I just realized that it had been a few weeks since I had updated my blog. So much for keeping everyone informed... Sorry gang. I'll try to do better. But workouts are not very exciting this time of year. Especially since all but 2 rides have been on the bike trainer, and only a handful of runs have been outside. I'm hoping with April right around the corner, we'll at least get another day or two a week where we can get outside. Or maybe I'll just have to get tougher.
This last weekend we joined up with MN RED running club. RED stands for Running, Eating, Drinking. My kind of people!! We ran with them a couple weeks ago, and really enjoyed it. This week we started at Lake Harriet and ran down the Minnehaha Parkway to Lake Nakomis and back. Then Matt and I added a little extra on to make it 15 miles. We ran a solid 9:30 pace the entire way, and I felt great. Notice I said "felt" great. Not, "feel" great. In fact my legs are still barking from that workout, and I'm totally tired today.
We got up to swim this morning, and it wasn't an overly challenging workout, but I sure had a tough time keeping up with the group. I'm sure Wednesday's workout will be better. I really need to add another swim a week, but it's hard to squeeze that one in with the pool hours and life. Usually Monday's I follow the swim with a nice hour spin, but today that didn't happen. I was just beat.
I'm saving my spin for Tuesday morning, and then a run and weights Tuesday afternoon. I've been good about my running -- averaging 20-25 miles a week right now, and I'm pleased with that. That's 3 good runs.
I purchased a new road bike a week ago, and have only taken it outside for a quick 30 min ride to make sure I liked it. Otherwise I've been on the trainer, and so far so good. The first ride was just getting used to the new position, and then the next 2 workouts felt much better. I think I'm going to need to put my old seat on the new bike, because after about an hour or so, my seat bones were aching. I can't wait to get 'Ruby' outside to see how she handles the hills. Since hills and comfort were the 2 things I liked least about my old bike.
Well, it's getting late -- late for me at least, when I have to be on the bike at 5:30am. To get all the workouts in.
Until next time!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
Slip and Slide
Sunday Matt and I headed out for our weekly "long" run. This week was an easy 10 miles around town. It was warm enough to run outside. Yeah! The last few days have been above freezing so the snow has started to melt, and then overnight the wet spots freeze to ice. Well, we were less than a mile from home enjoying easy conversation and skipping over ice patches, when *WHOOPS* down I go. The sidewalk was on a pretty good angle, and I hit an ice patch just right and my feet went out from under me. Faster than a speeding bullet, I was on the ground. I was actually grateful for all my layers of clothing, as that prevented me from a good dose of road rash. I did manage to put a hole in my favorite Mt. Hardware running gloves, but better than a hole in my hand! I dusted myself off, and onward we continued. It didn't take long for the sting to go away, and otherwise the rest of the run was quite nice. 10 miles felt easy, and we maintained an under 10 min/mile pace, so I was really happy with that. Right now it's just about building the base, and I don't feel like I've run much lately, so the mental strength is just as important as the physical strength. It really takes awhile to get your mind to slow down enough and enjoy the long workouts. That's really what I enjoy about them. It's almost like meditating to me. (I know, I know, you all think I'm crazy!!)
Saturday was supposed to be a long bike. But I just didn't have it in me. It was that "mental" strength that I couldn't find. And after 40 minutes on the bike trainer, I was losing my mind. I just wasn't in a good place. I needed fresh air! So I ended up taking the dogs for a walk, and even though it was a little brisk and chilly out, the fresh air helped significantly!
Today was bike and swim day. Our coach, Lisa, is having a rough time with her shoulder, so we were swimming on our own again. She gave us a workout that was 2300 yards. It wasn't too hard, but we got a bit of a late start, so I ended up having to cut my cool down short, and finish with 2250. Oh well. I can make up that 50 another day.
An hour on the bike this morning wasn't bad. It was mentally easier than the 40 minutes Saturday. It's amazing how the mind plays such a powerful role in our lives. I remember that quote "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." How true it is!
Until next time!
Saturday was supposed to be a long bike. But I just didn't have it in me. It was that "mental" strength that I couldn't find. And after 40 minutes on the bike trainer, I was losing my mind. I just wasn't in a good place. I needed fresh air! So I ended up taking the dogs for a walk, and even though it was a little brisk and chilly out, the fresh air helped significantly!
Today was bike and swim day. Our coach, Lisa, is having a rough time with her shoulder, so we were swimming on our own again. She gave us a workout that was 2300 yards. It wasn't too hard, but we got a bit of a late start, so I ended up having to cut my cool down short, and finish with 2250. Oh well. I can make up that 50 another day.
