Majorly, majorly sucks. I went from being in Business Class to a f#$%#% middle seat in economy. On a 6 hr flight. And I am sick. Bastards.
Happy New Year!
12.30.2007
12.04.2007
ok, ok, I did it
All right, already. 3:37:46.
PR by 1:22. This time good for Boston '08 AND Boston '09. Yeah, baby! Sent those money-grubbers my $116 race entry today.
I was not going to write a race report for this, I barely told anyone I was even doing the race. But apparently the fans are clamoring (hahahahah) so I will do it. First I have to attend to all the work I've been ignoring (Tami, SHHHH) while I worked on my apps.
But for the record, this was going to be it:
CIM 2007 -- 12/2/07
THE GOOD:
- it was fun
- it was fast
- the aid stations were great
- the weather was great
- I didn't yell at anyone the whole entire day except the bus driver but that was actually a loud, pleasant request to turn down the heat.
- Awesome to finally run a race with Ilse
- the hotel was great except for the potential of bedbugs which is freaking me out. Oh wait, that should go under "bad."
- Nothing hurt too badly except L hamstring near the end and R IT band. Oh wait, that should go under "bad," too.
- I got a PR
- I can use said PR for Boston '08 and Boston '09
- In-n-Out rocks
- Awesome elite lady from Minnesota who had dropped her pursuit of the Oly Trials but ran for 4+ miles blocking headwind for me and some other girl. Would have run me all the way in but I couldn't hang on.
- Joe for taking my shirt, Kim for handing me some water, even though I thought you were Sara (and thanks for the big sign!!!)
- The medal. It's a coaster. A coaster!
THE BAD:
- Idiots at Saturday lunch who took 30 minutes to make turkey sandwich while I was having a hunger-induced cranky bitch meltdown
- Tshirt was a little small. At least it's not a mock turtleneck like '02
- The sweat bags! Come on....At least buy a name brand so they don't shred, people.
- The sauna-like bus ride to the start. I think I lost 2 lbs of sweat just from the 45 minute drive.
- Crazy headwinds from miles 18-24 - coulda done without those.
- 2-3 asthma struggles
- The lentil soup at the end, well, it had the consistency, look, and smell of vomit. No more.
- A wee bit of arm chafing that would go away if I remembered to do pushups.
- The medal. It's a coaster! A coaster!
Seriously, look at the bads. Not all that bad!
PR by 1:22. This time good for Boston '08 AND Boston '09. Yeah, baby! Sent those money-grubbers my $116 race entry today.
I was not going to write a race report for this, I barely told anyone I was even doing the race. But apparently the fans are clamoring (hahahahah) so I will do it. First I have to attend to all the work I've been ignoring (Tami, SHHHH) while I worked on my apps.
But for the record, this was going to be it:
CIM 2007 -- 12/2/07
THE GOOD:
- it was fun
- it was fast
- the aid stations were great
- the weather was great
- I didn't yell at anyone the whole entire day except the bus driver but that was actually a loud, pleasant request to turn down the heat.
- Awesome to finally run a race with Ilse
- the hotel was great except for the potential of bedbugs which is freaking me out. Oh wait, that should go under "bad."
- Nothing hurt too badly except L hamstring near the end and R IT band. Oh wait, that should go under "bad," too.
- I got a PR
- I can use said PR for Boston '08 and Boston '09
- In-n-Out rocks
- Awesome elite lady from Minnesota who had dropped her pursuit of the Oly Trials but ran for 4+ miles blocking headwind for me and some other girl. Would have run me all the way in but I couldn't hang on.
- Joe for taking my shirt, Kim for handing me some water, even though I thought you were Sara (and thanks for the big sign!!!)
- The medal. It's a coaster. A coaster!
THE BAD:
- Idiots at Saturday lunch who took 30 minutes to make turkey sandwich while I was having a hunger-induced cranky bitch meltdown
- Tshirt was a little small. At least it's not a mock turtleneck like '02
- The sweat bags! Come on....At least buy a name brand so they don't shred, people.
- The sauna-like bus ride to the start. I think I lost 2 lbs of sweat just from the 45 minute drive.
- Crazy headwinds from miles 18-24 - coulda done without those.
- 2-3 asthma struggles
- The lentil soup at the end, well, it had the consistency, look, and smell of vomit. No more.
- A wee bit of arm chafing that would go away if I remembered to do pushups.
- The medal. It's a coaster! A coaster!
Seriously, look at the bads. Not all that bad!
11.20.2007
Bit by a Pit....
and other fun things. This is truly an excellent way to see who still reads this dang thing!
Yes, I actually was bit by a pit bull. Multiple times. She didn't break the skin, but holy crap I was scared. Until yesterday, I had never (ever) been scared of a dog in my entire life. Now I have. I went to walk my usual beast, who despite being called a "lab mix" does look an awful lot like a pit. (You don't have to be a veterinary genius to know what she's mixed with...). I hadn't seen her in a few weeks, and she was really excited to see me. Unfortunately, she's picked up a trick where excitement = gnawing on an arm, through clothing. I couldn't get her to hold still so I could put on the harness, so I went to get a girl who works at the shelter to help. She came in the kennel with me, and tried (key word: "tried") to hold her down while I put the harness around the dog.
Ms Poochie was having none of that. On her hind legs, she is 5'3" or so (tall enough to put her arms on my shoulders and push me into a corner, which is what she did), and pretty damn strong. Ms Shelter could not pull her off. Ms Poochie's biting continued, and it did not feel playful one bit, to the point I told Ms Shelter "I'm a little scared." We left the kennel, examined both my arms (looked fine, though bruised today), and I took another guy (blissfully calm, though so mellow he refused to keep walking. I had to pick her up and carry him through the park or else I'd still be standing there).
Ms Poochie is back on "staff only" and no volunteers are allowed near her. It scares me, because she's been a volunteer dog for the 5+ months she's been there. I've always believed that pits are fine, and it's nurture vs. nature, but yesterday made me question this pretty seriously. Even if she's back on the volunteer side, I don't think I will be able to walk her again.
In running news.....
1) the iPod shuffle rocks.
2) Wishing I had about three additional weeks on top of the two I already have leading up to CIM. But I don't, so what're ya gonna do. It is what it is... I just wish I knew where this freaking motivation was in September.
3) I have $180 in GMAT books and supplies. Who wants to buy them? (Guess that last one isn't really running....but it's why I wasn't motivated to run, so maybe it counts.)
Yes, I actually was bit by a pit bull. Multiple times. She didn't break the skin, but holy crap I was scared. Until yesterday, I had never (ever) been scared of a dog in my entire life. Now I have. I went to walk my usual beast, who despite being called a "lab mix" does look an awful lot like a pit. (You don't have to be a veterinary genius to know what she's mixed with...). I hadn't seen her in a few weeks, and she was really excited to see me. Unfortunately, she's picked up a trick where excitement = gnawing on an arm, through clothing. I couldn't get her to hold still so I could put on the harness, so I went to get a girl who works at the shelter to help. She came in the kennel with me, and tried (key word: "tried") to hold her down while I put the harness around the dog.
Ms Poochie was having none of that. On her hind legs, she is 5'3" or so (tall enough to put her arms on my shoulders and push me into a corner, which is what she did), and pretty damn strong. Ms Shelter could not pull her off. Ms Poochie's biting continued, and it did not feel playful one bit, to the point I told Ms Shelter "I'm a little scared." We left the kennel, examined both my arms (looked fine, though bruised today), and I took another guy (blissfully calm, though so mellow he refused to keep walking. I had to pick her up and carry him through the park or else I'd still be standing there).
Ms Poochie is back on "staff only" and no volunteers are allowed near her. It scares me, because she's been a volunteer dog for the 5+ months she's been there. I've always believed that pits are fine, and it's nurture vs. nature, but yesterday made me question this pretty seriously. Even if she's back on the volunteer side, I don't think I will be able to walk her again.
In running news.....
1) the iPod shuffle rocks.
2) Wishing I had about three additional weeks on top of the two I already have leading up to CIM. But I don't, so what're ya gonna do. It is what it is... I just wish I knew where this freaking motivation was in September.
3) I have $180 in GMAT books and supplies. Who wants to buy them? (Guess that last one isn't really running....but it's why I wasn't motivated to run, so maybe it counts.)
10.21.2007
Not a freaking keychain!
So today I ran the Nike Women's Half. It's the fourth year of the race, but the first time I've ever run it, generally rationalizing: "why should I pay $75 to run in my backyard?" For that $75, you do get a Tiffany necklace and a Dri-Fit tee (neither of which I need), but it makes it go down a little easier. So, I signed up, have had a pretty good last 6 weeks of training, and was anxious to use this as a gague of my fitness working towards CIM. Not so anxious that I didn't go out drinking THREE times this past week (incl a big ol' glass of wine at dinner last night), which is a damn near record for me, but you know what I mean.
Sara and I took a cab to Union Square at 5:45 - a nice cabbie; the original cabbie she called queryed why we "didn't just run to the start." Umm...hangup. I ran into my old roommate Mindy, who now lives in Denver, in the portapottie line before the start.
