Mail Bag

I love getting unexpected messages of encouragement from automated sites --- like DailyMile.

I got a nice little note from them complementing me on my "gnarly" training last week.

Glad that someone noticed my efforts.  :)

Moving makes me happy

Well, that's no surprise. You hear it all the time that a sedentary life blows.

Tonight during yoga I was reminded how much getting the blood pumping and being around other like-minded moving people is such a benefit.

Before class I was chatting up this older woman who religiously attends Thursday night yoga class. She shocked me when she announced that she was 83 years old! 83? I thought she was in her late 60's!

She told me she believes in trying new things and keeping her body as young as possible.

Under the heading of "new things" she told me she took belly-dancing classes for a year and even once took a pole dancing class --- to which her 85 year old husband was quite impressed when she demonstrated part of her routine. Hilarious!

During our poses I would periodically look over at this 83 year old yoga-loving lady and think...she's gotta be doing something right.

Here's to moving and stretching and trying new things!

"Paint The Fence, Danielson"

For the last few months me and The Husband have been painting and cleaning up our new beach condo.

The excitement of the new place and getting ready for the summer season meant that we were energized to get cracking...and then it was June and the last thing I wanted to do was any real physical labor.

With that in mind I've had on my list to paint the two upstairs bathrooms since they both need some freshening up.

With a zeal I didn't realize I had in me I became obsessed with knocking out the master bedroom this week. The truth was that (1) I was sick of looking at the unfinished room and (2) I had already gotten too much sun and exercise this week and needed another activity.

Within a short period of time I had all my materials dragged down from the attic (boy was it HOT up there!) and was attacking the room.

In no time flat I was done! Since it was still early I headed back to the paint store to pick up a quart of paint for the second upstairs bathroom.

By the end of the night I was sore, covered in paint smears and flecks and my nails were destroyed.

On the bright side, my two upstairs bathrooms look cheerier and though my painting skills will not pay the rent they may allow me hold my own at a future karate tournament.
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Free Day

Usually I'm a morning person, but today when my alarm went off at 7:00 am I was feeling really rough...and by rough I mean like a tractor trailer ran over me in my sleep.

After a week of 1, 2 and some times 3-a-days, this old body was begging for a recovery day.

I was slated to get in my MCM long run, but there seriously was no way I was going to be able to get the miles in today.

After sleeping in and later stretching I spent the day lounging around and watching the air show from our boat.

My one task was to set up a crab pot on our pier. As you can see --- Mission Accomplished. Now...come on little crabbies...aren't you hungry???

Strange things happen in the fog

I have been looking forward to my Sunday ride along Coastal Hwy all weekend. The weather reports all said it was going to be bright, sunny and warm. Sadly, the front moved slower than expected and I ended up riding in the fog, cold and wind. Poo!

I headed out for an out-and-back to the Indian River Inlet Bridge. My riding shirt, shorts and windbreaker were barely enough coverage to keep me from constantly shivering. Boo...my planning was not great today.

It was a pretty desolate ride with only 2-5 other riders on the route, but quiet can be good.

By the time I turned around at the inlet the wind had picked up and I was now riding into a full chilly head wind. Brilliant.

To top it off, 10 miles from home the fog rolled in and I literally could only see 25 feet in front of me. From the pix above you can see the fog rolling in and completely covering the bridge in the background. Freaky.

Under the heading of everyone thinks they're funny, but most of the time they are just idiots --- as I was riding back, an SUV swerved toward me and the passenger screamed out the window. They thought they were hilarious to startle me and cause me to swerve away from them. I guess that's the type of entertainment a group of fucking morons thinks is funny.

On the much lighter side --- through the fog I saw a very, very tall and husky man run out into the street and start talking to people in passing cars. I thought, "that's bizarre." As the man turned in profile I thought, "that's no man!!!" It was actually The Phillie Fanatic who was visiting the beach with a big group of Philly fans.

