So Long 2009!

Another year. Another 365 days, 12 months, 52 weeks, 26 pay periods, 525,600 minutes (according to Rent) - many ways to measure.

For me, my first year without a major goal. No school. No marathon. No grad school. No Ironman. No European vacations.

But, it was a good year. I learned a lot. And a lot about my self. You can't ask for a better year than that when you learn about yourself.
2010 - I really do hope you are a tad better :-)

Happy New Year Everyone!

PLEASE, PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE, PLEASE STOP

Whoever you are with the voodoo doll - please, please, please stop.

I have learned my lesson. I really can't take much more of this. Please. I am begging you to please stop poking me in the back.

Please.

Nothing to do with Triathlon

Just a quick post for tonight.

Right now, I am really hoping Mother Nature loves me enough to let me take off tomorrow from DCA and arrive safely Milwaukee.
That is all I want for Christmas.

Please please oh please let me make it home for Christmas.

Thank you.

2010 Schedule

What to do what to do for 2010...

You might have noticed I added my 2010 race schedule on the right side of the blog. There is 1 race listed - Eagelman 70.3. What else to do?? I backed out of IM Florida - and every time I get a back spasm, I know I made the right decision.

There is some talk of doing a spring race with my brother.

I am leaning towards Chessie (sp?) man Aqua Velo (Sept 25, 2010) - 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike. I also saw they are doing a new event of a 1.2 mile swim, 64 mile bike, and 10 mile run... tempting.

And THEN, Karen posted today that the HalfMax (October 2, 2010) has an Aqua Velo that counts towards the National Club Championship points. I might do okay at that...

Of course there are a few other races that I will want to do with Mary Elizabeth, Brooke and Diane (and hopefully Karen) that are a tri and a du (du for Mary Elizabeth, tri for the rest of us).

Oh, I don't know... How about injury free...

Awesome Cartoon

This was posted on our forum and I thought it was great.
It's funny because it's true.

(NOTE - this is a link. In the first line above, there is a like that takes you to this cartoon. It's a funny cartoon.)

SNOW DAY!!

All caught up! This is today's post.

Yesterday I started getting texts around 5 saying that the Federal Government was closed due to the snow! Woot!! I couldn't believe it! I took a little drive yesterday and the roads really weren't that bad. But, I knew some of the rail lines (not metro, but the trains that go further out) were having issues so I figured that was the main reason. Either way, I didn't mind. I was more exited than when I would get the day off as a kid - I still got paid for today!!

But I did some serious cardio. I met Kristin for some serious shopping. As I did most of my Christmas shopping on-line - it was all stuff for me :-) I just couldn't pass up some of the sales! In fact, I really don't think I paid full price for anything. I am such a good shopper. Yes, it may be true I haven't finished my shopping for my friends here - but maybe I will just do that in Wisconsin and give Happy 2010 presents...

Maybe I will go to the gym tomorrow...

Saturday, December 19th

And even when I was home all day Saturday, December 19th, I still didn't sit down to write the following...

SNOWPOCALYPSE OF 2009!!!

Oh, it had to come. It's been awhile since DC was hit - and DC was hit hard. I really didn't believe it would actually happen. But happen it did.

Friday was spent at Pat's house, and my former running group when back in the day I ran a marathon. We had a great time and around 9:30 or 10 - it started to snow. We left soon after. Silly non-midwesterners...

Saturday was supposed to be our DC Tri Annual meeting and Kona view party, but the snow was just too much - and Mayor Fenty did ask us all to stay off the roads - so the Board decided to listen to our fellow triathlete and postpone the meeting.

I did manage to go for a walk to say hi to Bri (my California girl) who was greatly enjoying sledding in Rock Creek. I passed - the last thing I wanted to do was hurt my back again. But it was beautiful.

And I forgot how hard walking (i.e. a kick butt workout) in the snow could be!

Thursday's Post

Here is what I wanted to say on Thursday, December 17th.

I really haven't been working out much (*cough* at all *cough*) since the swims Monday and Tuesday. But I saw this and remembered fondly of biking in college.


I often think I wasn't very smart from the ages of 18-22.

