Hi Ladies. Here's a quick log update:
Monday 7/26/10 - Swim!
800yds - I discovered I was doing 60 second 50s and wanted to see if I could keep that pace for 800yds. I did and I even got faster towards the end. Next time I swim, I want to do a timed 800 (the race distance).
4 x 50 with like 35 seconds rest. I did the 50s at 45 seconds. I was so impressed after the first one that I decided to give myself a long rest in order to see if I could do it again.
1 lap kick, 3 cool down laps. Later, my hand felt a little stiff, but I'm not sure if that was from the swimming or from wringing out my bathing suit afterward.
Tuesday 7/27/10 - Run: 34 minute run. Lots of hills, hot, boring.
Wednesday 7/28/10 - 25 minutes of kicking in the pool (I was resting my hand). Very boring, and I think I'm not kicking the right way. Will find out the proper form and try to adopt it.
Today I think I'll run. That's it!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Quick report
Thanks, girls! and thanks for the tips on running in the heat. I am concerned with the heat, especially here, because the sun seems harder than it was in Tucson.
We went running at a later time today (Kip didn't run again, it was just me) and it was awfully hot (and the breeze was almost non-existent). Even so, I went running and I did 8'44'', so I'm glad I kept it under 9. We gotta start getting up earlier again, though, because I find it rather uncomfortable to run in this absurd heat.
I think both Kip and I succeeded quitting smoking, because the cravings are almost not there and I really enjoy the feeling of not being dependent on tobacco. me too. (That was my little gossip one). 'cause I read over her shoulder. Exactly, he said it. Now he's gone, probably offended. I hope Kip does a good job today. He's feeling very nervous because he hasn't been competing ever since he was a kid (well, not that long ago, haha), and because of this problem with his foot. I know he'll do great.
My treat for my accomplishments this week: I have an appointment with a new hair place today. Crossing fingers!
Cheers and good weekend to both!
We went running at a later time today (Kip didn't run again, it was just me) and it was awfully hot (and the breeze was almost non-existent). Even so, I went running and I did 8'44'', so I'm glad I kept it under 9. We gotta start getting up earlier again, though, because I find it rather uncomfortable to run in this absurd heat.
I think both Kip and I succeeded quitting smoking, because the cravings are almost not there and I really enjoy the feeling of not being dependent on tobacco. me too. (That was my little gossip one). 'cause I read over her shoulder. Exactly, he said it. Now he's gone, probably offended. I hope Kip does a good job today. He's feeling very nervous because he hasn't been competing ever since he was a kid (well, not that long ago, haha), and because of this problem with his foot. I know he'll do great.
My treat for my accomplishments this week: I have an appointment with a new hair place today. Crossing fingers!
Cheers and good weekend to both!
Swim!
Here's my workout:
400 yd warm-up
50 kick
5 x 50 - brisk (52 seconds on average)with 10 second rests in between. I could do 10 second rests very well at this pace.
50 kick
5 x 50 - a little faster (49 seconds) with 20 second rests. I decided to try to push harder and give myself a longer break. I was a little disappointed that I only came down 3 seconds, but it's only 50 yards. I now believe it is very unlikely that I swam a 42 second 50 - it must have been 52 aferall, I'm just in better shape now.
50 yd kick
200 yd cool down
Total 1,250 yds
that's all for now. I have to read syntax papers!!!
And, yes, m..., we expect a full race report!
400 yd warm-up
50 kick
5 x 50 - brisk (52 seconds on average)with 10 second rests in between. I could do 10 second rests very well at this pace.
50 kick
5 x 50 - a little faster (49 seconds) with 20 second rests. I decided to try to push harder and give myself a longer break. I was a little disappointed that I only came down 3 seconds, but it's only 50 yards. I now believe it is very unlikely that I swam a 42 second 50 - it must have been 52 aferall, I'm just in better shape now.
50 yd kick
200 yd cool down
Total 1,250 yds
that's all for now. I have to read syntax papers!!!
And, yes, m..., we expect a full race report!
O Friday, how I love thee...
