Getting in the Miles

In spite of the oppressive heat, I've been managing to keep up with the marathon training quite nicely as well as adding in a little cross training. This past weekend, I eeked out a 12-mile run. With the heat, I've found a run/walk ratio works best. Plus, I'm not a vegetable the next day at work when I go Galloway. I'm also noticing that those little nagging injuries don't seem to be popping up when I incorproate the run/walk ratio to my long runs. Fingers crossed!

Greg and I took advantage of the perfect weather on the 4th and biked 20 miles through the Metroparks. No matter how many times I run or bike, I am always blown away by the beauty of the Metroparks.

Unfortunately, while biking during my lunch hour last week, I had a flat tire 3 miles in. This was the FOURTH flat tire on my bike wheel and I swore if it happened again, then I would march my bike to Century Cycles and buy a new tire (not tube). The downside to this thinking is that I didn't have a backup tube. My CO cartridge fired all over my hand from being clumsy (brrr it was cold!). Not to be deterred, I decided to hoof it back to the office and get in a good workout anyway. Let me be the first to say that Pearl Izumi cleats don't really have any "give" in them and it was a loooonnnnggg run back to the office!

When I stopped in at Century Cycles on my way home, I was once again impressed with their level of customer service. The mechanics are so kind and really care about your bike. They gave me such personal attention and one of the mechanics even stayed late after closing to take care of all of my bike issues (I think I had more issues than even I was aware). I am definitely one loyal customer and I think a cupcake run will occur this week to thank the guys behind the counter!

Hope you're getting in the miles during this heat and staying plenty hydrated!

Cycling to Work

Now that the thunderstorms and rain clouds are no longer taking up residence in my little town on a daily basis, I can start cycling to work. My commute is a very doable 15 miles each way, but after making this trip a couple times already this year, I find good clothing and equipment more and more a necessity - no longer a luxury. Tonight, we all four walked up to Century Cycles to pick up some much-needed gear. I can't wait to wear my new cycling skort, which will double as my work skirt - shhh don't tell my coworkers.


I also picked up an affordable pair of Avenir cycling gloves made by Raleigh. I always thought gloves were for pretentious cyclists...until my hands got super-tired-sore from my last ride. So yeah, they're a bit more necessary now.

So here's hoping for sunshine and 70s - great cycling weather for my ride in to work!

Swimming MILEstone

For the first time, I swam a mile! I was useless afterwards and often wondered if my knuckles were dragging against the floor from my fatigued arms, but... I SWAM A MILE! I will definitely sleep like a baby :)

Here Fishy Fishy

Earlier in January I bought a new racing swimsuit. It was on clearance and my old one had gone through all the pallette combinations of a Sherwin Williams paint sample and now needed to be discarded. So this week, I figured I would break in my new Speedo suit. I love where I work out because I am ALWAYS the youngest person - including in the pool. It's me and the three old men. They pool walk back and forth and I wish like hell I could hear what they're saying. There's times I just want to join in and start walking and bobbing along. Even more fun than that, I get to see them underwater with their super baggy swim trunks wondering if they're changing into their Sansabelt Men's Comfort slacks when finished.

Before I got into the pool today, I saw an older lady gliding along in the pool. I thought, "Oh, she's not going fast. Just enjoying a nice swim." You guessed it. She blew me away. It had been the first time I suited up this year, but she totally chic'd me. I must work on this thing called swimming...

10 Plus 1

I wasn't able to squeeze in a lunchtime workout today so I had to improvise at the house. Since today was a cross-training day, I knew I needed to be creative at home. Steve wrote about his 20+1 workout where you do 20 situps and 1 pushup, then 19 situps and 2 pushups, 18 situps and 3 pushups until you get to 1 situp and 20 pushups. At the end of the workout, you'll have done 210 of each. Viper over at Boozehounds modified the workout to 10+1. I figured I could do 10+1, and then I co-opted husband. We laughed through the whole series to the point that we got an ab workout just from the laughing! The best part, Megan offered to do the workout with me tomorrow! Afterwards, while still in the moment, I did 3 round of 10 of squats and tricep dips. Cross-training with my family - a great way to spend a Wednesday evening!

A Good Week of Training

I'm happy with this week's training. Sunday I logged in a 10 mile trail run. Took a break Monday (mostly so I could learn to walk again!). Tuesday was a good day for swimming logging in 1000m during lunch. Wednesday was an 8 mile bike ride for 22:30 and a 1/2 mile run at 4:20. Thursday evening was a wonderful evening of swimming with my friend Karen, who is an amazing swimmer and specializes in the phrase, "how do you feel? Ok, then give me 50 more." Friday was a much needed rest day. Today was a brick with husband - 14 mile bike ride and 2.5 mile run. Another open water swim practice is on the agenda for Sunday, then definitely a cold Corona! Exactly one week till the tri and I am nervous and excited!

CrossFit Cross Training Program: Week One

Two sessions down! CrossFit has been so tough but yet so wonderful! Day 1 was spent introducing us to equipment and the general layout of the CrossFit program. I've never done so many squats! We used the rowing machine, performed at least 50 squats (which is a lot for a first date!), did step ups and overhead presses. Then we were timed for how long we could stay in plank position. Day 2 consisted of more squats (of course...because who doesn't want to walk like John Wayne!) with an increased focus on arm strength. I can't wait till next week's class. I really want to improve my half marathon time and I'm confident this is the right program. Stay tuned for more information on CrossFit!