Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM? (Page 29)

Hey everyone!!

I had to take a sick day today. I've been waking up lame all Thanksgiving weekend and this morning I was just lame ALL over and had a huge headache so figured why go to work and be miserable when I can sleep in and rest up at home? And if I am coming down with something I shouldn't be spreading my cooties all over the work place! I think I'm finally at the point where I don't have "sick day remorse" like I did from my previous jobs, which is EXCELLENT! When I used to work for CVS or Walgreen's it was just the unspoken rule that you didn't call out sick and at the hospital it was nuts because you'd have 4 pharmacists on a shift but if someone called out you just knew that people were snickering while you were out "She looked fine yesterday, she's probably not really sick" and all that other crap..at this job you come back to work the next day or whenever and get, "How are you feeling? Any better?" But with genuine concern..LOL

My run Tuesday night was great and exhausting, the girls pushed me and it was great but man was I tired at the end, very glad I got one in yesterday since I'm not doing anything today!

Yes, I've got Eagleman 70.3 June 13th and my third Irongirl Columbia in August. I'm thinking about Lobsterman in September in Maine and the Pittsburgh triathlon August 1st because I'll be there for a convention anyway...plus a sprint tri about a month out from Eagleman. I've got the Celtic Solstice 5 miler December 19th and I'll probably be doing the Clyde's 10K in April but haven't thought about any other races; biking or running.

I've come to find that in Baltimore and the Maryland area any kind of sneaker is a "tennie" or tennis shoes and it drives me nuts! It used to confuse me for the longest time when clubs would advertise "no tennis shoes" and I'm looking at people's shoes and seeing basketball sneakers, running sneakers, etc..LOL Now I'm used to it.

I have had 2 pairs of Brooks Ariel sneakers as they're great for over pronators like myself. I also have a pair of New Balance but can't remember which model. They're ok and I have insoles in them (Superfeet I think?) because I have such flat feet I get bad blisters after 3-4 miles..still trying to work on that...have yet to try Sports Shield on my feet, that's the next experiment.

I won a pair of sneakers so I may pick them out at the beginning of the new year once the new models are all out but I'll have to check out the Running Warehouse!

I was just reading the new IM Kona issue of Triathlete Magazine. They had Kona by the numbers listing the brands people used, bikes, wheels, shoes, saddles etc. ASICS was the #1 shoe.

Are we going to have a get together? Yeah!

This is going be be a big focus for me. In reading race reports It seems to be the number one thing that goes wrong for people and that's a LONG way to go when you're bonking or feeling sick. I haven't worried about it yet since I'm doing indoor workouts of an hour or two and I'm still in weight loss focus mode, but I assume once my group starts she's going to have a bit to say about nutrition practice. I really want to try and nail it.

Brooks beasts are a bit clunky but if it keeps me from injury I'm okay with that. Funny you say snow-shoes because I was just walking on the treadmill with my Saucony Hurricanes and they were pinching my feet so I switched over to my brooks and I felt like I was walking in mud! I might try one of the less beastly pair of brooks next time. Are they all that stiff?

I wussed out on my target walk so I just did 1.5 hrs on the treadmill. Going to get a snack and then get my Winter Trainer ride in. I'm on Week3Q2. The intervals are getting longer and at 183 BPM that's pretty darn hard! Yeow!

I agree about the nutrition.  That's the aspect for both the HIM and Im that concerns me the most and I think that is because I really do know more or less what I need to do to be physically prepared for those races (whether that happens is, of course, a different story).  I really don't know what to do about nutrition, but will find out.  I have the resources. If you have a free minute, check out the little bios of two of my Crossfit trainers, Lauren and Caesar Cepeda:  http://www.crossfitmonrovia.com/trainers.html  (click on the icons)  Now, if those two people can't help me figure out Zone/Paleo nutrition for HIM or IM distance races, no one can.  However, right now I am with Debb.  My workouts haven't been long enough yet to be of concern.  But I expect that they will be in January and I have to start developing a plan by then. 

Work out:  Today I went to my new YMCA and did an hour long bike ride on the brand new lifetime fitness bike.  I chose the hill circuit called "around the world".  It was fun and I like all the information the machine gives you.  I was able to watch myself climb, see my heart rate, see my rpms and mph AND watch the news!  I need to have someone help me with the bike seat and help me decide what level to start on next time.  I just guessed at both of those.  I figured I'd know a little more then the Teenage girls working the front desk.  My goal is to meet my times for my training plan this week. 

Shoes:  It came down to the Brooks and the Saucony.  The Brooks seemed too clunky compared to Saucony.  I've been wearing Brooks and like them but the others felt so light and cushy.  I'll take them for a test run tomorrow.  Scott - Looks like the cool kids are now wearing Saucony!! 