I don't know why, but this seemed like an especially long week. I guess without the immediate threat of a triathlon looming in front of me, I've refocused on how much my job is stressing me out. I'm trying to focus on the duathlon, but the running/riding thing just isn't as worrisome as the swimming thing. Anyway, I went swimming this AM and it felt really good. Had the pool to myself for a good half an hour so I just did laps-nice and slow and relaxed. Hey! Did you guys see the video with the right whale that breached right on top of a sailboat? How bizarre was that? What are the odds? Sorry for the non sequitor, but I kept thinking about that whale this morning as I was swimming in the pool. You're right, Pats. Swimming can be incredibly boring. Well, it's going to be a scorcher here in NYC this weekend so I don't know if I'll make it out to run. I'll try to drag myself out of bed super early and hit the streets--have a great weekend and good luck to Kip in the 5K! We'll be expecting a full race report from you on Monday m...!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
a small victory
We didn't go running yesterday. Kip's ankle was bad and we decided to take a break. Instead we stayed home, pigged out and have arguments. That's what quitting smoking with no exercise does for you. We ended the day watching the twilight saga on video, drinking beer and eating unhealthy snacks... but even when we both really wanted to smoke yesterday we didn't. It was clear to us that no matter what a cigarette wasn't part of the plan.
Today Kip decided not to run. We went to bed quite late yesterday so we slept in. If you sleep in in other parts of the world you may still be able to go running. Today we were kind of lucky because you can't really expect to be able to go running if you get up later than 7 AM. It gets absurdly hot and the sun is really aggressive. We had a storm last night, though, so the weather was nice this morning. We got up at 8, but we decided that we could go to the track, so we did. The plan was I would run, Kip would walk with me for warming up and cooling down. So we did the warming up. It was pretty hot and sunny but there was some nice breeze. At the end of the warming up stage I debated whether I wanted to run at all because it got super hot. At that point there was no body in the track. I decided that I would run with a hat. Kip asked me to try to run faster despite the heat. To try to beat 9 minutes (the plan was to run a mile only because it was too hot to expect more). So I did. I decided that running faster was also a good plan to be under the heat for less time, so I started at a fast pace. I managed to maintain a fastish pace for the entire mile, only slowing down when I had the wind against me. Then I picked up again. I was breathing heavy and it hurt in my throat when I breathed but I continued feeling the air in and out. I increased the speed for the last 100 meters or so. Kip was there cheering for me. 8'33''. I could believe it because I knew I had gone faster. It felt great. Now I have to try to be under 9' from now on...
Today Kip decided not to run. We went to bed quite late yesterday so we slept in. If you sleep in in other parts of the world you may still be able to go running. Today we were kind of lucky because you can't really expect to be able to go running if you get up later than 7 AM. It gets absurdly hot and the sun is really aggressive. We had a storm last night, though, so the weather was nice this morning. We got up at 8, but we decided that we could go to the track, so we did. The plan was I would run, Kip would walk with me for warming up and cooling down. So we did the warming up. It was pretty hot and sunny but there was some nice breeze. At the end of the warming up stage I debated whether I wanted to run at all because it got super hot. At that point there was no body in the track. I decided that I would run with a hat. Kip asked me to try to run faster despite the heat. To try to beat 9 minutes (the plan was to run a mile only because it was too hot to expect more). So I did. I decided that running faster was also a good plan to be under the heat for less time, so I started at a fast pace. I managed to maintain a fastish pace for the entire mile, only slowing down when I had the wind against me. Then I picked up again. I was breathing heavy and it hurt in my throat when I breathed but I continued feeling the air in and out. I increased the speed for the last 100 meters or so. Kip was there cheering for me. 8'33''. I could believe it because I knew I had gone faster. It felt great. Now I have to try to be under 9' from now on...
Quick update
Here's today's track workout:
.5 mile warm-up/cool down (running to and from the track)
400 yd jog
4 x 400 yd with 200 yd rest - I did the first 3 at a brisk pace, speeding up in the last 100 yds. On the last one I decided to try to do it at a race pace ('course I haven't done a 400 in a race since highschool) and I pushed myself (I had to walk for a while after that one).
400 yd jog
1 x 800 yd (brisk, non-race pace - those long intervals are tough)
400 yd jog
And, yeah, the hand is feeling better!! Yay! I still need to be careful but it's definitely improving steadily.
.5 mile warm-up/cool down (running to and from the track)
400 yd jog
4 x 400 yd with 200 yd rest - I did the first 3 at a brisk pace, speeding up in the last 100 yds. On the last one I decided to try to do it at a race pace ('course I haven't done a 400 in a race since highschool) and I pushed myself (I had to walk for a while after that one).
400 yd jog
1 x 800 yd (brisk, non-race pace - those long intervals are tough)
400 yd jog
And, yeah, the hand is feeling better!! Yay! I still need to be careful but it's definitely improving steadily.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Finallly, I'm back
O.K. Before I start explaining what all happened last weekend, let me recap my workouts:
Thursday 7/15/10 (day of the very sad hand): 75 yards freestyle before my hand threatened to fall off, 600 yds with the kick board (hand wasn't thrilled but managed to find a sort of comfortable position).
