While I'm never joyously leaping out of bed at 4:45 a.m., this morning was particularly tough. I briefly considered going back to sleep and calling in sick. Then I thought maybe I'd sleep another few hours, skip the run, and then swim and bike after work. But I knew I needed to get up. I had too much do and after work is too risky. I ended up flipping my run from lunch to the morning and moving my swim from morning to lunch so I could sleep a little later and at 5:30 am dragged myself out of bed and headed out for a run. I had to shorten my swim a little due to time constraints at lunch. Swimming is really perplexing. Some days it's great and other days I feel like a rock. After warming up, I thought today was going to be one of those "rock" days, but I ended up with a good, hard effort swim. The challenge for me will be to get on my bike after work. My bike fitness is what is seriously lacking, so it's crucial I do not skip this workout; however, it's so difficult for me to find the motivation after work to get on my bike.
Lately, I've thought a lot about the emotional side of Ironman training. On one of the triathlon forums I frequent someone expressed the following sentiments regarding Ironman training: "Every morning I wake up and can't believe I gotta do it all over again." I understand how that feels.
So much of Ironman training is physical. It's about pushing your limits and seeing how far your body can take you. We all talk about HR zones, minutes logged and the miles and miles we cover, but beyond that there is another side to training, the emotional side that can be just as challenging at times. Now that we're in full swing Ironman training season, this topic is coming up more and frequently and it seems most of us experience some level of training blues from time to time. The frustrations come from having to give up other aspects of our livest to fit in the ever increasing training load, from disappointment in our training performance, from missing training due to life getting in the way, and from the constant thoughts of making it to the finish line.
Training has been an emotional rollercoaster for sure. My cycle of happiness tends to run about four weeks, then inevitably I hit a rough patch for anywhere from a day to a week where I wonder why the heck I do this and how I'm ever going to be trained enough to finish the race. But then something usually happens to snap me back and it all becomes clear. I do this because I love it. I do this because I can and I know I won't always be able to. I do this because life just isn't rewarding enough without significant challenges and this is by far the greatest challenge I've ever had.
Someday my body will not be able to do this. Today is not that day. I think about this a lot. There were times in the past my body couldn't do this and I know there will be times in the future. So even though I am tired and my legs feel heavy today, I know I could do this and that fills me with a level of satisfaction that is unexplainable. It makes me thankful.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Polar Bear Plunge (otherwise known as the Champions Triathlon)
This is a picture of my desk this morning. Yes, I'm extra hungry. IT Tech guy had to come in and work on my computer this morning; I will probably now be known around the City as Miss Piggy.
This weekend was the first triathlon of the season. I've never done a triathlon this early in the past; usually my first triathlon is Memorial Day weekend. I knew the lake water would be cold; little did I know it would be arctic temperatures.
Of course, I wore a wetsuit, but that did nothing to protect my poor face, feet and hands. They blew the air horn to start the race and as soon as my face hit the water I wanted to cry. The water was FREEZING. I tried to get into rhythm, but the cold water was such a shock to my system that I ended up breast stroking/doggy paddling the first few hundred meters just so I wouldn't have to put my face in the water. To make matters worse, it was windy and the water was choppy causing waves, so every time I opened my mouth, I got a mouth full of lake water. I debated turning around and calling it a day, wondering if it was even safe to swim in water this cold...but didn't want to be a quitter, so I toughed it out. I wish I could say I got used to the cold water, but I never really did. I eventually sucked it up and put my face in the water so that I could freestyle; otherwise I could have been out there all day. I didn't have a problem swimming the distance at all, but my time wasn't great since I wasted so much time in the beginning.
Onto the bike, which was horrible for me. Not sure if my brake was rubbing or what, but I felt like I was pedaling as fast as I could and going nowhere. I was pissed, and used that anger to drop the hammer for the run. I ended up with my best 10K time for a triathlon on the run, and one of my better 10K times ever....so, there was a bright spot for the day!!
Overall, I lost it mentally on the swim, which carried on to the bike. The conditions were the same for everyone, so I should have sucked it up and moved forward. Good lesson learned, and those type of races will only make me stronger. On another note, I found out that the water temp at C'ouer D'Alene is THAT cold. Acccchhhhhhhhhkkkkk! My friend said to be sure to do the practice swims the few days before the race so that my body will become used to it. Good to know!!
