Well today starts the summer hours for the district office staff. While I'm thrilled its Monday, the day after my first tri and I don't have to go to work, the fact that the other weeks I'll have to be into work at 7 AM and now work till 4:30 pm SUCKS. Even worse is next week its completely different because of the 4th of July holiday. So my entire training routine gets fucked up for 4 weeks because thats how long these changed hours happen for. Its almost like #1 why bother at all and #2 like we are being 'given' anything since we have to work longer days to get the one day off.
Means if I want to bike in the a.m. I have to either start at 3:30 to get in the route or cut the route short to be back here in time to shower, get ready for and get to work. UGH! I guess if there is any good in all this its that it does stay light longer at night and for at least 4 wks I will be somewhat forced to work out in the evening, which might mean two a days, which might mean some of these extra pounds will come off faster.
This week at work will be especially tough for me. Its the last week for my boss Pat. While we have only worked together a smidge less than a year, when I started on July 19th of 06, she is a really great boss and I am so sad to see her go. The luncheon on Thursday will be hard. We will have a luncheon for the two administrators that are leaving. I guess I will just keep my fingers crossed that eventually she and I will be working together again!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Pics from Twin Lakes Triathlon 6/24/2007
a sprint to the finish
Kim, Robin and Erin
Erin, Kim, Robin, Kristin and Lori
Trainee and Trainer at the Finish LineSunday, June 24, 2007
My first TRI!
ok no longer a multisport athlete virgin. In May I did the Galena duathlon (run, bike, run) and today was my very first triathlon. I'm ready for the next one in two weeks and then another 2 weeks after that... talk about going balls to the wall when I get into something.
The day started at 4:10 with some oatmeal, thought that the best thing to be on my tummy. I didn't feel nervous at all, odd, but I'll take it. I had got my bag ready the night before so all we had to do was put bikes on the rack that was already on the car. Was looking like it might rain but weather wasn't calling for it, but it was overcast and gloomy looking, temps in the mid 60's.
Got to the event area, got our packets, then took bikes to transition area. Laid out my towel then got my bike stuff together as well as my run stuff. Never done a tri before but having friends that do sure the hell helps. Had things all laid out perfectly, then some butthead wants to SQUEEZE into the hardly any space between me and another athlete - oh well whatcha gonna do?
Still not feeling any nerves at all and I'm still thinking this is very odd, but I really just entered this event as a practice run for the Danskin tri in 2 weeks, then Harbor Lights after that. Robin and Rich found us, then Lori and Kristin, said our hello's and Kevin, Robin and I took a quick swim before they cut it off. Director or someone of the sort gave the instructions, then the first wave of swimmers were off. No chip timing on this race :o( but I think the times posted are pretty darn close to what my HRM said I finished in.
My wave went off at 6:34-ish. I'm sure Kevin overstated my swim ability when he signed me up, but I got toward the side with the marker and toward the back of my wave. Then the count down began... I'm still wondering WHY I'm not feeling any nervousness at all. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, swimmers take the water... And off the yellow caps go, 60 something of us. I didn't get freaked out that I couldn't touch bottom, didn't get freaked that I had others swimming around me. When I got bumped I just looked up to see where I was, got my head back down and continued to swim. The water was warm and surely warm enough to go without wetsuit but #1 I know now how that ole rubber suit holds up my non swimming ass and #2 I wanted the practice getting out of it in this situation since I might be in an upcoming tri where a wetsuit is really needed for the warmth as well as the buoyancy factor. Murky and mucky water at this venue but not so bad I couldn't see feet in front of me before I got kicked in the face, so I was able to move and avoid that issue, cept once, this gal I got behind at one point was breaststroking and I guess on the part of the stroke where her feet were pulled in is where I came in behind her and then bonk.... she got me... but again didn't freak out, pulled my head up, sighted and got back to business.
The entire time I swim I count, one, two three, breath left, one, two, three, breath right so that along with the words C A L M kept going thru my head and I never panicked in the water, never felt nervous. When I felt I was getting a bit winded I just told myself C A L M! Odd but it worked. So finally the swim ended, now its off to try and get out of this suit. I did as Kevin suggested and unzipped it on the way out, off with goggles and cap, then down to waist then on the ground till that thing was off.... dare I say, it was pretty easy, more so than I thought it would be... dried feet as best I could, on with socks and bike shoes, helmet, eat a block and a few jelly beans, then off I went on the bike leg.
I think the bike leg is my favorite by far. One time and sport my big legs come in handy. Had not seen Erin up to this point and I went to make my first turn and saw her car, then looked to the left and saw Erin.... I said 'hey you made it, woo hoo' and smiled, it was SO cool to see her there! The bike leg wasn't bad, a few more turns then I care for. I have NOT learned to take them sharp yet so lots of turns are an issue for me. Not much eventful on the bike. I could have hammered it a bit more but I knew I had a 4.9 mile run and I hate the run part.... so I knew I had to leave something in my legs. So get to the bike finish, off the bike run into transition, change into run shoes, eat another block and some jelly beans, grab the hat and run, well shuffle is more like it.
I hate the run, hate it hate it hate it... did I say I hate the run part? and this was an odd distance run for a sprint tri, it was 4.9 miles, most sprints are a 5K. I could not keep my heart rate down on the run, it was in the upper 170's. No matter how much I would have liked to run the entire thing, my body and my slug time prior to this said otherwise. I have a feeling I walked more than I ran. Hell my bike time for 14+ miles was faster then my run for 4.9.... I kept getting passed by on the run and kept saying in my head 'oh please don't let me be DFL'. Not really an eventful run. Lots of well wishers on the route as well as volunteers cheering you on so that was nice... finally the finish was in site... got back into the park area and just knew I could not walk at this point - then I see the finish, see and hear Lori as I went by she cheered me on and then as usual I found enough in my tired legs to sprint to the finish...
THE FINISH OF MY FIRST TRIATHLON! Once I caught my breath I was fine. Kevin came to give me hugs, Erin, Robin and Rich, Kristin and Lori too! It was pretty darn cool.
Then true to his word, Kevin was ready to give up his accenture technical shirt to me. He got it last year when he did that race and I really took a liking to it so he said when you finish your first triathlon, you can have it. It was the first triathlon I had ever seen first hand and it was a really nice shirt. But when he handed it to me after a little speech, I told him NOPE, I have to earn it by doing that race first! I guess once you've done it, getting someone else's shirt that they earned, even though its not been worn, is just not the same... I highly doubt I'll ever do Accenture, the smell from the boats diesel fuel was enough to gag me and I wasn't even in the water.
Kevin biked back with Lori and I drove home, taking a wrong turn as usual for my directionally challenged self, but was able to catch my mistake and get home just fine in spite of it all. Smiling the entire way I might add. WHY cause I finished my first, very first, triathlon!
Oh yeah time was 2:11:03 and I'm cool with that.. This year is getting my feet wet, next year can be worried with cutting times and getting faster, for now I just want to have fun with it.. and probably could have more if they could cut off the run part :o)
The day started at 4:10 with some oatmeal, thought that the best thing to be on my tummy. I didn't feel nervous at all, odd, but I'll take it. I had got my bag ready the night before so all we had to do was put bikes on the rack that was already on the car. Was looking like it might rain but weather wasn't calling for it, but it was overcast and gloomy looking, temps in the mid 60's.
Got to the event area, got our packets, then took bikes to transition area. Laid out my towel then got my bike stuff together as well as my run stuff. Never done a tri before but having friends that do sure the hell helps. Had things all laid out perfectly, then some butthead wants to SQUEEZE into the hardly any space between me and another athlete - oh well whatcha gonna do?
Still not feeling any nerves at all and I'm still thinking this is very odd, but I really just entered this event as a practice run for the Danskin tri in 2 weeks, then Harbor Lights after that. Robin and Rich found us, then Lori and Kristin, said our hello's and Kevin, Robin and I took a quick swim before they cut it off. Director or someone of the sort gave the instructions, then the first wave of swimmers were off. No chip timing on this race :o( but I think the times posted are pretty darn close to what my HRM said I finished in.
My wave went off at 6:34-ish. I'm sure Kevin overstated my swim ability when he signed me up, but I got toward the side with the marker and toward the back of my wave. Then the count down began... I'm still wondering WHY I'm not feeling any nervousness at all. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, swimmers take the water... And off the yellow caps go, 60 something of us. I didn't get freaked out that I couldn't touch bottom, didn't get freaked that I had others swimming around me. When I got bumped I just looked up to see where I was, got my head back down and continued to swim. The water was warm and surely warm enough to go without wetsuit but #1 I know now how that ole rubber suit holds up my non swimming ass and #2 I wanted the practice getting out of it in this situation since I might be in an upcoming tri where a wetsuit is really needed for the warmth as well as the buoyancy factor. Murky and mucky water at this venue but not so bad I couldn't see feet in front of me before I got kicked in the face, so I was able to move and avoid that issue, cept once, this gal I got behind at one point was breaststroking and I guess on the part of the stroke where her feet were pulled in is where I came in behind her and then bonk.... she got me... but again didn't freak out, pulled my head up, sighted and got back to business.
