Remember, I said WHEN I win?
Well, guess what.
I WON!
I REALLY DID!
OK, it was only $2, but that means one free coffee this week with 84 cents left over.
WINNING!
4 months ago
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Power Of Positive Thinking
Remember yesterday when I said I was going to win the Mega-Millions lottery?
Remember, I said WHEN I win?
Well, guess what.
I WON!
I REALLY DID!
OK, it was only $2, but that means one free coffee this week with 84 cents left over.
WINNING!
Remember, I said WHEN I win?
Well, guess what.
I WON!
I REALLY DID!
OK, it was only $2, but that means one free coffee this week with 84 cents left over.
WINNING!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday Four times two
1. I bought a vacuum from a door-to-door salesman.
2. But thanks to the "INTERNETS" I got a pretty good deal!
3. After everything the salesman did to sell me the vacuum, I'm a little more thankful that I'm not in sales!
4. I have not read The Hunger Games but I'm intrigued. I want to see the movie but feel compelled to read it first since the book is always better than the movie.
5. What should be done first...something marked ASAP, or Immediately? I get countless emails all day with these words. Truth be told I'm kind of numb to both phrases.
6. Lotto is up to $540M! Five hundred forty MILLION!!!! Boy do I have ideas on how to spend it!
7. I'm a cheapskate. For example, I'm typing this on my Nook because I'm too cheap to buy an iPad. I wonder if that will change when I win $540 MILLION!
8. Yep, I said when I win. The power of positive thinking!
Well, that's twice as many as I've been doing so Happy Friday!
2. But thanks to the "INTERNETS" I got a pretty good deal!
3. After everything the salesman did to sell me the vacuum, I'm a little more thankful that I'm not in sales!
4. I have not read The Hunger Games but I'm intrigued. I want to see the movie but feel compelled to read it first since the book is always better than the movie.
5. What should be done first...something marked ASAP, or Immediately? I get countless emails all day with these words. Truth be told I'm kind of numb to both phrases.
6. Lotto is up to $540M! Five hundred forty MILLION!!!! Boy do I have ideas on how to spend it!
7. I'm a cheapskate. For example, I'm typing this on my Nook because I'm too cheap to buy an iPad. I wonder if that will change when I win $540 MILLION!
8. Yep, I said when I win. The power of positive thinking!
Well, that's twice as many as I've been doing so Happy Friday!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday Four - Summer in MARCH!!!!
1. 88 degrees out today, and our upstairs air conditioner doesn't work. And noone answers when we call the warrenty line. NOT Happy!
2. It is GORGEOUS out! Charlie and I went for a nice walk in the woods out to the lake - water is rising, almost time to test it for swimming! HAPPY!
3. Dude is out fishing in the lake so we are either having fish or bison burgers for supper. I'm betting on the burger! HAPPY (either way)!
4. It's time to go sit on the back deck with Corona Light and watch the sun set over the lake! Yabba- Dabba - Do!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
2. It is GORGEOUS out! Charlie and I went for a nice walk in the woods out to the lake - water is rising, almost time to test it for swimming! HAPPY!
3. Dude is out fishing in the lake so we are either having fish or bison burgers for supper. I'm betting on the burger! HAPPY (either way)!
4. It's time to go sit on the back deck with Corona Light and watch the sun set over the lake! Yabba- Dabba - Do!
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday Four - Random things that have nothing to do with the other
1. I'm "Judgey McJudgey Pants" in the check out line. I look at what you're buying, I look at you, and I make assumptions. Well today, I would hate to think what people were thinking of me.
Usually I'm all veggies, lean meats, and whole grains.
Today...not so much:
- hot dogs (turkey dogs...but still),
- hot dog buns (white enriched flour buns, not the whole wheat ones),
- chili (hormel...not Amy's Organic which I would have felt less guilty about),
- steak fries (cause I'm running low on tator tots and prefer steak fries),
- and a box of wine (cause it's Friday and I'm thirsty).
Happy Friday!
2. We are finally having our Housewarming. If you weren't invited it's because I either don't have your email address (send it to me) or I don't know you but I appreciate you reading! Since we live in the sticks (a good 30+ miles from many of our friends) our theme is "Putting on the Sticks" - Kebabs and appetizers on toothpicks.
3. Charlie is the best darn dog in the whole universe! We finally found a dog park close to us (then three days later I found out about another one). I also figured out that he is not a running dog. Well, maybe he could be a running dog, provided he is off leash. Attach the leash and he becomes s-l-o-w walking dog!
4. George Clooney was apparently in town and he didn't call. :-(
Usually I'm all veggies, lean meats, and whole grains.
Today...not so much:
- hot dogs (turkey dogs...but still),
- hot dog buns (white enriched flour buns, not the whole wheat ones),
- chili (hormel...not Amy's Organic which I would have felt less guilty about),
- steak fries (cause I'm running low on tator tots and prefer steak fries),
- and a box of wine (cause it's Friday and I'm thirsty).
Happy Friday!
2. We are finally having our Housewarming. If you weren't invited it's because I either don't have your email address (send it to me) or I don't know you but I appreciate you reading! Since we live in the sticks (a good 30+ miles from many of our friends) our theme is "Putting on the Sticks" - Kebabs and appetizers on toothpicks.
3. Charlie is the best darn dog in the whole universe! We finally found a dog park close to us (then three days later I found out about another one). I also figured out that he is not a running dog. Well, maybe he could be a running dog, provided he is off leash. Attach the leash and he becomes s-l-o-w walking dog!
4. George Clooney was apparently in town and he didn't call. :-(
Friday, February 10, 2012
Friday Four...Reasons I Love Noufal Hair Salon
4. Their products smell AMAZING!
3. They offer wine (and other drinks and today I opted for water...it was 11:30 and all).
2. Best hair washing/scalp massage EVER!
1. Joey makes my hair look like this:
When I try, it looks like this:
His=Poofy and Cool
Mine = Frizzy and 80's
Noufal Hair Color Studio Check them out!
3. They offer wine (and other drinks and today I opted for water...it was 11:30 and all).
2. Best hair washing/scalp massage EVER!
1. Joey makes my hair look like this:
When I try, it looks like this:
His=Poofy and Cool
Mine = Frizzy and 80's
Noufal Hair Color Studio Check them out!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
2012 Goals
1. Less work, more family.
Have you seen my gorgeous family?
This year is about the four of us. This summer will be our first family vacation (more than a weekend). Depending on the next few months, we are either going to Europe (I'm pushing for Germany) or renting an RV and seeing some of the U.S.
2. No race goals.
If I race, do it for the company and the fun (it's not like I'm going to win)!
3. No race planning.
Sign up if I feel like it.
4. NO RUNNING!
I can say that now that Goofy Challenge is behind me. I have to give my back a break or I will be under the knife by year-end! (BTW, check out the Goofy Bling)
5. Find events that Dude and I can do together.
Cycling comes to mind. And I see a lot of hiking in our future. Any suggestions?
6. Cook more!
I live next door to Wegman's, this should be easy! Don't forget to check out my other blog - TRI TO COOK! I foresee more posts there than here over the next year!
7. Eat healthy. See above.
8. More time with friends.
I'd like to do a once a month pot-luck/get-together. I know I live in the sticks, but I figure if you offer good food and good wine, they will come!
9. Better (more) Dude time.
Work has been insane. Then there was the stupid Ironman thing. And the move. And the new dog. And have I mentioned work? It's time to get back to the basics.
10. Me, Me, Me.
After #1 and #9 I have to say, sometimes it is all about me! More family and more Dude time = Happy Me. In addition to that, I swear, I'm going back to school to finish those last four classes for my MBA. And I'm stalking Groupon/Daily Deals/Specialicious for massage, manicure, pedicure, and spa day deals.
Have you seen my gorgeous family?
This year is about the four of us. This summer will be our first family vacation (more than a weekend). Depending on the next few months, we are either going to Europe (I'm pushing for Germany) or renting an RV and seeing some of the U.S.
2. No race goals.
If I race, do it for the company and the fun (it's not like I'm going to win)!
3. No race planning.
Sign up if I feel like it.
4. NO RUNNING!
I can say that now that Goofy Challenge is behind me. I have to give my back a break or I will be under the knife by year-end! (BTW, check out the Goofy Bling)
5. Find events that Dude and I can do together.
Cycling comes to mind. And I see a lot of hiking in our future. Any suggestions?
6. Cook more!
I live next door to Wegman's, this should be easy! Don't forget to check out my other blog - TRI TO COOK! I foresee more posts there than here over the next year!
7. Eat healthy. See above.
8. More time with friends.
I'd like to do a once a month pot-luck/get-together. I know I live in the sticks, but I figure if you offer good food and good wine, they will come!