An hour on the bike this morning wasn't bad. It was mentally easier than the 40 minutes Saturday. It's amazing how the mind plays such a powerful role in our lives. I remember that quote "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." How true it is!
Until next time!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Easy Friday
Today it actually smells like spring, and I'm loving it! The temps this week have started to rise, and we're hitting the mid-40's. Feels like a heat wave compared to earlier this year. But I can't let my hopes get too high, with 6 inches of snow forecasted for this weekend. At least it won't last more than a day or so, and then we'll be back to 40's. There really is light at the end of the winter tunnel!
I've been pleased with the fact that I've gotten in my workouts this week as planned. Or as planned as possible. Life really does get in the way sometimes, and you can't let it get you down.
Tuesday I slept in, and then hit the gym after work. It is ALWAYS harder to workout on the backside of the day. My legs felt like lead, and I suffered through 4 miles on the treadmill. I did do a strength workout too, and I'm glad I did. My goal is to lift twice a week, to keep building muscle. I'd like to lift 3 times a week, but I just don't think that's feesable. Then I'd be doing 9 workouts each week, and as the swimming, biking, and running distances get longer, adding in another strength workout would be too much. It's all about balance.
Wednesday morning I was up and off to the pool fully expecting Lisa to kick our butts, after having swam on our own earlier in the week. Unfortunately, she was unable to make it, and we had to suffer on our own. I've decided that I swim much harder when she's standing up there than I do when I'm on my own. I still got in a good quality 2350 yards, but it wasn't nearly as intense as it might have been with her there. But that's how it goes, and I'm still pleased with my effort.
Thursday was looking like a light day on the farm, and I was very excited at the idea of being able to get in both workouts. Typically Thursday's are busy, and I only get in my 5am bike ride. This week I was up and got in a really good 45 min on the trainer before my networking meeting, and then I was off to the farm. I didn't have many horses to ride, and it looked like I was going to have a good break between riding and teaching afternoon lessons to get in a run and strength workout. Well, as many of you know, life on the farm, rarely goes as planned. I needed the vet to come out to do some health papers, and of course they called to say they were on their way when I was in the middle of my run. Luckily I was only at the Snap in Watertown, a few minutes away, so I could go back to the farm. But it was still very frustrating to get interrupted in the middle of my workout. After meeting with the vet I didn't have enough time to finish my 3 miles, so I went and got a latte instead. You've just got to roll with it, right?
Now it's finally Friday, and I'm enjoying a day of "rest." No workouts scheduled before the weekend. It's nice to have the extra time to catch up on things like this.
Until next time!
I've been pleased with the fact that I've gotten in my workouts this week as planned. Or as planned as possible. Life really does get in the way sometimes, and you can't let it get you down.
Tuesday I slept in, and then hit the gym after work. It is ALWAYS harder to workout on the backside of the day. My legs felt like lead, and I suffered through 4 miles on the treadmill. I did do a strength workout too, and I'm glad I did. My goal is to lift twice a week, to keep building muscle. I'd like to lift 3 times a week, but I just don't think that's feesable. Then I'd be doing 9 workouts each week, and as the swimming, biking, and running distances get longer, adding in another strength workout would be too much. It's all about balance.
Wednesday morning I was up and off to the pool fully expecting Lisa to kick our butts, after having swam on our own earlier in the week. Unfortunately, she was unable to make it, and we had to suffer on our own. I've decided that I swim much harder when she's standing up there than I do when I'm on my own. I still got in a good quality 2350 yards, but it wasn't nearly as intense as it might have been with her there. But that's how it goes, and I'm still pleased with my effort.
Thursday was looking like a light day on the farm, and I was very excited at the idea of being able to get in both workouts. Typically Thursday's are busy, and I only get in my 5am bike ride. This week I was up and got in a really good 45 min on the trainer before my networking meeting, and then I was off to the farm. I didn't have many horses to ride, and it looked like I was going to have a good break between riding and teaching afternoon lessons to get in a run and strength workout. Well, as many of you know, life on the farm, rarely goes as planned. I needed the vet to come out to do some health papers, and of course they called to say they were on their way when I was in the middle of my run. Luckily I was only at the Snap in Watertown, a few minutes away, so I could go back to the farm. But it was still very frustrating to get interrupted in the middle of my workout. After meeting with the vet I didn't have enough time to finish my 3 miles, so I went and got a latte instead. You've just got to roll with it, right?
