Summertime Blues Triathlon Race Report

It was an early wake up call at 4AM. For some reason I thought Freeport was closer to my parents home in Clear Lake. When I pulled it up on the GPS last night I was shocked to see a 59 mile drive. We left early since Shane drives all Miss Daisy with me to forgo any yapping of, slow down, is your blinker on, watch that car, speed up, turn your wipers on, is that a dog in the road; I just can't help it every day I am becoming more my Mother's clone.

Swim: 500 yards 13:14.5 (2:53/100M 2:38/100Y)

I was in the last wave which was only 9 minutes after start time so primo. The wave included athenas, clydesdales, and men under 29. There is nothing like a wave with people that may be hungry or high level testosterone driven guys, maybe both. I positioned myself towards the back left side to be on the outside of the buoys knowing my swim pace. The water was like my Epsom salts baths, hot and salty as hell. I was little panicky and lost my form a few times...OK OK more then a few. I know I need to work on calmness, and staying true to form for TX Man OLY in a couple weeks. That is me right in the center and I actually have my head down... Whoa!

T1: 1:33.5

I actually didn't feel like I had been in a washing machine for 15 minutes.Thanks for the tip, Strive team mate Doug. I woggled my way over to the last rack and put the cycle shoes on minus socks. I am trying the whole sockless thing (not topless, Marcy cause I know you will go there momacita). They usually end up soaking wet anyhow and it's my contribution to myself to feel all triathletic. I am hard to miss below in the Strive green tri top that I am busting out of all Incredible Hulkish.

Bike: 15 miles 54:49.9 (16.4mph)

The bike was a windy out and back course meaning I hit the intercoastal bridge going out and coming back.

It was challenging, but I remember what my tri sis told me, use those gears. I did and I didn't get that chewed up spit out feeling I got in Austin.

You guys know I sometimes might let one person work my nerves. I tried not to but this kid was killin' me smalls! He was just all over the place, staying on the left too long, passing people on the right at times in non called for situations. We will call him Dennis the Menace. So, Dennis and I keep playing cat and mouse on the bike. Every time I would try to pass him he would pedal his heart out and I would have to back down. Luckily, no refs were around. After the 4th time yes 4th time I went though this with Dennis this is what happened.

Me: Kid, your killing me!

Dennis: Yea, so what!

Me: So, what?! We are not in the same age group ya know.

Dennis: Eat my dust, lady!

Oh no he didn't.....I passed Dennis but a couple miles later he passed me. Argh, I will getcha Dennis and your little dog too (does Dennis even have a dog?) I did pass this guy that was in my Total Immersion swim clinic a while back. Tiggs, do you recall the guy who was getting on my nerves at the workshop cause he kept hogging the coach in my lane. Yep, unfortunately I can find people to work my nerves just about anywhere, you think it is me...nah!

T2: 1:03.3

I really need my tri sis to teach me that flying dismount thingy. She will probably say, learn how to change a tire first ;-)

Run: preliminary time 34:22.7 (11:27)

I took off sockless in my running shoes. The first mile is always brutal as the legs are getting into the run. I started slowing down in the first mile and this chica was passing me. She said, "Hey don't slow down on me now after you kicked my ass on the bike." Aww, that is one of the sweetest things I have heard on the run. It can either get worst after mile 1 or get better. It got better. I was feeling pretty good and I am pretty sure I had my cheesy run smile going.

Total Time: 1:45:03.9

Overall, my times are better compared to my last race and well any sprint distance I have completed. I have to admit it comes from smart coaching, thanks Coach K. My team mates who inspire and motivate me, especially tri sis who has just taken me under her wing. My friends, bloggity buds, Shane who sacrifices a lot of our time for my training and work. Lil' Buster who gives me cowbell then while I am gone makes his own fun. My sister who does these early wake up calls often to support and give me cowbell out there. Not to mention all the little people who I have stepped on and I am no lightweight... just kidding, but since I was going overboard!

So, my previous post, How Bad Do I want It ?

How Bad Do I Want It....