9. Better (more) Dude time.
Work has been insane. Then there was the stupid Ironman thing. And the move. And the new dog. And have I mentioned work? It's time to get back to the basics.
10. Me, Me, Me.
After #1 and #9 I have to say, sometimes it is all about me! More family and more Dude time = Happy Me. In addition to that, I swear, I'm going back to school to finish those last four classes for my MBA. And I'm stalking Groupon/Daily Deals/Specialicious for massage, manicure, pedicure, and spa day deals.
2011 in Review
Better late then never...
2011 in Review
Jan = Sick...and that's all I have to say about that!
Feb = Bought House - ok, bought property where the house would eventually be built.
Mar = Injured
Apr = Face of America
May = Lake Anna 70.3
June = Training - Almost every workout!!!
July = Musselman 70.3 - I didn't post a race report but it was hot, I did worse than last year, and spent most of the post race at the hospital with Patti. Friends - when it's hot, take salt tablets and hydrate!!!!
Aug = Training - Again, almost every workout!!!
Sep = Work...and that's all I have to say about that. Oh, and training during the week stopped.
Oct = Work, Move, and Charlie-Poo adopted us
Nov = Work, Unpacking, and Ironman
Dec = Work, Holiday, and Eating!
Happy New Year!!!
2011 in Review
Jan = Sick...and that's all I have to say about that!
Feb = Bought House - ok, bought property where the house would eventually be built.
Mar = Injured
Apr = Face of America
May = Lake Anna 70.3
June = Training - Almost every workout!!!
July = Musselman 70.3 - I didn't post a race report but it was hot, I did worse than last year, and spent most of the post race at the hospital with Patti. Friends - when it's hot, take salt tablets and hydrate!!!!
Aug = Training - Again, almost every workout!!!
Sep = Work...and that's all I have to say about that. Oh, and training during the week stopped.
Oct = Work, Move, and Charlie-Poo adopted us
Nov = Work, Unpacking, and Ironman
Dec = Work, Holiday, and Eating!
Happy New Year!!!
Ironman Arizona (IM-AZing) Race Report
Back Story: I signed up a year ago with all kinds of lofty goals. I was going to work through the winter to improve my run and get down to a sub-five marathon (shut up, I’m NOT fast), summer was going to be all about the bike, and I was going to swim twice a week to get stronger. My goal…13:30.
Then life happened.
I was sick or injured most of the winter and didn’t run a winter marathon. I finally got my head out of my a$$ and started training in the Spring. Summer was good, I did almost all the weekday workouts, swam once a week, and got the weekend stuff in. Come September, training ceased. I was working 70+ hours a week so weekday workouts stopped happening. Our house was finishing so there was the move (and getting two houses ready for the rental market). We got a dog. What can I say, training kept getting pushed lower and lower on the priority scale. I did make sure I got the weekend runs/rides in but my lofty goals were reduced to (a) finishing, and (b) try to break 15 hours.
Race Plan: When I felt good HAMMER IT until it didn’t feel good anymore. Probably NOT the best Ironman plan, but due to the lack of training, I knew it was going to hurt. I also knew at times it wasn’t going to hurt so I’d take advantage of those moments.
Swim Motto: PULL, PULL, PULLThis year I noticed during swim practices I am confident and feel like I’m the fastest swimmer in my lane. When I swim in the fast lane I push myself to keep up with them and I manage to stay on their toes. That confidence disappears on race day though. I start swimming and just assume everyone is faster than me so I relax and just let everyone pass me.
Well not at Ironman.
This swim was the most physical one I’ve ever been in. There was punching, shoving, body checking, kicking, dunking, etc. I rarely got a clear area and even somehow got wrapped up in Tina’s (Team Z blind athlete) guide tether at the turn around point. Once I was turned around, I became a drill instructor and just kept yelling Pull! Pull! Pull! in my head, knowing my arms would feel like rubber at the end, but what do I need arms for on the bike?!
Overall I was thrilled with my swim! The volunteers pulled me out of the water, wetsuit strippers stripped me, and I ran/walked into transition with a gigantic smile on my face. I knew I PR’d the swim and really, the swim was the only thing I worried about. I knew I could ride the miles, and I knew, if required, I could walk the marathon. The swim was my biggest obstacle and I rocked it!
Distance/Time: 2.4 miles – Goal 1:30; Actual 1:24:26: PR by ~4 minutes!!
T1 – Goal 10 min; Actual 10:53 - I did a last minute change in the morning and swam in a swim suit instead of my compression shorts and sports bra (stupid, stupid, stupid). I wasted minutes trying to get into my Zoot’s but a wet body and compression shorts are not a good combination. I gave up, threw on my bike shorts and headed out
Bike Motto: Live the Plan: If you feel good, get in aero and HAMMER IT!
Split 1: This is a pretty fast course, or maybe it was the ZIPP 404 Firecrest tires. Regardless, the first loop was FAST. Great tailwinds, I felt good, so I hammered it.
37.4 miles 17.81 mph pace
Split 2: I spent this loop looking forward to the turn-around to get those tailwinds. Boy was I in for a surprise! Seriously, how could the winds turn so drastically? Oh well, I still felt good so I got in aero and hammered it. I was thrilled when I was still hitting my time goal at the turn-around point.
74.6 miles 16.45 mph pace
Split 3: I was a little down after the second loop but I kept telling myself just one more to go and maybe those winds will be my friend again. My neck was hurting so I stayed in aero and focused on the 6” in front of my tire. Made the turn-around …what was I in for…more wind, but not as bad as last time. Body check – feeling good, HAMMER IT!
112 miles 16.97 mph pace
Total Bike 112 miles: Goal 7:00; Actual 6:33:59/17:06 mph pace – PR by 14 minutes (against B2B, 41 minutes faster than Switzerland)!! That was AWESOME!!
T2 – Goal 10 min; Actual 6:51 - Robin, my Ironman Switzerland partner in crime, helped me into T2, into my run gear, and sent me on my way.
Run Motto: Anyone Can Run For Five Minutes (I do 5:1 run/walk intervals, so every time the watch went off to run, I said that…out loud)
Split 1: Started to run and realized I may have killed my legs on the bike. This is going to be a LOONNGG night. Plodded along waiting for my watch to go off so I could walk, and plodded, and plodded. How long can five minutes last? WTF…Seriously, when can I walk…wait a minute, Michele programmed my watch for 5 HOUR:1 HOUR increments instead of 5 MINUTES:1 MINUTE intervals. We had a good laugh about that when I saw her cheering on the course.
2.5 miles 13:35/mile pace
Split 2: The women with Dr. Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel are ANGELS – a little bit of that and my calf started working again! This course was a little hilly so I walked the inclines, and I walked my one minute increments. In between, I concentrated on form and cadence.
11.5 miles 12:12/mile pace
Split 3: (this was my worst loop mentally) The loops seemed to take F.O.R.E.V.E.R. And I could never figure out where I was. I saw people across the lake, but couldn’t figure out if I was heading there or if I had already been there. And my back hurt, really really hurt and Dr Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel doesn’t help bone on bone grating. I finally started in on the chicken broth and cola and my mood turned. Best advice I’ve ever received way back in 2008, “if they offer you chicken broth, take the chicken broth”!
20 miles 12:37/mile pace
Split 4: This guy dressed up as Batman kept leap-frogging me and I decided there was no way Batman was going to beat me.
Forget the pain, stay ahead of Bruce Wayne!
Finally made it around the endless loop to the finish line turn- in and assumed it was right there. Nope. There was a woman just ahead of me as we turned in, so I kicked it to get ahead of her (again, thinking the finish line was right there). It wasn’t so I had to hold that pace for longer than what was comfortable. FINALLY, finish line just ahead… smile, high five, smile, take it in, smile, check to see if others were around me, nope, OWN the Finish Line!
ESTHER LETSCHE – YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!!
Yeah I am!
26.2 miles 13:12/mile pace
Total Run 26.2 miles: Goal 5:30; 5:33:05/12:42 pace (11 min slower than IMS)
Final –13:49:11 (PR by 29 minutes)
It really was IM-AZing!
Then life happened.
I was sick or injured most of the winter and didn’t run a winter marathon. I finally got my head out of my a$$ and started training in the Spring. Summer was good, I did almost all the weekday workouts, swam once a week, and got the weekend stuff in. Come September, training ceased. I was working 70+ hours a week so weekday workouts stopped happening. Our house was finishing so there was the move (and getting two houses ready for the rental market). We got a dog. What can I say, training kept getting pushed lower and lower on the priority scale. I did make sure I got the weekend runs/rides in but my lofty goals were reduced to (a) finishing, and (b) try to break 15 hours.
