One of those days

It started off where I couldn't get into my office because I forgot my badge. That just throws off the whole day. I have to walk the long way to get to the ladies room, I have to have someone with me to leave the building, stuff like that. Just a pain.

So, I had a chicken cheese steak for lunch. After much discussion with ME and Brooke (Diane too - she didn't reply, but I know she would support my sandwich craving) it seemed like it was a good idea. And it was soooooo good! And sooo worth it!!

Unfortunately, I figured I would go to the gym after work. As I was getting ready, I realized I didn't have shoes. Or (WARNING MALE FAMILY MEMBERS) a 'supportive top' if you know what I mean... Dang it!!

I did have a meeting with a trainer to set up a new plan. So, I went down and chatted with her for about 30 minutes. We talked about my goals (tone!!!) and realistic expectations. We have known each other for awhile and I am excited to work with her. And I always say talking about working out is really close to working out.

Unfortunately, she is leaving in 2 weeks. Getting married, taking a honeymoon, moving to Florida - how selfish!! But, we came up with a plan and I have my full session Monday morning.

And when I came home, instead of putting Carlos on the trainer and doing a spin workout, I painted my toe nails. A wise choice in my opinion.

From Charles

I haven't worked out yet, so no fun stories to share about my swim. But, I meant to post this last weekend so figured now was as good of a time as any.

On Friendship
via The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan on 4/23/09
A study:
Last year, researchers studied 34 students at the University of Virginia, taking them to the base of a steep hill and fitting them with a weighted backpack. They were then asked to estimate the steepness of the hill. Some participants stood next to friends during the exercise, while others were alone. The students who stood with friends gave lower estimates of the steepness of the hill. And the longer the friends had known each other, the less steep the hill appeared.

And it's so true. Everything Charles helps me up the Capital Hill hill, it seems easier. And it's not just him, it's every time people are at the races cheering me on, asking how workout went, understanding why I don't go out on a Friday night (hey, it might happen!!). So to all of you, thanks. You all make my hill less steep!

Something I Haven't Felt In A Long Time

Soreness. I mean, really REALLY sore. Which is a good thing. See, my weight is still really high. I have been working out, but not so great with the eating. But I continue to workout and today, I FELL IT!!

Yesterday was boot camp class and abs. Both killer. It's some quick moving stuff - jumping jacks, walking lunges and jump rope; but also push ups (that I do off the ballet bar) and ab work that aren't just sit-ups. I really like it and totally felt it this morning.

And what time was this morning, 5:45!!! I needed to ride so I sent an e-mail to the normal crew. If I say I will be there, and others are expecting me, I will go. If not, I sleep. And I really REALLY wanted to sleep. But, I knew ME would be there, and maybe Karen. So I went. It was a pleasant 68 degrees. Pretty sunrise. I really had little to complain about, other than clipping in at 6:30.

There was a pretty large group that were doing the "Hour of Power". 1 minute hard, 1 minute easy, 2 min hard, 2 min easy, up to 5 min and back down. I laughed, ME and I waved good bye, and we were on our own. And it was another really good ride. The middle 20 minutes we pushed hard, I mean HR up, 20.3 mph max speed (on flat baby, no hills), hard. Something I haven't done yet and it felt good, at the time.

And now, I feel it. My legs are sore in places that haven't been since last year. My pecs hurt from the push-ups (yes, even from the ballet bar, but when I try to do them on the ground my shoulders roll out, so ballet bar it is). My abs are sore from class and working on my positioning on Blain when in aero.

And overall, I love it. I finally feel like my training has started. Good thing too because my first race is in 3 weeks!!

What a Perfect Day!!

Yesterday was one of those wonderful amazing days!! I learned my lesson last week about going out the night before a long ride, so Friday was a quite night.

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! The ride yesterday was so amazingly great. Really good route and great people to ride with. It was a no drop ride so people waited at the tops of hills, all major turns, when stopped at CVS get water. And they were my pace!! So nice. There were even these cute stone walls all over!! I really couldn't have asked for a better ride. And it was 30 miles, with hills!

After the best ride of 2009, I met up with an old friend. I used to work for a pro soccer team, and became friends with the bosses wife. They now live in the outskirts of Chicago and she is constantly trying to get me to move there. And I would, if I could get a job. But H has known me for years and it's always good to catch up. She is one of those great, positive, happy (but not in the annoying way) people to have in your life, and I am lucky she is in mine (and no, she doesn't read my blog. Her one flaw).

