Ups and downs

Had a great spin workout last night and then decided to try on the tri top and shorts that came with my bike package.  The good feeling I had after the workout quickly left when I realized there was no way these things were going to fit - ever!  So I'll have to get back in touch with all3sports and figure out what options I have.  More than a little scared to try on the wetsuit...Had the morning battle with sleep vs. the alarm at 5:15 this morning, but sleep lost.  Got up and ready for a run.  It was chilly but beautiful outside - clear sky full of stars.  Felt good as I got going and was happy that my foot wasn't bothering me.  I saw a few other runners out and even though I have no idea who they are, it's like we have an instant connection or are in some crazy club of people who choose to get up and run in the dark.  I'm happy to be a part of it :)  I almost ran into two other runners as we crossed paths on a dark corner then was feeling great as I reached the halfway point.  Then I was passed by a guy who ran by like I was standing still - he was flying!  About a mile later two ladies who were chatting away flew past me.  So much for feeling like I was running fast!  Oh well, I finished my three miles in 29:30, then to the basement to lift weights.  I feel good about my workout and happy I got up this morning.

Great day for a run

After several good days of training, I decided to take Friday off.  I had planned on doing a long run Saturday but my motivation must have been blown away by the high winds and cold temps.  Instead of the run, we took my bike to a local shop to have them finish putting it together (Jason had done most of the assembly the night before).  I was able to get on and do a basic fit and it felt great - even on the trainer I felt fast!  After a few adjustments I took it for a spin in the parking lot with the high winds and a few flurries.  It will take a little getting used to with the handle bars being so different and the gear shifters in a different place, but I look forward to all the time the bike and I will be sharing together :)The wind had died down this morning but my motivation still had not returned...  I went to church and must have caught some of the energy from the 3 year old Sunday School class I help with, by the time I got home I was ready to go for a run!  It was chilly but sunny and I think I finally dressed well for the weather.  We bought several different gu/gel/blocks to try out and today I took orange flavor Cliff Shot Blocks.  At the half way point I ate two of the blocks.  It's a nice change from the gu, but a little hard to chew up as you are trying to run.  I'm not sure if I like them yet, I'll have to test them out a few more times.  As I was running, my left foot was bothering me a little.  I need to remember to wear my foot brace every night, whether it's been hurting or not.  Other than than, I felt good and strong and finished the 6 miles in 56:30.  Three weeks from today is the half marathon.  I'm hoping to do an 8-10 mile run next weekend, 5-6 the following weekend, then see what I can do for the half.  Hoping to break 2 hours!

Great afternoon

My original plan was to ride on the trainer during nap time but with the weather predicting temps in the mid 60's, I wanted to be outside!  I had invited friends over for dinner and then asked if it would be ok if she would hang out with the kids while I did a little run.  Dressed in capris and and t-shirt, it was a great afternoon for a run.  I started out feeling strong and then tried to push the pace a little bit.  I have gotten very good at running within my comfort zone but if I want to achieve the goals I have this year, I need to get out of that zone.  So I gradually built up the speed and really felt like I was running.  I finished the 3 mile loop in 26:15, almost a full minute faster than the last time I ran it (and that was two minutes faster than the time before!)  Just under 9 minute miles isn't going to break any speed records, but I am feeling pretty good about it.  I know I pushed myself and was tired right when I finished but recovered quickly and feel great now.  No aches or pains either - yippie!And other great news is that my bike arrived today!  Sadly it's still all packed tight in it's box which is where it will stay until Jason comes back from being out of town, and even then it may stay in the box until we take it to a bike store!  I'm excited to get it set up and take it for a spin.  There was a second box with all the other gear which I am also excited to go through and try on.  So excited!

