Ride Your Bike

You can do anything you set your mind to.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sunday

Sunday is my favorite day. Today was no exception. Went for a ride with some great people although it was very windy. Ran 6 minutes after my ride and Leo even ran a lap with me. Got home and hung out. Then spent 2 hours raking black walnuts. Hard work but have been putting it off forever. Then dinner and a shopping spot. Clean up and the day is done. Sunday is my favorite because everyone seems a little more laid back.

Only missed one bike ride and weights this week due to rain and feeling crappy. This is an improvement. This week's schedule...same as last week....
Monday-off
Tuesday-teach 4 spin classes, run, weights, bike
Wednesday-swim, teach 2 spin classes
Thursday-run, weights, bike
Friday-swim
Saturday-Crankin' for Crohn's ride (maybe duathlon)
Sunday-Recovery ride

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
When you take a risk and step out of the norm, you run the risk and sometimes you fail. But you only fail if you give up. -- J Peterman

How true...I fail all the time but I do try it again later. I want to be a better person but I fail often but I keep trying...that is all all of us can do! Have a fabulous week!

Friday, March 27, 2009

New week, new me!!! gets a little stalled...

Well, this week started off with a bang...it still has bang-like qualities but not as much as I had hoped. This week, I have been really tired. Maybe it is allergies, I hope. Tuesday, I was not feeling well so I went home early. Anyhow, I got most of my workouts in just need to ride two more times and lift weights. Hopefully, the rain holds off tomorrow so I can ride with my peeps.

Yesterday, I was in the pool and this nice lady was next to me and we chatted while kicking down the lane. She was asking me something about long course...hello, I do not know what that is...I just swim. I have never competed in anything but one local swim meet. She said the nicest thing though, "You look like a swimmer." Really, I have never looked like an athlete, I think, so it was really nice!

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY (I need this one!)
You cannot add to the peace and good will of the world if you fail tocreate an atmosphere of harmony and love right where you live and work.-- Thomas Dreier

Monday, March 23, 2009

New week, new me!!!

For a long time, I have been saying I am going to make some changes in my life. For example, better housekeeping, better organizer, faster cyclist/runner, better climber, lose weight, be neater, eat better, get all my workouts in, etc. Well, the day has come and gone many times and I always end up back in the same place - disappointed. So, today, I am turning over a new leaf and starting again. Will I stumble, yes? Will I ever be disappointed by these things again? Yes. Will I get up the next day and try again? Yes because that is all I can do. Every step forward is a step in the right direction.

Today is a day off from working out. Last week, I finally got my 200 miles in on the bike! YEAH!! Had a great recovery ride yesterday with the Sunday group. Everyone was very pleasant and it was one of the most enjoyable rides I have had in a long time. It was a small group but had some of my favorite people in it. Everyone chatted and had a good day. We even had a nice guy and he did quite well for his first ride in 10 years.

This week:
Tuesday-run, teach 4 spin classes, weights, bike
Wednesday-swim, teach 1 spin class
Thursday- run, bike, weights
Friday-swim and run if I missed a run
Saturday-brick
Sunday-ride

Thought this was appropriate for today's post....(from SparkPeople.com)

Who I am really keeps surprising me.- Nikki Giovanni

What we can learn from our path to the present
Often in moments of discouragement or depression, it's easy to feel that your life is going nowhere or that change is impossible. But it's simply not true! Take a minute to think back over your life. Chances are, you'll see a lot of growth in all of your formative areas. From childish playing, to youthful impulsiveness and adult reasoning, life sure has taken you on a rollercoaster hasn't it? When you were young, someone probably asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up. If someone posed that same question to you now, what would you say? Let this reflection be an indicator of your dreams.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Thursday

Thursdays are my day off! I am so thankful for them! Usually I ride with my regular Thursday ride pal, Pat, but his daughter had to go to the orthodonist. I was bummed but I got to sleep in. I plan to ride with friends this afternoon and lift weights. I should have ran this morning but didn't.

Yesterday was exercise in patience for me. First, Ivan taught spinning so I did not have to get up so early. So, I planned to swim, go to the chiropractor and hairdresser and go to work. I took off work to get my hair done and I was so excited. Well, as I back out of the driveway I not only hit the garbage can (that the trashmen neglected to pick up the day before) but also the stones on my flower bed. YUCK! So, I get to the gym and the pool is full. No one wants to circle swim so I wait. Then a nice man let me have his side of one lane. As I get into the pool and get my hair wet, I realize I forgot my goggles. I had to run quickly to the locker room and get them. So, I rush to get my swim in and run quickly through the shower and my hair is everywhere!!! I get to the chiropractor at 8:16 am and my phone rings. It seems my hairdresser is out and can they reschedule me or can I go to someone else? Now, Jenni has cut my hair for 5 years. Even when she was on maternity leave, I did not get my hair cut. However, my hair is everywhere and I can't go to work like this. So, I agree to let someone else cut my hair but not color (in a week I will look like trailer park trash with 2 inch roots). Then I wait 30 minutes to get in to the chiropractor. I try to rush out but he chatted with me. I rush to the hairdresser and get my hair cut. It was not horrible, however, one side is a little longer than the other. AAAAHHHH! I decide since I am off to run a few errands...the bank, the post office, vitamin store, etc. Since my hair did not get color I decide to get my toes done before work (Doodle says my feet look like homeless people feet). I get to work and as I am walking in, a cute dog comes and greets me. As I get to work, a customer comes in and wants something locked up outside. We look everywhere for the keys and finally have to get the bolt cutter. About an hour later...here comes one of our coworkers with the key....There are only 2 salespeople on the floor and while not slammed, it was very busy. My Doodle comes in and brings me a new fancy schmancy phone!!! As he is explaining it and how much it will costs, the phone is ringing! The guys at work teased me all day as they knew I was frustrated. Then, I get to spinning class and can't find my MP3 player to play my workout. Luckily, one of my students turned in their extra credit with a CD so I used that. Finally, I get home and not too much else went on. Thanks goodness! AAAAAHHHHH!

