tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75493746042355753262024-03-13T03:56:47.131-04:00I am NO longer Attempting Ironman…Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.comBlogger594125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-74253117939630452462012-04-12T09:25:00.005-04:002012-04-12T10:09:39.572-04:00Something Was Bound To HappenTo get me to post again.<br /><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>There were many times I thought about blogging.</span></div><div><ul><li><span>When I had the most fantastic run with the Personal Cook. It was a Thursday at lunch, PERFECT weather, had a solid 9:1, and felt great. Those so called endorphins actually kicked in and he felt them too.</span></li><li><span>Erica came to visit over St. Patrick's day weekend. And she was totally cool about me taking 2 hours to run on that Saturday morning, and staying in drinking beer. Except I got super sick (AGAIN) and sent her off to do touristy stuff while I slept on the couch and dreamt about running. </span></li><li><span>I met <a href="http://www.multisportworld.com/Washington_DC.htm">DAVE SCOTT</a>!!! And <a href="http://www.davescottinc.com/">Dave Scott</a> knew me and my name for like 2 hours. I know, I am awesome.</span></li><li><span>My fantastically wonderful awesome parents came to visit.</span></li><li><span>I did finish the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. With the help of the PC and Mr. Shorty Shorts. And really, this topic does deserve its own post.</span></li><li><span>My dear friend and former running group partner Rachna got married in Raleigh. In addition to the wedding and her looking like an Indian princess/Bollywood actress, there was also a visit to the WORLDS largest chest of drawers. (A picture will eventually make its way to this blog.) </span></li></ul><div><span>All of the above topics were/are blog worthy, as were a few other things that happened over the past month and a half. But, laziness continues to win and sometimes blogging is hard (<i>said in a whining voice</i>).</span></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Until Tuesday. I am very scarily close to my "I am never going to weigh this number again!" weight and trying to find motivation, again. I keep trying new things like more weights and total body condition classes, more yoga, and hoping I can figure out to make sewing a <a href="http://www.3-fitness.com/tarticles/zones.htm">zone 5</a> activity. I am also working on finding a balance between workouts and a social life. Tuesday's have become trivia night with my brother and his GF. The PC and I figured we had time for a quick run, make a decently healthy dinner, and get to trivia on time. A win win for all aspects. Right? Right.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>We get to my apartment, lace up the sneakers, and head out the door. I am very lucky because I live right by <a href="http://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm">Rock Creek Park</a>. We (meaning I) figured to change it up a bit and try a trail run to get to the main path. Not even 3 minutes into the run, down I went.</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEidi_BCDnDcvhIV5_uJN6WZwEDX41wcvgBQ9RGgBSWFj-6VRr_ayvQdE1amv3kZV9PisBH9FfF69pej9SQFHm_-pcpFn3J14w5Kg0Dfjv70ew2Z-yH_cnmsrkNEap2oHY3jRKdAy_jsej/s1600/fall.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEidi_BCDnDcvhIV5_uJN6WZwEDX41wcvgBQ9RGgBSWFj-6VRr_ayvQdE1amv3kZV9PisBH9FfF69pej9SQFHm_-pcpFn3J14w5Kg0Dfjv70ew2Z-yH_cnmsrkNEap2oHY3jRKdAy_jsej/s320/fall.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730512754993485714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdqH6irbMIcPa7M0sd_ACB9U-m-GpTYRe3m9L2ZD8y3JeebQIoDm10PCR5MYp8RAzNZh_eFLM8vvkghE0CN1-5AXs9eg_5vVmiYGXWgoy9vVeNSp-BMdWpKLh_jsH9BZDg_B0UAJFY2YI/s1600/fall2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdqH6irbMIcPa7M0sd_ACB9U-m-GpTYRe3m9L2ZD8y3JeebQIoDm10PCR5MYp8RAzNZh_eFLM8vvkghE0CN1-5AXs9eg_5vVmiYGXWgoy9vVeNSp-BMdWpKLh_jsH9BZDg_B0UAJFY2YI/s320/fall2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730512839740612466" /></a><br />Not.Cool. But I attempted to keep going, much to the concern of the PC. I insisted he continue to go first but he kept turning around every 5 seconds - even after repeatedly saying I was fine. Which I was. Just a lot of dirt, some blood, and only a few tears. And 35 minutes later we finished the loop, took pictures and started dinner.<div>Oh, and we came in 3rd for trivia. </div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-66575173576392321852012-02-28T10:36:00.007-05:002012-02-28T11:17:37.443-05:00I WAS FunnyHi.<br /><br />Having this blog serves/served many purposes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI6y4K87ULg82D_ZXtZvkoMNWMBPBw2BldL8rJ405oRlFxwvE6O6vo0-njPMX2tgjJDPqdjjmfWmPWb5seef-ibXvbvu2HnHnkpuu3oGeTSGFhSIEfTUkMnaNTw-qVS4LwzjMzIsjQdWT/s1600/happy-sad-impulse.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714220566952908770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI6y4K87ULg82D_ZXtZvkoMNWMBPBw2BldL8rJ405oRlFxwvE6O6vo0-njPMX2tgjJDPqdjjmfWmPWb5seef-ibXvbvu2HnHnkpuu3oGeTSGFhSIEfTUkMnaNTw-qVS4LwzjMzIsjQdWT/s200/happy-sad-impulse.jpg" /></a><br />1. A place to vent my happy and sad thoughts about post Ironman, Ironman training, and post Ironman again. This time around, the after Ironman posts have been few and far between.<br />2. A place I can go back and reference what I did in terms of training and races. This is very handy when searching for perspective.<br />2A. This is also handy when I am looking for 'speed' workouts I have done in the past. And laughing to yourself about running with Mr. Shorty Shorts either on the treadmill or outside. Man, I really don't like to match people!<br />3. The weather is changing. I wrote how I was super happy to run outside in February in pants and a long sleeve shirt. I don't think I have had to run on a treadmill due to weather yet this winter. And I have mostly been in shorts.<br />4. Looking at old posts triggered a few memories of workouts with friends, beating the odds, and that this stuff can still be fun.<br /><br />So overall, you may be wondering why I am even 'running' in the first place. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCqcniARdv38JonP4j4RS9c4ggZBLwsnaKhi54KqnaDby5Dp2U1F_iaXWe3IsGWkfSzxxpwO9-24elR8fztcuu6LyCF2_13OaEqf6zpJRSBkwChtiBRTOTHbXwcjcc443cBAyqo3U1ECX/s1600/CherryBlossom10MileRun.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714221335720609618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCqcniARdv38JonP4j4RS9c4ggZBLwsnaKhi54KqnaDby5Dp2U1F_iaXWe3IsGWkfSzxxpwO9-24elR8fztcuu6LyCF2_13OaEqf6zpJRSBkwChtiBRTOTHbXwcjcc443cBAyqo3U1ECX/s200/CherryBlossom10MileRun.png" /></a> Do I still hate running? Yes. But I wound up in the <a href="http://cherryblossom.org/">Cherry Blossom 10 mile 'race'</a> on April 1 - and no, it's not an April Fool's joke. My goal is to not DNF - which would be less than a 14 minute miles. Can I do that, yes, BUT its 14 minute miles from the start of the gun, NOT when you cross the start line (which takes a good 10 minutes). So, I do have some reason to worry.<br /><br />I was doing really well with training. Running 3 days a week, strength training once a week, and a total body conditioning class once a week. Then work changed and I got super busy with 9-10 hour days and no lunch break. Then I got food poisoning and missed a long run weekend and a few extra workouts. Now I only have 4 weekends/32 days before the 'race'. So, I am trying to make every workout count, including what will be a speed workout on the treadmill. Which sparked this entire post and why I went back to look at old workouts.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Mr. Shorty Shorts hurt his knee so he should not be running (hear that Mr. Shorty Shorts! NO RUNNING! REST!) which means it will be just me and a treadmill. But he gave me a speed workout to try. I think it will go well with my new <a href="http://sportzjunkies.blogspot.com/2012/02/crush-it-i-ran-maybe-little-too-fast.html">playlist from Karen</a>.<br /><br />Overall, I know I don't post much anymore. Mainly because when I go back to read old things, I crack myself up. And I just don't seem to have many funny things happening right now. But who knows, that may change soon.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-71210409580207363002011-11-18T15:01:00.004-05:002011-11-18T15:26:21.954-05:00600 POSTS!!It's not like I really have that much to say... But I guess I have had 600 posts worth of stuff.<br /><br />To celebrate, Ironman FINALLY put together their 2011 Wisconsin 'awards' video. I didn't make this one either (or the TV version on Universal sports), but it's so great to watch and remember that I did that. Twice.<br /><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_uRtx-U_J2Q" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />It only seems fitting I post my 600th post with why I started blogging in the first place.<br /><br />And yes, I got all teary-eyed watching it.<br /><br />And no, I still don't want to do another one.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-85018225596030162682011-11-10T13:20:00.011-05:002011-11-10T14:07:34.769-05:00LazyYes, I am.<br /><br />I need to keep to a workout schedule. I really do. But I don't want to. My clothes are tight. I ripped a hole in the butt of my favorite jeans. My new favorite dress doesn't fit any more. The PC and I have goals to meet by Christmas, my birthday, his birthday, etc. But I am still not motivated to keep up a regular workout schedule.