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June 30, 2005
Mamacita
I try to give huge amounts of efforts to most things I attempt. So when I run past construction workers, I don’t run past 4 or 5 working on a manhole or some similarly small project. No, I run past a construction site for an entire building-while everyone is on the ground arriving at work. At 6:30 in the morning I must have run past about 30 construction workers who were staring and shouting “Hey baby” and “Mamacita.” (I had to call my sis to translate-something like sexy girl-but I could guess what it meant.) Yes, I was just wearing a sports bra (and shorts and socks and shoes of course). It is a good thing this didn’t happen the first day I went shirtless or I would have been traumatized. Needless to say, I did cut up from the road I was on early to avoid further chatter and don’t plan to run past the building at that time again.
I ran for about 40 minutes. I had a hard time dragging myself out of bed but I knew I HAD to b/c my workdays always seem to run unexpectedly late, plus it is hotter after work. When I stepped out the door I was actually COOL, so I immediately was psyched about my choice. Plus, I did end up getting out of work too late to run (or go to the gym).
I had dinner with a former coworker tonight who I gossiped with for a few hours. I am so clued in right now! It was nice to hang out b/c two other people have cancelled plans with me at the last minute this week. Yes, that totally happens-things come up-especially during the workday. But when it starts to happen all in a row I start to wonder-is it me?? (That is also how I ended up at work with hours to kill earlier this week and no gym clothes-that was the result of lunch plans gone awry!).
Okay, I am off to bed. I have a few hours to sleep before driving to the Outer Banks with my sister and her boyfriend to meet some other family members. I hope the pair are not too touchy feely or I will not be able to deal!
Posted by Audrey at 11:05 PM | Comments (4)
June 29, 2005
Audrey=Genius
It’s pretty obvious to me that at the moment I am walking a fine line between the healthy world of pushing myself to be faster and get stronger and injury land. I take it day to day. This morning I had a brick workout planned of a 4 mile hilly bike ride to the pool, a 30 minute swim, and a 4 mile hilly bike ride back. As I was walking down the stairs my knee felt weird, probably b/c I did two knee intensive workouts yesterday. I aborted the bike idea and drove over to the pool to swim. Do you see how smart I am??? Actually, it’s not really smartness at all, just more experience knowing my body and what works for me specifically training wise. It’s also more experience knowing that rest is more valuable to my fitness than destroying my knee (which I have done in the past.) I do have an OVERUSE injury! For me, I think the biking plus ramping up my running post this knee injury is too much. For right now at least, my knee needs more recovery time between workouts.
Unfortunately, since I choose running over biking every time, this means my tri preparation will be unbalanced. I hope Blondie is right and that I can wing it and my current fitness will carry me through. The race is just for fun, as they all are, so that’s alright with me. I have to remember that two months ago I couldn’t walk without pain so I do need to be a little (well, a lot) grateful here for my current situation. I think I may hit 16 miles this week if all goes well.
As for people who requested the list of what my boss told me yesterday regarding protecting your hair while swimming:
-wet your hair with tap water/shower water before you get in the pool (so it is already wet and does not absorb the chlorinated water)
-wear a swimming cap
-rinse/wash hair immediately after getting out of the water
-there is special shampoo that removes chlorine if you really need it
-some people put conditioner on their hair under their swim cap
(I was doing none of the above).
Also, per another work conversation where I basically told my boss she needs to buy a home computer, I started thinking about my personal list of things that I choose to spend my money on:
-Healthy food (I don’t mean organic, I just mean I’ll buy the skim even if the low-fat is on sale-or the bottled water even if soda is cheaper).
-Workout/athletic/health things (things like race entry fees, sneakers, gym membership, pool fees, bike, sunscreen, vitamins, co-pays, orthotics)
-Internet access
Other than that, I really think I could go without and be happy.
Posted by Audrey at 10:03 PM | Comments (4)
June 28, 2005
Why I Will Never Get a Job
At work my partner and I were in his car and I was babbling about how disgusting my hair is right now. I realized yesterday I can barely get a comb through it and it’s really dry. (I’m sure he was really interested in what I had to say and was super excited to help me problem solve.) Then, my boss got in the car and she started talking about all the different area pools she has visited so far this summer to swim laps. At this point I turned around and said, “Hey, maybe you can help me.” She replied, “Oh definitely, you mean with career pathing and stuff?” I replied, “Um, no. Well, yes. But more immediately-my hair is really dry from swimming and you sound like you would know how to take care of it.”
She did offer some good tips though. I was basically doing everything I could possibly do wrong.
I went running for 35 minutes this morning and I even felt like picking up the pace at the end. I have been running at 7 AM instead of 6 AM since I have decided (when my schedule allows) to do 2 a days rather than brick workouts in the morning. Both instructors at the tri clinic do most of their training like that and this way I do get to sleep later so I thought I would try it out. It also makes the workout less daunting to start-though it is already hotter by 7 than at 6.
The outside of my leg (immediately above my ankle) is sore. It doesn’t hurt when I run or bike since those are “straight” leg motions. It only hurts when I stretch it by turning my foot to the side. It’s definitely muscles soreness. I think it might be from rolling my ankle twice on yesterday’s run. I think.
I went biking for 25 minutes after work. It was super leisurely and fast out-and then slow and uphill back. The time goes so much more quickly when I am biking outside rather than inside.
A girl from the tri clinic who lives right near me e-mailed and wants to bike/swim sometime. I gave her my e-mail b/c we thought we might do the same tri (which I don’t think we are now). I am about to e-mail her back and tell her definitely, and that in addition to Leilani (who she knows from the clinic) I also know this other girl in DC who also bikes/swims a lot :) …though I think in the e-mail I will keep it simple and won’t delve into the whole story of how we all started out as internet friends…
Posted by Audrey at 08:29 PM | Comments (6)
June 27, 2005
My Bike and Other Ramblings
Even though I don’t ride my bike much, I still learned all about it this weekend. Not only did I learn how to take the tire off (from the internet) and fix a flat (from the tri clinic), I also learned how to put the tire back on (bike store), how to hold my arms (bike store), and got my bike adjusted for me (bike store). And, because I bought my bike years ago from this bike store, they did it for free which was a nice surprise.
There was a mini crisis involved (of course). After I woke from my extensive sleep I decided to bring my bike down to the store-but didn’t have my front tire on and couldn’t figure out how to put it back on. So even though the store is maybe 1.5 miles away, I had to put my bike on my car and drive it down to the store where they informed me you have to reattach the brakes BEFORE putting the quick release mechanism back in (which I was also doing incorrectly). Then the guy at the store basically just looked at me and immediately raised the seat on my bike two inches. Then he put my bike and I on the trainer in the store and angled the seat farther forward. I need to point out that I JUST raised the seat a few months ago-before that it was even lower. No wonder biking didn’t feel great for my knee. The guy also watched me on the trainer and told me I needed to bend my elbows to avoid joint problems. Now that my bike is all fixed up I am very excited to go biking.
However, I am not excited enough to cut back on running, which is what I did this morning for 40 minutes. It was a nice run. There was no sun, but it was extraordinarily humid. It was nice to be out though. The exorcist stairs (from the movie) were a part of my run.
At work I found myself with two hours of downtime to kill this afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a full complement of workout clothes with me so I went on a scavenger hunt (well, a scavenger hunt where I had to pay for things). I bought a sports bra and shorts and then headed over to CVS to buy deodorant. I had sneakers (albeit mismatched-they are the same shoe, but I accidentally brought a current running shoe and shoe that has been relegated to gym/walking use). Luckily they were for different feet. I also managed to scrounge up a t-shirt from one of my various bags/lockers. AND, I had USED socks with me that I used b/c I didn’t have any clean socks left this morning. I didn’t have a lock, so I was THAT girl dragging her bag all over the gym. I was a workout disaster. I did lift upper body though.
