In Training For...

New Addition

2007-06-20T13:02:00.000-05:00

So, we have not posted on the blog in some time…Well, I think we have a good excuse. For those of you that did not know, Mrs. Buckeye was expecting and delivered a baby boy in the beginning of June.

Needless to say, this put a kink in the training of both of us and because he was earlier than we expected….it washed out the half ironman for me as he was born a few days before the race.

Mrs, Mr and Junior are all doing well...although not sleeping and trying to figure out how to take care of this new addition to the family.

Plowing along.

2007-05-16T15:38:00.000-05:00

After the weekend workouts, my legs were pretty tired on Monday. I felt like taking a day off but decided to go to masters swimming in the evening. There were a few other triatheletes there that wanted to do a long swim workout and not the workout that was posted by the coach...so I thought I would give it a whirl. We did a 300 warmup and then 3 sets of 12 minute swims as far as you coudl go. We did 725, 725 and 700 on the last set.....which translates to 1:39/100 and 1:42/100 which I was pretty happy with. 7 months ago I could not swim a 2:15 100...so I feel like I have come a long way.

The 3 of us that swam together were almost the exact same speed. I lead the first and third set and was #2 in the second set. I never realized what a HUGE difference drafting in swimming makes. The second set was like a stroll in the park. I was not working at all and was trying to keep from grabbing the feet of the person in front of me. When I lead the sets, it felt like work the entire time...

Yesterday I was supposed to go to the track and do a workout but could tell my legs were not up fo it at all....like not even a possibility. I ended up going for a 6 mile run at an 8:15 pace with a 142 bpm average. I ran the first 3 miles at 7:55 then slowed it down for the last 3 as I was getting a bit of a tight hamstring and really felt like I was overdoing it. I think I am going to try to hit it hard this weekend then have a recovery week with only light workouts next week.

I plan on going to masters swimming tonight then hopefully a ride tomorrow.

Brick by Brick

2007-05-12T20:09:00.000-05:00

So I thought I would do a quick post of what I have been up to. On Wednesday I swam with the masters group. I think it was around a 2500 or so. On Thursday I ran 6 at a 7:28 pace with a avg heart rate of 154.....which is a little higher than I would have liked but I I didn't feel too bad. Friday I took the day off as I knew I had a brick to do on Saturday.

Today I went out for a brick. I rode 56 and followed it up with a 4 mile run. My goal was to have a nice easy ride and work on my nutrition. I had a profile designs water bottle on my aerobars with gaterade and 2 water water bottles on the bike with a custom blend from Infinit Nutrition. This was my first try with Infinit so I did not know what to expect...really liked it The first half of the bike was really nice as I had the wind at my back....I would have preferred it in my face to start but what can you do. I was flying on the way out but knew I was going to pay dearly for it on the way back. The flags were standing straight out...the wind was 25 mph. ugh. I tried to eat something every 30 minutes and drink something every 15 minutes. It was only 60 degrees here today so I was not sweating all that much. I ate 2 goo's, 1 oatmeal pie and 4 cliff blocks. The stomach and calories seemed pretty good...although I am sure I will continue to tinker with it.

As expected, the trip back home was rather slow. I felt like I was going to come to a stop during some of the gusts. I ended up with an 18.5 avg (134 bpm avg) which wasn't too bad given the conditions and the 6 stop lights I got stopped at.....and I did not feel like I worked all that hard. I spent most of the ride on my aerobars. The only thing that was getting sore was my neck...maybe I need to look at getting a lighter helmet. I can still feel it now.

One complaint...I HATE my Profile Designs water bottle. I got a gatorade shower at every bump I hit in the first 5 miles. I chugged down half the bottle just so it would stop splashing me. I have the little sponge in there...but it did not seem to help all that much...any suggestions here? I need to figure something out as this was driving me crazy.

While I am asking for tips....does anyone have any suggestions on help with 'chaffing?' I always seem to get it. Today I put a sizable glob of Vaseline and moisturizer im my nether region but still got a bit of a rub.

When I got home, my 'transition time' to the run was 3:43 and I was off and running. I felt really good. I did 4 miles at 7:56 pace with a 144 bpm average. My goal was to keep the heart rate low and keep the effort in the 'comfortable' range. I felt better as the run went on.

That's all I gots.

A short update...this AM (Sunday) I went for a 10 mile run. I did an 8:21 pace and an avg heart rate of 142. The legs were a little bit sluggish and tired...but I got through the run without any issues. I kept the effort pretty easy.

Mid week update

2007-05-09T07:33:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to ramp up the biking to see if it is realistic to do the HIM in June. I rode 41 on Saturday and then ran 10 on Sunday pretty easy @8:30 pace.

Monday I did the Master swim:

600 Warm up (bk, br, fr)
200 Pull

300 pull (:30 seconds rest)
2X100 kick (20seconds rest)
repeat 2X

100 easy

7X100 @1:35

75 Easy

Yesterday, I did a track workout in the AM of 1 mile warm up, then 1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400, 200...with a 200 meter rest interval which I walked. I was really glad when it was over. At least I felt better this week on the track compared to last week...but I never find the track workout 'easy.'

Yesterday night, the Mrs Buckeye was at dinner with some friends so I headed out for a bike ride. The weather in Cleveland was quite warm (for here)...78 degrees...so I decided to ride along the lake. It was great. The temperature is noticeably cooler at the lake compared to my house and I only live about 3 miles from it. I finally had a ride with no wind! Originally, my intention was just to spin the legs but I felt pretty good and worked a bit. I ended up doing 31 miles with a 20 average.

Off to masters swim tonight.

Oh the wind....

2007-05-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

Can I get a bike ride that does not have gusting winds? Not to cry about it, but my last 2 rides have had some brutal winds. I feel like Lance Armstrong in one direction.....and like a 3 year old with training wheels the other. Oh well.

On Monday, I went to master swim and did ~2400. I took it a bit easy and mixed in a bit of pulling as my legs were a bit lead filled from the longer run on Sunday. On Tuesday, I went to the track to do some speed work. I was tired before I even got there....in hind site I should have taken a rest day...but I did a 1 mile warm up, and was slated to do 6X800 with 90 seconds rest. I did the first 3 in 3:08, 3:06, 3:05 but on the forth went to 3:16...I was on empty and spent. Rather than put in 2 more crappy 800's, I called it a day after a little cool down. It was a bit crazy at the track as the fire department was setting up a car crash site on the football field as a drinking and driving dispaly for prom. So I was having to use all 8 lanes of the track to weave in and out of the tow trucks and other equipment that was getting setup.

Yesterday, I did 33 mile on the bike at a 19 average. I was just trying to ride very comfortable and not push it. I was flying on the way out....wind aided....on the way back it was a real pie in the face and felt like I was barely moving. I then went to master swimming where we did:

warm up:
1x200 swim
400 IM
2x100 pull

Set 1:
6x200 @ 3:35

50 easy recovery

Set 2:
4X25 @ 30 seconds
4X25 @ 28 seconds
4X25 @ 26 seconds
4X25 @ 24 seconds

75 easy

Hope to get a run in this afternoon.

Weekend Update

2007-04-29T19:34:00.000-05:00

Had a good weekend of training. On Friday night, I did a brick of a 31 mile ride followed by a 3 mile run. The conditions were less than ideal, there was a light spitting rain with a 20+mph wind. I rode DIRECTLY into the wind on the way out....it was tough...during some of the gusts, I looked at my computer and saw 17.5 mph. It was pretty rough and I dropped a few "f-bombs." The good news was when I turned around, I was flying....I saw 25.5 on the flat which is fast for me. All in all, I averaged 19.5. On the 3 mile run, I ran 7:42, 7:46, and 7:56 (hill) with an average heart rate of 141. My thighs felt a bit heavy but was happy with the pace/heart rate.

On Saturday, the Mrs and I went to the pool where I did a a 2000 meter swim....just straight, no sets of anything. I either did it in 35:20 ...or 37:05...I lost count of where I was at and did an extra 50 (maybe) just to make sure. I was hitting my 500's in 9 minutes and tried to pick it up for the last 500...but question if I picked iut up by 40 seconds.... The swim felt good, it is nice to just go for a swim...and not do any sets....just swim... I tried to keep in mind that this was a recovery swim and did not try to push the pace. I wanted to keep the form locked in and I concentrated on being long in the water. I realize these swim times are pretty slow but it is a big improvement from where I was last year.

Today (Sunday) was beautiful here in Cleveland. I did a 13 mile run at an 8:45 pace and a 142 avg heart rate. Last weekend I pushed out a 12 miler at 7:35 pace so this weekend I wanted a nice long slow run. It felt nice to be out and do just a nice steady run. I really kept focus to make sure I did not slowly speed up. I had 1 goo and 2 fuel belt bottles of gaterade. I felt like I could run all day as it was so nice and I was keeping the pace in control. This evening I do not even feel like I went for a run....it was a good 'recovery run.'

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

I’ve been in hiding!

2007-04-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have been really lame about posting anything new on the blog lately. For some reason, I just haven’t been feeling it lately….but am getting back in the groove.

As for training, my hopes of Cleveland Marathon have gone out the window. On a 20 mile training run, I stepped of a sidewalk and tweaked my ankle. It was swollen and sore at the end of the run. Over the next 2 weeks, I tried to power through and get my runs in, but was barely able to walk by the time I finished my runs. I decided to take time to let it heal up…which took about another 2 weeks. So I had about a month of very little running during which should have been my highest mileage weeks. I invested a lot of time into it and was already hitting the 20 mile runs….so it was a bit depressing to write it off. Oh well….it happens

….but the good news is that I am now focusing my full attention on doing my first half Ironman in June. I feel like my swimming is good to go, and my running is ready so I just need to get more work in on the bike. The weather here in Cleveland has not been cooperating with this! I have been forced to do most of my riding on the trainer which I REALLY do not like.

For this week, I did a 12 mile run on Sunday at 7:35 pace (152 BPM) which felt really good, swam a 2400 with the Masters group on Monday, did a speed work out at the track on Tuesday (1 mile warm up, 400, 600, 800, 1200, 800, 600, 400 with 400 meter jog rest interval), and rode the trainer for 45 minutes this AM and plan on doing the master swim group this evening…I will post the work out later.

Happy training ever one…as I have been lurking on everyone’s blog…

As for the swim tonight:
Warm up: 1X300 Swim, 6X50 Kick, 4X25 form
First set: 8x75 on 1:15 (this was killer for me)
Second set: 5x200 (pull on the odds, form swim on the evens)
Third set: 6X50 on 1:05 (easy, 80%, all out...repeat)
Cool down: 100 easy

My arms are tired today.

I'm back...sort of

2007-03-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Well, my running is starting to come back. I am getting the miles in but I need to work on my speed. Two weeks ago I did 18.5 miles at a 8:24 place and then this past weekend I did 20 at 8:32 pace. The good news is that the 18.5 was pretty easy....the 20 was not too bad...the last 3 miles went a bit slow (near 9 pace) as I was getting pretty tired.

I ran 7 last night. The first 2 miles were slow with the dog then I did 5 at 7:18 pace. I plan on hitting the track friday for some 800's. I need to hit the track more and work on my speed.

The good news is that I have bounced back from the funk I was in and feel like I can work up to training hard. I still feel like I have a long way to go to be in marathon shape...but I am on my way.

I have been pretty good about hitting the pool as well. I swam Monday after doing 20 miles on Sunday....I was glad I did it as it worked some of the lead out of my legs but it was tough. I was getting a bit crampy (in my feet) by the end. I am sure it is just a bit of a 'hangover' from the long run. I will be back to the pool tonight.

The masters coach spent some time on my mechanics...basically being long and watching my reach. As I get tired, I tend to have my arms crossing in front of me instead of going straight out. I noticed a big difference. Going to try to concentrate on that tonight.

Thanks for helping me work thru this!

Not sure what is wrong?

2007-03-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

Well, 2 weeks ago, I had a crappy 16.5 mile run where I was hurtin' the whole time. I took it pretty easy during the week to give my tired/sore legs a rest. So this Sunday, I was planning on running 18. My thinking was run it nice and slow to see how you feel. I ran at 8:30 pace and my legs still felt very heavy and tight. I ended up stopping at mile 10. If I would have pushed through, I would have been in the same boat as last week and be crushed at the end. I figured I would stop before I did major damage.

WTH? I have never felt like this on my long runs before. I have never struggled like this. Last night I went out to do an easy 5 miles and stopped after 3 with the dog as my legs were still very tight! I have had bad runs before, but I can bounce back the next time and feel fine. This is a 2 week stretch where my running has been terrible...my legs feel like they are swollen and tired..

Cleveland Marathon is on May 20th, I am officially behind on my traning schedule and I am starting to think it isn't going to happen if I can't get out of this funk. Maybe I should just focus on the HIM in June.

Sorry for the complaining...just venting my frustration of being in this rut....and not sure why. The only thing I am thinking is that I put in alot of miles on the treadmill and these did absolutely nothing to translate to 'real' outside miles? Even as I sit here, with a measly 3 mile run last night, my legs are sore!!!!

Going to hit the pool tonight with the masters group.

Any suggestions would be welcome!

A run to forget....

2007-02-28T10:15:00.000-05:00

Knowing that the treadmill miles I am racking up are not going to 'cut it' I was determined to get outside this past weekend for my long run. Some way or some how.

On Friday night, I did my bike/run routine with a friend of mine. We ride 15 minutes then run 15 minutes and repeat this 3 times. So, in total, you get 45 minutes of riding and 45 minutes of running. I decided this week to push the bike really hard and pushed a big gear...I really struggled through my last bike but got it done. On Saturday, my legs were quite tired from the biking.

In Cleveland we still have quite a bit of snow and most of the sidewalks are still covered but I was still determined to NOT do another long run on the dreadmill. My plan was to stick to the sub-divisions and run on the street. Being that it was Sunday AM, there was next to zero cars. As soon as I started the run, I could tell my legs were tired...and thought to myself....you are just getting warmed up...you will get loose. At mile 2, I could tell that the run was going to be difficult. My legs were quite tight and every step was work...there was no getting in the groove. I am thinking this had to be from the bike on Friday. I struggled through 16.5 miles feeling pretty much like crap the entire time. I was running slow at just over 8 minutes per mile. The last mile I was hurting and doing a shuffle just to get home. My normal routine would have been to do an extra 'lap' around my neighborhood to get to the 17 mile mark.....but I was happy to just to make it home. In hindsight, I should have cut the run short and done it another day.

