me) was impossible. I tried to pee mid-swim but I think the crash with kayak freaked my bladder out – there was no peeing to be had. I am normally a front-of-the-middle to a middle-of-the-middle of the packer…but no, not this time. I was 17 of 24 in my age group. This was probably the one chance in my life to beat Tommy on the swim and I decided to swim like freaking Rainman. Ugh. So pissed.
Swim Time: 45:29, Pace: 2:21/100m – 17/24 in my age group
T1:
I knew my transition would be slow, despite my primo location-o, because I was trying a few new things – I put on a heart rate strap (I could have swum in it, but since I never had, I figured this was safer), I had to start my new bike computer/heart rate monitor, put on my Garmin, but not start it, stuff sunglasses into my outfit (it wasn’t sunny yet, but it would probably GET sunny later and I didn’t want to be without), etc etc…it was just a lot of stuff that I don’t normally do.
T1 Time: 2:53
The Bike, Oh, the Bike:
We drove the course the day before so I knew what I was in for…kind of. When the race was over, Tommy said he was impressed with my times – he said he thought the hills would chew me up and spit me out (I did too!). There were 8 “challenging” hills (which means 8 super fast downhills!!), that were each about 7-9% grade and about ½-1 ½ mile in length…the rest was totally flat. I was hoping to average about 18mph.
Right out of transition there is a little mini hill that is just before a monster of a hill. I was prepared and had my bike in an easy enough gear to get up the mountain, but a hard enough gear to get some speed up ASAP. It was my first real ride with bar end shifters and dear lord, they are amazing. I just kept shifting into an easier gear (while remaining aero) to keep my cadence up and I actually felt pretty good on Hill #1. I was slow, but I was still in the saddle which is important for the running portion of the day.
Then came the first descent. Holy crap. I tried not to ride the brakes too much because the speed is nice, but at about 36mph, I started to freak out and needed to pump them a little. This would actually be the only downhill I got to enjoy because shortly thereafter, the rain started…and when the rain starts you can’t fly down hills with reckless abandon.
Hill #2 was slightly more challenging. About ¾ of the way up, my chain fell off due to stupid gear shifting (Obviously I should be able to shift both the big and little chain rings, up and down, all at the same time…poor Rocky took some serious abuse. It wasn’t his fault.). So, I am ¾ of the way up a mountain and I have to stop to put my chain back on. At this point, there is no way I can possibly get enough momentum up to get up the hill, so I had to walk Rocky to the top. It was degrading. But then it was okay when I flew by all those suckers later. Muuuuhahahah!
After Hill #2, it was flat for about 10 miles. I finally got to get my heart rate down, get into a rhythm and start eating. I got settled into an 80rpm rhythm (I know I’m supposed to do 90, but it just doesn’t feel natural) and had some Clif Blocs. The road in the park was crappy, but the road just outside of the park was crappier and the road past that was even crappierER. I hate to think of how Tommy felt on his bike because I felt horrible vibrations on a full carbon bike…it was painful. My fingers were numb so I didn’t really hold the handlebars. It hurt too much. Luckily, once we turned off of 50th St, the road quality improved some. I ate a granola bar around mile 10, before the next big downhill. I was still able to enjoy this downhill some – it was straight and the rain hadn’t gotten the roads too wet yet. But once again around 35-36mph, I start to freak out and slow down…but only a little, I didn’t want my tires to explode!
And then, at the bottom, I was staring into the face of Hill #3. Basically, this went on for the next 3 hours, so I’ll spare you the details. Once the rain started, the downhills became quite unsafe and I wasn’t able to build any considerable speed. The 18mph wind was brutal, but it wasn’t really gusting, just a constant painful 18mph wind (headwind, crosswind, etc…the tailwind was mahvelous though!), so it wasn’t too bad. It’s the gusts that really get to me. We had a great tailwind one way, a terrible headwind another way, and an irritating crosswind another way. So, I was able to make up some time when I was with the wind, but the crosswinds just make things more challenging!!
As you all know, drafting is illegal in USAT, but a group of us got stuck behind a cattle car that was going about our speed so we drafted that for a little while…we discussed it and decided it was legal.
And since I had not peed during the swim, as per my usual plan, by mile 30 I DESPERATELY needed to pee. It’s hard to keep up a decent cadence with a full bladder. But alas, there was not a single port-o-potty on the course. Not a single one! Peeing in the bushes is not only illegal, but it will also get you DQ’ed from a race. I cared not. I found some small bushes (it’s West Texas man, it’s not like they have proper foliage!), and showed my bare bottom to the world. And I felt like a million bucks afterwards.
