Friday Favorites

I'm in a particularly good mood this morning, despite getting woken up in the middle of the night by which I swear was a tornado (that Dan managed to sleep through) and despite the fact that my wake up call this morning was at 4:45 am (again).

Why I am so chipper?

• After completing my 90 min spin the other night, I hit my key workouts both yesterday and today, which included a run yesterday morning and back to back tough swims - one last night after work and one this morning. Coach Shawn gave me the option of doing today's swim in the morning or the evening, as it will be my only workout of the day. I am proud of myself for getting up in the rain and cold this morning to get to the pool and get it done. Now, I can have a relaxing Friday evening without having to worry about a workout after work.
• Dan is working basketball games this evening, which means I get to catch up on all of my precious shows that I have DVRed and not been able to watch this week. Flash, Lu and I will be chilling with our friends from the Real World DC, our ladies from the Real House Wives of Orange County and the sassy Patty from Millionaire Matchmaker.
• I get to sleep in a little tomorrow morning. Even though I have a 40-mile ride to do, cyclists don't get up at the crack of dawn to ride like runners, so I will wait until 10 or so before I venture out.
• I get to have lunch with Dan today! We rarely get to have lunch together, so this will be a nice treat.
• I've gotten back on track with my "eating clean" meals (for the most part - damn you Diet Coke), and I already feel much better and noticed it in my workouts.

Happy weekending!

Three Things Thursday

1. I am tired. Like I could sleep for a day tired. I can't wait to return to a normal sleeping routine once Cupid's Chase no longer gives me nightmares. Really, what I've learned is that I like to be in control of everything and do everything myself. I do not like to reply on anybody to get a job done because I don't trust them to get it done the way I want (this is why I HATED group projects in school). Unfortunately, for this type of event, there are many people involved and I can't control them. That drives me batty.
2. Coach Shawn had me scheduled for a 90 min trainer ride last night AND I GOT IT DONE!! I was dreading it and had doubts, but I sucked it up and did it. For those of you who do not know 90 min on a trainer = no fun. Especially when he had me doing like 20 hill repeats. Worse than running on a treadmill. Even the dogs were looking at me like I was crazy.
3. First big Ironman training weekend coming up for me. And the weather is going to suck donkeyballs. I have to do a 40 mile bike ride on Saturday (outside), followed by a 2 mile run and the high is supposed to be like 30 degrees. Eff. I'm scheduled for an 11 mile run Sunday. That I can handle.
   

Mission: Failed.

So, on Monday I decided I was going to start "eating clean." I had actually been thinking about it for awhile now, because of the health benefits and performance benefits it can have for athletes. In a nutshell, eating clean is the practice of eating whole, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. It also means staying away from the junk that typically makes up the Standard American Diet. These types of food include man-made sugar, bad fats (hydrogenated, trans-fat), preservatives, white bread, and any other ingredients that are unnecessary. An easy way to remember if a food is clean is: "if man made it, don't eat it." I took myself to the grocery store on Monday and loaded up on fruits and veggies galore, kashi cereal, kashi granola bars, almond butter, barenaked granola and other delights.

Monday evening, I had a delightful meal of whole wheat tortillas, a ginormous salad and a plethora of veggies, including Dan's favorite: brussel sprouts. Tuesday morning, I traded my normal Honey Bunches of oats cereal for Kashi Go Lean cereal. At lunch, I had a turkey sandwich on all-natural whole grain bread along with fresh cut veggies, cottage cheese, nuts and fruits.

I was feeling pretty proud of myself. Kind of like a badass actually.

Until dinner time. Then disaster stuck. I met Dan at Razzou's for some of these. (fried pickles)









Then we decided to go to Dos Salsas, and I consumed this.

(big fat burrito. with chips and guac, of course).

Disaster my friends.
After dinner, I threw myself a pity party and called it tonight.

I regrouped this morning with a run and a healthy bowl of Kashi for breakfast, followed by a guilt-free lunch.

