This weekend: meltdown!
Actually, the weather was lovely, I just almost lost it!
A local bike shop offers weekly group rides (supposedly) for beginners on Saturday mornings at 10am. I figured since the bike has taken a backseat to running (because I love it) and swimming (because I hate it/can't do it), I should give it some love.
With great bravado, I went to the bike shop and waited outside. Since it was a beginner's ride, I figured I would at least be middle of the pack, as I am, arguably, in good shape.
Oh no, no, no. I was met by a LOT of yuppies on fancy bikes with padded bike shorts, clip in shoes, at least 3 bottles of water attached on their bikes, fancy sunglasses...they were intimidating to say the least. I started to feel panicky, wondering if I had come to the right group ride, but no one else seemed to have ever gone to the Sunday ride (which is SUPPOSED to be for intense, crazy cyclists!). However, everyone was really very nice. They were all encouraging, eager to answer my questions and support me in my silly efforts of riding my ancient (CLASSIC) bike through Washington, DC. HA! Victory! I will conquer my fears! I kept telling myself that even if I looked stupid on a bike, even if everyone has to wait for me after a hill or a tough spot, I will still go and do my best because that's how you learn. I'm ok with looking dumb.
So we set off!
And when we got across the street, the group leader pointed out that I had a flat tire already!
So I walked back to the bike store, dropped off my bike, went over to my boyfriend's apartment and proceeded to bawl. Because I am a mature grown up and a tough athlete.
Here's the thing (which I pointed out to my boyfriend several times): I can handle the race being hard. I can handle tough training. I can handle falling off and scraping my leg open. What I cannot stand is not even being able to START my training. It brought me down so low this weekend that I even talked about backing out of this stupid triathlon. I mean, I was looking for a challenge, but I want to be able to actually finish! I guess there's that whole element of, be careful what you wish for. This is a bigger challenge than I realized it would be. Don't ask me WHY I thought a triathlon would be easy, I just thought it would.
In the end, I went out for a run and then came back and got back on the stupid bike. Instead of going for a group ride, I went for a date ride, meaning that my boyfriend helped me get back out on the road. Which was much more fun than a group ride anyway :)
Also, on Sunday I went out to the park by my house and did "yoga in the park." Free yoga! Do you know what a great deal this is?? Yoga at a studio costs anywhere from $15-$20 per session. And it was so much more interesting to do yoga outside. I could let my mind wander a lot more and I didn't really need to listen to the instructor - I just watched what other people were doing and listened to the drum circle playing nearby. I would absolutely recommend doing Yoga in the Park - it is a great way to get introduced to yoga in a non-threatening setting.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Full speed ahead! (again)
I got back from vacation a week ago yesterday. Israel is a beautiful country! We had a fantastic time. Tel Aviv has a gorgeous beach with a very pedestrian friendly promenade. I was CONVINCED that I would run on in while we were there...and then proceeded to sleep in every single day. It was really hot and we wanted to do touristy things during the day and by nighttime, we had walked about 12 miles and all I wanted to do was eat a bucket of hummus and go to bed.
So I came back last week and didn't even run or bike until Friday. This week I'm starting to feel like I'm actually making some progress. I did about 10 miles on Monday night and another 5 this morning. Tonight I'm hitting the pool (oops, I meant to look up a swim workout...). I have to admit that even with almost 2 weeks off, I still feel pretty good. I know that it can hurt a training schedule to take that much time off, but I didn't stress during my vacation. I can't imagine how that would have affected my time abroad and I'm really glad that I didn't let it worry me.
The triathlon is really starting to nip at my heels, though. It's time to sink or swim (unfortunately that is literal). I need to get my head in the game. I've decided to start twice a day workouts a few times a week. My problem is that my default is to run. I don't like swimming or biking nearly as much, but I need to work on that. Two of my friends are doing bike races, so maybe I'll reach out to them to work out with me! Buddy workouts might be easier on a bike? They certainly seem to be easy while swimming since no one can really talk, but I am still slow in the water.
I need to start a list of "things to buy," so that I won't have to buy everything the week of. Maybe that will be the next post...
No good product reviews, but I am getting a new shoe wallet! I lost it during the Cherry Blossom Run (luckily it was empty!!!) but my mom is getting me a new one at work. Still one of the best buys out there!