Now it's finally Friday, and I'm enjoying a day of "rest." No workouts scheduled before the weekend. It's nice to have the extra time to catch up on things like this.
Until next time!
Monday, March 02, 2009
More Training
The last few days I've been disappointed by the fact that it just plain cold out again. I'm longing for the days when I don't have to wear my Mt Everest-down jacket. It doesn't even have to be summer just yet, simply warm enough to only need to throw on a fleece, and I'd be happy.
But that is not the case just yet, so I continue to train indoors.
Friday I lost all motivation, and elected to take the day off from training. Saturday morning I got up and did an hour and 20 on the bike trainer. Ugh. It is SO boring, but I try to change it up by doing some big-gear intervals and that does help the time go by a little faster. Sunday was a "long" run. We woke up to the windchill being -17. If that doesn't take the motivation out of your sails, I don't know what would. After putzing around for part of the morning, Matt and I finally decided that it was time to go hit the treadmill at Snap Fitness. I find the treadmill to be as boring as the bike trainer, so I was less than thrilled. At least at Snap you can watch TV -- you have to read the subtitles if you don't have a FM tuner, so you can get plenty of stimulation -- run, read the TV, listen to your iPod. 8 Miles later, I got off the treadmill. My left leg gets sore from that much running on the treadmill so I must have some kind of an imbalance. I don't have that one-sidedness outside. I think there's enough terrain changes outside that I don't have that overuse problem that I get on the treadmill.
I currently enjoy Monday's since I haven't been going to the farm. It allows me to get in some quality training right away at the start of the week. Today unfortunately, Coach Lisa wasn't able to make it to the pool, so we had to swim on our own. I was worried at what I'd be able to do after pizza and a little too much alcohol last night (I don't typically drink Martini's and 1 martini, and I was over the edge, whew! That hasn't happened in a LONG time!!) Anyway, I still managed a good quality 2250 yards in 1 hour. I was pleased with that effort. Then I came home and immediately hit the bike trainer. 1 hour of easy spinning, and I felt like I had a good start to the day. I spent a lot of time in front of my computer today, and do feel a little stiff. I'm used to much more light activity, and that really helps the muscles from feeling to sore and tight. I should probably spend some time stretching, but I have a hunch at this hour I'm simply going to go straight to bed!
Until next time, happy training!! :)
But that is not the case just yet, so I continue to train indoors.
Friday I lost all motivation, and elected to take the day off from training. Saturday morning I got up and did an hour and 20 on the bike trainer. Ugh. It is SO boring, but I try to change it up by doing some big-gear intervals and that does help the time go by a little faster. Sunday was a "long" run. We woke up to the windchill being -17. If that doesn't take the motivation out of your sails, I don't know what would. After putzing around for part of the morning, Matt and I finally decided that it was time to go hit the treadmill at Snap Fitness. I find the treadmill to be as boring as the bike trainer, so I was less than thrilled. At least at Snap you can watch TV -- you have to read the subtitles if you don't have a FM tuner, so you can get plenty of stimulation -- run, read the TV, listen to your iPod. 8 Miles later, I got off the treadmill. My left leg gets sore from that much running on the treadmill so I must have some kind of an imbalance. I don't have that one-sidedness outside. I think there's enough terrain changes outside that I don't have that overuse problem that I get on the treadmill.
I currently enjoy Monday's since I haven't been going to the farm. It allows me to get in some quality training right away at the start of the week. Today unfortunately, Coach Lisa wasn't able to make it to the pool, so we had to swim on our own. I was worried at what I'd be able to do after pizza and a little too much alcohol last night (I don't typically drink Martini's and 1 martini, and I was over the edge, whew! That hasn't happened in a LONG time!!) Anyway, I still managed a good quality 2250 yards in 1 hour. I was pleased with that effort. Then I came home and immediately hit the bike trainer. 1 hour of easy spinning, and I felt like I had a good start to the day. I spent a lot of time in front of my computer today, and do feel a little stiff. I'm used to much more light activity, and that really helps the muscles from feeling to sore and tight. I should probably spend some time stretching, but I have a hunch at this hour I'm simply going to go straight to bed!
Until next time, happy training!! :)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Winter's Back
Today Mother Nature reminded us that spring is not here yet, by dumping a big 'ole load of snow on the Twin Cities Metro area. I was actually hoping to get snowed in, but I don't think that's really going to happen. Oh well.
