Tuesday, August 29, 2006

I am an Iron Girl!

Full race report and pics(!) tomorrow.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

On my way

I'm on my way to being an "Iron Girl". Beth and I are heading to Columbia, MD in an hour to sign-in, pick up our goodies, check in our bike, etc. I've been really calm about the event until recently. Thursday night I had a dream that I got a flat tire. Friend, I must confess that I never did learn how to change a flat on my bike so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will not happen tomorrow. Last night I had a dream that I was walking by the lake and there were Gi-normous waves crashing about. Whew...that was a nightmare! Luckily I woke up and remembered that I'm swimming in a smallish lake, so I don't think I have to worry about huge waves (only those caused by other swimmers).

I've got to pack and check over my list three or four times (OC, a little!) before I leave. I wish the best of luck to anyone racing this weekend...especially Sherry, I hope to see you out there strong tomorrow!

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Back at 'em

Thanks for all the kind supportive comments regarding my last post. I am continuously amazed at this blogging community. It turns out that a few days rest was just what I needed. I slowed down this week. My workouts, however, thanked me for this little repose. I have had the best two runs this week in a long time. Yesterday I went for a four mile jaunt around Northwest DC. The combination of the beautiful, almost fall-like, weather and the rested muscles made for an awesome run. I was still going strong by the time I rounded the corner onto my street. Training for the tri has been great, but I miss running. It's just so easy to throw on a pair or running shoes and head out the door. No need to worry about swim caps, goggles, dehairing (yup, I said it), towel, etc etc...or helmet, air in tires, yada yada. Also, there's no other exercise where I can turn all the daily frustrations into power and strength. When I'm biking and swimming, I'm too worried about my form or my vehicle, etc. I really enjoy swimming and biking, but I guess I'm just a runner (albeit a slow one) at heart.

Anyways...many things to look forward to this week. Discounted dinner with my baby at a fancy restaurant for DC's restaurant week (yippee!), oh and vacation! If anyone has a recommendation for must sees in San Francisco, please send them my way. I also need some tips on restaurants to try while I'm there.

Race Day: 14 days.
Feeling: Ready.

Monday, August 07, 2006

In a Funk.

Everything was going great. I had my first open water swim experience since training on Saturday, July 29th (outcome: challenging but manageable). I've been really sticking to the schedule, so much so that I went for a pool workout right after my haircut and style (had to fit in the workout somewhere…which meant I couldn't enjoy my hair at it's best since I'll never be able to style my hair as well as Damian).

Beth and I also rode the Iron Girl event bike course in Columbia, MD this past Saturday. The course was extremely hilly and difficult but never did I think that I couldn't do it or curse myself at signing up for the event. I was really really excited afterwards, as a matter of fact. I felt to proud and accomplished that I had come this far.

And then…Saturday night as I'm lying in bed I start freaking out. My body hurt. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. So yesterday I decided to take a break from training. I cleaned the apartment. I ran some errands. I had an iced chai with whip from Starbucks. I painted.

But I still feel blah today. I know I should run today, but I just don't feel like it. I'm going on vacation next week and wish it were this week. I think I just need a break. I hope I didn't use up all my energy out there on the country roads this past weekend. I know I just need to push through until this cloud passes.