I love the picture of Nick on my blog header. It screams, VICTORY to me. And yet, I am craving a photo that screams warm, sunny, springtime fun. I can't post one of those however. Because it's not spring yet. We're still freezing here in Maine. Literally, below freezing. I had snow on my long run today. Boo hiss. It didn't effect me at all other than to make me a bit grouchy and irritable.
That's not what this post is about.
_________________________
My long ride + run was scheduled for Wednesday this week. Just like Last week, the forecast was horrendous for Wednesday. All week, the weatherman kept stressing, "wind driven rain. Possible snow/ sleet /freezing rain. Temps in the upper 30s, low 40s."
Ugh.
COME ON!
I am not going to let anyone tell me I am a wimp. Because I am not. I can tough out nearly anything. However, there are times when I need to be wise and safe. I honestly believed that if I sucked it up and went out in that nastiness, that it would be dangerous. That's not worth it to me. Because despite the fact that it seems like my kids don't listen to me 90% of the time, I do know they need their Mommy.
That, and my workout would have been junk. It would have been survival instead of quality work.
Thankfully, my workout was moved to Tuesday afternoon. I was extra lucky because this is vacation week and I had babysitting planned for each day. It's not easy to move a 4 hr event from one day to another. My husband was eager for me NOT to ride in the forecasted nastiness so he was more than willing to help me. He came home a few hrs early on Tuesday so I could start my workout by 3:30.
I realize Many many people train in the evening hours after a hard day at work. I am spoiled with my schedule and am able to do most things in the wee hours of the day or mid-morning. I am not a late day person. In fact, I admit I've become one of those wives. You know, the ones who try to stay dressed in regular clothes until her husband comes home. I hang in there until he comes in the door. "Hi! How was your day? {insert a kiss and some small talk}" It's only minutes before I scurry off to change into my sweats for the night.
Not that day! I pushed off before 3:30 and was ready for a quality workout.
Not much to note at first. I rode and rode. I was smiling a lot because it was sunny. I was a bit too warm. That felt good.
5:30 rolled around and I wished I was home.
6:00 came and went and I realized how HUNGRY I was. It was dinner time. I had my gels at 1 hr, 2hrs, 3 hrs. I drank some water. I gulped on my bottle of EFS, a few times. Each time, I took quite a bit in.
As hungry as I was, I wasn't too thirsty. My energy was fine. I had timed my meals well during the day and knew I was adequately fueled and yet, I also had avoided eating a bunch right before I headed out.
At times, I worried that I wasn't getting enough sports drink so, I took in big sips. Throughout the ride, I only had 1 bottle.
It was cool and my body said that was enough. I think it was.
Then the fun began. I got to the 2:45-3 hrs point of the ride. My back ached. My neck was sore. My shoulders were stiff.
I am not used to riding aero outside yet. I have been working on staying in that position for most of my rides. It just takes time. At one point, I stopped and just arched myself backwards to open things up. It helped.
And yet, as the clocked ticked on, things got worse. My stomach got invovled in the fun. It was tense and tight and sore. My whole upper body felt like a knot. It hurt. It made me slow and unhappy. I was upright in the wind too much. This has happened before. Quite a bit in fact. I end up with a very sore stomach. It gets painful.
Finally, I rolled into the yard after 3 1/2 hours. I could barely stand upright. I had 5 min to change and get out for the run. It would loosen up once I did that. I was sure. I greeted my gang. They were in their pjs and running around. Oh how I craved to join them.
Only 30 more minutes of running.
Out the door...
and that was it. I stopped in the driveway to gather myself. I could barely take a step. Running was Not happening. I was in agony. So much pain.
I just walked up the hill instead and hoped it would dissipate.
After 3 minutes, I turned off my watch. Reset.
I laid on the ground. That might help.
nope.
I clicked STart and tried again. I couldn't run. The pain was up into my shoulders, my arm. It kind of scared me to be honest. It was that bad.
This went on for the next 30 minutes. I was Determined to do that run. My Legs felt light! Fresh! They wanted to run!!
I walked/ ran (well, trotted) on and off and never even got around the 1 mile loop I had planned to do x 4.
I went home and slammed my hat on the table.
Failed. I had failed that run. Mark was concerned and offered me chicken. I read that now and laugh. CHicken? Are you kidding? I can't even walk! I just blew a run off the bike! If this happens during Ironman, I'm Screwed! Chicken?
poor guy. Just bad timing.
I went upstairs and laid on the floor of my living room. My son bopped around me asking me questions about how to spell Cube. What?
After about 5 minutes, I thought I felt a bit better! Really??? NOW I feel better???
I was so mad.
It was 7:30 p.m. Bedtime for the kids! Time for Mommy to Re-LAX on the couch for a bit before bed.
Not this time.
I grabbed some clean socks, told Mark I'd be right back, again, and I left.
Ha!
I could run. I felt FINE! Yay! My legs were good to go. I ran and ran. After about 10 min, a slight pain came back, but this time I could push through it.
Finally, it grew dark and I was done.
It was not the 'within 5 minutes' ideal Transition run time, but it was close.
While I have no idea what happened, the theory is gas. Now, that's sort of embarrassing. Not very lady-like. But here's the thing. Why??? I hadn't just eaten. I was not over stuffed. I have lost 7lbs recently and am being Very careful with my food.
This has happened before. (not as bad---always able to 'run it out.' ) I have tried a variety of products. It doesn't matter.
After looking a few things up. I think it's this. I think I am swallowing air when I drink from my bottles when riding. A few hrs into it, the pain starts. I could feel the big bubble when I laid down. I read that drinking quickly from narrow mouthed bottles or straws can cause this.
Has anyone else had this experience? Heard of it? Know of magic bottles that prevent this issue? Thoughts?? Am I crazy? Wait, don't answer that.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time to get Tough
I was scheduled to do a long ride with a quick transition run tomorrow. However, the forecast is for 'wind driven rain with a possible mix of snow in the mountains (that's us) and highs in upper 30s/low 40s.'
Ick.
I trained for IMLP '09 in LOTS of rain. Lots and lots and lots of rain. I honestly remember Most of my 5-6 hr rides were done in the pouring rain. I can hack it. Honestly, I can. But in April, with possible snow and temps like that? I don't think it would be a very productive workout.
Thankfully, my coach agreed. So today is the day! The forecast is great! Nice warm temps and sun. And, it might be breezy.
Um, HELLO! The flags and trees are swirling! THe kids and I decided that this is Not our definition of breezy. It's actually hurricane-like.
I am having major talks with myself.
"STOP whining. Where is your toughness? GET over it! It's just wind! and Cold! Big deal! "
walk through hall, kick feet on floor, growl
Ironman racing is hard. Ironman training is hard. It soaks into every aspect of your life. You are forced to be more aware of your daily nutrtion, your sleep, your activities when you're not training and your attitude!