The entire time I swim I count, one, two three, breath left, one, two, three, breath right so that along with the words C A L M kept going thru my head and I never panicked in the water, never felt nervous. When I felt I was getting a bit winded I just told myself C A L M! Odd but it worked. So finally the swim ended, now its off to try and get out of this suit. I did as Kevin suggested and unzipped it on the way out, off with goggles and cap, then down to waist then on the ground till that thing was off.... dare I say, it was pretty easy, more so than I thought it would be... dried feet as best I could, on with socks and bike shoes, helmet, eat a block and a few jelly beans, then off I went on the bike leg.
I think the bike leg is my favorite by far. One time and sport my big legs come in handy. Had not seen Erin up to this point and I went to make my first turn and saw her car, then looked to the left and saw Erin.... I said 'hey you made it, woo hoo' and smiled, it was SO cool to see her there! The bike leg wasn't bad, a few more turns then I care for. I have NOT learned to take them sharp yet so lots of turns are an issue for me. Not much eventful on the bike. I could have hammered it a bit more but I knew I had a 4.9 mile run and I hate the run part.... so I knew I had to leave something in my legs. So get to the bike finish, off the bike run into transition, change into run shoes, eat another block and some jelly beans, grab the hat and run, well shuffle is more like it.
I hate the run, hate it hate it hate it... did I say I hate the run part? and this was an odd distance run for a sprint tri, it was 4.9 miles, most sprints are a 5K. I could not keep my heart rate down on the run, it was in the upper 170's. No matter how much I would have liked to run the entire thing, my body and my slug time prior to this said otherwise. I have a feeling I walked more than I ran. Hell my bike time for 14+ miles was faster then my run for 4.9.... I kept getting passed by on the run and kept saying in my head 'oh please don't let me be DFL'. Not really an eventful run. Lots of well wishers on the route as well as volunteers cheering you on so that was nice... finally the finish was in site... got back into the park area and just knew I could not walk at this point - then I see the finish, see and hear Lori as I went by she cheered me on and then as usual I found enough in my tired legs to sprint to the finish...
THE FINISH OF MY FIRST TRIATHLON! Once I caught my breath I was fine. Kevin came to give me hugs, Erin, Robin and Rich, Kristin and Lori too! It was pretty darn cool.
Then true to his word, Kevin was ready to give up his accenture technical shirt to me. He got it last year when he did that race and I really took a liking to it so he said when you finish your first triathlon, you can have it. It was the first triathlon I had ever seen first hand and it was a really nice shirt. But when he handed it to me after a little speech, I told him NOPE, I have to earn it by doing that race first! I guess once you've done it, getting someone else's shirt that they earned, even though its not been worn, is just not the same... I highly doubt I'll ever do Accenture, the smell from the boats diesel fuel was enough to gag me and I wasn't even in the water.
Kevin biked back with Lori and I drove home, taking a wrong turn as usual for my directionally challenged self, but was able to catch my mistake and get home just fine in spite of it all. Smiling the entire way I might add. WHY cause I finished my first, very first, triathlon!
Oh yeah time was 2:11:03 and I'm cool with that.. This year is getting my feet wet, next year can be worried with cutting times and getting faster, for now I just want to have fun with it.. and probably could have more if they could cut off the run part :o)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Splish Splash Dash
For me it was more like a sad case of do what you can to survive.... My sucky-ness at swimming REALLY came thru yesterday and slapped me in the face.... I only signed up for the 500 yard swim, THANK GOD!
First mistake was not wearing the wet suit. The water was warm and I opt'd not to wear it but 1/2 way to the turn around I wish I had. This was my first indication of just how much that damn thing does help you stay afloat. I guess too I was freaked about the nasty water in putting my face in it, adrenaline was pumping and I couldn't get any sort of rhythm going with my breathing my swimming, nothing. Couple times I flipped over and back stroked I got water in my face and got freaked again... I was DEAD FUCKING LAST but not a lot of folks in the 500 yard swim anyhow. I'm ok with the being last part, really am, I just would have liked the swim to go better, even if I had taken longer than I did.
All taken in stride, this is all new to me and I'm learning my limits and what I need to work on.
So today Kevin and I went to Ohio St beach again... Water was MUCH warmer than 2 weeks or so ago, still cold but better than last time, it didn't take my breath away. Saw the same two ladies finishing their swim... Next time I WILL introduce myself... I did ask if they were doing danskin this year as one was wearing the shirt and she said yes.... so I will make a point to introduce myself next time we see them.
Anyhow I swam so much better today, still not GREAT, but even better than yesterday. Of course I had the wetsuit on. Kevin said we had to go to the 4th ladder out, then he changed it up on me and made me go to the 5th ladder out. He estimates we swam probably 1000 yards. Then on the swim back he played triathlon with me.... :o) he purposely swam by me, over me, kicked me, touched me, bumped me - so I could get some idea what to expect and learn how to just pick my head up, get my bearings, then get my rhythm back - it took a few times but I started to catch on and started to learn to just breast stroke a few stokes, then put my head back in the water and move on - and I did feel like I was moving faster, and I'm sure the wetsuit helped - hell you don't EVEN have to kick at all with that thing on, so at least I know that, can use that to my advantage - don't use the legs in the swim, save them for the bike and the run!
All in all not too awful bad for a gal that this past October could not make one length of the pool, 25 yard pool at that, I really did not know how to swim at all, could save my ass if I feel off the boat but no idea how to swim
First mistake was not wearing the wet suit. The water was warm and I opt'd not to wear it but 1/2 way to the turn around I wish I had. This was my first indication of just how much that damn thing does help you stay afloat. I guess too I was freaked about the nasty water in putting my face in it, adrenaline was pumping and I couldn't get any sort of rhythm going with my breathing my swimming, nothing. Couple times I flipped over and back stroked I got water in my face and got freaked again... I was DEAD FUCKING LAST but not a lot of folks in the 500 yard swim anyhow. I'm ok with the being last part, really am, I just would have liked the swim to go better, even if I had taken longer than I did.
All taken in stride, this is all new to me and I'm learning my limits and what I need to work on.
So today Kevin and I went to Ohio St beach again... Water was MUCH warmer than 2 weeks or so ago, still cold but better than last time, it didn't take my breath away. Saw the same two ladies finishing their swim... Next time I WILL introduce myself... I did ask if they were doing danskin this year as one was wearing the shirt and she said yes.... so I will make a point to introduce myself next time we see them.
Anyhow I swam so much better today, still not GREAT, but even better than yesterday. Of course I had the wetsuit on. Kevin said we had to go to the 4th ladder out, then he changed it up on me and made me go to the 5th ladder out. He estimates we swam probably 1000 yards. Then on the swim back he played triathlon with me.... :o) he purposely swam by me, over me, kicked me, touched me, bumped me - so I could get some idea what to expect and learn how to just pick my head up, get my bearings, then get my rhythm back - it took a few times but I started to catch on and started to learn to just breast stroke a few stokes, then put my head back in the water and move on - and I did feel like I was moving faster, and I'm sure the wetsuit helped - hell you don't EVEN have to kick at all with that thing on, so at least I know that, can use that to my advantage - don't use the legs in the swim, save them for the bike and the run!
