We've been getting snow in the Seattle area for about two weeks now. In fact, I wasn't able to run the Jingle Bell run two weeks ago because of the cold and snow. We had a few days of decent weather- just enough to get rid of the several inches that fell that Sunday-- and then Wednesday came-- and along with it, lots of snow. Enough that I didn't work on Thursday, but played and walked to the store instead. Friday, I was able to get my car out and go to work early. Saturday I went to the gym and then decided that evening it would be good to stock up on gas and food as we were supposed to have a storm coming in that night. And we did. All night Saturday night, and Sunday.
I missed work again on Monday. There was no way I was getting out of our slushy, snowy and icy parking lot. Tuesday, I ventured out again and the roads were much better--- until the afternoon it started up again. I had to go to the airport late that night to pick someone up, luckily the drive was fine. However, I stayed up at his house that night (we got back around 1:30am). He had to be back to the airport early and I had to be work early. I spent all of two hours at work on Christmas Eve- repeatedly checking outside at the blowing snow. Around 10, I headed home and stayed there. Okay, so I also did a bikini snow run which my roommate took lots of pictures and video of. We had some drink and played some games and decided that this Christmas sucked because we were stuck at home. We had walked down to the store again that afternoon to pick up food for Christmas breakfast and dinner.
Well, Christmas morning I got up and put some cinnamon rolls in the oven and the power promptly went out. WTH?? I convinced my roommate we should dig my car out and go to a movie. That was an interesting drive. After the movie and after we dug out cars out we went to Denny's- and while we were there for only about half an hour the fog rolled in big time. Eeek. So, we headed home to find all of our lights and tv's on. Oops. Looks like we had power though. Yay!!!
Yesterday we ventured out to a couple malls just to get out of the house. It's been a little warmer and raining so it doesn't look like we'll be having to do any more digging out and pushing of our cars. Hooray. Although, I just now got my Yaktrax so I can run on the snow and ice. Oh, the irony.
Only a couple more days left in 2008... not sure how I feel about the year overall. The first five months just need to be removed from my memory. However, I've spent the last seven spending time with and pining over a boy. The same boy for the last few years. More irony. We started spending a lot more time together, and with his friends and roommates and talking a lot about big things and him actually asking me for help... only for him to have some health problems and decide he needs to sell his house and move. Sigh. I can't win. Love is a losing game.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
splat
I went for a long run of about 15.5 miles Sunday morning. My knees were hurting pretty badly so I decided that was long enough- instead of going the full 20 that I should have. I walked back to my car, passing over a pedestrian footbridge on the way. Right at the top of it, something in my head said "Stop walking" I did. And then, right there in front of me about, one step away SPLAT! I looked up and there was a huge pigeon sitting on a beam, butt pointed at me, looking back over his shoulder thinking "darnit. i missed" I've been pooped on by birds before, but this would have been monumental. Not sure what that pigeon ate, but it left a large puddle in front of me that was so close to being on my head!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
the long run
Saturday morning roomie and I went for a long run. A seriously long run. My plan was 17, his was 19, so I was just going to stop at my turnaround point and stretch and walk and meet back up with him so I'd do a little over 17. Well, we missed my mark so I wound up doing about 18 instead. Oh well.
I was amazed that I felt as good as I did at the end and recovered as well too. The furthest I'd run since Ironman (end of June) was probably about 7 or 8 miles- so making that big jump I was worried about all sorts of issues. I guess I've kept in better shape than I thought.
We ran around doing some shopping- I will never find the perfect jeans! And then headed to out to a couple bars with some girlfriends from work. Good times! I actually had a couple different random guys buy me a beer! That never happens to me! Then, out of nowhere, at the second bar, I started feeling like I was suffocating and was about to start crying. I had to leave. Now. So I grabbed roomie's keys and a cab and took off. I felt bad for bailing so quickly, but I figured if I told them I was leaving they'd either try to talk me into staying or leave with me and I didn't want to spoil their fun- so I texted from the cab. Probably not my wisest move, but I was definitely sober and thinking straight. I don't know what came over me but it was really disturbing. My mind has been in some serious turmoil for about a week and a half now. I actually didn't even go to work yesterday. I felt like I'd been beat down when I woke up so I stayed at home and watched movies. It was lovely.
I was amazed that I felt as good as I did at the end and recovered as well too. The furthest I'd run since Ironman (end of June) was probably about 7 or 8 miles- so making that big jump I was worried about all sorts of issues. I guess I've kept in better shape than I thought.
We ran around doing some shopping- I will never find the perfect jeans! And then headed to out to a couple bars with some girlfriends from work. Good times! I actually had a couple different random guys buy me a beer! That never happens to me! Then, out of nowhere, at the second bar, I started feeling like I was suffocating and was about to start crying. I had to leave. Now. So I grabbed roomie's keys and a cab and took off. I felt bad for bailing so quickly, but I figured if I told them I was leaving they'd either try to talk me into staying or leave with me and I didn't want to spoil their fun- so I texted from the cab. Probably not my wisest move, but I was definitely sober and thinking straight. I don't know what came over me but it was really disturbing. My mind has been in some serious turmoil for about a week and a half now. I actually didn't even go to work yesterday. I felt like I'd been beat down when I woke up so I stayed at home and watched movies. It was lovely.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
airports and lizards
It's Sunday the 28th. The last time I slept in my bed was Friday the 19th. I'm tired. I left for FL last sunday the 21st, but of course spent the night before at my mom's for a quicker trip to the airport. After a long day of flying I found myself in muggy Palm Beach exhausted and nervous for the meetings ahead.