As I rolled by their party (complete with news cameras) the Fanatic opened his arms to greet me. I gave him a high five and a kiss. He hung on to my hand as I started peddling down the street and as a result he literally ran behind me for a minute. So, so very funny and totally unexpected.

Like I said...the fog does funny things.
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Things that go bump in the night..or the day

Those closest to me know that I have an odd tendency to bump into just about everything --- walls, signs, people, etc. I regularly stub my toe, cut a corner too tight or trip over curbs.

I'm not sure if I'm just overly klutzy, don't pay attention or just have no spatial senses.

Oddly enough I've never broken a bone, but do regularly sport some cool bruises.

With all this in mind, it was no surprise that while running down Coastal Hwy this morning I slowed to adjust my iPod and rammed right into a metal sign hanging off an electrical pole.

Nice. That's gonna leave a bruise.

Colorful Accessories

I think we've all experienced doubt and fear when deciding to do something new or hard. For me, the half Ironman triathlon distance and separately a marathon are those for me. Just crazy almost ridiculous things to even contemplate, but yet here I am contemplating them. But more on that later.

This week I'm heading west and to entertain myself on my flight to San Francisco I decided to catch up on one of my favorite things --- movies.

First up was The September Issue which documents the months leading up to the launch of Vogue's largest September issue --- the one with Sienna Miller on the cover and the fabulous spread in Rome.

One would be surprised to learn that I was seriously obsessed with fashion and accessories when I was younger. Each month I would eagerly pour over Seventeen magazine and American Vogue to mimic the styles elegantly strewn across the glossy pages --- from preppy to punk to all-American to European.

I remember planning my outfits with as much determination as I would spend studying for a test and kept track of each creation so that I would limit repeating myself. When I couldn't find exactly what I wanted --- either because it was just too expensive or the stores didn't have what I envisioned--- my mom would many times make it for me. Let's be for real. The only reason I worked at the mall was for the store discount and to make a few bucks to blow on concert tickets.

When my creativity was to be dashed once I entered private school and forced to wear a uniform I ended up focused more on accessories --- shoes, jewelry, hats and hair. Boy, did I enjoy changing my hair. Short, long and somewhere in the middle. And the colors --- highlights, low lights, brown, black and even a purple-ish tone. My stylist loved seeing me walk in the door.

Anyway, as I watched the movie I realized something more about Anna Wintour --- more than the person characterized to our delight in The Devil Wears Prada. Yes she's driven and a perfectionist and icy and most likely a genius. I would agree with all of that.

Instead I was taken by her singular focus to do exactly what she knows to be right and having the strength, confidence, determination or whatever one would call it to just execute. It is truly stunning.

You can learn a lot from that kind of strength and confidence --- no matter what you set your mind to.

So the next time someone else's doubts --- even if that person is me --- seeps around the edges, I'm going to remember Miss Wintour and her steely confidence shielded behind those extra large sunglasses and remember that I can do whatever I set my mind to --- as long as it includes a colorful accessory.

50/50 chances foiled

Last night The Husband and I lucked into a set of tickets to the Wizards/Hawks game. Though I'm not a huge pro basketball fan --- b/c they just don't seem to have their hearts in the game --- I was happy to go. Bonus that the company tickets are fantastic. There are two sets. One set is right behind the Wizard bench. The other set is two rows from the court. We've sat in the primo seats in the past and they are spectacular. We sat in the other seats this time. As you can see from the pix, they are still pretty snazzy. Bonus that I ran into a handful of folks from work and from around the city. Double-bonus that our seats were better than one of the partners whose seats were 15 rows back. Hee hee.

During the game they had a 50/50 raffle. Winner got a set of tixs and (more interesting to me) half the pot --- just shy of 2k. Clearly I did NOT win, but in the 60 seconds it took for them to draw the winning tix and announce the winner I did have a flood of images race through my mind of what I would buy. I am such a loser. Bonus that I was sitting right behind where they were picking the tix and so I believe my disappointment was clearly captured.

