All I can say after this class is boy, have I been slacking on the strength training! Awhile back there was one of those deal thingys for Pure Barre and a few of us at work decided to buy the coupon. According to Pure Barre's website it is a workout that is designed to "lift your seat, tone your thighs and burn fat". And tonight was the night to try out my first class. One of my co-workers went with me, so I wouldn't have to go by myself the first time. Thanks Julia!!
I got there early and parked in the wrong parking garage (oops!! this will come in to play later). I filled out the paperwork and bought my socks with grippies on the bottom and met up with Julia. The class before mine let out and we walked into the room. Julia showed me what equipment to grab (weights, resistance bands and a small ball). We grabbed a spot in the back and waited for the class to begin.
It was intense! But good! Lots of little movements, isolating certain areas (arms, thighs, seat, etc). It incorporates a ballet bar, plus the weights, etc., along with some pilates. And I'm pretty sure I will be sore tomorrow. Hard to say what area of my body will be the most sore tomorrow. I will definitely be back to use up the rest of my classes!
Class ended and I headed back to my car. But wait! Remember I parked in the wrong garage? The building my car was parked in was locked. I walked around the entire building trying to find a way in but no such luck. Hm, what to do? Besides panic, that is. There was a number on the building for security so I called it and explained my situation. They sent someone over to let me in. Thank goodness!! I got in my car and drove home.
At the beginning of class all I could think about was how out of shape I felt. Even as I was thinking those thoughts I knew they weren't helpful. And then I really couldn't think much of anything as I was concentrating so much on doing the right movement! But by the end of class I felt like I had at least taken a step in the right direction.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
This, That and the Other
Don't you hate it when you have this great post written in your head (complete with very funny observations) and then when you sit down to actually write it, those great ideas are nowhere to be found? Just like that - poof!
Anyway, let's just see what comes out of my typing away on the keyboard. I was in Houston this weekend!! And knocked off #34 on my 34 Things list. Jana and I very rarely meet up in Houston - usually its in a Disney park or in another country! I've never actually been to her house in Houston, which is why it made my 34 Things list (partly to motivate me and partly because I knew it was something I could probably easily knock off). Flight prices were super cheap and so I made my way down. Of course I pick the hottest weekend of the year to visit!! But that's okay since we never really went outside much. Gotta love that AC! It was a great weekend!! I saw Jana & Ben's house, saw several friends, ate yummy tex-mex (creamy jalapeno dip!!), and we planned our trip to Croatia (and Belgium) in November!! I was feeling quite accomplished when it was time for me to fly home.
I watched Water for Elephants on the plane. I love, love, love Reese Witherspoon (we would so be BFFs in real life). And I liked Robert Pattison in this movie. Maybe he just doesn't do well as a moody vampire? Because I think I've liked him in every thing I've seen him in, except Twilight. But that could be because I'm so on Team Jacob!!
Speaking of BFFs - I walked into a store and some random person asked me what BFF stood for.
Summer is fast coming to an end. I woke up early yesterday morning to get a quick walk in before work and it was still dark! Goodbye long hours of daylight. I miss you already! You know how else I know summer is fast coming to an end? School is starting which means increased traffic. Boo.
Holy fast approaching race Batman! Is it really less than three weeks to my half marathon?! One long walk this weekend, one more the next, and then RACE DAY!! (Although a small part of me really wishes I was doing the Disneyland Half this weekend. Who am I kidding - a large part of me wishes that!)
I'm trying out Pure Barre tonight. Wish me luck!
I'm sure there was something else quite riveting I had to share, but that's all for today folks.
Anyway, let's just see what comes out of my typing away on the keyboard. I was in Houston this weekend!! And knocked off #34 on my 34 Things list. Jana and I very rarely meet up in Houston - usually its in a Disney park or in another country! I've never actually been to her house in Houston, which is why it made my 34 Things list (partly to motivate me and partly because I knew it was something I could probably easily knock off). Flight prices were super cheap and so I made my way down. Of course I pick the hottest weekend of the year to visit!! But that's okay since we never really went outside much. Gotta love that AC! It was a great weekend!! I saw Jana & Ben's house, saw several friends, ate yummy tex-mex (creamy jalapeno dip!!), and we planned our trip to Croatia (and Belgium) in November!! I was feeling quite accomplished when it was time for me to fly home.
I watched Water for Elephants on the plane. I love, love, love Reese Witherspoon (we would so be BFFs in real life). And I liked Robert Pattison in this movie. Maybe he just doesn't do well as a moody vampire? Because I think I've liked him in every thing I've seen him in, except Twilight. But that could be because I'm so on Team Jacob!!
Speaking of BFFs - I walked into a store and some random person asked me what BFF stood for.
Summer is fast coming to an end. I woke up early yesterday morning to get a quick walk in before work and it was still dark! Goodbye long hours of daylight. I miss you already! You know how else I know summer is fast coming to an end? School is starting which means increased traffic. Boo.
Holy fast approaching race Batman! Is it really less than three weeks to my half marathon?! One long walk this weekend, one more the next, and then RACE DAY!! (Although a small part of me really wishes I was doing the Disneyland Half this weekend. Who am I kidding - a large part of me wishes that!)
I'm trying out Pure Barre tonight. Wish me luck!