<br /><br />I did go to a total body conditioning class yesterday, and I am pretty sore. And I should have gone to the gym today for some easy cardio/core/something/anything. Instead, I spent my lunch hour researching.<br /><br />Not triathlon. Not races. Not training plans. Not recipes. But CRAFTS!<br /><br />See, my mom planted the seed a few weeks back about sewing machines. Not that I should get one, but that she was thinking of getting second one. I said "Of course! My 4 bikes have different purposes, so you should have at least 2 machines for your different sewing purposes". Which got me thinking...<br /><br />About a year ago, I 'hired' my mom to make cow bags for some of the ladies doing Ironman Wisconsin. In the cow bags were bike/run shoe drawstring bags (so you don't have to throw your gross shoes into a duffel bag/car all gross; the grossness can now be contained).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlth9E7fnm8VLBCkL7iV7Ox6JfC24okVGrZpGd3VXZ1d2rb4ziMjpKFKJyP_f8Xtegh7YAJV1Lufbu1LB45fG-UJW-lKxRH43kInV6LhlcxVNKdHT4HeLyRrZlo-pXZFUj1bqd4LOQBCht/s1600/bags.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673438734284069298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlth9E7fnm8VLBCkL7iV7Ox6JfC24okVGrZpGd3VXZ1d2rb4ziMjpKFKJyP_f8Xtegh7YAJV1Lufbu1LB45fG-UJW-lKxRH43kInV6LhlcxVNKdHT4HeLyRrZlo-pXZFUj1bqd4LOQBCht/s320/bags.JPG" /></a> Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I realized maybe I should try to make some of these bags myself. It didn't take long for me to realize how valuable it was to have these types of bags for multiple purposes, and I didn't want to keep asking my mom for new shapes, sizes, and fabric patterns.<br /><br />After some research, we settled on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-Affordable-25-Stitch-Free-Arm/dp/B000F7DPEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320950609&sr=8-1">nice starter model</a> that should meet all my basic needs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0J6Y-pYW0BYbTBlpcemhQSy2RY6GcFq7sbzl4SBc0hOf0k39Y0M_4wigGG-Fm0Jg7pqTMS4WFJZgwI_2ZiLPJ9RMiFWN949utC2oEENnH8QuRUK2JvDurPqHCDhhgwJLdbTROFrLN9C2/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673440436646358738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0J6Y-pYW0BYbTBlpcemhQSy2RY6GcFq7sbzl4SBc0hOf0k39Y0M_4wigGG-Fm0Jg7pqTMS4WFJZgwI_2ZiLPJ9RMiFWN949utC2oEENnH8QuRUK2JvDurPqHCDhhgwJLdbTROFrLN9C2/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" /></a>During their visit this past weekend, I received a lesson from my mom and got to work. Needless to say, it's all I can think about now. My first solo project (well, I did have some cutting and pinning help from mom) went well<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDWSODNYERl1UL9WSUxnYtvTmaKEQg5EoT2Es8S6m2HL6uByUbYZFs6tEeaf5jN_00ljQKdoJgNAxtqiV4PiaWuRW-2lMU2wVWxMcn3bkZouNzFmuh0mgMEDll8uUiP2xe86EJmViImUy/s1600/hat.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673440974453345362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDWSODNYERl1UL9WSUxnYtvTmaKEQg5EoT2Es8S6m2HL6uByUbYZFs6tEeaf5jN_00ljQKdoJgNAxtqiV4PiaWuRW-2lMU2wVWxMcn3bkZouNzFmuh0mgMEDll8uUiP2xe86EJmViImUy/s200/hat.JPG" /></a> and my new list is growing fast of things I want to make. Many of the items are triathlon related, so I don't want to spoil any surprises by sharing this list. However, some people are in on my new found (hopeful) talent and are already putting me to work. And I am very excited.<br /><br />But don't worry that the sewing machine is now where the bike trainer was, and you can see 3 of the 4 bikes in the corner. No one puts Blain/Carlos/New Bike in a corner! Well, maybe just for a month or two...Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-48506439491047015952011-11-09T12:02:00.005-05:002011-11-09T12:29:29.840-05:00Pain in the ParkThis past weekend was great. My favorite parents came into town for a long weekend visit. There is always lots of shopping, some touristy stuff, and of course - EATING!<br /><br />To counter some of the delicious food, I decided to go to Pain in the Park on Saturday morning. My parents and brother were more than willing to sleep in while I went to this boot camp style workout put together by Karen. You remember Karen, she is the one who comes up with things like the <a href="http://afterimmoo.blogspot.com/search/label/100%20challenge">100 push up challenge</a> and other fun <a href="http://afterimmoo.blogspot.com/search?q=off+season+triathlon">off season tri</a> stuff. And this was no different. Lead by Jill and Sandy G, it was very apparent how I have really been enjoying my off season.<br /><br />It was a beautiful day, but a little chilly without the sun. We started with a little jog (major walk up call about my 5K in a few weeks...) and walking stretches. Which turned into high kicks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TvP1CFi23VDDvKW9la2Db3JONJ00UlIT63k4T3QvQlFzoyFjSDwdcUXSB7gAgYGx_NZTRJEwL27c7JuQVibezVgzHOcQYz04W_jlMbypIBfT4VOnkvdL8skPzcgG2lIIgNR3HSkcLqfS/s1600/1+Pain+in+the+park.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673045283348833922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TvP1CFi23VDDvKW9la2Db3JONJ00UlIT63k4T3QvQlFzoyFjSDwdcUXSB7gAgYGx_NZTRJEwL27c7JuQVibezVgzHOcQYz04W_jlMbypIBfT4VOnkvdL8skPzcgG2lIIgNR3HSkcLqfS/s320/1+Pain+in+the+park.PNG" /></a> Somewhere things turned from stretching to more sweating and the need to keep moving so we didn't get cold. There were mountain climbers/high knees/lungs. There were bicep curls with cords and tricep dips on benches. 50 meter 'dashes' and running backwards for 50 meters. There were medicine ball throws. There were a lot of laughs and yelling at Sandy G and Jill for making us do all this stuff (yes, it was our choice to be there at 8 in the morning, but no one likes to be reminded of that fact).<br /><br />Finally, when we got to planks and boxing, I just took my aggression out on Jill.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7uGXqpRhXaS08Btli7xGQ6cLBEsdUF8Uj1jXIzbVyI5snzwOyZjzFQE8wYYbENWK1OfI9gZbSxWTZXMmGema7CG-GaeoeKFrTT6gxVq6ZOnebQAPrbT67_KnzodftWDtDYSp4fZnK9qW/s1600/Pain+in+the+park.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673044423316336930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7uGXqpRhXaS08Btli7xGQ6cLBEsdUF8Uj1jXIzbVyI5snzwOyZjzFQE8wYYbENWK1OfI9gZbSxWTZXMmGema7CG-GaeoeKFrTT6gxVq6ZOnebQAPrbT67_KnzodftWDtDYSp4fZnK9qW/s320/Pain+in+the+park.PNG" /></a> I promptly left before the "abs circle of death" and extra squats. I can only handle so much pain and I had to get back to my parents so I could fill up on clam chowder and Eggs Chesapeake.<br /><br />Thanks to Karen for organizing (and the pictures), Sandy G for constantly fixing my form to make things harder, and Jill for adding extra core work by making me laugh with your crazy ideas of leap frogs and jump switch leg lunges.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-47999117189253675022011-11-01T16:41:00.000-04:002011-11-01T16:42:06.689-04:00Full Dogfish Dash Race ReportIn my earlier post today, I mentioned a <a href="http://dogfishdash.dogfish.com/">little 5K</a> the Personal Cook and I did in September. The more I thought about it, the more I decided it needed a full race report.<br /><br />Not necessarily because of the race itself - which was awesome. We got to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rehoboth</span> Beach and walked around, played a lot of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Skeetball</span> for $0.10 a game, and we <a href="http://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/">camped</a> the night before the race - PS. falling asleep to the ocean is fantastic!<br /><br />The next morning, we know parking would be an issue so we got up early, tore down our campsite in about 35 minutes, and headed to the brewery. Of course we had some time to kill after the port-o-john line, so I showed the PC a little YouTube video. I really don't remember where I found it, but it makes me laugh EVERY TIME!<br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nGojEyYBmwc" frameborder="0" width="560"></iframe><br />This now brings us to why this race was awesome and needed its own race report. I have a new goal for pictures during races. I have never made it a secret that in races, especially triathlons, I tend to run for 3 reasons, and these 3 reasons only. When I see the following:<br />1. Family<br />2. Friends<br />3. Photographers<br /><br />Fast forward to the race and the gun went off, we started running, smiled for the first photographer, and stuck to the 9:1 plan. Yes, I said run 9 minutes, walk 1 minute. All was going well, and during a walk break we saw a photographer, so we had to start running. However the PC said "How about we do the T-1000", and that changed everything. Every other photographer we saw, we tried to capture a different style from the Awkward Runners. Unfortunately, only one picture really shows our dedication to the craft.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCUtTqSIamqXlFpPpPqOsYdRqc9_N5Cvc_E-ojJBQRZ2YdN6zZDEmo1KcibWGAg2soEc6xFK4YrCqHCBBV1pWsVBIbQpI0cOSlWEc6pvIGLHB-4AysztL7SyBwwqxB2zZXfnY_kLWY-fW/s1600/dogfish+dash.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670125239583881170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCUtTqSIamqXlFpPpPqOsYdRqc9_N5Cvc_E-ojJBQRZ2YdN6zZDEmo1KcibWGAg2soEc6xFK4YrCqHCBBV1pWsVBIbQpI0cOSlWEc6pvIGLHB-4AysztL7SyBwwqxB2zZXfnY_kLWY-fW/s320/dogfish+dash.bmp" /></a>It was SO MUCH FUN! I mean really, no one EVER looks good in pictures while running, so I might as well try to capture the Geezer or Dandy. I think this shows my skills with the Flightless Bird.