This is huge. I will write a separate blog on this one later. If you let all the tough moments of training get the best of you, you'll fall apart. The hardest conditions make us tougher. The hardest workouts aren't always the ones that challenge our bodies the most. The hardest workouts might be something as simple as a run on a day that you feel tired. It might be a swim in the lake when the water is rough. It might be a ride over two mountain roads with wind that makes you stand still. If we could all write the perfect race day forecast, we would. Let me tell you, those ideal days are rare.
Instead of focusing on how disappointing it is that it's 55+ degrees only one hour from here and my temps are dropping, I am going to smile instead. Because my ride will be harder. And that gives me an edge. I will have to fight through the elements today in order to stay positive. If there's one thing that fights my spirit the most, it's wind.
I don't love the heat, nor the freezing cold, rain is a bummer and humidity is brutal. But for some reason, it's the wind that wakes my demons.
The wind seems to have it's own spirit. And it often feels stronger than mine.
So today, once again I'll don 3 layers of clothing and head down the road. I won't log as many miles as I would if it was calm and warm. But I will fight for control in my head. I will find the place in my self that allows me to be strong and resilient against the weather that wants to push me backwards.
These are the days that make you better. They make you tough.
They get you to the finish line.
Ick.
I trained for IMLP '09 in LOTS of rain. Lots and lots and lots of rain. I honestly remember Most of my 5-6 hr rides were done in the pouring rain. I can hack it. Honestly, I can. But in April, with possible snow and temps like that? I don't think it would be a very productive workout.
Thankfully, my coach agreed. So today is the day! The forecast is great! Nice warm temps and sun. And, it might be breezy.
Um, HELLO! The flags and trees are swirling! THe kids and I decided that this is Not our definition of breezy. It's actually hurricane-like.
I am having major talks with myself.
"STOP whining. Where is your toughness? GET over it! It's just wind! and Cold! Big deal! "
walk through hall, kick feet on floor, growl
Ironman racing is hard. Ironman training is hard. It soaks into every aspect of your life. You are forced to be more aware of your daily nutrtion, your sleep, your activities when you're not training and your attitude!
This is huge. I will write a separate blog on this one later. If you let all the tough moments of training get the best of you, you'll fall apart. The hardest conditions make us tougher. The hardest workouts aren't always the ones that challenge our bodies the most. The hardest workouts might be something as simple as a run on a day that you feel tired. It might be a swim in the lake when the water is rough. It might be a ride over two mountain roads with wind that makes you stand still. If we could all write the perfect race day forecast, we would. Let me tell you, those ideal days are rare.
Instead of focusing on how disappointing it is that it's 55+ degrees only one hour from here and my temps are dropping, I am going to smile instead. Because my ride will be harder. And that gives me an edge. I will have to fight through the elements today in order to stay positive. If there's one thing that fights my spirit the most, it's wind.
I don't love the heat, nor the freezing cold, rain is a bummer and humidity is brutal. But for some reason, it's the wind that wakes my demons.
The wind seems to have it's own spirit. And it often feels stronger than mine.
So today, once again I'll don 3 layers of clothing and head down the road. I won't log as many miles as I would if it was calm and warm. But I will fight for control in my head. I will find the place in my self that allows me to be strong and resilient against the weather that wants to push me backwards.
These are the days that make you better. They make you tough.
They get you to the finish line.
Monday, April 11, 2011
On my Mind....
Warning: This will jump from topic to topic. That's just where I am in life right now.
________
Children. They are such gifts. And yet, it's TOUGH to be Mom. I'm sure it's tough to be Dad too but, I'm Mom and that's all I can speak about. The extreme range of emotion I feel with my children is rather overwhelming at times. All in a day, I can feel enormous pride and excrutiating anger. Throw in frustration, humor, adoration, disgust. You name it, the kids can bring it out. I mean that in the best way of course. When they bicker with each other,my skin crawls. It truly turns me inside out. Almost daily, my littlest jumps out of nowhere and grabs me for a hug. If I collapse onto the couch with him for a full blown snuggle, he is more than happy to oblige. Does it get any better? Is there any better way to make everything else seem trite? I think not.
There are so many things we need to teach our kids. It's our responsibility. We chose to become parents, so now it's time to own up to the tasks that come with it. Of all the things, all the hard lessons we need to show them, why on Earth is it SO hard for people to teach their kids to say THANK YOU! It seems like the basic stuff is forgotten these days. It drives me nuts.
___________
Back to Triathlon!!!
I'm feeling really good. I am appalled with the calendar and how quickly it feels the need to move, but other than that, all is good. Ironman training is in full force. The next few months are laid out in front of me and I am on a mission. I know what to expect, when to expect it and I know just what I need to do. I have lots of excitement and a lot of nerves. These aren't the nerves you feel as you don your wetsuit to start the race. These are nerves that build slowly and keep the wheels churing. I have gripped that feeling that makes we want to knock out each workout with perfection. The winter cobwebs are completely wiped away and I'm ready for business. Don't get me wrong, I've been working hard for months now. But Now, the razor sharp focus is on. I strive to make the runs at just the right effort level, I swim with power and purpose for each set, and I am learning to bike with more efficiency. IT's fun. I really am having a lot of fun as I prep for this big day.
________
Finally, on saying No.
It is HARD to say no to things. You are basically disappointing someone or making them unhappy by doing so. It's not the easy way to go. I had to say no yesterday. I surprised myself though. I did so, Immediately. I didn't waiver or say I'd think about it. I didn't allow myself to worry that I'd be disrespected or unliked. Yes, those insecure thoughts are things I may have allowed myself to become bogged down with in the past. I wonder if, my new over 40 self is going to be even Stronger. Our family has been on-the-go all winter. We have had a blast and made the absolute most of a rockin' snowy Maine winter. Starting at before Christmas, I feel like its' been non-stop every single weekend. I hosted a major Christmas family event for the first time, planned our family's holiday, and continued to train for a January Marathon. I travelled to said marathon, got home, and skied two days later. We've had weekends out of town, weekends with guests and every single other Sat and Sun was "get up early, get the training done, and get to the mountain asap."
I am tired. I'm mentally tired of the Fun! Does that make sense? OF course, fun is FUN! And I am all for a good time.
That said, in this home, we have two mini-off seasons. Totally apart from my training! This is family-event off season time. We have some of April and May and then a little bit in November. That's it.
It's my off season now. Even this weekend, my boys still skied. But just a little. I have two more left. I'd say 3 but Easter is in the middle there. After that, there are races, family events, and then... we open Camp! Yay! But... phew. no more weekned at home!
Not to mention, I am training for this little race called Ironman!