I want to do beyond well in this race

I want to go out there and give this race all I have

If I want it

I have to get it

Summertime Blues Sprint Triathlon - 8/31/08 Freeport River Place
Three challenging bridges!
500 yard open-water swim in the Old Brazos River Harbor
15 mile bike over the Intercoastal Waterway Bridge, into the Village of Quintana, back over the ICW bridge and back to RiverPlace
3 mile run around the Old Brazos River, over Velasco Bridge, over the levee, and back to RiverPlace

I hope everyone has a safe & fantastic Labor Day Weekend!

I leave you with this hilarious fight clip....

Living Dead Girl Saves "Get Out of Jail Free Card"

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! I wanted to thank everyone for the insight on nutrition. I got some great advice in the comments and by email. This week I will be implementing multi small 200-300 calorie meals through out the day. I bought light vanilla soy milk and fresh organic berries to bring smoothies into the mix. I still can't believe that Viv has those reusable grocery bags, does yoga, buys soy milk, and organic fruit?!? (talking in the 3rd person is totally Suede's fault from Project Runway )

This weekend was tough on the training front. On, Saturday I had a 40 mile ride with some of my strive team mates, whom I adore. It was my longest ride ever...I have an expiration date after tough workouts. I am good for about 4 hours after the shower and then crash and burn, baby. Shane said, I moaned myself to sleep that night.

On Sunday, another early wake up call for a 9 mile run. The first 6 miles were at Z2 with the last 3 miles at tempo. I made it back to the house in time to grab more G2 & GU and head out to teach a 9AM SPIN class.

I had a 1900 swim on the schedule as well. However, I was pretty much dead while breathing if that is possible. I put in the training database to my Coach that I was skipping the swim. I was well into my 4 hour expiration time moaning and groaning on the couch when I got an email on the BlackBerry from my Coach. (dayum BlackBerry) I will post some of it, since anything you say or send me may and will be used against you on the blog. just kidding

Hey Viv,
OK...will give this a pass...but only b/c you have these extra spin classes to teach...otherwise, because it is a swim...I would NORMALLY encourage you to get in the water.If after 15 minutes you still feel like crap then stop the workout. If you feel OK after 15 minutes, I'd have you keep going for the yardage but hold back on intensity. Sometimes we feel like crap but once we get going we actually feel better. My best swims typically follow a long run for me. I don't feel like always going and I never know what to expect (some days are BAD!).
But, for this time...because of the extra spin classes-don't worry about the swim. Next time, though...just get in the water. Try it. If after 15 minutes you still feel tired, then get out.

After an email like that what is one to do??? I get my living dead girl self off the couch and head to the pool. The first 20 minutes were tough, but I did a 1700 swim. Times like that in my mind is what defines an athlete. The times when you are faced with the decision to do or not to do, and you do. That is a lot of do's, reminds of that song by The Police, "do, doo, do, ahh, dah, dah, dah" . I am probably a little delirious now, but you know what I mean though.

So, thanks Coach but I will save that "get out of jail free card" for when I really need it. Like, being rolled on a stretcher kind of situation.

To the best tri sis any girl could have!!

Deep Thoughts by Viv Edition I

The second feature I am adding to the blog to appear randomly is Deep Thoughts by Viv. Does anyone remember Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy on Saturday Night Live back in the day? They usually were neither here nor there while playing inspirational like music in the back round. Here is a sample one:

"When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges" by Jack Handy

My deep thoughts will sometimes be deep or pose a question. Like, whoa that Viv is truly an intellectual brain child, so wise beyond her young looking 33 years. Some of the time they will be like, whoa what primo stuff is Viv smoking over there?! ( "The Hills" is back, which means I begin my excessive use of the word like. I hear in California it is perfectly o.k. to start a sentence with the word like. Since Surf City is almost a sure thing for me I am implementing the word in my immature vocabulary regularly)

I am working out about 16-21 hours per week. Am I 100 pounds? Hell to the no! I know I have to start focusing on better nutrition. Usually when my training hours are less my healthy food choices come natural. When my training hours are in excess (not my Coach's fault. It is all the extra work hours at the gym. I am still trying to find a balance of work and training.) I tend to make bad food choices. Like, not because I think I have burned x amount of calories I can eat that kind of thing. It is more like that tuna, salad, veggies (insert healthy options here) is just not appetising to me at this juncture. I have to consciously make a hard effort here to get the rest of this weight off.

