This is when I find out if you really like me, by still stopping by when I have not been running by blogs(Shane is on vacation, and rolls his eyes at me if I am on the computer too much). If you know me you are aware that I am not running or cycling at all. I am still dealing with my calf injury. Being that it is still difficult to walk I would not be surprised if there is a tear involved, but too cheap(high deductible insurance) to get the MRI to prove it. I am working with my awesome PT and Strive teammate, Paula. I trust I will be back at it soon.
I have been thinking of doing a list of my favorite things for the holiday season for a while. Sorry it is not before Christmas but up before New Years,score! Since, I am the Oprah of the blog world according to Jonand hello, I go up and down the scale like that woman. All, I need to do is roll out with a wagon of chicken fat when and if I ever reach goal weight by hopefully next summer. Oh, and give all my readers a free car.....dream on! Without further due, the list.
Wigwam Ironman Thunder Pro Socks- It is just the right thickness, and they keep my feet blister free even if sometimes I put them on with damp feet. The Ironman logo keeps me motivated.
De Soto Tri Shorts - They fit me just right without the obscene look some tri shorts give me. They do not have those torturous extreme leg grippers, but never ever ride up. Trust me if tri shorts were going to ride up I would be the chick they ride up on.
Brooks Epiphany Running Shorts- This short gets bonus points for the slit in the leg that keeps riding up shorts in check, even on the track. I guess you are feeling that riding up is an issue for me.
The Stick- When used frequently and correctly can loosen up the tight muscles.
Body Glide- Chaffing is a thing of the past when you apply wherever things may rub.
Zoot Ultra Race - Lightweight running shoe. I use them for track workouts or short distances. I have to admit something magical does happen once they are on my feet.
Fuel Belt - Many different belts may aim to please but nothing compares.
Rehydrate - My new hydration of choice. Some of my cycle students have sworn there is speed in my sports bottle when I refuel with it.
Diorshow Waterproof Mascara - I never wear make up before a workout, but sometimes I have a class to teach at 5A and I don't want to look like a zombie. This is my mascara of choice to make my eyes pop and not run down my face while sweating gallons.
Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor - Yes, I have the wonderful Garmin to track distance and running workouts, but my main focus is and should be calorie burn. When I am not running outside this is my go to gadget. The calorie burn is much accurate than the Garmin, and since I am a WeWa'er how many calories I burn is crucial to knowing my in and out of calories.
These are just my favorite things.... I am not being endorsed by these companies to tell you this, I wish I was, LOL!
Now it is your turn to tell me your favorite thing you can't be without on your training or exercise adventures. This is your oppurtunity to post a comment on my blog if you have just been lurking. Remeber you do not have to have a google account to comment. You can always choose name and put in your name. By posting your favorite thing in my comments section below you will be automatically entered for a giveaway on my blog sponsored by the wonderfully generous people at Onlineshoes.com. Onlineshoes.comhas a plenitude of running shoes selection of all our favorite brands, and models including running apparel.
Now, don't get all jumping on the couch but Onlineshoes.comis giving one of my lucky readers who post their comment to this post a $100 gift certificate to their store,Onlineshoes.comor a pair of the New Balance 993.
Da' Rules: ~Contest only open to US residents. So sorry my Canadian pals & my fav kiwi. ~Must have a valid e-mail address. ~If you are not a regular commenter on my blog make sure you include your name in your comment. ~Only one entry per person. ~This contest will run for 2 weeks ending on January 12, 2009 at 6:00PM(CST). ~To be eligible the comment must be on this original post, not on reminder posts. ~Winner will be chosen by a drawing. ~Drawing will be videotaped to be posted on my blog. ~Good luck!
I am sorry I have been MIA lately. I am dealing with a calf injury that has me just swimming for now(no spinning,cycling,running), and you know when I am a little down & out I go AWOL.The injury is canceling my plans for the Houston Aramco 1/2 Marathon in a few weeks. I am just staying positive a la' Tony Robbinsand looking forward to Surf City but most importantly my main goal of New Orleans IM70.3.
I wish you, and your families a veryMerry Christmas!
"So many people along the way, whatever it is you aspire to do, will tell you it can't be done. But all it takes is imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits." - Michael Phelps
~Who would have thought that the guy with the barley there Speedos would say something so profound that it would resonate so deeply within me.
