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.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Big Fat Turkey Day!!!

Happy Big Fat Turkey Day!!!
Today, I am thankful for all of my friends, family, and the ability to do stuff some people cannot. I am thankful for each and every person that reads my blog, too! You have no idea how much it means to me.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Blog got a bit neglected...

Blog got a bit neglected...Busy days!

Just read this from SparkPoints:
"I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him."- Eleanor Roosevelt, human rights advocate
Conquering your fears through action
Life brings with it many doubts and fears. But the unknown and the untried have held more people back than any lack of ability. Most successes are never seen because they're never attempted. The courage to face your fears can build momentum that creates magic. Each time you overcome an obstacle, a fear or a step back, you gain confidence. Every small victory helps you feel more certain of yourself and your direction, pushing you further and faster than you ever thought possible. You can do it! What's holding you back? True, fears are intimidating. So start small. Believe in yourself and take one small swipe at your fear today just to see what happens. If you can't talk yourself past the "point of no return", get a friend to help. In the end, half of the doing is in the deciding. If you stumble, don't be afraid to brush yourself off and jump back in.

Usually what holds me back is me. I get afraid and it is so easy to become complacent and stay where I am. Obviously, that gets us no where fast. Lately, I have made a couple of small swipes at staring fear in the face. The first one has to do with running. Let's face it...my motivation sucks. Thankfully I have been able to ask my spouse and Ginger to help me and getting back to running. Even though I keep falling, I keep getting up and getting back to it. Even though I need help, it doesn't mean I failed. Today, Doodle and I ran a hilly, rainy, muddy 10K. We were slipping and sliding and covered in mud. Honestly, I wanted to quit. Somehow I was able, with his help, to push past that and finish with a smile on my face. This brought in another fear because I am afraid to ask for help because I think it would be weak or put another person out. However, my friend, Alexa, told me once that people want to help you and it makes them feel good so it is helping everyone. It is still hard! Thanks to Doodle and Ginger! You both ROCK!

The other thing is applying to graduate school. Honestly, I really do not think I am that smart and am petrified that the school will not let me in. I am scared I will not get a high enough score on the GRE. However, I just keep pressing on and filling out the application and reading a book on the GRE. Am I still scared? Absolutely. But I cannot stay in the same position and expect miraculous changes. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again and expecting different results. Even if I fail, it is better than going crazy. SO, I challenge you today to face something you are afraid of...even if it is a little bug. You will get more confidence and be on your way to bigger and better things. We can all do it! If you need help, ask!

Plans for the weekend...
Saturday-ride if not raining, run if raining, P90X
Sunday-ride, P90X, run if raining Saturday

PS...my big fat cat, Atticus, is just fine. He had an echocardiogram and the results (Which just got back yesterday) said his heart was just fine. He has a fancy new haircut. Who knows why he has an irregular heartbeat? The vet doesn't! It doesn't matter as long as he is okay!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day

Today is Election Day! No matter who you voted for - thanks for doing your civic duty! My husband and I have very different views but we work it out!

This week so far...yesterday, taught one spin class
Today-2 P90X workouts (Shoulders and Arms and Plyometrics), taught 2 spin classes
Tomorrow-run, P90X( chest and back) teach one spin class
Thursday-run, teach 2 spin classes, hopefully bike, P90X (yoga)
Friday-run, 2 P90X workouts (legs and back, Kenpo X)
Saturday-ECU Game and run
Sunday-Special Olympics (hopefully run)

Sunday, I ran 12 miles with Ginger. It was so great!!! Ginger is very fun and positive! I was so thankful to have someone to run long with! The average was less than 11 minute miles. Need to run more but every step is a step in the right direction.

P90X is great. I feel like my arms are getting more tone but my legs - not so much. In 3 weeks, I have gone from 2 pull ups to 6 pull ups. A step in the right direction!!! I feel thinner although the scale only says 1 pound! My eating has been somewhat better! P90X is not for wimps though!! Only one more week of the first section and then move onto another section.

Raining today so no bike ride. Last week I rode my mountain bike twice and I loved it. It was not for a long time but it was fun and I worked hard. I need to get back to riding more. Dang time change - it really messes up my bicycle riding. That and work really mess up my schedule! Gotta work though to feed my cycling habit.

Will check in at the end of the week and see how my actual workouts match my plan. Maybe that will help if I know I have to check in with y'all!