<br /><br />That was a nice distraction as I was HURTING after about 20 minutes. But as I said, the PC stuck with me, kept me running, and got me across the line in 37.01, a solid 2 minutes faster than my last stand alone 5K (not including the <a href="http://afterimmoo.blogspot.com/2010/10/whatever-holograms.html">Warrior Dash</a>). I beat my all my 'targets', was very happy with my time, and the post race food was fresh fruit with yogurt and granola - and good BEER. Oh, and with the PC. Really couldn't ask for more from a race.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-74990512422246814362011-11-01T11:30:00.003-04:002011-11-01T14:45:47.203-04:00Hi. Remember Me?First of all, so sorry for the delay in posting. I have had some funny/blog-worthy stuff happen, but I didn't want my first blog post back some random story. I felt I needed a nice lead-in to the next chapter of this "No longer Attempting Ironman..." blog. But that seemed like a lot of work and time, and I am still pretty lazy right now. However it's now November 1st, and I didn't blog at all in October, and I just need/want to start again. I think most of you (all 3 of you) read this via Google Reader, however I think my dad still checks everyday (Hi DAD!!). Thanks all!<br /><br />So, where to start...<br /><br />The rest of September was a blur. Right after Wisconsin, I had to go to Indianapolis for work. It was super difficult sitting in a conference for 8 hours, but it was also good rest. I went right to Deep Creek Lake to cheer some friends race in the <a href="http://www.savagemantri.org/">hardest Oly and Half race EVER</a>! After all that fun, I finally made it back to my apartment in DC.<br />I then spent a lot of time resting, trying to get the right side of my body back to normal (HA!). This of course included a lot of time doing bicep curls of beer/wine/vodka sodas.<br />The Personal Cook took a mini vaca to Delaware beach for camping and a <a href="http://dogfishdash.dogfish.com/">5K</a>, and it was awesome. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDpWr7DBrU1mzcMDIjcb66mbS0LYDi-JHg625AsZHbAQB-um-tbVK0P6K41Kap6WNaOL8UsOa1KecsxZvy3UZjfQhwA0E9utLkdJY1Ad9RuIVJ79T4kFbHAIkk0goN0tE2v0r3m3mH94O/s1600/dogfish.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDpWr7DBrU1mzcMDIjcb66mbS0LYDi-JHg625AsZHbAQB-um-tbVK0P6K41Kap6WNaOL8UsOa1KecsxZvy3UZjfQhwA0E9utLkdJY1Ad9RuIVJ79T4kFbHAIkk0goN0tE2v0r3m3mH94O/s320/dogfish.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670100428430705154" /></a> Once again, he stuck with me (and in real running shorts, not khakis this time) and kept me running to my best 5K time since 2005. I mean really, I was running TO BEER! I highly recommend this race to anyone on the East Coast. I was embarrassingly sore after, but we had a great time.<br /><br />And October... What happened in October... I am really not sure. There was more drinking. Lots of catching up with my neglected couch. A bike ride and a hike. But mostly trying to find some pattern of workouts and eating. Oh, and actually doing my job.<br /><br />Overall, I have been very much enjoying my off season. I have no huge desire to get back into sports right away. My right hip/butt is still not completely better; not doing anything didn't just solve the issue.<br /><br />So I would like to cover a few other topics soon: new workout schedule, diet (including meatoberfest), my opinion of married men who paint their toe nails blue, and a few other things. Hopefully this is enough to keep me on your Goggle reader for a bit longer.<br /><br />Happy November!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-14217182344694884612011-09-20T15:08:00.026-04:002011-11-18T15:35:34.723-05:00The Race ReportThere are so many things I have wanted to say about this race, and I have had a hard time collecting my thoughts and actually writing (typing) them down.<br /><br />The Days Prior.<br />It's no surprise to anyone that I was not at my peak before the race - physically or mentally. Between the 'big things': not being able to walk 3.5 weeks prior to the event, major hip pain from the 12 hour drive that left biking extremely painful, an unfortunate family situation that kept the Personal Cook from my side the days prior to the Ironman; and some "smaller" not ideal situations: my weight being 7 pounds higher than when I left DC, not receiving the hotel room I thought I reserved, having a CRAP practice swim on Friday.<br /><br />All the big and little situations left me questioning even if I should bother getting into the water to start. I didn't feel well. I didn't feel ready. I was already an Ironman. So why even bother? I could get drunk, cry, and watch my friends accomplish their goals. I had lost my drive, and it showed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd05onJVous6bV9HuyUeQBto_UWec8uCduQOHXDimvP0Y98VaZRFrP4zmEitrUvsisHZBGkWMCSyVz8_Cr6E_ysqdWH63UVOE3fhTufZERM8A-4RFsVegw1ekZkRQBfFoUVPkE6f3OVZ2/s1600/pre.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654526102741026562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd05onJVous6bV9HuyUeQBto_UWec8uCduQOHXDimvP0Y98VaZRFrP4zmEitrUvsisHZBGkWMCSyVz8_Cr6E_ysqdWH63UVOE3fhTufZERM8A-4RFsVegw1ekZkRQBfFoUVPkE6f3OVZ2/s320/pre.JPG" /></a>Coach kept calling for me to give him a play by play of my days and thoughts. Toby talked me into having a glass of wine and taking a shower to relax, and not make any decisions. The PC kept calling to check in. AJ was on a flight with Alejandro to sherpa. Erica was driving down the next day. Suzie, Rick and Therese were all coming on Sunday. And of course there were my parents.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654524434254686578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCxuszx1V-ihr652iv_s1-3bWMsmI5zNtdnKEx254b65WKaO9Zu2T2ZFs1qiKO6IkiqmdAWmDiD3783GZ68C8zy77sr_2F-upks5SXqQCBEo4iC9m8xEe0PYvq-xsIH1vZe9oX5eCzGPV/s320/parebts.JPG" />But Sandy and Lindsey talked me into going to the banquet and dinner. So I went, still in a funk. And something happened. There was Mike Riley, the motivational 9-11 participants, the married couple, the youngest and oldest participants, and a video. One little video with one line that changed everything.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">YOU WILL DO THIS</span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">By the end of the banquet, I was so happy to see all my DC Tri peeps and we were ready to CRUSH IT on Sunday.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4AVueWqS9y1hbssNhndwh_Dzy1Vwm8ZfQOYBzDYY0kNF5Zw6hMDyLz92JVPOW7b6VDjn_qgEDLDwKxD2q5jwYk82Rf1Lsd15quE3RITa1-VQE3M6OvMwVl3mfCdT6Us3n3M_pK-mqcDm/s1600/crush+it.PNG"></p></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4AVueWqS9y1hbssNhndwh_Dzy1Vwm8ZfQOYBzDYY0kNF5Zw6hMDyLz92JVPOW7b6VDjn_qgEDLDwKxD2q5jwYk82Rf1Lsd15quE3RITa1-VQE3M6OvMwVl3mfCdT6Us3n3M_pK-mqcDm/s1600/crush+it.PNG"><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654528766887563970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4AVueWqS9y1hbssNhndwh_Dzy1Vwm8ZfQOYBzDYY0kNF5Zw6hMDyLz92JVPOW7b6VDjn_qgEDLDwKxD2q5jwYk82Rf1Lsd15quE3RITa1-VQE3M6OvMwVl3mfCdT6Us3n3M_pK-mqcDm/s320/crush+it.PNG" /></a></p>On Saturday, the swim was under perfect conditions. The bags were packed with the check boxes marked. Blain shifted perfectly before he was racked. Racking was an issue - as number 403 did not have a spot. Actually, 401-410 didn't have spots... But given EVERYTHING else that went wrong, I took this in stride, found the proper place for Blain, and was on my way. I finally felt ready.<br /><br />Race Day<br />Erica and I actually got some sleep before the alarm went off at 4:30. She was there in 2008, and commented on how different I was this time. Almost calm - hearing that actually helped. I was calm. I was excited. But I was not nervous. I know I had done all I could do, and the fact I was going to the start line was an accomplishment.<br /><br />Swim<br />What can I say about a swim with 2400+ people? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkVwEfWkiFmra7FZGR_PnmT0tilimaQfFDoMW7koTVvq4f7GXcwOkC86NEIm3lZQld_LJWfP1io5gtxBXmPUUkVwBYCg6ldGHOX52Me2hw6lmn9gdNWsZni1rgS5fYjvCIwkGVQsnzxYg/s1600/swim.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654531015441850178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkVwEfWkiFmra7FZGR_PnmT0tilimaQfFDoMW7koTVvq4f7GXcwOkC86NEIm3lZQld_LJWfP1io5gtxBXmPUUkVwBYCg6ldGHOX52Me2hw6lmn9gdNWsZni1rgS5fYjvCIwkGVQsnzxYg/s320/swim.JPG" /></a> It's just crazy. The first part started well. Then I got punched in the face so hard I thought I was going blind in my right eye. I didn't bother looking in my watch, I really didn't care. I had a goal time - but not really. A few more punches and kicks, some open water, and a lot of thinking about how to handle the bike. Before I knew it, I was making my way towards the finish. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iHk2SIJKFXfffmRnL5DwKEjFV3rg2Co8hDYHfh9in2znRNb2NXkhWudRpU4Uel8wJzfCkyUTdg7-Fo6HxJmZR6jqCahiIwxPsOXBRfinTm65tVo6Fosx4hjjgn-qtNNlwfrCRo7iJO1C/s1600/swim+finish.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 111px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654531996424250610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iHk2SIJKFXfffmRnL5DwKEjFV3rg2Co8hDYHfh9in2znRNb2NXkhWudRpU4Uel8wJzfCkyUTdg7-Fo6HxJmZR6jqCahiIwxPsOXBRfinTm65tVo6Fosx4hjjgn-qtNNlwfrCRo7iJO1C/s320/swim+finish.JPG" /></a> Time - 1:13:23<br /><br />T1<br />Emily had an awfully terrible picture of me coming up the helix. It's a combo of "confused/dizzy" and to quote her "you look as if you'd been sleeping for 22 hrs and I just woke up and you're all "Whaaaa? Huh?" ;)" Which is true.