The disaster struck again. One of the eating clean principles if eliminating fake sugars from your diet. This includes Sweet & Lo and my beloved Diet Coke.
Fast forward to 3 pm when I had a headache that drove me to the vending machine to purchase this.

EEEFFFFFFFFFFFFF!

An Iron State of Mind

I need a little motivation to get going and stay on track these next 2 weeks with Ironman training. My dear friend Google provided me with some positive imagery to get me back in the Iron State of mind.I'll be doing my best to stay on track with my training schedule this week. I can't wait until after February 6 when my mind is not consumed with work and worry over the Cupid's Chase (darn my type A personality).

Last week's totals:
Swim- 11,000 yards (5 workouts)
Run - 53.40 miles (6 workouts)
Bike - 30 min (1 trainer workout)

Happy Monday!

Quote of the Day/Three Things Thursday

I love this quote:

Having a true faith is the most difficult thing in the world. Many will try to take it from you. - Steve Prefontaine

Three Things Thursday:

1. My legs are feeling back to normal after the marathon. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty freaking sore until yesterday. The worst was trying to sit down to use the toilet. My quads reject the squatting position post marathon.
2. Back at run group this morning. It was awesome weather. Like 70's and sunny. I ran with Christa, which meant running faster than planned, but it was a good workout. 9 miles plus core.
3. My awesome friend Shawn has kindly offered to walk/hand hold me through this Ironman process. It will probably be the best thing that could happen to me because he will be developing my training schedule and holding me accountable for it. He sent me a lengthy questionnaire/analysis/in depth summary of my goals and previous training this morning to fill out. He even gave me homework so he can access where I'm at (I can do the swim homework, not excited about the bike homework). It's nice to have good friends.
   

That is all. Carry on.

Busy, busy

Ahh! Work has been insane this week! Catch you on the flip side of crazy.

Peace out girlscouts.

Houston Marathon Race Report

It was a good day in Houston. Somehow I managed to pull off a new personal record at the Houston Marathon on Sunday with a 3:15:35. I'm still in shock, much as I was when I ran a 3:17 in Baltimore. Never did I imagine that I would be able to run a 3:15 marathon. It got me thinking: it is really amazing what you can accomplish when you put your mind to something. I remember my first marathon back in 2000 - my goal was to break 4 hours - and I think I barely did in like 3:59:30. My second marathon was a complete disaster and finished in like 4:30. This time last year, I was running marathons in 3:32, which was to me unfathomable at the time. And then Saturday, marathon #8, I ran a 3:15 - 26.2 miles at 7:27 pace. I'm just a normal person, I don't come from a family with athletic genes, I did not run in college, I've never had a running coach, running is not my full time job...I'm just proof that if you put your mind to something you can accomplish it! And, this is how I know I can complete an Ironman. It still seems unfathomable to me, but I know with hard work and perseverance, I can do it.

After Baltimore in October, I put my sights on running a 3:15 marathon in Houston, but had doubts that I would be able to shave 2 more minutes off my time. I went into the race not really expecting to run a PR. After a rough week at work, I was feeling tired and told myself I would be happy with a 3:20. Of course, those of you who know me, know I am super competitive with myself. So, when I got to the start line, I thought, what the hell, maybe I'll just go for that 3:15...unfortunately, there was not a 3:15 pace group, so I was on my own. My goal was to run consistent splits hovering between 7:25-7:30 min miles and stay ahead of the 3:20 pace group.

I stayed strong mentally throughout, which was my key to a successful race. To run a 3:15, there would be no easing into it, like I usually prefer to do: I had to start out strong and run, what was for me, a slightly uncomfortable pace the entire race. I started to falter a little between miles 16-20, but picked up my second wind at mile 21 and gunned the last 5 miles, passing people on my way.

I was the 40th overall female finisher, in a field of strong women and an incredibly strong elite field (the first women won $35,000!). I told Dan I'm curious to see where I finished among "Average Jane's". (oh yeah, the elites even had their own water stations even, no fair).