The start itself was uneventful, especially considering that my corral had people from 6:30 to 9 min paces in it (hello??). Also, the Nike group I ran with all summer had a "special" corral in front of us, and I never did their stupid punch card thing, but this meant those who DID punch cards were ahead, and they were all abilities. A little jockeying around, but it was clear by the first half mile or so, and I ran an 8:37. Not super, but fine considering - and I had no idea what I'd feel like all day. I set the pace-feature on my wacth to time for 8:26s, because I need 8:23s for Boston and it keeps track of what your over/underspread is, both per mile and cumulatively. I had to laugh at the "pacers," though - at one point, I was doing 8:05s pretty consistently, and both the 3:40 marathon pace group and the 8:35 min/mile were IN FRONT of me.
Ran past IronGirl Sarah Reinertsen, who runs for the Challenged Athletes Foundation - she has one leg, and the other leg is a titanium/springy/prosthesis. Shouted out hello and she said hi.
All in all the race was uneventful - I didn't see anyone I knew, save one dude wearing an Ironteam shirt (I'd never seen him before), and didn't get into any fights (see SF Half, 2006). The sun was just rising as we ran down Crissy Field towards the Golden Gate Bridge - it was so beautiful, and a sight that makes me so happy to call SF my home.
There were two HUGE hills - one at least a mile long, all the way from Crissy Field up to Lincoln in the Preisdio, and another up Clement past the VA. (we ran past Robin's house, and alas, he was not out to cheer. Maybe he only does that for Escape from Alcatraz). The rest of the course was flat to rolling - finishing with an annoying uphill into Golden Gate Park, before a fast descent to Great Highway and the finish.
At the finish hot men in tuxedos give you a Tiffany box, and, contrary to the viscious rumor circulating last week, it was not a keychain. It was a nice necklace, a diamond shape with two lady runners on it, and "NWM, SF '07" on the back.
Overall time, 1:49:33 - not a PR by any means, but for this course, and 7 (6? I have no idea) weeks out, I'm pleased, as it works out to an 8:21. Slowest mile - 9:20, fastest mile (last!) - 7:30.
I met up with Sara, Minnie, and her friend Rachel, and we ran home - sloooowly, it's all uphill from the beach - making our 13.1 turn into a nice even 17.
I should probably figure out how many weeks til CIM.
GO BOSOX!
Sara and I took a cab to Union Square at 5:45 - a nice cabbie; the original cabbie she called queryed why we "didn't just run to the start." Umm...hangup. I ran into my old roommate Mindy, who now lives in Denver, in the portapottie line before the start.
The start itself was uneventful, especially considering that my corral had people from 6:30 to 9 min paces in it (hello??). Also, the Nike group I ran with all summer had a "special" corral in front of us, and I never did their stupid punch card thing, but this meant those who DID punch cards were ahead, and they were all abilities. A little jockeying around, but it was clear by the first half mile or so, and I ran an 8:37. Not super, but fine considering - and I had no idea what I'd feel like all day. I set the pace-feature on my wacth to time for 8:26s, because I need 8:23s for Boston and it keeps track of what your over/underspread is, both per mile and cumulatively. I had to laugh at the "pacers," though - at one point, I was doing 8:05s pretty consistently, and both the 3:40 marathon pace group and the 8:35 min/mile were IN FRONT of me.
Ran past IronGirl Sarah Reinertsen, who runs for the Challenged Athletes Foundation - she has one leg, and the other leg is a titanium/springy/prosthesis. Shouted out hello and she said hi.
All in all the race was uneventful - I didn't see anyone I knew, save one dude wearing an Ironteam shirt (I'd never seen him before), and didn't get into any fights (see SF Half, 2006). The sun was just rising as we ran down Crissy Field towards the Golden Gate Bridge - it was so beautiful, and a sight that makes me so happy to call SF my home.
There were two HUGE hills - one at least a mile long, all the way from Crissy Field up to Lincoln in the Preisdio, and another up Clement past the VA. (we ran past Robin's house, and alas, he was not out to cheer. Maybe he only does that for Escape from Alcatraz). The rest of the course was flat to rolling - finishing with an annoying uphill into Golden Gate Park, before a fast descent to Great Highway and the finish.
At the finish hot men in tuxedos give you a Tiffany box, and, contrary to the viscious rumor circulating last week, it was not a keychain. It was a nice necklace, a diamond shape with two lady runners on it, and "NWM, SF '07" on the back.
Overall time, 1:49:33 - not a PR by any means, but for this course, and 7 (6? I have no idea) weeks out, I'm pleased, as it works out to an 8:21. Slowest mile - 9:20, fastest mile (last!) - 7:30.
I met up with Sara, Minnie, and her friend Rachel, and we ran home - sloooowly, it's all uphill from the beach - making our 13.1 turn into a nice even 17.
I should probably figure out how many weeks til CIM.
GO BOSOX!
9.30.2007
Always Read the Directions
Always.
Remember those trick questions you'd get in elementary school, where all they were really testing was your ability to follow instruction? (the last question: ignore all the previous questions).
This morning I got up early, and carted my computer and assorted crap to a coffee shop. I jockeyed for tables, switching a full four times before I was fully settled (outside 1: babies on either side; outside 2: lady weeping to a friend about her desire - or not - to go to law school and also some relationship problems; inside 1: glare on the screen, no outlet, inside 2: money. I stayed put.) I ate a breakfast burrito and drank a huge chai. I completed this crazy man's helpful "self-reflection" that he suggests you complete prior to writing any admission essays to get in touch with yourself and your motivations.
Then I hunkered down and wrote for four and a half freaking hours. One question. I create and edit as I go. Finally, it was good enough to send on to Chris. I opened it up one more time for a read-through, to make sure it made sense. I got ready to send him and email, and attached ClearAdmit's analysis of Duke's question. Can't remember what it says, so I reread Clear Admit's post. And what do I see?
Duke's question for entry in Fall 2008 is not what I just spent four plus hours answering.
Sort of, yes. But I wrote about Fall 2007's question (since it's Fall 2007 now, I made an easy mistake). Fall 2008 combines the '07 question with another question - and yet it's still supposed to be less than a page. Eleven years of work history, career goals, and why I need a Duke MBA in ONE PAGE???? In five point font, maybe.
Wrong freaking question. Good thing I'm working on my work computer or I might have thrown it into the road.
Total for week: 28 miles, lifting once, one spin. Feeling ok, still slow, and I don't know if it's realistic to think I can get in Boston shape with only 9 weeks left to go. I ran 12 miles yesterday - it was hilly as all get out. These are hills I avoid when DRIVING: I've certainly never tried to run up them! My booty and my quads both hurt by the time I finished, so on the way home, I went straight to the store to buy ice. Only some guy was in line with every last bag of ice. I strolled up and asked him how committed he was to buying all of the bags. He very nicely parted with one. Crisis averted.
Wish the freaking essay was that easy! It was good, too.
Remember those trick questions you'd get in elementary school, where all they were really testing was your ability to follow instruction? (the last question: ignore all the previous questions).
This morning I got up early, and carted my computer and assorted crap to a coffee shop. I jockeyed for tables, switching a full four times before I was fully settled (outside 1: babies on either side; outside 2: lady weeping to a friend about her desire - or not - to go to law school and also some relationship problems; inside 1: glare on the screen, no outlet, inside 2: money. I stayed put.) I ate a breakfast burrito and drank a huge chai. I completed this crazy man's helpful "self-reflection" that he suggests you complete prior to writing any admission essays to get in touch with yourself and your motivations.
Then I hunkered down and wrote for four and a half freaking hours. One question. I create and edit as I go. Finally, it was good enough to send on to Chris. I opened it up one more time for a read-through, to make sure it made sense. I got ready to send him and email, and attached ClearAdmit's analysis of Duke's question. Can't remember what it says, so I reread Clear Admit's post. And what do I see?
Duke's question for entry in Fall 2008 is not what I just spent four plus hours answering.
Sort of, yes. But I wrote about Fall 2007's question (since it's Fall 2007 now, I made an easy mistake). Fall 2008 combines the '07 question with another question - and yet it's still supposed to be less than a page. Eleven years of work history, career goals, and why I need a Duke MBA in ONE PAGE???? In five point font, maybe.
Wrong freaking question. Good thing I'm working on my work computer or I might have thrown it into the road.
Total for week: 28 miles, lifting once, one spin. Feeling ok, still slow, and I don't know if it's realistic to think I can get in Boston shape with only 9 weeks left to go. I ran 12 miles yesterday - it was hilly as all get out. These are hills I avoid when DRIVING: I've certainly never tried to run up them! My booty and my quads both hurt by the time I finished, so on the way home, I went straight to the store to buy ice. Only some guy was in line with every last bag of ice. I strolled up and asked him how committed he was to buying all of the bags. He very nicely parted with one. Crisis averted.
Wish the freaking essay was that easy! It was good, too.
9.23.2007
Mo's Bacon Bar
I love chocolate. I love bacon. I generally liked being called "Mo." But I'm not really sure how I should feel about Mo's Bacon Bar. I guess I'll have to try it to find out (though apparently it's so popular it's sold out!).
In other news, on Friday I raised my sad little GMAT score up 50 points, and my quant from a sad 27% ("was she drunk?") to a not-quite-stellar, but I'll-take-what-I-can-get 61%. It's not a golden ticket by any means, but it should at least keep me from being laughed out of the admissions office.
