Monday, August 20, 2007

Wow, running is hard

Today I ran a route I normally bike and wow the hills are much harder to run up. I finished 12.5 miles in 2+ hours, I pretty much sucked. But I got it done and its in the log.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Steeple Chase Bike Tour 2007

Yesterday I participated in a local fundraiser called the Steeple Chase. They offer a 20, 50, and 100 mile route for a wide range of biking abilities. My tri chickas were doing the 100 miler, but since my longest ride in my whole life was only 30 miles, I decided to try the 50 miler. I rode the first 40 with my tri chickas and then rode the last ten myself. If it weren't for a very sore butt, I could have gone further. My neck was a little sore too. I was psyched since I know both of those things are more equipment issues rather than physical ability issues.

It was a blast. A social event really. Every twenty miles a local church offers a rest stop with a potty and LOTS of yummy treats, I mean food to refuel our tired bodies!! One church had some awesome brownies. I am doing this next year just for the brownies!

Another wonderful thing that happened from this ride was I realized I know how to ride my bike now. Well sorta. I got this bike at Christmas and call me stupid, but I could not "get" the shifting thing down. Now I get it, totally. Well I still sometimes shift into a harder gear when I want to shift into an easier, but at least I know what to do to fix it. AND I rode the whole 50 with my clip on shoes and DID NOT FALL!! A major accomplishment!

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Summer Sickness Sucks

Since Thursday night, I have been down for the count. I came home Thursday evening and almost immediately had a fever and chills. All I could do was lie down and pray to get better. Well that didn't happen until this morning. I haven't been able to do anything for two days and I feel like I might go crazy. I always thank me lucky stars that I have a strong and able body and today I extremely thankful. I plan to take another day of no exercise to really make sure I am recovered.

Hope everybody else had a great weekend. Summer vacation is over in two weeks! Yikes, back to reality!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

It worked a few hours later

The internet is a strange thing sometimes, huh?

Post won't publish

I wasn't able to post a minute ago, I am testing it again now.

God Bless Commuters

Yesterday I picked up my children from LaGuardia Airport in NYC. The trip should take about 2:45 hours, not yesterday. NYC saw a tornado and it backed up all the transit systems so more people tried to drive to work. The trip took me over 4 hours. The boys flight was delayed and the airport was packed. The trip home was only a little better. I did stop for an ice cream sundae, that made the trip better for sure.

Today I am nursing a sore back, how do truck drivers sit in their trucks all day? There is NO way I could ever be a truck driver, that is for sure. Hopefully a little run will help loosen everything up later.

Run hard.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

John Kelley Road Race Report

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny 88' in New London, CT and it was a great day for a race, well if you like racing in the heat. My sister, her friend and my youngest son and I left the house at 7am to make the half hour drive to New London Ocean Beach Park. With our free race entry, we also got into the park free - caching, save $15 parking fee, baby.

I got there and set the kids up on the beach and then proceeded to obsess over what to wear running. It was a scorcher so I opted for the sports bra and shorts as did many women, but depending on my mood I am shy about showing so much skin. Especially since I was running the race with Chris, at http://www.rsqboss.blogspot.com and I didn't want to A. make him throw up at the sight of my white belly or B. distract him with A-cups LOL!! I decided that keeping cool was more important than vanity and I am glad that I did because at one point when we were running through a heavily traveled part of the town, my body felt like it was about 116' degrees. I am not kidding, at least 116'.

Chris and I started the race thinking that this was a training run, we both have longer race distance goals for the Fall. We wanted to get in 15 miles for the day so we said lets keep between a 9:30 - 9:45 pace for the race portion so we could add some more on the end of the race. After mile one, Chris told me we were a minute off on our pace and I assumed we were going too slowly!! He said we were at a 8:15 pace, so we brought it down a notch to about 8:40s. We both felt great, I don't remember anyone passing up and we were passing people left and right.