I had to stay late at work tonight (unplanned) so ended up hurrying to the pool and managed to swim for 20 minutes. Now I am doing laundry and reading e-mail and planning my social life. The night could be a lot worse! Seriously though, my heroes are the people who train who have families, kids, and more rigorous jobs than my current one. You are all truly truly amazing and I can only imagine the organization and discipline that takes.
Oh yes, I think Leilani hit the nail on the head with her suggestion about iron in her comment from yesterday's post. I haven't been taking my multi-vitamin (before this morning) and I noticed another leg bruise at the pool tonight. I also ate a roast beef sandwich for lunch today in my effort to infuse iron into my body!
Posted by Audrey at 10:40 PM | Comments (3)
June 26, 2005
Exhaustion
It’s official. Even with my bike weakness, I’m training hard. I had momentarily considered plans for a long bike ride this morning but after my run last night thought I may end up taking the day off since A) my knee felt weird during my run, B) my legs were tired from all of the training, and C) I am pretty darn tired.
I went to bed almost immediately after I posted last night and work up at 7. It’s annoying that I wake up early even if I am still tired (like when I woke up at 5 AM earlier this week and then half an hour later took a 2 hour nap). I ate breakfast, hung out for about 45 minutes, and then collapsed again until 11 AM. There is no bike ride to be had today.
I guess I have been training pretty hard for a few weeks now. The triathlon scares me so I have been doing either two a days of cardio (or doing brick workouts with the disciplines one right after the other) a few times a week or single workouts, plus weight lifting, plus core exercises, plus knee exercises, plus stretching, plus walking all day for work, plus getting up at 5:30 AM to do all of this stuff. It seems manageable on a daily level, but when I list it out like that I feel tired even reading about it. Compared to some of you all in blogger land who do cardio and/or run (far) twice a day (or more) this is normal and no sweat, but I am just TIRED. I’m not used to doing too much more than running and when I am injured I usually cap cross-training at 30 minutes b/c I am so bitter/bored.
I feel so much better after sleeping. I may do some knee exercises tonight b/c those are really important and not too taxing, but I need the day OFF. [As a side note, yesterday I tried the ab exercise they highlight in Shape this month and feel sore this morning-which is good-so I recommend that one.]
I have a few hours to kill and then I am going to see Dave Mathews Band with my sister and her friends tonight. It’s my quarter century birthday present a couple months early. Until then I will try and steer clear of my bed so that I can go to sleep tonight at a normal time to begin my training anew (and rested) tomorrow.
Posted by Audrey at 11:24 AM | Comments (5)
June 25, 2005
Tri Clinic
I am truly exhausted. This morning I woke up at 5 (b/c I had gone to bed at 9) and did some core stuff, googled “how to get off quick release bike tires” and “opening bike brakes” so I could bring my tire with me, and packed all of my stuff for today. I was at the tri clinic by 8:30.
At first I was a bit bored b/c they went over a lot of things that Leilani and I already know from running: nutrition, periodization, the importance of recovery, and weight training. I have things to learn about EACH of things, but there wasn’t much detail, just a mention of each topic and us being told to incorporate it into our training. Then we did the running portion of the clinic (which Leilani could have taught) and I don’t feel like I really benefited from that portion either. They mentioned we should have a long run, a speed workout, etc.-all the usual stuff. I didn’t really understand what they were trying to say about cadence and kicking your legs up higher in the back. I’m not sure if we just didn’t have enough time to go over it in detail, if they didn't really understand it, or if it’s me and my lack of understanding (definitely a possibility), but I don’t plan to change my form based on this clinic. I don't blame the clinic people though for any dissatisfaction-they advertised an overview of tris and Leilani and I happen to have experience in this sport.
The swimming and biking portion were more useful. Leilani and I changed a bike tire together (which she will be testing out tomorrow on her ride!). What is interesting is our instructors (who are national and international triathletes) hate changing tires too and don’t feel very confident at it. They bemoaned the fact that the instructor who usually teaches that portion of the clinic was not there. That makes me feel like less of a moron for not (formerly) being able to change a tire and okay with the fact that I still might have problems. I also learned some new swimming drills and we practiced doing a mass start with everyone kicking and hitting each other so that was interesting.
For me, the best part of the clinic was the instructors talking us through a race, including before the race, the transitions, what to wear, all of the equipment you need, and what rules to be aware of (your helmet needs to be on and buckled at all times when you are bike riding and you can’t get on your bike while still in the transition area). I definitely might have broken the latter rule on race day if I didn’t know that. I decided what really sucks about triathlons is you can train and train and train-and if you get a flat tire or your bike breaks-you’re out of luck.
On the way back from the clinic I stopped somewhere new (with NO hills!) and ran for 30 minutes. It was 85 degrees and humid. It was really hard and I was going really slowly. At the end I found a HOT bottle of water in my car and drank that down. It was disgusting. My knee feels weird in the same spot as it did during the race last week-normally nothing to worry about except at the moment I am very anxious about my knees. I am icing and naproxening and will take it easy and watch it.
I must continue rehydrating and collapse into bed. I really am tired :) Good night all.
Posted by Audrey at 09:15 PM | Comments (1)
June 24, 2005
Ode to Real Life People
These are some of the people I know in real life who read my blog. They are all embarking on new running adventures and I wanted to wish them luck (well, I don’t believe in luck b/c I think hard work is more useful. Instead I wish them happiness and success in their pursuits.)
M from Maine is overcoming knee issues (just like me!) and even as she does her knee exercises and icing she signed up for her first half marathon in the fall.
G from Ohio is training for her first half marathon and recently “ran extra” one day…just b/c she felt like it.
K from Maryland e-mailed b/c she was excited she ran 20 minutes without stopping…and wanted to know: could she run again the very next night even though she was sore? (How hard core to want to do more and more!)
A from Nairobi, Kenya, told me he has been running four times a week at elevation and now he can keep up with me…sure A! But hey, whatever is going to motivate you to get out the door! :)
P from NY is training for his second Marine Corps marathon-and he plans to go sub-4.
I always talk about how inspiring the bloggers are, but really, how awesome are my offline friends too?? Kick some butt you guys!!!
As for me…I biked about 50 minutes this morning (round trip to the pool and back). One would think b/c went to the pool I also would have gone swimming-but no. The pool is apparently closed on Friday mornings. So I will head back (via car) in 30 minutes when I digest today’s snack-popcorn and a Balance bar. I have been absolutely STARVING for days. [This reminds me of the first time I trained for a marathon. We were all talking about whether or not we had lost weight since we started running since we were all relatively new runners. One guy said, “No-but now I can eat a whole box of Ritz crackers.” We were all just so hungry from all the miles!!]
Tomorrow I am going to an all day tri clinic with Leilani. For the record, I plan to wear a shirt for the duration of the clinic, including the running portion.
Posted by Audrey at 05:18 PM | Comments (1)
June 23, 2005
Sans Shirt
Lessons learned from swimming last night:
-forgetting goggles will lead to bruised arms as I swim too close to the lane divider in an extreme effort to stay clear of oncoming swimmers that I can barely see
-I swim faster without them. 6:12 for the 300 m
As I was in bed last night I KNEW I should go biking today. I really need to go biking in an effort to adequately prepare for the triathlon. (I drive somewhere almost every day in DC and hardly ever bike, while in Boston I never used my car and was biking daily.) The problem, however, is that I can’t really run and bike the same day, especially too close to this week’s race, b/c my knee will cry out to me. AND, I really wanted to run. In bed last night, my internal dialogue went almost verbatim like this:
Voice 1: You need to bike. You are going to bonk in the triathlon.
Voice 2: I want to run.
1: Right now you are preparing for a triathlon. Don’t be weak. Suck it up and bike.
2: It’s JUST exercise. It’s supposed to be fun. I can go running if I want to.
1: That is so not disciplined of you.
