Friday, February 29, 2008

Contemplating the UBO (Unidentified Brown Object)

I’m about 10 laps into my first 3000+ yard swim workout on Thursday night when I spot something that doesn’t look like it belongs on the bottom of the pool. I’m actually sharing a lane with another lady, though, and it’s on her side, so I don’t think a whole lot about it at first. I keep swimming…groovin’…feeling good about this workout. Each time I get 10 yds away from completing another lap, though, I notice it in the corner of my eye. It messes with my mind a bit, and I almost lose count of my laps for worrying about exactly what it is. I don’t like the looks of it. It really looks like the one thing you DON’T want to see on the bottom of the pool. You know…the thing that causes major panic and immediate evacuation of the pool. I know because it’s happened there before. Grrrrrrr.

Almost as if this UBO knows it’s got me worried, it floats over closer to my side of the lane. By this time, I am sure it’s an evil twin of Mr. Hankey, and I almost got sick to my stomach. So here’s the dilemma…I’ve swum 2000 yds now with this UBO, and I only have 1100 more to go. I’m having a great swim despite this distraction. Do I stop and ask the lifeguard to investigate, and therefore risk having to bail on my swim workout? Or do I just keep going, and block it out of my head…because after all I’m not really sure what it is?

Well, I’m almost ashamed to tell you this, but I chose the latter. ~ashamed~ I kept going. I really didn’t want to stop swimming. During my last 500 yards, though, the UBO got really brave and floated directly under me…at which time I correctly identified it…

It was a couple of big band aides rolled up and stuck together.

While normally the site of band aides floating in a pool would gross me out, I was very relieved to know that was all it was.

I think the Tomb of Shame is seriously desensitizing me...all the rats and stinky-ness...that combined with the awesome new cocktail bar I found thanks to Trimama.

Cowboy Day for Kindergarten

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Who do you think you are?

The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.

- William James (1842 – 1910)


My problem, lately, has been that I don’t think I am an Ironman Triathlete. It’s cold outside, and when I get home from work I want to curl up by the fire place with hot chocolate instead of going to the gym and lifting weights. My inability to turn down the chocolate around Valentines Day has planted thoughts in my head that I am not a healthy eater. The 2 or 3 days per week of sleeping in has turned into 4 or 5 days per week, convincing myself that I am not a hard core, early rising, dedicated triathlete.

So who am I?

Let me introduce you to my alter-ego, Lazy Lana – uh, no – let’s call her “She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” The girl has serious roots here; she began taking shape when I was a child and liked to sleep until 10 a.m. during the summers. She further developed in High School, when she ate everything she wanted until she realized that she couldn’t button her jeans anymore, at which time she panicked and starved herself for 2 months or until she could get back in them. She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named spent way too much time at the Dairy Queen in college, and had a rude awakening when she realized that she actually had to put some effort into her college classes, unlike her high school classes where she breezed through effortlessly and never made B. She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had a really tough time when she suddenly found herself 19 years old, 2nd semester of college, married, baby on the way, working at the Wal-Mart service desk to help make ends meet. This time period, though, was the beginning of the fall of the dark girl. Somebody else had to step up…someway…somehow.

Just like the Dark Lord, though, She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named does not go down without a fight. Give her anywhere to plant a seed, and the next thing you know she’s sprouting all over the place - stifling my morning workouts and sabotaging my strength training. Soon thereafter, I do not see an Ironman-In-Training when I look in the mirror. I see the girl who wants to sleep in, the one who goes for the chocolate, the one who feels out of control.

Enough of that.

Having tasted the life of a marathoner and triathlete, I know better who I am, even when it’s not who I am currently portraying. I am not She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

I am Lana.

Early riser.

Healthy eater.

Ironman in Training.

