Goals, Schmoals

Being an injury prone runner for the last 2+ years, I knew that I needed to incorporate some cross-training and not focus on running only.  Instead of choosing a running mileage goal for 2009, I chose a combined mileage of 2500km, hoping that it would motivate me to continue cycling and swimming as part of said cross-training.


Little did I know that I'd lose focus of the goal, yet again, with repeated stress fractures during my marathon attempt. This forced me back onto the bike and into the pool, hobbling across the wet change room floors on crutches. Interestingly I fell in love with both, finding a new confidence that masked my frustration with the run. Back on track with my goal, I was bitten hard by the triathlon bug, finishing two (should have been 3) this year!


Since then, my focus has solidly become about triathlon.  Tonight, during my scheduled ride, I finally hit and surpassed my 2500km goal! (click to enlarge....)

85+km swimming!

1535+km cycling!

899+km running!

I haven't yet worked out my goals for 2010, but I do know that they will be BIGGER and BADDER, and I couldn't be more excited!

Today, I also got rid of the old. Literally. Over the last few years, as you can see, I haven't exactly been brand loyal, searching endlessly for 'magic shoe' -- one that would be best for my slight pronation, the right level of support and cushioning with my orthotics. I think that I've finally found my shoe... the Saucony Omni.  So I brought a bagful of old running shoes, with plenty of mileage left in them to a local running store for donation.  Happy to have them out of the house!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, and all the best in 2010!  Terron and I learned this year to make sure you tell those around you that you love them, and hug and kiss them whenever possible, you never know if it might be the last time. I'm determined to make it a fantastic year!  My RSS feed is FUBAR.... it will take me some time to fix it and catch up... so I apologize for missing a bunch of your posts, but hopefully will return to regular commenting soon! Sorry!  And finally, thank you all for playing such a big part of my journey this far, I appreciate all your comments, encouragement, love and support more than you'll ever know!! 

It DOES work!

My scale does know how to subtract! AWESOME!

Many of you commented on my post about starting P90X, wanting to know how it was going along the way, or expressing your fears! In fact, it was quite funny reading all the comments about how many of you were scared! You all make me feel so hardcore for even wanting to try it!  Here's a bullet style post so that you're not spending too much time away from your families and your new gifts the day after Christmas, if you haven't already had enough of them!

• Flexibility➜ will be important and necessary! Yes, this program is a huge time commitment. Many of the workouts are an hour long, then add another 20 minutes for the abs on specified days, and Yoga is 1.5 hours! I'm already following a training plan with 2 swims/2 runs/2 rides per week, which sometimes includes a brick. I have a child, a job and a life. I'd love to be paid to train, but I'm not, so I'll do what I can, when I can. I will not stress out if I miss a workout.
• Intentions➜ I enjoy strength training, but find that when I go to the gym on my own, I get easily demotivated, bored, and then stop. I am the type of person that needs structure, something to follow. I know that this program works better when following the diet, I'm not doing that. I'm pretty sensible in my eating already, have room for improvement yes, and am still trying to find the balance in the calories I need to sustain my body in a healthy way, and exercising portion control. If I didn't do any other activities, it would be easier to follow the program as it's intended, but I won't be -- I still want to follow the schedule as much as possible, but I won't stress out if I miss a workout.  So if anyone out there is reading my updates to determine my success with this program, please do keep this in mind, my results may not be typical.
• How I'm feeling➜ Great!!! I admit, the first time I did the Chest/Back program, I was worried about how I'd manage to get into and out of my bathing suit for that night's swim! I tune Tony out a bit because, well, he's a tad annoying. As I get to know everything a bit more, I'll likely just blast music and follow along with the video, but I'm loving the workouts! Yes, they're challenging, but I am totally PUMPED after each one, I have extra energy lately, and am feeling great!  I did though take a few days break to "restart". Plyometrics on my triathlon plan's rest day just DOES NOT work... poor planning when I started. I just felt like starting it one day, and really didn't think it through enough. So, I aligned the rest days to give me a full rest day off per week, and made a few swaps so that I'm not doing heavy leg stuff on long run days, and arms/shoulders/back on masters swim days. 
• Progress!➜ I started doubting my scale. I was ready to return it to the store because it seemingly only liked addition and not subtraction! I've lost almost 5 pounds in just over a week... which just simply wasn't happening, even with all the cycling/swimming/running I was doing! It's enough to keep me positive and motivated.  Plus, I've got a lot of support and encouragement that is keeping me going!  Thank you, it's appreciated more than you know!

