Wednesday, December 2, 2020

November Round Up

 Another month down. Not much else to say there. Let's see how it went, shall we?

Swimming: 12100m (7.52 mi)
Cycling: 50.27 mi
Running: 59.54 mi
Strength: 30 sessions (5:29)
Other: two hikes (2:14)

I started getting back in the pool regularly again (ending out the month with a few three swim weeks) and it's becoming noticeable. I'm starting to focus on form a bit more and, what do you know, it actually works. I've seen some faster times (for me) again so I guess that's paying off and I guess that's something I'm going to continue working on.

The bike continues to be a disappointment. My swim went back to decent once I started giving myself specific workouts again so I'm going to do the same thing with the bike (or at least parameters of how much I should ride that day). My mini goal is to ride at least 100 miles in December. 

Running is continuing to go pretty well. The race we're in theory training for might not happen (registration still isn't open yet they have a date for it ...), but we're hoping that if it doesn't, there will be something local-ish we can substitute in its place. Hopefully.

The other disappointment this month (besides the bike) was the lack of other. Hoping that changes despite the weather and cold!

Also obviously sticking with the daily since it seems to be working. Consistency over time, man.

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

October Round Up

In theory, this month should have started off with a 70.3

In actuality, this month ended up having a few virtual races (the BU Alumni 5K and the ZOOMA Amelia Island Challenge (5K and 12K)).

We've also in theory started training for RnR AZ in January - the website still has the dates but no sign up yet. We're just training as if. Everything else except for running? Welllllll ...

Swimming: 4300m (2.67 mi)
Cycling: 55.38 mi
Running: 56.15 mi
Strength: 31 sessions (5:28)
Other: two hikes (2:23:57), two sessions hockey (2:00), one walk (:20), one session yoga (:15)

I hit a swim rut and I hit a swim rut badly this month. Part of it is finding the time to go now that I don't have to set a reservation. Noon is generally an okay time (the time it was usually okay to go swim at that gym pre-COVID), but actually remembering to get out the door and go around then (and schedule food around it) is a bit tricky. I also stopped planning swim workouts and just decided to swim as much as I felt like. That? Was a bad idea. I'm attempting to add in structured swims in again for November.

Cycling is also a bit of a struggle. And it doesn't help that when I do get on the bike, I can tell I've lost a lot of the fitness there. I've ridden over 1000 miles this year but let me tell you, it sure doesn't feel like it. I've gotten out a bit already this month - warm days help - and I'm hoping to ride more than I run.

Running is the main good thing. I don't think I've missed a run yet and have only cut one or two short. I'm proud of that. I've now been running essentially every other day for about two years now and I think it's FINALLY paying off. 

Still sticking with the daily and am trying my best to not half-ass it like I like to do.

I am proud of the other random stuff this month though. Got out for a few hikes - we're still really trying - and played hockey again. One hour was a stick/puck session and the other was an actual drop-in. Despite not remembering how to deal with my annoying feet in hockey skates and developing horrible, horrible blisters, it was actually pretty fun.

November the goal is just to keep keepin' on with half training and to try not to completely neglect the cross-training. I also have a goal to not gain weight during the holidays, so here's hoping.

Friday, October 2, 2020

September Round Up

Another month down in this year. Woo! I'm still doing a few virtual races (Skirt Sports is now part of ZOOMA so I'm doing the virtual Cape to Coast challenge which means the Cape Cod Challenge and the Amelia Island Challenge. Did the Cape Cod; Amelia Island is later this month. Also BU is doing a 5K as part of their virtual Alumni Weekend ... so that's Sunday) and in person racing is slowly resuming around here, so I may have one of those in my future. Maybe.

Anyway, onward to numbers!

Swimming: 11100m (6.9 mi)
Cycling: 66.68 mi
Running: 35.21 mi
Strength: 30 sessions (5:02)
Other: four hikes (2:57:11), one walk (1:02:38)

I got back into my 10K a month for swimming habit, so that's good. The pool is, or I should say was getting to be really annoying - I would have to show up at least 20 minutes before my reservation time to make sure I could get a lane because the pool is starting to get REALLY crowded. However, I just tried to make a reservation and apparently the gym is back to "hey we're open 5a-9p so come on in whenever and work out for as long as you'd like now" so now I have to figure out when is good to actually go swim at the gym. Since I had that figured out at my old (now closed) gym. UGH.

But hey, at least this means I can get back to super long swims again, right? 

The bike ... is a struggle. And I'm not sure why. The trainer is just highly unmotivating and I think I'm just sick of the standard boring rides from the house. Yet the thought of driving to ride somewhere also doesn't help. Let's not kid ourselves - I'm in a huge bike slump. I'll get out of it eventually - I always do. And since I don't have a tri until at least oh, next August* ... I suppose it's fine.