Did I mention that Dan kicked butt in the half-marathon? Well, he did! There is even talk in the Ruyle household about maybe him running the Disney marathon next January. This would make me very happy. :)

You win some, you lose some

Sometimes I feel like a broken record. Over the past year I've found myself 0n more than one occasion expressing the woes of being busy and missing training. Sometimes I think it's justified. There are days I have personal or work obligations that take all the time I have, or some days I don't feel well. I'm human. But other times I wonder if I use the conflicts as an excuse. Do I take what might be minor challenges and make them into something bigger? Maybe, or maybe not. Maybe I obsess over it too much as many triathletes seem to. This is definitely my hobby, something that brings me joy and gives me purpose, so I should just enjoy it for what it is, right? Instead I feel monumentally guilty for not squeezing it into my already packed schedule. That's both a blessing and a curse.

After keeping things afloat during a challenging week last week, the wheels came off this week. It was one thing after another with work, I was tired, and all I wanted to do was go home and go to bed. After staying up way too late last night (and also eating half a large cheese lovers deep pan pizza), I regrouped with a swim during lunch but it certainly wasn't my finest. It was better than nothing.

My work has been beyond busy. I'm planning a 5k road race, which, in dealing with all parties involved has been frustrating and difficult and so for the next several weeks it has to be my focus. Life can't be all about triathlon after all... at least not all the time.

Dear Walt Disney

Dear Mr. Walt Disney,
My name is Erin, I'm 31 years old, and I have an extreme love of running. Me and running are like best friends. For reals. You see for years I've had my eye on your Goofy Challenge that is part of Walt Disney Marathon weekend, and every year it sells out before I can get my act together and sign up.

So you see, this time around I was determined to sign up to run with Mickey and friends the MOMENT that registration opened for 2011. This happened to be on Monday, January 11, 2010 at Noon EST. I eagerly set at my computer waiting for the clock to strike 11 (I'm on CST), so that I could ensure my spot with Goofy. I even called the mister to double check that it was okay to sign up for this race, and gleamed like a giddy school girl on her first date when he okayed my plans.

However, dear Mr. Disney, I also had a heart attack when I went to the registration site and noticed the entry fee for the Goofy Challenge was $300!! That is more than a nice Coach purse or pair of designer shoes. Also, I'm not quite following your logic on why the Goofy Challenge is more expensive than the half-marathon + marathon costs added together (each are $135), when that is exactly what I will be running. Goofy must be an extra special guy if it costs this much to participate in his challenge. I did notice that I will receive some extra goodies for participating, but I really think there should be a price break for those of us crazy brave enough to attempt this feat.

Lucky for you Mr. Disney, I am a sucker, and signed up since it's been my life long dream. However, I am requesting unlimited rides on "It's a Small World" and a foot massage after the races from Goofy himself. I'm also requesting 70 degree weather with sunny skies. None of the crazy cold weather with sleet that was around for this year's race. Also, not to make you feel guilty or anything, I will probably not be able to buy groceries for a month after spending $300 on your registration fee.

Sincerely,
Erin

Ironman Training Week 1 Totals

Week 1 of Ironman training down, how many to go???

Here are my totals from last week. Overall I was pleased (and tired).

Swim: 8,250 yds (4 workouts)
Bike: 2 hr 56 min (most of these were trainer rides, so I am not sure how far I went (4 workouts)
Run: 61.30 miles (6 workouts)

I'll back off of volume a bit this week since the Houston Marathon is Sunday!!! :)

Tired, Sore and Grumpy

**As proof of how tired I am, I accidentally posted this on my dog's blog this morning instead of mine. Yes, you read that correctly, my dog has a blog.

So, remember how on Wednesday I was bragging about how great I felt? Well, not so much anymore. I am so freaking sore today that I can barely walk. I'm pretty sure the leg circuits we did at run group yesterday morning, in combination with the cycling intervals are the culprit. I'm also tired and stressed, which in turn equals grumpy (however, I am trying my best to keep my grump inside. I'm all peaches and smiles at work).

• Today's workout will consist of a swim at lunch and that's it.
  
