sore

i did not see this stiffness approaching at all...  i thought with tues/wed/thurs/fri under the belt with little pain that i should or could just make my way to the gym and the treadmill again today to do that sprint routine...  no such luck...  my legs felt so heavy today - definitely that brick feeling...
instead i ended up working on year end finances and a new year budget... geeky i know...  gotta embrace it sometimes....
straightened out the house as well for the year end festivities where people may not feel like driving all the way home after dinner etc.. 
was not sure if the aerobed would fit with the rearranging of the desk and exercise items last week but phew it all fits fine...
now just to shower and finish fixing some salads for the evening..

New bike jersey...

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

this makes me pretty happy...
as noted i have been trying to use the treadmill to train my pace and cadence to go faster... this time was 8 sprints at 7mph...
i wont complain...
2 more days of this objective

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Realisation for 2012

Came to the conclusion today... the one race i was looking at for this year wont happen.  It is 4 hours away and when i was told the event rate at the hotel was $200 per night....  well it financially makes no sense to me....
If i do a destination race there are 2 locations on my list for now... Disney and Bermuda...  ATL doesnt make the cut at those rates.  I may head out towards the coast but that has different appeal.... 

So it is back to the drawing board on what to do next.  There is a race mid Summer that may be my first race for the season.  I have to double check if there are any others sooner.  I may revisit that first race
..  we shall see.

As for this weeks training...  the sprints on the treadmill worked better today than yesterday.  Tuesday i could only manage 2 sprints at 7mph.  Tonight i managed...  hmmm i never did count... well it was at least 6.

Tomorrow through Sunday is the same objective.  Build up that stamina.  Supposed to meet friends for drinks as well but not sure that will happen.  If i could hit the gym first.

No new years plans.  That is generally hoe i approach that holiday.  A bit fearful of the rockus bockus noise my neighbors will get into.  You know it will wake me up.

Holiday Cheer

So the holidays have definitely caught up with me. I was not going to get on a scale any time in the near future. But decided I needed to get a handle on the damage. Wow and damage there is. I was up about 3 pounds the other day and today it seems like it is up another 2. Just crazy. So it is back in track for me. But just yuck at the moment. No wonder some of my clothes feel gross in comparison to just a few weeks ago. I have a doctors appointment in 5 weeks. So I need to get back on track with that weight loss. And boy oh boy do I need to make a commitment on the triathlons for 2012. Tonight is sprints on the treadmill. You know the routine where I try to run as fast as possible for a few minutes at a time. That is this weeks focus. Next week bringing the trip aspects back into the mix.

Walk

Today ended up as a walk with Bacchus and Mom.  We took the trail closest to her house.  We didnt go too far.  I guess i could go back to clock it. 
The added workout was carrying the little guy in the way back.  I knee he would get tired.  I knee there would be carrying involved. 
But he seems to have had a good time.  All curled up on my pink laundry pile... pretty much a really soft bathrobe
  Which he appears to be enjoying. 

Work off that excess cheer...

I suspect that comment doesn't sound all that festive... But that's what I do when I go to the gym in the evening. Run off that excess cheer that has been consumed. Last night was some sushi and a few flirtinis... I so didn't want to go to the gym this evening. And now so glad that I did. It is that thought that I need to remember each time I feel like I don't want to go to the gym. When it is all said and done the workout makes you feel so much better. And what else did I accomplish today... Well I ran two times on the treadmill during my two mile goal. And each time it was in ten yes ten minute increments. I did not know I had it in me. Not at a break neck pace but a run none the less. Going for it again tomorrow and Saturday. Gonna take a little break on Sunday. Unless of corusenitnisnreally nice out and I need to stretch my legs.

Ouch...

Those calves. Wow... Gotta pack the gym bag today. Not sure what the workout will entail.

Calf muscles

Wow... My body is reacting all over the place. Would like to say it has to do with yesterday's running. But not quite. First is just some odd hormone thing. At least I think. And for fear of TMI I will stop with that. Glad there is no run scheduled today. Second - I really need to remember that the veggie salad plate from Earthfare can have a serious impact on the digestive track. I think I should stick to sandwiches in the future. Lastly, and definitely an impact from running, my calf muscles. Wow... Havent had this type of muscle pain in a while. I have been focusing on landing mid foot to toe when running. It feels more comfortable in the long run (lol) but obviously works the muscles differently. Looking forward to following up on that again tomorrow.

Tri-ing the iPad

So in a pure Oprah moment we all got iPads at our company AGM on Thursday. What a crazy event. Now we all now I am not an early adopter of technology. And I am not a fan of the limiting Apple technology. Probably would never have purchased one of these for myself t any point in time. But for the most part it makes for a nice alternative to surfing the Internet while watching tv. It is fun to watch those endless take that videos that are my guilty pleasure. And it works ok at the moment as I try to sit here and type any entry. Not sure it is something I will embrace for the long haul. But we shall see. As for the training. As noted, I took a little hiatus after that GingerSnap race. I wasn't planning on it. My gym bag was packed that following Monday. I was standing in the work room at the office and an overwhelmingly unpleasant felling came over me. stomached cramps my be an understatement for the description. So that night ended up with no gym. Running on a treadmill with that feeling was not at all appealing. To tell you the truth I am not sure what kept me away from the gym the rest of that week. I should probably had made notes. Last week I had that crazy early meeting - alarm goes off at 4am and on the road before 5. That had me down for the count Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I think by Thursday going to the gym seemed futile. Oh no, that wasn't it. Our AGM was Thursday. And I got to be dd for said coworker. Not too sure why I never worked in running or something on Friday. Instead I organized a closet in dire need of attention and reworked some of my home office. Then it was out to dinner with mom for her birthday. So we end up at race day on Saturday. Now I had read that you really shouldn't let more than 3 days lapse with the run training. And this had been two weeks. Not sure what I was thinking in those terms. Bfearful I suppose for lack of any better descriptor. My friends and Inmet up with my mom and her friends. We got settled in and off we went. KA and I held pace for maybe the first 5 minutes but that's when I start to lose stamina. So she went ahead. RBM had long since pulled away from the crowd. And somewhere behind me were my mom and her friends. And on I went. I hindsight I was surprised to notice that I kept up with my minute on minute off challenge. Andital I had averaged a good pace given my lAck of training. So this week I am capitalizing on that enthusiasm for some more gym visits. Well except tomorrow - it is moms real birthday so martinis and friends are in order. I will head back to the gym of for the rest of the year. This week focusing on the 4.6 average. Next week will add the sprints back in.

Back at the gym

Went to the gym last night for the first time in 2 weeks. The race was a good kick off or reminder to get back out there. Over the past 3 races I have been averaging between 12 and 13 minute miles. So I decided this weeks training attempts will be to focus on the averages. Remember the last focus was to add FAST sprints into the mix. I was ramping it up to 7mph. But this time I am focusing on length at a slower speed. The slower speed 4.6Mmph was maintained for about 5 minutes out of 10. Interesting to see that even at a slower pace my heart rate sure can jump on up. But there's still continued improvement which keeps me going. I need to work on out what races I want to do next year. And then get back to the pool and bike.

last 5k of the season

my mom's neighborhood did a little 5k yesterday... a couple of friends of mine and i went to support her and the cause - child hunger...  she and her friend walked the whole 5k - good for them... my other friends kicked some butt on the course...  not sure if they will open it to family friends kids and grandkids next year - the younger crowd definitely had a bit more speed to them and not too sure the older crowd appreciated it... oh well...
so i would say - as far as race season is concerned - i averaged somewhere on the high end of 12+minute to 13 minute miles during the races..  that turns out to be about 4.6 miles per hour... i am looking into that in an effort to figure out the next set of treadmill training...
the remainder of this year THAT will be my focus on the treadmill - can I do a whole mile at the 4.6?  I dont know that I can.  I am not sure if the pace will feel too awkward on the treadmill...
But that is my goal - it is only 2 more weeks so...