At about mile four, Chris tells me to walk through the waterstop. I figured just while I was drinking water, right. Nope, he told me to trust him and do what he said. So every three miles after that, we stopped and walked for a tenth of a mile. I was amazed at how that strategy worked for me. Walking for that short time gave my body the rest it needed to refuel and get ready for the next burst. I basically never pooped out, I had to dig in the last two miles to complete my goal, which was beating this young 30s woman that beats me ALL the time. She passed me at mile nine and said what good pace runners we were. I kept her in my sights until mile 11 and then I was able to push ahead. I never looked back and was scared to death she was right behind me and lo and behold she WAS!! I saw her time and she finished .2 of a second after me!! BUT I still beat her, baby.

Chris uses a garmin and now that I have run with him a few times, I am hooked. I have to get one. I think it would help my training so much. My time was 1:39 for 11.6 miles, we held a 8:35 pace pretty easily. I won third in my age group, which is even more impressive due to the overall women winner was in my age group too. Both these women make turning 40 next year a little easier! Our next run is the New Haven Road Race, I will have to get my own garmin by then, because I think my new partner will leave me in the dust. He had more reserves after mile 9 than I did. I think I have to refuel with some gu at about mile 7 or 8, because I always fade at mile 9.

A great day for a great race for some great racers!!

The tri photos are in and every time I look at them I get psyched! Go check them out - http://www.brightroom.com/go.asp?21925749 !

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Danskin Triathlon 2007

Sorry to take so long before reporting this awesome race experience but I came home to a tremendously scary lightning storm and was out of electricity for the last day, it sucked. I hate living in the middle of nowhere, nobody cares about us out here. BUT anyway, who cares about that, that was yesterday!!

On to the Danskin Tri experience, it started early Sat. am meeting up with my tri chickas to load the bikes and make the hour trek to Webster, Ma. When we arrived it was raining and thundering. Fortunately the expo was indoors, we got our numbers, shirts and free gym bags and then went hunting for other free stuff. Isn't that what everyone does at expos, I dont' care if I have 18 pens littering the bottom of my pocketbook, if there is another free pen at an expo I want it!! We got free hats, water bottles, sports beans, peanutbutter and "i am loved" pins in many different languages. We also bought running socks for only $5 a pair and new Tifosi sunglasses with three lenses.

Then we went to a course review which was very informative. We needed that info since it was our first tri. Then we went to a first timers seminar and it was more inspirational than informative. It was very "girl power" which I can only take for about ten minutes before I think I taste throw up in my mouth!! There was one part of the girl power pow wow, when Sally, the speaker, said "Now we are going to approach this tri like women and if you see a woman needing help, you are going to help her, right?" I was looking around with guilt in my eyes wondering if anyone else was thinking, "what the f#$k, I came to compete, let the medical people help the wounded." Of course I didn't say this aloud, no I just kept high fiving all the women and yelling "you go, girlfriend" each time the puke getting closer to my throat.

After the formal preparation, we drove the bike route and I was very glad we did. It was very helpful on the ride to know what was coming. After that we checked into the hotel and went out to dinner. Got to bed around ten and did not sleep all night, that is how I always am and I am used to it. I just lay in bed trying to think happy thoughts to pass the time and wake up at the crack of dawn.

Then it was finally RACE DAY. We arrived at the race at 6am and went right to the portopotties. Then we set up our bikes and transition area. At around 7:15 the first wave of women entered the water, we still had another hour before we got our chance. We decided to take a little swim and I am really glad we did because my goggles were letting water in on one side, so I ran up to my bag and got my spare.

Finally it was the purple caps' turn to head to the start of the race andI was totally scared and psyched at the same time. My three friends and I held hands so we could start together and we did. The swim was not physically challenging for me, but it was difficult for me to figure out my groove with all those bodies next to me. I was kicked and swatted often and never found a good spot the whole 1/2 mile, but it was over before I knew it and I looked at my watch and it read 16 minutes and I was satisfied with that since this was my first experience swimming competitively. Next time I will finish the swim faster.

