Saddle Sore!

Warning - Maybe TMI but most (tri)athletes are usually okay with this!

So it has been less than a week since the session has ended and I hopped on my chopper for a 25+ mile group ride out of Newington Bike. I alligned myself with the B group and shot off like a cannon out of the gates. By the first five miles my bum, or more accurately my "lady parts" were killing me. This seat that Lee so generously lent me is just not correct for me and this is the most time I've spent on it, on the road. For some reason my time on the trainer did not bother me.

This ride, "Toll Gate plus Norton" took us out of Newington, through Berlin, Kensington and probably some other towns that I was not aware of. The route was very similar to the Wednesday night Cycling Concepts ride. This group split up alot and only regrouped once, too early. By the end, riders were straggling in and it was not a group at all. I was definately sucking some wind on some hills, though, and am glad I'm not tackling the Barkhamsted hill loop with Julia this Sunday. I need to resolve this saddle issue and get some more road time in first.

I did get to the shop early before the group ride to test out the ISM Adamo seat that all my girlfriends have been raving about. I only rode it for about 10 minutes but (no pun intended) I didn't love it. After the ride I befriended a girl (a HEATster) and I hopped on her ride to test her saddle and I loved it! It was just a regular looking seat with no cutouts and a flared back section for the sit-bones. Her name was Caryn and she and I are both doing the Mass State Oly Tri in July. She seemed super nice so I'll have to look her up. That's always the fun thing about group rides-meeting new people.

Still Alive and Pretty Well

Hey People!

I have still been training but am no longer officially with Max. I've bought a house so had to direct some monthly expenditures at that venture! Between that and my crazy work schedule I have been doing some training but not to the tune I would like. Did ya'll catch the news about the decrease to hunting & fishing licenses in the newspaper recently? That was all me....

Anyways with Timberman 120 days away and the end of the session slated for May 5th I'm back in full action mode. I even bought myself a Garmin and am eagerly awaiting its delivery in tomorrow's mail.

Hope everyone has been well and I look forward to catching up with you!!

Deadlifts

Six Singles Deadlifts

115-115-125-135-135-145

20k Bike TT

20k Bike TT
Result: 46:15
Average MPH 15.8

Set the trainer up in the porch with the windows and door open. Don't like my seat, must find a more comfy one!

AMRAP & Bike

20 box jumps, 5 push presses, 10 burpees AMRAP 15 mins

Did 5+ rounds in 15 minutes, including running out of the weight area into a burpee-suitable area. Once again, almost smashing into equipment and people enroute. They love me at my gym!

Going to hit the bike now for 4 rounds of 5k, decreasing speed/increasing effort. Have a 30mi ride planned through a meetup.com group out through Bloomfield, Tarrifville, Windsor, etc. Super excited to get out there - supposed to be in the 50's!

45 Min Run

45 Min Run, Result = 3.81 Miles

Two days after the 10k race, and yesterday's run/kettlebell combo I am pretty sore and told Max I wanted to switch out today's planned 45 min run for a 700m swim planned for later in the week. After Coach made some very poignant statements, and I did a little soul-searching, I hit the treadmill.

Again, I'm overdressed. Had tights on, because I wanted to run outside, but couldn't find my sports watch. REALLY need to get that Garmin I have my eye on! I plugged into the NYSC boobtube and off I go!

It wasn't pretty but I got'er done! thanks to some classic rock and a Bruins game. (Still hate the Bruins, GO WHALERS!)

My right pirformis is baaaaack, and I should ice it tonight. I so love icing my butt :)

Anyways, I'm pleased with my performance and glad Max had me rethink my almost swaping out WODs. Thanks, Max!! I believe in myself a little more after today

Run, KettleBell, PullUps

Run .25mi, 21 KB swings, 12 pullups
Three times, for time
Result: 18:29
(time includes running between stations)

The first round was good, second round tough, and third round killer - had to switch to a lighter KB to maintain form. Again, looked like a nut running from my treadmill/KB station all the way around the gym to the gravitron machine and back.


Had that pukey feeling again at the end and was beet purple at the end. Hobbled out of the gym and could barely make it down the stairs to the lobby. Proudly wore my Hyannis shirt out to the car....

Race Report-Hyannis 10k

Race Report - Hyannis 10k (6.2 miles)
Result: 1hour, 10 mins

Got to the race site early to get a parking spot and was very grateful to have an indoor place to wait around. The race expo had tons of merchandise, indoor ladies rooms, coffee, Cabot cheese samples, 30th anniversary Hyannis Marathon posters, and the race t-shirts are really nice long-sleeves. I mean it is all about the shirts, right?

The starting line was chaos. We lined up by pace, so I made my way back to the 10 minute sign and eagerly awaited the starting gun. It was pretty chilly, but NO RAIN. Breakfast was an english muffin with peanut butter, water, and black coffee. Oh, and a double-espresso.

