I Am Not Racing Anymore!

...At least for a while. Pete and I ran the local Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning. I have to point out that Virginia Beach is a very fit community. Would you believe that almost 2000 runners turned out to do this race? It was a beautiful morning, but another stiff wind. It also got a bit warm. 70 degrees by the finish! Anyway, I had a very hard run. I just didn't feel good from the beginning and it didn't get any better as I ran. I never felt like I settled in and I was always outside of my comfort zone. The course was beautiful, but I didn't have any fun. So, that's it, no more racing for a while. It is clearly time to slow down and enjoy the run again.

I placed second in my age group (they didn't do Master's overall) with a time of 44:37. Not a bad time, but slower than I did the first 10K of the Outer Banks 13.1. And no one is going to feel sorry for me since I won this fabulous turkey trophy. Notice his ball cap and running shoes. Truly one of a kind.

I feel like someone beat me with a bag of bricks....

First off - congrats to you all on your Trots! I have never done one - it sounds like so much fun and justification for eating your weight in stuffing. I'm going to look into it next year. And, V - I think we need a picture of the turkey trophy.

Second - my title - to explain.... a "Brick" workout is when you do two of the disciplines you'll do on race day to get your body used to transitioning.... I think the name comes from (V correct me if I'm wrong) "B"ike and "R"un +ick= Brick. A brick can be a swim to a bike ride or a bike ride to a run.

So, I officially started my Tri training on Saturday and did my first brick - 30 min bike ride (14 miles) followed by 10 minute run (1 mile). I decided that I'm going to follow the training religiously - even though I can clearly run a lot longer at this point. I thought this might be a good opportunity to work on my pace.

When I got off the bike, my legs felt like jellied cranberry sauce (normally I would say Jell-o, but in the spirit of the holidays - cranberry sauce). I could barely walk over to the treadmills. But, I got on it. Cranked up the music and ran a mile. The first few steps I couldn't really feel my legs - but, gradually, feeling came back and it actually started to feel really good.

All day saturday, I felt so proud. Like I can do this and this is going to be such an exhilarating challenge.... and then.... sunday.

I woke up and tried to get out of bed. My body would not agree to it. I was sore all day long. And, it was a cold, hard reminder. This is going to be tough and a lot of work. But I'm up for it!

On a side note, had a date last night with a dude who said he thought it was ridiculous to push yourself with running and races - summing up with "triathletes are stupid"... and then asked me what "primi" and "secondi" meant on the menu.... who's stupid?

They Paid Someone to Beat Me!

OK, so I am at the local YMCA to pick up my number for the Turkey Trot tomorrow and I recognize this guy volunteering at the packet pick-up. I ran with him and his friend for about 7 miles during the OBX race. He was fabulous! After chatting a bit, and comparing race goals, pacing, and age groups, he got quite excited about me placing in the Master's Division. Mind you, he and his friend were easily running 7 minute miles and I was outside my comfort zone. Anyway, they paced me, encouraged me and eventually at mile 10, they left me. His name is Angelo and after looking him up in the race results, I learned he is 59 and placed second in his age group with a 1:32! What an inspiration, but that is not why I am telling you this...

I remind him of running together and he immediately recognizes me and proceeds to ask me if I am aware that the girl that beat me was paid to run that race?! Yep, her entrance and trip were paid for by the race organizers. That makes her one step short of elite, who have sponsors pay their way.

I can't tell you how much that just made my night. I didn't feel bad about losing to her. She really did beat me, but it is really fun to know that she is semi-professional.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Turkey Trot was a hard lesson in what my body can no longer do. I actually wasn't tempted to run because it was all I could do to keep up walking! I know I don't really look pregnant in that picture, but trust me, at 18 weeks, I feel it. I can't believe that not too long ago I could do a 5K at 8:30 pace without much trouble. This weekend, I struggled to maintain a sub-15 minute pace. I think our last mile was at 14:15. It might have been easier to jog than walk at that pace!

I really felt it after. My hip flexors ached all day and I was exhausted. The next day my hips were better, but my shins were sore. I can't believe that I've been reduced to a cripple just by walking! It's amazing how fast you lose your fitness.

But I'm OK with it. I know I'll get it back next year and I'm content to keep walking (a bit slower!) on a daily basis. I'm predicting that today is our last day of warm weather. Tomorrow and Thanksgiving there's a good chance for snow!

Turkey Trot Pic

I was happy to go out and cheer on my buddies as they trotted by this weekend. I was thinking later that I could have joined them if I put Freddie in the backpack, pushed Vincent in the stroller and Joe could have run or ride his bike next to me. I would have been a sight to behold. Anyway, here's the pic of our little group of wives from IB.

Maggie, Kellee, Jenny and E -- Way to go gals!

Turkey Trot

I'm doing a 5K! Well, just walking it. And I haven't officially signed up yet since I'm waiting to see if any of the girls will do it with me. But just the thought of getting out there with everyone else, feeling the energy, and moving (albeit slowly) is exciting.

