I got up this morning and headed out for a run at about 7:45. Dawn lives in an old subdivision with LOTS of big old trees. I strapped on my Garmin and headed out. It was already 84 degrees but the trees provided some shade. I ran two of the subdivision around here then ran an out and back on the main road. The road is 2 lane each direction with a bike lane on each side. At the end of that road I made a right onto another busy road that is 3 lanes in each direction, no more bike lane. For some reason people felt the need to drive in the outside lane that I was running in and forced me into the gutter. My Garmin went all crazy on the run and at one point it said I had run 6.41 miles so I headed back to Dawn’s, then I looked down again and it said 6.20 miles. WTF. This happened two other times but I just couldn’t stop running until the Garmin read 7.00. So I looped around and around and finally got 7.00 miles in 1:08:22 (9:46 pace). I think I ran more then 7 miles but I am only giving myself credit for what the Garmin said.
Today the kids and I are moving to my friend Angie’s house. Don’t want to over stay my welcome at any one place.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
3 is Better then Nothing
I am in Memphis visiting friends. I got up this morning and ran on Dawn’s treadmill. This was my first treadmill run in a long time; I avoid the treadmill as much as possible. I started out planning to run 6 miles but I ended up only running 3. I have a whole list of excuses, my bad diet yesterday making the top of the list. It was very hot in the sunroom that Dawn keeps the treadmill, after I finished running she told me that she keeps the door open when she runs in there. Also quitting when on the treadmill is just too easy, you don’t have to get back home.
After my run, I got cleaned up and we took the kids to the zoo. It was 98 degrees out so we didn’t get to see everything. The kids all where so hot and it just was too much effort to drag them around. So we came home and mixed up some strawberry-banana smoothies (with coconut rum). Going to chill out while the kids are quite!!!
After my run, I got cleaned up and we took the kids to the zoo. It was 98 degrees out so we didn’t get to see everything. The kids all where so hot and it just was too much effort to drag them around. So we came home and mixed up some strawberry-banana smoothies (with coconut rum). Going to chill out while the kids are quite!!!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Half Hearted
I was up way too late last night trying to get ready for my trip this afternoon. I didn’t sleep well worrying if I packed everything. Then my daughter got me up at 2 because she had gotten mad last night and went to her room where she fell asleep on her bed and at 2 this morning she wanted to move to the bed she sleeps in that is in my son’s room. She was also worried that I was going to make her make up BOTH beds this morning in order to earn her allowance.
When the alarm went off this morning at 4:45 and I had gotten less then 5 hours of sleep, I was feeling less then enthusiastic about riding. But since I was meeting Kim, I knew I had to get up. We headed out on a route she knew. The sunrise was beautiful but my heart just wasn’t in the ride. I was watching Kim spinning her pedals in front of me but I just didn’t fell like making the effort, easier just to push and get the ride over. I kept and eye on my cadence but did nothing to keep it steady. My only goal was to keep up with Kim. We had dog issues again and I spent most of the ride dreading the pit bull that I knew we would have to pass near the end of the route. We made it home safe and sound after a 22.5 mile ride that took around 1:20. I forgot to start my computer so time is just an estimate.
I didn’t put out the effort this morning so today’s ride did nothing to improve my cycling, but I burned a few calories. So all is not wasted.
When the alarm went off this morning at 4:45 and I had gotten less then 5 hours of sleep, I was feeling less then enthusiastic about riding. But since I was meeting Kim, I knew I had to get up. We headed out on a route she knew. The sunrise was beautiful but my heart just wasn’t in the ride. I was watching Kim spinning her pedals in front of me but I just didn’t fell like making the effort, easier just to push and get the ride over. I kept and eye on my cadence but did nothing to keep it steady. My only goal was to keep up with Kim. We had dog issues again and I spent most of the ride dreading the pit bull that I knew we would have to pass near the end of the route. We made it home safe and sound after a 22.5 mile ride that took around 1:20. I forgot to start my computer so time is just an estimate.
I didn’t put out the effort this morning so today’s ride did nothing to improve my cycling, but I burned a few calories. So all is not wasted.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Morning Run Evening Classes
I don’t know what is up with all the fog lately but it was ANOTHER foggy morning. I got up at 5 this morning. I had my alarm set for 5:15 but Casey came in to get in bed with me at 5 because of a bad dream, then the dog decided she needed to go out. So by the time I could have gotten back in bed it was 5:10. Oh well, might at well go ahead and run.
I took my fuel belt for the first time in a long time. It took me a while to get use to it again. I started out my 12 mile run at a very slow pace. Fog theory???? The first two miles were just under 10 minutes each. The first 6 miles ended up taking 58:12 (9:42 pace) and the second 6 miles which are on the less flat part of the run took 57:16 (9:33). Yay me!!! Ok, that is not a very speedy run but at least I picked it up after such a slow start.
After spending the day poolside, I took Bryce to the doctor to find out nothing is seriously wrong with his ear. She gave me an Rx for some drops.
I went to Cindy’s toning and yoga class tonight too. I enjoyed her yoga a lot more.
Oh, I got signed up for the Waterfront Tri that is July 16th. My first Olympic distance.
I took my fuel belt for the first time in a long time. It took me a while to get use to it again. I started out my 12 mile run at a very slow pace. Fog theory???? The first two miles were just under 10 minutes each. The first 6 miles ended up taking 58:12 (9:42 pace) and the second 6 miles which are on the less flat part of the run took 57:16 (9:33). Yay me!!! Ok, that is not a very speedy run but at least I picked it up after such a slow start.
After spending the day poolside, I took Bryce to the doctor to find out nothing is seriously wrong with his ear. She gave me an Rx for some drops.
I went to Cindy’s toning and yoga class tonight too. I enjoyed her yoga a lot more.