4am

i hate these mornings - thank goodness the schedule only warrants these early meetings 3 times a year...
of course i probably just jinxed myself and will stumble across another agenda item that warrants such attention...
the dog is even out of sorts at this hour... best go finish my coffee and get dressed

disappointing week!

not only did i do absolutely nothing on the workout training front
but i ate a whole bunch of holiday crap as well - yes the cookies et al were delish but...
today is shopping for clothes for upcoming holiday events
to beat the crowds that will happen early
and then to beat the late night we have our first event - a 70th birthday party for my friend's mom..
so there wont be any workout on the horizon this morning...
back in the saddle tomorrow
there is a 5k at my mom's neighborhood next week as part of a fund drive for a local food charity...
gonna do that - so need to get back at it - TOMORROW!!!
and then after the race - time to get serious about the 2012 triathlon series...
do i do the one in ATL that sounds like the lake water could still be a bit cold?
do i hold off until i know when that disney race will be?
do i do the RR from years past or do i replace it with another that was poorly scheduled for the same day?
decisions decisions...
now just to down some coffee to offset the chilly air of the morning

and nothing today

you know there really isnt a reason that i want to be writing about when i think about why i did not go to the gym this evening...  i did some late in the afternoon printing and binding and really just felt off from it all...
so instead i came home and was eating dinner by 645... yes that would be late in the day printing and binding...
had the last of my tasty - sorry for those that dont like chicken - spinach and cheese raviolis tossed with sun dried tomatoe pesto, cannelini beans and chicken... it was very tasty...
now watching the weather... gonna snuggle on up with the litte guy and watch some charlie brown... OK I say that now but in 7 minutes I may just decide to watch something else...

gotta get up early tomorrow to be out in time to get gas in the car
fear that i will be driving to the meeting in the AM...

nothing yesterday

i never really had a gameplan pulled together to fit any workout in yesterday
i wanted to get a mirror for my bedroom - i have been looking for one of these since i moved into the house... of course from there i started tinkering with the other piece that is in there that was never meant to stay there for so long...
take away from that exercise - wow, i have a lot of books...  i am beginning to think the downloading of books onto the kindle feature on my phone in the future should be the best approach for books going forward... i currently have 3 piles of books that i am unsure what to do with - my coworkers all read a lot.. i thought i would bring in a box and let them know... if no takers maybe i will donate to the library...
just amazed at how many books i have accumulated
from there i did some grocery shopping and 17 day diet phase one set up again - i just cant seem to get out of this phase...
and unfortunately a winter holiday baking bug kicked in and i now have a serving platter filled with chocolate chocolate chip whoopie pies sitting in my fridge... NOT part of the 17 day diet for sure...
and i finished my year end review forms - that's always fun...  i have other things i pull together for that but this is the form that needed to be submitted today...
the race i was looking to do on this saturday wont happen - the race is in the afternoon so i thought - great i will be able to feel my toes!  unfortunately i have another event that same afternoon...
there is one the following weekend in my mom's neighborhood... i think i will be signing up for that one

Gingerly

That was my approach to the beginning of this mornings run.  WOW- was it ever cold.  I thought the temp was about the same as the turkey trot but it took much longer for that air to heat up.  We got there about and hour early.  That probably did not help either. 
At the beginning of the run I can honestly say I could not feel my feet.  No need to worry about the feel and fit of the new shoes when the only knowledge of having toes is the memory of them being there earlier when I stuck my shoes in my sneaks.
Somewhere in the first mile I also realised there was little feeling in my fingers and my face.  At this point the internal negative self talk was most amusing.  Why I have only been skiing once in my life.  How in the world could Fred climb Kilimanjaro - surely it was colder than this. I will not do this next year. I just want a hot bath. 
By this time I had run on Main Street twice and was coming up on the end of my first mile.  I just wanted to stop.
Then we turned into the neighborhood I was unfamiliar with - the other roads I have walked and/or run along.  And decided it would be alright - just keep going.  I turned a corner the sun was in my face, I was running down hill and I started to warm up.  The thoughts of misery left and I started paying closer attention to my game plan.  I was surprised to realise in the middle of all that internal whining I was doing a good job of the minute on minute off routine.  And on my way out of that neighborhood I was close to the end of the second mile and on a good pace.  Remember I was intent on beating 13minute miles.
And on I went into the last mile.
Interestingly - the last loop to give us the full 3.1 had progressively gotten shorter.  No one was truly running to the turn around point. So according to my Garmin I covered 3 miles exactly.
And I'd like to think that I finished strong at the finish line.
I was happy with it. And I did eventually warm up.
But man oh man did that HOT showere ever feel so good!

GOTR - Gingersnap 5k!

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

shopping shopping shopping

did not do any of the intended workout yesterday
walked my toes off in my boots all over the various shopping centers throughout town
so now drinking some coffee prepping for the race in 90 minutes...
wish me luck - mostly concerned on the cold
43F as per the tv at this moment

made up some of that

but not really..
initially i was headed to the gym first but realised i have lots on my list of places to go...
steinmart, total wine, pier 1, bath & body works, michaels, black lion, barnes & noble, target, home goods, kohls, stewarts.... 
i hope by the end of that run i will have found something for everyone on my list...
we shall see

419 AM

Now for some of you this is your normal AM wake up time as you head on out to train.  Did I also mention it is 30F outside?
I have the day off tomorrow.  I worked real hard to get a bunch of things done by the end of the day Thursday.
Left the office around 7ish and did not make it to the gym.
I went to bed pretty late when it is all said and done.
And am so surprised I am awake now.  Have been for about an hour.  I keep thinking about all the work items I can get done on my day off.  Well you know how much THAT keeps me tossing and turning.
So here I am typing away on my phone.  Listening to the dump trucks in the distance that I finally figured out are emptying dumpsters from the businesses down the road.
I used to think that someone was stealing forestry in the middle of the night.
Anyways I know I could get up get dressed and be at the gym for 5AM opening but it would completely interrupt my day of getting things done.  Todays day off is meant for holiday shopping.
So wish me luck that I fall back to sleep and that I am more successful with shopping than I was with my attempts at the online bit.

speaking of saunas

I told my friend TC today that Ihad a funny sauna story I needed to post.... best get it out in writing before I lose the humour of it...
Tuesday night I head to the gym with my treadmill agenda in mind...
First off they moved the treadmill in the little private room I like to use.  I like the treadmill better than the others.  And I like the lack of crowds.  Ofr maybe an audience.
From there I did some stretches.  And let me just say this after the fact - man did I get some good ol' stretch in there... STILL feel it.
And then - since it was so chilly - and still is - I decided I would make a stop in the sauna.
Now usually I reserve the sauna visit for after swimming.  It seems to make sense - kind of dry yourself out after being in the water for such a period of time.  I never think to go in the sauna with workout clothes on.  As a matter of fact I am shocked to see people do it.  But tonight I decide I just want to sit in the dry heat for a little bit.
I turn the light on as I enter the sauna - sitting there in full running gear - it felt odd to enter with the lights off.  Plus I am always bound to try over something no matter how barren the room actually is.
So I am sitting there for maybe less than 5 minutes - shoot maybe even less than 1 minute... someone else walks in turns off the light... NOW, I will never play with the light setting if someone is already in there. Kind of a first come first served philosophy.  So I was shocked that all of a sudden there was darkness.
I opened my eyes briefly and noticed a woman in a towel (or two).  I thought OK - she is coming in here to relax.  But she sat right near the door where the light comes in so didnt quite get the reasoning for turning off the other light.
She moves around a lot.  The benches squeak.  I can fell the boards moving beneath my neck and shoulders.  Great so she is fidgety... 
She moves.  Now she is sitting at the other end of the benches on the second level.  I am right in the middle - the corner of the benches for optimal resting.  She is still fidgety.  I look over - she is wrestling with her towels.  Wait - towels?  Is that all she is wearing are those two towels?  Fidgeting some more....  Well at this point I decide I am not going to look.  Maybe she is pretty much naked and that is why she turned off the light.
At this point the fidgeting has totally negated any ability on my part to relax.  I open my eyes slightly with the intent that I should get moving soon.  What?  out of the corner of my eye - practically right in my face... A FOOT!  and all I can think is if all she IS wearing is two towels... 
My personal space had me jumping up and right on out of the sauna...
Thankfully last night was better.  I so could stay in there longer - just know my sinuses are not up for that...
We shall see how it all comes together tomorrow. 
Sometimes the only motivation you can find to get to the gym is the sauna at the end of it all.

no gym this evening

i have taken tomorrow off... my objective - get up at a reasonable hour and head on over to the gym... what to do at the gym?  well i am seriously considering a tri blend of activity... it has been a while since i have done any sort of a brick workout...
since i am still challenging myself with the treadmill speeds i will do the treadmill first...  see if i can handle that 7mph thing a few more times in the mix.. from there i will need to stretch.  i understand that stretching in a transition area does not normally happen but that's why this is training... and it is december on a day off so i have that luxury...
from there will be the stationary bike... so i will be wearing my bike shorts on the entire excursion... i think i will focus on getting in 30 minutes in the cardio theater - gosh hope its a good movie
and then finally splash on into the pool - since it has been some time since i was in the water last - and since i am still hacking up a lung - this may not be a very long swim - i may just focus on a krueger distnace of 400 yards...
AHHH - and then the sauna!  that will be nice in this cold... and then the showers
I am mostly taking off tomorrow to address the non-existent holiday shopping to date - i know it is still early but i dont even feel like my list is all that good - so that will be the rest of my day into the evening...
then off to bed EARLY got that race to do in the morning... OH - have to pick up my bib in the afternoon as well...
I'll let you know how that all pans out

yoga in the morning

given the cold temps the idea to get up and stretch and yoga inside instead of an early AM walk has been a good change in itinerary.  HOWEVER - wow! let me tell you how incredibly stiff i find that i am at that hour... I am doing a basic sun salutation routine and definitely feel it...
Sure this is not getting the heart pumping and the internal temperature up over the top but it is great to have a specific little piece of time carved out to stretch those muscles...
really like it!
will continue with this practice going forward

back on that yoga treadmill mix

the yoga in the am is a good objective - just kind of hard to get moving at that hour...
i notice how stiff and tight my muscles are right out of rolling out of bed...
but it needs to be done
as for the treadmill - i cant say that i have enjoyed it - but the way the treadmill forces you to run a little bit faster than self paced pace... is quite helpful for the overall push...

