Congrats V. on getting to know your feet! Next you'll be doing backbends and the splits! I hope there's a yoga class in Alaska that I can take.
I have come to the realization that I can't call my current goals "training". Rehab is a more appropriate word. I've been walking and slowly increasing my distance. I hope to be able to go a mile today. Isn't that pathetic? But I feel stronger each time I go and I can call what I do a walk now instead of a shuffle/hobble. My pain is gone except if I do a lot of bending, then I get some sciatic pain. But it's nothing like when I was pregnant.
I plan on building up to walking 3 miles, then I'll try jogging for a few minutes. Hopefully I can be at this point before we move and I can start running after the move.
My dr told me to start any toning exercises with my arms and work my way down. I figure that between carrying this baby around the house, plus carrying her in the car seat up and down the stairs, that I've been getting some good shoulder/arm workouts in. I need to move to my abs now and boy, is there a lot of work to do there!
I wasn't in any hurry to get the weight off, but now we're planning on staying at The Great Wolf Lodge when we move. If I'm going to have to get into my bathing suit in 6 weeks, I need to get moving. I have 10 lbs left to lose, but I think 5 will be enough. My suit is a tankini with board shorts=very forgiving.
The Indianapolis Mini-Marathon (a half) is this weekend. They hold it annually to kick off the Indy 500 celebrations that take place all month. It used to be the biggest one in the U.S., but I don't know if it still holds that title. Kind of sad since I really wanted to run it this year, and next year I'll be too far away, but I'll still keep it as a long-term goal. Right now, I just need to focus on the first mile!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Running Without A Clue
A few weeks ago, I noticed that I was running every run too fast. I'm not sure what my motivation was. I think I have been training for something specific for so long that me and my Garmin were in constant competition. So, for the last week and a half, I have been running without anything to measure myself. No Garmin, no watch. I don't even look at the time when I leave the house. I know all my mile markers through the neighborhoods, so I do know how far I am running. It has been good for me. I still run at a good pace, but I don't torture myself with comparing every mile. If the wind is up, I don't push through it. If I hit an intersection with traffic, oh well, I stop and rest a minute. It has been very freeing to just run. I have no idea if I did better than last time.
Yoga update: I CAN TOUCH MY TOES! I am still not very good at this thing, but I have made definite improvement and I will continue when we move to Texas.
My strength training is improving as well. I was able to do 3 sets of chin ups this week, 10, 7 and 5 and I moved up to the 35lb dumbbells for my incline press.
How is your week?
Yoga update: I CAN TOUCH MY TOES! I am still not very good at this thing, but I have made definite improvement and I will continue when we move to Texas.
My strength training is improving as well. I was able to do 3 sets of chin ups this week, 10, 7 and 5 and I moved up to the 35lb dumbbells for my incline press.
How is your week?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
What an Ass!
I am so mad at my gym! For weeks I have been using a Bosu ball. It looks like half of a ball on a flat stable bottom. I do about half of my leg workout on it. So, this past week I couldn't find my ball in the leg area where it has been. I wandered the gym and then went to the front desk to see if they knew where it was. This one guy that works at the front desk is very nice and he attempted to help me. Well, we found 4 of them in the Team Training room and none of them were being used. One of the personal trainers saw us and told us that I could not use the ball that they were only for personal training clients. What?
My friend at the front desk tried to track down that decision and even called me at home to follow up. He was told that a member personally bought the Bosu ball for her personal training sessions. OK, what about the other 3? Why does a member have to buy their own equipment? I have lots of personal equipment. Can I bring it to the gym, load it in a corner and expect the gym to guard it?
This area has 3 Gold's Gyms, all owned by the same person. The other 2 gyms not only have this equipment, but they are out of the floor for anyone to use. The next time I went to the gym, my friend encouraged me to talk with the general manager since this is not my only complaint. It was a terrible discussion. He was such an ass and had an answer for everything.
Me: I would like to be able to use the Bosu balls.
Him: We only have one and it is personally owned.
Me: You have 4.
Him: No we don't (eyes rolling).
Me: Yes you do.
Him: No we don't.
Me: Yes...you do!
My Friend: Uh, boss, yes we do.
Him: Oh.
Me: So, the other gyms have theirs out on the floor for all members.
Him: Not Virginia Beach.
Me: Yes, they do.
Him: No they don't.
UGH!
Me: We only have 3 stability balls in entire gym, they are all different sizes and all of them are flat.
Him: Well, everyone wants a different level of air. You are small, so you want it inflated a lot. I am big, so I want it flatter. We have a pump at the front desk so you can pump it back up.
Me: If we had more balls, that wouldn't be a problem. Really, 3 balls for the whole gym?
Me: Can we get a box to reach the chin up bar?
Him: You can get an aerobic step out of the group exercise room.