Despite my initial fears of a wind-driven, soaking rain, it ended up being what I consider ideal conditions! The weather held off, but it was still rather chilly waiting around outside for the race to start. I had on tights, an Under Armour compression turtleneck, my Brooks nightlife floursecent yellow running jacket (thanks, Santa!), a wicking Asics hat, and some gloves.

The starting siren went off and it took me two minutes plus to cross the starting line. Hynannis streets are very narrow and it was somewhat difficult to navigate the pack of 5,200+ for the first mile or so. By the first mile, the hat and gloves came off and I wonder how much measurable time I lost fiddling with my outfit.

I also ran with my iPod which I did not do at the Ironhorse 10k, my only other 10k that I did in 2009. When I was part of the FleetFeet running group, they always discouraged running with music so you could “listen to your body”. I can do either, but for some reason felt it was kind of a security blanket thing for me, a friendly companion. Did I loose time fiddling with this, too (eventhough I only got it out of my pocket once to change a song or turn down the volume)?

Anyways, I saw the first mile marker, which was a tiny orange cone and then didn’t see another mile marker the whole time! I was definitely looking for them, too. One of the volunteers was calling them out at mile 4 and I was pleasantly surprised at my progress at that point. Mile 5 started a gradual uphill but I cranked my arms and tried to do my best to finish strong. The very last part, turning into the hotel -the last .1 or so through the finish chute, was pretty challenging up an incline, but I heard the announcer call out my name and hometown and I was done!

I scared a few young girls as I had a few dry heaves as I walked it off (not sure what that was all about – the near puking) but I got my meadal, my bottled water and hit the car for the hotel. I couldn’t get those cold, wet clothes off fast enough and was shivering pretty badly. It was also a rough ride home and I should have stretched more before the long ride home. A hot bath later and I’m good to go.

My 1:10 result is 6 minutes slower than last year’s Ironhorse 10k but 6 minutes isn’t that far off. Back to the gym tonight! Thanks for reading

Remember Me?

I have been out due to a two-week migraine. I am not exaggerating and I am not a hypochrondriac. I have barely been able to function at my job let alone training. This disease is invisible to the naked eye...

I did manage to get out during this time for a 5 mile run and a random bike ride on one of those bright, chilly weekend days. Slowly getting accustomed to the aerobars on the road and look forward to actual road time once nicer weather comes around.

Must get neoprene booties!

Anyways, I have been under the care of my neurologist and have a new medication which has gotten me out from under the hole I've been in.

Back in full swing!! ONLY SIX MONTHS TO GO

Hyannis 10k is this weekend and the forecast is calling for a cold rain - awesome. I prefer snow but hey, what doesn't kill you makes you a tougher half Ironwoman.

Still Need to Shovel

and I updated my blog from this morning

just sayin - when you just edit a post on here I don't think it comes up to the top of the queue on the "dashboard"

Have a great night faithful readers and CrossFitters, alike!

Updated WODs Feb 16th

Feb 16th

20 min run distance: 1.87 miles, dreadmill

10! (Descending reps starting with 10 - 10, 9, 8, 7, etc.) of box jumps, burpees, & situps - plan doesn't say for time so I'll just concentrate on form and keep a good tempo. I didn't time it (Max I didn't see your email until I got home just now) but I couldn't have given it any more effot; nearly puked.

One trainer at the gym asked me if I was okay. I muttered "never better" with a smile and another trainer told me "great job today". It's always the burpees that gets people's attention.

Showered and then suited up for WOD 3 of the day. Yeah, that's right.

I have one of those endless days at work tomorrow so I just plan on doing my 250 lunges before work and wanted to get my 500 swim out of the way. Didn't have my stop watch on me and so again, off I went untimed. Busted out the 20 laps and hit the hot tub for a well-earned soak and steam. The lady I had to share a lane with today had QUITE the 'tude (and her stroke was painful for the eye to see; I used to hate that about lifeguarding - watching ugly swim strokes)

Sitting pretty on the couch now, waiting for the snow to taper, so I can hit WOD #4, shoveling. Yes, I'll be really careful shoveling :)

'nite all

Nice Run Today

Headed out for a nice 5 miler today and finished in about 52 minutes - not too shabby! It was SO nice to get out there...inhaled way too much exhaust though. Must find routes less traveled.

Feeling good with Hyannis 10k coming up in two weeks!

Side Effects May Include Weight Gain

So I've gained 30lbs in the past year and I've also started a new medicine within this same period (Lexapro 10mg). My neurologist prescribed this to me to help with the stress-related migraines that creep up upon me during the really intense days here at the State Capitol where I am a budget analyst. If you haven't heard, state finances are not really in good shape lately. Days during the legislative session can be up to 15-17 hours, and I have 187 bosses (the legislators), plus the internal ones.