All in all not too awful bad for a gal that this past October could not make one length of the pool, 25 yard pool at that, I really did not know how to swim at all, could save my ass if I feel off the boat but no idea how to swim
Monday, May 21, 2007
Galena Duathlon
Can't believe I haven't updated here in a while.... time flies I guess
I know I won't be able to describe my adventure in as elegant a fashion as Julie does but I promised Robin I'd share my story when we got home from Galena.This weekend we traveled to Galena IL where I participated in the 12th Annual Galena Triathlon/Duathlon. Kevin has done this race for 3 years now and has always done the tri, however he didn't want my first adventure into open water to be Apple Canyon Lake where some years they have had to move hunks of ice to take the temp of the water - apparently if the water is below a certain temp they will cancel the swim part. However I think this year was the warmest he can recall, a warm balmy 64 degree water temp :o) - THANK HEAVENS I was doing the duathlon...Friday we arrived in Galena and Kevin, Lori and I went to pick up our race packets and put our bikes in the transition area 1. This is all so very new to me and I am so thankful to be hanging with folks that are seasoned at this sport, its very helpful because I would have had NO clue what the hell to do with my stuff in the bike transition. Kevin got himself set up then came over and helped me. Basically you find your spot on the bike racks, there are numbers on the sides of the racks that state 1000 - 1100 and then you find your spot on that rack where your race number and name will be marked with an address label of sorts. I was number 1228, easy to remember and my bike was on the end of the rack almost. So we get this done and then we had to head over to transition area #2 and get that set up. Its not an out and back course so if your doing the tri or the duathlon that first transition is the same spot. You get a huge bag with your number on it and on race day when you come out of the water or off the run if doing the duathlon, you need to get all your stuff, wet suit, googles, running shoes, etc, into that bag as the race volunteers schelp those bags from T1 to T2. What a chore that must be for those folks!Then we were off to T2 area. The duathlon is a 2 mile run, 16.8 mile bike and a 4.3 mile run, so since its not out and back if your doing the duathlon you have to have two pair of running shoes. You do your first run in one pair, get to T1, get in your bike shoes, then do the bike course then your at t2 where you need that 2nd pair of shoes for the 2nd run - again thankfully I had folks that knew what they were doing or how would I have ever know I needed two pair of running shoes... So the path to the T2 set up area is the same route of the bike course... OMgosh if you have never been to Galena, first go, its beautiful, 2nd I swear to you some of those freaking hills could be down hill ski slopes in the winter time! I am sure my face was whiter than white as we drove over this course - all I could think of in the back of my mind is HOW IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AM I GOING TO MAKE IT UP THESE HILLS! Folks I'm not kidding they are some mean looking climbs, and the downhill is just as bad. So we get to T2 I get that area set up, basically just need my running shoes and my hat, then we are off to find the place we are staying at. But of course not before I get a look at the first part of the 2nd run, it is a very daunting uphill run. I think in earlier times before the area was populated, I'd bet there was a tow rope and ski area at the top :o) Satruday - The day started with me very quite which I guess is how I get when I'm really nervous about something. The friends we were with are all pretty seasoned triathletes and assured me I'd do fine. I however was not so sure as the day before we drove the first run course and the bike course and I saw the first hill you climb on the 2nd run.We arrive with enough time to get into the T1 area just to make sure all still looks ok, pull the bags off our seats (put there to avoid a wet seat from condensation), put our bike shoes out, helmets at the ready, then head over to watch the first group of swimmers take the water... Again I am so amazed at all the various shapes and sizes, makes and models of folks that compete in this sport. I really wanted to stay to see Kevin's wave hit the water but had to get to the start of the duathlon first run, of course at the top of a hill :o) - Kristin and Steve were doing the duathlon also so I was not alone, well least not at the start, they are both much better athletes than me and while I knew I'd spend my time on the course alone, I was not alone at the start... My wave went off at 10:04 and was the last wave of the duathlon. Kristin wished me well and off she went. I was having serious serious doubts about making it through all this on the first run. It was only two miles but I'm telling you Galena is very hilly and I'm not use to that. I have to admit even on the first run, I had to walk a portion of the hills. Get to the turn around and head back. You know up hill running will be hard but let me tell you downhill isn't a whole lot better, you get going to fast and you will find yourself ass over tin cup, flat on your face, and you will KILL your quads and I knew mine had a very hilly 16.8 mile bike to contend with - so I took it easy on the down side too. Get about a 1/2 mile from T1 maybe less and there is Kevin - I was like what the hell are you doing.... Well the TRI Gods were not shining on my sweetie that day, he blew a tire coming out of T1, back tire none the less, fixed that puppy in less than 2 minutes, but had a bad tube or pinched it as it blew again, then he lost a couple of gears off the back cassette of his bike, so sadly his day was done. He shouted this to me as I ran by and it sure weighed on my mind, I was bummed for my sweetie, but now more determined to finish as best as I could to make him proud - he is such a wonderful support of me and sometimes I am a REAL bitch to deal with when training... I was going to finish for me as much as him.Get to T1, out of run shoes, in the bag, get on bike shoes, helmet, wipe sweat off my face, unrack bike and I'm outta there. Took longer than I would have like when I looked at my stats but transitions you have to practice as much as the events themselves, but tis ok, its all new to me. Once again I am thankful for having Kevin's support and advice, because you have a climb coming right out of T1, literally right out of it and if your bike is not geared properly - small ring in front, big ring in back, you are screwed trying to get up that hill. I just smiled as I passed a few struggling because I was geared properly and made it up that puppy seated!!!!I wish I could have enjoyed more of the countryside along the way but I was on a mission to finish that bike ride... It was tough, there were many spots that folks were off their bikes and walking up the hills. Even I had a tough time on the first couple. I was frightened by the speed I gained on the downhills and used my brake a bit too much and thus lost the advantage of that speed for the next uphill. I quickly learned to pray hard to God on the downhills and use that speed gained for the next uphill. Believe me when you look down on your speedometer on your BIKE and your seeing numbers in the 30's, it will scare the life out of you, one wrong move and your road kill - but as I said I learned quickly to go with it and it helped alot after those first couple of hills to give me the power to get up the next, that and proper gearing... I did pop my chain once, but you would have thought I was a pro the way I jumped off, got that sucker back on and BAM was on my way again. thankfully it popped very near the top of a hill :o) - I was amazed that I was actually passing people up and not just on the downhill portion of the bike but going up the hills. Passed the big sign that said JESUS SAVES and I knew at that point I was over 1/2 way. Then there was a couple long side the road cheering competitors on and said your going to make it, less than a mile to go, this after a pretty grueling climb, I said PLEASE tell me that was the last up hill climb.. he said you have one more and its small, now go get em' you can do this. I smiled and said thank you! Then just as he said, one more small climb and I could hear the music, hear the people, and then..... I heard Kevin shouting for me, screaming I was going to do this and at that point your damn right I was... I was almost in tears realizing that ride was behind me, that ride that the day before when we drove it I swore I'd never survive, but freakin' eh right I had survived it and I had energy, I was pumped at this point. I knew a hard run lay ahead but by gosh I was going to finish. So into T2, change to run shoes, throw helmet and bike shoes in th bag and off I go... again I gotta work on transitions, both were almost 3 minutes, but they didn't feel like it thats for sure. And silly me no idea you could run your bike into transition. Oh well...So out of the gate and off to the run, there is Kevin cheering for me, telling me that the only thing that lies between me and the finish is stubborness and 4.3 miles and I can do it... I was amazed that I actually had enough in my legs to run out of T2 and started to run up the hill but very quickly into it had to walk, its one tough hill and like I said before I swear it was a tow rope for a ski slope at some point! The run was not AS hilly as the first but still challenging, my run time dropped way down but I was ok with that, #1 I had already run a tough 2 miles and #2 biked a demanding 16.8, so the fact my time was almost 13 min miles I was fine with. The folks at the water stop near the turn around were WONDERFUL, encouraging, clapping, cheering, telling you, ok you only have the other 1/2 to go. Got to the turn around and so much was going thru my head, all the self doubt I had was gone, I KNEW I was going to finish, I had no real goal time, my only goal WAS to finish. Got to the end of the run and that same first hill up, is now the same you have to go down. I slowed my pace a bit as I didn't want to go face first into the pavement, I could hear Kevin, Kristin, Lori and Steve all yelling my name, it was awesome! Finally got there, did some high fives, still running because I was not at the finish yet.. I do recall saying where is that freaking mat(meaning the finish line)! Got to the flat part and sprinted to the finish, and let me say OMgosh I have NO idea where the power came from for that finish, it was pure adrenline. I crossed that mat and there was Kevin - I was so glad I had sunglasss on so he couldn't see the tears welling in my eyes. I DID IT, I MADE IT and had energy to still stand and walk when it was over. I don't know if I was more proud of me or if Kevin was, I think it was shared equally.Walked over got an apple and a banana, some water, then walked over to the post party to find our crew. I think it took many hours for the smile to be removed from my face, and its still inside internally. I was shocked that I had any energy left at all, we hung at post party a while, then headed back, showered, went to a friend of a friends BBQ, then went to downtown Galena for some local event and dinner... Finally after a couple bottles of WELL deserved wine, we had with dinner, the fatique was setting in, so Kevin and I went back and I don't think my head even hit the pillow before I was out and I slept like a baby!!!My time was 2 hrs, 46 mins, 15 seconds... As Robin said, a PR for me :o) and something to now have a marker for improvement for - I think I will definately do this again next year and somehow must talk MsRobin into this one as she has talked me into some things! If I'm sorry about anything this weekend, its #1 that Kevin had a mishap with his day and #2 I missed coaches show and seeing some awesome LL folks but I know Robin told me everyone was rooting for me, so thank you ALL for the wonderful thoughts! I will take some time to check out all the photos Robin sent!I felt so on top of the world after this! I wish I could bottle that feeling and drink from it every single day!