<br />What, you want to see that picture as well? Fine. But it's not pretty! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y0FRYvjOQ-TfOweVqQ5F4U4WtdLj9s_REeOnawKKgPsE-n9d0GWKpy9KcNUhopAfeCnP8T0XArXVJE_wgq7QZFHetgdzM9knlJUARxkUY29RLbNdY1gjv0ivOTD6ce7xnTgimuAKE-Uz/s1600/helix.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654534019187716530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y0FRYvjOQ-TfOweVqQ5F4U4WtdLj9s_REeOnawKKgPsE-n9d0GWKpy9KcNUhopAfeCnP8T0XArXVJE_wgq7QZFHetgdzM9knlJUARxkUY29RLbNdY1gjv0ivOTD6ce7xnTgimuAKE-Uz/s200/helix.PNG" /></a> The rest of T1 was pretty uneventful. I just tried to move as fast as I could, but still make sure everything felt right. 112 miles is a long time to not have your socks in the right place!<br />Time - 11:45<br /><br />Bike<br />Again, not being mentally ready for 112 miles crushed any confidence I had in my fitness. So when my right butt started to hurt 20 minutes into the bike, I was worried. Then I remembered that I tend to hate the first 45 -60 minutes of every bike ride, so I kept going.<br />Adam and Jen passed me first. I saw Suzie, Rick, Erica, and Therese 3 times within the first hour. (Erica had my phone and was taking pics and updating facebook. Thanks Erica!!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsrdLwQYLqKcmxlFKVearv9DBdtbCxmRLoTYOMh5TOFMQID5polp7_NcjDR2IW4nSrM74jiggcEm9DVyGCtJ7Kha-oQOiRUIvvvn-GQqf6-cKRNzB7Gbiccr8UyQFsAIyh0AZCgolzJc7/s1600/bike.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654541775705811954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsrdLwQYLqKcmxlFKVearv9DBdtbCxmRLoTYOMh5TOFMQID5polp7_NcjDR2IW4nSrM74jiggcEm9DVyGCtJ7Kha-oQOiRUIvvvn-GQqf6-cKRNzB7Gbiccr8UyQFsAIyh0AZCgolzJc7/s320/bike.JPG" /></a> I think it was Dena and Jelena next. I FINALLY got to meet Stephanie (hi Stephanie!!) for a good 5 seconds as she passed, and I tried to keep up and chat. Becky passed me next. Then I heard Sandy, who just made me smile. And Jenny. And then it was the 3 hills.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>At the end of the second one the guy in front of me clipped out and people just started cheering for me, as I was still pedaling. A guy in a full banana suit ran up, and passed me... and a few others in Speedos with flags wrapped around them a la Tour style ran passed me too... And then I saw the lead PRO MALE pass me as if I was standing still. Oops... all those cheers were for him, but I didn't clip out so I really think there were a few in there for me too.<br /><br />And when the third hill hit, around mile 50, I had a pain in my right side I had never felt before. Almost like a side stitch, but it kept me from taking a deep breath. Not.Good. Alejandro and AJ were at the top with a sign that said "GO BLAIN! (and Amanda too)" - which I LOVED! But I pulled over and started to hyperventilate. My legs hurt, my foot hurt, my back hurt and I couldn't breathe. So I clipped back in and pedaled off to with special needs (mile 58) in mind. Lindsey passed, and Jen passed. And Tammy. I got to special needs and started to stretch. I took what felt like 5-10 minutes figuring out what to do. Motrin, salt pills, sun block (thanks Jen!!! Note - always back a spray, not a tube!) biofreeze (I had been stopping about every 45-60 min to reapply) and Gu. No blocks. No combos. No power pellets (peanut M&M's). No SNICKERS! I know, all the training I did with Snickers - but I did not want them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVbiAv80CLsSw8YaG-mTPQfZ5jr6CzDqdIESIWWH4v5abFGgczKq5CVhieXmlkWZHuRmVyWAOb7jmnimAgNLsd8YxEBE48oyR1YAHfpDG2X0wN0ZQDoQBW-bEk-cZjufcbXBb5qtVVgpI/s1600/bike2.JPG"></p></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654546533269246306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVbiAv80CLsSw8YaG-mTPQfZ5jr6CzDqdIESIWWH4v5abFGgczKq5CVhieXmlkWZHuRmVyWAOb7jmnimAgNLsd8YxEBE48oyR1YAHfpDG2X0wN0ZQDoQBW-bEk-cZjufcbXBb5qtVVgpI/s320/bike2.JPG" />I got back on and kept going - seriously questioning why. I passed Erica, Suzie, Therese and Rick and gave them a thumbs down sign. I passed my parents and told them I was giving everything I had. And I was. If I stopped, I would have been happy with what I did. But my favorite part of the course is mile 30/70 - 40/80, so I figured I should at least do that - I was so close. And once I enjoyed that section, I figured the 3 hills were right there, so I might as well try them. Plus, I wanted to make sure there were Hula girls and not Pirates at the 40/80 mile water stop. I was sure Brooke, Diane and ME were dying to know.<br /><br />On the first hill, my right inner thigh cramped. I had enough time to take a few salt tabs, some combos and a swig of Accelerade before the left inner thigh cramped. Again, all the guys around me were clipping out, but I kept going. I swim through leg/foot cramps all the time, so why not try and pedal through 2 inner thigh cramps. While going up hill... but it worked. And I made it. There was no one was in a banana suit to get me up the next hill - at least in person, there was one there in my mind. And I started talking to a 25 year old who agreed that at every turn was into the wind, or maybe he was a hallucination too... I saw my parents and said "1 more hill, I think I can do this". And no side stitches, no unclipping, I just moved forward.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDDnaNkbbxuU-nFxRDk5Hy66gcFpCml8J00ZmzltfXH_9F15HVUN_gZbv9-tg7MsKsHwfjM9TWE5rCTAZhP1zsiNDJZdpcskZHltcwqR1xpsSY1YgSb5Eec6kXFS-UxICiB1dljpk_UXC/s1600/bike3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654546696864138482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDDnaNkbbxuU-nFxRDk5Hy66gcFpCml8J00ZmzltfXH_9F15HVUN_gZbv9-tg7MsKsHwfjM9TWE5rCTAZhP1zsiNDJZdpcskZHltcwqR1xpsSY1YgSb5Eec6kXFS-UxICiB1dljpk_UXC/s320/bike3.JPG" /></a> Back to Verona. And back to Madison. As fast as I could, so I would have more time on the marathon. And a slight tail wind helped...<br />Time - 8.02.40<br /><br />T2<br />Once I got into transition, my order and plan was out the window as soon as I dumped my bag. I just wanted to get moving. I forgot to body glide my feet, biofreeze my feet, take off my heart rate monitor strap, and re-body glide my knees for my knee brace straps. (I paid for all of those when I hit the shower...)<br />Time - 5:29<br /><br />Walk<br />My plan was to walk the first mile, then try and run:walk. But the first mile is around the Capitol, down state street, people are calling your name and cheering - so walking is hard. But so was running, so I knew a run:walk wasn't going to happen. Option 2 - walk with a purpose. I knew if I did 15 minute miles, I would finish. And I was surprisingly happy... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrKtOd7nRUxuhEzRDPFwYnxpOI_XMlELfOncFhD4ZQjDElC-67UcgEKy1bx3wo7wIqCqX6hqvYsmx0P1iF8x8pK2SAateM4CMv_f6pv5JOjnA_c2GuPaGPvmHgIoYlGUi5jRA_F0lgTsV/s1600/run.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654551312395716050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrKtOd7nRUxuhEzRDPFwYnxpOI_XMlELfOncFhD4ZQjDElC-67UcgEKy1bx3wo7wIqCqX6hqvYsmx0P1iF8x8pK2SAateM4CMv_f6pv5JOjnA_c2GuPaGPvmHgIoYlGUi5jRA_F0lgTsV/s320/run.JPG" /></a> Still not confident I would finish, but I really happy I made it as far as I had.<br />AJ found me around mile 3 and I told her how my foot was really hurting and I needed to retie my shoe, but was afraid to stop. I eventually found a ledge and kept going - worried about what that 1 minute stop did to me, that I knew I couldn't stop again. Andrea passed on Observatory hill (and I only mention everyone passing me because it was SO GREAT to see everyone on the course. Same with Ellen, Amy, Chris and others I am not thinking of right now). On State street, I heard lots of cheering, people yelling "Go Amanda" and "Woo Hoo!". Normally, I like to ham it up for the crowds, but I was on a mission and needed to get a buffer on my 15 minute mile pace - so I didn't even stop to hug Greta, a college friend from my polo days. She got a quick (sweaty) hug and hi as I kept moving. So when a guy yelled "Hey Baby" and stared to come into the street, I was ready to stiff arm him out of my way and keep going. But to my unbelievable surprise, it was the Personal Cook, ready to get me to the finish line, dressed in khaki shorts and all... He had left the Chicago area after a family wake, with the funeral the next day, to be at my side.<br /><br />The marathon did not showcase my finer side. There was some yelling, informing the PC that the only answer was "Okay", but not in a questioning way - a firm, OKAY tone, was all I wanted hear. He wasn't allowed to complain (khaki shorts... really...), or tell me to "Never give up, never surrender" as we joked about before. He was to ignore my mantra of "You WILL do this" - which I had taped on Blain and read it over and over - so I had to keep saying it, but he wasn't allowed to say it. However he was also not allowed to leave my side, unless it was State street (tons of people so I was fine), or the Ford motivation mile (thanks mom and dad, I kept Moooooooving), or another out and back where I felt confident. (Side Note - I fully understand that outside help is not allowed in the Ironman. And some people may not think I earned my finish - and to them, f' off.)<br /><br />It wasn't until I was whining for the 127th time that I hurt and I just wanted to stop moving forward, that he pointed up to the sky at something all a glow - the Capitol. It was so close, and I started to get choked up. I had 1 hour and 14 minutes to do 2.2 miles. I was going to do it again. I was going to be an Ironman, a second time.