I am hoping this run was just one of those off days and I will bounce back. My legs were crushed on Monday...REALLY sore..so sore I skipped my swim. I tried to go out on Tuesday and do some speed work but my legs were...and still are....quite sore. I bagged the speed work after 2 1000's. I think I am going to hit the pool today, rest my legs, and see what happens.

Runnin' and stuff

2007-02-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

I have been lame about posting lately but have been lurking around. I am starting to ramp up my running a little to get ready for Cleveland Marathon. Unfortunately, the weather here has not been cooperating. I don’t mind running in the cold or snow…but am not a fan of below zero wind chills. It is tough to get anything long done under that type of condition….for me anyway.

I did do a longer run on the treadmill on Sunday….17 miles…which is by far my longest treadmill run ever. I think the mental part was a lot tougher than the physical. All in all it wasn’t too bad. I just set the pace at 8 min/mile and was off. The worst part was the chaffing I realized I got once I hit the shower….ouch.

I need to get my running moved outdoors!

I swam last night 300 swim, 6X50 kick, 100 pull, 12X25 @ 30 sec, 5X200 with 20 seconds rest, 50 easy, 3X100.. Total 2350 I think. I pulled every other 200 as my legs were a bit dead from the run on Sunday.

Let's play tag!

2007-02-02T11:42:00.000-05:00

I got hit by triEric. I think it is so funny to hear all the funny bits that people have worked through in races. Here is mine from the Mr. Buckeye.

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever

My first triathlon was the Huntington Beach sprint tri in 2002. This seems to be a popular one for first timers in Cleveland! I swam 2 times the week before the race, borrowed a bike from a friend and went at it. The 400 meter swim felt like 5 miles, the 12 mile bike felt like 50. I actually got a sore butt on the ride!

2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon
What a crappy day! Lorain Triathlon 2006. It POURRRRRRED rain and I ended up riding the bike course backwards! It was a character builder.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?

My most embarrassing 'racing' moment happened at the end of Cleveland Marathon in 1998. This was pre race chip days. When the gun went off, I thought, I am going to start my watch when I cross the start line..which I did. When I was on the home stretch of the last 200 meters or so, I looked at my watch and it was at 3:58 and some change. I thought to myself "I have almost 2 minutes to get to the finish to break 4 hours...no problem." Of course not compensating for starting my watch late at the start. It is me and the finsh...no one in front of me. The announcer jumps on the mike and screams "He is going to try to make it in under 4 hours!" It was then that I actually saw the race clock and thought "oh @#$#" I only have 25 seconds!! So I kicked it into a full out sprint, the crowd cheered, the announcer "and he is NOT going to make it!!" followed by a collective awwwwwwe by the crowd. 4:00:02 The saga actually continued. As I walked down the race shoot, they had people there to tear the bottom of your race number off (old school remember). Well, I had thrown away my tee-shirt and was in just my running shorts. There was a woman sitting there who pulled the race number, well...she grabbed my shorts as well...and yanked my shorts to my ankles! So I was standing there nude and I tried to bend over to pull my shorts back up and I couldn't as I was too stiff (my legs that is). So the VERY apologetic woman helped me pull them up.

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?

I have had a couple of epic finishes...where it is you, and another person, step for step REALLY pushing each other to the limit. Then after the finish, a good hand shake to the other race for the great competition. I wish I could say I have won all those dramatic finishes....but I haven't...but I love to get into the deul.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?

I never thought I would be able to swim..like a real swimmer...or bike..like a real biker. With commitment, it can happen!

6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

I am going to do Celveland Marathon this spring followed by a HIM in June..my first.

Hit the track

2007-01-16T09:06:00.000-05:00

We had some really crappy weather this past weekend in Cleveland. Rather than grind out a long run in the cold driving rain, I decided to brave it long enough to do a track workout.

The picture below is what the Garmin recorded for the workout. If you click on it, you can pretty much read the details. I did a 1 mile warm up followed by 6X800 with 2 minutes rest in between. Basically the splits were 3:07, 3:02, 3:03, 3:03, 3:05 and 3:05. I was pretty happy with that..hopefully I can get that below the 3:00 mark as spring comes around.

On a fun note, I took the dog with me to do the workout. She LOVES the track and was a muddy mess within 2 minutes of being there....but had a great time. She didn't enjoy the bath after nearly as much!

It was one of those weeks

2007-01-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

So, I did my long run on this past Sunday (13 miles) with a friend at 8:15 pace which is about 35 seconds slower than my usual pace….yet from a heart rate perspective, I was in my usual 150 bpm zone…and it really did feel like I was working hard

I did a 2600 with the masters swim group on Monday which went pretty well albeit my shoulder was a bit sore. Tuesday I took off with the intention of running Wednesday. Well, I had to fly to Minneapolis on Tuesday night and got back Wednesday night and REALLY was not up for pounding out a run when I got back. Last night I went to the masters swim group and had my worst swim in months!!!! I was very frustrated by the end of the work out. I was getting cramps in my feet and calf, missing cut off’s, swimming like crap…sucked. I am in a funk and need to break out of it.

I am hoping I can break out of this tonight with a bike/run/repeat (x3) work out this evening. For some reason everything just feels a bit ‘off’ and every workout is very difficult and I can't get into the zone…I know that everyone has these kind of days/streaks…just hope mine passes by quickly.

so... 1.5 miles

2007-01-04T12:25:00.000-05:00

My work has a ‘fitness rebate’ of $150 if you get off you butt and do something in 2007. There are many different options about how to get the rebate and how to ‘log’ your physical activity. I chose to complete a 1.5 mile run…discuss it with a trainer…then repeat it in 12 weeks. Honestly, the reason I chose this as it looked a whole lot easier than logging into some website everyday and logging my activity over a 12 week period.

So I went to the track yesterday evening to bust out the 1.5 mile run. I did a one mile warm up with a few 100 meter tempo splits in there to get my heart rate up. I took a 2 minute break to drink, spit, and farmer blow my nose…then started the 6 laps. I ended up at 9:31…which works out roughly to a 6:15 pace. I know there are lots of people with serious speed out there where this is a warm up…but for me it wasn’t too bad. I haven’t been to the track in weeks so I know I can improve on this. My maximum aerobic threshold was calculated to be 57….which I have no clue at all what that number means! Does anyone? I googled around but couldn't find anything of value.

After the 1.5 miler, I did a 400 (1:32), 800 (3:08), 400 (1:32) and called it a day. If you are looking for a challenge, the 1.5 mile run was tough because you have to walk the fine line of pushing REALLY hard....but not flaming out before the end. It really is harder than you would think.

I am off to the pool tonight for a refreshing dip with the master swimming gang. I'll post the workout.

Just got back from the pool:

300 Swim
200 pull
200 breast/back
6X50@1:00
6X50@50
50 easy
50 swim with 15 second rest
50 choice with 15 second rest
100 swim with 15 second rest
100 choice with 15 second rest
200 Swim with 15 second rest
100 choice with 15 second rest
100 swim with 15 second rest
50 choice with 15 second rest
50 swim
12X25@30

If my math is right it is 2750. I cheated on a few of the swims by using a pull buoy as I was getting a cramp in my foot.

Mr. Buckeye

Da swim

2006-12-19T09:54:00.000-05:00

So I hit the pool last night. I felt alittle tight in the shoulders but pounded through the workout:

warm up:
6X100 swim
1X100 pull (this was supposed to be a kick set but 1.I hate kicking and 2.my legs were a bit tired from the long run)

3X100 Swim at 1:50 send off
3X75 IM (fly, back, breast) at 1:35
repeat 3 times

50 easy...I skipped this to get a drink and catch my breath

16X25 at :35 send off

They actually run 3 pace clocks for the different skills sets. I use the middle one. I was struggling to make the IM sets as my fly and back are horrible.

I'm it?

2006-12-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

I jsut got this from Joe

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? I will always go hot chocolate...except at x-mas, I will chug a glass or of the nog.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I am a good wrapper
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? If I had got the tree out of the attic, we do have a box of colored light that would go on it.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? nope
5. When do you put your decorations up? ummmm...yeah...that is on the to do list!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Turkey...fo sho
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? My parents would put a stocking at the end of our beds to open up when we work up. It always had Horlick's Malt Tablets in there. My brothers and I would much away on them....to this day we are addicted to malt...although they do not make the malt tablets anymore.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't know. I am the youngest of 4 so I am sure one of my older siblings spoiled it for me at a young age
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Nope
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I'll let you know when it gets done
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? As long as the sidewalks are clear no problem with snow. Don't like the slushy messy stuff.
12. Can you ice skate? I am half Canuck...nuf said
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? This year...a forerunner 305!
14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Alittle R&R with the family
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? all the cookies
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? hummm...going to x-mas eve dinner with the family, eating too much and falling asleep on the couch so I don't have to do to church
17. What tops your tree? In theory, a star.
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? 12 days of x-mas
20. Candy canes? I can take um or leave um.
21. Favorite Christmas movie? I am from Cleveland...so it has to be The Christmas Story...filmed here. They actually turned the house into a museum.
22. What do you leave for Santa? A 1099 Tax form for taxable "charitable gifts"

60 degrees in December???

2006-12-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

So I did get out for that long run yesterday at lunch. I can't believe that I ran in shorts and a tee shirt on 12/17 in Cleveland! Here is the break down:

2 mile warm up with the dog:
8:29, 8:25
Then by myself:
7:48, 7:42, 7:40, 7:43, 7:46, 7:44, 7:42, 7:39, 7:43, 7:44, 7:44, 2:02 for the last 0.26 miles.

13.26 miles, 1:43:57, 7:50 pace, 149 average heart rate. During the run I ate 2 gu's and had 12 oz of gaterade from the fuel belt. I felt pretty good but was ready to be done at the end.

Off to the pool tonight.

Tri One O One

2006-12-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

Look at this: Tri One O One is a new triathlon series that features the old International Triathlon Union (ITU) distance of a 1.86 mile (3km) Swim, 80.6 mile (130km) bike and 18.6 mile (30km) run. A couple of years ago, the ITU changed their race format away from this distance. So Tri OneoOne is bring it back. Not that it means much/anything to me, but the pro's are really into this series as it has pretty good prize money and has a 'world cahmpionship' in November. I heard one of the directors speak about the race and they are REALLY bing on making it a great experience for the atheletes and their families. There are free prerace dinners and tons of swag. I think it would be a good training excursion for all you ironmen out there.

Infinit Nutrition is one of the sponsers of the race. Check them out. It is a sports drink where you can actually specify you own formulation. You fill out a survey on their site (free) about how you work out, if you bonk, etc. and they suggest formulations. I ordered some after trying it from a friend. It really rocks. Let me know what you think.

As for working out, on Friday, I did a workout with a friend in my basement where we would ride the trainer for 15 minutes then run on the treadmill for 15 minutes...then switch. We did this 3 times so 45 minutes on the bike and 45 minutes on the hamster wheel. I am not a big fan of riding indoor and I find it exponentially more difficult than riding outdoor. I have a cyclops fluid trainer and feel that to ride 20+ miles/hour is a challenge to do for any length of time.

If anyone has some tips, tricks and/or workouts to do on the trainer...I am all ears. I am really dreading it right now.

I am going to try to get in a long run here in a few minutes. It is a great day here in Cleveland...almost 60 degrees...which is going to be a record. I'll post some splits.

Learning to swim

2006-12-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

Another post from Mr. Buckeye: This past summer was really the first year that the Mrs. and I started doing triathlons. We have been long time runners and the Mrs. is a great swimmer (struggles a bit with the bike). Well…everyone seems to have a weak link and mine is definitely the swim.

In the past, my idea of swim training for a tri was to hit the pool 3 times the 2 weeks before the race. So…pretty much no training at all. Going to the pool with the Mrs. was a painful exercise of watching her swim twice as fast as me….LITERALLY! Not to pile on myself but it is pretty bad.

I decided that this winter I was going to make a change and actually learn how to swim. The Mrs. was pretty active in a Masters Swim group and I bit the bullet and joined. I started going in early September. I was actually afraid to go the first time as I thought they would tell me I was beyond help. On my first day, I went to that far lane…oh, you know the one….lane 8 with other misfits like myself. I am not quite sure but I think in the first week I spent more time dangling off the wall wondering how the umm..errr..umm… “plus sized’ folks in my lane were kicking my ass.

I have stuck with it going 2 or 3 days a week. The coaches have been very helpful and spent some time working on my mechanics. I have come a looooooong way. For those of you in Masters group, you know that which lane you are in is really the ranking system of your skills. So here is my breakdown:

1) After 2 weeks, I moved up a lane out of the misfits..up to lane 7.
2) Lane 7 is the place for really bad swimmers (a step above the misfits). In general, they miss a lot of the cutoff times and do an incomplete workout. I spent a month here and eventually became Farmer Ted…king of the Dip Shits (a la 16 candles).
3) Lane 6. This is the first time of me actually swimming with real swimmers. Doing and completing the workouts. Hung here for a month.
4) Lane 5. My current home. I struggle to hang here, but I think that is good because it pushes me.

By no means would I consider myself a good swimmer but I have come a heck of a long way and I think it will help me in the coming year. I will never be one of the lane 1-3 sharks…..those guys and girls fly.

The work out on Monday was:

warm up: 6X100 (back, breast, fly)
kick: 300 IM (FYI I hate kicking!!!!)

2 X 200 pull
4X100 swim
do this 2 times

100 easy
75 breast
75 free

Off to the pool tonight. I try to remember the camera to snap a shot of the pool. On a side note, the grade school kids practice before we get there and it is fun to watch the kids while we stretch out. There is an 11 year old girl that bangs out 1 minute 100’s off the wall…impressive to watch.

I am out of the closet!

2006-12-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, let me explain that a little bit. I am BuckeyeRunners’s husband and have been ‘lurking’ around ever since she started blogging way back when. That’s right…I read your posts, I leave comments, and in general pretty much keep up with everyone that is listed on the sidebar. I have been meaning to get in on the action for some time and start leaving posts…so here it is! I plan on doing this on a regular basis as Buckeye is going thru a bit of posting burn out.