In this situation to which I am referring, I had to be good to myself. Hosting a big neighborhhod party in two weeks is too much for me right now. I feel slack for saying no. I feel embarrassed that I Can't do it. And yet, it is my truth. It would stress me out and take away energy from my family and from myself. I know it's smart to say No when it's the best thing, but it's not easy!!
________
Children. They are such gifts. And yet, it's TOUGH to be Mom. I'm sure it's tough to be Dad too but, I'm Mom and that's all I can speak about. The extreme range of emotion I feel with my children is rather overwhelming at times. All in a day, I can feel enormous pride and excrutiating anger. Throw in frustration, humor, adoration, disgust. You name it, the kids can bring it out. I mean that in the best way of course. When they bicker with each other,my skin crawls. It truly turns me inside out. Almost daily, my littlest jumps out of nowhere and grabs me for a hug. If I collapse onto the couch with him for a full blown snuggle, he is more than happy to oblige. Does it get any better? Is there any better way to make everything else seem trite? I think not.
There are so many things we need to teach our kids. It's our responsibility. We chose to become parents, so now it's time to own up to the tasks that come with it. Of all the things, all the hard lessons we need to show them, why on Earth is it SO hard for people to teach their kids to say THANK YOU! It seems like the basic stuff is forgotten these days. It drives me nuts.
___________
Back to Triathlon!!!
I'm feeling really good. I am appalled with the calendar and how quickly it feels the need to move, but other than that, all is good. Ironman training is in full force. The next few months are laid out in front of me and I am on a mission. I know what to expect, when to expect it and I know just what I need to do. I have lots of excitement and a lot of nerves. These aren't the nerves you feel as you don your wetsuit to start the race. These are nerves that build slowly and keep the wheels churing. I have gripped that feeling that makes we want to knock out each workout with perfection. The winter cobwebs are completely wiped away and I'm ready for business. Don't get me wrong, I've been working hard for months now. But Now, the razor sharp focus is on. I strive to make the runs at just the right effort level, I swim with power and purpose for each set, and I am learning to bike with more efficiency. IT's fun. I really am having a lot of fun as I prep for this big day.
________
Finally, on saying No.
It is HARD to say no to things. You are basically disappointing someone or making them unhappy by doing so. It's not the easy way to go. I had to say no yesterday. I surprised myself though. I did so, Immediately. I didn't waiver or say I'd think about it. I didn't allow myself to worry that I'd be disrespected or unliked. Yes, those insecure thoughts are things I may have allowed myself to become bogged down with in the past. I wonder if, my new over 40 self is going to be even Stronger. Our family has been on-the-go all winter. We have had a blast and made the absolute most of a rockin' snowy Maine winter. Starting at before Christmas, I feel like its' been non-stop every single weekend. I hosted a major Christmas family event for the first time, planned our family's holiday, and continued to train for a January Marathon. I travelled to said marathon, got home, and skied two days later. We've had weekends out of town, weekends with guests and every single other Sat and Sun was "get up early, get the training done, and get to the mountain asap."
I am tired. I'm mentally tired of the Fun! Does that make sense? OF course, fun is FUN! And I am all for a good time.
That said, in this home, we have two mini-off seasons. Totally apart from my training! This is family-event off season time. We have some of April and May and then a little bit in November. That's it.
It's my off season now. Even this weekend, my boys still skied. But just a little. I have two more left. I'd say 3 but Easter is in the middle there. After that, there are races, family events, and then... we open Camp! Yay! But... phew. no more weekned at home!
Not to mention, I am training for this little race called Ironman!
In this situation to which I am referring, I had to be good to myself. Hosting a big neighborhhod party in two weeks is too much for me right now. I feel slack for saying no. I feel embarrassed that I Can't do it. And yet, it is my truth. It would stress me out and take away energy from my family and from myself. I know it's smart to say No when it's the best thing, but it's not easy!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A New Beginning
I need to write this blog post but I have composed and then rewritten it in my head too many times. Now, I don't know where to begin. But here goes...
Today marks the beginning and an end for me. At the risk of sounding cliche and predictable, here's what's going on.
Change can be hard and yet, it is also exciting. The process of deciding to change something is absolutely excrutiating for me. At least when it is this important. We all make decisions every day of our lives but they don't alway knaw at our insides for weeks or even longer before the moment of truth. Before you finally make your move.
It's not that I dislike change. But change is scary. You take away your comfort zone and your safety net. You take away what is stable and familar. You take risks.
The time has come for me to say good bye to my fantastic Coach, Jen Harrison. I love Jen. I love her as a person and as a Coach. I observed Jen for a while before I hired her back in 2008. I knew she would be a perfect fit for me. I was right. She believed in my skills and potential as a triathlete. She never doubted how far I could take things. She gave me an incredible amount of attention and clearly put her heart into my personalized training plans. She talked to me nearly every day about how I was doing on my workouts. The good, the bad, and the ugly. She was honest and straightforward. I worked Hard with Jen. I will work hard no matter what and always have, but Jen's workouts were particularly challenging and new to me. This made me fast. And strong. And very confident. She led me to my first Ironman. I started that race wondering if I could finish and instead, with her coaching and my own hard work, I was the 6th amateur woman to cross the line and 2nd in my age group. I earned a spot in Kona and lived that incredible experience in the fall of 2009. Jen, thank you. You got me there. The next season was filled with successsful short course wins and then topped off with a massive PR in my Marathon run this past January.
Jen and I worked very well together. She understood me as an athlete. She understood how my brain worked during training and racing. She gave me 100% of herself and I gave her 100% back.
THANK YOU Jen!!!
Despite all that goodness we achieved together, I have had to do deep soul searching and come to the realization that it's time for something new. It's time for me to be guided with fresh eyes and a different approach. In order to make the gains I feel I can make, I need to do things a bit differently. I know that I can take what I've learned from Jen and move on and grow even more.
I have hired Coach Kurt Perham of Personal Best Multisport Coaching. I have known Kurt since I began racing in Triathlon and he lives only one hour from me. Kurt has watched me race. He has seen me race sprints, Olympic distances during which I crashed hard on my bike and went on finish in the top 5, he has guided me at a training camp and he has shouted advice along the Lake Placid Ironman course. He knows me quite well already. I am not starting from scratch that way. He is intimitely familiar with the race courses I compete on and he is also knows all the people I still need to beat. Kurt will design my training program differently and offer me new advice. He will help me with the pieces to the puzzle that are still missing for me. I am extremely excited to learn from him and to combine all that I know into one solid package.
Saying goodbye to Jen was very very tough for me. I admire her and I will continue to recommend her when asked for advice on coaches. I am very grateful for what she did for me over the past few years. I miss her already as she was part of my life every day since late 2008.