So I came back last week and didn't even run or bike until Friday. This week I'm starting to feel like I'm actually making some progress. I did about 10 miles on Monday night and another 5 this morning. Tonight I'm hitting the pool (oops, I meant to look up a swim workout...). I have to admit that even with almost 2 weeks off, I still feel pretty good. I know that it can hurt a training schedule to take that much time off, but I didn't stress during my vacation. I can't imagine how that would have affected my time abroad and I'm really glad that I didn't let it worry me.
The triathlon is really starting to nip at my heels, though. It's time to sink or swim (unfortunately that is literal). I need to get my head in the game. I've decided to start twice a day workouts a few times a week. My problem is that my default is to run. I don't like swimming or biking nearly as much, but I need to work on that. Two of my friends are doing bike races, so maybe I'll reach out to them to work out with me! Buddy workouts might be easier on a bike? They certainly seem to be easy while swimming since no one can really talk, but I am still slow in the water.
I need to start a list of "things to buy," so that I won't have to buy everything the week of. Maybe that will be the next post...
No good product reviews, but I am getting a new shoe wallet! I lost it during the Cherry Blossom Run (luckily it was empty!!!) but my mom is getting me a new one at work. Still one of the best buys out there!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Back on Track and a Product Review
This weekend I finally got kind of sort of back on track with my training. Sunday included both a run and a bike ride and Monday had a 2 hour bike ride in store for me.
I also ate like a pig (and ate a lot of pig) this weekend, so I don't know how good it actually did for me.
I felt pretty on target though, only to have a busy week with few workout prospects ahead of me. Drat! Then next week I leave for my vacation (FINALLY) so who knows when I'll actually be able to train? I determined that I have 21 weeks before my marathon, so that poses little risk. I think I peaked in my training too early last time, so who knows? Maybe I'll be able to improve my time. The triathlon will be tricky of course, but I'm feeling more like my cocky old self now that I actually got on the bike and went somewhere. Hopefully I'll be able to get in a swim this week.
And now, a product review.
I'm not sure if I'm willing to give the fit flop my unpaid endorsement yet. After all, I've only had them for about a week and they *were* $60 flipflops. Yes they have sequins on them and they are supposed to trim my bum (quote, unquote), but they are still $60 flipflops in the end.
They are the revolutionary flipflops designed to trim you and tone you WHILE YOU WALK! UNbelieveable, right? Well that's the part that I'm trying to get past. I'm already in pretty decent shape, so I highly doubt that I'm going to see inches melt off my body. But they provide way better stability than regular flipflops and they are actually really comfortable. So why not wear them on my 30 minute walk to work in the morning? And then on the way home? If I can sneak in an extra workout, why not give it a shot?
(also, I have to admit that I've been intrigued by these shoes for a REALLY LONG TIME and I reeeeeeally wanted them. I know. It's so tacky and I fall for gimmicks so easily. Darn marketing!! Also, I am a shoe aficionado. Aficionada?)
I always take remarkably to placebos (hypochondriac, anyone?), so I'm not really the best person to use in a study for shoes like this. I thought that I could feel some glute work on the first day I wore them, now I don't really know. But like I said, they're super comfortable AND they have sequins!
I guess if you have an extra $60 lying around, it's worth it. But if not, I say just get off the bus and walk the 30 mins in the morning and you're doing yourself a good enough favor anyway.
They put sequins on regular flipflops anyway.
I also ate like a pig (and ate a lot of pig) this weekend, so I don't know how good it actually did for me.
I felt pretty on target though, only to have a busy week with few workout prospects ahead of me. Drat! Then next week I leave for my vacation (FINALLY) so who knows when I'll actually be able to train? I determined that I have 21 weeks before my marathon, so that poses little risk. I think I peaked in my training too early last time, so who knows? Maybe I'll be able to improve my time. The triathlon will be tricky of course, but I'm feeling more like my cocky old self now that I actually got on the bike and went somewhere. Hopefully I'll be able to get in a swim this week.
And now, a product review.
I'm not sure if I'm willing to give the fit flop my unpaid endorsement yet. After all, I've only had them for about a week and they *were* $60 flipflops. Yes they have sequins on them and they are supposed to trim my bum (quote, unquote), but they are still $60 flipflops in the end.
They are the revolutionary flipflops designed to trim you and tone you WHILE YOU WALK! UNbelieveable, right? Well that's the part that I'm trying to get past. I'm already in pretty decent shape, so I highly doubt that I'm going to see inches melt off my body. But they provide way better stability than regular flipflops and they are actually really comfortable. So why not wear them on my 30 minute walk to work in the morning? And then on the way home? If I can sneak in an extra workout, why not give it a shot?
