tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68786541831831009972024-03-13T14:12:25.715-05:00Life Is BeautifulCelebrating that even when life is scary and hard - it still can be beautiful.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.comBlogger542125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-33578383090037535012018-03-14T18:27:00.001-05:002018-03-14T18:28:34.648-05:00Woohoo for Week Two + *sad face*Week Two of training for the Legend 70 went great!<br />
<br />
Since <a href="http://andrea-lifeisbeautiful.blogspot.com/2018/03/week-one-training-recap.html" target="_blank">Week One</a> was a little weak-sauce, I aimed for perfection for week two. I stuck to my eating, relaxing and training plans to a "T".<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u> - Took a 2.5 mile walk on the treadmill while watching The Walking Dead, stretch and foam rolled. I did 30 minutes of yoga after work and let myself have some time to relax and decompress.<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u> - Jumped out of bed for a 45 minute run and a 20 minute strength routine. Still was struggling a little bit with tight chestedness from last week, but we got through it.<br />
<u>Tuesday PM</u> - went to the pool for a 45 minute swim. My friend who just had bariatric surgery went with me and did her pool laps, too. I am really proud of her!<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u> - woke up a bit tired from heavy training the day before, but put my best effort into a 45 minute bike and 15 minute run. If you do them one right after the other it's called a "brick."<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u> - A tired 45 minute bike ride followed by 20 minutes of injury preventing strength training.<br />
<u>Thursday PM</u> - 45 minutes in the pretty-brand new pool down at the southernmost YMCA. My neighbor went and walked on the aqua track.<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u> - BlessedAmazingGlorious Rest Day!! I spent some time contemplating the cut-off times for the race and can absolutely complete it in time *phew* I also remembered to give myself a little kudos for overcoming my fear of open water swimming, in 2017. That was tough but I am tougher!<br />
<br />
<u>Saturday</u> - 1 hour and 45 minutes on the bike trainer, while watching Terminator 3. I ride the trainer alot. I have a very small window of time to do my groove-thang and if the weather isn't nice enough for the gear that I have, then I'm indoors. I took the aero-bars off my bike and corrected the stack height and seat angle & position. I had forgotten how comfortable my bike was! I guess my back had other ideas and it kept spasming and being dumb. I could barely get up the stairs after I was done. Saturday was ROUGH.<br />
<br />
<u>Sunday</u> - 1 hour and 15 minute treadmill run. Yeah, I know. But running doesn't hurt! Just, walking, bending, sitting, breathing and thinking...does... We also had a long day out getting ready for the church's annual performance of <a href="https://vimeo.com/36567423" target="_blank">This Day of Resurrection</a>. When we got home, I was toast.<br />
<br />
And that's where our adventure for Week Two, ends. I'm really proud of myself that I didn't eat my feelings and I utilized the yoga space I made for myself. I got all of my training logged and Garmin tells me that I burned 4, 556 calories! Woohoo for Week Two.<br />
<br />
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Let's just go ahead and talk about Week Three while were here. It's actually not week three.<br />
<br />
It's week nothing. My training for this particular race - is over.<br />
<br />
I went to bed Sunday night feeling like a truck hit me. My back was hurting, but I'd been stretching...I just figured I needed a good nights sleep. No sleep came. Pain, tossing and turning, sweats, chills and yes, Virginia, I even got sick. Needless to say, I called in dead on Monday and thought gee whiz, that minor back strain sure got the best of me.<br />
<br />
In the early afternoon, I decided it was time to shower and dress and feel better. See how I can do that? FEEL BETTER ANDREA. >ok< When the nice warm water started, I stood in the shower and let it hit my legs...and it burned like someone poured acid on my left calf.<br />
<br />
NO - OH LORD - PLEASE NOT NOW - AGAIN!?!<br />
<br />
Cellulitis Part Deux 2018.<br />
<br />
I know it seems dramatic, but this infection KILLS PEOPLE. Even with antibiotics, today, like here and now in this time. A hundred years ago - fugetaboutit - I'd be DEAD. This particular instance is only six weeks past the last (more minor) incident and has been the worst I've ever had. It's now Wednesday (I think) and I'm typing this from my hospital room. I will most definitely miss this week of work and I will probably only be well enough to actually go to work next week - no fixing dinner, no workouts, nothing but rest and healing. So that's two weeks without workouts. I consulted my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Be-IronFit-Time-Efficient-Training-Ultimate/dp/1493017829/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521069858&sr=8-1&keywords=be+ironfit" target="_blank">training book</a> to see what to do when you miss workouts while training for a Half Ironman.<br />
<br />
Here's a paraphrased excerpt:<br />
<br />
<b>One to two days of missed training</b> - If you cannot fit these workouts in on a scheduled rest/slide day, just skip them and move on. Don't risk injury by doubling up on workouts.<br />
<br />
<b>Three to four missed days</b> - Again, skip the missed days, but do half the workout on the first day back and resume full training after the second day back.<br />
<br />
<b>Five to six days</b> - Skip the missed days, but on the first two days back to training only do one third of the workout. On the next two days, only two thirds. On day five, resume normal training.<br />
<br />
<b>Seven or more missed days </b>- Reconsider the timing of your goal and consider a major redesign of your training program.<br />
<br />
So that's it, then. I will email Legend Triathlon and scale back to the Olympic distance in June. I will follow the 8 week program in my book for that. I think I'll follow the Competitive Plan and try to PR over last year. And...there's always the <a href="http://www.legendendurance.com/legend-ad-astra.html" target="_blank">Ad Astra 70</a> in September. My next race is the Lincoln Half Marathon, why not see if we can put a sweet little PR on that one, too?<br />
<br />
I'm not giving up. No way. This is just a setback and we all know what that is...<br />
<br />
A SET UP for a COME BACK.<br />
<br />
I'm going to keep my nutrition clean, my workouts solid and my attitude positive. Not stopping. NOT stopping. NOT. STOPPING.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok...I'm stopping for two weeks to heal my leg - but AFTER THAT! ;o) Thanks for reading!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-56533429751373366422018-03-05T15:57:00.001-06:002018-03-05T16:00:19.921-06:00Week One Training Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first week of training didn’t go exactly as
planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try not too be hard on myself because
that’s what people<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>say “aw, don’t be so
hard on youself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is that I
am EXTREMELY hard on myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer
say terrible things to myself or “beat myself up” but I hold myself to a
super-human standard with nothing less than absolute 100% adherence revered as victory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ahem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that we got that out of the way…here’s
the reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday – got up and did my scheduled walk and stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday is an optional day for making up
missed workouts or taking a rest day, but I usually walk and watch The Walking Dead episode that
came out the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get it –
walking with TWD?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t feeling great, still – my chest felt congested and I only made it one mile instead of two with
a long stretch after.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday – I took completely off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a scare on Monday morning with not
being able to catch my breath and I thought maybe I damaged myself by pushing
too hard in Sunday’s indoor sprint tri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I missed a run, weights session and a swim first crack out of the box. Tuesday was February 27th and February's mileage was just above toilet standard. I decided to double down for a flawless March.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday – Feeling better, I did my 45/15 bike to run
brick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My little daughter had been
running a fever, so I left work at noon and took her in to the
doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Influenza B! Tamilflu for the
whole dang family!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that’s why I
wasn’t feeling well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday – Run and weights in the morning swim in the
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a stupid phone call from
a stupid person that I asked (very nicely, I might add) to leave me alone so many stupid times that it’s
just freaking STUPID.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing how a
person can ruin your day. Thankfully, there wasn’t much left of mine and I just
went to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to turn the pain
into peace and it worked for the most part. At least I got some sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday – Rest day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always
sleep in and take a 100% rest day on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It. Is. Glorious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday – Rode the bike on the indoor trainer
for 1:15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to remove my homespun
aerobar installation / modifications and put my little Trek 1.2 back to being a road bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty uncomfortable that way (I have
made every adjustment and modification I can think of) and will probably be a
handling nightmare once I get it off the trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding in that position is okay for an hour and
I can get through it – but I have to be prepared for 3 and 4 hour training
rides in just over a month. My bike has been comfy for thousands of miles - I'll wait to get into aero until I can get a tri bike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday – Ran an hour outside!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was dreary and cloudy and windy and a
little cold but it was OUTSIDE.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So workouts went okay – nutrition wasn’t too terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit, I was feeling a little sorry for
myself on Thursday night and again on Sunday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like life is making itself way to
fricking hard right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chill out,
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chill. Out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In keeping with my idea to have a yoga break to help
alleviate stress, I made a little area in our bedroom that will work
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need my more than about a
foot on either side of the mat and just a room I can close the door on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t slow down very well – but the reality
is that people like me less and less the faster I go. Weird – I like me more
the faster I go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*shrug*<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So week one I’d give myself a 75% on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt I put forth about 75% effort – some
under circumstances I can’t control, but about 10% was me just diving in to
self-pity to wallow around for a while. It's hard when you want to change how you behave and react to things. The first step is accepting that I am responsible for making it what it is. Then, I can go about changing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's to a wonderful Week Two!</div>