Race Plan: When I felt good HAMMER IT until it didn’t feel good anymore. Probably NOT the best Ironman plan, but due to the lack of training, I knew it was going to hurt. I also knew at times it wasn’t going to hurt so I’d take advantage of those moments.
Swim Motto: PULL, PULL, PULLThis year I noticed during swim practices I am confident and feel like I’m the fastest swimmer in my lane. When I swim in the fast lane I push myself to keep up with them and I manage to stay on their toes. That confidence disappears on race day though. I start swimming and just assume everyone is faster than me so I relax and just let everyone pass me.
Well not at Ironman.
This swim was the most physical one I’ve ever been in. There was punching, shoving, body checking, kicking, dunking, etc. I rarely got a clear area and even somehow got wrapped up in Tina’s (Team Z blind athlete) guide tether at the turn around point. Once I was turned around, I became a drill instructor and just kept yelling Pull! Pull! Pull! in my head, knowing my arms would feel like rubber at the end, but what do I need arms for on the bike?!
Overall I was thrilled with my swim! The volunteers pulled me out of the water, wetsuit strippers stripped me, and I ran/walked into transition with a gigantic smile on my face. I knew I PR’d the swim and really, the swim was the only thing I worried about. I knew I could ride the miles, and I knew, if required, I could walk the marathon. The swim was my biggest obstacle and I rocked it!
Distance/Time: 2.4 miles – Goal 1:30; Actual 1:24:26: PR by ~4 minutes!!
T1 – Goal 10 min; Actual 10:53 - I did a last minute change in the morning and swam in a swim suit instead of my compression shorts and sports bra (stupid, stupid, stupid). I wasted minutes trying to get into my Zoot’s but a wet body and compression shorts are not a good combination. I gave up, threw on my bike shorts and headed out
Bike Motto: Live the Plan: If you feel good, get in aero and HAMMER IT!
Split 1: This is a pretty fast course, or maybe it was the ZIPP 404 Firecrest tires. Regardless, the first loop was FAST. Great tailwinds, I felt good, so I hammered it.
37.4 miles 17.81 mph pace
Split 2: I spent this loop looking forward to the turn-around to get those tailwinds. Boy was I in for a surprise! Seriously, how could the winds turn so drastically? Oh well, I still felt good so I got in aero and hammered it. I was thrilled when I was still hitting my time goal at the turn-around point.
74.6 miles 16.45 mph pace
Split 3: I was a little down after the second loop but I kept telling myself just one more to go and maybe those winds will be my friend again. My neck was hurting so I stayed in aero and focused on the 6” in front of my tire. Made the turn-around …what was I in for…more wind, but not as bad as last time. Body check – feeling good, HAMMER IT!
112 miles 16.97 mph pace
Total Bike 112 miles: Goal 7:00; Actual 6:33:59/17:06 mph pace – PR by 14 minutes (against B2B, 41 minutes faster than Switzerland)!! That was AWESOME!!
T2 – Goal 10 min; Actual 6:51 - Robin, my Ironman Switzerland partner in crime, helped me into T2, into my run gear, and sent me on my way.
Run Motto: Anyone Can Run For Five Minutes (I do 5:1 run/walk intervals, so every time the watch went off to run, I said that…out loud)
Split 1: Started to run and realized I may have killed my legs on the bike. This is going to be a LOONNGG night. Plodded along waiting for my watch to go off so I could walk, and plodded, and plodded. How long can five minutes last? WTF…Seriously, when can I walk…wait a minute, Michele programmed my watch for 5 HOUR:1 HOUR increments instead of 5 MINUTES:1 MINUTE intervals. We had a good laugh about that when I saw her cheering on the course.
2.5 miles 13:35/mile pace
Split 2: The women with Dr. Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel are ANGELS – a little bit of that and my calf started working again! This course was a little hilly so I walked the inclines, and I walked my one minute increments. In between, I concentrated on form and cadence.
11.5 miles 12:12/mile pace
Split 3: (this was my worst loop mentally) The loops seemed to take F.O.R.E.V.E.R. And I could never figure out where I was. I saw people across the lake, but couldn’t figure out if I was heading there or if I had already been there. And my back hurt, really really hurt and Dr Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel doesn’t help bone on bone grating. I finally started in on the chicken broth and cola and my mood turned. Best advice I’ve ever received way back in 2008, “if they offer you chicken broth, take the chicken broth”!
20 miles 12:37/mile pace
Split 4: This guy dressed up as Batman kept leap-frogging me and I decided there was no way Batman was going to beat me.
Forget the pain, stay ahead of Bruce Wayne!
Finally made it around the endless loop to the finish line turn- in and assumed it was right there. Nope. There was a woman just ahead of me as we turned in, so I kicked it to get ahead of her (again, thinking the finish line was right there). It wasn’t so I had to hold that pace for longer than what was comfortable. FINALLY, finish line just ahead… smile, high five, smile, take it in, smile, check to see if others were around me, nope, OWN the Finish Line!
ESTHER LETSCHE – YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!!
Yeah I am!
26.2 miles 13:12/mile pace
Total Run 26.2 miles: Goal 5:30; 5:33:05/12:42 pace (11 min slower than IMS)
Final –13:49:11 (PR by 29 minutes)
It really was IM-AZing!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
House...
Last we spoke (yeah, yeah, yeah...) the footers were about to be started. Well, July 1st that happened.
Around July 9th we got basement walls:
Then I went to a race and on vacation so I missed two weeks of visiting. Next thing you know, it's July 30th and viola:
We have a house! Here's a room by room...
Entry:
Office:
Living Room:
Kitchen:
Sunroom:
Master Bedroom:
J's Room:
Basement:
By August 7th we had windows:
Around August 19th plumbing and electrical was done. Those would be boring pictures, so here's the huge master tub:
August 28th showed they were prepping to start the stonework outside:
And by August 31st the stonework was almost done:
The insulation was also done, but I don't have pictures of that.
And finally, by Friday, September 2nd, the drywall was 100% installed:
Kitchen and Sunroom:
And the started the siding:
We were told it would most likely be done mid to late October...PERFECT with my training schedule!!!
Oh, and I can't write a post about the house without mentioning my backyard:
CAN'T WAIT!!!
Around July 9th we got basement walls:
Then I went to a race and on vacation so I missed two weeks of visiting. Next thing you know, it's July 30th and viola:
We have a house! Here's a room by room...
Entry:
Office:
Living Room:
Kitchen:
Sunroom:
Master Bedroom:
J's Room:
Basement:
By August 7th we had windows:
Around August 19th plumbing and electrical was done. Those would be boring pictures, so here's the huge master tub:
August 28th showed they were prepping to start the stonework outside:
And by August 31st the stonework was almost done:
The insulation was also done, but I don't have pictures of that.
And finally, by Friday, September 2nd, the drywall was 100% installed:
Kitchen and Sunroom:
And the started the siding:
We were told it would most likely be done mid to late October...PERFECT with my training schedule!!!
Oh, and I can't write a post about the house without mentioning my backyard:
CAN'T WAIT!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Organized Randomness
1. Living Arrangements:
I was filling out some paperwork and had to list my address and whether I Own, Rent, or Other (Explain). So I checked Other and I have to come up with an explanation. Living in Sin? Freeloading wench? Live-In Cook/Lover?
2. New House:
At last look, my neighbors should be moving in any day now. That may be an exaggeration but last week they were putting shingles on and they have windows.
3. New House:
I still have dirt. But the footers are allegedly being put in today so the “real” construction should start soon.
4. Triathlon:
The other day I was asked what is my favorite part of triathlon. I use to quickly say running (ok, I use to say transitions which is still true), but the favorite sport was running. Not so much anymore. My calf is pretty much heeled but it still flares up and my back just hurts... All. The. Time.
5. Triathlon:
That said, it’s official, my favorite part is cycling. (And even as I type that I said ICK!)
6. Food:
I’m going to try a new nutritionist next week. Her name is Shelby and she works primarily with athletes. Her website is shelbykfitness.com – check it out.
7. Food:
I’m getting wishy-washy on the veggie delivery. It’s great in that I try new things and we are eating healthier but it’s darn expensive! I can't wait until I live next to Wegman's!
8. Life:
I’m going to see Mamma Mia at Wolf Trap tonight and I’ve had the song Dancing Queen in my head all day.
9. Life:
You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen.
10. Life:
Just try to get that song out of your head now!!!
11. Work:
3.5 day weekend couldn’t come soon enough!!!!
12. Work:
I rarely mention work here (or anywhere electronically) so I’ll say a lot by saying a little:
AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
13. Work:
If you choose to add expletives in there, that’s your choice.
