These are a few of my favorite new things...

For Christmas I got a variety of new triathlon/running/biking/swimming gadgets to my delight. I thought I'd take this chance to give them a run down for all my gadget loving friends.

The one I've been looking most forward to using is my Finis SwiMP3 player. Swimming laps makes me CRAZY, not that its a real reach but I just get bored, lost in the counting of how many times I've gone up and and down the pool. Any possible distraction and I am SO on it! This nifty little waterproof MP# player uses the bones of the face to conduct sound. Nothing to stick in your ears and try to keep it there, they slide right onto the goggles. I have to say my first try was a little bummed because it wasn't very loud and if I blew too many bubbles the sound was drowned out. I came home to find out that I needed to be holding the volume/skip button instead of just touching it. I will give that a try the next time I go to the pool. They were definitely comfortable, the sound was clear it just wasn't loud.

GeekGirl over at Athena Diaries has been touting the wonders of the Injinji toe sock and as much as I wanted to give them a try I hate ordering things and having the shipping be as much as the purchase. My solution, tell my sister to buy them for me for Christmas! The first time I put them on I wondered what I had done. Its a little weird having something between all of your toes. Once I had them on and hit the road though I was in love. I have been having some foot issues and it seems like having my toes apart just a little bit helps. I don't think they'd be a good tri choice as it takes me a looooooooong time to get them on and they are a bit thick to wear in my cycling shoes.

Finally, Gman got me two Spinervals DVDs to keep me entertained during the winter while I am on the bike trainer. I am a bit, fat, wussie when it comes to riding outside in the cold but riding inside on the trainer is B-O-R-I-N-G (yes ALL in caps!). I also get lazy and don't keep my cadence up or wimp out on the resistance. The two DVDs he got for me, Autumn Training Ride and Lake Placid, are from the Virtual Reality series. You follow on Coach Troy's back wheel as he rides through the countryside. I did the entire autumn ride which was filmed in Baltimore County, I did the first section of the Lake Placid DVD--the whole thing, 56 miles and just under 3 hours. Even with Coach Troy I don't know that I can stay in the saddle that long inside.

So, that is the best of my triathlon booty from the recent holiday season. Now there is just no excuse not to get out and ride, run and swim. So far, so good this year. Given the weather and my distaste for the treadmill I scour the weather reports to try and figure out the best days for an outdoor run.

I Want to Ride My Bicycle

This morning Gman and I got up "early" and headed out to ride the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway (or part of it anyway). Getting there was a bit of a battle, the parking lot that the map says to park in was closed and the college lots were full (besides I figured we'd get ticketed in one of those). After a bathroom break and a bit more driving around we managed to find somewhere to park. Then it was a another delay to get the tires pumped up and all our stuff together. It was well worth it-what a beautiful, flat ride on well maintained trails with a few crossings of lightly traveled roads. Its not often we get to ride anything that is flat and without traffic! I rode with Gman for the first half and on the way back I got some training in and tried to keep my speed and cadence up. It was a fun ride and nice to be out by ourselves. I was determined that we didn't bring our bikes all this way for them to sit on the porch.

Yesterday we ventured out into the parks to commune with nature. In the morning with the whole family we went to Ash Cave--a paved trail took us to the spectacular cave and Gman, BIL and I took the big kids back via the slightly longer "hiking" trail. After a trip to sis' house and lunch the MM crew headed to Old Man's Cave. There was a bit more hiking here as well as the cave and waterfalls. We made two of the loops (having to take two bathroom breaks, oh the joys of hiking with kids. Someday I'd love to come back and hike all 6 miles (each way) of the trails that lead from Ash Cave to Cedar Falls and then to Old Man's Cave.

Last night we went out to dinner with my sister and BIL at the Grouse Nest Restaurant. The food was good, the company better but the drive up to the place was a little rough, gravel and all up hill. I wasn't sure the Mommy Van was going to make it! We've definitely had the Appalachian adventure a pleasant change from our "normal" lives.