I got out of bed at 4:30 this morning and met Coach Troy for a 1hr 50min date full of Spinervals. When the alarm went off, I didn’t think I could get up. When you don’t know for sure who you are before you go to sleep at night, you aren’t going to know any better when the alarm sounds and it’s still dark and cold outside and you are warm and comfy. The only thing I could hang on to was the history of this scenario – the one where everything in me says “stay in bed,” but something that I can’t explain finally convinces me to get up and keep the commitment I made to myself. And the ending is always the same – I am so unbelievably glad that I did it, it gets a little easier the next morning, and then the next, and the next.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost

6 miles during my lunch break in 53:10. In the snow!

It's Me

I have spoken before about the uneasiness I often feel...that "unsettled" feeling that keeps me up researching anything and everything until I give up and fall asleep. Interestingly enough, my daily Sparkpeople.com email had a link to this article. I started to delete it, but then I thought "hmmm...I wonder what those 10 High-Stress Personality Characteristics are?" So I read the article, and I AM numbers 1 - 9. And the only reason #10 doesn't fit is because I am not very passionate about my computer programming career. You know, I've never considered myself a high stress person. I've actually thought I was fairly laid-back at times. Obviously, though, I bring more stress upon myself than is necessary. Check out the article - taken from http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=499

10 High-Stress Personality Characteristics

Chronic Stress Isn't Normal

-- By Mike Kramer, Staff Writer & Jen Mueller, Certified Personal Trainer
Stress has been so ingrained in our days and in our culture, that we probably don’t even recognize it any more. We may believe that the general underlying sense of uneasiness we feel is normal and acceptable. Or we might blame the tension and stress we experience—in traffic, at work or at home—more on what’s happening “to” us than what’s happening “within” us.
The problem with this attitude is that it brings on a sense of helplessness, that there’s nothing we can do about stress other than cope. This thought alone is a source of stress, isn’t it?
When you realize that the stress you experience may have something to do with you, it helps you take control and start to solve the problem. Here are 10 personality traits that are symptoms of being highly stressed. Some are characteristics that, by their nature, add even more stress to your life. This list will help you recognize if you are highly stressed and give you ideas for doing something about it.
How many of these qualities do you exhibit?
  1. Over-planning each day. Do you feel the need to stick to a strict schedule? Do you live in fear of falling behind or overlooking a task?
  2. Doing several things at once. With too much to do and not enough time, it’s easy to think that “efficient” means doing everything at once. He who chases two rabbits catches neither.
  3. Extreme need to win. Do you feel like a failure if you don’t come out on top—even when the only competition is your own expectations?
  4. Excessive desire for advancement. Highly stressed people need confirmation from outside sources that they’re doing okay and performing well.
  5. Inability to relax without feeling guilty. Do your weekends become opportunities for “accomplishment” and “getting something done.”
  6. Impatience with delays. When you’re under pressure, everything in life takes on urgency and the additional burdens to get everything done as fast as possible.
  7. Overcommittment. Are you chronically late or forgetful of commitments? Does your schedule cause problems in personal or professional relationships?
  8. Chronic urgency. See #6. Now!
  9. Highly competitive drive. Have you forgotten what it’s like to have fun for fun’s sake? Have you “grown up” so much that playtime actually causes you anxiety?
  10. Compulsion to overwork. Is your office more familiar to you than your backyard? Do you find yourself missing out on what you might otherwise deem “meaningful”?

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

I can't swim

Of course, I already knew that, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating when you have a 30 minute time trial and really have to face the facts on paper. UGH. Sunday, at swim class was the big time trial to find out what group we get put in. Well, no doubt I was going to get put in the lower group, but I would at least like to have done as well as I did a year ago. I didn't. Last year I averaged 1 minute per 50 yds. This year they stopped me after 29:41 when I completed 1400 yds. Pathetic. And I hate it. I despise it. I hate sucking. I thought I was doing pretty good...not getting passed by anyone really...but passing a few people here and there. Passing this one guy in particular who treated the time trial like speed work. I'd swim up to the wall where he was hanging out, resting...I'd flip turn to keep going, and as I did he'd come charging out out like a mad man...swimming as hard as he could for about 40 yds, and then he'd start losing steam again. Even so...it doesn't take away from the fact that I suck at swimming. I hate that, and it puts me in a bad mood.