Actually, I am usually pretty cool. Like I see Beyonce with all her statueisc thick legged grace and I think, man no doubt I would be doing the booty shake in a leotard and heels if I was blessed like her. Shit, I still do the booty shake and, I am let's just say more blessed than her. LOL!
All my non hater ways went to the crapper this morning after Shane bounces in after his 5 mile run (have I mentioned his number got called on the Aramco Houston 1/2 waiting list so he will be doing the 1/2 in January(his first), (wow () inside of a () obviously grammar faux pas record for me). He is kinda doing the booty shake and all giddy, just a laughing while brewing coffee. I am still wiping the crust aways from my eyes and my hair is looking quite identical to a birds nest when he plants a kiss on me with a cheery, "good morning, sweet!" That bastard is on a running endorphin kick. I can totally recognize it. It is the same giddiness I pop back in my house with after a strong track workout.
Can you tell I am lacking my endorphins??? I warmed up yesterday with a couple miles at an easy 12 and felt great. Once I kicked into the 800's it took 3.25, yes 3.25 of them to bring back the seize in my right calf, which stops my run on the 4th 800. I am noting that intensity seems to get the calf aggravated. Cycling tends to keep the calf calm, which is good since I am working 6 classes this week. (bring on the HBBC points)
I am back to rubbing the knot out again and can now walk without the sexy limp that seize brings with it. Well, I got news for you calf, I am a super aggressive chic so I am going to see Dr. Mc Dreamyon Thursday to get PT into full swing. I will catch up with you guys later today between my two Spin classes, life has me a little busy these days.
Random Thought of The Day: Radio Shack has the geekiest guys working there, but they sure are knowledgeable and helpful.
I always enjoy whenLily on The Roaddoes Wordless Wednesday except she holds true and types not one word. Me, I feel the need to explain. I guess that blows "wordless" out.
I am sick
I am trying to massage out my calf knots
I am still reading a book from my tri sis to get a mental grip
I have 2 Spin classes to work today (oh that is not depicted in the picture)
I am yet to understand Facebook (oh not in the picture either).
Random Thought of The Day: My older cousins once offered me $1 a minute for up to 30 minutes if I could shut up when I was 11.
Yea, I didn't even walk outta that joint with a dollar.
I found my mojo yesterday after a super email from my coach that put me back in focus. Her email was also followed up with a call. I tell you, I consider myself lucky to have her on this journey. I toldcoach I would be at the track this morning at 5A all bright eyed and bushy tailed. Got to the track at a freakishly 5A, warmed up, did some strides and got started on some cruise mile intervals. On my second interval there it was again...The pain that literally stopped me in my tracks. It was a seizing, sharp pain on my right gastrocnemius. Abort running mission, again!
I went back to the running store this morning with my shoes because still at this point I am some fierce believer that my shoes are the culprit. I see now that I may just be hanging on to some false accusations. This just may be an issue I have to learn to work with by strength, massage and or stretching. Still, the guy at the running store was a total condescending dickhead! I took a break before writing this because I really wanted to say more about the way he treated me, but being that he is a triathlete coach in this area and people are always swinging on his nuts I will just bite my tongue, somewhat. I did get to switch out shoes one last time to the Asics Nimbus 10. I also found the last pair on Earth of Asics Fortitude 2 in my size in Minneapolis somewhere.
Here I am now just like I was after the Thanksgiving Run Thru The Woods, in full limping status. I am pretty sure it a knot(s) on the muscle causing a spasm. I really can't stretch it out at this point. The knot on the muscle must be released first or stretching it now can lead to further complications. Mind you, this is all information I found while playing a Dr. on the internet. We have a sweet PT on our Strive teamthat I am about to email before breaking down and going to Dr. Mc Dreamy.
Limping off, Viv
Random Thought of The Day: I really want to do an original masthead for the blog while Runner Susanis having a sale. I need help...Is there any images or words you think of when you think of my blog(try to be nice)???
You may cogitate, Viv's Corner, saying to yourself, I thought this would just appear randomly.
This is random for me to post two so close together.
I got an e-mail from Andy, who works for the Ironman PR firm, he asked me to share with you guys this Ironman Kona 2008 video. Ironman Kona World Championship will air on NBC Saturday December 13, 2:30P-4:00P (EST). Make sure you set your DVR's. There is always a few special people featured, which may want to make you run out and sign up for Ironman. Then you take a peek at an Ironman training schedule and think, hmm IM70.3 sounds just like the porridge Goldilocks would choose.
