Happy Thanksgiving!!
Ever since Obama began using the word "change" you can't say it now without some people thinking you have a political agenda attached with it. So that being said, this is not a political post. You should probably know by now that you don't come to my blog to enrich your political saviness or general knowledge for that matter.
shredded wheat
I am supposed to rest tomorrow but with another spin class in the morning....something will have to give somewhere to be able to race Thanksgiving day with the results I want.
Friday's Workout:
AM 45 min Spin Class
PM 1hr. Spin Class ILT drills
Saturday's Workout:
Run 8 miles (12:35)
Why do some SPIN class participants stare at me waiting for me to say something magical? I think they could just be in a zone or they are trying to mimic my cadence. It could be I really don't speak a lot while cycling, besides instruction, form cues, scattered motivation, I tend to allow the class to find their own zone. Who needs me to be yapping over the microphone.
Coach K told me, "Don't worry about them." For me it was easier said than done. It usually does not hit me until I do a running race and I have to scroll, scroll, and scroll some more to the bottom of my age group. Or, like when my boss runs the same 10 miler as me then teaches the Spin class I subbed out for the following day because I knew it would be too much for me. This morning on my run I played out in my head an exchange between Lil' Buster and Shane. Lil' Buster was upset about his handwriting in this writing journal that goes around in class. He claims a few kids handwriting are better than his. This really upset him and he began to cry. Shane consoled him, and let him know everyone is different. You just worry about writing the best you can every time. Just worry about being the best you can be every time. That is it for me. I am doing the best I can with what I am capable of at this time. 18 months ago I donated a monthly fee to a gym to I guess say, I belonged to a gym. Now the gyms, they pay me. I am running, cycling, and swimming and seeing improvements, but even more so I am enjoying my newly found active lifestyle. I repeat to myself when in doubt, just be the best I can be every time....
Wednesday's Workout:
AM 1hr. Spin Class
PM 1hr. Spin Class 30/30 drills
Thursday's Workout:
Run 4 miles recovery (12:02)
*maybe swim
If you are coming to this blog reading that title, and looking at that picture thinking my rhetorical questions will make you ponder life in addition to the mark you will leave on this planet, then you may want to leave now before you set yourself up for disappoint in preposterous proportions.
Monday's Workout:
unscheduled DOR legs felt fatigued and I have 6 SPIN classes this week
Yea, it seems to be I am a wuss
Tuesday's Workout:
1 hr. SPIN class
3 mile run easy (12:19)
It was so nice to race so close to home...I train the race course. I got to sleep in a little. I got to sleep in my own bed, not that I try to sleep in others peoples bed before a race but you know what I mean.
Can I just say besides the beautiful well supported course, the port a potty facilities were top of the line. They were so nice people were taking forever probably doing their duty while reading the paper. 
I went to the pool today to get my swim on, finally after a 6 week hiatus. I had not swam since the Toyota US Open Triathlon, due to the exhaustion/overtraining followed with an annoying lingering cold. Yea, yea excuses are like you know what, everyone has one and they all stink. I got to the pool and they had just painted, in addition to chlorinating the pool and it stunk. I slid those flip flops back on and headed towards the locker room only to see a picture that has probably been there since the gym opened but I never noticed.
There it was in color (since it wasn't in black & white) right in front of me. "Before you can accomplish it, you must expect it from yourself." To top it off the dayum picture has Strive written across the side. Hello, Strive like my tri training team....In the water I go. I had 1900 on the schedule, which was a tad much for me after not swimming in so long. I did not want to get a lat lash out. I played it smart and trimmed some "meat" off the main set.
I picked up my race packet for Saturday. Hey, Jess it is 10 miles in The Woodlands so you know it will be glorious, HAHAHAHA! I am aware it would be a big accomplishment hitting double d's (double digits) in my mileage again, but let me be brutally honest here. I want 12 staying the hell away from me at this race. If he even tries to talk to me, I am calling security!