Oh, I got signed up for the Waterfront Tri that is July 16th. My first Olympic distance.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Solo Ride
I have gotten spoiled. I have not had to ride alone in a while. This morning, however, no one could make it so I was on my own. I got up at 4:40 and got dressed. When I got outside I discovered it was foggy and still not very light. I thought about going back in and changing into running attire, but I will be in Memphis this weekend without my bike and I wanted to get two rides in this week. I have decided the only way I am going to get better is to ride more. I just hope it doesn’t hurt my running performance. The fog made the ride pretty freaky and I almost turned around several times. It finally started getting lighter out so the fog was less freaky. I got bored so I started playing with my computer. I decided to try to keep my cadence at 80. Why 80? Because that was higher then the cadence I was at when I decided to play that game. I found I had to change gears a lot more then I normally do to keep my cadence steady. There were times that I just couldn’t do it and it fell into the 60’s. At about 7 miles I encountered two dogs. At first the lab was scared and turned tail to run but when his buddy decided to chase me, he joined in the fun. So I had a dog on either side of me and I was peddling as fast as I could. I forgot to notice my cadence while trying to out run them but once I did get away I saw that it was at 100. The next dog encounter came at about 12 miles. This time it was 3 dogs and they ran fast. My cadence hit 109. I was pretty winded after that chase, and then I saw a dog at the end of the road. I needed to make a left onto the highway and had a stop sign. The corn in the field on my left was too high to risk just running the stop sign. So I slowed, fully expecting to be attacked by the dog. Thankfully that dog had no interest in me. The rest of the ride was uneventful. I rode 20.21 miles in 1:13:56. I am sticking to my fog slows you down theory since this ride was a minute and a half slower then the same ride last Wednesday.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
McMinnville City Triathlon – Race Report
Kim and I headed for McMinnville Saturday morning at 5:30. I had checked the weather forecast Friday afternoon and it looked great; partly cloudy, cooler temps and no rain. On the way to the race, the sun was trying to break through the clouds and made for a pretty sunrise.
We got to McMinnville Civic Center at 6:00 and did all the pre race stuff. I was surprised to see Mike N. He had said at the Moon Pie race last weekend that he was thinking about trying triathlons but he hadn’t been on his bike in YEARS. Well there he was and he ended up doing GREAT.
The weather ended up delaying the race start about 30 minutes and there was even talk of making it a duathlon. But we finally got started with the tri at about 8:00.
It was an interval start in a pool and Lana was starting a few people ahead of me. I had used my Mach Tenn swim pace and calculated an estimated swim time of 7:40. I blew it away. Swim time 6:55.
Lana and I entered T1 together and she was in and out in no time. I took a little longer. T1 time 1:39.
As I left T1 on the bike, my chin strap came undone. I managed to get it refasten pretty quickly while riding, but I spent the rest of the race worried about a DQ. I passed Lana who was on the side of the road trying to get her chain back on but it didn’t take her long and she was flying by me. I was coming off a cloverleaf and making a right onto the road when this girl comes flying around me. At first I was irritated but not concerned because she had a 30 written on her leg, then I realized it was Lana. I kept her is sight for a long time and pushed myself to keep up. Bike time 49:04.
I entered transitions again and was getting my bike racked when I saw this guy who had come into transitions with me take off running in his helmet and bike shoes. I was wondering what in the world he was doing when I saw him go to the relay tent. I got ready for my run deciding to go hatless this time since it has caused me so much trouble in my last two races, plus I don’t have a hat to match. I grabbed some beans and headed out. T2 time 1:11.
Lana’s dad was right there to capture me shoving beans in my mouth as I started the run. I did not think I would EVER get to the first mile marker and I felt like I was barely moving. I tried to push myself harder but my legs just wouldn’t move faster. I was surprised to see at the first mile marker that I was close to an 8 minute pace. There was one steep but very short hill in the second mile and a lot of the third mile was the same as the half marathon I had done there last October. As I went by the civic center and ran back into the park I knew I was almost there. Then I saw the 3 mile marker and pushed with everything I had left. Run time 25:48.
Total race time 1:24:37. Good enough to get me 2nd place in my age group.
Us Manchester Tri athletes put in a good showing. Leslie got 2nd place overall and Lana got 3rd place in her age group.
Thanks to Lana’s dad AGAIN for taking pictures and being there to cheer us on.
We got to McMinnville Civic Center at 6:00 and did all the pre race stuff. I was surprised to see Mike N. He had said at the Moon Pie race last weekend that he was thinking about trying triathlons but he hadn’t been on his bike in YEARS. Well there he was and he ended up doing GREAT.
The weather ended up delaying the race start about 30 minutes and there was even talk of making it a duathlon. But we finally got started with the tri at about 8:00.
It was an interval start in a pool and Lana was starting a few people ahead of me. I had used my Mach Tenn swim pace and calculated an estimated swim time of 7:40. I blew it away. Swim time 6:55.
Lana and I entered T1 together and she was in and out in no time. I took a little longer. T1 time 1:39.
As I left T1 on the bike, my chin strap came undone. I managed to get it refasten pretty quickly while riding, but I spent the rest of the race worried about a DQ. I passed Lana who was on the side of the road trying to get her chain back on but it didn’t take her long and she was flying by me. I was coming off a cloverleaf and making a right onto the road when this girl comes flying around me. At first I was irritated but not concerned because she had a 30 written on her leg, then I realized it was Lana. I kept her is sight for a long time and pushed myself to keep up. Bike time 49:04.
I entered transitions again and was getting my bike racked when I saw this guy who had come into transitions with me take off running in his helmet and bike shoes. I was wondering what in the world he was doing when I saw him go to the relay tent. I got ready for my run deciding to go hatless this time since it has caused me so much trouble in my last two races, plus I don’t have a hat to match. I grabbed some beans and headed out. T2 time 1:11.
Lana’s dad was right there to capture me shoving beans in my mouth as I started the run. I did not think I would EVER get to the first mile marker and I felt like I was barely moving. I tried to push myself harder but my legs just wouldn’t move faster. I was surprised to see at the first mile marker that I was close to an 8 minute pace. There was one steep but very short hill in the second mile and a lot of the third mile was the same as the half marathon I had done there last October. As I went by the civic center and ran back into the park I knew I was almost there. Then I saw the 3 mile marker and pushed with everything I had left. Run time 25:48.