I was filling out some paperwork and had to list my address and whether I Own, Rent, or Other (Explain). So I checked Other and I have to come up with an explanation. Living in Sin? Freeloading wench? Live-In Cook/Lover?
2. New House:
At last look, my neighbors should be moving in any day now. That may be an exaggeration but last week they were putting shingles on and they have windows.
3. New House:
I still have dirt. But the footers are allegedly being put in today so the “real” construction should start soon.
4. Triathlon:
The other day I was asked what is my favorite part of triathlon. I use to quickly say running (ok, I use to say transitions which is still true), but the favorite sport was running. Not so much anymore. My calf is pretty much heeled but it still flares up and my back just hurts... All. The. Time.
5. Triathlon:
That said, it’s official, my favorite part is cycling. (And even as I type that I said ICK!)
6. Food:
I’m going to try a new nutritionist next week. Her name is Shelby and she works primarily with athletes. Her website is shelbykfitness.com – check it out.
7. Food:
I’m getting wishy-washy on the veggie delivery. It’s great in that I try new things and we are eating healthier but it’s darn expensive! I can't wait until I live next to Wegman's!
8. Life:
I’m going to see Mamma Mia at Wolf Trap tonight and I’ve had the song Dancing Queen in my head all day.
9. Life:
You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen.
10. Life:
Just try to get that song out of your head now!!!
11. Work:
3.5 day weekend couldn’t come soon enough!!!!
12. Work:
I rarely mention work here (or anywhere electronically) so I’ll say a lot by saying a little:
AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
13. Work:
If you choose to add expletives in there, that’s your choice.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Check It...
Finally added some recipes to my Tri To Cook Blog.
Only three of them, but they are all fabulous! Grilled Vegetable Salad with Greens, Tomatoes, Herbs and some other stuff, Chard and Salami Frittata - made with prosciutto, and Roasted Cod on Large Garlic Croutons which may be one of the best things I have ever made.
Enjoy!
Only three of them, but they are all fabulous! Grilled Vegetable Salad with Greens, Tomatoes, Herbs and some other stuff, Chard and Salami Frittata - made with prosciutto, and Roasted Cod on Large Garlic Croutons which may be one of the best things I have ever made.
Enjoy!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thirteen About The Move
1. My townhouse rented, it showed for two days, got five applications, and one person is moving in on 26 June.
2. Which is great! Think of all the $$$ I can save in the next 4 or 5 months until the house is built!
3. But, now I have to pack. I hate packing (but I love unpacking). So far the “stuff” in my office, spare room and bedroom are done. By the end of the weekend, the closets, living room and kitchen will be done.
4. Storage facility is reserved, movers come next Friday, and the carpets get cleaned on the 25th then I am D-O-N-E with that place!
5. Except that whole being a slumlord, I mean landlord.
6. And I have to do that whole change of address thing. Hopefully my junk mail will decrease.
7. I didn’t expect this to happen so quickly so training has taken the back seat this week. Missed both bike rides during the week, both strength, and one swim. ARGH!
8. And because of the timing of this, our weekend getaway is cancelled.
9. But still, I’m glad it rented and I’m looking forward to saving some money over the next couple months!
10. I didn’t think I had a lot of stuff until I started packing. By my guesstimate, I have about quarter of stuff then Dude has. This means packing his place is going to SUCK!
11. New House News – Apparently we are NOT on the neighbor’s schedule. If we were we’d be getting the foundation poured by now. So far we have an excavated basement. In other words, no progress since last week.
12. But the neighbors have all their exterior framing, roof, most interior framing, and the porch done (again, they signed a week before us).
13. I hate the neighbors. OK, I don’t really hate them but I’m really jealous of them. They got my first choice house (not that we could afford it), the lot we wanted (no ugly green box in the yard), the stone we wanted (but ours is still awesome), and now a much faster build. But I am 1/4 acre closer to Wegman’s then they are!
2. Which is great! Think of all the $$$ I can save in the next 4 or 5 months until the house is built!
3. But, now I have to pack. I hate packing (but I love unpacking). So far the “stuff” in my office, spare room and bedroom are done. By the end of the weekend, the closets, living room and kitchen will be done.
4. Storage facility is reserved, movers come next Friday, and the carpets get cleaned on the 25th then I am D-O-N-E with that place!
5. Except that whole being a slumlord, I mean landlord.
6. And I have to do that whole change of address thing. Hopefully my junk mail will decrease.
7. I didn’t expect this to happen so quickly so training has taken the back seat this week. Missed both bike rides during the week, both strength, and one swim. ARGH!
8. And because of the timing of this, our weekend getaway is cancelled.
9. But still, I’m glad it rented and I’m looking forward to saving some money over the next couple months!
10. I didn’t think I had a lot of stuff until I started packing. By my guesstimate, I have about quarter of stuff then Dude has. This means packing his place is going to SUCK!
11. New House News – Apparently we are NOT on the neighbor’s schedule. If we were we’d be getting the foundation poured by now. So far we have an excavated basement. In other words, no progress since last week.
12. But the neighbors have all their exterior framing, roof, most interior framing, and the porch done (again, they signed a week before us).
13. I hate the neighbors. OK, I don’t really hate them but I’m really jealous of them. They got my first choice house (not that we could afford it), the lot we wanted (no ugly green box in the yard), the stone we wanted (but ours is still awesome), and now a much faster build. But I am 1/4 acre closer to Wegman’s then they are!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
13
1. Two posts in one day, and a Thursday 13 on time. Apparently miracles DO happen.
2. I’ve finally gotten into the Training Groove. And just in time since IM-AZ is 5 months and 11 days away!
3. I am doing strength training with Barry the Strongman. He had me flipping 375 pound tires, over and over again. Pretty cool stuff, and great for the core muscles! Unfortunately, he got a new job and so far, aligning our schedules has been difficult.
4. My calf is all heeled now but I’ve had back pain for months. I finally let Dr Tara take x-rays and here’s the results:
I have mild scoliosis – lower back.
Then where my spine is SUPPOSE to curve (think side view towards the bottom), it is perfectly straight (has no give).
AND the lowest disk is almost non-existent due to arthritis.
But wait, there’s more…
bone spurs on my spine and hips.
And THAT is why I wake up in pain everyday and why I have to build up my core muscles!
5. Along with the Training Groove, I’m also on the Eating Groove. Which, by the way, is counter-productive. By IM-AZ I'd like to look like Princess Leah in this picture, but the way things are going, I'm more likely going to look like Jabba the Hut!
6. House News!!! They STARTED!!!! (3 ½ months after we signed all the paperwork and without telling us, sigh …details). As of last Sunday, they have excavated the basement and as soon as Dude gets around to sending me pictures I’ll post them. If they work at the same pace as they did with our neighbors we should have basement walls this week, floor next week, and metal beams the following week!!
7. Townhouse is on the rental market (through a realtor, I don’t have the time or energy to deal with it) and besides not wanting to pack/store everything I hope it rents soon!
8. Back to the eating thing, we just started getting veggies delivered to us though South Mountain Veggies and it’s pretty cool. Since I tend to stick with veggies I know when shopping this will give me a chance to play with new items. Last week I got beets and rhubarb as part of the bag. The beets made their way into a grilled veggie salad and the rhubarb was used in a fantastic strawberry-rhubarb pie.
9. Speaking of cooking, and the above mentioned dishes, I am WAY behind on blogging on my Tri To Cook site. I have at least 8 recipes written down, just need to type/add them to the blog. Maybe this weekend!
10. It’s been a while since I blogged, but Face of America was a rousing success in money raising. Team Steel Wheels raised over $24K and the event itself raised over $400K! As for the actual ride, day one was a freezing wet adventure and day two was great. Definitely an inspiring weekend made more so by one of our team members, Jothy Rosenberg, who lost his leg and half a lung when he was a teenager and was told he would not survive. He’s in his 40’s now – check out his book and you will probably never say “I can’t do that” again! I love this picture of our team after the race!
11. It’s Thursday, Dude’s birthday is Sunday and I have NO IDEA what to get him.
12. Dude and I are taking a quick weekend getaway in 3 weeks. Either Blackwater Falls or Seneca, WV. He wants to camp, I want to cabin and it looks like he’s going to win.
13. I just got my bonus and I know I should save it for everything we’ll need at the house, but Penny has been eyeing new wheels. Not ZIPPs mind you, but something more lightweight/racier. Hmmmmmmm….
2. I’ve finally gotten into the Training Groove. And just in time since IM-AZ is 5 months and 11 days away!
3. I am doing strength training with Barry the Strongman. He had me flipping 375 pound tires, over and over again. Pretty cool stuff, and great for the core muscles! Unfortunately, he got a new job and so far, aligning our schedules has been difficult.