I know I won't be able to describe my adventure in as elegant a fashion as Julie does but I promised Robin I'd share my story when we got home from Galena.This weekend we traveled to Galena IL where I participated in the 12th Annual Galena Triathlon/Duathlon. Kevin has done this race for 3 years now and has always done the tri, however he didn't want my first adventure into open water to be Apple Canyon Lake where some years they have had to move hunks of ice to take the temp of the water - apparently if the water is below a certain temp they will cancel the swim part. However I think this year was the warmest he can recall, a warm balmy 64 degree water temp :o) - THANK HEAVENS I was doing the duathlon...Friday we arrived in Galena and Kevin, Lori and I went to pick up our race packets and put our bikes in the transition area 1. This is all so very new to me and I am so thankful to be hanging with folks that are seasoned at this sport, its very helpful because I would have had NO clue what the hell to do with my stuff in the bike transition. Kevin got himself set up then came over and helped me. Basically you find your spot on the bike racks, there are numbers on the sides of the racks that state 1000 - 1100 and then you find your spot on that rack where your race number and name will be marked with an address label of sorts. I was number 1228, easy to remember and my bike was on the end of the rack almost. So we get this done and then we had to head over to transition area #2 and get that set up. Its not an out and back course so if your doing the tri or the duathlon that first transition is the same spot. You get a huge bag with your number on it and on race day when you come out of the water or off the run if doing the duathlon, you need to get all your stuff, wet suit, googles, running shoes, etc, into that bag as the race volunteers schelp those bags from T1 to T2. What a chore that must be for those folks!Then we were off to T2 area. The duathlon is a 2 mile run, 16.8 mile bike and a 4.3 mile run, so since its not out and back if your doing the duathlon you have to have two pair of running shoes. You do your first run in one pair, get to T1, get in your bike shoes, then do the bike course then your at t2 where you need that 2nd pair of shoes for the 2nd run - again thankfully I had folks that knew what they were doing or how would I have ever know I needed two pair of running shoes... So the path to the T2 set up area is the same route of the bike course... OMgosh if you have never been to Galena, first go, its beautiful, 2nd I swear to you some of those freaking hills could be down hill ski slopes in the winter time! I am sure my face was whiter than white as we drove over this course - all I could think of in the back of my mind is HOW IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AM I GOING TO MAKE IT UP THESE HILLS! Folks I'm not kidding they are some mean looking climbs, and the downhill is just as bad. So we get to T2 I get that area set up, basically just need my running shoes and my hat, then we are off to find the place we are staying at. But of course not before I get a look at the first part of the 2nd run, it is a very daunting uphill run. I think in earlier times before the area was populated, I'd bet there was a tow rope and ski area at the top :o) Satruday - The day started with me very quite which I guess is how I get when I'm really nervous about something. The friends we were with are all pretty seasoned triathletes and assured me I'd do fine. I however was not so sure as the day before we drove the first run course and the bike course and I saw the first hill you climb on the 2nd run.We arrive with enough time to get into the T1 area just to make sure all still looks ok, pull the bags off our seats (put there to avoid a wet seat from condensation), put our bike shoes out, helmets at the ready, then head over to watch the first group of swimmers take the water... Again I am so amazed at all the various shapes and sizes, makes and models of folks that compete in this sport. I really wanted to stay to see Kevin's wave hit the water but had to get to the start of the duathlon first run, of course at the top of a hill :o) - Kristin and Steve were doing the duathlon also so I was not alone, well least not at the start, they are both much better athletes than me and while I knew I'd spend my time on the course alone, I was not alone at the start... My wave went off at 10:04 and was the last wave of the duathlon. Kristin wished me well and off she went. I was having serious serious doubts about making it through all this on the first run. It was only two miles but I'm telling you Galena is very hilly and I'm not use to that. I have to admit even on the first run, I had to walk a portion of the hills. Get to the turn around and head back. You know up hill running will be hard but let me tell you downhill isn't a whole lot better, you get going to fast and you will find yourself ass over tin cup, flat on your face, and you will KILL your quads and I knew mine had a very hilly 16.8 mile bike to contend with - so I took it easy on the down side too. Get about a 1/2 mile from T1 maybe less and there is Kevin - I was like what the hell are you doing.... Well the TRI Gods were not shining on my sweetie that day, he blew a tire coming out of T1, back tire none the less, fixed that puppy in less than 2 minutes, but had a bad tube or pinched it as it blew again, then he lost a couple of gears off the back cassette of his bike, so sadly his day was done. He shouted this to me as I ran by and it sure weighed on my mind, I was bummed for my sweetie, but now more determined to finish as best as I could to make him proud - he is such a wonderful support of me and sometimes I am a REAL bitch to deal with when training... I was going to finish for me as much as him.Get to T1, out of run shoes, in the bag, get on bike shoes, helmet, wipe sweat off my face, unrack bike and I'm outta there. Took longer than I would have like when I looked at my stats but transitions you have to practice as much as the events themselves, but tis ok, its all new to me. Once again I am thankful for having Kevin's support and advice, because you have a climb coming right out of T1, literally right out of it and if your bike is not geared properly - small ring in front, big ring in back, you are screwed trying to get up that hill. I just smiled as I passed a few struggling because I was geared properly and made it up that puppy seated!!!!I wish I could have enjoyed more of the countryside along the way but I was on a mission to finish that bike ride... It was tough, there were many spots that folks were off their bikes and walking up the hills. Even I had a tough time on the first couple. I was frightened by the speed I gained on the downhills and used my brake a bit too much and thus lost the advantage of that speed for the next uphill. I quickly learned to pray hard to God on the downhills and use that speed gained for the next uphill. Believe me when you look down on your speedometer on your BIKE and your seeing numbers in the 30's, it will scare the life out of you, one wrong move and your road kill - but as I said I learned quickly to go with it and it helped alot after those first couple of hills to give me the power to get up the next, that and proper gearing... I did pop my chain once, but you would have thought I was a pro the way I jumped off, got that sucker back on and BAM was on my way again. thankfully it popped very near the top of a hill :o) - I was amazed that I was actually passing people up and not just on the downhill portion of the bike but going up the hills. Passed the big sign that said JESUS SAVES and I knew at that point I was over 1/2 way. Then there was a couple long side the road cheering competitors on and said your going to make it, less than a mile to go, this after a pretty grueling climb, I said PLEASE tell me that was the last up hill climb.. he said you have one more and its small, now go get em' you can do this. I smiled and said thank you! Then just as he said, one more small climb and I could hear the music, hear the people, and then..... I heard Kevin shouting for me, screaming I was going to do this and at that point your damn right I was... I was almost in tears realizing that ride was behind me, that ride that the day before when we drove it I swore I'd never survive, but freakin' eh right I had survived it and I had energy, I was pumped at this point. I knew a hard run lay ahead but by gosh I was going to finish. So into T2, change to run shoes, throw helmet and bike shoes in th bag and off I go... again I gotta work on transitions, both were almost 3 minutes, but they didn't feel like it thats for sure. And silly me no idea you could run your bike into transition. Oh well...So out of the gate and off to the run, there is Kevin cheering for me, telling me that the only thing that lies between me and the finish is stubborness and 4.3 miles and I can do it... I was amazed that I actually had enough in my legs to run out of T2 and started to run up the hill but very quickly into it had to walk, its one tough hill and like I said before I swear it was a tow rope for a ski slope at some point! The run was not AS hilly as the first but still challenging, my run time dropped way down but I was ok with that, #1 I had already run a tough 2 miles and #2 biked a demanding 16.8, so the fact my time was almost 13 min miles I was fine with. The folks at the water stop near the turn around were WONDERFUL, encouraging, clapping, cheering, telling you, ok you only have the other 1/2 to go. Got to the turn around and so much was going thru my head, all the self doubt I had was gone, I KNEW I was going to finish, I had no real goal time, my only goal WAS to finish. Got to the end of the run and that same first hill up, is now the same you have to go down. I slowed my pace a bit as I didn't want to go face first into the pavement, I could hear Kevin, Kristin, Lori and Steve all yelling my name, it was awesome! Finally got there, did some high fives, still running because I was not at the finish yet.. I do recall saying where is that freaking mat(meaning the finish line)! Got to the flat part and sprinted to the finish, and let me say OMgosh I have NO idea where the power came from for that finish, it was pure adrenline. I crossed that mat and there was Kevin - I was so glad I had sunglasss on so he couldn't see the tears welling in my eyes. I DID IT, I MADE IT and had energy to still stand and walk when it was over. I don't know if I was more proud of me or if Kevin was, I think it was shared equally.Walked over got an apple and a banana, some water, then walked over to the post party to find our crew. I think it took many hours for the smile to be removed from my face, and its still inside internally. I was shocked that I had any energy left at all, we hung at post party a while, then headed back, showered, went to a friend of a friends BBQ, then went to downtown Galena for some local event and dinner... Finally after a couple bottles of WELL deserved wine, we had with dinner, the fatique was setting in, so Kevin and I went back and I don't think my head even hit the pillow before I was out and I slept like a baby!!!My time was 2 hrs, 46 mins, 15 seconds... As Robin said, a PR for me :o) and something to now have a marker for improvement for - I think I will definately do this again next year and somehow must talk MsRobin into this one as she has talked me into some things! If I'm sorry about anything this weekend, its #1 that Kevin had a mishap with his day and #2 I missed coaches show and seeing some awesome LL folks but I know Robin told me everyone was rooting for me, so thank you ALL for the wonderful thoughts! I will take some time to check out all the photos Robin sent!I felt so on top of the world after this! I wish I could bottle that feeling and drink from it every single day!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Time for a change
I decided it was time to change the name of my blog. I really do believe everything in life, good, bad, somewhere in between, all those things happen for a reason. It pisses me off that sometimes I don't understand the reason right away, sometimes I may never understand the reason, but all things in life that happen to us, create the person that is YOU.