As for training, I have been doing pretty well lately. For the running, I train using the Furman 3 day a week program. I know there are several of you out there that have used it with success…and I really like it. It has helped me get several PR's this year. I am planning on doing a spring marathon this year and have not started to ramp up the miles yet but I do a 13 miler every weekend just to keep the legs used to the double digit work. I got an early Christmas present of a Garmin 305 and absolutely love it. I am usually in a total rut when I run….I basically have 4 routes, 2 mile, 3 mile, 4 mile and 6 mile that all start and end at our house. To get a long run in, I do some set of loops based on these to get the miles in with stops at the house to get water and/or gaterade.

This past weekend with the trusty forerunner, I started by doing a 3 mile warm up with the dog (8:36, 8:48 little pee-pee break for the dog, 8:27) and then headed out to do the rest. I broke the rut..my goal was to randomly run where ever I felt like it until I got the rest of the miles in. I wore a fuel belt for the first time as well….loved it! It was such a nice change. I ran through many neighborhoods that I had never been in, got lost a couple of times in crazy spaghetti street neighborhoods, and had a great time. As for the splits, they were (8:15, 7:58, 7:54, 7:45, 7:51, 7:53, 7:49, 7:50, 8:10 hill, 7:50 and 3:03 for the last .4 of a mile) I was pretty happy with that. The weather was cold but I felt good and kept the pace pretty consistent.

More to come….my thoughts on swimming…

TGIF

2006-11-03T18:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope that everyone had a good week. I actually made it to the track this evening! Surprise, surprise, I know. Usually on Fridays I am so tired after work, I just do a lazy 3 miler. But I rallied, and made it to the local track for 2.5 miles of speedwork. Man, I have slowed down since the summer. In June and July I could run a 300 in 65-67 seconds. Not so, anymore. Here is what I did:
1.5 mile run: 12:18
300: 1:15
300: 1:17
300: 1:17
400: 1:52
300 cool down

I am hoping that I was just tired after a long week, and that I am not really that slow. 2.5 miles doesn't seem like much, but I was sucking wind at the end, so that must be good for me!

This weekend I am running a local 5k with TriSara and Daisy Duc. I am really excited. I have a feeling I will be bringing up the rear of this trio, but I am hoping to come in somewhere under 25 minutes. Stay tuned...

Swim practice was last night. I love Thursday night practices, because the coach on deck is awesome. He swam in high school (St. Ignatius, a local school in Cleveland) and at Wittenberg U., a D3 school in the same athletic conference as my alma mater, Kenyon. He gives us hard workouts and really pushes us, and I like that. The only bad thing about Thursdays is that practice is at 8:30 p.m., which for an early-to-bed, early-to-rise person like me is tough. This weekend I will swim on my own and be back with the team on Monday.

I also wanted to give any runners out there who use the Nike/Apple system to track their running workouts a heads up about something cool they might be interested in...Check this out:

Shoe Pouch - you know you want one!
My husband, his brother, and some of their really smart, entreprenurial-type cohorts invented this nifty little item! The pouch holds the little Apple device that "talks" to your Ipod, and tracks your workout stats. Nike sells a shoe that holds the Apple device, but if you don't wear Nikes, you are stuck trying to find a way to use the Apple system and hook it to your shoe somehow.

The shoe model one the website is my sister-in-law's runnin' feet! It's a really cool little gadget and could be a great stocking stuffer or accessory for you Ipod lovers out there. We will be supplying them to some small local running stores, like Second Sole, and you can also order them if you are from out of town. Check it out and let me know what you think!!

Using My Words

2006-10-27T19:54:00.000-05:00

has been hard lately. I don't know why I have taken this self-imposed hiatus from blogging - I just needed a break, or something. I am still reading your blogs (I have become addicted to you, people!), just not feeling that I have any juicy tidbits to share. But, just in case there are some folks from my blogroll and elsewhere casing the joint, here is what I have been up to.

Masters swimming has been really great. I swim with the team 2 times a week, and on my own another 1-2 times a week, and run when I am not swimming. I love being part of a team again, and I even conned my husband into joining with me. For those of you who don't know, he likes swimming about as much as I like biking, so for him to join Masters is quite an accomplishment. The one thing about Masters is that it keeps you humble. There are a lot of great swimmers on the team, college swimmers and all around fast folks, so it has been a good kick in the pants, and helped me push myself. There is nothing like being the slowest person in the lane, and having to push yourself for an entire practice.

As for running, I am trying to keep my monthly mileage up there...my mileage for October should be pretty good - when I update my sidebar, it should be somewhere in the 80s. After a low-mileage summer due to triathaloning, I want my fall and early winter to be more run-focused. I have been trying to do between 8-10 miles on the weekends, which helps keep the mileage up there. There are a couple of half-marathons in November that I am looking forward to, as well.

I ran a 15K race in September (with TriEric's wife - she took 2nd female overall, and I took 3rd female overall, with a time of 1:22!) It was a fun race. I also PRed for my 5 Mile run time on October 21, with a time of 40:44 (and took second in my age group.) There was a race (1/2 marathon) that my husband and I attempted to do in September. I say attempted, because we got up at the butt-crack of dawn one Saturday morning, and headed out to Lorain, Ohio to do the Lighthouse to Lighthouse 1/2 marathon. We drove around the oh-so-splendid city of Lorain searching for the race start, to no avail. We stopped at the police station to inquire, but it was locked. We drove around the deserted streets, and against my better judgment, stopped to ask a scary looking man with no teeth if he knew where the race was. I told my husband that I valued my life more than this race, so don't do that again. Well, to make a long story short, we made a few calls, talked to the race director and discovered that the race wasn't on Saturday, but it was on Sunday...of the upcoming week. DUH! So not only did we have the day wrong, we were a week early! WTH!

Heh. Maybe I have more funny stories to share than I thought. Anyway, that pretty much brings you all up to date, if there is anybody still reading this blog. I think that I am going to start sharing my co-blogging responsibilities with my husband, Eric. He lurks around the majority of everyone's blogs, and has expressed an interest in putting some posts on mine. So you may start seeing some posts from him in the near future.

One last thing - congratulations to all my blog friends who have competed in tris, marathons, and other assorted athletic pursuits over the past few months. You are all inspiring in many ways. And congratulations to all the new moms and moms to be out there - thanks for sharing your journeys from pregnancy and beyond.

Have a great weekend!!

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

2006-08-31T17:35:00.000-05:00

I think you get the idea. Where the heck have I been, besides lurking around the blogosphere? Well, I have had a pretty busy August - started a new job at the end of July, so I have been trying to get adjusted to my new surroundings there. I haven't posted about it, because I am still in that stage of figuring out whether or not this was the right move to make. I was at my old job for over 3 years, and even though I had my low points, I really do miss a lot of the people I left. When I took this current job, I also pretty much said "no" to another job that was in my pipeline, that was more in line with my personality, but me getting it was not a sure thing. (Hence my rambling archived posts about what to do with my life. ;) )
Ah, another turn at the proverbial fork in the road of life. Wonder where this one will lead...

And now, for what you are REALLY interested in...have I been training? have I been running? swimming? biking?

Well, I have been running a little. Sadly, another low mileage month, but I am looking forward to getting that up in September. However, I have been swimming a fair amount. I took the plunge in early August and joined the Ohio Masters Swimming. They hold regular workouts throughout the week, all coached, and it's pretty great. In the summer, they swim in a 50 meter pool, which I haven't had the chance to do in a long time, as my "home natatorium" is only a 25 yard pool. Let me tell you, that first practice, I was like "where's the freakin' wall???" It's getting tough, now, because we practice at 7:30 p.m., and it starts to get dark, and there aren't lights in the bottom of the pool. I don't like the fact that it seems really CHILLY these days in Northeast Ohio. I know that Labor Day is this weekend, but I am just not ready to say hello autumn.

I also finished my likely last triathlon of the season. Unfortunately, I didn't really end it on a good note. It was on the 27th, the Lorain Sprint Tri. I finished in 1:40 - SLOW! The conditions were less than ideal. It rained during the entire bike, and for someone like me, that can be devastating. I was just feeling really burned out on racing, I think. All the swimming I have been doing really tired me out, and mentally, my mind was not in the race. I walked out of the lake up to T1, and actually contemplated not finishing. Not because I was hurt or I had bike problems, but because I just didn't want to. But I forced myself to get on the bike and motor through the best I could. But it was raining pretty much the whole time, my shoes were soaked, and I just wasn't having fun. (I know you guys probably want to know if I want some cheese with my whine, but bear with me.) Anyway, I think that was my last tri of the season. Overall, I am happy with my performance - I did my first Olympic, and I PR'd my sprint tri time.

For now, I want to focus on swimming with my Master's team, and getting my running back in shape. I am also starting to look at next year's marathon calender to see what looks good. I am thinking of doing a fall one, possibly a trail marathon, and hopefully in a place that will double as a vacation spot, too. I will be sure to keep you posted on what I come up with.

Sorry for the short-shrifted post on what I have been up to for the last month, but I am out the door to swim practice, but I wanted to do a quick post to let you all know I was alive...

I hope everyone has a fun, relaxing and safe Labor Day!

Huntington Sprint Tri - By The Numbers

2006-08-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

127th out of 219 total finishers
6th out 14 women in age group 30-34

1/4 swim - 4:00 (Personally, I think the swim was a little short. I swim a 500 in about 7:20, so 400 should have taken longer than 4 minutes? We had to run up STAIRS to get up to the transition area - let me tell you I was hurting running up those!)

T1:3:37 (Still trying to catch my breath from my stairclimb.)

12 mile bike: 40:36

T2: 53 seconds!! (My fastest T2 time to date.)

5K run: 26:22

Total: 1:15:28

Comparison from last year...1:21:06. Woo Hoo!

My next triathlon isn't until the 27th, so I have a couple of weekends to rest. I am really bummed, because my pool is closed for yearly maintenence from August 7th-20th. I will have to find a pool to swim in, or resort to all open water swimming for the next few weeks. But hopefully it will give me a chance to get my running mileage and speedwork up a bit. July was pretty low in terms of both.
Congrats to all other bloggers who raced this weekend! Make it a great week, people!

More Cleveland Triathlon Pics

2006-08-06T10:49:00.000-05:00

1 Mile Open Water Swim

2006-08-02T18:22:00.000-05:00

The Lake Erie 1 Mile Open Water Swim was last Saturday. This was my first swim meet that was an open water swim. The fact that open water swimming is a VERY DIFFERENT animal than swimming in a pool is really hitting home with me. I got to the swim site in plenty of time to scout out the scene, grab my stuff, and get situated. Those swimming the 2 mile race were in the first wave, and the 1 milers were divided into age groups after that. We same out about a hundred yards to the start area, and waited until we heard the bullhorn go off. Going out to the turnaround buoy was HARD! I think there was a current going directly against us, so it seemed really choppy and rough. I started to fall behind those in my wave, and the 1/2 out seemed way more than half a mile. The way back was a little easier as the current must have been propelling us instead of going against us. Again, as in my Olympic tri, I had a very hard time sighting. There were 3 buoys set up, but far apart, and due to glare on the lake, I had a hard time seeing them. My course was definitely not a straight line. I think I zigged and zagged my way back. We had to swim back to our starting position, pass through a couple of buoys, and then swim the other 100 yards to the beach, and run up and through a finish chute.
Due to my excitement before the finish, I forgot to hit my watch, and therefore, my chronograph read 00:00 upon finishing, and I didn't hear my time being called out. I waited around towards the end for the results, but it took FOREVER! I snuck behind the result ladies who were feverishly typing on a laptop, to try to see my name somewhere in the excel spreadsheet that held the results. After some sleuthing, I thought I saw my name. I didn't see the time - my eyesight isn't that good - but I saw that I was in second to last place! WTH? I thought for sure I did better than that! And I couldn't believe that there were that many fast swimmers in my age group.
Oh well. Better luck next year, I guess. Official results have not yet been posted, so my sidebar is not updated yet.
Up next, my favorite tri of the season, the Huntington Beach Triathlon on Sunday. Any bloggers out there partaking?

Heading out to the start buoys
Finishing

Cleveland Tri Finish Pics

2006-07-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

The pictures are up! All my photos are finish line photos of me in the same pose, so I just posted these couple.

Overall, I was not happy with my time (3:30). Am I really that slow?? I thought for sure I would post a better showing than that. But I guess for not really training on the bike as much as I should have, I should be happy. I am convinced now, that it is truly all about the bike. Even more convinced that I will never do an IM - because for me it is so NOT about the bike. I do it to be able to participate in tri's, but I don't enjoy it as much as swimming and running, so inevitably, I will not put the time into training in the saddle. That being said, I can see myself doing my sprints, and maybe a few olympics again, but I think that is my max.

Also disappointed with my swim time. 30 minutes? I would have liked to come in under thirty. I think that I was slow because after the final turn around the last buoy, we came back into the harbor, and that was heading into the sun, there was glare off the lake, and I couldn't really see where I was going, so I did a fair amount of breaststroke, which increased my time.

As for the bike, what can I say. No technical difficulties...always a plus for me. I didn't fall off the bike, even though it was a loop course with tight turnarounds. I came into transition under 2 hours, which to some of you cyclists is laughable, I am sure.

The run was tough. It was hot, and my legs were tired. Another loop course until the last mile or so, which ended near Cleveland Browns Stadium.

I have mixed feelings about this race. I am glad to get my first olympic under my belt. It was a lot tougher than I anticipated. I am not happy with my time, but in reality, considering the lack of cycling training I put in, the time is probably about right. I know if I want to trim 30 minutes, I need to do more bricks, and spend more time in the saddle.

Up next...Saturday is my first open water swim race. I am excited for that. Hopefully I can go all out, knowing that I won't have a bike and a run to contend with. Stay tuned...

First Olympic Tri - Check

2006-07-23T13:09:00.000-05:00

I finished my first Olympic tri this morning. It was tough. It ain't no sprint, that's for sure. Race report to come...my watch time is 3:30, but the official results aren't up yet. I have a WHOLE new respect for you serious triathletes out there...half-IM, IM...unbelievable.