Me: I would have to stack about 5 risers to reach and that quite inconvenient since the steps are downstairs and the chin up bar is upstairs.
Him: You are the only one that has asked for a box.
Me: The weighted straight bar and EZ bar sets are incomplete. We have a 20 pound bar, 30, and then 50 pound bar. There is a 40 pound bar in the EZ set. Most girls don't make 10 pound jumps in their weights.
Him: Can't you just add plates to the bars?
Me: Um, no the weights are fixed and flush at the end.
It became very clear to me that he didn't want my feedback. He told me that I was the only member to ever request specific equipment. There was much more to the conversation, but it is not worth it to detail. I told him that I have always been a loyal member of Gold's, but I was disappointed that this particular gym not only was difficult to really do a progressive workout, but it is vastly different than the other two in the area. Almost every workout requires me to compromise. Some really inexpensive things would bring it up to date. Ironic that they just spent thousands to install a cardio cinema (with only elliptical machines), but we are arguing over $20 stability balls. Clearly, I can just go to one of the other gyms, but they are inconvenient. The Norfolk gym would be about 30 minutes away. I have less than 2 months here or I would end my membership. I need to take the plunge and drive to Norfolk. It is just frustrating. I really felt like he was talking to me as if I am "just" a girl at the gym. You know the type that think that girls just toodle at the gym, they don't really lift weights or do a serious workout? What an ass!
My friend at the front desk tried to track down that decision and even called me at home to follow up. He was told that a member personally bought the Bosu ball for her personal training sessions. OK, what about the other 3? Why does a member have to buy their own equipment? I have lots of personal equipment. Can I bring it to the gym, load it in a corner and expect the gym to guard it?
This area has 3 Gold's Gyms, all owned by the same person. The other 2 gyms not only have this equipment, but they are out of the floor for anyone to use. The next time I went to the gym, my friend encouraged me to talk with the general manager since this is not my only complaint. It was a terrible discussion. He was such an ass and had an answer for everything.
Me: I would like to be able to use the Bosu balls.
Him: We only have one and it is personally owned.
Me: You have 4.
Him: No we don't (eyes rolling).
Me: Yes you do.
Him: No we don't.
Me: Yes...you do!
My Friend: Uh, boss, yes we do.
Him: Oh.
Me: So, the other gyms have theirs out on the floor for all members.
Him: Not Virginia Beach.
Me: Yes, they do.
Him: No they don't.
UGH!
Me: We only have 3 stability balls in entire gym, they are all different sizes and all of them are flat.
Him: Well, everyone wants a different level of air. You are small, so you want it inflated a lot. I am big, so I want it flatter. We have a pump at the front desk so you can pump it back up.
Me: If we had more balls, that wouldn't be a problem. Really, 3 balls for the whole gym?
Me: Can we get a box to reach the chin up bar?
Him: You can get an aerobic step out of the group exercise room.
Me: I would have to stack about 5 risers to reach and that quite inconvenient since the steps are downstairs and the chin up bar is upstairs.
Him: You are the only one that has asked for a box.
Me: The weighted straight bar and EZ bar sets are incomplete. We have a 20 pound bar, 30, and then 50 pound bar. There is a 40 pound bar in the EZ set. Most girls don't make 10 pound jumps in their weights.
Him: Can't you just add plates to the bars?
Me: Um, no the weights are fixed and flush at the end.
It became very clear to me that he didn't want my feedback. He told me that I was the only member to ever request specific equipment. There was much more to the conversation, but it is not worth it to detail. I told him that I have always been a loyal member of Gold's, but I was disappointed that this particular gym not only was difficult to really do a progressive workout, but it is vastly different than the other two in the area. Almost every workout requires me to compromise. Some really inexpensive things would bring it up to date. Ironic that they just spent thousands to install a cardio cinema (with only elliptical machines), but we are arguing over $20 stability balls. Clearly, I can just go to one of the other gyms, but they are inconvenient. The Norfolk gym would be about 30 minutes away. I have less than 2 months here or I would end my membership. I need to take the plunge and drive to Norfolk. It is just frustrating. I really felt like he was talking to me as if I am "just" a girl at the gym. You know the type that think that girls just toodle at the gym, they don't really lift weights or do a serious workout? What an ass!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
What Happened
So the Iowa State Patrol investigator came by Friday and reenacted the accident for us and gave us a little more info. The gal, 21 years old, had been text messaging, on her way to a tanning session, when she glanced up and saw my dad but it was to late. She tried swerving to miss but there wasn't enough time/room. She hit him almost directly from behind. He flew up on the hood and hit the frame of the car (where the windshield meets the roof) with the back of his head (breaking his helmet). It fractured his skull and lacerated his brain stem and he died immediately.
She did not have insurance (which is law in Iowa) so my mom gets nothing, no burial costs or settlement. Hard pill to swallow since she has enough money for a cell phone and tanning sessions but no insurance. She received a $750 fine.