Turkey Day Observations

I had mentioned the other day I would follow up with some of my observations from the Turkey Trot.
First of all - the 9am start time made for a nice alarm time since it was a day off.  Did not feel like I had to get up super early to make it there on time.  I was glad for that.
The temperature was cold but it didnt stay unbearbly cold for too long and ended up being a rather nice temperature to run in.  I suspect if I had the kick a$$ Garmin I would have been able to track the temperature but oh well...  As for the whole weekend - the weather was exceptionally nice.
The cold.  The allergies.  So it was lunch time Tuesday that I started to feel a tickle in my throat.  I thought it was something too tangy with my lunch.  But it persisted.  By race day I had deficit of sleep from the sore throat thing.  Not enough neti pot to help with the post nasal drip while sleeping.  And that cough drop in the mouth while I sleep?  I know that is such a bad approach to dealing with the persisitent sore throat while sleeping.  Well on race day - that orange flavored Halls Vitamin C Drop lasted as long as the 3.1miles of the race.  Something had to be done to help with that.
On the more non-sensical things...
Not everybody saw the leave your dogs at home note on the web-site.  Sure the bulldog was cute.  And that cuddly black pug?...  And of course neither of them we would expect to get in the way of the race but....  the note was no dogs... 
Not everybody checked themselves out in the mirror before leaving their homes...  um, some of those turkey hats?  They truly looked more like penises (sorry I had to say it) sticking up out of people's heads than turkeys... Didnt those people at least have a family member to stop them... or at least each other?
And for those in the Christmas gear - the race is called a TURKEY TROT....
More importantly were the crowds in general.  You know I am one not to usually like crowds.  Half the reason I like the whole tri concept is no one is going to talk to me while I am swimming or biking and hardly ever while running.  So the crowds on race day make me a little intimidated.  But this was a great feeling.  I guess because there were so many people.  Or because the start line is right in front of my office and therefore my comfort level is at an even keel.  Just not sure.  But really liked the crowd.
Looking forward to doing it again next year.
Now - next week - GingerSnap 5k

SouthPark Turkey Trot 2011

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

will have to post observations from the road later...

Yoga & Treadmill

Every week a little something different...
So this week I am focusing on trying to run a practice run on the route of the Turkey Trout next Thursday.  Of course the problem with the course - if I dont get out of the office exactly at 5pm it really isnt condusive to run the course....  getting too dark with the onslaught of traffic of crazy people on their cell phones driving home and not paying attention...
Instead last night I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill.
I had remembered my trainer suggesting I use the treadmill to force a faster fast.  So I decided I would set up an interval session on the treadmill.  And let me say this.  With the treadmill designated speed and incline I did not find that I ran any faster or any better.  BUT it felt like CRAP!
I think I end up pounding too hard on my heel on the forward stride in an effort to offset that feeling that you could fall off the end.  I cant figure out on how to get the run to happen behind me so to speak or for the front of the foot to strike when on the treadmill.
Now I must admit the 7mph speed felt real comfortable but the offset was hard to adjust to
Will try again today - unless of course I get some time available at the office.
Yoga in the morning - because my focus is run run run between now and next week... and since I am feeling the tightening of muscles as a result of those efforts, I have decided that I will make my AM focus the gradual progression of a sun salutation that I have come across in a magazine I bought MONTHS ago.  Not as easy as you would think.  It doesnt get my heart pumping or sweat flowing like the overbundled walk but need to get it in the mix.
So that is this week.

Kate's Krew Fun Run - The Oaks

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

Was supposed to be 3 miles but I think I shortcut some cul-de-sacs along the way or something.
I am happy with the pace... see that firt mile?
The up hills were surely a battle.
But what a great feeling to get that done on a chilly Saturday morning.

Next Race - Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving Day
Others have signed up for the 8k but I will be sticking with just the 5k
I think the next 2 weeks of training will be to run the course after work each night
OH JOY!

race route

first off can i just say i am so tired of the little guy barking and whining all the time... he has decided he wants to be really vocal at crazy early hours and even more so once we all get up.... errrr....   i like quiet at this hour - even the weather girl squawking at us about the temp today since we have a race in little over an hour... is just too much commotion for me...

so today's race is going to cover the following roads - well some of the roads... i did go a little further distance wise on sunday

well that caught up to me - 2

so i took a little breather on the evening workout last night and hung out with a friend...
no, i wouldnt say the wine caught up to me...  but definitely feeling had my fill in all that area
so when i woke up this morning i was good to go for the morning walk
the opposite walk and the opposite hills are doing well - not sure how that will work for saturday morning
thinking the cold will be the worst of it all...
what i felt when i got up this morning?  what caught up to me?
those exercise tv exercise on demand videos have caught up on me...
it has been a 20 minute fat burn video that is a combingation of cardio and weight training
another 10 minutes of cardio core that focuses on the core/abs
and 17 minute athletic stretch which is a hint of yoga...
and something in the mix has caught up to me
amazing with all the swim bike run that an aerobic video on the tv can generate that much sweat and all
and there are some painful stomache muscles at the moment as well
so one more night of that and then race day!

that caught up to me...

the time change that is...  i have gotten out of the 9pm bed time routine this week.
OK I know it is only Wednesday so how much of  a routine can I possibly have dropped it...
I just havent been getting to bed at the right time to get back up AND I need to get back on that
Sunday night - I think I did OK, Monday night I got sucked into a 9PM tv show - I so hate when that happens, Tuesday I ended up staying up later than anticipated reading...  I REALLY hate when that happens... so much so I am giving myself a challenge to leave the book on the night stand for the next 2 nights...  If I can going to get sucked in and not turn off the light then I need to wait to do that on the weekend.
There was also some outside noices that werent too disturbing just distracted me. 
And then the little guy - he has a thing where he is sound asleep on his bed when I go to bed.  So I leave him there.  And then a few hours later he starts wimpering and whining to go to his crate.  NOTE TO SELF - wake him up and put in his crate when I go to bed...
He is also waking up some times in the middle of the night as well. I hope he outgrows that.
Lastly - I SHOULD NOT have had that little piece of healthy chocolate as late as I did.  It was tasty but probably too much caffeine.

What does all this mean?  No walk this morning.
And I must say the alternate workouts have made me feel a bit stiff achy and tires as well.
BUT I will try this again tonight.

oh and another...

and since that interview has lead me to think that maybe james bond theme songs could be some sort of genre... i have started to think that this song fits the category as well...



again, not an official video but you get the gist...
now off to bed - this time change thing is really starting to get to me...

did another hour of cardio aerobic yoga like videos this evening...
kind of enjoying this change in scenery
also surprised at the challenge it has introduced to the workout

James Bond

with the news of the newest james bond movie.. i was reminded of this song... well this interview... and i think i agree with richard now that the concept has been introduced to my right brain left brain - whichever it is...


suppose i should see if i can find a video of the actual song

cross training

no hill drill last night...  i got sidetracked by the time change and the darkness...  and of course the acknowldgement that doing hills drills can draw attention to oneself...
so what did i do instead?  well this has to do with the fact i have noticed soreness and pain is not part of my workouts these days - yes, aches and pains in the joints but not any of that burning muscle pain..
so i decided it is time to switch it up some - we shall see how it works...
i did 30 minutes of cardio weight training - man did that work up a sweat... i really did not think it would have that much of an impact...
from there i did about 10 minutes of a yoga routine but struggled with keeping pace and lost focus...
i have another yoga reference that i will try with the cardio piece tonight...