Busy week of work and training ahead. 90 days. Must keep moving forward!
This weekend was the first triathlon of the season. I've never done a triathlon this early in the past; usually my first triathlon is Memorial Day weekend. I knew the lake water would be cold; little did I know it would be arctic temperatures.Of course, I wore a wetsuit, but that did nothing to protect my poor face, feet and hands. They blew the air horn to start the race and as soon as my face hit the water I wanted to cry. The water was FREEZING. I tried to get into rhythm, but the cold water was such a shock to my system that I ended up breast stroking/doggy paddling the first few hundred meters just so I wouldn't have to put my face in the water. To make matters worse, it was windy and the water was choppy causing waves, so every time I opened my mouth, I got a mouth full of lake water. I debated turning around and calling it a day, wondering if it was even safe to swim in water this cold...but didn't want to be a quitter, so I toughed it out. I wish I could say I got used to the cold water, but I never really did. I eventually sucked it up and put my face in the water so that I could freestyle; otherwise I could have been out there all day. I didn't have a problem swimming the distance at all, but my time wasn't great since I wasted so much time in the beginning.
Onto the bike, which was horrible for me. Not sure if my brake was rubbing or what, but I felt like I was pedaling as fast as I could and going nowhere. I was pissed, and used that anger to drop the hammer for the run. I ended up with my best 10K time for a triathlon on the run, and one of my better 10K times ever....so, there was a bright spot for the day!!
Overall, I lost it mentally on the swim, which carried on to the bike. The conditions were the same for everyone, so I should have sucked it up and moved forward. Good lesson learned, and those type of races will only make me stronger. On another note, I found out that the water temp at C'ouer D'Alene is THAT cold. Acccchhhhhhhhhkkkkk! My friend said to be sure to do the practice swims the few days before the race so that my body will become used to it. Good to know!!
Busy week of work and training ahead. 90 days. Must keep moving forward!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Three Things Thursday
- Training is going well this week. Really well. I'm pleased.
- Saturday is my first triathlon of the season! I'm excited and nervous and thinking the water is going to be really cold.
- A guy had his new puppy at run group this morning. So cute. Really made me want another dog. Think Dan will go for it? Maybe if I throw a temper tantrum? I'm not above it...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
My desk could be on an episode of Hoarders (and why my co-workers think I'm strange)
It's no secret that I like to eat. Lots and often. However, I don't eat a lot of junk - i.e. cookies, cake, chips, donuts, etc that tend to make frequent appearances in the office environment. I don't like to buy things out of the office vending machine, nor do I like to go out to lunch. I prefer to bring my own food - lunch, snacks, drinks - to the office so they are available whenever I am hungry. Which happens to be quite often.
I have the same routine every day. I pack my lunch in a plastic grocery bag, and when I get to work I line it up on my desk and dispose of the bag. I also have a little brochure holder on my desk that I keep full of granola bars in case of emergency. Because let's me honest: I am not pleasant to be around when I am hungry. I don't think much about how this may look because most people just pop their head into my office to talk; and they would not notice my food stash unless they came around to the side of my desk.
So, when I asked our Admin Asst to help me with a computer network issue this morning, I was confused by the odd looks she was giving my desk. Perhaps, I thought, she is also perplexed by my computer issue.
Until she left, and I realized what she had been seeing is this, and probably wondering what my house looks like, if I'm Mormon, and that I should probably be on an episode of the show Hoarders.
Note to self: Self, you are weird.
I have the same routine every day. I pack my lunch in a plastic grocery bag, and when I get to work I line it up on my desk and dispose of the bag. I also have a little brochure holder on my desk that I keep full of granola bars in case of emergency. Because let's me honest: I am not pleasant to be around when I am hungry. I don't think much about how this may look because most people just pop their head into my office to talk; and they would not notice my food stash unless they came around to the side of my desk.
So, when I asked our Admin Asst to help me with a computer network issue this morning, I was confused by the odd looks she was giving my desk. Perhaps, I thought, she is also perplexed by my computer issue.
Until she left, and I realized what she had been seeing is this, and probably wondering what my house looks like, if I'm Mormon, and that I should probably be on an episode of the show Hoarders.
Note to self: Self, you are weird.