The days have gotten tough. I was dreading the Tri, but ran into someone my mom works with whom I know and she is doing it as well so that makes me feel better. Training is none existent at this point, I am hoping to swim tomorrow. This town doesn't have a pool :) so I will be traveling three towns over to swim in theirs. I still need to time myself for my approximate finish/start time. It is warming up and everyday I have hopes of biking outside but every warm day has brought 40mph sustained winds. :(
She did not have insurance (which is law in Iowa) so my mom gets nothing, no burial costs or settlement. Hard pill to swallow since she has enough money for a cell phone and tanning sessions but no insurance. She received a $750 fine.
The days have gotten tough. I was dreading the Tri, but ran into someone my mom works with whom I know and she is doing it as well so that makes me feel better. Training is none existent at this point, I am hoping to swim tomorrow. This town doesn't have a pool :) so I will be traveling three towns over to swim in theirs. I still need to time myself for my approximate finish/start time. It is warming up and everyday I have hopes of biking outside but every warm day has brought 40mph sustained winds. :(
Can I Lift?
I am at work, so I have to keep this short, but I really need some advice. I know that I could go to my doctor, but I think y'all will be a better source. I am not liking how my arms are looking these days and with summer currently rolling into NC, I want to take care of them if possible. So, with my present condition in mind, can I lift bis, tris, shoulders, back, and chest? And, if so, how much weight can I lift? I am walking a few times a week, time permitting, but I need to bump that up too. Any ideas, tips, and pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
This and That
It was 80 degrees here today after 10 days of low 50s and rain/drizzle. The change in weather called for a run at the beach. There were lots of people on the boardwalk and the wind gusts (30mph) brought out the surfers. I haven't run down there since the marathon and it felt great, even with the wind. I need to remember the sunscreen since I am sitting here feeling the tingle of sun on my shoulders. I did remember my sunglasses and hat.
This is week 2 of running at least 28 miles per week and 3 days of lifting. My body has been so sore, but it is good to be back. I can already see the change in my shoulders and lats.
Friday, I participated in a fitness exam by the clinic that runs out of my gym. They scanned my feet, checked my posture and flexibility, checked my body fat, and measured my antioxidants, which is supposed to be indicative of my nutrition health. No surprises on my feet and no thanks for inserts. I have learned my lesson and will stick with Mizunos. My posture is not too bad, but my head comes a bit to forward, too much computer time. I know you think I flunked flexibility, but I didn't. Yoga has helped considerably. It is still not a strength and I am not even sure that I like it, but I am working on it and clearly, it is good for me. My body fat is the lowest it has been, but I still have a period, so no worries.
The antioxidant thing was interesting. Apparently, I scored higher than anyone they have ever scanned. The machine uses a blue laser to scan the fatty part of your hand to measure your carotenoids, which is an indicator of your overall antioxidant protection. I am still skeptical about the accuracy of such a test, but I won so who cares. Most people score about 1900. I scored 4300. See, red wine is good for you! Ok, so are fruits and vegetables.
I have decided not to run the half marathon I planned. I don't think I could run it without trying to race it and I was not enjoying the pressure I was feeling. I worked hard for the marathon and I need to back off for a bit and just enjoy my runs without thinking about a win. It is also $100 for us to run it and you know, that's a lot of money considering other things we could do. Thursday, I didn't feel like running, so I didn't! I would have never done that with a race coming up in a week.
To follow up on the marathon towing adventure, I spoke with one of the race directors. He was furious and promised to bring this up at the local business owners meetings and the local city council. He was so upset that so many runners were treated that way when so much effort (his and his wife's) is invested in drawing the traveling crowd. I hope the city is more runner/race friendly next year.
Speaking of the marathon, I got my awards. They did marble tiles with the name of the marathon, date, location, and placing around the edges with a shamrock in the middle. I have two. One for a first place finish in my age group, and one for a second place finish for our team. I use one as a coaster next to my computer. I like them. They are different, can be used in several ways, and don't scream "gag me with your marathon."
I am not sure that I will race again before we move in 2 months. I have done well. We did 4 hard years in Europe and wanted to take full advantage of the year of school. Pete really wanted me to have the chance to run and train hard; to see my potential. As moms and wives, especially Army wives, we rarely get this opportunity to focus on ourselves. I am also blessed to have a husband that is secure enough with himself that he is not bothered with the fact that his wife runs faster than him. Anyway, I have placed in every race I have run this year from the 10K, to the marathon. I really can't ask for more than that. I have some really big running goals for Texas, but they don't involve any personal success. We'll talk about that later.
E, you were on my mind all day. I ran hard for you and was thankful that I can.
This is week 2 of running at least 28 miles per week and 3 days of lifting. My body has been so sore, but it is good to be back. I can already see the change in my shoulders and lats.