If you don't know what P90X is, or want more info, you can check out the website here.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.  Terron has done it again -- reminded me how caring and gentle he is -- I'm so proud. He chose to spend Christmas afternoon and today with his grandmother, knowing that she'd likely be sad with the recent passing of her son, his dad. He's incredible, and I'm lucky to be his mom.

Inspiration Showcase: Episode 6 No Better Christmas Gift

Inspiration. Dedication. 

Motivation. Perseverance. 

Kindness. Willpower. 

Innovation. 

Determination. 

Bravery. 

Human Spirit. 

Even before starting this series, I found an incredible story, about which I posted here, last June. I jokingly asked for runners and bloggers to run a mile for me on National Running Day since I was injured and couldn't participate myself. Within a few days, I found out that my request wasn't a first, and was on such a small scale and insignificant when compared to the story I came across in Sports Illustrated. The story of Vivian Bales, a mother who hated running, but eventually started with her son Brian. 

In January 2009, Brian in the Army was deployed to Iraq. Missing her son, she turned to running, and figured out the required mileage to run to Brian.... 6436 miles!  The running community, as amazing as it is, stepped up and starting donating miles.  Two days ago, I received this incredible email, which flooded my eyes with tears...


Greetings family, friends and fellow runners,

After many, many days of travel, and about 15 hours of flight, Brian's plane
has landed in the United States!  He is safely home from Iraq!  The longest
year of my life is over, and I can finally breathe again.  He'll be home in
a few days, to be with us for Christmas!

When I started this journey, my goal was to run 6,436 miles - the distance
from my home to where Brian was stationed in Iraq.  I knew it was a lofty
goal, and I'd have to work hard to acheive it.  I never imagined, in all my
dreams, that people like you would bond together to help me - a person you
didn't even know.  With all of your support, we reached 179,982 miles!!!
Yep, you read it right, one hundred seventy nine thousand nine hundred and
eighty two miles!  We've had 45 states and 6 other countries running with us
to 'bring Brian home' - and we did it!  We've had individual
runners/walkers/bikers/skaters on our team as well as daycares, elementary
school classes, high school track teams, and large corporations that have
helped.  It's people like you that make this country strong and proud!
You've helped this mother stay connected to, and feel closer to her son so
very far away.

I wanted to thank all of you for the overwhelming support that you've given
to Brian and I over the long year of his deployment.  I don't know how I
would've made it through on my own.  The donated miles, the birthday cards,
the gifts, the emails, the thoughts and prayers that you've sent warmed my
heart and gave me hope through the darkest of days.  There are so many of
you that have given your time and deligently reported your miles every week
to help keep me focused on the end result.  You kept my mind from thinking
about the many horrors of war, and the danger that he was in every day.  You
kept my mind clearer, and my heart stronger. And for this, I cannot express
enough my thanks.

We'll continue to accept miles, but keep an eye on our website,
www.milesforbrian.com  for updates. Thank you for your continued support of
our soldiers overseas!  With God's help, they'll all come home soon.

~signed,
the happiest mother on the earth right now, Vivian



I cannot even begin to imagine the wonderful Christmas that this family will now have, and it brings me much joy to update this story, especially at this time of year... Merry Christmas to you and yours. 

Finished with a fist pump!

I was nervous about today, had seen it on the schedule for the last 5 weeks... my first brick on this training cycle. While I started my journey and have gotten to this point because of running, and have completed small 2 triathlons, running has been my biggest struggle of the three since my return! Running alone has been fine, no pain or discomfort but during my tris, and any other brick I've attempted, by shins burn like crazy. Close-to-tears pain. Even-walking-hurts discomfort.


This training plan has had me doing some endurance and base building rides and runs alone, today was the day to put it together...my first brick --  and I had a plan.  Wanted to ride on my bike... and the run portion on a treadmill. While I've proven that I was tough enough to walk in the cold, dark, night to get to the pool, I didn't want a repeat, in pain. 


My gym is literally down a set of stairs, and across the street from home, so I did my ride on my bike, quickly changed out of my bike shorts, into a pair of capri pants, running shoes on, jacket, grabbed my ipod, and ran to the gym. Gah! Stopped in my tracks just before getting on the escalator though, because two of my old neighbors were sitting down chatting. Had they not seen me, I probably would have just proceeded up to the gym, but too late, they saw me. They're very chatty, but it has been a while since I've seen then, and they've been great to me and Terron in some not so good times.  So as the minutes went by, I knew that a true brick was kinda fading away, but... t'is the season.