Today is sis' 35th birthday, happy birthday sis! She and BIL headed out this morning to Jamboree in the Hills. Part of me wishes we were with them. The other, more mature part that hates crowds of drunk people is just as happy to spend another night in the quite lodge even if it does mean we have her 3 y.o. and 6 month old sons! The older one and Boobah keep each other busy and PDQ is a big help with the baby--when Grandma lets her have a turn.

Stay tuned, I know there will be pictures when Gman has a chance to get them published!

Trying the Tri

Today was glorious, not too hot, not too cold, a bit breezy, blue skies, a few puffy clouds. One of those days that just BEGS you to go outside. For me, outside was already on the agenda. Today was the last of my 14 weeks of triathlon training class. Nothing like bonding with people over sweat and pain.

This morning we did a mini-tri, 15 minutes in the pool, then drive to the park (which was freaking gorgeous today) ride 17.5 miles and then run 3.4. Piece of cake, oh no, that is what I feel like I earned today, not what it actually was. Remember that little breeze I was talking about? It would occasionally gust so hard as a cross wind that you could feel it moving your bike, a little scary with traffic and hundreds of cyclists on the road. I managed to grind my way through my ride. Very early on my back started bothering me, all I wanted to do was get off the bike, stretch my back and adjust my shorts (gee, I feel like such a GUY!). I let myself get off for just a minute at our turn around in the school parking lot. As soon as I got off the bike-relief! The hardest hill is in the first third of the ride, really by the time I got off the bike I'd done the hardest part, then some. Word of warning, when a street is named Mt. anything, be afraid, VERY afraid. I think I finished last on the bike, there were a couple of people behind me but I never saw them again, I am guessing mechanical issues. The bikers are for the most part really friendly, letting you know they are passing, shouting words of encouragement, saying "hi" as the race by. I even got a glimpse of Es as she headed past me in the other direction.

Made it back to the park and was SO happy to get ready to run (a very foreign feeling for me). I stood around longer than I should have shooting the breeze with one of the coaches and some of the other tri folks. I downed a Double Espresso Clif Shot, it wasn't that bad and it gave me a little caffeine and carb pick me up to get me through the first part of the run. I never, in a millions years, believed I would be doing any sport that required me to EAT while doing it! I didn't do the whole 3.4 miles, I did about 3, not taking the extra out and back hill in the middle of the course--my back was feeling the run by that point and no sense hurting myself.

When I was done I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I've done all but a little bit of the run for my big race. I've done ALL of the bike course. The only thing left to do is swim in open water and that can wait until the open water is quite a bit warmer! I am not fast but I did grind it out. Wa hoo! 6 weeks until the first of the real thing.

Ironman in a month

There are some people who are so into triathlons that they do the grand daddy of all tris, the one you see on TV, the IronMan. You know, just a day in the park that happens to include a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and THEN a marathon 26.2 miles. I can't get my mind around the marathon alone, let alone doing it after swimming and biking for ridiculously long distances.

So, some of the ladies over on the Weight Watchers message board are doing an Ironman Challenge for the month where you try each month to complete the iron distance in your training. Its good for me to be accountable to someone else, especially now that my triathlon training class is ending (we had the last butt-crack-of-dawn swim session this morning!).

For April I managed to eek out my miles on the bike, it meant over an hour last night on the trainer in my living room but I finished. That is pretty much what I think I'll feel like at the end of my tris this year--eeking every little bit out but getting it done nonetheless.

SWIM: 9350yd/4200yd
BIKE: 112.7m/112m
RUN: 26.5m/26.2m

Running: Now and Then

About 6 months ago I started running with the intention of doing a triathlon this year. I started by finding a Couch to 5K running program that promised to have me running for 30 minutes after 16 weeks. There were some starts and stops along the way, a sore hip here, sore knee there, and a couple of bouts with sinus issues. Then there was winter, I forced myself to run on the dreadmill I didn't like it, but I did it. Anytime the weather was remotely warm enough to think about running outside, I did. Then in January our tri training class started and the running generally followed over an hour on the bike. It really made me doubt my ability to swim, ride and THEN run especially on days like Sunday when it was cold and the wind was fierce.