On the final haul to the bike finish, another guy and I were really pushing it. My average speed had only been about 16.7mph and I was really hoping to be able to get it to 18mph by the end…I hadn’t done the math, but I was hoping that 20 miles would be enough time to overcome my deficit. Anyways, me and “29 - A” were really pushing it home – we kept passing each other and working our butts off. When we crossed the dismount line, they gave 29 - A a medal for finishing the Aquabike. WHAT? I just kicked my own butt to beat a guy who wasn’t even running afterwards?? Effers. Apparently, 29 – A is 29 years old and in the aquabike division. Terd.
All in all, I felt great on the bike. I definitely need a new saddle, but other than that, I pushed myself to my limits (which I never do!) and rocked the bike as best I could. Thanks Rocky!! I conquered the hills!!
Bike Time: 3:28, Speed 17mph – 18/24 in my age group
T2:
As typical of me this day, I was ridiculous in transition. First of all, it had rained so much that water had collected in my running shoes – I had to dump them out before putting them on. So, they were soaking wet…awesome. I didn’t bother re-bodygliding them…I figured it was too late for that. All my stuff was soaked, but the rain had passed and now the sun was shining his little head down on me!! I got all the way to the Run Out before I realized I still had my helmet on…and I had to go back and take it off. Idiot. And so I began running…squish squish squish.
T2 Time: 3:33 (judging by the times, no one else forgot to take their helmets off).
The Run:
First a stop at a port-o-potty and a break to find some ibuprofen…and now the run begins! When I headed out on the run, the clock said 4:45, so in my calculations, I should be passing Tommy around mile 3 (math is great to do while running). The first 3 miles were through the park, around the lake, in a nice shaded area. There were some small hills, but overall, it was a pretty course. Just after mile 3, you are greeted with a monster of a hill. Ugh. Haven’t we done this enough today? I tried to make myself run it, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Even walking it I couldn’t get my heart rate down. I saw Tommy at the top of the hill – we started cheering and he asked how I was doing. I was like, “Dude, I was doing great till this beast!!”. Haha.
At the top of the hill, I got back into running form (or slow jogging form, depending on your opinions…) and forged onward. There was a big downhill, but what goes down, must come up, and at the bottom of the hill I was greeted with a mountain. I didn’t even attempt to run this one…I just gave in and started power walking. Everyone was walking. The shade was gone now and the sun was out…things were starting to heat up. I made the turn onto the Energy Lab II – a 3 mile, straight as an arrow, flat as a board, no scenery, no shade, no nothing except the buzz of electricity from the power plant down the street. It suuuucked….but I was feeling pretty good.
I had this strange desire to beat 2:26 on the run. No idea where that number came from, but that was my goal. I hit the turnaround at 1:15, so there was a chance, but I’d have to pick it up (the way back only had one uphill so I thought this could save me 2 minutes?). Nonetheless, I headed back to the park, feeling pretty good considering and finished with a decent half marathon.
Run Time: 2:32, Pace 11:38 – 21/24 in my age group (I SERIOUSLY need to work on my running)
Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon Ironman 70.3 – 6:42:17
All in all, I felt great through the whole race. I felt like I really pushed myself and did the best that I could. I’m a little disappointed that my best was only a 6:42, but I know that I did the best I could that day (despite the swim, but really, that would have only saved me five minutes) I got my nutrition down – I felt fueled, hydrated and strong through the whole race and I didn’t get sick afterwards.
The next day my legs were tired and achey, but not too sore. My lower back, shoulders and neck were really, really, really sore though. I did some stretching on Tuesday and an easy bike/run that felt pretty good.
Rocky was great. The bar end shifters are to die for amazing but for goodness sake, my hoo-ha needs a new saddle and I need to mount my aero bottle.
**************************************************************
Nutrition:
Wednesday – Mac and Cheese
Thursday – Sushi
Friday – Edamame for Breakfast, PB&J for dinner, beef jerky, popcorn, grapes, granola bars, Now and Laters, in the car
Saturday – 5 bowls of Fruit Loops, banana, English muffin for breakfast. Beef Jerky, popcorn, granola bars for lunch. 3 slices cheese pizza for dinner. 2 glass of wine and a beergarita.
Sunday – Race Day!