I didn't work out all week because of my looming illness. I survived the week, test and health in tact. Yesterday I was tricked into running 14 miles in the rain. Then I went to yoga. I hurt a little today.
The week ahead, back on the train. Just about 2 1/2 months until CIM!
In other news, on Friday I raised my sad little GMAT score up 50 points, and my quant from a sad 27% ("was she drunk?") to a not-quite-stellar, but I'll-take-what-I-can-get 61%. It's not a golden ticket by any means, but it should at least keep me from being laughed out of the admissions office.
I didn't work out all week because of my looming illness. I survived the week, test and health in tact. Yesterday I was tricked into running 14 miles in the rain. Then I went to yoga. I hurt a little today.
The week ahead, back on the train. Just about 2 1/2 months until CIM!
9.20.2007
So my house almost burned down...
Apparently our water heater caught on fire today, so the fire department came and mayhem ensued. My roommate had to evacuate her car and was two steps away from evacuating herself and the FatKitty. I'm not sure how this happens, but apparently I'll be showering at the gym tomorrow.
Also, don't be a cheapskate and buy the faux-brand Airborne. "Walborne" tastes fine, but looks brown. Long's "Airshield" simply tastes terrible. Lesson learned. (However, the more important lesson is that 10 airborne-like-tablets a day, no workouts, and 10-12 hours of sleep a night seem to be keeping the sickness at bay. Watch out, quadratic equations...I'm coming for your ass tomorrow!)
Also, don't be a cheapskate and buy the faux-brand Airborne. "Walborne" tastes fine, but looks brown. Long's "Airshield" simply tastes terrible. Lesson learned. (However, the more important lesson is that 10 airborne-like-tablets a day, no workouts, and 10-12 hours of sleep a night seem to be keeping the sickness at bay. Watch out, quadratic equations...I'm coming for your ass tomorrow!)
9.15.2007
Procrastination
There's no better time to update your blog then when you're sitting at home, 7 days from the GMAT, part deux, faced with a mound of things to study (and I wonder why I did so stellarly on the quant the first time around....).
First, I just have to say, those people who took the GMAT in the old days (like 1998) when it was still on paper had it EASY. I have six paper tests I've downloaded from the evil-doers at mba.com. I do very well on these. Because THEY ARE EASY. No wonder everyone I know with an MBA went to a good school -- they could all get in!
Whatever. It will be here and I'll deal. And as soon as it's over I can start complaining about my essays.
The nice people at REI fixed my seagull-marred Thule rack today, free of charge. After they stopped laughing, that is. Next time a seagull flies into your car, take heart -- go to REI.
Finally, in running news (I didn't say this was an inspired post), I ran 12 or 13 miles this morning. Woo! Not quite sure of the distance because I've stopped wearing a watch - namely because my cheap-ass (actually expensive-ass, illegal-sweatshop-made) Nike one has broken AGAIN and I have to find the receipt AGAIN before I can take it back to Niketown AGAIN and make them give me a free one AGAIN; but also because we got a little lost at the beginning and added on some time. It's amazing how quickly the fitness has come back - we ran up a Presidio trail that almost flattened me a month ago, and this time I jabbered the whole way up. 30 miles for the week, plus two trips to the gym to lift. I'm not quite back to 75-boy-pushups-fit, but damn it, I'm on my way!
Watch your back, Beantown (and your stupid little seagulls, too).
First, I just have to say, those people who took the GMAT in the old days (like 1998) when it was still on paper had it EASY. I have six paper tests I've downloaded from the evil-doers at mba.com. I do very well on these. Because THEY ARE EASY. No wonder everyone I know with an MBA went to a good school -- they could all get in!
Whatever. It will be here and I'll deal. And as soon as it's over I can start complaining about my essays.
The nice people at REI fixed my seagull-marred Thule rack today, free of charge. After they stopped laughing, that is. Next time a seagull flies into your car, take heart -- go to REI.
Finally, in running news (I didn't say this was an inspired post), I ran 12 or 13 miles this morning. Woo! Not quite sure of the distance because I've stopped wearing a watch - namely because my cheap-ass (actually expensive-ass, illegal-sweatshop-made) Nike one has broken AGAIN and I have to find the receipt AGAIN before I can take it back to Niketown AGAIN and make them give me a free one AGAIN; but also because we got a little lost at the beginning and added on some time. It's amazing how quickly the fitness has come back - we ran up a Presidio trail that almost flattened me a month ago, and this time I jabbered the whole way up. 30 miles for the week, plus two trips to the gym to lift. I'm not quite back to 75-boy-pushups-fit, but damn it, I'm on my way!
Watch your back, Beantown (and your stupid little seagulls, too).
8.31.2007
I am a murderer
On the way to the train this morning, tea in hand, plenty of time to spare, I turned down Jones. Soon before me flew a large seagull, heading straight for my windshield. Usually at the last possible second said bird, generally a pigeon, but on occassion a seagull, will fly up, up, and away.
Only this time, the seagull flew - splat-thump-crunch - straight into the bike rack on top of my car. Loud thump, feathers flying, I screamed (mostly because I was so shocked he didn't gain enough clearance, but also because I had the horrifying thought that he might have dented my new car). I could see feathers streaming down the back, but I couldn't stop the car: I was now in the druggie/homeless corridor along Sixth street, and I didn't want to miss my train. But most of all, I didn't want to get out and see a SEAGULL CARCASS lying atop my roof.
I drove the rest of the way to CalTrain, took a deep breath, and got out of the car.
No carcass. Wet residue of seagull innards, yes. Marks where the impact actually MOVED THE THULE RACK backwards. But no carcass. Thank goodness.
Somewhere, in the bowels of the Tenderloin, where Golden Gate meets Jones, lies my victim.
Little Seagull, I am very sorry.
But you are freaking stupid.
Oh, and I signed up to run CIM December 2. Let's hope I don't throw yet another entry fee away!
(I suppose this is a good way to find out if anyone still reads this silly blog! Other than RPR, of course!)
Only this time, the seagull flew - splat-thump-crunch - straight into the bike rack on top of my car. Loud thump, feathers flying, I screamed (mostly because I was so shocked he didn't gain enough clearance, but also because I had the horrifying thought that he might have dented my new car). I could see feathers streaming down the back, but I couldn't stop the car: I was now in the druggie/homeless corridor along Sixth street, and I didn't want to miss my train. But most of all, I didn't want to get out and see a SEAGULL CARCASS lying atop my roof.
I drove the rest of the way to CalTrain, took a deep breath, and got out of the car.
No carcass. Wet residue of seagull innards, yes. Marks where the impact actually MOVED THE THULE RACK backwards. But no carcass. Thank goodness.
Somewhere, in the bowels of the Tenderloin, where Golden Gate meets Jones, lies my victim.
Little Seagull, I am very sorry.
But you are freaking stupid.
Oh, and I signed up to run CIM December 2. Let's hope I don't throw yet another entry fee away!
(I suppose this is a good way to find out if anyone still reads this silly blog! Other than RPR, of course!)
6.29.2007
Reconsidering the Blog
Soooo. After a two-plus month hiatus, I guess I'll start writing again. My desire to do this was mostly prompted by a swim at USF two weeks ago, where I got into a brief tussle with a guy at the pool (not really, but I could have taken him) . All because he didn't want to circle swim (hey, moron, there's a big sign that says you have to circle swim if there's more than two in a lane!).
In two months, I've survived the epic "harder in-a-nor'Easter" Boston Marathon, recovered from Boston, killed my Honda, bought a new car, been promoted, and dropped out of Ironman Canada. Oh wait, I mean "withdrew." As in, Ironman Canada withdrew a large amount of cash from my bank account and kept most of it even when I decided not to race. I am supporting the local economy in Penticton, I suppose.
Because I am a cheapskate, I will still be participating in the Vineman Half Ironman, which is two weeks from yesterday. (Cheapskate because I've already lost $350 on Ironman. I'm not losing another $200 by withdrawing from a second race). Problem is, I've sort of forgotten to train (see "thought it would be a good idea to start swim training, above) Yesterday Minnie and I rode the course. Minnie is in top shape, six weeks away from Canada, and I know I slowed her down. Still, it felt great to bag a 50-plus ride. I can even move today!
Because I am a cheapskate, I will still be participating in the Vineman Half Ironman, which is two weeks from yesterday. (Cheapskate because I've already lost $350 on Ironman. I'm not losing another $200 by withdrawing from a second race). Problem is, I've sort of forgotten to train (see "thought it would be a good idea to start swim training, above) Yesterday Minnie and I rode the course. Minnie is in top shape, six weeks away from Canada, and I know I slowed her down. Still, it felt great to bag a 50-plus ride. I can even move today!
4.14.2007
4.13.2007
Seriously
This is not a weather OR dating-related post. Over both. I think I have a pretty high tolerance for craziness (reference entire blog, particularly trip to Lake Placid 2006). And I know that in the grand scheme of life, all of this is so very unimportant. But I like comedy, I like to write, and damn it, I am a little bit of a drama queen.