Today when the weather was in the 50s and I had a day off yesterday I pondered the difference between running (okay RUN might be a strong word, jog or slog might be a better term) now and when I started:

Then: I checked my watch every 30 seconds to determine when I could stop running
Now: I check my heart rate monitor after 10 or more minutes to see where my heart rate is

Then: I'd try to run when there would be the least people who would see me
Now: I run whenever I feel like running

Then: I'd stop running when I had to, I just couldn't do more
Now: It is a concious decision to stop, not an overwhelming feeling of I can't go any further

Then: There was mostly walking for 30 minutes of a "run" and I was worn out
Now: I can run for 40 minutes without stopping and might be able to go longer if I tried

Then: I avoided running uphill at all costs
Now: I avoid running up big hills at all costs but I tackle the little ones full speed ahead

Bring on the spring and an opportunity to run and bike outside. Now that I've conquered my fear of running I need to get over my fear of rocketing down hills 0n my new road bike. The POINT is to go fast!

The Brick

In Tri-Speak a brick is a workout where you do two of the sports. I was lazy (and ran out of time) yesterday so I needed to run so this morning I did my Saturday morning spin class and then I ran for 20 minutes. It wasn't nearly as horrible as I expected. As I've said hundreds, maybe thousands of times, running is not for me. As time goes by and I do it more I feel less like throwing up as I do and realize that getting started is the hard part and once you get into it a little bit there is a sweet spot in the middle--that place right before you just want it over with.

I felt great, I had done it and according to my heart rate monitor burned 1300 calories this morning. By the time I got home and into the shower I wanted nothing more than a nap. So much for my grand organizational plans. I did get a few things done today. Most importantly Gman got all of the curtain rods and blinds up that have been sitting around for a few weeks. I did finally succumb to the bed for an hour after a trip to Lowe's and Costco because really, after a trip to Costco with three kids and the husband--you. deserve. a. nap.

Back to the exercise grind

I didn't mean to take too much time off, really I didn't. First it was the stomach bug/food poisoning. I could barely get out of bed and I could only tolerate Gatorade and crackers and spent all my "running" time between the bed and bathroom. I did manage a run or two between then and Thanksgiving but I was off my game. Then it was sore knee & hit and a trip to Houston that left me with a head that felt like it was filled with lead. Holding it upright was all the effort I could expend.

Wednesday afternoon I decided enough was enough. I signed up to go to the noon spinning class. Immediately I remembered how hard it is to get back into the swing of things. I also remembered that not only was the time of this class a hassle but the woman who teaches it a bit of a drill Sargent. This IS a SIXTY MINUTE HIGH INTENSITY CLASS. If you need to stop early to get back to work, I feel sorry for you, but its your workout. Gheesh. I did manage to slug through the class. My knee feels better, my hip is sore but no worse than when I've done nothing. I got through 50 min and then had to get ready to go back to work.

Today I hit the road again to run. Its 35 out, I did pretty well getting the gear right on top. I ran a little, walked a little to get warmed up. I did manage to get a good 12 minutes of straight running in at the end once I was warm. I didn't enjoy it, I really need to find somewhere flat to run until I am in better condition. I was also amazed at the number of people out driving around in my neighborhood on a cold Saturday afternoon--probably all out for toilet paper and milk, there is a storm coming and it IS Maryland (bunch of winter wussies).

Tomorrow morning its back to Homer and the cycling class. Yesterday I signed up for the tri training class. The fun and games start on Jan. 22. Saturday morning running and biking, Thursday, very, very early swimming.