Weight:  I've been monitoring my food the since Sunday.  I eat way TOO much sugar.  I never realized it before.  I'm kind of grossed out by my food intake.  No wonder I don't lose more weight. 

March in AZ or CA?:  We will need to figure out what to do with this one.  I don't want to miss Lisa when she comes to town but the idea of an OLY a few weeks out before the HIM is pretty attractive.   If Kiri comes down too it will extra cool.  Should we all meet in AZ and road trip to Palm Springs to meet Leah?  An oly would give you cold weather gals something to shoot for in March. 

Nutrition:  I'm with you all on nutrition.  I've been doing the race report reading like Debb and there are some real horror stories.  I also had my puke fest after my Sprint in September and I don't want that to happen again.  I've been practicing on my long rides.  We have been trying to drink something on the 15s and eat a gu or something every hour.  At the two hour mark we have been eating something bigger like a banana or a cliff bar.  I felt pretty good nutrition wise on the 4-5 hour rides.  I know I need to drink more.  I tend to think I'm a camel and I'm not. 

Biggest Loser:  I love that show!  Debb you are right about the contestants training for the marathon during their time at the ranch.  Seeing them do it makes me think I should be able to do my marathon in mid January!  If I feel pretty decent after my half mary on Sunday I'll do it.  I wonder what shoes they were wearing!?

Leah - Your trainers look so fit!  With all those Ironman races under their belts, you should be totally set! 

Lisa, Leah and Debb - I hope you all share some tips from your coaches!  I'm very interested about what they say about races during the training season.  How many should you do before an IM?  I'm also very interested in anything they tell you about hill climbing.  I need to get better at getting my rear up hills a little faster.   

Keely - Sorry you are feeling under the weather.   I'm taking vitamins now to help me not get sick.  I sure hope it works. 

Kiri - Brew fest sounds awesome.  I'm not a brew type of gal but I love these type of social events.  Enjoy!

Scott - Any thoughts about how to track everyone's races?  I think it will be a long list for 2010 at the rate we are going.   

sorry - double post

Edited by ~ AZ Sunshine ~ 2009-12-03 12:02 AM

Yes yes yes.  Do it all.  But mostly come to Palm Springs (actually LaQuinta) in March for an oly.  That would be so much fun.  It could be part of the weekend in Arizona for the people going to or already in Arizona.   Everyone, check your calendars and think seriously about an oly the first weekend in March (I think March 7) in Palm Springs.  

Leah What's the race in LaQuinta? Do you have a link?

I'd be happy to share what I learn here and there from my group coach. She actually has an awesome Blog too. She has a really good post up right now about running:

http://elizabethfedofsky.blogspot.com/2009/12/running-101.html

As for hills she said in my facebook that one of the things I could do is just ride one gear harder then I think I should be riding. You can also ride in the wind, do stair stepping and spin classes and computrainer rides if you have access. Plus weight loss helps a lot too. I have to admit the hills is probably what makes me the most nervous about this whole thing still.

Hope you feel better Scott so you can break in your cool kids shoes.

Another walk/swim/walk today. I might head to Target afterwards since I didn't get there yesterday.

BTW as I head to the POOL this is the weather:

THIS SEASONS COLDEST DAYTIME TEMPERATURE YET AMID GUSTY WEST WINDS 10 TO 22 MPH. Cloudy and blustery with the chilliest daytime high since March 21 Some passing flurries at times.

Whee. Is Winter over yet?

I've never done this race, but it seems to be well regarded by those who have done it.  There is a not-long thread about it in the California forum.  Here is the link: http://www.kleinclarksports.com/deserttriathion.html              

The oly is $89 if you sign up before January 1, 2010.  There is also a sprint distance, but since I would consider this to be a calibration before the HIM, I would only be interested in doing the oly.  If it is just me doing it, I would probably drive down the morning of the race (about a two-hour drive).  But if any of you do it also, I would come the night before so that we could meet and chat and all of that. 

I can't wait to go your coach's blog, but that will have to wait until tonight. 

I am going to be in Tucson the weekend of the 7th. There is a trifest there and my partner and I want to scout out Tuscon real estate and environs for the future. On the following Monday I'll be heading closer to Kate and be staying in Scottsdale for a few days. But I can't go to CA that weekend. Perhaps I could catch up with some of you after that.

Palm Springs is a possibility, Hmmmmm. It's also a week before my 40th bday. So last chance to race in <39 Will make up my mind in next few days.

k

Sounds like a party to me!  You cold weather folks will be needing some sun by then!  Let's OLY in March!!