I'm sure there was something else quite riveting I had to share, but that's all for today folks.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Pushed Out of the Nest
I am so glad to be training for only one event!! Well, only training for one type of event. Towards the end of triathlon training I started wishing for it just to be over. Making sure I got in swim, bike, bricks, and as well as a long walk was starting to take a toll on me. Don't get me wrong - I loved doing the triathlon and I'm so happy I did it. Completing it did a lot to prove to myself that I've still "got it" after being reduced to the sidelines for so long. (Quick recap - back in November I was hiking in the Cinque Terre in Italy and basically fell off the side of a cliff, tearing my MCL in the process. I like saying fell off cliff as it adds a little bit of flair, don't you think?) I've still got some ground to make up before I'm back to normal again but for the first time in a long time I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I wasn't officially diagnosed with an MCL tear until a few months after my injury when I had an MRI done. After the MRI showed I had an MCL tear & that I did not need surgery, the physical therapist I had been seeing basically told me there wasn't much more she could do and I was free to participate in whatever activities/sports/etc to the extent my knee pain let me. In other words, let the pain be my guide. Well okay. I took that advice and was on my way. But my knee wasn't really improving. It wasn't getting worse, but it was not improving. I was still having problems standing or sitting for any length of time. After a few months of little to no improvement, my chiropractor suggested I try another physical therapist, one she had used herself. My new physical therapist has been fantastic. Really working with me to build up the strength in not only my knee but my hips because everything is connected. The hip bone is connected to the knee bone.... I hadn't seen a lot of progress in regards to my knee pain, but I could tell I was getting stronger. That was until a few weeks ago when all of a sudden I realized my knee wasn't in nearly as much pain. I could sit or stand and when I started moving again, it wouldn't hurt. So this morning I went in for what I thought was going to be a normal physical therapy appointment. But instead, it ended up being my last. My physical therapist gave me a similar speech to the one I'd already heard - they'd done what they could and they thought I was in a good place and I didn't need to come back. With those words, I felt like a little baby bird being pushed out of the nest, unsure if I could fly on my own. I peppered her with questions - what about running? (No running for at least a couple more months, and then intervals. Slowly build up and be aware your mechanics may have changed.) What about other activities? (Nothing is off limits. Use pain as your guide.) When should I come back in, if at all? (If the knee pain flares up and doesn't go away after 48 hours, come back in.) So here I am - no longer in physical therapy. But I have a list of exercises and the recommendation that I get myself to a gym. In a lot of ways, this is no different than the first time I was set free from physical therapy, but yet, my knee is in such a better place and I feel more prepared. It is scary to me that they won't be there holding my hand.
And with that, let the regularly scheduled half marathon training begin! I'm still planning to walk the upcoming You Go Girl half marathon. I don't have much time left. Ack!! Better get cracking!
I wasn't officially diagnosed with an MCL tear until a few months after my injury when I had an MRI done. After the MRI showed I had an MCL tear & that I did not need surgery, the physical therapist I had been seeing basically told me there wasn't much more she could do and I was free to participate in whatever activities/sports/etc to the extent my knee pain let me. In other words, let the pain be my guide. Well okay. I took that advice and was on my way. But my knee wasn't really improving. It wasn't getting worse, but it was not improving. I was still having problems standing or sitting for any length of time. After a few months of little to no improvement, my chiropractor suggested I try another physical therapist, one she had used herself. My new physical therapist has been fantastic. Really working with me to build up the strength in not only my knee but my hips because everything is connected. The hip bone is connected to the knee bone.... I hadn't seen a lot of progress in regards to my knee pain, but I could tell I was getting stronger. That was until a few weeks ago when all of a sudden I realized my knee wasn't in nearly as much pain. I could sit or stand and when I started moving again, it wouldn't hurt. So this morning I went in for what I thought was going to be a normal physical therapy appointment. But instead, it ended up being my last. My physical therapist gave me a similar speech to the one I'd already heard - they'd done what they could and they thought I was in a good place and I didn't need to come back. With those words, I felt like a little baby bird being pushed out of the nest, unsure if I could fly on my own. I peppered her with questions - what about running? (No running for at least a couple more months, and then intervals. Slowly build up and be aware your mechanics may have changed.) What about other activities? (Nothing is off limits. Use pain as your guide.) When should I come back in, if at all? (If the knee pain flares up and doesn't go away after 48 hours, come back in.) So here I am - no longer in physical therapy. But I have a list of exercises and the recommendation that I get myself to a gym. In a lot of ways, this is no different than the first time I was set free from physical therapy, but yet, my knee is in such a better place and I feel more prepared. It is scary to me that they won't be there holding my hand.
And with that, let the regularly scheduled half marathon training begin! I'm still planning to walk the upcoming You Go Girl half marathon. I don't have much time left. Ack!! Better get cracking!
Wee Bit of Me Wednesday
Here it is Wednesday again!! How does the week fly!! Especially since I have a short week this week. Why? Why because I'm off to Houston this weekend!! So anyway, I thought I would play in Wee Bit once again this week.
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{one} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?
Pretty much anything I watch on the Disney channel (Phineas & Ferb anyone?). Switched at Birth, Hawaii 5-0, I could probably go on but I won't. And I won't mention my guilty pleasure radio shows either!
{two} ear piercings on men: yes or no?
Generally no
{three} do you have dish or comcast?
Comcast
{four} what's your favorite current fashion trend?
Fashion? Trend? Yeah, not so much up on the fashion.
{five} if you could learn to do anything, money not being an issue, what would it be?
I really do want to learn how to be a (good) photographer. And cook (in Italy).
{six} red or white wine?
Red.
{seven} what type of food is your favorite (ex. italian, mexican, etc.)
Probably Italian, although Thai is a close second
{eight} hp or mac?
Oh I'm definitely not a Mac (read the evidence) for yourself, although I am trying to learn to be friends with my Mac.
{nine} what color is your bedroom?
Kind of an off-white, very blah.
{ten} what's your favorite form of exercise?
I would have to say a race. Exercise & I don't always get along, but if I'm training for an event, it definitely helps. Right now, yoga and walking (but stay tuned for an update!). But I do want to try Pure Barre.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Moral of the Story on Vitamins and Jamba Juice
Apparently there are times in your life where you learn a lesson and think you have got it all figured out only to find that no, you didn't quite get it the first time and you need to learn it again. And hopefully it will stick the second time. Or else you may be doomed to repeat it over and over. (I will warn you ahead of time, this isn't going to be the prettiest story in the world, so read at your own risk.)