Needless to say, I haven't run (only once) in almost two weeks now. And with the slow way my tatoo is healing, I might not make it out there for a few more days.
But, Palm Beach was a blast. Loooong meetings, but in the evenings fun with coworkers. I work with a really great group of people. Even if I did earn myself the names "Gigantor" "Giraffe" and "Redwood" I think I like Redwood almost as much as Marathon- which is what a lot of my WA peeps call me.
Overall, not a super eventful trip. I've spent a lot of time at airports. Although, I did get attacked by a rogue flying lizard my third night in FL. I'm glad I wasn't alone when it happened, because none of the people that live there believed me! There I was, walking into a restaurant with a friend, minding my own business when out of nowhere I feel something land on my head! I turn to him "Alan! Did I just get pooped on by a bird?? There's something in my hair!!" and I reach up to feel, but it's dry. He can't see anything. So i try to grab it thinking it's something fallen from the trees. Pine cone? This isn't home! I shook my head and something falls just in front of my right foot-- and then scampers off. "OHMYGOD!!! That was a lizard!!" At which point I scream like little girls and freak out, much to Alan's enjoyment. But, really, that was probably the most out of the ordinary thing that happened to me the entire week.
Seriously though. A lizard. Aren't they supposed to be on the ground? At least the time a bird flew into my head it was more expected. Birds fly. Lizards don't. Or shouldn't.
Needless to say, I haven't run (only once) in almost two weeks now. And with the slow way my tatoo is healing, I might not make it out there for a few more days.
But, Palm Beach was a blast. Loooong meetings, but in the evenings fun with coworkers. I work with a really great group of people. Even if I did earn myself the names "Gigantor" "Giraffe" and "Redwood" I think I like Redwood almost as much as Marathon- which is what a lot of my WA peeps call me.
Overall, not a super eventful trip. I've spent a lot of time at airports. Although, I did get attacked by a rogue flying lizard my third night in FL. I'm glad I wasn't alone when it happened, because none of the people that live there believed me! There I was, walking into a restaurant with a friend, minding my own business when out of nowhere I feel something land on my head! I turn to him "Alan! Did I just get pooped on by a bird?? There's something in my hair!!" and I reach up to feel, but it's dry. He can't see anything. So i try to grab it thinking it's something fallen from the trees. Pine cone? This isn't home! I shook my head and something falls just in front of my right foot-- and then scampers off. "OHMYGOD!!! That was a lizard!!" At which point I scream like little girls and freak out, much to Alan's enjoyment. But, really, that was probably the most out of the ordinary thing that happened to me the entire week.
Seriously though. A lizard. Aren't they supposed to be on the ground? At least the time a bird flew into my head it was more expected. Birds fly. Lizards don't. Or shouldn't.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
gossip girl
Okay, I hate to admit it. I'm completely obsessed with this show!!! My Mondays are not complete without it- although, I think I missed something last season. Anyway, I cannot believe that Dan and Serena broke up again. If these angst ridden teenagers can't make it work, how can the rest of us?!?!?! And Vanessa and Nate *sigh*
Ok, had to get that off my chest before OTH.
Ok, had to get that off my chest before OTH.
vegetables
I always think of becoming a vegetarian. Just for health and because overall, it would be cheaper. Plus, all the political reasons....um.... But cheeseburgers, pizza, steak are just sooo good once in awhile....
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
M-dot
I think I'm going to get my M-dot tattoo this weekend. After a lot of going back and forth over competing at Nationals, I've decided not to do it. It's less than two weeks away and I'm just not prepared for an Olympic distance. Sure, everyone thinks that because I did Ironman a few months again, an Olympic would be cake (mmm, cake....) but, that's the thing. Ironman kind of did me in! Yeah, I've had some great races since then, placing a few times and such, and a PR at every course- but afterwards- I've felt every turn of the cranks and downhill run. I'm not recovering as fast as I should be. It's time to end my season on a good note and prepare for next summer. Of course, my longest then will only be another 1/2 IM :)
What's a girl to do?
What's a girl to do?
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Moving on and making changes
I’ve said this for months- even years now… it’s time to move on. From a certain person at least. For almost four years now I’ve had this undeniable “crush” on a particular guy at work. Okay, so more than a crush. We went out a couple times, hang out from time to time and he tells me I’m his Achilles heel. Words- just words!
So, here and now I’m declaring it GOPS. (get over P.S) That’s totally cheesy and funny but bound to remind me that it’s a good thing.
Why have I decided this? It’s simple and full of layers. 1) I’m not getting any younger 2) I’m too good to be ‘that’ girl…the one that waits around on a guy 3) I made a list of things I’m looking for and he doesn’t meet the approval rating. Simple.
Except it’s not, because when I see him I still get butterflies. FOUR YEARS LATER. That’s not normal is it? I thought, stupidly, that we’d wind up together. But no more. I’m putting myself back on the market, even though I was never actually “off” the market. Just emotionally I guess. So, here it is, time to open up and let go.
This is just the beginning. I really want to leave Seattle. Even if it’s just for a short time- like a year. California would be dreamy. I could see myself hanging out with surfers and volleyball players. Enjoying sunny weather year round in minimal clothing.
So, here and now I’m declaring it GOPS. (get over P.S) That’s totally cheesy and funny but bound to remind me that it’s a good thing.
Why have I decided this? It’s simple and full of layers. 1) I’m not getting any younger 2) I’m too good to be ‘that’ girl…the one that waits around on a guy 3) I made a list of things I’m looking for and he doesn’t meet the approval rating. Simple.