In the past 24 hours they've begun referencing Monday's Boston forecast as "the storm of the century" (you seriously believed I wouldn't mention the weather? Have you learned nothing?); I was struck with an aggressive case of hives - apparently Lean Cuisine BBQ pizza and I do not agree; and today, just for kicks, MY CAR BROKE DOWN as I left the CalTrain station and sped to my chiropractor/massage appointment. Priorities: I abandoned the car in the REI parking lot (I asked permission so I guess it's not truly abandoning it), and then walked/ran to the office (30 min). After the appt I walked/ran back the 30 minutes back to REI (where's a cab when you need one? Freaking city), called AAA, and waited.
Sooo....I am all out of coolant. I now count four males who have laughed out loud at my ignorance on not knowing a) where the coolant holding device (I am sure this has a name) is located and b) that one has to refill it. Isn't that why I pay the mechanic? So instead of towing me home, the AAA guy added water and told me to stop at a gas station on the way home tobuy some coolant (now that I know where it goes). I gave him all the cash in my wallet and drove home.
I'm sure the car is fine, but I am not about to risk breaking down on the way to the airport at 645 in the morning, so I've housed it with my friends (who have a garage but are car-free) and will deal with it when I get back.
(should I mention that I am so distracted I started driving the wrong way down Oak Street en route to their house? Faithful SF readers will realize OHMYGOD MO! YOU CRAZY GIRL, RELAX." I made it 1/4 block and realized my error, and almost passed out from fear. Fortunately there was a red light so no cars were coming my way.)
So, 11 hours to go, no dinner, no cash, haven't started packing, and frankly not sure where the suitcase is.
I've wanted to run this thing since I set foot on Wellesley's campus 15 years ago. If Noah shows up with his ark Monday morning, I'm gonna hitch a ride.
In the past 24 hours they've begun referencing Monday's Boston forecast as "the storm of the century" (you seriously believed I wouldn't mention the weather? Have you learned nothing?); I was struck with an aggressive case of hives - apparently Lean Cuisine BBQ pizza and I do not agree; and today, just for kicks, MY CAR BROKE DOWN as I left the CalTrain station and sped to my chiropractor/massage appointment. Priorities: I abandoned the car in the REI parking lot (I asked permission so I guess it's not truly abandoning it), and then walked/ran to the office (30 min). After the appt I walked/ran back the 30 minutes back to REI (where's a cab when you need one? Freaking city), called AAA, and waited.
Sooo....I am all out of coolant. I now count four males who have laughed out loud at my ignorance on not knowing a) where the coolant holding device (I am sure this has a name) is located and b) that one has to refill it. Isn't that why I pay the mechanic? So instead of towing me home, the AAA guy added water and told me to stop at a gas station on the way home tobuy some coolant (now that I know where it goes). I gave him all the cash in my wallet and drove home.
I'm sure the car is fine, but I am not about to risk breaking down on the way to the airport at 645 in the morning, so I've housed it with my friends (who have a garage but are car-free) and will deal with it when I get back.
(should I mention that I am so distracted I started driving the wrong way down Oak Street en route to their house? Faithful SF readers will realize OHMYGOD MO! YOU CRAZY GIRL, RELAX." I made it 1/4 block and realized my error, and almost passed out from fear. Fortunately there was a red light so no cars were coming my way.)
So, 11 hours to go, no dinner, no cash, haven't started packing, and frankly not sure where the suitcase is.
I've wanted to run this thing since I set foot on Wellesley's campus 15 years ago. If Noah shows up with his ark Monday morning, I'm gonna hitch a ride.
4.12.2007
In redneck parlance....
I'm pretty sure this means "you are all f*cked":
Wednesday, April 11 - As the Boston Athletic Association continues to make preparations for Monday's Boston Marathon, we are monitoring the upcoming weather conditions forecast for this area. Based on the National Weather Service's most recent report and in cooperation with the Executive Office of Public Safety (Commonwealth of Massachusetts) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, together with the eight cities and towns along the 26.2-mile marathon route, we are planning for likely heavy rain and windy conditions on race day. However, all race day plans remain the same. The Boston Athletic Association advises participants in Monday's race to plan accordingly for their run, bringing with them gear and apparel to suit the conditions. The B.A.A. will continue to update its web site as necessary.
Wednesday, April 11 - As the Boston Athletic Association continues to make preparations for Monday's Boston Marathon, we are monitoring the upcoming weather conditions forecast for this area. Based on the National Weather Service's most recent report and in cooperation with the Executive Office of Public Safety (Commonwealth of Massachusetts) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, together with the eight cities and towns along the 26.2-mile marathon route, we are planning for likely heavy rain and windy conditions on race day. However, all race day plans remain the same. The Boston Athletic Association advises participants in Monday's race to plan accordingly for their run, bringing with them gear and apparel to suit the conditions. The B.A.A. will continue to update its web site as necessary.
4.11.2007
Rain, rain, go away
This is seriously going to mess up my outfit!
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USMA0046?dayNum=5
But since I've already run a marathon in the pouring rain, I guess I can tough it out...just gotta remember to bring the trash bags.
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USMA0046?dayNum=5
But since I've already run a marathon in the pouring rain, I guess I can tough it out...just gotta remember to bring the trash bags.
4.09.2007
A New Bar
This has nothing to do with running, or Ironman. I've been on my share of terrible dates (some might say much more than my fair share). However, I've now been RUN AWAY FROM at the end of a date. Duck and run. I swear I am not making this up. Fellas, the bar has been set. It's gonna be really, really hard to top this one.
Are you freaking kidding me?
My mom sent me what amounts to a 12-lb box of Easter candy. Not-so-subtle sign that I am to continue training for the Ironman. Oh wait: I mean Start Training for the Ironman. Among the goodies: chocolate-covered peeps. Best thing EVER. Second-best thing ever: Washington Post Peeps Contest.
Last week's workouts:
Monday - Ran another hour after work.
Tuesday - Managed to fit in my Dr. Rabbetz-required long run. Ran 1:30 immediately after work (until it was pitch black, which happens at 8:10 p.m.). I hurt by the end, mostly because, well, it was a long run. I saw Barry Zito along Fisherman's Wharf, which was the highlight of the evening. Hot man.
Wednesday - Final :20 of my long run. Realized during the run that I hadn't had a day off since March 23, which may further explain why I am so exhausted. Decide :20 is enough for the day, and it's a pseudo-day off.
Thursday - spin. Oww. Kills me.
Friday - Off. Pre-race pedicure.
Saturday - ran 1:13 in pouring rain/mist. Boring as hell.
Sun - Off. Ate Easter candy, moneky bread, and Jen's mom's chocolate cake, and walked the dogs.
THIS week...."taper," though I'm not exactly sure what that means, and I never got the template from M2. So, my plan:
Mon - Off. Was going to run, but forgot I have dinner plans (fortunately no one will run from me). Stretch.
Tues - Do Monday's run - 1 hr easy, core. Stretch.
Weds - 45 min easy run
Thurs - spin, core.
Fri - swim? Undecided. Massage.
Sat - Fly to Boston!
Sun - 30 min easy run, expo!!!! WOOOOOO.
Are you freaking kidding me?
My mom sent me what amounts to a 12-lb box of Easter candy. Not-so-subtle sign that I am to continue training for the Ironman. Oh wait: I mean Start Training for the Ironman. Among the goodies: chocolate-covered peeps. Best thing EVER. Second-best thing ever: Washington Post Peeps Contest.
Last week's workouts:
Monday - Ran another hour after work.
Tuesday - Managed to fit in my Dr. Rabbetz-required long run. Ran 1:30 immediately after work (until it was pitch black, which happens at 8:10 p.m.). I hurt by the end, mostly because, well, it was a long run. I saw Barry Zito along Fisherman's Wharf, which was the highlight of the evening. Hot man.
Wednesday - Final :20 of my long run. Realized during the run that I hadn't had a day off since March 23, which may further explain why I am so exhausted. Decide :20 is enough for the day, and it's a pseudo-day off.
Thursday - spin. Oww. Kills me.
Friday - Off. Pre-race pedicure.
Saturday - ran 1:13 in pouring rain/mist. Boring as hell.
Sun - Off. Ate Easter candy, moneky bread, and Jen's mom's chocolate cake, and walked the dogs.
THIS week...."taper," though I'm not exactly sure what that means, and I never got the template from M2. So, my plan:
Mon - Off. Was going to run, but forgot I have dinner plans (fortunately no one will run from me). Stretch.
Tues - Do Monday's run - 1 hr easy, core. Stretch.
Weds - 45 min easy run
Thurs - spin, core.
Fri - swim? Undecided. Massage.
Sat - Fly to Boston!
Sun - 30 min easy run, expo!!!! WOOOOOO.
4.01.2007
One hour, suckers!
Woo! I made it to an hour on Sunday. I met Kim in the Presidio at 6:30 a.m. so we could run before the Presidio 10 Miler race, that began at 8. We plodded out Marina Green, over to Aquatic Park (walked down the hill), and out the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf. It was early, but very peaceful - we even saw 80 people lined up - at 7 am! Shouldn't they be sleeping?? - waiting for the Boudin Bakery tour to start. Whatever makes you happy, I guess (Actually they were all teenagers, who appeared to be there under duress.)