Once upon a time, Emily didn't really like taking her vitamins. (Actually, I still don't. But the grown-up in me makes me take them anyway.) I was late to work so I took my vitamins, stopped at Jamba Juice to grab breakfast and continued on to work. The mixture of vitamins on an empty stomach followed by Jamba did not sit well. At all. And my stomach decided to rebel. Thankfully it did so at a stoplight. And thankfully I had a plastic bag in my car. So much for being a little late too work. I was now going to be a lot late to work. Back home, changed clothes, tried to clean up my car and then on to work. After that I was very careful to only take vitamins on a if not full, then at least not empty, stomach.
(There is another time, that I won't get into details, that involved some sort of healthy-type juice that smelled like vitamins with the same result. But no actual vitamins or Jamba was involved.)
Cue this morning. I had an early morning chiropractor appointment, which means I don't have breakfast at home and instead usually stop at Jamba after my appointment. I get to work with my Jamba in hand (Mega Mango with protein & matcha if you are interested). By this time, I've at least had a little bit of my Jamba so I'm thinking it is fairly safe to take my vitamins. That would be a no. And not just a no - but a NO! It isn't safe! All of a sudden my tummy starts rebelling in a big way and I make a dash for the bathroom. (At least this time I wasn't in my car!)
Moral of the story (at least for me) is do not mix Jamba and vitamins. It will not end well.
I warned you it wasn't pretty!!
Once upon a time, Emily didn't really like taking her vitamins. (Actually, I still don't. But the grown-up in me makes me take them anyway.) I was late to work so I took my vitamins, stopped at Jamba Juice to grab breakfast and continued on to work. The mixture of vitamins on an empty stomach followed by Jamba did not sit well. At all. And my stomach decided to rebel. Thankfully it did so at a stoplight. And thankfully I had a plastic bag in my car. So much for being a little late too work. I was now going to be a lot late to work. Back home, changed clothes, tried to clean up my car and then on to work. After that I was very careful to only take vitamins on a if not full, then at least not empty, stomach.
(There is another time, that I won't get into details, that involved some sort of healthy-type juice that smelled like vitamins with the same result. But no actual vitamins or Jamba was involved.)
Cue this morning. I had an early morning chiropractor appointment, which means I don't have breakfast at home and instead usually stop at Jamba after my appointment. I get to work with my Jamba in hand (Mega Mango with protein & matcha if you are interested). By this time, I've at least had a little bit of my Jamba so I'm thinking it is fairly safe to take my vitamins. That would be a no. And not just a no - but a NO! It isn't safe! All of a sudden my tummy starts rebelling in a big way and I make a dash for the bathroom. (At least this time I wasn't in my car!)
Moral of the story (at least for me) is do not mix Jamba and vitamins. It will not end well.
I warned you it wasn't pretty!!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Lake Union 10K
Before I get to the race report, check out my new travel page which has all my trip reports summarized!
I really enjoyed this race last year and decided to do it again. Plus they had a walkers division, since that is what I am (for now) - a walker! And I am learning to be proud of that fact.
The day did not get off to the best start. I either slept through my alarm, or turned it off in my sleep. Either way, I woke up late. I hate being late! I rushed around and was out the door before I knew it. No breakfast? Nope. I recently found this new product, Vespa Power, an amino acid supplement. I usually only use it when I know I'll be training or racing for more than a couple of hours, but decided to try it this morning as well. I can't really explain how it works, but basically it helps your muscles metabolize a higher level of fat during physical activity, conserving your glucose. It isn't for everyone (especially anyone with honey/bee sensitivities), but so far I've noticed on my longer walks, I'm really not super sore the next day. So I had my bee juice, as I like to call it.
I arrived at the race site, found a parking spot, got my bib and found my co-worker (she also ran it with me last year). We found another co-worker of ours and chatted until the race was about to begin. In my rush to get ready this morning I pulled on pants and while we were waiting I was beginning to regret the decision. Capris or a running skirt would have been a much better choice as it was definitely starting to warm up. Oh well. At least I had sunglasses!!
They had us line up according to pace and there was even a pace sign for the walkers. Which is where I lined up. We waited for all the runners to cross the start line and then the walkers started! Yay walkers! Once I got around several people I found myself at the front of the pack. As in there was only one walker in front of me. As in, if this was only a walking race I would have been in 2nd place. This has never happened before! It didn't last too long as a couple other walkers sped past, but I did enjoy my "second place" while it lasted. I caught up with a few of the run/walkers and played leap frog, I'd pass them while they were walking, they'd pass me when they started running.
The first mile passed by in a blur. I knew I'd gone out pretty fast and so did my knee as it started protesting at the pace. I settled down into a more manageable pace. One woman, out for her morning run, passed me and asked how far the race was and then told me "good luck!" I collect all and any cheers. Thank you very much! Just like that we were up to the first water stop and mile 2. From mile 2 to mile 3 the sun seemed to be always in my eyes (thank you sunglasses!) and it also seemed to take forever. But finally the mile 3 sign came into a view. Not too much longer after, I passed a mom and her baby and she and the baby were clapping for me. (Okay, maybe they were clapping for all the runners and walkers, but I am taking it for myself!) Up and over the University Bridge, where a car started honking for us. Seriously, I had great cheerleaders this entire course. (Again, probably the car honking wasn't just for me, but I'm pretending it was.) Just after the bridge was my first glimpse of the Space Needle. Yay! (The finish line is sorta near the Space Needle.) The course brought us down by the water and it was fun to catch glimpses of the different house boats. Water stop number 2, mile 4, and this set of steep, short up and downhills were next. I was still feeling really good. And so was my knee. Once I had backed off the super fast pace, and settled in, my knee did much, much better. Don't remember too much about mile 5 except thinking I'm so close. Oh and the volunteers right before the mile 5 sign. Let me say all the volunteers on the course were great, but a special shout out to the group right before the 5 mile sign. Your cheers really lifted me up. I was in the home stretch now. I thought I was slowing down a tad, so tried to pick up the pace. I rounded the corner and could see the finish line. A spectator was standing off to side cheering her heart out. Again - fantastic cheerleaders all along this course. And then I was done! Yay!! I heard my name over the loudspeaker (they paused briefly trying to figure out my last name).