On a lighter note, I got in a 12 mile run early Saturday morning at a 9:02 pace(theoretically speaking on the dreadmill in the Tomb Of Shame). I also got in a 35 mile/2 hour bike ride outside(or, actually on the stinky, rusty spin trainer in the Tomb) on Friday.

On not so light of a note, I took the boys to the doctor yesterday to find out they both have strep throat. I have a hang up about getting out in the early morning hours to work out when my kids are sick, so I stuck with a 1 hr trainer ride Monday, and then had J.T. come home for his lunch break while I slipped out for a swim. Antibiotics seem to be working, though, so hopefully I can slip out early in the morning and start catching up a bit.

Now that I have found this cocktail bar in the Tomb, I think I can handle it until Episode 5...at which time I have faith that I will be released for a much better candidate for the Tomb. I also talked to Di, and she's going to sneak me some old "Housekeeping Monthly" issues to read and laugh at for the time being.

Oh, and I'm almost done with my "how I got started" post, by the way...I should have it up soon.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Appeal for being thrown into the Tomb of Shame

If you've listened to Episode 4 of the Tacboy 'n Bigun show, you know that they boldly threw me into the Tomb of Shame for changing my header. Can you believe that?! I am appalled, and I demand immediate restitution.

My reasons?

They commented on my header on Episode 1 - and Bigun clearly stated that it was the "fire" he was so fond of. So what did I do? When I changed my header, I was sure to keep the fire, especially for The Bigun, because he liked it.

Secondly, who gets thrown into the Tomb of Shame for changing their header when there are triathletes out there splashing water all over poor old ladies when they come to the pool?

Third, isn't my new header better than the other one anyways?!?! I think so.

Pa - lease!

Help me out on this one, folks...I've got a poll on the right side for you to voice your opinion. And remember when you vote - it could be you in the tomb - unjustly, without a trial by your peers or any checks and balances whatsoever. It's pure anarchy, I tell ya. Cast your vote, please!

Monday, February 18, 2008

I feel like I'm training for an Ironman

Yeah baby!

I finally got to feeling a little better, minus some kind of allergic reaction I had that caused an ugly rash to break out on my arms and stomach. But with the weather we had this weekend, it wasn't hard to break out of the funk.

Friday, I was able to get a 20 mile ride in outside in 50 degree weather, and boy did I feel like a kid again. It was absolutely beautiful outside. I just soaked up the fresh air and the sunshine and felt so thankful to be able to do what I do. There are so many people who are physically unable to get out and feel their heart pound and their blood pump and enjoy nature like that, and we shouldn't take it for granted. There are many other people who might be somewhat physically able, but just don't have the drive or the push or the confidence to get out push their bodies and feel their heart race. I thought about these people while I was out flying down hills and grinding back up them; and someday, I want to be able to help them. I feel an obligation to help people, especially mothers, get out and learn to exercise their bodies, relieve that stress, and find more out of life than what society accepts as the norm. The reason is because I was very close to becoming an overworked, overweight, depressed mom who lived only for shuttling my kids to and from the school, ball parks and ball practices. I'll have more on that in future posts. As requested by Christine, I'm going to do a post on how I got started on this crazy journey of endurance sports. So stay tuned if you're interested.

I also got some core work in Friday, but not as much as I should have. I've been doing part of that ab routine that was in Runner's world a couple of issues ago, and 'OUCH!' it's a good one! Ever tried those Turkish Get-ups? I looked at the description of them and, with furrowed brow, said to myself "Now what good could that do?" Ha! Famous last words...I don't know if they're doing anything, but they sure as hell kick my butt. I'm finally up to 10 on each side. I don't think my abs are ever going to look like Josh Cox's or anything(whoa!), but maybe they'll get a little stronger.