(also, I have to admit that I've been intrigued by these shoes for a REALLY LONG TIME and I reeeeeeally wanted them. I know. It's so tacky and I fall for gimmicks so easily. Darn marketing!! Also, I am a shoe aficionado. Aficionada?)
I always take remarkably to placebos (hypochondriac, anyone?), so I'm not really the best person to use in a study for shoes like this. I thought that I could feel some glute work on the first day I wore them, now I don't really know. But like I said, they're super comfortable AND they have sequins!
I guess if you have an extra $60 lying around, it's worth it. But if not, I say just get off the bus and walk the 30 mins in the morning and you're doing yourself a good enough favor anyway.
They put sequins on regular flipflops anyway.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The Luckiest Girl
I think if someone were to examine my life, they might come to the conclusion that I am very brave indeed.
I run marathons for kicks and I sign up for triathlons when I get bored. I’m going to swim in the Potomac. I live in my own apartment when under the age of 25 and it’s not in a building with a doorman and a security guard. I go on vacation to places like Zimbabwe and Israel (to be fair, Zimbabwe was like 9 years ago, haha). I’ve studied abroad and traveled alone. I’ve gone on safaris and gone snorkeling. I can hear you all now. What a brave and exciting individual. Oh yes, and I ride my bike around the streets of a city.
Well, kind of.
To be honest, I’m not brave at all, which my poor boyfriend got to see last night. After my previous bad experience on the bike, he rode up to meet me to go for a ride with me. First, I whined about the seat (I am still sore). Then I refused to leave the park near my house. I was perfectly content to ride around in circles for an hour or two, but he was convinced that I should go out on the road and get a little bit more experience. Did I whine? Oh yes, I whined and I cried a little and I moped and I said over and over again, “I don’t like this!!!!” very mature, very brave. I was absolutely terrified to go out next to the cars, despite his assurances that the idea was worse than the actual act. I saw images of my head bashed open in the streets of DC and homeless men coming to eat my brains (ok I just added that part now).
But I think the worst part is that my confidence has worn a little thin lately. I’m no longer the cocky girl who said, oh yeah sure, I can do a triathlon. Now I’m seriously doubting my ability to finish this race without crying or breaking down. I’m scared to fail. I really don’t want to fail, but I’m scared that race day will come and I’ll roll over in my bed and say, meh, whatever.
So I was very lucky to have someone with me who a) didn’t yell at me when I cried. B) didn’t pressure me into doing it c) waited until I was ready and d) acted the whole time like he knew I could do it. Here’s the thing – everyone is different. Maybe you need someone who can yell at you. Maybe you need to figure this stuff out alone. I don’t know. But if you can find someone who can figure out how to help you and then just do it because they care…well. I feel pretty lucky right now.
I run marathons for kicks and I sign up for triathlons when I get bored. I’m going to swim in the Potomac. I live in my own apartment when under the age of 25 and it’s not in a building with a doorman and a security guard. I go on vacation to places like Zimbabwe and Israel (to be fair, Zimbabwe was like 9 years ago, haha). I’ve studied abroad and traveled alone. I’ve gone on safaris and gone snorkeling. I can hear you all now. What a brave and exciting individual. Oh yes, and I ride my bike around the streets of a city.
Well, kind of.
To be honest, I’m not brave at all, which my poor boyfriend got to see last night. After my previous bad experience on the bike, he rode up to meet me to go for a ride with me. First, I whined about the seat (I am still sore). Then I refused to leave the park near my house. I was perfectly content to ride around in circles for an hour or two, but he was convinced that I should go out on the road and get a little bit more experience. Did I whine? Oh yes, I whined and I cried a little and I moped and I said over and over again, “I don’t like this!!!!” very mature, very brave. I was absolutely terrified to go out next to the cars, despite his assurances that the idea was worse than the actual act. I saw images of my head bashed open in the streets of DC and homeless men coming to eat my brains (ok I just added that part now).
But I think the worst part is that my confidence has worn a little thin lately. I’m no longer the cocky girl who said, oh yeah sure, I can do a triathlon. Now I’m seriously doubting my ability to finish this race without crying or breaking down. I’m scared to fail. I really don’t want to fail, but I’m scared that race day will come and I’ll roll over in my bed and say, meh, whatever.