The rest of the agenda for today--I need to finish my Buckeye candy, make some cookies, put together an angel skirt for the pageant, make sure Gman finished up the manger, get a haircut and work on the cards. Is December over yet??

Eating pavement

When I started riding my bike more I swore I'd never get clipless pedals eventhough I had the shoes from spinning class. A few days out on the trails trying to get up hills and having my feet slide around cured that! Saturday morning I headed out to ride a favorite trail determined I wasn't going to walk the bike, I was going to make it up every hill.

At the end of the 10 mile ride (I wanted to do more but the trip back home to retrieve my helmet ate up an extra half hour) I was feeling great. Got up all the hills--check. Didn't fall over-check. As I neared the parking lot where I was parked there were lots of people. There was a "walk for paws" going on in the park on the other side of the road. Not only were there lots of people but lots of dogs. Not wanting to run anyone over I decided I'd get off the bike and walk it up the hill to the parking lot. Apparently I should have started that thought process just a tad sooner.

I got my first foot unclipped quickly. Unfortunately I was quickly coming to a stop and leaning towards the other foot. So, in front of bunches of people I toppled over on the asphalt. I was horribly embarrassed, really couldn't I have fallen over without so many witnesses? I managed to untangle myself. Some nice guy picked up my bell and reattach it. A little blood from the elbow, a little scrape on the knee I was just fine. Then the little old man who had been observing said "I don't think anyone needs those things unless you are riding 50 miles or something, certainly not for just riding around." It was everything I could do not to tell him that I would've been just fine if he hadn't poking along so I couldn't possibly have made the turn I needed to get to my car.

I knew it was inevitable, eventually I'd end up on the ground. The whole thing happened in slow motion. The realization, oh shit, I'm falling...Oh, I really hope this doesn't hurt too bad...Geez, I must look really stupid with my other leg up in the air. In spin class one morning they were joking about it, discussing the fact that everyone falls over eventually--and more than once. They said that after the first time its just a feeling of resignation and here I go again. I hope I don't have to find that out too soon!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

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A tale of two pods

When I picked up Boobah yesterday her "how was your child's day" slip said she ate almost all her lunch but wouldn't touch her snow peas. I laughed since I hadn't sent snow peas but edamame. While she won't eat sandwiches with crust or jelly, Boobah loves edamame and figuring out what non-nut foods I can send that she actually likes and are good for her is a bit of a challenge so I went with it. Later I asked her about it and she told me her teacher wouldn't let her eat her fruit roll-up until she ate the green part. Boobah apparently told her you didn't eat that part but the woman finally convinced her she had to and she managed to choke one down. That child SERIOUSLY wanted the fruit roll-up. This morning I put a post-it on her edamame (or as she likes to call them--Mommy beans) explaining what they are and how to eat them. I am just a tad worried that Boobah is off to a bad start with her "primary caregroup" teacher since they've already argued about lunch and its only day four. When I asked her about the transition yesterday she made a comment about getting upset when someone asked her to do something she didn't want to do but she didn't elaborate.

Yesterday morning as I got ready to ride I got out my iPod. I realized that I only pulled out the headphones and figured I had lost enough time getting my tires pumped up and just threw the ear buds back in my bag. Last night when I got home I realized that I didn't have my iPod and hoped it was in the van. No such luck. I did find it this morning. In the parking lot at work, right beside where I parked yesterday run over. Serious, serious bummer. I told Gman this morning and of course his response--save it so I can take a picture!

I rode 8.29 miles in just under 50 minutes this morning. It was actually a little cool when I got started. I was more confident (less brakes) and felt strong but a little sore from yesterday. I did better at stretching today so hopefully I'll be less sore tomorrow. I managed to get up one of the hills this morning but the second one is around a turn and caught me by surprise again today. My comfy bike isn't the most efficient for getting up hills, the suspended seat raises up with you and standing and pedaling is nearly impossible.