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-8248904788700742802018-02-25T12:48:00.000-06:002018-02-25T12:48:57.711-06:00Indoor Sprint Tri - Downtown YMCAThis morning I participated in an indoor sprint triathlon. This was the second year for this event (for me) so of course I have been scouring my email and my Garmin historical stats trying to see if I'm better than I was last year. I couldn't find anything reliable, so I guess I'll compare myself to the <a href="http://andrea-lifeisbeautiful.blogspot.com/2018/01/bryan-health-indoor-triathlon.html" target="_blank">Bryan Health Indoor Sprint Tri </a>from last month.<br />
<br />
The format was similar to the Bryan Health Tri, with a couple of frustrating differences:<br />
<br />
Swim - 10 minutes; completed lengths counted.<br />
Bike - 30 minutes; average WATTS counted, minimum resistance set at 5.<br />
Run - 20 minutes; total distance counted, incline required to be set at 2%.<br />
<br />
My morning didn't start out real great and I briefly entertained not going at all. I had slept super-duper hard and my body was sore like I'm coming down with something. Of course I woke up shortly after 6:00am when I actually could have slept until 7:00am. I got up, caffienated and fueled. Read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Firebird-Trilogy-Tyers-Kathy/dp/0764229273" target="_blank">my book </a>and enjoyed the quiet time. I'm glad I went - my buddy, Swimmer Becky, made an appearance and showed those triathletes what fast really is in the pool. Love that girlie - so humble and just nice to hang around with!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Swim</u></b><br />
I swam exactly the same number of lengths, today, as I did last month. Eighteen - 400yds in 10 minutes. I know how to get faster at swimming -- swim faster. It's just kind of scary to embrace the suck when you can't breathe. We'll work on that...<br />
<br />
<b><u>T1</u></b><br />
We had 10 minutes to change from our swimsuits to cycling gear. Do you know how hard it is to put on a sports bra when you're wet?! I had a little help from my friend and we were off to the Kaiser spin bikes!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Bike</u></b><br />
Up to the spin room for a little bike ride. The scoring was based on average watts which I'm a little confused about. I try not to compare myself to others - but my average watts were 80 and I biked 15.2 kilometers. The person next to me had average watts of 180 but only biked 10k. Now, it seems to me that in a true bike race I would have been the victor - but no matter. I compete with one person and one person only - MYSELF. My last race, I pushed hard to get 15k done; this time I did 15.2k with a little left in the tank to go running. I mentioned that I wasn't feeling great this morning and that was very apparent on the bike. I couldn't get into the zone and while my heart rate was as high as I like to push it on the bike (170bpm) I wasn't really sweating. <br />
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<b><u>T2</u></b><br />
We had 5 minutes to walk on Bambi legs down the stairs to the treadmills. I wasn't feeling very good, so I figured any run was a good run.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Run</u></b><br />
We only had to run for 20 minutes, so I figured I could do anything for that length of time. One problem...the minimum incline requirement was 2%. I remember this making my legs feel like lead, last year. I usually run at a 1.5% incline at home, but that extra .5% incline combined with the effort to go as fast as I could was really challenging. <br />
<br />
In a sprint distance, you can pretty much go all out and and just pay for it later. The combined time of the event is around an hour or so (depending on the distances) and you can really embrace the suck and see what you're made of. Last month, the tri that I did didn't have an incline requirement on the run. I put that sucker at 0% and ran as fast as I could for as long as I could. I came away from that with 1.8 miles for 20 minutes. <br />
<br />
Today - I only managed 1.7 miles for the 20 minutes. However - with that incline I was working hard enough to have ran 1.9 miles on a flat road. See the chart below for conversion:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlalOCI1rXk/WpL9HuxxjyI/AAAAAAAAtlE/ivXIrIauaL0jIcjZ9AC-G7V-5ZMGG-rZACLcBGAs/s1600/chart.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="555" height="205" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlalOCI1rXk/WpL9HuxxjyI/AAAAAAAAtlE/ivXIrIauaL0jIcjZ9AC-G7V-5ZMGG-rZACLcBGAs/s400/chart.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My treadmill was set at 5.4 mph w/a 2% incline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I did set a new max heart rate on my Garmin. I did a 5k max out back in October and got 183 as a max. Today, I hit 187 and kept it there. And boy, oh boy do I feel that run effort now. I will definitely need a nap. I haven't ever done much "racing" as a triathlete. In previous years, I showed up for events and just used them as a training session. The more I read, the more I'm convinced that a moderate amount of short course racing will make me an even better and faster long course athlete. It also allows me to embrace the suck in a different sort of way. And...I have learned that I love long-slow-distance training best. I'll leave the speed to my buddy and be proud as punch for her!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1_esL7DUCw/WpMBQ4J-rUI/AAAAAAAAtlY/6KSElSKAFRUUvO8PUJkmy1NPKvFyL7VbQCLcBGAs/s1600/We%2BAre%2BDed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1_esL7DUCw/WpMBQ4J-rUI/AAAAAAAAtlY/6KSElSKAFRUUvO8PUJkmy1NPKvFyL7VbQCLcBGAs/s320/We%2BAre%2BDed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We R Ded. :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-6782733005047398702018-02-24T07:45:00.000-06:002018-02-24T07:45:42.014-06:00Training to Be a TinmanI am so excited to announce that my training for the Topeka Tinman 70 officially begins on Monday! I've been diligently maintaining base fitness throughout the winter and <strike>getting my nutrition in check</strike> trying to reign in my nutrition. I'm ready to begin!<br />
<br />
If you are not familiar with a half-iron (70.3) distance triathlon, here's the breakdown:<br />
<br />
1.2 mile swim - which is about 2100 yards. Okay, no big deal - that's a regular weekday swim, right?<br />
<br />
56 mile bike ride - okay...that turns up the heat a little. Pacing and nutrition will be important!<br />
<br />
13.1 mile run - have I lost my mind!?<br />
<br />
I'll be using a the Intermediate training plan from the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/IronFit-Triathlon-Training-Women-Distances/dp/1493006096/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519477337&sr=8-3&keywords=ironfit" target="_blank">IronFit Triathlon Training for Women </a>by Melanie & Don Fink. I used their Olympic distance plan last year to finish the Topeka Tinman Olympic distance. Same training plan, same venue...just a little longer event this time.<br />
<br />
This training plan begins with 6 hours per week of training and peaks at several 12 hour weeks. By week 5, I will need to start waking up earlier to fit in the workouts before work. I will also need to go back to swimming on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. That seemed to work fairly well last year when I was training for the Oly distance tris. It takes blind determination because it's super hard to come home from work, make dinner and see the family and then leave right before the kids go to bed. Let me tell you...by Friday morning I am SO grateful for that rest day...it's Heaven on Earth!<br />
<br />
I have my workouts planned. What else do I need to factor in? Well, at age 42 I'm well aware of potential saboteurs to my plan. The biggest one is stress. I never miss workouts, but I have a long history of off the rails junk calorie consumption when I get stressed out. So I need a plan to combat that.<br />
<br />
Things to do instead of consume crappy calories when I'm stressed out:<br />
<br />
15 minutes of yoga with my Yoga Studio app. I'm considering ways to get dinner somewhat started the morning before (maybe chop the veggies?) so that I can come home and quickly change my clothes and do a 15 minute yoga rescue before the evening gets underway.<br />
<br />
Go for a walk. We are currently under a sheet of ice here in Nebraska, but it won't last long. Perhaps when I feel stressed out in the evenings, I can take a short stroll through my neighborhood. It would get me a little fresh air and get me time alone. That comes at a premium when you have kids!<br />
<br />
Watch some cute animal or comedian videos. I have access to YouTube so why not?<br />
<br />
Okay! Now I have the stress calorie consumption plan and the workouts planned! All I have to do now is begin. I have an indoor super sprint tri tomorrow and then no races until the <a href="https://www.lincolnmarathon.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln Half Marathon</a> on May 6th. That will be the beginning of Week 11 and my running will have progressed up to an 11 mile long run by that week. I do have a 60 mile bike ride and 4 mile run brick the day before - but I'm just going to train through Lincoln and have fun. <br />
<br />
It's just a C Race...lol<br />
<br />
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I'm excited!! I know I can do this. I did it in 2014 with my husband. You can read about that <a href="http://andrea-lifeisbeautiful.blogspot.com/2014/06/ironmorton-703-race-report.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. There's been a whole lot of water under the bridge since then, but I'm ready now. I spent last year getting in shape to even start this and it's going to be AWESOME. I plan on updating the blog with my training journey. It won't be exciting but it will be a good way to stay accountable with my stress reduction techniques and the training. Any and all suggestions, pats on the back and condolences will be gratefully accepted.</div>
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LET'S DO THIS.</div>
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-38778129236215463872018-01-27T21:06:00.001-06:002018-01-27T21:06:49.764-06:00Bryan Health Indoor TriathlonToday was my first triathlon of 2018!<br />
<br />
It was an indoor tri with the format as follows:<br />
<br />
10 minute pool swim<br />
30 minute spin bike<br />
20 minute treadmill run<br />
<br />
I love an indoor tri because it really levels you and and allows you to focus on your own performance, not who's lapping you! Everyone finishes at the same time, so you get to just do you. It's the best way to TRY a TRI in my opinion.<br />
<br />
My wave started at 7:20am, so I left early enough from home to get there about 30 minutes early. I didn't eat anything before, but just had a cuppa coffee. When I got there I picked up my packet and headed to the locker room. This race only cost $25 and I got a tech tee, a pair of socks and a swim cap in my SWAG Bag! Not bad! There was coffee, granola, yogurt and fruit set up for the athletes.<br />
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I quickly realized one of my friends was in the heat right after me and we had a great time checking out the swanky facilities. I made a new friend in my heat and we shared a swim lane. The swim started and while she and I were evenly matched, I kicked ahead a little to get us both a little lane space. I did 450 yards in the 10 minutes and felt like I could have pushed harder.<br />
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The transition between swim and bike was 10 minutes, so I had swum in a traditional swimsuit - planning on putting on tri shorts and a tee shirt for the bike and run. One thing that's not so easy is struggling in to a sports bra while wet and continuing to sweat! I used the hair dryers on the wall of the locker room to dry myself off and that sucker just slid right on, lol.<br />
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On to the bike. Those Kaiser spin bikes have a gigantic seat and I was never comfortable. The music was fun (80's Hair Bands, lol) and there was a couple of sisters ages 60 and 64 that were just a joy. They were cracking everyone up in the room and the time flew. I had my heart rate monitor on and was in zone 4 most of the time. I did 15k on the bike (9.3 miles) in 30 minutes and still had enough left for the run. I think I could have pushed harder - I was chatting with my new friend...:)<br />
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I saw my buddy as she started the bike and after some mutual adoration, I was off to the treadmill. They gave us 5 minutes to get to the treadmills.<br />