Saturday was a long ride day, but the ride had to wait until around 1 p.m. I had mommy stuff to do Saturday morning - getting the kids signed up for baseball, etc, and J.T. had to work until 1 p.m. anyways. So when he got home, I took off. My plan actually had suggested that I ride for 4.5 hours today, but it also suggested that I ride for 4 hours last weekend, 3.5 the weekend before, and 3 the weekend before that. Due to the Rock N Roll marathon and the weather, though, I haven't exactly built up to 4.5 hours as of this weekend. My goal to was stay out somewhere around 3 hours and get close to 50 miles. I did just that - registering 48 miles on my cyclometer in 2:51:00. I could've rode another mile down the road and back to make sure I got exactly 50, but I didn't feel that need Saturday. It was an awesome ride - just me and an iPod. I finally listened to Tacboy 'n Bigun's episode #3 and laughed hysterically for most of it. At one point I was on a little country road lined with little country houses, and I was in the zone....spinning hard...laughing hard....and talking out loud to the 'Tacboy 'n Bigun' when I realized there were people out on their front porches looking very frightened at the girl on the bike who was speeding by and talking to herself. Oh well.

Sunday called for 1hr 20 minute run. I was excited about this run because I have been wanting to get out on some bike-fatigued legs. Not only did I have to deal with the tired legs, though, Mother Nature threw in some fierce wind, as well. I got up around 6:15 and took off an 8 mile loop. The legs felt a little tired at first, but within a couple miles were as good as new. It was a great run and it felt good to be training. Sunday afternoon I made it to swim class, and we didn't have to use the snorkel, so I call that a success in itself. 2700 yds and started to feel comfy in the water for the first time in a long time.

Happy training to you all this week - go get'em!


Thursday, February 14, 2008

Bad Juju, Valentine's Day crap, and my unsolicited Roger Clemens/HGH opinion

Whoa. After reading that last post, I did need some sleep. I got it, but I hate to report I still am not feeling any better. I forced myself out to run 6 miles with Holly today during lunch (yes, it was too cold to ride), but even that didn’t help. Normally, if I am feeling bad, a good 6 mile run at an 8:48/mile pace will get things back on track. Today it just gave me a head ache. But…I won’t keep complaining. I know that this, too, shall pass. The bad juju, that is. Thanks, Comm, for getting me up-to-date in my terminology.

So, today is Valentines Day. Thrill thrill. I care not for the holiday, actually. I’m a realist, not a romantic. I like new bike parts and technical fabric, not roses and silly stuffed animals. I like a Snickers bar, not a heart-shaped box of chocolates. I prefer an email, not a card from a shelf. I’m not bitter or anything…I love my husband, and he’s been known to send me the big vase full of overpriced roses in past years. But I can’t deny that I usually take one look at them and immediately begin thinking of what other functional items that could have been purchased with the money spent on them.

Enough of that. Let’s talk about HGH. Geez. It snowed in middle TN yesterday, causing schools to close, allowing me to work from home, and ultimately giving me the chance to work while watching Clemens and McNamee defend themselves to Congress. My oh my. Somebody’s lying. What the hell is Roger Clemens thinking? I’m a baseball fan…I like Roger Clemens…and I’d to think he didn’t use HGH like Bonds, McGuire, and the rest of them. But come on now…seriously, Roger…do you really think we believe that you think it’s good for your wife and not for you? Do you think we believe that your friend “misremembered” your conversation but wouldn’t show up to tell Congress so? Geez. Obviously, steroids are all over MLB…I doubt Clemens did a whole lot of HGH, and I even venture to say that he might not have even gained a whole lot of advantage from it. I think that’s probably why he hates to go down in flames with the rest of them that used it regularly. He’s a superstar. A giant in America’s favorite pastime. But does he really believe that he’s bigger than our government? That he can strut his way up to Capitol Hill, turn on his charm, preach about not taking shortcuts and that our U.S. Representatives will just roll over in awe like the fans at Yankee Stadium? Give me a break.

Let me say this…if Clemens is telling the truth here, boy is he ever getting screwed and what a damn shame it is. And I’ll feel bad about not believing him. But if he ever was injected with human growth hormone, I believe he showed more gall yesterday than Bill Clinton did when saying “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” Clemens is a role model to kids all over this country. If he did HGH, so be it. He’s human, they were all doing it, and he made a mistake. But at the very least, be man enough to admit when you’re wrong, and do what you can to correct the situation. Or keep your mouth shut and your ass out of jail like McGuire.

