- Husky Football!!
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes
- Pumpkin Pie
- Oh, heck! Anything pumpkin really...
- Leaves changing colors
- Crisp fall days
- Buying school supplies (yes I am a nerd, but there is something about buying a new notebook & pens during the back to school sales)
- Snuggling under the blankets (especially when it is raining outside)
- The new fall TV season
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
List #11 What I Love About Fall
Since it is looking and feeling more and more like fall, I'm going to celebrate with another list! I really do love fall. The colorful leaves, the crispness of the air. I could go on but then I wouldn't need a list! :)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Five Senses Friday
Seeing
Want more Five Senses? Check out Mandi's!
- A marriage proposal at the table next to mine
- Spice Girls - sometimes you need to Spice Up Your Life with a little zigazigah!
- Brie & basil waffle at Sweet Iron
- Banana Ice Cream
- Sore from helping my brother move
- The wind in my hair as I took a spin in Diane's new convertible with the top down
- White Flour Oil
Want more Five Senses? Check out Mandi's!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
List #10 What I Love About Summer
As I was on my bike racing against the setting sun (and the dark rain cloud) I came to the realization that summer is coming to an end (and quickly at that!). While I love fall, there is something to be said for summer and all of its wonderfulness. And here are a few of the reasons why I love summer!
- It stays light until almost 10 pm!
- Drinking iced coffee
- Drinking iced coffee that I bought with a treat receipt
- Outdoor seating at restaurants
- Running outside after work
- Swim & biking outside for that matter
- Outdoor movies
- Beautiful blue skies
- Picnics
- Triathlons
- T-shirt weather
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Covey Run 5K & Lake Union 10K
Aren't you lucky? Two! Two race reports! Ahahahaha!! (My tribute to the Count, my favorite Sesame Street character. Hm, does this explain why I'm an accountant?)
This is really turning out to be the summer of races! Both of these had been on my calendar for awhile, but I wasn't sure which one I was going to end up doing. Little did I know I was going to end up doing both.
My 33 Things goal of 12 5Ks led my to choose the Covey Run. I showed up bright and early, got my t-shirt and race number. The one complaint I have about this race was the start. No pace markers, no division between runners, walkers or strollers. It was a giant mass of people all trying to cross the start line at the same time. I tried to start towards the back, but not too far back. I still had quite a few of people to navigate around and through but it did finally start to thin out.
The course was out and back on a section of the Woodinville Redmond road and basically flat. The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot yet. I had my usual goal of running, and only walking through the water stop(s). Once I made my out of the mass of people I found one woman who I thought I could keep pace with. Key word being thought. It wasn't too long before I realized she was a little too fast for me and so I backed off. I kept going, slow and steady. There was one water stop, however since it was an out and back, there were technically two! I skipped the first one, feeling pretty good, but stopped at it on the way back. The back part seemed way longer than the out part. Funny how that works! :) But finally I was back to the Redhook entrance and the 3 mile sign. As I rounded the corner I saw the finish line and that the clock said 37 minutes. Holy cow!! Was I going to PR?? I knew I had a few seconds to play with, so it would be close. But yes, yes I did PR! I finished in 37:13 (my previous best being 37:24). Does that count as improving my 5K time? I'm going to count it! :) Check that off the 33 Things list!
I'd somewhat decided against the Lake Union 10K but hadn't officially closed the door and got talked into doing it when I found out two of my co-workers were going to do it. The race started at 7:30 in the morning. Ugh! My alarm went off too early for a Sunday morning and what is the first thing I heard when I woke up? Rain. Double ugh! At least it was more of a sprinkling mist than actual rain. But I now had the dilemma of whether or not to change my race outfit... I decided against changing, but did add a hat to my ensemble. I met Teresa & Nilufer at the designated rendezvous (the office) and we headed across the bridge.
The rain had picked up a little, but still not too bad. We got our race numbers & t-shirts and used the real bathroom before heading to the start line. It was looking like it might be a messy start again, but then the race director started putting people into their pace. And they started us in waves, which made for a nice start. I wished Nilufer & Teresa good race and we were off! Once again I started off a little fast, but settled in fairly quickly.
Nilufer passed me by fairly early on. I knew this was going to be a challenge, running with people I knew. I know and accept that I am not the fastest and that is okay. But I still judge myself and compare myself to others. I knew I had to let it go. I tried to keep Nilufer in sight, which I did up until the bridge. At that point, I couldn't see her anymore and it was actually for the best. I was able to focus back on myself and my race.
My goal for this race, which I wasn't completely set on since the longest distance I have run lately is half this, was the same - run, only walking through the water stops. The race was marked in kilometers and as I passed 5K, I was still feeling strong. Okay, I might be able to make my goal!
I have done this course before, except in reverse. And I must say I liked this way a lot better. The many uphills were now downhills! Except the one very steep downhill, which was now a very steep uphill. I made it part way up before walking the remainder. I picked it back up and was soon rewarded with the 7K sign! Hallelujah!! I can so do 3Ks. I could say the next 3Ks passed by quickly, but they didn't. However, as I turned one corner the Space Needle came into view, which put a smile on my face. I knew I was going to make it, even if I had to grit out the last few Ks, which I did. But as it always happens, the finish line came in to view and I turned on the afterburners. Done!!
Wow, my PRs are falling right and left! My official time for this race? 1:16:48!! Beating my last 10K PR by 4 minutes. Maybe I am a runner after all!
This is really turning out to be the summer of races! Both of these had been on my calendar for awhile, but I wasn't sure which one I was going to end up doing. Little did I know I was going to end up doing both.
My 33 Things goal of 12 5Ks led my to choose the Covey Run. I showed up bright and early, got my t-shirt and race number. The one complaint I have about this race was the start. No pace markers, no division between runners, walkers or strollers. It was a giant mass of people all trying to cross the start line at the same time. I tried to start towards the back, but not too far back. I still had quite a few of people to navigate around and through but it did finally start to thin out.
The course was out and back on a section of the Woodinville Redmond road and basically flat. The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot yet. I had my usual goal of running, and only walking through the water stop(s). Once I made my out of the mass of people I found one woman who I thought I could keep pace with. Key word being thought. It wasn't too long before I realized she was a little too fast for me and so I backed off. I kept going, slow and steady. There was one water stop, however since it was an out and back, there were technically two! I skipped the first one, feeling pretty good, but stopped at it on the way back. The back part seemed way longer than the out part. Funny how that works! :) But finally I was back to the Redhook entrance and the 3 mile sign. As I rounded the corner I saw the finish line and that the clock said 37 minutes. Holy cow!! Was I going to PR?? I knew I had a few seconds to play with, so it would be close. But yes, yes I did PR! I finished in 37:13 (my previous best being 37:24). Does that count as improving my 5K time? I'm going to count it! :) Check that off the 33 Things list!