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There was no incline requirement on the treadmill, so I cranked it up a little higher than I though I could handle. I usually put my treadmill at home at 1.5% incline, so running at 0% is almost like running downhill! The music was fun, but after a few minutes people were quiet and going into the suffer zone. <br />
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I committed to running in that "a litter faster than I can handle" zone for 10 minutes. After that, I increased the speed a little. At the 15 minute mark, I was pretty uncomfortable with my hear rate maxed out at 183 bpm. I know that it won't kill ya, so I decided to crank it up just a little more for that last 5 minutes. I ended up with 1.8 miles in that 20 minutes. My run times have sucked with a capital SUCK lately, so I'm okay with 11 minute miles, oddly enough.<br />
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After I got off the bike, I saw my buddy Becky and she snapped a cute selfie of us:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZVgtiP475g/Wm08FrwTdXI/AAAAAAAAs9k/XdmmtMtvdj0z6VnJZgcxagA7dtE4qX2IwCLcBGAs/s1600/Becky%2Band%2BMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZVgtiP475g/Wm08FrwTdXI/AAAAAAAAs9k/XdmmtMtvdj0z6VnJZgcxagA7dtE4qX2IwCLcBGAs/s320/Becky%2Band%2BMe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All told, I had a great time! I'm stoked with my bike split and my swim is coming along. I know as I work and get more fit in 2018, that run time will rebound. No worries. This year is going to be GREAT!<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-320241615408808382016-03-24T16:29:00.000-05:002016-03-24T16:29:45.561-05:00Yo, Chubs, Let's Go For a Run.It sucks to be an overweight athlete. Body of a cherub, heart of Wonder Woman and all that.<br />
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Obvious reasons include - squeezing into spandex, finding appropriate clothing that is cut in a flattering and covering way, being slow (dang is THAT ever frustrating)...swelling of the feet and ankles (stuffing my club feet into tennis shoes is a challenge at times), bra strap fat, muffin top, etc.<br />
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Less obvious reasons include - being constantly on a diet but constantly burning so many calories that I'm always HANGRY. I can't win. I volley back and forth between thinking I'm not eating enough to trying new stupid diets. I've done the Renegade Diet, South Beach, Weight Watchers (points ad nausea), Low Carb, Low Fat, Calorie Cycling, Carb Cycling, Road Cycling...oh wait that's not a diet. But you get the picture.<br />
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Recently I cut *most* of the dumb-dumb calories out. Dumb-dumb calories are the ones you ingest that make you want to then eat something salty to go with. Beer, alright. Beer. And yes, if I have a beer I want a plate of nachos to go with it. I'm like the mouse and the cookie, dang.<br />
<br />
So a month ago I cut that consumption by 75%. No change in my weight. What the actual heck?<br />
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Most diets want me to eat only 1200 calories per day. To put it in perspective, yesterday I biked 15 miles (500 calories) walked 5 miles (200 calories) and swam 1.5 miles (300 calories)...my Basal Metabolic Rate (the calories I burn just existing in a 24 hour period) is 1400 calories. So...500+200+300+1400 = 2400 calories burned yesterday. I stuck to my diet, went to bed hungry and have nearly eaten two of my co-workers today.<br />
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Will I be lighter for any of my efforts. Probably not.<br />
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In addition to 7-9 hours of triathlon training per week, I do weight bearing exercises twice a week for 30 minutes -- push ups, squats, step ups, deadlift and lats. I have a job where I walk 4-5 miles in my 8 hour work day. I eat all of my veggies most days. I take a probiotic, fish oils and make coconut oil and/or water a part of my diet. I sleep 7-8 hours each night. I meditate and read my Bible every morning. I pet a cat on a daily basis for corn sake...I belong to a church, I'm married, I have kids, friends, family - I am about as spiritually and emotionally healthy as a person can GET.<br />
<br />
Why, why, why, why, WHY am I still overweight?<br />
<br />
What am I missing?? I'm officially sick and tired of it. I'm thinking about meeting with a Nutritionist to see if they can steer me in the right direction. Frankly, with my big weight loss of 70 pounds about 12 years ago and my loss of 40 post baby pounds 5 years ago - I figured I knew all there was to know about diet and exercise. I've had 100's of day streaks on MyFitnessPal - that's free! I really don't see what a Nutritionist is going to be able to tell me that I don't already know or do.<br />
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Not sure what going to a nutritionist costs - but I'll bet it's more than I can afford. *blurb* I guess there are worse things than being a chubby Triathlete. As long as I live healthy and am mobile for many years to come, that's really my goal. Right? Right.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-77868551950462449272016-03-17T15:03:00.000-05:002016-03-17T15:57:03.873-05:00How I Feel About MarchMarch is a strange month and a strange time of year. I'm reminded of things I don't want to think about and my mind starts to play tricks on me. I look to God's Word, my Friends and Family, of course my Husband, and Prayer for encouragement and strength.<br />
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It's been a while since I've been so candid about this part of my life -- sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago, like I was a different person (and believe me, I was!). Other times, it's so close I can smell and feel the environment that I wish would stay "long long ago."</div>
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Without going into too much detail, I will paraphrase this story of my past by saying:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxqWN0oqYBc/VusZU9n41jI/AAAAAAAAbYM/-T7x36w10dILEAsZ3L4DWFhxppc5Lx5TQ/s1600/Redeemed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxqWN0oqYBc/VusZU9n41jI/AAAAAAAAbYM/-T7x36w10dILEAsZ3L4DWFhxppc5Lx5TQ/s1600/Redeemed.jpg" /></a>A long time ago, I lived with someone who was very sick. This person didn't love himself or anyone else and lived his life as such. Holidays were always a reason to abuse a variety of substances, and St. Patrick's day was a week long "event" due to this persons Irish ancestry. I could never prepare myself for what would happen. It was like a Mac Truck out of control.</div>
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One year, there was a baby coming! My pregnancy had been very stressful. Living with someone who had gotten so very sick, it seemed as if each day was like that out of control truck. With a little boy to take care of as well, I was always afraid of the coming doom and never felt safe.</div>
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I knew nothing of Jesus at this time.</div>
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March was about surviving. It was about laying low, trying to do everything right. Easter was only different because maybe we went to a family dinner. No gifts, no decorations, no money.</div>
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I labored and delivered alone, that March. Shortly after, I gathered my young children and a few belongings and tried to escape. After a year of hell and with the help of my sister, I was finally free.</div>
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I knew nothing of redemption at this time.</div>
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Now, bring your mind forward in time. Many years forward. All you really have to do is blink.</div>
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I have a life that is, by any standard, perfect. I live with someone who loves me, very much. I am encouraged in all of my endeavors, supported by strong hands and embraced each day by kind and understanding arms. </div>
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That baby just turned 14. She is funny, artistic, intelligent...and safe. Our lives are like a huge, palatial yacht on calm seas. I have more than all I could ask for or imagine. All because of someone, many years ago, who was willing to pay the penalty for sin.</div>
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I know Jesus now. I know redemption. I know without a doubt that He had ME specifically in mind. Twelve years ago, when I really decided that I couldn't "do" life without Jesus, I knew what people were saying about a "personal relationship." I understood in my head that that was possible. It took a lot longer to feel it in my heart.</div>
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March has always been hard. This year, Easter - the celebration of Jesus redemption, is here very early. In March. This year, I play a small part in a theatrical portrayal of Jesus life. I play - His mother. I watch as he is mocked and crucified, then laid to rest in the tomb. I rejoice at finding the empty tomb three days later.</div>
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I expected it would not be hard to muster tears of sorrow for my role as Mary Mother of Jesus. That little boy I went through hell to protect 14 years ago, hasn't been my best friend of late. He will soon be leaving for the military and will not likely say goodbye. </div>
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What I didn't expect were the overflowing tears of gratitude for a God that Redeems. All things are redeemed through Christ. Even something so small in the grand scheme of the Universe, as how I feel about the month of March.</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-378624268041509132016-01-05T16:22:00.000-06:002016-01-05T16:22:15.012-06:00Rest and VeggiesTotally (un)Toasty Tuesday Workouts<br />
<br />
30 minutes of strength training<br />
2+ mile run on the treadmill while watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1954347/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Continuum</a>.<br />
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It was a balmy 18 degrees at 4:30 this morning. The real feel was FIVE. I don't know why I hold out hope that my run will happen outside anytime soon. It's only week two of Workout Jail and I'm already fussing and whining about being in the basement. Reminds me of one of the kids that used to say "hotside" for outside. He'd stand by the door and demand to be set free. Yep.<br />
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Hold cold is it? It's so cold that the cat won't even go out. It's so cold that my skin is two sizes to small and cracking! It's so cold that...it's just cold. How's that for some literary genius.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7N8gJh-3Sg/VowtjOfbmDI/AAAAAAAAZGs/JfwJKeL2zf4/s1600/hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7N8gJh-3Sg/VowtjOfbmDI/AAAAAAAAZGs/JfwJKeL2zf4/s200/hand.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ew, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really should have run a full 3 miles this morning - but - I had to get started an hour earlier today so that I could be at work early. I slept pretty solid (thank you Ambien) so at least there's that. I just get so tired when I run after weight training. Maybe I should mix it up and run first. Though the warmup from the weights workout is so nice on my legs.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYTNnObmgi0/VowwCS3b4MI/AAAAAAAAZG4/uzu8ewlIj38/s1600/dork..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jYTNnObmgi0/VowwCS3b4MI/AAAAAAAAZG4/uzu8ewlIj38/s320/dork..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty dorky at 5:00am</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In our healthy living support group, today, the challenge was to do 2 minutes of planks. I spend the bulk of last year working on core strength and planks are an easy to master exercise that helps build that up without a single crunch or sit up. I actually like planks the best of all abdominal strengthening exercises and have seen tremendous benefit.<br />
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Now if I could just find a food or beverage that burned off the fat around those newly toned muscles...that would be something! <br />