But a new door has opened. The sadness I have in my goodbye to her is squelched a bit by the excitement I have for my new start. At the end of the day, I need to do what is best for myself. At this time, this is the best thing for am secure in this decision and I am fired up to move forward.
I'm walking out the door now for my first workout under Kurt's guidance. Training has taken on a new feel for me and that is exactly what I need as I enter this specific training period for my third Ironman race.
Today marks the beginning and an end for me. At the risk of sounding cliche and predictable, here's what's going on.
Change can be hard and yet, it is also exciting. The process of deciding to change something is absolutely excrutiating for me. At least when it is this important. We all make decisions every day of our lives but they don't alway knaw at our insides for weeks or even longer before the moment of truth. Before you finally make your move.
It's not that I dislike change. But change is scary. You take away your comfort zone and your safety net. You take away what is stable and familar. You take risks.
The time has come for me to say good bye to my fantastic Coach, Jen Harrison. I love Jen. I love her as a person and as a Coach. I observed Jen for a while before I hired her back in 2008. I knew she would be a perfect fit for me. I was right. She believed in my skills and potential as a triathlete. She never doubted how far I could take things. She gave me an incredible amount of attention and clearly put her heart into my personalized training plans. She talked to me nearly every day about how I was doing on my workouts. The good, the bad, and the ugly. She was honest and straightforward. I worked Hard with Jen. I will work hard no matter what and always have, but Jen's workouts were particularly challenging and new to me. This made me fast. And strong. And very confident. She led me to my first Ironman. I started that race wondering if I could finish and instead, with her coaching and my own hard work, I was the 6th amateur woman to cross the line and 2nd in my age group. I earned a spot in Kona and lived that incredible experience in the fall of 2009. Jen, thank you. You got me there. The next season was filled with successsful short course wins and then topped off with a massive PR in my Marathon run this past January.
Jen and I worked very well together. She understood me as an athlete. She understood how my brain worked during training and racing. She gave me 100% of herself and I gave her 100% back.
THANK YOU Jen!!!
Despite all that goodness we achieved together, I have had to do deep soul searching and come to the realization that it's time for something new. It's time for me to be guided with fresh eyes and a different approach. In order to make the gains I feel I can make, I need to do things a bit differently. I know that I can take what I've learned from Jen and move on and grow even more.
I have hired Coach Kurt Perham of Personal Best Multisport Coaching. I have known Kurt since I began racing in Triathlon and he lives only one hour from me. Kurt has watched me race. He has seen me race sprints, Olympic distances during which I crashed hard on my bike and went on finish in the top 5, he has guided me at a training camp and he has shouted advice along the Lake Placid Ironman course. He knows me quite well already. I am not starting from scratch that way. He is intimitely familiar with the race courses I compete on and he is also knows all the people I still need to beat. Kurt will design my training program differently and offer me new advice. He will help me with the pieces to the puzzle that are still missing for me. I am extremely excited to learn from him and to combine all that I know into one solid package.
Saying goodbye to Jen was very very tough for me. I admire her and I will continue to recommend her when asked for advice on coaches. I am very grateful for what she did for me over the past few years. I miss her already as she was part of my life every day since late 2008.
But a new door has opened. The sadness I have in my goodbye to her is squelched a bit by the excitement I have for my new start. At the end of the day, I need to do what is best for myself. At this time, this is the best thing for am secure in this decision and I am fired up to move forward.
I'm walking out the door now for my first workout under Kurt's guidance. Training has taken on a new feel for me and that is exactly what I need as I enter this specific training period for my third Ironman race.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Split Second
1. My children are very healthy boys.
2. My husband and I are generally very healthy too.
3. We have a beautiful home.
4. We are able to buy and make nutritious home cooked meals each night.
5. My parents, my in-laws and many other family members are living close by and we see them often.
6. The daffodils are budding through the icky dirty ground.
7. Spring IS coming even if we are expecting 10-14" of snow tonight.
8. I have a lifestyle that allows me to train many hours /week for a sport I love.
9. I have loyal lifelong friends.
10. My youngest boy still asks Me to snuggle with him at night.
____________________________
That list of things I feel grateful for could go on and on and on. I am a lucky lady and I am keenly aware of that.
However, this week has been a little much. I hate to complain. But I am going to just a bit here.
It started off fine. I was tired from our weekend of fun again. I slept until almost 7 on Monday and Tuesday and that is a Treat!! When I woke up on Sunday morning, I had a nasty sore throat. It was clear by Monday that I had a true cold. No big deal. I was due. I haven't been sick in a long long time. Monday was actually a true Day off from training too. It was good timing. I slept late, took a shower, took the kids to school for a full day, and then I got a ton of work done that day.
Monday night...it started.
"the cough"
Once in a blue moon I get this cough that starts when I lay down and then Attacks me in middle of the night. It's deep and loud and my whole chest and throat spasms. It's uncontrollable. I get hot and sweaty and it's totally impossible for anyone within earshot of me to sleep. I'm sorry Mark. I got up in the night and wandered aimlessly through the house. I drank teaspoons of honey melted in warm water. I took a shot of Robitussin. Eventually, I went to sleep. I woke up Tuesday, Exhausted. And my throat was worse.
I had a busy day that day. It was all fine. I did an easy swim, a solid workout with my trainer and then, I had to go to the doctor.
I had something done there that Hurt and left me feeling woozy and uncomfortable. I'll leave it at that.
Time to go home.
Tuesday night... same deal with the cough. Violent spasms all night long. I tried to prop myself up. I tried a different bottle of cough stuff I found in the back of the cabinet. Probably from 2004. Some generic nyquil stuff. It didn't work.
Finally..it was Wednesday.
I was excited for this day because no matter what the thermometer said, I was riding outside!!! I had a 4 hour ride + 40 min transition run and I was fired up. The two days previous days were easy on the legs and I felt completely ready for this workout. The bike was packed up. I had changed my back tire myself. Put the bottle cages on. Dug out warm bike stuff... it was time. I would no longer pedal away in Lalaland with the TV in front of me. Time to get serious.
9:15 a.m., 35 degrees, and off I went. Yes! I was totally excited for some reason.
I felt Great! The first 30 miles or so were really fun. I felt strong. I wasn't freezing. The air on my face felt refreshing. It was going well.
Then, I turned around. I became deflated because I realized why I might have felt SO good on the first half. When I turned, the wind nearly pushed me backwards. I had a very strong headwind the whole way home. And, it got colder. The sun was hiding and the wind picked up.
At 2:40, my stomach tightened and I had horrendous pain. This keeps happening at just about that time so I think that's a red flag for some nutritional changes that need to be made.
onward.
I made a turn through a neighborhood and began a tough series of climbs. The whole ride felt like a climb but that part was super tough. The kind of hills that go on forever AND you have to stand on your pedals to get up and over. I was hot and unzipped.