Running has been surprisingly decent. The ZOOMA Cape Cod Challenge had a one mile race (that I didn't go as hard as I probably should have, but was still sub-10 so YAY for that) and a 10K/half-marathon. I am not in half shape so I did the 10K and it went a lot better than expected, so I'm happy for that, too. My Garmin had it faster than the Feisty Games 10K and the app I had to track it with had me faster than the SMASH 10K, so who knows there.

We also decided to gamble that RnR AZ (same race I did in January) will go on and have decided to train for that to give us some motivation.

Strength has been fine and we're still trying to keep hiking. Been exploring some new parts of the state and it's been great.

For October ... the goal is just to keep on moving and keep with the training plan. Keep surviving, for that's all any of us can do.


Wednesday, September 2, 2020

August Round Up

Oh hey, another month down and another month of me not really hitting my goals. I did manage to finish the CO Trail challenge, though, and "race" two tris as part of the Feisty Team's Feisty Games (... over the course of several days. I regret nothing).

This year, man.

Anyway, on to the numbers, shall we?

Swimming: 14050m (8.7 mi)
Cycling: 112.51 mi
Running: 35.66 mi
Strength: 31 sessions (5:29)
Other: three hikes (2:24:26), two walks (1:20:51)

Swimming was the only thing I met (and exceeded) my goal on this month. I'm trying to get back to my bare minimum 10K a month again and right now, it's working. The process of getting to the gym so I can guarantee a lane is kind of a pain in the ass, but I'm still grateful that I even can swim, so there's that. Hopefully that gratitude keeps continuing.

Cycling ... just ugh. I really need to get out on my bike more and I REALLY need to get back doing hills. The 40K ride I did as part of the Feisty Oly tri was NOT fun. Ugh.

Running has weirdly been coming around. I had a speedy run in Vegas before we left (went for B's birthday) and then the 10K I did for the Feisty games was only a minute slower than the SMASH virtual Mother's Day run (which I went hard at). I'll take it.

Not as much extraneous stuff (hiking and the like) and with the weather changing, I'm not so sure that will change either. But maybe. We'll see.

I don't know. 2020 is weird. Planning is hard. All I try to keep doing right now is to move my body and maintain some semblance of fitness.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

July Round Up

Can you guess how July went? Can you? 

I'll tell you - not as well as I was hoping. Oh wait! That's how it always goes!

... I'm over this year. I really am.

Swimming: 8372m (5.2 mi)
Cycling: 106.96 mi
Running: 28.53 mi
Lifting: 28 sessions (5:56)
Other: six hikes (9:42:32), three walks (2:31:28)

Swimming was down again. Partly due to the birthday trip (no swimming there) and partly due to the fabulous pool of fabulousness changing its hours. However, even though my good 24 closed for good (*cries*), the crappy, closer one is back open, so swimming there has started to happen again. I have to get there like 15 minutes before my reservation time to make sure I snag a lane (and go dressed in my swimsuit), but hey. It's been working.

I don't know what happened with the bike. It's been rough. I'll just say that.

Same thing with running. A few of those walks were actually supposed to be runs. Ugh.

While I didn't technically lift every day (still with the TIU daily), I didn't skip a daily - screen-shotted them and doubled up. I did actually have another off day, too, thanks to feeling like crap after our road trip.

Hiking, though, hiking has been great. That's been the main upside to things.

We just got word (literally as I was writing this) that Memphis has been cancelled (big surprise), so we'll see if I race again this year. I'll have a fake tri as part of the Feisty team and a few running races are starting to happen around the metro, but I'm still not sure on whether I actually want to do any of them. We'll see.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

June Round Up

June was a bit disappointing for both of us. But also really, really nice in other ways. Read on ...

Swimming: 13684.91m (8.5 mi)
Cycling: 137.38 mi
Running: 36 mi
Lifting: 30 sessions (6:34)
Other: one hike (3:00), four walks (4:13:16)

The biggest and best part of this month is that swimming number. LOOOOOK AT IT! So while 24 just opened, their pool still isn't. And they closed the nice one anyway. However, the outdoor pool near my parents' house is open and for $7 (non-resident), you can swim for 70 minutes. I am all about that and have been going on average twice a week. CCSP also finally opened for open water, so we got in one of those, too.

I'm also learning that I have probably been swimming in yard pools (as opposed to meter pools), so there's that. Whatever, I'm swimming again in a gorgeous pool and it is GLORIOUS.

Everything else though ... ugh. Cycling has been a struggle again. Have gotten up to Boulder to climb hills a tiny bit, but not nearly as much as I would like. It doesn't help that Tucson is on fire and the Catalina Highway (that is, Mt. Lemmon) is closed so I will not be able to do the original birthday goal. I will still ride; it just won't be an epic ride up a mountain.

Running I have no idea what's going on there. Half those walks (or more) were supposed to be runs. 