Friday, I participated in a fitness exam by the clinic that runs out of my gym. They scanned my feet, checked my posture and flexibility, checked my body fat, and measured my antioxidants, which is supposed to be indicative of my nutrition health. No surprises on my feet and no thanks for inserts. I have learned my lesson and will stick with Mizunos. My posture is not too bad, but my head comes a bit to forward, too much computer time. I know you think I flunked flexibility, but I didn't. Yoga has helped considerably. It is still not a strength and I am not even sure that I like it, but I am working on it and clearly, it is good for me. My body fat is the lowest it has been, but I still have a period, so no worries.
The antioxidant thing was interesting. Apparently, I scored higher than anyone they have ever scanned. The machine uses a blue laser to scan the fatty part of your hand to measure your carotenoids, which is an indicator of your overall antioxidant protection. I am still skeptical about the accuracy of such a test, but I won so who cares. Most people score about 1900. I scored 4300. See, red wine is good for you! Ok, so are fruits and vegetables.
I have decided not to run the half marathon I planned. I don't think I could run it without trying to race it and I was not enjoying the pressure I was feeling. I worked hard for the marathon and I need to back off for a bit and just enjoy my runs without thinking about a win. It is also $100 for us to run it and you know, that's a lot of money considering other things we could do. Thursday, I didn't feel like running, so I didn't! I would have never done that with a race coming up in a week.
To follow up on the marathon towing adventure, I spoke with one of the race directors. He was furious and promised to bring this up at the local business owners meetings and the local city council. He was so upset that so many runners were treated that way when so much effort (his and his wife's) is invested in drawing the traveling crowd. I hope the city is more runner/race friendly next year.
Speaking of the marathon, I got my awards. They did marble tiles with the name of the marathon, date, location, and placing around the edges with a shamrock in the middle. I have two. One for a first place finish in my age group, and one for a second place finish for our team. I use one as a coaster next to my computer. I like them. They are different, can be used in several ways, and don't scream "gag me with your marathon."
I am not sure that I will race again before we move in 2 months. I have done well. We did 4 hard years in Europe and wanted to take full advantage of the year of school. Pete really wanted me to have the chance to run and train hard; to see my potential. As moms and wives, especially Army wives, we rarely get this opportunity to focus on ourselves. I am also blessed to have a husband that is secure enough with himself that he is not bothered with the fact that his wife runs faster than him. Anyway, I have placed in every race I have run this year from the 10K, to the marathon. I really can't ask for more than that. I have some really big running goals for Texas, but they don't involve any personal success. We'll talk about that later.
E, you were on my mind all day. I ran hard for you and was thankful that I can.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Ready to get back on the wagon
I have two days left of being pregnant (finally!) and I've already got my "training plan" worked out in my head. I put that in quotes because I don't really think of it as training until I can actually run and it will be a little while before I build up to that. But my short term goals are all laid out. I've even got some potential 5K fun runs/walks lined up.
I'm giving myself 2 months before I plan to run. If I feel up to it before that, then I might try, but running isn't in the plan until after we move. After 9 months of holding down the couch, I'm starting from scratch so the beginner walking plan is for me. How appropriate that an article in this month's Runner's World is about how to start from a zero fitness level and build up to running. I would expect this article to come out in January for all the New Year's resolution people, so somebody must be reading my mind!
I have a friend who's a marathoner and she had to take time off during her pregnancy too. Her dr told her that the cardiovascular demands a pregnancy places on the body is enough to maintain the cardiovascular fitness she had before getting pregnant. If that's true, I just need to build muscle and endurance (no small task). It will be slow-going and frustrating at times, but I'm in no hurry. As long as I can get outside and move, in any capacity, it will be wonderful.
Wish me luck this weekend and I'm pretty sure delivering a baby counts as an equivalent cross-training activity for running a few miles, right?
I'm giving myself 2 months before I plan to run. If I feel up to it before that, then I might try, but running isn't in the plan until after we move. After 9 months of holding down the couch, I'm starting from scratch so the beginner walking plan is for me. How appropriate that an article in this month's Runner's World is about how to start from a zero fitness level and build up to running. I would expect this article to come out in January for all the New Year's resolution people, so somebody must be reading my mind!
I have a friend who's a marathoner and she had to take time off during her pregnancy too. Her dr told her that the cardiovascular demands a pregnancy places on the body is enough to maintain the cardiovascular fitness she had before getting pregnant. If that's true, I just need to build muscle and endurance (no small task). It will be slow-going and frustrating at times, but I'm in no hurry. As long as I can get outside and move, in any capacity, it will be wonderful.
Wish me luck this weekend and I'm pretty sure delivering a baby counts as an equivalent cross-training activity for running a few miles, right?
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Signing Off for Now
We just received word today that my father was hit and killed while biking. We are headed to Iowa tomorrow. C will stay through the funeral and then fly back, Kiddo and I will stay in Iowa with my mom until the end of May.