I finally crested the hill to a beautiful open stretch. To your left you view Mount Washington and to your right it's pretty farmland. The wind is strong. I got cold. I was tired. I was sick of riding. I became worried about how much time I would have been the workout and picking up the kids. I sat up to zip up my coat and
WHAM!
Wind blew hard, I wobbled fast and the next thing I knew I was smashing to the ground.
Stars. Fog. Silence.
I was hurt and out of it. I wimpered and sort of gasped for my breath. The wind knocked me over and then it was knocked Out of me. It's a lousy feeling. I was sprawled on the road. Bottles around me. I felt several parts of my body screaming. I was scared for what was ahead. I was scared to find out how badly I was hurt. I have crashed before. I was hurt badly before. Was it going to be that way again? My elbow was screaming at me. Could I move it?
I sat there and felt dizzy. I felt unable to focus. I wondered who to call for help. Mark was out of town. Who do I call? Was there anyone?
I just stayed put. I would just sit there for a while. I couldn't get home.
--------
that's me. just sitting there.
Finally I could breath. I could see. I had my head back on. Time to start moving. Can I move my arm. Yes. It hurt but it moved. There were no sharp pains. My hand hurt. No blood. My leg. I stood up and cried. My leg hurt really really bad.
I picked up the bike.
CLimbed on.
Rolled down the hill.
I cried.
I pedaled. It hurt more.
Damnit.
What have I done.
In a single split second. I lost focus. Down I went. That's all it took. One single second.
I really had no choice. I had to keep going so I could get to my house. It was further than I wanted it to be. I got to the bottom of my road. Only 2miles to go. UP. Two miles up. Horribly reminiscent of 2006 when I fell hard on the RR tracks in town and had to ride those same 2 miles UP to get home. That time with a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder.
I cried harder.
Then, right out loud, I hollered to myself.
"STOP IT! GET OVER IT! STOP. GET YOURSELF HOME!"
I dont' think anyone heard me. But if they did, I don't care.
I got home. I took all my clothes off and checked out the damage. I hobbled around and realized I'd live.
I had to get dressed, pick up the kids, and drive 40 minutes to swimming lessons. Then drive home. Finally, I was home and could get that hug from my husband I needed.
I went to bed after icing my leg all day. It hurt a lot. Hurt a lot to walk. TO go up and down stairs. I had no idea what to expect today.
First, I had to get through the night. You guessed it! Mr. Cough came back! I thrashed around for much of the night. Just gagging and sputtering and praying it would just end. 4:27 my friendly beep went off and I could get up and move on. Away from the useless night sleep.
I drove Back to that pool to see if this aching body could move. My neck is now stiff, my back is sore, my hand badly bruised so it's hard to use it, but my leg is A Lot better than I thought it would be. I am feeling lot less pain and much more mobility. It's bruised and a bit swollen, but, I will be fine.
I swam and felt just fine. My road rash didn't sting and after 1000 yards, my leg wasn't too bad. It's just a solid deep bruise in my quad. Ugh.
I am lucky. It could have been much much worse. Biking is not the safest thing for me. I try so hard to be careful. It wasn't the sand, or small patches of ice or even the frost heaves that got me. It was my own lack of focus and dumb move. It only takes a second. And on another good note, I got a yummy prescription for cough medicine with codeine!! I think tonight will be muuuuch much better.
Safe riding everyone!!
2. My husband and I are generally very healthy too.
3. We have a beautiful home.
4. We are able to buy and make nutritious home cooked meals each night.
5. My parents, my in-laws and many other family members are living close by and we see them often.
6. The daffodils are budding through the icky dirty ground.
7. Spring IS coming even if we are expecting 10-14" of snow tonight.
8. I have a lifestyle that allows me to train many hours /week for a sport I love.
9. I have loyal lifelong friends.
10. My youngest boy still asks Me to snuggle with him at night.
____________________________
That list of things I feel grateful for could go on and on and on. I am a lucky lady and I am keenly aware of that.
However, this week has been a little much. I hate to complain. But I am going to just a bit here.
It started off fine. I was tired from our weekend of fun again. I slept until almost 7 on Monday and Tuesday and that is a Treat!! When I woke up on Sunday morning, I had a nasty sore throat. It was clear by Monday that I had a true cold. No big deal. I was due. I haven't been sick in a long long time. Monday was actually a true Day off from training too. It was good timing. I slept late, took a shower, took the kids to school for a full day, and then I got a ton of work done that day.
Monday night...it started.
"the cough"
Once in a blue moon I get this cough that starts when I lay down and then Attacks me in middle of the night. It's deep and loud and my whole chest and throat spasms. It's uncontrollable. I get hot and sweaty and it's totally impossible for anyone within earshot of me to sleep. I'm sorry Mark. I got up in the night and wandered aimlessly through the house. I drank teaspoons of honey melted in warm water. I took a shot of Robitussin. Eventually, I went to sleep. I woke up Tuesday, Exhausted. And my throat was worse.
I had a busy day that day. It was all fine. I did an easy swim, a solid workout with my trainer and then, I had to go to the doctor.
I had something done there that Hurt and left me feeling woozy and uncomfortable. I'll leave it at that.
Time to go home.
Tuesday night... same deal with the cough. Violent spasms all night long. I tried to prop myself up. I tried a different bottle of cough stuff I found in the back of the cabinet. Probably from 2004. Some generic nyquil stuff. It didn't work.
Finally..it was Wednesday.
I was excited for this day because no matter what the thermometer said, I was riding outside!!! I had a 4 hour ride + 40 min transition run and I was fired up. The two days previous days were easy on the legs and I felt completely ready for this workout. The bike was packed up. I had changed my back tire myself. Put the bottle cages on. Dug out warm bike stuff... it was time. I would no longer pedal away in Lalaland with the TV in front of me. Time to get serious.
9:15 a.m., 35 degrees, and off I went. Yes! I was totally excited for some reason.
I felt Great! The first 30 miles or so were really fun. I felt strong. I wasn't freezing. The air on my face felt refreshing. It was going well.
Then, I turned around. I became deflated because I realized why I might have felt SO good on the first half. When I turned, the wind nearly pushed me backwards. I had a very strong headwind the whole way home. And, it got colder. The sun was hiding and the wind picked up.
At 2:40, my stomach tightened and I had horrendous pain. This keeps happening at just about that time so I think that's a red flag for some nutritional changes that need to be made.
onward.
I made a turn through a neighborhood and began a tough series of climbs. The whole ride felt like a climb but that part was super tough. The kind of hills that go on forever AND you have to stand on your pedals to get up and over. I was hot and unzipped.
I finally crested the hill to a beautiful open stretch. To your left you view Mount Washington and to your right it's pretty farmland. The wind is strong. I got cold. I was tired. I was sick of riding. I became worried about how much time I would have been the workout and picking up the kids. I sat up to zip up my coat and
WHAM!