On second thought, Clinton didn’t go to jail, did he? Then maybe Clemens won’t either. Wow. This country's in a mess. And you can't blame this one on W.

Check out this article if you're interested in more: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=bryant_howard&id=3244584

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Where's the mojo?

Ugh. Up all night coughing. Head's all stopped up. I'm tired. I don't feel well, and I can't deny it or talk myself out of it anymore.

I couldn't get up enough energy to do anything Monday. Tuesday I got up and ran 4 miles then swam1300 yds, but I hated every minute of it and felt like crap the whole time. The plan was to run 6 miles this morning, but I knew by 10 p.m. last night that I wasn't going to do it.

No mojo at all.

It's 20 degrees today and supposed to be 50 degrees tomorrow. What the hell? I want to load my bike up in my car and pack my clothes to ride at lunch, but I can't seem to convince myself that it will actually be warm enough tomorrow.

All that aside, I have too many thoughts in my head. I was up on the computer last night, not doing anything important, when I noticed that I was basically trying to pry my eyes open to stay awake. I was physically wincing from fighting to keep from falling asleep. Common sense took over from there, my head hit the pillow, and I was asleep in less than a minute. Only to be woken up 1 a.m. with a cough that kept me up the rest of the night.

Back to having too many thoughts in my head. I'm wearing myself out. I think I have an abnormal amount thoughts at any given time. I think about one thing that reminds me of another thing, that has a lot to do with that other thing. And I don't know enough about this, which reminds me that I need to do some research on that, and if I knew more about this I might know what I want to do when I grow up. I'd really like to do this, but I could also do that. Oh yeah, I do already have a real job, and I guess I am already grown up, which remind me of those others things I could investigate, but then there's this that I had always thought about doing too. Or that. And I've never done this. I could always try that. This is cool. That's interesting. I'm exhausted.

I'm prying my eyes open again. Where is the line between ambitious and unsettled?

Monday, February 11, 2008

Gasping for air...

...in more ways than one. This weekend was a real challenge for my lungs. It started on Friday morning around 3 a.m. when I woke up and realized the “cold” that had been residing in my head had now migrated down into my chest. I can deal with a head cold, but restrict my air ways, and I get upset. I went ahead and met Holly at 4:15 for a 14 mile run, though, and made it through it. Barely. It probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I could have stayed in the bed and not been able to breath, or went on with the 14 miler and not been able to breathe. The latter actually seemed more appealing. The run went great – Holly ran her longest run to date as part of her Country Music Marathon training, and she was strong and fast as usual! When I got home I watched the clock and called the doc as soon as the office opened. I got a nice shot in butt, an antibiotic, some Allegra-d, and an albuterol inhaler to help me get back on track.

Saturday morning rolled around, and I deemed the shot a success, so I got dressed and ready to head to Chickasaw Trace MTB park. Holly and I made the trip for the beginner ride they had scheduled. If you say “beginner” and “mountain bike” in the same sentence, we are THERE. We met Angela and Mandy and got some great tips and experience on the trails there. I wanted to go for another lap, but time was limited. We had P.F. Chang’s and the Grand Ole Opry to get to. Our P.F. Chang’s meal was like $20 cheaper than normal thanks to the free appetizer and the $10 gift card that I got at RNRAZ. Sweet! We saw Mark Chestnutt, John Conlee, Jake Owens, Joe Diffie, and others at the Opry. I heart the Opry. After the Opry we went to The Stage, and I am SO not used to partying like that anymore. We left just before midnight, and I felt like I had been out all night long.

I wanted to take it easy on Sunday, but swim class was cancelled last week so I felt like I really needed to go. You know, to make sure I’m getting my money’s worth and all. So I made the hour and 15 minute trip with my new freestyle snorkel in tow. This snorkel is now required at swim class, unfortunately. I nearly drowned each time down the pool – getting water up my nose, then getting it in the snorkel and inhaling it. It was bad. As if I wasn’t already having a hard enough time breathing this weekend. Someone asked the coach the question, “What is the purpose of the snorkel?” She replied, “To help you relax, get all zen-like and really concentrate on your stroke.” HA! I started to throw it across the swimming pool. There was nothing zen-like about my state with that thing on. I’m going to get a nose clip before I have to wear it again; most people had one on and said it would help.