4. My calf is all heeled now but I’ve had back pain for months. I finally let Dr Tara take x-rays and here’s the results:
I have mild scoliosis – lower back.
Then where my spine is SUPPOSE to curve (think side view towards the bottom), it is perfectly straight (has no give).
AND the lowest disk is almost non-existent due to arthritis.
But wait, there’s more…
bone spurs on my spine and hips.
And THAT is why I wake up in pain everyday and why I have to build up my core muscles!
5. Along with the Training Groove, I’m also on the Eating Groove. Which, by the way, is counter-productive. By IM-AZ I'd like to look like Princess Leah in this picture, but the way things are going, I'm more likely going to look like Jabba the Hut!
6. House News!!! They STARTED!!!! (3 ½ months after we signed all the paperwork and without telling us, sigh …details). As of last Sunday, they have excavated the basement and as soon as Dude gets around to sending me pictures I’ll post them. If they work at the same pace as they did with our neighbors we should have basement walls this week, floor next week, and metal beams the following week!!
7. Townhouse is on the rental market (through a realtor, I don’t have the time or energy to deal with it) and besides not wanting to pack/store everything I hope it rents soon!
8. Back to the eating thing, we just started getting veggies delivered to us though South Mountain Veggies and it’s pretty cool. Since I tend to stick with veggies I know when shopping this will give me a chance to play with new items. Last week I got beets and rhubarb as part of the bag. The beets made their way into a grilled veggie salad and the rhubarb was used in a fantastic strawberry-rhubarb pie.
9. Speaking of cooking, and the above mentioned dishes, I am WAY behind on blogging on my Tri To Cook site. I have at least 8 recipes written down, just need to type/add them to the blog. Maybe this weekend!
10. It’s been a while since I blogged, but Face of America was a rousing success in money raising. Team Steel Wheels raised over $24K and the event itself raised over $400K! As for the actual ride, day one was a freezing wet adventure and day two was great. Definitely an inspiring weekend made more so by one of our team members, Jothy Rosenberg, who lost his leg and half a lung when he was a teenager and was told he would not survive. He’s in his 40’s now – check out his book and you will probably never say “I can’t do that” again! I love this picture of our team after the race!
11. It’s Thursday, Dude’s birthday is Sunday and I have NO IDEA what to get him.
12. Dude and I are taking a quick weekend getaway in 3 weeks. Either Blackwater Falls or Seneca, WV. He wants to camp, I want to cabin and it looks like he’s going to win.
13. I just got my bonus and I know I should save it for everything we’ll need at the house, but Penny has been eyeing new wheels. Not ZIPPs mind you, but something more lightweight/racier. Hmmmmmmm….
General Smallwood Olympic Relay Race Report
Back Story This was a complete last minute, “sure, I’ll ride the bike in a relay”. Found out my pal Becky would be my relay partner – cool! To make sure I did not get roped into doing the full race (it’s been known to happen) I did not bring running shoes, goggles, or a wetsuit. Just me and Penny!
Pre: The race was less than an hour away so I got up at 4 and headed out. Pop Tart breakfast with a bottle of water plus I had time to have a pancake at Team Z Central. This was a very small race venue and by appearances, Team Z made up a good 80% of the field.
Swim (Becky) – ~29:25 minutes Becky has been having issues with nausea when swimming and with (stupid) Cozumel coming up, she’s testing new things and trying to get more time in the water. She had no issues during the swim. YEAH!
T1 – 2:50 There was a 1/4 mile run from the swim finish to transition. I was waiting in transition and had a “she looks familiar, doh, that’s Becky, it’s time to go!” moment.
Bike 25M – Ride Time 1:23
First I will say there was absolutely NO DRAMA during this ride. I ate, drank, and stayed upright through the whole thing!!!! I wanted to do the ride at this race because it is the same venue for Waterman in October and I have to say I really like the course. Only two “I F-ING hate hills” at the beginning and the rest were rollers. I rarely came out of aero and only shifted to the small ring twice.
T2 – :32 Now THAT is what a transition time should look like!
Run 6.2M (Becky) – Run Time 1:11
Becky was grousing about being such a slow runner but I think she did a FINE job especially since it seemed like the first half of the run was uphill!
Final –3:07
In typical “Es Relay Fashion” I missed seeing the finish (unless I was the runner, I have never seen my team finish). All in all a fun time, beautiful day, great relay partner, fabulous Team Z burger (with hand-cut shoestring fries), and a single serve box of wine (due to the whole “no beer” resolution).
Oh, wait, there is one small detail I forgot to mention.
Yep, Team “10 Less” (there’s a story behind the name, but I don’t want to type it out) came in 3rd place. BOOYA!
5+ months until 11/20/11 – IM Arizona – It’s gonna be IM-AZing!
Pre: The race was less than an hour away so I got up at 4 and headed out. Pop Tart breakfast with a bottle of water plus I had time to have a pancake at Team Z Central. This was a very small race venue and by appearances, Team Z made up a good 80% of the field.
Swim (Becky) – ~29:25 minutes Becky has been having issues with nausea when swimming and with (stupid) Cozumel coming up, she’s testing new things and trying to get more time in the water. She had no issues during the swim. YEAH!
T1 – 2:50 There was a 1/4 mile run from the swim finish to transition. I was waiting in transition and had a “she looks familiar, doh, that’s Becky, it’s time to go!” moment.
Bike 25M – Ride Time 1:23
First I will say there was absolutely NO DRAMA during this ride. I ate, drank, and stayed upright through the whole thing!!!! I wanted to do the ride at this race because it is the same venue for Waterman in October and I have to say I really like the course. Only two “I F-ING hate hills” at the beginning and the rest were rollers. I rarely came out of aero and only shifted to the small ring twice.
T2 – :32 Now THAT is what a transition time should look like!
Run 6.2M (Becky) – Run Time 1:11
Becky was grousing about being such a slow runner but I think she did a FINE job especially since it seemed like the first half of the run was uphill!
Final –3:07
In typical “Es Relay Fashion” I missed seeing the finish (unless I was the runner, I have never seen my team finish). All in all a fun time, beautiful day, great relay partner, fabulous Team Z burger (with hand-cut shoestring fries), and a single serve box of wine (due to the whole “no beer” resolution).
Oh, wait, there is one small detail I forgot to mention.
Yep, Team “10 Less” (there’s a story behind the name, but I don’t want to type it out) came in 3rd place. BOOYA!
5+ months until 11/20/11 – IM Arizona – It’s gonna be IM-AZing!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Kinetic 2011 70.3 Race Report
Alternate Title 1 – So…Nutrition IS Important
Alternate Title 2 – Kinetic Curse
Alternate Title 3 – I’d like a do-over please!
Back Story: I did Kinetic in 2009 in prep for Ironman Switzerland and pulled the tendons in my hamstring. If you recall from that race report I dragged my bum leg behind me for 13.1 miles but by golly I finished. This year, the race was my kick in the pants to start training for Arizona, and my opportunity to overcome the Kinetic Curse.
Pre: We were expecting rain so I had all my gear stowed in big Ziploc bags and under a giant garbage bag. I also got Rock Star parking right next to transition so I could put my gear bag away after setting up transition versus lugging it over to Team Z Central. That caused me to linger in transition longer then norm so I didn’t get my secondary breakfast at the tent (pancake or bagel) so the bowl of oatmeal was going to have to hold me (Mistake #1). Got into my wetsuit (otherwise known as sausage stuffing) and was all ready to go. No fear since I didn’t have lofty goals for this race.
Swim 1.2 Miles – 43:18 (includes run to timer): 5m 28s slower than last time here, but not a PW either. “Easy” swim, no contact and relatively straight line. I think the swim to the first buoy caused the slow time because I couldn’t find a rhythm and was just flailing arms. Or it could be that I haven’t been to swim practice in over a month. Whatever.
T1 – 6:40: What the…?? Last time I did this race my T1 time was 3:07! I do remember telling the woman next to me that at this point my swim was only slightly slower then transition time.
Bike 56M – Ride Time 3:28:18:
A PR at this race but it was a different course then last time so it probably doesn’t count. So I’m riding along, drinking my Gatoraid/water every 10 minutes like normal. When I was on the bike an hour I ate my first Hammer Gel. Almost immediately I started having vision problems. It was raining so I wiped my glasses off and noticed that I had tunnel vision and my head was feeling kind of loopy. I stopped and was standing over my bike when I realized I was about to pass out. I just got off the bike and was laying Penny down when I blacked out. No idea how long I was out but came to and immediately panicked. I seriously thought I had a stroke because it was exactly the way my Mother described hers. I kept trying to stand up and kept falling over so I assumed I lost function of my legs. So I did what any normal person would do – I laid on the side of the road crying like a pansy-ass sissy girl, thinking OMG I had a stroke, OMG I had a stroke, OMG I had a stroke.