• I'm supposed to ride outside with a friend tomorrow but it's ridiculously cold (like 21 degrees) in Texas so there is no way in hell that I am riding my bike outside. Sorry, I'm not. I'll opt for watching DVR's of Real World while on my bike trainer.
• I have a race Sunday (Run Tex 10-miler, 4th race of the distance challenge) so here's to hoping my soreness will dissipate by then.
• I will be spending most of the weekend, when I am not working out, at work. I am trying not to be too bitter about this.
• My Friday night will consist of attacking the ginormous piles of laundry in our bedroom and running important errands, because this is the only time I have to get it done. Seriously, I have overdue library books and Flash needs flea medicine and I need shampoo. Friday night seems to be the only time I can fit it in. Yes, I am throwing myself a pity party.

Hopefully, the next time I'll be back with a better 'tude. Happy Friday!

Hello 4:40 am, my name is Erin

Happy Wednesday everyone! This week is actually flying by - I guess that is what happens when you are so busy you have to even schedule in your bathroom breaks.

This next month at work is hell super busy for me between planning our Cupid's Chase 5K on Feb. 6 Brochure and designing both our Spring/Summer & Camp brochures that need to be in hand by the first week in February. I trying to fit in everything between work, Ironman training and family time (I feel like I am neglecting my beloved fur babies), but I foresee a lot of weekend office work over the next month.

Today was day three of arising at 4:40 am, and I have to say, I'm really not that tired. Granted, I was always up by 5:30 am before training, so it wasn't much too much of an adjustment. I've hit all of my workouts so far this week - it actually helps me to be on a schedule, as I know I have to get them in or else I won't be able to make them up.

A big thanks to Dan for being so understanding of my lunacy and helping out around the house and with the dogs!!

xoxo,
Erin

2010 Goals

A few things before I go into my 2010 goals:

• I should not even be writing this blog right now, and I have 10 zillion things to do at work today. Brief summary of my morning: death by email inbox. Hello, Monday.
• Day 1 of Ironman training is today. I dragged my butt out of bed at 4:45 am this morning to drag myself to the pool in the freezing cold (it's an indoor pool, but still cold). I swam 3,000 yds - my longest swim in months and actually felt great. Good start to training. I still have 2 workouts left today - a 5 mi run at lunch and a 30 min bike tonight. Hello Ironman training, goodbye free time,

Onto my 2010 plans. Resolutions? None. I figure I've tried my hand at this in the past and have failed every time, so I have taken it as a sign from Nature that a person need not mess with perfection.

Goals? Sure, I have lots of those, but prepare yourselves, they're more broad and vague than most congressional hearings; plus, I figure that by keeping them this way, if I don't accomplish any of them, at the end of the year I can just say, "I don't remember making that goal."

For your reading convenience, I have categorized them for you. You're welcome.

Personal

1. Be the most awesome wife and mother to my fur-babies I can. I'm already pretty awesome, but I'm sure I could crank it up another notch in order to accomplish the superlative "most."
2. Be a better friend. Pick up the phone and make calls to keep in touch, plan trips to spend time with my gal pals, be the friend that I want in others.
3. On the financial front, I'd like to save more. If I don't really need it, then don't buy it. Eat out waaaay less. The Hubbs will have to help me with this one, as he likes to eat out just as much as I do.
4. Turn out house into a home. It may take all year, and that's fine, but hopefully by this time next year we will be all settled in!

Professional

1. Work hard. Go the extra mile. Volunteer to help out co-workers when they need help with an event. Get to work early, stay late when necessary.
   
2. Have a positive attitude always, even when I'm stressed out. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Athletic

1. BECOME AN IRONMAN.
   
2. Train properly for the Ironman - put in the miles & time & proper training that I know is necessary for this distance. Stay focused and stay determined. Do not give up.
3. Find balance between training and personal life. Realize how important training is, but it is not everything. It's okay to miss a workout every now and then.
   
4. Learn how to change a flat tire on my bike. This is sooo important.
5. PR at the Houston Marathon. This means running faster than 3:17. Not sure is this will happen since Houston is in 3 weeks.
   

There ya go. 2010, look out. I plan to do more and do it better.