Monday, March 22, 2010
And some days the bear eats you.
hmph.
So, you may have noted my absence on the blogospehere the last couple of days, and there's a reason for that: Frankly, I was abiding by the long time saying I learned in elementary school - if you do not have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.
Last week wasn't the best week. It was long and draining. Work was draining. The dogs were draining. Workouts were draining. The weather was draining. My list of excuses could go on and on, but I will spare you the pity party.
A cold front blew through Texas this weekend. I was supposed to ride Spokes N Spurs on Saturday - a 60+mile ride out of Liberty Hill. However, heavy rains, 40 mph winds and 40 degree temps forced them them to cancel. So, I ended up just doing a short run on Saturday with the hope of maybe trying to bike Sunday. Did not happen. Outside anyways. Too windy and too cold. I hopped on the trainer for a little bit, but still so substitute for the ride I needed to be doing outside. I will be sending hate mail to Mother Nature, as I am so frustrated with the Texas weather lately. Not to mention that our heater is not working (again) and Dan is out of town, so I spent the remainder of the weekend cuddled up with my dogs trying to keep warm.
Anyway, it's a new week, I'm refocusing, and it's supposed to be 70 degrees today. :)
So, you may have noted my absence on the blogospehere the last couple of days, and there's a reason for that: Frankly, I was abiding by the long time saying I learned in elementary school - if you do not have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.
Last week wasn't the best week. It was long and draining. Work was draining. The dogs were draining. Workouts were draining. The weather was draining. My list of excuses could go on and on, but I will spare you the pity party.
A cold front blew through Texas this weekend. I was supposed to ride Spokes N Spurs on Saturday - a 60+mile ride out of Liberty Hill. However, heavy rains, 40 mph winds and 40 degree temps forced them them to cancel. So, I ended up just doing a short run on Saturday with the hope of maybe trying to bike Sunday. Did not happen. Outside anyways. Too windy and too cold. I hopped on the trainer for a little bit, but still so substitute for the ride I needed to be doing outside. I will be sending hate mail to Mother Nature, as I am so frustrated with the Texas weather lately. Not to mention that our heater is not working (again) and Dan is out of town, so I spent the remainder of the weekend cuddled up with my dogs trying to keep warm.
Anyway, it's a new week, I'm refocusing, and it's supposed to be 70 degrees today. :)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Should have stayed in bed...
I am tired and annoyed today. Complete with dark blue eye patches and a temperament of 90 year old lady without her prune juice. It's not pretty. I'm crabby and quite frankly miserable.
The day started with my alarm going off at 4:45 am for run group. It's raining and I don't feel like getting up and going, but I do because it's the only time I have to get it done. So, I go and half ass the workout and return home wet.
I take the dogs for a walk in the rain in which they sniff every.single.thing and turn a 10 min walk into a 20 min walk, leaving me even more wet and now cold. It's only the beginning of their shenanigans, which I won't go into because it will just make me even more cranky, but you can read about them at Flash's blog if you wish.
I'm 30 min late for work thanks to my hot mess feline friends only to receive an offhand comment (from one of the like 3 people who actually came to work this week) about how kids can be an excuse for being late for work, dogs cannot. Well, gee thank you for that opinion. I have been up since 4:45 am and still cannot get to work on time, so I guess I will start getting up earlier. For the love of God, cut me some slack. There was dog vomit involved, Dan's out of town, I'm trying to train for an Ironman and need about 10 more hours in the day.
Anyway, dear Tuesday, we've not got off to the best start. Let's see if we can turn things around? K'thanks.
The day started with my alarm going off at 4:45 am for run group. It's raining and I don't feel like getting up and going, but I do because it's the only time I have to get it done. So, I go and half ass the workout and return home wet.
I take the dogs for a walk in the rain in which they sniff every.single.thing and turn a 10 min walk into a 20 min walk, leaving me even more wet and now cold. It's only the beginning of their shenanigans, which I won't go into because it will just make me even more cranky, but you can read about them at Flash's blog if you wish.
I'm 30 min late for work thanks to my hot mess feline friends only to receive an offhand comment (from one of the like 3 people who actually came to work this week) about how kids can be an excuse for being late for work, dogs cannot. Well, gee thank you for that opinion. I have been up since 4:45 am and still cannot get to work on time, so I guess I will start getting up earlier. For the love of God, cut me some slack. There was dog vomit involved, Dan's out of town, I'm trying to train for an Ironman and need about 10 more hours in the day.