The result-I am weak. I went running. YEAH RUNNING!!! 40 easy minutes. It was fabulous. I loved it. It helped the soreness from the race go away. I have one month and one day to train for my triathlon. I hope that is enough time to build some bike endurance. Tomorrow I PROMISE I will bike (and swim).
About my run: All the various leg parts felt good. My Achilles is a bit sore at the moment for some unknown reason-but my knee and calf feel fine. I am a bundle of niggles (eliteblogger word) I guess, and I can deal with that.
Also, this was my very first sports bra run-as in no shirt. Basically, I know female runners go sans shirts all the time, but I never had. I wanted to try it-but also didn’t. I mean, I am all about being comfortable temperature and chafing wise, but I didn’t want to worry about what I looked like or be stared at while I was running (do people look at girl runners in sports bras?). I just didn’t want one more thing to worry about while I was running and I was really uncomfortable doing it before which is why I have never done it. I had NO interest in it. I guess I just decided I couldn’t have a real opinion on the practice without trying it-and what if it was a huge running improvement? Anyway, I figured I was going appropriately early in the morning (6 AM) that that would be a good time to ease into the practice.
Truth be told, it feels really cool. It’s less hot. (But I did need SOOO much sun screen since there was so much skin exposed). A few guys were staring (I think? Or maybe I was just self-conscious) but I decided I don’t care. I would look at a guy without his shirt on who was running so I guess it’s not that weird. Anyway, I kind of liked running sans shirt and I think I would do it again if the circumstances were right (not running to or from work or with a big group of people I didn’t know). So I am glad I tried it after all these years-especially b/c I am going even further south later this summer and it will be HOT-though then I might wear a shirt for additional sun protection…tradeoffs…anyway, I new running novelty for me.
Posted by Audrey at 08:11 PM | Comments (7)
June 22, 2005
DIGEST!!!!!!
I got out of work early tonight, and like Blondie did for a stretch, decided to nap before working out. I have been exhausted recently. I really didn’t get a lot of sleep Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights, and I guess I was working out a lot last week. I took a nap, and woke up starving, so I had a snack…but then was hungry, so had dinner…decided the pool is open extra late tonight…so had dessert (which, for the record, was peanut butter and chocolate chips). Right now I am waiting to digest before I head to the pool which closes at 9:30. This is such a throw back to my immediate post-college life when I would work out at 9:30 PM just b/c I put it off all day long and then had to get it in before the gym closed at 10. (Or college life when I would work out at 11:30 PM b/c the gym closed at midnight).
The plan moving forward with the evening is knee exercises, swim for 30 minutes, and then core stuff. I might go the gym to lift depending on when I finish swimming. I should be able to stay awake for a while since my nap was about an hour.
I am a tad sore from yesterday. Nothing too major. My knee feels fabulous in all the usual worry spots. However, it does hurt in a new weird place that was kind of bothering me yesterday even before the race. It doesn’t hurt too much and I have no idea what is causing the discomfort or what it means. No idea. Oh well. I hope it resolves as quickly as it came. Must move forward! I hope it feels better tomorrow so I can BIKE. I am seriously going to be the worst triathlete EVER unless I spend some time with my two-wheeled friend.
Posted by Audrey at 07:43 PM | Comments (0)
Race Was Fun
I didn’t work out this morning so got to sleep in until 8. (Even though I woke up at 5:15 AM anyway, decided I couldn’t sleep, ate breakfast, got on the internet, and then decided I needed a nap, so slept for two more hours.) It was fabulous to catch up on some much needed sleep from the lack of it this weekend. I also drove to work (a luxury b/c of the pricey parking) since I needed my car for the race tonight so I didn’t have to commute on the bus for an hour!!
The race was fun. I ended up running 30:29 for the 4 miles…which I think is a pace of about 7:37, right? *Note, post-race the race director mentioned the course might have been short. Regardless, I am very happy with my time. It’s the fastest I have moved since starting up again last month.
What I am NOT happy about is how much of an idiot I am! I ran the first mile (if measured correctly) in about 6:48. Um, yeah, I was a little excited-even as I was freaking out b/c I knew it was too fast. How did I know even before the first mile marker? Leilani, her husband, and the eventual female race winner were all behind me. I was literally thinking…this is so bad, I cannot believe Leilani (who is faster than me) is behind me-I HAVE to slow down immediately. But I didn’t because I was happy and excited to be running and racing. (And I was promptly passed ANYWAY by the three aforementioned people!) Mile 2 was close to 8 minutes as I got really tired (well, was dying). The course was mostly downhill on the way back and I guess miles 3 and 4 were quicker. I actually have no idea how to use the mile split function on my watch so I don’t know what they were. I was kind of hurting for miles 2 and 3 b/c I had started way too fast for me, but then got happy again for mile 4 since I was close to the end! What I am psyched about (in lieu of being psyched about my idiot start) is that in the last quarter mile I passed the only woman I could see who was about 25-30 yards ahead of me at one point.
Afterwards I met two friends from school (one of whom is visiting DC this week) and walked around the monuments for about an hour and a half. I was sore after the race, I was sore walking around the monuments, and I am pretty sure I am going to be sore tomorrow. My knee didn’t hurt while I was racing (race magic). My calf didn’t hurt either-though it was pulling funny when I was walking downstairs before the race and is kind of tight now. We shall see how it all feels tomorrow….
Posted by Audrey at 12:28 AM | Comments (7)
June 20, 2005
Lance Sighting
Good news. Lance Armstrong is prominently featured in Outside Magazine this month...it's a great issue.
Posted by Audrey at 02:12 PM | Comments (1)
Knee BruiseS
Remember how I said in a previous post that I liked my legs? Well, now I like what they can do (run, bike, and swim relatively pain-free) but they are starting to look funny. Over the past few days I have been developing these bruises around my knees that hurt to touch-but my knees don’t really hurt when I DO stuff. Sometimes I get bruises on my thighs when I am training hard (I think due to low iron) but never on my knees before. It’s weird, and I don’t understand it. Oh, I also burned myself with my ice pack this morning so I have this pink spot just above my knee. Awesome. My legs look so great.
Yesterday, except for some quick knee exercises, was a complete rest day. This morning I got up early and swam for 28 minutes (yes, I decided I was close enough to 30 and then got out of the water) and then ran for about 19 (I didn’t want to go over 20 and I forgot to restart my watch at some point). I AM SO SICK OF RUNNING NEAR MY POOL. I have to start driving somewhere else nearby to run and then going to the pool or something. I think I swam the 300 m slower than I did on Saturday-this means I may have to drink the night before the triathlon. Ok, it doesn’t mean that, but I am not sure why I was slower by about 20 seconds. I will have to test that again later this week. Also, this is the first time I have gone swimming and then running and I could definitely feel it in my legs (since I was regular swimming and not "triathlon swimming" (without using my legs) to save energy as Leilani and the internet taught me is a good idea.)
This morning I registered for a tri clinic on Saturday that Leilani is going to and recommended to me. It is just for women which is kind of cool. I am super excited-except that I have to bring a bike tire and I am afraid to take it off my bike (which I don’t know how to do) b/c I am worried I won’t be able to get it back on (a very real possibility). I am considering bringing my whole bike so that someone at the clinic can help me in the event I cannot replace the tire.
At lunch I went to the gym to lift upper body. Working out at lunch is becoming a habit since I have an hour lunch I have to take and I sometimes like to be uber-efficient (like I imagine most people reading this are).
Barring work related stuff that keeps me working late tomorrow, I plan to run in a 4 mile race as part of the summer racing series I mentioned earlier. My goal is sub-32 minutes. I have NO idea what to expect. Oh yes, I REALLY have to find a time to bike this week-preferably somewhere without too many hills to keep my knee happy since all the running plus biking without a rest seems to be a bit much for it. Happy week at all!!!!