Today, I pulled weeds outside as it is beautiful!!! While I was out, my next door neighbor, Shirley, comes home. Ms. Shirley had gastric bypass a few months ago and shortly thereafter, broke her ankle. I was so worried about her. Today, she looked absolutely fantastic. She is in a wheelchair but she looks great. I am so thankful for her health!!!!! She is one of the nicest people I know. When I had shoulder surgery, she cooked me homemade chicken noodle soup and collards (YUMMY!) She is so sweet!

So, a good day so far! Tomorrow, swim and run. Today, ride and weights. Saturday and Sunday-ride...God willing and the creeks don't rise!

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at theend of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow". -- Anonymous

So true...some days that is the best we can do. Some people just give up...as long as we try again, maybe that is the ultimate sign of courage.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

We can't become what we need by remaining what we are.

We can't become what we need by remaining what we are.- Max Dupree
Do you have a design for change? Do you have a desire to lose weight, have more children, or try a new career? If so, are you taking appropriate steps towards these desires? Often your wants turn into lip service, and because of that wishy-washy determination, you may never reach your goal. The reality of life is that we need to change something in order to get something. For example, you cannot lose weight and build a healthier body by eating what you are now and remaining at the same exercise level. Formulate a plan for success by breaking down your goal into several smaller steps to promote a more optimistic and realistic strategy! (From Sparkpeople.com)

This was in my inbox yesterday and it got me to thinking...am I doing the things I need to to make a change? Am I taking the steps needed to reach these desires? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Am I working harder than ever to get better results? I am pushing myself harder than ever before but is it enough? Am I doing what I need to to get to the body size I want? Am I eating the right things to get the results I want? Can I do better? Well, of course, we can always do better. I just have to stop the lip service and do it!!! I have a plan for the workouts and now I need a plan for my food. I am taking small steps and know it has to be realistic. All I can do is put one foot in front of the other!

This week's plan...
Monday-swim or run, teach 1 spin class
Tuesday-teach 4 spin classes, run, bike, weights
Wednesday-swim, teach 2 spin classes
Thursday-run, bike, weights (if run on Monday, no run)
Friday-swim (if swim on Monday, day off)
Saturday-bike
Sunday-bike

Today, I ran 4 miles. It got better as the run went on. As I started, it was not great. However, I ran in the soft rain and I felt as God was washing away all the junk. It was so peaceful and quiet. I listened to Jordin Spark's song "One Step at a Time" and it reminded me that anything worth having comes one step at a time. "It's gonna happen when it's supposed to happen and we find the reason why one step at a time."

Have a great week! Positive Quote of the Day...Hebrews 12: 1: Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Thanks Mom for the quote!)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Cruz Bike


For the past two years, I have seen Maria from Cruz Bike ride her cruzbike across North Carolina. Our bike shop is one of the only shops that carry the CruzBike. I have never been brave enough to ride it but for some reason today, I decided I wanted to try it. It was quite a challenge and I scared our entire staff as I almost fell several times. (Oh, I am not the most graceful person and I am a klutz!). Anyway, Kenny told me to go outside and try it. I did it! I rode around the parking lot several times and I was soooooo excited. It was so fun! Check out the bike at http://www.cruzbike.com/. Goes to show you, if you set your mind to something, you can do it!!! Now, I have set my mind to becoming one of the best climbers! I just have to do IT!

Early Morning Workouts

Motivation seems to come better when I get up and work out early. This morning I went swimming as I had to teach spinning at 7 am, doctor at 8:30 am, work 9:30 to 6 pm and teach spinning again at 6 pm. My swim actually felt good and seemed to fly by. I used to always get up between 5-6 am and workout. My whole day went better and I seem more motivated to work out. Unfortunately, I have gotten away from that as my schedule has changed. I would like to get back to that as much as I can. I feel more alert and alive during the day and I sleep better.