So I was very lucky to have someone with me who a) didn’t yell at me when I cried. B) didn’t pressure me into doing it c) waited until I was ready and d) acted the whole time like he knew I could do it. Here’s the thing – everyone is different. Maybe you need someone who can yell at you. Maybe you need to figure this stuff out alone. I don’t know. But if you can find someone who can figure out how to help you and then just do it because they care…well. I feel pretty lucky right now.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Social Networking
In my job, I read a lot of advertising and marketing journals (who would've guessed that I'd ever be reading those?). The big thing right now is social networking. Social networking is huge! It's everywhere!
FACEBOOK
MYSPACE
LINKEDIN
TWITTER
BLOGS
cough.
Yep, everyone it seems is doing it. All the cool kids. All the dorky kids. All the nerds. We love it. It's a way to connect with others without ever having to speak a word out loud or look someone in the eye. Fantastic!
Obviously, I'm slightly skeptical. When facebook came out, I used it fanatically as a procrastination tool (you could always tell when someone was working on a term paper by the number of changes they made to their profile). Now, I'm more apathetic towards it. I like it, but I don't really care about it. It's a nice way to stay in touch with people so that I can, say, decline invitations to my 5 year high school reunion, but other than that I haven't really gotten into it.
But last night I was feeling pretty bad about myself, as I tried to ride my new bike and was unsuccessful. (I need to get new pedals). I moped a little bit, cried a little bit, ate an ice cream sandwich or two for dinner and then felt fat and completely unable to do anything. My newly framed marathon photos adorn my wall, making me feel so far away from the girl who ran 26.2 miles. So I pulled up the DC Tri Club website and started to peruse. I joined the Dc Tri Club a couple months ago, sending in my $30 and receiving a t-shirt, water bottle, and sticker for it. But I didn't do anything with the actual club. Now I've learned, Surprise!, that joining the dc tri club doesn't make me a triathlete. That requires actual energy and action.
One of the first threads I read in the "forum" (obviously, this is some sort of social networking tool, otherwise I wouldn't be bringing this up) was from some people who live very close to my new apartment. And all the threads were about staying motivated and finding training buddies! So now I'm in touch with some people about biking, swimming together (still on the fence for running since I'm known to be an anti-social runner).
Conclusions? It's important to utilize the resources out there. If it's social networking, so be it. I'm all for the internet. Yay internet! They also have lists of free group workouts that you can go to. How awesome is that? Maybe I don't need to invest as much money into this as I thought...just time.
(Also, it's important to note that I do not endorse eating ice cream sandwiches for dinner. They are a delightful snack, but not a sufficient meal.)
MYSPACE
BLOGS
cough.
Yep, everyone it seems is doing it. All the cool kids. All the dorky kids. All the nerds. We love it. It's a way to connect with others without ever having to speak a word out loud or look someone in the eye. Fantastic!
Obviously, I'm slightly skeptical. When facebook came out, I used it fanatically as a procrastination tool (you could always tell when someone was working on a term paper by the number of changes they made to their profile). Now, I'm more apathetic towards it. I like it, but I don't really care about it. It's a nice way to stay in touch with people so that I can, say, decline invitations to my 5 year high school reunion, but other than that I haven't really gotten into it.
But last night I was feeling pretty bad about myself, as I tried to ride my new bike and was unsuccessful. (I need to get new pedals). I moped a little bit, cried a little bit, ate an ice cream sandwich or two for dinner and then felt fat and completely unable to do anything. My newly framed marathon photos adorn my wall, making me feel so far away from the girl who ran 26.2 miles. So I pulled up the DC Tri Club website and started to peruse. I joined the Dc Tri Club a couple months ago, sending in my $30 and receiving a t-shirt, water bottle, and sticker for it. But I didn't do anything with the actual club. Now I've learned, Surprise!, that joining the dc tri club doesn't make me a triathlete. That requires actual energy and action.
One of the first threads I read in the "forum" (obviously, this is some sort of social networking tool, otherwise I wouldn't be bringing this up) was from some people who live very close to my new apartment. And all the threads were about staying motivated and finding training buddies! So now I'm in touch with some people about biking, swimming together (still on the fence for running since I'm known to be an anti-social runner).
Conclusions? It's important to utilize the resources out there. If it's social networking, so be it. I'm all for the internet. Yay internet! They also have lists of free group workouts that you can go to. How awesome is that? Maybe I don't need to invest as much money into this as I thought...just time.
(Also, it's important to note that I do not endorse eating ice cream sandwiches for dinner. They are a delightful snack, but not a sufficient meal.)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Trying to give it my all
I think I need to step it up guys. I've let training take a backseat to moving, working, playing, eating, sleeping, showering...there's really no excuse for that. Here I am, trying to help other people train and I'm not even setting a good example.