Tuesday, December 15

Tuesday's Post

Two days in a row of swimming :-)

Monday was just AJ and I.
My back was feeling a lot better and I think I cranked out 2400-2500 meters. For the most part it went okay, that was until 2 d-bag guys jumped in. One guy was really fast. The other, thought he was as fast. Not.So.Much.
At one point we were doing a 300 straight and he pushed off right as I hit the wall. I hit his feet by the time I finished my glide from my turn (and not a flip turn - I miss those). It was supposed to be an 'easy' 300 - but I went a tad harder, just so I could pass him. And pass him I did. HA! At some point on the wall I heard him talking about Nations tri and how awesome he did. Whatever. I just really hope he isn't part of DC Tri. I don't want people like that on our club.

Tuesday was a bit disappointing.
Both AJ and Bri got stuck at work, but I still went and got to the pool about 6:30. Unfortunately, lanes 1-2 were filled with a water jogging/aerobics class. At 7, the masters team got there and took over lanes 5-8. That left lanes 3 and 4 for everyone else. BOO!!!
10 people in a 50 meter lane is still too much. I wasn't fast enough to be with the speedy people but everyone else in my lane was swimming with their head out of the water. And as soon as the pusher got in (a guy who you just really want to pull aside and ask he wants some tips. He doesn't really lift his arms out of the water, just kind of pushes through the water and creates a ton of waves/splashing in the process), I hopped out.
1700, 5 minutes of treading (returning to my water polo roots), 10 minutes in the hydrotherapy - good enough for me.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Here is Sunday's post.

After a successful second off season triathlon, I decided to sign up for a 3 hours spin class. Yes, I said 3 hours.
Anyway, Karen actually talked me into it earlier in the week and because I didn't want to pay a cancellation fee, I figured I would give it a shot. My back was feeling better and if things didn't work out, I could hop off and walk/stretch/etc.

I know the instructor - I took a few of his classes a few years back when I was training for my first ever triathlon. Karen and I also talked AJ into the class so there were 3 of us in the back, ready for pain.

Overall, what a workout. I realized that I sweat a lot in my head. My hair was SOAKED. Yes, I know that's gross - but true. And I was amazed of how fast 3 hours went. The class was really good and overall, I felt okay. If things started to hurt, I would change position, stretch a bit, pedal slower - whatever I could to make it through the 3 hours.

And to celebrate - lunch. California Pizza Kitchen went out of business (SAD!) so Fuddruckers it was. I wasn't very hungry, but was shaky so knew I needed food. And oh, how delicious it was.

The classes are every Sunday til mid-March-ish and fill up really fast. I am hoping to get into a few more this season. I like punishment :-)

Saturday, Dec 12

Okay, once again, for some reason I just haven't found the time, or something, to post. I have the general idea of what I want to say about the past 2 weeks, just haven't written them.

Sorry.

So, here is Saturday, December 12, post.

Friday was my once a year party. Cookies and Wine. Doesn't get much better! It was the first party in my new apartment - and a new way to decorate. I think Carols felt the love!!

And I hope everyone had a great time too. The hors d'oeuvers (I think that is the right spelling...) were catered by Adam, fresh off of his first professional cooking class. So good.
The cookies where Emily's recipe - the best sugar cookie recipe I have found.
And the drink of the year - we went for 3 rounds (thanks Mary Elizabeth!).

As much fun as we had, unfortunately, my back did not. The spams started up again and were no fun at all. Especially because Saturday was the second off-season triathlon. The first one was a great success, so Karen and Julia planned another outing. This was a swim, brunch, mani/pedi. Good times.

The swim - not so great. I made it about 1000 yds and just couldn't keep going. So, I went to the hydrotherapy pool and that seemed to help a bit.
Brunch - bottomless mimosas for $10.95. Obviously that helped!
Mani/pedi - I just went for a pedicure - I like to have pretty toes. But the best part - the massage chairs. That really REALLY helped.

I spent the rest of the afternoon with the heating pad and some drugs. Overall, not a bad Saturday.

I'm Walking Out the Door...

I had a hard time falling asleep last night. That makes 2 nights in a row. Not sure what's up with that, but all I know is it means a hard time getting out of bed.