Anyway, dear Tuesday, we've not got off to the best start. Let's see if we can turn things around? K'thanks.
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Case of the Mondays
I feel like I need a weekend to recover from my weekend. And, seriously, today should be a national holiday...the day following Selection Sunday. Anyone agree?
I had a busy weekend, but a good one. It was great to see my cousin and her fiance, and I can't wait until they move down here in June! And, they've already volunteered to babysit our crazy hound dogs whenever we need it. Little do they know what they've gotten themselves into!
Friday morning, Karen and I rode 40 miles from Georgetown - out around Granger and Taylor and back. It was a beautiful ride out in the country, although it was really windy out. I felt like I was going to be blown off my bike. That made it not so fun. When I got home from the ride, Dan and I ran 3 miles, while I yelled at him the entire time for running too fast. Yes, we put the fun in dysfunctional.
Saturday morning, I met Erica at Brushy Creek for 40 more miles. I struggled to keep up with her. It was definitely one of those rides that seemed to last forever. We ran 3.7 miles afterwards, and then I went home and ate everything in sight. No joke.
Yesterday was a 15 mile long run. I was sort of dreading this run because my legs were so taxed from Friday and Saturdays workout. But, it went surprisingly well. The weather was awesome, so I just took it at a comfortable pace and soaked up the sun!
Today is just an easy swim at lunch...love these type of days :)
I'm a single dog mom all week, so my posting may be sporadic. Have a great one!
I had a busy weekend, but a good one. It was great to see my cousin and her fiance, and I can't wait until they move down here in June! And, they've already volunteered to babysit our crazy hound dogs whenever we need it. Little do they know what they've gotten themselves into!
Friday morning, Karen and I rode 40 miles from Georgetown - out around Granger and Taylor and back. It was a beautiful ride out in the country, although it was really windy out. I felt like I was going to be blown off my bike. That made it not so fun. When I got home from the ride, Dan and I ran 3 miles, while I yelled at him the entire time for running too fast. Yes, we put the fun in dysfunctional.
Saturday morning, I met Erica at Brushy Creek for 40 more miles. I struggled to keep up with her. It was definitely one of those rides that seemed to last forever. We ran 3.7 miles afterwards, and then I went home and ate everything in sight. No joke.
Yesterday was a 15 mile long run. I was sort of dreading this run because my legs were so taxed from Friday and Saturdays workout. But, it went surprisingly well. The weather was awesome, so I just took it at a comfortable pace and soaked up the sun!
Today is just an easy swim at lunch...love these type of days :)
I'm a single dog mom all week, so my posting may be sporadic. Have a great one!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Three Things Thursday
- Today is my Friday! I'm so excited. For some reason it's seemed like this week has dragged on (and on and on). I'm taking tomorrow off because my cousin and her fiance are coming into town from Michigan for the weekend. I'm looking forward to spending time with them and catching up!
- Workouts? I'm scheduled for a 75 mile ride + run on Saturday, but I am adjusting a little since I have company in town. I don't want to have to be MIA all day Saturday. Since I'm taking tomorrow off, my plan is to ride 40 miles tomorrow morning with Karen before they get into town. They'll get into town around 2 pm, and then I can spend the afternoon helping them apartment shop (they're moving to Texas soon, yay!). Saturday morning while they finish apartment shopping, I'm going to meet up with Erica and Karen early for 40 more miles + run. It's not exactly getting the same effect as 75 miles continuous, but it will do. Sunday is a long run, and I may go out again on my bike Sunday afternoon if I feel like it (weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend!!)
- 108 days until Ironman CdA. Time.Is.Flying! Airline tickets - booked. Condo - booked. Bike transportation-booked. It's all becoming REAL!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thoughts...
I received an email from a lady who I met through a friend on Daily Mile (like Facebook for athletes, it's awesome!). She is a relatively new triathlete and really wants to train for her first Olympic distance triathlon, and possibly a Half-Ironman down the road. She said she was impressed with my consistency with my workouts and was wondering how I find the time to work full-time and train for an Ironman (and be the best dog mom ever - okay, she didn't say that part).
