Saturday, April 28, 2007

Oh, the lengths I will go to

Today was totally messed up. First off we had to be at the post office at 8:00 when they opened to get pass ports. This put a crimp on all the rest of the day’s plans.
Tracy called and wanted to join me on my 3 hour ride but she wanted to go earlier then I had planned. I tried to find a sitter but couldn’t. She had her mother-in-law lined up to keep her daughter. To make a long story short, I ended up leaving both my kids with Tracy’s mother-in-law so that I could ride with Tracy.
Tracy and I had a great ride. It was sunny, it was cloudy, and it was WINDY. This was Tracy’s longest ride ever and I think she still hates me. But we ended up with 47.94 miles in 3 hours. I felt great the whole ride and could have pushed it even harder. I am feeling good about the Gulf Coast ride for the first time since I signed up for the race.
When we got back to Tracy’s she told me to go ahead and do my 20 minute run. So, I ran down the street to a new neighborhood they are putting in and ran up and down that street 3 times then back to Tracy’s house. I ended up with 2.44 miles in 21:37, 8:51 pace.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Training Continues

Yesterday morning I intended to get up for a 30 minute ride and toning class, well, I changed my mind as I was setting my alarm clock. So, after work I got on my trainer and did a 30 minute ride. It went much better then Tuesday.
Then Lana and I went to swim class. I am continuing to work on my stroke. I don’t know who is more frustrated, me or Dee. I am TRYING to do what she says but apparently I just don’t get it.

Today, when I woke up, it was raining. I got the kids to school and tried to figure out my game plan. I had a 30 minute ride and a 2 hour run on schedule. I could do the ride inside but I did not want to run inside. I checked the forecast and things did not look good. I looked out the window and the rain had stopped. I quick grabbed my stuff and got on my bike. I rode 8.09 miles for an average speed of 16.2 mph. I didn’t push too hard knowing that I had the long run still, but I felt great the whole ride.
Back at home, I changed shoes and grabbed my fuel belt. No sooner had I started running and it started raining again. The rain didn’t last too long, just enough to get me good and wet. Then the sun came out. Great, I had on a soaking wet long sleeve shirt and the sun was beating down on me. Not to worry though, it wasn’t long until the wind picked up. The rest of the run was done with alternating sun and clouds with lots of wind. I made it home after 12.47 miles for a 9:38 pace.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Horrible

That is the only word to describe my workouts today.

I got up at 5:30 and went to the pool. I did 2 x150 warm up and a 3 x 750 main set. I had to skip the cool down due to time. I almost skipped a 750 but stuck it out since it was going so bad, figured I needed the work. I think this is the worst I have ever felt in the water. At one point I had to actually stop mid length and choke. My final time for the 2550 yards was 56:01.

Then I got to make yet another trip to Nashville. Today was the field trip for the second grade reading points.

When we got home, I got on my trainer for a pathetic ride. I knew I was not up to a Spinervals workout so I just watched a movie. It didn’t go well.

Now I am just drowning my sorrows in pizza and wine.

For the record:
JKRunning: the tooth fairy is done here for now, hope she makes it there soon.
Joe: Actually we have an acre and a half. I can use the riding lawn mower on the front and side yards, but the back I have to push and it takes as long as the riding part. I like to think of it as cross training.
Trisonq: I am not doing the CMM this year; it just didn’t fit with my training schedule.
Lance: nice tan lines.

My daughter’s lost tooth


My son at the Sound’s game

Monday, April 23, 2007

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Man, it was one crazy weekend.

Saturday morning I got up at 6:00 and got myself and the kids ready. We made the drive up to Nashville to see my friend Dawn who was in town for her son’s soccer tournament. We got there at half time of the first game. We watched the second half then went to Subway for lunch. The second game was at 12:10 and they kicked butt. After the game we rushed home. Ronnie promised to be home from his golf tournament by 3:00 so that I could get to the pool before they closed. I got home, changed, and went to the pool. I did a 10 minute warm up, 450 yards, and 1500 yard main set in 34:12. I had to deal with some rude swimmers but won’t get into that. I hurried out of the pool and out to my bike. 80 minutes, 23.48 miles. It was beautiful out and I felt great. I rushed home again to get cleaned up and head back up to Murfreesboro to my friend Laurie’s bachelorlette party.

