Photo Phriday

I left him!
I left Squid to the care of the child watch attendants at the gym today. It was really really hard, but I did it! And, HE DID IT! Didnt cry til right before I came to pick him up. Yay!

Speaking of gym. WOW. What a lift session. I hurt. Bad. It's been since oh.... early 2009 since I lifted at all, and that was very sport specific, so it's totally different. I did three lifts today that I've never even attempted before: Deadlift, Romanian Deadlift, and Front Bar Squat.

There's more info at Figure'n It Out.

But on to today's topic:

Photo Phriday.

Running: Rock the Parkway 10k

Sooo, I've been running more lately. And, ya know what? It's great! I ran/walked (ran for the first time in weeks) in a 10k last weekend. It was freaking freezing and raining and totally unpleasant. I kept thinking "This is fun, right?" But it really wasn't. Good thing misery loves company. My friend Jean kept me going, although she was just as cold and wet and miserable. This was a trashbag race, much like the Lincoln 007 half (read about that peach of a race Here and Here). What a great day to be undertrained, pregnant, and running a 10k. As you can see, I was quite excited. ---->

I did have a kind of funny shirt that said something to the effect of "baby's first 10k" and "Yes, it's safe to run" but really I don't think it was that funny or that clever, but it's what I had to work with.

Bottom line, I "ran" a 10k 6 months pregnant.

Twice this week, however, husband and I ventured out to get in a few miles. Once with the dogs thru the new subdivision for a whopping 2.18 miles. Then last night, at one of my particular favorites, the Jacomo trails. He took the mountain bike and I hoofed it. No bike for me. L--aaa--mm-e. Anyway, I got in over 3 and was happy with that. It seems strange and trivial to run for 3 miles. Like, why's it worth the effort? But, then I tell myself I'm not training for an Ironman, or even a half mary, but just for my general health and labor, and for the health of little Eli (yes, the parasite in my body has a name now).

We had a good workout each, and came home to grill out some delicious chicken and potatoes. Awesome.

Not exactly the stress free week I was hoping for, but it's Friday and it is what it is. At least I have two consecutive days off starting tomorrow.

I'm not sure why, but everytime I think to myself about it being Friday, I always think of the movie Friday, and this line:

"I know you don't smoke weed, I know this; but I'm gonna get you high today, 'cause it's Friday; you ain't got no job... and you ain't got shit to do."

PS

Holy Crap. My boobs are out of control huge.

Swim, Work, Run

I didn't make Saturday's KMA like I planned. Had to run to the car dealership to get Joan Jetta inspected. Silly dealership, didn't have that done! They gave me a free detail for my time, though. Yay!

However, I spent most of Friday night and Sunday day nesting- doing some serious cleaning to the house. I'm pretty sure that counted for some calorie burning, right?

Saturday I hung out with the GrandLady. Then I went shopping with JMoo for Husband's Valentine's present. I finally got him one of those fancy black watches he's been dying for. I couldn't find the one I got him, but I looked sorta like this -------> ------->:

Ironically enough, he got me a beautiful white sparkly watch to match. He is amazing, isn't he?

Sunday Hubs got home from work at Anahiem 3 (the motocross race, if you follow that), and we had a lovely evening on the couch- just us and pizza. Perfect.

Today is a LONG work day for me. I got to work at 8pm, and I'll be here until 10pm. Ouch. I had morning lessons until 11am, which is draining, but fun. Afterwards I put in a 1200 yard swim, at a very each pace. My stomach is definitely draging, and my flipturns aren't quite as streamlined. Over lunch I got in a GOOD run on the treadmill. Finally! I hate the damn thing, but a show I love on MTV was on, and I just had to accomplish 45 minutes. I did it, I got it done, and I was over it. It's hard to stay motivated to keep running when your body and mother nature are working against you. I have the Rock the Parkway 10k March 27th, so I'm trying to make sure I'm at least in shape enough to wobble 6 miles. I'm pretty sure it's going to involve a lot of walking (A LOT), but I'm trying to be the fit mom. Thus far, it's working out okay, but I'm no Labor Ready Liz (OMG have you seen her!? Talk about IronMom!).