Anyway. As we began I felt a few twinges (more likely because of the ride yesterday and the early hour), but as we continued they subsided. I'm due to run another hour tomorrow, and then 1:45-2 the next day. I have no idea how I will do this on a weeknight, except to run part of it Tues night and the second part early Weds morning - before I go back for more painful "Graston technique" fun on Wednesday.
But I'm hopeful!
Anyway. As we began I felt a few twinges (more likely because of the ride yesterday and the early hour), but as we continued they subsided. I'm due to run another hour tomorrow, and then 1:45-2 the next day. I have no idea how I will do this on a weeknight, except to run part of it Tues night and the second part early Weds morning - before I go back for more painful "Graston technique" fun on Wednesday.
But I'm hopeful!
3.31.2007
M2 rocks my world
I haven't been on my bike too much these past few months. In fact, I wasn't on it at all between October and end-of-January.
On Saturday, I did the Cinderella Ride (65 miles). If you could get over the ladies riding in tutus (fine for some, not exactly my scene), it was a fun day. At one point there were signs indicating the "Lemon Drop Man" would be at the top of a hill: I was hopeful this meant he would be handing out Lemon Drop martinis - actually, are those things even martinis? I don't know, but I do know it involves alcohol - but alas, it was just candy. I was not about to take candy from a strange man's dirty hand, so I rode on by.
Anyway. My point. I've maybe ridden 100 miles total since last September. I haven't seen 65 miles since Ironman USA last July. And yet. One ass-whupping M2 spin class a week had me cruising along, barely breaking a sweat, even on the two challenging "climbs." I finished the day feeling like I could have done 65 more.
If this is the way I feel now, imagine how good I'm gonna feel when I actually train!!!!
On Saturday, I did the Cinderella Ride (65 miles). If you could get over the ladies riding in tutus (fine for some, not exactly my scene), it was a fun day. At one point there were signs indicating the "Lemon Drop Man" would be at the top of a hill: I was hopeful this meant he would be handing out Lemon Drop martinis - actually, are those things even martinis? I don't know, but I do know it involves alcohol - but alas, it was just candy. I was not about to take candy from a strange man's dirty hand, so I rode on by.
Anyway. My point. I've maybe ridden 100 miles total since last September. I haven't seen 65 miles since Ironman USA last July. And yet. One ass-whupping M2 spin class a week had me cruising along, barely breaking a sweat, even on the two challenging "climbs." I finished the day feeling like I could have done 65 more.
If this is the way I feel now, imagine how good I'm gonna feel when I actually train!!!!
3.30.2007
Another boring night in San Francisco
Who's that in M2's spin class?? Hmm..... methinks it might be a bad-ass former Mennonite.
3.29.2007
28 minutes!
I made it 28 minutes last night, running timidly in circles around Stanford's cedar-chipped path. Woo! I would have likely made it the entire 45, but had to stop in time to catch the train. (In nearly two years of working here, this is the first time I ran and then took the train home without changing back into my work clothes. Riding CalTrain in spandex = feeling very naked!) I could feel the knee twinge quite a bit, but pushed through (albeit very slowly) as instructed.
I'm supposed to try for 1:15 tomorrow morning, before heading back to the dr in the afternoon. Fingers crossed for all good things. In the meantime, I continue to ice for 20 minutes at night, and use the extraordinarily painful "trigger point" roller. Yeoww.
I'm supposed to try for 1:15 tomorrow morning, before heading back to the dr in the afternoon. Fingers crossed for all good things. In the meantime, I continue to ice for 20 minutes at night, and use the extraordinarily painful "trigger point" roller. Yeoww.
3.27.2007
The beer-soaked Wellesley coeds....
One of my favorite writers is Martin Dugard - and I am such a nerd that one of the highlights of my workday is when he posts his new blog for the day. Today he muses about the Boston Marathon, the choicer parts of which I will excerpt here:
"That's such a cool marathon. Such mystique. Such tradition. Last time I ran it, I woke up on race day with a 102 fever....But I'd flown all the way across country, and it seemed silly to waste the entry, so I gobbled about ten Aleve and hopped on the school bus to Hopkinton. Like everyone else, I made the ritual urination on the shrubbery of that city's very accepting residents, and then toed the starting line, still feeling far less than a hundred percent.
But here's the thing: Boston is point-to-point. I don't know that area well enough to presume that I could find my way back into town without running. So I ran. The entire race was about energy management, but I knew I was home free when I ran through those Wellesley coeds. Nothing like a group of deeply enthusiastic beer-soaked college girls to make a man discard all thoughts of self-pity. It was a great day."
I am fairly certain he may be the first person in all of history to refer to the scream tunnel of Wellesley women as "beer-soaked college girls."
But I love it!
I was only beer-soaked during one Patriot's Day at Wellesley, but that's because I was running as a bandit the other three times, and beer and running generally don't mix. So to all you beer-soaked college girls, do this alumna proud and drink and cheer your hearts out on April 16!
(I actually do know how to get from Hopkinton to Boston without running - commuter rail, baby - but I hope I won't be doing that!)
"That's such a cool marathon. Such mystique. Such tradition. Last time I ran it, I woke up on race day with a 102 fever....But I'd flown all the way across country, and it seemed silly to waste the entry, so I gobbled about ten Aleve and hopped on the school bus to Hopkinton. Like everyone else, I made the ritual urination on the shrubbery of that city's very accepting residents, and then toed the starting line, still feeling far less than a hundred percent.
But here's the thing: Boston is point-to-point. I don't know that area well enough to presume that I could find my way back into town without running. So I ran. The entire race was about energy management, but I knew I was home free when I ran through those Wellesley coeds. Nothing like a group of deeply enthusiastic beer-soaked college girls to make a man discard all thoughts of self-pity. It was a great day."
I am fairly certain he may be the first person in all of history to refer to the scream tunnel of Wellesley women as "beer-soaked college girls."
But I love it!
I was only beer-soaked during one Patriot's Day at Wellesley, but that's because I was running as a bandit the other three times, and beer and running generally don't mix. So to all you beer-soaked college girls, do this alumna proud and drink and cheer your hearts out on April 16!
(I actually do know how to get from Hopkinton to Boston without running - commuter rail, baby - but I hope I won't be doing that!)
oh yes, about that knee...
For those who can't actually read my mind: about two weeks ago, I started having a lot of pain in my left knee. It hurt the most when running downhill, or when walking down stairs. Since I've been taking the Horrid Skin Medicine, and one of the side effects is joint pain, I chalked it up to that and bought some glucosamine chondroiton to add to my daily cocktail. Alas. Midway through the non-bone-breaking trail run, I was in lots of pain (stopped and stretched 3-4 times). This time I just figured it was because I was running a really challenging trail. Took an ice bath afterwards, life is good.
Tried to run Monday 3/19, and didn't last 5 minutes. Freaked out, went to pool (hello, pool, nice to meet you), and it hurt even when I tried to kick. Hmm... went to faithful Dr. Rabbetz, who did all the regular knee tests and determined I don't have any scary ACL/meniscus/etc business, but rather have "freakishly strong" outer quads, and a basically atrophied inner quad/vastus medialis, which together is pulling my kneecap off its track. I think in Runner's World-speak it's called patellorfemoral syndrome (the cure for which is "stop running until it heals." Uh, I've wanted to run Boston since 1992, so that is actually not an option.)
He thought I would be fine to run flat on the treadmill, which I've since tried 2 times and failed both. (full disclosure, he also asked when I was last on my bike - "you know, remember that? Two wheels, brakes in the front?" - because I guess riding helps strengthen this vastus medialis business). I called him yesterday to report on riding and continued inability to run, and he told me to "get my ass in here." So, ok. I will today.
Oh right, and the MOST important thing to avoid for patellorfemoral syndrome is downhill running. The first 17 miles of Boston are all downhill. I'll deal with that later.
Tried to run Monday 3/19, and didn't last 5 minutes. Freaked out, went to pool (hello, pool, nice to meet you), and it hurt even when I tried to kick. Hmm... went to faithful Dr. Rabbetz, who did all the regular knee tests and determined I don't have any scary ACL/meniscus/etc business, but rather have "freakishly strong" outer quads, and a basically atrophied inner quad/vastus medialis, which together is pulling my kneecap off its track. I think in Runner's World-speak it's called patellorfemoral syndrome (the cure for which is "stop running until it heals." Uh, I've wanted to run Boston since 1992, so that is actually not an option.)
He thought I would be fine to run flat on the treadmill, which I've since tried 2 times and failed both. (full disclosure, he also asked when I was last on my bike - "you know, remember that? Two wheels, brakes in the front?" - because I guess riding helps strengthen this vastus medialis business). I called him yesterday to report on riding and continued inability to run, and he told me to "get my ass in here." So, ok. I will today.
Oh right, and the MOST important thing to avoid for patellorfemoral syndrome is downhill running. The first 17 miles of Boston are all downhill. I'll deal with that later.
#14838
My number for Boston. Woo! The big registration packet (complete with the Addidas catalog of all the cool BAA logo schwag) came in the mail yesterday.
Too bad I have not been able to run longer than four minutes in over a week - I am going back to the doctor today and hopefully he is going to work some miracles. In the meantime, I've been water running, but I've stepped it up a notch and am doing it without the aid of the flotation device, which makes it really, really hard. Since riding doesn't hurt, I'm also going to do two M2 spin classes this week, rather than just the one, which hopefully - a little late now - will help aid in the "preparation" for the Cinderella Ride (metric century) on Saturday.