My time you ask? I am super happy to say it was 1 hour 32 minutes and 57 for a (are you ready for this?) 15 minute pace!! Hallelujah! I am feeling so much more confident about the Tinker Bell & Princess Halves and their 16 min per mile pace. Plus here's hoping I will have permission to run before then, but even if I don't, I would say I'm doing okay walking. And I am embracing being a walker. I am a walker. There I said it! One day I will be a runner again, but until that time, I will walk proudly.
And there you have it! A 10K with a 15 minute pace and my race for August done!
I really enjoyed this race last year and decided to do it again. Plus they had a walkers division, since that is what I am (for now) - a walker! And I am learning to be proud of that fact.
The day did not get off to the best start. I either slept through my alarm, or turned it off in my sleep. Either way, I woke up late. I hate being late! I rushed around and was out the door before I knew it. No breakfast? Nope. I recently found this new product, Vespa Power, an amino acid supplement. I usually only use it when I know I'll be training or racing for more than a couple of hours, but decided to try it this morning as well. I can't really explain how it works, but basically it helps your muscles metabolize a higher level of fat during physical activity, conserving your glucose. It isn't for everyone (especially anyone with honey/bee sensitivities), but so far I've noticed on my longer walks, I'm really not super sore the next day. So I had my bee juice, as I like to call it.
I arrived at the race site, found a parking spot, got my bib and found my co-worker (she also ran it with me last year). We found another co-worker of ours and chatted until the race was about to begin. In my rush to get ready this morning I pulled on pants and while we were waiting I was beginning to regret the decision. Capris or a running skirt would have been a much better choice as it was definitely starting to warm up. Oh well. At least I had sunglasses!!
They had us line up according to pace and there was even a pace sign for the walkers. Which is where I lined up. We waited for all the runners to cross the start line and then the walkers started! Yay walkers! Once I got around several people I found myself at the front of the pack. As in there was only one walker in front of me. As in, if this was only a walking race I would have been in 2nd place. This has never happened before! It didn't last too long as a couple other walkers sped past, but I did enjoy my "second place" while it lasted. I caught up with a few of the run/walkers and played leap frog, I'd pass them while they were walking, they'd pass me when they started running.
The first mile passed by in a blur. I knew I'd gone out pretty fast and so did my knee as it started protesting at the pace. I settled down into a more manageable pace. One woman, out for her morning run, passed me and asked how far the race was and then told me "good luck!" I collect all and any cheers. Thank you very much! Just like that we were up to the first water stop and mile 2. From mile 2 to mile 3 the sun seemed to be always in my eyes (thank you sunglasses!) and it also seemed to take forever. But finally the mile 3 sign came into a view. Not too much longer after, I passed a mom and her baby and she and the baby were clapping for me. (Okay, maybe they were clapping for all the runners and walkers, but I am taking it for myself!) Up and over the University Bridge, where a car started honking for us. Seriously, I had great cheerleaders this entire course. (Again, probably the car honking wasn't just for me, but I'm pretending it was.) Just after the bridge was my first glimpse of the Space Needle. Yay! (The finish line is sorta near the Space Needle.) The course brought us down by the water and it was fun to catch glimpses of the different house boats. Water stop number 2, mile 4, and this set of steep, short up and downhills were next. I was still feeling really good. And so was my knee. Once I had backed off the super fast pace, and settled in, my knee did much, much better. Don't remember too much about mile 5 except thinking I'm so close. Oh and the volunteers right before the mile 5 sign. Let me say all the volunteers on the course were great, but a special shout out to the group right before the 5 mile sign. Your cheers really lifted me up. I was in the home stretch now. I thought I was slowing down a tad, so tried to pick up the pace. I rounded the corner and could see the finish line. A spectator was standing off to side cheering her heart out. Again - fantastic cheerleaders all along this course. And then I was done! Yay!! I heard my name over the loudspeaker (they paused briefly trying to figure out my last name).
My time you ask? I am super happy to say it was 1 hour 32 minutes and 57 for a (are you ready for this?) 15 minute pace!! Hallelujah! I am feeling so much more confident about the Tinker Bell & Princess Halves and their 16 min per mile pace. Plus here's hoping I will have permission to run before then, but even if I don't, I would say I'm doing okay walking. And I am embracing being a walker. I am a walker. There I said it! One day I will be a runner again, but until that time, I will walk proudly.
And there you have it! A 10K with a 15 minute pace and my race for August done!
Friday, August 19, 2011
7 Links
So this little exercise in looking back at the life of a blog was circulating awhile back. I wasn't tagged officially to participate, but there were at least several that tagged those who hadn't yet been tagged to participate. Plus I was looking for some sort of inspiration and decided to accept the challenge. (Even if I wasn't officially tagged.)
Most Beautiful Post
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And this peek back at my dream of being a writer is beautiful to me.
Most Popular Post
I am at a loss for words why this post is my most popular, but it is! It consistently shows up in the stats, almost every week. Although I am pretty proud of the title - Mickiewicz & Mickey Mouse. It is about my trip to Krakow & Paris in 2009. Adam Mickiewicz was a Polish author and we saw him everywhere in Krakow. And we took one of our days in Paris to visit Paris Disneyland!! Put them together and you get Mickiewicz & Mickey Mouse.