Total race time 1:24:37. Good enough to get me 2nd place in my age group.
Us Manchester Tri athletes put in a good showing. Leslie got 2nd place overall and Lana got 3rd place in her age group.
Thanks to Lana’s dad AGAIN for taking pictures and being there to cheer us on.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Race Ready
Last night birthday celebration for Tracy made it extra hard to get up to go swim this morning.
But I did get up at 6:09, that’s right I waited on Ronnie’s second alarm to go off. I went potty and almost got right back in bed, but knowing that the alarm would be ringing every 9 minutes forced me to go ahead and get dressed. Turns out Ronnie decided to get up at 6:18, after only 2 snoozes. I could have slept undisturbed until 8:00.
I went to the Rec Center pool to get one last swim in before the race tomorrow. I wanted to make sure I could do my estimated time of 7:40. I swam 2x375 in 7:24 and 7:31 so with the 375 yards being just a little short of the 350 meters I will be swimming tomorrow I should be fine with my estimated time.
There are a lot of people racing this weekend. Good luck to Lana, Kim and Leslie who will all be smoking my butt at the McMinnville City Triathlon, Rae and Brent who are doing a 5k, DasiyDuc who is doing her first ever Tri, Joe who is going to do his first half marathon (maybe), Joseph who is doing a half Ironman, and anyone else I missed. Looking forward to the race reports.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Snooze
I hate the snooze button and never use it. My husband, on the other hand, sets the alarm for 6:00 and hits snooze until at least 6:36 everyday. Most mornings I am gone while all this alarm ringing is going on, but this morning I was only planning on a 3 mile run so I didn’t need to get up until 7:00. By 6:18 I couldn’t stand it and got up, got ready, and left for my run. Since I have the tri on Saturday, I wanted to do an easy 3 miles today. I did just that. 3 miles in 27:59, 9:20 pace.
The kids and spent the afternoon outside playing in the pool yesterday. After they got tired I decided to swim some laps. Bryce wanted to go inside and Casey wanted to “help” me. I got the diving sticks and explained to her again how to count my laps. Either I didn’t explain it good or I was swimming VERY slowly. I swam 400 yards in 11:30. I hope she counted wrong otherwise I am in serious trouble for the race Saturday.
The kids and spent the afternoon outside playing in the pool yesterday. After they got tired I decided to swim some laps. Bryce wanted to go inside and Casey wanted to “help” me. I got the diving sticks and explained to her again how to count my laps. Either I didn’t explain it good or I was swimming VERY slowly. I swam 400 yards in 11:30. I hope she counted wrong otherwise I am in serious trouble for the race Saturday.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Getting Better
I didn’t make it to class yesterday, got tires for my van instead. Turns out no one showed up to teach the toning class so I am glad I didn’t make the effort to be there.
I got up at 5:00 the morning to meet Kim and Tisha for a ride. We did the Matt’s Hollow-Pomroy route. There were more dogs out this morning then normal but my Satan like screams kept them all away. We rode 20.25 miles in 1:12:32, an improvement from last time Kim and I rode the same route.
I was looking for marathon training schedules last night and could not get the Runner’s World one to work. The next one I found was 24 weeks which meant that I should have started this past Monday. The 20 week program I used for CMM was too long for me; no way could I handle 24 weeks. I finally found one that is 16 weeks and starts in mid-August. That is perfect timing for me because I will only have one or two tri’s left for the season so I will be ready to focus on running more again.
I got up at 5:00 the morning to meet Kim and Tisha for a ride. We did the Matt’s Hollow-Pomroy route. There were more dogs out this morning then normal but my Satan like screams kept them all away. We rode 20.25 miles in 1:12:32, an improvement from last time Kim and I rode the same route.
I was looking for marathon training schedules last night and could not get the Runner’s World one to work. The next one I found was 24 weeks which meant that I should have started this past Monday. The 20 week program I used for CMM was too long for me; no way could I handle 24 weeks. I finally found one that is 16 weeks and starts in mid-August. That is perfect timing for me because I will only have one or two tri’s left for the season so I will be ready to focus on running more again.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Can fog slow you down??
I mean, seriously, I’ve got nothing else.
I got up at 6:00 this morning to run 6. When I got outside, I saw how foggy it was. I took off on my run and noticed right away I was going slower and could NOT seem to get faster. I spent the entire run trying to pick it up but just could not maintain a decent pace. I ended up running 6 miles in 57:13, 9:32 pace. I am blaming the fog!!
Maybe I will go to toning class and yoga tonight to redeem myself, but then again maybe I won’t.
I got up at 6:00 this morning to run 6. When I got outside, I saw how foggy it was. I took off on my run and noticed right away I was going slower and could NOT seem to get faster. I spent the entire run trying to pick it up but just could not maintain a decent pace. I ended up running 6 miles in 57:13, 9:32 pace. I am blaming the fog!!
Maybe I will go to toning class and yoga tonight to redeem myself, but then again maybe I won’t.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Speed Work
According to my training log I have not done any speed work since April 3rd. The track at Westwood has been closed and I haven’t taken the time to go see if it is back open yet. I need some speed work so this morning I got up at 6:00 and improvised. The new neighborhood they are building near us has a flat half mile loop. I did a slow one mile run (10:10 pace) to a starting point on the loop. I had carried my water bottle over so I found a safe place for it and started my loops. 3:33, 3:37, 3:41, 3:36, 3:43 and 3:41. Loops 2, 3 and 5 where done in one direction while 1, 4 and 6 were done in the other direction. I forgot to change directions after 2 and 3, I did not intend to run them the same direction. After the 6th loop I caught my breath, got my water bottle, and headed home. The 1 mile run home took 9:41.
Kim and I had planned to go on a ride this afternoon at 5:45 but she called and canceled. I know I could have gone ahead alone but…well I don’t have an excuse other then laziness. The kids want to swim so I guess I am going swimming now.