Except it’s not, because when I see him I still get butterflies. FOUR YEARS LATER. That’s not normal is it? I thought, stupidly, that we’d wind up together. But no more. I’m putting myself back on the market, even though I was never actually “off” the market. Just emotionally I guess. So, here it is, time to open up and let go.
This is just the beginning. I really want to leave Seattle. Even if it’s just for a short time- like a year. California would be dreamy. I could see myself hanging out with surfers and volleyball players. Enjoying sunny weather year round in minimal clothing.
Monday, September 1, 2008
$$$
So, i bought new bike two weeks ago. Let's just say it was not cheap. And the other day I bought a roof rack for my car- also several hundred dollars. And soon I have to take my cat to the vet- which is also going to be quite expensive. So, now I've spent a couple thousand dollars in the last couple weeks and I'm kinda freaking out. It's all purchases I knew I was going to make this year- well, except the cat, but I always kinda figure in cash for my pet- you never know what they'll get into. Anyway, I'm freaking out and I think it's because I made them all at the same time so that first statement is probably going to make me pass out.
I had a chat with my friend Jon the other night. It was completely random because I was talking about him to my mom and he called. We talk but not on a regular basis. Anyway, he was talking about snowboarding in Colorado this winter (hell yeah!!) I was talking about how much I like Cali and HB and feeling like I need to get out of Seattle. Out of nowhere Jon says "Move down here. I'll be your roommate" Just like that. Having to live on my own was one of my fears about moving. But, if I have someone I know saying they'll live with me.... this kinda changes things. Sure, I know I'm stuck in Seattle for several more months because the cost to break my lease is outrageous... but it's something I really need to sit down and think about. And by sit down and think I mean actually doing so and planning- not day dreaming during conference calls like usual :)
I had a chat with my friend Jon the other night. It was completely random because I was talking about him to my mom and he called. We talk but not on a regular basis. Anyway, he was talking about snowboarding in Colorado this winter (hell yeah!!) I was talking about how much I like Cali and HB and feeling like I need to get out of Seattle. Out of nowhere Jon says "Move down here. I'll be your roommate" Just like that. Having to live on my own was one of my fears about moving. But, if I have someone I know saying they'll live with me.... this kinda changes things. Sure, I know I'm stuck in Seattle for several more months because the cost to break my lease is outrageous... but it's something I really need to sit down and think about. And by sit down and think I mean actually doing so and planning- not day dreaming during conference calls like usual :)
Friday, August 29, 2008
the summer in short.
After reading my roommate’s account of his summer, I sit here trying to remember what I did myself… not a lot. It’s sad.
June 6- Sex and the City with Tiffany. My cat gets attacked by the neighbor cat
June 11- My birthday and the day I discover my cat has hole in his neck
June 13-15- Head to FW for a triathlon. Ali, my dad and mom were there to cheer and I took 3rd in my AG. Had dinner with Ali, Jackie and Katie
Jun 19-23- Leave for Idaho. Spend a couple days running around eastern WA and Idaho, driving the course, meeting people. Raced on Sunday, left to come home late Monday night
June 28- back to FW to watch a triathlon and spend time with my niece
July 3-6 Back to FW for the holiday weekend. Spent the 4th with Ali at Jackie and Matt’s- got hurt on a trampoline!
July 12-13 STP. 202 miles of biking in two days! Got a terrible sunburn. Said goodbye to my niece
July 19- Bite of Seattle with Major?
July 25-26 Back to FW for the Federal Escape. This time I took 2nd in my AG
July 31- Aug 4- Flew to HB to spend time in the sun and hang out with Jon
Aug 9- Ali’s party
Aug 16-17 Danskin expo and race. Drove from Bellevue to Seattle to Covington to Bothell. Loong day
Aug 17- Bought a new bike!
Aug 26- Finally got to see Spring for sushi after a year!
Aug 29- BBQ at Lynn’s bf’s place.
June 6- Sex and the City with Tiffany. My cat gets attacked by the neighbor cat
June 11- My birthday and the day I discover my cat has hole in his neck
June 13-15- Head to FW for a triathlon. Ali, my dad and mom were there to cheer and I took 3rd in my AG. Had dinner with Ali, Jackie and Katie
Jun 19-23- Leave for Idaho. Spend a couple days running around eastern WA and Idaho, driving the course, meeting people. Raced on Sunday, left to come home late Monday night
June 28- back to FW to watch a triathlon and spend time with my niece
July 3-6 Back to FW for the holiday weekend. Spent the 4th with Ali at Jackie and Matt’s- got hurt on a trampoline!
July 12-13 STP. 202 miles of biking in two days! Got a terrible sunburn. Said goodbye to my niece
July 19- Bite of Seattle with Major?
July 25-26 Back to FW for the Federal Escape. This time I took 2nd in my AG
July 31- Aug 4- Flew to HB to spend time in the sun and hang out with Jon
Aug 9- Ali’s party
Aug 16-17 Danskin expo and race. Drove from Bellevue to Seattle to Covington to Bothell. Loong day
Aug 17- Bought a new bike!
Aug 26- Finally got to see Spring for sushi after a year!
Aug 29- BBQ at Lynn’s bf’s place.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Boxed in...
A week ago I came home and there was a note that our balconies were going to be replaced/painted etc and that all items needed to be removed. Of course, the only place we have for storing anything is inside our apartment. More precisely, in our living room. We already have four bikes in the dining room and hallway. Yes, three of them are mine… But now we have a charcoal bbq grill, more plants, bags of potting soil and deck chairs creating a maze of confusement through our downstairs area. And across our sliding glass door is bright orange construction netting reminding us not to step outside. This has been for a week now!!!