Posted by Audrey at 02:03 PM | Comments (6)
June 19, 2005
Trail Running
Hey all. Can anyone recommend some good places for trail running in the DC metro area? Inspired by Brent's post I want to go looking. Any first-hand suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by Audrey at 10:19 AM | Comments (2)
June 18, 2005
First Ever Hungover Swim
Number of towels I brought with me: 0
Amount of Nausea I felt after getting out of pool: Some
Number of other first-time triathletes I met: 1
Amount of regret I feel at not exchanging contact info after she told me A) her organization is desperately trying to hire public health people and B) She may do the same triathlon as me: Some, almost instantaneous
Time it took me to swim 300 m a week ago: 7 minutes
Expected time I put down on my tri application: 6:40
Time it took me this morning (I was actually trying): 6:21
Instead of catching up on sleep I only got about 5 hours (we went to bed at 4:30 AM-the latest I have gone to bed in 2005) and I was a little hurting this morning. The fact that I am signed up for this tri completely helped motivate me to go swimming (I never made it to the pool last night if it isn’t obvious from reading this far). I just took a 45 minute nap and feel so so much better. There was also IHOP in there at some point which helped. I am headed to a BBQ out in VA this afternoon and I plan to stop by, bring my running clothes, and then go running out there for a change of scenery. Seriously, I don’t have a fabulous social life by any stretch, but everyone I know is throwing a party this weekend, which is one reason people came into town. I am going to stop by a few-but I am definitely (I think) going to be the designated driver tonight. We’ll see how my grandiose plans play out since the DC metro area does have fabulous public transportation. Oh yes, and my plans DO NOT include the aforementioned concert.
Oh, I was also sharing a lane with this woman who was about 50 and kicking my butt. She also had all these special tools (kickboard, pull buoy, and these things that go on your hands) so I knew she was serious. Anyway, she was doing FLIP TURNS, and it occurred to me that learning how to do that would probably make me a lot faster. I think I should have some time over the fourth of july to practice that. What is interesting is most people I see swimming don't do them. Hmm...something to think about learning.
Posted by Audrey at 05:19 PM | Comments (5)
June 17, 2005
Fake Problems
Like Nanda, I’m beat. I haven’t been sleeping too much-maybe 5 or 6 hours a night-and it caught up to me today. My partner at work is exhausted too b/c he couldn’t sleep last night so we are mostly communicating in monosyllabic words and minimal phrases. I couldn’t swim this morning b/c I had to be at work early (okay, I had to be here at 9-but I was up until 1:30 AM) so I am trying to decide what I want to do tonight-go swimming after happy hour with my boss and team? Or follow happy hour with a night “out” with some friends from undergrad? Or just go home after happy hour and clean and then crash? This morning I couldn’t decide what I would want to do later tonight so I have two changes of clothes with me-gym clothes and night out clothes. I have lots of other stuff with me too. I have SO MUCH STUFF with me.
I just used my lunch hour to hit up the gym and do some core stuff and stretching, both of which have been slightly neglected this week. It was nice to do something active as the morning was kind of stressful. Now, just for fun, I am using my new “work” ice pack with my leg propped up on another intern’s CPU. He hasn’t commented.
Let me lay out a scenario and you can help me decided what to do here. My college ex is in town with his band and they are playing in Maryland Saturday night. Friends are coming in from NY and Boston to see the band. Other friends from DC are going. I guess it’s a big deal b/c it’s their first east coast show in years. I do NOT want to go. If I go, the people in the room will be: my ex, me, his ex from after me, his current girlfriend, his ex from after me’s new boyfriends, and his ex from after me’s other ex. I know 3/5 of those people. It is a giant soap opera and I have no desire to be there-but I was invited by my ex and all these mutual friends are coming into town and want me to go just so I can hang out with everyone. Also, there is a song my ex wrote about us and I don’t want to be ungrateful or mean since it IS kind cool (how horrible to write a song about someone and then not have then come to your show??)-and I do kind of want to hear it performed live. It also looks really odd I am not going since all the other exes and college friends are going. But what am I supposed to do while they are performing-dance, sing along, and cheer at the stage like everyone else? I will just spend the whole night not knowing what to do with myself while all my other friends party and have a wonderful time. PLUS, my friends will be looking at me wondering if I regret breaking up with him now that he's doing so well. I've gotten that question before and it is a HORRIBLE question (what kind of person do people think I am?) and I don't want people looking at me all night wondering what I'm thinking and/or feeling sorry for me. But isn't it horrible I know him so well and aren't going to support him and his band?
I know what I plan on doing, but in this situation, what would YOU do? (I titled this entry Fake Problems b/c this is not a real problem. I guess it's good nothing more traumatic is going on my life and I have the leisure to worry about this crap-but also kind of annoying. Is there nothing more meaningful going on in my professional or personal life???) I need some peanut butter...
Enjoy your weekends all!
Posted by Audrey at 04:05 PM | Comments (5)
June 16, 2005
Internet Creep
Well, from the responses to my last post it is confirmed…something is making us hungry…using my deductive reasoning, I've decided it has got to be either exercising or blogging.
I discovered that by going in to work at 7 AM instead of 9 AM my commute is half as long which is fabulous. I went to work early, dropped off my stuff, and then went running on The Mall-which is flat. My pes anserine bursitis was hurting (remember my picture from a while ago?-Check out May 8) but I still ran b/c I felt like it. It hurt off and on so I don’t really know what that means. It made me realize that even though I didn’t run yesterday, biking 8 hilly miles does not constitute a rest day. But the weather was beautiful and I stretched in the shade on The Mall afterwards so you can’t beat that. However, I did have to spend the run with my work ID stabbing me in the leg. It made me think of an article Becky helped write (which I unsuccessfully tried to google) that details how you know if you’re a true DC runner. One of the items is something to the effect of, “You have gone running with your work ID, cell phone, or palm pilot.” The list is pretty good-and accurate. Becky, correct me if I am butchering your work, which I can tell I am.
I forgot my ice pack at home so I had to go to CVS. While I was there I decided that in addition to the instant ice pack I was buying, I really should just buy a permanent one for the office. So I found myself unexpectedly shelling out $20 on ice packs. As I stood in line it occurred to me that purchases like THIS may be one reason why I found myself worrying about money yesterday morning!
There is one women’s shower at my office which is in the bathroom (that has a single stall). So I was basically showering, in a towel, and dressing right next to people who innocently wanted to use the bathroom. I don’t think a lot of people use the shower so it was like, SURPRISE, a semi-naked employee is in the bathroom. Hehe.
Then there was pizza and beer with some friends, two runners with achy knees (like me!). I thought of the bloggers a lot tonight b/c my friends asked how my meeting with my “internet friend” went (Nanda), and then they wanted to know how I ended up with a blog so I talked about Becky and Alison. Then I was in the supermarket and found the peanut butter Leilani recommended and thought of Jon when I discovered a new Balance bar in Smores flavor. How crazy is all of that? My internet life is creeping into my daily life :) Night all.
Posted by Audrey at 11:08 PM | Comments (2)
June 15, 2005
Pool Freak out Session
I worked out for about an hour and half this morning… ½ an hour bike ride to the pool (with some MONSTER hills), ½ an hour swim, and ½ an hour bike ride home (with some MONSTER hills). Yes, it is possible to be hilly in both directions. There were some great downhills in each direction too.
In the pool I had a small freak out session. My knee (my GOOD one) was feeling weird. I have felt these odd twinges in it recently and then I felt it again in the pool. My BAD knee felt fine. I was completely freaking out and standing in my lane stretching my knee (not swimming). It doesn’t hurt, but the twinges are scary. I always have these theories as to why I am hurt. I think my left knee was feeling weird b/c I have a tendency to use to excess to overcompensate for the other leg (since last May). I use my left knee to squat, I bend my left knee Indian style but not my right knee, I sit all funny in my chair at work with my left knee but not my right knee, and I do my exercises on my right knee-but not my left knee. Anyway, I iced BOTH knees today even though neither hurts too much and took some Naproxen so hopefully these measures will stave off anything bad.