Wednesday's Workout:
Zoot Sports tagline is that, "Zoot is born in Kona". You see those shoes I am wearing, the Zoot Ultra Race shoe. To the mere mortal they are just some funky aquamarine tennis shoe. To me they say, yea I am a f*c*#*g triathlete! I got them for my birthday and it took two Lukes Locker giftcards in addition to money from my pocket. I have worn them walking around twice to break them in a little, but have yet to run in them. They are light, very light. It is almost shocking when you pick them up, kinda like when Chili's changed from glass mugs to plastic mugs and you almost flung the glasstic(plastic meant to appear like glass) backwards from your hand (this is what I hear). They have don't have that support feeling I get from my Asics Fortitude . The Zoot Ultra Race shoes I have categorized as my sprint triathlon shoe, or track shoes. What they do have is; drain holes to let water out; they are 8 ounces light; and have built in sock lining so no socks required. OK that is enough swinging on Zoot's nuts. I don't see them hitting me up to sponsor me, a slow fat triathlete anytime soon. (Hello, have you seen the sizing on their women's tri clothes...I finally got in their XL).
Well, I did my track workout with the shoes today on the treadmill. Due to scheduling conflicts, I can't make it to track tonight so was stuck out doing it at the gym mid morning with all the other desperate housewives. The minute I stepped on the treadmill I felt a beautiful connection with the shoes. They filled my mind with all kind of confidence. I could almost hear the words from my mind aloud, you want to be fast, then be fast. I know it was a controlled treadmill environment(even though someone needs to control the air up in that gym. It was hot), yet I found some of my best 400 splits eva!
Coach, I know we exchanged e-mails about sometimes running needs not be about pace. You said, there are times to work on pace. I am pretty sure track workouts qualify as the time to worry about pace :-) So, I let the confidence from my shoes run the show.
The Garmin data last record of running 400's was back on 09/02/08. The avg pace for the 400's (2:32).
Tuesday's Workout:
Mile 1 W/U 12:03
Mile 2 W/U 11:18
400 1:58
400 1:56
400 1:57
400 1:55
400 1:56
400 1:53
Mile 4.5 C/D 12:58
CLICK HERE FOR: Marathon Season Independence Weight Loss Challenge Finale!!
I made an executive decision to take a rest day today. I was supposed to rest yesterday, but had a SPIN class to work in the morning. On the schedule today I had an easy 4 miler, which would have been suhaweet! 4 miles, and easy = bonus! I mean that just sounds non-threatening. I hate giving up running days since it is one area I am aiming to improve at this time. Then I begin to think, my body is telling me… you are tired….if you don’t rest today then you will have several more days without rest…you want to race 10 for TX Saturday…Then before you know it you are back in that exhaustion conundrum.
My house looks like hell over. We had contractors here over the weekend working on Ike damage. So, there is about 3 inches of wood dust everywhere. I told my friend Kari last night(while we went to see Kathy Griffin, she is a trip) I am feeling tired, and mentioned I should take tomorrow as a rest day. She said, "you should but don’t start cleaning like a mad woman really rest." Here I am looking around my house feeling vomitous thinking, get your lazy ass up Viv and get to cleaning.
I can’t help thinking like that. I come from this little mad crazy Cuban woman who can’t sit still if you tied her to a chair. I think it is just the Cuban blood that boils through me. I will never forget my freshman year in high school. I would come home and pass out on the couch. I started developing huge bruises all over my body. My Mom would look at me and get infuriated. She accused me of being on drugs and somehow the bruises were from a pimp because yes in her mind I was this much of a juvenile delinquent. I would look at her and roll my eyes, since it was my specialty. Then I would be in there cleaning the kitchen. My Mom would say I am taking you to the Dr. and getting you tested for drugs and to the OB/GYN to see if you are still a virgin (I did say mad crazy little Cuban woman). I would do my token eye roll and say, “I wish you would, so I can rub it in your face that I am not doing what you think I am.”
Well, she did take me to the Dr. and I was admitted that afternoon in the hospital. At first they thought I had leukemia. They did a bone marrow, which ruled it out. Luckily, it was a very manageable autoimmune deficiency disease called, ITP. After, a couple years of treatment with steroids it would return, the only treatment trick left in the Dr.’s pocket was to remove my spleen. It worked and I am healthy today. I just have to take extra caution since I am immune deficient without a spleen. You want to talk about her feeling terrible for a while. Let’s just say I still keep that ITP card in my little bag of tricks for Mom/Daughter battles defense mechanism. (just kidding) I love that little mad crazy Cuban woman too much.
