Hello 2009

It's going to be a GREAT year! I'm very excited about 2009.  

2009 Resolutions

Run a 1/2 marathon in March at Disney World

Floss twice a day

I think that's about it for my resolutions.  I may do some longer distance triathlons and I may ride a century (100 mile) bike ride in February, but I'm not making those a resolution.  What do I want to do more of in 2009?  Read. I love reading and need to carve out more time for it. I'd also like to start practicing yoga more often.  I found a great yoga download site.  I hope to start doing yoga at home on a more regular basis.

Good luck to you and your 2009 resolutions! 

Goals....what's my next goal?  It's been a while since I've posted.  I completed the Danskin women's triathlon in May and had a lot of fun.  I hope to do an Olympic distance race later this summer. But in the meantime, I've decided to start lifting weights more frequently. I think I'll reduce my cardio workouts and increase my strength training workouts and see how that goes.  As a guide I plan to follow the Body for Life program.  Wish me luck! 

Stupid Florida

So I have to tell you about my day yesterday. Up until about 6:15pm my day was 10 out of 10. I got a big project done at work, I took my dog for a lovely walk around a lake in my neighborhood, took a nap, then went to the Y for a training swim. My swim went really well. Warmed up, did drills, then swam about 1,000 meters. I had set my gym bag on the pool deck (outdoor pool), so I got out of the pool, grabbed my bag and hit the showers. I’m in the shower totally naked, digging through my bag for my shampoo when a large cockroach crawls up from the bottom of my bag. I FREAKED OUT. And I was NAKED with all of my CLOTHES in the COCKROACH BAG! The next 10 minutes were miserable. I was trying to figure out a way to get home without having to put clothes on. I managed to get my essentials out of the bag, throw it in the trunk, drive home with the constant sensation of cockroaches climbing all over me. As soon as I got home I took another shower and put on fresh clothes. So gross. Sometimes I really hate Florida. I made my husband de-roach my bag. He said the roach was hiding under my headband, so I threw it away. I really wanted to throw the entire bag away, but it would be too expensive to replace all of the contents. The roach must have climbed into my bag while it was sitting on the pool deck (it was outdoors, dusk, and right next to a river). I organized my bag before I went to the Y and looked through all of the contents and there was no roach in it then. Yuck. Double Yuck.

Then to top it off I gave myself whiplash trying to get water out of my ears. I misplaced my earplugs so I got water in both ears and was thrashing my head around all night like an 80’s butt rocker and now my neck feels like I was rear-ended by a speeding semi. But the good news is I got the water out of both ears late last night. And I think I’d rather have a sore neck for a few days versus double ear aches and possible ear infections. Note to self “buy new earplugs.”

Danskin here I come!

Last year I missed the registration window for the Orlando Danskin women's triathlon. Every year that race fills up faster and faster! It's crazy. This year it was filled up and closed in 8 hours! Luckily I was by my computer when registration opened so I raced online and got myself registered but in my haste I misspelled my own name! Oh well, hopefully its close enough that they'll let me in on race day. :)

Training is going really well so far. Here's what I've done this past week.

Saturday - ran 10k on dirt trails
Sunday - biked 17 miles
Monday - lifted weights and did a few miles on the treadmill
Tuesday - 1 hour of swimming
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - lifted weights and did a few miles on the treadmill
Friday - 1 hour of swimming (planned workout for today)
Saturday - 12 mile bike ride and 5k run (planned workout for tomorrow)

I'm meeting some people from my Tri Club for a brick workout tomorrow; 12 mile ride followed by a 5k run. I need to start working on my transitions again.

The good kind of sore

I went for a 5k run yesterday morning and yesterday evening I did a one hour reformer pilates class. This morning my abs are mildly sore, which actually feels good!

Today I'm going to take it easy and only go for a brisk walk since I'll be running a 10k tomorrow morning. I don't want to push it too hard.

I've started tracking points on the Weight Watchers system and am having so much fun! I've never been on a structured diet before, so this is a new experience. I'm down three pounds the first week. Goodbye holiday weight!

I'm Back...sort of

The second half of 2007 was AWFUL, but I'm back! Hopefully I'll be able to post more frequently now that life has normalized again.

Fitness wise, I'm doing so-so. I'm running a 10k this weekend. It's a trail run, so that will be fun. I'm planning to do the Danskin women's triathlon at Disney World in May. I haven't swam a lap since November, so I'd better get going. I'm thinking of joining the YMCA by my house so that I can have access to a pool close to home.