I'd somewhat decided against the Lake Union 10K but hadn't officially closed the door and got talked into doing it when I found out two of my co-workers were going to do it. The race started at 7:30 in the morning. Ugh! My alarm went off too early for a Sunday morning and what is the first thing I heard when I woke up? Rain. Double ugh! At least it was more of a sprinkling mist than actual rain. But I now had the dilemma of whether or not to change my race outfit... I decided against changing, but did add a hat to my ensemble. I met Teresa & Nilufer at the designated rendezvous (the office) and we headed across the bridge.
The rain had picked up a little, but still not too bad. We got our race numbers & t-shirts and used the real bathroom before heading to the start line. It was looking like it might be a messy start again, but then the race director started putting people into their pace. And they started us in waves, which made for a nice start. I wished Nilufer & Teresa good race and we were off! Once again I started off a little fast, but settled in fairly quickly.
Nilufer passed me by fairly early on. I knew this was going to be a challenge, running with people I knew. I know and accept that I am not the fastest and that is okay. But I still judge myself and compare myself to others. I knew I had to let it go. I tried to keep Nilufer in sight, which I did up until the bridge. At that point, I couldn't see her anymore and it was actually for the best. I was able to focus back on myself and my race.
My goal for this race, which I wasn't completely set on since the longest distance I have run lately is half this, was the same - run, only walking through the water stops. The race was marked in kilometers and as I passed 5K, I was still feeling strong. Okay, I might be able to make my goal!
I have done this course before, except in reverse. And I must say I liked this way a lot better. The many uphills were now downhills! Except the one very steep downhill, which was now a very steep uphill. I made it part way up before walking the remainder. I picked it back up and was soon rewarded with the 7K sign! Hallelujah!! I can so do 3Ks. I could say the next 3Ks passed by quickly, but they didn't. However, as I turned one corner the Space Needle came into view, which put a smile on my face. I knew I was going to make it, even if I had to grit out the last few Ks, which I did. But as it always happens, the finish line came in to view and I turned on the afterburners. Done!!
Wow, my PRs are falling right and left! My official time for this race? 1:16:48!! Beating my last 10K PR by 4 minutes. Maybe I am a runner after all!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Five Senses Friday
Seeing
Want more Five Senses? Head over to: Abby Try Again. Happy Weekend!!
- Lots of fishies in the lake
- Roasted corn & avocado dip
- Summertime
- BBQ
- The chill of the clouds followed by the heat of the sun
Want more Five Senses? Head over to: Abby Try Again. Happy Weekend!!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sensational Green Machine
Shall we cut to the chase? I not only beat my best time, I also came in under 2 hours!! Barely (at 1:59:43), but it still counts! :)
Okay, rewind back to Saturday... I got to the check in a little later hoping the crowds would have died down. But no such luck - the line was going down the block. I had just gotten in line when the volunteer came by to tell us we could bypass this line if we knew our race number. Wait, was it 2568 or 2658? I looked it up on my phone - 2658! Whew! Bypass this line and on to the next line, and another line, and another and finally I was checked in and numbered.
On to the bike racking. I parked, grabbed my bike & helmet and headed to transition. Once I got to transition I made the discovery that somewhere between the parking lot and transition I lost my bike helmet number. Boo! I retraced my steps but no sticker. The volunteer I asked said to stop by tomorrow and pick up a blank name tag as a substitute bike helmet number. Well, okay then. Nothing left to do now but go home and get a good night's sleep.
Thanks to my fan I did get a decent night's sleep, even with it being super hot. And while 90+ might not be that hot elsewhere, this is Seattle and we melt, or at least I melt. I was up bright & early, ate my banana and half a bagel and was ready to go.
I got my name tag / bike helmet number and set up my transition area before making my way down to the water. The good thing about the soaring temperatures - the water wasn't quite as chilly! In fact, as I was waiting with my green caps to enter the water, one person remarked that it was much hotter than last year to which I responded that it only helps in the swim!
We entered the water and the cheers began. Our word was "sensational" and then it was time to count down. And we were off!! The sun was almost directly in my eyes and it was hard to see the first buoy. I tried to follow the feet in front of me but they were not going as fast as I would like so I passed them and tried to find a new set of feet. The wind had picked and the waves were coming in strong. Keep going. Each stroke was a fight until I finally rounded the first buoy. Past the first buoy it was a whole new swim! The waves weren't nearly as strong and the sun wasn't in my eyes. I kept going and was about to get out of the water when the girl in front of me kicked me in the chest and then the nose. Ouch! Oh well.
I made it back to my transition area, threw on my clothes and shoes, grabbed my bike and was off. There is one hill that I normally get off and walk up - it is short, steep and quite narrow and I'm not confident in my bike skills in such a narrow place so it is easier to get off and walk it up. There wasn't a lot of people near me when I started up so I shifted down and started climbing. I made it about halfway up before jumping off my bike and walking the rest of the way up.
I love the energy of this race, especially in the tunnel where the yells and cheers echo off the walls. I surprised myself with how many people I was passing on the bike. I reached the turn around and started back. The views from the bridge deck were amazing - Mt. Rainier and the very blue water. It was beautiful! I made it back and jumped off my bike and somehow got it back on the rack.
I was feeling quite spent at this point. The heat was starting to get to me. But I was still determined to run as much as possible, and only walking through the water stops. Thank the Lord there were 4 water stops! I stopped at all of them but on the second and fourth I just dumped the water on my head. The hill rose up in front of me and I hung on until I was half way up before stopping for what I hoped was my last walk break. At the top of the hill was one spectator who I swear I'd seen several times before. He was ringing a cowbell and yelling for us. "Go get your downhill - you earned it!" That's right, I did earn a downhill and I'm taking it! Down, down, down to the finish line. More and more spectators lined the streets and the cheers were getting louder. Come on! My feet seemed to have a mind of their own and carried me across the finish line!! Yay!!
Between the waves and heat I wasn't expecting to beat my time so imagine my surprise when I saw my time! Where did I make up time? A little here and a little there - I shaved time off the swim, bike & run.
Two down, two more to go!!
Okay, rewind back to Saturday... I got to the check in a little later hoping the crowds would have died down. But no such luck - the line was going down the block. I had just gotten in line when the volunteer came by to tell us we could bypass this line if we knew our race number. Wait, was it 2568 or 2658? I looked it up on my phone - 2658! Whew! Bypass this line and on to the next line, and another line, and another and finally I was checked in and numbered.
On to the bike racking. I parked, grabbed my bike & helmet and headed to transition. Once I got to transition I made the discovery that somewhere between the parking lot and transition I lost my bike helmet number. Boo! I retraced my steps but no sticker. The volunteer I asked said to stop by tomorrow and pick up a blank name tag as a substitute bike helmet number. Well, okay then. Nothing left to do now but go home and get a good night's sleep.
Thanks to my fan I did get a decent night's sleep, even with it being super hot. And while 90+ might not be that hot elsewhere, this is Seattle and we melt, or at least I melt. I was up bright & early, ate my banana and half a bagel and was ready to go.
I got my name tag / bike helmet number and set up my transition area before making my way down to the water. The good thing about the soaring temperatures - the water wasn't quite as chilly! In fact, as I was waiting with my green caps to enter the water, one person remarked that it was much hotter than last year to which I responded that it only helps in the swim!