When people ask me that, my answer is always this: "You find time for what is important to you." I believe that if you work really hard, you can always fit more things into your life. It involves getting up before 5 am every day during the work week, and not sleeping past 6:30 am on the weekends. It involves using your lunch hour to work out. It involves motivating yourself to fit in another workout after work. It involves skipping fun social activities in lieu of training. But, I visualize crossing the finish line every day and that makes it worth it - because it is important to me.
On another note, I was on a triathlon forum yesterday and came across a line in a discussion that someone had posted.
It read this: #1 characteristic in being successful at triathlon? Selfishness.
This made me think, and really, it's true. I know I do not thank Dan enough. I have the most amazing and supportive husband. It takes a lot of personal sacrifice and commitment to train for an Ironman, but even more than that, it takes a lot of family sacrifice and commitment, especially as the hours ramp up. I work full time and my training hours are like having a part time job on top of that. He (rarely) complains about all of the money I spend on gear, bike repair and race entry fees. Not even a peep about the $100 bike shorts I purchased so that I could be comfortable on my long rides. Come June 27, I can say without hesitation that while I might be doing the 140.6 miles that make up an Ironman, when I cross that finish line, I will not have done it alone. Thank you Ironsherpa!
When people ask me that, my answer is always this: "You find time for what is important to you." I believe that if you work really hard, you can always fit more things into your life. It involves getting up before 5 am every day during the work week, and not sleeping past 6:30 am on the weekends. It involves using your lunch hour to work out. It involves motivating yourself to fit in another workout after work. It involves skipping fun social activities in lieu of training. But, I visualize crossing the finish line every day and that makes it worth it - because it is important to me.
On another note, I was on a triathlon forum yesterday and came across a line in a discussion that someone had posted.
It read this: #1 characteristic in being successful at triathlon? Selfishness.
This made me think, and really, it's true. I know I do not thank Dan enough. I have the most amazing and supportive husband. It takes a lot of personal sacrifice and commitment to train for an Ironman, but even more than that, it takes a lot of family sacrifice and commitment, especially as the hours ramp up. I work full time and my training hours are like having a part time job on top of that. He (rarely) complains about all of the money I spend on gear, bike repair and race entry fees. Not even a peep about the $100 bike shorts I purchased so that I could be comfortable on my long rides. Come June 27, I can say without hesitation that while I might be doing the 140.6 miles that make up an Ironman, when I cross that finish line, I will not have done it alone. Thank you Ironsherpa!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
anything can be.
listen to the MUSN'TS, child
listen to the DON'TS
listen to the SHOULDN'TS-
the IMPOSSIBLES-
the WON'TS.
listen to the NEVER HAVES
then listen close to me.
anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be.
listen to the DON'TS
listen to the SHOULDN'TS-
the IMPOSSIBLES-
the WON'TS.
listen to the NEVER HAVES
then listen close to me.
anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be.
the brilliant Shel Silverstein.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Gross
[I almost didn't write this]
a list of all the gross things [I] we runners + triathletes do while training/ racing/ recovering:
a list of all the gross things [I] we runners + triathletes do while training/ racing/ recovering:
- snot rockets on run
- peeing on the side of the road
- using the bathroom of a fancy resturant while wearing sweaty runners clothes
- wiping nose on shirt
- inhaling food at super(wo)man speeds
- peeing in the pool/ lake/ ocean/ river
- spitting in goggles
- snot rockets on bike
- chafing
- getting Body Glide in every nook and cranny. in transition.
- discussing saddle sores. in public.
- checking the color of your pee
- blisters
- blood blisters
- toenails. or lack thereof
- not showering after a 7 pm run because I'll have to shower anyhow after the 5:30 am swim
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hooray, Friday!
It's Friday, I can't wait to:
-Go home
-Take the pups to the dog park for play time
-Curl up on the couch and catch up on my DVR'd TV shows (sorry, Dan, it looks like you'll be watching Real Housewives of Orange County, Real World, 16 & Pregnant & Millionaire Matchmaker tonight - sucks for you)
-Cook a nice spaghetti dinner
-Have my new favorite concoction of a frozen yogurt peanut butter Sunday for dessert
-Be in bed by 9 pm
Happy weekending!