P.S. Don't forget to check out Eric's progress in Lake Placid IM.

***

Official split time:
swim: 31:34
T1: 4:09
bike: 1:43
T2: 1:53
run: 1:09

3:30:08

Blogger, May I Finally Post Some Pictures?

2006-07-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

Compliments of Eric. This is the 10.5 mile race we ran earlier this month. Eric's wife Aimee ran it as well.

Post-race transition area from last week's sprint tri.
Argh. These are the only photos that for some reason blogger is letting me post. Sorry I know they are boring. I hope to have better ones next weekend after my first Olympic tri!

Tagged

2006-07-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

by TriEric. Here goes:
four jobs I have had in my life:
1. X-ray technician at a doctor's office
2. hostess at a restaurant
3. stockroom assistant in the chemistry department while in college
4. lifeguard

four movies I watch over and over:
1. Rocky IV
2. Mr. Mom
3. Nine to Five
4. Office Space

four places I have lived:
1. Pittsburgh, PA
2. Gambier, OH
3. Westlake, Ohio
4. Norfolk, VA

four TV shows I love to watch:
1. The Closer
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Best Week Ever
4. King of Queens

four places I have been on vacation:
1. Maui, HI
2. Grand Cayman
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Stowe, VT

four websites I visit daily:
1. Yahoo mail
2. My Regular Reads blog list
3. Google News
4. Go Fug Yourself

four of my favorite foods:
1. Pizza (deep dish or pan)
2. McDonalds
3. burritos
4. tiramisu

four places I would rather be right now:
1. on a beach with a pina colada
2. in bed napping
3. at home vegging on the couch
4. hanging out with friends

four favorite bands/singers:
1. Beastie Boys
2. Journey
3. Norah Jones
4. Coldplay

First Tri Of The Season

2006-07-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

This morning was my first sprint triathlon of the season. It was great fun. The weather was perfect, and I didn't have any technical difficulties on the bike, I got third (out of three) in my age group, and there was cake at the end. All in all, a productive and fun morning.

We were running a little late in the beginning, so I didn't get a chance to take photos of all the competitors prior to the race, so all my photos are from after, but that's ok. You can get the idea. The first photo is a picture of Lake Erie and the swim course.

We started at the far right of the picture, at the end of the first breakwall, and swam out around breakwall #1, and breakwall #2, and exited at the left of the picture, where the sign is located. See below:

The swim went well - I was sans wetsuit, and the water temperature was ok. The only problem with this race course is when you swim past the breakwalls, the water is fairly choppy, I could get motion sickness swimming out there! I don't know how people do it in the open ocean, for 2.4 miles!! I had to break my stroke a bunch and do breaststroke in order to sight, and just get my bearings, as the water was pretty murky. But the swim portion was good - I exited the water, and glanced at my watch -it was around 7 minutes. Up the hill and into transition. I was breathing pretty heavy, so I did take my time (in both T1 and T2). I put on my shoes and socks, grabbed a drink and my helmet and walked out of transition. I glanced at my watch again, and it was around 11:58.

The bike course was nice. All wide roads, not too much traffic, and then slight rolling hills thorough some small neighborhoods. No mechanical difficulties (always my worst nightmare), and before I knew it, I was entering T2 at around 58 minutes (This is time from the start of my wave of the race. I didn't take splits, but just glanced at my watch at each critical stage.) I walked my bike in, and boy did my legs feel like rubber!! It was like I was a merchant marine out at sea for the last 12 months, and it was my first day on land - totally wobbly.

Another leisurely transition - my legs were definitely not used to biking, let alone grinding out a fast 5K after 14 or so miles, so I grabbed some Gatorade, stretched, put on my hat and sunglasses and walked out of T2. Grabbed some more water from the aid station, and kept on walking. I walked until 1:03 on my watch, and started jogging. Run was hard because it took some time before my legs felt good, and then my stomach was a little crampy because I chugged so much liquid at T2, and I hadn't really hydrated much while on the bike - I think it was too much liquid in a short period of time, so I really felt it sloshing around. On the course I saw TriEric, who was on a 3 hour training ride in his taper for Lake Placid.
Brought the run in a finished in 1:28:46. I felt good about that time, because last year for this same course, my time was 1:31:40, so I bested my time for this course.
Blogger isn't letting me post anymore pictures, so they will have to wait until next time...as well as my answers to the tag from TriEric...Until then.

Not A Post About Running

2006-07-08T08:26:00.001-05:00

Forgive me. This week has been somewhat of a sluggish week for me in terms of running and working out. Last weekend, I ran a 10 mile "race" (in quotes, because for me it wasn't so much of a race as it was a death march), and ever since, I have felt bored with running, and just plain tired. That really has to change, because tomorrow is my first triathlon of the season, a sprint tri - 1/4 mile swim, 14 mile bike, and 5k run. Let's see how I do, considering I have not swum in the open water yet this year, and have not been on my bike in a sadly long period of time.

In other news, I am on the cusp of change in other aspects of my life - which I believe is the cause of my lack of interest in training over the last couple of weeks. The changes are all job-related, but oftentimes, those changes can create real dilemmas in a person's life - not dilemmas on the scale of terminal illness, death, or other real and genuine loss, but dilemmas, nonetheless.

I passed by a bookshelf this morning in a preoccupied state, thinking over my options for the umpteenth time, and I caught a glimpse of a small book given to me from a dear friend another lifetime ago, on May 19, 1996. The inside dedication reads "...perhaps this book will bring you advice, laughter, and thoughts of our friendship." There are pages that were earmarked for reasons that are now unknown to me, but somehow still resonate with me. Because I am a big believer in the sustaining power of words, please indulge me while I share some of my favorites with you:

"I do not ask to walk smooth paths, nor bear an easy load. I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock strewn road. Give me such courage and I can scale the highest peaks alone, and transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone."
-Gail Brook Burket

"I have always grown from my problems and challenges, from the things that don't work out, that's when I've really learned."
-Carol Burnett

"I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me. I have accepted fear as a part of life - specifically the fear of change, the fear of the unknown; and I have gone ahead despite the pounding in my heart that says: turn back, turn back, you'll die if you venture too far."
-Erica Jong

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

"Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."
-Gilda Radner

"You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."
-Mary Pickford

"I am old enough to know that victory is often a thing deferred, and rarely at the summit of courage...What is at the summit of courage, I think, is freedom. The freedom that comes with the knowledge that no earthly thing can break you."
-Paula Giddings

"Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be."
-Clementine Paddleford

Happy Birthday, America!

2006-07-04T09:11:00.000-05:00

Athlete Tracker

2006-06-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

is the best! I have been watching CurlySu's progress most of the day...she is at about 14 hours, and has a little more the 6 miles to go, I think...the IM France tracker seems a bit off and everything is in kilometers. But it looks like she is doing fabulous. I can see that I will be doing a lot of athlete tracking on all you IMers out there - it's so fun! I just can't imagine the hell you all go through. I mean I have been watching Su most of the day, and I am floored when I think that she and others have been going for like 15, 16, 17 hours!! Unbelieveable. I think I'll stick to sprints and olympics.

The half was this morning. Don't worry, my speed workouts have done nothing for my endurance, apparently. The results aren't up yet, but my watch says 2:18. I felt tired, and my legs were hurting, especially my left hamstring. Then, this afternoon, I walked another 5 miles with a good friend of mine who is trying to lose some weight after just having a baby. She is doing so great at losing the weight, and is so excited to be walking, so I didn't complain that I was hurting, even though the last thing I wanted to do was go walking. But I can complain to you guys! ;)

Anyway, if you haven't already, check out Su's progress here, and if that site is slow, Liz has her own athlete tracking going on.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, folks, and have a great week!

_________

P.S. It is 4:35 EST, and I just checked the IM France site again - looks like Su is done - 5:18 marathon! Woot Woot! Congrats, Su a.k.a. IRONWOMAN!

Addicted to Speed

2006-06-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

While I definitely wouldn't call myself speedy, and I really don't enjoy track workouts, I did another one this evening after my swim. After about a week, I got back in the pool this evening for 2000 yards done in 32 minutes. This is good, as I am shooting for less than 30 minutes in the 1.5 K in my first olympic tri this July. I know 1.5 K will be totally different out in the lake than in the pool -- what will I do without my trusty black line?? -- but hopefully I can keep it under 30 minutes. I will need to make up time, because I know my bike will be sinfully slow.

Anyway, back to the track workout. Still not doing much speed mileage, but to me, getting my heart rate racing and blood pounding in my head has to be good for me. I did a mile warm-up and then was schedule to do 4 x 800. What I actually did was 2 x 800 and 1 x 400.
800: 3:26
800: 3:39
400: 1:50
Not so fast compared to a lot of you speed demons, but I am hoping to make this a regular part of my workouts. Tomorrow is an easy swim, and then Sunday the half. Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!

Oh, and while I am on the subject of my olympic tri coming up in a few weeks, I have a question for you more experienced tri-ers out there. I don't have a wet suit, and never used one in the sprints I have done. I wasn't planning on using one for the olympic tri, but is that a mistake? Do you all think I should, or will the difference be negligible? Any thoughts would be appreciated, and thanks in advance.

Speed Kills

2006-06-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten my pledge about improving my fitness this year. It seems strange to say it this way, but now that the marathon is over, I feel like I can concentrate more on getting into better shape! To that end, I have started working on incorporating speed work into my regular running routine. Since the beginning of the month, I have done three speed workouts, focusing mostly on 300 meter sprints and mile and a half sprints. I am also working on my strength routines, doing push-ups and sit-ups. The speed work is really killer, and I haven't really noticed a difference yet, but everyone says it will work wonders. Here are my speed workouts for the month, so far. And remember, I am incorporating it slowly into my routine, so it may not seem like much, but I can sure feel it.
June 11:
300 m - 63 seconds
1.5 mile - 12:33 (1:52, 2:02, 2:10, 2:17, 2:11, 1:59)

June 14:
1 mile - 9:08
300 m - 65 seconds
300 m - 67 seconds
1.5 mile - 12:34 (1:53, 2:00, 2:11, 2:11, 2:13, 2:02)

June 20:
300 m - 65 seconds
300 m - 68 seconds
1.5 mile - 11:55 (1:47, 1:54, 2:00, 3:59 (for 2 laps), 2:15)
800 m - 3:47

The 300 meter sprints are really killing me. I pretty much just slog through them, and want to die at the end. I don't know why they hurt so much! The 1.5 mile isn't much better, but at least I feel like I can better spread my pain out over the splits. I want to start working more 800s and 100s into my workouts, too, but I think I am off to a good start. I have a half marathon this weekend, and that will help boost my monthly mileage, which has been low overall this month.

My swimming has been suffering this month. I haven't really been in the pool much, and that needs to get better, as does my biking. My first tri is fast approaching! Yikes!

Anyway, I hope that everyone's week is progressing smoothly. Have a great rest of the week!

Picture Time

2006-06-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

Deer eating dinner in Cleveland Metroparks.

Sophie loves to run.

Sophie losing her winter coat. Yes, there are hairballs the size of tumbleweeds under my bed. I should invest in the Swiffer company.

Sophie and her boyfriend, Kip. Aren't they a cute couple?

The Week In Review

2006-06-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Where is the time flying to? I find that now that the weather is so nice, it is harder to stay inside and keep up with my blogging. Instead of posting this week, I have been catching up on my reading and commenting. Congrats to all the racers from last weekend - great job!!

6/5: 2000 yard recovery swim
6/6: 5 mile run
6/7: 3 mile run in the park. I got some great pics of some deer eating dinner right off the running path. I'll post them as soon as I load them into the computer.
6/8: Unintentional day off. I just felt so tired after work, I had to crash.
6/9: 5 mile run
6/10: 1 hour yoga class (namaste), 3000 yard swim. here's how the swim looked:
5 x 300: 4:21, 4:36, 4:35, 4:35, 4:39
3 x 500 (SKIPS): 30:38.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Rocky River 5 Miler

2006-06-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

I got up early this morning to run the Rocky River 5 Miler. It's a small local race I do every year. My goal every year is to come in under 40 minutes. It hasn't happened yet. Although I did get second in my age group this year. Here are my splits:
Mile 1: 7:44
Mile 2: 8:24
Mile 3: 9:12
Mile 4: 8:55
Mile 5: 8:40
Finish Time: 42:58, 8:36 min/mile pace

A Shout Out To All San Diego Runners

2006-06-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

Jeanne over at Not Born To Run has a list of RBF peeps running the San Diego Marathon, so check it out, and wish our wonderful bloggers good luck.

This is an Australian Nike ad from last year:

"Running isn’t about fashion or appearances. You don’t give a toss how you look when you run. You just want to push your body to the limits, to hear your heart pounding and lungs heaving out of your chest. You want to be at your leg-pumping, sweat-pouring, mouth-gaping, tongue-lolling, vein-popping best. Always. And if that makes you look ugly to some people, then so be it.
Running isn’t pretty.

RUN YOURSELF UGLY."

Best of luck to all racers this weekend, and remember, "pain is weakness leaving the body."

Mixed Bag

2006-05-31T19:14:00.000-05:00

Hello, all! Happy Wednesday. I decided to mix things up a bit, and instead of running, swimming, or biking today, I went to step aerobics class! Ha! I haven't been to step in quite some time, so it was pretty hilarious. I think that trying to follow the instructor and her constant eight count moves across the step helps keep me coordinated physically and mentally. I don't think my heartrate got up as high as if I was swimming, or running, but it was fun, and it kept me moving for 60 minutes. I also like that at the end of class they always do an ab workout, and some weights. Sometimes, I neglect those things if I just go do a run.

And I haven't forgot my vow to become more fit, overall. Now that the marathon is done with, I feel like I can broaden my focus a bit more. After class I came home and tried my hand at sit-ups (which I almost never do - I am a cruncher, and pilates gal) and push-ups. I did 31 sit-ups in one minute, and 20 pushups. I really have to work on the sit-ups, and try to eke out a few more pushups. This weekend, I am going to take a trip to the track to see how I fare on the 300 meter run, and the 1.5 mile run. I'll post my results.

Hope everyone is having a good week. At least it's a short one, huh?