to offset the lack of hill drills last night
you guessed it - i did the reverse neighborhood walk this morning and threw in a few more hills to the mix...
looking forward to Saturday... know I wont be the first one over the finish line... suspect I could be the last... and I really dont care

hill drill

i have decided that in preparation for the road race on saturday
running around a track at the gym does not equate to the race around that other neighborhood
so i decided i would try to focus on hill drills this week
it has been some time since i have done any hill drills...
it basically is a series of running up the hill taking a break, running down the hill taking a break
i think i have some of the running down the hill under control but that lift the knees up aspects of the up the hill routine could use some more work...
so that will be this week's routine...
will make more sense out of the concept as the week progresses

athletic-wear

so yesterday's laundry entailed most of the dog blankets..  given the comments from the previous post - B spends a lot of time in his crate these days and nights... and we go through lots of blankets
so most Saturday's are blanket washing day
Sundays are when the gym clothes are washed
other clothes just fall in there somewhere
the problem is - the dog hair...  it gets everywhere - it is in the carpet, on the furniture and it gets in the clothes!
nothing worse - OK there are things that are worse but - a course dog hair stuck in the workout clothes sticking you while you are working out... in the foot, in the boob, in the butt... it is never somewhere easily accessible and not irritating... it is always in those awkward hard to reach places...
so much so - i have started inspecting socks and other undergarments for stray hairs when they come out of the wash
the things we learn and observe as we continue through this workout hobby

what's with that sign

so after i shake off the rifle incident and run to the post office and back to get some more fresh air and distance i come on into the neighborhood... sometimes i add some distance by tinkering around the neighborhood... this time i just walked it out a little bit past my house... and there was this sign in the common area between some townhouse buildings..
you know who you are pick up after your dog
and i thought - oh great what has bacchus done now that i havent noticed?
and i got all defensive because as you know i am just tired of all the cat food being left out for the strays that attract not just stray cats but those rodents i mentioned earlier in the week... and the cats are killing things and leaving them to rot in the grass, on the road, on the patio... oh and the cats are pooping in places they shouldnt as well...
i was really besides myself
and then i saw the sign was next to a pile of poop...
phew because as we all know - B does not go to the bathroom standing still. he walks and pees and walks and poops...  so it was not anything he has done...  although i do get very self conscious about what he is up to when we go out...
will be interesting to see what happens with the sign and the poop...  i wonder who put the sign out... i wonder who the dog in question is...
what really chaps my hide on the whole thing - B and I are outside a LOT!!!!  we go out and walk around - although distance is not his thing anymore...  we sit outside and take in the sun on the back patio... we spent a good amount of time today in the front yard gardening... and these people who seem to be complaining all the time about the dogs?  I NEVER SEE THEM!  I NEVER SEE ANYONE!!!
errr....

is that a rifle?

as i mentioned i ran in a different neighborhood this morning... i am doing a 3 mile race in that neighborhood next weekend to benefit a little girl that lives there... she has been diagnosed with lymphoma and the race will go to help her medical costs..  it is closer to home and a better cause than the race i was looking at
but let me tell you there are going to be some hills...
i decided to go over there today to check them out - a good friend of mine walks over there a lot - he does all the culdesacs (where I just cant be bothered) and he has said there are hills... it runs around the outside of our neighborhood so one would expect hills given the hills in our neighborhood...
back and forth i went in and out some of the culdesacs and up and down i went on the hills
i was working my way out of the neighborhood when i saw two little boys playing in their front yard
the one came running to the end of the driveway pciked up a rifle and with good form actually pointed it at me... i looked at him and said out loud "really?"  and he smiled...  i continued running
then i turned around and he was following me with the rifle... at that point i asked him to please not point the rifle at me...  and kept running... it wasnt until i was another quarter of a mile down the road that it hit me that perhaps i should have stopped what i was doing and marched right on up to the little boy's front door and speak with his parents...  but then who knows what the reaction of the parents would have been... shoot - the imagination just races... i mean most parents i know that have given toy guns to their children strongly strictly enforce that guns are not to be pointed at people or animals...
so after next week's race, i may not keep this neighborhood in my routine...
or maybe he will be out next saturday and i can give him a piece of my mind

that was a good attempt

so i did a little loop around the 'hood to deliver thank you cards... it was a good warm up - although i just read a good article on the warm up that needs to include more than just a slower version of the forward motion of running... will have to expand on that more later...
went to the neighborhood where that race is next weekend... gonna have to check the endomondo reading because i really had no idea where i was...  the road in is a good run down - that felt good... then i pretty much meandered around the neighborhood - it is an understatement to call it a cul-de-sac community - wo were there a bunch of culdesacs...  i made a good effort of running down most of the hills and even tried some up the hills... the residents probably had a good chuckle as I went through my little UP motivation chant and verbally gave myself objectives and high fives as i ran along... 
when i made it back up that first hill and out of the neighborhood- crossing was a bit of an issue... so i walked along the wooded area of the road
and somehow along the way i convinced myself to keep going and walk/run to the post office and back...
it was a good workout for sure..
from there i went a little crazy...
i finally cut back the lantana and pretty much yucked the zinnias out of the dirt...  the zinnia pieces i walked up the hill and into the woods flowers, buds, roots and all...  they were a bit too stalky to get in the garbage and i thought the flowers would do well for the bees that were still feeding on the flowers as i was cleaning out the garden..
the weeds and the lantana were fit into a 5gallon bucket which makes it easier to then transfer into a garbage bag.
from there i went to lowes and bought some more mulch to put over the remaining lantana base as well as the oleander bases...  we shall see how that goes
that's when the long hot bath came into play to soak all the muscles... and now i have the compression socks on, a pot of tea in front of me, homemade hummus and veggies and some football
a good day!

let's move

So my mom's non-house warming party was last night... my learning experience from last week was beer makes my stomache feel gross... and this week i have confirmed that wine makes my head feel gross - actually my head hurt before i even went to bed...  kind of sheds a different light on my plans for next weekend...
so with all the going to bed early getting up early - the dog has been trained to like 530AM...  as indicated by his whimpering in his crate both yesterday and today (of course today it was 430)...  and I have found it is not too hard to crawl back in bed and go to sleep for another 3 hours...  of course if i could sleep through i probably would see the 730 hour instead of missing it to 830 but....  just something to remember at the end of the day in an effort to go back to bed...

i did not make it to the gym on friday - ok i did not make it on the track on friday... i made it to the gym... i made it into the locker room... i made it through half of my change of clothes and then realised - NO SNEAKERS!  they were still sitting under my coffee table from the AM walk... so I left...
i really needed that run - I had lots on my mind... i have already poured that out elsewhere so no need to revisit it here...  instead i watched tv on demand and prepped for the party...

yesterday i got the run in... i did the neighborhood and to the post office and back.. not a full 3.1 but it was enough..
today is a beautiful day and i am just slightly procrastinating on getting out there....
i struggle with the structured attempt at getting more run into my agenda and just going out there for the heck of it... i am leaning towards the latter this morning...
i am going to go check out the neighborhood next door as that is where the race is next weekend...
we shall see how that goes...

Leland - Run - 2.1 miles by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

Leland - Run - 2.1 miles by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

this is the other long distance run that looks all wonky

Running longer distance

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

So I have been trying to run longer distances in one set. Really shooting for .25 to .30 of a mile... Oh stop laughing... But when you look at this pace you will see that my pace gets a bit out of sorts when I shoot for the longer distance. That would be the first 3 quarters where I tried to run. But look at the consistency of pace on those last sections.
Makes me wonder.
Going to unlock some of the runs from last week - one in particular from Wilmington - that has a real odd display of varying pace. But hey I "ran" for quite a distance. Just looks all shoddy with pace etc.

It was suggested this evening by a friend that I just give up the walking and just jog the distance.
What I can say with my pace and form when trying to run at a jog - I HATE IT!... I feel it in my calves. I feel it in my shins... I feel it in the way my feet hit the ground and lift back up.
So I will continue with the concept - just not sure how well it will progress...

Gonna go look over stats again.
Thanks for the motivation
and the belated birthday wishes :)

Run Run RUN

I am mentally getting my head around this concept - GO TO THE GYM TONIGHT AND EACH NIGHT THE REST OF THIS WEEK...
I havent been to the gym in quite some time so I think it would be well worth the effort
I had hit some cool personal bests when I was running outside last week...  I even ran a little short of a full mile when I was away... So this week's objective at the gym
one lap walk - two laps run for at least 2 miles...
and then wing it for the 3rd mile...
will do that for the next 3 nights
and then run outside over the weekend...
considering doing a 5k on the 12th so need to get to it...
actually have 3 on my radar over the next 6 weeks!

trying to get my head around the 2012 triathlon schedule as well...  wish me luck!

and one last thing - not only are you consistently getting out there and running but you are running fast - good for you (obviously not a comment directed at myself)

walking again

and that may not sound like a major feat... i had only been on the road for 2 weeks - well maybe it was close to 3 or 4 of inconsistent mornings for walking...
this is the first week where i am back on the day to day schedule of work
so i got the walk in yesterday
and again today
OF course it is only 39F out this morning and the heat is finally on
funny the amount of layers i have had on
pajamas - which do double as long underwear; drawstring pants - they are my makeshift layering walking pants; long sleeve running shirt - this is the one with the hood that i got for my birthday; fleece pullover - yes i have 3 shirts on before heading out there...
i think i was substantially warm enough
just too many layers to consider running but that run is going to get HAS to get back in the mix later this week...

Halloween

Could not work in a workout this evening...  who wants to run around the neighborhood when all the kids are kicking about the neighborhood loking for candy...
so had some wine and some candy with the little guy...

She ROX Bermuda

A friend is in the final stretch for this race on Sunday.  I have looked at the race a few times just not sure how I would do in the open water swim off South Shore or the ride on the hills around that area.  I think I will stick to finding a race at Clearwater.
But with all that being said...
I cant believe there is going to be a race with water so late in the season.
Last night - I unsuccessfully did not make it to November - I turned on the heat.  At 68F it has kicked on a few times.  And when I went on my walk this morning there were all sorts of layers going on.  So to think there will be outside swimming this weekend..
BBBrrrrrr....!!!!

vanilla whoopie pie

i probably should print this recipe but not hooked up at the moment..
this is the recipe i use for vanilla cake
http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2010/12/18/vanilla-whoopie-pies-with-chocolate-ganache/

now to find the spice aspect to make it more FALL!