We entered the water and the cheers began. Our word was "sensational" and then it was time to count down. And we were off!! The sun was almost directly in my eyes and it was hard to see the first buoy. I tried to follow the feet in front of me but they were not going as fast as I would like so I passed them and tried to find a new set of feet. The wind had picked and the waves were coming in strong. Keep going. Each stroke was a fight until I finally rounded the first buoy. Past the first buoy it was a whole new swim! The waves weren't nearly as strong and the sun wasn't in my eyes. I kept going and was about to get out of the water when the girl in front of me kicked me in the chest and then the nose. Ouch! Oh well.
I made it back to my transition area, threw on my clothes and shoes, grabbed my bike and was off. There is one hill that I normally get off and walk up - it is short, steep and quite narrow and I'm not confident in my bike skills in such a narrow place so it is easier to get off and walk it up. There wasn't a lot of people near me when I started up so I shifted down and started climbing. I made it about halfway up before jumping off my bike and walking the rest of the way up.
I love the energy of this race, especially in the tunnel where the yells and cheers echo off the walls. I surprised myself with how many people I was passing on the bike. I reached the turn around and started back. The views from the bridge deck were amazing - Mt. Rainier and the very blue water. It was beautiful! I made it back and jumped off my bike and somehow got it back on the rack.
I was feeling quite spent at this point. The heat was starting to get to me. But I was still determined to run as much as possible, and only walking through the water stops. Thank the Lord there were 4 water stops! I stopped at all of them but on the second and fourth I just dumped the water on my head. The hill rose up in front of me and I hung on until I was half way up before stopping for what I hoped was my last walk break. At the top of the hill was one spectator who I swear I'd seen several times before. He was ringing a cowbell and yelling for us. "Go get your downhill - you earned it!" That's right, I did earn a downhill and I'm taking it! Down, down, down to the finish line. More and more spectators lined the streets and the cheers were getting louder. Come on! My feet seemed to have a mind of their own and carried me across the finish line!! Yay!!
Between the waves and heat I wasn't expecting to beat my time so imagine my surprise when I saw my time! Where did I make up time? A little here and a little there - I shaved time off the swim, bike & run.
Two down, two more to go!!
Pre-race
Post race (with my newest medal)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Five Senses Friday
Wow, can it already be time for triathlon #2? That went fast. The training that I meant to keep up with? Yeah, not so much. But I did cram a lot into the past couple of days - pool swim, brick & a lake swim. This is my "A" race so hopefully I am ready. I am ready. I am ready. I just need to keep telling myself that! :)
Seeing
For more Five Senses head over to Mandi or Abby Try Again.
Seeing
- An email come across that I had been waiting for
- Cars, lots of cars zooming past
- Birthday cupcakes!!
- Vanilla soap
- Waves crashing into me
For more Five Senses head over to Mandi or Abby Try Again.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Skirt Chaser 5K
I am fairly fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of 5Ks, all within an easy distance of my house. And then I saw Skirt Sports was sponsoring a fun 5K in Vancouver, WA (about a 3 hour drive, give or take). So I got some wild hair and decided to drive down and run the 5K. I left in plenty of time to arrive early, but traffic had other ideas. A couple accidents, some roadwork, and a slow down later all my cushion time disappeared. It became a game - could I make up enough time? I seriously hate being late. I am such an early bird, I was stressing at this point, but not enough to turn around and give up. I had come to far at this point. I arrived with 2 minutes to spare. Whew!!
I ran to check in and to my dismay they had just packed up. Was I going to be thwarted after all? But the nice volunteers unpacked enough to give me a race number and send me on my way. I didn't get a chip timer but at this point I was just happy to make the race. I missed the girls' start but was able to start 3 minutes later with the boys. Eh, we knew I was going to be passed by the boys, this way they started in front of me instead of blowing past me! :)
I was a little worried at this point that my fear of being the last one to cross the finish line was really going to come true this race. But before long, I had caught up with some walkers, and then another set of walkers, and then some runners! My goal was once again to run, only walking through the water stop. Oh, and the hill. Stupid hill. I got most of the way up it, but as it circled around a corner and continued to climb, I lost my momentum and slowed to a walk, but then picked it back up again. Best part about the hill? After that it was pretty much all downhill from there! I crossed the finish line and looked up to see what might possibly have been very close to my best time ever in a 5K, but with no timing chip we will never know...
I hung around the post race party for a bit before climbing in my car and heading home. It was a fun race - although I don't know if I would drive all the way down there for a 5K again (a longer distance - possibly). But they are currently allowing people to vote for cities to host a Skirt Chaser 5K so go out there and vote!! For Seattle of course! :)
I ran to check in and to my dismay they had just packed up. Was I going to be thwarted after all? But the nice volunteers unpacked enough to give me a race number and send me on my way. I didn't get a chip timer but at this point I was just happy to make the race. I missed the girls' start but was able to start 3 minutes later with the boys. Eh, we knew I was going to be passed by the boys, this way they started in front of me instead of blowing past me! :)
I was a little worried at this point that my fear of being the last one to cross the finish line was really going to come true this race. But before long, I had caught up with some walkers, and then another set of walkers, and then some runners! My goal was once again to run, only walking through the water stop. Oh, and the hill. Stupid hill. I got most of the way up it, but as it circled around a corner and continued to climb, I lost my momentum and slowed to a walk, but then picked it back up again. Best part about the hill? After that it was pretty much all downhill from there! I crossed the finish line and looked up to see what might possibly have been very close to my best time ever in a 5K, but with no timing chip we will never know...
I hung around the post race party for a bit before climbing in my car and heading home. It was a fun race - although I don't know if I would drive all the way down there for a 5K again (a longer distance - possibly). But they are currently allowing people to vote for cities to host a Skirt Chaser 5K so go out there and vote!! For Seattle of course! :)
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Water
My week of activity continued with Drinks for Drinks a benefit (really a party) on Friday night for charity: water. After a long week of activity, I wasn't sure about another night out (I am somewhat of a homebody) but it was a chance to hang out with Diane & Nikki, plus water charities are very close to my heart. Maybe because I drink so much water myself (at work they joke I am part camel due to my water consumption), I think clean drinking water is so important. So I decided to go, and I was really glad I did. The price of admission went directly to the charity and got you a drink, hot dog & the chance to listen to a great cover band. A good time was had by me & the benefit raised over $140K. Amazing!!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Five Senses Friday
This has been a week chock full of activity! I think I had all of summer in one week. I am so ready for a nap right about now! :) My plans for the weekend – nothing! Well nothing, with a little swimbikerun thrown in, next triathlon is a week from Sunday!
Seeing
Want more Five Senses? Check out Mandi's!
Seeing
- The Hangover at Redhook's moonlight cinema
- The Mariners win!!
- Take me out to the ballgame
- Blue Angels!
- Hot dogs, fish tacos, kettle corn, princess snacks & beer ice cream (but not all at the same time!)
- The sun on my face (thankfully I had sunscreen on!)