I have a big week of training coming up…I can smell the sand and the salt and the numbers 70.3 and 140.6. I’m also finally trying to get 2008 race schedule together. Hope to have that worked out and posted soon.

Many congrats to Michele, David, Heather, H.J., Tim, and Lee who rocked the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham Saturday!!

Saturday, February 09, 2008

All done

Holly:CMBBA

This message was sent using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures with your wireless phone visit

www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getpix.


To learn how you can record videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getflix.


To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime� Player. Note: During the download
process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

MTB'ing

It's a good day for mountain biking!

This message was sent using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures with your wireless phone visit

www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getpix.


To learn how you can record videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/getflix.


To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required. Visit www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download the free player or upgrade your existing QuickTime� Player. Note: During the download
process when asked to choose an installation type (Minimum, Recommended or Custom), select Minimum for faster download.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Focus

Concentration is the secret of strength.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are times when the best I can do is get out of bed at 4 a.m. and get the training done. One way or another, I'll find a way to log the miles regardless of how slow or sloppy it might feel. That has to be enough, because sometimes it's all I have to give mentally and/or physically.

There are other times when I get out of bed ready to take on the world. Ready meet the goal no matter what it takes. Sometimes I can meet the goal, whatever it might be, with sheer physical effort. Sometimes my level of fitness allows me to breeze through my training session with perfect execution all while my mind is organizing tasks for the day and plans for the weekend or chatting with my running buddies.

Sometimes it takes more than strength, endurance, aerobic capacity, and good nutrition. We all know about the power of the mind. Anyone whose been in a tough 5k race or anyone who has ever set out to increase his or her running distance a few miles knows about pushing through the pain, positive thinking, and playing tricks on the mind.

I have previously mentioned fear as a contributing motivator for getting me out of bed and into the pool in the wee hours of the morning. Fear of a 2.4 mile ocean swim certainly takes care of any slacking I might be tempted to do when it comes to swim training.

Now consider the times when you are:
  • not in a competitive race where the adrenaline is racing
  • not setting out to achieve a new distance or milestone and the excitement abounds
  • not going into a workout that presents any element of fear to motivate you
Case in point: My training plan called for a 45 minute trainer spin today. That's all. Just a 45 minute spin on the trainer that was to consist of a 10 minute warmup, 25 minutes over 105 rpm, and a 10 minute cool down. Easy enough, right? It couldn't be as bad as the hour long spin plus strength training I had to do yesterday that consisted of several 10 minute time trials pushing my biggest gear (OUCH). Right?

Wrong.

It presented a whole new problem that I didn't even realize I had - FOCUS.

You know what, my poor legs don't want to spin for any length of time anywhere near 105 rpm's. So when my warmup was over, and I picked up the cadence for a few minutes, I immediately thought "I can't sustain 105 rpm's for 25 minutes. There's no way." I tried distracting myself by watching the morning news, only to find my cadence dropped even lower. I picked up my Triathlete magazine, hoping to distract myself with a motivational article. No such luck. I even momentarily decided that this training plan was ridiculous, and I'd just do the best I could and be done with it. But riding another 30 minutes knowing that I wasn't anywhere near the goal was not any easier.

The only thing left to try was crouching down into my aerobars and planting my sites firmly on the cadence meter of my cyclometer. I focused visually on that number, and I focused mentally on spinning deliberate, smooth circles with no wasted movement. I could tell a difference in my pedal stroke, and it was somewhat difficult to maintain. But I focused intently on that and soon saw the cadence meter begin to rise.

