I Am Consistent...

Today was my last 'race' before IM Moo. I use the term loosely because it was just a swim. But a 2.4 mile swim. And I was timed. So it counts as a race, right?

It was HarborFest, and I did the DC Tri Club 2.4 mile IronSwim. Kind of a last minute decision, and one I am happy I made. All the swimmers arrived around 7 or 7:30, and the race was supposed to start at 8:15. Mother Nature had another idea and we were delayed about 25 minutes. But, better to be safe. Or, as safe as you can be when swimming in the Potomac... And it gave us a chance to take an IM Moo picture!

(6 of the 15 or so DC Tri club members participating in IM Moo 2011! IN 4 WEEKS!)

We all, tentatively, jumped into the water, and waited for the gun to start us on our 5 lap race. It's always moments like this I am thankful, when you are without a wet suit (water temp was around 82 - so no wet suits) that I can tread water without much effort.

The start and first lap weren't too bad. There were about 40 or 45 people so not too much kicking and fighting for position.

Time - 16.35

Lap 2 I noticed I was 2 other guys pretty close to me. So, I got behind one of them and just drafted. Took it easy, did some breaststroke, tried not to drink the water.

Time - 16.28

Lap 3 I left the 2 guys and took off. Or so I thought I did. I was feeling pretty good, but also noticed I was pulling to the left one side of the course, and to the right the other side of the course. Strange. Also on the way back, I saw my Personal Cook on the dock waving at me. I stopped and said a quick hello, he told me I was looking good, and I said that I had 2 more laps. I had my ear plugs in, so that is what I think we said...

Time - 16.31

Lap 4 is when I realized the buoys were not in a line any more - I wasn't that off on my pulling. The wind really picked up so I am pretty sure that is why. Also, once you were more into the open water, no longer shield by the dock, things were a tad bit rough. It did make sighting a more of a challenge, especially because I was on my own. Another wave to the PC and I was ready for my final loop.

Time - 16.32

Lap 5 was even more choppy, but I just tried to sight the turn buoys and forget the other ones. I did get a bit of a foot cramp, which reminded me that I just don't kick. Ever. But I really tired to push the last length and focus on pulling from my back. PC made the universal "CRUSH IT" pose - which I almost choked on some Potomac water, and I finished.

Time - 16.31.

Total time-ish, 1 hour 22 minutes, 45 seconds. 5th female and 13th overall.

I tend to judge my swims by my placement, not by time. It's really hard to measure a course correctly, and keep it that way for the entire event, so I was very happy with my placement.

As for the time, at IM Moo I will be tapered, there will be more people to draft off of, and I will have a wet suit. So, I am hoping to go 5-7 minutes faster.

But everyone had a great event and hopefully no one gets sick... you never really know about the water quality of, or what is in, the Potomac...

70.3 Plus 1 Minus 5

I have to say, Lake Placid is beautiful.

Sandy and I made it up here on Thursday with an uneventful drive. Well, Sandy let out her inner Jersey with a bump it, but that was about it. We headed right dinner and realized that it was not much cooler or less humid up here. Not 119 heat index like DC, but still, 90 in Lake Placid is HOT.

The first thing I did Friday was go the Mirror Lake for a swim. And it was beautiful. The swim course is known for being fast, largely due to a cord under water that you can see while swimming. This way, sighting is not a problem, and it's basically swimming with a lane line. And my swim was FANTASTIC. It almost felt like I had flippers or a sail.
The rest of the afternoon was spent prepping some cookie dough and making a full on carbo loading dinner for 22. Yay Sherpa-ing!

And today was my half. Lake Placid is a 2 loop Ironman. In other words it's a 1.2 mile swim, twice; 56 mile loop, twice; 13.1 mile run, twice. So, I decided to do my own half. With Coach's permission of course.
This morning, at 7 am, I got a ride with Alejandro to the lake and swam my 1.2 miles. And it felt great! 36 minutes and 10 seconds. If that was 'real', it would have PR'ed my 1.2 mile swim (Augusta doesn't count as it was point to point and faster than some of my Oly swim times!).