- Stressed, trying to find a spot for 7 people to watch The Hangover (it was super crowded) & in typical Emily fashion, I couldn’t decide so tried to save several spots (choice #2 was the winner!).
- Popcorn & crackerjacks
Want more Five Senses? Check out Mandi's!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Mid Summer All Womens Triathlon
This particular triathlon had caught my eye a few years ago, but had never worked out for me to do it until this year. It was in Portland (about a 3 hr drive from Seattle) and my mom decided to come along for the ride. Car loaded up, it was time to start the long, very long drive with just me and my mom in the car. Did I mention it was a 3 hour drive? Agatha Christie (and Hercule Poirot) to the rescue! My mom was and is the queen of books on tape. I remember listening to books on tape all throughout my childhood and on many family vacations. So we popped in Death on the Nile and were off. (You know I love you Mom - and you did get an A- for the trip!)
Traffic wasn't too horrible, many miles and several slow downs later we were in Portland. After picking up the race packet and checking into the hotel, we drove out to the race site to look around. Thank goodness the buoys were not up in the water because I think I would have had nightmares if I had seen where they were placed. What did greet us at the race site were mosquitoes, lots and lots of mosquitoes. Given a choice of Person A or Emily, mosquitoes will undoubtedly choose Emily. I must have sweet blood or something. The tour of the race site did not last long, but by the time I got back into the car I was sporting a handful of mosquito bites. Which called for an emergency stop at Target for bug spray and calamine lotion.
Dinner ended up being room service at the hotel as by the time we got back it was getting late and I needed sleep. I was debating between margherita pizza and crab gnocchi and guess what I choose? Wrong! I did not choose margherita pizza, although I really wanted to, but instead had the gnocchi. It was quite delicious.
I passed quite a restless night, which is usual in a new bed and the night before a race. Breakfast was half a bagel and a banana. The drive to the race site was much faster at 6 a.m. I set up, listened to the race instructions and before you knew it, the race was about to start. I took a quick dip in the water to test out the temp. Oh my word, it was warm!! This was definitely not Lake Washington!
Swim
As I might have mentioned previously as I was starting to feel a slight bit complacent about this distance. All that went out the window on the swim!! This distance can still kick by butt! Just looking at the buoys way out there started freaking me out. Is that really how far I have to swim? I started off to the side and near the back. My wave started with the windmill of arms and legs thrashing through the water. I apparently did not adjust my goggles quite right as they started to fill up with water. I tried to ignore and keep going. The distance to the first buoy seemed to get longer, not shorter. One thing I do need to work on - sighting. Finally I passed by the first buoy. The next several buoys passed by much quicker and then I was almost to the shore.
T1
Coming out of the water, I ripped off my goggles. My eyes were so happy! And then I spotted the steep hill leading back to transition. I literally tripped my way up the hill, somehow managing to stay on my feet. Socks, shoes, shirt, sunglasses, race number, helmet & I was off.
Bike
The description of the bike course was flat and fast. Flat, definitely, with a couple of baby hills. And so began the portion which I like to call "Where Emily gets passed by a lot of people, but manages to pass a few". I did try not to draft, however in these small races, sometimes you can't avoid it! Girls were flying by me left and well, left. Although one did call out "on your right" before she passed on the left. Then, for a time, no one was passing me and I started to wonder if everyone had already passed me and I was the last one on the course. But surely I had not been passed by 300+ women? It is funny what your mind will think. I decided that while I was going to continue getting passed, I might as well get in on the action. I picked one rider ahead of me and slowly reeled her in, and did the same with another and another. I played leapfrog with one rider - I passed her, she passed me, I passed her, she passed me and as we were nearing the end and I wasn't sure I had enough time to repass, but I did!
T2
I swear the ins and outs of this course were super long! I dismounted and made my way to my transition area. Putting the bike back on the rack has to be one of the hardest parts of a race for me, however due to the size of this race, the racks were fairly open and easier to navigate. I took off towards the run when suddenly I realized I still had my helmet on. Oops! Back to my transition area and off with the helmet. Now I was really ready to run.
Run
My goal for the run is increasingly becoming run as much as I can, walking through water stops. The first part of the run was through the park, with lots of spectators. Their cheering helped keep me running at first. And then it was the fact that no one else was walking. Since no one else was walking, I had to keep running, didn't I? Or so I told myself. It was at the Mile 1 sign where I really wished I had my iPod because then it would only be 7 or 8 more songs. But they are not allowed so it was just me and my thoughts. And then the hill appeared. There still wasn't anyone walking, so I still couldn't walk either. But the girls coming from the other direction called out encouragement saying the turn around was just up the hill! And a water stop! I walked through the water stop and then started back up. Mile 2 passed and I kept running. One more to go! This I can do! Especially since there was another water stop, which I walked through. And a steep downhill, which I walked down, as I was pretty sure if I didn't I would fall flat on my face. Less than a mile now, I can do it. I came around the corner and there was the finish chute. The cheers were amazing and gave me energy to sprint to the end.
And there you have it! A new personal record for yours truly. Where did I pick up my time? Why in the run! And while the elusive sub 2 hr race still eludes me, I am that much closer. This was a fun race! I would do it again.
We headed back to the hotel, checked out and were back on the road towards home, trying to figure out who done it (and we guessed right!).
Traffic wasn't too horrible, many miles and several slow downs later we were in Portland. After picking up the race packet and checking into the hotel, we drove out to the race site to look around. Thank goodness the buoys were not up in the water because I think I would have had nightmares if I had seen where they were placed. What did greet us at the race site were mosquitoes, lots and lots of mosquitoes. Given a choice of Person A or Emily, mosquitoes will undoubtedly choose Emily. I must have sweet blood or something. The tour of the race site did not last long, but by the time I got back into the car I was sporting a handful of mosquito bites. Which called for an emergency stop at Target for bug spray and calamine lotion.
Dinner ended up being room service at the hotel as by the time we got back it was getting late and I needed sleep. I was debating between margherita pizza and crab gnocchi and guess what I choose? Wrong! I did not choose margherita pizza, although I really wanted to, but instead had the gnocchi. It was quite delicious.
I passed quite a restless night, which is usual in a new bed and the night before a race. Breakfast was half a bagel and a banana. The drive to the race site was much faster at 6 a.m. I set up, listened to the race instructions and before you knew it, the race was about to start. I took a quick dip in the water to test out the temp. Oh my word, it was warm!! This was definitely not Lake Washington!
Swim
As I might have mentioned previously as I was starting to feel a slight bit complacent about this distance. All that went out the window on the swim!! This distance can still kick by butt! Just looking at the buoys way out there started freaking me out. Is that really how far I have to swim? I started off to the side and near the back. My wave started with the windmill of arms and legs thrashing through the water. I apparently did not adjust my goggles quite right as they started to fill up with water. I tried to ignore and keep going. The distance to the first buoy seemed to get longer, not shorter. One thing I do need to work on - sighting. Finally I passed by the first buoy. The next several buoys passed by much quicker and then I was almost to the shore.