Then I didn’t eat much for breakfast b/c it was hot and I felt gross (and ran out of cereal) and was in a hurry, and then ate both of my snacks (including my afternoon one) before lunch b/c I was starving. THEN, lunch was delayed b/c my partner and I had to knock some stuff out before we could go to lunch, so I was seriously unable to concentrate on anything b/c I was so light headed. I was finally like: Food. Now. I can’t do anything else b/c I don’t even understand what I am doing at this point. [I think he thought I was crazy but I don't really care! He had only been up for 4 hours but I had been up for 7 and had done a duathlon!!]
I was also kind of minimally freaking out about money this morning b/c I have some big expenses this week. BUT, my boss (from my PAYING job) IMed me this morning and asked, can you help me out? I said…yes, I can. And now bid you adieu as I go bill some hours! Yeah work!
Posted by Audrey at 07:00 PM | Comments (5)
June 14, 2005
E-mail Insight
E-mail from me to my parents 9:50 PM:
July 24. i am signed up. i am so scared. at least i know i can do all the distances in the race. well, i can do them all separately-but that is a far cry from doing them all together. but now i need to learn how to run in a bathing suit. i might go to this triathlon clinic for women in manasses. and one interesting tri rule i found is that there is no public nudity in the transition areas. :) omg, i have no idea what i am doing...
ahhh, the madness begins.
Posted by Audrey at 09:52 PM | Comments (3)
Gross Officemate (Me)
I am the worst triathlete EVER. Everything I read says you should spend the most time on your weakest sport which makes a lot of sense. (Note, that statement has to be altered to be plural and read weakest sportS-which for me would be swimming and biking.) However, I still continue to plan my workouts around running and quite honestly plan to continue to do so. I am never going to miss a day of running to do one of the other sports. It’s just not going to happen. This was just something I was thinking about as I tried to plan a workout schedule. There are some really cool brick workouts where you bike 3 miles, then run a mile, then repeat this cycle a few times. But I can’t run every day, and if I run as part of this weird brick workout I won’t get in my normal run. So what to do? We’ll see…but this really drives home the fact that you can’t train for everything at once without something suffering.
This morning I ran for 20 minutes. This was my first time running two days in a row in two months. I found some bouncy astro turf to run on so it was cushony AND flat for about 10 minutes of my run which was fabulous. Then I took my bike out for a leisurely 20 minute bike ride. Unfortunately, I was stressing too much about work to really take my time or get in a good bike ride so I finally decided to ease my mental stress by ditching the bike and just getting my butt into the office. At the last minute I threw some workout clothes into my bag in case I wanted to go to the gym after work.
It turns out the gym clothes were a good idea b/c I unexpectedly had an extra long lunch today. I speed lifted, did sit-ups, and foam rollered. AND, this is really gross, but I didn’t shower. It was actually sweating less in the air conditioned gym working out than I was when walking outside (which is how I spend a lot of my day). I was running out of time and I basically wear jeans and a t-shirt (and flip-flops or sneakers) to work so I decided to simply not shower. It’s the best decision I ever made since I was disgusting by the time I walked the 10 minutes back to my office. Going to gym probably HELPED my appearance and grossness b/c I had the chance to reapply deodorant and comb my hair!
Last note-my whole body is sore. I know I said I had “tightness” in my bad leg earlier this week-but I think I simply forgot what it is like to be sore from exercise! My other leg is too. I am not used to so many different kinds of exercises! I don’t think the swimming is making anything sore, but the bike riding on Saturday and these ab exercises we were doing in class with the medicine ball definitely did. Seriously though, I have to spend more time on the bike. Leilani pointed me towards a local tri training group so I might try one of their group rides Thursday morning just to see if I am doing anything weirdly wrong, and to see how fast I should be riding on days when I am just trying to get miles in.
Posted by Audrey at 07:55 PM | Comments (2)
June 13, 2005
Burger King
This morning I went running for 35 minutes. It was okay. Running was fun but there was some weird tightness in the back of my bad (right) leg which wasn't too bad pain wise, but was of course worrisome. I did my first mile on the track so I could see what pace I was running since I had no idea. It was about 8:15 min/miles. I am sure I slowed for the rest of the hilly, hot run, but I was very very glad with somewhere around that pace. I had thought I was running much slower. Then I swam for all of seven minutes. I am thinking of doing a triathlon on July 24 that requires a 300 m pool swim and in order to register you are supposed to include an estimated time. I was of course instantaneously curious what my time would be so I had to time myself. I wasn't swimming hard, just my normal swimming, so that I could get a conservative estimate. I would have liked to swim longer, but I had my first post training day of work and could not be late. DC traffic was already building by the time I left. [Note, I ended up at work ½ an hour early. Well, infinitely better than late.]
I also talked to my college roomie last night for the first time in months. I mean, the girl and I shared a room for three years and even shared bunk beds, and I haven't talked to her forever. I miss the girl so [so] much. She informed me of her plan to perhaps run a ½ marathon and wanted to chat running (specifically, she wanted me to tell her how NOT to get injured). At some point she mentioned, hey, you should totally have one of those running website things. I was like, funny you should mention that, and then she wanted to know why I didn't tell her (or anyone) about my blog. I told her the truth: I didn't want everyone to think I was crazy. But anyway, while G has always been sporty, this is her biggest running endeavor and I wish her luck whether or not she decides to run in the race. I am so psyched for you!!
Seriously though, I like my blog, and reading everyone else's blogs, b/c everyone here shares the passion. I also like hanging out with my health friends for the same reason. Last night, for example, my friend said he found a computer game on the Burger King website and I interjected-uh..and you were on the Burger King website why? He said he was checking the nutritional content of his lunch. I totally do that [and recommend it to everyone]! Anyway, sometimes it's fun being around people who "get" you.
I have lots of decisions to make about races to run (or tri) and I keep putting it off, thinking, ok, just one more workout to see if I really am better. I told myself I was going to decide today-but I think I will decide after tomorrow's workout.
Posted by Audrey at 10:23 AM | Comments (6)
June 12, 2005
Afraid of Heavier Weights
Let’s see. I slept for 10 hours last night, waking up at 7 AM. That put me up 6 hours before anyone else in my house. Who ARE THESE people? I surfed on the internet, read my book, read the paper, planned my summer social schedule (when I’m leaving town, etc), and shopped online for a referee jersey for my little brother. It’s his graduation present from middle school, which takes place tomorrow. I admit I have a new bad habit. I wait until the last minute, shop online or in an actual store, and then e-mail the person a digital picture of their gift and let them know the real item will be arriving shortly. Thoughtful of me, no?
I feel fabulous after a good night’s sleep. I have been working out a lot more than when I was recently injured (funny how that works) and was not getting as much sleep as I did during school. I went to the gym for an abs class and did some weight lifting. I really should increase the weights I am lifting but don’t want to because I know it will be hard. Seriously, I’m afraid of how hard it will be.
I was also thinking: I don’t lift lower body b/c 1) it hurts my knee and 2) b/c I do a lot of cardio that depends on my lower body so I feel like my legs are in good shape. If I start swimming more…does that mean I can lift upper body less often? It is hard to conceptualize a reasonable schedule for all the different exercise types I want to fit in. I also went on an intense search with one of the trainers for the missing foam roller. The gym only has one-and we did succeed in finding it.
I am also finally hungry again. When I work out a lot I get hungry most of the time. When I was hurt the past two months or so I didn’t have that much of an appetite. I tend to eat the same amount if I am working out or not (just hard habits for me to break-yes, whether or not I am hungry) so it’s nice to be working out again.