Most Controversial Post
Fortunately I can say I'm not super controversial.
Most Helpful Post
I'm not sure what I would classify as most helpful, but we'll go with this one where we learn the German words for strawberries & raspberries!
Post Whose Success Surprised You
Probably a cross between my post on my red Starbucks cup and my race recap on a weekend filled with a 5K and a 10K. Funnily enough, I will be doing that same 10K this Sunday!
Post That Didn't Get the Attention it Deserved
Probably my little poem about fall. Or maybe my post about accepting that it won't always be your best run, but at least you got out there.
Post You are Most Proud of
Hm, I would have to say a tie between my first time running 1 mile without stopping and my Princess Half recap.
Hopefully you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane!
Most Beautiful Post
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And this peek back at my dream of being a writer is beautiful to me.
Most Popular Post
I am at a loss for words why this post is my most popular, but it is! It consistently shows up in the stats, almost every week. Although I am pretty proud of the title - Mickiewicz & Mickey Mouse. It is about my trip to Krakow & Paris in 2009. Adam Mickiewicz was a Polish author and we saw him everywhere in Krakow. And we took one of our days in Paris to visit Paris Disneyland!! Put them together and you get Mickiewicz & Mickey Mouse.
Most Controversial Post
Fortunately I can say I'm not super controversial.
Most Helpful Post
I'm not sure what I would classify as most helpful, but we'll go with this one where we learn the German words for strawberries & raspberries!
Post Whose Success Surprised You
Probably a cross between my post on my red Starbucks cup and my race recap on a weekend filled with a 5K and a 10K. Funnily enough, I will be doing that same 10K this Sunday!
Post That Didn't Get the Attention it Deserved
Probably my little poem about fall. Or maybe my post about accepting that it won't always be your best run, but at least you got out there.
Post You are Most Proud of
Hm, I would have to say a tie between my first time running 1 mile without stopping and my Princess Half recap.
Hopefully you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane!
Five Senses Friday
Tasting
Feeling
Smelling
Hearing
Seeing
- My froyo creation
Feeling
- the medal being placed around my neck after finishing my 9th sprint tri
Smelling
- burgers and hot dogs on the grill
Hearing
- an oldie, but a goodie - Abbot & Costello's "Who's on First". I don't know, third base!! Cracks me up every time!!
Seeing
- a random movie I got from Netflix, not sure I would recommend it - but the good news is I watched it and sent it back!! Trying to make progress on #29 on my 34 Things list.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
No More Bike!!
Woohoo!! I am DONE!! And more importantly, my bike is going into storage for many, many months.
Not much exciting to say about the expo - I checked in and dropped off my bike. I did have lots of traffic issues getting to and from the expo and race site. A lesson in patience apparently.
Race Morning!! I woke up an hour before my alarm. And tried not to let my mind start and fortunately I fell back asleep. Then my alarm went off for real and it was time to get up and moving. Driving across the bridge, you could see them setting up the bike course. I arrived at the race site and set up my transition area and then wandered down to the water. I passed by who I thought was Ali Edwards and inside I'm thinking "It's Ali Edwards!!" but outside I was playing it cool. I love Ali - her blog was probably one the first I started "following" regularly.
I got down to the water and did my ritual of inching in to the water until I immersed myself completely. The water wasn't super cold! Whew! I got in line with my other yellow swim caps. Our magic word? Excellent. As in I finished this day as an excellent triathlete! We were counted down and off we went! I felt like I was swimming fairly strong and every time I looked up I was surrounded by other yellow caps which made feel good. I wasn't at the back of the pack. The water was fairly choppy, not too bad, but every once in awhile a big wave would come rolling in. I was about halfway through the swim course when I came up upon another swimmer and tried to maneuver around but she was a little all over the place and she ended up kicking me. Which, with that many bodies? Is bound to happen. But then she turns to yell at me "Oh, come on!" Really? You kicked me. She must have been having a bad day.
And then I saw the swim finish. While on the one hand I was glad to be done with the swim, on the other hand I wanted to keep swimming so that when I came out of the water it would be time to do the run (walk). And I could skip the bike! But no such luck. I got out of the water and headed back to my bike. Oh bike. I tried to talk nicely to my bike in hopes that would help. It did for awhile. I also gave myself permission to do whatever I needed to do to finish. Such as walking up the really short, steep hill. I was feeling fairly good and then I was heading up a hill when guess what? My chain came off. Again. But the good news was since I'd already dealt with it earlier in the week I didn't panic. Well didn't panic too much. I pulled off to the side and attempted to get the chain back on. Thank goodness it was only the chain! I got back on and started off again. The rest of the bike was fairly uneventful and soon I was back in transition getting ready to walk.
I started towards the run start. And I really wanted to run, but I didn't. In fact most of the run can be summed up with I really wanted to run but I didn't. Even at the finish line. Which was the worst - so many people cheering and here I was walking. I have come so far with my knee and I didn't want to do anything that could damage it. Plus I'm a rule follower and since the physical therapist hasn't given me the okay to run, I walked. Plus I had walked the entire thing, so I wanted to actually finish walking. So I walked through the finish line and got my medal.
My parents were there to cheer me on at the finish line. And I told my mom about seeing Ali Edwards (since she is a bigger fan that I am). And wouldn't you know I happened to look over and see Ali. So I dragged my mom over to meet her since I knew she wouldn't go by herself, and I knew she would regret it if she didn't take the chance to meet Ali. Ali was super nice.
Going into this, I wanted to finish in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes (since my worst time was 2 hours and 26ish minutes). And I did!! I finished in 2 hours 10 minutes and 55 seconds. Not my best time, but not my worst! And given the chain issue as well as the knee issue, I'll take that!