T1
Coming out of the water, I ripped off my goggles. My eyes were so happy! And then I spotted the steep hill leading back to transition. I literally tripped my way up the hill, somehow managing to stay on my feet. Socks, shoes, shirt, sunglasses, race number, helmet & I was off.
Bike
The description of the bike course was flat and fast. Flat, definitely, with a couple of baby hills. And so began the portion which I like to call "Where Emily gets passed by a lot of people, but manages to pass a few". I did try not to draft, however in these small races, sometimes you can't avoid it! Girls were flying by me left and well, left. Although one did call out "on your right" before she passed on the left. Then, for a time, no one was passing me and I started to wonder if everyone had already passed me and I was the last one on the course. But surely I had not been passed by 300+ women? It is funny what your mind will think. I decided that while I was going to continue getting passed, I might as well get in on the action. I picked one rider ahead of me and slowly reeled her in, and did the same with another and another. I played leapfrog with one rider - I passed her, she passed me, I passed her, she passed me and as we were nearing the end and I wasn't sure I had enough time to repass, but I did!
T2
I swear the ins and outs of this course were super long! I dismounted and made my way to my transition area. Putting the bike back on the rack has to be one of the hardest parts of a race for me, however due to the size of this race, the racks were fairly open and easier to navigate. I took off towards the run when suddenly I realized I still had my helmet on. Oops! Back to my transition area and off with the helmet. Now I was really ready to run.
Run
My goal for the run is increasingly becoming run as much as I can, walking through water stops. The first part of the run was through the park, with lots of spectators. Their cheering helped keep me running at first. And then it was the fact that no one else was walking. Since no one else was walking, I had to keep running, didn't I? Or so I told myself. It was at the Mile 1 sign where I really wished I had my iPod because then it would only be 7 or 8 more songs. But they are not allowed so it was just me and my thoughts. And then the hill appeared. There still wasn't anyone walking, so I still couldn't walk either. But the girls coming from the other direction called out encouragement saying the turn around was just up the hill! And a water stop! I walked through the water stop and then started back up. Mile 2 passed and I kept running. One more to go! This I can do! Especially since there was another water stop, which I walked through. And a steep downhill, which I walked down, as I was pretty sure if I didn't I would fall flat on my face. Less than a mile now, I can do it. I came around the corner and there was the finish chute. The cheers were amazing and gave me energy to sprint to the end.
And there you have it! A new personal record for yours truly. Where did I pick up my time? Why in the run! And while the elusive sub 2 hr race still eludes me, I am that much closer. This was a fun race! I would do it again.
We headed back to the hotel, checked out and were back on the road towards home, trying to figure out who done it (and we guessed right!).
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Five Senses Friday
Seeing
- My brightly painted pink nails
- The water is warm - this from another swimmer who had just finished swimming in Lake Washington
- Drumstick ice cream!! It was ice cream day at work.
- Poked and prodded as not only did the doctor take blood, but also a tetanus shot. I hate needles!!
- I'm drawing a blank on this one...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
My Life List
While I enjoy my 33 Things list, the time limit can be, well limiting! So I decided to expand and create a life list (inspired by the many life lists out there). But no rules, no time limitations, and I can add (or subtract) at any time. Watch this space for updates & progress!
- Run in the NYC Half Marathon
- Complete an Olympic (or International) distance triathlon
- Complete a Half Iron Man distance triathlon
- Buy a DSLR*
- Take a class to learn how to use DLSR*
- Purchase a Disney timeshare*
- Buy a house/townhome/condo
- Visit Macchu Piccu
- Visit the Pyramids
- Visit the Grand Canyon
- Write a novel
- Visit Washington D.C.
- Visit the Northeast in the fall to see the leaves
- Attend a Duke basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium
- Attend a fancy dress ball
- Take a month (or two) off work to travel
- Take road trip through California
- Ride in a hot air balloon
- Step foot on all 7 continents
- Walk a portion of the Great Wall of China
- Visit Alaska
- One I will keep to myself
- Get down to the weight on my driver’s license
- Take a road trip through Ireland
- Take a dance class*
- Visit Tokyo Disneyland
- Finish a sprint distance triathlon in under 2 hours
- Get a pedicure (which would require me to get over my issues with feet!)
- Become conversant or at least comfortable speaking another language
- Finish a half marathon in under 3 hours
- Learn how to play chess
- Be able to do a wheel in yoga
- Run a 10K
* Also part of my 33 Things list.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Swedish 5K SummeRun
I was in a fairly optimistic frame of mind when I decided to run 12 5Ks as part of my 33 Things. And then reality sets in - I had thought to do one a month and here it is almost the end of July. Fortunately the Swedish SummeRun was this weekend.
I got to the race site early, in time to sign up for the race. First time I didn't pre-register! Registration was a piece of cake and I changed into my race shirt, stretched, used the port-o-potty and stretched some more. The 10K runners set off to the sounds of a live band. I absolutely love the start of a race!! And the live band was great!
After the 10Kers had started, the 5Kers lined up. I took my spot in the 10 and higher pace section. We were counted down and off we went! I do have to say, people were lined up pretty well pace-wise. I didn't have to run over too many people and not too many people ran over me.
My goal for this race was to run as much as I could, hopefully only walking through the water stop. To continue with the hill theme, the race basically started off with a downhill. Oh great, this will be loads of fun on the way back. But for now I'll enjoy the downhill. It took me awhile to find my rhythm but then I slow and steady through Mile 1. Okay, I can do this. I was starting to falter when I saw what I thought was the water stop. It wasn't, but it got me to the next downhill. And after the downhill was the water stop! Hooray! I grabbed water and walked until I had finished my water and started running again. And then it was Mile 2!! I got this. I knew I had it, but my mind needed more convincing. Especially up the next hill. At the top of the hill was when the back caught back up with the out and there was still a ton of people walking. The cheers from the walkers helped with the convincing. Less than a mile, less than a mile. I can do this. And then it was the hill from the beginning of the race. It wasn't this long at the beginning was it? Why did the hill grow? I am so close - I have to keep going. Can't I walk? No, you are almost there, you can make it! Right foot, left foot, keep going and then I was at the top! And there was the Mile 6 sign (for the 10Kers). Only 2 tenths of a mile, so got this. Before I knew it, the finish line was in sight. I could see the clock and it had just turned to 59:00. I knew we started about 20 minutes after the 10Kers, so if I could make it across the finish line before it turned to 60:00 I would have finished in about 40 minutes, while not my best time, still good for me. Now it was down to me & the clock. I'm not sure what the exact time was, but it still said 59 so mission accomplished!
Race done, I hopped back in my car and headed for church. I was fairly positive God wouldn't mind if I showed up for church sweaty, but I wasn't sure about the people I would be sitting next too. I quickly toweled off with the free towel they gave us and called it good.
Race done, church done - next up was hot yoga. I've found hot yoga after a run really does help me loosen up and stretch out. It was a hard class, but we did do some hip work, which was good.
What was my actual time? I'd like to know that as well. My time is not showing up on the results page. I'm hoping they just haven't uploaded everyone's time and eventually it will show up and my time is not lost forever. Another reason why I really need to buy my Garmin watch so I can keep track of my time myself. Hmm, another car payment redirection perhaps?