4:30am - Peanut Butter Sandwich and a Diet DP
Gatorade throughout
6:30am race starts
6:45 – 3 Clif Blocs
7:15 – My wave start
Bike…
Mile 2 – 3 Clif Blocs
Mile 10 – Granola Bar
Mile 20 – Granola Bar
Mile 35 – 3 Clif Blocs
Mile 45 – 3 Clif Blocs
Run…
Mile 1 – Gatorade and pretzels
Mile 2 – Water
Mile 3 – 3 Clif Blocs and Water
Mile 4 – Coke, Water and Pretzels
Mile 5 – Water
Mile 6 – Gatorade
Mile 6.5 – Water
Mile 7 – Water
Mile 8 – 3 Clif Blocs and Water
Mile 9 – Coke, Water and Pretzels
Mile 10 – Water
Mile 11 – Water
Mile 12 – Water
*************************************************************
Sorry Thomas. I know this isn't what you were going for. Someday, my pet, someday.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Wake Up Call!
After my swim this morning, I got a text from my neighbor. It said:
Awesome. When I got more information, it turns out that he and his wife were running down our street when they saw two guys with guns and decided to turn around...as they were running, they heard shots being fired. Turns out the shooter just grazed his pal, but the cops and ambulance came and hopefully took them both away for good.
Later, I recieved this text from him:
I just can't escape the crime. Word to the wise - never move anywhere near me. I'm like a magnet for the villians.
Shots fired on our street down the block as Dora and I were running - no good this morning for running guys. It was no more than 50m from our house.
Awesome. When I got more information, it turns out that he and his wife were running down our street when they saw two guys with guns and decided to turn around...as they were running, they heard shots being fired. Turns out the shooter just grazed his pal, but the cops and ambulance came and hopefully took them both away for good.
Later, I recieved this text from him:
There were RPG's, AK-47 assault rifles, 2 mexicans and a partridge in a pear tree.
I just can't escape the crime. Word to the wise - never move anywhere near me. I'm like a magnet for the villians.
Week 3 - 53 Miles
They don't call it a recovery week for nothing. Ugh. This is just pathetic.
In the water: 1 mile - 30 minutes
On Rocky: 40 miles - 2 hours 5 minutes
In my Asics: 12 miles - 2 hours 20 minutes
Plus:
Core and Abs classes and stretching..
Total Mileage - 53 miles, 4 hours and 55 minutes
Now, I have excuses. Lots of them. The race in Buffalo Springs killed any chance of working out on Monday - although, we did walk 2-3 miles on Monday morning. Tuesday I did a pretty tough brick but Wednesday I only did core at lunch because I had to wake up at the crack of dawn so I could leave at the crack of afternoon so we could hit the road to Alabamalama for the weekend. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we definitely slacked but we did something and in THAT heat, I am not ashamed!! Sunday we spent the entire day in the car driving home.
It was a big week! Baby Hayden Gilmore was born! We drove 1500 miles to lubbock and back for the hardest race EVER! Katey and Erik got engaged! We drove 1000 miles to Gulf Shores, AL and back for the first ever Blain/Bennett Beach weekend! Janelle and Thomas got engaged! Baby James Baumgarten was born! Now wonder there wasn't time for working out! I was too busy saying congratulations! Congratulations everyone!!
I need a nap.
In the water: 1 mile - 30 minutes
On Rocky: 40 miles - 2 hours 5 minutes
In my Asics: 12 miles - 2 hours 20 minutes
Plus:
Core and Abs classes and stretching..
Total Mileage - 53 miles, 4 hours and 55 minutes
Now, I have excuses. Lots of them. The race in Buffalo Springs killed any chance of working out on Monday - although, we did walk 2-3 miles on Monday morning. Tuesday I did a pretty tough brick but Wednesday I only did core at lunch because I had to wake up at the crack of dawn so I could leave at the crack of afternoon so we could hit the road to Alabamalama for the weekend. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we definitely slacked but we did something and in THAT heat, I am not ashamed!! Sunday we spent the entire day in the car driving home.
It was a big week! Baby Hayden Gilmore was born! We drove 1500 miles to lubbock and back for the hardest race EVER! Katey and Erik got engaged! We drove 1000 miles to Gulf Shores, AL and back for the first ever Blain/Bennett Beach weekend! Janelle and Thomas got engaged! Baby James Baumgarten was born! Now wonder there wasn't time for working out! I was too busy saying congratulations! Congratulations everyone!!
I need a nap.
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