Not much exciting to say about the expo - I checked in and dropped off my bike. I did have lots of traffic issues getting to and from the expo and race site. A lesson in patience apparently.
Race Morning!! I woke up an hour before my alarm. And tried not to let my mind start and fortunately I fell back asleep. Then my alarm went off for real and it was time to get up and moving. Driving across the bridge, you could see them setting up the bike course. I arrived at the race site and set up my transition area and then wandered down to the water. I passed by who I thought was Ali Edwards and inside I'm thinking "It's Ali Edwards!!" but outside I was playing it cool. I love Ali - her blog was probably one the first I started "following" regularly.
I got down to the water and did my ritual of inching in to the water until I immersed myself completely. The water wasn't super cold! Whew! I got in line with my other yellow swim caps. Our magic word? Excellent. As in I finished this day as an excellent triathlete! We were counted down and off we went! I felt like I was swimming fairly strong and every time I looked up I was surrounded by other yellow caps which made feel good. I wasn't at the back of the pack. The water was fairly choppy, not too bad, but every once in awhile a big wave would come rolling in. I was about halfway through the swim course when I came up upon another swimmer and tried to maneuver around but she was a little all over the place and she ended up kicking me. Which, with that many bodies? Is bound to happen. But then she turns to yell at me "Oh, come on!" Really? You kicked me. She must have been having a bad day.
And then I saw the swim finish. While on the one hand I was glad to be done with the swim, on the other hand I wanted to keep swimming so that when I came out of the water it would be time to do the run (walk). And I could skip the bike! But no such luck. I got out of the water and headed back to my bike. Oh bike. I tried to talk nicely to my bike in hopes that would help. It did for awhile. I also gave myself permission to do whatever I needed to do to finish. Such as walking up the really short, steep hill. I was feeling fairly good and then I was heading up a hill when guess what? My chain came off. Again. But the good news was since I'd already dealt with it earlier in the week I didn't panic. Well didn't panic too much. I pulled off to the side and attempted to get the chain back on. Thank goodness it was only the chain! I got back on and started off again. The rest of the bike was fairly uneventful and soon I was back in transition getting ready to walk.
I started towards the run start. And I really wanted to run, but I didn't. In fact most of the run can be summed up with I really wanted to run but I didn't. Even at the finish line. Which was the worst - so many people cheering and here I was walking. I have come so far with my knee and I didn't want to do anything that could damage it. Plus I'm a rule follower and since the physical therapist hasn't given me the okay to run, I walked. Plus I had walked the entire thing, so I wanted to actually finish walking. So I walked through the finish line and got my medal.
My parents were there to cheer me on at the finish line. And I told my mom about seeing Ali Edwards (since she is a bigger fan that I am). And wouldn't you know I happened to look over and see Ali. So I dragged my mom over to meet her since I knew she wouldn't go by herself, and I knew she would regret it if she didn't take the chance to meet Ali. Ali was super nice.
Going into this, I wanted to finish in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes (since my worst time was 2 hours and 26ish minutes). And I did!! I finished in 2 hours 10 minutes and 55 seconds. Not my best time, but not my worst! And given the chain issue as well as the knee issue, I'll take that!
 |
| Transition Area |
 |
| Lots of bikes |
 |
| Almost time to swim |
 |
| This will be me soon |
 |
| Almost "GO" time |
 |
| Finished! |
 |
| Ali & Emily |
 |
| Yay! Another medal! |
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Five Senses Friday
I literally have tears in my eyes as I write this - the amazing story that just keeps going and just keeps giving! A few weeks ago there was a huge accident right outside my window at work and I watched the aftermath. In that accident, Rachel, a beautiful 9 year old, was critically injured and later died. For her ninth birthday, she had wanted to donate $300 to mycharity: water but fell short. In her death she has now raised over $1 million. I have goose bumps. This story has profoundly touched me and I am so happy to see the outflow of love and support for her and her family. Clean drinking water has always been a cause close to my heart and just seeing the good that can come out of tragedy has filled me with hope. And I love the fact that there have been so many donations from so many people from so many countries. I just had to share because I have been watching the site, hoping she would hit $1 million and she did. Nick Kristof wrote a beautiful article in the NY Times about Rachel. I know she is smiling in heaven. Go Rachel!! Look at what you have accomplished!
Seeing
Smelling
Feeling
Tasting
Hearing
Seeing
- A friend request from myself! It was from my cousin, who is also Emily, but when I first saw it I was a little confused why I would get a friend request from myself.
Smelling
- Wildflowers along the side of the road
Feeling
- SOOO excited for my 90 minute massage tomorrow!! I have been looking forward to this for over a month!
Tasting
- Carrot cake cupcake (YUM!)
Hearing
- "Crap!" said by myself as my chain came off my bike halfway up my nemesis hill.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Cheater, Cheater, Pants on Fire
One of my friends used to like to say cheater, cheater pants on fire which would drive me up the wall because it is so wrong in so many ways. I mean mixing up the sayings? So not right. But along the way I got used to the saying and now I say it. It makes sense to me now. Even though it shouldn't.
So why am I a cheater? Because I cheated today. On my hair stylist. But it wasn't really cheating. At least I don't think so. Yet I feel so disloyal. I've had the same hair stylist for awhile now and I love her. I love that I go in and I don't have to really say much and she just cuts my hair. But she left the salon so I went to a new person tonight. I went into the salon and I was not offered a water or a chocolate. Boo. I met my new stylist and had the obligatory discussion about what I wanted with my hair.
She was definitely different, but the result was pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. The real test will be tomorrow - when I have to do my hair myself.
Will I go back? I don't know. I don't do well with change.