I got to the race site early, in time to sign up for the race. First time I didn't pre-register! Registration was a piece of cake and I changed into my race shirt, stretched, used the port-o-potty and stretched some more. The 10K runners set off to the sounds of a live band. I absolutely love the start of a race!! And the live band was great!
After the 10Kers had started, the 5Kers lined up. I took my spot in the 10 and higher pace section. We were counted down and off we went! I do have to say, people were lined up pretty well pace-wise. I didn't have to run over too many people and not too many people ran over me.
My goal for this race was to run as much as I could, hopefully only walking through the water stop. To continue with the hill theme, the race basically started off with a downhill. Oh great, this will be loads of fun on the way back. But for now I'll enjoy the downhill. It took me awhile to find my rhythm but then I slow and steady through Mile 1. Okay, I can do this. I was starting to falter when I saw what I thought was the water stop. It wasn't, but it got me to the next downhill. And after the downhill was the water stop! Hooray! I grabbed water and walked until I had finished my water and started running again. And then it was Mile 2!! I got this. I knew I had it, but my mind needed more convincing. Especially up the next hill. At the top of the hill was when the back caught back up with the out and there was still a ton of people walking. The cheers from the walkers helped with the convincing. Less than a mile, less than a mile. I can do this. And then it was the hill from the beginning of the race. It wasn't this long at the beginning was it? Why did the hill grow? I am so close - I have to keep going. Can't I walk? No, you are almost there, you can make it! Right foot, left foot, keep going and then I was at the top! And there was the Mile 6 sign (for the 10Kers). Only 2 tenths of a mile, so got this. Before I knew it, the finish line was in sight. I could see the clock and it had just turned to 59:00. I knew we started about 20 minutes after the 10Kers, so if I could make it across the finish line before it turned to 60:00 I would have finished in about 40 minutes, while not my best time, still good for me. Now it was down to me & the clock. I'm not sure what the exact time was, but it still said 59 so mission accomplished!
Race done, I hopped back in my car and headed for church. I was fairly positive God wouldn't mind if I showed up for church sweaty, but I wasn't sure about the people I would be sitting next too. I quickly toweled off with the free towel they gave us and called it good.
Race done, church done - next up was hot yoga. I've found hot yoga after a run really does help me loosen up and stretch out. It was a hard class, but we did do some hip work, which was good.
What was my actual time? I'd like to know that as well. My time is not showing up on the results page. I'm hoping they just haven't uploaded everyone's time and eventually it will show up and my time is not lost forever. Another reason why I really need to buy my Garmin watch so I can keep track of my time myself. Hmm, another car payment redirection perhaps?
Say What?
First off, I left out one tiny detail from my post yesterday. And that would be the lake swim! How did I forget that? Freezing cold once again, but fortunately no fish this time! The nagging slow feeling was still there. The sun was out though and the sun beams cutting through the water kept playing tricks on me.
So how did I end up signing up for 4 triathlons in 8 weeks? Yeah, I'm not sure I thought this through. This is will be my fifth year doing sprint triathlons. I really like the sprint distance - it isn't too far, but does require some training, at least for me. I did find myself feeling a little complacent towards training and I'm not quite ready to jump to the next level. So what to do to bump up the excitement level? Add a couple of races! The 2 in Seattle were no brainers. It's the course I'm most familiar with and they are a month apart to keep me focused on training. The next one I signed up for is the one taking place next weekend in Portland - I've been looking at this race for awhile now and finally decided to go ahead and do it. Three triathlons, that is a good number. It'll keep me busy and trained.
When did 3 turn into 4? Problem with working a lot is that at 10 p.m. at night when I'm still at the office, all I can think about is vacation. And Italy is not until November. Okay then, where to go and what to do? Labor Day is right in the middle of my triathlon season and guess what is happening at Disney World? That's right - a triathlon! It was almost too perfect. But the cost... But I just paid off my car!! I can direct a car payment (or two) towards a trip to Disney World before redirecting to other avenues. Sounds too perfect! I'll be going by myself, but it'll be fun. And you are never really alone at Disney World!! After all, Mickey lives there.
And that's how I ended up signing up for 4 triathlons in 8 weeks.
So how did I end up signing up for 4 triathlons in 8 weeks? Yeah, I'm not sure I thought this through. This is will be my fifth year doing sprint triathlons. I really like the sprint distance - it isn't too far, but does require some training, at least for me. I did find myself feeling a little complacent towards training and I'm not quite ready to jump to the next level. So what to do to bump up the excitement level? Add a couple of races! The 2 in Seattle were no brainers. It's the course I'm most familiar with and they are a month apart to keep me focused on training. The next one I signed up for is the one taking place next weekend in Portland - I've been looking at this race for awhile now and finally decided to go ahead and do it. Three triathlons, that is a good number. It'll keep me busy and trained.
When did 3 turn into 4? Problem with working a lot is that at 10 p.m. at night when I'm still at the office, all I can think about is vacation. And Italy is not until November. Okay then, where to go and what to do? Labor Day is right in the middle of my triathlon season and guess what is happening at Disney World? That's right - a triathlon! It was almost too perfect. But the cost... But I just paid off my car!! I can direct a car payment (or two) towards a trip to Disney World before redirecting to other avenues. Sounds too perfect! I'll be going by myself, but it'll be fun. And you are never really alone at Disney World!! After all, Mickey lives there.
And that's how I ended up signing up for 4 triathlons in 8 weeks.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Hill Yeah!!
A week from today and I will be done with triathlon #1! Which means it is time for another dedicated training post as not only is it one week from my first triathlon, but two weeks after that it will be triathlon #2 (and the "A" race), three weeks after that will be triathlon #3, and two weeks after that will be triathlon #4. To recap, that will be 4 triathlons in 8 weeks. Wow, this is going to be an interesting few months. And on to the training.
The pool swim was status quo, except I was feeling slow, as though I was swimming through molasses. I tried to shake off the feeling and power through. It's such a mental game. I started playing games with myself, trying to finish a length in less strokes as the one previous, which did help with slow feeling.
I finally took advantage of the beautiful weather we've been having and rode my bike after work. I knew it was time to start working on hills so it was off to what I consider my "hill" park. Besides lots and lots of hills, this park has the added benefit of being part of the actual course for 2 of my triathlons. The first three hills feel like one long ginormous hill. My motto became shift down, shift down (said in a way as to exaggerate the daaoooown). A short downhill and a flat and then it was my personal nemesis uphill. It is long and windy and doesn't seem to end. Last year I had to stop each time for a breather before finishing the hill. Not this time!! I started off and 20 revolutions later I shifted down, 20 revolutions later I convinced myself to go another 20 revolutions before shifting down. This pattern continued until I was at the crest of the hill! Woohoo!! That's enough hills for today right? I can turn around and go home now, can't I? I did seriously consider it for a second (or 3) but kept going. After all, I only had 2 more uphills and all these downhills to enjoy on the way back. So I kept going. Down the hill and across the bridge, and up the final hill before turning around where I paused for a picture (pausing for a picture is code for taking a break). It was on the way back that I started feeling slow again. On the second uphill, the slowness really kicked in. I stood up and started pedaling. I normally try not to stand up since someone once told me you get more power from pedaling sitting down. But the burst of energy propelled me to top of the hill. My reward? Mostly downhill back to the car!! Slow or not, I did manage to conquer some hills which was the goal.