I am sore today. Not too bad, but I think the hilly bike ride is the culprit along with the hilly walking Friday night when I was out (the bars are a LONG downhill from my house!). I am taking the day off from cardio of all types to rest my knee and calf. I feel like such an idiot. It’s a weekend day. I have lots of time…and I made it my day off…good planning Audrey.
I am having dinner tonight with some health girls. Okay, I always write health girls b/c my program is 80% female. BUT, to be accurate, I should say, “dinner with health people tonight” since there are two guys. The people from my program who are bringing health to DC this summer (um…as interns) are getting together. Fun times. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Posted by Audrey at 02:10 PM | Comments (3)
June 11, 2005
Breakfast With Runners
I am exhausted. Last night I hung out with some friends from college at the waterfront. Then I headed back to my house to momentarily visit the undergrad party that was winding down. I didn’t even know they were throwing a party until that afternoon. My younger sister was invited, along with about 140 other people through a mass e-mail, and told me she would “See me later at the party at my house.” My response, “????” I sent the girl throwing the party an e-mail saying, “Can you try to keep people out of my room…" Let’s just say that things have a tendency to disappear at parties like this. I also hid my laptop, camera, etc. under by bed. LOVING MY LIVING SITUATION let me tell you.
I got up early to meet Nanda for a bike ride. She took me on a tour of Rock Creek Park and we had an impromptu stop at the National Zoo to see the pandas and giraffes. [Exercise note: we did some serious hills this morning]. When I saw her I didn’t know if I should hug her or shake her hand or what! We were kind of separated by a bike rack and two bikes! I think we ended up just smiling and saying hi and ditching some stuff in my car before hitting the trails. She is the first blogger I have met in person that I didn’t know pre-blogging. It was very cool. I was very curious what she would look like, of course, and how we would get along. But it wasn’t like meeting someone for the first time. We already know a lot about each other! After our hour or so of bike riding we dropped Nanda’s bike off at her house, put mine on my car (her bike wouldn’t fit on my type of bike rack), and headed over to meet Leilani and Jessie at their running club’s post-run breakfast. I guess it’s technically my running club too-I am an alum and a current member (I just rejoined)-but I haven’t been there in almost a year so feel strange claiming it as my own. But you know, I have actually spent more time with them than with my new club…Anyway, that means there were other hellos to be said with people I haven’t seen in a while so that was nice. But I digress…so Nanda and I sat with Leilani and her husband and Jessie who had all just done a long run and chatted. I remember Leilani and Jessie from when I was in the club before so I recognized them, but this is the most I have ever talked to them. It was very fun and interesting to talk to them in person and Leilani told me about a triathlon she is doing in the middle of August that I may do with her (if she can get off of work). I need to research the wetsuit and bike situation some more but that would be so exciting. I kind of want to do one soon and it would be nice to have someone to freak out with (I mean support each other :)
So going to breakfast with a running club was also a bit yucky!! I want to run (far!) !!! I am just glad Nanda and I worked out beforehand because I hate meeting runners for breakfast post their run when I can’t run. Eating post-run is such a running tradition for almost all running groups that it just touches some weird nerve with me when I can't run. Anyway, all in all it was a great start to the weekend. Now I really must shower. DC is disgusting hot right now. Dinner with my sister tonight and then early to bed. Yes, very early to bed.
Posted by Audrey at 02:03 PM | Comments (2)
June 10, 2005
Let's Take an Objective Look...
…at my blog. Anyone reading it would pretty much be able say that I should not be marathon training right now-if ever. I am a walking injury. I don’t handle high mileage well. Furthermore, if I am going to run another one at some point, and I really want to if the running gods cooperate, it does not need to be right this instant. This morning, I found that same clarity that is pretty obvious from the “outside looking in.”
I did a “brick” workout. I drove to the pool and parked there b/c I was in search of flatter terrain to run on. I planned to run on the roads. Then I found a trail (it’s really a paved path) I used to run on and ended up on it. I mean, it’s like I am on autopilot. I know I should be taking it easy, but I was running up and down hills on this path because I felt like it. Anyway, my knee felt not 100%, which it has been earlier this week. There was some pain in some new places (which actually gives me less anxiety than when it is in the same place). I finished the 35 minute run though. I plan to take Saturday and Sunday off from running.
Then I walked a few hundred yards to my car. On my short walk a guy ran past me, stopped at his car that was parked next to mine, picked up his swimming stuff, and headed inside the pool. Hmm I thought, that’s interesting. He must be doing what I am doing.
I went inside and swam for 20 minutes. I couldn’t stay longer b/c my hour long commute to work called :( My knee felt not great so I “pulled” the whole time. As I was walking out I looked at the other guy’s car and saw a sticker with the word “Triathlon” on it. Aha, this guy is an “official” triathlete I guess.
So I went home and was going about my morning and reflected on the following:
1. I cannot run long distances right now
2. I can swim right now
3. I can bike right now
4. I can run short distances right now
(You can see where this is going.)
Therefore, I should not run a marathon (see how obvious that is) and I should think about doing a triathlon. I think one issue I had is there is so much pressure from the running community to run marathons. If you are a serious runner (in a running group or not)-you run long. Each weekend you run 10 miles or more. You train for marathons once or twice a year. That's what people do. At least I feel like the majority of people I know in running groups do not train for distances of 10K or less. I think I need to work on being my own running person here!
I am thinking of the Boston Triathlon over labor day. The whole thing is really funny because I have no idea what I am doing. I don’t know what to wear and I don’t have a road bike or a triathlete bike (I have a hybrid). I don’t know how to transition or how to train. So sign me up! The distances of this are: 0.5 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. What is annoying about the triathlon is it is not just about being fit and doing well in three sports-it is about learning about a new type of bike, how to transition, what to wear, etc. I feel like a lot more than working out goes into preparing.
For those ardent readers that have inquired, I will share “what the deal is with my cheeks.” I just have chubby cheeks. The three of four kids in my family who have hit the college years developed chubby cheeks. All the kids got them. It makes me look young. It’s the first place I gain weight-but my cheeks are chubby these days even when I am in shape. My Dad has them so I think it’s just the way I am! Also, for the record, I was NOT my school mascot. That was the lie.
Posted by Audrey at 07:06 PM | Comments (2)
June 09, 2005
ME
As instructed by Jon, let’s take this opportunity to learn a little more about the StAr of this blog. Also, I took the liberty of adding additional numbers to some of the questions b/c I just had lots to say I guess. Welcome to my neurosis.
three physical things you like about yourself.
1) my legs
2) my eyes
3) my stomach (circa 2005)
three physical things you don’t.
1) my right knee
2) my right foot
3) my cheeks
4) my cheeks
5) my skin
6) my cheeks
three things that scare you.
1) getting old
2) no one liking me
3) choking while alone
4) childbirth (all aspects: gaining weight, labor, post-baby body, and worrying about the welfare of an entire human being for the remainder of my life)
three of your everyday essentials.
1) peanut butter
2) the internet
3) sneakers
three things you are wearing now.
1) glasses
2) a necklace with the letter A
3) a t-shirt from my MA running club
three of your favorite bands or musical artists.
1) Big and Rich
2) Goo Goo Dolls
3) Kenny Chesney
three things you want in a relationship
1) Passion
2) Attention
3) Humor
two truths and a lie (which is a lie?).
1) My family forgot to invite me on its last family vacation.
2) I have never had GU.
3) In high school I was the mascot (think big puffy Panther suit).
three physical things that turn you on.
1) Nice arms
2) Dark hair
3) Tall
three of your favorite hobbies.
1) Running/other sports
2) EMS (but, like one of Jon’s hobbies, that ship has sailed for now and probably a few years)
3) Reading
4) Certain TV shows
three things you want to do really badly right now.
1) run 8 miles
2) meet a guy fitting criteria outlined above
3) be down south with my grandparents
4) be living alone again (not with undergrads who have already needed me-on day 2-to put them to bed after their night out)
three careers you are considering.