I also need to buy a new bike and start riding more. All I've been doing lately is running, and not running much at that. I've entered a 1,000 mile challenge for 2008 and I'm already behind. MUST GET MY BUTT IN GEAR!!!

The Open Water Swim

Call me a chicken. Call me a fool. I don't care, as long as I still have my limbs, which I do. Open water swimming Florida is a test of courage. When every lake is inhabited by alligators (over 2 million of the suckers in Florida), it takes a bit of courage to go jump in a lake and start doing laps. Especially when the water's so murky it's the color of coca cola and you can't see your hand in front of your face underwater AND you're swimming right next to a bunch of marshy grasses. That was me on Sunday at Lake Mary Jane, the lake in which my triathlon will be held.

I'm registered for the Moss Park Triathlon on August 18th. Moss Park is located in SE Orlando and is home to Lake Mary Jane. The water was a toasty 82 degrees, but it was slightly scary. I managed to swim laps for 30 minutes and got used to putting my face in the dark water. That was my goal for the day - swim laps in the lake without having a panic attack. As sick as this sounds, I was happy when a family with little kids jumped in for a swim....I figure gators prefer human veal over the chewy old Bessies like myself.

I also did an open water swim at Wekiva Springs last week - it was fantastic. There's actually a swimming hole right over the actual spring. 45 million gallons of pristine water pour out of a rocks spring every day and feed into the Wekiva river. The water is a crisp 72 degrees, but it feels so good on a hot day. And, the water is crystal clear. It's stunning and not scary at all. I will happily swim endless laps in that spring.

I've actually signed up with two coaches to help me prepare for the triathlon. I meet with them on Monday mornings for a 1.5 hour cardio workout - swim, bike and run all in 1.5 hours. Then on Wednesday mornings I meet them for an hour of strength training specific for triathletes. The rest of the week I do additional swimming, biking and running on my own.

Whew...I'm tired!

Bloggus Interruptus

When I converted my ‘old’ blogger account to a ‘new’ blogger account way back in January, all of the sudden I couldn’t access my account to add or edit posts. Then all of the sudden I could.

So I am not participating in the Danskin triathlon as planned. I waited and waited and waited for registration to open and then suddenly while away on a business trip registration opened, filled and closed in THREE STINKIN’ DAYS!!!! Can you believe that BS? Three days? Oh baby, was I mad. Oh well.

In my frustration I abandoned all tri training and focused on running. I’m running a 15k on Sunday. It’s the Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend, Women Run the World 15k. Two friends from my book club are running with me. I’m also kayaking the Wekiva River in Central Florida on Saturday, so I should be pooped come Sunday night. Between the race and the kayaking, I’ll get a nice upper body workout on Saturday and lower body on Sunday!

Depending on how the 15k goes, I’ll either find another 15k a few months out and see if I can improve my time or register for a half marathon and train for that distance. I’ve found that for me I get more enjoyment out of running longer distances rather than running faster. I’m a slow running, but I don’t mind. When I go for long runs I listen to an episode or two of This American Life and find myself chugging along with a big grin on my face while Ira Glass entertains me.

First Tri Workout

I did my first official triathlon training workout. Back-to-back 12 mile bike ride, 3.5 mile run & quarter mile swim. I'm pooped!!!!

I've set a new mileage goal for January. I've cut back on my miles in order to accomodate the biking and swimming I'll be doing. I don't want to kill myself!

January Goal = 80 miles
Miles Completed = 11 (run/walk = 8.5/2.5)
Miles to Go = 69

I ran, I ran so far away

So I'm running more now than I ever have in my life. That's really not saying much, but for me it's a big deal. Being able to just open my front door and run for 4 or 5 miles feels really good. My walking buddy, Julie, and I are running a 5k together in February. Oddly enough, the 5k goes through my old neighborhood in Winter Park, FL. We lived in an area called the Winter Park Pines and the race is called the Run Around the Pines. I plan to run an upcoming 10k as well.

I keep waiting for registration to open for the Danskin triathlon in May at Disney World. I need to get my butt in gear and start my training. Running isn't enough. I've asked for a trunk mounted bike rack for my car and a wireless odometer for my bike for Xmas. I hate riding on the street, so once I get my bike rack I can take my bike to a nearby trail called the Little Econ and go for nice, long rides.

I'm very happy with the Orlando park's department. They are linking a bunch of trails in the greater Orlando area to form one massive multi-use trail system. Yipee!