Wind blew hard, I wobbled fast and the next thing I knew I was smashing to the ground.
Stars. Fog. Silence.
I was hurt and out of it. I wimpered and sort of gasped for my breath. The wind knocked me over and then it was knocked Out of me. It's a lousy feeling. I was sprawled on the road. Bottles around me. I felt several parts of my body screaming. I was scared for what was ahead. I was scared to find out how badly I was hurt. I have crashed before. I was hurt badly before. Was it going to be that way again? My elbow was screaming at me. Could I move it?
I sat there and felt dizzy. I felt unable to focus. I wondered who to call for help. Mark was out of town. Who do I call? Was there anyone?
I just stayed put. I would just sit there for a while. I couldn't get home.
--------
that's me. just sitting there.
Finally I could breath. I could see. I had my head back on. Time to start moving. Can I move my arm. Yes. It hurt but it moved. There were no sharp pains. My hand hurt. No blood. My leg. I stood up and cried. My leg hurt really really bad.
I picked up the bike.
CLimbed on.
Rolled down the hill.
I cried.
I pedaled. It hurt more.
Damnit.
What have I done.
In a single split second. I lost focus. Down I went. That's all it took. One single second.
I really had no choice. I had to keep going so I could get to my house. It was further than I wanted it to be. I got to the bottom of my road. Only 2miles to go. UP. Two miles up. Horribly reminiscent of 2006 when I fell hard on the RR tracks in town and had to ride those same 2 miles UP to get home. That time with a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder.
I cried harder.
Then, right out loud, I hollered to myself.
"STOP IT! GET OVER IT! STOP. GET YOURSELF HOME!"
I dont' think anyone heard me. But if they did, I don't care.
I got home. I took all my clothes off and checked out the damage. I hobbled around and realized I'd live.
I had to get dressed, pick up the kids, and drive 40 minutes to swimming lessons. Then drive home. Finally, I was home and could get that hug from my husband I needed.
I went to bed after icing my leg all day. It hurt a lot. Hurt a lot to walk. TO go up and down stairs. I had no idea what to expect today.
First, I had to get through the night. You guessed it! Mr. Cough came back! I thrashed around for much of the night. Just gagging and sputtering and praying it would just end. 4:27 my friendly beep went off and I could get up and move on. Away from the useless night sleep.
I drove Back to that pool to see if this aching body could move. My neck is now stiff, my back is sore, my hand badly bruised so it's hard to use it, but my leg is A Lot better than I thought it would be. I am feeling lot less pain and much more mobility. It's bruised and a bit swollen, but, I will be fine.
I swam and felt just fine. My road rash didn't sting and after 1000 yards, my leg wasn't too bad. It's just a solid deep bruise in my quad. Ugh.
I am lucky. It could have been much much worse. Biking is not the safest thing for me. I try so hard to be careful. It wasn't the sand, or small patches of ice or even the frost heaves that got me. It was my own lack of focus and dumb move. It only takes a second. And on another good note, I got a yummy prescription for cough medicine with codeine!! I think tonight will be muuuuch much better.
Safe riding everyone!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lost in Space
I have no idea what I mean by that but it came to me as I decided to punch out a quick blog post in the next 4 1/2 minutes. I'm not really lost. A little stressed. Actually, gut wrenching knots are building. More on that. Later. Not now. But there is a cobra lost from the Bronx zoo. I did just hear that as I cooked up my oatmeal. Lovely. Can you imagine? "Hey sweetie, come here to see this cute giraffe." Then a giant deadly cobra raises it's head and spits at little Johnny. Nice.
Total random tangent there.
Life is cruising along at warp speed. I feel good but not 100%. I'm a bit sick. To quote one of the cutest 5 year olds ever (not mine actually!!), "It feels like fiya..." That's Fire for those of you outside of Maine. Yup, my throat feels like Fiya. I'm a bit weak and icky. Other than that, life continues on. Moms don't get sick days.
I've been training hard. Knocked out almost 17 hours last week. It was fine actually. This week includes a 4 hour ride. The longest to date in 2011. It's tomorrow and I am GOING OUTSIDE!!!!! I am ignoring the fact that it was 18 when I got up today. I am ignoring the fact that there is 2inch deep sand piles all over every road. I am ignoring the fact that there are potholes the size of my youngest son. I am Completely ignoring the morning forecast that said we have a Nor'Easter coming Friday. Yes, this winter-embracing Mainah is ready to move on. Time for spring. We are STILL SKIING and yet we haven't even been able to enjoy the light jacket days of spring skiing. Sunday we were at the mountain and all but 3 lifts were on hold from wind. Crazy. I want a beach.
Today is a fun day. I get to teach a swim lesson. Swim for an hour myself. Work my tail off with my personal trainer and hopefully gain a bit more hootzpah when it comes to controlling myself around food.
Because if there's one thing I've grown to learn about myself, I can be ridiculously motivated and disciplined about almost everything. Except food. I will alwasy find a reason for it to be OK and actually, in my best interest, to eat more of whatever I made for lunch. Or the peanut butter. Or, the chocolate whatever every night. sigh....
It's depressing.
My Guy buddies in this sport are locked in to their daily caloric intake and need and nothing seems to tempt them. WHat is it about men and food?
Maybe it's just me.
Time to drive boys to school.
Total random tangent there.
Life is cruising along at warp speed. I feel good but not 100%. I'm a bit sick. To quote one of the cutest 5 year olds ever (not mine actually!!), "It feels like fiya..." That's Fire for those of you outside of Maine. Yup, my throat feels like Fiya. I'm a bit weak and icky. Other than that, life continues on. Moms don't get sick days.
I've been training hard. Knocked out almost 17 hours last week. It was fine actually. This week includes a 4 hour ride. The longest to date in 2011. It's tomorrow and I am GOING OUTSIDE!!!!! I am ignoring the fact that it was 18 when I got up today. I am ignoring the fact that there is 2inch deep sand piles all over every road. I am ignoring the fact that there are potholes the size of my youngest son. I am Completely ignoring the morning forecast that said we have a Nor'Easter coming Friday. Yes, this winter-embracing Mainah is ready to move on. Time for spring. We are STILL SKIING and yet we haven't even been able to enjoy the light jacket days of spring skiing. Sunday we were at the mountain and all but 3 lifts were on hold from wind. Crazy. I want a beach.
Today is a fun day. I get to teach a swim lesson. Swim for an hour myself. Work my tail off with my personal trainer and hopefully gain a bit more hootzpah when it comes to controlling myself around food.