Many days I don't like ME, but I am learning to correct that(and its a damn slow process). I think deep down I am a good, kind, caring, beautiful person, but I was told different for so long, its hard to believe otherwise. Its amazing how screwed up a parent can make a child. Somedays I wish my mother just would have beat me, rather than beat and verbal abuse me. At least to me the physical abuse goes away when the pain subsides, but verbal abuse, cuts me to the core. BUT, I have decided to go back to therapy.
I can't say I necessarily understand all of my counselor's methods. Sometimes they make sense other times I just don't get it. He feels that we all have others inside our head; voices of our mother/father, our small child, our teenager/young adult and our adult, ok I can buy that to some extent I guess. Then he goes on to say we also have within us a lover, a warrior, a wizard and a medicine animal (I think) anyhow you have to learn when an issue is bothering you WHO is it bothering? The child, the teenager, or the adult, then who can you call on to help with the situation, your wizard, your lover, etc.... kind of a weird concept and sometimes it makes sense others.... well.....not so sure.
However, Kevin is doing his best to make me understand these concepts. Sometimes to his own detrement because I get frustrated, don't want to talk about it and just want to crawl inside myself. But he pushes till he gets an answer.
That's always been my way, crawl inside myself, don't let anyone in, keep everyone and everything at bay, to avoid getting hurt. Somehow Kevin finds a way around this and inside, like a magic freaking key or something. Not that I don't get pissed and sometimes just want tell him to go away, leave me alone, your getting to close.
Occasionally we see Rich the counselor together, other times seperate. I thought it strange at first, I mean we aren't even married, not having any problems, but perhaps seeing this counselor together sometimes will eleviate those 'problems' from every happening. I sometimes laugh at Kevin's concept of rabbits and elephants, but it makes sense. First communication (and admittedly I suck at it) is the key, there are nice ways to tell someone even something that isn't so pleasant. But a rabbit is a small problem and it becomes an elephant when we don't address it. And you can stuff a lot of rabbits in a closet but that closet can only hold so many elephants for so long before the door comes off the hinges.
I think I have a lot of elephants and they are close to breaking off the hinges of my 'door' and I am trying hard to learn to deal with them and remember that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!
Many days I don't like ME, but I am learning to correct that(and its a damn slow process). I think deep down I am a good, kind, caring, beautiful person, but I was told different for so long, its hard to believe otherwise. Its amazing how screwed up a parent can make a child. Somedays I wish my mother just would have beat me, rather than beat and verbal abuse me. At least to me the physical abuse goes away when the pain subsides, but verbal abuse, cuts me to the core. BUT, I have decided to go back to therapy.
I can't say I necessarily understand all of my counselor's methods. Sometimes they make sense other times I just don't get it. He feels that we all have others inside our head; voices of our mother/father, our small child, our teenager/young adult and our adult, ok I can buy that to some extent I guess. Then he goes on to say we also have within us a lover, a warrior, a wizard and a medicine animal (I think) anyhow you have to learn when an issue is bothering you WHO is it bothering? The child, the teenager, or the adult, then who can you call on to help with the situation, your wizard, your lover, etc.... kind of a weird concept and sometimes it makes sense others.... well.....not so sure.
However, Kevin is doing his best to make me understand these concepts. Sometimes to his own detrement because I get frustrated, don't want to talk about it and just want to crawl inside myself. But he pushes till he gets an answer.
That's always been my way, crawl inside myself, don't let anyone in, keep everyone and everything at bay, to avoid getting hurt. Somehow Kevin finds a way around this and inside, like a magic freaking key or something. Not that I don't get pissed and sometimes just want tell him to go away, leave me alone, your getting to close.
Occasionally we see Rich the counselor together, other times seperate. I thought it strange at first, I mean we aren't even married, not having any problems, but perhaps seeing this counselor together sometimes will eleviate those 'problems' from every happening. I sometimes laugh at Kevin's concept of rabbits and elephants, but it makes sense. First communication (and admittedly I suck at it) is the key, there are nice ways to tell someone even something that isn't so pleasant. But a rabbit is a small problem and it becomes an elephant when we don't address it. And you can stuff a lot of rabbits in a closet but that closet can only hold so many elephants for so long before the door comes off the hinges.
I think I have a lot of elephants and they are close to breaking off the hinges of my 'door' and I am trying hard to learn to deal with them and remember that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I'm still alive
I'd like to say I've been busy but lazy is more like it :o)
Lots has gone on since my last post and well I'm just to lazy to go into it all. Suffice it to say things have changed, some good, some bad, all for a reason, some of which I have no idea, but it is all part of the life that is me.
Below is a recent picture of me and my new guy, Kevin. Met him on yahoo personals of all things, and let me say some good does come from the internet.
The picture is from Eve of the Eve in downtown Chicago. Had a good time, a bit to much to drink, open bars are dangerous, we took the train in so as to not worry about driving and parking. We were joined by Kevin's friend Lori and her new man Marc.
Lots has gone on since my last post and well I'm just to lazy to go into it all. Suffice it to say things have changed, some good, some bad, all for a reason, some of which I have no idea, but it is all part of the life that is me.
Below is a recent picture of me and my new guy, Kevin. Met him on yahoo personals of all things, and let me say some good does come from the internet.
The picture is from Eve of the Eve in downtown Chicago. Had a good time, a bit to much to drink, open bars are dangerous, we took the train in so as to not worry about driving and parking. We were joined by Kevin's friend Lori and her new man Marc.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Time - where does it go?
Yikes slacking in blogger world again... One day its Memorial day weekend and you blink and its labor day...
well once again my consistancy with working out has become VERY hit or miss. I did however hit d/t chicago last thursday at 9pm for the Nike Hit Remix run.. talk about a fun event.. its a fun run, no chip timing, 5 miles thru chicago, a band at every mile mark and a party in grant park after.. went w/group from the run club... what a riot.. will definately put this run on next yrs calendar! but maybe I'll train for it this time.. 5 miles no training to speak of, equals sore legs, knees, etc..
I think the best part was a group of us wanted pizza and beer afterward, its going on 11pm and little did we know that side of chicago rolls up the sidewalks, we tried several pizza places no luck, till finally someone directed us to a place that stayed open till 2am... in we go, order food, then drinks, then we wait and wait and wait.... finally had to tell waiter, we need pizza boxed, need tab, we gotta run, literally, we have 12 city blks to go and a last train to catch or we are stuck in the city till wee hours of the morning - so out the door we go with about 20 min... 8 of us, eating pizza as we were walking REALLY fast to the train station.. got about 5 min now we are running the last couple of blks.. I mean you miss the last train and your stuck there till they run again in the am.... so we make it in the time of nick.. sit down, doors close, WHEW THAT was close.... ticket taker comes by and is cracking up at us eating pizza, then one of the gals whips out a container she 'borrowed' shall we say, from the resturant of parm cheese and crushed red pepps... I thought we were all going to pee our pants we were laughing so hard.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Workout July 12 - Back/Chest/Shoulders
Close Grip Pulldowns - 2 x 11 x 85 and 1 x 11 x 90
DB Incline Press - 3 x 11 x 30
BB Bentover Row - 1 x 11 x 45 and 2 x 11 x 55
DB Flat Fly - 3 x 11 x 20
DB Rear Lat Raise - 3 x 11 x 10
DB Side Lat Raise - 3 x 11 x 10
then did 20 minutes of intervals on elliptical... suppose to be first training run with the nike group tonight but after legs yesterday and then running, and pushing probably a bit harder than I should have, my knees are a bit tender... see how they feel later today.. might go and just do run 1 min./walk 1 and alternate for the 3 miles...
DB Incline Press - 3 x 11 x 30
BB Bentover Row - 1 x 11 x 45 and 2 x 11 x 55
DB Flat Fly - 3 x 11 x 20
DB Rear Lat Raise - 3 x 11 x 10
DB Side Lat Raise - 3 x 11 x 10
then did 20 minutes of intervals on elliptical... suppose to be first training run with the nike group tonight but after legs yesterday and then running, and pushing probably a bit harder than I should have, my knees are a bit tender... see how they feel later today.. might go and just do run 1 min./walk 1 and alternate for the 3 miles...