I am doing my thing this morning, shower, get dressed, put away yesterday's stuff, grab breakfast/lunch, head out the door. Well, just as I am putting my coat on, I stop at the door and think - something isn't right.

Oh yes, it's the towel wrapped around my head and wet hair. Take the coat off, unwrap the towel, sit at the computer and blog about it.

Need coffee. And be able to fall asleep tonight!

Drafting Works

I met up with AJ tonight for a swim. I only made it once last week with Bri - after the dress incident - but have been going to the gym. Only if it's for 30 minutes on the stationary bike and/or stair master - but something. Better than sitting at my desk.

Anyway, I am still having some motivation getting to the pool on my own. But like I said, I do have some great people to swim with so when I can talk them into swimming - it's a lot of fun. Tonight was no exception but unfortunately there was no Bri.

See, Bri - from California, is really fast. I do my best to keep up with her and didn't realize that since we have started swimming, I have always been behind her. So when I stated swimming tonight, I felt slower. It took about 800 for me to figure out that I didn't have anyone to draft off of... And AJ is getting a lot faster and is hanging onto my feet much longer than this summer.

Competition is good.

Again, Sorry

Okay, once again, sorry. I am sure I am down to maybe 1 reader...

First of all, they did let me back from Canada. Accent and all.

Second - happy belated Thanksgiving!

Third - me. I have found a few amazing people to swim with. A great group to bike with. Plenty to keep me motivated. However last night - I hit a new 'low'. I went to help Rox with a gala - aka, I needed to put on a pretty dress. I have a few in my closet and I was really excited to wear one. To my unpleasant surprise, my dress didn't fit. So I took out my back up dress. That didn't fit either. I had a moment of panic. I know I haven't made the best choices in the past few months, but I didn't realize it was that bad. I did make it into a dress that was okay - just not the way it looked when I bought it.

I can't say "how did this happen". I know how it happened. I am trying to stay positive. Have a plan. Better choices. Continue to swim, go to the gym, work on my back... and have realistic expectations. This will all be tough over the holidays - but it's needed. Really needed.

Wish me luck!

Poop

We met on a cool Saturday morning. The mist/rain didn't seem too bad and we all showed up at our meeting spot. I believe there were 7 of us, many speeds and abilities, but all ready for a good ride. Followed by lunch. Followed by shopping. A pretty good Saturday if you ask me.

Anyway, we clipped in and it was pretty cold as we made our way up MacArthur. As we started up the hill, one by one those that were behind me passed. I am really not good at hills.

After what seemed like 20 minutes, I made it to the top with everyone else. We were chatting, had a snack, discussed the remainder of the route and breaking up into 2 groups. Then the following conversation

JN - "SB - how did you get mud on the top of your helmet?"
SB - "I don't know"
JN - "It looks like poop"
SB - "Eww"
JN takes the helmet touches the mud, smells it and says "Oh, that is poop"
SB - throws it off and says "GROSS, how do you know?"
JN - "Oh, I smelled it".
The rest of us "Blah" and bust out in hysterical laughter. I managed to get this quick pic of SB trying to get the poop off of her helmet with a leaf. Too.Funny - because it didn't happen to me. :-)

Lunch. So good.
Shopping. Even better.

Place Holder

Hi

Yesterday I had a great ride with 6 other ladies from DC tri. This was followed by lunch and shopping and overall - just a great day.

I have a funny story to share - but am heading out to Dulles Airport as I am heading to Canada for work. Ottawa, here I come!

And I am not sure what my internet situation will be - so it may be awhile before I can post my funny story on yesterday's ride.

Until then...

Twice Baby!

That's right. Not once, but TWICE this week I rolled out of bed at 5:30 am and went to Wilson pool for a swim. T.W.I.C.E!! I'm on a roll!

And feeling good about it. The change started on Sunday with my ride with Karen. It was so great to be outside on a beautiful fall day. It was perfect riding weather followed by a great sandwich and converstaion.

This was followed by meeting up with AJ and Bri for a morning swim on Tuesday. I had been talking with a few people about swimming at Wilson and we just needed to pick a day. There is a good group of people on the list and I knew that they would be there Tuesday. So after the alarm went off, I so wanted to roll over and go back to sleep. But I got up, and the swim felt great. Same with this morning.

