Best Triathlon Image EVER

I saw this and had to post it. I am tempted to go to cafe press and make myself a t-shirt.

Went for a treadmill lunch 'run' today. It wasn't good. It didn't suck either, but I tend to want things to be better than "didn't suck". Tomorrow is a 40-ish ride so hopefully that will go well. I just want to get it done before the rain. Blain told me he doesn't like to be in the rain - and he is the boss of me.

One of those days

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Charles

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

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

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

Something I Haven't Felt In A Long Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a Perfect Day!!

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

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

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

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

Such a great day!!

A Few Updates...

First of all

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIN!!!

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

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

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

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

Bah!

What a day of ups and downs...

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

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

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

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

Just a bit of an up and down day.

Lesson Learned

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

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

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

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

Also, DC United did win, 2-0.

Decent

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

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

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

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

Not A Bad Start

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

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

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

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

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

Not a perfect start, but a good one.