I walked the mile (the Plus 1) back to the house and quickly changed into my bike stuff and rolled out with Sandy, Laural, and Katie. My goals were to not get frustrated with myself on the hills (mountains), not let the fact that the other ladies were faster, and just spin.
For the most part, I was successful. I did take off early from the refuel stop, knowing the hills that were coming and they would catch me (which they did), but overall, it wasn't as bad as I expected. Whenever I thought about taking a break at the top of a hill, I finished (56 miles) and thought "that wasn't so bad", and kept going.
And the best part, the scenery. It was beautiful. I wish I could have taken a few pictures, but I was either going down the mountain, fighting wind, trying to shield from the sun, or going back up. Not the best time for me to take a picture. But trust me, it was gorgeous.

I made it back to the house, changed, washed my salt filled face and headed out for my run. I was immediately concerned when I went through my water in under 30 minutes. I filled up at a gas station and that hardly lasted either. And the run wasn't feeling good and I started feeling sorry for myself. Then something happened. I told myself "Amanda, SUCK IT UP! You ARE an Ironman, and you will be AGAIN!" And I stared power walking. I was still out of water so I changed my course, and started walking with a purpose. I made it to a corner store, got a Gatorade and water, and had a Gu. 5 minutes later I was on my way with a very slosh-ie stomach. Oops. I know better...
So I did the best I could with power walking, running when there was shade, and keeping my stomach semi-happy. I also decided that 13.1 miles probably wasn't the best and headed back to the house. I am 100% confident that I made the right decision. I was 5 miles short of my goal but super happy I even went out in the first place.

I rewarded myself with a large glass of chocolate milk and a long shower, until the warm shower, until the hot water ran out.

Now tomorrow, I get to sherpa and I am so excited. Karen, Alejandro, Dirk, Bryan, Janie, AJ, Toby, Travis, TJ, Phil, Emily, Sue - and everyone else, have fun. To quote something I saw on a car window today:
Swim like a fish
Bike like a train
Run like a Kenyon

CRUSH IT!

And Went Tonight

For workout #2 - a swim.

It was supposed to be 500, 3x5x50, 800. Well, I hate 50's, especially since I swim in a 50 meter pool. So, I did some bad math and after the 500, I started with 3x6x100 - and thought that was would be just a bit over what was on the schedule. If you just did the math, you know I was WAY off. I realized this after the first 4 100's and adjusted as needed.

Overall, I felt really good in the water. Good body position, strong pulls, nice body roll. The last 800 felt awesome - until the cramps started. Right pinkie toe went first, so I over compensated with my left foot and got a cramp in the arch of that foot.
But did I stop? Of course not! I am sure the women behind me thought I was doing some sort of weird kicking drill, but whatever. I finished and felt really good.

Tomorrow morning, hill repeats...

I Don't Want To Go!

Seriously. Once again, the LAST THING IN THE WORLD I WANTED TO DO WAS GO SWIM.

Here is a list of things I would have rather done.

• Have a drink with Mr. Shorty Shorts (which totally would have happened but I left my ID in my biking wallet from last night, therefor couldn't go get a drink - it's Intern season and every bar/restaurant is carding, even thought I am CLEARLY over the age of 21 - by many, many years)
  
• Dye my hair
• Paint my toenails
  
• Sit on the couch
• Play Angry Birds
• Clean the kitchen
• Go through my junk mail
• Read a Real Simple magazine
  
• Scrub my bathroom tub
• Organize my shoes
• Do laundry
• Cook something
  
• Eat chocolate

That's what I was thinking about while I was in the pool. Yes, while I was in the pool. It wasn't a great swim, but it was a swim. I did a few IM drills, some kicking and pulling - which was better than just swimming straight. And I'm glad I went. And even happier I get tomorrow off!

Shhhhh.... Don't Tell!

Tonight was a swim night and it's no surprise to you 10 (yup, I am up to 10 - I think...) readers that up until Thursday I have had horrible swims. So, even thought I had a good swim on Thursday, I was worried about tonight. Coach gave me a 1500 meter swim, straight, no time - just swim.