<br />Walk - 6:49:37<br /><br />Nothing. And I mean NOTHING compares to an Ironman finish. Nothing compares to hearing the crowds. All the pain being lifted away. The party. And the voice of Mike Riley. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5f-gRCdQjX0SsIC0RlpkzZRuXPPko1w6ZblfePKSb65GrDntzPhOsereceLhCQI8XknYcumTj7VqZsz4KQpuMjUlVE7qi87NpEfaNp4rG2ttFiuZLbvg1J0T3HfW-4Qape8Fy4MzUkjuy/s1600/75734-1133-009f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676436880972195858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5f-gRCdQjX0SsIC0RlpkzZRuXPPko1w6ZblfePKSb65GrDntzPhOsereceLhCQI8XknYcumTj7VqZsz4KQpuMjUlVE7qi87NpEfaNp4rG2ttFiuZLbvg1J0T3HfW-4Qape8Fy4MzUkjuy/s320/75734-1133-009f.jpg" /></a><br /><p align="center"></p><span style="font-size:130%;">"From Washington DC, Amanda Chadwick - Amanda, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN"</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-60552592566031309152011-09-19T18:20:00.001-04:002011-09-19T18:22:07.883-04:00In Case the Suspense is KILLING You...More to come.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8fRNk-0CZaZZKW7BJ9VeHBVh_GlwUQlP-de8F44AZKaqqudKXEnsTDxOEEpYMMyWFXHXCjiQ8ZDzUzaQ5FMSRG_EanEldSPAya7iBbvMvC0qGm4hchlrTbFEwMbTG8cwh1icY8Elr5fc/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654199469417747506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8fRNk-0CZaZZKW7BJ9VeHBVh_GlwUQlP-de8F44AZKaqqudKXEnsTDxOEEpYMMyWFXHXCjiQ8ZDzUzaQ5FMSRG_EanEldSPAya7iBbvMvC0qGm4hchlrTbFEwMbTG8cwh1icY8Elr5fc/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" /></a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-90709927242918048132011-09-10T17:17:00.004-04:002011-09-10T17:26:18.312-04:00So, What Are YOU Doing Tomorrow?Here is my plan.<br /><br />Wake up at 4:30.<br />Have some cereal. Some coffee. Eat a banana.<br />Walk over to the lake, but stop off to pump some tires and drop of a water bottle or two.<br />Put on a wetsuit with bag balm around my neck and under arm.<br />Around 6:45, hop into Lake Monona with 2200 of my closest friends. Go for a little 2.4 mile swim. Give some high 5's as I run up a parking ramp. Change in front of hundred women. Hop on Blain and bike down a parking ramp.<br /><br />Thanks what I know will happen for sure. And I hope I will finish my 112 bike bike ride, full of snacks and no flats.<br /><br />And I hope I do that fast enough to bike up the parking ramp and start a 26.2 mile walk with snacks.<br /><br />I am not 100% sure on those last things, but I really hope they come true.<br /><br />I have been reminded how lucky I am. How many people are pulling for me. And more importantly, how many people love and care for me to tell me it's okay if my body says no - it won't change their opinion of me.<br /><br />I am finally excited. I am believing again that I WILL DO THIS.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing in the journey again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkaSuaza1GsfBfj7tesFFdszn0gKTqh8KwTr8HTnf_YHTeHgrr7jY0yVTeQYvT4sCQ_zOyM-3vGNns2w54YASBo8AdVXWWEAaF7bIGfbpemchU18K2_GaMPPQ88hdyz6CZ0KE0Xlo6IYC/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkaSuaza1GsfBfj7tesFFdszn0gKTqh8KwTr8HTnf_YHTeHgrr7jY0yVTeQYvT4sCQ_zOyM-3vGNns2w54YASBo8AdVXWWEAaF7bIGfbpemchU18K2_GaMPPQ88hdyz6CZ0KE0Xlo6IYC/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650845072373181698" border="0" /></a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-19979081560632296542011-09-06T11:09:00.002-04:002011-09-06T11:25:52.184-04:00I Just Don't Know AnymoreAround 8 o'clock last night, my left side started to hurt. In the same SI joint area that was bothering me on the right side. I took some Motrin and tried to sleep with the ice pack. <br /><br />This morning, it was a smidge better, but not much. Walking was okay, but sitting and bending over was not. When I got to PT and described the pain, my PT tried to stay positive, but I could see it in her eyes. Things are not good. I didn't do anything different, didn't do extra workouts, didn't lift anything heavy - just packed and rested. And that set my alignment off on the left side. The session was spent learning how to self align my pelvis and back. And saying over and over there is still time for things to heal. <br /><br />But really, 4 days, that's not a lot of time. Especially since I will be driving all day tomorrow.<br /><br />For the first time, I am questioning if this is all worth it. Up until now I was 100% confident in my ability to start, kick a$$ on the swim, and see what happens on the bike. And hopefully the 26.2 mile power walk. Now, I just don't know.<br /><br />I sent my Personal Cook a text to which he responded "Never give up, never surrender". If you are a regular watcher of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjcLBTMy0Kg">Wipeout</a>, you will know why this made me laugh. <br /><br />I know I can't go into this already defeated, but it's really hard not to when your own body keeps rejecting everything you are doing.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-21499245730390315822011-09-05T22:23:00.003-04:002011-09-05T22:47:22.479-04:00PackingHi All 9 of you! Or am I at 10 now... :-)<br /><br />I wish I had something fun to blog about, but not so much. It's been pretty uneventful. Yesterday I got my last week of workouts from Coach and started crying. I wish I had more time, I wish I was faster, but I am also happy to be done. Whoever has my voodoo doll moved the pin from the right side to the left side. So being done with training hopefully means a full recovery.<br /><br />And I spent today doing my last bike ride in the city. And I started to pack. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15NOajWAFsJiuYAcwr0_gXwo6XMj8-PsjLb8p1GCGLU4SAU6CXGh6t0z_DJ-1GJMlz1txxgMYLJNlKWldBR03gc8gy78elyVJXqN7d7uR9ErasllpZAPA_8DWZK9otwD1AVKZ0rXu2Fut/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15NOajWAFsJiuYAcwr0_gXwo6XMj8-PsjLb8p1GCGLU4SAU6CXGh6t0z_DJ-1GJMlz1txxgMYLJNlKWldBR03gc8gy78elyVJXqN7d7uR9ErasllpZAPA_8DWZK9otwD1AVKZ0rXu2Fut/s200/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649068420108646482" border="0" /></a> If you look closely, you will see each bag has a list with check boxes safety pinned to the bag with its contents. There will be 10 bags - Swim, Swim Extra, Swim to Bike, On Bike, Bike Special Needs, Bike Extra, Bike to Run, Run Extra, Run Special Needs, and Extra. It's the only way I feel confident that I have everything. Or know what I need to keep looking for - like my watch...<br /><br />I also went for an uneventful swim at an over crowded Wilson pool (PS. Just because you swim with fins does not mean you should swim in the fast lane). <br /><br />This was followed by a quick dinner with Sandy to discuss our excitement for Moo. And more packing...<br /><br />See, not very exciting. Just getting ready. So ready!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-16827283674611679512011-09-03T13:41:00.003-04:002011-09-03T15:20:48.142-04:00One More KTrain RideI can't believe it was the last KTrain ride before the race. I never thought the day would come. And I just wish I had a bit more time. Alas, extra time to heal is not an option.
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<br />I am happy to report that today's ride went better than last weeks. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpwKAL4SzqFgJEOAa6dEf4leQHQg277eAF5z6kOGTRu8oHYRRlXAMc5Vtpi-jNAp0ikJFjoRKrNGuTQGeFS-3qC84cUatqWG_61h3f-u2M5UQJPfyWjjDVJCIzjIZRXtiwkB3WRUHk_XY/s1600/biofreeze+pump+tube.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpwKAL4SzqFgJEOAa6dEf4leQHQg277eAF5z6kOGTRu8oHYRRlXAMc5Vtpi-jNAp0ikJFjoRKrNGuTQGeFS-3qC84cUatqWG_61h3f-u2M5UQJPfyWjjDVJCIzjIZRXtiwkB3WRUHk_XY/s200/biofreeze+pump+tube.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648215012123573282" border="0" /></a>I started the ride with some <a href="http://www.biofreeze.com/">biofreeze</a> and I really think that helped for the first hour. The hill at Old Anglers was much better than last week. Or maybe it was because Sandy rode with me... Either way, the first hour was better, the second hour did remind me that I am not totally healed, but I have more hope. And biofreeze will be in my bento box on the bike, in my bike special needs bag, in the bike to run bag, and the run special needs bag.
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<br />I am still worried about my speed, but there isn't much I can do about that now. All I can do is keep moving forward, for as long as I can, in 17 hours.
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<br />Thanks everyone for the support. The emails, hugs, voice mails, they all mean a lot and I am sure are helping the healing process.
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-77073982075358125872011-09-02T19:51:00.004-04:002011-09-03T13:40:44.998-04:00Mirrors(<span style="font-style: italic;">Friday's post</span>)
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<br />Have you ever just stared into a mirror? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI80s9EwNCBVdgIvnf_TkRdWSO_64bydVbRALZpe5qenekZncEvi7itRJIW6jjw-hO1suJem0BijAeDYOlV2HvnXrCkaiLtCPK_fyuf8jpdjFoCrvvNTRICCvmO_JvQHL4tqyO1ghVaum/s1600/mirror.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI80s9EwNCBVdgIvnf_TkRdWSO_64bydVbRALZpe5qenekZncEvi7itRJIW6jjw-hO1suJem0BijAeDYOlV2HvnXrCkaiLtCPK_fyuf8jpdjFoCrvvNTRICCvmO_JvQHL4tqyO1ghVaum/s320/mirror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648187097159495650" border="0" /></a>I mean really REALLY stared. Past the flaws you see in yourself - like the new zit on my chin, or the fact that my belly is showing the self pity ice cream I have been eating; but really REALLY look at yourself.