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Running again
so I join the run club in May 2005, get out for a run here or there with the group since the 5K class at that time didn't gather enough interest.. finally in fall of 05, the class happened and I did my first 2 5k's - in the cold weather.. I hate the cold and don't care much for running, its a means to an end and it satisfied me cause its something I always wanted to do.... so on advice of trainer when prepping for May competition, I had to cut out running, no body fat or less of it, less cushion on the joints, makes sense... so now I've got a goal of doing a 1/2 marathon in October (down from a full, to much to soon) so anyhow I've realized I needed to get back to running and working back up to my stamina of previous.....
so of course I pick today to begin again... and ended up running 3 miles in the pouring rain and humidity... of course don't ya know the rain stopped just as we got back to the club... figures eh????
so after leg workout today, running this evening, I'm certain when DOMS sets in its gonna hit hard!
so of course I pick today to begin again... and ended up running 3 miles in the pouring rain and humidity... of course don't ya know the rain stopped just as we got back to the club... figures eh????
so after leg workout today, running this evening, I'm certain when DOMS sets in its gonna hit hard!
My 'DATE'
Well from the moment we met we barely stopped talking. It was like Denise and I had known each other for sometime, and except for the conversation of getting to know someone type questions, you would have never known we hadn't been friends for ages.
She is really super nice and we had such a great time. The waiter had to come back a few times before we shut up long enough to actually read the menu and order. I look forward to getting to know her better. Heck we chatted so long we almost were late for our movie... I guess we had to shut up then...
Saw the Devil Wears Prada - and while it wasn't as funny as the trailers lead you to believe, it was a great movie, I enjoyed it and give it a thumbs up. Highly doubt it would be enjoyed by the men in your lives ladies but a super chick flix and good reason to go hang with a friend!
She is really super nice and we had such a great time. The waiter had to come back a few times before we shut up long enough to actually read the menu and order. I look forward to getting to know her better. Heck we chatted so long we almost were late for our movie... I guess we had to shut up then...
Saw the Devil Wears Prada - and while it wasn't as funny as the trailers lead you to believe, it was a great movie, I enjoyed it and give it a thumbs up. Highly doubt it would be enjoyed by the men in your lives ladies but a super chick flix and good reason to go hang with a friend!
Workout July 11 - Legs and Arms
I know I know this was suppose to be done yesterday, just couldn't drag my ass outta bed for legs yesterday.
Squats - 1 x 10 x 45 and 4 x 12 x 75
Leg Ext. - 1 x '10 x 30 and 2 x 12 x 45 (one set toes in, one set toes out)
Leg Curl - 1 x 10 x 35, 1 x 12 x 60 and 1 x 11 x 60
BB Curl - 1 x 10 x 20, 1 x 12 x 40 and 2 x 12 x 30 (someone had the 35lb bar)
EZ Curl Tri Ext - 3 x 12 x 25 (could go up here)
Tricep rope pushdown - 1 x 10 x 30 and 2 x 12 x 40
DB Hammer Curl - 2 x 12 x 15
Standing Calf Raise - 1 x 12 x 45 (oly.bar) 3 x 12 x bodyweight (toe in, toe out, straight ahead)
I learned a lot training with Jen Abrams, how to manipulate foot placement to hit various areas of the same muscle, hence the toes in, toes out placement on Leg Ext and Calf Raises. I also learned from Jen Hendershott's PHAT camp, that you can do a lot of work to legs without a lot of weight, heck even Jen Abrams had me doing tons of isometric stuff for legs.. I didn't want to make them larger, just leaner and tighter, well do some plie squats and REALLY squeeze on the up, no weights at all and after a few sets you'll be sweatin'.
One thing Jen A. did teach me, but it really cramps up my calf muscle and feet.. is on leg curl (lying) toes need to be pointed, not flexed.. I CAN feel how it hits the belly of the hamstring different, but damn near the end of 12 reps I can feel a cramp building in my calf and feet.. course I've always had problems there, not quite sure why... maybe time for a good blood workup to make sure I'm not lacking in any minerals or something strange like that..
Anyhow a good workout, tonight will be running with run club...
Squats - 1 x 10 x 45 and 4 x 12 x 75
Leg Ext. - 1 x '10 x 30 and 2 x 12 x 45 (one set toes in, one set toes out)
Leg Curl - 1 x 10 x 35, 1 x 12 x 60 and 1 x 11 x 60
BB Curl - 1 x 10 x 20, 1 x 12 x 40 and 2 x 12 x 30 (someone had the 35lb bar)
EZ Curl Tri Ext - 3 x 12 x 25 (could go up here)
Tricep rope pushdown - 1 x 10 x 30 and 2 x 12 x 40
DB Hammer Curl - 2 x 12 x 15
Standing Calf Raise - 1 x 12 x 45 (oly.bar) 3 x 12 x bodyweight (toe in, toe out, straight ahead)
I learned a lot training with Jen Abrams, how to manipulate foot placement to hit various areas of the same muscle, hence the toes in, toes out placement on Leg Ext and Calf Raises. I also learned from Jen Hendershott's PHAT camp, that you can do a lot of work to legs without a lot of weight, heck even Jen Abrams had me doing tons of isometric stuff for legs.. I didn't want to make them larger, just leaner and tighter, well do some plie squats and REALLY squeeze on the up, no weights at all and after a few sets you'll be sweatin'.
One thing Jen A. did teach me, but it really cramps up my calf muscle and feet.. is on leg curl (lying) toes need to be pointed, not flexed.. I CAN feel how it hits the belly of the hamstring different, but damn near the end of 12 reps I can feel a cramp building in my calf and feet.. course I've always had problems there, not quite sure why... maybe time for a good blood workup to make sure I'm not lacking in any minerals or something strange like that..
Anyhow a good workout, tonight will be running with run club...
Monday, July 10, 2006
Meeting and making new friends
I guess in reality I moved from Delaware for all the wrong reasons. But I like to live by the adage that everything, even wrong things, happen for a reason. To teach us lessons, put us in different places in our lives, help us grow and become stronger, the list goes on.
I even believe that everyone you encounter comes into your life for a reason - how does that saying go... some come into your life and stay forever leaving footprints on your heart, others come into our lives to teach us a lesson and once that lesson is learned, their purpose is served and we/they move on.
So even though at times I feel I made the wrong decision, maybe it wasn't after all. One thing I know for sure is I miss my friends terribly. I never knew how much I'd miss not having my best friend within a short drive, someone to visit, go to a movie with, chat over coffee or tea about nothing, someone to cry over a silly chick flix, etc.
In addition at 40 its hard to find places to make new friends. Unless you have kids in the school system or you work for a larger company, where DO you go to meet others with similar interests? You just can't walk up to some stranger in the grocery store and say "HI MY NAME IS KIM, I'M LOOKING FOR A FRIEND, WOULD YOU BE MY NEW FRIEND" sure try that and see if your not locked up in the looney bin.. men in white coats coming to get you with that funny jacket to slip into...
So something my boss did gave me an idea... the other weekend she had extra tickets to Ravinia, an outdoor concert venue, she posted a message on craigs list under strictly platonic to go to the concert that she had 3 tickets... it worked out well for her, she ended up meeting a really nice lady friend and now they seem to be hitting it off and hangin' out more often.
So I posted under the same heading, strictly platonic, that I has moved back to this area in 2004 and was looking to meet some new friends to hang out with (I mean the ad was worded differently but that was the gist of it) well I got some great response from other ladies in the same boat... either new to the area or had been stay at home moms and they too were looking for friends to meet and get to know.
One lady in particular, thru exchanging several emails, we seem to hit it off. She is 37 has been a SAHM, raising 5 kids, 12 yr old boy, 11 yr old boy triplets and a 10yr old girl, whew no wonder she hasn't been out. Anyhow she and I are going to meet up tonight. Going to have dinner then go see the new movie that is out The Devil Wears Prada.
We seem to have a lot in common, even though she is a mom and I'm not.. We are both into running (she more than I), she is fascinated by the whole bodybuilding thing and promises not to ask to many questions bout it (i thought that was funny and told her she could ask all she wanted) - actually a good mix,she can keep me motivated to run and be my running companion from time to time and I can encourage her to do some weight training and again be my partner from time to time. Both like downtown Chicago but hate to go alone, like baseball games but not on TV at the stadium, window shopping, museums, zoo, etc.. So I'm very excited to meet her tonight and see if indeed we could become friends.
Typically I am VERY shy and reserved but just in our email exchanges we seem to get along like we've already known each other, so I might find I won't be as shy as I think...