So I did. And once the workout was done, I just kept going. And going. And going. I had a number I wanted to reach, but figured I would stop if I stopped feeling good or hit the number - which ever came first.

The number came first. 4,000 meters, WOO-Hoo!

Lost...

(Friday's post)

My ability to swim.

Have you seen it? Reward offered!!

Thanks!

Starting Somewhere

Monday's Post

I am starting, yet again. And it felt good.

This weekend was a bit up and down. Saturday was filled with major Marcus drama (Marcus is my car, in case you forgot) and spending A LOT of money.
This was followed by renewing my love for Contes - as they saved me $200 by not getting new shoes and just put them in some contraption that made room for my bunion. See how it sticks out on the inside part - AMAZING! And that savings was need after the car...
Anyway, the day got even better when Sandy met me at Conte's and after the shopping, we went to a little cafe to split a bacon, cheddar scone. And each had a glass of Cava. Such a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
This was followed by the best news ever that Jersey Sarah is moving from San Francisco to Arlington!! Hi Jersey Sarah! (PS. Jersey Sarah hates that name. I met her in Ireland, and when I moved to DC, she lived in Jersey (hence the name Jersey Sarah) but then moved to Philly, followed by Seattle, then San Fran - but the name stuck).
So, Saturday started off really crappy, but turned out great.

Sunday - well, day light savings time and forgetting to change the clock means late for spin class. Oops. But it turned out okay because I wasn't going to make it the entire 4 hours - yes, they are crazy and did 4 hours. I biked for an hour, did my exercises, and tried water jogging. Then swam 1600. Oh, and of course brunch. Now don't be shocked, because I know you will be, but I skipped the unlimited mimosas. And I switched my potatoes for fruit. Go me!

Monday - Coach and I chatted (via email) and I could run 5 minutes, water jog 25, and swim 4x400. So that is what I did, and it was great. To be perfectly honest, 2 minutes into the run, I did feel the knee pain, but it was gone by minute 3 and felt no discomfort for the last 2. Woot!

So, I am feeling better. I have a lot of support and really good advise from everyone. Lots of people understanding my frustration, and letting me be frustrated. Thanks to you all!

Three Workouts!!

Yes, that's right. 3.

1. It's Tuesday, so YOGA STEVE! And, with help from Yoga Steve, I was much better with my side angle pose.

2. I was planning on swimming tomorrow, but AJ couldn't make it so doing a workout with someone is always better than trying to do 5x200 comfortably hard on your own. So thanks AJ for making my 3000 much more enjoyable! And it was good to see you there too Arin!

3. Because workout number two was supposed to be tomorrow's workout, I still needed to do today's, which was a trainer ride. So, I got home from the swim and hopped onto Carlos for a good 45 minute ride.

GO ME!
Now I am tired. I should make my lunch for tomorrow. I should do some laundry. But, I think I am going to take a shower and go to bed. Tomorrow is long run day and I still have a tad bit of a sore throat.

I'm Lucky

Today had many MANY versions of what this post would be.

It started with how I much I hate today. The build up. The stupid jewelry commercials. BAH!
Throughout the years, regardless of my relationship status - single, dating, married, separated - it's just a reminder of where you are and there is so much pressure for Evil Heart Day. It just sucks. Okay, never been married or separated, but you know what I mean. It's a reminder that you are single or pressure to do something because some card shop says you should. Dumb, Dumb, Dumb.

That is what I was going to write about. But then it was about 60 degrees out so I met up with Mr. Shorty Shorts and went for a run. It was beautiful out, but super SUPER windy. I do realized that I ran outside in pants and a t-shirt, on Evil Heart Day, when it was 60 degrees, so I will take the wind.
AND, it was a great run! We started and ended together, but I held my 9:1 AND made it up the hill ALL ON MY OWN!