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<br />Something happened today at the gym. I was power walking listening to my new favorite song, Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap; and I just wanted to run. So I ran. Only for 10 minutes, but it felt so good. And as I stared at myself, checked on form (ignoring the jiggle), I realized I can do this. I don't mean finish the Ironman, there are so many factors that I can not control - the weather is currently calling for scattered showers, people are stupid and might drop a water bottle in front of me, I might get a flat that rips the tire and not just the tube, etc. But this feeling came over me today that <span style="font-style: italic;">I CAN DO THIS</span>! Which is very different than I <span style="font-style: italic;">WILL </span>do this. And it made me smile.
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<br />I started to think about the first one. Getting into the water and seeing everyone around Monona Terrace. Running up the helix to the cheers of my family and friends. Seeing my mom on the bike for the first time and stopping to give her a hug. Biking John Nolan drive and seeing Monona Terrace - knowing I would be an Ironman in less than 7 hours. Starting the marathon with my friend Tony. Meeting Gina on the run. When I couldn't feel my legs, seeing my dad, and I suddenly felt light as a feather. Jess not changing her watch to central time and giving me a panic attack (which now just makes me laugh). Rose dancing on the path. Suzie and Rick with their signs. Hear Kristin and Lauren before I saw them. And the incredible, indescribable feeling of the finish.
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<br />I am lucky I have had that feeling once. I would love more than anything to have it again. However we all know how the best laid plans turn out... And today on the treadmill, with 10 minutes of power walking, 10 minutes of running, and 10 minutes of power walking, staring deep inside myself, I knew in an instant that I CAN do this. And that means more to me than actually what happens in 9 days.
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-15339882506767351302011-09-01T22:00:00.004-04:002011-09-02T10:34:04.170-04:00Still Working OutI am still even getting up at 5:30 to bike. See, that is a picture of the sunrise I took this morning. Beautiful, but EARLY! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDkiUUU_IW1VIt60LQ8oUZfj3392WMxwdl8c-OAgpbZEWW5t_Qc3t_8fup78hqj0iEQ4pV16uyeRiFXutYIPZf1jRlgGkvZJm2BULU54leqNWQL4hJtuTSCQqy0MX6atOGXlJQ51SjLUA/s1600/IMG_0904%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647577855953620418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDkiUUU_IW1VIt60LQ8oUZfj3392WMxwdl8c-OAgpbZEWW5t_Qc3t_8fup78hqj0iEQ4pV16uyeRiFXutYIPZf1jRlgGkvZJm2BULU54leqNWQL4hJtuTSCQqy0MX6atOGXlJQ51SjLUA/s320/IMG_0904%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a>
<br />Anyway, it was worth it and I was pleasantly surprised to see Karen and Kimberly there. But I was even more surprised with Mary Elizabeth rolled up.
<br />ME and I rolled out first and as we were finishing our first lap, Karen says "come on, interval for 5 minutes".
<br />Me to ME - "Want to?"
<br />ME to me - "Can you?"
<br />Me to ME - "Won't know unless I try"
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<br />And off the 4 of us went for a 5 minute interval. I kept up with K squared for about 4 minutes, and I was happy with that fact.
<br />On the third loop (K squared was long gone), ME and I did more more interval set.
<br />Pain free - no.
<br />Progress - yes.
<br />Walking after - we aren't going to talk about it...
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<br />But, later in the evening, I had workout number 2 - a swim. And this 2000 meter swim was with 2 IRONMEN - Karen and Janie. AND this was the best swim I have had in weeks. I am not sure why, but I felt so great in the water. Good stroke, proper body position, and felt very comfortable. And the best part, NO PAIN (<span style="font-size:78%;">mostly</span>). YAY!
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<br />Tomorrow, PT and if I'm allowed - maybe even a RUN/WALK! Maybe...
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-51303657368159891832011-08-31T12:08:00.005-04:002011-08-31T13:41:58.031-04:00FunnyI am tired of whining. I am tired of crying. I am tired of having no confidence. I am tired of forgetting how much training I did put in. I am tired of the "what if I didn't go to the Dr. 2 weeks ago" game. I am tired of my butt/hip hurting after 40 minutes on the bike around Hains Point. I am tired of it hurting after walking 2 blocks. I am tired of hurting all the time. I am tired of it all. It just sucks.
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<br />So, moving on. The Person Cook shared this via his google reader and I died laughing. I am looking forward to the day where this is my biggest problem in regards to my workouts.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARb19KE1NQ3Uzucf_rUBXiqYwN8f8EpY9VPKF4nkIEQFmx_MOVLveJP1N2EudV-JgmPS_kkJzw9fhhp8iN_cZWn-zaLJoDZu7DEic9e-JGxMTU9ir54-x7u02WTv1q1JPkKFcjoXAiiHk/s1600/hair.PNG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647076084281342562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARb19KE1NQ3Uzucf_rUBXiqYwN8f8EpY9VPKF4nkIEQFmx_MOVLveJP1N2EudV-JgmPS_kkJzw9fhhp8iN_cZWn-zaLJoDZu7DEic9e-JGxMTU9ir54-x7u02WTv1q1JPkKFcjoXAiiHk/s320/hair.PNG" /></a>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-44608480634612700652011-08-29T20:36:00.004-04:002011-08-29T21:16:18.238-04:00I Will Try Almost AnythingAt this point, I am very much wanting a magical cure that will fix all my physical issues NOW. However, I know that is not realistic so I am going with Plan B - try whatever my PT suggests. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBDz2gMLkwZMXUfR3nwUKVp99XrH-viG7qAX71HBzMhqQp9Y1WMOc6yqyAX78TozLpdoV4xSTys9LgFJFmX9dkM72yCTWHLjPnv5Iu0b8aOdpakuXnzNfMduKWrvUvkCO7EXAnyKXJzGl/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBDz2gMLkwZMXUfR3nwUKVp99XrH-viG7qAX71HBzMhqQp9Y1WMOc6yqyAX78TozLpdoV4xSTys9LgFJFmX9dkM72yCTWHLjPnv5Iu0b8aOdpakuXnzNfMduKWrvUvkCO7EXAnyKXJzGl/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646451513449881954" border="0" /></a>During my session this morning, I explained what happened on the bike and how hills did not go well - and that this is concerning because Wisconsin is a hilly course. She wasn't that concerned, and said I should talk to Coach about having an 'aggressive taper'. Do stuff, but not to the point of pain. Plus, my core work has improved, especially in terms of stabilization. This was good and the progress has been noticeable.
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<br />So given all those factors, and 2 weeks to the race, she suggested <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_needling">Dry Needling</a>. I remembered <a href="http://kelziebeebe.blogspot.com/">Kelzie</a> having a <a href="http://kelziebeebe.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-rendition-of-acdc.html">post</a> about dry needling from <a href="http://www.ssptdc.com/">SSPT</a>, so I figured why not. I had a bit of a hard time fully relaxing with all the needles in my back, but all seemed to go okay. The back muscles twitched as they were supposed to and I should know in a day or two how successful the treatment went.
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<br />And then I went to the pool for my swim - which I was allowed to do. But, dry needling and swimming = a very unhappy back.
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<br />Oh well, I will keep trying anything and everything people suggest. And as Dena told me tonight "Things don't often work out as planned, however they always work out as they should".
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-11757916929860684912011-08-29T13:43:00.005-04:002011-08-29T21:16:44.955-04:00This Past WeekendI haven't posted about this past weekend because I don't want to actually write it out. It was supposed to be such a happy day. Karen organized a K-Train Moo Taper ride with a special rest stop. The rest stop idea was scratched due to the weather and a little (let down of a) hurricane that was headed our way. But Bryan, thank you so much for offering up your home, with BACON, and I am so sorry we had to miss out.
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<br />Alejandro rode with me for the first part of the ride and it was great to catch up with him. I am SO EXCITED that he will be in Madison to cheer and sherpa and cheer. Karen rode with me the second part of the ride and it was good to hear about some of the off season activities she has planned. Remember, for some reason, a bunch of us do what <a href="http://afterimmoo.blogspot.com/search/label/100%20challenge">Karen tells us to do</a>...
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<br />Overall, it was about 2 hours and 45 minutes, around 40 miles. The problem? It hurt. It was uncomfortable. Especially on the hills. I kept telling myself they were just momentary moments of discomfort. Cramping, muscle spasms, the pain just sitting on my saddle - they would all just go away. And sometimes they did. Especially after I stretched at the gas station and took some Motrin. And when I stopped riding in aero. But the pain, spasms, and discomfort all came back at different points during the ride. I don't think I went more than 10 minutes where I felt comfortable.
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<br />Needless to say, it was a mental blow. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd0bV2p0EQzzCOdWPtvsB-NwmaIIbDcff6mnZcBWAQj5-Av8bSfaSpJMAzEsh0Y7VcJj0WsmVtFbrzHmV6DonBS5SCbHFvcqlur4vvrMaYXzABAI0WELNNW3W78h16wUiDPO9NG87asvn/s1600/AG.bmp"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd0bV2p0EQzzCOdWPtvsB-NwmaIIbDcff6mnZcBWAQj5-Av8bSfaSpJMAzEsh0Y7VcJj0WsmVtFbrzHmV6DonBS5SCbHFvcqlur4vvrMaYXzABAI0WELNNW3W78h16wUiDPO9NG87asvn/s320/AG.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646342120287012114" border="0" /></a> I'm having a hard time remembering all the training I have done over the past few months because all I can think about is what I am not doing now.