This was followed up by some much needed ice cream. Let me explain, it was 90+ degrees!!! Remember when I biked HP on Thursday morning and it was 45?!?! That type of temperature change just isn't right. So, ME and I met up for some ice cream, shopping, and some white wine on her roof deck.

Such a great day!!

A Few Updates...

First of all

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIN!!!

To my favorite and most wonderful brother, I hope you have a wonderful day and birthday weekend. (And yes, I do realize this picture is from my birthday, but I couldn't find any other recent cute pics of the two of us).

Second. I found my wallet. It was in my desk and I'm just an idiot.

Third - Karen is not a slacker for not riding yesterday. I don't know if she still reads the blog, but I was just kidding. She had a hearing and showing up to Congress in spandex bike shorts probably isn't the best idea.

Finally, tomorrow it's back up in the high 80's so wish me luck on my 30 mile hilly ride. And here's hoping for no more tan lines!!

Bah!

What a day of ups and downs...

This morning I woke up at 5:45 to go biking. It was dark. It was 45 degrees. So, the first thing I did was check my e-mail to see if anyone was bailing on the ride. No one e-mailed, so I crawled out of bed, bundled up and headed to Hains Point.

ME was there, I got Blain ready (he was a bit crabby this morning - doesn't like getting up early either) and we headed out - without Brooke, Janel, or Karen... SLACKERS!!! ME and I take a lap, I had some good snot rockets on the left side, but not the right (remember, it's only 49 degrees now, with the sun up - that's cold on the bike!!! And cold = snot rockets). Then we see Brooke and Janel, so I have to take back my slacker comment - bad accident on 395... We get a couple more laps in, were tired, but satisfied with our first early morning weekday ride.

The day was fine, including a 3 hour meeting in the afternoon. I rush home, off to my brother's place to take him out for his b-day. We get to the restaurant and movie where I realize I forgot my wallet at work (at least I really REALLY hope that is where my wallet is...). They almost didn't let us into the theater but after they did, Arin had to buy the movie theater dinner. I felt HORRIBLE!!! I don't miss details and hate it when things don't go according to plan - ESPECIALLY when it's my fault. He was great, very understanding, but still - it's his birthday (tomorrow).

But, the live feed broadcast of one of our favorite podcast's was great. I did have fun and hope he did as well.

Just a bit of an up and down day.

Lesson Learned

We all know I am working on my life balance. Trying to do stuff that doesn't always involve swimming, biking and running. What I learned today is that I can't do both - at least the same time.

Monday and Wednesday's are my swim days. I had an okay swim Monday, and next week I have a meeting Monday night. So, that means I had to swim today. But, some friends asked me to the DC United game and I really wanted to go. I thought I could do both, and it just didn't work out.

I left the swim half way though (still got in 1800) and made it to the game about 15 minutes late. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen events, it didn't work out and I didn't make it into the game. On ones fault (but mine) and I learned that I do have to make the choice. There will be more swims and more games, and I should try to do it all at once.

Last year was a learning process on focusing on the IM, now I am in the balance learning process. I'll get there and hope those around me are willing to be patient.

Also, DC United did win, 2-0.

Decent

Today was my run day. Eventually it will be a bike in the morning at Hains point, however it was supposed to be raining (don't ask me if it was raining...) and it was the perfect day for a run. Of course, I asked Charles to go with me.

When we got down stairs, it was my nightmare - we were matching. Okay, nightmare is strong, but you all know how I feel about matchie match. Luckily, it was really warm out so I took off my blue long sleeve and we were no longer matchie match.

And the run felt a bit like poo, but it was good. I started off way to fast to try and keep up with Charles - who went much slower than his personal pace, very nice of him. Also, he helped me up the hill on the side of the Capital.

Overall, this made my pace the fastest I have been outside this year, so YAY!

Not A Bad Start

I did have to start, and today wasn't a bad one. This morning was one of those were you want to stay curled up in bed. It was rainy and a bit cold. My bed was warm and comfy. But, worked called and off I went.

I went to the grocery store last night to pick up stuff for breakfast (low sugar oatmeal) and stuff to make sandwiches. Good bread, lettuce, tomato, low fat cheese. I was set. Except I forgot the turkey. Whoops. So instead of eating lunch, I went to Boot camp class again. It was tough, but in the good way. Circuits again, but the in between stuff was brutal. Suicide drills, quick feet to push ups back to quick feet to jumps... But it felt good. And it was followed up by another killer abs class.

Now because I forgot the turkey for my sandwich, I went to Chipotle. Don't judge.