Once we wrapped up our conversation, I headed into the gym, and went into the cycling studio. Another 10 minutes on the spin bike to get my legs back to that motion, then finally onto the treadmill for a one hour run.


I RAN! I did it! No walk breaks, no need to! NO PAIN! Many times I caught myself smiling... just because, and finally when the treadmill switched to the cool-down mode after 60 minutes, I knew I had done it! As much as I wanted to jump and scream for joy, there were other people around, so I opted for a quiet little fist pump :D


Yes, maybe that 15 minute (or so) break was enough for my legs to cool-down and no longer feel the "effects" of the brick, but I did go back and spin for a bit.  Yes, being on a treadmill is different than being outdoors too, but a run is still a run. Baby steps. Progress is progress.  This did A LOT for my confidence today... which I really needed.


Btw, thanks for the positive feedback on the Inspiration Showcase series... I cannot WAIT to post the next one, later this week! I got an email yesterday to follow up on a story I found last year... and was in tears.


I'll apologize now for missing some of your posts, my browser messed up all my RSS feeds last night, so I'll try to catch up as much as I can!! Grrr.


Hope you've all had a fantastic weekend, despite a snowy northeast... only a few more sleeps until vacation time and Christmas!!!

93.4k to go before I reach 2500k for the year.... think I can?!

Gut Instinct?

I need to learn to listen to it more often....

"I had to walk, in the cold, on unplowed sidewalks, up hill, in snow, in the dark....."  sound like someone in your past?

Left the house last night to head to the pool for our last Masters swim of the year, got to my car, turned the key. Nothing. Sigh. Try again. Nothing. Battery is dead, realized that I left my iPhone charger in when I was last out on Tuesday! *$%(#*&#@)  It's already 8:20pm, swimming starts at 8:30pm, Jay isn't home so I can't use his car, it's cold! Don't forget I'm in Canada people!

Was it a sign? A warning of things to come? A hint to go back to the house, and curl back up under my blankets to chill out for the evening?

Deep breath, carrying my purse and swim bag, set out to walk to the pool... thankfully it's not too far!  Couldn't help but giggle as I was walking, because yes, it was dark. Yes, it was cold. Yes, the sidewalk was completely unpaved and ice covered! Yes, it was even uphill!! Why am I doing this? Got to the pool about 25 minutes later, already warmed up, but slightly irritated because I hate being late for anything.

No lane ropes in, they're all swimming in a circle. Coach totally mixed things up last night, from beginning to end! It was a great workout, a nice change of pace compared to just the regular lanes, but CHALLENGING! I sorta thought he'd go easy on us, being the last workout until Jan 5th.... a day before he heads down south on vacation for 2 weeks, but no.... it was not the case!  He kicked our @$$!

Forget the beer!!! (sorry MCM Mama... and Glaven if you are still out there lurking)! Corkscrew swimming gave me a wicked case of the spins -- I really had to work hard on standing up straight at the end of it! So funny...

The girls were laughing at me, asking if I regretted taking the walk to the pool, if I will take it as a sign next time, and just not bother showing up.  Funny thing though, I'm glad I went, and realized this past Monday that I made the right choice joining this group. You see, Sunday, we didn't swim because of the meet followed by the team party in the evening, so I went on my own during lane swim on Monday night. My motivation lacked big time. It's so much easier to stop when you don't have someone there telling you what to do, and swimmers (that you know and can keep you accountable) in front and behind you to keep you going. I did my short pyramid set, and stopped. That is not an option with the masters :)

***********
I got a lot of interest and questions on my post about P90X.  I will do a separate post early next week about how it's going, my thoughts, etc.  But I will tell you this. Owww.... but I love it! Yes, it's a hard workout, yes, it hurts. Yes, I feel muscles and pain in my body that I either didn't know existed or forgot was there... but I really do like it.  And, I think Jay might join me!
***********
Have a great weekend all!

Inspiration Showcase: Episode 5 Yes You Can!

Inspiration. Dedication. 
Motivation. Perseverance. 

Kindness. Willpower.
Innovation. 
Determination. 

Bravery.

Human Spirit.

