Ride Your Bike

You can do anything you set your mind to.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sundays are my favorite day and not my favorite day...

Sundays are the day of my favorite ride. It always has been favorite day because it is more laid back...until about 8 pm or so then it becomes my least favorite day because I have to go to work and go back to normal life.

Today, I rode from home to our Sunday ride. It was a little windy. Our first 10 or so miles was slow as we had new riders with us. It is fun to have new riders because it reminds us of where we came from. We were all there once and it is nice to be able to pay it forward. After the new riders split from the group, we had the wind at our backs...of course, then the speed flew up...I fell off the back at 27 mph. Then we turned back into the wind. It was a beautiful day with great folks including my great friends, Ginger and Leo! After a few more miles, I decided to take a shorter way as I still had to ride home. My friend, Quincy, rode back with me and we had a pleasant ride back and I got home just in time for cleaning and resting and lunch. It was so nice...until I read my bank statement online...there was a strange charge for an bowling alley in Mississippi. Luckily, after calling the bowling alley and the bank, they cancelled my credit card. It really bummed me out! People who can figure out how to get credit cards and do online fraud are actually smart and it is a shame that is how they choose to live their lives...ripping other people off.

Tuesday, we are headed to Connecticut to spend New Year's Eve in NYC. So exciting! Can't wait to ring in the New Year and lots of new goals and dreams!!!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have an even better New Year! 2009 is going to be mighty fine!!!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

IT Band?

Yesterday, I was going to run 16 miles but my life is crazy so I broke it up over 24 hours (I know - not the best plan). So, I ran 6 miles yesterday morning, 3 miles last night, and 7 miles this morning. About 2 miles into my run this morning, my left knee (on the side) started screaming in pain. Pretty sure it is the IT band and I will need to stretch it well. YUCK.

Yesterday, I also rode with the club and it was quite pleasant. We rode almost 35 miles and everyone seemed in great spirits. I hoped to ride today but Mother Nature said no. I plan to lift later. Depending on the day, maybe I could get in a short mountain bike ride. So much still to do today - finish cleaning house, lift weights, clean out my Jeep, and go to another grocery store because our regular store did not have cheese - how can a grocery store not have cheese????? It is just crazy!

The holidays make me feel like I weigh 700 pounds...Why do we eat so much crap? Besides being yummy! I have got to do something because I feel gross!!!!

My parents are coming today for a few days before heading to my sister's house for Christmas. It should be fun! They are quite delightful!

Week's Plan
Monday-run, lift
Tuesday-run
Wednesday-run, lift (maybe ride)
Thursday-ride, I hope and maybe run
Friday-run and lift
Satuday-ride
Sunday-ride

Only a few more days and some friends and I are going to NYC for New Year's Eve!!!

Friday, December 19, 2008

The Holidays...

Did I mention I am not a big fan of the holidays? Especially when it is 70 degrees outside and HUMID!!!!

Ran this morning and it was hot. I did not want to run but I did and I felt better. Plan to lift weights tonight.

Disappointed in myself because no P90X for two weeks. I knew going on vacation would throw me off...I think I will lift weights again because I really miss the gym. I think I may start P90X again after I get home from Goofy's Challenge. However, I plan to incorporate some of the things from P90X into my weight workout. Hey, I won the pull up contest at work so it must be doing some good somewhere.

Rode 65 miles yesterday with Pat and Justin. Fun! We had a good ride despite the rain and fog. Pat and I bought our lottery tickets and won $20 bucks. We also won $40 on Sunday. We always split...maybe we will hit it big some day! I sure missed riding with Pat on Thursdays and hope we can get back into the regular routine. However, I made the mistake of leaving my wet bike shoes in my Jeep after the ride and forgetting about them...my Jeep was sure stinky when I got in it this morning!

Rest of the week plan...
Today-lift weights
Saturday-run and ride
Sunday-run if weather permits, weights!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Las Vegas Marathon…

Las Vegas Marathon…
We finished. There were some times I was sort of doubtful. At mile 5, we renewed our vows and that took 32 minutes off our time. The first five miles was fine and we were moving out. It was awesome as we were right up front as all the couples who were getting married or renewing their vows. As we ran down the strip, there were tons of fireworks and the first five miles whizzed by. After the ceremony, we ran fine for awhile until about mile 8-9 and then my belly and my nutrition were not happy at all. From miles 8 or 9 to about 15, Matt had to help me get through. My belly and head were not happy. Luckily, Matt was there to help. At about mile 17, I was desperate for gel and thank goodness I overpacked because the marathon did not have gel at their appointed spots. Mile 19 – Matt handed me his last gel, thank goodness. Matt’s knee started to really hurt and then I got to return the favor of his earlier support. We ran through the last few miles but there were sooooooooooooooo long. The last mile in particular was so long and it was never ending. My feet hurt so bad I thought they were going to fall off. Finally, Matt got me through the last few meters because I hurt so bad. My feet hurt. We finished and we were both very very thankful. We walked slowly back to our hotel and managed to get in the shower and hope to get some yummy food.

Pluses for Las Vegas Marathon
-Lots of bathrooms with plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer and very few lines.
-Lots of Elvi…
-Water stops right at mile markers, plenty of water and Gatorade
-Lots of food and goodies at the end of the race
-Mostly flat course that one could easily PR at.
-Good expo
-Perfect weather
-Can renew vows

Minuses
-No gel where promised
-Two long stretches that sort of were a mind thing
-Scwhag was sort of sad
-T-shirt was really disappointing, this is Las Vegas after all. I expected something a little flashier

Next year Las Vegas will be a Rock and Roll event and that might be even better.
The most important thing is that we did it together and helped each other along the way. Plus we got to renew our vows and that was fun with lots of Elvi as witnesses.