Later this evening I am teaching another CPR/AED course. Then my puffy butt will drive home and I will go straight to my pillow.

Status:

Good mood. Feels decent. Mood swings possible. Hungry. Happy.

Preggo and The Heart Rate

Okay, my previous post brought up the 145bpm HR bar that my Doc set. I've had a few responses to it, and I've started doing some research online. I'd like to open this up as a forum if any are interested, to discuss heart rates in pregnancy.

To start, I have fall into the "Fit" category by exercise frequency, duration, and intensity, however my BMI throws me in the "Overweight/Sedentary" category. I'm by far a skinny woman, but I also do my best to avoid sitting on my ass stuffing Cheetos in my mouth while watching reruns of For the Love of RayJ (usually).

I'm looking for information, both pro's and con's of exercising at a higher HR for a duration of no more than and hour at a time. I feel like working in the 155-165 range is more adequate. For example, my HR during the Kansas City Marathon (which I was right around the old date o' conception) averaged 163 for just over 5 hours. This is a very comfortable HR for me to hold for any given time (duh). Well, it was 12 weeks ago. Now, as I am about 14 weeks I can feel HR spikes and understand that I will have a higher HR at lower intensity, and open myself up for greater cardiac drift after any bursts (climbing on the bike, for instance).

I found this article, via FitPregnancy.com, which is more up to date than several dating back over 15 years ago. Thoughts?

Should I monitor my heart rate when exercising?
That may depend on your exercise intensity and workout goals.
By Carole Anderson Lucia

Q: Should I monitor my heart rate when exercising?
A: That may depend on your exercise intensity and workout goals. As long as you have a low-risk pregnancy with no contraindications, such as high blood pressure or symptoms of premature labor, exercise is good for you, and aiming for a target heart rate can help you work out at an appropriate level. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women use the "talk test" when exercising (if you can talk normally, your heart rate is acceptable), in 2002 Canadian experts suggested utilizing target heart rates. But since those rates were based solely on age, they are inappropriate for some women, including those who are sedentary or very fit, says Michelle F. Mottola, Ph.D., director of the Exercise and Pregnancy Lab at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. The new guidelines establish target rates according to age and fitness level."Women can still use the talk test to stay in the correct range, but now they can be even more precise with their workout goals," Mottola says. The best way to determine your heart rate is to wear a monitor, or you can measure your pulse for six seconds and multiply by 10.

Fitness Level
Target heart rate: ages 20-29

Unfit (sedentary and/or overweight)
129-144

Active (exercise occasionally)
132-152

Fit (exercise regularly at high intensity)
145-160

February/March 2007

Kona Here I Come!

... but not for Ironman.

I'm lucky enough to be taking a fabulous trip to the Big Island in September, for some friend's wedding.

But, I must admit something: I thought my first trip to HI would be with my bike en route to the World Championships. My excitement is stalled by how much I wish I was racing IM this year. And, how I wish I were racing IM Hawaii, not just stopping in as a tourist.

I sent a couple emails back and forth with the resident pro Bree about her hometown. She's promised me an OWS and I'm going to hold her to it. Also, I'll be just a month out from my open marathon, and training plans for that particular week look to include two 6 and one 12 mile runs. I'm hoping to pretend about an Ali'i Drive finish. Any chance there's a half marathon in Kona on September 12th? I'll have to look into it. (If i had planned better for my trip to MN over Memorial Day, I would have raced in the Stillwater MN half marathon.)

I don't think we're staying at the same resort as our friends, so I'm making some plans to ditch the hubs for 90 minutes a day to get in my workouts, and maybe get in a swim with Kona Masters, if they'll take me.

I'm trying to get myself psyched for the trip- I am really excited to go, but struggling with not be the terms I had planned. Plus, now after this trip, I have to convince the Hubs that we really will have enough money to make it to IM Cozumel in 2010 (which of course, the entry fee is due in November) to um, celebrate our anniversary (and race IM!).