As far as training goes, Tuesday was a run and weights day. The morning was beautiful, and I was kicking myself for not running outside. I elected to run at Snap Fitness on the treadmill because I wanted to get a strength training workout in, too. That morning it was of course, temperate and clear, and simply beautiful. It made you think that spring is just around the corner. But I trudged along on the treadmill instead, and watched the sun rise outside the gym. I ended up doing 5 miles. It felt harder than it needed to be, but I think that was because I didn't have enough pre-workout calories on board. The same thing happened with the strength workout, I just felt tired and out of energy. I think it was truly because I'd only had a gel before I left, instead of a couple scoops of Sustained Energy (a liquid, protein & carb training supplement.) Sustained energy works really well for me, and for some reason I figured a gel was enough. Guess now I know! :)
Wednesday was a swim day. Our coach, Lisa, wasn't available to be there that morning, so she texted me a workout -- long, straight swim. 1000 without fins, 1500 with fins. I felt pretty good overall. The first 1000 went by quickly, and I was pleased with how I felt. The 1500 with fins, seemed like it took a long time, but it wasn't "hard." Just mentally long. After I finished the 2500, doing flip turns at almost every deepend turn around, I still had time to get in a 300 cool down, so that makes it my longest pool workout yet in an hour. I felt really good about what I had accomplished.
Thursday's are busy days for me. I have a networking group meeting at 7:30 - 9am every week, and then it's off to the farm. And since I get to the farm later than usual, I'm typically there later than usual. So by the time I get home, I don't have the energy or the willpower to workout. I could take Thursdays as a "rest" day, but I like to do that on Fridays before the long weekend workouts. So that means I need to get my workout in before my 7:30am meeting -- and well that puts me getting up at 4:45 to workout, shower, eat, etc. I've been good about getting up and hitting the bike trainer. That's the easiest to do. No travel, no hassle. Get up, throw on a T and bike shorts and head to the basement. I did an easy 40 min. spin today.
Well, that's all for now. I may end up going for a run tomorrow, to get that 2nd run workout in this week.
As far as training goes, Tuesday was a run and weights day. The morning was beautiful, and I was kicking myself for not running outside. I elected to run at Snap Fitness on the treadmill because I wanted to get a strength training workout in, too. That morning it was of course, temperate and clear, and simply beautiful. It made you think that spring is just around the corner. But I trudged along on the treadmill instead, and watched the sun rise outside the gym. I ended up doing 5 miles. It felt harder than it needed to be, but I think that was because I didn't have enough pre-workout calories on board. The same thing happened with the strength workout, I just felt tired and out of energy. I think it was truly because I'd only had a gel before I left, instead of a couple scoops of Sustained Energy (a liquid, protein & carb training supplement.) Sustained energy works really well for me, and for some reason I figured a gel was enough. Guess now I know! :)
Wednesday was a swim day. Our coach, Lisa, wasn't available to be there that morning, so she texted me a workout -- long, straight swim. 1000 without fins, 1500 with fins. I felt pretty good overall. The first 1000 went by quickly, and I was pleased with how I felt. The 1500 with fins, seemed like it took a long time, but it wasn't "hard." Just mentally long. After I finished the 2500, doing flip turns at almost every deepend turn around, I still had time to get in a 300 cool down, so that makes it my longest pool workout yet in an hour. I felt really good about what I had accomplished.
Thursday's are busy days for me. I have a networking group meeting at 7:30 - 9am every week, and then it's off to the farm. And since I get to the farm later than usual, I'm typically there later than usual. So by the time I get home, I don't have the energy or the willpower to workout. I could take Thursdays as a "rest" day, but I like to do that on Fridays before the long weekend workouts. So that means I need to get my workout in before my 7:30am meeting -- and well that puts me getting up at 4:45 to workout, shower, eat, etc. I've been good about getting up and hitting the bike trainer. That's the easiest to do. No travel, no hassle. Get up, throw on a T and bike shorts and head to the basement. I did an easy 40 min. spin today.
Well, that's all for now. I may end up going for a run tomorrow, to get that 2nd run workout in this week.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday Workouts
Monday's are typically a good training day for me. We start the day with a coached swim workout at the local pool, then my day allows for a second workout, too.
To get 3 workouts in all 3 sports done in one week, twice a day workouts become a regular habit. It's definitely not always easy to figure out when you're going to get the 2nd workout in between work, and life, but it is important.
Today we hit the pool for our coached swim this morning. Getting out of bed at 5:40 am is definitely the hardest part of the workout! Especially to head out into the cold after being all cozy in your bed. We swam 2300 yards today, and it felt fairly good. I finally was able to do all of the cycle 4 intervals on the 30 seconds, so that was a break through for me. Breaking up the workout into various intervals and sets helps the distance go by faster. It's all a mental game!