Kim and I had planned to go on a ride this afternoon at 5:45 but she called and canceled. I know I could have gone ahead alone but…well I don’t have an excuse other then laziness. The kids want to swim so I guess I am going swimming now.
Race Day Pics
4 miles down only 6 to go
DONE!!!!!
Heather, Lana, Holly and me
Thanks to Lana and her dad for the pictures.
DONE!!!!!
Heather, Lana, Holly and me
Thanks to Lana and her dad for the pictures.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Moon Pie Race Report
I got up at 4:40 yesterday morning to get ready for the RC Cola – Moon Pie 10 Miler. I ate my banana and oatmeal, got dressed, and then drove to Lana’s house to meet her and Holly.
We got to Bell Buckle in plenty of time. We paid $5 to park, got our race packets and waited in line for a port-a-potty. Then it was off to the start line.
The start gun fired right on time and we were off. I ran with Holly and Lana for the first mile 8:42 and was right on their tails for the second 8:37. There was a water stop just past the 2 mile marker and I walked while taking a drink. Lana and Holly kept right on running while drinking so they got farther ahead of me. Then I saw a guy that I recognized from Goodlettsville Half Marathon. I caught him and told him that I had chased him the entire half last November. We stayed neck in neck for a while, and then I pulled ahead. Mile 3 was 9:04. I saw Lana and Holly’s parents right around the 4 mile marker and waved for a picture. Mile 4 was 8:55. I got a drink and prepared for “the hill”. I caught up with Holly on the hill but she quickly recovered and got back ahead of me. I reached the halfway point in 44:46. Mile 5 was 9:23. Mile 6 was 9:11 and Mile 7 was 9:01. At about 7.5 the guy from the Goodlettsville half was back. We chatted some then he pulled ahead. I kept him in sight and chased him just like I did in November. Mile 8 was 8:51. Right before the mile 9 marker a car was driving down the road and one of the runners over compensated and ran off into the ditch. He couldn’t climb out so another runner stopped to help him and got pulled into the ditch too. He managed to climb almost all the way out when another runner stopped to help him. Together they pulled the first runner out. I am so glad I was on the other side of the road; I don’t think I would have had the energy to get out of the ditch at that point. I ran mile 9 in 8:54. I was almost there. I sped up some and then in the last tenth poured out everything I had left and started passing other runners. I saw Lana cheering at I approached the finish line. I finished the last mile in 8:08. Total time 1:28:53. Average pace 8:54. 273 overall, 69 overall female, and 12th in age group.
I met my goals: to beat last year’s time and to run “the hill”. So it was a good race.
We stayed around long enough to enjoy some of the great post race food and see the official race times.
Thanks to Lana and Holly’s parents for coming out, cheering for me, and taking pictures.
Now it is time to get ready for the McMinnville Tri this Saturday. Lana, did you get signed up??????
We got to Bell Buckle in plenty of time. We paid $5 to park, got our race packets and waited in line for a port-a-potty. Then it was off to the start line.
The start gun fired right on time and we were off. I ran with Holly and Lana for the first mile 8:42 and was right on their tails for the second 8:37. There was a water stop just past the 2 mile marker and I walked while taking a drink. Lana and Holly kept right on running while drinking so they got farther ahead of me. Then I saw a guy that I recognized from Goodlettsville Half Marathon. I caught him and told him that I had chased him the entire half last November. We stayed neck in neck for a while, and then I pulled ahead. Mile 3 was 9:04. I saw Lana and Holly’s parents right around the 4 mile marker and waved for a picture. Mile 4 was 8:55. I got a drink and prepared for “the hill”. I caught up with Holly on the hill but she quickly recovered and got back ahead of me. I reached the halfway point in 44:46. Mile 5 was 9:23. Mile 6 was 9:11 and Mile 7 was 9:01. At about 7.5 the guy from the Goodlettsville half was back. We chatted some then he pulled ahead. I kept him in sight and chased him just like I did in November. Mile 8 was 8:51. Right before the mile 9 marker a car was driving down the road and one of the runners over compensated and ran off into the ditch. He couldn’t climb out so another runner stopped to help him and got pulled into the ditch too. He managed to climb almost all the way out when another runner stopped to help him. Together they pulled the first runner out. I am so glad I was on the other side of the road; I don’t think I would have had the energy to get out of the ditch at that point. I ran mile 9 in 8:54. I was almost there. I sped up some and then in the last tenth poured out everything I had left and started passing other runners. I saw Lana cheering at I approached the finish line. I finished the last mile in 8:08. Total time 1:28:53. Average pace 8:54. 273 overall, 69 overall female, and 12th in age group.
I met my goals: to beat last year’s time and to run “the hill”. So it was a good race.
We stayed around long enough to enjoy some of the great post race food and see the official race times.
Thanks to Lana and Holly’s parents for coming out, cheering for me, and taking pictures.
Now it is time to get ready for the McMinnville Tri this Saturday. Lana, did you get signed up??????
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Ready for a Moon Pie
Today was my final day of training before the RC Cola Moon Pie 10 Mile Run. I got up at 5:15 and went to the Rec center. Lana and I had talked about a 5 mile run at 5:30 but I had not heard from her so wasn’t sure if she was going to make it or not. Turned out to be a not but her sister Holly showed up to run so I ran with her. She was having some foot issues so I just let her set the pace. Bonnarro starts today so I took my camera on the running hoping for some interesting shots. We ran up jail hill and thru town. We ran up 55 to the Middle School/Interstate but they were already letting people in the gates so there were no photo ops. 2002 there where cars sitting on the interstate for 8 plus hours. We headed back to the Rec Center via the greenway. Holly split off at Rayfields and I ran up Jail Hill AGAIN and then down the stairs back to the parking lot. 4.1 miles in 40:24.