Next Challenge?

Ok, I have four events I'm mulling over....

Danskin Triathlon Why??? I've always wanted to do a triathlon and this particular race comes to Disney World in the spring of '07. I've already purchased a racing suit for my swimming workouts. I'm fairly certain I'm going to do this race.

The Out of the Darkness Overnight Why??? This is a 20 mile walk through NYC that starts at dusk and ends at dawn. How cool would that be? And proceeds benefit a suicide prevention and mental health charity.

Race for Hope Why??? This is a 5k race in Washington DC raising funds for brain tumor research. My grandmother recently passed away from a brain tumor, one of my best friends is a brain tumor survivor, and another good friend of mine is currently battling a recurring brain tumor. This is a cause I am 100% behind.

The 3-Day Why??? Because I had such an AMAZING 3-Day experience this year! I may not do another 3-Day in 2007, but I will walk again some day.

I've been enjoying expanding my workouts from walking, walking, walking, to walking, swimming, belly dancing, weight lifting, etc. Yes, I've started a belly dancing class and it is so much fun!

Team Julie Survived the Breast Cancer 3-Day

We’re back from our wonderful 3-Day weekend. I want to thank you all for your tremendous support during our training and fundraising. I managed to complete all 60 miles with zero blisters or injuries. I feel very lucky as I was one of the few on day three who was walking without the aid of an ace bandage, ice pack, or blister dressing. The other half of Team Julie flew through the 60 miles with nothing more than a slightly sore ankle!

Amazing!

Day one began with a beautiful sunrise on Clearwater beach. Opening ceremonies were emotional and invigorating, setting the tone for our phenomenal weekend.

We were on the road shortly after 8:00 am. It was slow going at first, with 1,700+ walkers trying to make it down one sidewalk. We were entertained by gracious passersby who greeted us with horn honks, waves, thumbs up, and shouts of support and encouragement. This road-side support continued for all 60 miles!

Walking 60 miles in three days is made much easier by the many pit-stops along the way. Every 2 to 3 miles you can stop to “Refuel, Relieve and Rehydrate!” There were several slogans repeated all weekend to make sure the walkers took care of themselves. We heard the phrase “Drink and Pee, no IV” many, many times.

The 3-Day would not be the amazing event it is without the fabulous staff and volunteer crew. If you ever want to participate in a 3-Day but don’t think you can walk 60 miles, consider volunteering to be a crew member.

Day two took us back to the beautiful gulf beaches. The weather was prefect – not too hot and not too cold. The highs topped out in the mid-80s and the overnight lows in the mid-60s. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Part of the 3-Day experience is camping out with your fellow walkers and crew. I am not a camper, but the 3-Day camp was a blast! One side of camp housed the sleeping tents, port-a-potties, mobile showers and mobile sinks. The other side of camp held all of the social activities, such as our meals, the evening entertainment, the 3-Day gear shop, the foot massage tent, etc.

On the course each day we were amazed by the tremendous community support. They don’t call this walk the 60 mile buffet for nothing! You cannot walk a quarter mile without being offered cookies, popsicles, candy, fruit, etc. by cheering supporters. Girl Scout troops handed out Girl Scout cookies. One man was even handing out free beers to walkers while holding a sign that read “Beers for Boobies.” Fortunately, no flashing was required.

Closing ceremonies in St. Petersburg wrapped up our prefect 3-Day weekend. The Tampa Bay walkers alone raised over $4.6 million for breast cancer research. Near the end of closing ceremonies every walker removed a shoe in honor of the breast cancer survivors who participated in the walk. It was an amazing sight.

Thank you again for your support. I know I will walk in another Breast Cancer 3-Day and I encourage everybody, women and men, to walk or volunteer to be a crew member in a 3-Day near you. They have already announced the 2007 dates, which you can find online at www.the3day.org. I guarantee it will be a wonderful experience you will never forget!

See you on the flip side!

Tonight is my last night at home before I leave for the 3-Day. I’m pretty much all packed. I miraculously fit all of the following into a 25 inch long duffel bag.

twin air mattress with pump (takes 4 D batteries)
sleeping bag
pillow (normal size)
8 by 10 tarp
3 days clothing – including 8 pairs of socks (2 each day & 2 spares)
one pair runners
one pair tevas
gallon zip-loc bag full of medical supplies
toiletry case
disposable camera
5 luna bars
journal & pen
2 rain ponchos
mylar emergency blanket
flash light & extra batteries
alarm clock
spool of twine
peppermint tea
tent flag (so I can find my tent in a sea of 2,000 tents)
extra plastic bags

Hopefully the zipper doesn’t burst.