Even my mother paused and asked (oh-so-casually) last night, "so, when do you think you might start training for Ironman?"
When I get an 800 on the GMAT!
Too bad I have not been able to run longer than four minutes in over a week - I am going back to the doctor today and hopefully he is going to work some miracles. In the meantime, I've been water running, but I've stepped it up a notch and am doing it without the aid of the flotation device, which makes it really, really hard. Since riding doesn't hurt, I'm also going to do two M2 spin classes this week, rather than just the one, which hopefully - a little late now - will help aid in the "preparation" for the Cinderella Ride (metric century) on Saturday.
Even my mother paused and asked (oh-so-casually) last night, "so, when do you think you might start training for Ironman?"
When I get an 800 on the GMAT!
3.23.2007
3.20.2007
No broken bones!
I survived Saturday's trail race with all limbs in tact. Mission accomplished.
About 400 people total entered the race, and a good 80% of them did the 12k. The other 20% (moronic fools) did the entire 25k - guess which segment I was in? The race basically consisted of 2-3 miles straight uphill, 1 mile flat, another mile uphill, and 2 miles downhill. Then repeat. The course was brutal, and so I walked 3-4 times on the second lap, but still finished within a few minutes of my first lap, so I was pretty stoked. The fog never cleared, so although we were promised breathtaking views of the SF skyline, they never materialized. I was just as glad, as the course was tough and it would have easily become unbearable in the heat.
Last year the winning time in my age group was 2:44. I beat that by 20 minutes, but was only 6th (of 9) in my AG! The winning time this year in the AG was 2:04 (!!!) and overall was 1:41 (the website has a guy that says he did it in 1:06...but since that would be a world record for the distance by over six minutes, I highly doubt it's correct.) The best part about running in a trail race was how amazing my joints felt - so great to take a break from asphalt. The second best part was the race organizer (Dave from Envirosports) made banana bread for everyone to enjoy at the end. Woo!
About 400 people total entered the race, and a good 80% of them did the 12k. The other 20% (moronic fools) did the entire 25k - guess which segment I was in? The race basically consisted of 2-3 miles straight uphill, 1 mile flat, another mile uphill, and 2 miles downhill. Then repeat. The course was brutal, and so I walked 3-4 times on the second lap, but still finished within a few minutes of my first lap, so I was pretty stoked. The fog never cleared, so although we were promised breathtaking views of the SF skyline, they never materialized. I was just as glad, as the course was tough and it would have easily become unbearable in the heat.
Last year the winning time in my age group was 2:44. I beat that by 20 minutes, but was only 6th (of 9) in my AG! The winning time this year in the AG was 2:04 (!!!) and overall was 1:41 (the website has a guy that says he did it in 1:06...but since that would be a world record for the distance by over six minutes, I highly doubt it's correct.) The best part about running in a trail race was how amazing my joints felt - so great to take a break from asphalt. The second best part was the race organizer (Dave from Envirosports) made banana bread for everyone to enjoy at the end. Woo!
3.16.2007
Samoas have Sorbitol in them?
This horrifies me. I mean it's bad enough Girl Scout Cookies are riddled with hydrogenated oil (but I'll overlook it, for the cause and all that.) But sorbitol? That crap's in sugarfree gum, which I don't chew. Eww.
Today = one month til Boston. Hmm. This horrifies me as well (as does Stanford's abysmal showing against Louisville, and Duke's untimely loss to VCU, among other things.) I spent last week on the East Coast, where it was 10 degrees for much of the week, but I still managed to fit in three runs - one of them in the snow! - in Central Park. I drew the line in Philadelphia, though, where, with the wind chill, it was negative five. I made do with the crappy hotel gym, on an elliptical machine that looked like it was from 1987. Couldn't even run on the treadmill there, as my stride is longer than the treadmill (which is not saying much!!).
Tried desperately to get back on the bandwagon this week - at the very least I don't want to embarass myself next month. I arrived home late Saturday night, and somehow dragged myself out of bed the next morning to go run 16 miles at Sawyer Camp with Kim. I hope we'll be able to run the whole race together, as it makes the time pass so much more nicely. I'd never run at Sawyer Camp, and it was great - marked miles, nicely paved, and mostly shaded. By the end of the run it was over 7 0 degrees - a far cry from the cold back east.
Rest of this week:
Tues - finally got my new orthotics (thank god). Last Statistics class, which I decided to skip, because I'd already turned in the assignment. So went for a run instead, 50 minutes in awesome weather around campus. Woo! Way better than statistics.
Weds - revisited M2's spin class for first time since mid-February (missed it due to travel, sick, travel). Uh oh. It was a hard one. Soldiered through, felt good to be back (however, it had been so long I almost brought my road shoes to class, not realizing there was a difference!!!)
Thurs - long tempo run, 1:15, in the park. Hard to get out the door, but so glad I did it. Pitch black by the time I was done, which is what I get for screwing around for 45 minutes after getting home from work.
Fri - going to venture to the great body of water called the pool at lunch. Watch out, there may be a nuclear meltdown, as the pool will not remember who I am!
Sat - tomorrow is my first trail running race ever. Ah....why? My roommate talked me into it. It's a 25k on Angel Island, though I just found out there is a time limit, and if you don't make 12k by 1:30, they pull you off and make you a "12k finisher" (rather than a 25k DNF...that is actually very nice). So hopefully I'm doing all 25k, but I've heard it's a hard race, so if it ends up being 12k for me, so be it.
Sun - assuming I don't break any limbs during aforementioned trail race, I'll go for a bike ride.
Today = one month til Boston. Hmm. This horrifies me as well (as does Stanford's abysmal showing against Louisville, and Duke's untimely loss to VCU, among other things.) I spent last week on the East Coast, where it was 10 degrees for much of the week, but I still managed to fit in three runs - one of them in the snow! - in Central Park. I drew the line in Philadelphia, though, where, with the wind chill, it was negative five. I made do with the crappy hotel gym, on an elliptical machine that looked like it was from 1987. Couldn't even run on the treadmill there, as my stride is longer than the treadmill (which is not saying much!!).
Tried desperately to get back on the bandwagon this week - at the very least I don't want to embarass myself next month. I arrived home late Saturday night, and somehow dragged myself out of bed the next morning to go run 16 miles at Sawyer Camp with Kim. I hope we'll be able to run the whole race together, as it makes the time pass so much more nicely. I'd never run at Sawyer Camp, and it was great - marked miles, nicely paved, and mostly shaded. By the end of the run it was over 7 0 degrees - a far cry from the cold back east.
Rest of this week:
Tues - finally got my new orthotics (thank god). Last Statistics class, which I decided to skip, because I'd already turned in the assignment. So went for a run instead, 50 minutes in awesome weather around campus. Woo! Way better than statistics.
Weds - revisited M2's spin class for first time since mid-February (missed it due to travel, sick, travel). Uh oh. It was a hard one. Soldiered through, felt good to be back (however, it had been so long I almost brought my road shoes to class, not realizing there was a difference!!!)
Thurs - long tempo run, 1:15, in the park. Hard to get out the door, but so glad I did it. Pitch black by the time I was done, which is what I get for screwing around for 45 minutes after getting home from work.
Fri - going to venture to the great body of water called the pool at lunch. Watch out, there may be a nuclear meltdown, as the pool will not remember who I am!
Sat - tomorrow is my first trail running race ever. Ah....why? My roommate talked me into it. It's a 25k on Angel Island, though I just found out there is a time limit, and if you don't make 12k by 1:30, they pull you off and make you a "12k finisher" (rather than a 25k DNF...that is actually very nice). So hopefully I'm doing all 25k, but I've heard it's a hard race, so if it ends up being 12k for me, so be it.
Sun - assuming I don't break any limbs during aforementioned trail race, I'll go for a bike ride.
2.21.2007
MoGo
I had a 20% off coupon for Sports Basement that I got at the SF half a few weeks ago. It expired over the weekend, so I dropped a bunch of money I didn't need to spend on some new gear, including new running shoes (which I don't need now, but will soon enough, and 20% is 20%). I took them out of the box the other night, just to see how the new "GTS 7" is all that much different than the "GTS 6" (the model from the past couple of years).
How is it different?
There is a little circle on the instep that says "MoGo."
I shit you not. How cool is that?!
Last week went as planned...nothing terribly exciting on the training front, other than upping my leg press weights (oww) and rediscovering pushups (super oww). Spin on Thursday was a killer and I wanted to die in the middle of class. Kim and I did our long run together on Sunday, and it was SO NICE to have a buddy to run with again. It made it go so much faster - we ran through the Presidio, Land's End Trail, out Great Highway, and back through the Park.
After the run, I took my first ice bath of the season (remarkably more painful than I remember - and I only used 7lbs of ice), and then headed out to watch the Prologue of the Tour of California. My slow camera meant I took more pictures of pavement than of the riders, but it was cool nonetheless. I capped off the day with Minnie and Jon, at a talk by Greg Lemond and Phil Liggett on the '89 Tour. I hadn't seen any footage (other than of Lemond with head in his hands, Fignon crying on the ground, which I think gets played every summer) since the actual event in '89, so it was pretty cool to watch it with the players at hand. I generally think Lemond is a bit of an idiot, but he told some great stories, and he is truly a legend in his own right.