And tonight I was back in the pool. It's been over 2 weeks. I was sick 2 weeks ago, followed by a crazy busy week last week. The good news was the pool was packed, 3-4 per lane, so I did have to push a bit harder again. But I just wasn't feeling "it" - there was no channeling of Amanda Beard. But, it was a good 3200 workout.

Now I am tired. I don't think the glass of red wine is helping...

Not a perfect start, but a good one.

Ummm... Cheese

After yesterday's wake up call, I knew I needed to stop the excuses and get moving. I have a race in less than a month! So, I got up and went for a run. When I got back, I remembered why I haven't been running.

Stupid!
Right!
Foot!

I can't even complain about it any more because it's nothing different. Hurts when I am done running, hurts when I walk around, hurts when I wear my inserts, hurts when I don't. I can't find a pattern (which is even more frustrating as an economic analyst! It's what I do!!!) and I just don't know what to do anymore, other than sit on my butt forever and ever. My doctor is awesome, has fixed other areas on my foot, but not the entire foot.

So, what makes things better, CHEESE!! Tonight was another cheese class. Last time was great, and this was pretty good too. I don't know if it's my Wisconsin genes or what, but good cheese makes me happy. And should be a prescription for my foot problems :-)

Finally!!

It's about time! Today was such a perfect, wonderful weather day. It is finally nice, sunny, warm (even a bit on the warm side), no rain... could not beat the day.

Unfortunately, I couldn't talk as much advantage of the day as I would have liked. I made a few choices on Friday night that lead to a few too many glasses of wine. Now don't get me wrong, I had a great time, it was an alumni event and I made some good contacts. But, that doesn't lead to a great bike ride the next morning. It was a tri club event and I went early to get my ride in, then help out with the BBQ, picnic.

So, I get to the site, clip in, hit the first hill and adjust my game plan. I felt horrible. Out of shape, very fat, not in the best condition for the course I was on, and got really mad at my self. How did I let this happen!?!?! I rocked that course multiple times last year - but that was last year. I got so down on my self that by the time I turned around, I remembered it was mostly downhill and I flew back to the picnic area.

So, it was the wake up call (again) that I needed.
A day that showed me spring is finally here.
And a reminder that I need to wear more sun block. I looked a bit like this.

Too Soon for a Double?

I think it might have been. Charles and I were looking at the class schedule and wondered how the boot camp class would be. I wasn't a fan of the weights class instructor at lunch and taking the night class wasn't going to work with my evening plans. So... Boot camp at lunch it was! Basically, it was a circuits class. I liked it, got my HR up, had to do things quickly and had enough time to rest/recover between each circuit set. This was followed by a killer abs class.

To celebrate the classes, Charles gave me my weakness candy. He offered earlier, however I resisted. But 2:30 came, and I couldn't resist any more. Ummm... And it was worth the 170 (empty) calories. It's only once a year...

And today was my run day, so I had to get that in as well. It wasn't good. Slower than I would have liked. Legs hurt more than they should have... Bah.

I really should put Carlos on the trainer and get a decent ride it - as it's still to dark and cold to ride in the morning with Brooke and ME - but we all know I am just going to sleep. These 2-a-days are exhausting.

Happy Easter

First of all, HAPPY EATER!!

Second, I am tired of this weather!!! REALLY! IT'S APRIL! I left Wisconsin and Minnesota for a reason!! I know that 45-50 degree weather really isn't that cold. However, when biking, it's cold. Especially when it's windy. The sun helps, but not as much as I would like. I live in DC, I am south of the Mason-Dixon line, IT SHOULD BE WARMER!!

Anyway, I headed out for a ride and met up with Rose. We took some laps up and down Beach Drive and it was a tough ride, for me anyway. My HR was really high, my lungs were burning, as were legs. I know I have been sick and done little more than go from bed to couch to sofa bed to couch to bed this past week - but still. I shouldn't be that slow and that tired from an 18 mile ride.

But, I did make it out, even though it was cold and windy - so that is good.

And ride was followed up by a tasty Easter lunner (lunch/dinner) my friend The Meddler's house. Great friends, lots of wine,and good food - see the number we did on the ham :-)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Yoga Feels Good

It's not often I get to relax on a Saturday morning. I am not complaining, I like getting up to go bike, run, swim, participate in a race, volunteer, whatever. But every once and awhile, it's nice to sleep without an alarm, lay in bed watching the news, and get up to do my A.M. Yoga. It's just a 20 minute session and is a good way to start the day. Concentrating on breathing, posture, "center my self". It does sound cheesy, and is a bit, but I like.