Jagger revisited

For those of who saw me dancing on my birthday (just in case it is continuing to go unnoticed) you will know the Jagger song is in my head and wont get out.
But here is where I continue to pick on the song.  Guess I am not fond of them capitalising on an icon.  So whats with this take me by the tongue verse? How exactly do you do this? And if those are truly the words than my thought that the next line was kiss me on junk wouldnt have been too far off.  And I think really?  You take a musical talent in verse add a catchy dance beat and some Christina overtop... and still half the kids listening dont know who it is....
Today I thought I would assist and look for my fave pic of Mick. Well it is not really of him.  It is his wrist. And it is more like a car wreck than appealing. I beleive the story is that in the midst of an Annie Leibovitz shoot he put his hand through a window. He cut his wrist open good.  No luck finding her pic on the net.  A Warhol pic of the sutures was out there but not what I was looking for.
So I gave up and went for a run.
Two nights running in the neighborhood behind the hotel.  Flat. Some personal bests on distance. And no music.
Now at dinner... The Rolling Stones comes on.  I know the song. All the words. It was released when I was in grade 3 or 4. There is a line about bring a case of wine that I thought was - if your rib cage is wide.  I knew about ribs at that age not wine...
Anyways that is what prompted my revisiting Mr Levine.

Little break

Did not run or anything last night. Packed up car and went to bed. Something most likely someone woke me up a little after 11 and i tossed and turned for a bit. NOT FUN when you have your alarm set for 356... 
It was a productive day even with the disrupted sleep.  However i did find i gravitated towards the unhealthy when it came to eating. Just YUCK on McDonalds. I am aksays shocked at how gross it is.
Dinner was a salad with an OK dessert.
Didnt think my energy level would equate to a workiut but it did.2.5 miles yay me....
Now another early nigbt just coz i am tie-wed.

night time run...

didnt really have the motivation to go to the gym yesterday
well more so that i did not have the motivation to pack my gym bag...
so i ran around the neighborhood when i got home late last night...
my take away - WOW Halloween = the new Christmas lights...
who knew?

i enjoyed the run
but woke up with an odd foot pain around 309 this morning...
a little compression sock and ace bandage seemed to help

now off to work

run....

followed the same format of the run as i did on saturday
i was a bit more tired on this run - a little sore in spots, a little less motivated, and the mental game wasnt as strong...
i still did the 2 quarter mile runs - with the 3rd in the series just evading me...
then did 90 secs on and 90 secs off for a series of 3...  
and then did the downhill runs home...
all felt OK
need to keep at it this week - just not sure how that is actually going to happen...

get on out there...

so a few observations and such from the last few days of running...
it appears the some of the systems and their settings interfer with my stats..
for example - the first run as per endomondo always ends up being the slowest mile - i think that even with the 60 second delay i am still getting acclimated with getting started by the time it kicks in...
i think i can deal with that...
then if i am running around town - the top of the hill gets messed up as the traffic around here has increased exponentially and i have to wait to be able to cross...  i can stay on the sidewalk on this side of the street but that only gives me a mile at best... i have thought about just waiting until i am across the street to get started...
BUT then today I noticed that there are other parts along the road - like at the coffeehouse - where you yet again have to stop for traffic - now I understand the importance of all that - dont get me wrong ... i just need to come to terms with how it is interpretted in my stats.
from there - i got some new winter weather running shirts for my birthday.. they are wicking material with some thinner form of fleece on the inside and a hood...  i wasnt sure how i would feel about it today as i headed out for my run - WOW - loved it!  the thumb hole for the sleeve was a nice touch... the higher collar even without the hood up was good against cold drafts down the neck... and overall i was pretty darned warm...  looking forward to using it again...

and lastly - I tried to push myself today... not sure it was an all out push but... i looked over some stats - noticed I had been averaging about 60 second of running with a 60 second break.. i decided to test myself on two fronts... the first part of the run - i calculated quarter mile distances thanks to mapmyrun...  i succeeded with 2 out of the 3 quarter mile runs in that section...  then i opted for 90 secs on 90 secs off...  that worked out OK too... and at the end I found I ran even longer

Gonna try it again tomorrow and Monday...
not sure how the rest of the week will pan out with work travel etc and sleep deprivation with early hours...
do admit i am looking forward to some time away from home...

phew...

So Thursday was a birthday - for those of you who continually forget to put two and two together - and you know who you are...
In a lower key but still true birthday fashion we went out...  You know 2 years ago was the party on the new patio.  That was fun to entertain in my home but lots of work.  Last year was the pub crawl.  That was not too much work just a bit of preparation and coordinating of the crowds.  This year I wasnt really planning on doing anything so we just walked up the street to grab some food and drinks.  The food was within reason as far as pub food is concerned...  The drinks not so much - martinis, shots, beers...  Good thing I only do that once in a while.  My wallet, waistline and overall productivity would not survive if that lifestyle was more frequent.  And I know from the crowd that there are some that this is something on a more frequent basis...  I dont know how they function.  Interestingly the pubs are doing their own form of pub crawl this evening.  Promoting it as the first annual but we know who the real trend setter was last year...
So from the way I felt yesterday maybe it wasnt all that low key but the planning was minimal.
And I had a good time. 
I spent the day lounging in the sun on my patio - it gets so hot out there in the summer that I dont venture out there all that often.  But this time of year is downright pleasant.  I spent most of that time and most of my whole day reading The Hunger Games.  It came highly recommended by many people.  And even though it is a young adult book I must admit I did find myself sucked in.  A little like a Lord of the Flies of the future.  A friend of a friend was telling me that it has a political message but to tell you the truth - unless you are an English professor (which she was) - it is lost on me. 
I did finally break out of the rut and went for a run.  I only did a mile.  I thought I would go further BUT it was chillier out there than in the cover of my patio and I was not dressed warm enough.  AND um about half a mile in my head said OUCH...  hydration is key...  But I am glad I got out there.
Grabbed a burrito at Moes to cure whatever ailed me.  I havent been there in a while - it was tasty but still prefer Chipotle.
And ultimately finished reading The Hunger Games while taking a long hot bath.  Sad to admit that the long aspect of the bath was because I got sucked into finishing the book.  And the hot aspect of the bath was no longer applicable by the time I emerged from the water.  Silly girl...
I went to bed at a decent hour and am now looking forward to a good day of multiple tasks...
I did step on the scale just to see what the damage was ...  NOTHING!
thank goodness - I didnt want to be too hard on myself for my indiscressions

bummer

with all the running biking swimming and stuff i thought this morning's date with the scale would have shown some improvement but not so much...
i guess my previous engagements with beer, wine, marshmallows, smores, pumpkin whoopie pies...  i should not be too surprised...
today's goal was to be down a few more pounds..
today will entail more junk food and beer or wine (havent decided which yet) so...
TOMORROW - it is going to be another bike, run, swim combo
still contemplating the course for the bike ride in my head... and then trying to decide where to run...
the swim - i am hoping to stop by SCCL for that - we shall see...

4AM alarm...

and to think back on the days of Oasis getting home by 4am was a good thing...
this morning when i startled myself at 3:52am because I thought I had slept through my 4AM alarm... a different story...
i went to bed a little after 9...  woke up around 940 and tossed and turned for almost an hour...
driving for 90 minutes in the pitch black and rain took its toll this morning - havent done much night driving these summer months - for obvious reasons - and havent done much rain driving either..
after speaking with various people over the course of the day - for the second day in a row -
i got back in my car for the 90 minute drive home...
gym bag packed and in the back seat...
i told myself - just get a mile out of you...
and if it needs to be just a walk then that's OK...  or you could try to do at least a quarter of a mile at run...
about 45 mintues into the drive well the rain started again and about 20 mintues from home the sky opened up...
so now i sit on the couch - the untouched gym bag has been moved from the back seat to the bedroom..
i have had some soup and an apple for dinner and hope to make it to 9PM...
get back on pace for tomorrow...
and then start again next week

jogging backwards

this is for the kid running backwards (awkwardly) around the track at the gym... reminded me of a story i read once that claimed mick jagger ran backwards to keep the lift in is behind...
and then i thought of this song - poor kids that dont know what this is referencing...
and then adam in his emaciated tatooed form has to dance around shirtless all over the video... sadly still does not even match mick...  just saying...  do like the song and could potentially add to my run mix

run

went to origins after work... wasnt really planning on going there.. but they called so i went...
it was a good thing, i hadnt really been paying attention but all the running and swimming and biking has really been drying out my skin...  i just keep feeling it as tight when i get out of the shower ...  and wouldnt you know - there is a reason that i own so many products - it is because i have such dry skin and i really need to do something about it - like USE IT!!!  it was amazing how nice my skin felt when it was all done...
again this morning - after last night's run, this mornings shower, and the chilly air outside.. could really use that product RIGHT NOW...
so now that I have added to that collection I really need to make the time for it... sounds silly maybe maybe not...