Best Laid Plans

I really hate when I do something really stupid ....but who doesn't?

Though this really has nothing to do with training, it does have to do with running, navigating an obstacle course and the agony of defeat.

Everyone knows I hate the stress of rushing around and being late. With that in mind I thought I had it all planned out --- changed my train ticket for an earlier departure out of Penn Station, took the subway and left with a lot of time.

As I was sitting in the Acela Lounge waiting for my 3 pm train and on a conference call I hear "final call for the 3 pm Acela to DC." Are you freaking kidding me???!! Crap!!!!!!!!!!

I jumped up, grabbed my stuff and bolted for the escalator --- clearly almost knocking people down along the way. Unfortunately as I reached the platform the train...pulled...away. Do you feel the heartbreak and hear the gasp of despair?

Luckily I practiced mental fortitude as I stood in an ever winding line to be rebooked on the next train --- which of course was cancelled, but I was able to grab a seat on the 5 pm Acela.

The good news is that I have a ticket. The bad news is that my chatty, single-focused approach to life once again burned me in the ass.
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The Results Are In...

and I'm only 30% efficient. Now that's encouraging.

On Saturday morning I headed over to Tidal and did a VO2 test on the treadmill. For those like me who wondered what this was all about --- it's a test that measures your efficiency and basically rates your overall cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. Others may have confused the test with human torture...but they'd be wrong.

Let's start off with the gear. You are fitted with a face mask that I swear makes you look like Hannibal Lector. Attached to the face guard is a tube that attaches to a laptop. At the same time you are wearing a heart rate monitor. In retrospect I wish I had captured this moment in a pix, but alas you'll have to use your imagination. Remember...think about Hannibal Lector wearing his face mask and running on a treadmill.

It's a 12-15 minute interval test on the treadmill --- starting at a walk, then fast walk, jog, run and then cranking up the incline while running.

You know when you're taking a test and you want to do well, but you have no idea what "doing well" is supposed to feel like? Well...that was me on the treadmill with the crazy mask and tube attached to a laptop and printer.

The walk, fast walk and jog felt fine. Even the first incline was ok. The final two minutes were very challenging and was made more so due to the claustrophobic inducing face mask I was wearing.

I got a print-out with lots of charts and graphs. On Sunday we'll have the benefit of J. presenting on how best to utilize the information and get started on a new way of training.

Here's to becoming more efficient!

ISO a support group for those who love heels

Being barely a 5'5 gal who always wanted to be 5'7 means that my closet is fully of heels, heels and more heels. The only other options that exist are flip flops and a pile of trainers...neither of which I can acceptably rock at work without a weekend pass, crutches or barricading myself in my office with a "no visitors" sign.

With that background, having a sore hip has been a bit interesting to say the least. I've dug out the most comfortable pair of heels (they do have a Nike Air cushion) and have made the best of it. A  far more logical person would have hit the shoe store to pick up a pair of flats...but who said I was ever logical.

The reality that heels do not equal fun right now was made apparent when I ran two blocks down K Street this evening in the pouring rain to catch the bus. Though I made the bus, my hip was not thrilled with the unexpected activity. I guess I should stand proud --- all 5'5 of me --- and pick up a pair of flats...since a limping chick in heels isn't all that cute.

Here's to hoping I have everything!

The last week has been quite an experience. I've been in three cities in five days. I've packed and up packed more than I would have liked.

I was rolling around the house last night until 2am trying to get all my stuff together. I'm convinced that when I open my luggage I'll have a pile of t-shirts, socks and a prom dress. It was that kind of night.
I can't believe I was loading my ipod play list at 1am, but it was important. Gotta have tunes on the run.

Seriously, I am so tired. My eyes could shut if I let them.

Ugh!