Since I have the blogger dashboard saved in favorites I have no idea how to log in otherwise. So there is a possibility I may not log until the end of May. I still hope to do the Tri beginning of May... time will only tell.
Please keep us in your prayers, especially my mom.
Rachel
Since I have the blogger dashboard saved in favorites I have no idea how to log in otherwise. So there is a possibility I may not log until the end of May. I still hope to do the Tri beginning of May... time will only tell.
Please keep us in your prayers, especially my mom.
Rachel
Thursday, April 3, 2008
My crotch is level...and assorted stories from Tri-land
Hello people!! It's been a long time. I have been reading - but haven't had a chance to write and I'm sorry! Work has been intense - but, I've kept up the training for the triathlon and have been so looking forward to giving you guys the update on where I am!!
Dude. Triathlons and triathletes are ridiculous. This will be a recurring theme throughout this post. So, last week - I finished up the base/winter training program. Always, my plan was to do that four months on my own and then join a triathlon club so I really learn how to do this stuff, figure out the gear, make some friends that "get" this stuff and why I want to do it, have motivation of others to push myself harder....
So. I joined one. I found a good club with a great gym and huge pool. Included in the annual fee are a daily TOUGH workouts with superstars instructors. I was scared. Excited. I signed up for my first bike class on Tuesday morning at 5:30am . I put out my clothes and my sneakers the night before. Figured out what time I had to leave to get up there by then... I was like a kid before the first day of school!
I got myself to the gym no problem. And, I'm a morning person, so it's not that hard for me to get up at 5am. I walked into the spin class and there were a bunch of people dressed alike who looked at me like -- "what the f*ck are YOU doing here". So. A hard core spin class at a hard core gym???? Very different that my shi-shi manhattan experience - with orchids next to the spin bikes. Basically. It's a bare room. So I look around trying to figure out what to do - and see ok - I have to drag a spin bike to the middle of the room. Ok. Fine. So I do it. Then, someone starts screaming "NOOOOOOO put it on a mat" Ok. So grab a mat. Drag the bike onto the mat. Then think.... what now? The class is full at this point - with people who are all in the same get up and have fancy shoes made especially for bikes... hm? Anyway - so I am standing there - trying to look pleasant so maybe someone will help me. I'm smiling and I'm sure I looked like Rainman.
Finally, the girl next to me decides to speak to me... there is a God.... and, she opens her mouth... and I think...God Bless her she's going to help me! And, she says "what is WRONG with you?" Oh. Wow. So, I just say that I'm not sure how to work this stuff and she looks at me like I'm Osama Bin Laden - AND I smell like dog sh*t - and just says "ask the instructor". Nice. Also? She's clearly been doing this for an eternity. Whatever. So I walk up to the instructor when he finally shows up and, as I say a big "Hi! I'm new - do you think you can help me?" He interrupts and rudely says "give me a minute - i'll come over when I can..."
Ok. Fine.
But, I will tell you, and this is the Army brat in me - I know I will win over all of these people by month's end. They have their clique. They are going to be mean for a while - but, I'll wear them down. I went to three high schools - I know how to do this!!!
It turned out ok. The instructor finally set me up. I really enjoyed the class. All the base training paid off. I could do it all for the whole hour. It was really intense and geared completely towards tri-prep. But, they spoke another language completely. "Get it in the 3s!" "Let's do a cadence. Ok stop cadence!" I will get it eventually. Right now, I haven't a clue what they are talking about.
One girl forgot herself and actually smiled at me at the end of the class. I'm sure she was flogged for it later.
No matter. I got up the next morning for the 5:30am brick - and, I put my mat down and dragged the bike out and set up my seat. And, kicked a**. Then went and did a 25 minute run following. It felt great.
But, now all the training moves outside in Central Park.... and I don't have a bike yet - so, this is where my level crotch comes in.....
So, I want to get out in the Park with the tri club. Need to bite the bullet and buy a bike. Which - not only is it expensive - it will take up 100square feet of my 500square foot apartment...It's a real commitment I'm making. Anyway - I decided to take advantage of this "tripackage" that SBR has - so you get a bike, a helmet, the fancy shoes, two shorts and singlets... it's a great deal.
I went to SBR after work - thinking, I'll just go pick up a bike. Lord. FYI? Nothing in triathlons is easy. The SBR people are awesome - the people in the store were awesome... it was the first time I have encountered nice triathletes and I can't tell you how happy I was.
But, you just don't walk in and buy a bike. First of all, a bike comes in 295,035 pieces. Second, you need to pick out pedals - they aren't one of the 295,035 pieces. Third, you have to have your crotch measured. I am not kidding. I had to lean against a wall with a level between my legs - literally ALL the way up - when the bubble was where it was supposed to be - they measured my height to my knee and to my collar bone. Part of me thought maybe he was hitting on me - and then I remembered that my breath smelled like McDonalds and I have two inches of gray roots at the moment, and I thought, my crotch balance/imbalance must be important to this transaction.