-Go home
-Take the pups to the dog park for play time
-Curl up on the couch and catch up on my DVR'd TV shows (sorry, Dan, it looks like you'll be watching Real Housewives of Orange County, Real World, 16 & Pregnant & Millionaire Matchmaker tonight - sucks for you)
-Cook a nice spaghetti dinner
-Have my new favorite concoction of a frozen yogurt peanut butter Sunday for dessert
-Be in bed by 9 pm
Happy weekending!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thoughts & Feelings
A few thoughts and feelings as I head into a new month of Ironman training >
I am always
1. exhuasted
2. hungry
3. doing laundry
This is hard. I didn't think training would be a cakewalk (where did that expression come from? I will wikipedia it later) but I didn't realize what a jump it would be from Half-Ironman training.
I've been training for about 5 weeks. I have 115 days to go. I CAN do this and I know I WILL do this but oh man am I feeling the effects of long rides, runs, and swims.
I'm fortunate that I've found some very cool people to train with ... the only place I don't have a training buddy is in the pool, but I'm okay with that - it's mainly the long rides where I can use company.
I hit some low points mentally but I think that's to be expected. They were along the lines of "why the eff am I doing this?" and "how am I only at mile x?" I just tried to pull myself out of the funk, focus on the good, etc.
Big ride coming up this Saturday in Bastrop. It's an organized (very, very, very hilly) ride Called Pedal Thru the Pines. 65 miles plus a run afterwards for me. But, I really enjoy doing the organized rides because they have support on the course in case you get a flat, as well as food and gatorade at the rest stops.
Sunday, I am meeting up with my friend Erica to do a mini-tri at Lake Pflugerville. It will be my first open water swim, and I am sure the water will be freezing. But, it will be good practice in my wet suit and preparation for the cold water at C'ouer D'Alene.
Time for a snack. More later.
Erin
I am always
1. exhuasted
2. hungry
3. doing laundry
This is hard. I didn't think training would be a cakewalk (where did that expression come from? I will wikipedia it later) but I didn't realize what a jump it would be from Half-Ironman training.
I've been training for about 5 weeks. I have 115 days to go. I CAN do this and I know I WILL do this but oh man am I feeling the effects of long rides, runs, and swims.
I'm fortunate that I've found some very cool people to train with ... the only place I don't have a training buddy is in the pool, but I'm okay with that - it's mainly the long rides where I can use company.
I hit some low points mentally but I think that's to be expected. They were along the lines of "why the eff am I doing this?" and "how am I only at mile x?" I just tried to pull myself out of the funk, focus on the good, etc.
Big ride coming up this Saturday in Bastrop. It's an organized (very, very, very hilly) ride Called Pedal Thru the Pines. 65 miles plus a run afterwards for me. But, I really enjoy doing the organized rides because they have support on the course in case you get a flat, as well as food and gatorade at the rest stops.
Sunday, I am meeting up with my friend Erica to do a mini-tri at Lake Pflugerville. It will be my first open water swim, and I am sure the water will be freezing. But, it will be good practice in my wet suit and preparation for the cold water at C'ouer D'Alene.
Time for a snack. More later.
Erin
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Weekend Workouts & A Stubborn Basset Hound
It's definitely a Monday around these parts, as I am tired and sluggish. After a beautiful weekend of nice temps and sunshine, the cold and rain is back today. The light at the end of my Monday tunnel is that the Bachelor season finale is on tonight! I think he picks Vienna. Mark my words.
I'm am happy to report that I survived my 55 mile ride on Saturday without any flat tires. I actually rode 56 miles to be exact, followed my running 4 miles hard off my bike. My friend Karen was kind enough to ride/run with me this week. Not only was it sooo nice to have the company, it forced me to push myself. We had a beautiful morning for a ride & run, and got in some good hill work riding up and down Parmer. I had a good run on Sunday as well, feeling much better than anticipated. It was a good weekend of training. After last week's bike failure, I needed it. I will say one thing however: I've ridden the distance (55 miles) several other times. I really start to get antsy on my bike around 45 miles. The thought that come June 27, I will be riding TWICE what I rode on Saturday is a bit overwhelming. But, as Karen assured me, I have plenty of time, and I will build into it...