I can't believe I over-scheduled myself so much this week. I just don't know if I'm coming or going these days.  I'm a bit worried about Sunday's race. I haven't drank enough water this week and I drank more booze than was advisable last night.   Now I have to get everything together for Florida tonight in advance of a full day of work-stuff tomorrow and a 6pm flight.

Ugh...ugh...ugh. I hope I don't forget anything.

A change of scenery

Since it was in the 70's today and too beautiful of a day to spend it on a solitary run, Mark & I decided to hit the road and head south to Calvert Cliffs State Park.

We hiked the relatively flat 1.8 mile beach route out to the Bay.  Here is a pix from the half-way point along the marsh.  Very beautiful.

We decided to take the longer 3 mile route up and above the beach back to our car.  It was surprisingly hilly the entire way back.  The path was covered with leaves and the crunching under our feet clearly kept any local animals at bay.

I was most surprised by all the signs on this route regarding hunting --- how the path was a "safe zone", no target practice was allowed and that orange hunting gear is required when you step off the path.  Hmmm...as if a stray bullet would know to stop when it flew near the path.

ISO...running

It has been so strange to be living without a scheduled workouts.  I really miss it.

The winter training season begins in early November.  I am looking forward to getting back into a groove.  Looking forward to setting a goal and meeting it.  Not really looking forward to shivering in the cold.

My plan is to train for the National half marathon here in DC that is held in the early Spring.

I also have been eying the ING Miami half marathon.  I think it would be fun to be in another city --- especially being in Miami during January.  We'll see.  I still have to properly register for the National marathon.

I hope to get some miles in tomorrow...but it looks like it's gonna rain.  Soggy shoes suck.

Leave it to the professionals

Yesterday, I decided to go get a deep sports massage to help deal with the pings and dings I'm experiencing.  I am glad they were able to squeeze me during my lunch hour. 

I got some good advice on what's tight and needs more attention going forward...as well as a set of yoga stretches I can incorporate into my routine.

Ahhhh...I feel so much better.  The rest of my day felt so much better.

Burning it at both ends

Combo of work, the remodel and limited rest are finally taking its toll...and what a bad week for that to happen.

I really wish I had the ability to take a day off this week, but I'm just too busy at work. Ugh

I now wish I had NOT gone to the Tuesday night run last night. I ended up running much slower (4 min slower pace) than normal to hang back with a runner who was new to the route. I didn't want to leave her alone for the 4.25 mile run...esp since it was dark and a bit creepy at times.  My stride seemed awkward at that pace. Though it was a nice thing to do, that decision has caused soreness.

I ended up soaking in a cold bath and then later dumping my feet in an ice bath when I got home. I hope that...plus stretching will help.

Next time...it's every runner for themselves.  Damn Catholic school guilt.

Our last team social

We got together to chow down on some pasta before the big race at an Italian restaurant in Arlington.

It is always fun to see folks outside of wearing their running gear.

I got an unexpected award --- a trophy for best attendance!  A couple of the coaches also passed along some wonderful comments.  One noted that I have made noticeable strides over the last few months.  Another remarked that I was the cheerleader of the Georgetown site.  Very nice and unexpected.

The countdown

It's finally real.  I headed to the DC Armory this evening and picked up my race pack --- my bib and shoe timing tag.  Very cool.

It's very strange to not prepare for a Saturday long-run.  After so many months of early morning Saturday wake-up calls...it is an odd feeling to stay up late and sleep in.

Feeling like a slacker

Tapering before the big race feels a bit strange.  I haven't run since Tuesday.  I skipped the Wednesday track workout and instead just chilled. 

Other than some minor walking, I basically chilled today.

I did learn an interesting fact about the Army 10-miler.  Apparently there is a little hill at the very end of the race as you run up an on-ramp and then head into the Pentagon.  Interesting.  Luckily it's short, but should be interesting at the very end of the race.

Just a little while longer before I pick up my bib, shoe timer and then race day!