I'll get a call tomorrow to find out when they will have a bike in my size and we'll go from there.
I am really loving this stuff. Which is good because now I have to work out six days a week for one to three hours. It's absurd - but, it's really helping that I'm a morning person because I can get it all out of the way before the city wakes up.
I will start writing more regularly and hope all of you guys are doing ok!!!! Love, Cathy
Dude. Triathlons and triathletes are ridiculous. This will be a recurring theme throughout this post. So, last week - I finished up the base/winter training program. Always, my plan was to do that four months on my own and then join a triathlon club so I really learn how to do this stuff, figure out the gear, make some friends that "get" this stuff and why I want to do it, have motivation of others to push myself harder....
So. I joined one. I found a good club with a great gym and huge pool. Included in the annual fee are a daily TOUGH workouts with superstars instructors. I was scared. Excited. I signed up for my first bike class on Tuesday morning at 5:30am . I put out my clothes and my sneakers the night before. Figured out what time I had to leave to get up there by then... I was like a kid before the first day of school!
I got myself to the gym no problem. And, I'm a morning person, so it's not that hard for me to get up at 5am. I walked into the spin class and there were a bunch of people dressed alike who looked at me like -- "what the f*ck are YOU doing here". So. A hard core spin class at a hard core gym???? Very different that my shi-shi manhattan experience - with orchids next to the spin bikes. Basically. It's a bare room. So I look around trying to figure out what to do - and see ok - I have to drag a spin bike to the middle of the room. Ok. Fine. So I do it. Then, someone starts screaming "NOOOOOOO put it on a mat" Ok. So grab a mat. Drag the bike onto the mat. Then think.... what now? The class is full at this point - with people who are all in the same get up and have fancy shoes made especially for bikes... hm? Anyway - so I am standing there - trying to look pleasant so maybe someone will help me. I'm smiling and I'm sure I looked like Rainman.
Finally, the girl next to me decides to speak to me... there is a God.... and, she opens her mouth... and I think...God Bless her she's going to help me! And, she says "what is WRONG with you?" Oh. Wow. So, I just say that I'm not sure how to work this stuff and she looks at me like I'm Osama Bin Laden - AND I smell like dog sh*t - and just says "ask the instructor". Nice. Also? She's clearly been doing this for an eternity. Whatever. So I walk up to the instructor when he finally shows up and, as I say a big "Hi! I'm new - do you think you can help me?" He interrupts and rudely says "give me a minute - i'll come over when I can..."
Ok. Fine.
But, I will tell you, and this is the Army brat in me - I know I will win over all of these people by month's end. They have their clique. They are going to be mean for a while - but, I'll wear them down. I went to three high schools - I know how to do this!!!
It turned out ok. The instructor finally set me up. I really enjoyed the class. All the base training paid off. I could do it all for the whole hour. It was really intense and geared completely towards tri-prep. But, they spoke another language completely. "Get it in the 3s!" "Let's do a cadence. Ok stop cadence!" I will get it eventually. Right now, I haven't a clue what they are talking about.
One girl forgot herself and actually smiled at me at the end of the class. I'm sure she was flogged for it later.
No matter. I got up the next morning for the 5:30am brick - and, I put my mat down and dragged the bike out and set up my seat. And, kicked a**. Then went and did a 25 minute run following. It felt great.
But, now all the training moves outside in Central Park.... and I don't have a bike yet - so, this is where my level crotch comes in.....
So, I want to get out in the Park with the tri club. Need to bite the bullet and buy a bike. Which - not only is it expensive - it will take up 100square feet of my 500square foot apartment...It's a real commitment I'm making. Anyway - I decided to take advantage of this "tripackage" that SBR has - so you get a bike, a helmet, the fancy shoes, two shorts and singlets... it's a great deal.
I went to SBR after work - thinking, I'll just go pick up a bike. Lord. FYI? Nothing in triathlons is easy. The SBR people are awesome - the people in the store were awesome... it was the first time I have encountered nice triathletes and I can't tell you how happy I was.
But, you just don't walk in and buy a bike. First of all, a bike comes in 295,035 pieces. Second, you need to pick out pedals - they aren't one of the 295,035 pieces. Third, you have to have your crotch measured. I am not kidding. I had to lean against a wall with a level between my legs - literally ALL the way up - when the bubble was where it was supposed to be - they measured my height to my knee and to my collar bone. Part of me thought maybe he was hitting on me - and then I remembered that my breath smelled like McDonalds and I have two inches of gray roots at the moment, and I thought, my crotch balance/imbalance must be important to this transaction.
I'll get a call tomorrow to find out when they will have a bike in my size and we'll go from there.