I also like the fact I made a (strong) vanilla latte that I am currently enjoying, all in my PJ's.

Tomorrow I am planning on meeting Rose for a ride. Hopefully it will 1. not be raining as it is now and 2. I will feel well enough to have a decent ride.

I'm Not Working Out

But that doesn't mean I can't complain.

I understand I live in a tourist city. I understand it's Cherry blossom time and it's pretty. It's spring break. But people, PLEASE stop getting in my way!!! It's really not asking to much.

Don't stand on the left side of the escalator. Don't walk 4 across on the sidewalk and get mad at me for not moving to the grass. Please do not stop walking in the middle of an area (i.e. Union Station). Strollers take up space. A lot of it, please be aware.

These simple things will make every local's life much easier in DC. Thank you.

Not Fun

Here is my updated...

Saturday it started as a twinge. I even e-mailed Rose about when/where to meet up for the 5k run. Had brunch plans. Had dinner/wine drinking/rock band practice plans. All were shot. On Sunday when I woke up at 2 am, 3 am, 5 am... I knew it was more than a twinge of a sore throat. I spent the day on the couch with my blanket, wishing someone would could have vacuumed out my lungs and all the junk. And of course, it was the most beautiful day the city has seen.

Monday morning was more coughing and blowing my nose of stuff I won't describe. I thought I was doing okay, but no. Around 2, I decided to take my temperature. 100.1 - which is really high for me, I am usually closer to 97.7. I was really cold even though I was wrapped in my blanket, took my temp again, it was 101.5. I couldn't warm up, took another shower, bundled up and my temp was up to 102. Miserable.

I got a bit of sleep and Tuesday called my doctor. I was feeling better and my temp was back down to 99.5, however EVERYONE told me to go to the doctor. But first, I had my foot doctor appointment. The good news there, no stress fracture!! YAY! Another shot, and see where things go. I wasn't in the right state of mind to have the full conversation I would have liked, but oh well. At 3, I went to my general doctor, explained all my symptoms, and she basically said "you have an infection that went all nuts-o". It's not normal for adults to have that high of a fever, so she was glad I went in, got some drugs - and everyone was right.

Today was much better - but I am still coughing, coughing, coughing. Not coughing anything up, just coughing. Over and over and over again. Someday I will feel better. And this restlessness of sitting for 4 days straight will go away.

Thanks to everyone for checking on me, bringing me chicken broth, sending funny e-cards. It all helps tons. Almost as much as my blanket (which I did wash today and feels just as good :-)

I'm Not Saying Blain Made Me Sick...

But I felt fine this morning before I went for my ride and really haven't felt 100% since. It was only a 30 minute ride around Hains Point. Yes, there were close to 20 mph wind gusts, but I was only out for 30 minutes! And it was Cherry Blossom festival stuff going on, so I went super early (7 am) to get the ride over with before tourists took over. And look how pretty Blain is next to the trees. Something this pretty couldn't make me sick!!

And after the long packet pick up line for the Cherry Blossom 5K (I dropped down from the 10 miler), I am wondering if the run was going to happen. I just have a twinge of a sore throat...

Yes, Those are Tennis Shoes on My Feet

Today I went to lunch with my friend Erin. As we were leaving the restaurant, some (I think) homeless guy starts talking/yelling at us about our shoes. Erin had super cute, open toe, off white-ish heels. I had my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7 men's 2E shoes on. He is all "those are great shoes girl" followed by "oh, look at you in your tennis shoes". I just couldn't concentrate on the remaining conversation we were having as I was distracted by the shoe comments. Really, I am getting judged by a (as I think) homeless guy.

Yes I would like to wear cute shoes at some point in time again, however my knees and foot just don't like the thought. Ohhh, cute shoes will come into my life again someday...

D.E.A.D

I might have gone out a bit too hard lately. I am B.E.A.T!!! Soooooo tired....

Wednesday's are my work from home days, however there was a meeting scheduled by the higher ups so I had to go in. The good thing is that I could go to my favorite weights and abs classes. It was one of those great classes and muscle workouts where you are a little shaky for about 20 minutes after. Yay for that.

However, it was also my swim night. This was again a night I would have just gone home. Someone else was in charge of the workout, but I still said I would be there - so I went. Even though it was raining. And I had to walk from the metro.

But about half way there, someone picked me up. I hop in the pool and I am just not feeling it. A few of the guys I was swimming with knew I wasn't feeling it, and they weren't either. The workout was a bit ambitious - but I did mange to get in about 2850. I think it was just a bit too much too soon.