Boulder 70.3 was officially cancelled, so the only race still on the schedule is Memphis and we'll see if that actually stays a thing. There have still been virtual races (SMASH has another one coming up on the 4th), but eh. I'm doing a bit better with the Colorado Trail challenge, and my main goal for July is to actually finish that (a month early). We'll see if I do.

I'm also hoping to hike more, so fingers crossed that happens!

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

May Round Up

Working out ever since the pandemic hit as been weird. Obviously I haven't been able to swim as the pools have been closed (hopefully that changes sooooooooon) AND all the normal places for open water have also been shut down (argh), but running and biking? That can happen.

March went terrible because our brains were in shock of what was actually happening. That makes sense. April, we were settled in for the long haul and it made it easy to move. May, stuff has been kind of opening up but in weird ways and the odd frustration and impotence from March came back.

As a result, my May was crap.

But I DID GET TO SWIM AGAIN SO YAY.

Swimming: 2194.56m (1.36mi)(2400yd)
Cycling: 91.34 mi
Running: 42.95 mi
Lifting: 30 sessions (6:28)
Other: four hikes (4:15), four walks (3:22:14)

We disappeared down to Tucson for a few days and the hotel we booked had a lap pool we could use, so I finally got to swim again. Given the layoff and my usual bodily reaction to it, my final swim was the only one where I kinda felt "normal" again (I usually get nauseous my first few swims back after long layoffs and this was my longest layoff in a while). I didn't get to swim as much as I wanted, but it was still so nice to be able to swim.

Cycling was a huge disaster (got sick of dealing with people on the trails and also just sick of the same old routes) and running ... kind of the same.

I also had my first off day since August of last year when my neck freaked out on the first ... thanks to being super hungover when I finally cracked.

I'm not even saying any goals for June ... but trying to find some water might be nice as 70.3 Boulder, as of today, is still on ...

Oh wait. I have one goal - ride hills. Birthday Lemmon extravaganza is still on as scheduled, so the husband and I need to get some vert on in our lives.

Plus we did sign up for the virtual Colorado Trail challenge, so in general, miles would be good.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

On Virtual Racing

We're in the middle of a pandemic. We might be nearing the end of it; we might just be gearing up for another wave. WHO KNOWS?

All we athletes know is that we don't have gyms to go to and all of our races are being cancelled.

... or are they?

Enterprising companies started hosting virtual races. Some were just the natural alternative for a race day that could no longer be held. Some just seem ridiculously on brand (see: IRONMAN, Rock 'n' Roll and their swag which includes masks ...). Others are just to give us racing and competitive types (or medal hounds) something to chase after. And some, well, it's just for the community aspect as that's a big reason a lot of us do sport - for the community aspect, and that's been taken away from us.

We can't see our friends at a race, so why don't we do the same race virtually?

... sure, let's go with it.

In any case, I've done three recently. I haven't put them in the race log (... because they're not actually races imho), but I figured I could at least make them into some blog content.

 Race #1: Mother's Day Smashfest Virtual 10K

Smashfest Queen put on a Mother's Day virtual race for either the 5K, 10K, or half-marathon distance. I decided on the 10K because why not. I actually attempted to race the thing, too. 

Race cost some money, for a swag race shirt. That I'll get some time in June. Because SMASH. Part of the fee also went to charity - No Kid Hungry.

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With my bib. Yes, I printed all my bibs out. No, I didn't actually wear them running. #selfconscious

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Husband got me as our run paths crossed.

I haven't actually raced a 10K in quite some time, so this kinda hurt. And also reminded me why I don't particularly like the distance.

Result: 6.26 mi in 1:05:05

Race #2: Skirt Strong Frickin' Women Virtual 5K

A couple of the current ambassador captains came up with the idea of this virtual race and, as an ambassador myself, of COURSE I was going to do this.

Race was free. It was for everyone. You could walk it or run it or whatever. 

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Note the new race hat - it's a T. rex! Thanks to a random friend for introducing me to Bandanna Running in Boise and then Bandanna themselves for shipping to Colorado.

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Didn't race this one nearly as hard. Also ran it with B, so that was partly why. Also it's really hard (at least for me) to click into race mode without the whole atmosphere and stuff.

Result: 3.12 mi in 33:03

Race #3: Conquer COVID-19 Virtual 10K

What, another 10K? Yes, I know. B and I both signed up for this one. Since running the Dino Half a few years back, we still get emails from Runtastic Events. With the whole shift to virtual ... they got creative. And really, we just ran this one for the medal.

So yes, we paid for this one. Did not pay extra for the t-shirt. Mostly just paid for the medal. Also had to actually upload results. They also donated $5 from every entry fee to a local running store. I chose Cadence Running Company in Arizona, since apparently that's how I'm getting shoes now.

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The ever elusive both feet in the air running shot.

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B coming into the "finish."

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Done! The medals look like rolls of toilet paper. There's a spinner in the middle that looks like the coronavirus. The stuff on the back is along the lines of that Stay Home logo thing you see on Instagram.