By this afternoon my calves were really starting to remind me of how great toning class was Tuesday. I decided to swim a little. My next tri is a 350m swim so I decided to swim 400’s. My pool is only 40 feet long so it takes 30 lengths to equal 400 yards, if I did my math right. I kept losing count but know that I did at least 30 lengths each time. The 5th set I got my kids to help me out. I lined up diving sticks and told them each time I got to their wall to drop one in and when they ran out of sticks to jump in the pool. When they jumped in I would know I had one lap to go. Worked like a charm (after the first lap when they tossed in two sticks and I had to stop and explain things again). Total swim time for 2000 yards = 50:39.
I am taking tomorrow off in preparation for my run. Good luck to Lana, Holly, David and LPM at Bell Buckle and everyone else who is racing this weekend.
By this afternoon my calves were really starting to remind me of how great toning class was Tuesday. I decided to swim a little. My next tri is a 350m swim so I decided to swim 400’s. My pool is only 40 feet long so it takes 30 lengths to equal 400 yards, if I did my math right. I kept losing count but know that I did at least 30 lengths each time. The 5th set I got my kids to help me out. I lined up diving sticks and told them each time I got to their wall to drop one in and when they ran out of sticks to jump in the pool. When they jumped in I would know I had one lap to go. Worked like a charm (after the first lap when they tossed in two sticks and I had to stop and explain things again). Total swim time for 2000 yards = 50:39.
I am taking tomorrow off in preparation for my run. Good luck to Lana, Holly, David and LPM at Bell Buckle and everyone else who is racing this weekend.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Make Up Classes
I spent the better part of yesterday beating myself up for two days of slow runs. The kids were exhausted so we just spent the day inside lying around. Casey even took a 3 hour nap. So at 5:30 last night I decided to go to the 6:00pm toning class. I called up to the Rec Center to make sure Cindy was teaching. They assured me she was. So I loaded up the kids and headed to the Rec Center. Once I got there I found out Joyce was teaching, that was great news. She did an awesome toning class. I really did not think she could make my legs THAT tired!!! Yoga class was next so I decided to give it a try too. Again Cindy was not there so the “real yoga” teacher was filling in. First thing she did was turn off the lights and tell us to lie down and relax. “Let all feeling of competition and judgment leave your body.” Hell if it wasn’t for competition and judgment my butt would have been at home on the couch. I got some good stretching, which I needed after that toning class, but I still find yoga to be too slow for me. When we got home Casey wanted to go for a bike ride. The kids rode their bikes and I ran/walked along. We did the one mile loop.
This morning I got up at 4:45 to meet Lana, Kim and two of Kim’s cyclist friends, Ray and Tisha. We left Lana’s house at about 5:15 and did an out and back on Highway 41. I had to check out this Watermelon Hill. On the return part of the ride Ray finally spoke up and gave me some tips. He said he was afraid to say anything because I have a “really nice bike” and he thought I had been riding for a while. When I told him that I had had the bike for less then a year he rode beside me and helped me understand when and why to change gears. We also stopped so he could raise my seat. He said it still needs to go up a little higher but for me to get use to the inch he raised it first. I hope that I can remember to “spin” vs “push” when I am out there alone and more importantly during a race!
After the 19.52 miles on the bike I convinced Lana to run with me. We ran half a mile out 41 in the other direction and back to her house then I ran another half mile out the direction we biked and back for a total of 2 miles in 16:10. Now that is more like it!!!
This morning I got up at 4:45 to meet Lana, Kim and two of Kim’s cyclist friends, Ray and Tisha. We left Lana’s house at about 5:15 and did an out and back on Highway 41. I had to check out this Watermelon Hill. On the return part of the ride Ray finally spoke up and gave me some tips. He said he was afraid to say anything because I have a “really nice bike” and he thought I had been riding for a while. When I told him that I had had the bike for less then a year he rode beside me and helped me understand when and why to change gears. We also stopped so he could raise my seat. He said it still needs to go up a little higher but for me to get use to the inch he raised it first. I hope that I can remember to “spin” vs “push” when I am out there alone and more importantly during a race!
After the 19.52 miles on the bike I convinced Lana to run with me. We ran half a mile out 41 in the other direction and back to her house then I ran another half mile out the direction we biked and back for a total of 2 miles in 16:10. Now that is more like it!!!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Missed Opportunity
I knew I should have gotten up and ran with Lana and Holly this morning but they were meeting at 5:15 and I didn't have to start until 6-ish. Also they were planning on 5 miles and I wanted to do 6. So I slept in and went with the solo run.
I got up at 6:00. It was a nice cool morning, I decided to take the less flat 6 mile route. It was uneventful and SLOW. I ran the 6 in 55:25 (9:15 pace). I have whole list of excuses prepared but won't bore anyone with what boils down to laziness.
Meanwhile, Lana and Holly smoked their run this morning. Should have gotten up!!!
I got up at 6:00. It was a nice cool morning, I decided to take the less flat 6 mile route. It was uneventful and SLOW. I ran the 6 in 55:25 (9:15 pace). I have whole list of excuses prepared but won't bore anyone with what boils down to laziness.
Meanwhile, Lana and Holly smoked their run this morning. Should have gotten up!!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Slow 6
The kids are in VBS this week so I am getting to start a little later and sleep a little longer. I got up a 6:15 this morning and ran my 6 miles. I really need to get back to the track and get some speed work, my training run times are really slowing down again. This morning’s 6 miles took 55:24 (9:14 pace). The weather was perfect for running so can’t use it as an excuse. Only thing I got is lack of speed training.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Swimming in a Short Pool and Running in Hot Sun
Ronnie golfed yesterday morning. I didn’t have time to get up and workout before he left so I slept in!! The kids and I spent the day outside swimming, playing and cutting the yard. At about 5, I gave the kids and bath and parked them in front of the TV to “rest” since they would be up late at the drive-in. I went back outside and swam laps. The pool is 40’ long so I swam 150 lengths. It was harder then swimming in a longer pool because I had to turn so often and I would not allow myself to push off the wall. It took 53:04 for a total distance of about 1.1 miles. I loved swimming outside. Look forward to more swims here.