I am really loving this stuff. Which is good because now I have to work out six days a week for one to three hours. It's absurd - but, it's really helping that I'm a morning person because I can get it all out of the way before the city wakes up.
I will start writing more regularly and hope all of you guys are doing ok!!!! Love, Cathy
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Rest of the Story
I know, I promised I would tell the rest of the story and two weeks have already past.
About 2 weeks before the race, I noticed a small lump in my bottom left eye lid. It continued to grow and the right eye got one too. Being the research queen that I am, I got online to figure out my symptoms and decided I had 2 styes. I followed the advice of warm compresses and cleanings 4-5 times a day, but they wouldn't go away and the left one was getting out of control. After a week or so, it was clear I had to go see a doc. The left one was so big that my vision was blurry and my face hurt down into my cheeks. Makeup was out of the question. I looked like I had been in a hell of a fight. Anyway, I finally get into the clinic (claiming vision problems gets you in pretty quick.) The doctor, who had the personality of a rock said that they probably needed to be lanced! You know the saying, I would rather poke a needle in my eye? Well, here was my chance! Yikes!
I still couldn't get in to see an opthamologist and have the procedure before the marathon, so I ran with blurry vision and a big honking goiter-looking thing growing from my eye. My plan was to run in sunglasses so I didn't scare anyone. Too bad it was cloudy and I would have just looked stupid in sunglasses. We will be doing some photoshop to those race photos! I did have them lanced Monday morning. By the way, it was one of the worst things I have endured.
Then...
Sunday morning of the marathon, Pete and I drove into Virginia Beach plenty early enough to find parking. We were competing for spaces with the half marathon people who had an earlier start than us. Every side street was full, so we drove around looking for open parking lots. Most business at the beach have signs forbidding parking unless you are customers, with threats to tow. We decided to stop at the Harris Teeter for a last bathroom opportunity and some provisions for the ride home in case they ran out of food. As soon as we got out of the truck, an employee came up to us and asked if we were running in the race? I guess our tights and numbers gave us away.
Him: You can't park the truck there.
Me: Uh, can I buy a banana?
Him: Sure, but you can't leave your truck here when your done.
Me: Maybe, I'll buy my banana somewhere else too. Sheese.
We did use the bathroom, but I didn't buy my banana cause I didn't want to give them business. So, off we go to find a parking spot. Now we see parking lots filling up, so we jump when we see an open spot and park. Yeah! I am sure you can tell where this is going. Everyone in this lot and others were runners. It is Sunday morning and we are in the lot of an evening bar. Point is that it is closed and not opening for many hours, but there is a sign forbidding parking. I feel confident we are fine. I have traveled many times to race and local businesses and police have always supported runners by overlooking parking violations. Marathons are routinely run on Sundays mornings so that streets can be closed and parking is available (with the exception of church parking lots).
So, after I finish the race, the plan is that I will meet Pete back at the truck. I can change clothes, eat something and hydrate. I was so cold and wet and emotional when I finished. I gimped back the several blocks to the truck only the lot was empty. OK, I am emotional and very tired. Maybe I'm not in the right place. It happens. I don't always pay attention to where I am or where we park. I was focused on the race, not the parking lot. So, I look around. Yep, that's the 7-11, that's the storefront we walked past, and that's the bar. Where is the the truck? I was completely calm, figuring that I was just not seeing things right. Maybe I was delusional. 26 miles is a really long way. I close my eyes. I open my eyes. Nope, no truck. Then I see a tow truck hooking up to a car in a neighboring lot. Now, I get it... Are you f*%#^& kidding me!?
What now? I don't know when Pete will finish. Do I sit in the spot that the truck was in? I am so cold and wet. Do I go back to the finish and hope that I didn't miss him? My cell phone, IDs and purse are all in the truck. I decided to go to the beer tent where it will be warm and eventually he will go through this same process and make the same decision and find me in the beer tent. So I walk again.
I waited in the beer tent and finally, he walked in with a big grin on his face. OK, I'm thinking he clearly didn't go to where the truck is supposed to be. I congratulate him, ask his time, and generally whoo hoo him. Then, I say, "let's get you a beer."
So, I tell him that the truck is not there and we walk back to the lot to get the number of the tow company that took the truck. Then, we walked 5 miles to the lot, only to be told they don't take credit cards and I don't have $125 in cash on me. So, we walked another 1/2 mile to an ATM and back to finally get the truck out of hock. We figure we covered about 31+ miles that day. I kept telling Pete, it would make a great story.
It is unfortunate that the business owners of Virginia Beach were not supportive of the race. Lots of cars were towed that day, which will affect the participation in the marathon weekend. Recently, I read an article that said that marathons and other large races are becoming the number 1 fundraiser for cities. They draw a lot of people who spend a lot of money. This is off season at the beach and you would think these business would be happy to have people at the beach. We were parked at an establishment that was closed. Even Harris Teeter can afford to offer a back row of parking. Oh well, I intend to follow up with the race director and depending on that feedback, the city council.
