Grumpy...and Special Olympics

Saturday, we went to the Special Olympics qualifer. We (Leo, Bob, Tom, Nicole, Andrew and myself) coach 10 athletes in cycling and the athletes must go to a qualifer in order to participate in the State Special Olympics held in November. Our first group of athletes rode 500 meters and they did great. Our next set of athletes had to ride 5 kilometers. The event was held on the inner track of a race track and had two really sharp turns. Alex, Anson and Michael all crashed in this turn. They each hit hard and it looked just terrible. Anson and Michael got right back on their bikes. Alex, who rode last year, took a little coaxing on but they each got back on and finished. It was so scary. However, we were all so proud that each of them finished the qualifer. This is a very rewarding experience because the athletes do not really care who wins or loses. They just ride for the fun of it.

Sometimes I think most of us lose why we started riding and ride to see who is the fastest, strongest, or best climber. Not only do we ride to see who is the best but then we criticize those who are not as fast as others. I have lost that for sure because I am so worried about being slow and weak that I sometimes do not enjoy the ride at all. Luckily, next week I will be riding across North Carolina and can take as much time as I need because I will be on my schedule. No stress of trying to keep up or feeling weak because I cannot keep up and getting mad at myself because of it. No, next week is just about riding.

Today, I woke up in a bad mood. Have you ever done that? I do not want to run, lift weights, ride my bike or teach spinning. This, my friends, is called Burn Out. Of course to add to this I feel like I weigh 1,000,000 pounds (no comments please). This has led me to the conclusion that I am suffering from a temporary form on insanity, otherwise known as PMS. I should be okay in a few days. I feel sorry for the people who run across my path today and are not very nice. I should wear a warning label today...do not irritate, could potentially explode.

Haven't always been a smarty pants...

Just finished reading some random blog and it was just hysterical. It talked about fat clothes, directions on microwaving pop tarts and other random things. It occurred to me that 15 years ago (I know I do not even look that old-it is just amazing!), I would not have thought this was at all funny. Then I met and married my Doodle Bug almost 12 years ago (again, how did I even get a marriage license because I looked like just a teen fresh out of junior high?)...bless his heart, he is the king of smarta--. He is just hysterical and keeps me on my toes. As a result, I have developed this knack as sort of a defense mechanism. Thankfully, my peeps understand this about me and still love me anyway. I used to be a naive and nice person who tried never to say anything to offend people but now it is all over.

On a different note, I have taken to having a cocktail almost every night. It is one of the highlights of my day to be sitting on my couch at the end of a busy day, staring at my messy house and having no desire to clean and hope Doodle calls me on the way home so I can furiously clean it (hey, I can always use a different kind of workout for cross training) and having a nice glass of wine or a Mike's Hard Lemonade (they have various flavors and I highly recommend them all). Now, the past two times I have gone to buy beverages, they have not carded me. What happened? Do I finally look like a grown up? I was really trying to avoid this. This might mean that people think I actually am responsible. I have been trying really hard to keep this a secret because then they expect me to do responsible stuff. What fun is that? Dang it!!!! I was trying for a much different look. What to do?

Speaking of being responsible...at my annual lube and oil change, my doc told me that I thought I should think about having a child before too long. SERIOUSLY! Has he met me? What on earth was he thinking? Does the military have a cap on BC now...after so many years they boot you off? (Gosh, I sure hope not because there are some folks who really need it or they would have a small army.) This would mean I really have to be responsible. Hello, I am not even a good pet parent. I leave my cat for a week and have even forgot to feed him. I do not think a child would stand for this. People say this changes when you have a child. This may be true but I seriously have my doubts. At work, they do not even let me have sharp objects...now, you want to give me a precious, fragile human being...seriously.

Have you ever read the warnings on different appliances? They say things like do not place the hair dryer in the water when you are in the bathtub. You know someone did this and that is why they had to put the warning on the label. On a Starbucks cup, it says WARNING, beverage is hot. Well, it better be because that is what I paid for...what good is cold hot chocolate? Hello, hot is in the name. It darn well better be hot because Starbucks is not cheap. You know that some old lady poured hot coffee all over herself at McDonald's and sued the heck out of them and now they have to pay extra to print this on all their hot cups...what is next? Warning, this cup of coffee has caffeine, it might wake you the heck up. Is that not why people drink it?

Thursday's post...blog was doing funky stuff.

The Moon Saddle...their catch phrase is redefining the bicycle saddle...you have no idea. This is quite the understatement of the year...