It's Getting Hot In Here

2006-05-29T08:15:00.000-05:00

Ah, the new video says it all. It's vintage, and took me a while to find it, but it is perfect for this time of year. This is what I have waited for all winter. No more bundling up to go run outside...it's hot hot hot. A perfect weekend to start the summer with.

This weekend has been good for getting some yards in the pool and some miles on the road. I went for an easy 7 mile run (1:25) yesterday, and felt totally fine. No work today, so I have the whole day to decide how to fill it. It's days like today that make me wish that adults had summer vacation, too. I hope that everyone is enjoying the long weekend, and getting their long runs/rides/swims in.

***

Hour and a half bike ride in the park, followed by 1600 yard swim.

On The Road Again

2006-05-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

I am taking it easy this week. I took off Monday and Tuesday. Today, the pooch and I went for a slow 2 mile jog. I was pretty ginger at first, but felt ok towards the end. My quads were really sore in the beginning of the week, but now it just feels like I did a long run this weekend. After the jog, I headed to the pool for a quick 1500 yd. swim. I did a 500 warm up, and then 2 x 500 (SKIPS - swim, kick, IM, pull, swim.)

Tonight, it's all about t.v., and the season finale of Lost. I have to admit, the show is losing me. I was really interested last season, and the beginning of this season, but now it has just gotten absurd. But I do want to see how they end it for now.

Have a great rest of the week, and thanks again for all the visits and well-wishes on the marathon!!

Welcome To The Suck

2006-05-21T05:08:00.000-05:00

6 a.m. Race day. Headed out the door. Rainy, cold. Scrapped the shorts and tank I was planning on wearing. Now going with capri running pants and long sleeve tech shirt under short sleeve tech shirt. Bringing an old running jacket that I won't feel bad if I have to toss.

Here we go.

***

My race recaps are never as good as Rae's over at Running Into A Brick Wall, and I am tired this afternoon, so here is my attempt to cover the marathon today. When we got downtown, it was still really overcast, with a light shower. Nothing I couldn't handle, though. At least it wasn't a driving downpour. That would have really sucked. I waited in line for a port-a-john, and when I finally got one, and did my biz, I had to hurry to the start, which was imminent. There was no waiting around, allowing time for the dread to sink in. GO!

As soon as I started out, I knew that bringing my water bottle belt was a mistake. I have never run a marathon with it, and probably shouldn't have started now. But it was too crowded to do anything about right then. I waited until about mile 3 to take the bottle out, and just carry it. And now, I'll post my splits and add some little diddies to it to make it interesting.

Mile 1 (10:04): Water bottle belt - mistake. Is that my knee that's hurting?
2 (11:18): Still crowded. Too many 10K and half people going out like gangbusters.
3 (10:21): Taking the water bottle out of the belt. Carrying it for now.
4 (10:20): Did I really need this rain jacket? It isn't really raining anymore. Around the waist it goes.
5 (10:20): Getting into a groove, heading west of the city, and into some neighborhoods.
6 (10:33): A fair amount of people braving the cold and wet conditions to cheer.
7 (10:44): Turning back east towards downtown area.
8 (10:28): Racers are starting to thin out, thankfully.
9 (11:22): The clouds start rolling out, and blue sky is opening up.
10 (10:46): Is that the sun? And hey, lookee here, it's TriAl out to cheer people on!
11 (11:18): Over a bridge coming into the city, sunny, great view of the city.
12 (missed this split): This is near where the half people divert off. Not sure how I missed the mile marker.
13 (21:48): Ok, no turning back now. Not quitting. All systems functioning.
14 (13:42): Now begins the long stretch into the eastern part of the city.
15 (11:40): Long boring stretch of road known as Chester Avenue. Not many spectators.
16 (12:12): Rounding the bend onto the campus of Case Western Reserve University.
17 (12:09): Passed the Art Museum, and other cultural landmarks of the city.
18 (13:51): A general feeling of discomfort. Legs are tiring, feet starting to ache.
19 (14:09): A TNT group with bags of pretzels, gummy bears. Grab 2 handfuls, and say THANK YOU!! I needed some gas. I finished my 2 gels, and feel I need nutrition.
20 (12:50): Here's the wall. Only 10K left. I can walk if I need to, but that seems to hurt more. A water stop handing out CarbBoom gels. I grab two.
21 (12:12): Hey!! It's Elizabeth and TriAl again. Woo Hoo. They run with me for a bit, until the next water stop, and the company was just the push I needed. Thanks guys!!! Elizabeth took my picture, I can't wait to see it up on her blog.
22 (12:55): The next few miles take place along the lake. It's windy. Damn windy.
23 (13:11): The lake is rough, choppy, and full of whitecaps. Did I mention how windy it was?
24 (14:56): Getting closer to the city. Rounding up into the city, passed Browns Stadium. Feet are really hurting. Eat my apple cinnamon gel, and pray it doesn't make me sick like the Hammer gels.
25 (13:26): Into the city now. I can't wait to be done. Doing a fair amount of walking, mixed in with my suicide shuffle. A water stop handing out orange slices, and I grab two. Ah.
26 (13:00): Thank God. I see my husband (who finished in 3:38) He grabs the damned water belt, gels, and rain jacket, thankfully, and I keep going.
.2 (02:45): Hey, I see TriSaraTops cheering people as they cross the finish - "Hi Sara!!"

Watch Time: 5:12:32: I didn't come in under 5, which was my goal, but oh well. I feel pretty good this afternoon. I don't feel sick, I feel really sore, but all in all, feel ok. I plan to just walk this week, and do some swimming. I am glad this monster is behind me now...I can just focus on triathlon now!!

An extra big THANK YOU to Elizabeth, TriAl, and TriSara, and all the other bloggers that were out in force cheering and supporting racers today. Seeing you guys made all the difference for me. THANKS!!!

T-Minus 5 Days

2006-05-16T06:38:00.000-05:00

until the marathon. Just readRob's 50K race report. It was a study in mental toughness, and a riveting read. It also foreshadowed the pain that I know is about to come for me. I finished my last 8 miler this past Sunday. It didn't feel as good as I thought it would feel. I still felt tight, and leaden. Slow, no spring, and just plain tired. Not sure what that means for Sunday. I am dreading a race in which I have to fight for every mile. It is supposed to rain Sunday, as well. That should be fun.

I have to concentrate on getting psyched up, now, but it's hard. Hopefully the next couple of posts before the race will all be motivational and hard core "get your game on" posts. I need some of that right now.

Easy running this week. I ran 3 last night, and will do three milers the rest of the week, and hope to get some swims in, too. I swam last Saturday, 2200 in a blissfully empty pool. It was great.

Hope everyone has a great week!!

A Remembrance Of Things Past

2006-05-10T19:12:00.000-05:00

Although I never made it through cover to cover, I lifted my subject line from Proust's classic book. It's appropriate, because today, I was digging through an old wallet, and found something I had completely forgotten about. It was an old photograph of a plaque containing the words "I have not yet begun to fight." I had taken the photo during a visit to the Naval Academy as a high school student. John Paul Jones is interred at the Academy Chapel, and his words impacted me greatly then. I carried that photo in my wallet for many years. Those words, their sentiment, resonated with me.

But somewhere between then and now, I forgot those words. I didn't think about those words at all during my training. I feel tired and listless this week. I don't feel like running, and when I do run, I feel like I am running on fumes. I can't wait for the marathon to be over. Hopefully finding this photo and remembering that I used to have a fighting spirit back in the day will get me through these next couple of weeks, and the 26.2 miles to come.

My back is feeling better. I managed 12, not 14, this past weekend, and this weekend is 8. I hope I can remain injury free and back-pain free for the rest of the month.

I spent the rest of the week catching up on everyone's races. Congrats, everyone - great job!

How Fit Am I, Really?

2006-05-03T19:48:00.000-05:00

This question has been on my mind lately. While I can swim, power through a long run, and stay upright on a bike, I still wonder...how fit am I? What prompted this question was my lame attempt last week to do a speed workout. I started out the door with good intentions. I was going to jog the mile up to the local high school track, and do some repeat 800s, just to see what kind of times I can post. Well, I got up to the track, and there was a "track meet" going on - all really little kids doing different track events. It was pretty chaotic, with a million little kids running around, and I knew there would be no track workout for me. So, I headed the mile back home. But on the way back, I would sprint to different landmarks. Like "fast as I can to that stop sign," and "fast as I can until the end of the street" stuff.

I almost passed out in my driveway, and my face was flushed for the rest of the night. Needless to say, although the marathon is in 3 weeks, I didn't feel very "fit." So I have been looking at how different military/government branches measure the fitness of their peeps. I found the fitness test that the FBI uses for their special agents here. I would like to give this a try and see how I score. I tried some pull-ups on the pull-up bar we have installed in our basement. I couldn't do one. Meh.

I have got to get some practice in, and then do this test. I will post my results, and then we can truly see how fit I am.

________

As for the running skirt. Let's just say I am not happy with it. I am not sure whether it was the brand, or the size, or the fact that I am not a girly girl. It was really *short* and the built-in underwear was really *tiny*. Way to tiny to even go out of the house in. I tried it for 5 on the treadmill last night. While I must say that I liked the fact that it didn't bunch between the legs, the underwear kept riding up in back, so I felt like that girl in the running skirt in Rae's 5/1/06 post. The size was a medium, which according to the measurements on the company's website, should have fit me, but they obviously run small. Anyway, looks like I will be sticking to the Nike tempo shorts.

__________

And in other news, my lower back has chosen to act up again. I woke up Monday morning to a low back spasm. My last one was in January - what is this gonna be - a regular occurrance? Ever since January I have been doing my back exercises, and stretching regularly, and now, again, my low back seizes up on me!! So, it's back to the muscle relaxant, heat therapy, and waiting. This time is not as bad as January, though. The discomfort is moderate, so I took off Monday, ran 5 on Tuesday, and ran 5 today. I had pain both days, but managed to run through it. I'll tell you one thing...this pain better make like a tree and leave well before the marathon, or else!!

Have a great rest of the week, everyone!

Twenty Miler. Check.

2006-04-29T19:21:00.000-05:00

My twenty miler is over. Thank goodness. I was dreading it. I got up early this morning, and hit the door at 7:30 a.m. I just wanted to get going. I did an easy two mile warm-up in 21:09. The weather was perfect, cool and sunny, and I felt good. I dropped my running jacket off at my house before proceeding to my first 6 mile loop. I wore capri running pants, and a long sleeve tee, and was fine, temperature-wise. My first 6 mile loop felt fine, and I finished in 58:03. The second 6 mile loop felt ok, at first. I had water with me, and a vanilla Hammer gel. At the end of the second 6 miler, I started to feel a little nauseous. I think it may have been the Hammer gel! Last week's 14 miler I had a chocolate one, and it tasted awful, and made me feel sick. I thought vanilla might be better, but again, I felt nauseous after the gel. I finished the second loop in 1:05, and headed out for the last 6 mile loop. I got about a 1/2 mile in, and felt REALLY nauseous, like I was about to blow chunks any minute. I just started walking for about 5 minutes, and tried to get it under control. I alternated walking and shuffling for a while till the nausea passed. I figured I would have to walk the whole rest of the way if it didn't improve.

I did end up pushing through it, and at the end, felt ok. My last 6 mile loop took 1:11 minutes. My total watch time was 3:50 for the run, and that includes hydration/stretching breaks between each loop. I am glad that is over.

I finished my run in time to spend the afternoon with a friend that recently gave birth to a little boy, which was fun. Tonight, vegging out time, and movie rental night. On deck: The Constant Gardener.

Tomorrow is a swim session. I have been lax about getting in the water this last week, and need to get back in. I think I am going to do a pull workout to give my legs a rest. Hope everyone's weekend is going well!

True Endurance?

2006-04-24T19:37:00.000-05:00

What would you do for a sweet new ride?
New Yorkers Want Tri Bike.

Stream Of Consciousness

2006-04-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday, everyone! I haven't posted in a while, so this post will probably contain a bunch of random thoughts and observations strung together in no apparent order, hence the title.

Training is going well. I was going out of town this weekend to visit family in Pennsylvania, so I had to get my long run done before I left. So, I called off work on Friday, and did my 14 miler that morning. It rained the night before, and it also rained a little during my first 6 miles, but then it got sunny. It was around 70, and it felt really humid. I carried a water bottle with me, and it lasted the entire run. I also had 1 gel with me, that I didn't even finish. It was a chocolate Hammer gel, and it just wasn't tasting good during the last two miles. I need to go and get some Espresso Love Gus, and work on my nutrition/hydration, because I definitely was dehydrated at the end of the run. I finished in 2:27:44.

I took a break for an hour, and then hopped in the car for a 3 hour drive. Ugh. My knees were killing me at the end of that drive, let me tell you. The weekend went by pretty fast. Saw family, including my niece and nephew who live in New Jersey, so I don't get to see them that often. I had a rest day on Saturday, so all I had to do was relax while in PA, and I left this morning.

Upon returning to the Buckeye State, and went to the pool for a 2K swim, and am currently typing fast so that I can make it out the door for a 3 mile run before the rain hits.

RunnerSusan recently put up a review of her new running skirt. And although one of my favorite bloggers, Elle, won't don one until our male compatriots come over to the dark side, I bought one last week from Nicole Deboom's company, Skirtsports. She is a total stud, so I figured if she wears one, I am in good company. I'll post pics and a review when I get it. Hopefully it will come before my 20 miler next weekend, because I am planning to wear it for the marathon, and want to get in a nice long run with it.

And in other news, have you heard that Lance is running the NY Marathon? Maybe he figures if he can post an awesome time in a marathon, an Ironman is not that far away? Now that would be something to see!

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! I'll read all about them while catching up on my blog reading tonight. Have a great week!

One_Foot_In_Front_Of_The_Other.

2006-04-17T06:12:00.000-05:00

And that pretty much sums up my 18 miler! Ha, actually, it didn't go too poorly. To recap, I was able to get in a swim on Friday, a quick and easy 2200 yards. On Saturday, the weather was primo. Sunny, warm, but with a cool breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. My first six miles took 59:58 minutes. The next 4.5 took 50:31, and the last 7.5 took 1:27, for a total of 3:17:31. I took Sunday off, and didn't feel too bad. My legs are a little tired, and my feet are achy, but no big complaints. I have a 14 miler this week, and then a 20 miler the week after. The marathon is almost here!