Friday 7/16/10 (day of the slightly less sad hand): 200yds freestyle, 600yds with the kickboard (the kick board is so boring - and painful!!)
Monday 7/19/10: 300 yds freestyle, 15-20 minutes with the kickboard (I forgot).
Tuesday 7/20/10: 5 mile run with Stacie
Wednesday 7/21/10: 400 yd freestyle, 50 yd breast stroke, 5 x 50 yds brisk, 100 yds freestyle, 100 yds kickboard. My brisk 50s were about 52 second each and I could do that with only a 10 second break. That seemed very fast and I was surprised that I could do it. When I swam my "fastest 50" ever a while back, I thought it was 52 but maybe I was deranged from fatigue and it was actually 42. ANYWAY, I'm back baby. Hopefully by the end of next week I'll be doing my 1600yd workouts again.
O.K., so last Friday - at the precise moment that we (Saffy, Saffy's Hubbie and I) would have been doing our practice ride in Whitney Point - the baby abruptly broke out in hives. We went to our beloved local walk-in clinic and were told that he was having an allergic reaction to his antibiotics (he was being treated for an ear infection). So, we got new antibiotics and went home. It is so freakin' unnerving when something like that happens. So, Saff, if we had been riding when I got the call, I would have tried to achieve warp 6 in order to get back to the car and the probably would have been a visit to the less loved local walk-in (the ER). Then, the next day, around 12:00, I came down with a fever and, though there were times when I felt O.K., I was pretty sick all day. I had a little sore throat but no congestion or cough. My fever reached 102 in the afternoon. Finally the next morning around 9:00, it broke. So, Saff, if you and Papas had come I'd have been feeling extra crappy instead of spending time with you, I'd have been laying in bed shivering. That's it! We'll have better luck next time!
Oh, and M..., I wanted to tell you to tell Kip not to start out the race too fast. That's the classic mistake (I really try hard not to do it but occasionally I still do). He should start at a pace he knows he can maintain for the race distance - hecan always speed up as he goes. Tell him I said good luck!
O.K. Hand can't take anymore. Ta ta sweetie darlings!!
Thursday 7/15/10 (day of the very sad hand): 75 yards freestyle before my hand threatened to fall off, 600 yds with the kick board (hand wasn't thrilled but managed to find a sort of comfortable position).
Friday 7/16/10 (day of the slightly less sad hand): 200yds freestyle, 600yds with the kickboard (the kick board is so boring - and painful!!)
Monday 7/19/10: 300 yds freestyle, 15-20 minutes with the kickboard (I forgot).
Tuesday 7/20/10: 5 mile run with Stacie
Wednesday 7/21/10: 400 yd freestyle, 50 yd breast stroke, 5 x 50 yds brisk, 100 yds freestyle, 100 yds kickboard. My brisk 50s were about 52 second each and I could do that with only a 10 second break. That seemed very fast and I was surprised that I could do it. When I swam my "fastest 50" ever a while back, I thought it was 52 but maybe I was deranged from fatigue and it was actually 42. ANYWAY, I'm back baby. Hopefully by the end of next week I'll be doing my 1600yd workouts again.
O.K., so last Friday - at the precise moment that we (Saffy, Saffy's Hubbie and I) would have been doing our practice ride in Whitney Point - the baby abruptly broke out in hives. We went to our beloved local walk-in clinic and were told that he was having an allergic reaction to his antibiotics (he was being treated for an ear infection). So, we got new antibiotics and went home. It is so freakin' unnerving when something like that happens. So, Saff, if we had been riding when I got the call, I would have tried to achieve warp 6 in order to get back to the car and the probably would have been a visit to the less loved local walk-in (the ER). Then, the next day, around 12:00, I came down with a fever and, though there were times when I felt O.K., I was pretty sick all day. I had a little sore throat but no congestion or cough. My fever reached 102 in the afternoon. Finally the next morning around 9:00, it broke. So, Saff, if you and Papas had come I'd have been feeling extra crappy instead of spending time with you, I'd have been laying in bed shivering. That's it! We'll have better luck next time!
Oh, and M..., I wanted to tell you to tell Kip not to start out the race too fast. That's the classic mistake (I really try hard not to do it but occasionally I still do). He should start at a pace he knows he can maintain for the race distance - hecan always speed up as he goes. Tell him I said good luck!