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Actually doing pretty good on the nutrition side. One pesky little component that I was limiting greatly until the dreaded Holiday Break, when I pretty much did whatever I wanted. No matter - just time to get on the horse again.<br />
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Trying to convince myself that my body needs rest and healthy foods tonight...not beer and chips...to recover from a very stressful day. Rest and veggies, rest and veggies, rest and veggies...no beer, no, no, no.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-43630343220704053362016-01-04T14:29:00.000-06:002016-01-04T14:29:39.021-06:00Let Full On January Begin!Monday is a Rest Day, Halelujiah.<br />
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Yesterday I got my 6 mile run done on the treaddy - but I waited til after Church thinking that I would be able to do it outdoors...nope. So - I missed my swim, but I'll not be beating myself up for that. No sir. Also, a run that late in the day followed by sitting in my rocking chair made for some really sore legs in the night and today. Just getting old, I guess.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ot6sDCcgwgw/VorHUNtAsUI/AAAAAAAAZF0/1oh-ofXzquw/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ot6sDCcgwgw/VorHUNtAsUI/AAAAAAAAZF0/1oh-ofXzquw/s320/kids.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan holding Stella being kissed by Cameron</td></tr>
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I did manage to get a run in on Friday morning before we left for Kansas City, but needless to say - I wasn't feeling a Saturday morning long bike after staying in a hotel room Friday night. The beds were super comfy and the place was quiet - but our 8 year old had a hard time settling down. Couple that with her sharing a bed with our 13 year old aaaand you have a short and restless nights sleep.<br />
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We had a good time seeing my sister and two nieces, though. I was really glad to get the cousins together. I have a whole gaggle of cousins that I don't really know very well. Also, my other siblings kids and my kids didn't really ever get to know each other, so I'd like to change that with these cousins. <br />
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Ya gotta make an effort with these things.<br />
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Yesterday was pretty hard on me. Still having issues with our oldest son. It gets easier to take and you begin to understand that it really isn't your fault no matter what they tell you. But, I can't help but be deeply saddened. I have been doing well at not internalizing these things - but I've been extremely prone to migraines and now have two lovely cold sores to show how NOT stressed out I am about all this.<br />
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In any case - just trying to keep my head above the waves. Having a fitness and nutrition goal is tremendously helpful. My 20 week Half Ironman plan begins on January 17th. I've joined a healthy living support group on FaceBook to help me stay accountable and motivated. I have plenty of love and prayers support. I just need to make sure I squash any and all negative self-talk.<br />
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Easy, right?Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-78421421042375790342016-01-02T08:13:00.000-06:002016-01-02T08:13:10.696-06:002015 to 2016<div dir="ltr">
This year saw lots of changes with our household. I think the coming year will be equally interesting, but hopefully less frustrating. But that's life!</div>
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This past year started out with a bang. We had some issues with one of our children that uncovered even more issues, that just grew and grew until we realized we had a real mess on our hands. I won't continue to talk about that. It's sad and hasn't resolved, but will culminate with our son leaving for boot camp in June hi with no intention of ever returning. Life has a way of working out, I'm told. </div>
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In March, I was hired at <a href="http://www.baylorevnen.com/">Baylor </a><a href="http://www.baylorevnen.com/">Evnen</a>! I closed Small Steps Childcare after seven years of caring and cuddling for the best little people around, and went back to work. It sure was an adjustment for our whole family! I was really scared that I wouldn't fit in. I've never worked in the legal field plus it had been a long time since I'd done any clerical work. But, it seems the Good Lord knows what he's doing and my job has been a tremendous blessing in every way. I adore my boss and enjoy the work AND I was awarded the firm's employee of the year award as voted by my co-workers! It seems I fit in pretty good. :)</div>
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This summer was very different without my being home. Our oldest daughter, Alahnnah, stayed home and cared for her younger siblings while David and I were at work. Out of the 12 weeks of summer, we agreed to pay her to watch the kids for seven of the weeks, and I paid to take the kids to the daycamp at the YMCA for the other five weeks. She made some money and it saved us some time and some money! Also, I think they had fun. :)</div>
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During those weeks that the younger children were at daycamp, our teeny-bopper daughter had some fun adventures with the church Student Ministry on Mission trips and summer camps. </div>
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At the end of the summer, my youngest brother got married at Sunken Gardens in a beautiful ceremony. He was in his dress uniform and looked devastatingly handsome. Must be genetic. </div>
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This Fall I tended towards illness and missed one of my favorite events of the year, Market to Market Relay. In fact, my fall racing was entirely a bust and I came to a pretty pivotal point in my personal growth. Painful but necessary. </div>
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In the beginning of 2015, I began praying "less of me, Lord, more of you". I didn't know what that would look like. I had no idea the pain that would be involved in that kind of sanctification. I don't regret it and will continue on. However, after being stripped of things I erroneously tied my identity to, I have to say I am afraid of what's to come. </div>
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What's to come. </div>
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My intention for 2016 is to cultivate kindness. To myself and to others. I think if I focus on that, the rest will be OK. </div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-55882143074559689542015-12-31T17:15:00.001-06:002015-12-31T17:15:38.432-06:00What I Learned from The Sky People<i>Thinking It's Thursday Workouts</i><br />
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30ish minutes of weights from the Tri-Power book.<br />
30 minutes on the bike - indoor trainer. And HOW many miles did I cover after I entered the correct wheel size?? About 30% more! Glad I fixed that little issue.<br />
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When I ride and run inside in the winter, I often work my way through a series on Netflix. Currently, I'm working on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1954347/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Continuum</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2661044/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The 100</a>. The 100 is a Sci-Fi series that centers around a group of 100 young people that are basically incarcerated on a space station. The earth has long been abandoned due to radiation contamination. The elders decide that the earth might be viable again and - to save oxygen on the aging space station - they send the 100 to check it out.<br />
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Most of the 100 are ages 15 to 19 (though the beards on some of the boys say they are much older...) It's been interesting to see how the conflicts and hardships they endure on the earth "age" them. The main character is a smart, beautiful young woman named Clarke who is supposed to be about 18. <br />
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If I squint real hard I could imagine myself to have an 18 year old...oh wait...I almost do. :)<br />
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So this begins my transformation in how I look at television. Where Clarke used to be someone I would look up to, maybe even look to for hair or makeup - possibly clothing - standards, now it's her mother - Abby. In the series, Abby is the Medical Doctor on the space station. She is on the ruling counsel and even becomes Chancellor as the series progresses.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XN9fYl-Z6Pk/VoWDy-4BQOI/AAAAAAAAYqs/i__xfu5-paQ/s1600/Abby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XN9fYl-Z6Pk/VoWDy-4BQOI/AAAAAAAAYqs/i__xfu5-paQ/s320/Abby.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Abby" Paige Turco</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3XtBYGou9A/VoWDy9gEnVI/AAAAAAAAYqw/edPNA1pKIdw/s1600/Clarke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3XtBYGou9A/VoWDy9gEnVI/AAAAAAAAYqw/edPNA1pKIdw/s320/Clarke.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Clarke" Eliza Taylor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have realized, lately, that I no longer relate with Clarke. I no longer float in a weird "I have children, but they are little and not like that" gray area. I, now, fully relate with Abby. My older children are young adults. My son will leave in June to pursue his career in the United States Navy. My oldest daughter looks a whole lot like Clarke.<br />
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*sniff*<br />
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On the show, today, Abby (the Mom) had a tough decision to make and ultimately went against what the majority of the people thought and sided with Clarke (the teen). I know, I'm a huge dork, but I got a little misty, a little choked up and a little proud when Abby said "I trust my daughter!" Did the situation work out? Yes, and no. Just like real life. Except in real life we aren't crash landed on earth and at war with the indigenous people group while 47 of our young people are trapped by psycho hyper-evolved humans who want to drain their bone marrow so that they can live on the surface again.<br />
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But almost.<br />
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Well, how was that for some rambling, eh? Hope everyone has a safe New Year. Try not to do anything you wouldn't normally do, and might regret.<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-27728957224169238192015-12-30T16:32:00.000-06:002015-12-30T16:32:23.559-06:00Wednesday and I'm Still a Dork<i>What, it's Wednesday Already!? Workout</i><br />
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<u>60 mintues on the bike - indoor trainer.</u> And just how many miles did I cover in that hour? 10.9...what!? Really, that's it? Garmin says I burned 525 calories in that hour. 11mph is like la-dee-dah lets go for a nice relaxing bike ride - not a 500 calorie per hour sweatfest!<br />
<br />
Why do I tell you this? Well - I tell you this because I figured out what a huge dork I am and why, after months of consistent workouts and better nutrition, why I am actually getting slower on the bike.<br />
<br />
Well.<br />
<br />
Back in the Fall, I finally got enough saved up for a new Garmin. I was rocking the 310XT with it's beautiful 1/2" thick orange and gray face and monochrome display for two years. Two years of a GPS enabled multi-sport watch that you can't wear anywhere else because it's SO DANG BIG.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03C_916lh1Q/VoRaglU8s7I/AAAAAAAAYqA/oGm4G6Fe9YA/s1600/310XT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03C_916lh1Q/VoRaglU8s7I/AAAAAAAAYqA/oGm4G6Fe9YA/s1600/310XT.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 310XT - functional, but huge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So the lovely day occurred when I got the white faced watch with optional purple strap and I proceeded to configure the data screens and pair the bluetooth equipment and we went out running and swimming and biking and it was lovely.<br />
<br />