Then out of the water, found my sandels and run the tenth of a mile to my bike. I squirted my feet off, threw on some socks and my sneakers and a tank top. I chose not to lock into my bike since I am not experienced with those shoes yet and wore the tank top because I am too shy to show off all that skin!!

The bike route was rolling hills with one big hill at mile four. I was never passed once on my bike. I also rehydrated well on my bike too. I forgot to eat my GU, but luckily I never crashed. The bike portion seemed to be over very quickly. I arrived at the transition area and this volunteer was yelling at me to dismount and I tried to really, but I couldn't get my right leg over my seat and down I went in front of hundreds of spectators. Recovered quickly and got outta there as fast as I could, more embarrassed than hurt.

I reset my bike and threw off my helmet and threw on my Red Sox hat and was out to run in one minute. During the run I was completely in the zone. If anything hurt I did not feel it, but people kept looking at my leg. It was bleeding pretty good, but I thought it was kinda cool. I drank water four times on the course and at the same time would pour some water on my cut to keep from totally grossing out the spectators. I don't remember anyone passing me on the run either, but I was totally concentrating and did not really notice anybody even existing. That is a cool feeling, I was totally focused on the task at hand and nothing else mattered. I really need moments like that right now, because for most of my waking moments (and sleeping for that matter) I am stressing about my life and how screwed up I have made everything.

I stepped over the line and looked at my watch 1:28, whoa I was shooting for 1:40 so I was very happy. I hugged all my fellow triathletes and then revelled in our accomplishment. We went out for burger and beers, a tradition and headed home.

What a day! I can't wait for tri number two!!

Here are my stats:
1/2 mile swim 16:40
transition 1: 4:48
12 mile bike 43:29
transition 2: 1:01
2.8 run 22:42

Total time 1:28:41
overall rank 318 of 2129
class rank 11 of 440

Photos to follow!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

I am a triathlete!

All I can say right now is:

I FU#*ING ROCK!!!

Friday, July 27, 2007

First Tri Jitters

Today I am packing for my first triathlon and I am sooooooo excited and scared. I am not daunted by the physical demands for I am ready, but I have no clue about what I am about to go do!! The logistics are what I am thinking about, like will I be able to find my bike after the swim, what the heck am I going to do if I get a flat, what if I lose something along the way, etc. But the jitters are what makes doing something for the first time so exciting too.

Wish me luck and I'll post some photos (omgoodness, I have to charge my camera batter right now) and a report Sunday night. WOOHOO, I can't wait!!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Running with Friends

This weekend I had two totally great runs.

My first was Sat. morning at 6:30 with my running buddies from the WAC. I am amazed at how fast my run goes when I am talking with other people. It is also cool running with a group. We got to support one of our runners to complete her longest run yet. She was so thrilled and that excitement is contagious.

My second run was on Sun. I met Chris, a friend you can read about over at http://www.rsqboss.blogspot.com. We met in between our homes in a town near the shore and just ran wherever our spirit moved us. He has a garmin so we could keep track without getting too lost or going too far. It was soooo fun. Again I was amazed at how fast the run went when you don't know where you are going and it is an adventure. I have to thank Chris because he gave me a piggyback ride over a cut of ocean so I wouldn't have to get my new sneakers wet. Very cool friend.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Empowered

Today I swam a 1/2 mile, rode my bike for 12 and ran 3 miles in 1 hr and 50 minutes!!! I am really glad I did this "dry" run before next week because I learned an important lesson, I can not run in only my two piece top. Yes my boobs are small but they still hurt as much as big ones when they bounce!! I guess I'll have to check out a tri top. I don't think I could use a one piece tri suit without having a nervous breakdown. I hate anything squeezing my stomach too tight, yes I know I sound like I must be nuts, but in the business we say that I have sensory issues, okay!!

I felt great doing this activity and can't wait for my first time. It is so exciting being a virgin again!!