Yesterday, I ran 4.5 miles, taught 4 spin classes, rode, and lifted weights. Yesterday was the first ride of our Tuesday/Thursday afternoon rides. I was looking forward to it. I rode from home and met up with the group. I was supposed to do hill repeats but didn't realize it until too late (okay, I did not look at my training plan until 4:00 or 4:15 pm and I had to leave at 4:30) so I rode in the big chain ring instead. I got to the group and I felt good. I was riding the hills better than before but still was the last person. This is soooooooooooooooo frustrating. I was working my patooty off and still the last person. How can all these people be so strong so early in the season? It was extremely frustrating because I am not sure if I could have worked any harder. I went home early as I still had to lift. I wish I had ridden back with the group as I might have felt better. VERY frustrating. I feel like I have to try about million times harder than everybody anyway and I was really trying. My legs were screaming when I got home! Guess I still have a lot of work to do.

Busy day today! Tomorrow, I hope to ride with my friend, Pat, run and lift. Wish my legs could have a little rest today...but no rest for the weary!

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
Nothing is more endangered in the modern world than the powerful combination of hard work toward meaningful goals joined with an exuberant embrace of the present moment.-- Tom Morris
This quote cracks me up as my students seem to lack hard work and no exuberant embrace of the present moment or any moment!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Sunday

Sundays are one of my favorite days. Today, I rode with one of my very favorite peeps, Leo. We had a group of about 10 and 5 of us went shorter than the others. It was not fast but an enjoyable ride. Then I came home and went shopping for new shorts. Fun!

This week's plan:
Tomorrow-swim, teach 1 spin class
Tuesday-run, bike, teach 4 spin classes and weights
Wednesday-swim, teach 1 spin class
Thursday-run, bike, and weights
Friday-swim and run
Saturday-ride
Sunday-ride

Deleted entry for yesterday as it was written in anger and not in a rational manner.
POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
If you have made mistakes...there is always another chance for you...you may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for thisthing we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the stayingdown.-- Mary Pickford (1893-1979) Canadian Actress
Like this quote as it reminds me even though I make mistakes, I can start over again and try to do the best I can

Friday, March 6, 2009

End of the first week of IM Training

So, this week has not worked out as I planned. I missed a swim, run and weights. I am hoping I can make some of it up tomorrow or Sunday. However, I have been busy painting my bedroom which was quite a workout in and of itself. All I can do is do better next week.

The weather has turned BEAUTIFUL! I hated to go to work today and spend the best part of the day inside! Tomorrow and Sunday I hope to ride. I hope I can get my 200 miles in this week. I rode yesterday with my friend, Pat. It was a good ride and we had a great chat about this, that and everything else.

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY-----------------------------A champion is someone who gets up when he can't.-- Jack Dempsey

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Spring Break

This week is Spring Break so I did not have to teach today! My day was great! I got up and went for a 3.2 mile run. Then after a warm shower (it was COLD), I was off to buy some paint and pick up a prescription. Bought a birthday gift for one of my favorite peeps. Then after some lunch, I met Milanne for a delightful ride (albeit cold). Normally, I do not ride if it is under 35 degrees. It was right on the border but wanted to get some miles in and I had someone to ride with! It was windy and cold but we had a nice chat and an easy ride. I got 40 miles in and was happy about that. Tonight during American Idol, I plan to lift weights as my Doodle is not home to lift with!


Today, I talked with my friend, Ivan Castro, about teaching spin class for our soldiers. Big deal, you are thinking...did I mention Ivan was blind due to wounds he received in Iraq? Ivan has been in papers and other news media. Ivan is one of the happiest people I have ever met. He is almost always smiling and is so funny! Ivan is still a captain in the US Army and teaches spinning whenever he can. He has completed several marathons and cycling rides on a tandem. He is going in for the second of three surgeries this month and tomorrow will be the last class he can teach for awhile. All of this got me to thinking when I have a pity party for one(PPO), how good I have it. I can see, hear, touch, taste and smell everything! I can get up each morning and set about my day without assistance. Now, I still occasionally have a PPO, I am only human. However, sometimes I think of Ivan and get past it. If he can do it, then I certainly can.


Thought for the day...

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV).


Monday, March 2, 2009

People are strange...

Today was a strange day. This morning I went and swam 1600 with Ginger and I felt tired until about 1000 yards. I was feeling good and happy. Off to work and there was a weird vibe there. Nothing bad just weird. Then off to the cycling club meeting and realized that people are strange. Things that should make sense to most people - do not make sense to others. AAAHHH! What do you do? Confront it and lose your temper or do nothing. Who knows? It is a double-edged sword. I wish I could be more like my friend, Leo, who can handle everything with an even temper. My temper is terrible but it is part of my charm.

Last night, I finally finished my IM Canada training plan. I actually feel pretty good about it. It will be a lot of hard work but I am glad to be back on a schedule! Maybe it will get me more motivated.

This week's plan
Tuesday-ride, run, weights
Wednesday-swim, run, teach 2 spin classes
Thursday-ride, run, weights
Friday-swim and teach one spin class
Saturday-ride
Sunday-ride

Hopefully the weather will cooperate! I really want to ride 200 miles this week. I really need to so I can get crackin' on my yearly goal. I just know I can do it! I can do it!