One person who did take the huge challenge of training for Ironman was blog bud, Wes. I am so proud of him. I have followed Wes since before his first 1/2 Ironman distance and it was a pleasure to follow his journey all the way to becoming an Ironman! For those of you who don't follow Wes check out his full report here, Wes's Ironman Florida Report.
The Runners Lounge, which connects me to so many cool runners and great advice hosted a forum where other runners could nominate runners they wanted to thank. I was shocked to see thatmy bribes paid off I was nominated by three people. It was very special tohear read such kind words about myself. Like, usually I just look in the mirror and repeat, "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!" As a thank you giftthe Loungeis sending me the book, "The Complete Guide to Beginning Running", autographed by the author. Thanks to Tom & Amy at the Runners Loungeand the people below for their, "Thank You's".
RooBabs: I think Viv (fivekviv) deserves a shout out. She always has something going on, and her stories and blog posts are hilarious. She is very dedicated to her training (running, swimming and biking) and to her blogging peeps.Recently she hosted (another) weight loss challenge, and she spent time getting sponsors and prizes and everything. She spent her own free time calculating all the percentages and putting up weekly posts. It was very motivating for me, and for the other participants, I'm sure.Viv is an inspiration, and she is an example of how you can succeed when you put your heart and mind to something.
MarathonDudeBill: Viv is definitely another one of those great people with this wonderful self-deprecating humor. She does things that I could never do with her triathlons and such and her writing always puts a smile on my face.
Jess: I'd have to say thanks to Viv for all her fun challenges. They always provide a little extra motivation.
All right, last thing I promise. I never did a blog anniversary post or a 100th post or anything like that. So, I will honor the blog with the post that gets the most hits from Google searched keywords...... Crash Test Dummy brings them here to Excuse #1 I'm Not Fit To Run. First off ,why in the world are people searching Crash Test Dummy?! I hope it is not being searched because of that song, "MMM, MMM, MMM, MMMM".
It was cool to read back and see were I was a year ago, in addition to seeing the comments are from people that are still around. Ironically(yea right), I was dealing with some kind of injury. Obviously, I don't let any mofo injury change my mind about what I want. I won't be back around till Monday so have a great weekend!
"Crash Test Dummy" posted December 5, 2007
This is what I see when I look in the mirror lately.
I am coming live to you from Starbucks. I have to say this stay at home Mom gig has some perks, kiddo is at Pre School now. I feel like Perez Hilton except that I don’t think any stars are walking up in this joint. People are looking at me like I am doing some serious work here, if they only knew.
Sorry, I have not blogged in a while. I felt like a loser coming in here and saying not only do I have a stress fracture, and calf strain. I now have scrapes, bruises, and a rib contusion(fracture, I hate that word). I had my first official bike crash on Saturday’s club ride. It was a one person crash, usually how I crash cars as well. We were about 9 miles into the ride, and at that stretch I was going about 16mph. We were coming out of the shoulder to the road because there was a curb up. I checked behind me and there was a truck coming pretty quickly not giving much me much clearance. I was so busy keeping my eyes on him that I missed the huge lip between the road and shoulder. That skinny road bike tire hit it sideways, and off I went. I learned you don’t have to worry about unclipping if you hit hard enough it will be done for you automatically. I know I stood up quickly with fear that the truck would make me road kill. I am so glad I was with the group, hence why I still am scared to ride solo, and a flat tire those two things keep me always riding with a partner. I felt like I hit my head pretty hard. I have a goose egg bump on my head, but that is just from the helmet hitting my head. I was shaking afterward. I think it was just an adrenaline rush since at the moment I felt no pain. One, of the guys twisted my bike back to a ride able shape. One, the ladies had band aids. After, a few minutes we were off. My rear brakes were out, the front ones were barely working, and the whole bike leaned left. I took it easy back to the Y, not to mention that I had regained all the fear I had of the bike before.
I felt sore for the next couple of days, but Tuesday morning I woke up and felt like I had been speared on my left side. It was difficult to breathe so I went to the Dr. and he hooked me up with the good stuff. He said the worst pain is days 3-5, luckily today is day 5, (still hurts like hell), but tomorrow is day 6, so I should feel fine tomorrow right? He said just no heavy lifting and stay off the road bike for a couple weeks so I don't fall and injure the same area, which could cause complications. I still have kept up with spin class, and an extra 45 minutes after class, depending who the instructor is.