so the run - i mean are you really that interested in my ramblings about moisturizer
I went to the gym - i am quite proud of myself - i did 1 walk, 2 run x 4 for the first mile...  i walked all of the second mile but was within the 15 minute mile pace...
so the 2 lap is my focus for this week...

of course today's will be a struggle as i need to be awake at 4am tomorrow
so it will be some commitment to get the sleep in and the run in...
there will be no $$ accumulated for the morning run this week unless i find a way to justify it at the end of the week.
next week may be just as difficult.

cycle

today was a beautiful day - and once i was all done with the 4 hours of ce - i decided a bike ride was in order...  i was on the fence - was going to give myself a repreive but who knows how much longer this weather will continue...  so i went over to SCCL and rode for just under 12 miles...
WOW there sure are some crazy hills over in that neighborhood..
the silliest thing about it all - i got a bit of a sun burn..
i thought as i was getting into the tub - nothing like a long hot bath to round a weekend of activity - that my face looked a little red....  but it wasnt until i was lying there in the tub and realised i have a very distinct tan line right above my knees from my tri shorts...
ooopss....  might want to go and yuck that sun screen back out from way under the bathroom sink...

this week is a transition to running - crazy i know

brain purge

you know this happens to me all the time - i am at work, on the road, driving, swimming, biking, running... no where near my computer and i have a moment where i think of something that at that point in time seems it is the best blog topic ever...  of course by the time my butt hits the couch and i am in front of the computer - NOTHING!!!  happens all the time...
so I am going to try to remember what those ramblings have been...
i could go on for pages about the whole occupy thing but my financial planner background has been upsetting too many people at this point...  so we will keep it light out here..
i do have an observation about the right on red rule - sure, i know not all of you readers can actaully take advantage of the right on red law where you are...  and i am beginning to think that it should be revoked.. my understanding was that you needed to come to a complete stop at your red light and then and only then if it is ALL clear you could proceed...  all too often i see people not really stop - hello - a little dangerous if there is a car coming.... but the one that gets me the most - the intersection where it isnt all clear where it is just short of a gridlock situation and they roll on into the stopped traffic.. the last i checked that is not ALL CLEAR....  it just gets me...
on a totally different note - gym lockers and panties...  i have a friend that encourages the packing of panties that should be on their way out when you travel and then instead of carrying dirty panties in your luggage you just throw them out and have a little more space in your luggage...  these are to be packed in your suitcase or overnight bag...  NOT in you gym bag...  nothing worse than getting to the gym and realising the one and only place where strangers are going to see your under garments and you have the wrong set in the wrong bag...  this hasnt happened to me but i think of it every morning when i get dressed and know i am headed for the gym and when i pack my gym bag...
and why do my bathing suits keep getting torn up?  it seems the chlorine is just eating threw them way too quickly... my speedo top - my fave - is just starting to show some wear but my fun reebok boy short bottoms are really feeling the effects - i am beginning to think that quick dry thing in all locker rooms is a way to totally destroy your suits all the while you think you are doing something good for them...  i suppose i should do a better job of tracking my usage as well - i imagine that has something to do with it...
and if that wasnt bad enough... when i left for ireland i had laid all my swim gear out on the chair in my bedroom... not too sure why - contemplating taking some of the peices with me, contemplated using that gym bag... for whatever reason the swim caps and goggles and stuff were sitting on the chair...  i came home to find my one swim cap had melted into itself and the pillow it had been resting on...  again must be something with the chlorine...  if only i knew someone who knew something about polymers that could put some effort into some form of fiber that withstand the abuse of the chlorine in the pools...  mind you i am all about the chlorine killing the germs...
hydration - i have purchased a couple of different forms of coconut water in the past month... i am prety hard core on the Naked variety... dont know why - I guess it was the first version I have had... well i tried some others that were flavored - problem being they have added sweeteners and sugars that counteract the potassium hydration AND usually have less potassium... i tried coco libre for the second time today - and i swear it has a cocoa flavor to it... now we all not chocolate and cocoa are not the same coco... so how is that chocolate flavor getting into it... i will be doing more research on that....  i am not onto water in my effort tohydrate...
well i am off to a friends house for a pre-bday dinner... i need to find something to where...
i am currently wearing my Stereophonics tshirt - sad that Wales lost today against France in the Rugby Cup semis...  I think I may leave the tshirt on...
i also have shorts on - and as nice as it is right now sitting on my couch looking out the open windows and my blooming oleander, zinnia and dahlia.... i know all too well, the sun will go down and jeans will be needed...

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

first run around the neighborhood in a while...
i also covered 12 miles on the bike today
and 13x4 in the pool...
now for a little nap before a little bday celebration...

woo hoo - yay me!

so I have been focusing on the first 17 days of the 17 day diet for the past 4 weeks... yes, if you do the math you will find that there are more than 17 days in 4 weeks but it was hard to stay on track at times and i did regroup in the middle etc...
during this time i have also slowly gotten myself back on track with walking, running, biking and swimming...  ok the running could potentially fall at the end of the pecking order of things i've done but you get my point...
i have truly enjoyed my new routine of morning walks - although as i have noticed this week - red wine with friends for heartfelt conversation in the evening does not lend itself all too well with the AM walk...  actually have missed the walk twice this week for that reason - and in hindsight i will say it was a very good reason...
i had fun with last week's trip to the gym and riding the stationary bike... i enjoyed riding my real bike...
this week i struggled with the swim but have gotten back into it quickly and am ramping up my distance at a good pace....  next week will see the run added back into the mix and will stay the predominant focus as i am adding some road races to my agenda between now and the end of the year...
if i want to do that mud run and the disney tri - i really need to get my running game in line...
with all of these pieces the focus has been to try to get back to eating better and exercising...
and as of today - 8 pounds later - i can thankfully say i am back to my weight pre-Thanksgiving stress that was laid down on my last year...  it was a rough couple of months in there where the focus was definitely on other things all work related..  i am glad to have shed those 8 pounds... now there is another 8 to get down to RR-RH weight where I was last summer... yes in the midst of all last year's changes in the office and around home I did manage to gain 16 pounds - maybe even more if i had gotten on a scale when i got back from Ireland but we will just ignore that :)
with the birthday week - i will be a little more leniant (sp?) but not too much...
tonight I have to get that swim in that I missed last night...
this weekend i think i am going to try to hit up my mom's pool because of it's length - i really want to get in a mile...  but i also want to do a whole bunch other stuff so we shall see...

swimming

3 nights in a row now... how lovely!
monday night's swim was a bit of s a struggle... i felt guilty that i only made it for 15 minuts...
tonight was just short of 30 minutes... and back on track to where i want to be
and the most amazing aspect - OMG - left side breathing is starting to feel comfortable after 3 years of drills to get to that point...
i am all packed again for tomorrow... not sure it will happen... i am up at the Speedway for work... well near the Speedway - the perks of fanatical traffic are in my future... depending on that outcome will impact my arrival time to the gym and my ability to make it in the pool...
oh i am so going to admit this - and you, the super committed and obsessed one, will have to get a good laugh out of this... i dont want to do the yoga class because I shamefully do not want to miss the Vampire Diaries...  OK stop laughing now

cycling

long lost post - no not really it is only wednesday...
over the weekend i decided to take a ride near my mom's new house... i had thought about it all summer while they were building and finally decided to give it a try this weekend...
there were hills that i never really noticed while in the car..
but the biggest realization - wow, those power lines make a whole lot of buzzing and clicking when you ride under them.
thankfully they are not near my mom's house
it surely can't be good to live that close to them

Glad I got out when I did

The alarm went off again at 530... dont want to hear it from you that get up and are coming back in at this hour...  I am continuing my campaign to do a morning walk every work day.  It has not been happening every day of every week but the consistency (for me) is impressive...
This week starts some of the trickiness - today is a polymer day... but thankfully the commute is about the same to my office so no change in the gameplan - just need to make sure to stay on task to get out of the house on time...
Tomorrow is race day - this should be interesting. According to google maps the commute time is about 45 minutes. I hope that at that hour the traffic and race fans are minimal...  It may however impact my morning walk...
So this morning I got up and out and it was a pleasant little mile walk...
Glad I got it out of the way - it sounds like it is pretty much pouring out there at this time.