Okay, I have a thing for saddles. I cannot find one I just love. It either has too much pressure on the bone or the tissue between my thigh and nether regions. Either way, I have been through more saddles than a small bicycle shop. I could have my own saddle library. Okay, Hal could house my own saddle library underneath his bench. When Marvelous Marvin suggested the Moon Saddle, which has no nose, I ordered it! So, today was the initial ride.

Since Ironman, I have not ridden my tri bike except to try the Moon Saddle in the parking lot. I hopped on today and headed out. Before I even got out of my neighborhood, I was off the bike twice to make adjustments. I felt okay and had nooooooo pressure on my happy parts. However, I feel like too close to my saddle and lots of pressure on the handlebars. It is quite uncomfortable. Things that are normally easy - say like drinking were hard. I was very wobbly on a bike I am pretty comfortable on. Honestly, I was ready to bail because I was just miserable but I could hear Hal saying I dissed him. I tried to call Leo but no answer. DANG IT! So, I get off and adjust a few more times and even turn the saddle completely around. BAD IDEA. This was way worse because you cannot get a full pedal stroke this way. So, it took me almost twice as long to meet up with my peeps. Hal was not at all surprised when I told him I hated this saddle. I wanted to ride a little longer but bailed after working almost 2-3 times harder than normal. To add to my pain, the wind was blowing like crazy. Again, I was one of the last people. Oh well, I got this really cool saddle...NOT! Oh well, live and learn. What to do about the saddle? Why can't someone come up with a saddle that is comfy for women? If I could figure that out, I would be rich!!!! But life is so much better working part time at a bike shop and teaching for peanuts! It is much more interesting, however.

Well, I finally got home and decided to shower and then go and get some Mike's Hard Lemonade. I decide to take Doodle's car and of course, it had a low tire so I had to pop over and air it up. But they had a sale on Mike's Hard so the evening is looking up!!!

Good news for me today...for weeks I have been trying to get Wii Fit. I popped into my favorite store, Target, today for something completely different and lo and behold WII FIT! So exciting! I have not been able to try it yet but I am giddy with anticipation.

Good Run

Lately, I have not been running so fast and I get very frustrated! Yesterday, I got up and ran before spin class. I started out rather quick but I even got to pick up my pace! I ended up with a good average and was quite happy about that! Hopefully, I can keep it up for several reasons including but not limited to: maybe PR at Las Vegas, lose weight, and run faster at IM Canada.

Today, a run, teach 2 spin classes and bike ride! Tomorrow, run and teach 1 spin class. Saturday, we will be going to a Special Olympic Qualifier for our cyclists. Sunday, a century in Greenville. Hopefully, I can get back to sleep before beginning the rest of my day.

Yesterday, I got an exciting package from the ever lovely Elizabeth. A New WETSUIT! It is so fancy. I have not been able to try it on but it looks soooooooooo nice!

Gotta figure out someway to lose about 10 pounds and keep it off. I know the answer is to eat right and exercise. Temptation is horrible though and I have a hard time resisting it. Wish I could figure some way to do that. I wish it was not so hard to resist yummy things. Speaking of which, I am from the South and I have never had a Moon Pie. Yesterday, Mary brought in several snacks to the shop yesterday and some of them were Moon Pies. I tried a vanilla one and it was different. Not sure it will be #1 on my list but it wasn't bad!

Yoga

Friday and yesterday, Ginger and I went to yoga at our gym. Friday's class was a little challenging. Monday was a whole different experience. We get to class and it is packed so we settle in at the back of the class and start to relax. Well, there are two gentlemen in front of us and as we are in the corpse pose, we hear almost like a growling noise - kind of like a grizzly bear. At this point, I just think this person is really getting into the breathing. As class continues, it gets louder and louder. Imagine a bear with a soft growl every time you inhale and exhale. If there was a difficult pose, it got louder. So, next to Grizzly Adams is an older gentlemen who is having a hard time but trying his heart out. The instructor says something about saying good morning to your hips and he is saying good afternoon. This banter about the poses goes on for most of the rest of the class. So between Grizzly Adams and the other gentleman, Ginger and I start giggling and I think for sure we are going to get thrown out of yoga class. Finally, we finish class...we are happy and well stretched! Not a bad way to start off a Monday.

Yesterday, I rode to the gym, ran, did yoga, worked, taught spin class and rode home. I am up early today in anticipation of going to Body Pump but the bed might be calling. I plan to run, lift, cycle and teach 2 spin classes. Cycling might not happen because someone is supposed to come and look at something in my house late this afternoon. I hope they will be on time so I can ride.

Last night at my spin class, Alex (one of our Special Olympics athletes) came to class. It was great! Alex is one of the most polite kids I know. He always says Yes, Ms. Jen or Yes, Ma'am. How many kids do that? He also is becoming a great cyclist. At practice last week, he had improved 100% from last year. He is smiling almost all the time and is really a joy!