HHHMMM maybe I SHOULD try the whole internet dating thing if this works out :o)
I even believe that everyone you encounter comes into your life for a reason - how does that saying go... some come into your life and stay forever leaving footprints on your heart, others come into our lives to teach us a lesson and once that lesson is learned, their purpose is served and we/they move on.
So even though at times I feel I made the wrong decision, maybe it wasn't after all. One thing I know for sure is I miss my friends terribly. I never knew how much I'd miss not having my best friend within a short drive, someone to visit, go to a movie with, chat over coffee or tea about nothing, someone to cry over a silly chick flix, etc.
In addition at 40 its hard to find places to make new friends. Unless you have kids in the school system or you work for a larger company, where DO you go to meet others with similar interests? You just can't walk up to some stranger in the grocery store and say "HI MY NAME IS KIM, I'M LOOKING FOR A FRIEND, WOULD YOU BE MY NEW FRIEND" sure try that and see if your not locked up in the looney bin.. men in white coats coming to get you with that funny jacket to slip into...
So something my boss did gave me an idea... the other weekend she had extra tickets to Ravinia, an outdoor concert venue, she posted a message on craigs list under strictly platonic to go to the concert that she had 3 tickets... it worked out well for her, she ended up meeting a really nice lady friend and now they seem to be hitting it off and hangin' out more often.
So I posted under the same heading, strictly platonic, that I has moved back to this area in 2004 and was looking to meet some new friends to hang out with (I mean the ad was worded differently but that was the gist of it) well I got some great response from other ladies in the same boat... either new to the area or had been stay at home moms and they too were looking for friends to meet and get to know.
One lady in particular, thru exchanging several emails, we seem to hit it off. She is 37 has been a SAHM, raising 5 kids, 12 yr old boy, 11 yr old boy triplets and a 10yr old girl, whew no wonder she hasn't been out. Anyhow she and I are going to meet up tonight. Going to have dinner then go see the new movie that is out The Devil Wears Prada.
We seem to have a lot in common, even though she is a mom and I'm not.. We are both into running (she more than I), she is fascinated by the whole bodybuilding thing and promises not to ask to many questions bout it (i thought that was funny and told her she could ask all she wanted) - actually a good mix,she can keep me motivated to run and be my running companion from time to time and I can encourage her to do some weight training and again be my partner from time to time. Both like downtown Chicago but hate to go alone, like baseball games but not on TV at the stadium, window shopping, museums, zoo, etc.. So I'm very excited to meet her tonight and see if indeed we could become friends.
Typically I am VERY shy and reserved but just in our email exchanges we seem to get along like we've already known each other, so I might find I won't be as shy as I think...
HHHMMM maybe I SHOULD try the whole internet dating thing if this works out :o)
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Workout July 9 - Back/Chest/Shoulders
George actually joined me at the gym, I know he feels my workouts are pretty disjointed and well they are but for right now I just needed to do something.
Close Grip Lat pulldowns - 1 x 10 x 45 and 3 x 12 x 80
DB Incline Presses - 1 x 10 x 20 and 3 x 12 x 30
BB Bentover Rows - 3 x 12 x 45 (bar only)
DB flat Fly - 1 x 12 x 12.5, 1 x 12 x 15 and 1 x 12 x 17.5
DB Seated Rear Lat Raise - 3 x 12 x 10
DB Side Raise - 3 x 12 x 10
sets x reps x poundage
These are workout schemes from the leanness lifestyle muscle professor, like I said I just need some structure right now and this helps me not just to go flying by the seat of my pants. Its not like I don't know what to do, I feel I'm just floundering a bit here lately.... doubting my own ability I guess, so whats new there?
Tomorrow will be legs and arms!
Close Grip Lat pulldowns - 1 x 10 x 45 and 3 x 12 x 80
DB Incline Presses - 1 x 10 x 20 and 3 x 12 x 30
BB Bentover Rows - 3 x 12 x 45 (bar only)
DB flat Fly - 1 x 12 x 12.5, 1 x 12 x 15 and 1 x 12 x 17.5
DB Seated Rear Lat Raise - 3 x 12 x 10
DB Side Raise - 3 x 12 x 10
sets x reps x poundage
These are workout schemes from the leanness lifestyle muscle professor, like I said I just need some structure right now and this helps me not just to go flying by the seat of my pants. Its not like I don't know what to do, I feel I'm just floundering a bit here lately.... doubting my own ability I guess, so whats new there?
Tomorrow will be legs and arms!
The buck stops here, right here right NOW!
don't know whats come over me, well yes I do... I've been feeling depressed with everything that is and isn't going on and in the last 2 wks, I've gained 10 fucking pounds.. Its amazing but what was not even a temptation to me when prepping for May, is now something I can't say no to. The boss has been buying lunch and then ice cream in the late afternoon and with the way I've been feeling its just been hard to say NO.
Well that buck stops here damn it! I REFUSE fucking refuse to let myself gain another ounce - eating crap and not working out is NOT going to solve my financial problems, my relationship issues, my no friends to hang with worries, my missing my best friend situation - NONE of it not one iota is solved by shoveling food in my mouth - oh sure it makes me 'FEEL' better for a moment but only for a moment... I want to feel better all the time and that only happens when I am consistant with clean eating and working out.
Well that buck stops here damn it! I REFUSE fucking refuse to let myself gain another ounce - eating crap and not working out is NOT going to solve my financial problems, my relationship issues, my no friends to hang with worries, my missing my best friend situation - NONE of it not one iota is solved by shoveling food in my mouth - oh sure it makes me 'FEEL' better for a moment but only for a moment... I want to feel better all the time and that only happens when I am consistant with clean eating and working out.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
TEAM ABRAMS MAY 6, 2006
amazing what you can figure out how to do when your up to early. I've seen some friends with myspace accounts have these cool slide shows, so I checked it out and whatya know, its pretty darm simple to use....
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Another catch up...
Lots to catch up on where do I start? Guess we can start were I left off eh? Well my last post about what was going on was in Feb... so we can start from there. George and I decided that our living together was not working out, we gave it a shot but we just didn't mesh being in the same house. I like things a certain way, as does he, does not make one persons way right or wrong, the two just didn't work under the same roof.
Thought maybe things would be better between us when I moved out but they were not, so, hopefully, at the very least, we can remain friends. Hard to say. I know right now any time I say anything about the kids he feels I am dissing him and his job as a parent. I know I am NOT a parent but I don't think in the parent handbook it ever said things would be easy, that your kids would like everything about you or love everything you make them do.. I do know that you can not be the custodial full time parent and parent with the weekend parent mentality just because you don't want you kids to hate you. Its not that they hate YOU rather the decision you made for them and yes sometimes that decision has to be no phone, no TV, no internet until grades are brought up or rooms picked up...
sadly, even though he thinks different, I really and truly only want the best for both Caitlin and Colin. I see so much potential but I'm afraid that potential could be over looked because someone might not give them a 2nd chance because of grades - he likes to comment on how our trainer, who is a VERY smart and bright woman, can be perceived by others as being just a dumb bodybuilder because she is not the worlds greatest speller and yes that is very true, but how do you think others are going to perceive your own children when they look at grades and such when its time for them to hit the work world or become (hopefully) college bound? Or what freshman teacher or 8th grade teacher this coming year might not even give them a 2nd thought because of their grades? Well I can't chance it, I can only keep them in my prayers that they will do better and before its too late.
So I moved into my apartment in March, with Georges help both physically and financially. I haven't done a lot to it, pictures on the wall, that type of stuff, cause well I've been broke and I was pretty in the thick of training for the competition and it was gym, work, gym, home, plus it was the height of tax season at the Schreiber Group too... Funny I thought previously there would be NO way I could prepare for a competition during tax season, but it wound up just the opposite... It forced me to focus and keep a tight schedule so I could get it all in.
Competition day came OHGOSH it was such a fab. day. I gained so much working with Jennifer Abrams. I know I've said it before but I've got to say it again, this lady knows her shit.. She trains the entire person. She just does not spit out eat this, lift that, do this, don't do that... Nope she learns who YOU are, what motivates YOU and what motivates one may not another, but she learns this about every single client and gears the training with them based on those parameters. She KNEW instinctively what I needed and when, both mentally and physically, its amazing, she is amazing! If I could change one thing about Jen.....it would be her lack of ability to be on time...while for me, when she was 20 minutes late to a training session it didn't matter, I got my full hour with her and I didn't have to be anywhere else on Thursdays, it might put someone else off and I'd hate for anyone to miss out on her great skills as a personal trainer because she can't be on time... Not everyone will have nothing planned for the rest of their day and lets face it being on time it just being respectful of someone else's time.. We are ALL late on occasion, Jen is 99% of the time late, but she is juggling lots of stuff too... Like I said for me, at the time, no big deal.