So that is what I was going to write about, but then I went for my swim. Toby, AJ, Jenny, even JOE made it out. All was going well - but then we got kicked out of our lane so ONE girl could use the diving board - and it cleared out 2 lanes. We then got kicked out of another lane because we were too fast and this a-hole lonely guy got pi$$ed, complained and got us kicked out. But by this point all the other lanes were so full, and the lifeguards weren't moving people around, so the entire swim was just a fail. Toby and Jenny finished the workout because they are fast and could deal. I turned into a whinny b*tch and couldn't find a lane I liked so just went to the hot tub.

This was going to be my post about how WILSON SUCKS. Great pool. HORRIBLE LIFEGUARDS AND SCHEDULING! But then we all went to dinner and had a really good time. And I came home to the most perfect card from my parents this year. Open it up and it says "We Love You". Melts my cold-dead-for-this-Evil-Heart-Day-heart, just a tad.

So that is what I decided to write about. Thanks for the cupcake. The heart shaped peppermint patty. Text messages. Phone call. E-mails. Run. Swim. Dinner laughs. Card. I am pretty luck to be loved, and reminded of this on Evil Heart Day.

First Full Week

My reason for not posting this week is simple. I was actually working out. Go Me!! This is the workout I was supposed to do last week, but because of jury duty and getting sick (and I still have a bit of a cough. boo.) Coach and I decided it was best to not rush into things. I have time.

So, instead of doing a post on each day, here is a rundown of the week's activities.

Monday, Feb 7.
It was a beautiful day and I was basking in the glow of a Super Bowl victory by my Packers. Without even talking about it, Mr. Shorty Shorts and I both brought in our outdoor clothing for a run. He needed a stretching run, I needed and easy 30 minutes. We headed out and Mr. Shorty Shorts, a significantly faster runner than I, stuck with me the entire time. My goal was to see if I could maintain the 9:1 outside as I have been on the treadmill. And you know what; I DID (with the exception of 1 stop light and part of a hill)!! I was super happy with myself, especially because I know I would have walked more on my own. It was good to push a bit and have someone there to help encourage me.
This was followed up by a swim in the evening. And honestly, probably not the best idea. You know that feeling when you go under water and it feels like your ears are going to explode? Yup, that's what it felt like. I managed to get in about 2000 meters before calling it quits. I made it home and cooked a healthy dinner with enough for lunch leftovers.
I was pretty happy with the day's activities.

Tuesday, Feb 8
I think you 9 readers know what day Tuesday is - YOGA STEVE! I had to cut the class a bit short because of a meeting, but I was happy with the 50 minutes I got in. Later in the evening I met up with a Steelers fan and I let her drown her sorrows in beer and tots. Of course I hid my happiness and shared in the tears. And beer. And tots. BUT, I did get home and spent 45 minutes on my trainer! WOOT!
I know; beer, tots, AND a trainer ride - I'm awesome.

Wednesday, Feb 9
Long run day. My plan was to take off of work around 1:15, hop on a treadmill, and get back to my desk by 3 to finish the day. Mr. Shorty Shorts was going to join me half way into my run to do his hill workout. But, 1:25, there were no treadmills to be had. I had to sit on a bike for a good 10 minutes until one opened up! Stupid other people messing up my workouts!
Again, my goal was to slow my pace, but hold a 9:1 for an hour. The first 20 minutes were great. The third 10 minutes were okay. I was super lucky because Mr. Shorty Shorts made it onto a treadmill next to me to start his workout just as mine was going south. My HR was too high, I was getting dehydrated, and even felt a bit nauseous. However, Mr. Shorty Shorts was awesome and kept me motivated to keep going. AND, I made the 9:1 for 60 minutes! Okay, so the last one was a 2 minute walk break to get the HR down a bit more, and I started my cool down after the 60 minutes, but still. It was awesome! I really couldn't tell you the last time I ran that much in a 60 minute time frame. Fast, no, but FANTASTIC for me.
How did I celebrate, with a swim with AJ. I still had water in my ears from Monday, but I decided to try again. And again, probably not the best choice. But, AJ and I motivated each other enough to get in a decent workout, another 2000 meters. Woot!