Sunday, I was feeling a little slow after a few too many beers at the party. So I picked up around the house for a few hours before getting to my workout. At about 10:45 the kids and I went outside. I set my trainer up in the driveway. The plan called for 8 x (run 4:00, bike 10:00, run 4:00). I ended up with 6.95 miles of running and 20.98 of trainer riding.
It was sunny and about 80 again, the warmth felt great.

After the workout, I got myself and the kids cleaned up, drove through McDonald’s, took the kids next door to the sitter, and then went back up to Murfreesboro for my friend, Mary Beth’s, birthday dinner.

Thankfully today was a rest day. Just work and yard cutting.

Time for the tooth fairy to make an appearance, my daughter lost tooth number 2 today.

Friday, April 20, 2007

swim and rest

Yesterday was a swim. Speed day. 250 yards warm up, 10 x 100 (25 easy, 25 build, 25 easy, 25 hard), and 150 cool down. I did the 100’s on 2:30. I tried to really push the 25 hard but took the easy really easy.

Two things that have been really eating up my time are now taken care of. First of all my son wanted to get 200 AR (reading) points so that he would get a plaque from the principal. We have really been cramming every night to get it done. Today was the final day and he got his 200 point. 204.6 to be exact. I am so proud of him and the effort he has made to reach this goal. The other thing is the Sounds game field trip. I got the tickets and got them delivered with time to spare.

Today, Friday, was a rest day.

Piece of advice for all you men. If your wife/girlfriend is wiggling into a pair of jeans that are just a little bit tight today, make no comment, she already is feeling fat enough!!!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Long/Tempo Run & Some Toning

This morning I got up and went to the 5:30 toning class. The instructor knew I was running after class, so I think she had a little mercy and we did more upper body and LOTS of abs.
After class, I came home and got the kids to school.
It was 8:30 before I got out the door for my long/tempo run.
It was cloudy and cool. I need some more hot weather to train in, otherwise I am going to be in a world of hurt come May 12th.
I did the 20 minute warm up, 2.04 miles, 9:48 pace
Then it was 10 x (3t, 2r) they went like this (I am showing pace because that means more to me then time)
8:23 (10:51), 8:11 (10:24), 8:22 (10:34), 8:17 (10:34), 8:21 (10:28), 8:13 (10:37), 8:14 (10:07), 8:12 (10:45), 8:15 (10:09), 8:11 (10:47)
Then a 20 minute cool down, 1.98 miles, 10:05 pace.
Totals are 1:30, 9.55 miles, 9:25 pace, 160 average heart rate, and 177 max.
I felt really good the whole run.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

Saturday was the third 1000 yard time trial of this program. Even with the stroke changes that Dee has made, I felt really good in the water. Too bad I wasn’t faster. 21:08 compared to the 18:45ish time of the other two TT.

By the time I got home from church Sunday the weather was nasty, but my husband was HOME!!! I changed and ran. 45 minutes, 4.83 miles, 9:19 pace. It was SNOWING. Come on people it is April. After the run, I changed and meet Lana for the drive to swim class. The pool was set up on long course, 50 yards. Man, I didn’t realize how much harder long course is. But she took it easier on us since it was the first long course swim class, just 2800 yards! After class, I talked to Ashley about my slow TT time from Saturday and she says she isn’t worried. I hope she is right.

Monday I got up at 5:30 and was at the pool as they opened. I had finished my first 3 50’s when Joe showed up. He asked where my kick board was. I looked at him funny and he informed me that the plan said the warm up was to be 6 x 50 odd swim, even kick. I did not see the part about kick. Anyway, I finished the 6 x 50 warm up just swim. Then went right into the 3 x 600 and the 200 cool down. Total swim time was 50:54.