About 2 weeks before the race, I noticed a small lump in my bottom left eye lid. It continued to grow and the right eye got one too. Being the research queen that I am, I got online to figure out my symptoms and decided I had 2 styes. I followed the advice of warm compresses and cleanings 4-5 times a day, but they wouldn't go away and the left one was getting out of control. After a week or so, it was clear I had to go see a doc. The left one was so big that my vision was blurry and my face hurt down into my cheeks. Makeup was out of the question. I looked like I had been in a hell of a fight. Anyway, I finally get into the clinic (claiming vision problems gets you in pretty quick.) The doctor, who had the personality of a rock said that they probably needed to be lanced! You know the saying, I would rather poke a needle in my eye? Well, here was my chance! Yikes!
I still couldn't get in to see an opthamologist and have the procedure before the marathon, so I ran with blurry vision and a big honking goiter-looking thing growing from my eye. My plan was to run in sunglasses so I didn't scare anyone. Too bad it was cloudy and I would have just looked stupid in sunglasses. We will be doing some photoshop to those race photos! I did have them lanced Monday morning. By the way, it was one of the worst things I have endured.
Then...
Sunday morning of the marathon, Pete and I drove into Virginia Beach plenty early enough to find parking. We were competing for spaces with the half marathon people who had an earlier start than us. Every side street was full, so we drove around looking for open parking lots. Most business at the beach have signs forbidding parking unless you are customers, with threats to tow. We decided to stop at the Harris Teeter for a last bathroom opportunity and some provisions for the ride home in case they ran out of food. As soon as we got out of the truck, an employee came up to us and asked if we were running in the race? I guess our tights and numbers gave us away.
Him: You can't park the truck there.
Me: Uh, can I buy a banana?
Him: Sure, but you can't leave your truck here when your done.
Me: Maybe, I'll buy my banana somewhere else too. Sheese.
We did use the bathroom, but I didn't buy my banana cause I didn't want to give them business. So, off we go to find a parking spot. Now we see parking lots filling up, so we jump when we see an open spot and park. Yeah! I am sure you can tell where this is going. Everyone in this lot and others were runners. It is Sunday morning and we are in the lot of an evening bar. Point is that it is closed and not opening for many hours, but there is a sign forbidding parking. I feel confident we are fine. I have traveled many times to race and local businesses and police have always supported runners by overlooking parking violations. Marathons are routinely run on Sundays mornings so that streets can be closed and parking is available (with the exception of church parking lots).
So, after I finish the race, the plan is that I will meet Pete back at the truck. I can change clothes, eat something and hydrate. I was so cold and wet and emotional when I finished. I gimped back the several blocks to the truck only the lot was empty. OK, I am emotional and very tired. Maybe I'm not in the right place. It happens. I don't always pay attention to where I am or where we park. I was focused on the race, not the parking lot. So, I look around. Yep, that's the 7-11, that's the storefront we walked past, and that's the bar. Where is the the truck? I was completely calm, figuring that I was just not seeing things right. Maybe I was delusional. 26 miles is a really long way. I close my eyes. I open my eyes. Nope, no truck. Then I see a tow truck hooking up to a car in a neighboring lot. Now, I get it... Are you f*%#^& kidding me!?
What now? I don't know when Pete will finish. Do I sit in the spot that the truck was in? I am so cold and wet. Do I go back to the finish and hope that I didn't miss him? My cell phone, IDs and purse are all in the truck. I decided to go to the beer tent where it will be warm and eventually he will go through this same process and make the same decision and find me in the beer tent. So I walk again.
I waited in the beer tent and finally, he walked in with a big grin on his face. OK, I'm thinking he clearly didn't go to where the truck is supposed to be. I congratulate him, ask his time, and generally whoo hoo him. Then, I say, "let's get you a beer."
So, I tell him that the truck is not there and we walk back to the lot to get the number of the tow company that took the truck. Then, we walked 5 miles to the lot, only to be told they don't take credit cards and I don't have $125 in cash on me. So, we walked another 1/2 mile to an ATM and back to finally get the truck out of hock. We figure we covered about 31+ miles that day. I kept telling Pete, it would make a great story.
It is unfortunate that the business owners of Virginia Beach were not supportive of the race. Lots of cars were towed that day, which will affect the participation in the marathon weekend. Recently, I read an article that said that marathons and other large races are becoming the number 1 fundraiser for cities. They draw a lot of people who spend a lot of money. This is off season at the beach and you would think these business would be happy to have people at the beach. We were parked at an establishment that was closed. Even Harris Teeter can afford to offer a back row of parking. Oh well, I intend to follow up with the race director and depending on that feedback, the city council.
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