Thursday, Feb 10
Bike day!
Because I follow the quiet hours in my building (unlike my ridiculously loud upstairs neighbors who do not and also do not have 80% of their floor covered) I can't do my trainer ride in the morning, and I had plans with Jess at night. So, since it was only 35 minutes, I went to the gym and did the stationary bike. It wasn't ideal, but better than nothing, AND I got to read my book. Had this been last week, I would have just ditched the workout all together. So, again, YAY ME!

Finally, today, Friday, Feb 11
REST DAY!

And now catch up on my blog during my lunch day.

My plan is tomorrow do a brick with a 30 minute bike and 30 minute run. Sunday is 3 hour spin. At some point food needs to be purchased, laundry done, and dishes cleaned. This week has taught me that I need to work a bit better on time management, and it will come. I managed to do this all once before, and am excited to get started again.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading this week’s update!!

I'm So Slow!!

Ah! Talk about a high and a low of the day.

The high
After learning Mr. Shorty Shorts forgot his running clothes, and didn't feel the need to go and get them so we could run together, I headed for the treadmill for my self. He is going out of town for awhile so I knew I would have to get used to the treadmill on my own, and today was the perfect start. My goal was to just go, and go a bit longer without walking, even if it was slower. And it worked! I was consistent, my heart rate didn't get too high, and I felt okay!! Good actually. The treadmills were packed, with a waiting list, so it was 30 minutes only. 2 minute warm up, jog 9, walk 1 (times 2) and a jog 7 with a 1 minute cool down. Woot!
It felt really good and I was very happy.

The low
I met some people at the pool for an easy 3000 meters. Right, sure. I DIED! It was SO SLOW! Way slower than I have been. It was a huge wake up call that I need to swim more than once a week, and start swimming more. I only made it 2300 meters, and mentally checked out around 1800. My stroke got off and my shoulder and back started to hurt a bit, so I stopped. I hated quitting, but knew I was off my game and pushing wasn't worth it. Not yet. But soon.

So that was the rest of my day. Hopefully the ice won't ruin Yoga Steve tomorrow. Or a certain someones birthday (not mine).

OH, and you might be wondering why I did a double today. 3 words
CRUMBS IS OPEN!!! But I only had a half. And it was DELICIOUS!

Going Strong

I love the beginning of the year because you can say things like:

• "I haven't talked to you since last year!"
• "I have cooked all my meals this year!"
• "Falling over was so last year!"
• "I haven't showered this year!!" (and I stole that from Katie's cooking blog about her roommate)

And my personal favorite, which is also true:

• I have worked out EVERYDAY this year!

Yes, this year has started off pretty well (knock on wood).

Sunday was 3 hour spin.
I managed to stay on my spin bike, even when my knee buckled and I should have gone down - so that is a success! Don't get me wrong, I was very whiny - especially the last hour (poor Kimberly was next to me and had to listen to all the complaining. I think Karen and Janie just tuned me out). It was a TOUGH class. I mean I hated Rob. But when it was over, and my legs felt like sore fruit roll ups, I loved Rob. And it made me enjoy an egg veggie wrap so much more. Followed by key lime pie. And later a delicious creamy brie cheese with a nice toasted baguette.

Yesterday was a swim day.
Wilson was closed due to a water heater pump issue, so we headed to Eastern Market. It wasn't that cold so I walked the 1.2 miles from my office to meet Jenny and Toby. (Yay me!) What I didn't like was the 25 meter pool and I could tell how much faster the girls were than me. I don't seem to notice as much in a 50 meter pool. And I was cutting the workout short to celebrate a friend's engagement, so I spent the entire 1800-ish meters sprinting to try and keep up with everyone. On paper it was an 'easy' workout, but I made it much harder. And I am happy about that. It made my chicken pesto on a ciabatta roll with sweet potato fries much more justifiable.

So right now, I can say I have worked out every day in 2011. And had some very tasty dishes I have not cooked. Woot!

Time Goes By So Quickly!