With the airing of Ironman World Championships this weekend (Saturday on NBC at 4:30pm EST), I thought it was the perfect time to showcase a story that warms my heart, and makes me smile and cry every time I see it, yes even now, as I'm posting this.  (it's ok, I was due for a good cry....)


It's one that I'm sure many of you have already heard or seen, but probably the most inspiring I've found -- I can't think of anyone stronger or more amazing than Dick Hoyt.


You can read more about Team Hoyt's incredible story here... since I wouldn't be able to put it into better words myself. The following clip is inspiring too... seeing how truly happy Rick Hoyt is, to share this time and passion with his dad, and to hear that if he could give his dad one thing it would be to have his dad in the chair and push him for once. Of all the words I have in the heading of these posts, he's one of the few that I think nails every single one of them!


For those of you running Boston in 2011, Team Hoyt hopes to be there, as this is their favorite race -- when Dick Hoyt will be 70 years old! WOW!

Stick it to me!

If it's here, in writing, it's real, right? So I will say it. I started P90X yesterday. Owww, but awesome! I've had the DVD's for a while, just was never the right time to start, or was waiting for something else to be done before giving it a shot... I'm done waiting, it's time!


I'm sure the first week or so will be the toughest... but I really want to go the distance for the 90 days! Hold me accountable if I'm not doing it on my own! Push me if you think I'm starting to slip, remind me if I need it! Please!

128.56 to go before reaching my 2009 goal of 2500k for swim, bike, and run... with a few more longish bike rides on the training plan in the next few weeks, not sure I'll quite reach it, but it'll be close. Considering I only started riding and swimming again in June really, and with 7 weeks off for injury this year, I'm stoked to have traveled this far! I'd still give this one a PASS!

(click to make full size if you want...)

Hold on tight! It's a bumpy ride!

anyone that has read this blog for some time knows that I've been plagued by injuries... and as a result, I've had to change everything. Physically, I need to limit the number of days I run, and add cross-training. No problem, love it, so it's fine. Logistically, I needed to change my schedule, no back to back running days. Mentally, I've had to change as well.... not surprisingly this has been the most difficult.


My thoughts and feelings have come full circle... many times over, have been influenced by others, and hindered by myself.  I seem to be on a permanent roller-coaster ride, the locking mechanism securely fastened and stuck!  Get me outta this thing!


Intimidated: bought the Nike+ kit, bought a pair of running shoes, and went out for a run. Ouch, that hurt.


Pride: Stuck with it, started seeing progress, and was feeling easier, ever so slightly.


Intrigue and Interest: found myself wanting to run more often, starting searching running stuff on the internet, and came across a few running blogs


Excited: Trained and signed up for a 10k race


Motivated: As friends (real-life) found out that I was running, I was talked into to join a half marathon running clinic with a friend -- made some amazing lifelong friends starting the first night!


Intimidated: Saw the training plan and distances, what did I just get myself into!?


Encouraged: I might actually do this! These people are awesome, and I'm sticking with the training plan! Started my own blog, and finding others. Always an incredible source for encouragement.


Excited: Half Marathon Day, running with a friend, first race medal, I finished!


Fear: Stopped running after first half, cannot walk. Hip flexor injury, out for a month. Will I ever be able to run again?


Cautious:  Got the ok to run again... take it easy.


Frustration: Couldn't run the next race that I was registered for due to the injury. That sucked.


Encouraged: Training picking up again, things are feeling good... phew.


Excited: 15k evening race, tough run, but finished, then beer and burgers with friends!


Fear: 2 days later unable to walk. Shin in absolute pain with every step... like Jay is hacking at my shin with an axe, like you would to chop a tree down


Frustration: Stress fractures.


Defeat: Now what. This sucks, again! Why do I even want to do this?


Intimidation: told to cycle or swim during recovery time. Went to the pool, too bored with trying to 'water run', so I tried swimming a lap.... I ran a half marathon, surely this should be easy. TOTALLY.HUMBLED.


Fear: after 7 weeks of no running, recovered and got the ok to run. How will it feel?


Happy: 6 months of rebuilding, things are feeling good, signed up for the race that I couldn't do the previous year, on track for safely increasing mileage.


Excited: Race day was here and I was toeing the line!  Rain and all. Didn't matter.  Felt awesome, and caught up to others in my running group that I didn't expect to see until after the race!


Shocked: I finished the race UNINJURED! Incredible!