This evening is swim time again.
Monday night I did 500 yards at the SCCL pool.
Last night was at the gym. I did 8x4 which translates to something around 700 yards.
This evening it will depend on my exit time from work...  If on time then UA if not then SCCL.
This is SWIM WEEK!
Next week is back to run week.

swim

really? in going back through my notes it looks like the last time I swam was August 3rd...
so it has been 2 months since I have been in the water...
wow - no wonder it felt so slow and heavy in the water

good morning

i slept like crap last night...  i went to bed early - well VD went off at 9, i put clothes away for about 30 minutes and then as soon as i lay my head on the pillow - i wasnt tired, i was distracted, my mind started wandering and then racing... about what?  who knows, it makes very little sense in the light of day - or at least almost light of day since the sun is not officially UP yet...
i stuck to my mission however and did get up and go walking this morning... i would like to say it helps to clear the head...  i suppose it does... it sure makes you feel like you started off the day on the right foot

i have enjoyed the staionary bike at the gym too - it is somewhat easier to track pace and force myself through some exercises - especially since i dont own any really cool computer gadgets for my bike like others.... but hey if others are feeling generous, the birthday is right around the corner...  i have been working on getting back to being comfortable with the whole riding thing...  i hope to get on the bike tomorrow and Sunday... it is supposed to be a rather nice weekend and i am not sure how much longer thos will last...  well before i have to invest in longer bike shorts... i guess those would be called pants at that point

i am trying to stay focused for the next 8 days... and then regroup...
i think it is going OK - i will tell from the scale come tomorrow morning...

biking and walking

i have been doing pretty good this week... got that walk in every morning - well except yesterday...  too much vampire diaries on tuesday night...
AND i have been to the gym to ride the stationary bike all week except yesterday as well
i am continuing my obsession with trying to get my time down on the 8.05m distance
it is a random distance i know...  but that's what the week started with so...

right now i am struggling with getting the garmin data to download from my watch to the ANT stick...errrr

UA - Bike - 8.05 miles in 36 minutes by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

UA - Bike - 8.05 miles in 36 minutes by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

the stationary bike was good too... although i had somewhat forgotten the feel of sitting on those seats for so long.. not as comfy as the bike seats...

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

Untitled by delbda at Garmin Connect - Details

back into the run of it...
felt good...
knees are in check and everything...
but then again, ask me again tomorrow

Gym

Walking into the gym for the first time in i dont know how long

Chilly

Well this mornings positive self talk revolved around it not being that cold. It said 39f on my phone. And it was cold upstairs. And it sure was cozy in bed. So that internal chat took some time. Then there were the layers - the crazy print fleece pants made their outside debut for this season along with a few layers and sweatshirt and windbreaker on top... and it was topped off eith ear warmers and gloves... a bit much? Maybe. Hard to say. I was warm. I did sweat some. It was a quick walk.
This evening I am trying to psyche myself up for a spin class. Actually that is my goal for this week. To try to make it to the 4 evening spin classes. The time is right if I can get out if work on time.
As for tbe chill... not sure when that is supposed to blow out of here. I am on a flower watch at the moment. Pretty soon the zinnia and lantana will have to be trimmed back. I have had grest luck with the oleanders in the ground this season so they too will need some TLC over the winter months. And the volunteer portulaca will need to be replaced with some pansies I supppose.

I have found the pool that I want to swim in...!!!

I am patiently waiting for an invitation...

Faster pace

So today was back at a faster pace.  YES - I know most thought today would be a bike ride day.  Did you see the temps around here?  There was no way I was taking the new bike out in this.  The old bike I would manuever with inapprorpiate bike attire but not the new bike.  And since I only own tri shorts I didnt feel I would be warm enough.... And we can talk about how cold my ears get as well - but maybe another time.
So I kicked around the house for a while - straightening, laundry and the such.  Then I ventrued out to the Greenway.  I havent been there in ages.  I really hemmed and hawed (no sniff and scurry in this scenario) over going there.  But I am so glad I made the effort.  Sure there are other places that I could try but this is such a nice trail. AND today of all days - it wasnt that crowded.  Thanks goodness.  So down the trail I went.
Surprised myself with a run mix of 2 on 1 off for the first mile.  The second mile was a little more as comfortable.  The 2 miles back were mostly walks... I did sprint (or at least my version of a sprint during the ending LA LA LA LAlalalalalala part of KIDZ on my headset... It felt good but didnt make any marked change to my pace at that point.
It was just a good time.
From there I went to EarthFare and did some grocery shopping.  Always a more fun experience than the mass production of HT.  But had to go there too...  odds and ends.. propane... 
A good day.
Now to hydrate, stretch some more, and off to bed...

RFTC

There is actually a RACE for Race for the Cure...  It starts about 30 minutes prior to the more popular event.  In previous years I found the RACE aspect to be just as crowded but I couldnt tell for sure if that was the case on this one.  What I do know is that I am not a RUNNER... so why sign up for the early race with the avid runners and get in their way... So we did the latter race instead... AND that one was crowded and no real running was done... AND I am OK with that.
To be out there with all those people!  Have you seen any of the pics?  It is amazing how many people were out there on such a good cause.  There is one section where you circle around and pass others coming at you... You think you are in the back of the pack until you realise there are still crowds on the other side of the road...
And when you think about it... OK - when I think about it - sure I know one person that has died from esophageal cancer... and since it was my Dad it is a really big deal and really impactful on my life.  But think of all the people that we all know that have been effected, diagnosed and the such with breast cancer.  The numbers are amazing.  The awareness even more so.
So glad I could do my part and get out on a beautiful October morning, take in the sites of the city I live in... and hope to motivate others to do the same.

Fall motif with the new glasses.

Race for the Cure

In a last minute decision I decided to join a friend in the RFTC. So now it is 6am and I am sitting on her oh so comfy couch waiting. I got here a bit early. Never suspected as I was having wardrobe issues - i.e. my sports bra, hrm and I were at odds with another; the hrm and I won.
I havent run in quite some time. So we shall see how it goes. I played scenarios in my head last night as I tried to go ti sleep.  Minute on/Minute off scenario. Or 10 strides on/10 strides off. The latter sure kicks in that heart rate.
We are taking the light rail into town.
Here we go!

Bday wishes

TRYSPORTS just sent "Denis" a birthday card. Um, someone messed up on the member registration. I still get a nice discount. Hmmm, what to buy?

Insomnia

I hate when it gets the better of me.
Went to bed a little after 10.
Woke up somewhere after 12.
Now it is almost 2.
I have tossed and turned with not much success.
Lots of activity outside. I am sure that is what woke me up in the first place.
I remember when those other tenants would come and go at all hour. I think I eventually got used to it. Of course some of thosr nights when fhey would wake me my imagination would get the best of me
Meth labs were one of those middle of thr night irrational fears.
Tonight it is more just realising I once again need to get used to the noises of others coming and going. And I know the only time I really notice it is ehen I cannot sleep.
Gotta be walking in 4 hours.

one other thing

i have noticed all these complaints about the new set up
you know what i have noticed - because it is not as easy to navigate - i am not as tempted to spend my time flitting out there to see what people are up to
i do like my two recent finds - financial times and the economist have pages that are good for catching up on headlines
but other than that - the novelty is somewhat wearing off... hah novelty - i mean how long has it been really - 3 years....
the new novelty - the 100 pushups and 200 situps websites...
abs and arms here i come

pics

So I was really enjoying the vid upload feature on FB... the transition between pics etc...
Seems like FB wasnt as keen on it and has locked me out of that feature...
I still have half of the trip to compile and post...  Not really happy with the state of this.
Kind of at my limit of dealing with the pics at this point in time.
Ready to move on to other fun things to do this fall....
Sorry - may get back around to it over the holidays...

doppelganger

and you were expecting a blog about vampire diaries?
nope... gary reminds me of someone else... not sure the whole look-alike aspect really applies but...



oh and i so think the whole band has had one of those Killers make overs...
just look at them here and then previous pics...
well except for gary's hair

Happy Arthurs Day

I so would have swtiched up our travel plans... but thanks to some poor person that spent most of their time at the concert looking through the lense of a camera phone instead of just enjoying the Stereophonics... we all get a little gander at Kelly and the boys


and with only a 30 minute set - you have to wonder how many minutes in was it before Javier took off his shirt...

morning walk

sometimes i see the craziest things in the wee hours (OK it is not that early) of the morning when i go walking...  this morning - it was a new neighbor...  hah - instant bike service just one door away!  that could be a good thing or a bad thing

Hook Lighthouse and Curracloe Beach

You can Google both and learn more than I can ever pretend to have retained...  The Saving Private Ryan piece is what took me - dragging my mom along in the car - down the narrow road to the right and over to Curracloe.

SO worth it!

Waterford

Enjoying my new Waterford that arrived today. Beaujolais Villages, spinach feta andouille sausage, steamed green beans and beets with feta cheese.
Tonights workout - the last of getting the house together from Ireland.

Movers

I know Tuesday was the official day with the closing and all
But tomorrow is the official day with the movers arriving
I suspect - depending on how much we get done - my mom can sleep in her own bed for the first time in almost two months tomorrow....
And so begins the next phase...  No longer the house guest... No longer the visitor over the holidays...
Now the person down the road - 10 miles or 20 minutes depending on how you track it...

Busy day and NO there will NOT be any official training as a result of it.
And YES to kick off the kick a$$ off season training - we are going to Oktoberfest tomorrow night!