After a bit of blubbering I was able to stand, I drank some Gatoraid and soon was able to ride again. My plan was to get to the point where you start the second loop and head to the end instead. Instead, by the time I got there I was feeling better so I decided to keep on going (Mistake #2).
Around mile 40 I started feeling nauseous. Around mile 45 I got sick (lesson learned – stop the bike, there’s no place to get sick while riding without getting it on you or your bike). And again some 20 minutes later and THAT is when I knew my day was done.
So What The F Happened: I’m calling this a nutrition FAIL. I had a small bowl of oatmeal around 4:30 AM. I didn’t eat again until almost 9AM and that was after “pre-race nerves”, swimming, and biking for an hour. My blood sugar had to been bottomed out. The episode happened almost immediately after eating gel which is almost all sugar so I think it shocked my system (causing the blackout). All my food on the bike was sugar based so I think the getting sick was a result of too much sugar on an empty stomach and a bit from drinking nuclear lake water.
So my lessons learned are eat sooner on the bike and be prepared (like I have been in the past) with salty food, sweet food, and some miscellaneous food just in case.
Still plenty of time to TRAIN, practice, and get it together before 11/20/11 – IM Arizona – It’s gonna be IM-AZing!
I would like to say Thank You to all of my Team Z family for checking up on me, both Saturday afternoon and on Sunday. If my Mom only knew how much people watch out for and take of each other she wouldn’t worry about me so much!
Alternate Title 2 – Kinetic Curse
Alternate Title 3 – I’d like a do-over please!
Back Story: I did Kinetic in 2009 in prep for Ironman Switzerland and pulled the tendons in my hamstring. If you recall from that race report I dragged my bum leg behind me for 13.1 miles but by golly I finished. This year, the race was my kick in the pants to start training for Arizona, and my opportunity to overcome the Kinetic Curse.
Pre: We were expecting rain so I had all my gear stowed in big Ziploc bags and under a giant garbage bag. I also got Rock Star parking right next to transition so I could put my gear bag away after setting up transition versus lugging it over to Team Z Central. That caused me to linger in transition longer then norm so I didn’t get my secondary breakfast at the tent (pancake or bagel) so the bowl of oatmeal was going to have to hold me (Mistake #1). Got into my wetsuit (otherwise known as sausage stuffing) and was all ready to go. No fear since I didn’t have lofty goals for this race.
Swim 1.2 Miles – 43:18 (includes run to timer): 5m 28s slower than last time here, but not a PW either. “Easy” swim, no contact and relatively straight line. I think the swim to the first buoy caused the slow time because I couldn’t find a rhythm and was just flailing arms. Or it could be that I haven’t been to swim practice in over a month. Whatever.
T1 – 6:40: What the…?? Last time I did this race my T1 time was 3:07! I do remember telling the woman next to me that at this point my swim was only slightly slower then transition time.
Bike 56M – Ride Time 3:28:18:
A PR at this race but it was a different course then last time so it probably doesn’t count. So I’m riding along, drinking my Gatoraid/water every 10 minutes like normal. When I was on the bike an hour I ate my first Hammer Gel. Almost immediately I started having vision problems. It was raining so I wiped my glasses off and noticed that I had tunnel vision and my head was feeling kind of loopy. I stopped and was standing over my bike when I realized I was about to pass out. I just got off the bike and was laying Penny down when I blacked out. No idea how long I was out but came to and immediately panicked. I seriously thought I had a stroke because it was exactly the way my Mother described hers. I kept trying to stand up and kept falling over so I assumed I lost function of my legs. So I did what any normal person would do – I laid on the side of the road crying like a pansy-ass sissy girl, thinking OMG I had a stroke, OMG I had a stroke, OMG I had a stroke.
After a bit of blubbering I was able to stand, I drank some Gatoraid and soon was able to ride again. My plan was to get to the point where you start the second loop and head to the end instead. Instead, by the time I got there I was feeling better so I decided to keep on going (Mistake #2).
Around mile 40 I started feeling nauseous. Around mile 45 I got sick (lesson learned – stop the bike, there’s no place to get sick while riding without getting it on you or your bike). And again some 20 minutes later and THAT is when I knew my day was done.
So What The F Happened: I’m calling this a nutrition FAIL. I had a small bowl of oatmeal around 4:30 AM. I didn’t eat again until almost 9AM and that was after “pre-race nerves”, swimming, and biking for an hour. My blood sugar had to been bottomed out. The episode happened almost immediately after eating gel which is almost all sugar so I think it shocked my system (causing the blackout). All my food on the bike was sugar based so I think the getting sick was a result of too much sugar on an empty stomach and a bit from drinking nuclear lake water.
So my lessons learned are eat sooner on the bike and be prepared (like I have been in the past) with salty food, sweet food, and some miscellaneous food just in case.
Still plenty of time to TRAIN, practice, and get it together before 11/20/11 – IM Arizona – It’s gonna be IM-AZing!
I would like to say Thank You to all of my Team Z family for checking up on me, both Saturday afternoon and on Sunday. If my Mom only knew how much people watch out for and take of each other she wouldn’t worry about me so much!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Positive Attitude…Activate!
1. A dear friend is going through a health scare and I am scared to death of the results. To make matters worse, she’s not here so I feel helpless. I know she is where she needs to be to get the best medical care/attention, but I’d give anything to go to these appointments with her. And in typical “Es Fashion”, I tend to make jokes when talking to her but my heart breaks when I think about what she’s going through and the fact that her support system is hundreds of miles away.
2. The same weekend I found out about her, I found out another friend was in the hospital because his pancreas was essentially giving up. He was in a coma for three weeks and thankfully he’s rallied and is back home now. He has to make a major life change (no alcohol) but I hope he realizes there is more to life than his dear Miller Lite. Right now he swears he will never drink again. I only hope this fear of death sticks with him for the long haul.
3. All this worry and fear about my friends has made me realize that Life is Good! So, if you recall, I want this year to be more c’est la vie, less Type A so here goes! POSITIVE ATTITUDE…ACTIVATE!
4. After a three week hiatus I am back to exercising!!!!! My calf is 90% healed so I am run/walking. I took Penny for a ride on Tuesday, muy happy! And I’m back in the pool (and was told twice in one practice that I have a beautiful stroke).
5. So here’s a picture of our house from March:
And from this past weekend:
Wait, that’s the same picture. But if you were to go there today it would look EXACTLY the same. Word is they will start late April. Right now they have a promotion going on that says houses will be done in six months. Since we signed a contract two months before this promotion I HOPE our house will be done within six months as well!!!! That would give us an end of October move in which means Recovery/Taper period. That would work!!!
6. On Sunday, Dude, J, and I hiked the property. We spent about an hour along the lake shore and didn’t come near the end where it opens up into the “big lake”. It is beautiful, peaceful, and right in my backyard!!! Sooooo excited about moving!
7. As for my townhouse, the kitchen has a new look - I got new countertops, sink, faucet, and drawer/cabinet pulls installed. Final cleaning and de-personalizing is in the works and it will be back on the rental market soon!
8. This week, Dude and I were supposed to start our “diet” – more protein & veggies and fewer (but better) carbs. Unfortunately I’ve been busy. Next week I’ll be out of town thru Wed, then have Face of America ride Fri – Sun. I guess diet starts 18 April. Still trying to drop 10 pounds before IMAZ!
9. Face of America in next weekend. We had a fabulous Happy Hour at Glory Days last Friday – raised $1,100! And if you eat at ANY Glory Days in the month of April, give me the food receipt (not the credit card receipt) and Glory Days will donate 10% of food purchases to Team Steel Wheels! Or you can DONATE HERE!
10. This getting up at 4 AM to make swim practice is tough. I always feel incredible until about noon then nose dive into exhaustion. Any ideas on how to extend the post exercise energy? Since I’m thinking about starting to run 4-days a week, maybe a lunch time run might do the trick.
11. Dude and I are heading to Colorado this weekend. We will be spending the weekend with my BFF and her family. I’m planning a meal for Friday, we are hiking Saturday then joining her family for dinner, and then Sunday Dude and I are on our own. We may go to Boulder to see another friend or may just goof around in Denver.
12. Hmm, if the government shutdown happens I’ll be in Colorado. Can you say darn-it!
13. Don’t forget to check out my cooking blog - Tri To Cook! Oh, and just so you know, I’m a little behind on blogging on that one as well.
2. The same weekend I found out about her, I found out another friend was in the hospital because his pancreas was essentially giving up. He was in a coma for three weeks and thankfully he’s rallied and is back home now. He has to make a major life change (no alcohol) but I hope he realizes there is more to life than his dear Miller Lite. Right now he swears he will never drink again. I only hope this fear of death sticks with him for the long haul.