I'm actually ready to start swimming again - all this lifting and pounding on the pavement has me feeling a little compressed.
This week:
Mon - core/stretch. Planned to ride to Sausalito to watch the Tour of California depart. Didn't happen.
Tues - Stamina run outside - 6.5 miles with hard pickups
Weds - Spin, core
Thurs - Fly to Arizona
Fri - Treadmill fast run, lift
Sat - hmm...relax...swim...relax
Sun - long trail run in AZ
How is it different?
There is a little circle on the instep that says "MoGo."
I shit you not. How cool is that?!
Last week went as planned...nothing terribly exciting on the training front, other than upping my leg press weights (oww) and rediscovering pushups (super oww). Spin on Thursday was a killer and I wanted to die in the middle of class. Kim and I did our long run together on Sunday, and it was SO NICE to have a buddy to run with again. It made it go so much faster - we ran through the Presidio, Land's End Trail, out Great Highway, and back through the Park.
After the run, I took my first ice bath of the season (remarkably more painful than I remember - and I only used 7lbs of ice), and then headed out to watch the Prologue of the Tour of California. My slow camera meant I took more pictures of pavement than of the riders, but it was cool nonetheless. I capped off the day with Minnie and Jon, at a talk by Greg Lemond and Phil Liggett on the '89 Tour. I hadn't seen any footage (other than of Lemond with head in his hands, Fignon crying on the ground, which I think gets played every summer) since the actual event in '89, so it was pretty cool to watch it with the players at hand. I generally think Lemond is a bit of an idiot, but he told some great stories, and he is truly a legend in his own right.
I'm actually ready to start swimming again - all this lifting and pounding on the pavement has me feeling a little compressed.
This week:
Mon - core/stretch. Planned to ride to Sausalito to watch the Tour of California depart. Didn't happen.
Tues - Stamina run outside - 6.5 miles with hard pickups
Weds - Spin, core
Thurs - Fly to Arizona
Fri - Treadmill fast run, lift
Sat - hmm...relax...swim...relax
Sun - long trail run in AZ
2.16.2007
Bite My Ass, Ann Taylor
So I have all this "free money" to use at Stanford Shopping Center, that I won through a monthly drawing we have in our building for people who take alternative transit to work. Every time I drive to work, I swing by the mall and see if there's anything worth spending it on. Last night I found a cute little pair of brownish strappy sandals at Ann Taylor, and tried them on.
They wouldn't go around my ankle.
What? I've never, ever had this happen. Ever. I mean, it's an ankle. I thought for sure I must be putting them on incorrectly, and struggled to try to realign my foot. No such luck. I sat there incredulously, while the saleslady looked on sympathetically. She shrugged, saying "they tend to make shoes for really tiny ankles."
Umm. Ok. I don't have large ankles, but apparently I do not have wrist-size, Ann Taylor-tiny ones, either.
No brown strappy sandals for me.
Drove back to city and had my ass handed to me for a 1:15 spin at M2. Where ankle size does not matter.
They wouldn't go around my ankle.
What? I've never, ever had this happen. Ever. I mean, it's an ankle. I thought for sure I must be putting them on incorrectly, and struggled to try to realign my foot. No such luck. I sat there incredulously, while the saleslady looked on sympathetically. She shrugged, saying "they tend to make shoes for really tiny ankles."
Umm. Ok. I don't have large ankles, but apparently I do not have wrist-size, Ann Taylor-tiny ones, either.
No brown strappy sandals for me.
Drove back to city and had my ass handed to me for a 1:15 spin at M2. Where ankle size does not matter.
2.11.2007
Two plus hours
First real long run in a really long time (is that redundant??). After pouring all day yesterday, the rain finally came to a stop sometime during the night. I lay in bed for an hour after my alarm went off, willing the rain to begin again, so I'd have a somewhat-legitimate excuse for not doing the long run. Alas. Wasn't gonna happen. Got out of bed and procrastinated for another hour, and finally set out around 10. Oh. My. I didn't bring my iPod, as the skies looked as though they might open up again at any moment. Last weekend the adrenaline of the race helped to conceal how truly terrible I felt. Today, nothing - just me and my feet and my really achy legs.
I ran through the Presidio, down to Crissy Field, stopped to watch the surfers under the Golden Gate Bridge ("watch the surfers"...er, catch my breath). Then I ran up on the trail under the Bridge, and out along the Coastal Trail down past Baker Beach, out to Seacliff (hi Robin!) and onto the Land's End trail. It was somewhere around here where I realized how tired I was, and realized my only options were running slowly home, or taking the bus. Pride and a $20 bill (exact change only) kept me from the bus. I'd run out of water, and gel, but a quick stop at the Cliff House gave me new fluids, and I set back for home.
Glad I made myself do it, but looking forward to running with Kim next weekend as a break from the monotony!
The week ahead:
Mon - celebrate my 21st birthday for the 12th time. Or crawl in hole.
Tues - run after work, before I begin my statistics class @ Stanford (and I did this voluntarily...)
Weds - M2 treadmill run at lunch, lift
Thurs - M2 spin pm
Fri - swim or lift
Sat - ride 2 hr or spin if it's raining
Sun - run long with Kim
I ran through the Presidio, down to Crissy Field, stopped to watch the surfers under the Golden Gate Bridge ("watch the surfers"...er, catch my breath). Then I ran up on the trail under the Bridge, and out along the Coastal Trail down past Baker Beach, out to Seacliff (hi Robin!) and onto the Land's End trail. It was somewhere around here where I realized how tired I was, and realized my only options were running slowly home, or taking the bus. Pride and a $20 bill (exact change only) kept me from the bus. I'd run out of water, and gel, but a quick stop at the Cliff House gave me new fluids, and I set back for home.
Glad I made myself do it, but looking forward to running with Kim next weekend as a break from the monotony!
The week ahead:
Mon - celebrate my 21st birthday for the 12th time. Or crawl in hole.
Tues - run after work, before I begin my statistics class @ Stanford (and I did this voluntarily...)
Weds - M2 treadmill run at lunch, lift
Thurs - M2 spin pm
Fri - swim or lift
Sat - ride 2 hr or spin if it's raining
Sun - run long with Kim
2.07.2007
If you can smell yourself, it's time for new gear
SF Half Marathon was on Sunday. Went exactly how I expected, given my lack of training and motivation (literally, I was within seconds of what I expected!) And 5 minutes slower than last year. C'est la vie.
I ran with Cesar, who I hadn't seen in quite a while, so that was fun. We ran together for the first 6 miles, some of it a little too quickly for our shape (fastest mile = 8:07, and while that ain't exactly lightning, my body didn't quite know what was going on.) At mile 7 he ducked into a port-a-potty, and I never saw him again. (Of course I didn't wait, but I fully expected him to catch me.) Around mile 10, I began to feel my lungs tighten - and of course I didn't have an inhaler with me. I haven't run far or fast enough in months to actually need it; astute readers will also recall the stupid doctor from UCSF who told me I clinically "did not present" for asthma (this after telling her I don't get symptoms unless I've been exercising for a long time - so her little 5 minute bike test didn't prove jack.) Anyway. Cesar also has asthma, so I also hoped he might have an inhaler with him, so I was doubly sad not to see him again. I wheezed and whined my way through the last three miles and was really, really glad when I was able to stop.
I learned several things:
1 - training is good
2 - having a run buddy and then losing him midway through sucks
3 - I still have asthma
This week - 10 weeks til Beantown!
Mon - rest
Tues - yoga ("active recovery")
Weds - M2 Fast Treadmill, lift - both @ lunch
Thurs - spin pm
Fri - til I begin swimming again Fri is a total pain. Have lunch plans, and after-work plans (Happy Birthday, Karen!). Try, try, try to rally for 5 a.m. pre-work run. Get home at 930-10 from spin on Thurs nights, so pretty much know this ain't gonna happen.
Sat - supposed to be pouring, so second M2 spin
Sun - run 2 hrs, even if it's still pouring
I ran with Cesar, who I hadn't seen in quite a while, so that was fun. We ran together for the first 6 miles, some of it a little too quickly for our shape (fastest mile = 8:07, and while that ain't exactly lightning, my body didn't quite know what was going on.) At mile 7 he ducked into a port-a-potty, and I never saw him again. (Of course I didn't wait, but I fully expected him to catch me.) Around mile 10, I began to feel my lungs tighten - and of course I didn't have an inhaler with me. I haven't run far or fast enough in months to actually need it; astute readers will also recall the stupid doctor from UCSF who told me I clinically "did not present" for asthma (this after telling her I don't get symptoms unless I've been exercising for a long time - so her little 5 minute bike test didn't prove jack.) Anyway. Cesar also has asthma, so I also hoped he might have an inhaler with him, so I was doubly sad not to see him again. I wheezed and whined my way through the last three miles and was really, really glad when I was able to stop.
I learned several things:
1 - training is good
2 - having a run buddy and then losing him midway through sucks
3 - I still have asthma
This week - 10 weeks til Beantown!