At work, they’ve been powerwashing and repainting the buildings for a couple weeks. Two days ago they covered most of our windows with an plastic that lets some light in, but blocks the view. Today they covered more of the windows. I can no longer see outside. I need to see outside. I know it doesn’t really matter what’s going on out there since I’m stuck in here, but it’s that feeling of almost being trapped with no access to the outside world.
I’m on edge.
At work, they’ve been powerwashing and repainting the buildings for a couple weeks. Two days ago they covered most of our windows with an plastic that lets some light in, but blocks the view. Today they covered more of the windows. I can no longer see outside. I need to see outside. I know it doesn’t really matter what’s going on out there since I’m stuck in here, but it’s that feeling of almost being trapped with no access to the outside world.
I’m on edge.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
season off...
but not off-season. I don't really get any downtime this year. I took a few days between tri season and marathon training last fall. Soo... I took some time off in early 2006 when I had a stress fracture, but then went right back to triathlon training and season- all the way through September. In September I started marathon training, ran the marathon in Feb 2007 and went right to triathlon training. That season went from April through September, when I started marathon training again. I ran the marathon in February '08 and took a couple weeks easy in March when I got in a car accident. But I was still getting ready for Ironman. Now, here it is, the end of August and I've started marathon training and triathlon season isn't even over yet. I think I need to take about four or five days off from running/swimming/biking, but maybe not weights very soon. I'm so tired and I'm picking up small but weird nagging issues. My knee has a dull ache, my foot feels like it needs to be popped, my shoulder is heavy and dead... and I'm chaffing and blistering like no other!!
Friday, July 11, 2008
the list- revisited
It seems like everyone wants to ask me why I’m not taken. And then decided that they “know someone you should meet!” Rarely does it happen though that I actually meet the guy. I think I’m ok with this. I mean, it’s nice that they want to see me happy and think well enough of me to want to introduce me to a friend- but I kinda like being single. I almost feel like a “setup” would be too forced.
That said, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what exactly I would be looking for- IF I was looking. So, next time I can just hand them my checklist and ask for at least a 95% approval rating
Born between 1977 and 1982
Blue eyes
Minimum 6’
Athletic (preferable triathlete, runner, cyclist or soccer player)
Non-smoker
Casual drinker
No kids
Likes cats
Never been married
College educated
Amazing smile
Has siblings
Close (but not too close) to his family
Funny
Intelligent
Steady job
Cooks
Eats healthy
Honest
Respectful of women
Not emotionally stunted
Confident
Affectionate
No more than three tattoos
Plays guitar
Doesn't assume I'm going to do everything for him
Takes responsibility
Communicates desires and concerns openly
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ironman
In short, I'm an Ironman.
In a little more detail- it was a long hellish day. I woke up sick, thought I was going to drown, felt like puking the entire bike, cramped really badly the entire run.
I've been writing one by one, the parts of the entire race. Not sure if I'll post them up here, it's several pages now!
In a little more detail- it was a long hellish day. I woke up sick, thought I was going to drown, felt like puking the entire bike, cramped really badly the entire run.
I've been writing one by one, the parts of the entire race. Not sure if I'll post them up here, it's several pages now!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Idaho
I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Idaho. Ironman is only a few days away, and I think I've nearly got everything I need. My bedroom is a disaster as I've got different types of gear spread around in piles...
wetsuit, neoprene cap, neprene booties, cap, goggles, lube, shorts, cycle top, running shoes, socks, hat, visor, sunglasses, gloves, cycling shoes, different insoles, helmet, perpetuem, gatorade, water bottles, tools, pump, band aids, sunscreen, nutrition, training clothes and shoes, clothes to wear for the days i'm there.
it's neverending. i need to cram it into a suitcase.
wetsuit, neoprene cap, neprene booties, cap, goggles, lube, shorts, cycle top, running shoes, socks, hat, visor, sunglasses, gloves, cycling shoes, different insoles, helmet, perpetuem, gatorade, water bottles, tools, pump, band aids, sunscreen, nutrition, training clothes and shoes, clothes to wear for the days i'm there.
it's neverending. i need to cram it into a suitcase.
Friday, June 13, 2008
body fat revisited
So, I got my body fat checked out today. This time electrodes were used instead of measuring body parts and putting it into some crazy algorithm. I came in at.... wait for it...... 16.6%
Holy crap!! Average for women is 20-27, I think "very low" was 13-19. Honestly, I would have thought I was around 19% just because I've been toning up lately and dropped a couple pounds.
Where's the beach? I feel the need to put on a bikini!
Holy crap!! Average for women is 20-27, I think "very low" was 13-19. Honestly, I would have thought I was around 19% just because I've been toning up lately and dropped a couple pounds.
Where's the beach? I feel the need to put on a bikini!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
28
I'm 28 today. wah!!!!!
And I almost didn't get out of bed. I woke up about 1 and couldn't get back to sleep. Then I woke up again around 2:15 and was awake until after 3. Awake again just after 5, and at 5:20 changed my alarm to 6:20. I was going to ride my bike in to work today- the weather reports said "cloudy" I've got a personal vendetta out for Mother Nature. At 5 it was windy as hell at my place. At 6:30 it was raining. bleh. I'm dying to ride my bike! Even though I'm not looking forward to traffic. I guess it's for the better though since I forgot to put air in the tires last night and my rear red blinker isn't blinking...