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My medal Monday shot. You get a sense of the ridiculousness here.

I will say we signed up for this basically solely for the medal. I'm hoping that, sometime in the future, we can look back on this medal as a humorous reminder of a pretty tough time.

Also B remembered with me why 10Ks suck. We didn't run this one nearly as hard as I did the Smash one the week prior.

Result: 6.21 mi in 1:11:25

*****

I think the virtual races do have a place, but they definitely don't replace actual racing (for me, at least). 

The other thing that's emerging, however, is virtual challenges. One I know a lot of people doing is GVRAT - the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee - run however many miles it is for the length of Tennessee (... somewhere around 1000, I think?) over the course of the summer. I'm not interested in that, but local company 3W Races is doing something on a smaller level - hike, walk, run, and/or bike the length of the Colorado Trail (486 mi) over 90 days (essentially June, July, and August). You can do it with a team or solo - Brandon and I think that we can hit that mileage across all those disciplines easily. 

Check back for the May recap next week to see if we actually pull the trigger on it ...

Friday, May 8, 2020

Finish Lines

There are a lot of start lines in our lives. 

Birth, jobs, relationships, friendships, races, projects. 

It only stands to reason that there are finish lines, too.

Some are our own, but some we're only witness to. We may not have seen our grandmother's start line, but we've probably seen her finish line.

Some are worth mourning. Some are worth celebrating. Some, you feel nothing but relief.

In terms of racing, I've seen 125 start lines and 120 finish lines. Of those five missed finish lines:
- four I'd make the same choice on missing them again.
- one I regret.
- one which was nothing but relief.
- one where I still wonder "what if."

(Note: the "what if" and the regret are not the same race.)

Some finish lines in life blindside you. The end of friendships, divorces, death. Some leave you feeling relief; others bitterness; others joy. Some leave you feeling all of the possible feels you can feel.

The announcement of Skirt Sports' possible finish line is doling out the latter - feeling all the feels. 

I understand and respect Nicole DeBoom's decision to explore another path in her life. 

I'm deeply saddened at the potential loss of a brand that has been there for me for 13 years; one that I can know automatically if I purchase something that it will fit. 

I (okay, really B) feel a bit of relief that I no longer have to get creative with closet and drawer space to fit in even more Skirt. 

I also feel relief that Skirt is so well made that I will continue to have those pieces for another 13 years if I so choose to since I know they'll last that long. 

I feel anger at the circumstances that forced their hand while simultaneously understanding that this decision would probably have come regardless eventually, but maybe just not. right. now. 

I rejoice in the friends and connections I have made, knowing that those won't just go away because the clothing brand connecting us might.

I don't even know how to describe one of my feelings - of what I might miss out on, whether it be some amazing new fabric or print or product, or even new friend that might now not be made. Not fear, not angry ... impotence? Frustration? Sadness of what will never be? Mourning of lost possibility?

My first Skirt was a shirt, and I wrote a poem back in 2018 about what that one simple item of clothing meant. I converted to Skirt fully in 2010. I became an ambassador back in 2015, a captain in 2016, a model in 2018. I attended retreats each year I was an ambassador (this year not withstanding)(dang COVID-19)(2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).

I'm thankful a friend talked me into doing Tri for the Cure in 2007, not only for sparking my torrid love affair with triathlon, but for unintentionally teaching me about Skirt Sports (the apparel sponsor).

I'm thankful for the silly SkirtChaser series that Brandon and I decided to run in 2008 which got me my first actual Skirt.

I'm thankful for the wide range of products and awesome patterns that got me sucked in.

I'm thankful I took the plunge and introduced myself to Nicole at the Tri for the Cure expo in ... either 2011 or 2012.

I'm thankful for the reboot of the ambassador program (the current one to this day) and for them accepting me in 2015.

I'm thankful for that first retreat in part for introducing me to Kim and Jake's.

I'm thankful for their faith in me and choosing me to be a captain in 2016.

I'm thankful for the countless connections I have made through Skirt.

I'm thankful for the community they gave me at a time in my life when I deeply needed one.

I'm thankful for them pushing me out of my comfort zone in so many little ways that I didn't even realize it was happening at the time.

I'm thankful for their trust in me to become one of their Real Woman models, and thankful I ignored my fears to even model a sports bra.

I'm thankful I was able to honor the company's 15th anniversary by wearing the newest iteration of the Race Belt Skirt at IRONMAN Wisconsin, the race Nicole won while wearing the very first Skirt prototype.

I'm thankful that while I wasn't there at Skirt's start line, I stumbled upon their race, and will be able to celebrate with them at their finish line. 

Nicole, thank you. Thank you to you and to everyone I've known at Skirt HQ over the years - Sarah, Noelle, Keri, Jen, Chris, Amy, Jenelle, Rebecca, and so many others I'm forgetting (not to mention Tim and Wilder). I feel blessed to have stumbled upon you and become a teeny tiny part of your story.