Shortly after, I got very sick with cellulitis in my leg. :( Super Sad Face. If you don't know what cellulitis is, look it up. I'm not kidding when I say that I could have died. It's basically a skin infection that goes septic. I was on two different antibiotics + pain meds and I didn't work a whole day for 2 weeks. <br />
<br />
By the time I got better, it was way time for the bike to be on the trainer for the winter. I know, I know, there are other people that ride outside all winter. But that is not me. I don't like riding in the dark and I don't have the gear for the colder days. So, I paired up my speed and cadence sensor and away I rode...well, I stayed in one place spinning my back wheel.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVB_RzdwXYA/VoRay4u02bI/AAAAAAAAYqI/hUFlGbr1W2I/s1600/VivoActive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVB_RzdwXYA/VoRay4u02bI/AAAAAAAAYqI/hUFlGbr1W2I/s1600/VivoActive.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautimous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I noticed right away that I wasn't getting the mileage out of my effort and I figured it was because I had been sick. Also, on the trainer, there's no hills to zoom down and it's a leeeeetle boring, so I tend to be slower. But 50% slower? Hmm...ok, time to get in shape, right?<br />
<br />
Well, time has gone on now, and I have been very consistent with my workouts and *mostly* consistent with my nutrition (we shall go for very consistent after the first of the year). <br />
<br />
This morning I figured it out! OH MY QUAD.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When I configured my new Garmin VivoActive, I didn't put in the wheel size when I paired the speed and cadence sensor!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
Well. I'm glad I got that figured out. What a dork. If all of that means absolutely nothing to you - that's ok. Just understand that I have been building a tremendous amount of bike fitness with very little encouragement. Sort of like running on a treadmill that's clocking you a lot slower than you're running so you run harder and harder to try to make it up.<br />
<br />
So I fixed it and am anxious to see if it makes any difference, or...am I just slow on the bike trainer! Either way - I'll be super BikeFit by the time Spring rolls around!<br />
<br />
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-90789843970263326632015-12-29T16:27:00.002-06:002015-12-29T16:27:55.633-06:00Merry Birthday & Happy Christmas<u>Terrific Tuesday Workouts</u><br />
<br />
<i>30 minutes of weight training</i> - I began a more assertive program in one of my books. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tri-Power-Conditioning-Endurance-Flexibility/dp/1578262445" target="_blank">Tri Power</a> by Paul Frediani & William Smith was included in my registration of a weekend long Triathlon Camp at the local YMCA in 2014. It's a wonderfully well rounded program that focuses on functional strength, flexibility and injury prevention.<br />
<i>2+ mile run</i> - on the treadmill. Boo-hoo and wah-wah. We will all bitch and complain until mid February when the icy tundra of Nebraska recedes again to just "Winter" and not "Holy Crap the Air Hurts to Breathe and My Nose is Now Frozen, HELP!!"<br />
<br />
Yesterday I moved my bike and all my weights back into my basement where they are once again nestled lovingly next to the treadmill. Hate to do it, but gotta get training done in these frigid months. And I know, I know, there are people in Canada that are outside getting it done in -3 with 40mph winds...but not me, alright. As an evolved human I've been given free will. And a brain.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzHR7fc9hxM/VoMILVudd2I/AAAAAAAAYpA/cdi2lF8D_PY/s1600/cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzHR7fc9hxM/VoMILVudd2I/AAAAAAAAYpA/cdi2lF8D_PY/s320/cam.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnbhC3kz1qI/VoMIKHHFlEI/AAAAAAAAYos/FkiaYw5Dtu0/s1600/Sucandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnbhC3kz1qI/VoMIKHHFlEI/AAAAAAAAYos/FkiaYw5Dtu0/s320/Sucandy.jpg" width="180" /></a>Yesterday was also my 40th Birthday. Holy shit. When did that happen?! I spent the day watching Sci-Fi and eating. In fact, that's a whole lot like what I did these past 5 or 6 days in a row. No workouts, lots of sleep and food. Glorious, sugar laden, fat soaked, nutrient poor, sometimes alcohol laced, FOOD. It was absolutely wonderful.<br />
<br />
<br />
Christmas was nice. Of course, living in a First World country, being a home owner and a double income family there is NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. Yeah, my kids didn't get everything they wanted, but that's life. David loved his new gloves. They are thin, but warm and even have a windproof mitt hidden in a little pocket that he can take out and cover up his fingers if/when running or biking in the cold. Warm hands can make a sucky workout less so.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs2nKGgMIhQ/VoMILn-fy0I/AAAAAAAAYo4/cn9YRCCkIgg/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs2nKGgMIhQ/VoMILn-fy0I/AAAAAAAAYo4/cn9YRCCkIgg/s320/food.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was somewhat productive with my time off. Another "Big Cook" as I fondly put it, was completed. Sunday after church we went to the mall and got Susan's ears pierced and then headed on to Aldi for a couple wagonloads worth of groceries. I made 20 meals that afternoon in 3 hours. If you've never done a big batch cook before, I recommend using a plan from<a href="https://iamthatlady.com/shop/" target="_blank"> IAmThatLady.com</a>. Her plans are around $3 and include shopping lists and a step by step. THREE DOLLARS for the plan and usually about $150 for 20 meals. We eat them two at a time, sometimes depending on what it is and who is at home - but still, I end up with pre-packaged, ready to throw in the oven or dump in the crokcpot meals for TWO WEEKS that way.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NYFklO5BLs/VoMIJ9PqxBI/AAAAAAAAYow/9-7pN2DMw6A/s1600/Sue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NYFklO5BLs/VoMIJ9PqxBI/AAAAAAAAYow/9-7pN2DMw6A/s320/Sue.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No drama from this girl. Tough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm using a whole lot of CAPS in this post. Hmm.<br />
<br />
<br />
Glad to be somewhat back to a normal schedule. We are going to see my sister for New Years, so that will be fun. Our families have both grown so much that she doesn't have a spare room anymore and my kids are way to big to sleep on the floor. So - we get to rent a hotel room and enjoy free cable and an indoor pool. Darn.<br />
<br />
LOL<br />
<br />
If only I can make it through another THREE DAY work week... :)<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-66664320898034150972015-12-23T15:02:00.000-06:002015-12-23T15:02:59.782-06:00The Official Declaration<u>Wonderful Wednesday Workout</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
- None. I slept in until the very last possible moment when I could awake.<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the line yesterday, I ate something that didn't just disagree with me, it had an all out ugly divorce with my digestive system. Had a rough night, so figured I'd stay in bed this morning. <br />
<br />
I feel so badly when I miss an evening with the kids. Last night, as I laid in bed, groaning and wishing the vile offender would make its exit, I could hear the fun I was missing. David even read the book to the kids. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgfLinVTXGI/VnsLLe2JscI/AAAAAAAAYoA/mw4fG3U29UI/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgfLinVTXGI/VnsLLe2JscI/AAAAAAAAYoA/mw4fG3U29UI/s320/kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute? :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are reading through The Chronicles of Narnia. If you've never read them, do it! You've probably heard of some of the movies, or even seen one. Let me be the first to tell you, the books are even better!<br />
<br />
So, not much else to say, today. I've not felt well at all and have had a few slices of toast and two bananas to eat all day. The girls bought pizza at work and offered me a slice (they are so sweet, seeing as how I didn't even pitch in!) and even though pizza is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite food on the planet, I declined.<br />
<br />
I tried to eat an apple a little while ago, but I managed to nearly cut my finger off - so that's a bust. Of course my boss comes around to wish me a Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday as I'm typing with a makeshift tourniquet on my finger. It's a good thing that she likes me, I'm often displaying how big of a DORK I am at all the wrong times. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3YH5nVmSos/VnsK-jMxKKI/AAAAAAAAYn4/MqLZEiYuS04/s1600/CAm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v3YH5nVmSos/VnsK-jMxKKI/AAAAAAAAYn4/MqLZEiYuS04/s320/CAm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess DORK is genetic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today is December 23rd. There are eight days left of the year that includes my birthday, Christmas and New Years Eve. I think it's time...<br />
<br />
<u>"I hereby declare that calories do not exist from this point forward until the stroke of midnight on January 31st. Go, my friends, and eat and drink what you please. Do not forsake a cookie or slow down the pour of something delicious. Go forth and be Merry!!"</u><br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-20056303035525240032015-12-22T13:22:00.000-06:002015-12-22T13:22:16.312-06:00Cold Acclimation<u>Terrific Tuesday Workouts</u><div>
<br /><div>
- 30 minutes of weight training in the garage while watching Agents of Shield...I'm in the endish of Season 2 and I gotta say that I sure liked the team better in Season 1. Coulson is so weird now and I'm confused...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- 2.25 mile run in the nice cool 25 degree air. There was very little wind and a nice covering of frost on the ground, kind of pretty!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This mornings' run in the cold made me realize that I might actually be somewhat cold-acclimated! I have been a runner for 10 years and I think this is the first winter that I have seriously committed to acclimating to the cold. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just like anything that ends up being good for me, the cold acclimation is somewhat out of necessity. My treadmill is in the basement and our 17 year old son's room is right next to it. Have you ever tried to sleep while someone is pounding the belt on a treadmill right next to your room? Not easy. And...with our relationship not exactly being wonderful right now, I decided to try to run outside unless it's snowy or icy out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's paid off - but not without it's annoyances. In 20's degrees, I usually wear a t-shirt, a long sleeve and a windproof jacket. On the lower half, I go with tights and sometimes yoga pants over the top if there's wind or if the real feel is teens. I found a pair of fleece lined undershorts at the Lincoln Running Company yesterday for $10, so those go on too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All those layers are great - until they need to come off. Peeling layer after layer of sweat soaked, cold, textile off your warm-on-the-inside cold-on-the-outside, middle aged, slightly squishy, good lord why is spandex so tight, body can qualify for exercise in itself!! And it's just gross.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Those perils aside, I've noticed that my last two cold weather runs had me thinking "hmm, this isn't too bad!" which makes me think that I'm making progress in the cold. I don't really pay attention to my pace while wearing all those layers - can't really get to my Garmin - but during this "base building" phase, who cares how fast I run? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you run, walk or bike in the cold? How cold is your limit? I think my limit will probably be single digits - or if the wind make the real feel single digits. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've had a very mild winter so far - here's to more of that!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-91677339537390261862015-12-21T16:33:00.000-06:002015-12-21T16:33:26.017-06:002016 Plans in TriI just love a new year! So full of possibilities! I'm not necessarily a resolution setter, but I am one who likes a fresh start. 2015 was a great year for me personally. It was really, really, hard, but it was a great and wonderful teacher. I learned oh, so much about limitations and how those can actually help you grow! I have long been one to bow up my back against any and all limits, hurdles, or things trying to stop me. How dare it! But this year I finally, finally, learned a lesson that God has been trying to teach me for a long time. Even I have a limit.<br />