But, again... I'm 28 :(
And I almost didn't get out of bed. I woke up about 1 and couldn't get back to sleep. Then I woke up again around 2:15 and was awake until after 3. Awake again just after 5, and at 5:20 changed my alarm to 6:20. I was going to ride my bike in to work today- the weather reports said "cloudy" I've got a personal vendetta out for Mother Nature. At 5 it was windy as hell at my place. At 6:30 it was raining. bleh. I'm dying to ride my bike! Even though I'm not looking forward to traffic. I guess it's for the better though since I forgot to put air in the tires last night and my rear red blinker isn't blinking...
But, again... I'm 28 :(
Saturday, June 7, 2008
cold water
(from the Ironman CDA website)
Special Information regarding the Swim at the 2008 Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene June 6, 2008
As many of you are already aware there has been great deal of speculation regarding the swim at this year’s event focusing on cold water temperatures. Due to a record snowpack in the Bitteroot Mountains, which is the source for Lake Coeur d’Alene, we anticipate that the water on race day will be colder than normally encountered. In order to ensure the safety of our athletes, NA Sports is going to make the following changes to the standard Ironman swim rules for this event only:
1. At temperatures below 60°F wetsuits are MANDATORY.
2. Neoprene booties (aqua sox, swim sox etc) will be allowed below 60 F°. ABSOLUTELY NO FINS.
3. We encourage athletes to consider a neoprene hood worn under the issued swim cap for additional warmth. NA Sports will continue to closely monitor the water conditions and always reserves the right to make changes as we deem appropriate with athlete safety the primary factor in our decisions.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
soooo tired
I have been so tired for the last few weeks. No matter what I do, I just feel exhausted. Even after waking up. I read something the other day about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and how it effects athletes that are training lots of hours or at high intensities. Well, I have been working out more than usual, and quite a bit has been at a higher intensity than normal, throw in the extra five hours a week at work (not a lot, but it adds up!) and just normal stress (gas and food prices up too!!) family, friends, work, etc... and I'm so tired. It doesn't matter what I eat or drink and how much I sleep. Because when I do sleep I can't sleep through the night. I sit at my desk and I'm about to fall asleep and then I get in bed and I'm restless and after I do drift off, I'm up again a short while later. Maybe I need to start using ear plugs again. Maybe it's just chronic fatigue (not syndrome). Or maybe I'm just pushing myself too hard and need to not worry so much about things. I've got three weeks until IM (yikes) I'm as fit as I'm going to be... right now it's just about maintaining and polishing. And relaxing when I think about the swim start....
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
unbalanced
i found out last week that i have a lot of weakness is my hip/butt muscles. these stabilize you when you're running up hill, or riding. so, i gotta work on that. a lot.
but now i'm finding all these unbalances...or more unstable things in my life. last week i had a talk with my boss regarding my job. he promises our group here on the west coast isn't going anywhere, but if i want to be promoted to an analyst i'll have to move to the Boston area. i can't see myself living there for very long if i were to go at all. i think the humid summer, the snowy winter and the insane accents would drive me nuts! we did talk about the job i'm currently in, so we'll see how the Comp groups takes those ideas.
but now i'm finding all these unbalances...or more unstable things in my life. last week i had a talk with my boss regarding my job. he promises our group here on the west coast isn't going anywhere, but if i want to be promoted to an analyst i'll have to move to the Boston area. i can't see myself living there for very long if i were to go at all. i think the humid summer, the snowy winter and the insane accents would drive me nuts! we did talk about the job i'm currently in, so we'll see how the Comp groups takes those ideas.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Bike profile
Run profileMonday, April 14, 2008
10 weeks away
IM CDA is about ten weeks away. Am I ready? No. Will I be? Doubtful. I got a 2 hour ride in on Saturday- 26 miles. I wasn't riding alone or I probably would have gotten about 33-34 in that time and kept going. Yesterday I ran for about 2 hours and 13 minutes. Didn't get nearly as far as I should have- both my knees and my outer butt muscles were killing me. I'm sure the knees were just hurting from running uphill for 2.2 miles at the beginning on cold legs because they're fine today. A little lead in my legs, but should be an easy recovery for tonight's swim and bike. Or, bike and swim. Damn the rain!
Monday, March 10, 2008
giving in
I thought I could do it. Last week my neck and back were sore, I really thought that would go away with a couple good nights sleep and some muscle relaxers. And it started to. But Saturday morning I went for an easy swim. Sooo easy- only about 1,000 meters- that's nothing really. On my drive to my Mom's my back started hurting so back I thought I would cry. I gave in and took a vicodin. Then on Sunday afternoon I went for an easy 80 minute bike ride. I kept a pretty slow pace and tried to stay out of aero position too much and my neck was having a hard time at that angle. That never bothers me! Usually my mind is on my butt. I gave in again and took another vicodin. So, about 1.5 a day. This morning I thought "okay, back to work, this isn't hard- but about an hour into the day I had to take half. And another hour or so later I took the second half. And now, I've been sitting in this chair for 8.25 hours and the back of my neck is so tight and it's a strain to turn my head as far as I normally could. It doesn't hurt to do so, I just have to practically force it. I gave in and called a physical therapist. I hate admitting defeat. I guess it's not really defeat, but still, just another thing to suck my time. Luckily I have Wednesday off from the gym this week, so I could squeeze it in without losing a workout. I can't afford to lose workouts right now!