Today was a brick (1 hour ride, 30 minute run). Tracy came over at about 11 and we did the Matt’s Hollow Loop. It was windy and it really slowed us down. After a quick transition, the run went well.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Wimp

This is today’s plan:Notice in the totals at the bottom there is 45 of bike but no description in the top part. The bike hours are added in the weekly total, I checked. I took it to mean, my choice!
So, I left work at 11:00 and went to the pool. I replaced the first kick with pull. I get so bored doing the kick and my pull needs more work.
After the swim I drove home, noticing the outside temp was only 51. I wimped out and did my ride indoors. I did the Spinervals No Slackers Allowed DVD. I am so excited. They do super spins two different times during the workout and say your cadence should be above 120 rpm. I have NEVER been able to hold 100 for the required time, until today. I stayed above 117 for each set and even peaked at 132 for two for the sets. It is so great to see progress!!!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Mother of the Year Award

I am getting a Mother of the Year Award.
The school called me Tuesday (while I was enjoying my alone time) to let me know that my daughter was in the office. Apparently one of the other little girls in here class reported to the lunch room ladies that my daughter did not have a sandwich in her lunch. So the school calls me to let me know that I did not pack an adequate lunch for my child. Never mind she had fruit. They tell me she can buy a lunch. So they put my child on the phone, who is sobbing, and I tell her to buy a lunch. She doesn't want to but I promise to take her for a special treat after school. I am not above bribery. The reason she did not have a sandwich in the lunch is because she won't eat them and I am sick of throwing them away every afternoon. I was unaware that they had a policy on lunches brought from home.
Then to top it all off, when I went to pick the kids up on Tuesday my son's teacher asked me when I was going to send home the permission slips for the baseball game field trip. What??? I didn't know I had to do that. I thought that I was just adding up reading points, collecting the money, and going on the field trip. So I went to the principal, got a sample letter, typed it up and handed it out today. Turns out I was suppose to have had the money turned in Tuesday. Oops. The lady at the Sounds is being very nice and helpful and I will get the tickets (I might have to drive to Nashville to get them but...)
As you can see I am very deserving of the mother of the year award, wonder when it will arrive.

Training? I am doing that too.
Wednesday morning I got up at 4:20 and ran for 30 minutes very slowly (3.1 miles) then did six 20 second strides. After the run, I went to the pool. I did 5x 200 (50 easy, 50 build, 50 easy, 50 hard) and a 150 cool down in 25:46. My splits were 4:40, 4:27, 4:22, 4:24, and 4:22.
Today, being a single working mom, I did my ride on the trainer after putting the kids to bed. The schedule called for easy spinning all in the small chain ring. 10 minute warm up, 5x (2t,1e), and 5 minute cool down. Since I was watching Survivor, that I had taped, I just continued to soft pedal for 30 more minutes.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Alone Time

Monday was suppose to be a rest day but my husband is going on his semi-annual golf trip this week so I can’t make swim class on Wednesday. Therefore, I made the hour long drive to Brentwood ALONE (Lana had T-ball practice).

Ashley had us doing a circuit training class that went like this
1st station: Abs
Plank, crunches, oblique, flutter, and scissors
2nd station: Legs
Repeat 6 times
10 squats, 10 step up on bleachers, 30 sections of vertical kick in pool, and 50 yard swim
3rd station: ArmsRepeat 12 times
30 sections pull on band, 30 section rest
4th station: Lungs
Repeat 2 times
25 yards with 4 breaths, 25 yards with 3 breaths, 25 yards with 2 breaths, 25 yards with 1 breath, 25 yards with no breaths, and 20 pull up on side of pool

Not what I was expecting but it sure made time go by fast.

Today, Tuesday, is my first day off work with no kids and nothing to be at school for in a long time. I dropped the kids at school and since it is still cold here I opted to do my 30 minute tempo ride on the trainer. I then changed into warmer clothes and ran for 30 minutes outside. I covered 3.34 miles for an 8:58 pace.

Now off to enjoy my day off alone!!!!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Happy Easter

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter.

Today finished up my peak training week and I am glad it is over.
Friday morning I met Lana at the pool when they opened at 6:00 and we swam for 1 hour. I tried really hard to work on rotating my hips and getting on my side like Dee showed me Wednesday at swim class. I can’t say that I did it very well but I am trying. I only got in about 2500 yards. I lost count after the first 50 lengths and that was about 30 minutes.
After the swim, Lana and I got bundled up for a 1 hour ride. It was a cold 43 degrees, not ideal riding temps. We did an out and back on 55. Both of our plans called for an easy, flat ride so that is what we did. We got in 16.41 miles.

Saturday was a rest day.