<br />
Enough of that, let's move on to the new year! On Saturday June 4, 2016 I will go for finish #2 of IronMorton 70.3! This is one of my homspun events that satisfies the distance requirement without costing me a small fortune. A comprable event in Boulder Colorado costs $300 just for the entry fee...not to mention travel, hotel, meals, etc.<br />
<br />
Point of information - if you aren't sure what a 70.3 triathlon is, here is some basics:<br />
<br />
A triathlon is always in the same order of swim, then bike, and finally run. There are also duathlons which are simply biking and running and there are aquabikes which, as the name implies are swims followed by bike rides. But let's not get too far off the path..A 70.3 or Half Iron distance triathlon is this:<br />
<br />
Swim = 1.2 miles... which is roughly 1900 meters or 2075 yards of swimmy goodness.<br />
<br />
Bike = 56 miles...beautiful time on the bike to look at the Nebraska countryside!<br />
<br />
Run = 13.1 miles...why the point one..?? Well, I guess so it's an official half marathon. <br />
<br />
Total = 70.3 miles of AWESOME! :)<br />
<br />
Questions you may be wanting to ask include (no, not the one about my sanity) - How long will this take? I won't go in to how long it takes the pro people...or the fast people...or the skinny people...or the young people...I'm not any of those people. I am me! So for ME, this is how it breaks down:<br />
<br />
Swim = about 45 - 50 minutes. This is the first leg of the journey and is essentially the warm up.<br />
<br />
Bike = 3:30 to 3:45. All depends on the weather, traffic, how many stops, etc.<br />
<br />
Run = 2:45 - this works out to a 12:30 average pace. I plan to run one mile and walk one minute, rinse and repeat.<br />
<br />
Total = 7 to 7.5 hours of triathaFUN!<br />
<br />
I plan to train on a 20 week plan which will start on January 17th. I'm already doing what is called "base building" and involves getting my nutrition reigned in nice and close AND making sure my body is comfortable with minimum safe distances in each discipline before adding more. I've been base building since November 1st, and I have a pretty good foundation laid so far.<br />
<br />
Well, there we go - I think I'm ready to start!<br />
<br />
One of my favorite topics is triathlon. Feel free to ask me any questions! I also would love for some local folks to come along with me in June and swim, bike or run a bit with me. Think about it - I could especially use the support on the run. That's when things get sketchy...<br />
<br />
What are your plans for the new year? If you had all the time and money in the world, what would you do?Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-1313443961329015282015-08-03T20:52:00.001-05:002015-08-03T20:52:19.063-05:00Long Runs & Gold Medals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cuWyyRm26Y/VcAR4cjQ_mI/AAAAAAAAWQ0/i1-E4lFrPic/s1600/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cuWyyRm26Y/VcAR4cjQ_mI/AAAAAAAAWQ0/i1-E4lFrPic/s640/river.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going over a creek east of Lincoln on my mountain bike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I don't even know where to begin with this fabulous weekend! I love taking pictures with my phone, so I don't forget anything. Of course only the good, weird or otherwise pleasant things get a photo op. :)<br />
<br />
I didn't take a picture of the vomit fountain I experienced in my hands on Friday night. Turns out my 6-year-old flew under the radar and had sugary cereal for dinner, then had a small blizzard from Dairy Queen and, well, that's a lot of sugar. Erp.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning I went out for my long run about 6:30. I looked at the radar and we were in for some rain in the next thirty minutes or so, but I didn't want to wait so I went out anyway. Sure enough, about 20 minutes later it started to sprinkle. It wasn't bad, and even the full on rain was warm and there was no wind. My shoes didn't even get that wet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A4BMO2_7MTw/VcARw2_hnSI/AAAAAAAAWQg/XkdFKc-7H2M/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A4BMO2_7MTw/VcARw2_hnSI/AAAAAAAAWQg/XkdFKc-7H2M/s320/run.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camelbak + headphones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was amazingly NOT HUMID AS HADES and I felt pretty good about my run. Still not the solid 11:00/min miles I want, but it was still 70 degrees out there. And hey, 9 miles is a good chunk of mileage for any runner at any pace. <br />
<br />
<br />
I appreciate the downhills so much these days - literally and metaphorically. Life isn't supposed to be an uphill battle all the time!<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday is always a busy day despite the early morning training that has to happen. Lovely trip to Aldi for meat and grains, then a produce haul at the local co-op. Glad that there wasn't anything terribly weird in there this time. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday. Oh Sunday. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday was the State Games of America Triathlon. I participated as a team as the swimmer. I had two very fast boys as the cyclist and the runner and guess what?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuVbiL5UzC0/VcARpJ4uktI/AAAAAAAAWQU/M2hL8qEpij0/s1600/body%2Bmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuVbiL5UzC0/VcARpJ4uktI/AAAAAAAAWQU/M2hL8qEpij0/s320/body%2Bmark.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE bodymarking!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
GOLD MEDAL<br />
<br />
It was a sprint tri in and around a local lake - er pond, really. Man, that thing was stinky. My swimming part was only 500yds and I didn't feel I did very well. My bike crash a week ago caused me to not swim for a week and I was pretty stiff. I wasn't panicked and felt that I swam smooth - just not terribly fast.<br />
<br />
Good thing our cyclist and runner were SMOKIN' fast. I've never placed in any age group or division, much less taken first place. It was a great feeling and I got a little teary. Thanks, guys.<br />
<br />
Later, Sunday night, I took my daughter to a birthday party in a small town outside of Lincoln and loaded up the mountain bike to kill time. There's a crushed limestone trail that used to be a railroad line. It's well maintained and downright beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EhrjespsXo/VcARrgNrFRI/AAAAAAAAWQc/g_X2JFdDcY8/s1600/clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EhrjespsXo/VcARrgNrFRI/AAAAAAAAWQc/g_X2JFdDcY8/s400/clouds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I rode out with the intention of going to the next town, 12 miles away. But, in Nebraska when the sky looks like grey lemon merengue, you turn around and head back. So, only 7 miles out and turned back, but still got a nice ride in. It all went north of us, like I thought the radar indicated - but I didn't want to be caught out in a field all alone in a storm.<br />
<br />
No complaints out of me for the weekend! My littlest boy even lost his other front tooth. LOL - they look SO cute when they have the front ones missing. Got all my meals made and ready to dump in the crock pot or pop in the over for dinner each night. Things look pretty good with a little planning!<br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-74677325637305021342015-07-31T11:27:00.000-05:002015-07-31T11:27:30.173-05:00Stinky Attitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WZyoFQp6S8/VbuY22T9oLI/AAAAAAAAWGk/aLGSlTHMfhc/s1600/Glory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WZyoFQp6S8/VbuY22T9oLI/AAAAAAAAWGk/aLGSlTHMfhc/s640/Glory.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magical sunrise that I tried to ignore.</td></tr>
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I really, really, really, really, really, did not want to ride my bike this morning. There is something about me that I've come to realize over the years. Well, there are a lot of things - some of which are not fit to print - but one thing is that the harder I resist doing something, the more I probably need to do it.<br />
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I'm mad, you see. Mad at cycling. Mad at helmets and traffic and bike paths and clip in pedals.<br />
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I'm oftentimes angry. I guess it's a "thing" with me. I get riled up about something and I just get madder and madder. It starts with something like my kid getting hit on his bike and it blows up into the whole world hating cyclists. I get more and more worked up and isolate so that nobody knows what a big baby I am being. Before you know it, I'm back to some very unhealthy behaviors and things are falling apart. Not that you'd ever know. I'm also a very good stuffer. But that is for another post.<br />
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Let's get off this morning for a bit, though and back track to last night. I did get out in the garage and shape things up a little bit. Our 8-year-old helped me sweep and we have a couple of carpet remnants that we vacuumed. Cleared of the workbench, hooked an oscillating fan up out there and voila! Nice space to sweat!<br />
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We had the radio going while we were working and the kids had a good time. Well, the two little ones did. The 13-year-old was glued to Instagram and the 17-year-old was glued to his girlfriend. *sigh*<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uc3eo8pYZc8/VbudfnFEfVI/AAAAAAAAWG8/kS9xE1PKV4E/s1600/Cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uc3eo8pYZc8/VbudfnFEfVI/AAAAAAAAWG8/kS9xE1PKV4E/s320/Cam.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron Schwartzenegger</td></tr>
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Our 8-year-old, Susan, is an aspiring gymnast - so I was entertained by forward rolls, back bends, and "almost a cartwheel". We rigged up a balance beam for her to practice on and it was a lot of fun. We danced around until after 9:00pm when Mom realized that it was waaaay time to go in and go to bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggryyuOkK-8/Vbudf8g2xhI/AAAAAAAAWHI/1gUZv7KbYB0/s1600/Sue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggryyuOkK-8/Vbudf8g2xhI/AAAAAAAAWHI/1gUZv7KbYB0/s320/Sue.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, it looks dangerous.</td></tr>
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My husband went and returned the vacuum cleaner to my Mom's place. Unfortunately ours died (it was only 12 years old, gosh!) so we've been borrowing hers. My attitude was really, really, really, really, stinky so I sat in the garage and pouted while he went by himself. That made me feel even more guilty, so yeah - the circle of crap continues.<br />
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Anywhooty.<br />
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Wanna see a picture of a belligerent 39-year-old spoiled brat that didn't want to do anything good for her this morning?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy0_Yu1CHP8/Vbue15UlswI/AAAAAAAAWHU/_j_zgqFRwvM/s1600/Thrilled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy0_Yu1CHP8/Vbue15UlswI/AAAAAAAAWHU/_j_zgqFRwvM/s400/Thrilled.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hates this.</td></tr>
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It's not like I had to force myself to get out of bed this morning, so I don't know what the big deal was. I'm awake by 5:30 most of the time by default (dang, I'm OLD). I get so mad that I don't want to feel better - and I knew that the morning air and the sunrise would make me feel better.<br />
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What.<br />
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Do you get like that? So wallowing in the self pity party that you refuse to feel better? Psycho, much Andrea!? So, I refused to see the beautiful sunrise behind the clouds until it was almost out of sight. I refused to smile and be nice to people on the trail - thought I begrudgingly did holler "on your left" to the pedestrians (damn peds, I bet if THEY get hit by a car people will care). See!? What a brat I am!<br />
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After I turned around at the halfway point - of a route that I deliberately picked because I HATE IT - it happened.<br />