Friday, March 7, 2008
race season calendar :)
Here's my proposed race season calendar:
March 16- St Patty's Day Dash (3.6miles or so)
April 13- Sprint tri in Elma
May 10/11- Either a 5k or sprint tri
May 26- Sprint tri in Elma
May 31- Issaquah Tri?
June 7- Moses Lake Olympic Distance tri
June 22- IRONMAN!!!
end of July- Federal Escape
August 17- Danskin triathlon
September 7(?) Subaru women's tri
(the ones in bold are the only ones i've registered for so far)
Throw a couple random 5k's in there, maybe another half marathon. And then I need to decide if I want to run Seattle's half or full....
March 16- St Patty's Day Dash (3.6miles or so)
April 13- Sprint tri in Elma
May 10/11- Either a 5k or sprint tri
May 26- Sprint tri in Elma
May 31- Issaquah Tri?
June 7- Moses Lake Olympic Distance tri
June 22- IRONMAN!!!
end of July- Federal Escape
August 17- Danskin triathlon
September 7(?) Subaru women's tri
(the ones in bold are the only ones i've registered for so far)
Throw a couple random 5k's in there, maybe another half marathon. And then I need to decide if I want to run Seattle's half or full....
*crash*
I was in a car accident Monday morning on my way to work. It pretty much totally sucked. Of course, why wouldn't it. It wasn't my fault, there was a total of four cars involved and my poor Giselle has been in the shop since Monday afternoon. I know she misses me. And I'm sure the guys that work there are questioning the brownish crusty spot on the back seat. It's Teriyaki sauce from my 12 year old cousin. I meant to clean it up, but really, how often am I back there, and when is my backseat not covered in gym gear?
So, I was doing great on this whole "no sweets" thing until yesterday when I got to work and I saw the s'mores brownies. Ugh. I had to have one. I blame the vicodin.
I'm still in a lot of pain. Fortunately, I can move my head again, but my lower and mid back are killing me. I think I'll go to the gym to stretch and spin out my legs and then maybe go for a short swim. This was supposed to be a big workout week-- not so much. Sad.
So, I was doing great on this whole "no sweets" thing until yesterday when I got to work and I saw the s'mores brownies. Ugh. I had to have one. I blame the vicodin.
I'm still in a lot of pain. Fortunately, I can move my head again, but my lower and mid back are killing me. I think I'll go to the gym to stretch and spin out my legs and then maybe go for a short swim. This was supposed to be a big workout week-- not so much. Sad.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
gotta do it!
okay. i gotta do it. i have to give up desserts and candy!! i'm going to do this one week at a time though. so, starting now- no sweets until at least next saturday the 8th. meh
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
mo' cake!
I cannot take credit for this post. I'm borrowing from a hilarious blogger- fatcyclist.com
Thank you Fatty for feeding my constant love and desire for cake.
Recipe for the Best Cake in the World
Ingredients
1 3/4 cup boiling water — do not put your fingers in this water, for it is hot!
1 cup oatmeal — regular oatmeal, not instant, you cretin.
1 c. brown sugar — how come it tastes so good?
1 c. white sugar — I have no clever comment to add to this ingredient, unless you consider this comment clever.
1 stick butter — No, don’t use margarine. Use butter. Margarine is gross.
1 tsp baking soda — I tried brushing my teeth with baking soda. Once.
1/2 tsp salt — Or go crazy and put in a whole teaspoonful.
1 3/4 cup flour — Warning: flour may contain wheat products.
2 eggs — From a chicken; ostrich eggs are too big, and taste nasty.
1 pkg milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet if you think you are too good for regular milk chocolate chips.
Instructions
Pour the boiling water over the oatmeal and stir. It’s best if the aforementioned pouring of boiling water over said oatmeal occurs in a bowl. Stir and let set for 10 minutes. Put the butter in about 5 minutes into this ten minutes, so it can melt.
Meanwhile…
Stir together in a different bowl:
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Once the 10 minutes has elapsed…
Stir the brown sugar and white sugar into the oatmeal mixture.
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir the eggs into the oatmeal mixture.
Mix the flour mixture into the oatmeal mixture. You should now have one mixture. If you have more than one mixture, you need to reevaluate some life choices you made in your childhood.
Stir half the chocolate chips into this mixture. Do not snitch more than 5% of the chocolate chips as you do this.
Grease and flour (or, in my house, just spray with Pam) a 9 x 13 pan. Note that this is an update. Originally I said that "you should use a 9 x 9 pan. Or an 8 x 10 pan. Or a 40 x 2 pan. Something that comes out to about 80 square inches." I was guessing. I was wrong. I regret the error. I have other regrets as well, but another time, another time.
Pour the cake batter in, then sprinkle the other half of the bag of chocolate chips on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is not a gooey mess. Let cool at least a little bit or the molten chocolate will burn the living daylights out of the roof of your mouth.
Serve warm, or at room temperature if you must. With vanilla ice cream if at all possible.
Eat.
Rejoice.
Thank you Fatty for feeding my constant love and desire for cake.
Recipe for the Best Cake in the World
Ingredients
1 3/4 cup boiling water — do not put your fingers in this water, for it is hot!
1 cup oatmeal — regular oatmeal, not instant, you cretin.
1 c. brown sugar — how come it tastes so good?
1 c. white sugar — I have no clever comment to add to this ingredient, unless you consider this comment clever.
1 stick butter — No, don’t use margarine. Use butter. Margarine is gross.
1 tsp baking soda — I tried brushing my teeth with baking soda. Once.
1/2 tsp salt — Or go crazy and put in a whole teaspoonful.