In other news....

This whole gluten free thing is becoming less of a struggle, however, it's becoming increasingly difficult to stick to the Paleo plan. I had another allergic reaction over the weekend to something (oh, btw: I had an allergic reaction post IMKS 70.3 that put me in the ER). This one wasn't as bad, but made my lips poof out like I had Daisy of Love collagen lips. I also keep having crazy rashes. I've mostly determined that it's not actually allergies, but an auto-immune disease known as Celiacs. So, I suppose it's good I'm gluten free now. But, I still need to get the official tests done, and figure out what the hell is actually wrong with me.

The great thing is, I'm losing weight without too much effort. However, it's steadied off in the last week. The first 12.5lbs were a snap. I'd like to go another 20 of the L-Bs, but we'll see what happens.

It's not like I'm training for Ironman, as if I need another reminder.

Still Truckin

Yeah yeah yeah. I'm alive. I've been incredibly busy with work. Then got sick. So, I took a couple weeks off of training. It was ridiculously stupid. I could have taken off only half the time, but oh well. I've been training hard since last week again. Looking forward to a ride with Andrea tomorrow. First time we've rode together since 2006. I'm sure she'll put a hurtin' on me, but that will be okay. We have all morning to hurt. We both have 3:30 in the saddle to accomplish, so it's nice to pair up with someone.

I've made some changes to this year's racing schedule. No Redman, probably no Steelhead. But I'm adding in a Two Mile Open water race in August. I've never done and OWS race as a stand alone, and the winner gets a kayak. Sooo, I'm going to try to go somewhere near the 50 min mark. I'm not sure if breaking 50 is a possibility, but I'll give it ago.

Other than that, I'll do a couple extra local races. I will give it my all, and try to be a short distance racer when it comes to triathlons the last half of the summer. We'll see where it takes me. Like Coach Lady said, "It might not be what you really want to do, but that doesn't mean you get to half ass it."

Well said.

There Will Be No Ironman in 2009

They couldn't pick a better time as that in life.

It ain't too early and it ain't too late.

Startin' as a farmer with a brand new wife.

Count me out. Cross me off. Take me off the roster. After much deliberating over the last few weeks, I've decided to removed Redman from my schedule this year. I started a new job in November as an aquatics director for two pools run by one of the largests associations in the country, and my work load has increased exponentially. From what I hear, it only gets worse. I have had some great training from January until the middle of March, when spring swim lessons picked up. In eight days I logged 68 hours on the clock, not including my commute. That's a lot of time taken away from my home, husband, and animals, let alone my training responsibilities. I've not been one to half ass things, and I have a true respect for the distance. I've done an iron distance event to finish one, and now I want to compete in one. If I'm not fully into the training, the recovery, and the nutrition both mentally and physically, I will not have a likely chance at meeting my goals.

This would be an expensive trip to set myself up for failure.

As we have all seen in the economy recently, our expendable income has become tucked neatly under our pillowcases. It makes it all the more harder to justify an expense at which I may not even make the starting line.

Instead, I am going to focus on a local olympic distance race, Kansas 70.3, and Steelhead 70.3. I will add in some August/September local sprints to keep myself occupied, and I am still planning to persue the Kansas City marathon in October.

As coach lady told me, "Going half the distance doesn't make it half as challenging."

I'm still determined to make this my best season yet.

The Super Swim Set

Well, it wasn't 9000 yards or anything ridiculous like that. But DDAAYYYUM GINA, this was hard.

The grand total is actually only 2600 yards, with only 2000 of those being fast. ...

400 warm-up2 x 1000 time trial, 2 minutes rest between200 cool-down

Results:

a. 1000 13:26 (1:20.36 av) b. 1000 14:27 (1:26.42 av)
As you can see, the first one I went pretty damn hard on. I wasnt close to recovered for the second 1000. I negative split the second one as a started feeling better again somewhere around the 500 mark. WOW. I think my arms may fall off tonight after the bike/yoga sesh. (Yes, I said yoga, only I'm doing it at home on my own this time. I found an old Yoga DVD that I have never used before, so I'm going to give it a try.)

