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!


20 comments:

Lauren Starks said...

Looking forward to your story! :) Sounds like a great ride. Saturday was a beautiful day here in the South. Sunday, well, that was a completely different story!

Have a good week.

Anonymous said...

I'm tired just reading about your workouts.

Comm's said...

That sounds like IM training baby

Christine said...

Yes!!! I'm staying tuned for the awesome story...cant wait! You are so inspiring...keep up the great work. Oh and your Valentines Post....that day I told my husband that I would be more impressed w cute running clothes vs. flowers. Then he brought home a box of chocolates and I said I rather have reeses cups (he had those too!) But I soooooo related to you on that one!

faithrunner said...

Great job Lana! You're definitely my inspiration. :) I'm currently in sunny California where I was able to train for the past 4 days OUTSIDE!! Swimming in an outdoor pool and running by the beach, PURE heaven. Love to stay in tune with what you're up to these days. Maybe we'll run (literally)into each other at another race.
Lora

Jumper 2.0 said...

and happy training to you!

My Life said...

So glad you're feeling better and like a kid again! ;)

&& I really like what you said about the obligation to help push others... and remembering to appreciate your ability. We are so blessed, aren't we?

&& oh my... I've been doing the RW core work too! oooffff! Someday I *will* be able to dish out those planks! ;)

Benson said...

Very good training. Wow. And tons of fun too.
Happy times keep on coming.

Lisa said...

Wasn't Josh Cox on a reality show a few years back? "The Bachelorette" maybe?

Thanks, it was a beautiful, challenging run. Put it on your to do list next year.

jahowie said...

I'm glad that you are feeling better!! We are still waiting for the warmer weather here in Michigan. We have a high here in the teens today. Send some our way will ya?!?! :-)

Steve Stenzel said...

First, I felt bad that you had a little rash. THEN you talk about 50 degree weather, and I lose all pity for you. It's flippin freezing here.

;)

Janet Edwards said...

Sounds like you are making nice progress....I am so jealous of your weather!

Tri-Dummy said...

You'll be there in no time.

That dude looks a little creepy to me for some reason...

Anonymous said...

I totally know what you mean about those abs. I've been doing that workout too and my 4 year old always comments when she sees me crunching. "Mommy are you trying to look like that guy in the magazine again?" Even she thinks it's hilarious. We gotta dream big though. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to hear your story about when it all began!

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

I am so jealous of you people who are training outside. As I sit here, it is 2 above, and that;s actually pretty warm.
I was talking to my friend Holly about how I need to get back at the weight training because I am getting so soft in the middle. Bobby yells from the back seat - Mom! That's a good thing! You're like a pillow now and it's so much better to sleep with you!
Ouch.
;-)

triguyjt said...

send me some warm weather in cleveland, please.

your'e not gonna make me beg now, are you???

;-)

DV said...

I can envision it now...

IRONLANA!!

Bigun said...

we have a wierd effect on people...you are not alone!

Marathoner in Training said...

Sorry I have not been reading blogs lately, got some time to catch up on everyone. I would grately question you ever beeing overweight. I like the idea of helping stay at home moms with staying fit and doing it for themself. Your workouts are comming along nicely, keep it up.

faithrunner said...

Hey, I bought that issue of Runner's too! I was really hoping I'd come close to having those types of abs, but not even close! Maybe one day. :) Great job with all your training, you're amazing!