Because if there's one thing I've grown to learn about myself, I can be ridiculously motivated and disciplined about almost everything. Except food. I will alwasy find a reason for it to be OK and actually, in my best interest, to eat more of whatever I made for lunch. Or the peanut butter. Or, the chocolate whatever every night. sigh....
It's depressing.
My Guy buddies in this sport are locked in to their daily caloric intake and need and nothing seems to tempt them. WHat is it about men and food?
Maybe it's just me.
Time to drive boys to school.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Winter Fun & of course, Training!!!
Life just seems to get busier and busier. Last fall, as we closed up our little camp on the lake, I remember thinking, "Ok, things will be quieter for a while now." Summer is just so busy in our home. We are gone most weekends to camp or races which results in a never ending cycle of packing and unpacking.
It's a blast. But secretly, I would crave an occasional quiet weekend.
Well, Fall and then Winter arrived but quiet isn't exactly how I'd describe the way things were. So I had to resing to the fact that hey, who wants quiet? After all, that might end up being boring!
We got through the giant Christmas Holiday, celebrated New Years in the best way we can remember in years, got through the weeks of turning 41 and then, we realized how good the snow was in Maine.
That's right, this ski family hit the slopes in January and we never looked back. Phew!! We've skied so much and so hard this winter!! It's been great.
It's Amazing how far we've come in just a few years. My three little boys were all put on downhill skis at age two. I was incredulous when my husband and his cousin declared it was time to get our first two guys out there 9 years ago. Mark and Paul literally hauled Cam and Jack up and down and up and down a small trail, wearing only turtlenecks because they were working so hard, until they could stand alone.
Two years later, I would stand outside with the baby and video tape the now 4 y.o. Cam skiing independently with Daddy. Two years after that, well, you get the drift. Eventually, all 3 were out there. It was Hard! They were little and we had to be Careful!! (Mom talking here... it was kind of nerve wracking with my babies out there at first.) Nick was on a harness (imagine straps around his body with longer straps that went back to Mark. Mark skied behind him to keep him in control. Nick Hated the harness and when he felt it yanking on him, he'd turn around and growl for Mark to let go. He was out of that thing very quickly. But we'd ski slowly and constantly holler out, "slow down! Turn! Let's see good turns!" to keep them safe and in check out there.
It was fun. But it was not easy and it took a lot of patience.
Flash Forward to 2011--
My kids have turned into bona fide ski bums and we're having a blast!!
I think we've skied nearly every weekend. Two weeks ago, we stayed on the mountain (we live only 30 min away so we usually go back forth each day) with my family (including my brother and parents) and another family that we ski with each weekend. Between us, there were 8 kids and 8 adults. It was a total blast. We skied, swam in the warm outdoor pool, lounged in the outdoor hot tub w/ our drinks, and stayed up late having fun with great people.
This past weekend, my baby boy turned 7. I won't get started on how that makes me feel. He's the best little kid around and I'm incredibly blessed that he's 100% healthy. He was born way too early and under scary conditions so each year when his birthday rolls around, I feel particularly lucky.
We were at the mountain for his birthday and met up with our friends. The boys have been anxious to ski a super hard trail that runs under one of the lifts this season. It's called Agony. For some reason, I agreed to it the other day. Below is a picture of Nick post-Agony. He made it look easy. We've come a long way in 7 years. It was fun to see.
_________________
I have more ski stories right now than I do training stories. I guess that makes for a boring Triathlon -themed blog. That's why I've been absent for a while.
Sure, I'm training. But my weeks in between skiing have been so busy with life that I haven't found time to sit and write about it.
I have several things on my mind right now. Things that are juicy and interesting. I just can't write about them. Sorry. I must put the filter on. I'm not totallly boring... I just can't write about that stuff!
A few weeks ago I was having a hard time keeping up with things. Mostly, my quads. They were trashed. Day after day. I was super tired and my legs never recovered between workouts. We tweaked a few things but after talking it out with a few experts, we determined that it was in fact, mostly the skiing.
Hmmm....
OH well. I can't change that!! It's who we are in the winter so I have to figure out how to make it all work together. My quads were just never getting a break. It's better now. I think because my workouts have changed just enough. And, ski season is winding down. I'm sad to say.
I also found out that my Ferritin levels are pretty low. Low for 'normal' people but apparently fairly average for women who are endurance athletes. The average range is 10-232. MIne is 21. What is UP with that range?? It's Huge!? I don't understand that. But again, after checking in with people who know these things, I'm only on the low ave for someone like me. That is, a woman over 40 who runs a ton.
That said, I am no longer trying to cut meat out of my diet. I am making sure my multi-vitamin has iron in it. I take my VitC and Iron tabs separately at night too. We'll see how it is when I get retested next month.
Ironman Lake Placid is only 4+ months away. Time flies. That's all I can say. It's cliche but it's true. Four months. Instead of the total Fear I felt at this point two years ago, now I feel serious drive. I am fired up for that race. THat's right, now it's a race. I've only done two of them, but I feel ready to attack that bad boy.
I'll leave you with a few pictures from the last couple weeks. I'll dig up a more interesting post asap.
Oh and I forgot! That ABC thing is at the bottom of this too. This post is full of boring randomness!!!
Our ski gang
Heading up to Jordan Grand Hotel
Cameron and Mom before his debut on the trumpet at his concert
Tommy and Nick watching Cameron's Band Concert
overlooking Barker Mtn at Sunday River
Nick's 7th birthday
Nick after skiing effortlessly down a double black diamond trail - called Agony
____________________________________
ABC Quiz
Age: 41 How did that happen ?
Bed size: King.
Chore you dislike: emptying the dishwasher and putting away laundry. Two things that never end.
Dogs: No dogs here. We aren't home enough on weekends to take care of them.
Essential start to your day: coffee, hugs from boys, refill the coffee
Favorite color: cranberry red, slate blue
Gold or silver: I like both.
Height: 5'5"
Instruments you play: I played the trumpet in 5-6th grade. I have always wanted to play the drums.
Job title: Mother. Coach. Speech-Language Pathologist
Kids: three boys. Ages 11, 9 and 7.
Live: in the mountains of Western Maine. Someday, I hope to be back to the ocean.
Mom's name: Sherron
Nickname: Ange ( I really don't like being called Angie. Sounds like a barbie doll to me and I am not a barbie doll and I never even played with barbie dolls.)
Overnight hospital stay: The Birth of 3 babies, to sit by my husband's side when he was sick and to sit by Cam and Nick's sides in the NICU when they were born.
Pet peeves: when people don't RSVP, making small talk with people to be friendly and having them ignore you.
Quote from a movie: I remember a lot of random details. Movie quotes aaren't one of them. I've got nothin'...
Righty or lefty: Righty
Siblings: I have 1 younger brother. Jeff.
Time you wake up: I wish it was the same every day! 4:30 a.m. three days/week, 6:30 on the other week days and Hopefully a bit later on the weekends.