Friday, May 1, 2020

April Round Up

Another month has passed us by ... even if it's hard to tell. How did it go for me in terms of working out? Why, well thank you for asking; I'll let you know right now.

Swimming: 0m (0 mi)
Cycling: 161.82 mi
Running: 44.81 mi
Lifting: 30 sessions (8:32)
Other: five walks (2:45), one session yoga (:19)

Still no swimming. Really starting to miss it. My goal for May is to get in the water somehow, whether it be because the gym opened up again or I finally throw myself in a lake/reservoir.

Cycling numbers went up nicely. I think there may have been a trainer ride or two in there, but it was mostly outside. I'm pretty thankful for that.

Running also has been coming along well. I have signed up for a few virtual races - two 10ks and a 5k - so I'll do "recaps" for those as I do them. 

Strength work continued to skyrocket - the TIU app was free (besides just the daily workout) for a while so I did a few extra classes. I also added in some dryland swim work just so I don't lose all my swim fitness. Hopefully.

Otherwise ... I finally cracked yesterday. I'm sick of all of this crap. I'm sick of exercise being the only way I can get out and explore. I'm sick of riding and running the same paths and trails. I'm sick of not being able to travel. I'm sick of everyone else not being able to travel because it's hurting my husband's livelihood. I'm just sick of it all.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

March Round Up

As you probably gleaned from the last time I scribbled in here ... training is kind of a shitshow right now. Read on ...

Swimming: 6800m (4.23 mi)
Cycling: 54.04 mi
Running: 28.03 mi
Lifting: 31 sessions (6:32)
Other: two sessions skiing (7:30), five walks (2:15), one session yoga (:14)

My 15 month 10k/mo swimming streak finally came to an end. Hindsight being what it is, I'm annoyed with myself for skipping swims earlier this month (even before my conscience started poking at me (and I actually listened to it to not swim right before the pools closed)). Reservoir water is probably still too cold for me to want to try swimming in it ... and it's actually probably not super prudent for me to do it anyway. 

In short, I never thought I'd miss swimming this much, but I do.

Riding numbers should be great - I have all this time and I should really be on the trainer a whole bunch! - but they're not. I just haven't wanted to throw my bike on the trainer and when I have gotten outside, it hasn't been for much. I'm really hoping that will change for April, but who knows. I don't feel comfortable driving anywhere to ride and the trails have been more crowded than usual due to the obvious.

I managed to salvage running somewhat. I'm doing better about getting out every other day (back into my normal routine), but what the runs are usually isn't pretty. I did get an email for a virtual Conquer COVID-19 run, though, so I may sign up to do that, if only for the absolutely hilarious medal. Plus it might get me back to longer distances.

The one bonus is the extra strength work - this might be my biggest strength month in quite some time. I may actually attempt swim-specific work in April, too. 

As for the other stuff ... it's there. Walking will continue to be a thing. Even if we hadn't used the rest of our four-pack (so grateful that we did), all the ski resorts are closed, so none of that. Hiking will also continue to not be a thing until the state reopens as we're not technically supposed to really leave our bubbles.

For April, what do I hope to see? No swimming, unfortunately (*cries*), but hopefully back to some decent bike and run mileage. But if not, that's okay too.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Training Update

... I know I never do these anymore (save the monthly recaps) ... but what with the crazy COVID-19 times we're living in, I figured I'd jump on the probable bandwagon of blogging about dealing with this shit.

My training update is ... I'm really kind of not. I had a good week at the beginning of March. Then we went on a tiny weekend trip that ended up being stressful so we took a small break as we had a ski vacation planned. We did that, using up the last days of our four-pack ... and then got down the mountain to an uncertain world.

We/I didn't manage to swim the few swims I had scheduled late last week and I had a feeling that I should probably get to the pool on Monday, but I didn't ... and now who knows when I'll be able to swim again.

The only thing that really bums me out there is that my at least 10k a month swim streak dies. I had it going for 15 months which is crazy awesome for me. But alas ... it is dead. Unless I want to try to brave the reservoirs around here which ... no. I'm not that strong.

We're still allowed outside, but it's been so mentally tough to get out for either a ride or a run. B and I managed last weekend, but it was a bit rough. I am fortunate enough to have an indoor cycling set up if I so choose it ... and I'm not doing it.

I am, however, still sticking with my TIU daily workout because I think it's so ingrained in me by this point. At the beginning of this month, I decided to try and add a little extra in each day as well (so if it's arm day, add in a few extra arm exercises), which I think was a good idea. The actual in-app workouts (that aren't just the daily moves) are free right now thanks to the shitshow that is our world, so I may try some of those as well. I have at least done one of the meditations and it was great.

The other thing that I think is relatively fortunate is that except for a whole bunch of tentative stuff on the schedule (random running races that I penciled in like hey, maybe I'll run this), I have no serious races until August in Boulder 70.3 (oh I'm doing that. I think I mentioned it.). At this point, who knows if it'll still go on, but I'm thankful I don't have to worry about it ... yet.