So why am I a cheater? Because I cheated today. On my hair stylist. But it wasn't really cheating. At least I don't think so. Yet I feel so disloyal. I've had the same hair stylist for awhile now and I love her. I love that I go in and I don't have to really say much and she just cuts my hair. But she left the salon so I went to a new person tonight. I went into the salon and I was not offered a water or a chocolate. Boo. I met my new stylist and had the obligatory discussion about what I wanted with my hair.
She was definitely different, but the result was pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. The real test will be tomorrow - when I have to do my hair myself.
Will I go back? I don't know. I don't do well with change.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Almost there...
A week from today I will be done with my triathlon! Hooray!! And then I can focus on the half marathon. I will be so glad to have only one (main) event to train for. More importantly, I can put my bike away and never see it again. Well, never again until next year.
Monday - hot yoga, it was a class - not much more I can say. Not good, not bad. Just was.
Tuesday - my terrible, horrible, no good bike ride, followed by walk.
Wednesday - pool swim.
Friday - lake swim. We got to the lake (my mom usually goes with me to make sure nothing happens, or if something happens, she's is there to get help) and walking down towards the water we notice something. I think it is an animal of some sort, probably a beaver and my mom thinks a log, except it is moving way too fast. It dips under the water and we don't see it resurface. My mom is a little freaked at this point but I'm doing okay since I'm thinking its probably long gone. There happened to be a park worker and so my mom asks him and he confirms my suspicions - a beaver. Apparently the beaver has been seen a lot recently. Beavers are nocturnal and most likely he was heading home after doing his beavering stuff all night. With that excitement over, I step carefully into the water. A couple of days of sun and the lake has warmed up a tad! I was a few laps into my swim when I started thinking the water was really calm for it being Seafair weekend and sure enough as soon as that thought entered my mind a boat drove by setting off waves. Now that's more like it. Waves are always good practice for race day. I finished up and went on with my day.
Saturday - another brick, and my second to last time on the bike before the triathlon. It was actually a decent bike after Tuesday's debacle. Helped it was a fairly flat course. There was a lot of people on the trail, more so than usual, and I finally noticed the little bib numbers. A race! Also seen on my bike ride? A rooster and a guy on a segway. Add that to the beaver and it has been one interesting week. I finished up the bike, and started off on the walk. It took awhile before my legs started moving well, but they finally did. Brick done.
In non-racing, non-training tidbits, I had an appointment in Seattle and as I was driving back across the bridge traffic slowed to a stop. Why? Because the Blue Angels were flying over the bridge in perfect formation!! How cool!! I seriously heart the Blue Angels.
Sunday - long walk day. I remembered sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat! Woot!! It started off slightly overcast, but towards the end the clouds had cleared and the sun was starting to beat down. Thank goodness I was almost done. And thank goodness for shady spots and a breeze! With that - 10 miles done. 10 miles is my magic number. I usually feel pretty good if I can make it 10 miles. After all, it's only another 5K to finish a half marathon!! I went to hot yoga next (yin yoga, or gentle yoga) and during shoelace, I hear the Blue Angels flying overhead! Yay!!
And there you have it!
Monday - hot yoga, it was a class - not much more I can say. Not good, not bad. Just was.
Tuesday - my terrible, horrible, no good bike ride, followed by walk.
Wednesday - pool swim.
Friday - lake swim. We got to the lake (my mom usually goes with me to make sure nothing happens, or if something happens, she's is there to get help) and walking down towards the water we notice something. I think it is an animal of some sort, probably a beaver and my mom thinks a log, except it is moving way too fast. It dips under the water and we don't see it resurface. My mom is a little freaked at this point but I'm doing okay since I'm thinking its probably long gone. There happened to be a park worker and so my mom asks him and he confirms my suspicions - a beaver. Apparently the beaver has been seen a lot recently. Beavers are nocturnal and most likely he was heading home after doing his beavering stuff all night. With that excitement over, I step carefully into the water. A couple of days of sun and the lake has warmed up a tad! I was a few laps into my swim when I started thinking the water was really calm for it being Seafair weekend and sure enough as soon as that thought entered my mind a boat drove by setting off waves. Now that's more like it. Waves are always good practice for race day. I finished up and went on with my day.
Saturday - another brick, and my second to last time on the bike before the triathlon. It was actually a decent bike after Tuesday's debacle. Helped it was a fairly flat course. There was a lot of people on the trail, more so than usual, and I finally noticed the little bib numbers. A race! Also seen on my bike ride? A rooster and a guy on a segway. Add that to the beaver and it has been one interesting week. I finished up the bike, and started off on the walk. It took awhile before my legs started moving well, but they finally did. Brick done.
In non-racing, non-training tidbits, I had an appointment in Seattle and as I was driving back across the bridge traffic slowed to a stop. Why? Because the Blue Angels were flying over the bridge in perfect formation!! How cool!! I seriously heart the Blue Angels.
Sunday - long walk day. I remembered sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat! Woot!! It started off slightly overcast, but towards the end the clouds had cleared and the sun was starting to beat down. Thank goodness I was almost done. And thank goodness for shady spots and a breeze! With that - 10 miles done. 10 miles is my magic number. I usually feel pretty good if I can make it 10 miles. After all, it's only another 5K to finish a half marathon!! I went to hot yoga next (yin yoga, or gentle yoga) and during shoelace, I hear the Blue Angels flying overhead! Yay!!
And there you have it!
Friday, August 05, 2011
Five Senses Friday
Hearing
Tasting
- Blue Angels!! It must be Seafair!
Tasting
- Double Caramel Magnum goodness!! My treat for 9 miles. Bad, bad idea. Now I know how yummy they are.
Seeing
- Mommy deer and a baby deer (Bambi!!)
Feeling
- I'm not feeling as much pain in my knee!! Yay!