Cake Walk

5 days down, 70 to go...
that is the estimate i have done of work days between now and the end of the year
and it has been far easier to give myself the pep talk in the morning to get out of bed and go walking than the pep talk to run...
and for those not in the know - the hills in the neighborhood do a good job of adding to the workout
next week - much to nerves - i am going to attempt to take advantage of the classes at the gym
i have to work some more on what that will look like....

Dinner

Adare - dinner at the carriage house - lots of mussels and monkfish...  there was dessert too - NO WILL POWER!

Killarney - Molly Darcys Pub
http://www.muckrosspark.com/darcys-killarney
fish n chips and apple pie

Blarney - remember that hotel thing...  veggie sandwich & banger and mash...
Oh I almost forgot - that chicken burger that was really a piece of fried chicken

Waterford - the fancy restaurant at the hotel - comped by the hotel
lamb 3 ways...  and a few other foods...
there was most likely dessert again

Wexford - Thomas Moore Tavern
google does default to the Bermuda version first... or maybe that's just smart google tracking my general activity...
http://www.thomasmooretavern.com/
our waiter was from Argentina - who woulda thought...
the other dinner was The Chocolate Bar - the website is not working...
curried mussels - mmmm

Dublin - hotel food - easier with site seeing

Bunratty - medeival dinner - probably wouldnt do that again...

Where did we eat...

Breakfast was always at the hotel...
fresh homemade yogurt; fresh fruit - had rhubard a few times - tasty; eggs; bacon; brown bread; fresh butter...  good stuff

Lunch -

Adare we ate lunch at a pub...  it was a tasty chicken brocoli bake...
http://www.patcollinsbaradare.com/

DairyMilk ice cream bars
Not a place but sure made a good lunch
http://www.cadbury.co.uk/ourproducts/today/Pages/JS_desserts.aspx?category=desserts#wispacup

Blarney - lunch at hotel except for the afternoon tea we had at Blarney Castle

Waterford we ate at the club house of the golf course... and that other day we ate at McDonalds...

Wexford - Johnson Castle - we had tea and cake again at the museum...  again, not much on the lunch front but tasty...

Dublin - we finally found salad at the hotel restaurant for lunch... yAy!! vegetables!!
Oh and the next day we split a little crepe
http://www.halfmoon.ie/

Doolin - we caught some mid-day live music - kind of a late lunch early dinner on that day
fried mushrooms... but most interestingly were the rutebegas served as a vegetable with my baked salmon
http://www.gusoconnorsdoolin.com/

Doolin - Fitzpatricks - this doesnt look like any aspect of the pub we ate at but it is...
http://www.hoteldoolin.ie/bar.php
i think this is the day I decided to have a burger...

One of the nicest excursions that was not on the agenda - and it was a real struggle for me to remember what we did...  tea at Dromoland Castle
http://www.dromoland.ie/

Oh and the last day - we stopped at Durty Nellies...
and it was dirty and dark and the fisn n chips were OK
http://durtynellys.ie/
so we had desert - profiteroles yum - and cleaner
http://www.creamerybar.com/

Ireland accomodations

I have somewhat slowed down on the ireland picture posting..
I have been enjoying the viewing and sorting and I have created some more videos - even started adding some music... 
It just doesnt seem to upload well to blogger... so I apologize for the delay in pics...

Let's see if I can provide a recap here --- I would say I enjoyed all our accomodation choices...  Two were a bit more quaint and antiguey (??) for my taste bit others will probably like them...

Adare Manor in Adare Village - not too far from the Shannon Airport
http://www.adaremanor.com/

Friars Glenn - on the outskirts of Killarney National Park
http://www.friarsglen.ie/

Trident Hotel - "at world's end" Kinsale
http://tridenthotel.com/
The pillows were a little thin...  and they had wool blankets...  just a bedding observation

Blarney Castle Hotel - Blarney
http://www.blarneycastlehotel.com/index.html

Waterford Castle Hotel - Waterford - on an island in the middle of the river on the outskirts of town
http://www.waterfordcastle.com/

McMenamins Townhouse B&B - Wexford...  there was supposedly parking in the rear of the building but we ended (OK, I) up parallel parking in front instead both days.
http://www.wexford-bedandbreakfast.com/bedrooms.html

Hilton Kilmainham - Dublin, across from Kilmainham Gaol near a HopOn HopOff station
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DUBKMHI-Hilton-Dublin-Kilmainham/index.do?WT.srch=1
I have to laugh at all the twin beds in most of the hotels instead of two queen or even full size beds...  And then there are the half shower doors - I totally drowned the toilet at this hotel while trying to shave my legs...

Sea View House - Doolin - down the road from the Cliffs of Moher... walking distance from a little village with a pub and live music...  and there is waterfront access
http://www.seaview-doolin.ie/
Wow - this website makes this location look really good.  It was a great location.  It's just that the weather did not cooperate.

Carrygerry Country House - near the Shannon Airport - a very convenient drive - even though it was down a very narrow and deserted road...
http://www.carrygerryhouse.com/index.html

OK - that covers the lodging...

new home!

the house closing is this morning
that should be exciting, not that it hasnt been exciting to date...
i am kind of looking forward to my part owner access to the fitness facilities...  not that my own gym isnt fun
but this would just be different... and i am looking forward to trying out the roads for the cycling...

morning walk

it seems to be a bit lame to just get up and go walking... but i am looking to get a routine in place
and if my mental map does not play well with the concept of running, then i best find some way to get up and out of the house in the AM on a consistent basis
and with the struggle of breathing - the walking seems to be best approach for now...
i will have to throw the challenging work outs into the PM workout...
and that should start within the week

back into swing of things

this morning was just a quick little walk - only 12 minutes - but it is a start...
i am still stuffy and coughy so moving too fast for too long just causes a bit too much commotion
it would suck if i woke up others in the neighborhood with my pretend smokers hack...
a few short walks daily is the goal for this week

congrats on the olympic length tri

i have started to look at races for 2012...
two races that have been mentioned are a mud run in the spring and maybe a tri in orlando...
but for this week - just trying to get rid of the sinus yuck that took residence in my head last week...
hot tea and another early night to bed...
and maybe i will be able to finish reading the "hornets nest" book too
as for pics - i am up to waterford for editing...that's still only about 5 days into the trip...

pictures

struggling with sharing pictures....  i have compiled more videos - they just download and look like such crap...  i guess the pixels dont translate as well or something...
i am all the way up to Waterford and have even started to edit and add music...
and now FB is giving me crazy messages like - this video will upload in the next 140 hours...
just driving me crazy
headed to KFs tonight with some wine to look at mom's 1000+ pictures through my computer/ through her tv...
this should be fun

Boating

Trying to make some headway on the pics today.
I took a picture of this storefront to remind me to go back and look at the boats on-line.
It would be so nice to buy a boat as the next venture.. oh that's right I live 3 hours inland.. oh well
http://www.mgmboats.com/mgmboats/searchmgmboats.php?rPage=/privatelabel/listing/photo_gallery.jsp?slim=pp272615&boat_id=2327667&boatname=52%27+Summers+and+Payne+Gaff+Yawl&photo_revised_date=1301572564000&photo_name=1898+Summers+and+Payne+Gaff+Yawl&photo=1&url=

Purple sweater

Some thoughts popped up in my mind this morning while I was in the shower about our trip...
I would like to think they were a pleasant distraction from my recent constant sniffling sneezing coughing, but it wasnt.  I actually found myself having to get out of the shower just to blow my nose.  Really?  I mean I neti pot right before I got in the shower - the first time that as worked in days. But obviously not enough...  It was when I got out of the shower that I was reminded of all the odd HALF shower doors in almost all of our hotels.  I saw no full shower doors the entire time I was away.  I have to wonder what the appeal of the half shower door is.  It looked real cool in the first bathroom I must admit.  But the first shower confirmed that it in no way helps keep the water where you want it.  And trying to shave your legs while standing, just forget it.  You may as well bathe with lysol so the spray can be wiped up AND disinfect the room all in one swoop.
As for the purple sweater?  I was looking for that purple sweater most of the trip - convinced I had left it randomly in Adare Manor in my distraction of missing my camera.  Turns out it never left the States.  It was hanging in my closet right next to my tan suede jacket just where I had left it.  Seems like it is cooling down around these parts too so may have a need for both of them in the near future.

can't breathe

some have said - well that's what happens when you spend so much time on a plane.. of course i started feeling bad pretty darned close after returning so i dont think it is that
i was battling alleriges our last few days in ireland so i was thinking it is more a manifestation of that
all i know is i am now beyond the scratchy throat and have progressed to stuffed up head - not a good sign when the neti pot doesnt even work - coughing coughing coughing - and sore throat
i hope this passes soon

This is for Sarah

We saw this large version of a planter just outside out hotel in Kinsale.  And I thought this would be the perfect planter (maybe on a smaller scale) for my friend Sarah's front yard.  Maybe it is her love of the beach.  Maybe it is her home's proximity to the ocean.  Think of what a great sight it would be as people pass on their way to the beach...