End Goal: Triathlon is quickly approaching and add-on Marathon is close behind. I think my lack of training has really got me down and I'm starting to doubt my ability to do this. It's one of those things where you absolutely have to invest some time and money into it if you want to finish and finish strong. For me, there is no other option than finishing.
So I think I might have to look into personal training or a triathlon training course. I'm ok with getting help and working with other people and it might be time for me to invest a little more cash into this project.
I'm feeling pretty run down and I think it's time to revamp my training. Any ideas?
End Goal: Triathlon is quickly approaching and add-on Marathon is close behind. I think my lack of training has really got me down and I'm starting to doubt my ability to do this. It's one of those things where you absolutely have to invest some time and money into it if you want to finish and finish strong. For me, there is no other option than finishing.
So I think I might have to look into personal training or a triathlon training course. I'm ok with getting help and working with other people and it might be time for me to invest a little more cash into this project.
I'm feeling pretty run down and I think it's time to revamp my training. Any ideas?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Courage
You know how when you ride a horse, they tell you to remain calm no matter what because if a horse can sense that you're nervous, they will become nervous? I'm very much like a horse. I pick up on people's emotional discharges and even if I can hide it, it gets to me in most situations and makes me uncomfortable.
For example, I moved this weekend. I went from one questionable neighborhood in DC, Southeast, to another, U St/Columbia Heights. I didn't realize that the area where my new house is was considered so...urban. It's right next door to the Embassy of Ecuador, so it has to be safe...right?
But I've had a few people tell me that I still have to be careful. I'm not sure if this means that it's actually a dangerous neighborhood or if it means that everyone still sees me as a 12 year old who looks like she just walked out of a bubble. I've been sheltered, sure, but I've learned to fend for myself. In my opinion, I do pretty well. I play it safe and smart. But hearing everyone tell me scary stories doesn't do much to make me feel good. I love my apartment but now I'm leaning towards "terrified of sticking my nose out the door." Which I don't want to do. Once again, I find myself searching for inspiration in my training.
When I first said that I would run a marathon, people told me to be careful. They told me horror stories of how people die in them and I read scary stories about overhydration, dehydration, wronghydration, etc. There were days when I ran and then threw up in my mouth and it was scary. But I made it through and I ran the marathon. So I guess it really is just doing everything one day at a time and trying not to see it as 26 miles but just one mile at a time. One day at a time and I will be ok. I'm not alone, ever. The people who cheer me on when I run are the same people who will hold my hand in the middle of the night when I'm scared, both physically and figuratively. Being afraid because people tell you to be won't help, because ultimately, you'll just end up flying over a cliff like a crazy horse. If people tell me to be scared, then I better be the one who calls it out and says, no. I will not be afraid and I will not live my life on the nervous energy of others.
thank you, that was very therapeutic.
For example, I moved this weekend. I went from one questionable neighborhood in DC, Southeast, to another, U St/Columbia Heights. I didn't realize that the area where my new house is was considered so...urban. It's right next door to the Embassy of Ecuador, so it has to be safe...right?
But I've had a few people tell me that I still have to be careful. I'm not sure if this means that it's actually a dangerous neighborhood or if it means that everyone still sees me as a 12 year old who looks like she just walked out of a bubble. I've been sheltered, sure, but I've learned to fend for myself. In my opinion, I do pretty well. I play it safe and smart. But hearing everyone tell me scary stories doesn't do much to make me feel good. I love my apartment but now I'm leaning towards "terrified of sticking my nose out the door." Which I don't want to do. Once again, I find myself searching for inspiration in my training.
When I first said that I would run a marathon, people told me to be careful. They told me horror stories of how people die in them and I read scary stories about overhydration, dehydration, wronghydration, etc. There were days when I ran and then threw up in my mouth and it was scary. But I made it through and I ran the marathon. So I guess it really is just doing everything one day at a time and trying not to see it as 26 miles but just one mile at a time. One day at a time and I will be ok. I'm not alone, ever. The people who cheer me on when I run are the same people who will hold my hand in the middle of the night when I'm scared, both physically and figuratively. Being afraid because people tell you to be won't help, because ultimately, you'll just end up flying over a cliff like a crazy horse. If people tell me to be scared, then I better be the one who calls it out and says, no. I will not be afraid and I will not live my life on the nervous energy of others.
thank you, that was very therapeutic.
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