Don't forget Boston is being run today - set your TIVOs and VCRs! Have a great week everyone!

Bound For Beantown

2006-04-13T19:09:00.000-05:00

Good luck to all the runners headed to Boston this weekend. Elizabeth has a list of bloggers posted on her site that are running it. I will be vicariously cheering you on as I watch the coverage on OLN. GOOD LUCK!!

____________________________________
Running was light this week, as I have my 18 miler on Saturday. I was supposed to run 17 during the work week, and unfortunately am sad to say I only managed 11. I walked on Monday after the race, and plan on swimming tomorrow, though. Weather here has been great. Saturday is looking good, too. Will post on how it goes. Have a good Friday, and weekend!

Hurt. Pain. Agony. Love It.

2006-04-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

You had me at "hills." Yeah, that's right. Two months of spinning class pretty much meant nothing today - I got to the race site, and realized that there would be hills. Rolling hills, but hills, nonetheless. (How many times do you think I can put the word "hills" in this post?)

Seriously, though. It was a good race day, and I am glad that I did it. My first Du of the season, and I can only improve from here. We got to the race site with plenty of time to get our bikes ready, and our area set up. We got to walk around and check out the race site. It was a really nice part of the Cleveland Metropark system, with some nice falls, and a small lake.

It was pretty chilly, but it was sunny and there was no wind. I wore black tights under my bike shorts, a coolmax tee, arc'teryx pullover, and another pullover on top, because I knew that the bike portion was going to be CHILLY, especially going down the hills. I also had a thin hat under my helmet, and a thicker set of gloves.

While waiting in line to use the facilities, I was able to meet up with TriEric, and his wife, Aimee. What a great couple! It was so nice to meet you both. Great athletes, too, as Eric demonstrated on the bike, and as Aimee demonstrated at her half marathon in Athens Ohio a few weeks back - 1:49 - NICE!

As far as the race went, the first leg of the run was good. I felt pretty loose, passed a few people on the hills, and made it into the transition area at 26:13. I didn't take much time in the transition area, grabbed a quick drink, threw on the helmet, and walked the bike out of transition...and started up a hill. WTH! They couldn't start us off with an easy flat, huh? Needless to say, I just powered through it. 5 laps over rolling hills. Nose running, thighs burning, low back aching...but on the positive side, my hands were not cold, at all, and I didn't get a flat. And, hey, I was ON THE BIKE...OUTSIDE!! I know that alot of you gear-heads have been out and about for a while now...please remember that I am BuckeyeRUNNER for a reason. And as a former swimmer, I am definitely a fish on a bike. So I felt glad to just be on the bike, and not fall off! I finished the bike leg in 1:06.

Dumped the bike, had some words of encouragement from TriEric and Aimee, and was off. The first mile, my legs felt tight, but the knees felt okay, and my toes started warming up. I forgot to ditch my outer layer jacket, so I was pretty much roasting, but I guess you'll have that. I powered up the IPod to some Rage Against the Machine, and finally started to find my legs. I finished the run in 28:45. Although I have taken better pictures, here is me at the finish (finish time:2:01, third in my age group. Out of three.)

At the finish, I was able to meet Al, another speed demon, who I saw blow by me on his bike! Here is a group shot, post-race:

All in all, it was a pretty good race. Lessons learned: I will look to improve my biking skills (esp. my gear-shifting, and hydrating while biking), and also work on my bike to run transition. My husband, Eric, deserves an honorable mention, as well, as he cleaned up pretty nicely, with a finish time of 1:35. Double kudos to him for getting stuck with bike duty (being the slower half of a couple does have its benefits!)

The best part of the day was being able to meet some really great bloggers - here's to seeing each other at more races, and meeting other NEO bloggers as the season progresses!

It's Cold!

2006-04-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

The sun may be shining here in Ohio, but it is one chilly day! I have a feeling that tomorrow will prove to be a cold race day. Running in the cold won't be bad, but biking in the cold will be a whole 'notha ball 'o wax!

Today was spent doing some chores, taking the dogs (we're dogsitting the next couple of weeks) to the dog park, and getting in a quick swim. I went late in the day, so the pool was pretty dead. Just the way I like it. Here's what it looked like:
3 x (200swim, 100kick) - 16:30
500swim - 7:33
5 x 100swim - 8:44
400pull - 6:49
5 x 100swim - 8:47
300swim - 4:48
5 x 100swim - 8:58
200swim - 4:06
8 x 50swim - 7:25
_______________________
Today was the FertileHope 5K Run, the favorite charity of Kristin Armstrong, a favorite athlete of mine (she, too, like a lot of you bloggers, is running Boston '06). Here is the article about it, and the interview with her ex-husband, Lance, who ran it. What's Lance run a 5K in? His chip time was 18:20, and his pace was 5:55/mile.

He must have been taking it easy.
___________________________________
Race report, and hopefully some pictures from the Du tomorrow!

The Season Is Upon Us. On Tap:

2006-04-06T06:36:00.000-05:00

Cleveland Marathon: registration, check.
Cleveland Olympic Triathlon (first one ever): registration, check.
Buzzard Duathlon: registration, check.

The Du is this Sunday. It's a 3 mile run, 15 mile bike, 3 mile run. This will be the first time my bike has seen the light of day since my last Du in October. My time in October was 1:52, and that was a 5K/12milebike/5K. Will I be able to top my prior Du time? Will those spinning classes make a difference in the bike portion? I am looking at this as a way to help me work on my transitions, and hopefully meet some other NEO bloggers out there! I hope the weather cooperates - the thought of racing during Spring showers doesn't thrill me much.

Tonight: a run/swim workout.
--------------------------------------
Update: Only a 6 mile run tonight...Was all set to go swim, and then got sucked into blogland. Go figure.

Just A Reminder

2006-04-02T19:17:00.000-05:00

It is starting to get warmer out (yippee!), and not only are runners and other athletes out and about, but so are other people that don't necessarily have getting in shape in mind. I am posting this running safety list to remind us all to stay safe when training.

Most of these tips are common sense and maybe things that you already do.

-RUN AGAINST TRAFFIC so you can observe approaching vehicles unless this means running on the inside of a blind bend. Cross well before the bend and return as soon as it is safe to do so.

-WEAR REFLECTIVE MATERIAL if you run before dawn or after dusk.

-When approaching an intersection/T-junction, make eye contact with the driver who is waiting to proceed onto the main road. If the driver does not see you, pass behind the car.

-Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you. The more aware, the less vulnerable you are.

-Never assume that because you have heard/seen a danger/obstacle that your fellow runners have. Make the call to advise them.

-Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you're unsure. If something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn't.

-Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.

-Dogs can be dangerous, so avoid eye contact and slow to a walk if threatened.

-When running with a group, the club ethos is to re-group if there are runners of varying abilities. At the end of the run, ensure that all members of the group return safely.

-If leading a run, set a positive example by practicing the advice set out in these guidelines.

Further Safety Principles when running alone

-DON'T WEAR HEADSETS. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense: your hearing.

-Carry a mobile phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of telephone boxes along your regular route.

-Alter or vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local running club or running shop. Know where open businesses or shops are located.

-Run with a partner (or let them accompany you on a bike). Run with a dog.

-Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes. This could make the difference!

-Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Especially avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.

-Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information. Don't wear jewellery.

-Practice memorizing car registration numbers or identifying characteristics of strangers.

-Carry a noisemaker.

-CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.

-Create a network of women runners. Create a system whereby women can find other women to run with.

Stay safe out there!!

Courage

2006-03-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount. -Clare Booth Luce

Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up anyway. -John Wayne

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear. -Mark Twain

A hero is no braver than an ordinary man,
but he is braver five minutes longer. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fortune favors the brave. -Virgil

It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. -Harper Lee

I don't have the words or experience to adequately expound on what courage means, so I draw upon the wise words of those better than I.

This post is dedicated to everyone that may happen upon this post, and especially to Carrie.

Hello, Lover

2006-03-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

As Carrie Bradshaw would say in Sex and the City to her Jimmy Choo high heels, so I say to my new Nike Air 360s. More money than I have ever spent on running shoes before, but worth every penny.

They carried me through my 15 miler today. I had the usual aches that go along with running 15 miles, but the shoes were great. It was a risky move, wearing new shoes for a long run, but I am happy to say that the risk paid off.
Here's what the run looked liked today:
6 miles: 58:19
rest: 6:49 to stop at house, hydrate, and change jackets
4.5 miles: 47:46 (ran to the lake)
rest: 9:23 (gel, water, stretch, and picture taking to share w/you)
4.5 miles: 41:59

Overall, I had about 16 minutes of non-running time, and 2:30 of running time, for a total of 15 miles.

And here are some pictures of Lake Erie. Isn't it beautiful? Only a few more months, and I'll be swimming in it! These are pictures of Huntington Beach, the site of a really great sprint tri that I do in August. That's downtown Cleveland off in the distance.

--------------------------------------------
And on a side note, Rob has a recent post about a couple of things he would like to accomplish at some point in his life, one of which is skydiving. I commented on his blog that it is an amazing experience, and one he should definitely do, if he is so inclined.

I did it back in 1999, when my then-boyfriend, now-husband took me for my birthday. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Bar none. Although I do not consider myself deeply religious, a word that I think aptly describes the experience is "spiritual."

It was a tandem jump, so I jumped with an instructor who was strapped to my back. We had a short training session beforehand, and then jumped. I highly recommend it. If there are any NEOhioans interested, we did it through Aerohio.

I hope everyone had a great weekend, filled with great training, great food, and great friends. Have a good week!

TGIFriday!

2006-03-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, everyone!

Ahhh, the weekend is finally here, and we can all look forward to our long runs, rides, swims, and/or bricks!!

I did some quick figuring, and my Nikes have 342.4 miles on them, so I am thinking of swinging by my trusty running shoe/athletic apparel shop, Second Sole to see what new and exciting shoewear is out there. I would like to sample some Pearl Izumis if possible. I'll keep you posted on any new purchases.

Tomorrow is my last spinning class for the month (sniff). Does this mean that once it gets warmer, I have to take my bike out of the basement, and into the light of day!?

Have a great day!

Parental Advisory: Stop Video If You Don't Like Limp Bizkit

2006-03-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

The lyrics are harsh, but I have to admit that "Break Stuff" is a great song to listen to when you are in a rebellious mood.

I'm not feeling rebellious with respect to my training. Training is going pretty well. I ran 5 yesterday, and 3 this evening. Was supposed to swim tonight, but didn't make it, and I feel okay about it. I am just plugging away, waiting for the warm weather to come.

I am feeling rebellious at work. I've been at my current position almost 3 years (it'll be 3 years on May 14.) It is the proverbial "overworked and underpaid." But I can handle the underpaid part. I can handle the overworked part. What I have trouble managing is the fact that Boss #1 and "wanna-be Boss #2" are incompetent, incapable of time management, cannot prioritize, and do not understand what their job responsibilities are. It makes me want to "break stuff."

It's time to start looking for a new job. How do people stay in positions for 10, 15, 20 years? It's a mystery to me.

And thank goodness for sports! I can't imagine how people who don't work out regularly deal with their stress! I would go mad if I couldn't go run or dive in a pool and leave all the madness behind!

Inspiration Found.

2006-03-19T16:42:00.000-05:00

I was able to replenish the well, in part because of reading your blogs. By becoming a part of this community, I am able to share in your accomplishments, be it victory in meeting a goal, or victory delayed. I say delayed, because even when a race isn't finished, or a time isn't beaten, I have not read about an athlete out there admitting defeat. It is not defeat; it is victory delayed.

So thank you to all you athletes out there; driving, pushing, striving. You reminded me that the peaks and valleys are inevitable, and that you just keep moving forward.

Hum Drum

2006-03-13T19:07:00.000-05:00

That about says it all. I have been lurking around others' blogs, but not really concentrating on my own, because I am feeling hum drum. I have been working out, and trying to keep to my marathon training schedule, but it feels mechanized, or robotic. I haven't necessarily felt inspired lately, and I am the type of athlete that really needs to feel inspired in order to push myself harder.

Case in point: I did twelve miles (2 hours, 9 minutes) yesterday in the warm weather I have been yearning for since last October, but it was a struggle. I felt tired and achy at the end, and wondered whether I am just getting too old for this nonsense. Maybe I should just concentrate on halfs (which is a distance that I love), and sprint/olympic tris. Maybe this was just a bad long run -- but it was only twelve! What will I do come 15, 18, 20?

Right now, I am going to chalk it up as a lackluster training run, and see how it goes. I am on track, and just need to stay there. Hopefully, I can increase my motivation back up to normal levels, and get mentally psyched up for the marathon in May.

How do you get inspired, and stay that way?

Congratulations, Ladies

2006-03-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

Swimmin' Women take second.

Correction

2006-03-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the great comments, folks! I appreciate the sentiments.

I have a correction to make. The official race results are up, and it appears that even though race official's bestowed a "First in Division" award to me upon crossing the finish, I was actually third in my age group!! What the @#$%!
First place was 1:11, second was 1:22, and I was third with 1:23. Oh well. At least I was "first" for a day, right?

Catching the Leprechan

2006-03-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

It took me a bit to get to updating the blog today. The race went pretty well, although I didn't PR. I felt like I pushed it today, and I paid for it once I got home. (Some intestinal issues. I never had them before, but as I get older, I am finding that I don't feel so well after tough races.) Anyhoo...

The weather was pretty nice today. Cold, but sunny. I forgot my camera this morning, which was okay, because I never did see TriEric and his wife today! I was so bummed! The other thing I forgot to do today was get all my splits. It was mile 5 before I realized it, and started getting the splits. So here are the ones I got:
Mile 5-45:50
Mile 6-8:37
Mile 7-8:35
Mile 9-17:56
Watch Time-1:23:31.

Slower than my 15K in September, and slower than my 10 miler in August of 2004 (1:20). I am attributing it to the cold. When I finished, I got a small trophy because I got first in my age group. I hope it shows up on the website, though, because they made a mistake on my age group category. I'll have to check the results when they post them. (Hopefully, I wasn't the only one in my age group, either!)

My husband did well. I can't remember his exact time for the 30K, but I think it was like 2:28. There were some really fast men in his age group.