I have a question about jogging strollers, but Rachel may be the only one with recent experience (don't know if you already have kids Billie). What's a good brand? I only need a single and I'm willing to pay for lightweight. I've never been very good at running with a stroller since it takes the arms out of the equation, but I won't have a choice if I want to run. Any advice?

Goooooooo V!!!!!!

Wow V. You have impressed the hell out of me. Congrats on an excellent run - and so many PRs.... you have got to feel great. Enjoy the high!!!!!!

A Runner's Prayer

Lord, if you will pick my feet up, I feel certain I can put them back down.

- Posted at the start line of the OBX Half Marathon

$250 and 5 new PR's

I had a fabulous day! Although the wind really worried me yesterday (25 mph), I should have realized that it is the beach, and the beach is good to me. This morning the winds were high, but manageable.

I came in 2nd for Master's Women Overall with a time of 1:34:26! My goal was 1:35. My pace was 7:12. The girl that beat me did a 1:31:22. I couldn't have done any better and certainly not 3 minutes, so my hat's off to her. Back to me... In addition to winning $250, I also ran my best:

5K - 21:00
5 Mile - 34:41
10K - 43:00
10 Mile - 1:10:47
1/2 Mar - 1:34:26

As an additional prize, the top winners received an original art work from a local artist. The print is of the Wright Brother's Memorial, the dunes, and the beach with a small fishing boat. On the bow of the boat the artist painted my name. There is a sign on the beach that says "Master's Women, 2nd Place" and in the corner is the OBX 1/2 Marathon Logo. I really love it, even more than the check.

I am very tired and very sore. I am drinking red wine and having a big steak for dinner.

Have you seen this?

During one of my recent sleepless nights, I turned on the TV and landed upon this show on PBS.....Nova - Marathon Challenge. Not that I'd ever really want to run a Marathon, but I thought this show was pretty interesting. They take beginner runners and train them to run the Boston Marathon. Most couldn't even run a mile when they started (sounds almost like me!).

Team Nova consists on runners with all sorts of problems. One runner has Type 1 Diabetes and wears an insulin pump. Another has HIV. Some of the runners just want to make a life change. Their stories are just amazing.

If you've got time, check it out!

Music for your Ipod

I only realized a bit ago that there is a great Podcast available from iTunes. It's called PODRUNNER: Exercise music for running, spinning or any fast paced workout. It's an hours worth of non-stop, fixed-BPM from an LA DJ. It's a lot of techno-ish music, which I love doing hard workouts to. Best of all it's free and you get new mixes every few days! How great is that?!?!

To get the podcast, just go to the iTunes Podcast section and click on music (you'll see the actual podcast in the faves section on the left). Or you can search for PODRUNNER.

Taper Crazies

It has been a difficult week for me. I leave for the Outer Banks this evening to run the OBX Half Marathon. I have tapered all week and the lack of endorphins makes me not fit to live with. In addition, I have tried every way possible to injure myself.

First, I went to the commissary for our big shopping trip (read 2 buggies). While trying to manage both very full, very heavy buggies, the one behind me kind of got away from me and had some momentum with it. It ran into the back of my heel and I thought I was going to throw up it hurt so bad. Now, I had to finish my trip while gimping and trying not to cry. That injury left a nasty bruise and was sore for a week. Trying to get it in a shoe to run was awful. Once the endorphins would kick in I wouldn't feel it, but the moment I stopped I was in pain.

Then, I was mowing the yard while listening to my Ipod. I have to get fairly close to a fenced-in compost bin and when I did (again momentum...great tunes...not really paying attention) I rammed my hand into the dead and unmoving sunflower stalks in the compost bin. Yes, a flower stalk. Believe me when I say those things are very hard with spiny like things. Well, the damage this time is shredded knuckles and swollen fingers. I look like I was in a hell of a fight. Oh, and Pete has been gone all week. And, Callie (my dog) has breast cancer and her tumor ulcerated this week necessitating a doctor visit this morning to schedule surgery.

So, now I am off to race and I am nervous. I have had a lot of fun running in races this summer, but this one is for real. All of my training has been based on this race and I am so scared I will blow it. I really want to run a 1:35, which means 7:15 miles for 13.1 miles. The weather is calling for decent temps, but high winds. I hate wind. At least it isn't supposed to rain. I just finished my last run. I feel good and strong. I can only trust my training now and pray that the wind is at my back. Wish me luck.

Have a great long weekend.

A triathlon?

What are you crazy chicks thinking??!! A triathlon? You guys have got to be smoking crack! That, or you've all joined some masochistic cult and didn't tell me.

Seriously though, I think it's great that you're doing this. I only wish I could join you. May will be a bit too early for me--only about 3 weeks postpartum. For a moment I considered that I could do the swim, but they'd probably classify my baby blubber as an unauthorized flotation device and disqualify me.