Sunday, I went to officiate a crit in Wake Forest. My friends, John and Justin, went with me. If I had a younger brother, it would probably be Lil Justin. He is a good kid and is a great cyclist. Justin raced twice - once in Juniors and once in Cat 4. Justin was third in Juniors - the first place guy was second in the pro race! Justin did great to hang on to the pack in the Cat 4 race until the last lap where they blew it apart. He came in 13th in a big field. John and I got to hang out under some huge shade trees and not worry about cleaning our respective houses. It was great and it is always fun to see Judy and the other officials. It was a long day...leaving at 5 am and getting home at 8:30 pm. We had fun though and lots of laughs! If Justin had only known had to drive a stick then we could have had margaritas! Dang it! Can you believe people today do not know how to drive a stick?

The plan this week...
Tomorrow-run and teach 2 spin classes.
Thursday- weights, and ride, teach 2 spin classes
Friday-run, teach 1 spin class and Special Olympics Cycling Classes.
Saturday-run, Special Olympics Qualifier, weights
Sunday-ride in Greenville
When is there time for a nap???? Got to schedule these types of things.

Saturday

Rode with the club today...I fizzled out in the middle but made it the rest of the way. Don't know if I was tired still from Ironman, teaching 7 spin classes this week, lifting weights yesterday, yoga, or I just had a bad day. Stuff happens, I guess. Got 51 miles in.

Tomorrow I will have a day off, sort of. I will be officiating a crit. Luckily, my friend, John, is going with me as I wish I could stay home napping, cleaning and working in the yard. John is way fun!

Next week, 4 days of running, ride a few days (including to work because gas is crazy!), teaching 8 spin classes, three weight workouts, and hopefully yoga one day or two. Staying out of the pool for a little longer. Somehow I should be thinner. Food was pretty good today! Hopefully, I will continue to do so and lose about 10 to 15 pounds before too long. Mostly to fit in my cute capris before Doodle comes home. The other day there was nothing on so I had an infomercial about PX90 on and am tempted to try it. I feel sick of my weight workout and want to try something new. Everything I have read thus far was good. I wonder...

First Bike Ride After Ironman and random thoughts...

So, today, I taught 2 spin classes and went on my first bike ride on the road since Ironman. It wasn't too bad. I felt pretty good! YEAH! Of course, my favorite peeps were there and I was so glad to see them! Tomorrow, teach one spin class, lift, run and yoga with Ginger at 10 am. YEAH!!!

Today, someone told me some exciting news and it really got me to thinking...You see, a little over two years ago I went crazy...okay, not really but it felt like it. But I think it was God's way of getting me to see things differently. I actually thought I was quite happy but really my priorities were really screwed up. For about two years, my life pretty much sucked. I had a terrible attitude and I was just miserable. Oh and I made everyone else miserable too. Sure, I had reasons for this and I could list them but why? Quickly, starting on November 15, 2005, a series of events sent my life into a downward spiral. Honestly, I was not sure I could ever get back to normal (whatever normal is). Slowly, I started to get out of this hole I dug. It took a long time but I realize that I had my priorities all screwed up. One main thing was I put a lot of things in front of my husband...finally, I realized that, while on occasion he makes me NUTS,
he is the person who should be first in my life and not all those other people. He will be here in five years and will the people I put in front of him? Who knows? This downward spiral made me realize that I was not really happy. I also put people in front of my parents and did not appreciate them like I should have. Hey, they are the ultimate professional Ironfans - how could I do that? Now, I do get mad at myself for this but there is nothing I can do about it but apologize and try to do better. Honestly, I have spent a lot of my life angry and comparing myself to others and thinking I was not good enough. The other day on the way to the therapist (I am not crazy, I am just a little unwell), I thought why am I not happy with my life? I have a great life. My Doodle Bug is the person who was meant for me (because no one else would put up with my crap and still love me no matter what). My parents are the best and they support me no matter what (although sometimes I am sure they think I am crazy...). The rest of my family is great too even though I am a mess. I realized that sometimes the people you never think will be there are there no matter what. I have an extended family(who are not actually related to me) who I love and they always take care of me. They never leave me even if I ride at 12 mph and they do not complain. I realized that money is not the best thing because if you are miserable at a job, it costs you waaaaaaaaaaay more then the extra money. Also, I have gotten to go places I never thought I would and do things I never thought I would. Plus, I have the best big fat cat in the world who loves me. Honestly, I realized that God has a path for you and even though you are going through hell, it will be worth it in the end. All the crappy things you go through are done for a reason and it might be to teach you something.