1) Lawyer
2) Olympic Athlete (I REFUSE to believe there isn’t ONE sport in the entire world I could excel at!) Or maybe I could officiate. I would count that.
3) Wellness Consultant. Helping organizations run wellness programs for their employees.
three places you want to go on vacation.
1) Hawaii
2) Mid-west
3) Australia
4) New Orleans
three things you want to do before you die.
1) Qualify for Boston
2) Own a Jeep
3) Learn how to French braid my daughter’s hair
three people you are throwing this to next
1) Becky
2) Beth
3) Barb
Posted by Audrey at 09:18 PM | Comments (5)
June 08, 2005
Blogging Chicks
I went running this morning for 35 minutes. It was 7 AM, which I have decided is too late to run here since it is so hot. Next time, earlier. There was a lot of uphill on the way back so I decided to turn around a minute short of halfway to give myself extra time on the way home-which turned out to be unneeded which was kind of cool. I did some extra laps around the block to make sure I got in 35 minutes. I did have to take a long “pause” at 25 minutes due to a stoplight that obviously did not know I was waiting for it. Also, I heard somewhere that women get skin cancer on their legs and arms (moreso than men, or moreso than other bother parts...i can't remember the exact information). Either way, I decided sunscreen was a good idea and put it on every exposed body part. I was a giant sunscreen and sunglassed blob this morning.
My knee exercises are amazing. My knee feels better already. Before last night I hadn’t done them in a week. Maybe I should learn from this? I am going to do them tonight-after I call Nanda to make plans for this weekend! Leilani and I are in similar e-mail communication :) Fun times with blogger girls.
Also, and I feel slightly weird blogging about one of my fellow interns without him knowing so I won’t say which sport, but he is pretty competitive in one sport on a national level-and does knee exercises every day. I promise I was NOT the one who brought knee exercises up in conversation-I didn't even know the guy was an athlete! Life is so weird. Also, at some point he mentioned he works out 7 days a week for almost the entire year. From his response to my response, I don't think I responded how people usually respond to that type of information from him. I mean, look at the blogs I read every day!! I just kind of gave a low key and pleasant, "Oh that great. That's really interesting." I am so jaded...You all have ruined me.
Posted by Audrey at 07:15 PM | Comments (1)
June 07, 2005
Intense Abs and Mall Time
This will hopefully be a slightly more coherent post since it is not 7:30 AM and I am not rushing off anywhere. I am tired. Work is normal length but feels long b/c I have an hour commute on the bus each way. It is a far cry from being able to walk everywhere like I could in Boston. I definitely have less time than during my student life-though now it is nighttime and I don’t have anything I need to do which is kind of cool. My job is pretty interesting though. It’s entirely different from anything I have ever done before so needless to say I am learning a lot already. I also expect it will be better once I am done with training (though then the hours get all weird too). I feel like I will definitely have to work out in the morning then to make sure it gets done in case things come up during the day. The good news is they have showers at work.
After work I went to the hardest abs class I have ever gone to. The instructor opened with, “This class will be 27 intense minutes. I have to go to California this weekend so need to work on my own abs!” The class lived up to its introduction and it was cool to have a new instructor and do some different moves.
Afterwards I hung out at the mall. I had some cell phone business to take care of and my friend was bored. So we went to the mall. It’s like being back in NJ. That’s what people do for fun there! (And Chocolate Jon, I was able to find a toaster for $9.95.) Nothing but the best for my house…I also bought a plate, a bowl, a cup, and silverware.
Then my knee exercises since my knee is kind of bothering me. Now icing. Now blogging. Next bed. Okay, this wasn’t too enlightening but I am exhausted.
Posted by Audrey at 11:18 PM | Comments (1)
Dumb, but Fun Idea
I really want to run in one of the local summer racing series. I have wanted to run it for the past two years (ever since I learned about it). However, as I have already mentioned, I had foot surgery at the start of each of the past two summers. Which meant no racing, or running, or shoe wearing of any kind!! This summer is going to be it!! Yes, even though have been running for exactly three weeks. The races are all doable distances (all 8K or under) so that people can train for marathons while racing in the series. At least I think that is the reasoning behind it. I think that most people (ie. those that are properly trained-ie. the opposite of me) can handle that. However, I am still toying with the idea of running a marathon this fall-which means I need to be up to an 8 mile long run by July 24. So do I really want to be running races while trying to increase the length of my long run? (This is exactly how I got hurt in the winter. Too much racing and speed work while trying to increase my long run distance.) I guess I should make some decisions about my training. Marathon this fall? No marathon? At this moment, I kind of don’t want to run a marathon. I mean, I do, but I think it is a rush. It’s like I’m asking for unfavorable attention from the running gods. I should probably wait until winter. Regarding the racing series, I could run a few of the races, but not the whole series. That might be best choice-the more boring choice-but probably the healthiest choice. Though I probably can’t run the races hard anyway (I don’t think anyone can race race all the race since they are so close together) since I will probably be lucky to finish :) so maybe they won’t be that taxing? Hmmm…just more things to mull over as I see how the running progresses over the next few weeks. Regardless of these choices, next week might be the time to start running 4 four days/week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (long run).
This morning I was supposed to bike to the pool to swim-but did not want to get out of bed. It would have been 4 miles each way, all uphill on the way back. I ended up driving and knowing I had to still wrap up swimming pretty early so I could beat DC traffic which quickly gets horrendous. I swam for 30 minutes, half pulling and half regular crawl. What I actually need is to be my sister’s guest at her college gym so I can get a good pool rate and workout closer to home. But that would require my sister going to the gym, a rarity :)
Posted by Audrey at 07:44 AM | Comments (2)
June 06, 2005
Ridiculously Early Morning
K, I have been up forever. Things done today so far: Figured out I have internet access. Read everyone’s blogs while I waited for it to get reasonably light out and for the gym to open. Ran 29 minutes around my neighborhood. It was an okay temperature-not too hot-and there were lots of hills, which I don’t mind b/c I know I am getting a good workout. Everything felt okay (calf and knee) though I still have a bit of anxiety about the calf. It wasn’t that exciting a backdrop for my first DC run. I felt like I needed to do the obligatory around the house run, plus I wanted to find the gym, but I previously lived a block from where I am now so it really wasn’t that exciting to “go exploring.” The roads are all the same :) I ended my run at the DC branch of my gym. Lifted. Did core exercises. Ran one minute home to get in 30 minutes and then walked the rest of the way. Went to the grocery store for things I forgot: detergent, paper plates, forks, knives, etc. Helped my housemate figure out how to get to work. Decided I am nervous for day 1 of work. Off to shower and eat breakfast out of a paper bowl…
Posted by Audrey at 07:40 AM | Comments (3)
June 05, 2005
First Speed Blog
Today is my first speed blogging post b/c I have minimum time and access to internet while I wait for some people for dinner. I am staying in a house that currently has no gas (so no cooking and no hot water), no internet, and no pots, pans, microwave, etc. I went to the grocery store and bought all foods I didn't think I had to cook-but found out I can't make frozen waffles b/c we don't have a toaster...Ahhh...the student life. I am the oldest one (out of six people) in my house and all I have to say is THANK GOD I got my own room. There are two people in a double. I had roommates until I was 21 and it's totally fine. I just really really really appreciate my single at this point in time.