Good luck, I look forward to reading about your training, and I'll be cheering you on from afar!

P.S. Now all you need is one of those t-shirts that says "Anybody up for a threesome?" (There are pictures of a swimmer, biker, and runner for clarification!)

Did you swim today?

So, turns out the gym by me that I thought had the pool, and that I thought was a "sign" I should register for the triathlon because - who knew I had a pool so close to me!???? It's a sign to do it!!!!! Welp - turns out - everyone calls it a pool, but it's a therapuetic pool... which means it's hot and it's more tub-like - therefore, let's call it what it is: a hot tub. SOOOOOO, challenge number one.... where do I swim? The next closest gym to me with a pool is on 91st street. I live on 48th.... so, it's kinda a haul. especially in the winter with wet hair...

but, i made the trek up on Saturday and.... challenge number two.... how do you swim again? I forgot. I did the mile - the distance for the tri - but with a kick board or doing the side stroke (which I kick ass at!!).... but, I literally forgot how to put my face in the water and breathe. So, I'm taking swim lessons starting on Wednesday night.

On the plus side a cute dude shared my lane with me, but, I of course, am not on my game with goggles and a swimcap on - and proceeded to laugh like a lunatic when he said to give him a bit of space because he was doing the breast stroke... I'm an eleven year old sometimes....

Overall, though, I'm having fun. I'm scared out of my freaking mind. But, I think this is going to be a challenge like I've never ever faced. And, I want to try. Also, V, I want you to come do the NYC marathon next year. I watched it for the first time with my friend Sarah (the fast one) and it was so much fun. I think you should do it. My two cents!! Cathy

It's Here!

I have been on the wait list for the past three weeks for my new baby to arrive and it did a week early on Tuesday. It is one of the new magnetic spinners. This thing is awesome... silent, smooth and computerized so I can better track my workouts than a traditional spinning bike. It is also a commercial grade so it feels as nice (better) than the gym's spinning bikes. I now can get up and spin for an hour before getting Rylin up and going to the gym (also when she's sick and I can't take her). I thought getting up that hour earlier would be hard but so far I am like a kid the morning after Christmas. My workouts at the gym have gotten more challenging with the miles already on my legs but I am enjoying the challenge.

Who do I think I am?!!

V - what a great idea to do a triathlon in legs! I can't commit to this though, and here's why.... I will be in the midst of training... gasp... for the New York City Triathlon on July 20. I told you guys I was toying with it.... I honestly don't know what I'm thinking - how I think I'm going to do this... but, somehow, it feels right!

It's funny - registration opened today at 12:01 am - when I checked the site at 7am - there were only 500 slots left. I had hoped to get in a pool once before deciding to go for it... but, there was just no time to debate. I just decided to go for it. Registration was full within 14 hours. Stunning.

So, I'm in. And, there's no transfers. And, no refunds.

25 miles on a bike (note to self: need a bike), 1 mile swim and 6 mile run..... it's ridiculous and I can't wait to start training. And, maybe I'll meet a man....! Seems like a lot of dudes do triathlons. Though, I suppose it's hard to strike up conversation while swimming in the Hudson....!!!

Welp, now I'll have tons to talk to you guys about!!!! Cathy

Got Plans For May 5 & 6?

There has been some discussion about triathalons. Well...I think I may have found something of interest for all of us. Below is two triathalons, one sprint distance and one half Ironman distance. The Half is on May 5 in White Lake, NC and the sprint is the next day. We could do 2 three female relay teams. Patti called and would be willing to train for the half swim. I can do the half marathon run. Do we have a taker for the 56 mile bike? By the way, there was only one all female team last year for the half. I know that there will be lots of babies next spring, but 1/3 of the sprint might be doable.

White Lake Half Ironman Triathalon
Saturday May 05, 2007 ::: White Lake, North Carolina: White Lake Half
Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, Run 13.1 miles
Location: North Carolina FFA Center
Register On-Line At: setupevents.com Registration for 2007 opens up at Noon on January 2nd. (Be Ready, This event usually sells out the first week of registration.)
Swim 1.2 miles: one loop - crystal clear, sand bottom lake - 75 degrees
Bike 56 miles: 1 loop - flat - rural roads
Run 13.1 miles: 2 loops - flat
2003 - 2007 Results At: setupevents.com

White Lake Sprint Triathalon
Sunday, May 06, 2007 ::: White Lake, North Carolina: White Lake Sprint Triathlon
Swim 750 meters, Bike 14 miles, Run 3.1 miles
Location: NC FFA Center
Course Info: S-750 m, B-20k, R-5K
Swim 750 meters: one loop - crystal clear, sand bottom lake - 75 degrees
Bike 14 miles: 2 loops - flat
Run 5K: out & back - flat
More: Part of the North Carolina Triathlon Series
2003 - 2007 Results At: setupevents.com