I got some groovy x ray pictures, but I can't figure out how to copy it off this disk.
I should have taken the pics right after the accident versus Wednesday night, Duh?! I am still practicing at this documentary; some of you are so good at it. The goose egg pic I will save you from, mostly save me cause I couldn't’t get one pic without showing that I have to redo my roots already..ugh!
This one just feels like a sunburn. It is little but very annoying.I had a short sleeve shirt on it it has no rips, weird. I have this on the side of my stomach too. I am not taking a picture of my stomach to save my life. Can my stretch marks be anymore prominent. NASTY!
The little ones on my knuckles is where my glove ripped. My knee is just bruised now, I had on pants. My camera sucks, I can't see the green on this pic.
These pictures stink!
Random thought of the day: My Mom's reply to falling off my bike. "Maybe ,you should stop exercising till you lose more weight or just walk on a treadmill"
9 comments:
Margo said...
The Project Runway Christmas marathon you and your sister have planned is sow cool! I love that they replay it because even after I've seen it (& DVR'd it), I may just watch it again to pick up on new things - I know, sick!
December 5, 2007 9:38 AM
TX Runner Girl said...
Oh no! Sorry to hear about your fall. Probably a good indication that I should NOT be riding my bike while pregnant. But, it's so much more fun than jogging. BTW, your Mom's quote sounds exactly like something my Mom would say!
December 6, 2007 8:55 AM Tammy said...
I can't imagine how disrespectful I would sound in my reply if my mom ever said something like that to me!So sorry you crashed! That's always a big fear of mine when I ride my bike- thus I ride pretty slow not really getting much of a workout, just joy rides.
December 6, 2007 2:24 PM P.O.M. said...
Ouch! Glad you are ok.Ok, my mother makes comments sometimes - ya just want to - roll your eyes and walk away. Just roll, and walk. (This is how I have learned to keep the peace. ha ha)
December 6, 2007 4:40 PM Paige said...
Your mom said what???!! You sure you're not my sister or sumfin?? Or maybe THEY are related!! LOLWhen people say stupid shit it's mostly because you could fit their courage in a thimble and the thought of climbing such a HUGE mountain is scary to them...They'd rather be home on the couch than taking a chance and living a life of adventure.The victory wouldn't be half as sweet if the climb was easy and the bumps along the way didn't hurt so much. Keep climbing your mountain!! It'll ALL be worth it!!
December 7, 2007 6:46 AM
Crazy Britney, released her new album,"Circus" today. Did anybody see the Britneydocumentary? I thought wow for like 2 seconds, Brit is sure growing up. Then she said something like, "My baby's Daddy". Yea, still got a little maturing to do. (I should talk, huh?) When I am not running or cycling do you see how quickly my blog converts to random shit stuff. Sure I am swimming but not much to say about it. It's just one of those necessary evils for me still.
After my swim I headed over to Best Buyin my best chlorine smelling incognito get up. My incognito get up usually includes my tackiest cap. My huge Ray Ban's, well those are just my signature sunglasses. The more of my face I hide the more you want to get to know the mystery behind the glasses right?!
Best Buy Guy: Did you find everything you needed, Ma'am?
(I swear he was smirking)
Me: Yea. (Looking down like a 15 year old buying condoms)
Best Buy Guy: Would you like me to open this so you can listen to it immediately?
Me: Umm, no not at all. It's a gift for my niece.
I would have torn into it teeth first walking out of the store but my car CD player is broken.
Cut to, a minute after I pop in the CD. Don't worryCoach K, I am chair dancing so no impact on the calf. Besides, I do some of my best dancing while sitting on a chair.
Viv's Corner is just bits of, hmmmm if I may be so bold to call them news worthy information in my world. I enjoyed getting comments from you guys on what you opine on certain random topics. Here are the links for the first edition& second edition of Viv's Corner. You don't have to readI or II to be caught up. They are all random pointless entities. So, without further due here is Viv's Corner Edition III. What is sexier than Anderson Cooperor Michael Phelps?? How about them together in a pool.... Below is the interview link from 60 Minutesthis past weekend. I just probably lost about 60 cool points for admitting that I watch 60 Minutesevery week, and not just because it follows football. Shit, I am turning into my Dad. Before I know it, I will only watch CNNFN and my home page will be CNN.com instead of TMZ.com.