I am pretty luck to have people to swim/bike/walk with and really feel it helps my balance. Hopefully it will continue and I will stay injury and spams free!! (knock on wood!!!)

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you to all who have and continue to serve. Happy Veteran's Day

Not Quite Dead

But I thought I would after I said I would bike with Karen yesterday. We went out to MacArthur which has a few lovely hills. It was an amazingly beautiful day and I was just happy to be outside. Riding with Karen was great. She let me lead so she didn't leave me in the dust. Unless we were going up a hill - she just smoked me on those. And so much so that when we got to a downhill, I couldn't catch up (unless she slowed down). But overall, it was a great (only 25, but still - first time since Augusta...) ride.

On the way back, we wanted to stop at a sign to take a picture. See, I am always a fan of the 'thumbs down' pics by signs I don't like to see. See, here I am in Ireland when a trail was closed off.

So we really wanted to put our bikes with this sign to do a thumbs down picture. Indoor cycling classes!?!? It was 70 degrees! WIMPS! HA!
We were pretty excited, until we got there and there was an outdoor yoga class going on. Kind of kills the mood when we want to make fun of a sign and they were in a zen-like stage. Oh well, it was still funny.

And did I die on the ride - not completely. We had a great lunch after with with of the best sandwiches I have had in a long time. It totally hit the spot. One of the main reasons is because on the way back we had a huge whiff of BACON! Oh, Karen and I talked about bacon the last 2 miles back to the cars. How great would bacon be on the course?!?! Protein, some fat, and sodium! It's the perfect food! And you know the rule - nothing new on race day so that's a lot of practicing with bacon.

Ummm... bacon....

Sad Decision

So many people are down in Florida right now for 140.6 miles of awesomeness. I couldn't be happier for the people who are racing their first IM's or 40th IM's. And I really wish I could be down there to cheer and support. Especially becuase that was the plan. Go down, cheer, and sign up for 2010. However, I have been giving it a ton of thought, and realized that 2010 is not my year for IM number 2.

After the last set of back spasms, after I did NOTHING, I realized that this might not be my best choice. Mentally, I am there. I am ready to train and take on another Ironman. But my body isn't - and for once, I have to listen. I am no longer a young whipper snapper and have to make smarter choices. As Karen said, she "is tired of being a responsible adult". And right now, as much as it makes me tear up, I just can't do the IM in 2010.

That being said, there are other events. I am signed up for Eagleman 70.3. Karen also had the idea of doing Chesapeakeman - Aqua Velo - 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike. So I will do stuff, just not sure what.

And to quote Karen one more time "sometimes it's lame to have to always make the right choice".

Guess What!?!?!

I'm sick.

No swine flu - as I have no fever, however my head has been congested and clogged for days on end. Or since Saturday, but it feels like forever. I am really trying to rest up because I have a big concert on Thursday/Friday to attend.

AND my two favorite parents are coming to visit for the weekend!!!

Wish me health!

A Lot of 4s....

Sorry this took so long. I had it written in my head for over a week, just haven't had the chance to sit down and write.

Saturday Afternoon
We scootered over to the pre-race meeting that was a pretty typical meeting. They did provide snacks, including wine and beer, before we took a tour of the swim course. After seeing the course, I was quickly reminded how far 4K was, but felt ready.