Man, I don’t know where the time went. I even had things to blog about this past week, but was not home a lot so I did not get the chance to post. So, because I forgot my yoga close this morning (sad I know, no yoga Steve today – but I did go vote, so that is something!), I am taking my lunch hour to catch you 8 readers up on my week – the best I can remember…

Wednesday was a meeting. It was triathlon related so it totally counts as a workout! Or something.

Thursday I went to masters swimming. I was pretty sore for a solid week of working out, so I jumped into the slowest lane for the practice. Yes, of the 4 lanes I am either last in the 3rd slowest lane and working my butt off to keep up, or I lead the slowest lane. Masters people are FAST! This was followed up by demanding food at Diane's place before watching Project Runway. And I will no longer be watching Project Runway because the winner SO SHOULD NOT HAVE WON!

Friday was probably my favorite day. I didn't feel like going for a run, but it was beautiful outside, so I went for a walk. I wound up at the National Gallery of Art and wondered why I had not done that before. I saw one of my favorite paintings, and head back to the office. It was a brisk walk on a lovely Friday. It just put me in a really good mood. This was followed up by two birthday parties and a bit of a late night.

That late night lead to a late start on Saturday for the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear. I was happy to be a part of the moment. And even happier to head home and watch on TV. There was a lot of walking, so that basically counts as a run. AND, there was a Halloween party thrown by tri people - so obviously a workout.

Sunday was a marathon. No, I am not talking about this marathon, but the marathon of cleaning. 5 loads of laundry, clearing out parts of my closet, cleaning my bedroom, and scrubbing half of my bathroom. Two of my favorite parents are coming to visit this weekend so cleaning was MUST. And seriously, cleaning my apartment is TOTALLY a workout. I was sad to miss out cheering for Rob, Janie, Charles, and everyone else, but I thought of them as I tossed old running shoes. And, I headed to this musical Sunday evening. SO GOOD! If you like that hippy story line and 70's rock music stuff.

This takes us to yesterday, Monday, November 1st. I did make it swimming with Toby, Jen, Jenny and a few others, but was late so I did my own thing. And that was 2200 meters straight. Because I wanted to see if I could. And I could. I think over all, I racked up a solid 2800 - which made me very happy.

But that isn't the most exciting thing about yesterday; it was Day 1 of our 100 Push Ups Challenge. 100 Push Ups?!?! Yes, that is crazy talk, but true. This was part of the meeting I was at on Wednesday, and Karen came up with this idea. And for some reason, a boat load of us tend to do what Karen tells us. So, there are about 40 women signed up for this 100 Push Up challenge, based on this plan. Oh, and I also signed up for the 200 sit up part as well. Yay off season!

I almost didn't write about this, but figured if I posted it, I have to follow it because someone might ask. And I can't lie. Or I try, but it's so obvious that I am lying no one believes me. So, it's posted and I can't take it back...

Now that I have caught you all up on my week, I am sure you can understand why I haven't had the chance to blog. Hopefully this is a trend that will not continue. I hate missing Yoga Steve!

Last Wednesday's Post

(Wednesday, Oct 27th post. It was half written and I knew what I wanted to say - it just took some time to write it out.)

A few things from yesterday...

1. I am now a member of the Capital bike share! Charles got his membership key, and the price goes up after October 31, so I joined too. Even if I don't use it much, I believe in the idea so it was worth the money. The hard part though, is the helmet issue. Sometimes I think it might be easier to hop on a bike and go to my destination, however I don't plan on carrying a helmet with me everywhere I go. This is especially important to me right now as my friend Ryan was hit on Saturday, on MacArthur Blvd, a very bike friendly area we frequent often. No worries, he is okay, just a bit sore and scrapped up.
And there is a large difference between riding and hopping on a capital bike share bike - but there is a common factor, the car. I plan on buying another helmet to keep at work and it may just become part of my work bag. Stylish!!
AND, I kept harping on Charles to get helmet as we debated the pros, cons, data, stats, etc. However, I took a pretty bad tumble a few years back, broke my elbow - after landing on my head. So, it's really a no argument with me. And I am happy to say that Charles is now the proud owner of a nice new blue helmet.