Today it was another brick. Normally my long trail day is Sunday, but I switched it this week to run a 5K on Sunday and so it was interesting being there on a Saturday. My observation was that there was a lot more recreational people, as opposed to serious people. There were times where I was feeling quite slow on the bike, but then others when I was feeling really good. Evidence that I was slow - lots of recreational people blowing by me. Evidence that I wasn't - I finished right on time. Again, I think it is a huge mental game and for whatever reason I was in a very slow frame of mind this week. The run went well. I went the opposite way than I normally do because it was much more shady in the opposite direction!
Add in hot yoga and kickboxing and you have my week. So other than the feeling of slowness that infiltrated my training, it was a good week! As per usual, the nerves are settling in and will remain for the duration. This isn't my "A" race, and I know I'll finish, so what is there to worry about? And since I haven't done this one before, it'll be fun trying out a new course!
The pool swim was status quo, except I was feeling slow, as though I was swimming through molasses. I tried to shake off the feeling and power through. It's such a mental game. I started playing games with myself, trying to finish a length in less strokes as the one previous, which did help with slow feeling.
I finally took advantage of the beautiful weather we've been having and rode my bike after work. I knew it was time to start working on hills so it was off to what I consider my "hill" park. Besides lots and lots of hills, this park has the added benefit of being part of the actual course for 2 of my triathlons. The first three hills feel like one long ginormous hill. My motto became shift down, shift down (said in a way as to exaggerate the daaoooown). A short downhill and a flat and then it was my personal nemesis uphill. It is long and windy and doesn't seem to end. Last year I had to stop each time for a breather before finishing the hill. Not this time!! I started off and 20 revolutions later I shifted down, 20 revolutions later I convinced myself to go another 20 revolutions before shifting down. This pattern continued until I was at the crest of the hill! Woohoo!! That's enough hills for today right? I can turn around and go home now, can't I? I did seriously consider it for a second (or 3) but kept going. After all, I only had 2 more uphills and all these downhills to enjoy on the way back. So I kept going. Down the hill and across the bridge, and up the final hill before turning around where I paused for a picture (pausing for a picture is code for taking a break). It was on the way back that I started feeling slow again. On the second uphill, the slowness really kicked in. I stood up and started pedaling. I normally try not to stand up since someone once told me you get more power from pedaling sitting down. But the burst of energy propelled me to top of the hill. My reward? Mostly downhill back to the car!! Slow or not, I did manage to conquer some hills which was the goal.
Today it was another brick. Normally my long trail day is Sunday, but I switched it this week to run a 5K on Sunday and so it was interesting being there on a Saturday. My observation was that there was a lot more recreational people, as opposed to serious people. There were times where I was feeling quite slow on the bike, but then others when I was feeling really good. Evidence that I was slow - lots of recreational people blowing by me. Evidence that I wasn't - I finished right on time. Again, I think it is a huge mental game and for whatever reason I was in a very slow frame of mind this week. The run went well. I went the opposite way than I normally do because it was much more shady in the opposite direction!
Add in hot yoga and kickboxing and you have my week. So other than the feeling of slowness that infiltrated my training, it was a good week! As per usual, the nerves are settling in and will remain for the duration. This isn't my "A" race, and I know I'll finish, so what is there to worry about? And since I haven't done this one before, it'll be fun trying out a new course!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Five Senses Friday
Seeing
For more Five Senses, head over to Abby Try Again! Happy Friday!
- Lots of deer
- I swear everywhere I look lately I see Mt. Rainier
- Very good friends for a GNO at Azul!!
- Coyotes howling
- A very yummy cheeseburger made by my BIL, topped with lettuce from my sister's garden
- Roasted corn & avocado dip at Azul!!
- Much more in line after my visit to the chiropractor
- Wildflowers
For more Five Senses, head over to Abby Try Again! Happy Friday!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Savasana
We've already done what goes on in Emily's mind during a run, and now let's see what goes through Emily's mind during a hot yoga class.
Yes! Got a spot near the door!
I really hope I drank enough water before class...
Maybe I shouldn't have eaten that granola bar though - it has been a couple of hours, I should be okay.
Child's pose.
Really, why do the teachers tell us to back off the posture if we can't breathe in and out through our nose? Don't they know I wouldn't be doing any poses?
Yes I'm the only one doing the modified chaturanga. Oh well, yoga is individual - no judging, no comparing. Please don't judge me. Which also means me - focus on me and my mat.
What's my intention for class? Mm, it's a surviving kind of night. I will survive class.
Stupid chair, I hate chair. I seriously think it is my least favorite pose (or my most hated).
Twist. Nope, shouldn't have eaten that granola bar.
Another twist. Wow, shouldn't have had that last sip of water either.
Dolphin to forearm plank. Joy. Plankety plank plank. Yep, down on my knees. Only 10 more seconds.
Shaking is good. Isn't 10 seconds over already?
Yeah, I'm skipping this chaturanga.
Seriously, another chair? With a twist? My thighs are burning!! Which, like shaking, is supposed to be a good thing.
Dear Teacher, please, please, please open the door! Love, Emily
Oh yeah! Standing series. I am going to make it.
I like eagle!
I like tree! And it's the last one!
Wait, what? You said tree was the last, why are we doing more? Why aren't we on the floor?
Okay, I know this is hot yoga. But really, it has to be a gagillion degrees in here tonight. And no I'm not exaggerating.. At all. Seriously - a gagillion degrees.
Whew she opened the door. Okay, I can do it - hold on, hold on, hold on! Right side done.
If I did the right side, I need to do the left. Dig in, only standing split left.
Are you serious? More flow? Okay, if it results in half pigeon, I can do it.
I like half pigeon. Well not really, but wow, it is helping my hip.
Breathe in, breathe out. Through the nose.
Yeah, the granola bar was not a good idea. My tummy is not happy.
Onto abs. Yay! Almost done.
If it is super humid in here (which also means it probably isn't a gagillion degrees - it's just super humid), can't you please open the door again? Just a smidge? Pretty please?
Air, nice cold air!!
Add bicycle to the list of things I hate.
You said only 10 more!! I don't know that I can go another 10!
You said only 10 more!! Seriously, I don't know that I can do another 10! And for the record that was 30 bicycles.
Bridge. You know what? I think I'm going to add wheel to my Life List if I ever get around to finishing it.
Bridge pulses - I can do this.
Well I can do 8 of them.
Oh thank goodness! Savasana!
Yes! Got a spot near the door!
I really hope I drank enough water before class...
Maybe I shouldn't have eaten that granola bar though - it has been a couple of hours, I should be okay.