1 3/4 cup flour — Warning: flour may contain wheat products.
2 eggs — From a chicken; ostrich eggs are too big, and taste nasty.
1 pkg milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet if you think you are too good for regular milk chocolate chips.
Instructions
Pour the boiling water over the oatmeal and stir. It’s best if the aforementioned pouring of boiling water over said oatmeal occurs in a bowl. Stir and let set for 10 minutes. Put the butter in about 5 minutes into this ten minutes, so it can melt.
Meanwhile…
Stir together in a different bowl:
Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Once the 10 minutes has elapsed…
Stir the brown sugar and white sugar into the oatmeal mixture.
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir the eggs into the oatmeal mixture.
Mix the flour mixture into the oatmeal mixture. You should now have one mixture. If you have more than one mixture, you need to reevaluate some life choices you made in your childhood.
Stir half the chocolate chips into this mixture. Do not snitch more than 5% of the chocolate chips as you do this.
Grease and flour (or, in my house, just spray with Pam) a 9 x 13 pan. Note that this is an update. Originally I said that "you should use a 9 x 9 pan. Or an 8 x 10 pan. Or a 40 x 2 pan. Something that comes out to about 80 square inches." I was guessing. I was wrong. I regret the error. I have other regrets as well, but another time, another time.
Pour the cake batter in, then sprinkle the other half of the bag of chocolate chips on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is not a gooey mess. Let cool at least a little bit or the molten chocolate will burn the living daylights out of the roof of your mouth.
Serve warm, or at room temperature if you must. With vanilla ice cream if at all possible.
Eat.
Rejoice.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
the catch-up
- I went to Andover (MA) a couple weeks ago for work. I traveled with two other people I work with, one that I like, one I could definitely live without. Even though I spoke to her minimally, she made it a rough trip. And then she had the nerve to come back and tell people that we didn't even invite her to dinner with us. Such BS. I asked if she was going to wait with for us to finish working and she said she was going back to the hotel with a team member from OH, and that she wasn't feeling well and she'd order in. Bitch,
- I ran the HB marathon again about a week and a half ago. It rained. A lot. And it was windy. Very windy. Overall an insanely painful run. I'm sure it didn't help that I spent the Wednesday prior throwing up and getting myself nice and dehyrdated. Mom did the Half- even in the wind and rain. So proud of her.
- Disneyland. Seriously. I don't see how anyone could ever get too old for that place. And a Monday in February is the perfect time to go. We didn't wait in lines. However... I was still hurting so bad from the run the day before that I looked like a 76 year old lady gimping around without my walker. But the rides, oh, the rides, and the Princesses. I was like a little girl when I saw Cinderella...
- My sister. My pregnant sister is sick again. They think they know what- thyroid. However, this is causing serious problems and she was admitted to the hospital yesterday after passed out and scared the bejeezus out of my mom (who flew to PA Sunday night to see her)
- Because my sister is so sick right now and can't even take care of herself, my niece is coming to stay with my mom. My aunt (retired last year) will take care of her during the day. My mom at nights and you know I'll be spending more weekends down there for now. She said "Auntie B"and picked me out in a picture the other day. It's been five months since I've seen her.
- Him. Over three years later I still feel like a school girl when I see him. He has this way of appearing out of nowhere, springing something on me and then fading out for a bit. Random text messages and phone calls, bumping into eachother. I heart him. It's true.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
mixed emotions
i'm sitting here with so much to say, but with no real desire to say it.
the things i need to discuss:
the things i need to discuss:
- trip to Andover
- HB marathon
- Disneyland
- my sister
- my niece
- him
i'm hoping in the next couple days i'll get motivated and have something to say.
Monday, January 28, 2008
why it's so important
there's a hundred and one reasons why it's so important for me to run this weekend. the most obvious is because i want to. the others: i've trained hard. i love it. i've only done one. my mom is doing the half.
but one of the biggest reasons. everyone says when you do a marathon it changes you. once you cross that finish line, they say something inside you is different. it's only been a year for me since i did my first and i don't know that anything changed. i don't know if i lost it because i started training for a half-Ironman immediately after and that was so much bigger that i lost the feeling. or was it something else.
i hate to say, it might be the latter. my mom and aunt were at my marathon last year. and it would kill my mom if she ever knew this. when i finished i remember being so overwhelmed with emotion and pride. i had done it. i had finished 26.2 miles. i was still standing. i could see my mom and my aunt standing to the side taking pictures and cheering. and then suddenly, they were gone. my aunt appeared a few moments later and told me my mom was in the medic tent. and suddenly i was worried about nothing except why mom was with the medic. well, that and how badly my feet were messed up. mom had tripped over a curb that a dozen people had gone down on that day and hit her leg and was swelling up badly. so, instead of being greeted by my proud family i was alone at the finish. i definitely don't blame my mom for this, nor am i mad or upset, but i want to know what that finish is like. i know i was on a high that day and i want to remember what that was like. i was to be so impatient to text everyone i know that i finished. and then i want to go to Disneyland.
but one of the biggest reasons. everyone says when you do a marathon it changes you. once you cross that finish line, they say something inside you is different. it's only been a year for me since i did my first and i don't know that anything changed. i don't know if i lost it because i started training for a half-Ironman immediately after and that was so much bigger that i lost the feeling. or was it something else.