I was a smidge depressed after the competition. I mean there is all this build up to this one day and BAM it comes, it goes so fast, then the next day there is nothing. Kinda like a wedding, or Christmas day for me. But I managed to keep it in check this time, I have NOT gained 50 pounds. I seem to be holding steady at 5 to 10 pounds above show day and that is quite respectable. NO bodybuilder looks like they do day in and day out as they do on show day. You are so dehydrated that one day, carb depleted, mostly eating protein, that once your body gets back some water and you have your treats you've been abstaining from, the body holds it fast thinking OMgosh I might never get this again... you can literally be up, scale weight, 10-20 pounds within a day or so afterwards... most of its water weight. But as long as mentally you know that and you don't go on all out binges for days/weeks on end, you can keep the whole thing in check.
Now on the work front... well I've realized that I must get back to full time income. Went part time when George and I were living together, this allowed me to help with kids and unknown to us at the time would allow me to help with getting Colin to the learning center everyday. I knew at the time when I went p/t there was NO guarantee my boss could take me back on full time if my situation changed. Well my situation changed, she does not have full time work for me, so onto other options. First Andrea did NOT want to lose me to another job, which makes me feel good, makes me know I am a good employee, so she had some clients that don't want to pay her fees to do stuff for them once a week or every other week, so Andrea helped me set up my own bookkeeping business and I started to help her clients. Well it didn't work out as we had hoped. The one client was so slow in paying me, another is not consistent with when he needs me, and another is so freaking busy he has yet to have time to sit down with me to show me just what he needs - well I need steady and definite income right now and so begins the job search...
I spent weeks updating my resume, combing the on line ads for postings, sending out resumes via mail, fax or email, waiting for responses, filling out on line applications, going on interviews.. I mean I'm sure you all know the process and IT can be a full time job by itself.. So finally after a few weeks of this madness, I got a job with the Addison School District, I will be the (well not sure of my exact title) direct assistant to the Assistant superintendent of Business. I think this will be a great opportunity. My new boss is in charge of the business ($$) affairs for the school, she is the treasurer, as well as in charge of the complete renovation the district is going thru, she seems like a busy lady who was very up front in the interview in saying I need someone that can anticipate what I need, that can deal with me coming thru for an hour between meetings saying I need this that and the other, that can be organized as she admitted she is not.... I think I can fit this bill. Oh sure you have to get to know someone for a bit before you can anticipate their needs but I pick up on things pretty quickly. So anyhow I start there on the 19th. My current boss Andrea was almost in tears when I told her, but she also understands this is what I have to do and she has asked me to keep my keys to the office and if they get swamped she has asked if I'd come by at night or on the weekends to help out, well of course I will! And I will help in the evenings during tax season, it will be extra money and hopefully a way I can pay back George for some of his help.
Well speaking of catching up, I have some much needed catch up to do at the Laundromat... yes I know what fun, your so jealous of me right now aren't ya????
Thought maybe things would be better between us when I moved out but they were not, so, hopefully, at the very least, we can remain friends. Hard to say. I know right now any time I say anything about the kids he feels I am dissing him and his job as a parent. I know I am NOT a parent but I don't think in the parent handbook it ever said things would be easy, that your kids would like everything about you or love everything you make them do.. I do know that you can not be the custodial full time parent and parent with the weekend parent mentality just because you don't want you kids to hate you. Its not that they hate YOU rather the decision you made for them and yes sometimes that decision has to be no phone, no TV, no internet until grades are brought up or rooms picked up...
sadly, even though he thinks different, I really and truly only want the best for both Caitlin and Colin. I see so much potential but I'm afraid that potential could be over looked because someone might not give them a 2nd chance because of grades - he likes to comment on how our trainer, who is a VERY smart and bright woman, can be perceived by others as being just a dumb bodybuilder because she is not the worlds greatest speller and yes that is very true, but how do you think others are going to perceive your own children when they look at grades and such when its time for them to hit the work world or become (hopefully) college bound? Or what freshman teacher or 8th grade teacher this coming year might not even give them a 2nd thought because of their grades? Well I can't chance it, I can only keep them in my prayers that they will do better and before its too late.
So I moved into my apartment in March, with Georges help both physically and financially. I haven't done a lot to it, pictures on the wall, that type of stuff, cause well I've been broke and I was pretty in the thick of training for the competition and it was gym, work, gym, home, plus it was the height of tax season at the Schreiber Group too... Funny I thought previously there would be NO way I could prepare for a competition during tax season, but it wound up just the opposite... It forced me to focus and keep a tight schedule so I could get it all in.
Competition day came OHGOSH it was such a fab. day. I gained so much working with Jennifer Abrams. I know I've said it before but I've got to say it again, this lady knows her shit.. She trains the entire person. She just does not spit out eat this, lift that, do this, don't do that... Nope she learns who YOU are, what motivates YOU and what motivates one may not another, but she learns this about every single client and gears the training with them based on those parameters. She KNEW instinctively what I needed and when, both mentally and physically, its amazing, she is amazing! If I could change one thing about Jen.....it would be her lack of ability to be on time...while for me, when she was 20 minutes late to a training session it didn't matter, I got my full hour with her and I didn't have to be anywhere else on Thursdays, it might put someone else off and I'd hate for anyone to miss out on her great skills as a personal trainer because she can't be on time... Not everyone will have nothing planned for the rest of their day and lets face it being on time it just being respectful of someone else's time.. We are ALL late on occasion, Jen is 99% of the time late, but she is juggling lots of stuff too... Like I said for me, at the time, no big deal.
I was a smidge depressed after the competition. I mean there is all this build up to this one day and BAM it comes, it goes so fast, then the next day there is nothing. Kinda like a wedding, or Christmas day for me. But I managed to keep it in check this time, I have NOT gained 50 pounds. I seem to be holding steady at 5 to 10 pounds above show day and that is quite respectable. NO bodybuilder looks like they do day in and day out as they do on show day. You are so dehydrated that one day, carb depleted, mostly eating protein, that once your body gets back some water and you have your treats you've been abstaining from, the body holds it fast thinking OMgosh I might never get this again... you can literally be up, scale weight, 10-20 pounds within a day or so afterwards... most of its water weight. But as long as mentally you know that and you don't go on all out binges for days/weeks on end, you can keep the whole thing in check.
Now on the work front... well I've realized that I must get back to full time income. Went part time when George and I were living together, this allowed me to help with kids and unknown to us at the time would allow me to help with getting Colin to the learning center everyday. I knew at the time when I went p/t there was NO guarantee my boss could take me back on full time if my situation changed. Well my situation changed, she does not have full time work for me, so onto other options. First Andrea did NOT want to lose me to another job, which makes me feel good, makes me know I am a good employee, so she had some clients that don't want to pay her fees to do stuff for them once a week or every other week, so Andrea helped me set up my own bookkeeping business and I started to help her clients. Well it didn't work out as we had hoped. The one client was so slow in paying me, another is not consistent with when he needs me, and another is so freaking busy he has yet to have time to sit down with me to show me just what he needs - well I need steady and definite income right now and so begins the job search...
I spent weeks updating my resume, combing the on line ads for postings, sending out resumes via mail, fax or email, waiting for responses, filling out on line applications, going on interviews.. I mean I'm sure you all know the process and IT can be a full time job by itself.. So finally after a few weeks of this madness, I got a job with the Addison School District, I will be the (well not sure of my exact title) direct assistant to the Assistant superintendent of Business. I think this will be a great opportunity. My new boss is in charge of the business ($$) affairs for the school, she is the treasurer, as well as in charge of the complete renovation the district is going thru, she seems like a busy lady who was very up front in the interview in saying I need someone that can anticipate what I need, that can deal with me coming thru for an hour between meetings saying I need this that and the other, that can be organized as she admitted she is not.... I think I can fit this bill. Oh sure you have to get to know someone for a bit before you can anticipate their needs but I pick up on things pretty quickly. So anyhow I start there on the 19th. My current boss Andrea was almost in tears when I told her, but she also understands this is what I have to do and she has asked me to keep my keys to the office and if they get swamped she has asked if I'd come by at night or on the weekends to help out, well of course I will! And I will help in the evenings during tax season, it will be extra money and hopefully a way I can pay back George for some of his help.
Well speaking of catching up, I have some much needed catch up to do at the Laundromat... yes I know what fun, your so jealous of me right now aren't ya????
Friday, June 02, 2006
Forgot to say
You can view the individual routine I did for the show at this website.
www.pradelproductions.com
click enter
find link for Grand Prix 2006 posing routines
then look for my name when you click on it, it will download and play on windows media player - the speed of the download depends on your internet connection.
www.pradelproductions.com
click enter
find link for Grand Prix 2006 posing routines
then look for my name when you click on it, it will download and play on windows media player - the speed of the download depends on your internet connection.