TGFTRD.

(Thank God for Tuesday Rest Days)

Whew.

Friday- Sunday

Swam 3000 yards. Bike 2:30 in pure wind hell- truthfully, it was fun. I got to ride outside for the first time this year. Run 3:00 total time.

Three days in a row of outdoor workouts accomplished. Yes, did you see that? OUTDOOR. Either I'm a hardass, or I'm an idiot. But I rode outdoors for the first time this spring on Saturday. In near gail force winds. But, even though it was a struggle the whole time, I really enjoyed myself. Once back at the house, I had a 2 mile run. That hurt. I ran Friday evening without socks, which left a couple yicky blisters that were far from healed.

I then spent Saturday afternoon and evening with Grandma- did a little Bass Pro Shop wandering, made fondue, drank some wine, and giggled a lot. Great day.

Then all night I spent pulling pillows over my head to drown out the thunderstorms, hail, and the weather radio which thought it would be fun to go off every 90min to alert me of a tornado watch three counties away.

This morning I woke a little less fresh than I wanted to, and continued to listen to the rain and wind. Ugh. I was not looking forward to today's long run. Usually I like to get up and get things over with by breakfast.. err.. lunch. Instead, I tried my hand at some patience, which allowed me to get out the door at 5:00pm. I ran until just before sunset- yay for Daylight Savings. The wind died down shortly before 5pm, and the clouds began to dispearse. Longest run of the season- accomplished.

Now I sit watching Russell Brand, whom I find high-larious, chit chat away on how he got screwed at the MTV VMA's. The pups are napping- one on the couch and one in front of the door as if he's a draft block.

Tomorrow's another doozy- stretch-swim-bike. Swim is actually a main set of 2 x 1000 time trial. I have to admit I've been swimming very well lately, and this will be a true test. Yikes. I'm actually nervous about a workout- swim of all things.

Tueday's a rest day- it's much needed. Must be a good week of workouts when you're counting down to rest day.

You're a Yogie.

Mondays and Thursdays workout schedules usually invovle something along the lines of deep stretching or yoga.

Pff.. Yoga.

I ALWAYS picture Yoda eating yogurt when I hear the word yoga. I dont know why.

Well, today, I had some time in my 11 hour workshift, and decided to catch an 11 am yoga class.

The class had a lot of sitting in it. And some breathing. Some strange poses with some strange names. I wouldn't say it did any aligning of my Chi or left me feeling at one with my inner self. It was, however, something different out of the norm. So, since my March work schedule leaves my Thursdays pulling long hours, I have decided that I'm going to take the one hour a week and do the damn thing.

Even if I never realize my inner calm, it's something outside of the swim-bike-run-lift I see daily.

Product Review- Finis Lap Counter

One of my masters swimmers recently made a purchase of a Finis lap counter. Tim loves it, but I wasn't so sure. If you do open turns, then this product is fabulous if you're looking for fairly accurate splits and lap counting.

However, when dangling under water... not so much. The lap counter is connected to 2 metal poles with a wire hook that hangs over the gutter. It's not super sturdy, so the wires loosen every time you hit the touch pad (the main face of the lap counter).

I was trying to be gentle when turning, I'm no pansy and when I flip my feet hit the wall HARD. A couple times I was concered I may have, um, injured the counter. About every third turn I would tap the counter at an odd angle, which would send it scooting up the side of the wall, and into the gutter. That meant that 50 yards later I would be fishing the counter out to reattach it to the wall.

I think it's a good product, and fitness swimmers will probably get the most out of the Finis lap counter. Those doing flip turns will probably not enjoy the product as much as others, and, if you're a trained competitive swimmer, you used to counting the laps in your head, so you don't really *need* this device.

It was fun to play with in my 30 min easy swim, and it accurately logged all my laps execpt two- I either missed the touch pad, or I tapped it too lightly on the side.

If you are just starting swimming, or need a way to remember your laps- this is a great device for you. The rest of us will just keep repeating numbers in our heads and taking splits on our wtaches.