I just have to shamelessly plug physical fitness as a way to deal with abusive soon to be ex husbands. He has really been doing a number on me lately and last night I felt like giving up, rolling over, calling it quits. I was so depressed I ate three brownies with a huge bowl of chocolate chip ice cream and hot fudge!! But after this morning's workout, I felt like I could take on the world! Pushing yourself and coming through to the other side is so empowering.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Incredible Kids

Today I ran with my 19 year old sister and 14 year old son in the woods in the rain. Oh yeah our dog came too. We ran to a beautiful vista called 50 Foot Cliff, it really was beautiful through the rain. It looked so mystical.

My son was born to run in the woods, he leaps like a gazelle over the many rocks that scatter the trail. He told me to write this but it is true too!

And he beat my butt in the Boom Box Mile, yeah we'll see in a race over ten miles okay buddy!

Monday, July 16, 2007

I love my bike

Today I rode for 15 miles and was so happy. I cruised up my last two gigantic hills to my house. I think I am really getting the shifting thing down. Now I just have to order some shoes with the clips thingys. Yikes, something new! Can't wait!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Pool = Hard to breathe

You know what I find strange is that while I was training in my local pool all winter I was really struggling with my breathing. I just felt like I could not get enough air in while doing the front crawl so I would resort to the breaststroke and would be able to go back and forth and finish the distances I wanted to complete. BUT now that I am swimming in ocean or lake water I can swim the front crawl and get in plenty of air.

My very smart first-marriage mother-in-law (she is also one of my favorite people because she takes my kids for as long as I want all summer- allelulia amen to her) told me that the chlorine affects her ability to breathe while swimming. What do all of you tri people think of that theory?

By the way, Happy Birthday to Me. Someone told me today that I look more like 29 than 39, I almost married him right there on the spot!! Then I decided since I have failed now at not just one, but TWO marriages in my 39 years I better stick to romance novels. Men are a mystery I am not sure I will ever solve :-)

Friday, July 13, 2007

Comment problem

I keep trying to leave comments or look at mine and the little message about secure and nonsecure items pops up and no matter what I press it won't go away. It is a pain in my buttocks as Forrest would say. Anyone have any ideas what I can do about it? Thanks.

Saturday, July 07, 2007



Here we are at the Boom Box Mile. Quite a crew. My right shin continues to bother me so I have taken to bike riding. I went 30miles on Monday, 15 on Thursday, and 26 today and let me just tell you that my ass is killing me. Tomorrow I don't care if my shin still hurts, I am running. I even have those cushiony pants too!

See ya, going to watch the Red Sox try to beat the Tigers.

I just realized the kid that is eating is the only one that did not run the race. Yikes.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Boom Box Mile

Yesterday, my family and I raced in a mile race that happens right before this huge parade in our town. The race runs the same route as the parade, so the runners get a lot of support. It is a lot of fun. The results are as follows:
Tommy, age 14 finished in 5:30
Me, age 38 finished in 6:37
M.E., my sister, age 19 finished in 7:00
Travis, age 8, finished 8:07
Wouldn't you know we all placed in our age groups except for Tommy, the fastest of us all. He had a lot of competition in his age group.

Then we went to a party where I ate WAAAAAYYYYY too much food, I am feeling it this morning.

Monday, July 02, 2007

My shin still hurts



Today I am sticking to my bike, yet I have to start training for the de Mar marathon in Sept. sometime soon! I was hoping to do 13 this week, but I want to nurse this boo-boo alittle. Here is photo of my family enjoying a great local band, at a beautiful beach with a breath-taking full moon while eating ice cream, of course. I love summer.


The funny thing was the cost to park and get into the concert was only five bucks, but the five small ice cream cones cost 15 dollars. They were huge though!

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Wow, the trails kicked my butt

I ran with two friends and my sister on the trails yesterday and my body is feeling it. It is weird because my arms are tired. But also my right shin feels like I bruised it, you run into things without even knowing it until later when it starts to hurt. Sticking to the bike today, what a beautiful morning here - sunny, 65' with a light breeze. I can't wait to get out there!