O.K. Hand can't take anymore. Ta ta sweetie darlings!!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 6 with no smokes, 2 miles
Today Kip and I didn't run together, but each of us ran at different paces, because he has to train for his race on Friday and he's a bit nervous about it. If you're curious about his experience today, check this other blog http://paperclipsaresafer.blogspot.com/
He went ahead of me although I was surprised to see that I could see him the whole time running a bit ahead of me during the whole first mile. I thought 'hmm' either he's not pushing a lot or I am going fast today. Unfortunately, he had the watch so I couldn't time my minutes. I didn't stop when I finished my mile, but I continued running. Today the goal was to complete two miles without stopping, so I was determined to complete that distance. And I did. The first mile was quite easy to run. The second was harder, although I never felt like I was dying, so it looks I'm getting ready to go on to the third mile non-stop. I am very excited about that. Today there was a bit of a breeze, which was the most noticeable when we reached the half mile. When I was running my second mile, I decided to take as much of that wind as I could so I would breathe with my mouth sucking as much air as I could. I felt great and energized to keep going. Then, when there were 500 meters left I felt like I was getting a bit more tired so I started counting meters and cheering for myself telling myself, come on, just 300 meters, etc. It was great. When I had 100 meters left I ran faster which gave me a lot of energy. When I finished I felt great. I suppose Kip didn't cross the mile line a lot ahead of me because I could walk almost a whole mile before meeting him again (after he was done with his 3 miles). He ran his 3 miles in 23':46'', I think, which is less than what he was expecting, so both felt quite accomplished today.
In order to celebrate, we had a Sonoran hot dog after the run, hehe. Yes, very unusual of me to have sausages, especially if they are wrapped in bacon! I normally tell them to remove the bacon, but today I decided to give it a try. I decided that I enjoy it better without the bacon, because so many years without eating meat (just here and there in rare occasions) educate your body to reject very meaty stuff. Otherwise the hot dog was very delicious.
As for the smokes, we're still good, and I believe we'll continue being good because the cravings are almost gone. Physically, I believe, they are gone. Psychologically, they're still there, but less and less. Yay! what an accomplishment!
Anyway, more accomplishments tomorrow.
He went ahead of me although I was surprised to see that I could see him the whole time running a bit ahead of me during the whole first mile. I thought 'hmm' either he's not pushing a lot or I am going fast today. Unfortunately, he had the watch so I couldn't time my minutes. I didn't stop when I finished my mile, but I continued running. Today the goal was to complete two miles without stopping, so I was determined to complete that distance. And I did. The first mile was quite easy to run. The second was harder, although I never felt like I was dying, so it looks I'm getting ready to go on to the third mile non-stop. I am very excited about that. Today there was a bit of a breeze, which was the most noticeable when we reached the half mile. When I was running my second mile, I decided to take as much of that wind as I could so I would breathe with my mouth sucking as much air as I could. I felt great and energized to keep going. Then, when there were 500 meters left I felt like I was getting a bit more tired so I started counting meters and cheering for myself telling myself, come on, just 300 meters, etc. It was great. When I had 100 meters left I ran faster which gave me a lot of energy. When I finished I felt great. I suppose Kip didn't cross the mile line a lot ahead of me because I could walk almost a whole mile before meeting him again (after he was done with his 3 miles). He ran his 3 miles in 23':46'', I think, which is less than what he was expecting, so both felt quite accomplished today.
In order to celebrate, we had a Sonoran hot dog after the run, hehe. Yes, very unusual of me to have sausages, especially if they are wrapped in bacon! I normally tell them to remove the bacon, but today I decided to give it a try. I decided that I enjoy it better without the bacon, because so many years without eating meat (just here and there in rare occasions) educate your body to reject very meaty stuff. Otherwise the hot dog was very delicious.
As for the smokes, we're still good, and I believe we'll continue being good because the cravings are almost gone. Physically, I believe, they are gone. Psychologically, they're still there, but less and less. Yay! what an accomplishment!
Anyway, more accomplishments tomorrow.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tri and du
After shelving the tri, I decided to make myself feel better by looking for other races to train for. I found a duathlon at the end of August on Staten Island (1 mile run, 12 mile bike ride, 4 mile run). Sounds painful, so naturally I signed up. There's also a tri in Dutchess Cty that (hopefully!) Pats and I will be able to do. Keeping my fingers crossed....
So, training-wise I decided to run yesterday. I was initially going to ride my bike in and do some laps in Central Park, but hubby hurt his back and was not up to it. It was hot as Hades, so I went nice and slow- did 2.5 miles in around 35 minutes with hubby riding his bike/support vehicle next to me. It's immensely helpful to have someone handing you ice cold bottles of water on a 95F degree day as you're plodding along. I highly recommend it.