This morning I headed out for my run at about 10:00. It was HOT and sunny. There is no shade on my route so I was really feeling it. I stopped at about 2 miles at a house under construction where I saw a water hose but they had the water turned off so I was out of luck. I headed home for a total of 3 miles in 28:17 (9:26 pace). On my tenth of a mile cool down walk home I removed all my electronics and my visor. When I got to the driveway I pulled my shirt off then my shoes. Then I did something I have been dreaming about…dove into the pool. Man that felt GREAT!!! I just let myself float and cool off.
This morning I headed out for my run at about 10:00. It was HOT and sunny. There is no shade on my route so I was really feeling it. I stopped at about 2 miles at a house under construction where I saw a water hose but they had the water turned off so I was out of luck. I headed home for a total of 3 miles in 28:17 (9:26 pace). On my tenth of a mile cool down walk home I removed all my electronics and my visor. When I got to the driveway I pulled my shirt off then my shoes. Then I did something I have been dreaming about…dove into the pool. Man that felt GREAT!!! I just let myself float and cool off.
Friday, June 09, 2006
I Hate Hills
Man, I am wiped. I guess it is from the 8 hours of sun yesterday. We had nowhere to be yesterday and took full advantage of that fact. Casey slept until 9:45 and we were out poolside at 10. I tried to dig up another fence post but the ground has gotten HARD. Plus the one I was working on has a lot of tree roots around it, so I just gave up. We had people coming and going all day so we stayed out until 6. I actually got into the pool at about 5:30, after the lake swim of 76 degrees 83 didn’t feel so cold. The kids took turns riding on my back while I attempted to swim the 30’ length of the swallow end, switching kids after each lap. That was hard.
So when the alarm went off at 4:40 this morning, I did not want to get up. And knowing hills was the plan did not make it any easier. Some how I managed to drag myself out of bed and out the door to the Rec Center. I started at the parking lot and ran 0.31 miles to jail hill in 2:59 then I ran up and down the hill 6 times.
up 0.30 miles each 2:36, 2:38, 2:40, 2:48, 2:49, 2:49
down 0.30 miles each 2:55, 2:54, 2:53, 2:51, 2:50, 2:41
then the 0.29 miles back to the parking lot in 2:53
Grand total of 4.20 miles in 39:25 (9:23 pace)
Notice I got slower each time up the hill but faster down. Wonder if the faster down had anything to do with the slower up???
I had planned to swim but by the time I was done running I just didn’t have the energy. Now I feel guilty.
So when the alarm went off at 4:40 this morning, I did not want to get up. And knowing hills was the plan did not make it any easier. Some how I managed to drag myself out of bed and out the door to the Rec Center. I started at the parking lot and ran 0.31 miles to jail hill in 2:59 then I ran up and down the hill 6 times.
up 0.30 miles each 2:36, 2:38, 2:40, 2:48, 2:49, 2:49
down 0.30 miles each 2:55, 2:54, 2:53, 2:51, 2:50, 2:41
then the 0.29 miles back to the parking lot in 2:53
Grand total of 4.20 miles in 39:25 (9:23 pace)
Notice I got slower each time up the hill but faster down. Wonder if the faster down had anything to do with the slower up???
I had planned to swim but by the time I was done running I just didn’t have the energy. Now I feel guilty.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The Battle
You would think the hardest part of getting up early to run would be the getting up. But every morning when that alarm goes off I get out of bed just fine, it is the staying out of bed and getting out the door that is the problem. This morning was no exception. The alarm went off at 5:15. I got out of bed and went potty. I was thinking to myself, “It is summer vacation, I don’t have to work today, the kids will sleep until at least 7, I just want to get back in bed.” This continued the ENTIRE time I got dressed, changed out the batteries in my Garmin and MP3 player, and even for the first mile or so of my run. Then a new battle started. I have been trying to run sub 9:00 miles. It wasn’t happening today. First mile was 9:04 and second 9:11. I kept trying to push my legs harder but they were having none of it. I even tried promising them a strawberry banana milk shake if they could get me in under a 9:00 average but they failed, so it is rabbit food today! I ran 10 miles in 1:31:55 for an average pace of 9:12. When I got home I drank a large glass of water and crawled back into bed. I fell right to sleep and slept for 20 minutes before my son came in to wake me up. The sheets are in the washer now!!
The Bell Buckle 10 mile run is in just over a week and last year I ran it in 1:30:26. I have trained a lot more then I did before the race last year. I should be able to beat my time but today did not give me any warm fuzzy feelings.
It is going to be another beautiful day. I get to dig up more fence posts and if I can figure out how to get the cord out of the weed eater I will finish that job too. Then it will be lounging by the pool. Have a great day!
The Bell Buckle 10 mile run is in just over a week and last year I ran it in 1:30:26. I have trained a lot more then I did before the race last year. I should be able to beat my time but today did not give me any warm fuzzy feelings.
It is going to be another beautiful day. I get to dig up more fence posts and if I can figure out how to get the cord out of the weed eater I will finish that job too. Then it will be lounging by the pool. Have a great day!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Nice Ride
Woke up this morning at 4:40 to meet my neighbor, Kim, to ride. Getting dressed I discovered my arms are sore. Not really sure if it is from the weed whacking or the digging up of fence posts that I did yesterday. Or maybe it is from forking Oreo Cream Pie into my mouth, gee wonder why my butt isn’t getting any smaller.
It was cool this morning and I am glad I went back in the house for long sleeves to put on over my bike jersey. I still went sockless and had frozen toes at the end but it isn’t bothering me to not wear socks just hope that it is really helping my transition time. We did the same loop that I have done by myself two other times. Part of that route will be part of the Star Rehab Tri in July so it is nice to get some practice on it. It took us 1:17:12 to finish the 20.25 mile loop.
Last night I signed up for the McMinnville Tri that is June 24th, another sprint distance.
Ronnie got his Golf calendar in the mail yesterday and he has another tournament July 22-23 and July 29-30. Cedars of Lebanon tri is July 29th and I am really wanting to do it this year since it was my first ever tri last year and I want to be able to compare (and beat) my times. Hope I can find a sitter.