3. All this worry and fear about my friends has made me realize that Life is Good! So, if you recall, I want this year to be more c’est la vie, less Type A so here goes! POSITIVE ATTITUDE…ACTIVATE!
4. After a three week hiatus I am back to exercising!!!!! My calf is 90% healed so I am run/walking. I took Penny for a ride on Tuesday, muy happy! And I’m back in the pool (and was told twice in one practice that I have a beautiful stroke).
5. So here’s a picture of our house from March:
And from this past weekend:
Wait, that’s the same picture. But if you were to go there today it would look EXACTLY the same. Word is they will start late April. Right now they have a promotion going on that says houses will be done in six months. Since we signed a contract two months before this promotion I HOPE our house will be done within six months as well!!!! That would give us an end of October move in which means Recovery/Taper period. That would work!!!
6. On Sunday, Dude, J, and I hiked the property. We spent about an hour along the lake shore and didn’t come near the end where it opens up into the “big lake”. It is beautiful, peaceful, and right in my backyard!!! Sooooo excited about moving!
7. As for my townhouse, the kitchen has a new look - I got new countertops, sink, faucet, and drawer/cabinet pulls installed. Final cleaning and de-personalizing is in the works and it will be back on the rental market soon!
8. This week, Dude and I were supposed to start our “diet” – more protein & veggies and fewer (but better) carbs. Unfortunately I’ve been busy. Next week I’ll be out of town thru Wed, then have Face of America ride Fri – Sun. I guess diet starts 18 April. Still trying to drop 10 pounds before IMAZ!
9. Face of America in next weekend. We had a fabulous Happy Hour at Glory Days last Friday – raised $1,100! And if you eat at ANY Glory Days in the month of April, give me the food receipt (not the credit card receipt) and Glory Days will donate 10% of food purchases to Team Steel Wheels! Or you can DONATE HERE!
10. This getting up at 4 AM to make swim practice is tough. I always feel incredible until about noon then nose dive into exhaustion. Any ideas on how to extend the post exercise energy? Since I’m thinking about starting to run 4-days a week, maybe a lunch time run might do the trick.
11. Dude and I are heading to Colorado this weekend. We will be spending the weekend with my BFF and her family. I’m planning a meal for Friday, we are hiking Saturday then joining her family for dinner, and then Sunday Dude and I are on our own. We may go to Boulder to see another friend or may just goof around in Denver.
12. Hmm, if the government shutdown happens I’ll be in Colorado. Can you say darn-it!
13. Don’t forget to check out my cooking blog - Tri To Cook! Oh, and just so you know, I’m a little behind on blogging on that one as well.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
13 Things
1. Pulled tendons.
2. Micro tear in calf.
3. Probable Heel Spur.
4. Possible Plantar Fasciitis.
5. Can't go barefoot...ever again.
6. I get tortured twice a week with Active Release Therapy.
7. It literally brings me to tears.
8. But today, for the first time since 5 March, I am walking without a limp.
9. Haven't been able to swim, bike, or run for over a week.
10. And can't for another week.
11. Which gets me to the day before National Marathon.
12. Should I run it?
13. Do I dare?
2. Micro tear in calf.
3. Probable Heel Spur.
4. Possible Plantar Fasciitis.
5. Can't go barefoot...ever again.
6. I get tortured twice a week with Active Release Therapy.
7. It literally brings me to tears.
8. But today, for the first time since 5 March, I am walking without a limp.
9. Haven't been able to swim, bike, or run for over a week.
10. And can't for another week.
11. Which gets me to the day before National Marathon.
12. Should I run it?
13. Do I dare?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
13 on time!
1. Weight – I’m going the wrong way. I was thinking today that I lost a lot when I first joined Team Z, and the next year when I was training for Ironman. Then I realized I was working out six days a week, often twice a day. Maybe that is why I lost weight.
2. Exercise – See above. My run this weekend was slow and steady. Issues with my calf/ankle/Achilles and now heel and back pain cut my Monday run short.
3. Injured?! – See above. Now this whole calf/ankle/Achilles/heel/back pain (I think it is all related) is cutting into my swim. Only lasted half of practice this morning before my back was hurting too bad to continue. Time to see Dr. Tara and get this fixed!
4. T.E.A.M. Steel Wheels – Letters and bribery went out yesterday and I’ve raised $340 in 24 hours. 70 emails went out last night – wish me luck. So far I have 2 dinners and 2 baked goods to make. DONATE HERE!
5. Personal Hell at the Office 1 – It’s raining. A LOT! And apparently my window leaks. When it hits the windowsill it splatters to the back of my neck. FUN!
Then there’s a car parked outside my office where the alarm goes off ALL F-ING DAY! Oh, it shuts off and I start to think joyful thoughts, then within 60 seconds it starts again. We have NO IDEA who owns this car. I swear they’re stealth!
6. My Back – is KILLING me! And Dr. Tara’s office doesn’t open until 3, then I have to make an appointment. Fingers crossed she can squeeze me in today.
7. Musselman – House is booked! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend on the lake. Oh, and the Half-Ironman. And goofing around at the Micro-Mussell (watch out Iron-Cat)!
8. House Update – Sunday is our full day at the “This is What You Get” Center. I mean Design Center. I’m thinking Bailey’s in my coffee, a liquid lunch, and maybe some Vicoden is required to survive this trip.
9. Rental Property – My place is on the rental market. I’ve had four people look and one is semi-interested but she doesn’t want to move in until the end of May. At this rate, it may still be available!
10. Personal Hell at the Office 2 – The cafeteria is at the other end of the lobby from where I sit. In the morning I get to smell bacon – salty, wonderful bacon. About an hour before lunch they start baking cookies – sweet decadent cookies. It takes ALL of my will power to not succumb to these temptations!
11. Vacation (I mean very important work meeting) – I’ve arranged a business trip to Denver next month. I love having employees out there, especially during the end of ski season. I mean Performance Review time.
12. Netflix – Dude found Netflix streaming. I’m afraid we will never leave the couch again! We’re in the middle of Season 3 of the show 24 (I didn’t start watching until the final season). It’s hokey…but strangely addicting.
13. New Blog – Tri To Cook! Check it out!!
2. Exercise – See above. My run this weekend was slow and steady. Issues with my calf/ankle/Achilles and now heel and back pain cut my Monday run short.
3. Injured?! – See above. Now this whole calf/ankle/Achilles/heel/back pain (I think it is all related) is cutting into my swim. Only lasted half of practice this morning before my back was hurting too bad to continue. Time to see Dr. Tara and get this fixed!
4. T.E.A.M. Steel Wheels – Letters and bribery went out yesterday and I’ve raised $340 in 24 hours. 70 emails went out last night – wish me luck. So far I have 2 dinners and 2 baked goods to make. DONATE HERE!
5. Personal Hell at the Office 1 – It’s raining. A LOT! And apparently my window leaks. When it hits the windowsill it splatters to the back of my neck. FUN!
Then there’s a car parked outside my office where the alarm goes off ALL F-ING DAY! Oh, it shuts off and I start to think joyful thoughts, then within 60 seconds it starts again. We have NO IDEA who owns this car. I swear they’re stealth!
6. My Back – is KILLING me! And Dr. Tara’s office doesn’t open until 3, then I have to make an appointment. Fingers crossed she can squeeze me in today.
7. Musselman – House is booked! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend on the lake. Oh, and the Half-Ironman. And goofing around at the Micro-Mussell (watch out Iron-Cat)!
8. House Update – Sunday is our full day at the “This is What You Get” Center. I mean Design Center. I’m thinking Bailey’s in my coffee, a liquid lunch, and maybe some Vicoden is required to survive this trip.
9. Rental Property – My place is on the rental market. I’ve had four people look and one is semi-interested but she doesn’t want to move in until the end of May. At this rate, it may still be available!
10. Personal Hell at the Office 2 – The cafeteria is at the other end of the lobby from where I sit. In the morning I get to smell bacon – salty, wonderful bacon. About an hour before lunch they start baking cookies – sweet decadent cookies. It takes ALL of my will power to not succumb to these temptations!
11. Vacation (I mean very important work meeting) – I’ve arranged a business trip to Denver next month. I love having employees out there, especially during the end of ski season. I mean Performance Review time.
12. Netflix – Dude found Netflix streaming. I’m afraid we will never leave the couch again! We’re in the middle of Season 3 of the show 24 (I didn’t start watching until the final season). It’s hokey…but strangely addicting.