2. Yoga Steve! I am really starting to LOVE Tuesday's. Yoga Steve just puts me in a good mood. I may not be making the progress I would like, but slowly I will get there. After all, what can I really expect since I go once a week.

3. Swimming. Yes I went to yoga, but I also went swimming too. For some reason, I was just in a really good mood - unlike prior swims. The lanes were crowded, due to the Masters team I am apart of but was not swimming with which took up half the pool, but AJ, Toby and I had a really good swim. 3100 meters good!

4. Times, they are changing. I was supposed to go to watch the high heel race, but I knew the week would be busy with little time to workout. And after my wonderful weekend in Minnesota/Wisconsin - I needed the workout. So, I chose to swim instead of drinking, eating and watching the race. Luckily Ang, who was throwing the party, completely understood, as she is also a triathlete and has been super busy too. It really helps when friends are so understanding about skipping things for workouts. Especially because that will start happening more and more as I train.

First Masters Practice

Tonight was my first masters swim practice!! Dang, there are a LOT of fast people out there! I almost didn't go, as I kind of feel a cold coming on, and I am lazy. But I went, and I am glad I did. I didn't do the entire workout, just a solid 2400 meters, and I was pretty happy with the work I put in.

But the best part, swimming gives me a chance to think. Some people clear their heads by going for a run or walk, I often do by swimming. Somewhere during the 6 x 250's I was reminded of the conversation Carolina and I had as we were laying out on the beach this past Saturday. She is one of 8 readers, and a friend, so she knows my ups and downs as of lately. I thought of our conversation and a few things clicked with me.

I have been letting a lot of things that are out of my control get to me. Other peoples successes on the course compared to what I do on the course, responding (or not) to emails/texts/calls, my director saying he trusts in me and my work opinion - most of the time.... Okay, maybe I could work harder on that last one but hopefully you all get my point. I need to find that happiness within my self a bit more than I have lately - and for some reason, tonight it clicked a bit. I was happy with cutting my workout short because I was happy I went in the first place. I had queso for dinner because I like queso.

I am going to take my happy place, hope it sticks around for awhile, stop my rambling blog post, and go to bed.

2 Half Workouts = 1 Whole Workout, Right??

Today started out crappy. It took over an hour to get to work. I had a raging headache. There was NO coffee in the cafeteria. My computer wouldn't let me log on. At 10:15 - I was ready to call it a day. By 11:15, tech support was starting to get me a new computer, I had nothing to do (without a computer) so I headed out for a wog.

I ran into Meaghan in the locker room and it was great to catch up with her, even if it put me off my time frame by a few minutes. After some satellite issues with my Garmin (another few minutes off my timeline), I was finally on my run.

My route is pretty standard to The Mall, but it is dependent on the lights. Today, it took me down Constitution Ave, where I saw someone blocking me on the sidewalk. I looked up and it was my friend J!! (And I forgot to ask if I could use her name, so J it is). I stopped my watch, took out my headphones and away we chatted. It was so great to catch up, as I haven't seen her in about 10 months. I found out I have 8 readers because she reads this blog (Hi J!!) and had super exciting news (so happy for you!!). It was a great surprise and did cut my workout back a bit more - but I wouldn't have changed a thing. It also put a little pep in my step.

The rest of the afternoon didn't get much better on the work side, but I was in a much better mood. I even made it to the pool for a short swim. Because I had a (short) wog today, I kept my swim short. I am still a bit sore from Sunday, which I know is a bit sad, but I have a very sore left hamstring and lots of bruises. It was just nice to say hi to everyone, and stretch out for a relaxing swim.

So, I am counting this as half a run and half a swim which equals 1 full workout.

Stupid Pink Cap Man!!

I hate stupid, rude people. Really, I do - they just put me in a bad mood.

Last night was going to be my first masters swim practice - which AJ had me join in May, as our CUA club swims would be over. I thought it was a great idea so last night was going to be the night I started. But, Toby and Jen wanted to swim too, and they are not part of the Masters team (which takes up 4 of the 8 lanes at Wilson pool), so we hopped into a different lane and got started.