In general, we're trying to both give ourselves grace in this stressful time and do what we can, as we can. I guess that's all that any of us can do.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Race #2 of the Season: Leap Day 5K

This race was a bit spur of the moment (though not registered for last second). I knew B was going to be home for it and I got emails for it ... so I asked him, "hey, how do you feel about running a 5K on the 29th?" He said sure, so we went for it.

Neither of us had really raced a 5K in a few years - April 2018, I think? Let me note that while we did run hard at the Colorado 5K last June, I don't think either of us were actually attempting to race it like we did at the aforementioned April race (Rockies 5K). 

Race morning looked to be a bit chillier than we had hoped (stupid clouds). Eh, welcome to Colorado.

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Race photogs got me dropping off donations. Courtesy 3W Races.

Since it was chilly, we mostly hung out in the car until about 10 minutes prior to the start. I got to see several friends/fellow Skirt ambassadors at the race including Deb and Jen, so that was nice.

Soon enough ... go time.

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I'm on the left while B is in the yellow socks. Photo 3W Races.

I was in front of B until the first main hill that I had to walk some on at probably .75 miles. From that point until probably a little after 2 miles, we leap-frogged. I was able to run at a decent clip when I was running, but the cold made it a bit hard to breathe. And I used my stupid inhaler for a change, so I was a bit grumbly.

In any case, 5Ks are nice and short and it means the pain is over (relatively) quickly.

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Urgh. Photo 3W races.

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Dead husband, who finished 30 seconds prior to me. It took him a few minutes to peel himself off the pavement.

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... that's a nice surprise ...

Final Stats:
Time: 29:48.1
17/89 AG (F30-39)
57/370 gender
118/544 overall

First time I have gone sub-:30 in a 5K since December 2017 when I last did my "race to fitness" experiment. I was kind of wondering if I'd ever see that again. Thankfully ... I did. Now to get it even lower ...

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

February Round Up

At the end of January's round up, I mentioned that motivation had been a problem. It continued on that way a bit into February before I finally ended up sort of getting my shit together mid month. Read on ...

Swimming: 13500m (8.39 mi)
Cycling: 123.23 mi
Running: 24.89 mi
Lifting: 29 sessions (5:33)
Other: one session skiing (4:30), two walks (1:30)

I sort of started to move out of my early month funk ... but then I had a crisis in terms of race direction. I sorta kinda thought I'd maybe race IM Lake Placid this year - we'd briefly talked about it late December - but then it never got brought up. B wasn't super happy about it in the first place so I thought that him not mentioning it was a sign.

It ended up being that he actually just totally forgot about it (... communication: rarely a problem with us but sometimes ...) and in discussing it, if I'm going to race an IM, I want to do it right, and I don't think I could have done that with Placid this year.

Once that maybe possibility was out of my brain, I needed to find different direction as 70.3 Memphis is a looooong way away.

So, I sat down and wrote out a tentative race calendar and then the weekly long workouts I would need to get there. I threw a couple possible early(-ier) season 10 miles/half-marathons on there (if I run them, great; if not, I'll have at least gotten in the mileage) and we compromised on me adding in another 70.3 which means I'll do Boulder again.

As for what that meant for monthly numbers ... I'm glad swimming is staying over 10k. I had some extremely frustrating moments with swimming this past month and a few possible baby breakthroughs. The bike continues to be a bit of a struggle, but I think as long as I can get outside more in March, it will improve quite a bit. I'm bummed that it was a down running month, but I may have had a tiny breakthrough there, too (spoiler alert for Friday).

I'm glad to be continuing with the daily workout as well as getting in some other activities. We're really enjoying skiing and that will show up again at least once in March. I'm hoping to do a bit more than that, however, especially as the weather starts turning spring-like.

Friday, February 7, 2020

January Round Up

Oh, January. Usually the fresh, motivated start to the new year. For most people. This year? Not so much ...

Swimming: 13900m (8.64 mi)
Cycling: 104.59 mi
Running: 46.03 mi
Lifting: 31 sessions (5:43)
Other: one session erg (rowing)(:15:05), one session skiing (4:30), one session yoga (:14)

In terms of my usual numbers ... average swim month, below average bike month, and an okay-ish run month. I was successful with the daily (woo) and some great non-S/B/R activities. The month finished off really strong as well.

I dunno, this year's been weird. I'm pseudo-attempting to train as if for a full ... but I haven't officially committed to anything (and the race is 75% full so I may want to think about it) ... and the 70.3 is still so far away that it's hard to get motivated.

Plus I've been super blah - pretty much since Thanksgiving if we're being honest - and have started off February with a decent head cold too. 