95

98

99

102

105

And what's more is that physically, I wasn't putting out that much more effort. I wasn't breathing any harder, and I wasn't going anaerobic. But I was intently focused on the present moment and the path of my pedal stroke. My natural inclination was to let my mind wander to the fact that I had to keep this up for 20 more minutes, and when I allowed that - my cadence would drop. But I continued to refocus until I eventually held the concentration so well that I finished out the last 8 minutes of the ride with numbers like

106

108

110

at virtually the same level of effort.

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.
-Bruce Lee

Monday, February 04, 2008

Just another day in paradise

beep. beep. beep. beep. beep.

~Confusion.~

~Fumbling around to find the alarm clock.~

WHACK!

The debate begins.

Your's Truly: "Oh my. It's time. Hill running then swim. Nobody's meeting me this morning, though, I can sleep a few more minutes."

Fast forward 7 minutes.

beep. beep. beep. beep. beep.

Your's Truly: "Already?! I wonder if it's raining. I can run at lunch and then swim tonight and that way I can go ahead get this rest that I need."

~Enter Mr. Fear of the 2.4 Part.~

Mr. Fear of the 2.4 Part: Go ahead and sleep in, I don't care if you swim this morning or tonight. But if something comes up and you can't, you've missed a swim. Think ocean waves. Think 1.2 miles in May and then 2.4 miles in November. Waves, honey. Washing machine. Like I said, I don't care if it's done this morning or tonight, but it's gotta get done.

Your's Truly: "No way are you swimming tonight. You didn't put away the laundry yesterday, and you need to go help MB with her computer tonight, too. Hmmm...
Warm bed now vs. running hills then cold swimming pool.
Chaos/laundry isn't touched/shortchange my boys vs. Organization/laundry done/enjoy family time.
Workouts complete before 7 a.m. vs. Lunch run and night swim.

No contest.

I got my boo-tay out of bed and knocked out 4 miles with hill repeats before the rain came down. Went inside the rec and did the BT prescribed 2400 yd. swim workout and felt great about it.

Fear is a worthy motivator.



Sunday, February 03, 2008

Not enough lats

Pull Drill - Focus will be on learning to 'catch' the water with your forearm and pull yourself through the water. If you feel your lats (the muscles under your arm pits that go down the side of your back) engage, then you are starting to get it. If your shoulders are tired, then you are still using too much shoulder and not enough lats.


This from my BT training plan by Coach AJ of D3 Multisport.

I think I've been using too much shoulder. Gonna work on that in the a.m.

P.S. Yay for the Giants!!

Friday, February 01, 2008

Meeting the Goals

There's something to be said for setting a goal and meeting it. However minute it might be, accomplishing something you have set out to do does wonders for the confidence. Not that my confidence has been lacking any lately - Cloud 9 is still close by, believe it or not. I've had a decent week of training so far, though, and it's felt really good.

Monday, Holly and I ran 4 miles during lunch. That left either a swim or bike for the evening, and since W was giving his State of the Union speech at 8 p.m., I opted for a 1 hour trainer ride before it came on, followed by core work. I heart W. Don't slam me - I respect the opinions of those who so passionately do not heart him - but I'm going to miss him.

Tuesday I did my first strength training session in a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I followed it with a 1700 yard swim.

Wednesday I did 3.25 mile run on the treadmill at 5 a.m. at the rec center, followed by a 2400yd swim that left my back and shoulders smoked like a pig in the ground in Hank's backyard. It felt good though. It felt really good.

Thursday called for rest, and that's what I did.

Friday I met Tim, Lee, H.J., and Leslie for 8 miles in 1hr and 7 minutes. Went home and got the boys ready for school, took them to school and then went to yoga. I LOVED the yoga. This was like really relaxing yoga, and I was digging it. The relaxation was short-lived, though, as I went home and did the Spinnervals 2hr DVD - Have Mercy. And I needed some mercy by the time that thing was over!

Tomorrow is Triathlete Tom's 50th birthday, and we're celebrating by doing a 50 minute swim, 50 minute run, and 50 minute bike at 8 a.m. I am desperately hoping for a heat wave.

***Note***I swear I didn't change my header because of what Tac 'n Bigun said...LOL...it was already in the works. Swear.