In other news, I am dealing with a stubborn basset hound. A VERY stubborn basset hound. He goes by the name of Flash. We've been having stand-offs lately on his walks, which have escalated into being almost intolerable the past two days. Flash likes to take walks at his pace. Okay, I get it, you like to sniff and smell the roses. But, I do not always have all day. Particularly in the mornings when I have to be at work at 8 am. It starts with us playing tug of war on the walk. I tug, Flash removes to budge as he eats grass. The past few days he has gotten in the bad habit of just plopping down and refusing to move. Picture this: I have LuLu tugging me forward, I'm holding two sacks of poop from the walk, and Flash is sprawled out on the sidewalk down the street refusing to budge. I try to coax him by promising him a treat; no luck. I then try to scoop him off the ground with one arm, while holding Lu's leash with the other; he's a 55 pound hound, no luck. Finally, after 10 min and the neighbors laughing hysterically, he decides he's ready for forward progress. We took three walks yesterday; he did this to me THREE times. The ultimate showdown came today. I came home from work today to quickly check on the dogs and give them a quick walk. We made it like half way down the street with Flash moving at the pace of a snail before I decided this wasn't going to work because I needed to get back to work. We had crossed the street, so I decided we would cross back over and head to the house and not do our usual loop. Flash does not want to cross the road and half-way through DECIDES TO LAY DOWN THE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I am fuming and freaking out at the same time. Luckily we are in a residential neighborhood, when people drive relatively slow. Along comes a truck. I proceed to drag Flash across the road and wave in apology at the man driving the truck. At this point I've accidentally let go of LuLu's leash and she is halfway down the block playing in the nieghbors yard.
Serenity now. Thank goodness they are only dogs, so I can promptly send them back at the house and leave them. Flash may not make the evening walk.
Happy Monday.
I'm am happy to report that I survived my 55 mile ride on Saturday without any flat tires. I actually rode 56 miles to be exact, followed my running 4 miles hard off my bike. My friend Karen was kind enough to ride/run with me this week. Not only was it sooo nice to have the company, it forced me to push myself. We had a beautiful morning for a ride & run, and got in some good hill work riding up and down Parmer. I had a good run on Sunday as well, feeling much better than anticipated. It was a good weekend of training. After last week's bike failure, I needed it. I will say one thing however: I've ridden the distance (55 miles) several other times. I really start to get antsy on my bike around 45 miles. The thought that come June 27, I will be riding TWICE what I rode on Saturday is a bit overwhelming. But, as Karen assured me, I have plenty of time, and I will build into it...
In other news, I am dealing with a stubborn basset hound. A VERY stubborn basset hound. He goes by the name of Flash. We've been having stand-offs lately on his walks, which have escalated into being almost intolerable the past two days. Flash likes to take walks at his pace. Okay, I get it, you like to sniff and smell the roses. But, I do not always have all day. Particularly in the mornings when I have to be at work at 8 am. It starts with us playing tug of war on the walk. I tug, Flash removes to budge as he eats grass. The past few days he has gotten in the bad habit of just plopping down and refusing to move. Picture this: I have LuLu tugging me forward, I'm holding two sacks of poop from the walk, and Flash is sprawled out on the sidewalk down the street refusing to budge. I try to coax him by promising him a treat; no luck. I then try to scoop him off the ground with one arm, while holding Lu's leash with the other; he's a 55 pound hound, no luck. Finally, after 10 min and the neighbors laughing hysterically, he decides he's ready for forward progress. We took three walks yesterday; he did this to me THREE times. The ultimate showdown came today. I came home from work today to quickly check on the dogs and give them a quick walk. We made it like half way down the street with Flash moving at the pace of a snail before I decided this wasn't going to work because I needed to get back to work. We had crossed the street, so I decided we would cross back over and head to the house and not do our usual loop. Flash does not want to cross the road and half-way through DECIDES TO LAY DOWN THE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I am fuming and freaking out at the same time. Luckily we are in a residential neighborhood, when people drive relatively slow. Along comes a truck. I proceed to drag Flash across the road and wave in apology at the man driving the truck. At this point I've accidentally let go of LuLu's leash and she is halfway down the block playing in the nieghbors yard.
Serenity now. Thank goodness they are only dogs, so I can promptly send them back at the house and leave them. Flash may not make the evening walk.
Happy Monday.
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