Another thing I think about is recovery nutrition. I sometimes have three workouts in a day. Is there something I should be eating right after workouts to prepare my body for the next workout to properly replenish the body to aid in recovery?

To use recovery nutrition or not?

If so, what works for you?

That is the question??????????

Viv's Corner Edition I

I am going to try two additions to the blog. I already have "Random Thought of The Day" that appears randomly so I am going to add two more, if I may be so bold to call them features.

Viv's Corner is the first new addition, which will just be bits of, hmmmm if I may be so bold to call them news worthy information in my world.

Has anyone seen this show?? "Million Dollar Listing" on Bravo. The guys on it are primo annoying and totally arrogant. I of course found it halirious. This dude and his mushroom hair, and the other with permanent guy liner made me laugh thinking are these dudes for real?!?

Did you know that Alanis Morissette has completed a triathlon? Isn't that ironic, don't ya think a little too ironic, yea I really do think. It's like rai-in on your wedding day. It's the free advice, you just didn't take.......OK I will stop now.

Remeber, this post I did about JLo back in July thanks to my buddy Marcy, A.K.A. the next Perez Hilton. HAHAHAHAHA!!

Well...... JLo is full on training for the Malibu Triathlon. The biatch is even blogging about it and sharing tips. LOL! Like, what Gucci sunglasses go best with your Versace helmet and which length of fake lashes go best with the Olympic and Sprint distances.

You know who else will be doing this race???? Last years Kona Ironman winner, Chris "Macca" McCormack.

Ryan Lochte (on the left), amazing HOT swimmer, might be a little bimboish. I still *heart* him. Hello, there is no talking necessary in swimming is there?! HEHEHEHEHE! Click here for bimboish interview

Please note: words or phrases highlighted in yellow are words or phrases I am bringing back just like Justin brought sexy back.

Strong To Quite Strong

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Congratulations to Tiggs & Kelli on solid finishes at Ironbabe & my(ok I share her with the rest of the team, but my blog my coach) Coach K for a first place overall female finish at DeGray Lake Half Tri.

I had a strong to quite strong (name that movie line) training weekend and some fun social events (reads drinking). Of course a recovery week on the training front that's why I come out like a champ. LOL! Bike ride was scheduled Saturday for 25 miles pulled out 22 miles at 16.9mph due to my lower gears not working I cut off a few miles. I had to take every "hill" out of the saddle to gain momentum. It was rough on my fatigued quads that have worked 6 SPIN classes this week. I worked everyday sometimes twice a day except Friday since last Sunday in addition to my tri training.

I dropped off SOW at the bike shop and of course Ken, from Bike Lane was all over it. He will also put one of those thingys I can drink from on the aero bars with SOW's small frame it only allows room for one bottle. Ken is so awesome! This place is like the "Cheers" of bike shops. Let me tell you, he just knows my name and has a cold one waiting for SOW and I every time(ok I exaggerate at times). I let SOW spend the night since I don't need him back till Thursday.

I did my long run of 8 miles Sunday morning at Z2. There was no pain but my Z2 pace has slowed down a plenty since pre injury. I do not fret it, I am sure it will come back. Besides if I got all depressed over slow miles I would be on antidepressants, no doubt. After the run rushed in grabbed a G2 with a granola bar and off to work for a 9AM SPIN class. In the afternoon Shane and I went to a movie, "Cristina Vicky Barcelona". My widely famous movie review to come this week (again, only famous in my mind).

Random Thought of The Day:

Is a direct quote from Lil' Buster, "Turn on the air Mom, I'm sweating my balls off."

Where does my 5 year old Lil' Buster learn such things?!?

Movie Line is from,

"Meet The Parents"

Kevin(Owen Wilson): Are you a homeowner, Greg?
Greg(Ben Stiller): No, no, I rent.
Kevin: Oh.
Jack(Robert DeNiro): So, things are going real, real well for you, aren't they, eh, Kevo?
Kevin: Gosh, things have been going so great lately. I got in early on some wireless I.P.O.s, and the stuff just skyrocketed from there.
Greg: Wow.
Kevin: What about you, Greg? What line of work are you in?
Greg: I'm in health care.
Kevin: Yeah, so you know what I'm talking about. There are a lot of Benjamins to be made now with biotech stuff. I don't have to tell you that. How's your portfolio?
Greg: I'd say strong...to quite strong.