Long story short, umm OK too late. Taking this unscheduled rest day is just killing me smalls!
Sunday's Workout:
Interesting weight loss tool or article of the week: Maintain Your Weight Loss
your rank in the challenge/Name
X = percentage of weight loss this past week
X = final cumulative percentage loss for challenge
If your name is highlighted and your total percentage loss is in bold you have won a prize. I am in the process of creating the prize list distribution. I will post it as soon as possible
1--pat
-0.94%
-6.25%
2--amy
-0.90%
-5.90%
3--viv (opting out)
-1.54%
-5.88%
4--nicole c.
-0.60%
-5.21%
5--sandy
0.00%
-4.27%
6---java
-1.21%
-4.12%
7--kristen
-1.33%
-4.03%
8--anna
0.33%
-4.00%
9--mary
-0.67%
-3.87%
10--christy
-1.13%
-3.81%
11--shanna
-0.88%
-3.02%
12--liz
-0.35%
-2.93%
13--turi
-2.56%
-2.56%
14--nicole a.
-0.73%
-2.56%
15--slb
0.36%
-2.38%
16--angie
-1.68%
-2.09%
17--shane
-0.50%
-1.97%
18--leana
-0.62%
-1.71%
19--nat
0.53%
-1.57%
20--danielle
0.15%
-1.35%
21--al
-0.35%
-1.22%
22--d
0.00%
-0.71%
23--stacy
-0.68%
-0.68%
24--jenny
0.00%
-0.58%
25--steph
1.06%
-0.52%
26--margo
-0.95%
0.00%
27--xenia
-0.31%
1.06%
Again, thanks to all of you for joining the challenge!
THANK YOU to the generous sponsors
The wonderful Meridith from Brooks Running comes through again and will be sponsoring a complete outfit of one of the winners choice. That's right a top and a mathcy matchy bottom! Brooks® Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of high-performance men's and women's running shoes, apparel and accessories in more than 40 countries. Run Happy!
Robert, has been very generous again by sponsoring some wonderful products (see below) from his store. If you have never visited RunJunk.com head over there. They have everything us runners/triathletes need. I have purchased from them before, and he always throws in some great samples of other products. Robert, has also been so supportive by giving a 5% discount to all participants through the end of the year by using this promo link in addition to a free hat or visor on purchases over $100.
One male or female MIO strapless heart rate watch and calorie counter for those who want long-term results. Our stylish, easy to use, ECG accurate strapless heart rate monitor - our Classic model. Classic Select is ideal for individuals who have lifestyle goals - those who are looking for a weight management tool that will give them personalized feedback. With MIO Classic Select you take control and decide what you want to do - lose weight, gain weight, or simply maintain your shape. You then enter your personal information - age, gender, weight and resting heart rate and MIO will do the rest. You can get your own MIO right now from RunJunk.com at a discounted price. 
The AquaJoe Portable Hydration System is designed to hold your powdered drink mixes without mess. No more plastic bags! It is portable, reusable and compatible with all beverage powders. The AquaJoe carries any powdered drink mix and allows you to mix on the go in any sports bottle, water bottle or hydration pack. It includes 2 dispensers and a belt clip (belts sold separately). Dishwasher safe and environmentally friendly. You can get your own AquaJoe Portable Hydration System right now at a dicounted price at RunJunk.com
This small 8 spindle model has a compact 17” length. The Stick Runner's Massage Tool is a revolutionary device used to segmentally compress and stretch muscle. It is highly effective in the treatment of muscle pain and trigger points. You can get your own travel Stick from RunJunk.com at a discounted price.
The sweet Ms. Kim Overton, at Overton Fitness will be sponsoring a SPIbelt which is a sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. It can hold an iPod™, BlackBerry™, cell, keys, up to five GU™ packs, and other small personal items. The SPIbelt does not bounce, ride or shift while running or doing other activities. Racers SPIbelt doubles as a race number belt. Just add the hooks to your order on the checkout page.
I want to play hard so we can make it to the Superbowl
I have been listening to Lil' Buster this past week and really listening to what he says about pee wee football. I am stunned to find most of the things he says I can apply to myself. I am finding great joy in Lil' Buster finding this little athlete within himself.