Smelling
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Dear Mac Book
Dear Mac Book,
I have had you for almost a year now. And I have tried to like you, really I have. I have tried to adjust to the fact you have no delete key and no windows key and especially the fact that I can't right click. But you are driving me crazy right now.
Smooches,
Emily
In not quite a year of owning my own little Mac, what I have learned is I am a PC. Well, I am a PC adjusting to being a Mac. How's that? I'm sure there is a lesson in here on being patient and flexible. I love my Mac, I love my Mac, I love my Mac. And eventually it will be true. Or so I am hoping.
Speaking of inanimate objects that I am trying to love.... Thanks for letting me vent last post on my lack of joy in riding my bike. I was speaking with my physical therapist today about my bike troubles and she pointed out that some of it could be a reaction from my knee and somewhat mental. It probably doesn't like bending right now and biking involves a lot of bending of the knee. Okay, that makes sense. But I am trying to love my bike. And realizing I have only 2 more scheduled rides before the triathlon, so really 3 more rides before I can shove my bike in the garage and forget about it for the next several months has done a lot to improve my attitude! :)
Also, I joined Twitter! Say what? I know, I know. But all the cool kids are doing it, and deep down I have always wanted to be a cool kid, you know? So anyway - check me out if you'd like...@Em425 But bear with me as I'm still learning...
What's next? Ditching my (old fashioned) blackberry for an android? It's definitely a possibility!
I have had you for almost a year now. And I have tried to like you, really I have. I have tried to adjust to the fact you have no delete key and no windows key and especially the fact that I can't right click. But you are driving me crazy right now.
Smooches,
Emily
In not quite a year of owning my own little Mac, what I have learned is I am a PC. Well, I am a PC adjusting to being a Mac. How's that? I'm sure there is a lesson in here on being patient and flexible. I love my Mac, I love my Mac, I love my Mac. And eventually it will be true. Or so I am hoping.
Speaking of inanimate objects that I am trying to love.... Thanks for letting me vent last post on my lack of joy in riding my bike. I was speaking with my physical therapist today about my bike troubles and she pointed out that some of it could be a reaction from my knee and somewhat mental. It probably doesn't like bending right now and biking involves a lot of bending of the knee. Okay, that makes sense. But I am trying to love my bike. And realizing I have only 2 more scheduled rides before the triathlon, so really 3 more rides before I can shove my bike in the garage and forget about it for the next several months has done a lot to improve my attitude! :)
Also, I joined Twitter! Say what? I know, I know. But all the cool kids are doing it, and deep down I have always wanted to be a cool kid, you know? So anyway - check me out if you'd like...@Em425 But bear with me as I'm still learning...
What's next? Ditching my (old fashioned) blackberry for an android? It's definitely a possibility!
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
What the bike??
Tonight the calendar called for a brick. A short, hilly brick. I left work and drove to the park. As I was getting my bike out of the car a little girl (maybe 8) says "I know you! You were here last week on the trail." Which, yes, yes I was. I thought it was cute that she remembered me.
I started off - up the first hill, second hill, third hill and fourth hill. I barely make it up the fourth hill. Again on the lowest of low gear. Me and this gear - we are becoming BFFs. I paused at the top at the drinking fountain and gulped down a few sips of water. I continued on, up the next hill and then I was approaching the bridge. It was on the bridge I got very, very discouraged. I made it up the hills (which is the point, right?) but it was such a struggle. Since I've been doing triathlons, usually there is a discipline I feel will be my weaker one and it varies between biking and swimming. This time it is definitely biking. I am so struggling with the bike right now. Normally I can power up hills, but I have not found that gear (ha ha!). Even on the flats I'm not doing too well. Its not that I ride too far either. I mean most of my rides are for short distances. If someone were to tell me that the bike portion was eliminated from the triathlon I would literally jump for joy at this point.
I don't know what it is - was it the months inactivity due to my knee? Is it my lack of cross-training (again due to my knee)? Why is the bike so hard for me this time? Why? I haven't had a good bike - oh wait, I take that back. Besides last Saturday I haven't had a good bike ride. I just haven't felt comfortable. Not that it was ever easy, but it has never been this hard.
I finished my ride, threw my bike in my car, thought a lot about just getting in my car and leaving but decided walking the mile and completing the brick probably would be the best thing. And it was. It was good to clear my head and just walk.
So if anyone has any bike ideas, please pass them on! I am all ears! I will take any help I can get.
I started off - up the first hill, second hill, third hill and fourth hill. I barely make it up the fourth hill. Again on the lowest of low gear. Me and this gear - we are becoming BFFs. I paused at the top at the drinking fountain and gulped down a few sips of water. I continued on, up the next hill and then I was approaching the bridge. It was on the bridge I got very, very discouraged. I made it up the hills (which is the point, right?) but it was such a struggle. Since I've been doing triathlons, usually there is a discipline I feel will be my weaker one and it varies between biking and swimming. This time it is definitely biking. I am so struggling with the bike right now. Normally I can power up hills, but I have not found that gear (ha ha!). Even on the flats I'm not doing too well. Its not that I ride too far either. I mean most of my rides are for short distances. If someone were to tell me that the bike portion was eliminated from the triathlon I would literally jump for joy at this point.
I don't know what it is - was it the months inactivity due to my knee? Is it my lack of cross-training (again due to my knee)? Why is the bike so hard for me this time? Why? I haven't had a good bike - oh wait, I take that back. Besides last Saturday I haven't had a good bike ride. I just haven't felt comfortable. Not that it was ever easy, but it has never been this hard.
I finished my ride, threw my bike in my car, thought a lot about just getting in my car and leaving but decided walking the mile and completing the brick probably would be the best thing. And it was. It was good to clear my head and just walk.
So if anyone has any bike ideas, please pass them on! I am all ears! I will take any help I can get.
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