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...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, September 8, 2008
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!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Remember when I said no Ironman races in'09?
So, remember when I said I wasn’t doing an Ironman next year? Well, I signed up for Ironman Canada today. On Friday, I heard Ginger tell a customer that I had done all of the North American Ironman races except for Canada and Hawaii. The day before I received an email from NAS saying there were a limited number of entries opening at 9 am today. Well, after I sat in the hotel lobby refreshing the page, I got in. After I sent it in, I started to freak out that I did it. WOW! I have never been to Canada and I might as well go. Since it was quite quick, I did not get to ask Doodle so I hope he doesn’t freak out. He has been to Canada several times and encouraged me to go with Elizabeth to sign up a few years ago.
Back to the present…Yesterday, I made the drive to Louisville, Kentucky. It was raining from North Carolina almost to Kentucky. Through the mountains in West Virginia the fog was so thick I could barely see. Fortunately, it stopped and I stopped and put the top down on the Jeep. Along the way, I had a great experience. I did not have enough cash for a toll and the toll booth operator paid the rest for me. When I arrived in Louisville, everyone was super friendly. I walked around Louisville and it is quite nice. My parents arrived later and we had a lovely dinner complete with half a bottle of wine that my mom and I shared.
After a wonderful night’s sleep (I guess so with 3 glasses of wine), I woke up and ran and my legs felt pretty good. After a yummy breakfast, I swam in the Ohio River and it really wasn’t that bad. I then went and rode for an hour and felt quite confident about my bike. Of course, then I spent half an hour in the lobby signing up for Ironman Canada. Then my parents and I went to this cute diner named for a dog, Boomer. After lunch, we went to the Louisville Slugger museum. It was sooooooooooo neat! Outside is the world’s biggest baseball bat and inside was all sorts of neat stuff about the players who use the Louisville Slugger. Also, we had a tour of the factory where they made the baseball bats. There was also an exhibit of baseballs that presidents had signed. Then we went to the Frazier Museum, which is a museum about different periods of conflicts. It was interesting. After our tourist activities, I popped over to the World Fest. Then my beautiful and talented friend, Elizabeth, called and I got to visit with her and her mom! Elizabeth is one of my favorite people. She is absolutely beautiful, smart, funny, nice and FAST! She could easily qualify for Kona and I hope she will. Elizabeth used to live close to us but then her husband got stationed in Washington. Elizabeth and I went to the Ironman Welcome Dinner and headed over to CVS to get Gatorade. There it is…two days before Ironman. Tomorrow, we will swim for a little while. I will do a short brick and then head to Churchill Downs for a tour with my parents. It will be an early night and hope to sleep quite well. I still wonder if I set my goals too high and did not train hard enough. For Ironman Canada, I am considering hiring a coach and really get serious. I really need to train harder and lose some weight. I need to have a conservative but quality training plan. I know I can do better! I just know it. My coach now is delightful and really cute but she could probably benefit from a different point of view.
Back to the present…Yesterday, I made the drive to Louisville, Kentucky. It was raining from North Carolina almost to Kentucky. Through the mountains in West Virginia the fog was so thick I could barely see. Fortunately, it stopped and I stopped and put the top down on the Jeep. Along the way, I had a great experience. I did not have enough cash for a toll and the toll booth operator paid the rest for me. When I arrived in Louisville, everyone was super friendly. I walked around Louisville and it is quite nice. My parents arrived later and we had a lovely dinner complete with half a bottle of wine that my mom and I shared.
After a wonderful night’s sleep (I guess so with 3 glasses of wine), I woke up and ran and my legs felt pretty good. After a yummy breakfast, I swam in the Ohio River and it really wasn’t that bad. I then went and rode for an hour and felt quite confident about my bike. Of course, then I spent half an hour in the lobby signing up for Ironman Canada. Then my parents and I went to this cute diner named for a dog, Boomer. After lunch, we went to the Louisville Slugger museum. It was sooooooooooo neat! Outside is the world’s biggest baseball bat and inside was all sorts of neat stuff about the players who use the Louisville Slugger. Also, we had a tour of the factory where they made the baseball bats. There was also an exhibit of baseballs that presidents had signed. Then we went to the Frazier Museum, which is a museum about different periods of conflicts. It was interesting. After our tourist activities, I popped over to the World Fest. Then my beautiful and talented friend, Elizabeth, called and I got to visit with her and her mom! Elizabeth is one of my favorite people. She is absolutely beautiful, smart, funny, nice and FAST! She could easily qualify for Kona and I hope she will. Elizabeth used to live close to us but then her husband got stationed in Washington. Elizabeth and I went to the Ironman Welcome Dinner and headed over to CVS to get Gatorade. There it is…two days before Ironman. Tomorrow, we will swim for a little while. I will do a short brick and then head to Churchill Downs for a tour with my parents. It will be an early night and hope to sleep quite well. I still wonder if I set my goals too high and did not train hard enough. For Ironman Canada, I am considering hiring a coach and really get serious. I really need to train harder and lose some weight. I need to have a conservative but quality training plan. I know I can do better! I just know it. My coach now is delightful and really cute but she could probably benefit from a different point of view.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
4 days to go-#805
Got up this morning for an early run. It was sooooooooooooooo slow. Yesterday, I had to ride all over to get my Jeep so I got a bike ride in. Tomorrow, I am on my way...So much to do today-pack, 2 appointments, work, teach spinning, put stuff in Jeep. Now all the questions come up...did I train enough, did I train too much, should I have ran, bike or swam more...there is nothing that I can do now to change it. It is what it is...I hope it is good. The biggest question is...will my new crank and bottom bracket come today and will my bike be ready to go? I have another road bike that I can ride but I do not run that well off that bike. Thank goodness it happened here.
Checked my number last night and it is #805. Check www.ironmanlive.com on Sunday and you can put my number in and see where I am. Pray for a good day and add a little prayer for the best race ever.
Tomorrow-travel day
Friday-swim, bike, run
Saturday-small brick, short swim
SUNDAY...IRONMAN!!!!!
Checked my number last night and it is #805. Check www.ironmanlive.com on Sunday and you can put my number in and see where I am. Pray for a good day and add a little prayer for the best race ever.
Tomorrow-travel day
Friday-swim, bike, run
Saturday-small brick, short swim
SUNDAY...IRONMAN!!!!!
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