I had forgotten what "race pace" feels like. But my legs are remembering today. I think tomorrow will be a day off.

I forgot to add that I actually did my extra 3 miles, too! I think it was more like 2.5, because the mile markers weren't exact, but I am calling it three, because I raced the previous nine!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and hope that everyone's races went super! Have a great week!

Friday Night Was A Bust

2006-03-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

Welp, despite my good intentions, I was a complete slug Friday night, and never made it to the pool. Didn't really accomplish a darn thing, but I guess you'll have that.

I tried to make up for it this morning, though, by going to spinning class at 8 a.m., and then hitting the pool. My first brick of the year! In reverse order, I know but class was a 8, and the gym didn't open until 8, so I had to go in reverse order.

Spinning was really good. I thought I was doing well at pacing myself for a good workout, keeping my heartrate up and the resistance at a good setting, but I must have been overdoing it, because about 3/4s of the way through class, the instructor actually got off her bike, and started coming over to me asking me if I was ok! How embarrassing. Hasn't she ever seen someone sweating like a pig in a spinning class before? And if that doesn't beat all, after class, I was in the hallway eating a PowerBar, and she asked me again if I was ok. Good grief!

After I stopped sweating, I changed into my suit and hit the water:
W/U: 150
Set1: 1250 (1 length hard,1 easy, 2 easy, 2 hard, 3 easy, 3 hard, 4,4,5,5,4,4,3,3,2,2,1,1)
Set2: 400 pull
IM:100 (fly,bk,fr,fr)
100 (bk,br,fr,fly)
100 (br,fr,fly,bk)
100 (free,fly,bk,br)
C/D: 300
Total:2500yds

Tomorrow is my 15K race. TriEric will be there, and his wife will be running. Hopefully we'll get to meet up, I'll make sure to bring my camera to post pictures.
As for goal time, my last 15K was in September, and the time was 1:21:51. It was warmer then, though. Depending on how I feel, I should come in right around that time. (I have to do a 3 mile cool down after the race, though, cause HH prescribes a 12 miler for me this weekend.)

For All You Trivia Buffs Out There

2006-03-03T23:38:00.000-05:00

Check out this website - you can find out which stars were passed up for different movies. You can search by actor or movie. Lots of fun.

Not starring.

TGIF

2006-03-03T17:29:00.000-05:00

I love leaving work early, and leaving virtually undetected. I am sitting in bed, in my p.j.s, with laptop, t.v. on, eating Cheez-its and drinking Coke from the can. Does it get any better than that?

I am supposed to swim tonight, although I now seem to have a slight stomachache - could it be from the half box of Cheez-its I ate in less than 15 minutes? Hopefully by 7 p.m. the stomach issues will have subsided enough to get in a good workout, and then grab dinner at McDonalds. (I'm not kidding. You would not want me to start keeping a food log.)

I'll let you know how the swim goes...

Got Milk?

2006-02-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

Yum. Looks like I have to replace that Pom that's in my fridge for a nice quart of chocolate milk.

Cutting Corners Seems To Be My Specialty

2006-02-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

Yeah, that's right - I cut some corners this week. I was supposed to have an 18 mile week - 3 on Tuesday, 5 on Wednesday, 3 on Thursday, and 7 on Saturday. I actually did 2 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, 3 on Thursday, and 6 on Saturday. I was 4 miles short this week. I am trying not to feel too bad - I keep telling myself it's only February. March and April will be higher mileages, and more critical to my Cleveland '06 training. I also skipped spinning on Saturday - dentist appointment. It's just as well - I heard that it was our New Age spinning instructor, the lady that plays Enya during our hill climbs.

Next weekend I have the Catch A Leprechan race. It's a 30K or 15K. My husband is doing the 30K. I think I am going to do the 15K, because it's a little early in my training to bust out 18 some miles. After the 15K I will add another 3, because next week's long run is 12 miles.

Aside from running, I swam today, 2550 yards, and it felt pretty good. My neck is doing much better (knock wood) and I am still being cautious, using a heat pad after working out.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. Have a good week!

Quick Weekend Wrap Up

2006-02-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday's long run was COLD! But I finished it all outside. The cold didn't seem quite as bad because it was really sunny with only a few clouds in the sky. My total time for 10 miles was 1:44 minutes. And when I finished, this is who greeted me:

Today was a swim workout. I shared the pool with about half a dozen kids that are going to the state championships. Good grief, are they fast!!
Details:
4 x (150 swim, 50 stroke, 50 kick)
10 x 50 on :50
500 swim
5 x 100 swim
50 cool down
total 2550 yds
Have a great week everybody! March is almost here!

What's In Your IPod?

2006-02-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

The Running Red Sox Fan recently posted about her Ipod running list (you should check it out), and instead of leaving her a comment a mile long, I figured this was a topic worthy of a post.

Here is a sample of some of my favorite tunes bouncing around in my Nano (beware - I am eclectic as heck!):

Cochise - Audioslave
But Anyway; Hook - Blues Traveler
When I Come Around; Basket Case - Green Day
All I Want - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Ready to Run; Long Time Gone - Dixie Chicks
Cowboy in Me - Tim McGraw
Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
Jump Around - House of Pain
Get Your Geek On Podcasts - every triathlete should have these in their Ipods
Big Deal - LeAnn Rimes
Slow and Low; Whatcha Want; Don't Stop - Beastie Boys
Just Like A Pill - Pink
Killing in the Name Of - Rage Against the Machine
The Rocky IV Soundtrack
Comedown; Machine Head - Bush
Let the River Run - Carly Simon
Harder to Breathe - Maroon 5
Straight Outta Compton - NWA
Alive - Pearl Jam
Copa Cabana - Barry Manilow
Free to Decide - Cranberries
Best of What's Around - Dave Matthews Band
Bullets; 6 Feet From the Edge - Creed
Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin
I've Got the World On String - Peggy Lee
Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake
Toxic - Britney Spears
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Insane in the Brain; How I Could Just Kill a Man - Cypress Hill
Take My Picture - Filter
Mountain Song; Been Caught Stealing - Jane's Addiction
Forgotten; In the End - Linkin Park
Your a God - Vertical Horizon

What are you listening to?

All Systems Go

2006-02-17T21:16:00.000-05:00

My swim workout was great. I went late this evening, and there weren't that many people there, and my neck felt fine. I kept it light, and only did 1700 yds. I'll swim tomorrow, too, but keep it light.

Tonight's workout:
500 swim
400 pull
300 kick (free/back/free)
200 swim
100 pull
200 swim
total time: 28 minutes

I don't think I am going to race Chili Bowl tomorrow. For one thing, I paid for these spinning classes, so I should really go to them, and for another thing, cycling is my weakest discipline, so I really need to be working on it. So, spinning it is. But good luck to Elizabeth, and TriSaraTop's mom who will be running the race tomorrow!!

Ready To Dive Back In

2006-02-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

I can't WAIT to get back in the water. It has been eleven days since the last time I was at the pool, and it has been hard. I could swim through my lower back pain last month, but there was no way I was getting in the pool with the cervical neck pain I had the past eleven days. I don't know what the heck caused it, (stress and crazy people at work, coupled with my poor posture could be it) but intensive rehab has helped. I have been taking an anti-inflammatory and a muscle relaxant that seem to help. I have also been using heat therapy whenever possible, and I bought a special foam pillow to sleep on at night. Don't laugh, but I also bought a cervical collar that seemed to help realign my neck, and ease the discomfort. (Don't worry, I don't wear it out in public.)

When it comes to rehabbing injuries, I will buy anything, and try just about any remedy known to man.

I think the worst part about this injury was the mental aspect. I began to question whether my stroke mechanics were falling apart, and causing the problem. Gasp. I sincerely hope this is not the case. I have not changed anything about my stroke or training in the water. Frankly, my monthly yardage is not exceptionally high, so hopefully it is nothing related to my swim technique.

Anyway, I pretty much have full range of motion in my neck, and little to no discomfort. Tomorrow I hit the water for an easy workout. Will let you know if all systems are go.

I have been able to get in some good runs though. This week was 3 milers on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with a 5 miler (52:03) on Wednesday. Tomorrow is swim, and Saturday is either spinning or the Chili Bowl Classic that Elizabeth is going to do. I would love to race it, but I also have a 10 miler this weekend, so we'll see if I feel up to running the race.

Tomorrow is Friday, thank goodness. We made it through another week, bloggers! Have a great Friday, and an even better weekend!!

Any Thoughts?

2006-02-16T18:42:00.001-05:00

I have been periodically checking to see if the decision had come out, and saw that it came out on the 11th. Tyler's appeal dismissed

Disappointing. Ever since TH rode in the TDF with a broken collarbone, he has been one of my all time fave athletes.

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T19:07:00.000-05:00

(All Calvin and Hobbes images are copyright Bill Watterson and Universal Press Syndicate)

Fuzzy Math

2006-02-13T07:08:00.000-05:00

I did one of my longer HH runs yesterday. The plan called for 9. (Next week is 10, and the week after is 7.) I started out with all intentions to run the entire thing outside, but I caved after an hour, and headed indoors for the remainder. While outside, I ran completely in the streets, due to the unshoveled and downright nasty sidewalks. Hence the fuzzy math. I don't know for sure what the total mileage during my outside portion, because I made a lot of loops in neighborhoods without a lot of street traffic. I made it back to the house in 55 minutes. I'm calling it 5.5 miles. I headed to the dreadmill to finish - 3.7 miles. 9.2 total miles, and my watch time was 1:40 minutes. I can't wait for all this snow to finally melt, and for spring to finally get here!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and hope your week goes by fast!

Spinning

2006-02-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

Spinning class was much better this week. We had a different instructor who actually had a workout in mind for us, and she played some great tunes. After stretching (our instructor last week neglected to do this) and warming up, we did hill repeats, this is when you increase the resistance to mimic going uphill, and then decrease resistance to mimic the downhill. This was tough, because our uphills consisted of seated climbs and standing climbs. Then we did loops of uphill and downhill portions, running, which is when get out of the saddle and "run," jumps, when you get up and sit back down quickly, while pedaling at a moderate resistance, and then we finished with some sprinting.
(I hope that my descriptions are accurate - I am not an instructor, just an observer.)

In any event, I think these workouts are key for me, because just getting me in the saddle is a good thing. I decided to take the rest of the day off, which I debated, because the weather wasn't too bad this afternoon. I almost squeaked my long run in this afternoon, but decided to save it for tomorrow. I would also love to get in the pool for a swim, but my neck is still sore, so I don't know if I want to push it just yet. We'll see how tomorrow shapes up.

Citius, Altius, Fortius

2006-02-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

I'm ready, folks. Even though some of my favorite sports are in the Summer Olympics, I still am really looking forward to the start of the winter games. The opening ceremonies start tonight, and I will be parked in front of the t.v. watching them. I am excited for ice skating, hockey, biathlon, skeleton, and the skiing. What are your favorite events to watch?

As far as working out goes, I ran 3 on Monday, off Tuesday, 4 on Wednesday, and 3 on Thursday. I developed yet another painful muscle spasm in my neck, so I stayed out of the pool this week. I have my spinning class on Saturday, and a 9 miler scheduled for this weekend, too. Hopefully I can get back in the water on Sunday.

Compliment Day

2006-02-06T21:13:00.000-05:00

According to Keryn, today is Compliment Day. So in the interest of spreading a little love, I want to compliment all bloggers who have become a part of my life in the last few months. You are all awesome athletes, and awesome people. This has become a genuine support and motivational system. Thanks for sharing your life with me, and allowing me to share my life and thoughts with you. I'm having a blast.

As for working out, Old Man Winter is again visiting C-town, so I had a c-c-cold 3 mile run on some slippery sidewalks tonight.

As for tomorrow, the question of the day will be can I haul my butt out of my nice warm bed to make it to the pool for a quick swim? Stay tuned...

Still The City Of Champions.

2006-02-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

The New Video Says It All

2006-02-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

I've been a bad blogger. I let this whole week pass without a veritable post detailing training, or anything at all. Why the lapse, you may wonder? Well, I am chalking it up to a case of the mid-winter blahs (I am a self-diagnosed sufferer of seasonal affective disorder,
coupled with a hellish week at work, where mediocrity and insanity reign supreme. But enough of that. What have I been up to training-wise? Well, last week wasn't a complete loss. I managed to get a few good runs in, 3 on Monday, 6 on Wednesday, and 3 on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, I had my first spinning class - you can just call me Taz.

In my monthly training log, I marked I biked for 50 minutes. The first 10, however, were spent just lightly spinning, and adjusting the bikes. The bikes used are the ones from the original Spinning program, and can be seen here. Our instructor was decent, but her choice of music was not my taste. She tended toward New Age-y type stuff, and was super perky! Give me some Led Zeppelin "Stairway to Heaven" for a hill climb any day over some New Age stuff. But overall, the class wasn't bad. After our first standing climb, I could feel my heart rate soaring. I ended the class completely soaked, and tired.

As a treat, later in the day, I took in "Brokeback Mountain," and "Hotel Rwanda." Four thumbs up.

This morning I made it to the pool early. I neglected my swimming last week, so I wanted to try to redeem myself today. I filched a workout from Elizabeth and Curly Su's swim camp, (Thanks for posting your workouts, Elizabeth!), and hammered out a good workout this morning:

wu 4 x (100 swim, 100 stroke, 50 kick) /1000
5 x 200 @ 3:00 /2000
5 x 150 @ 2:15 /2750
5 x 100 @ 1:30 /3250
5 x 50 @ 1:00 /3500
2 x 250 pull /4000
50 cool down /4050
(Total time, 1:13:52)

As for running this weekend, my HH training program calls for a 5 miler today, but it is so snowy and windy, I headed downstairs to my 'mill for an easy two mile run. (I took the dog for a walk last night in a rain/snow mix, and the sidewalks were slushy and messy. I must have been walking funny in my Timberland boots to overcompensate for the messy conditions, because ever since last night, my right knee is really sore. Hence the easy two - no sense in hurting myself this early in the season.)

Oh, and in case you hadn't heard, Lance and Sheryl? Uh, yeah, stick a fork in 'em, cause they're done. (Sorry to be so gleeful for all you Sheryl fans, but I am an admirer of Kristin Armstrong.)