This AM I woke up with the thought that I would go swimming. But as I was laying there, luxuriating in the modern marvel that is air conditioning I came to the conclusion that it would be a much better idea to just turn over and go back to sleep. So I did.
I'll go running tomorrow to make up for my sloth-like behavior.
So, training-wise I decided to run yesterday. I was initially going to ride my bike in and do some laps in Central Park, but hubby hurt his back and was not up to it. It was hot as Hades, so I went nice and slow- did 2.5 miles in around 35 minutes with hubby riding his bike/support vehicle next to me. It's immensely helpful to have someone handing you ice cold bottles of water on a 95F degree day as you're plodding along. I highly recommend it.
This AM I woke up with the thought that I would go swimming. But as I was laying there, luxuriating in the modern marvel that is air conditioning I came to the conclusion that it would be a much better idea to just turn over and go back to sleep. So I did.
I'll go running tomorrow to make up for my sloth-like behavior.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Smoke-free Day 3 and starting 2 mile runs
I didn't post yesterday and Kip reminded me today that I had to post today. Also, he got so disappointed that I didn't mention his marks the other day that I'll mention them today. Ok, so two days ago he tried his first mile by himself, without me slowing him down. He's kind of disappointed, I don't know why, because he did it in 6'30'', which I think is great (I know I won't ever get there, although I'm not Kip). Anyway, I think it's great and that he can only get better than that. He has his first 5k in a week from now, I think. He thinks he'll be one of the slowest runners there (in his category, of course), but I don't know why that has to be the case. I can't wait till the race.
As I said in my previous posting, I didn't sign up this time because I think it's too early for me. I'll do it next time. This week, my goal is to keep being away from cigarettes, which we both have succeeded in doing, very painfully so: I didn't know it could lead to moments of depression and pessimism but it does! yesterday there we were, both of us, lamenting our new life in Mexico, how this place sucks, etc etc. Today is better, I actually thought that we gotta learn how to love this place, but I had that thought right when we were coming back from running, all happy and accomplished.
So yesterday was cool. Kip ran with me and we ran 2 miles, walking half a mile in between the two. He asked me to run a little slower than usual, but I ended up making a better time in my first mile: 9.04, which is pretty cool. In the second one I did 9.14, I think, because I could really feel the pain in that one, because it was warmer than during the first mile and because a very strong wind started to blow against us during an important part of the mile. That wind really took all our strength, but we did it, which is what matters.
Today we ran together again because he's recovering from some pain he has in his knee. I decided that I had to try whether I was able to run two miles non-stop, so I set up that goal for the day. I did, although i think I was going slower today (we forgot the watch so we couldn't time our running). I felt great during the first mile, which is really cool. I felt pretty good during part of the second mile, but then I started feeling super warm (we slept in today), so it was harder to continue. Even so we did finish the two miles with no recovery time in between which is really cool.
And as for the cigarettes, it's been good so far today. Well, we're really trying to keep busy, cleaning the house, mostly. What I need to pay attention to now is not overeating, which I have the feeling I'm doing, not as result of running but the lack of cigarettes. Luckily, I really like tomato and vegetable juice, so I tend to drink a lot of that. And trying not to eat more than 3 meals a day... we'll see how it goes!
Good weekend to both!
As I said in my previous posting, I didn't sign up this time because I think it's too early for me. I'll do it next time. This week, my goal is to keep being away from cigarettes, which we both have succeeded in doing, very painfully so: I didn't know it could lead to moments of depression and pessimism but it does! yesterday there we were, both of us, lamenting our new life in Mexico, how this place sucks, etc etc. Today is better, I actually thought that we gotta learn how to love this place, but I had that thought right when we were coming back from running, all happy and accomplished.
So yesterday was cool. Kip ran with me and we ran 2 miles, walking half a mile in between the two. He asked me to run a little slower than usual, but I ended up making a better time in my first mile: 9.04, which is pretty cool. In the second one I did 9.14, I think, because I could really feel the pain in that one, because it was warmer than during the first mile and because a very strong wind started to blow against us during an important part of the mile. That wind really took all our strength, but we did it, which is what matters.
Today we ran together again because he's recovering from some pain he has in his knee. I decided that I had to try whether I was able to run two miles non-stop, so I set up that goal for the day. I did, although i think I was going slower today (we forgot the watch so we couldn't time our running). I felt great during the first mile, which is really cool. I felt pretty good during part of the second mile, but then I started feeling super warm (we slept in today), so it was harder to continue. Even so we did finish the two miles with no recovery time in between which is really cool.