Movie Review
I know you have been wondering when I was going to post one of my famous(only famous in my mind) movie reviews. "Quantum of Solace" 2.5 out of 4 stars
Now to prove I am a Bravo buff dweeb, I sat through a Real Housewives of Atlantamarathon over the holiday. Yes, maybe totally an inappropriate show to watch over Thanksgiving, but get to know me better you will find that I usually watch "The Godfather" trilogy over Christmas. Those Atlanta Housewives biatches were trashy. They make the OC Housewiveslook like non artificial people even with all their fake parts. Top Chefthis season....Is anyone diggin it? I am finding the cast a little mundane.
Monday's Workout: Swim Total 2150 yards
*If you are new to my blog, words or phrases highlighted are words or phrases I am bringing back. Kinda like Justin brought sexy back*
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday!!
All I can say is that the running part of the race itself, sucked for me. It was humid hot, but the worst part is I hurt. I knew going into this that I just needed to run how I felt. I was still struggling with theS.S.L.S(serious shredded leg syndrome). My legs felt fine during the warm up. Then the race started and my legs began to decline every mile thereafter. They were very tight and on the last mile coming back over the Lake Woodlands over pass I felt a sharp pain that stopped me in my tracks. I tried stretching out the right calf and it did not even come close to helping. I really just wanted to get pulled off the course. I just did not know how the hell to get pulled off the course without collapsing or sumfin. I had 1/2 mile left so I walked and ran in an awkward form to get to the finish line. I finished up and saw Lil' Buster who had a huge PR on the 1 mile run. I limped around to see my Strive teammates and my family who had done the 3 mile walk. I was thankful to be surrounded by friends and family. Thanks surf sitah, Mistyfor hanging back with me that first mile.
I limped Thursday and Friday. It was painful to put weight on my right leg. Going up the stairs was a one legged hop since I could not point the the to flex up to the next step. I went for a massage Saturday and I am all bruised up from the therapist digging deep to loosen the knots that are keeping the calf muscle in a continuous contraction. The massage therapist said she has never seen so much inflammation and knots that will not loosen up. I have been taking some muscle relaxers, ibuprofen, and doing cold compresses, warm baths, and resting the culprit leg. I have another massage scheduled Thursday to see if I can get this tightness out. I try to stretch it but it feels like nothing is loosing it up. I need to listen to it now and not push it to a serious injury. If you have ever had some issue like this let me know what helped please....
Congratulations to my sister, Mel & Greg who got engaged before Thanksgiving dinner at our home!
Tuesday's Workout: Rest
Wednesday's Workout: 1hr. spin class
Thursday's Workout: Run Thru The Woods 5 Mile Run
Friday's Workout: worked 2 Spin classes just did warm up/cool down
If you have not seen this video, check it out. Too funny!! It makes me think of some people I would call hardcore. If you think that it's you I am thinking of when I say hardcore, ask me. I will either laugh in your face and say yea right. Or say, yep totally you, then proceed to laugh in your face.
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.
I remember from my working days in retail pharmacy the old people hated change, period. They still called the Pharmacist the Druggist. They wanted plain aspirin. When you would try to explain a anti inflammatory would be best for their arthritis pain they would respond, "I don't need that fancy Advil stuff, just give me aspirin." They wanted a special number to call to talk to a real person. According to them, "that there voice computer can't fill my prescription." They would hate if the drug manufacturer changed the shape, or color of their pills. "This square pill is hard to take." "Since, they changed the color from peach to pink it leaves a terrible taste in my mouth." Oh, and my favorite is when the retirement bus would drop off every Tuesday. Each old person would go straight to their "token" helper. The little old ladies would run straight to the Druggist Tim and the old men would split their choice between me and the other girl depending if you like a firecracker(what the old men would call me) or a sweetie pie(obviously the other girl). Heaven forbid if one of us would be off that day. The old person would demand for their "token" helper. "Tim is the only one who knows what medicines I take." I would say, "Mrs. Smith, I can just look it up on the computer and fix it up for you too." Mrs. Smith would reply, "you kids today think everything is in that little computer of yours."