13. New Blog – Tri To Cook! Check it out!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday (Friday) Thirteen
1. Weight Goal – Nothing to report. Still the same and I’m considering joining Weight Watchers – in-person. I’ve done the on-line thing and stick with it for about 30 seconds. If I have to check in somewhere so I feel accountable (she said as she finished the slice of cake from an office mates birthday).
2. Exercise Goal – 5 am still sucks. I need to run more. I wonder if I’ll ever do weight training again. Anybody want to buy a Kinetic bike trainer??? Daylight savings is around the corner and Penny is getting antsy (but my seat bones are not)!
3. Red Nose Race #3 Recap – This was supposed to be my 16 mile run. Started running and just below my calf muscle feels like a tight ball and as a result I can’t flex my foot/ankle. I’ve been having this problem for a year and I’ve learned that usually by mile three it works itself out. Well, not today. I only did 10 miles, most at a 5:1 run/walk. Because of the pain in my calf, my form was completely off so it jacked up my hips and lower back as well. I really need to see a Dr about this!
4. T.E.A.M. Steel Wheels – My letters will go out this weekend and am going to resort to bribery. For one week only, if you donate over $50 and live in the local area, I will make you dinner. If you are not from the local area, I will send you baked good (I’m experimenting with scones and biscotti now). We are also going to do at least two Happy Hour fundraisers, hopefully details will be out within the next week.
5. Change to Race Schedule – After looking at the long-term schedule for IM training I will most likely have to remove the Covered Bridges ride and possibly the Great Pumpkin ride from the schedule. I’m down to the marathon, three 70.3’s, and Ironman.
6. Run Faster – Well, I’m putting the run faster on hold until after the marathon (but I have every intention of incorporating it into my training) but I have implemented it into my swimming.
I now swim in the fastest lane at practice. Now, before you start thinking “wow, she’s bad ass” you should know our Team Z West pool is often quite empty. Joining the fast lane started because last week there was only one person in the lane so I joined him. We actually swim at the same pace but Competitive Me just had to “beat him”. Mind you, we were splitting the lane so we weren’t even really swimming together. My only goal was to catch and pass him, regardless of where either of us were in the workout.
So today, we’re all getting in the pool and someone had to go down a lane. He looked at me and said you get the fast lane, you’re faster than me.
I think he was setting me up. New guy leads, first set is a 500 in Zone 2. He TAKES OFF. Competitive Me tries to keep up. We finish the set and I ask (pant) was that your zone 2? Yep. CRAP!!! I ended up doing the entire swim practice in zone 4 except when we were doing a 200 in zone 5. And that’s when I caught him. BOOYA!
7. 20 Mile Run – Done. The good news is the calf issue worked itself out (this time). The better news, aside from the marathon I won’t be running anything over 14 miles until early fall!
8. Ironman Arizona Update – Bike transportation is set-up. If you know anyone in the Northern Virginia area racing, please let them know there is special pricing available through trisportexpress.com. Go to the bottom of the left column and use the Northern VA IM-AZ link! We haven’t nailed down the pick-up/drop-off location yet, but most likely Arlington. The next big planning hurdle is finding a place to stay. Then of course the training (kicks off a week after the marathon)!
9. House Update – Since I wrote the Design Center blog, there’s not much to report other then there is a boat load of paperwork involved. Got the call today that all of the permits were filed two weeks ago so anywhere between two to four weeks will be ground-breaking. I kind of want to go out there with a ribbon and big scissors but Dude will think I’m a freak! Can’t wait until they start though because for each delay it’s pushing closing/moving closer and closer to Ironman!
10. Dude loves me – As many of you know I do finance for a living. This means I live/die by spreadsheets. You can figure that I have a slew of spreadsheets built for the building/buying of this house. I was showing Dude my latest addition, where I went room by room of my place and have a list of everything I have. I then have it broken down by whether it goes to storage, gets moved to his place, sell, etc. Then I have where it will go in the new house. He got as far as reading the column headers, looked at me, said “I love you honey, but…” Then just gave me a look that basically said “you crazy”.
He’ll appreciate my organization skills in a couple months.
11. Hair – I got 4 inches cut off!!! It’s now right at shoulder length (shortest it’s been in 3 years) and I LOVE IT!! I wear it curly and it rocks! It also looks quite professional when I straighten it.
12. Vacation or lack thereof – Remember when I said I was going to save money this year? Well, BHP (before house purchase) we were planning on a quick weekend trip to Colorado to visit friends. Well, Dude’s sticking to our save money plan and that trip is no longer on the books. So sad! I need a break!!!
13. New Blog – Did you see that I launched my cooking blog? Tri To Cook! Check it out!!
2. Exercise Goal – 5 am still sucks. I need to run more. I wonder if I’ll ever do weight training again. Anybody want to buy a Kinetic bike trainer??? Daylight savings is around the corner and Penny is getting antsy (but my seat bones are not)!
3. Red Nose Race #3 Recap – This was supposed to be my 16 mile run. Started running and just below my calf muscle feels like a tight ball and as a result I can’t flex my foot/ankle. I’ve been having this problem for a year and I’ve learned that usually by mile three it works itself out. Well, not today. I only did 10 miles, most at a 5:1 run/walk. Because of the pain in my calf, my form was completely off so it jacked up my hips and lower back as well. I really need to see a Dr about this!
4. T.E.A.M. Steel Wheels – My letters will go out this weekend and am going to resort to bribery. For one week only, if you donate over $50 and live in the local area, I will make you dinner. If you are not from the local area, I will send you baked good (I’m experimenting with scones and biscotti now). We are also going to do at least two Happy Hour fundraisers, hopefully details will be out within the next week.
5. Change to Race Schedule – After looking at the long-term schedule for IM training I will most likely have to remove the Covered Bridges ride and possibly the Great Pumpkin ride from the schedule. I’m down to the marathon, three 70.3’s, and Ironman.
6. Run Faster – Well, I’m putting the run faster on hold until after the marathon (but I have every intention of incorporating it into my training) but I have implemented it into my swimming.
I now swim in the fastest lane at practice. Now, before you start thinking “wow, she’s bad ass” you should know our Team Z West pool is often quite empty. Joining the fast lane started because last week there was only one person in the lane so I joined him. We actually swim at the same pace but Competitive Me just had to “beat him”. Mind you, we were splitting the lane so we weren’t even really swimming together. My only goal was to catch and pass him, regardless of where either of us were in the workout.
So today, we’re all getting in the pool and someone had to go down a lane. He looked at me and said you get the fast lane, you’re faster than me.
I think he was setting me up. New guy leads, first set is a 500 in Zone 2. He TAKES OFF. Competitive Me tries to keep up. We finish the set and I ask (pant) was that your zone 2? Yep. CRAP!!! I ended up doing the entire swim practice in zone 4 except when we were doing a 200 in zone 5. And that’s when I caught him. BOOYA!
7. 20 Mile Run – Done. The good news is the calf issue worked itself out (this time). The better news, aside from the marathon I won’t be running anything over 14 miles until early fall!
8. Ironman Arizona Update – Bike transportation is set-up. If you know anyone in the Northern Virginia area racing, please let them know there is special pricing available through trisportexpress.com. Go to the bottom of the left column and use the Northern VA IM-AZ link! We haven’t nailed down the pick-up/drop-off location yet, but most likely Arlington. The next big planning hurdle is finding a place to stay. Then of course the training (kicks off a week after the marathon)!
9. House Update – Since I wrote the Design Center blog, there’s not much to report other then there is a boat load of paperwork involved. Got the call today that all of the permits were filed two weeks ago so anywhere between two to four weeks will be ground-breaking. I kind of want to go out there with a ribbon and big scissors but Dude will think I’m a freak! Can’t wait until they start though because for each delay it’s pushing closing/moving closer and closer to Ironman!
10. Dude loves me – As many of you know I do finance for a living. This means I live/die by spreadsheets. You can figure that I have a slew of spreadsheets built for the building/buying of this house. I was showing Dude my latest addition, where I went room by room of my place and have a list of everything I have. I then have it broken down by whether it goes to storage, gets moved to his place, sell, etc. Then I have where it will go in the new house. He got as far as reading the column headers, looked at me, said “I love you honey, but…” Then just gave me a look that basically said “you crazy”.
He’ll appreciate my organization skills in a couple months.
11. Hair – I got 4 inches cut off!!! It’s now right at shoulder length (shortest it’s been in 3 years) and I LOVE IT!! I wear it curly and it rocks! It also looks quite professional when I straighten it.
12. Vacation or lack thereof – Remember when I said I was going to save money this year? Well, BHP (before house purchase) we were planning on a quick weekend trip to Colorado to visit friends. Well, Dude’s sticking to our save money plan and that trip is no longer on the books. So sad! I need a break!!!
13. New Blog – Did you see that I launched my cooking blog? Tri To Cook! Check it out!!
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