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<br />But all I can say is that on September 11th, I will be in Lake Monona, I will swim 2.4 miles, I will get on my bike, and I will see what happens.
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-75834583220159563262011-08-26T20:40:00.009-04:002011-08-26T22:16:38.830-04:00Another Reason I Am LuckyAbout 2 weeks ago, I posted about how <a href="http://afterimmoo.blogspot.com/2011/08/lucky.html">lucky</a> I am. I had a little mental breakthrough about my ability to swim/bike/run and how no matter what happens, all will be okay. And I am SSSOOO lucky I had that realization when I did - i.e. before my back/butt/hip/SI went all crazy.
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<br />Also, I have very supportive friends and family. And I am not just talking about the support they have shown me over the past week. I have been meaning to post about this for awhile, so tonight just seemed to be a good time.
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<br />When Sandy and I headed to Lake Placid, I hopped into her car to start our road trip and she handed me a present.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylBaYlMf4dBqdjx_JQFR5F2PktaWxqN7Y-kVlTwvEoaUM0oQ7OvUjnGcRtRgId__vDLjEt2YU_J8zkr_HqplraxrwqNYBsXlJoCTk2Unya7J87sTprLdq3Q6mu9-BZcSMyrfq68PYKnoe/s1600/IMG_0829%255B2%255D.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylBaYlMf4dBqdjx_JQFR5F2PktaWxqN7Y-kVlTwvEoaUM0oQ7OvUjnGcRtRgId__vDLjEt2YU_J8zkr_HqplraxrwqNYBsXlJoCTk2Unya7J87sTprLdq3Q6mu9-BZcSMyrfq68PYKnoe/s200/IMG_0829%255B2%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645337194831510626" border="0" /></a>I have felt better ever since!
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<br />Also at Lake Placid, Karen gave me a little "Congrats on your LP Half" (before she realized I was 1 mile over and 5 miles short).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34SZsC3EsDaGT5xG-LNFoiznZSaH6StW-gvO988Ym95kb5rUtsZpkfjNxmYaL2Brz1sQP7WmnXfAUhDNqcferz7JHis-XWiztWmUdozPPBLBXUUKKIEjBVEJtxtHRAJYm4GCU9C5TELS8/s1600/IMG_3930%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34SZsC3EsDaGT5xG-LNFoiznZSaH6StW-gvO988Ym95kb5rUtsZpkfjNxmYaL2Brz1sQP7WmnXfAUhDNqcferz7JHis-XWiztWmUdozPPBLBXUUKKIEjBVEJtxtHRAJYm4GCU9C5TELS8/s200/IMG_3930%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645347137334431698" border="0" /></a>How cute! And I now have my race day socks.
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<br />Finally at Lake Placid, I received and AWESOME sherpa present from Alejandro.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBah_dQq9IISYOegvLxHGvEM9QDUNbl7aForaU2MaICItB7rh6Bv2J5Yjyf7Kx7FTczqdVDR398Hv627imnqMtUgVVNzUszyvsT2UrAVXBw17gg4u7s2j8QM3RpiifS-5IvWBGIcDHqvK7/s1600/IMG_3879%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBah_dQq9IISYOegvLxHGvEM9QDUNbl7aForaU2MaICItB7rh6Bv2J5Yjyf7Kx7FTczqdVDR398Hv627imnqMtUgVVNzUszyvsT2UrAVXBw17gg4u7s2j8QM3RpiifS-5IvWBGIcDHqvK7/s200/IMG_3879%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645344368621257682" border="0" /></a> He had such an amazing race and I was so happy to be there for his day. And yes, I know it's not a great pic (of me, Alejandro looks great), but I wanted to get the shirt in, and not just my back. Oh well.
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<br />Now we get to my family. The best brother in the world sent me a "You will do great" card. Unfortunately (actually, fortunately) the mail system was a tad delayed in getting me the card. So, he sent another card. They arrived the same day. So, fortunately, I got 2 cards :-) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAnovLB-qBgguYwCh1lMv3J2JRpXAZshuEADHcId65dbSQQmmpZl3DEUGLXx3taUoPhI3F2Lub17KYCGXuGtks98zhyJxVFEkPxO2EhMRL2RRQuKNk-DOh4IURQMGUjjEhWHdxcIORbyU/s1600/IMG_3935%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAnovLB-qBgguYwCh1lMv3J2JRpXAZshuEADHcId65dbSQQmmpZl3DEUGLXx3taUoPhI3F2Lub17KYCGXuGtks98zhyJxVFEkPxO2EhMRL2RRQuKNk-DOh4IURQMGUjjEhWHdxcIORbyU/s200/IMG_3935%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645352302125782738" border="0" /></a> Thanks best brother ever!
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<br />And my parents. They have sent me inspirational presents every month. Their constant and support and understanding of my choices for these crazy activities is nothing less than amazing.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira_5E3sY1YLRAjRFa2gPZ1Y9rstEtievD7ebIKrki2xf2fYy5aoKSBue3Yi84em1SaI-jrx9NX4F1SNFHBp0WRyoWs2gXuaaOtyZfE1iVI-U0ZHyAM3rizXz8mdnuhiSDMDTatwuI2z2U/s1600/IMG_3938%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEira_5E3sY1YLRAjRFa2gPZ1Y9rstEtievD7ebIKrki2xf2fYy5aoKSBue3Yi84em1SaI-jrx9NX4F1SNFHBp0WRyoWs2gXuaaOtyZfE1iVI-U0ZHyAM3rizXz8mdnuhiSDMDTatwuI2z2U/s200/IMG_3938%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645352116625826834" border="0" /></a> And your humor is spot on. Thank you. And thank you for more than just the presents.
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<br />Tomorrow - I get to ride. Hopefully for 2-3 hours, pending any pain and Irene...
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-5988419412350795002011-08-25T17:36:00.006-04:002011-08-25T18:06:46.705-04:00I BIKED!AND IT WASN'T HORRIBLE!!
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<br />Okay, I know that doesn't sound too good, but trust me, it was. I crawled out of bed at 5:30 to darkness and the sounds of howling wind. However, I needed to know if biking was possible.
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<br />To my pleasant surprise, Kimberly and Karen were both at HP for some biking as well. We all started together and Karen quickly start to CRUSH HP for her loops. This gave Kimberly and I some time to catch up. Which was also a very nice distraction from the nausea I kept feeling. I was trying to figure out what was better/worse - areo or sitting up. It was the same nauseous feeling I had last week with the dull pain down my leg. But I wasn't in <em>pain</em>, pain... Well, I was kind of, but I think that was more my undercarriage not being happy about being on a bike again after a week. Same with my legs in general. I think... Anyway, Janie was also out and when she passed she made a very nice comment about how good it was to see me back on the bike - which is exactly how I felt. It was good to be back on the bike.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdTHsZWLcu_0ieJCzlSDqxB8VPcBgobun0feHl24lcVfxlysAbiLHFt-ZeOT457gD9n_mBNpMmKRB_DyU3RGzEitKmll4lUtWr7MIELsYKvbADCWe_GPdRmC2P5VpLNEPcFtXBeT0_AzS/s1600/hope.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644918221543597506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdTHsZWLcu_0ieJCzlSDqxB8VPcBgobun0feHl24lcVfxlysAbiLHFt-ZeOT457gD9n_mBNpMmKRB_DyU3RGzEitKmll4lUtWr7MIELsYKvbADCWe_GPdRmC2P5VpLNEPcFtXBeT0_AzS/s200/hope.jpg" /></a>
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<br />I stopped after an hour and now have more hope than I did at 6 this morning.
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<br />I am going to take tomorrow off, expect for PT. Hopefully I will get some good news and can bike a good 2 hours on Saturday before we get hit with our next <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Irene_(2011)">natural disaster</a>...
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-38123814744415330262011-08-24T16:00:00.006-04:002011-08-25T17:36:06.075-04:00Thanks Girls At The Gym(<em>Wednesday's Post</em>)
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<br />I feel that not many funny things have happened to me this year. I haven't fallen over as much (thank you Power Balance Band - more on that in a later post). Snot rockets haven't been as needed - Allegra works. And this is really my third year of endurance training. Sometimes I forget that I did 2 aqua velo halves (technically 1, but I still biked in a race 56 miles) and one full AV (2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike). Yes, they were all flat courses, but still... This training thing has become part of my daily life, not just a fun new challenge.
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<br />But, I can always rely on the gym in my building to provide me entertainment. Especially today.
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<br />I walked into the locker room to change, it was around noon-thirty, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonPMw94mMMKQblMSfZN-7Q2btQq0lTPMDgrFaioeVm71q3OEMzSFOwPNCQi17vbL69jh35DGOIFVOOULtRKMUHp-FKDFjUpNA8IfK_554iVvbboaVDA3jnGjdfv5CNR88yFISmOVydgp1/s1600/mc.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 174px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644910130890194610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonPMw94mMMKQblMSfZN-7Q2btQq0lTPMDgrFaioeVm71q3OEMzSFOwPNCQi17vbL69jh35DGOIFVOOULtRKMUHp-FKDFjUpNA8IfK_554iVvbboaVDA3jnGjdfv5CNR88yFISmOVydgp1/s200/mc.jpg" /></a> and a woman was BELTING out whatever song was on the musiac. It Mariah Carey or something. Anyway, she could care less that there were about 7 other women changing. She just got her grove on, actually using her brush as a microphone. You Go Girl!