Spinning to nowhere

Had another great swim yesterday morning and wrote another successful workout!This afternoon I finally updated some of the songs on my IPOD.  I've had 17 songs on there (yes, I know it can hold like 5 million) and I really only liked a few of the songs.  So I added some more and am up to 21 songs now.  It's a work in progress, but I'm looking forward to the change in tunes the next time I run!
Tonight was my turn to get to the spin class (Jason went last night).  Usually I get a bike in the middle but today I was in the back row.  At one point during a sprint I looked up at the rest of the riders and almost laughed outloud at how funny we must all look, pumping our legs like crazy and spining to nowhere!  Felt good during the class and was dripping sweat by the end (gross, I know).
And I got a great email today - my bike is on its way!  I'm going to ask around for some recommendations on where to take it and hopefully make an appoinment at a bike shop on Saturday to get it all set up and ready to ride!

Good training weekend

I was happy to wake up this morning with only a slight soreness in my legs, but otherwise felt pretty good after yesterday's run.  Hit the trainer for an hour this afternoon.  There is nothing on TV on a Sunday afternoon!  Thankfully I had music and then Jason joined me after his swim and rode the last 30 minutes with me.  Feeling better on the trainer and think I finally have it adjusted correctly.  Very happy with this weekend's workouts!

Less clothes, more water

For those that are reading because the title grabbed your attention, the rest of this post may be a disappointment!  We were planning for longer runs today so we mapped out an 8 mile route.  We had some things going on in the afternoon so we needed to get our runs done in the morning (we've been trading off during afternoon nap time).  Since it was only 24 degrees when I got up with Conner, I decided to wait a bit for it to warm up!  It was about 33 degrees and sunny when I headed out and quickly realized I was overdressed.  So two miles in, I had to stop and take of my jacket and gloves - frustrating!  I got back into the groove and was feeling really good.  I hadn't run this route since training for the MC marathon and it's amazing how much better I feel running it now - running right up the hills that I didn't hesitate to walk up before.  I saw a few other runners out, all holding their gloves and jackets tied around their waists too!  At the half way point, I tried to eat a few of the gel blocks I brought but they were hard as a rock and took a lot of chewing.  I was also just about out of water at this point, with four miles left to go.  I felt strong running back home but was frustrated to have to stop at two stoplights, I was never good a frogger so I figured I should stop...  Made it home just under 1 hour and 20 minutes for the 8.2 miles.  Pretty happy with that!Jason was ready to go when I got home so off he went.  It was really sunny and warming up and the kids love playing outside, so we headed to a playground.  I chased them around for about an hour, then home in time to quickly eat and get ready for a Pampered Chef show.  About 4 hours on my feet, then home to help get dinner ready.  Not the ideal post-run routine but it all went ok!  Took the kids for ice cream, got them in bed, and can't wait to be there myself :)

New bike on its way :)

This afternoon I ordered an awesome tri bike package.  Kestral Talon Tri Bike, wetsuit, tri top, tri shorts, pedals, shoes, helmet, backpack, race number belt, water bottle and cage, and $100 gift card.  (Check out www.all3sports.com if you need this package!) I don't think I have ever really looked forward to going for a ride but I CAN NOT WAIT for my new fancy bike to arrive!  I don't care how cold it is, I'm going out for a ride!  I had great swims Wednesday morning and this morning.  The person who had been writing the swim workouts just had a baby so I offered to write one for this morning.  Even though I found one online and modified it (like took out most of the butterfly and added fins for the kick...) it still took a while and I put quite a bit of thought into it.  Then I was nervous the whole workout that people wouldn't like it!  So much pressure!  If you are looking for swim workouts, the website I used was http://ruthkazez.com/50swimworkouts.html  It says "mostly easy to moderate workouts" but they are easy to adjust to fit what you need.
Earlier this week I made our reservations for the hotel for Louisville (yes, we like to plan ahead :)  When the lady asked what was bringing us to town and I said the Ironman, I got goosebumps and tears in my eyes.  This is something I have wanted to do for so long, and then for so long didn't think I was ever going to do.  I have loved every race that I have been able to go to and watch others compete, but I am SO EXCITED to be doing it myself this year.  And now I'll have all the right gear so I can look cool while I'm doing it too :)