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April 02, 2005
Where Has the Week Gone?
I thought I was going to have more time to exercise, update my blog, etc., but here we are - it’s Saturday - and I can’t remember too much of what I’ve done outside of work and feeling exhausted nearly every day. Maybe I need to start taking my ferrous sulfate pills again. I was diagnosed with anemia in 1997 but rarely feel the effects - mostly fatigue/weakness, difficulty breathing during routine activities, and minor muscle aches. Since my legs are still fatigued, I’ve done more crosstraining than running this week. Even running the 3-mile physical fitness test with the Marines this morning was taxing. Could’ve been the humidity, but I’m not really certain. Here’s the week in a nutshell:
Tuesday, March 29
After all the rain we've been having in DC, it was a treat to run in the sun yesterday. Since I got off work early, I went to the pool first and swam 1100 meters. I felt a lot smoother and faster than I did on Sunday. After that, I drove home and ran on the Fairfax County Parkway trail for about 7.5 miles. It seemed like a terribly slow run with my hips and hamstrings being tight from Monday night's spin class, but I didn't care because the weather was absolutely perfect - in the low 60s with a slight breeze. I had grand plans to finish my run with a McDonald's sundae with chocolate syrup, which I had been craving for several days (and the restaurant is conveniently located across the street from my neighborhood). But alas, the power was out...boo! So, I went home and had some wheat bread, half a diet Pepsi and a glass of lemon-lime Endurox. My triathlete/marathoner co-worker gave me the latter to try out, and while it doesn't exactly taste like Kool Aid, it doesn't give me nausea like Cytomax does. I don't know if it lessens the lactic acid effect (as the container claims), or I don't notice the difference, but it at least gets some protein/carbs back in my system immediately.
Wednesday, March 30
R. and I went to track for the first time in long time. We were on tap to run 6-8 x 800, but the track was closed for a make up soccer game. Our group ended up running 4 x 3 minutes on - 2 minutes on the Custis trail. I managed to keep up with my usual pace group for two repeats, but then I fell back a bit when I couldn’t push my beat up legs anymore. I didn’t mind, though, because the weather was perfect and I was really enjoying running with (er, near) my friends again. I probably got in 7+ miles with the warm up and cool down.
Thursday, March 31
R. and I had a dinner date at Capt Pell’s Crab House, so we only had time to swim after work. I notice a huge improvement in my endurance as the weeks go on, which is encouragement for the triathlon. In fact, I think I’m going to sign up for an Olympic distance tri in July that one of my track running partners is doing. It’s always more fun to share race experiences with friends.
Friday, April 1
The first weekend of the month – that means Marine Corps drill. I was so tired I couldn’t get myself out the door for a long run, but I did make it to my swim lesson before driving to Newport News. C. and I hadn’t met in the 3-4 weeks while I was on work travel, so it was helpful to have her tweak some of my less than perfect form. She put a serious workout on my lat muscles! I felt slow but took her word that doing things right would translate to speed.
So, I’m finally caught up to Saturday. If I can get in a short cardio or lifting session tonight or tomorrow, I’ll be okay with my low mileage for the week. At least I exercised every day. I’m going to see my mom and sis tonight after work. It’ll be nice to spend some quiet time with them and maybe try to do some school reading. Hope all this rain clears up!
Posted by Leilani at April 2, 2005 02:46 PM
Comments
You amaze me with your crazy/hectic schedule! School, work, miliary and then training for a triathlon too! You are definitely always on the go, and very inspiring. Keep up all the great work!
Posted by: Beth at April 2, 2005 03:45 PM