Motivation in most things in my life - getting onto a regular schedule, moving from my desk, etc. - is not really present and I'm hoping that can change soon.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Race #1 of the Season: Rock 'N' Roll Arizona Half-Marathon

This race got put on the radar because we knew we needed to hit up the desert sometime in the early part of the new year to use some tickets in Tucson and also because B's mom is spending some of the winter in Scottsdale so it was a good excuse to go visit. I did wait and see if the medal was good (and it was), so sure, why not a half-mar?

The build was pretty terrible - I missed a few long runs ... and a few short ones ... and the week leading up to it was literally the worst - but the long runs I had gotten in had gone okay and I was really hoping I would have enough residual fitness left over from IMoo.

The original plan was for B to race the 5K on Saturday, but for some reason, we didn't sign up beforehand, and the line at the expo for registration was RIDICULOUS, so that didn't happen. Which is fine; he's not really ready to "race" a 5K right now anyway.

I did buy new shoes that Friday - tested out a new store in Gilbert - and in my immense wisdom, decided to try them out on race day.

(in general, I know this is horrible, but it's not like I had another chance to really try them out before we had to head back to Colorado and I really needed new shoes.)

I didn't think it would the absolute worst idea since there is a theory out there that you shouldn't need to break in shoes ... but when you go from a 10-11mm drop to a zero drop (Brooks Ghost to Altra Torin)? Yeahhh, you should probably have an adjustment period. Oops.

Anyway, woke up race morning early enough to get down to Tempe and park before we had to deal with a lot of traffic/road closures (and also to get B coffee). 

IMG_0184
Last time I took a picture like this it was for an IMAZ banner ...

It was fairly chilly and windy, but I know that I'm a hot runner, so I was dressed for when the sun came out - singlet, arm warmers (that ended up coming off late race), skirt, compression socks, gaiter/buff for the ears. I also threw on a lot of sunscreen because I'm trying to get better about that (I forget for long runs sometimes).

Then ... a lot of standing around waiting as it took about 30 minutes from the first gun for me to finally start.

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Creepin' on B who rode his bike around the course to cheer me on and take pics.

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Right after the start. Those pink arm warmers made me easy to spot.

I started off fairly well, not walking until the mile 2 banner. I definitely noticed the drop effect of the shoes early in my calves/Achilles area, but it was okay and actually felt better to run than to walk. However, sometime in mile 3, my feet - particularly my left foot - started to get tingly. I'm not sure if they ever got numb, but it was a bit rough. I stopped a few times to adjust the tightness of my laces to see if that would help, and it definitely reflected in my mile times.

9:44, 9:36, 10:44, 12:11

I knew there was nothing to do but fight, so fight I did. I was pretty thankful that it felt better to run than walk since it forced me to keep running. I saw B at around mile 6.6 and his mom was able to make it there as well to say hi.

The rest of that mile was entirely uphill (thanks, Thomas Road).

9:51, 10:13, 10:55

Official 6.2 mile split: 1:02:39

About 7.25 to 8.25 was the wear blue mile. I have a few few Skirt sisters who work with them and I really don't know how I didn't cry. Got close. I also stopped for the one picture I took all race - of former Army Hockey player Derek Hines.

IMG_0189
I missed the sign for Pat Tillman, but I heard people mention him/it. It's fortuitous that I heard it, since I really started paying attention to the signs and was able to catch this one.

I was super tempted to make the turn into the Desert Botanical Garden as we ran right past the entrance, but no, I decided to keep running.

We had another huge hill in the Papago Park area, but we were rewarded with super cool (Japanese?) drummers at the top.

10:40, 11:32, 10:42, 10:37

Official 10 mile split: 1:46:33

The tingly feeling eventually went away but the heel of my right foot had been hurting some ... but I just ran it out anyway. It did start to get quite warm, but I kept my arm warmers on as long as possible ... mostly because I didn't put sunscreen on under them. I did finally ditch them around mile 9ish though.

I saw B again a little after mile 11. The last bit of the race got a bit rough, but I just kept powering through. Especially after I saw my gross 12 mile split.

12:04, 10:36

SBGI3539
Running/racing is so attractive. This is right before the final turn to the finish.

Final bit: :48.9

When I signed up for this race, I estimated my finish to be about a 2:20. That was a bit better than the last half I had run back in the middle of IM training in July. I thought I might do a few minutes better than that at one point, but alas, it was not to be.

Final Stats:
Time: 2:20:12
239/552 AG (F35-39)
1557/3775 gender
3519/6911 overall

Welp, nailed that prediction.

IMG_0191
Tossed the legs up a light pole post-race. How much time must I spend in Tempe Beach Park?

In terms of races, this one wasn't bad. I'm actually pretty happy with how it went, all things considered. It makes me think that I can get solidly back in the mid 2:10s again. I would consider doing this actual race again, too. As long as the medal's pretty awesome.

WHHG5612

Friday, January 10, 2020

2020 Goals

I've been putting off writing this post for a little while as I'm still trying to figure out what, if anything, I want my goals to be for 2020.