Fun Run

Yesterday's run wasn't really fun, and wasn't enjoyable, but I couldn't come up with a better title for today's post, so I'll leave it at that. One thing did make me laugh. I ran past the local high school just as class was letting out. A sheriff's car had a smaller SUV pulled over on the side of the road. I could tell it was a student, and that he was standing outside of his vehicle. As I approached, I saw the patrolmen inside his own car. The student, meanwhile, was scrubbing the windows of his suv. Why? Well, he had a bunch of, um, phallic symbols on the side of it, along with "i Heart C*ock." HAHAHA. I remember my friends tagging my car with shoe polish in highschool. It was more like "CC Loves Sophmores" or something dumb. I can just picture the cop, "Uh Son, do you love c*ck?" "no sir, it's.. my friend.." "Get out and clean it off." HAHAHA.
One great thing about yesterday's run was the weather. Sunny, and shorts and t-shirt. Although, i haven't been running much outside, so my knees are stiff today. Tomorrow's long run will be a challenge as the temps are far from shorts weather.

i broke up today's bike workout- 90 min in the am and 90 when I get home from work. I overselpt my alarm and didnt have time to do it all before leaving for work. Ah, the joys of working 60 hr weeks. :)

No News is Good News

Well, last week was a recovery week, so, I didn't really have much to talk about. And I use the term recovery losely- I really wasn't spot on my workouts, which made Monday rather painful (swim, bike, yoga).

In the time since my last post, however, I did have a night out with the girls (Chrissy and Smashley), and enjoyed some awesome homemade fondue for Valentine's Day with the Husband.

The Weekend Report with Courtney S.

I can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but Zeus Goose the Cane Corso pup has cherry eye. Joy. Friday after work I took the little guy in to get checked out. After we returned from the vet, I got myself dressed and made my way out the door for a non-iPod, listen to the footsteps and falling snow/sleet only run of four miles. I know, I know, four miles ain't shiznit. But, to me, it really was. At a frigid 25 degrees and wind gusts of 25 mh, I was a bit, um, chilly. I made it back to the house not long after sundown, but was I was nearing my street on that particular patch of street lampless darkness, I remembered a run in which it hit me: I was going to finish Ironman Florida in the dark. I was thinking that maybe I would finish Redman in the daylight, but with a sunset of 7:30pm, I would have to finish at exactly 12hrs, about 30min faster than my goal time. So, maybe there will still be some trails of light on the horizon.

Saturday morning I went to work and taught some swim lessons. Aahh, swim lessons. Nothing like my bright and shinny self at 9am on a Saturday teaching nine 3-5year olds how to put their faces in the water. Actually, the kids aren't that bad (it's the parents.. err. wait..). Once I made it home I threw my leg over the bike and got to pedaling. In my kitchen. I set the trainer up in the kitchen so I could keep and eye on the dogs (and the dog's eyes). Also, some friends of the Husband were at the house laying the slate tile in the fancy-schmancy master bathroom. Be jealous. It's been since August of 2006 that the shower was last functional. My ride was set for two hours, however, after an hour and twenty minutes, I found myself at the vet yet again, to pick up more medication before they closed. I planned to get back on the saddle when I made it home, yet housework was piling up, and I made the executive decision that sometimes house priorities need to come before training. Gasp!

I hung out with Alygator in the afternoon, doing a whole lot of nothing. We tried the new sushi bar in town, which, to our surprise also has 4 hibachi grills as well. The sushi was excellent and after a mere two glasses of white, we called it a night. I feel asleep with the dogs on the couch watching Pineapple Express.

Sunday morning we planned to run early and be done with it. However, Alygator FINALLY set up a Facebook account so we took the majority of the morning for her to explore her new found world of Social Networking Websites. About 3:00 I said enough and got dressed. The temps were hovering around the 19 degree mark, but with less wind, the five miles were not only warmer than Friday's but, dare I say it, FUN. I ran with the iPod this time- after I dug through three purses and two workout bags to find it. These runs were far from fast, but the snowflakes on both trips were fun. Also, it's nice to have the path only to yourself. I never saw another runner Friday, and Sunday my only company was Alyson. Alyson, by the way, made Sunday her farthest run EVER. I remember how exciting those are. Long runs. Well, long enough.