It was cool this morning and I am glad I went back in the house for long sleeves to put on over my bike jersey. I still went sockless and had frozen toes at the end but it isn’t bothering me to not wear socks just hope that it is really helping my transition time. We did the same loop that I have done by myself two other times. Part of that route will be part of the Star Rehab Tri in July so it is nice to get some practice on it. It took us 1:17:12 to finish the 20.25 mile loop.
Last night I signed up for the McMinnville Tri that is June 24th, another sprint distance.
Ronnie got his Golf calendar in the mail yesterday and he has another tournament July 22-23 and July 29-30. Cedars of Lebanon tri is July 29th and I am really wanting to do it this year since it was my first ever tri last year and I want to be able to compare (and beat) my times. Hope I can find a sitter.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
8 miles
I got up at 6 this morning after staying up WAY too late reading blogs. Congrats to all of those that ran the San Diego Marathon Sunday.
It was perfect running weather this morning. I thought my MP3 was dead but I finally managed to get it working. I did the Baker Heights/Danbury loops and added on the Maple Springs and Amberwood loops to make 8 miles. The first mile I did in 8:30. Then I got slower but I managed to finish strong. Total time was 1:10:59 for a 8:52 pace.
It looks like it is going to a beautiful day. Got some yard work that needs my attention and the kids are already asking to swim. Have a great day everyone!
It was perfect running weather this morning. I thought my MP3 was dead but I finally managed to get it working. I did the Baker Heights/Danbury loops and added on the Maple Springs and Amberwood loops to make 8 miles. The first mile I did in 8:30. Then I got slower but I managed to finish strong. Total time was 1:10:59 for a 8:52 pace.
It looks like it is going to a beautiful day. Got some yard work that needs my attention and the kids are already asking to swim. Have a great day everyone!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Nature Calls
OK, I FINALLY did it. I have spent WAY too much time trying to get the pictures from the Mach Tenn into my blog. I don’t know if it was me or blogger but I have done the same thing over and over and for some reason it finally worked. I now have the pictures on my race report. Thanks again to Lana’s dad for taking them.
This morning I was moving VERY slow. I took 5 minutes to get out of bed after the alarm went off, then it took me another 15 minutes to get dressed and out the door to run. Then I had to come back in to change out the batteries in my garmin, only to find out after I got back outside that my MP3 was dead. I guess the batteries did not get charged. I just decided to go musicless. Finally I was off on my run. I was still moving slowly. After about 2 miles it hit me that I had to potty. I looped back toward home and ended up only running 4.17 of the planned six miles. The run took 38:29, 9:13 pace. Not my best effort.
I HAVE to get in a long run this week and a hill workout. Moonpie is less then 2 weeks away.
I guess I am going to commit to the McMinnville Tri and register this week. I ordered a new tri top today so I will have something to wear and I will be able to tell one tri picture from another.
I have forgotten to mention how wonderful my summer birthday was. OK, it sucks to have to say I am 38 seven months before I will actually be 38, but it was wonderful to sit by the pool in the hot sun on my “birthday”. My kids heard me explain before the GJCC Tri that “since they will be writing a 38 on my leg, I am going to go ahead and celebrate my birthday” So when I got home from the Mach Tenn, Casey looked at me with my body marking and said, “Mommy, did they think it was your birthday again?”
This morning I was moving VERY slow. I took 5 minutes to get out of bed after the alarm went off, then it took me another 15 minutes to get dressed and out the door to run. Then I had to come back in to change out the batteries in my garmin, only to find out after I got back outside that my MP3 was dead. I guess the batteries did not get charged. I just decided to go musicless. Finally I was off on my run. I was still moving slowly. After about 2 miles it hit me that I had to potty. I looped back toward home and ended up only running 4.17 of the planned six miles. The run took 38:29, 9:13 pace. Not my best effort.
I HAVE to get in a long run this week and a hill workout. Moonpie is less then 2 weeks away.
I guess I am going to commit to the McMinnville Tri and register this week. I ordered a new tri top today so I will have something to wear and I will be able to tell one tri picture from another.
I have forgotten to mention how wonderful my summer birthday was. OK, it sucks to have to say I am 38 seven months before I will actually be 38, but it was wonderful to sit by the pool in the hot sun on my “birthday”. My kids heard me explain before the GJCC Tri that “since they will be writing a 38 on my leg, I am going to go ahead and celebrate my birthday” So when I got home from the Mach Tenn, Casey looked at me with my body marking and said, “Mommy, did they think it was your birthday again?”
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Mach Tenn Tri
Wednesday the lake was 81 degrees so they said wetsuits would not be allowed. We got a LOT of rain Thursday and Friday and a cool front moved in. Race morning the lake was down to 76, wetsuits became legal. I don’t have a wetsuit so I was really hoping for warmer water but Lana has one and wanted to wear it. I am told that the wetsuits help you float and are therefore an advantage but I don’t know. Anyway, a lot of people were happy that they were getting to wear wetsuits. We got to the race WAY early for a change and had a lot of time to kill. We got race packets, got body marked, set up transition, ate half a Luna bar, woke poor Briar up about 10 times, then finally put on running shoes and ran up a hill to get warmed up.
Then it was finally time to line up on the beach.
The swim was a long one by my standards and a lake swim. They lined you up based on your predicted swim and bike times so I was 237. I had lots of time to watch how people enter the water. I ran into the water when it was my turn and the race had started for me. I don’t know why I swim so much better during practice and then struggle so much race day. I was breathing every other stoke so I know that slowed me down but I get so worried about getting off track in the lake and I just seem to be out of breath racing. I saw Holly on the pier and waved to her. I got out of the lake and my legs actually felt a little wobbly. I jogged into transition and went to the wrong bike rack. I found the right rack and got ready to bike (sockless). I grabbed a handful of sport beans and saw a guy struggling to get his socks on. Then I ran my bike to the mounting line, saw Lana’s family cheering for me, and was off on the bike route.