Wow, I took you all the way over there to bring you over here. My Asics Fortitude 2 changed their shoe up a bit. As they like to say, not changed but improved. They are now the Asics Fortitude 3. Not the same and definitely not improved. After running in them several different times trying to "break them in" they are actually causing me physical pain. I now have 5 blisters after trying them with thick, thin, and middle of the road socks. It also hits high on my arch probably causing my gait to go to hell. After, Thursdays run I was in plain pain on my gastrocnemius. I have been icing and wrapping to help. I am blaming the shoe throwing off my gait causing the muscle to overcompensate.
I came to terms that I needed to"change" out of my Asics Fortitude. I headed out to Luke's Locker and began my old lady rant. Why did they change these shoes? They have worked so well for me for this past year. Do you know if there is anywhere I can get the oldFortitudenot this improved one? What do you mean there is not another Asics comparable with that shoe? You want me to try on Adidas? The lady at the running store was super sweet while listening to my old lady rant. Before I knew it I was running on the treadmill and the shoes felt like a perfect fit. I asked what are these? Those are the Brooks Glycerin. Did you say, Brooks? Like as inBrooks, Run Happy! Miss Meredith at Brooks Runningalways hooks up this blog with great running outfits for the winners of my challenges. Have I mentioned that no running short compares to the Brooks Epiphany shorts, the secret is in the slit.
Another "change" (do you just not love all the use of my " " I even do it in the air as I type it to be ultra annoying) I am coming to terms tonight that I will not be "racing"Thanksgiving day Run Thru The Woods 5 Miler. I will probably be running it as a training run. I am having S.S.L.S."serious shredded leg syndrome"(yes, I now make up my own medical terms as well). I am even suffering from elementary running issues as shin splints. I will be icing the legs and hopefully get them back up to speed over the next couple of days. Coach K, had to "change" my track workout for tonight to accommodate my S.S.L.S. In the bigger scheme of things I have to accept the "change" in plans. I have big plans in the future for a big PR at the Aramco Houston Half Marathonin addition to completing my first Ironman 70.3. This is just a Thanksgiving run to enjoy with the family and Team Strive. It will be all about being thankful that this year I can run it. Last year it was to be my longest race distance. I ignored warning signs leading up to that day, and watched on the sidelines with crutches while nursing a tibial stress fracture. Sometimes you just need a change. Maybe I still have a few years in me before I will start calling myself old.
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
4. Tag 4 more peeps - I tag anyone who would like to do it.
It is always nice to see another side of the runner/triathlete.
Lil' Buster March 2006 3 years old The Woodlands, TX.
Woodlands Parkway in spring during prime wildflower bloom season. To truly understand how he lives up to his nickname of Lil' Buster, see below for the 5th picture in the file.
I now realize it takes two runs minus the iPod to answer my rhetorical questions.
Why has Grey's Anatomyjumped the shark? Who cares why it has. I took it off the DVR list. My downtime is valuable people.
Why every time I want a Starbucks by my gym they are always closed with reasons such as remodel, no water supply, no coffee, no electricity? No worries here either. There is a Starbucks in the same shopping center inside the Kroger. Park the car and walk your lazy ass into Starbucks, what a concept.
Why every time I go to the post office and try to ship my own package the guy behind the counter claims I did not put enough postage on it? Actually follow directions, Viv. I have had problems with following directions for years on end...When the computer screen prompts, is your package thicker that 3/8 of an inch? Look at it and say yes versus no if it is.
Why did Sirius rename 1/2 of their stations to XM names? To confuse me obviously. They still kept Lithium which rocks and my Howard 100. They did add an XM station Pop 2K and who does not like singing aloud with Fergie..."I be up in the gym just workin' on my fitness. He's my witness oh wieee".
Why is every store, from grocery store, to Target, and malls already packed with people shopping for the holiday season? Plan ahead so I don't have to go to the store a zillion times a week. I made a list and went to Wal-Mart after my evening Spin class. That means the freaks are out. I walk fast in the parking lot, looking all around and consider everyone is a suspect. I also have my key ready to stab someone if they approach me. I also realize this makes me appearlikea suspicious freak, but I got the shopping done with no ton o' people. Christmas shopping will be done online....
What in the world do I wear for Shane's holiday party that can make me look 10lbs thinner, besides loosing 10lbs? I went shopping for dresses and everything was sleeveless. I go sleeveless when I run and that is all. I found a skirt that I will pair with a black sweater and hope that the motto simple is elegant I have learned from too much Bravo is really true.