This morning I found myself in the middle of a main set consisting of 10 x 200's build. Yes, 10 x TWO HUNDRED YARDS. My arms are tired but the gradual increase in yardage is good for me, and, well, makes me happy if nothing else.

There's KMA spin class tonight, however, Coach Lady has me to ride only an hr with a lower HR than what the Class workout is, so I'll be doing this in the kitchen too. Then I'll finally get to snuggle up to the husband- he spent the weekend working in Houston at supercross- and drink a glass of wine, which, will ultimately be my night cap. Rest day tomorrow, I'm really looking forward to it.

Mind Games

We're playing those mind games together
Pushing the barriers planting seeds
Playing the mind guerrilla-John Lennon


I did not want to go to spin class tonight. No, let me restate that. I couldn't give a phuck less about going. Long day at work. Dog with an eye issue. Husband making travel plans. Sore from yesterday. Yesterday's THREE workouts.

Yet, I went. I was late, and started setting up in the corner. Then I realized I forgot my clycling shoes. I drove home. Got the shoes. I made up new expletives. Not really sure what the mean or how the sounded, but if you can speak in tongues, and better yet, understand tongues, you would have been embarrased for me.

When I got back to spin, I put my shoes on, and mounted my bike. The warm up was nearly over. Then my HR monitor kicked the bucket. Actually, it did a while ago, but I forgot the new strap, so I had to borrow. More expletives (in my head this time, appearantly someone couldnt get a babysitter and had to bring their two kids to class. Im sure that was fun for them.).

Let it go. My subconcious spoke. Just let it all go.

So I did. I let everything that wasn't Here and Now leave my mind. I focused on the task (PAIN!) at hand. Leg crank series. Power and strength. Turning the damn pedals. 3 to 9, 9 to 3. Physically tough? yes. But I've done tougher. Mentally straining? Sure, but I've focused more. Today was about tuning out everything that didn't matter or that I couldn't do a damn thing about at This. Exact. Moment.

A tought entered my head: Go home, it's just 30 min early. This is 30 min you'll never get back in your life... yes, that's right, 30 min. This is 30 min you cannot come back to later and try to train in it again. The time is fleeting. No one is turning the big wheel to move the island to another time dimension.

It's just a mind game.

Day One Complete

Yesterday's swim, bike, and stretch workouts didn't seem that awful. Although, the yardage in the swims were a bit higher, the bike was about the same as the last few spin sessions (um, DIFFICULT). As things would work out, today is slated as a rest day, which is convienient since I have a few meetings, seven lessons and am director on duty at my gym this evening. Oh, and there's this little thing going on in DC right now that I'd like to take a moment to watch.

Get Ready for This

Well, I see this week's workouts. I'm going to have to step out of my current (lazy) comfort zones and HTFU. Well, that includes my husband too. I have to really get him invovled, althought I can always tell that he gets disappointed a touch when I get lazy and out of shape. He told me once he likes telling people that I train a lot, and am a triathlete. It makes me proud when he can brag!

So, here's week one's projected totals:
PLAN Totals
Type Distance Duration
Rest
Stretch 01:00
Weights 01:00
Bike 75.0 mi 04:00
Run 12.0 mi 02:00
Swim 5600.0 yd 02:00
Total Plan Duration: 10:00

Gorilla Multisport Athlete Coaching

I am SO happy to announce it:

I've joined up with Gorilla Multisport to be coached by Gail Leveque. Based out of the Dallas, Tx area, Gail has coached for more than seven years. Her favorite quote is befitting:
Its a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired,
you quit when the gorilla is tired.
Gail's personal athletic achievements are awesome- top five finishes at several 70.3's, 3 time USAT all-American, a top twenty age group finish, and top FIVE age group finish at KONA Ironman World Champs (2006 and 2004, respectively).