Today, we woke up at 6:00 when my son started yelling for his sister that the Easter Bunny had come. They unloaded their baskets then ran around the house looking for eggs. The Easter Bunny doesn’t like the cold so he hid all the eggs inside.
After all the excitement we went to church, Sunday school and Cracker Barrel. I ate my favorite French toast with cherries. When we got home, I tried to read some of my son’s book to him but I could NOT keep my eyes open. I ended up taking a nap. When I woke up, I bundled up again for a two and a half hour ride and 20 minute run. When I got outside the sun was nice and warm so I decided to go gloveless. I almost took off a layer but thankfully I was too lazy. The plan said to find as many hills as I could; problem was the plan didn’t take in account for the wind. It was mean today. I was really missing my gloves. I ended up riding 37.81 miles in 2:31. When I got off my bike my neck and back were killing me. I put my bike in the garage and changed shoes. I ran 2.24 miles, 8:55 pace.

Next week is recovery week and I need it. Less then 5 weeks now until the big day.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Exhausted

I am exhausted so I am going to make this short.

Wednesday - I got up at 4:20 and ran 4.18 miles in 41:08, 9:50 pace. I did the 5:30 toning class after my run. I worked from 8-3 then went to the 6:30 swim class up in Nashville. Coach Ashley has a new assistant and she really help me with my stroke. The class was killer and I left there total wiped. It was after 11 before I went to bed.

Thursday - I woke up at 4 and couldn’t remember what time my alarm was set for. Instead of checking, I just worried for the next 40 minutes until the clock went off. It was cold (33 with a “feels like” temp of 23). I ran 12.56 miles in 2:00, 9:33 pace. The best part was my negative split. First hour I ran 6.11 miles and 6.45 in the second. I got home in time for Ronnie to go to work (yes, Joe, he does think I am insane but at least he is a runner too). The kids and I went to Murfreesboro. We dropped my bike off at MOAB for tuning, went to Lowe’s, Target, Jason’s Deli, and the movies. Then we picked up my bike and got home just before my mother-in-law got here.

I am going to bed early tonight and hope to be rested for my one hour swim and one hour ride I have on tap tomorrow morning.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Skipped Swim

Today the schedule had a 45 minute run followed by a 30 minute run then either later in the day or earlier a 12 x 100 swim.
I meet Tracy at 5:45 this morning and rode. It was too dark and too cold. We had to go slower because of the darkness. We ended up with 15.18 miles in 59:04. I can’t say I am pleased with the effort but it is time in the saddle and hopefully that will count for something come Gulf Coast. After the ride I did the run, 3.59 miles in 32 minutes (8:54 pace). I had to rush home so Ronnie could get to work.
It turned out to be a beautiful day. I mowed the yard (cross training???), and then Tracy and Mary Beth came over with their kids. The kids all swam and the adults soaked up the sunshine. The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse tonight so we enjoyed our last day of summer like conditions. After everyone left, I decided to cut branches off a tree. It is too far away from the house for power tools so I had to use a hand saw (more cross training???). After all the sun, I needed a good cold beer and that ruined the chances of getting the swim in. But, I am not going to fret it (too much) because Lana and I are going to swim class tomorrow and there is no swim on my schedule tomorrow. Also, I know Coach Ashley will not let me get away with a measly 12 x 100.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Long Swim

Today was a long swim, 6 x 500. I got to the Rec Center just before 6 this morning and ran into Joe in the parking lot. The pool was already open and we got started.
Joe lapped me on each 500 and on the last one decided to give me a lap head start then try to catch me. He succeeded.
But I am happy with my swim. I really feel like I am making progress with my stroke, speed will come.
Splits look like this:
9:36, 9:49, 9:59, 9:48, 9:49, 9:31

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones but Bricks Make Me Stronger

I got up at 5:30 this morning so that I could get my run/bike/run done and Ronnie could be at the golf course in time to meet his group at the turn at hole 9.
The schedule called for a 25 minute run, 2 hour ride and a 25 minute run and this is how it went:
25 minute run: 2.71 miles, 9:13 pace, 148 average heart rate, 159 max
2 hour ride: 34.70 miles, 16.9 average speed, 140 average heart rate, 160 max
25 minute run: 2.77 miles, 9:01 pace, 159 average heart rate, 174 max
I am happy with how I felt overall and very pleased that I was able to pick up the pace on the second run.