Encouraged: this race was a perfect lead up to a spring marathon. Encouraged by those in my running group that I caught up to, Jay and the blogosphere, I signed up for the marathon a few days later! Still time to increase distance safely!


Intimidated: OMG, what did I just sign up for!


Hopeful: Training going well


Worry: 2 weeks until marathon day... weird pain in my calf, same leg as stress fractures.


Hopeful: 10k race 1 week before marathon, ran as a training run only, feeling good.


Nervous: Marathon day is here...


Hopeful: Race starts, leg feels good, so far.


Fear: 8k into the marathon, my leg is starting to hurt. Big time.


Powerful and powerless: both at the same time. I've worked for this, I've done the training, I've overcome a helluva lot, I am strong!... sigh, but I don't know that I'll make...


Defeat: 35.98k... told by paramedics not to continue. DNF. Missed seeing my dad by 200 meters. Mother's Day flowers from Terron given to me in the med tent rather than at the finish line.


Fear: Can't walk. Can't put any weight on my leg. 


Frustration: Here we go again. Why do I even bother?  Stress fracture, and calf muscle injury.


Resentful: on crutches, can't use the air cast this time because of the location of the stress fracture. Walking across a wet pool floor with crutches sucks, and should be considered a sport.


Shock: laps are getting easier, and I'm enjoying myself!? Cycling is proving to be enjoyable too!


Questioning: Hmmm, why not search for a triathlon clinic! Then I won't have to give up swimming & cycling when I can run again -- why not make it a threesome! :D


Excitement: Found a triathlon clinic not far away, that starts tomorrow, coached by someone I already know and like!


Uneasy: For the beginning of the clinic, still can't run


Nervous: Got the ok to run... with rules.


Excitement: Cycling has been awesome! Swimming has improved! Running is slowly rebuilding again.


Excitement: First triathlon is in the books, I'm a triathlete!  Looking for another one!


Pride: Terron's first triathlon is in the books, HE'S a triathlete!  Cannot wait until next year to do as many as he can!


Frustration: Lower legs burn with every step during second triathlon... but I finish


Hopeful: Purchase a base building training plan -- let's hope that going back to basics pays off


Excitement: Complete 10 week triathlon swim clinic, and decide to join a Masters swim/Triathlon team!



Hopeful: Let's see what 2010 will bring...


We all run the gamut of emotions throughout our training, we all have our good and bad moments, and the bad ones eventually make us stronger, and make us appreciate the good ones even more. 


Yes, I know this was a long post... but now do you see why I second guess everything I do? Why I am extremely cautious with my training, especially when it comes to speed and distances, and hum and haw about registering for things? Sometimes I feel like I'm too conservative, taking it too easy, not challenging myself enough, but seeing the above in writing, I sorta think it's justified and that I'm doing the right thing for me.  Thank you all for your encouragement and support... it's meant more to me than I can ever express.


But there's no doubting the fact that I wish I had the ability and confidence to start a tri season with a Sprint Triathlon on a whim.... like these two (and probably others that I'm forgetting right now... sorry), and then finish the first season with Ironman 70.3 like Marci! I know we're all different, I'm not comparing myself to anyone, I'm proud of my accomplishments... I just wish it was easier sometimes. 

I will continue reaching for my goals... just might take me a little longer to get there! :)

Voiding the Excuse!

I was told I could and should, but I said I needed to think about it.  I thought about it... really, I did. But this would be so far outside of my comfort zone, so I went with the excuse reason that I want to spectate at least one first.  So, what was it?


Here, I posted about my start at swimming... in September, I joined a 10 week triathlon swim clinic which helped tremendously, then about a month ago, I started with a masters swim team to continue improving my swim, and keep me going, especially during the winter months when my motivation is tremendously low to get to the pool in the dark, cold nights of winter. The weekend I joined them, there was a swim meet, but I already had plans that weekend, so I didn't go. In the past month, I've swum with them twice a week, being fairly comfortable with freestyle and backstroke, and finally 'learning' breaststroke and butterfly. My goals for both of these have gone from not drowning not drowning as quickly pure survival to working on forward motion. It's not pretty, it's not fast, but I eventually get there, so that counts for something right?


There was another swim meet today, about 10 minutes from home. Coach told me to sign up, and didn't buy into my complaining (and plenty of other swimmers) that I couldn't do the butterfly. So, he had us do 50m butterfly, then some individual medleys. "See Mel, I told you that you can do it, just sign up."