Underwear: I'm very picky about what kind I wear.
Vegetables you don't like: Carrots
What makes you run late: Getting three kids ready before myself!
Xrays you had: my feet, shoulder, head, teeth
Yummy food you make: shrimp over pasta, I love my salads.. such talent
Zoo animal favorites: I can't think of any I don't like.
It's a blast. But secretly, I would crave an occasional quiet weekend.
Well, Fall and then Winter arrived but quiet isn't exactly how I'd describe the way things were. So I had to resing to the fact that hey, who wants quiet? After all, that might end up being boring!
We got through the giant Christmas Holiday, celebrated New Years in the best way we can remember in years, got through the weeks of turning 41 and then, we realized how good the snow was in Maine.
That's right, this ski family hit the slopes in January and we never looked back. Phew!! We've skied so much and so hard this winter!! It's been great.
It's Amazing how far we've come in just a few years. My three little boys were all put on downhill skis at age two. I was incredulous when my husband and his cousin declared it was time to get our first two guys out there 9 years ago. Mark and Paul literally hauled Cam and Jack up and down and up and down a small trail, wearing only turtlenecks because they were working so hard, until they could stand alone.
Two years later, I would stand outside with the baby and video tape the now 4 y.o. Cam skiing independently with Daddy. Two years after that, well, you get the drift. Eventually, all 3 were out there. It was Hard! They were little and we had to be Careful!! (Mom talking here... it was kind of nerve wracking with my babies out there at first.) Nick was on a harness (imagine straps around his body with longer straps that went back to Mark. Mark skied behind him to keep him in control. Nick Hated the harness and when he felt it yanking on him, he'd turn around and growl for Mark to let go. He was out of that thing very quickly. But we'd ski slowly and constantly holler out, "slow down! Turn! Let's see good turns!" to keep them safe and in check out there.
It was fun. But it was not easy and it took a lot of patience.
Flash Forward to 2011--
My kids have turned into bona fide ski bums and we're having a blast!!
I think we've skied nearly every weekend. Two weeks ago, we stayed on the mountain (we live only 30 min away so we usually go back forth each day) with my family (including my brother and parents) and another family that we ski with each weekend. Between us, there were 8 kids and 8 adults. It was a total blast. We skied, swam in the warm outdoor pool, lounged in the outdoor hot tub w/ our drinks, and stayed up late having fun with great people.
This past weekend, my baby boy turned 7. I won't get started on how that makes me feel. He's the best little kid around and I'm incredibly blessed that he's 100% healthy. He was born way too early and under scary conditions so each year when his birthday rolls around, I feel particularly lucky.
We were at the mountain for his birthday and met up with our friends. The boys have been anxious to ski a super hard trail that runs under one of the lifts this season. It's called Agony. For some reason, I agreed to it the other day. Below is a picture of Nick post-Agony. He made it look easy. We've come a long way in 7 years. It was fun to see.
_________________
I have more ski stories right now than I do training stories. I guess that makes for a boring Triathlon -themed blog. That's why I've been absent for a while.
Sure, I'm training. But my weeks in between skiing have been so busy with life that I haven't found time to sit and write about it.
I have several things on my mind right now. Things that are juicy and interesting. I just can't write about them. Sorry. I must put the filter on. I'm not totallly boring... I just can't write about that stuff!
A few weeks ago I was having a hard time keeping up with things. Mostly, my quads. They were trashed. Day after day. I was super tired and my legs never recovered between workouts. We tweaked a few things but after talking it out with a few experts, we determined that it was in fact, mostly the skiing.
Hmmm....
OH well. I can't change that!! It's who we are in the winter so I have to figure out how to make it all work together. My quads were just never getting a break. It's better now. I think because my workouts have changed just enough. And, ski season is winding down. I'm sad to say.
I also found out that my Ferritin levels are pretty low. Low for 'normal' people but apparently fairly average for women who are endurance athletes. The average range is 10-232. MIne is 21. What is UP with that range?? It's Huge!? I don't understand that. But again, after checking in with people who know these things, I'm only on the low ave for someone like me. That is, a woman over 40 who runs a ton.
That said, I am no longer trying to cut meat out of my diet. I am making sure my multi-vitamin has iron in it. I take my VitC and Iron tabs separately at night too. We'll see how it is when I get retested next month.
Ironman Lake Placid is only 4+ months away. Time flies. That's all I can say. It's cliche but it's true. Four months. Instead of the total Fear I felt at this point two years ago, now I feel serious drive. I am fired up for that race. THat's right, now it's a race. I've only done two of them, but I feel ready to attack that bad boy.
I'll leave you with a few pictures from the last couple weeks. I'll dig up a more interesting post asap.
Oh and I forgot! That ABC thing is at the bottom of this too. This post is full of boring randomness!!!
Cameron and Mom before his debut on the trumpet at his concert
Tommy and Nick watching Cameron's Band Concert
Nick's 7th birthday
Nick after skiing effortlessly down a double black diamond trail - called Agony
____________________________________
ABC Quiz
Age: 41 How did that happen ?
Bed size: King.
Chore you dislike: emptying the dishwasher and putting away laundry. Two things that never end.
Dogs: No dogs here. We aren't home enough on weekends to take care of them.
Essential start to your day: coffee, hugs from boys, refill the coffee
Favorite color: cranberry red, slate blue
Gold or silver: I like both.
Height: 5'5"
Instruments you play: I played the trumpet in 5-6th grade. I have always wanted to play the drums.
Job title: Mother. Coach. Speech-Language Pathologist
Kids: three boys. Ages 11, 9 and 7.
Live: in the mountains of Western Maine. Someday, I hope to be back to the ocean.
Mom's name: Sherron
Nickname: Ange ( I really don't like being called Angie. Sounds like a barbie doll to me and I am not a barbie doll and I never even played with barbie dolls.)
Overnight hospital stay: The Birth of 3 babies, to sit by my husband's side when he was sick and to sit by Cam and Nick's sides in the NICU when they were born.
Pet peeves: when people don't RSVP, making small talk with people to be friendly and having them ignore you.
Quote from a movie: I remember a lot of random details. Movie quotes aaren't one of them. I've got nothin'...
Righty or lefty: Righty
Siblings: I have 1 younger brother. Jeff.
Time you wake up: I wish it was the same every day! 4:30 a.m. three days/week, 6:30 on the other week days and Hopefully a bit later on the weekends.
Underwear: I'm very picky about what kind I wear.
Vegetables you don't like: Carrots
What makes you run late: Getting three kids ready before myself!
Xrays you had: my feet, shoulder, head, teeth
Yummy food you make: shrimp over pasta, I love my salads.. such talent
Zoo animal favorites: I can't think of any I don't like.
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