Right around 7:10, this a-hole guy jumps into the lane and start steam rolling over everyone. And yes, he was wearing a bright pink swim cap (and no, it wasn't Jimmy) and will be called Pink Cap Man (PCM). He just made everyone uneasy and put me in a cranky mood - considering we were having a good time swimming (compared to my attitude on Monday) this pissed me off even more. About 2000 meters in, I got a wicked cramp in my right foot. PCM did another unnecessary splashy flip turn, and that was it. It was either punch him in the face or get out. So I hopped into the hot tub where I ran into a few tri club people.

When Toby, AJ, and Jen joined me in the hot tub, they said that PCM tried to chat them up and be nice. Whatever. PCM, I hope I never see you again!

Now, I am just waiting for the hours to tick away until I can meet up with Sandy and Carolina to head down to Dewey beach. While others are doing a century ride, I will relax and enjoy the beach.

And Sunday, Sandy, Carolina, Lindsey and I are off to nowhere PA for our little 3.15 of "hellis miles". For some reason, back in July, I thought this was a good idea...

A Bit Too Soon

I got talked into swimming with Toby and AJ tonight. Not sure why - I haven't seen them in awhile and I thought it would be fun to catch up. Sure, it would have been over drinks or dinner - but not swimming.

The best part - we were standing at the top of the lane line, avoiding getting into the pool, and the workout just went missing. One moment it was there, the next it was gone. It fell into the pool and into the drain. We should have taken that as a sign!

After Toby's long arms came to the rescue, we were off on or workout. There were TONS of giggles, and it was a good workout. I hit my 2000 meters, hopped out, sat in the hot tub, and was really glad I went.

I Like Vacation

Today is the first day I felt like I was on vacation. No alarm (except that my alarm did go off 6:30, oops), nothing to do, just time to relax. But of course we were all still up by 7:30. The good and bad part of the day is that it was raining.

The house made another fabulous breakfast and after cleaning up, the biggest debate was on what to do on the rainy day. After much sitting around, we decided on an outlet mall. There would be walking around, shopping, but staying dry. Unfortunately, the outlet mall was pretty disappointing, not much to be had. We made it back to the house and it 'cleared up' just enough where I thought I could get in a swim. After all, I was in a house with about 12 people who just did a half Ironman, and I was eating like I had done one as well. A workout was definitely needed! Because the weather was a bit iffy and some people in the house were concerned, I decided to go around the island - but still had no idea when I would be back. We determined if I wasn't back in an hour, time to worry.

I have to say, I had a great time. It was so fun to see the houses, the beautifully surroundings, and at one point there were seagulls (or some type of bird) sitting in the middle of the water. Obviously on rocks, but it looked really awesome.

As I rounded the last turn, I saw the bridge to our island. When I went to sight it again, I saw a figure on the bridge. It waved and me, I waved back, so I figured it was someone I knew who was making sure I was okay. As I got closer, sure enough, it was Bryan. We had a nice little chat, and I made it back to the dock. After I showered, we realized it was about 1.4 miles. I took my time, but overall, it was a decent swim time - 52 minutes-ish.

The rest of the evening was filled with burgers, chicken, wine, beer, drinking go fish, Spice Girls, and M-dot chocolate chip cookies - I put my new present to good use. As I mentioned on our last group house, I earn my keep not by cooking, but by cleaning and making cookies. This trip was no different, just different shaped cookies.

It was a swim

I think my body is telling me something. It's tired.

I knew I would be late due to a late meeting, and the need to pick up my dry cleaning, but traffic was also bad. It was very tempting to just go home. But, my suit was on and I figured Toby would be mad if I didn't show up.

Once I got there, I couldn't keep up with Toby, so I swam with Dena. I am not sure how much I swam, but it was a nice stretch swim. Not fast (which I couldn't when I tried) but I am glad I went. Even though my swims have been disappointing, I still do love swimming.


And on a personal note (not like this entire blog isn't personal...) take a moment to let those around you how much you care about them. If you are reading this, please know I do care about you. Thanks