Gail can be aggressive and straight at you as I am, and that's what I need in a coach. I'm so excited to start with her. We were discussing February, but it looks like workout #1 is Monday.

Yay!!! Go Gorillas!

Til Your Arms Fall Off or You Eventually Fall Down a Hill

Or lats explode. Your choice.

Robo hasn't blogged about the ridiculous pulling swim workout yet, although, she really hammed it up about her swim test. Last week, her coach lady wanted to kill her. Well, her arms at least. And Robo thought it would be fun to pass on the joy to me. I'm not going to tell you the particulars of the workout, as that's between Robyn and Robyn's Coach Lady (and me because I stole that workout). However.

Howevvver, I will tell you that the main sets (Yes, plural) were pull. A lot of it. All 2300 yards of it. As far as I could see, there was nothing that said "pull bouy allowed" either. There were things like "let legs hang" and "band together" as well as, "no flip turn, turn like at marking bouy." It was sick, I tell ya.

I thought today would be a good day to do this set. After all, I work at a pool, and had some time over lunch. So I put on my gear and got in. Geesh. After Monday's spin- thankfully only a functional threshold test, not Max HR test; that's tomorrow- I took yesterday to lightly recover. Good thing I don't need my arms to run tonight. I'm planning to make another trail attempt, only this time, with Mr. TriathleteBride. Yes, that one. The crosscountrysuperstarwhatever. But, it will be dark, so I should just put some big sticks on the trail and he can roll down the hill.

When I asked my dear hubby if he wanted to join me he asked if it's a good idea. "It will be dark by then," he tells me. Yes dear, that's why I want you to come with me. "Won't you twist your ankle or break your leg? That sounds like something Wimpy would do." Gee, thanks for your supreme confidence in me!

Wimpy is my pet name. It has nothing to do with being a puss. It's a derivitive from the Wimpony, which I have no idea where that came from.

Maybe I will need my arms to catch me tonight, like, when I fall into a ravine.

So It Begins

Well, Here We Are.

Tonight's first of the year "Spin" class will mark the third consecutive workout for me. Yes, I said third. Tonight I shall embark on a 16 week journey of twice weekly bike sessions with the goal of building miles and kicking my anaerobic threshold. No really, the name of the class is KMA. Although, all the participants are fully aware that KMA is really for Kick My Ass and has little to do with anaerobic thresholds.

Yesterday, I swam around 3500 yards. Hardly anything when you think about one race totaling 4400. However, I worked hard. Especially on the negative split 400's. After looking at previous year's RedMan results, I'm having a hard time understanding why the swim splits are so... slow. Only one woman last year swam under 1:05. In 2007, the first woman out of the water was a 1:24. ONE HOUR, TWENTY FOUR MINUTES. 2006 was two minutes slower than that! I'm guessing its the lack of draft that causes the slower times, and there's fewer competitors to compare by. I was the 70th woman out of the water at IMFL 07 with a 1:06. The fastest fish that day was Theresa Mackel in 50min.

After looking over results, I feel like if I can swim to the same ability as in 2007 (not the same speed, as the draft really does play a huge part), then I should exit the water near the front of the overall race. I'll worry about the bike and run later. Let me savor this moment.

I'm still figuring out the coaching situation. I originally thought I'd have more moola to spend than I really do. I found someone that I feel would be an excellent fit, however, I'm trying to figure ways to make coaching a necessity versus a want and therefore giving paying thousands a year a bigger allowance out of our budget. I do want to say that Nancy Strickland coached me last year and is F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. However, I was needing to make some changes and when doing an Ironman, it's easier on the phsyche to be coached BY and Ironman. Not to say Nancy isn't a badass in her own right.

I'm off to dig thru a box of mismatch heart rate monitor straps here in the office. During my "arms will fall off" swim set yesterday, my faithful HRM of two years but the dust. I've tried changing batteries, replacing pieces, anything, to save it. But, I think it's done. However, the watch/ receiver portion still is ticking (pun intended), so hopefully there's a Nike strap in this gross sweaty box.