And as for the cigarettes, it's been good so far today. Well, we're really trying to keep busy, cleaning the house, mostly. What I need to pay attention to now is not overeating, which I have the feeling I'm doing, not as result of running but the lack of cigarettes. Luckily, I really like tomato and vegetable juice, so I tend to drink a lot of that. And trying not to eat more than 3 meals a day... we'll see how it goes!
Good weekend to both!
No tri this time
Patsy's post may have given you a hint that the tri didn't happen this weekend. At least not for us. I was in a total panic over the open water swim and when I got Patsy's email on Thursday that her wrist/hand was messed up, I was (not so) secretly relieved. Of course, I wish her hand didn't hurt, but I took it as an omen from the Tri Goddesses that I should wait and do some formal training with a swim coach. While extremely (and surprisingly) disappointed, I think this was the right decision. That said, I found a duathlon on Staten Island at the end of August that I'm going to enter and I also found a tri in Dutchess Co. that looks like a good one. What do you think, Pats?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
new blogger, running and quitting smoking
I'm new to this blog and I'm looking forward to getting started. I'm really behind in getting healthy, as compared with my co-bloggers, with whom I'm so impressed, but, in a very modest way, I'm on my way to a renewed me. Yes!
Last week I started running again after about 6 years since I had last run. Yes, I blame it on linguistics. Not that I left the field, but I finished my dissertation, so now I need to do something for my body. Also, because I moved to a Mexican town that isn't precisely the example to follow if you want to be healthy: extremely greasy food, nobody has the habit to walk to places, traffic is absurdly busy and reckless (meaning way more pollution than I've ever seen), the stress of being starting a career... I still walk to school but I wanted to do something else. My husband, Kip, and I started running when we were staying at my mom's in Spain, this winter. But then we had to come back to America, for my defense, then to start my job... we didn't go running after leaving Spain... until now. I really needed a new start. I'm having a hard start in my new job and I need something that helps me feel better with myself. Since running has always been hard for me, I thought it was the perfect thing to do. Also because access to swimming pools seems difficult in this town. In the summer they're available, but I'm not sure about the availability at other seasons. Also, you need a medical certificate to get a swimming pass and I still have to work out my medical insurance.
Anyway: last week we went running every morning we could. We normally go every morning as long as we went to bed at a reasonable time the night before. I think we went running everyday except for the day after Spain won the semi-finals against Germany and the day they won the World Cup, for obvious reasons :)
This week, we've gone running every day except for Monday. We started walking a mile (warm up), running a mile and walking a mile (cool down). Kip is quite athletic but I'm not, so we had to start easy with me. So far I've been working on getting faster in my mile. Yesterday i made my best mark (9.7 minutes, I think). I'm working on bettering this mark. I didn't time it today because Kip and I had a little argument while running (the effects of quitting smoking for both). But I did run a slightly longer distance than other days (more than a mile, although I'm not sure how much longer). It felt like I was faster too (I needed it since I feel more anxious today). I'll try to go as fast tomorrow, although it also depends on the weather. These days it's been excessively humid, which makes it very hard to breathe at times.
Yesterday I smoked twice only, with not much pain. Today I haven't smoked at all and it's hurting. I'm feeling the physical effects, which I wasn't feeling yesterday or last time I quit, which I did gradually. Today I'm feeling like smoking at many times, which didn't happen that other time either. Kip is the same, although he's not smoking too. Gotta be strong although I would really smoke a cigarette right now!
Last week I started running again after about 6 years since I had last run. Yes, I blame it on linguistics. Not that I left the field, but I finished my dissertation, so now I need to do something for my body. Also, because I moved to a Mexican town that isn't precisely the example to follow if you want to be healthy: extremely greasy food, nobody has the habit to walk to places, traffic is absurdly busy and reckless (meaning way more pollution than I've ever seen), the stress of being starting a career... I still walk to school but I wanted to do something else. My husband, Kip, and I started running when we were staying at my mom's in Spain, this winter. But then we had to come back to America, for my defense, then to start my job... we didn't go running after leaving Spain... until now. I really needed a new start. I'm having a hard start in my new job and I need something that helps me feel better with myself. Since running has always been hard for me, I thought it was the perfect thing to do. Also because access to swimming pools seems difficult in this town. In the summer they're available, but I'm not sure about the availability at other seasons. Also, you need a medical certificate to get a swimming pass and I still have to work out my medical insurance.