After the swim I try to get in a bike workout as well. It seems to working if I simply do them back to back. Otherwise if I wait until later in the day, the likelihood that I skip a workout is much greater!!
I came home and had a bite to eat, and then hit the bike trainer. I was hoping to get in an hour workout, but my legs were tired. Especially after yesterday's run and today's swim. But I found the 'Ellen Degeneres" show to be highly entertaining this morning, and survived an hour spin on the bike. She plays upbeat music, and there's not too many commercial breaks, so that helps the time pass as well. I don't watch any daytime television, so it's kind of refreshing when I do. I couldn't watch those shows regularly, because I do find them somewhat annoying.
Well, that's all I have to report for today. Tomorrow will be a run and strength workout, so I'll keep ya' posted.
To get 3 workouts in all 3 sports done in one week, twice a day workouts become a regular habit. It's definitely not always easy to figure out when you're going to get the 2nd workout in between work, and life, but it is important.
Today we hit the pool for our coached swim this morning. Getting out of bed at 5:40 am is definitely the hardest part of the workout! Especially to head out into the cold after being all cozy in your bed. We swam 2300 yards today, and it felt fairly good. I finally was able to do all of the cycle 4 intervals on the 30 seconds, so that was a break through for me. Breaking up the workout into various intervals and sets helps the distance go by faster. It's all a mental game!
After the swim I try to get in a bike workout as well. It seems to working if I simply do them back to back. Otherwise if I wait until later in the day, the likelihood that I skip a workout is much greater!!
I came home and had a bite to eat, and then hit the bike trainer. I was hoping to get in an hour workout, but my legs were tired. Especially after yesterday's run and today's swim. But I found the 'Ellen Degeneres" show to be highly entertaining this morning, and survived an hour spin on the bike. She plays upbeat music, and there's not too many commercial breaks, so that helps the time pass as well. I don't watch any daytime television, so it's kind of refreshing when I do. I couldn't watch those shows regularly, because I do find them somewhat annoying.
Well, that's all I have to report for today. Tomorrow will be a run and strength workout, so I'll keep ya' posted.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Running outside again!
It's been a long time since I posted to this blog, but I hope to be back on here more frequently since my 2009 goal race is a short 29 weeks away. But who's counting?? :)
I've been working on getting in 3 workouts a week in all 3 sports (swimming, biking and running) each week along with a session or two of strength training. That is seeming to be more challenging that I had anticipated. Even now with workouts being about an hour or so long. So I'm learning how to manage my time better and figure it out before the training volume begins to increase.
Today Matt and I organized a small group of training buddies to run the Lakes in Minneapolis. I think we were both anticipating a warmer day, but it was about 2-3 degrees when we left the house this morning. At least the sun was shining, and it wasn't terribly windy. But having not run outside this winter, it sure felt cold. We met up with our friend Brad, and headed out for a nice 10 miles around the Lakes. We met up with Jennifer and Jonathon who were doing a shorter run. Then we all headed to YUM for breakfast. Oh, it's so good. I couldn't help myself, and the dessert counter was calling so Matt and I split a double chocolate cookie sandwich. That washed down with a cup of coffee was simply sinful!
Today was one of those mornings that I really enjoy -- a good workout, good friends, followed by some good food. Ahh, life IS good. (And winter IS nearly over!)
Until next time!
I've been working on getting in 3 workouts a week in all 3 sports (swimming, biking and running) each week along with a session or two of strength training. That is seeming to be more challenging that I had anticipated. Even now with workouts being about an hour or so long. So I'm learning how to manage my time better and figure it out before the training volume begins to increase.
Today Matt and I organized a small group of training buddies to run the Lakes in Minneapolis. I think we were both anticipating a warmer day, but it was about 2-3 degrees when we left the house this morning. At least the sun was shining, and it wasn't terribly windy. But having not run outside this winter, it sure felt cold. We met up with our friend Brad, and headed out for a nice 10 miles around the Lakes. We met up with Jennifer and Jonathon who were doing a shorter run. Then we all headed to YUM for breakfast. Oh, it's so good. I couldn't help myself, and the dessert counter was calling so Matt and I split a double chocolate cookie sandwich. That washed down with a cup of coffee was simply sinful!
Today was one of those mornings that I really enjoy -- a good workout, good friends, followed by some good food. Ahh, life IS good. (And winter IS nearly over!)
Until next time!
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