Sunday
I think scootering around an island with teal waters is the best way to start any race. It's very relaxing and I highly recommend it as a way to travel. Anyway, we bused over to the swim start, were marked with our numbers - 134, loaded up with sunblock and Vaseline (helps with chafing, especially in salt water) and headed to the dock. The race had multiple distances and were on a staggered start. We heard that someone in the 10K jumped in, cut his foot on some coral and had to go to the hospital. So, I did what the person in front of me did to get in: sit on the side, shimmy down, and push off. Well, as I shimmied down - I got stuck. And as I pushed off, my new suit stayed on the coral that was on the side of the 'dock'.
Now if you read my blog, you know this is not the first time I have had issues in a swim with my back side. But this time, I couldn't help but laugh.
After Cat jumped in, I swam right over to show her what happened. Hopefully the humor helped calm her nerves a bit.
After that, we were off for the 4K. It started off pretty well and I was with the first half of the group. Unfortunately, my goggles didn't have a great seal and salt water leaking in was not great for the eyes. So I stopped, adjusted, and was quickly left behind. I did see a (for lack of a better term) a pace line that I swam right over to and was 4th in the draft. It was awesome! All I had to do was stare at someones feet, and get pulled right along. I did this up until the 2K check point.
After that, I was on my own for a bit until I caught another person and hung onto their draft for awhile. That is until I looked up and realized we were way to the right and everyone was to the left. Oops. So I left her and headed straight towards the finish. I talked to one kayker about the saltyness of the water. He said to keep going and at the end, have a beer - it would cut the saltyness (and it did :-).
I finished strong but didn't want to cut off a old lady who was finishing up her 0.8K, so took my time getting out of the water. Overall, I was okay with my time. I would have liked to have gone faster, but given my back and lack of training, I really can't complain. I was 4th in my age group. But what gets me, I was 4 minutes from 3rd. Medals were given to the top 3...
They had such great swag bags, tons of snacks, and amazing people, so I really can't complain about not getting a medal. It would have been nice though...
Oh, and Cat finished and I am so proud of her. More than double her longest distance straight in open water and I am now more confident that she will rock IM Florida in a few days.

Sunday Afternoon
We scootered our selves back to the hotel. I went around town to check out the sights and pick up a snack. After some nice relaxation time, we had a really good dinner and called it an early night. Overall, a pretty great race day!

Monday - BEACH DAY!
But sadly, Mother Nature had a different idea. She gave us great race day (with a tad bit of wind) and a very rainy beach day. However we made the best out of it with finding a cafe for breakfast, some shopping, and spa for some massages.
The rain cleared up a bit and I scootered off to the south side beaches. Only to get rained on again and again. But, it was worth it.



And of course, Mother Nature let up the rain to show on amazing sunset to say good bye to Bermuda.

I Miss Bermuda

I do. I really REALLY do.

Cat and I got back on Tuesday afternoon and it's been pretty quite since. Just getting back into the grove of not sleeping in, not looking out at the pretty waters of Bermuda, and riding Metro instead of Rosie.


Soon enough I will have a full race report of the Round the Sound Swim and recap of the trip.

Day 1 in Bermuda

Cat and I FINALLY made it here last night. 2 hour delay in Miami and an hour time difference made it a very late night. But today we found some breakfast, picked up our scooters (which are the coolest things EVER! I am pretty sure Cat is already sick of me talking about the scooters and it's only been a few hours. And mine has been named Rosie) and are relaxing until the pre race meeting at 3. Well, I am relaxing - Cat is off on a run. Ahhh, I remember those IM training days... Memories...

Anyway, tomorrow is the big swim followed by more relaxing time. Today it's super windy but very sunny and pretty. Tomorrow it's supposed to rain, but hopefully the water will be calm for a good swim.

$30.60... Much Better

Thank you doctor. Thank you CVS. And thank you BCBS. By noon yesterday everything was resolved and my prescription was filled ready for pick up. YAY!

This morning I had a quick PT session for some last minute treatments before my flight to BERMUDA!!! I am super excited and know Cat and I will have a great time. I will try to blog, but you know - I will probably be on the beach. Even if it's raining. But it will be 80 and raining. Don't hate. HA!

Sunday is the 4K swim. The rest of the time will be relaxing time.

I will try to post when I am there, if not, when I get back on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!!

Stupid Stupid Blue Cross

I made another PT session for the morning. It was a rough night with stabbing jabbing pains every time I moved. Luckily, there was an 8:30 am appointment and my PT spent 45 minutes (vs. the normal 30 minutes) trying to figure out what was triggering my spasms. Of course it was in a different place than the spasms a few weeks ago. And instead of fascinating today, it was "Interesting".

It was feeling a bit better, then much MUCH worse. I had some Celebrex samples from one of my doctors visits and they seemed to work last time. So, I called, he filled the prescription, and I started taking my last set of samples. No need to ration when you have a prescription waiting for you, right...