i hate to say, it might be the latter. my mom and aunt were at my marathon last year. and it would kill my mom if she ever knew this. when i finished i remember being so overwhelmed with emotion and pride. i had done it. i had finished 26.2 miles. i was still standing. i could see my mom and my aunt standing to the side taking pictures and cheering. and then suddenly, they were gone. my aunt appeared a few moments later and told me my mom was in the medic tent. and suddenly i was worried about nothing except why mom was with the medic. well, that and how badly my feet were messed up. mom had tripped over a curb that a dozen people had gone down on that day and hit her leg and was swelling up badly. so, instead of being greeted by my proud family i was alone at the finish. i definitely don't blame my mom for this, nor am i mad or upset, but i want to know what that finish is like. i know i was on a high that day and i want to remember what that was like. i was to be so impatient to text everyone i know that i finished. and then i want to go to Disneyland.
anxiety
i think i'm having anxiety about this coming weekend. i'm completely on edge and ready to snap at anyone who looks at me. my heart is racing and i feel like i'm going to throw up.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
once again...
i find myself sitting here for the third year in a row wondering if i will be running a marathon a few days from now. the first time did not turn out as expected. last year, i was able to run, but not well. this year-- well, this year there's more at stake. i'm not planning on qualifying for Boston (another goal) at this run. instead, i'm supposed to start Ironman training the same day. or within a couple days. however, the pain i'm feeling in multiple locations may keep me from running 26.2 in 6 days and also from running in general for several weeks. both my knees are hurting, apparently i have tendinitis in my foot, and i'm feeling a twinge in my tibia that is reminiscent of a stress fracture from two years ago.
this morning Jaroomie (my new nickname for my roomie Joram) and I went for a run on the Burke-Gilman. this was our first time running together as he's just recently taken it up and in a taper and running shorter distances. we ran for 30 minutes at a decent beginner pace. it was great because it was just slow enough for me to try to analyze my footstrike, but still fast enough to get a decent workout out of it. at the end, my body felt great overall, except a few key points. a couple were minor and nagging, another made me sit down. i can't figure out what i'm doing wrong!!! i'm really not running that far weekly. i'm not extremely heavy. i eat relatively healthy (except for cake)..... why do i have this one weak spot in my body that has been giving me trouble on and off for over ten years!!!?!!?
i plan on hitting the gym tomorrow morning for weights and light cardio. i need to get the gym every morning this week. i leave in a couple days.
this morning Jaroomie (my new nickname for my roomie Joram) and I went for a run on the Burke-Gilman. this was our first time running together as he's just recently taken it up and in a taper and running shorter distances. we ran for 30 minutes at a decent beginner pace. it was great because it was just slow enough for me to try to analyze my footstrike, but still fast enough to get a decent workout out of it. at the end, my body felt great overall, except a few key points. a couple were minor and nagging, another made me sit down. i can't figure out what i'm doing wrong!!! i'm really not running that far weekly. i'm not extremely heavy. i eat relatively healthy (except for cake)..... why do i have this one weak spot in my body that has been giving me trouble on and off for over ten years!!!?!!?
i plan on hitting the gym tomorrow morning for weights and light cardio. i need to get the gym every morning this week. i leave in a couple days.
Monday, January 14, 2008
you're fat
so, my roomie and i are sitting in the living just chatting. and out of nowhere i say "i think i'm growing" and Major says "how? physically, mentally, emotionally....?" and i say physically. and i tell him that all my pants seem shorter lately and i doubt that the dryer has shrunk them all the exact same amount. and he says "oh, me and Kibbie (the cat) have been hemming them at night...." and i laugh but say "no really. unless my butt got bigger..." and he says something about losing weight, and bodies changing and proportions. and i'm telling him to quit backpedaling and dig himself out of the hole. and then he says "you're fat." and stops. and with a look of confusion and fear on his face looks around the room, grasping for the right words. i think what he meant to say was "you're butt got less fat" or so he claims. either way, i stared for a second trying to figure out if he really said that and then burst out laughing. anyway we had a good laugh over it. cracked me up.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
disowned
My cat has apparently disowned me. He loves my roomie better. And roomie has even renamed him "Esquire" I swear I just heard him say "we'll get you a little hat..." Tis oh so sad
:(
On another note, I'm sick. I ache. And I'm cranky. It's killing me to run. Or actually, it's killing me that I can't run. I ran in the gym in San Jose last week (during my 30 hour round trip, blah). And it hurt my knees and foot so bad. And now I'm sick and can't even give it a go. I have had the most unaccomplished weekend. It's kind of nice, but next weekend I'll bet getting ready to go to Andover. And the weekend after, my aunts are in town and then I'm going to HB. Yeesh. So busy.
:(
On another note, I'm sick. I ache. And I'm cranky. It's killing me to run. Or actually, it's killing me that I can't run. I ran in the gym in San Jose last week (during my 30 hour round trip, blah). And it hurt my knees and foot so bad. And now I'm sick and can't even give it a go. I have had the most unaccomplished weekend. It's kind of nice, but next weekend I'll bet getting ready to go to Andover. And the weekend after, my aunts are in town and then I'm going to HB. Yeesh. So busy.
Friday, January 11, 2008
running
just to drive myself nuts, i'm going to talk more about running. it's something i'm not supposed to be doing right now. so, i'm going to blog about it, instead of talking to people about it. hopefully this will help me seem more rounded as well, instead of people just thinking i'm crazy.
Monday, January 7, 2008
secrets
i hate having secrets. especially the good kind. the kind that make you giddy and people will find out soon. i'd rather have the ones that i can't tell. i can keep those a secret forever. just tuck it away and be done with it. but those ones that you can't wait to share!!! those are hard.
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