He almost convinced me, but then I got sick last week, and missed the practice when I would have had to pay my entry fee, so he said I could watch this one, but next time I'd have to sign up. It's a nice feeling when someone has confidence in you even if you might not in yourself.


I did the same thing with triathlon, went to watch one first, had an ounce of regret not being a participant, but thankful for the experience of learning from the others before taking the dive, literally! (pun intended!)


I wasn't sure if it would happen, the possibility was there, and it did. The team standing right next to ours was that of my previous triathlon clinic's swim coach. She was coaching and competing today, so it was great to be able to see her again, and watch her swim finally! I chatted with her about my new bike too because I had discovered that she used to race for the store's triathlon team where I bought it, prior to her competing in Ironman. Isn't that crazy! Sometimes this running, swimming, cycling, triathlon community is smaller than you'd think!


Can you believe I'm even posting about this, considering this whole adventure of my last 2+ years started with the Nike+ sensor and going for a short run around the block?  I wonder how different this post would have been had I chosen to participate!  What will I use as my next excuse now that I've used this one up!?

Running in Circles?

Are you runnings towards something, or away from something?

• I'm running away from stress
• I'm running towards being happy in my own skin
• I'm running away from the needle on the scale pushing towards the right too far
• I'm running towards being a better me
• I'm running away from addictions, formerly smoking
• I'm running towards being a role model for my son
• I'm running away from the old me
• I'm running towards new adventures, new friends, new experiences
• I'm running away from having a sedentary lifestyle
• I'm running towards discovering new strengths and weaknesses
• I'm running away from letting my weaknesses stop or slow me down
• I'm running towards proving my nay-sayers wrong
• I'm running away from letting my life slip away
• I'm running towards the person I want to be
• I'm running away from having regrets
• I'm running towards testing my limits and pushing beyond them
• I'm running away from my fears
• I'm running towards new goals
• I'm running away from needing brain surgery again, gotta protect what I have left!
• I'm running towards finding myself, and my purpose
• I'm running away from things I thought I couldn't do
• I'm running towards controlling my life, not letting it control me

Seems that I'm somewhere in the middle, running in circles?! Happy Friday!

Inspiration Showcase: Episode 4 A Far Greater Gift

Inspiration. Dedication. Motivation.

Perseverance. Kindness. Willpower.

Innovation. Determination. Bravery.

Human Spirit.

I first saw Anne's story on CNN's website last year when they were voting for Hero of the Year.

Running through parts of Philadelphia, cheered on by men from a nearby homeless shelter... one day she stopped and made a life changing decision for not only herself, but many others. She started Back on My Feet. The following is taken from her site:

"Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem."

Now more than 600 members strong, and expanding into more cities, it's amazing to think what she accomplished because of her passion for running.

As we're all busy shopping for Christmas gifts... she has given things that are far more important, that which money cannot buy -- hope, confidence, an identity, life, to name a few.

Would you have stopped?

Winter Wuss?

I'm not a big fan of winter, don't like the cold, and I don't ski or snowboard, so I really don't appreciate the snow. Sorry. Like it for Christmas Day, and that's about it. I've braved two winters of running, and actually prefer running outdoors in the cooler weather compared to the heat and humidity of summer. But in an attempt break the injury streak, I've mixing things up quite a bit since my second round of stress fractures in May.

My training plan calls for easy, endurance, base building workouts, low heart rates for the next few months. If you've read my blog for a while, you'll remember that I did a lactate threshold test in February to determine my proper heart rate training zones for running. I've always had a naturally high heart rate, so using standard calculations based on age and gender never seemed to match my perceived effort. Not only did I get my zones based on heart rate, but I also have them based on speed.

Having the speed zones is much easier to manage my heart rate indoors when not having to factor in temperature, overdressing (which I always tend to do) or underdressing, wind, terrain, traffic lights, etc. I tend to get outside, find my one comfortable pace, and not go any slower or faster. Just get out there and go. Having a training plan different than my usual running group, with varying workouts and a purpose, different goals, running on different days, it's likely to be me and iPod tunes for most of the winter, on the treadmill, even though I miss running with them a lot. Yes, I know, kinda dreadful to think about, but if I can find my way to the start line of the Chilly Half Marathon that I just registered for on March 7 injury free, and am able to continue running post-race, then my effort won't have been futile. My gym is across the street, so getting there takes minimal planning, no driving, and walking there is part of my warmup, while walking home is part of my cool-down. With the shorter daylight hours, I can still manage my long runs on mondays after work.