Why do I get sleepy everyday at 3 in the afternoon? I think 3PM is my downtime. The time I have finished my house duties, errands, workouts. It is also the time I get to watch my DVR'd Jeopardy. Hmmmm, could it be the Jeopardy??
Why do I bother making the bed at 8 in the evening? A made bed is always more inviting.
Why does watching "The Biggest Loser" make me hungry? Maybe subconsciously I think I am not that big, even though some of them now weigh less than me. Or it is just my evening snack time.
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.
Why can other fitness instructors do so much, like run marathons one day and teach aqua or a step class the next day while I turn into a piece of leg fatigued shit after 10 miles? There it is, the one that really bothered me....
Coach Ktold 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 betweenLil' 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. Shaneconsoled 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.
Why do some SPIN class participants stare at me waiting for me to say something magical?
Why can other fitness instructors do so much, like run marathons one day and teach aqua or a step class the next day while I turn into a piece of leg fatigued shit after 10 miles?
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.
I left the house at about 6:30ish with my coffee in hand. I just had a good feeling about today. I even drove through the Oak Ridgespeed trap driving the speed limit. The cop pointed his laser gun at me. I gave him a sup nod with a toast of my coffee mug while double checking, yep I was under the speed limit. He probably thought what in the world is that happy wandererso happy about. I was happy, I was running a race today and my tri stress factor was obsolete. It is nice to go to a running race. No bunch o' packing of gear. No worries, no bike to carry, air pump, helmet, bike shoes, race belt, goggles, swim cap, filling up the aero bottle, socks, flip flops, little towel to throw down for your gear on, remembering where you are in transition, count the racks from swim in/run out, setting up transition, racking up the bike....The list can go on and on. Not that I hate it because the accomplishment I feel at the finish line makes up for it tenfold, but there is just quite the checklist you have before a triathlon versus a running event. This morning was, Garmin, check, Fuel Belt/nutrition, check, I'm' outta here, check. This was the third year of this race in The Woodlands. Year one, I didn't even care about it. Year two, I cared about it but I was just barely running my first 5K that day. Year three, I was racing it. I say racing it because I refused to fall into my 12 minute managain.
Thanks to my, Coach K who gently asked, "Why aren't you doing 10 for Texas? " After talking with my tri sis, she said, "Girl, you just need to suck it up and run. Your paces from track show you have it in you. There is no reason to still be at 12."
Sometimes, you know 'things' in your mind. Sometimes you tell yourself, to challenge the 'things' in your mind. Sometimes, you need someone to put 'things' right in front of you and challenge it for you.
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 with a, " just run plan". Probably not the wisest thing to do, but I had to get over this fear I have of kicking it up a notch on long runs. I have gotten into this mind set on the long runs to run easy really easy. Well guess what body, running should not be that easy sometimes. I should feel like I am running sometimes....The "just run plan" mainly consisted of listening to the body, RPE wise. I knew if I did the chest strap HRM I would be staring at my Garmin the whole time and most likely trip over an acorn. I kept it mostly about a 7, a very hard effort. I figured just keep going and run till you see Coach Billat mile 8 aid station get a little, "Go, Viv" action and your golden for two more miles.
The "just run plan" worked well pace wise in the end. I got my 11ish for a 10 mile run. I felt great! I got to see a few of my Strive teammates after the race. It is always nice to see friendly faces you train with at the end of a race. I had to run off to Lil' Buster's football game, and work the concession stand. It was a long morning, and stretching properly took a back seat. I had planned on an ice bath, but by the time I got home that window was kinda closed. I woke up this morning with my legs extremely sore. Luckily, I always have a plan and had a 2PM massage scheduled. Just what I needed.
I am going to put my balls to the wall and go ahead with an official statement for the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. I will be searching for my sub 2:30...
I have been thinking of doing a list of my favorite things for the holiday season for a while. Sorry it is not before Christmas but up before New Years, score! Since, I am the Oprah of the blog world according to Jon and hello, I go up and down the scale like that woman. All, I need to do is roll out with a wagon of chicken fat when and if I ever reach goal weight by hopefully next summer. Oh, and give all my readers a free car.....dream on! Without further due, the list.
Now, don't get all jumping on the couch but Onlineshoes.com is giving one of my lucky readers who post their comment to this post a $100 gift certificate to their store, Onlineshoes.com or a pair of the New Balance 993.