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I was smiling and breathing and pedaling and enjoying the sun on my face. I was smiling at people and watching birds and LIKING IT.<br />
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Oh, Lord, you are a sneaky one. Yes indeed. You love me even when I am being the stinkiest, stink pot in Stinker Town. Good thing. Good, good thing.<br />
<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-16375862386287287882015-07-30T15:30:00.002-05:002015-07-30T15:36:50.929-05:00Back on the Horse<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uduwLgGwxK8/VbqI284fFBI/AAAAAAAAWDA/CcJSrqgjOJA/s1600/Palmyra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uduwLgGwxK8/VbqI284fFBI/AAAAAAAAWDA/CcJSrqgjOJA/s640/Palmyra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Nebraska between Lincoln and Nebraska City on Hwy 2</td></tr>
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It is SO hard to get back on the bike after you crash.</div>
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The first time.</div>
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Then after that you realize that hitting the ground - or a tree as the case may be - is a possibility each and every time and you just pedal and try to get over that nagging sensation that it might happen again.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRrrlQoUC0I/VbqCdtKyr8I/AAAAAAAAWCo/RdacccxUIas/s1600/Scrape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRrrlQoUC0I/VbqCdtKyr8I/AAAAAAAAWCo/RdacccxUIas/s400/Scrape.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right After Impact</td></tr>
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And it might.</div>
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Just like many undesirable things in life - crashing a bicycle isn't usually a one time deal. Life tends to give me varying degrees of suckiness, as it does all of us. The level of suck usually depends on one thing.</div>
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My reaction.</div>
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When I crashed into a tree on Saturday I wasn't going very fast. I'll bet I wasn't going over 10 mph and really I bumped the tree and fell off my bike. It was a thud-twump kind of deal. I laid there in the grass for a minute with the rain falling down on me, trying to catch my breath and I shouted "I hate freaking RAIN!" After determining that I was pretty much okay, I checked out my bike, adjusted a break pad and rolled on home. </div>
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The main thing I was worried about was my upcoming swim in the <a href="http://www.sga2015.com/" target="_blank">State Games of America</a> Triathlon on Sunday. I'm part of a team and I really want to do my best in the swim to give our team a good lead. So - I haven't swam at all this week. My ride this morning made my shoulder pretty sore so I'm sort of up in the air about even swimming tonight. I don't want to make things worse and be all lame on Sunday.</div>
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My ride this morning was a bit timid anyway. I had a hard ride on the schedule, but instead did a solid even effort on the safest bike path I could think of. An out and back, even, because I didn't want to cross any busy streets. My son was hit on his bike in a crosswalk last week and I didn't want a repeat.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WwCU-2QfQA/VbqG-WCEU5I/AAAAAAAAWC0/68jr8RslZnM/s1600/Bruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WwCU-2QfQA/VbqG-WCEU5I/AAAAAAAAWC0/68jr8RslZnM/s400/Bruise.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Days Later</td></tr>
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I can't help but replay peoples ignorant comments from this week when I go out for a ride. First of all - I've been asked many times why cyclists ride on the roads - they are so slow and I have to go around, gee! Then you have people who chime in and say that bikes don't belong on the sidewalks. My husband has been honked at, yelled at and given the finger for riding in the street. I have acquaintances who have been overtly bullied by vehicles on the road.</div>
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So I guess what usually is a source of peace and solace for me, has turned into a catalyst to lament on people's ignorance and I'm also scared to death! My son was hit while riding across the street in a crosswalk. Due to a city ordinance, we are liable for the damage to the vehicle because he failed to walk his bike through the intersection. People chime in and say that it's for 'everyone's safety' that we have those laws on the books. It's usually people who've never ridden more than a few blocks and don't have any idea what they are even talking about. </div>
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I just feel so betrayed by people, right now!</div>
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Digressing...</div>
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On a happier note, the training for Last Blast is clicking right along. I started a later shift at work and that extra hour in the morning has been like a gift from heaven. Instead of getting up at 4:45 for workouts, I am lazing about in bed until 5:45. The trails are busier and I feel safer on the run. However, the roads are busier and I feel less safe on the bike. My long bike rides on Saturdays followed by long runs on Sundays are getting easier and my legs are barely fatigued at the start of the run. <br />
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Soon, we will sprinkle in some two-a-day runs to prep for Market to Market Relay. Yay!!</div>
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Tonight I'm going to work on my garage gym. My gym space downstairs is to disruptive to my sleeping teen in the mornings, so I moved a few things out to the garage. Our garage is tiny and our car would never fit in it, so we use it for storage. A few weeks ago, my husband moved some weights and a mat out there so I could do my strength training routine before my run or bike. It's worked out pretty well, and I even drug the bike trainer out there one day when it rained out my ride. Next week I have to go in early to cover for the Receptionist who is on vacation - so I think I'm going to ride in the safety of the garage while it's dark.</div>
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Whatever gets it done, that's the main thing! Or, as <a href="http://www.ctollerun.com/" target="_blank">Carrie Tollefson</a> would say "Get after it!"</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-71450981107327149672014-12-09T10:51:00.000-06:002014-12-09T10:51:30.403-06:00Nice StrokeTuesday - Run Speedwork Day - One mile super easy, increase treadmill speed by 2 clicks every half mile, one mile super easy. 4 miles total.<br />
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Got up and did my run this morning, though, I would have rather not. :) I got back from the pool about 8:15 last night and it felt like I hadn't really slept yet. I slept pretty well for once, but bed at 10 -- hubby's alarm at 4 -- mine at 5 -- you know how it goes!<br />
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Last night's swim was largely drill and technique work. I take my 12yo daughter and she kicks like crazy with the kick board and makes me try to keep up! A family was swimming in the lane next to us, so of course I started talking to the Mom. She had a beautiful stroke and I figured she was a life long swimmer. She offered to look at me swim and offered some valuable advice on drills and dry land exercises to help improve my stroke.<br />
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She also said I had a "pretty nice stroke". Boy oh boy did that bolster my self confidence!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-LvcfcybY4/VIckkDuA76I/AAAAAAAAQ9E/Zf4sDqOh8gY/s1600/shotprotein_orangemango.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-LvcfcybY4/VIckkDuA76I/AAAAAAAAQ9E/Zf4sDqOh8gY/s1600/shotprotein_orangemango.png" height="313" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/protein-recovery-drink/orange-mango">Clifbar.com</a></td></tr>
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This morning, I tried one of the new products I got in my ProBox from <a href="https://thefeed.com/" target="_blank">The Feed</a>. Yesterday, I wrote briefly about my home made recovery drink. Today, I tried one from the makers of Clif Bars. This reminded me a lot of the Beach Body Recovery Drink. It's Orange Mango flavor was just right on the sweetness spectrum. <br />
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The packet itself had about 170 calories, so I mixed it with water. It had a little more carbs than I get in my formula, but less protein. At $2.99/serving, it is most definitely out of budget for a daily supplement, but the individual packet might be nice on the go. <br />
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Well, I've got a Kindergartener home, sick, from school today. Along with my daycare kids, I have to be on top of my game today. <br />
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Thankfully, this evening, we don't have anything to do and I don't have a workout scheduled. I need to clean Cameron's room...ugh...and I told Alahnnah I would help her with some Christmas gifts. Never a dull moment, that's for sure! <br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-91629100470072464062014-12-08T09:46:00.000-06:002014-12-08T09:46:16.582-06:00Don't Smash Your FaceMonday - Upper Body Strength Training & Swim Technique Work<br />
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I hadn't done P90X Shoulders & Arms for a while. I love <a href="https://twitter.com/Tony_Horton" target="_blank">Tony Horton</a>, I think he's really funny and his no-nonsense approach really gets me motivated. His tip of the day was "breathe" but later in the workout, he joked that it was "don't smash your face." I made the mistake last week with Legs & Back, thinking that I wasn't working especially hard and paying for it the next day. And the next day.<br />
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After working out with Tony and the fabulous <a href="https://twitter.com/dreyaweber" target="_blank">Dreya Weber</a> I made sure to add some BCAA's to my recovery drink. I have read the ingredients on a lot of recovery formulas and I'm confident that my home spun version is just as good and more easily adjusted to the intensity/duration of the workout I just finished. <br />
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<u>Andrea's Recovery Drink</u><br />
1c. 1% milk (1.5c for men)<br />
1/2 scoop protein powder (1 full scoop for men)<br />
10g of BCAA powder (15g for men)<br />
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Shake up and drink as fast as you can...because BCAA powder is incredibly bitter no matter what flavor they tell you it is. You don't need the BCAA's every day - just after especially long or intense training sessions.<br />
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Haven't heard of Branched Chain Amino Acids? They will totally change the way you recover from hard workouts. <a href="http://www.crossfitinvictus.com/coaches/should-you-be-taking-branched-chain-amino-acids/" target="_blank">This little supplement reduces the chemicals that are released when your muscles are damaged.</a> Ever heard of the DOMS? Delayed onset muscle soreness? That's the "holy crap I can't sit on the toilet" feeling you get after leg day. BCAA's help reduce that tremendously by managing the damage you just did. Damage is good -- actually -- because that's how you build mass and strength, but too much - too sore - can't work out the next day - not so good.<br />
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So, hopefully I will be able to lift my arms to do some swimming later today. I take my 12 year old daughter with me to help with technique work. She kicks like crazy with the kick board, so it motivates me to keep up. I have a pretty weak-sauce kick. <br />
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In between that time, just a bunch of laundry and trying to clean a 5 year old's room with a 22 month old's help. Yep. Should be a piece of cake.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-82197684797879912632014-10-26T19:44:00.000-05:002014-10-26T19:44:07.353-05:00Fall TimeI haven't written a thing since summer.<br />
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I've been going through a "thing" that I haven't been quite willing to share. I'm getting there.<br />