Now, that doesn't mean I do not get disappointed or my expectations are lower. I have a good friend who has recently disappointed me and although I have tried to think of all the excuses I could to make it better, I am still heart broken. Doodle tells me all the time my expectations are too high (the therapist, too). Honestly, I think lowering my expectations is not fair because I think almost all people are good and expecting the best from them will make them want to do their best (including me). However, it does make for some heart breaks but I will take that because I always want to believe people are good. Call me naive or crazy...

So, today think about your priorites and make sure you have them straight. If you are going through hell, remember God has a plan and it will be worth it. Also, remember that life is about the journey and the destination. So enjoy the ride while getting to the destination!

Back to training...Las Vegas here we come!

Today was my first day back to training...a 20 minute run. I sure hope it gets better. It was not great but I know it will get better. I intended to try Body Pump at 5:45 am tomorrow but that is so early so I will go back to lifting tomorrow, running, and cycling. I have to teach 2 spin classes tomorrow. I hope it all goes better than today.

Only a few more months to Las Vegas...Viva Las Vegas...

Yesterday, I went to see my friend, Ginger, at a race. It was very fun. She rocked! She placed 3rd woman overall and she rocked! I got to ride with her while she ran some which was so fun! She rocked and was very inspiring! I hope I can swim, bike, and run as fast as she can one day!

Rest is good...

Today is really my fourth day of rest after Ironman. I did teach 2 spin classes but just spun at very low level. My legs do not hurt when I go up stairs. Thank goodness for the chiropractor and massage therapist. Thankfully, I did lots of yard work today and realized how much I do love yard work. It is very peaceful although I think too much sometimes.

We are supposed to get hit by hurricane Hanna tomorrow. Not sure how that will work out for the ECU game. AARRGGHH!

Monday, I will start running again to get ready for the Las Vegas marathon in December and back to lifting weights. I hope to ride a lot more. I hope to really PR at IM Canada. I think I will do great there but I have to set my mind to it and really work hard! Until January though, I will just ride and run and maybe swim a little. I hope to gain a lot of strength and tone up during the winter by lifting three times a week besides two times a week. I really would like to do some more yoga too. Somehow, I want to lose 10 pounds too.

Bless his heart...

If you are from the South, you know that you can say almost anything to anyone as long as you say bless your heart. Well, I actually say this a lot and I do not mean it that way. However... today, on my way home I just about got run off the road by an old man from Florida...bless his heart...he probably can't see that well with his bioficals and was trying to get back to the sunny weather of Florida!!!

Reflecting on Ironman...
Swim-Did not like the individual start at all. I felt horrible the whole swim and was just miserable because I wasn't having any fun. I was afraid this would dictate the whole day. On the way out, you swim against the current and since the whole course was not set up during Gatorade swim, it was the first time we actually swam that part of the course. It seemed like forever until I got to the Ford turn buoy. Supposedly, when you made the turn the current was going to carry you in and make your swim time faster...right...the current pushed me alright...right into the shore and I feel like I actually swam about 3 miles. I was so frustrated and all my positive self talk was not helping!!!! I was so thankful to get out of the water. I was disappointed at my time but I got out...I was happy with my transition time though.

Bike-So, I hop on my bike and cannot get clipped in because there is so much mud and crap in my cleats. During the first mile, I try to switch into my big chain ring to take advantage of the flats and I dropped my chain. I could not pedal it back on so I had to get off my bike and put it back on. Then I couldn't get clipped in again. Finally on the road, I got in the groove after about 30 miles. Of course, after that was after the two biggest hills. (Thank goodness for Elizabeth telling me about these). After the out and back and the biggest hills, the wind was in my face and it sucked. Luckily, we went through LaGrange where there was tons of people including my parents so that helped. The second loop was much better. I flew in on the flats and wished I went to Florida where it was flat. I might have pushed a little too hard on the way in.

Slower transition from the bike...The run started out slow. Then I felt better and ran a little faster. I just tried to keep going from aid station to aid station. Thank God for volunteers and lots of water, gatorade and pretzels. I got through it although slow but I ran much better than Arizona. I did not want to stop at the last aid station but my legs were a little shaky and I knew I needed food. After a gel, water and a short walk, I ran it in slowly and finished 14:47:37. It wasn't a PR but it was a good day. Of course, I always think I could have done better during the day but I did the best I could at the time and that is all I can do.

Today, my quads are sore (which is not fun when trying to get to the restroom on a 10 hour road trip) but I have a massage tomorrow and am going to the chiropractor. A few more days off then back to training for the marathon with Doodle in Las Vegas. I hope I can lose some weight and get ready for a PR in Las Vegas. Then get fired up to go to Canada and hope for a PR there.