Anyway: last week we went running every morning we could. We normally go every morning as long as we went to bed at a reasonable time the night before. I think we went running everyday except for the day after Spain won the semi-finals against Germany and the day they won the World Cup, for obvious reasons :)
This week, we've gone running every day except for Monday. We started walking a mile (warm up), running a mile and walking a mile (cool down). Kip is quite athletic but I'm not, so we had to start easy with me. So far I've been working on getting faster in my mile. Yesterday i made my best mark (9.7 minutes, I think). I'm working on bettering this mark. I didn't time it today because Kip and I had a little argument while running (the effects of quitting smoking for both). But I did run a slightly longer distance than other days (more than a mile, although I'm not sure how much longer). It felt like I was faster too (I needed it since I feel more anxious today). I'll try to go as fast tomorrow, although it also depends on the weather. These days it's been excessively humid, which makes it very hard to breathe at times.
Yesterday I smoked twice only, with not much pain. Today I haven't smoked at all and it's hurting. I'm feeling the physical effects, which I wasn't feeling yesterday or last time I quit, which I did gradually. Today I'm feeling like smoking at many times, which didn't happen that other time either. Kip is the same, although he's not smoking too. Gotta be strong although I would really smoke a cigarette right now!
I'm beached
I tried to swim and found that I can't swim. Or rather, I won't be able to swim until my hand heals. Major bummer. I swam 100 yards freestyle in order to make the determination. I tried the breast stroke (very bad) and then finished that lap with backstroke (pretty bad too). So I did the following with the kickboard.
4 x (2 laps free, 1 lab breast stroke kick)
It always surprises me how physically demanding (and excruciatingly boring) it is working with the kickboard. That's all I'll be able to do until my stupid hand heals so I'd better get used to it.
Oh, yeah, and there'll be no race on Saturday.
4 x (2 laps free, 1 lab breast stroke kick)
It always surprises me how physically demanding (and excruciatingly boring) it is working with the kickboard. That's all I'll be able to do until my stupid hand heals so I'd better get used to it.
Oh, yeah, and there'll be no race on Saturday.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
run, run, run, run
I'm sitting here at my desk, sweating all over my papers once again. In an effort to avoid destroying my library books, I'll spend a couple minutes writing here - and maybe when I'm finished I'll have stopped sweating (not likely). Anyway, I'm having a spotty training week. As most readers know, I'm nursing a weird injury to my left hand. I don't know how I did it, but my left hand just hurts. I bought one of those hand braces (very similar to my much cherished ankle of two years ago) and I wear it all the time. I look like an old lady getting ready to knit some socks but oh well. I've only been wearing it a day so I don't know if it's working. Because of the hand issue, I've stayed away from the bike. I'm going to try to swim tomorrow but I'm not sure how well I'll do. If by Saturday my hand is too sore to ride a bike I'll have to bail on the tri. Bummer, but I'm getting used to the idea. Here's the recap:
Saturday - 3 miles in the neighborhood (fast)
Monday 3.6 miles near campus (also fast)
Wednesday - about 3 miles (2 miles (warm-up/cool down), 3 x 400 yds, with 200 yd rest - brisk but not real interval speed.
I'll keep you posted about the hand.
Saturday - 3 miles in the neighborhood (fast)
Monday 3.6 miles near campus (also fast)
Wednesday - about 3 miles (2 miles (warm-up/cool down), 3 x 400 yds, with 200 yd rest - brisk but not real interval speed.
I'll keep you posted about the hand.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Countdown to Saturday!
I'm in a state of calm before the inevitable storm. I've been fretting almost continuously about this event but for the past day or two, I've felt strangely calm. Of course, that may be because I'm trying really hard not to think about it too much...
Anyway, I've been continuing to focus on the swimming. It's somewhat better than a few weeks ago, but I'm still concerned about whether or not I can do the distance in open water (just this morning I was contemplating whether or not I can sneak an inflatable flotation device along with me. I also decided to practice treading water in case I need to give the lifeguards time to reach me). Haven't run since last Monday when I decided to do a 'brick' session. Rode my bike 20 miles and then went for a run. I actually felt better than I thought I would (the ride warms you up) but it was so unbearably hot (85F at 9AM) that I only ran for 2 miles. I don't think I'll have a chance to get anymore bricks in before the event. Too bad. I thought it was actually pretty useful. The cycling has been fairly casual-ie just here and there to stay accustomed to being on a bike. I think it will be fine (assuming of course, that I make it through the swimming bit).
Anyway, I've been continuing to focus on the swimming. It's somewhat better than a few weeks ago, but I'm still concerned about whether or not I can do the distance in open water (just this morning I was contemplating whether or not I can sneak an inflatable flotation device along with me. I also decided to practice treading water in case I need to give the lifeguards time to reach me). Haven't run since last Monday when I decided to do a 'brick' session. Rode my bike 20 miles and then went for a run. I actually felt better than I thought I would (the ride warms you up) but it was so unbearably hot (85F at 9AM) that I only ran for 2 miles. I don't think I'll have a chance to get anymore bricks in before the event. Too bad. I thought it was actually pretty useful. The cycling has been fairly casual-ie just here and there to stay accustomed to being on a bike. I think it will be fine (assuming of course, that I make it through the swimming bit).