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Oh, wait...more writing after I brush a little girls hair.<br />
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No wonder I never write anymore...Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-34717047182498837252014-06-22T20:39:00.000-05:002014-06-22T20:39:21.291-05:00Late JuneWhat a great week!<br />
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On Monday, we went to spend some birthday money. Cameron and Susan's birthdays are only six weeks apart, so they both had cash burning a hole in their pockets! We went to Shopko and spent about an hour looking and looking at clothes, toys and accessories. Cameron wound up with a game and Susan opted for a PlayDough set that makes ice cream cones! Neither one spent their whole $15, so we decided to save some for later.<br />
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I spent a lot of time training with my kids this past week. On Wednesday, Alahnnah and I went for a bike ride -- we were shooting for five miles, but she got very hot and light headed so we turned back and got about four miles in. It was about 90 degrees and terribly windy. Poor kid. I dropped her at home to cool off and headed out for an hour on my own. <br />
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On Thursday, I did Liam's run workout with him. He warms up for about 5 minutes and runs sprints back and forth through the park -- sprint one way and turn around and walk the other. We chatted and had a good workout. It was pretty warm out yet and 6pm, but we are getting used to training in the heat. <br />
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Friday, the kids and I all went to the mall. We took our little buddy, Luke, with us and spent about 4 hours or so shopping, eating, playing and walking around. I didn't even buy very much, but we had a nice time. It was nice to have all of the kids along. Friday night we swam laps at the Y, and Alahnnah did her swim workout. After doing what I was telling her to do -- she asked if I wanted to do her workout. Sure! We did flips and cartwheels up and down the lap lane twice. :) I did have to swim my mile, but it was fun to have some FUN beforehand.<br />
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Friday evening, we all sat on the front porch and Liam played guitar and the little kids caught fire flies. We ate a bag of carrots and waited for the storm that never arrived. Party animals, for sure!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="640" src="//flipagram.com/f/E8KUN7ec5F/embed" width="540"></iframe><br />
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Saturday I slept in waaaaay to late and tried a long run at 11:00am. Rookie mistake. Dehydrated from sleeping all night and coffee in the morning. Running a new route in full sun, no wind and 85 degrees. Nope. I had a 7 mile route planned, but cut it short and wound up with five. Oh well. That evening we all went to the lake for a bit and Alahnnah got some open water swim practice in. She will be doing a triathlon with an OWS the end of July. I don't want her to have a panic attack! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmCTHqGAQIA/U6eEPp7p6lI/AAAAAAAAMUU/JBCiXCnGQXc/s1600/IMG_20140622_171837103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmCTHqGAQIA/U6eEPp7p6lI/AAAAAAAAMUU/JBCiXCnGQXc/s1600/IMG_20140622_171837103.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb29o-yF0AA/U6eEQ7iv7oI/AAAAAAAAMUc/0jWwtnUURHQ/s1600/IMG_20140622_172031825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb29o-yF0AA/U6eEQ7iv7oI/AAAAAAAAMUc/0jWwtnUURHQ/s1600/IMG_20140622_172031825.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Today has been fun, too! I spent the morning in the church nursery and went to see my Grandpa in the nursing home after lunch. For supper, we had Make Your Own Pizza - which is so much fun! The kids loved it and its certainly something with will try again. I baked mine up last and headed out for a run while it cooled. I got a lovely 5 miles in and felt like I could have run forever. Maybe that's what heaven is like...<br />
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Time to get ready for another week! Not too much planned, but likely will be adding things as they pop up.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-86473315360808982532014-06-15T18:13:00.000-05:002014-06-15T18:13:17.262-05:00The Week That FollowedThe week following our 70.3 triathlon was quite busy! We participated with our church's Vacation Bible School program which ran from 6 to 8pm each night Sunday through Friday. I didn't think we'd survive Sunday evening. Thankfully, my legs were only sore in my hips -- poor David's feet where really really bothering him. <br />
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I was greatly surprised with the recovery after a half ironman. I am a planner, and making a training plan to stick to is a tri-geek, joy for me. My planning and training must have been adequate. I felt tired this past week, but after Sunday's sore hips, I never did feel soreness in my legs or back. I'm proud of my fitness! I took the entire week off of any exercise at all and just let my body heal. Dave has been riding his bike to/from work...glad I work from home!<br />
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Yesterday morning was beautiful -- I slept in until 8:00 and went for a run. I ran a circuitous route that I hadn't done before and enjoyed a slow 5.4 miles in about 59 minutes. I listened to some 70's classic rock and just cruised...it was nice to sleep in, nice to feel rested(ish) and nice to run without any pacing requirements. Today, David and I enjoyed a 29 mile bike ride together. It was awesome! I didn't push pace or worry that we weren't hitting our numbers. Just pedaling...as God intended...LOL.<br />
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It was awesome until I wrecked... Have you ever heard of anyone getting stuck in their front wheel? Yah, me neither. Oh, but, I did it! We were going across an intersection in a residential neighborhood and my front tire hit a bad part of the sidewalk. My cleat popped out of the pedal and my foot bounced forward and caught in my front wheel. As the wheel continued to turn, my leg was fed up in between the frame and the tire. I went down relatively softly on my right side. In the middle of the street, naturally. Everything is fine -- I will probably have a nice bruise to show for it tomorrow. In the shape of a 23cm tire...<br />
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Glad I was riding with my body guard!<br />
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Last week, I went ahead and cut my calories way back. I was getting around 1850-2000 during HIM training and managed to lose a paltry 6 pounds this year. I am scaling back to 1550-1700 for the next 5 weeks until double half marathon training begins. I've been hitting my numbers and seeing results. Last week I didn't log any extra calories burned through workouts, so I'm hoping to see even better numbers this week. I'd really like to lose 10 pounds in the next 5 weeks. Weight loss will slow again during heavier training, so I gotta do it now!<br />
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Here's to a new week tomorrow! I'm taking Liam to get his driver's license in the morning. Prayers gratefully accepted. :)Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6878654183183100997.post-52211599022994161162014-06-08T12:48:00.000-05:002014-06-08T12:48:06.056-05:00IronMorton 70.3 Race ReportI think I will take a break from feverishly memorizing VBS Drama Skits and write up our experiences from yesterday. It was a very long day, as anticipated, and I am so grateful it's all over!<br />
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We didn't have to get up insanely early -- I had an alarm set for 5:45, but my husbands internal alarm went off much earlier. He woke me up to tell me it was 5:06, thinking that I had set my alarm for 5:00. Gratefully, never late. I had my standard pre-long haul breakfast of half a peanut butter sandwich and a cup of coffee.<br />
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It was absolutely pouring rain when we left for the YMCA. We wore rain ponchos to cover our back-packs and precious contents within. As far as getting wet -- we were going to jump in the pool anyway. It's only about a mile or so to the Y from our house, so it was just annoying more than anything.<br />
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We had to wait about 10 minutes for the guard to arrive and open the pool. It was a good time to take a goofy picture or two and nervously side glance each other with thoughts of "gee this seemed like a good idea a few months ago." I wasn't worried about the swim. Just wanted to use it as a warm up. I shed my bike jersey and jumped in wearing my tri-shorts and sports bra. Nobody around but my hubby -- good for them, ha!<br />
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David and I both learned something very important in the first 50 yards. I learned that my tri-shorts have a drawstring in them...I swam down for my first flip turn and when I pushed off the wall they "slipped." David learned that he still had his phone in the pocket of his shorts. Thankfully it was in a plastic zip top bag to avoid wetness from the rain. THANKFULLY.<br />
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The swim was great. David was done with the 2100 yards about 4 minutes before I was. I finished and slurped an energy gel. We got our bike gear back on and headed out to our wet bikes and the wet streets. It had mostly stopped raining, more like misting, as we left town. By the time we got to Denton (about 15 miles in) the rain had entirely cleared and if I hadn't been wet from the pool, the weather would have been just right. The roads were wet and made us a muddy mess, but that's the breaks.<br />
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Our halfway stop was about Crete, Nebraska. I had been consuming calories every 15 minutes during the ride. I had a bottle of Perpetuem and a bottle of water on my bike. My Camelbak was loaded with 40 ounces of Cytomax and I had two Clif bars in my pocket. Throughout the 56 mile bike ride I consumed all of that save some of the water. Including the gel that I had after the swim, I consumed about 1100 calories on the swim and bike.<br />
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We turned north on Highway 77 to come back to Lincoln and the wind was straight out of the north about 25 miles per hour. It felt like we were barely moving. We did have a flat tire, but fortunately I ride with the Fastest Tube Changer in the West. Back on our way, we rode home and were grateful to get off the bikes.<br />
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Here's where there is a distinct disadvantage to doing a Homespun event. We were HOME. We transitioned in our lovely bedroom with our comfy bed. I could have laid down and taken a nap! In fact, I was yawning quite a bit as we changed. I changed my shirt, hat and shoes and stuffed three gels in my top and we were off on the run.<br />
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As we took off, David had some awful stomach pain. He did his level best to run through it, but we did some walking here and there and finally just walked the last nine miles of the run. I took gels on my same schedule of 3, 7 and 11 miles and had my hydration belt full of water. I stopped at a gas station halfway and ate the most delightful bag of plain potato chips under the sun. I normally don't even like potato chips, but I discovered during Marathon training, the power of having something salty and crunchy late in the miles when all you've had is sweet and squishy all day! I had 500 calories in the form of gels and chips, on the run.<br />
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We finished together and came home for a big glass of BCAA's to combat post event soreness. David soaked his feet in cold water and I took a full on ice bath. The kids had made pizza and we spent the evening relaxing.<br />
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Today, we are laying around doing nothing. I don't feel terribly bad. My hips are pretty sore, probably from all the walking. Walking uses way different muscles than running does. David has a couple of blisters, but we are both doing pretty darn good! We can add a check mark in the box next to this item on our Bucket List. DONE!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08731873775176532770noreply@blogger.com0