I'm So Tight!

Not in that, whoa that Viv has some tight lil' body like Kerri Walsh sort of way either. It's tight along the lines of my leg muscles are so tight. I can't touch my toes tight! I decided to bring yoga into my plenitude of workouts. I went to yoga on Wednesday with my pal Kelli. She can probably vouch for all the grunts, groans, and a low key WTF she heard coming from my mat. The yoga instructor had to make a special announcement, " If you can't reach you toes use the band to pull yourself forward." I was the only one who reached for my band. It was good for my tight muscles. Yoga will be squeezed into my week every week to aid getting these muscles loose and help avoid injury.

Speaking of injury, my stress injury was that of a stress reaction. When I went to McDreamy for my follow up the x-ray showed no calcification on the fifth metatarsal indicating no fracture healing, hence meaning no fracture.
(whew, I am exhausted from that long coma spliced sentence) It felt good to walk on and I was cleared to run, bringing it back slowly. For track this week I did a total of 2 miles with no pick ups just comfortable pace. My legs and feet felt comfortable with the run, but my lungs need to get used to the running again. Not to mention I lost my acclimation that I worked so hard to achieve with high noon runs, bastard! So, back to the drawing board with running. I have my first long run back this weekend so we shall see....

Best of luck to my chickies doing Irobabe this weekend, RACE HARD!

Happy Friday, and have a wonderful weekend!

Lack of Sleep

To Whom it May Concern at the Olympic Committees:

Please consider moving up the swimming to a decent hour. I find myself staying up very late waiting for the hotties to make their way into the pool. I have to get up early the next morning and seeing these inappropriately revealingly dressed fine young things at such a late hour makes it difficult for me to go to sleep.

It ends up being midnight and I am all hot and bothered. Then the cougar in me is on the prowl trying to awake the hibernating bear next to me. Maybe if they wore something as shown below I could handle this much better. I would appreciate your help in this matter.



Sincerely,

Viv

Hiatus, Not Hernia

Blogger Guilty Conscious & Gems

I feel bad guys...Lately, I am just so busy with things that I have fallen behind on catching up with you guys. I am finally caught up this evening but it felt almost stressful and that is not what catching up with you guys should be to me. Anywhoo, so I am in a conundrum thinking that maybe I might need a blogging vacation.

Training has been going strong with pool running, cycling, swimming, teaching spin classes, aqua aerobics...huh? WTF? Seriously, Viv?

Yea, My boss at the gym has encouraged me to think about instructing aqua aerobics. So, I took a class and it went pretty well. Not much of a calorie burner but I think I was focused on learning the movements since I am already jotted down to sub a class on the 21st.

GEM 1: The Aqua instructor telling the class during a little active part of the class, "Check your neighbor, make sure they are breathing."

GEM 2: I counted 4 bottles of Matrix So Silver conditioner bottles on the pool deck.

Training this weekend has been welcomely interrupted by a 2 day swimming workshop, Total Immersion. I have been luckily filling in for Tiggs husband, who had a work circumstance that did not allow him to attend this costly workshop. Forever grateful and thankful to Tiggs for allowing me to fill his spot. I swear I owe her cupcakes for life. I am learning so much about swimming. Basically from step one, which is what I need a step by step guidance.

GEM 3: I don't know if I am a sick puppy, but the older coach at the swimming workshop wears these inappropriate Speedo Jammers. It just does not support his schlong. So, he is floating about, talking on deck and that thing just keeps staring at me. It makes it hard to hear the words coming out of his mouth. I hope he wears different Speedos for tomorrows workshop.

I got these two awesome TYR tri tops on clearance for $11 each at my local swim shop. They did not have shorts to match which really concerned me. Hello, you know me....matchy matchy! Well, not to worry I found the matching shorts (solid grey & navy blue) from the TYR 2007 collection on EBay and in my size. I won the aution this evening for both shorts, $17.98, SCORE!