I just went to the YMCA again.  I had planned on running 5 miles.  It was my first time trying to run on the treadmill this season.  It stunk.  I was done after 3 miles.  I'm not doing anymore this season.  I will run in the dark if I have too.  I don't know why the bike didn't bother me yesterday.  ??  Oh well.  At least I'm moving. 

Thanks for the hill tips Debb.  I'm going to give them a try.  I need all the help I can get.

I do not like the treadmill.  For whatever reason, I find myself at the gym on the treadmill at least three or four times per year, not more - I love California.  I would rather run in the dark or the rain.  But there is a limit as to how far I will run in the rain, but I actually find running in the rain to be quite exhilarating. 

I have not done anything today.  Yet.  Chuck and I went to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert last night and we didn't get in until after midnight (gosh, we sound just like wild and crazy kids), plus I really needed to be at work by 8am this morning and there is no way for me to get in a 6-7am class and get to work by 8am (I have an hour commute to go 16 miles - yeah I still love California, but LA traffic, not so much).  So, I might find myself on the trainer tonight.  I don't want to go running because I have a 10K tomorrow (along with the last residuals of my cold - lucky me). 

Have you guys heard of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra?  If not, it is a combination of heavy metal and classical music.  Very loud, very techno rock.  Did I mention loud?  For some odd reason, I really like their stuff and I was never into heavy metal.  Can't quite explain it.

Scott - how is your cold?  Hopefully, you are all over it and out running in your cool shoes. 

What workout did everyone else get in today? 

Good luck on your run!  I have a Half Mary on Sunday.  I didn't do anything today.  It was book club night so I hung with the kids and then went to see the girls.  I'm going to have to check out the music.  Sounds very interesting.  Catch up with you all later. 

Sounds like fun Leah I didn't know they played live. I don't listen to them myself but I know who they are my mom plays their CD/DVDs at Christmas when I'm there.

Speaking of music.... My music taste it probably fairly different then all of yours, but I was wondering what you guys listen to if you wear an MP3 on your run or swim. Any good suggestions for workout music?

Trying to debate if I should trainer ride tonight even though it's quite late and I have swimming in the morning. I probably should I ate miserably today. Blahhhhhhhhh.

It is interesting that you mentioned that your mom listens to TSO.  I thought I was quite avant-garde by listening to them and was expecting the audience to be young.  WRONG !!!!  There were mostly old people there.  Chuck and I fit in just fine.  In thinking about it I decided that it was because no one listens to heavy metal any more (and I never did) so anyone who likes heavy metal has got to be old.  There were some young people and there were families there with little kids dressed in their holiday best.  I bet they had no idea what they were going to see - probably saw the words "orchestra" and "holiday program" and thought it would be fine for kids.  Their stuff is definitely NOT raunchy, but not really kid-appropriate. 

Have a great day everyone.  I am now off to my 10K.  Kate has the half mary tomorrow.  Anything else planned for anyone this weekend?

Leah - yep heard of TSO and considered going to see them with my nephew who is big into nordic metal while we are in Chi-town again at Xmas, but we are leaving before they arrive so no go this year. From the youtube videos I've seen of them their shows look pretty visually stimulating - to say the least.

Debb - I listen to podrunner podcasts while running, which is just "electronica" to a certain bpm. No music while swimming. I'm another I listen to it all, here's what's been playing recently on my comp.

35 mile trainer ride last night, and another long ride and a couple hour+ runs on tap for the weekend. Going to try to get out for the runs, but it's really cold in da P right now... mid 20s-low 30s Brrrrrr. I know I know it's not that cold, but it's dang cold for here!

have fun out there,
k

Hey everyone, sorry I've been MIA... I cant log on much W-F (busy days at work.)  

Leah - I looked into the oly in March near Palm Springs.  I am almost certain I will be doing that! I've even convinced my husband to tag along and do his first ever sprint... super exciting!  

Shoes - I'll chime in.  I run in Asics Gel Kayano.  I love them (I'm on my 5th pair now)  but I was recently enlightened as to how heavy they are.  Now I'm thinking of switching.  we'll see.

Nutrition - still lost

Training - I think I might have runners knee or something on my left leg, so I took advantage of this week (it was a recovery week) and skipped all of my runs.  ahhh  we'll see how well that works out.  I dont think I ramped up too quickly as I had run a half marathon recently, and a full before that.  I think it might actually be time for new shoes.   I put in some decent miles on the bike and had great swim sessions.  I swim 2x a week with masters swim ( and once a week on my own)... so great, I highly encourage it. 

Weight - I think I gained a pound last week  FYI, I'm a pastry chef and work in a specialty cake shop... there is no way anyone is eating more sugar than I do... I think I eat dessert more than regular food.  I guess my nutrition plan could start here  

Kate - no way am I tougher... sorry I didnt include you above... I'm stil learning names and azsunshine I believe is you