Reporting In

Beginning of School Report
PDQ: Came home the first day to inform me that there is PE on M, T, W and no dresses, no clogs and no flip flops. She has decided that her teacher is good--the reasoning, she is best friends with her teacher from last year. Thus far the only "work" that has come home is a picture she drew of someone that they cut into parts and re-assembled (glad they are using the glue sticks!). She says that none of the parts are her.

Boobah: Came home the first day and lectured me that I didn't send sunscreen, she needs sunscreen, it needs to have her name on it and I need to fill out a form. See a pattern here, my children might just be as directive as I am! I also got a dissertation on the cot arrangements for rest time, when she "restes" but she doesn't sleep. I was really worried about her transitioning to the new place well considering she's spent her whole life with the same few kids and provider. I am still a little sad about saying good bye to the wonderful, calm Lois. Boobah told her on Friday she'd never see her again. Lois and I both ended up in tears and Boobah was oblivious.

Beginning Tri Training Report
Training: I walked between 2-2.5 miles at a 15-17 min/mi pace both Monday and Tuesday, for that effort I ended up with sore shins and achy feet. I was definitely right about not being able to run until I am a bit lighter. This morning I did my first bike ride, I did 7.57 miles with an average speed of 10.1 mph on the Patuxent Ridge Trail (I love my little bike computer, thanks Gman!). It was a relatively flat ride, just enough people to make me feel safe but not so many people that I worried about hitting someone. The ride was reasonably comfortable, there were a couple of hills I just misjudged and couldn't get up them without falling over because I was messing with the gears--definitely something I need to learn to do better. Other lesson, check all your equipment before you ride. I got to work this morning, got the bike out, helmet on, only to discover that my tires were too low to ride on. Resolving that cost me 20 minutes of ride time and keeping me from riding the whole route.

Boobah's Birthday Report
Boobah's birthday is Labor Day and we are having a small party at our house on Saturday afternoon. The theme is Strawberry Shortcake. I spent an inordinate amount of time last night driving all over God's green earth trying to find the appropriate cake and filling for the goodie bag. I am ordering pizza for lunch and praying it is nice so they can play outside the majority of the time!

Don't let the old folks fool ya

In some sick way I have enjoyed getting up for spinning class at 5:45 AM. the class is full of triathletes in training and I am definitely in the slow, fat crowd. I'm okay with that, just knowing we are attempting to do the same things works for me. Most everyone is decked out in bike shorts, cycling shoes and a cool ni-tech race shirt. This morning I signed up for an 8AM class at the gym across town that I'd only been to a time or two. It was rockin' when I got there at 7:45, I don't know if it was because it is so much smaller than the place I usually go or because there really were SO many people. I found the tiny cycling room with the bright yellow bikes, which were a really pleasant surprise, they were actually comfortable! It did take me a minute to place LeMond from the name on the bike, remember him, the first US Tour De France phenom? There were only a couple of people warming up when I got there, as the class filed in I thought maybe it would be easier than my normal class. There were 3 women who looked about my age, 1 much younger women and a bunch of men who all looked to be pushing, if not exceeding 60. No fancy clothes or shoes, there was even an old guy wearing loafers. I figured I was going to kick some cycling ass.

OMG, how wrong could I be. The older guy teaching the class was on a death mission. We did all kinds of maniac endurance things, on the seat, off the seat, hold your upper body still, turn the tension on ALL the way and suffer. I sweat so much I dripped on the floor! Thank goodness the music was good, something about good music makes the torture go faster. I have to admit, the old folks definitely had me fooled. After the gym I ventured to soccer, just after Gman and Boobah took off the coach told us the girls wanted us to play to. It was all I could do to drag my sorry backside out of my comfy chair to get up and kick the ball around with the girls. I was sure I was going to get taken out by the dad beside me and end up in the ER. Thankfully no one over the age of 6 ended up on the ground. The girls are so funny to watch, they had at least 2 goals scored against them while they were hugging and jumping up and down celebrating the fact that they'd scored! So much for the killer instinct.