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<br />I got onto a treadmill to start my 30 minutes of power walking. Before I knew it, the other 3 were also in use, and there was a name on the board for the next machine. I am very aware of when people are waiting because I HATE it when people take more than their allotted 30 minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8kBBsvnfSzxaM5TtVf2Iw-DPcKS6sEtLCibDOYTNpgY2vq80LJCrwL5CcO6EML-njAGbEM1TDJn0Jgp-rFMsWzABhQyajhamXNKGjMYWk6uZSXkVxm-w6VlDKg4xqtla9VNWx_Jq36Yj/s1600/sp.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644910252986174370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8kBBsvnfSzxaM5TtVf2Iw-DPcKS6sEtLCibDOYTNpgY2vq80LJCrwL5CcO6EML-njAGbEM1TDJn0Jgp-rFMsWzABhQyajhamXNKGjMYWk6uZSXkVxm-w6VlDKg4xqtla9VNWx_Jq36Yj/s200/sp.bmp" /></a> I could feel the woman glaring at me from the StairMaster, but the moment my time went from 29.59 to 30.00, I hit stop and got off. She promptly got on (before I could wipe it down), took her hair down from a centered ponytail, and put it into a SIDE PONYTAIL! She then proceeded to set the speed at 6.0 mph, run, and try to fix the SIDE PONYTAIL. I don't know why this struck me as so amusing, but it did.
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<br />Thank you Mariah Carey singer and side ponytail girl. You made my day.
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-18930410559042564892011-08-23T22:33:00.004-04:002011-08-23T23:30:50.871-04:00That Was ScarySo, in case you were under a rock - a rock that didn't move, we had a little earthquake this afternoon. I have to admit, I did not react well. See my second day of work, when I was 22 and fresh off the boat from the midwest, was September 11, 2001. As a result, my pulse raises a bit when I hear a helicopter, any type of loud bang, and when the windows of in my fourth floor office suite start to rattle. I was very freaked out, thinking it was the worst. We all evacuated the building and it was rumored, and confirmed, it was an earthquake, 5.8. Now I can say I have been through an earthquake. Something I would have been just fine not saying...
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<br />After figuring out what to do, a bunch of us just walked around. I eventually made it home and relaxed on the couch. The entire days events shook me (ha) and I just needed to relax. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10iJkByzSIZcxZT9E0GE9GwnQlNoa_E_Oq82BL9qbGZ42qNjS3p2_yyDYPufwjPtaDceZBGzC6ePk_Kdoo9kcvLyGSBt6el5IdOiFUk-s8YlmV1xefqC3e6uFExFZS5SrHqJyERAljvNb/s1600/298328_10150345110390240_530205239_9922823_4790162_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10iJkByzSIZcxZT9E0GE9GwnQlNoa_E_Oq82BL9qbGZ42qNjS3p2_yyDYPufwjPtaDceZBGzC6ePk_Kdoo9kcvLyGSBt6el5IdOiFUk-s8YlmV1xefqC3e6uFExFZS5SrHqJyERAljvNb/s200/298328_10150345110390240_530205239_9922823_4790162_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644258881533198370" border="0" /></a>But facebook lightened my mood and if I may quote Sandy without her permission "<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);font-family:arial;" >I don't know how Californians do it. I couldn't remember if I should get into the bathtub or under a table. Instead, I went to secure the wine rack/glasses. I think I need to reevaluate my emergency protocol.</span>"
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<br />I then realized I needed to tackle my next fear - the bike. I SSSSOOOOO wanted it to feel good, or at least normal. While I can't say that was true, I can say I wasn't in a lot of pain. I have to remember that I couldn't walk on Thursday, my muscles are pretty f'ed up right now, and it's going to take time. And more than 5 days. But hopefully less than 19.
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-4730500906850939442011-08-23T12:17:00.001-04:002011-08-23T12:19:01.556-04:00Mental TrainingOne thing I am really happy about is the fact I kept a blog for my first Ironman. I have the ability to go back and re-read how I was feeling, what I was doing, and how I was reacting during my ignorant bliss phase. I say ignorant bliss because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just read <a href="http://attemptingironmanwisconsin.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html">August</a>, and man - there are so many differences and so many similarities.
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<br />One thing I have going for me this time around is the obvious. I am already an Ironman. Even if I don't finish, no one can take away the fact that I crossed the finish line on September 7, 2008 in 15 hours 41 minutes and 7 seconds.
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<br />Knowing that I am already an Ironman also has a downside - I know the work I put in last time and I just don't think I am there. The majority of the rides I did this time were much more challenging. So my speed is actually about the same, or maybe even slower, but on harder routes. However, I don't have those one or two 90+ mile rides I really needed for mental confidence.
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<br />And the 'run'. I don't even want to THINK about how unprepared I am to run/walk a marathon. Last time I had many more 2-3 hour runs. This time, just a few, and they didn't go well. But just as I bike harder courses, I have better running technique. And I am trying to remember and focus on that positive point.
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<br />So basically, I am all over the place. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW353DZE4sbo-yXELLWZMLTvZ41hwWcd36zVjlAGJvWuygFtnosTlqf9MfjKiUtbizfjjmw6Euo5h0PBPnyyjElbf8S_pVYspeWfc7OQP0E_OEQrtNYJq5ohTBXQhcNdr57IC_Ixfr-w8F/s1600/imagesCAHVD0HW.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644086479109220018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW353DZE4sbo-yXELLWZMLTvZ41hwWcd36zVjlAGJvWuygFtnosTlqf9MfjKiUtbizfjjmw6Euo5h0PBPnyyjElbf8S_pVYspeWfc7OQP0E_OEQrtNYJq5ohTBXQhcNdr57IC_Ixfr-w8F/s200/imagesCAHVD0HW.jpg" /></a> This stupid SI joint is causing some pain in my right hip and knee and it's keeping me from doing the training I need these last 19 days. Ironman is SUCH a mentally challenging event, and I know how important it is to stay focused. And I am focused. And surprisingly, mostly positive. But also unsure, and that is the scary part for me. I HATE the unknown - it's why I despise haunted houses, you never know when someone is going to pop out and scare you.
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<br />Anyway, I just needed to vent some randomness.
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-76933498178182519912011-08-22T21:03:00.003-04:002011-08-22T22:04:39.176-04:00Silly Traffic. Silly DCThis morning I had my next SSPT appointment. I am happy to report that my alignment is getting much better. My core is getting stronger. As are my muscles supporting my spine. YAY! I can continue to walk - but not run. I can bike on the trainer - which I will do tomorrow. And I can keep swimming, which I did tonight.
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<br />Wilson, my normal pool, is closed this week for maintenance. So, I headed to Hains Point. Which is not accessible via metro. And since I can't bike, I had to drive. Which meant sitting in DC traffic. And I was very close to pulling all my hair. I.Hate.Traffic!
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<br />But I got to the pool and it was a beautiful evening. I hopped into Jenny's lane and she told me the pool was only open until 7.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7I8cnkERaXwjOICZj-3goupeAIq63PC9G1N7aZyfUeUFFhwlr-l-FCFz4GIY2HSB69VJhZb2bnCZPJqXM9VxXIfiBKCX0PtQdPnrrJj9FWkAdqed61rvRQSV9BzsW6fbq6vX63I274uJ/s1600/319557_10150291779723770_623413769_7706370_1269966_n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7I8cnkERaXwjOICZj-3goupeAIq63PC9G1N7aZyfUeUFFhwlr-l-FCFz4GIY2HSB69VJhZb2bnCZPJqXM9VxXIfiBKCX0PtQdPnrrJj9FWkAdqed61rvRQSV9BzsW6fbq6vX63I274uJ/s320/319557_10150291779723770_623413769_7706370_1269966_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643863032674719122" border="0" /></a> However, the Internet (which never lies!) said 8. She informed me that yes, the pool was open until 8, however a master's swim team came in at 7 and we were no longer allowed to circle swim. But the pool stayed open... Yup, that sure makes sense! Even with stupid traffic and silly DC pool information not being 100% correct on the Internet, I managed to swim 2000 meters.
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<br />And thanks to Travis for letting me use is FB picture of the pool he took today. He was gracious enough to wave his $350 fee in exchange for my '<span jsid="text">sherpatude' at Lake Placid. HA!
<br /></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549374604235575326.post-28300896194704567202011-08-21T21:08:00.003-04:002011-08-21T21:28:56.542-04:00So This Is A Normal SundayNot biking for 7 hours today left me a loss of what to do. Especially because I had to spend a lot of time sitting on an ice pack.
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<br />I watched a few bad movies.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TFaQOpJfNtJHHpemcc6P8MwWD6klXn9LVbV6zG8IqyqPyX8u5QuUzNcBq_eJaE7s761kEgv6Rben3E_R5xwWlozuqoo7coYasEFUv7RQ7bgjmDYFF1qkrUkUaj-wQLCi3ng70l12eZ8-/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TFaQOpJfNtJHHpemcc6P8MwWD6klXn9LVbV6zG8IqyqPyX8u5QuUzNcBq_eJaE7s761kEgv6Rben3E_R5xwWlozuqoo7coYasEFUv7RQ7bgjmDYFF1qkrUkUaj-wQLCi3ng70l12eZ8-/s320/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643485294032507746" border="0" /></a>
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<br />I looked at all the stuff I should have put away, and didn't.
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<br />I thought about cleaning...
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<br />But the day started off with my core work. Then to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dupont</span> farmers market with Diane. Man, that has really grown in size! I came back and rested, then made some lunch. And rested. Then headed to the gym to hop on the treadmill for an hour. Not running, just a nice speed walk. Then more time on the ice pack. And some cooking.
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<br />And back to sitting with an ice pack. Is this what non <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ironman</span> training people do on the weekend? With the exception of the sitting on an ice pack? I have to admit, it was kind of nice. But I would have rather been on my bike...
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<br />Oh, and PT tomorrow morning!
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03200296335570898248noreply@blogger.com0