Anyways, I take two prescriptions everyday as migraine preventatives. One is a seizure drug, Topomax, which is a really strong drug and can cause hair loss, forgotten words (they call it "Dopo-Max" because you can lose yourself mid-sentence) and side-effects "may include headache"!? Are you kidding me? I am taking this for MIGRAINE. This drug hasn't caused me to lose any of my hair, and has helped the migraines dramatically, so I deal with the tingly hands & feet and the way it makes carbonated beverages (seltzer water & beer) taste rancid. Luckily I don't get too dopey from it and can remember most of my words :)

This Lexapro, has got to GO, however. I will not put up with THIRTY POUNDS of gained weight from this poison and at this point would rather deal with extra migraines. I train like a MAD MAX and am eating in the Zone and haven't lost a SINGLE pound. How SUPER frustrating and even embarassing! People that know me at the gym and know that I'm training for this half-Ironman must think I'm a sloth. I really don't care about what people think, it's affecting my performance and my motivation.

I care about all this extra weight that I have to drag around in the pool, pedal up hills, and jiggle behind me as a trudge along in my extra-supportive running shoes. I know it took a whole year for this weight to creep on, and it won't come off as soon as I wean myself off this drug (yes, I'll notify my neurologist) but it's really got me way down in the dumps. The legislative session means dressing up for work again and all of my fancy work clothes and suits don't fit!

Great idea to start this blog, Coach. I've gotten this off my chest, and won't let it stop me anymore. I haven't trained in two days because I've been so down about this. Time to get back on the horse and get over it. Thanks for reading.

Row & Kettlebells

Row 500m, 50 kettlebell swings (20# KB), Row 500m, 40 kettlebell swings, Row 500m, 30kettlebell swings, Row 500m, 20 kettlebell swings, Row 500m

I was afraid someone was going to walk into the deadly path of my swings!

Love this workout. Doing the 800m swim tonight. My hips were pretty sore after this (the bursitis feeling, not the pirformis feeling) and I treated myself to a nice, hot Epsom salt bath which helped tremendously.

Made Hotel Reservation for Half-Ironman!

http://firesideinngilford.com/index.htm

(I don't know why the "insert link" feature on this blog template doesn't work)

It's becoming more and more real. It'll be nice to check out on Monday and not have to worry about checking out the morning of the race.

Now we can enjoy some of the festivities after the race. I'm especially looking forward to the New England Lobster Bake!

Run 5k

Got up before work this morning since today begins my long hours

Was super stiff this morning and my hips were achey from three days straight of thrusters and squats. I should have also ran outside because my old deamons of treadmill running (mental games) didn't help either. I barely eaked out the 3.1 miles at a lousy 35 minutes. I was running 28 min 5k's last summer and I'm way stronger now so I know I can do better.

Row & Dumbell Thrusters Feb 1st

Happy February!

Row 500m, 10# dumbbell thrusters (21 reps) x 3
10:43

Wore bike gloves but my hands still are ripping apart! Washing my hair should be fun

Tomorrow morning starts the gym before work because the legislative session is starting at the state capitol in Hartford and that means 13 weeks of grueling work hours for me. Looking forward to the 5k in the morning since it doesn't involve any squatting! Phew...

Fran

So I went to checkout the new facility at CrossFit Central CT on Newfield Street on the West Hartford/Hartford line. They have a nice new box there!

I walked in and asked if we could do Fran today and they looked at me like I was nuts :)

WARMUP
Row 500m
3 sets of:
dynamics
mountain climbers
slamball
shoulder triplets
squat jumps

Fran

21-15-9 reps
35# thrusters & pushups*
8:58

Squatted down onto a medicine ball at the low point of the thrusters because we all know that friends don't let friends squat shallow! I have a really hard time getting back onto/pushing up through my heels and especially yesterday after running the 10% incline, my quads were super dominant and hammys were tight.

*I subbed pushups (knees) because my hands were a leaky, blistery mess after a kipping pullup lesson by Duffy & Deavon.

Off to a funeral mass now for a childhood friend who took her own life. She was a junior snowboarding olympian and the first female snowboard instructor at Ski Sundown back in the day. RIP Amy Rose.

Bike 60 min TT later to come!

I'm Back Baby! I'm Back... (George Costanza)

Yesterday I first did the 5x5 deadlifts.

Three sets at 135 and then tried 155. Too much; it compromised my form. Back to 135for the remaining sets (no pun intended). Felt great to be back and didn't even notice that my hands were nearly a bloody mess by the end.

Later on to the trainer. Stand, sit intervals - 2 min up, 1 min off x 10. Distance traveled 6.19 miles - fun workout!

Today the treadmill workout was 10% incline, 1 min on, 1 min off at two min slower than 10K pace. That ended up being 4.6 MPH and 13:02 min miles. Hills are fun! Right hip is a little achey afterwards, though.

HeyHo! Let's Go!! Stoked to be back in action and the start of the legislative session is next week; I'm ready.

24 Jan I'm Sick!

I have a head cold and am not up for 10k after skiing yesterday. I hit Suburban Pharmacy for some nasal spray, instead. A hot shower can only help so much. A humidifier is in my near future-that or moving the bed so my head's not near the heat vent.

Don't worry, Max, my sister is all over me, saying I should be out there, but I have a few 10k's in my future soon enough.