I was never an athlete, and you know if you read my blog enough I still have a hard time thinking I am one now. Let's face it, I spent most of my teenage years making sure I was at the right party with the right outfit, or pumping the keg if that counts as a sport. I never understood, or better said took for granted all the athletic kids in school. I now realize how at a young age they were athletes enjoying the benefits of pushing their bodys to a limit. I look back now and wish I would have tapped into this athletic being that I have now discovered, but always better late than never.
So, thanks Lil' Buster for teaching your ol' Mom a few things about this athletic stuff. I promise to be nothing but the support and driving force behind the athlete in you.I want to train hard and smart to make it to my Superbowl.
Friday's Workout:
Bike 1 hr. hill drills
Saturday's Workout:
Run 7.92 miles (12:14)
old boyfriends are so easy to go back to
Run 6miles 1:11.50 (11:58)
The schedule called for 1mile w/u, then the meat of it was 3-4 miles at LT, (in swimming it is called the main set. I have no idea what it is called in running so I call it the meaty part) finishing with a 1 mile c/d.
The finish line is near. This is the last week so keep working hard!
You guys have really been doing great! Even if you have managed to hang on to your starting weight you are obviously not overdoing the stuffage and balancing the exercise to keep your weight steady. If you had a small gain, now is the time to put it on lockdown. (yes, I love the Kanye song) I had a rough weigh in as many of us did. I did fantastic all week then blew it on the weekend. Sure, I skipped the donuts on the bike ride but then headed over to Hooters and chowed on wings and beer. (is there a better way to watch football?!?) In addition to a few other slip ups on the weekend equals to a 1lb loss, which would have been a better loss if I would have stayed in control.…
Interesting weight loss tool or article of the week: Why Losing Weight is so Hard and Gaining Weight is so Easy
For any questions please click here for the last post that addressed many questions.
The wonderful Meridith from Brooks Running comes through again and will be sponsoring a complete outfit of one of the winners choice. That's right a top and a mathcy matchy bottom! Brooks® Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of high-performance men's and women's running shoes, apparel and accessories in more than 40 countries. Run Happy!
Robert, has been very generous again by sponsoring some wonderful products (see below) from his store. If you have never visited RunJunk.com head over there. They have everything us runners/triathletes need. I have purchased from them before, and he always throws in some great samples of other products. Robert, has also been so supportive by giving a 5% discount to all participants through the end of the year by using this promo link in addition to a free hat or visor on purchases over $100.
One male or female MIO strapless heart rate watch and calorie counter for those who want long-term results. Our stylish, easy to use, ECG accurate strapless heart rate monitor - our Classic model. Classic Select is ideal for individuals who have lifestyle goals - those who are looking for a weight management tool that will give them personalized feedback. With MIO Classic Select you take control and decide what you want to do - lose weight, gain weight, or simply maintain your shape. You then enter your personal information - age, gender, weight and resting heart rate and MIO will do the rest. You can get your own MIO right now from RunJunk.com at a discounted price. The AquaJoe Portable Hydration System is designed to hold your powdered drink mixes without mess. No more plastic bags! It is portable, reusable and compatible with all beverage powders. The AquaJoe carries any powdered drink mix and allows you to mix on the go in any sports bottle, water bottle or hydration pack. It includes 2 dispensers and a belt clip (belts sold separately). Dishwasher safe and environmentally friendly. You can get your own AquaJoe Portable Hydration System right now at a dicounted price at RunJunk.com.
This small 8 spindle model has a compact 17” length. The Stick Runner's Massage Tool is a revolutionary device used to segmentally compress and stretch muscle. It is highly effective in the treatment of muscle pain and trigger points. You can get your own travel Stick from RunJunk.com at a discounted price.
The sweet Ms. Kim Overton, at Overton Fitness will be sponsoring a SPIbelt which is a sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. It can hold an iPod™, BlackBerry™, cell, keys, up to five GU™ packs, and other small personal items. The SPIbelt does not bounce, ride or shift while running or doing other activities. Racers SPIbelt doubles as a race number belt. Just add the hooks to your order on the checkout page.