Child's pose.
Really, why do the teachers tell us to back off the posture if we can't breathe in and out through our nose? Don't they know I wouldn't be doing any poses?
Yes I'm the only one doing the modified chaturanga. Oh well, yoga is individual - no judging, no comparing. Please don't judge me. Which also means me - focus on me and my mat.
What's my intention for class? Mm, it's a surviving kind of night. I will survive class.
Stupid chair, I hate chair. I seriously think it is my least favorite pose (or my most hated).
Twist. Nope, shouldn't have eaten that granola bar.
Another twist. Wow, shouldn't have had that last sip of water either.
Dolphin to forearm plank. Joy. Plankety plank plank. Yep, down on my knees. Only 10 more seconds.
Shaking is good. Isn't 10 seconds over already?
Yeah, I'm skipping this chaturanga.
Seriously, another chair? With a twist? My thighs are burning!! Which, like shaking, is supposed to be a good thing.
Dear Teacher, please, please, please open the door! Love, Emily
Oh yeah! Standing series. I am going to make it.
I like eagle!
I like tree! And it's the last one!
Wait, what? You said tree was the last, why are we doing more? Why aren't we on the floor?
Okay, I know this is hot yoga. But really, it has to be a gagillion degrees in here tonight. And no I'm not exaggerating.. At all. Seriously - a gagillion degrees.
Whew she opened the door. Okay, I can do it - hold on, hold on, hold on! Right side done.
If I did the right side, I need to do the left. Dig in, only standing split left.
Are you serious? More flow? Okay, if it results in half pigeon, I can do it.
I like half pigeon. Well not really, but wow, it is helping my hip.
Breathe in, breathe out. Through the nose.
Yeah, the granola bar was not a good idea. My tummy is not happy.
Onto abs. Yay! Almost done.
If it is super humid in here (which also means it probably isn't a gagillion degrees - it's just super humid), can't you please open the door again? Just a smidge? Pretty please?
Air, nice cold air!!
Add bicycle to the list of things I hate.
You said only 10 more!! I don't know that I can go another 10!
You said only 10 more!! Seriously, I don't know that I can do another 10! And for the record that was 30 bicycles.
Bridge. You know what? I think I'm going to add wheel to my Life List if I ever get around to finishing it.
Bridge pulses - I can do this.
Well I can do 8 of them.
Oh thank goodness! Savasana!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Go Jump in the Lake
I'm not sure why I decided it was time for a training only post, but here we go. Maybe it was the reality of my first triathlon being just 2 weeks away!! Two weeks away, really? Time to get swimbikerunning!
The training week started off with a run on the treadmill. Next up was a pool swim. I was about half way through when someone asked to share my lane. No problem. Until she left behind in her wake. I had been feeling a little off my normal pace, but I didn't think I was that slow. And then my highly observant self finally realized she was wearing flippers. Okay, so I wasn't that slow. Sometimes sharing a lane can be helpful in pushing me. After she blew by me, I decided to see if I could finish before she passed me again. She kept creeping up on me until she was right on my tail with 3 lengths to go. Somehow I was able to dig deep and find some afterburners to finish just ahead of my lane mate.
There comes a time to say goodbye to the pool and hello to Lake Washington. Friday morning was that day. My boss thought it was hilarious that I told her I was going to go jump in the lake. I am not a huge fan of swimming in the lake what with the lake grass and the fish. The lake was cold. I did my usual slow slide into the water and then it was time to get down to business. There was one obnoxious fish (although I'm sure he felt the same about me). He got way too close a couple of times and I jumped out of the water each time. I finally figured that if I avoided this one area we were good. So I kept to my side and didn't see the fish again.
With race day fast approaching, it was also time for my first brick* of the season. The wind on the out was not fun, but on the way back it was even worse. I'm a little worried about the bike this year - my normal ride doesn't have a lot of hills, and the hills it does have are baby hills. I decided to work on my non-drafting. While I understand not drafting in theory, putting it into practice is a little more difficult. I am not the best judging spacially and three bike lengths is hard. I mean the point is to not be on the wheel of the person in front of you so as long as I'm far enough back it should be okay. I'm a rule follower so I like to be in compliance with the rules. I didn't have to worry about people passing me since they flew by and were way more than 3 bike lengths ahead in no time. But I did pass a few people and tried to keep 3 lengths behind until I passed and then pass within 15 seconds. Hopefully I'll remember this all during the race!
I finished up the bike, threw it in my car, and was off on the run. The wind hadn't diminished. I walked from the parking lot to the trail, shaking out my legs and then I was off and running. I ended up running most of the 2 miles. I feel much more ready with a brick under my belt.
(*A brick is when you do two different sports during the same workout.)
Sprinkle in a few hot yogas and one kickboxing class and you have my week. Up next week? More lake swim, more brick, and hopefully some hill work on my bike.
The training week started off with a run on the treadmill. Next up was a pool swim. I was about half way through when someone asked to share my lane. No problem. Until she left behind in her wake. I had been feeling a little off my normal pace, but I didn't think I was that slow. And then my highly observant self finally realized she was wearing flippers. Okay, so I wasn't that slow. Sometimes sharing a lane can be helpful in pushing me. After she blew by me, I decided to see if I could finish before she passed me again. She kept creeping up on me until she was right on my tail with 3 lengths to go. Somehow I was able to dig deep and find some afterburners to finish just ahead of my lane mate.
There comes a time to say goodbye to the pool and hello to Lake Washington. Friday morning was that day. My boss thought it was hilarious that I told her I was going to go jump in the lake. I am not a huge fan of swimming in the lake what with the lake grass and the fish. The lake was cold. I did my usual slow slide into the water and then it was time to get down to business. There was one obnoxious fish (although I'm sure he felt the same about me). He got way too close a couple of times and I jumped out of the water each time. I finally figured that if I avoided this one area we were good. So I kept to my side and didn't see the fish again.
With race day fast approaching, it was also time for my first brick* of the season. The wind on the out was not fun, but on the way back it was even worse. I'm a little worried about the bike this year - my normal ride doesn't have a lot of hills, and the hills it does have are baby hills. I decided to work on my non-drafting. While I understand not drafting in theory, putting it into practice is a little more difficult. I am not the best judging spacially and three bike lengths is hard. I mean the point is to not be on the wheel of the person in front of you so as long as I'm far enough back it should be okay. I'm a rule follower so I like to be in compliance with the rules. I didn't have to worry about people passing me since they flew by and were way more than 3 bike lengths ahead in no time. But I did pass a few people and tried to keep 3 lengths behind until I passed and then pass within 15 seconds. Hopefully I'll remember this all during the race!
I finished up the bike, threw it in my car, and was off on the run. The wind hadn't diminished. I walked from the parking lot to the trail, shaking out my legs and then I was off and running. I ended up running most of the 2 miles. I feel much more ready with a brick under my belt.
(*A brick is when you do two different sports during the same workout.)
Sprinkle in a few hot yogas and one kickboxing class and you have my week. Up next week? More lake swim, more brick, and hopefully some hill work on my bike.
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