After my post yesterday about my knee hurting and jokingly announcing I needed to find someone to help me move next time a friend magically called to offer to help today. He is also attractive, a doctor to be, fun, and a RUNNER. Ladies: I am taking applications. Readers: If I fail to blog tomorrow it is b/c moving friend found this post and retaliated in some way for turning my blog into a dating service...[highly likely]
My little brother and mom wanted to go swimming with me this morning (early, b/c I had to leave town). However, as the proposed wake up time rolled around no one wanted to go! Little brother, from face down in his pillow, announced he was tired and my Dad reported my mom was feeling similarly. So my Dad came with me. Admittedly, he did come with me to keep me company, but he also came b/c he wanted to complete a triathlon this weekend! He swears b/c he biked and ran yesterday that if he swims in the same 24 hours it counts. Since 1) I am the goddess of triathlons and 2) he did come swimming with me early in the morning, I will give it to him. I swam for 30 minutes. I am mildly freaking out b/c my calf is a bit sore. Maybe the hills from yesterday? We shall see how it feels tomorrow. There are so many runners here!! So excited!!!
Posted by Audrey at 06:08 PM | Comments (1)
June 04, 2005
Ironwoman
I ran for 30 minutes today. My educated guess, based on mileage estimates and time, puts my pace around 9 min/mile. I have to tell you, it is significantly hotter here than in Boston. I have a feeling DC is going to be an even ruder awakening. I went running at 10 AM, since in Boston right now you can go running whenever you want, and it was HOT. Maybe 80 degrees. And hilly. My dad and I biked about 10 miles this afternoon.
I love running and biking here. 1) No stoplights 2) I like the hills 3) It is gorgeous here. Yes. NJ. is. gorgeous. There were cows this afternoon. There are farms. It is gorgeous. Believe it.
My mom cornered me at my brother’s soccer game. So, you know, while I have you here, I need to catch up with you. This was her segue into the rapid fire questioning about my life and various running body parts. Her body part advice: get three second opinions before having knee surgery and try steroid cream for the sports bra rash.
Funny incident of the day: During the bike ride I told me Dad I saw a triathlon in my future. He just nodded and didn’t say anything. Just now I was detailing to my little brother the different distances of the triathlon (in response to his inquiry! I wasn’t just ranting…). My dad asked, “There are different distances?” Earlier today he had thought I was training for an Ironman. Hahahahahahahahahah……
Posted by Audrey at 09:13 PM | Comments (3)
June 03, 2005
17-21, 21-10, 18-21
I lost.
Posted by Audrey at 09:23 PM | Comments (3)
He'd Grown Up Just Like Me
I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, I'd like to see you, if you don't mind, he said
I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and the kids with the flu
But it's been sure nice talkin' to you, dad
It's been sure nice talkin' to you
And as I hung up the phone it occured to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
Those are one section of the lyrics from “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry and Sandy Chapin. I thought of that song today. I haven’t seen my parents in about two months. After sitting in traffic for 5 ½ hours (an hour later than anticipated) and finally arriving in NJ at 3:00, I ran into the house, saw my Dad’s laptop on the kitchen table (he was supposed to have a half day at the office), and said, “Now I don’t feel so bad.” I turned on my own laptop-the only item I had dragged out of the car-and stated, “I’m really sorry, I just have to send off one e-mail before the end of business.” My dad and I worked on our laptops across the table from each other. I am torn between, wow, isn’t this sad we are both working instead of communicating-and hey, I am kind of proud to have grown up like him. I don’t think that’s necessarily bad-and I know my Dad loved what he was working on this afternoon. So as I was working I was trying not to smile because-for better and for worse-the song was playing in my head as we literally acted it out.
After sending my e-mail I went to the gym (yes, another selfish time pursuit) and speed swam for 15 minutes b/c the gym was closing earlier than I had anticipated. Now I am procrastinating finding what I need from my car for the night. Packing was a slight nightmare and the car is full. I had to bring a lot of stuff with me. I need work clothes and workout clothes of course-but also beach clothes for vacation and I am going to a wedding, so that means jewelry. I need my printer. Every time I walked around my apartment I found something new: camera battery charger, running sunglasses, iron, hairdryer, air pump for my bike, pillows, alarm clock, my $46 sneakers, all my ibuprofen. I mean, the list for a whole summer is long! I made up my DC wallet. I took out all of the Boston cards for movies stores and restaurants and put in my DC electronic metrocard (subway card), cards for movie rental stores, and library card.
Off to beat the little brother in ping pong. Okay, well I will let you know who ACTUALLY wins. Oh yeah, moving always hurts my knee (even before my year of knee problems.) Note to self-don’t squat. (But then how do I “lift with the knees” so I don’t hurt my back?) Note to self-next time find someone else to move me!! All in the name of protecting my knee of course! Bon weekend!
Posted by Audrey at 08:45 PM | Comments (0)
June 02, 2005
Loose Ends
Today is my last full day in Boston before the summer move to DC. Along with tying up the loose ends in the rest of my life, I thought I would tie up some blogging items:
A few people have asked what a swimming pull buoy is. It is a flotation device you hold between your upper legs so that A) you don’t kick when you swim and B) your lower body stays afloat. It lets you work out just your upper body. It’s great for when you have a lower body injury or just want to rest your lower body. Most pools have them off to the side of the swimming area. Mine cost about $9.50. There are multiple kinds. The one I have is the one at the bottom of the webpage.
Last night I scrubbed my toilet and then flushed my favorite CD. I flushed it twice, once with each side up. It still skips. The good news is my toilet is sparkling.
The ice pack that stays cold for 8 hours was purchased at CVS and is the Cryo-Max Reusable 8 Hour Cold Pack. It really does stay cold for 8 hours. I can bring it to school, work out at lunch, and then ice. Plus, the cold pack is very flexible and molds to you.
In workout news, I ran for 25 minutes (T). It was still hard to run (fitness wise) but I loved it. Depending on how the packing goes I might go to the gym one last time later today to lift and do some balance exercise and maybe some wall squats. Those are good for the knee and easier to do at the gym b/c you can do them leaning on a mirror instead of a wall (easier to slide). However, that all depends on the packing and other events of the day. Also, I was super trendy runner today. I am getting a sports bra rash (I think from the one I was wearing yesterday) and was so uncomfortable after I put today's sports bra on that I had to take it off. I then put on a tight tank top (see, you should save all those clothes you haven't worn in years and think you just might wear again someday so can't bear to part with), then my sports bra, then my regular tank top running shirt. So from the outside, it looked like I was doing the multi-colored layering thing. Oh so trendy! But it worked-chafe free running.
Posted by Audrey at 08:50 AM | Comments (4)
June 01, 2005
To Relay or Not to Relay
Today has been fun so far. I biked to the pool and swam for 20:45 before they blew a really loud air horn indicating it was 7:30 and the pool was closing. I got a kind of late start on the swimming this morning. I was swimming fast though. I felt great. It is probably because I haven’t been swimming since Thursday. Also, I needed to get warmed up. The water was 70 degrees because the pool was drained and refilled about two days ago.
Next I met someone from my running group. We are both recovering from injuries so didn’t go running but rather for a walk in the Arnold Arboretum. It’s pretty hilly and has a nice view of Boston at the top of one hill. We walked for about an hour fifteen. Later today I am hitting up the core class at my gym-today is the more acceptable day to go. I actually called my gym yesterday to find out who was teaching the class yesterday. It was the trainer whose class is not hard at all-so I stayed home! He opens the class by stating he doesn’t want to scare anyone away and the class is pretty intro; the other trainers open the class by saying they don’t include breaks so take a short one whenever you need to-and the classes prove to be hellish. The latter is preferred.
I am trying to decide if I want to be part of a team for the Saturn Relay in October. Pros include: 1) I have recently really been wanting to do one of these monster relay races. 2) I think my team is going to visit some places afterwards that have also been on my list of things to do-like Yosemite. 3) I really want to go. Cons include: 1) Will it mess with my (theoretical) fall marathon training? (The other people going are also running fall marathons so plan to run-not race-their segments). 2) I won’t have to miss school for the race-but I will miss school if I go on the post-race vacation. (But I could be in school for a while-so does that mean I don't get to spontaneously travel for as long as that is?) hmm…I have to decide in the next week or so.
Posted by Audrey at 03:24 PM | Comments (2)