So, just because I'm being a Weather Weenie for the moment,

doesn't mean you are.

Last year, I bought a Road ID anklet, thinking it was an especially good idea when I starting cycling, since I typically forgot to bring along any identification with me. I recently got an email from them with some Christmas Savings... I emailed them back to see if I can pass those discounts onto you, and they obliged. They're offering 10% off any orders until Friday, Dec. 18th at 5:00 ET. You still have until Dec 14th to order for Christmas delivery if you want to purchase it as a gift for another runner, cyclist, triathlete. Plus, for every $20 you spend, your name will be entered for an Orbea bike or a Human Touch Massage Chair, a random draw taking place in early January. If you happen to win, you're welcome! Use the following coupon code when placing your order: pcHoliday293

Thanks for all the get well wishes, they seem to have helped! I took Sunday and Monday off to recover and rest, catching up with Monday's scheduled 1hr run on the treadmill yesterday morning, and my 2hr schedule bike ride on the trainer last evening. The new bike rocks, but with our first snowfall overnight, I'm kinda bummed that it'll likely be months before I can take it out on the streets. Oh well. Time to catch up and see what you've all been up to!

6 new tires

So, my car being a lease, is due back in May, before which the tires will need to be replaced. Snow is starting to fall today, with a big storm anticipated for Wednesday, so I figured I'll just replace all 4 tires now so that I at least get some use out of them. I got a quote, and was going to get it done tonight, only to arrive at an already-too-busy-shop, so I'll try again tomorrow.

Wait... you didn't come here to read about those tires?

Well, good! Then let's get onto the good stuff!

The other 2 new tires belong to "The Animal"...

my new Specialized Transition Pro. :)

Ahhh, gotta love Bike Porn, right Tri Diesel?

I went for my bike fit this afternoon -- had it not decided to snow as soon as I left my house, I would have been riding outdoors with the store owner; a 4 time Olympian for cycling! His wife also recently finished Ironman Kona. Buying a bike from someone who knows his stuff and cares so much = priceless! Fitting took about an hour, making the slightest changes that made big differences in feel. He cut down my seat post a bit, changed the crank so that the length would better fit me, and swapped the tire for my indoor trainer tire so I wouldn't have to mess with changing it so soon.

Me likey.

That's it?!

Today's post will be bullet-style, because it's taking all I can in a cold medication induced blur to put a coherent sentence together...

• I've had a sore throat for a little over a week but was feeling pretty much fine otherwise; it finally materialized into a full-blown cold and hit me like a Mack truck Saturday night. I watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Terron Sunday afternoon... let me tell ya, it is a whole new experience when medicated. Seriously. The Umpa Lumpa's... ya, they're a little trippy. I skipped masters swim.
• On week 4 of my new training plan; really liking it so far. Due to the above, I'm not sure if I'll get all my planned workouts in this week though -- will see how I feel. A week or two ago, I hopped on the trainer for my scheduled ride... 20 minute easy spin. Stopped pedalling, got off the bike, and Jay said "that's it?" Yep, that's it. Joe Friel had a great blog post up yesterday about base training and it's importance. That's the phase I'm in now, and it is in fact, one of his training plans that I purchased. Maybe I've finally learned something, and am doing something right!
• I couldn't help it. Blow out sale. Clearing out 2009 inventory. No tax. Additional savings and discounts, with a few thrown in extras. Only one in my size. Experience and customer service second to none. I bought a new bike. A tri bike! **Don't worry, this was NOT a medication induced decision** Had contemplated waited until the spring to hit the bike show, but Jay and I agreed that this was too good a deal to pass up. Jay has suggested that I name it "The Animal". It's red, and it's what he thinks I can/will be riding this beauty. I will be going for a bike fit today or tomorrow... pics to come when I bring my new baby home :) I bought my first road bike more than a year and a half ago, never with the thought of doing a triathlon. Training is going to be so fun! It'll also match the SUGOi Brand Champion clothing that I can order!
• I feel parched and dehydrated. But I really doubt I am, drank about 2 litres of water on Saturday, about 3 litres on Sunday. Yes, I'm constantly going to the bathroom, but I can't quench my thirst, my lips are chapped and cracked. :( When I'm not going pee, I'm blowing my nose... sniff.

Lots of PRs this weekend, a BQ and some new Marathon Maniacs! Congrats to all those that raced this weekend!