Well, I hope that everyone is having a great weekend, and training hard. Buckeyerunner, out.

Blog, Or Watch This Great American Classic

2006-01-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

I was going to post another weekend wrap-up, but got hooked into watching this movie. It's funny to see how dated it is. The bikes are similar to that old 10-speed a lot of us may still have in our parents garage. And the helmets - "hairnets" - I think they used to call them, are hilarious!

I am hoping that this will get me psyched for my spinning classes that start this coming weekend. Woo Hoo!

Quick Wrap-Up:
Friday: early swim (thanks, Nike. You do have the best ad people) 2000 yds; evening run, 3 miles
Saturday: 8 mile run 1:19 (same route as last week, 1 minute faster)
Sunday: swim, 2000 yds

P.S. Don't forget to check out Rae's site to see how she did in Miami!

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.

2006-01-26T20:25:00.000-05:00

Joe Paterno.

This is dedicated to all athletes. Runners. Cyclists. Swimmers. Triathletes.

May all your early mornings be great ones.

Get Psyched

Quick Training Update.

2006-01-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know how the training is going.
3 miles Monday
3 miles Tuesday
45 minute ride on the trainer Wednesday!!
Off Thursday
Will post Friday's workouts tomorrow.

Weekend Wrap-up

2006-01-22T19:30:00.000-05:00

Here we are again, bloggers. The end of the weekend (sigh). This is how the rest of my weekend shaped up. I went to the pool on Saturday and had a decent workout. I did 6 x 500s (7:50, 8:10, 8:04, 8:18, 8:12, 8:19, 48:54 total) with a 150 cool-down.

I totally vegged Saturday night. I rented Redeye and Must Love Dogs. Both were pretty good rentals. "Redeye" was pretty suspenseful, and "Must Love Dogs" was your typical romantic comedy.

Today, I did my first "long" run of the HH marathon program. According to the program, I was only supposed to do 6 miles, but can you really call it a long run if you only run for an hour? I didn't think so, so I went ahead and did 8 miles in 1:20. I felt pretty good during the run, but my legs tightened up later in the day. This has been my longest run since my Fall Classic half, and I could tell. Thinking about all the really long runs to come, I am feeling somewhat daunted about the marathon in May. I'll do another 8 miles next week (HH calls for a 7 miler) and then should be pretty primed to start into double digits in February. My husband is also running Cleveland, but he is doing that FIRST running program, so our training is quite different.

After my run, we loaded the dog into the car to grab lunch, and ran some errands.

I ate lunch at Panera's and had a pretty healthy meal: veggie black bean soup, and asian chicken salad. (Ignore the bag of chips on the left side of the plate.)

The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around the local library, and watching some of the Steelers game. I am not a football fan, but I did want to see who won the game. My brother, who lives for Steelers' football was pretty happy.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

I Am Black Coffee

2006-01-20T21:08:00.000-05:00

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable

At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty

You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it

Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Thanks to Flatman for the blog distraction.

Begin the Begin

2006-01-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

Hi folks! I hope that you had a good week, and are gearing up for a nice relaxing weekend!

My running this week has been pretty light. I did 3 milers on the 17th, 18th, and 20th. I was supposed to swim yesterday, but for some reason, just didn't go. I was really pooped after work, and just couldn't seem to get my butt to the pool. I should have gotten up at dark-thirty like the majority of you tri-bloggers do, but I am wretched in the morning...at least when it is still dark out. I can't wait until spring, when it starts getting light out around 6 a.m.

For the Cleveland Marathon training that I began this week, I am following the Hal Higdon Novice program. I like it because the mileage during the week is manageable, and it has enough off days that I can work in some cross-training. It doesn't include any speedwork, but once the spring races start up again, I generally substitute those races for speedwork. My spinning classes start in February, so I will be looking at a lot of time in the saddle. I haven't taken a spin class in a long time. At my old gym, they had "Power Pacing" classes that I loved. I hope I like these classes just as much.

Tomorrow, I WILL go to the pool and get in a workout, and then Sunday is my "longer" run of 6 miles.

There is a Super Bowl 5K I am thinking of doing on February 5. Any Buckeye bloggers out there thinking of doing it?

Workout Update To Come...Now, Birthday Wishes

2006-01-20T07:37:00.000-05:00

for my little sister!!

Happy Birthday, Clare! Have a great day!!

What's In Your Fridge?

2006-01-16T17:42:00.000-05:00

Even though I wasn't officially tagged, after reading Runner Susan and Bolder's posts about what's in their refrigerators, I couldn't resist putting up one of mine:

I can't claim to have a healthier fridge than Bolder; I love my Steak-Umms, and Aunt Jemima French Toast Sandwiches with sausage, egg, and cheese (for those days when I am too lazy to drive to McDonald's for the McGriddles) too much. I do have plenty of O.J., skim milk, and yogurt. And Pom, the newly-annointed miracle drink. Do you think that makes up for the half-rotted bags of spinach that have been sitting there for a week?

Back On Track

2006-01-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

My back is getting better. I still have some discomfort, but I am almost back at full capacity. On Friday night, I was able to get a 5 miler in before it started raining and getting colder. I swam an easy 2000 yds on Saturday, and did an easy 2 miler on the treadmill. Yesterday and today, I did 5 milers. I am on track with my training for Cleveland. My long run this coming weekend will be a 6 miler. I don't get into the two-digit long runs until February. Hopefully by then my back will be 100%.

I have been catching up on my blog reading from this weekend, and checking out how everyone did in AZ. Elizabeth has some great pictures up, Trimama was hanging out with Jessi Stensland at the expo, and Commodore has a great race report posted! Way to go, guys, and also to those bloggers who ran, but I haven't mentioned specifically here.

All this talk of race reporting has gotten me psyched to get back into racing season. I can't wait to get back to reading race reports, seeing cool race pics, and hearing how everyone tackles their goals!

Have a great week, everybody! Train hard!

Riddle Me This, Batman

2006-01-13T07:39:00.000-05:00

How long until a back injury makes like a tree, and leaves?

That's right, folks. STILL nursing that darn back thingy that I just can't get rid of! I did nothing on 1/10 and 1/11. By 1/12, I could feel my muscles practically melting away, and my lung capacity shrinking by the minute, so back injury be damned, I went and ran 3 miles, and swam 1750 yards.

My workouts were slow, and I could feel the pain in my lower back, but it was a managable discomfort, rather than a pain that I just couldn't tolerate. One thing I cannot do is standing back flys with 5 pound weights, or any other exercise or activity that requires me to lean forward very far and bend, like taking clothes out of the dryer, or bending over to put a towel on my just-washed hair.

But the running and swimming seem okay, as long as I go slow. So that's what it will be. I take my heating pad to work (therapy during the day), and still take Ibu like its going out of style. Hopefully this will get better, but it looks like I will start my marathon training on schedule, and still be able to cross-train, as well. Whew.

Happy TGIF! Have a great day everyone!

And The Hits Just Keep On Coming.

2006-01-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Well, my neck situation has improved. I have full mobility there, and I don't have that weird crick-thing in my neck now. However, now the crick has moved from my cervical vertebrae to my lumbar vertebrae, and decided that it likes it there. Somehow late Sunday, and into Monday, I threw my back out. Have not had pain in my lumbar region like this, ever.

I tried to go for a run last night, and didn't even make it to the corner. I had to turn around. I probably should have called it a night after that, but not me. I was convinced that some exercise would help me work the kink out. So I got on the bike trainer for an hour and 10 minutes. After which I discovered I couldn't get off the bike trainer. Needless to say, I think I made it worse.

I have been heating it, and taking Ibuprofen, and walking very slowly. I don't know when I will be able to exercise! That is the most frustrating thing, because it is pretty warm here in Cleveland, and I am missing prime winter running weather! So I am taking tonight off, and hopefully I can be back at it later this week, or weekend. I have to be, because my Cleveland Marathon training officially starts January 15! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Have a great rest of the week, bloggers. Run strong!

Goodbye Weekend (sniff), Hello Workweek

2006-01-08T22:22:00.000-05:00

Well, here is a quick post to update you all on the rest of my weekend. I was so grouchy about how my workouts went, I almost didn't post. But you guys keep me honest, so here goes.
I did get into the pool on Saturday, and started doing Elizabeth and Curly Su's workout - I got 1900 yards in, and then, SNAP! Somehow, I pinched a nerve in my neck. I have done it before, usually it happens if I am blow-drying my hair, and I twist my neck funny. (I can't really hear an audible snap, I am just being dramatic. But I sure felt it.) I almost didn't finish the 500 I was in the middle of, but I finished, and got out of the pool. I was really bummed. I have no idea what I did, but I probably won't swim for a few days, at least until I get this crick out of my neck.

So today, it was pretty nice out - the sun came out later in the day, and temps were in the '40's. I went out for three miles, with my dog, and had every intention of going for another three once I dropped her back off at the house. But I didn't. I have no excuse, just that I didn't feel like it. Argh.

So to make up for measly workouts, I cleaned house, and went grocery shopping. While I try to keep my blog rant-free, I just wanted to share something that I consider a grocery shopping pet peeve. I always go through the self-checkout lane. My husband generally goes with me, and we make a good team. I scan, he bags. We're pretty quick, even though we generally but a lot of stuff. (We're big eaters.) Anyway, midway through checkout, I got annoyed when someone got behind me holding one item, and giving *me* an exasperated look, when the express lane is right next to us, and completely empty! I mean really - I have 500 items in my basket. Is this person really willing to wait until I have scanned and bagged all my items when they could be zipping through the express lane? And this person wasn't even reading a magazine! I mean, if you are going to mindlessly waste time, waiting for me to finish scanning and bagging, then at least they could catch up on some celebrity gossip. right?!

Anyway, enough ranting. I also wanted to mention that I saw a great program on OLN (Outdoor Life Network) this afternoon about Karen Smyers. She is really an incredible athlete, someone who personifies the old proverb "fall down seven times, get up eight." She survived, among other things, being hit by a truck while biking, thyroid cancer, a severed hamstring, miscarriage...she takes a licking and keeps on ticking. She is one amazing person.

Check Me Out

2006-01-07T10:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Bloggers, and Happy Saturday! What do you think of my new header? Runner Susan was kind enough to take some time out of her holiday celebrations to create this great new header for me. Isn't it cool? So I want to send out a big THANK YOU to Runner Susan. You keep a lot of us bloggers stylin' and profilin'.

I didn't post much this week; it's been hard getting back into the groove of the regular workday. But I have been trying to keep up with my running.
12/31: 3 miles
1/1: 6 miles
1/2: 3 mile treadmill run, swim 1750 yards
1/3: 3 mile run
1/4: 3 mile treadmill run
1/5: 3 mile run
1/6: off
1/7: 4 mile run, with a swim planned for later today.

On Friday night, I had every intention of trying out Elizabeth's and Curly Su's 3000 yd workout they did on 1/5/06. Unfortunately, I forgot the the Westlake High School Swim team had a meet. So, I bagged the swim last night, and will have to do it this afternoon.

So, you may ask, what did I do instead? Get on the trainer, you say? Oh no. I ate McDonalds, and curled up with a book. (Yes, I did see "Super Size Me," but nothing beats a double cheeseburger, large fries, and a strawberry sundae. Except maybe the McDonalds breakfast combo. What can I say? It's one of my vices.)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend, so far!

In Honor of Rachel and Brent's Pippin

2006-01-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

I just had to post this picture after reading Rae's 1/2/06 post. I think Pippin and Sophie are on the same wavelength.

Welcome 2006

2006-01-02T09:28:00.000-05:00

Here's to:

Diving into 2006. No fear, no hesitation. Come on in, the water's perfect.

Here's to:

Keeping our eyes on our goals, not the obstacles that will come our way.

Here's to:

Perseverance.

Here's to:

Flexibility. Adaptability. Fixing that which isn't working, and improving that which is.

Here's to:

Always finishing strong.

Happy 2006, Bloggers!

2000 Yd. TT

2005-12-30T15:49:00.000-05:00

2006 is almost here, and I am trying to squeeze in some more workouts before we say "sayanora" to 2005. I ran a quick three yesterday, and today, I wanted to do a 2000 yard TT in the water. My total time was 31.56.97. I am not sure how accurate the time is, because I was timing myself. Since I wanted to catch my 200 splits, I had to stop after each 8 laps and hit my watch. Here is the breakdown:
200: 2.56.71
400: 3.07.49
600: 3.09.58
800: 3.17.98
1000: 3.09.97
1200: 3.15.10
1400: 3.16.97
1600: 3.23.26
1800: 3.14.42
2000: 3.05.49

Maybe I can trim that down in the coming year. Next time, I'll have to have someone sit and time me. It's scary that in high school, there were kids that could swim the 1650 in less than 20 minutes!

On to the Munich review. I didn't know it was close to 3 hours, so just buy a large buttered popcorn, and be prepared to sit. It is also pretty violent. The focus of the movie wasn't necessarily on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict; I found it to be more about how the protagonist and his band of assasins coped with the internal struggle their mission created. Considering the violent nature of what was depicted, Spielberg handled it well. Although there is no real closure in the end, (can there ever really be in a situation like this?), the message that violence only begets more violence is clear. A good movie, but if you are looking for lighthearted fare, I would recommend The Producers.

God Provides

2005-12-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

As I look over the month of December, and begin to dispair the meager running miles I logged, God provides. A week of mild weather in Cleveland that just so happens to coincide with my week of vacation. What luck. No more icy treacherous sidewalks to contend with, no frigid temperatures to battle. It really does feel like Spring today. What a reprieve. And the whole week should be hovering right in the 40s! And it's December!

So in honor of this awesome weather, I got outside this morning for a nice 9 miler. Considering this is the longest run of the month, I felt pretty good. I did notice some discomfort in my right arch, but nothing too bad. During my run, I thought that it has been a long time since I could run long, and not have any aches/pains other than normal muscle fatigue. I finished the run in 1:26.

I'm thinking of taking in a matinee this afternoon. Possibly Munich. It looks pretty bleak, but I watched a documetary about the '72 Olympic tragedy on ESPN a few nights ago, and I was riveted. I think that this movie is about the fictional aftermath of those Olympics, but it should be interesting, nonetheless.

Hey, whadaya know? The sun is coming out.