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A river of sweat
The title describes my current state. Well, since the pool is closed all week at the time I can swim, I'm taking lunch-time runs. Maybe tomorrow I'll bike for a change - but maybe not because we might be having stormy weather. Since it is crazy hot outside, I decided to run in the shady trails of the nature preserve. So, yesterday and today I ran to the nature preserve and did the Forest Trail and then a tiny bit of the Marsh Trail, just to add a few minutes to the run (and then I ran back to the office). The forest trail is about a mile I think but it has a very steep ascent (I had to walk some of it yesterday - my heart was racing), followed by some treacherous descents. Trail running is fun. I haven't done it a lot since highschool.
7/7/10 & 7/8/10 - 30 minute runs (on campus and nature preserve).
7/7/10 & 7/8/10 - 30 minute runs (on campus and nature preserve).
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Fourth
So, I'm working today. I have to stay home tomorrow because my son's daycare is closed so I'm working today (and hubbie is home with little boy). I took advantage of the fact that campus is deserted and I did loops on the brain - 7 in all, making a grand total of 10 miles. I didn't time it (wasn't feeling optimistic about the results). I worked the hills and flats, didn't crash on the down hills, didn't crash when I got out of the toe cages. Success. And now the weekly bike ride is out of the way. Tomorrow I swim!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Feeling better
So, as I mentioned in my comment on your most recent post, Saff, I've also running a little low on energy lately. This week we have had a total change in routine in my house and it took until today to get used to it. Today, though, I only slept about 6 hours tops and the baby did wake up at 5:15 am, I feel a lot more refreshed. Monday-Wednesday, I could barely function at work. The only time I felt peppy was right after a work out - which actually was the primary motivation for working out (as my trusty caffeine was failing me). So, here are the stats:
6/30/10 - I ran about 3.5 miles. I ran about a mile, then did five hills (with down hill as the rest), then did a mile on the track, then ran back to my building. I felt O.K. until the hills were done but after that it took me a long time to recover. I forced myself to continue (because that's what I do) but I felt really, really tired.
7/1/10 - Today I went to the pool. I've finally found the right position and tension with my goggles so I don't suffer excruciating pain upon removal (and look like Frankenstein for the rest of the day) - and I'm very happy about this. I just got my haircut and I know understand why people wear swim caps. Not only could I not see but my hair kept getting in the way when I tried to breathe. Must buy swim cap at Target this weekend. As for the actual workout, here's what I did:
200yd warm up
800yd swim - I figured I'd try the race distance. I did it in 15:25 which, if I'm not mistaken, is a personal best for that distance (from the three times I raced it in 2008). If we were racing in a pool I'd shoot for 15:00 but in the open water, who the hell knows. I don't have any expectations timewise for the race - I just want to feel good.
100 yd rest (50 backstroke, 50 free)
4x50 (around 00:50 each)
300 cool down (I tried to work on form but I had hair in my mouth all the time so it was hard).
And now I feel pretty good. I hope that I'm over this slump.
6/30/10 - I ran about 3.5 miles. I ran about a mile, then did five hills (with down hill as the rest), then did a mile on the track, then ran back to my building. I felt O.K. until the hills were done but after that it took me a long time to recover. I forced myself to continue (because that's what I do) but I felt really, really tired.
7/1/10 - Today I went to the pool. I've finally found the right position and tension with my goggles so I don't suffer excruciating pain upon removal (and look like Frankenstein for the rest of the day) - and I'm very happy about this. I just got my haircut and I know understand why people wear swim caps. Not only could I not see but my hair kept getting in the way when I tried to breathe. Must buy swim cap at Target this weekend. As for the actual workout, here's what I did:
200yd warm up
800yd swim - I figured I'd try the race distance. I did it in 15:25 which, if I'm not mistaken, is a personal best for that distance (from the three times I raced it in 2008). If we were racing in a pool I'd shoot for 15:00 but in the open water, who the hell knows. I don't have any expectations timewise for the race - I just want to feel good.
100 yd rest (50 backstroke, 50 free)
4x50 (around 00:50 each)
300 cool down (I tried to work on form but I had hair in my mouth all the time so it was hard).
And now I feel pretty good. I hope that I'm over this slump.
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