Mon - rest
Tues - yoga ("active recovery")
Weds - M2 Fast Treadmill, lift - both @ lunch
Thurs - spin pm
Fri - til I begin swimming again Fri is a total pain. Have lunch plans, and after-work plans (Happy Birthday, Karen!). Try, try, try to rally for 5 a.m. pre-work run. Get home at 930-10 from spin on Thurs nights, so pretty much know this ain't gonna happen.
Sat - supposed to be pouring, so second M2 spin
Sun - run 2 hrs, even if it's still pouring
RIP, Man-Deok (2004-2007)
My brother's doggy, Man-Deok (forget what the name means in English), died the other day. He was only three. The vet did an autopsy and suspects it was an intestinal infection that is common in Korean dogs. Poor puppy!
1.30.2007
Dusty got adopted!
Woo!!! (or shall I say "woof"?) Spent the evening walking a very, very energetic black lab named Shelby who has fallen ill with kennel cough and thus can't play with the other doggies.
In workout news...I did everything as planned last week, except for nothing on Friday, and skipping lifting over the weekend.
Plans for this week:
Mon: lift (check, done)
Tues: treadmill track workout (oops, wallowed in pre-birthday misery instead)
Weds: Total Body Training II, pain pm
Thurs: spin pm - and, if I am feeling really rowdy, make up Treadmill Track w/o during lunch and hope I don't explode at spin
Fri: run 50 min
Sat: EZ ride
Sun: SF half marathon...gonna be ugly
In workout news...I did everything as planned last week, except for nothing on Friday, and skipping lifting over the weekend.
Plans for this week:
Mon: lift (check, done)
Tues: treadmill track workout (oops, wallowed in pre-birthday misery instead)
Weds: Total Body Training II, pain pm
Thurs: spin pm - and, if I am feeling really rowdy, make up Treadmill Track w/o during lunch and hope I don't explode at spin
Fri: run 50 min
Sat: EZ ride
Sun: SF half marathon...gonna be ugly
1.28.2007
Just like riding a bike...
First real bike ride since the end of September (ouch). Fortunately, I remembered how to do it. Unfortunately, I forgot most of the apparel that makes riding in the cold tolerable (toe covers, anyone?). I tagged on to one of this year's Ironteam rides, and though I would have loved to do the entire 50 miles, and like to think I could have hung on, I turned around in Fairfax and did only 25. Big goal: Boston. No need to be riding 50 miles in January for that!
What's up for this coming week:
Mon - lift at lunch, walk homeless doggies after work
Tues - Treadmill Track pm
Weds - Total Body Training II pm
Thurs - spin pm
Fri - easy 50 min run with strides pm
Sat - easy ride
Sun - San Francisco half marathon....unfortunately, I don't think it will be a PR this year, but hopefully I'll at least avoid fisticuffs. Go Colts!
We now return to our regularly-scheduled GMAT study.
What's up for this coming week:
Mon - lift at lunch, walk homeless doggies after work
Tues - Treadmill Track pm
Weds - Total Body Training II pm
Thurs - spin pm
Fri - easy 50 min run with strides pm
Sat - easy ride
Sun - San Francisco half marathon....unfortunately, I don't think it will be a PR this year, but hopefully I'll at least avoid fisticuffs. Go Colts!
We now return to our regularly-scheduled GMAT study.
1.24.2007
Loverboy
This is my bud, Dusty. He is a two year-old homeless pooch. Yes, he's smiling at the camera. Don't you want to adopt him?? If you live in the SF Bay area and are in the market to adopt an active, happy, loving dog, go check him out at Pets Unlimited on Fillmore. He's waiting for you! (I have been trying to pimp this fella out since December. Apparently this is not my calling. Please help Dusty find a home!)
1.22.2007
Louie's memory
I started this post whining and moaning about how out of shape I am, and how I've gained 8-10 lbs since Ironman USA (yikes). As I neared the end, I realized that today is the 5th anniversary of Louie Bonpua's death. Five years. I'm sure there were days when Louie felt fat, nasty, and out of shape. But I suspect the majority of his days he spent grateful that he was still here, able to breathe, and ready to open his eyes. I don't miss the daily rigor of being part of Ironteam, but I do miss the reality checks of what's truly important.
So take two of my woe-is-me post begins: 12 weeks, or 84 days, til I toe the line with my lifelong dream of running the Boston Marathon. So is it pathetic that I have run no more than 82 minutes since November? Hmmm.... maybe. Maybe not. I had renewed vigor for training the week of January 8, with plans to visit Marisa, Geoff, and Jasmine in Scottsdale for MLK weekend and run the Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Alas, I was sidelined with strep throat, and had to cancel the trip at the very last minute. I spent the weekend eating soup and watching terrible tv ("My Super Sweet 16": worst show on television. These ladies are in for a rude awakening once they leave the nest!).
It took the majority of last week to really feel back "on" again, at which time I was sidelined by inertia. (either that or the now 10- TEN!!!! - lbs I seemed to have gained since finishing IMUSA. This is so not ok for so many reasons I can't list them.)
So. Twelve weeks to go. Not even going to think of the number of weeks to go til IM Canada. A lot, so not gonna worry about it. Karen and I have promised to email one another at the start of each week with our "plan" for the week, of how we'll fit each workout in.
Sunday: volunteered for Ironteam's annual "Louie Tri," which turned out to be the "Louie Du" as the water was 47 degrees, and even Ironteam has some limits of sanity. Felt great to see everyone; the majority of us sat around comparing guts and how low we estimated our tire pressure on our bikes to be (mine: 40 psi. Supposed to be 110! A fine layer of dust covered my whole bike...poor gal). In the afternoon, I taught my friends how to ride with clipless pedals. Karmic circle on cycling (opened Feb 2003) now officially closed. Felt awesome to be back on the bike. Been away much too long!
Today: M2's "Treadmill Track" workout. Oh my. Hard! Total 6.5 miles. After 20 min warmup, did 2x1' at 7.2 mph, with 1' at 6.6 mph between each. Then did 2x3' intervals, alternating speed and incline as per his instructions. RI 1' between each. Repeat everything x3. Whew!
I showered and was back at my desk by 2:15 (in all fairness I didn't leave til 12:45) -- but my colleague did ask about my sopping wet hair.
Day 1 back on track, complete! Tonight I'll head to the dog shelter to walk my favorite pooch, Dusty, who I hope will soon be adopted.
Rest of week:
Tues: lift (lunch and dinner plans)
Weds: Total Body Training II - aka, PAIN
Thurs: Spin at night - lactate threshold test, ought to hurt!
Fri: not sure yet, as have staff retreat all day. Either run at 5 a.m. (not likely) or after work.
Sat: 2 hr trail run, lift
Sun: RIDE
So take two of my woe-is-me post begins: 12 weeks, or 84 days, til I toe the line with my lifelong dream of running the Boston Marathon. So is it pathetic that I have run no more than 82 minutes since November? Hmmm.... maybe. Maybe not. I had renewed vigor for training the week of January 8, with plans to visit Marisa, Geoff, and Jasmine in Scottsdale for MLK weekend and run the Rock n Roll Half Marathon. Alas, I was sidelined with strep throat, and had to cancel the trip at the very last minute. I spent the weekend eating soup and watching terrible tv ("My Super Sweet 16": worst show on television. These ladies are in for a rude awakening once they leave the nest!).
It took the majority of last week to really feel back "on" again, at which time I was sidelined by inertia. (either that or the now 10- TEN!!!! - lbs I seemed to have gained since finishing IMUSA. This is so not ok for so many reasons I can't list them.)
So. Twelve weeks to go. Not even going to think of the number of weeks to go til IM Canada. A lot, so not gonna worry about it. Karen and I have promised to email one another at the start of each week with our "plan" for the week, of how we'll fit each workout in.
Sunday: volunteered for Ironteam's annual "Louie Tri," which turned out to be the "Louie Du" as the water was 47 degrees, and even Ironteam has some limits of sanity. Felt great to see everyone; the majority of us sat around comparing guts and how low we estimated our tire pressure on our bikes to be (mine: 40 psi. Supposed to be 110! A fine layer of dust covered my whole bike...poor gal). In the afternoon, I taught my friends how to ride with clipless pedals. Karmic circle on cycling (opened Feb 2003) now officially closed. Felt awesome to be back on the bike. Been away much too long!
Today: M2's "Treadmill Track" workout. Oh my. Hard! Total 6.5 miles. After 20 min warmup, did 2x1' at 7.2 mph, with 1' at 6.6 mph between each. Then did 2x3' intervals, alternating speed and incline as per his instructions. RI 1' between each. Repeat everything x3. Whew!
I showered and was back at my desk by 2:15 (in all fairness I didn't leave til 12:45) -- but my colleague did ask about my sopping wet hair.
Day 1 back on track, complete! Tonight I'll head to the dog shelter to walk my favorite pooch, Dusty, who I hope will soon be adopted.
Rest of week:
Tues: lift (lunch and dinner plans)
Weds: Total Body Training II - aka, PAIN
Thurs: Spin at night - lactate threshold test, ought to hurt!
Fri: not sure yet, as have staff retreat all day. Either run at 5 a.m. (not likely) or after work.
Sat: 2 hr trail run, lift
Sun: RIDE
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