I haven't officially nailed down my race season yet (... part of the reason I haven't changed the sidebars yet. really need to do that ...) which is a huge part of it.

What I have so far is Rock N Roll Arizona half-marathon (... in just about a week) and IM 70.3 Memphis in October. Other than that? 

I'm hoping for IM Lake Placid in July - one of my baby cousins (not so baby now, clearly ...) was supposed to do it last year as his first but I was already signed up for Wisconsin, so I obviously couldn't go. Then, he developed blood clots in his legs (apparently a thing that's been going on for a while), so had to defer. Since he's in theory going to do it this year now ... I would love to race it with him. Even though I totally wasn't planning on racing another IM this year. I may have talked B into it, but maybe not. I haven't registered for it at least.

With all that being said ... goals?

Embrace the Hill. This was kind of a goal several years ago, even though I'm totally too lazy to go check and figure out when. 2014, maybe? If I end up doing Placid, it is hella hilly, including a 10-11 mile climb on each bike loop. Yeahhhhh ... looks like I need to learn to love climbing on the bike.

Drop my swim times. I've kind of just settled in at a pace that I would like to be faster. I think this is going to need a combination of swimming more frequently, swimming harder in some of those swims, and possibly some professional help. I want to keep up the volume to some extent, but I probably need to go from around three swims a week to four to five swims a week as well.

Keep working on my run. I've been doing the heart rate thing on my long runs for a little over a year now and I'm not sure it's entirely working. I'm going to keep at it, but I also need to keep working on speed beyond it. Or I also need to get professional medical help to see what the eff is going on with my lungs.

Lean out. My weight has apparently stabilized (which ... whatever fine), but I'm still a bit lumpier than I'd like in some areas. I've also got more muscle definition in other areas (and some in areas I've never seen before), but I'd like it to be a bit more evenly distributed.

Stay healthy and happy. This is a permanent goal. If I'm not either of those things, I'm not doing it right.

As for times ... would I like to get a half-marathon under 2:15 (or, hell, 2:20) again? Yes. Would I like to finally get another fucking sub-:30 5K? Yes. Would I like to continue PRing at the 70.3 (and also the 140.6) distance? Yes. If I don't, is it the end of the world? No. If I do the above, times might take care of themselves anyway.

Though if I can go sub-7 at Memphis, I'd be giddy as hell.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

December and 2019 Round Up

While December continued to be kind of a down month (a lot of travel and a small cold (as a result of said travel)) overall, it wasn't nearly as bad as past Decembers tend to be. I really wanted to try to rewrite my standard December script and I think I was mostly successful. Read on ...

Swimming: 10099.85m (6.28 mi)
Cycling: 93.71 mi
Running: 41.91 mi
Lifting: 31 sessions (5:33)
Other: one session elliptical (:10), one session erg/rowing machine (:15), one sessions snorkeling (:45), one "aquabike" class (:30), one game beach volleyball (1:00)

I successfully managed to hit my late-year sub-goal of swimming at least 10K every month this year by swimming the last two days of the month. That was way closer than I would have liked, but eh.

The bike ... that was a bit disappointing. I did have some issues - a flat, learning I need a new crank (so *that's* why my bike squeaks so damn much), weather ... but still. It's really no excuse.

I managed to run some, but I've missed a few long runs which isn't good since I have a half-marathon in mid-January. Still, I hit 40 miles again which means I only had one month under 40 miles this entire year (October). 

I successfully kept up with the daily and I had a whole lot of random other stuff, which I'm happy about. Oh, and that "aquabike" class? Think a spin bike in a pool. Yeah. Super weird but super fun. Did that in Mexico (went down for my cousin's wedding).

So that was December. What about the overall year?

Unlike last year, where I failed at pretty much all my goals, I pretty much nailed everything this year.

Stick to the training plan I've written? Mostly! Through IM training, I hit about 66% of my swims, 67% of my rides, and 77% of my runs. Which really isn't all that bad compared to what I've done in the past. For it being the first time I've coached myself, it's not bad.

Finish out the year healthy and happy? I would say so. Except for this lingering cold (dang travel), I'm healthy and I would mostly say happy. You know.

To complete a 10K swim on my birthday? SUCCESS. Oh man was that hard but YES. I DID IT.

To enjoy the process? ... I would say mostly. I did take a fairly business-like approach to training this year because I arguably had to ... which meant I didn't enjoy IMoo as much as I maybe normally would have. However, I don't think I really dreaded training as much as in the past, so I'm counting this one as sure.

To document the path? I did blog a lot more at least through the race, so yes. I did.

In general, though, I would say it was a successful year. PRed both the 70.3 and 140.6 distance. Had the best recovery after both races (well, until I did the aformentioned 10K swim a week after the 70.3. that wasn't smart) so far. 

Moreover, I'm still really excited and happy to be doing triathlons again, which is the best news of all. Especially after 2018.