I am glad Lana and I rode it Wednesday because I knew what to expect. I got too much joy out of passing people and checked out each one of their numbers to see how much time I was making up. Then I realized I forgot to but on my race number belt, hoped to remember it at transition. After the first couple of miles I felt like I was out there alone. I got passed by a few people and caught up with some other people later in the race. The bike went about like I expected it to and there is still a lot of room for improvement. I ran back into transition. I racked my bike, changed from helmet to hat, changed shoes, and ate part of a gel.
I saw Lana’s family again just as I was getting started. It was great to have them cheer me on and Holly yells “You are flying”. That got me really motivated. I finished the first mile in 7:30. I saw Lana on her way back and cheered for her. As I was approaching the turn around, a gust of wind blew my hat off. I went back for it as a guy yells “No, you never go back for anything”. I made the turn and headed back. I still felt good. I made it to the 3 mile water station and grabbed some water as I passed and dumped it down the front of me the guy yelled after me only 1 mile and 2 more hills (it is a very hilly route).
I just kept picking people off to pass and made it to the final chute and turned up the speed to sprint pass a guy in a white hat. At the finish line they handed me a cold towel and Lana and her family were there.
We loaded up all our stuff then got some food. They had a GREAT post race spread. I will be doing this race again next year.
Splits:
0.6 mile Swim – 20:38
T1 – 1:52
16 mile Bike – 54:20
T2 – 1:18
4 mile Run – 31:55
I ended up 7th in my age group and 183 overall. Lana kicked my butt, of course. Thanks to Lana’s dad for the pictures, that I can NOT get to post for some reason.
Then it was finally time to line up on the beach.
The swim was a long one by my standards and a lake swim. They lined you up based on your predicted swim and bike times so I was 237. I had lots of time to watch how people enter the water. I ran into the water when it was my turn and the race had started for me. I don’t know why I swim so much better during practice and then struggle so much race day. I was breathing every other stoke so I know that slowed me down but I get so worried about getting off track in the lake and I just seem to be out of breath racing. I saw Holly on the pier and waved to her. I got out of the lake and my legs actually felt a little wobbly. I jogged into transition and went to the wrong bike rack. I found the right rack and got ready to bike (sockless). I grabbed a handful of sport beans and saw a guy struggling to get his socks on. Then I ran my bike to the mounting line, saw Lana’s family cheering for me, and was off on the bike route.
I am glad Lana and I rode it Wednesday because I knew what to expect. I got too much joy out of passing people and checked out each one of their numbers to see how much time I was making up. Then I realized I forgot to but on my race number belt, hoped to remember it at transition. After the first couple of miles I felt like I was out there alone. I got passed by a few people and caught up with some other people later in the race. The bike went about like I expected it to and there is still a lot of room for improvement. I ran back into transition. I racked my bike, changed from helmet to hat, changed shoes, and ate part of a gel.
I saw Lana’s family again just as I was getting started. It was great to have them cheer me on and Holly yells “You are flying”. That got me really motivated. I finished the first mile in 7:30. I saw Lana on her way back and cheered for her. As I was approaching the turn around, a gust of wind blew my hat off. I went back for it as a guy yells “No, you never go back for anything”. I made the turn and headed back. I still felt good. I made it to the 3 mile water station and grabbed some water as I passed and dumped it down the front of me the guy yelled after me only 1 mile and 2 more hills (it is a very hilly route).
I just kept picking people off to pass and made it to the final chute and turned up the speed to sprint pass a guy in a white hat. At the finish line they handed me a cold towel and Lana and her family were there.
We loaded up all our stuff then got some food. They had a GREAT post race spread. I will be doing this race again next year.
Splits:
0.6 mile Swim – 20:38
T1 – 1:52
16 mile Bike – 54:20
T2 – 1:18
4 mile Run – 31:55
I ended up 7th in my age group and 183 overall. Lana kicked my butt, of course. Thanks to Lana’s dad for the pictures, that I can NOT get to post for some reason.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
GJCC Splits
I just got my splits for the GJCC tri that was Monday.
I knew that the swim part didn’t go as well as I hoped because of the mass of people on lengths 2 and 3 but the run went even better then I thought. Transition time still needs work; maybe going sockless will help there. During T2 I dropped my hat on the other side of the bike rack and instead of just going on I crawled under the bikes after it. Can see that hurt too.
200 yard Swim - 4:23
T1 - 2:03
8.5 mile Bike - 30:33
T2 - 1:16
2 mile Run - 15:33 (that’s a 7:47 pace!!!!!)
I knew that the swim part didn’t go as well as I hoped because of the mass of people on lengths 2 and 3 but the run went even better then I thought. Transition time still needs work; maybe going sockless will help there. During T2 I dropped my hat on the other side of the bike rack and instead of just going on I crawled under the bikes after it. Can see that hurt too.
200 yard Swim - 4:23
T1 - 2:03
8.5 mile Bike - 30:33
T2 - 1:16
2 mile Run - 15:33 (that’s a 7:47 pace!!!!!)
Swim, Talk, Swim
Today I went to the Rec Center pool at 6:00am and swam 1250 yards in 26:15. Well actually I swam 350 yards then stopped and talked to Lana who had just arrived (I stopped my watch while I was chatting) then I swam the rest (restarting my watch). I did not feel good in the water today. I have not gotten enough sleep and have drunk a few too many beers in the past several days. My friend Angie and her three boys have been in town from Memphis and my diet has been horrible. We had a great visit and the kids had a blast. (Thanks Angie for making the trip.) Now I have two days to clean up my act and get ready to race.
As I am typing this my son just pointed out a commercial on television for some ab machine. He says “Look mom that is what you need so you can get skinny.” I said “What is wrong with mama the way she is?” He told me I was “too wide”. Man, I love kids!!!!!
As I am typing this my son just pointed out a commercial on television for some ab machine. He says “Look mom that is what you need so you can get skinny.” I said “What is wrong with mama the way she is?” He told me I was “too wide”. Man, I love kids!!!!!
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