Wrong. Stupid Blue Cross Blue Shield. And CVS. I go to pick up my prescription and apparently BCBS won't pay. There was a note and the pharmacy tech looked at me like I was nuts for not knowing. "Didn't someone call you?" Um, nnnnooooo!!! No one called me... She said they 'faxed' my doctor to call BCBS. Bbbbbooooo!!!!!! No drugs. No helpful drugs that make the back pain slightly better.
So I spent the evening sitting with a heating pad. There was nothing I could do tonight. I found all of this out at 6:30. My doctor's office closed at 4. BCBS closed at 6. All I can hope is that things get sorted out sooner than later. And sooner - before Bermuda. If not, I am tempted to pay the $175 out of pocket. Which I think is ridiculous... but I am fortunate enough to be able to pay without too much of an issue.

But still.. I know what the real meaning of BS means in BCBS...

3 days

That is when I leave for Bermuda. Why or why are the spasms starting again?!?!

I am trying to take the drugs, do the exercises, etc. Not.Fair. Really. Why does the world hate me so... (Note - I do realize I am being very dramatic. It's not the end of the world, they will get better, blah blah blah)

So I am hoping I can fight them off again before they get too bad.

And no matter what, I am going to Bermuda.

See, look how pretty!! And we are renting scooters. I will deal with it all when I get back.

Not Too Bad

Happy Columbus Day!

What does that means for me... an extra day off. Woot!

I had a good day of organizing my closets and cleaning. This was much MUCH needed as I still have boxes from the move.

I did make it to my new favorite pool for a nice 1600 meter swim. And I dragged Diane with me. He he he.

So, a bit of shopping, a bit of swimming, cleaning, and cooking. A really good Sunday.

And of course, how does it end - with spasms. !)(#*&($&(#$&#)@$(#&@

Figures

For some reason, I was really tried today!

It might have been getting up really early to volunteer at the Bike for the Heart event. Maybe it was all the late nights this week. Maybe it was all the eating out. Who knows, but I was ready to fall asleep at the bar! And it was during the early games!!!

I met Mary Elizabeth and K after my volunteering for some lunch, miller light, and football (Giants). After about 3 diet cokes, I wasn't waking up, so I left a tad after half time.

My swim stuff was in the car as I was hoping to get one more swim in at Hains Point before they closed (and yes, I know swimming might be causing some of my problems, however my PT said I could swim). So I dragged my tired butt to the pool, only to see this sign.

And yes, it was Sunday, Oct. 11.

Nice. Really nice.

So I went home. It was a good choice.

Swimming. Really?

Yesterday was another physical therapy session. I was feeling fine so instead of muscle manipulation, we worked on strengthening exercises. After a few, we moved to planks. She wanted me to do side planks, however I have never been very successful due to them hurting my shoulders.

So, we continued with a few more and there was one move, involving shoulder strength, that I just could not do. "Fascinating!" Yes, she yelled fascinating when I could not do an exercise. We know twisting motions have been an issue, but she was "fascinated" by how little strength I had in my left shoulder. Over the past 5 months, this is what has surprised her the most about my issue. Fascinating.


The culprit... swimming. All those years, I guess this was a issue.

Fascinating :-)

Nothing Much to Report

Basically just taking things easy, relaxing, and trying to calm my back down. It seems to be doing better, so that's good. Yay.

That's all I got.

When In DC, What Do You Do On Oct 4th?

Well, if not running the Army 10 Miler, you go for a swim at Hains Point! Yes, that's right, I went for a swim at the outdoor 50 meter pool. So I called up Arin and we were off to the pool.

Okay, it was a bit cold - being October and all, but only took about a 200 to warm up. Just an easy 1700 and it felt pretty good.

The best part, the back managed to be okay as well, which I was really happy about. And I also didn't take any drugs today. Woot! Hopefully this will continue.

Dang Nab It!

I thought it was too good to be true.

I knew that I should have knocked on wood when I typed that I thought 2009 could have turned around.

Augusta was awesome, but I am not paying the price.

If you haven't figured out what I am talking about yet - the back spasms have returned and returned in a massively painful way.

I went to PT today and told my therapist about the past few months of travel, moving, and Augusta. She wasn't surprised about the spasms returning, and said she would have advised against doing the race - however was proud/impressed with how I did.

So, I am stretching, doing new/old exercises, sitting with a heating pad, wincing in pain.

Boo.