My nerves are just barely acting up. I would say I’m more anxious than nervous. I know it will be an amazing experience. I’ve just been building up to this weekend for so many months that I’m not quite sure what to do with myself now!

Wish me luck!

It's almost here!

The Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day will begin with Opening Ceremonies at Sand Key Park in Clearwater, FL on October 13th at 7:30 am and conclude with Closing Ceremonies at Spa Beach Park in St. Petersburg on October 15th at 5:30 pm.

The journey will highlight the most picturesque areas that Pinellas County and the state of Florida have to offer. Day One begins at Sand Key Park in Clearwater. Walkers will enjoy award-winning views of miles of Florida coastline beaches and will be energized by the warm Gulf breeze.

Day Two will include more of the same breath-taking views. Walkers will stroll down world-class beaches and intercoastal waterways. Local neighborhood beach shops will be featured as well as some of the most beautiful homes located between the water and cobblestone streets.

Day Three highlights historic St. Petersburg neighborhoods that line the Tampa Bay waterfront. Finally, we will celebrate at our closing site Spa Beach Park (close to The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg). This park provides a view and an experience you will not want to miss.

Julie and I are heading down on Thursday & spending Thursday night at the Sheraton Sand Key resort in Clearwater. Thursday will be spent swimming in the ocean and lounging by the pool with a good book. Friday morning the fun begins!

I'm back...quick update

Sorry I haven't posted for a loooong time. I had a great 1st half of the month & then came down with the flu. I was at 90 miles by the 16th...on track to reach 180 miles for the month. Then I had to travel to Seattle for 2 weeks for business and caught the flu on the flight to Seattle. I was SICK...I had every symptom in the book (nose, chest, stomach, fever, etc.). I was down for nearly 2 weeks, which totally derailed my mileage goal. I managed to squeeze in an additional 27 miles while sick with the flu, but that's it. Oh well, I'm feeling better now and I'm doing 15 miles in the morning with my walking buddy.

The event is quickly approaching! October 13th is right around the corner. I need to start getting my stuff togther so I can figure out what I need to buy.

Quick post

September goal = 180 miles
Miles walked = 42
Miles to go = 138

Between travel and out-of-town family visiting, it has been SO HARD to fit my miles in and it shows in my monthly totals. I am terribly behind schedule. I'm going to try to fit in another 12 miles this afternoon. I want to be at 90 miles by Friday.

September Mileage Goal

August is over and now on to the most difficult training month...September. 180 miles. I have to walk 180 miles in 4 weeks. Oy. Wish me luck.

August Miles DONE

August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 135
Miles to go = big, fat ZERO

Yipee! I polished off my miles for the month while watching Nip Tuck season 2 on DVD. I'm excited for season 4, which starts soon!

I'm going to take this opportunity to vent about Ernesto. Sunday morning they revised the path of Ernesto and said it was going to be a category 1 headed directly for Orlando, Florida - more specifically east Orlando, which is where I live. The eye was going to go right over our neighborhood. I fretted and stressed for three days.

I stocked up on food, water, batteries, etc.

I drained water out of the pool to accommodate the 10 inches of predicted rain fall.

I dug trenches from the foundation of our house to the lake behind our house to encourage storm water run-off away from the foundation.

I moved all of our pool stuff into the garage.

I combed the yard with a trash bag picking up any object that could possibly be turned into a projectile with high winds.

I trimmed dead branches off of trees.

I read my hurricane and flood policies.

I super chlorinated the pool in anticipation of the introduction of organic matter with the storm water.

I stuck my fingers in areas I would prefer never to stick my fingers to ensure our pool deck drains were clear.

I set our refrigerator and freezer to the lowest setting in anticipation of a power outage.

I cooled the house waaaaay down so we wouldn't sweat to death in the event of a power outage.

I filled up my car with gas - premium gas - because the regular and mid-grade were sold out.

Then I woke up this morning and braced myself for flood control - namely continuing to drain the pool as it fills with rain water and sweeping accumulated rain water off of the pool deck and into the lawn. I even had a dorky rain poncho ready to go.

Then I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And nothing!

Sigh of relief.

And then a twinge of bitterness over my hyper-preparedness.

All's well in Orlando!

Bye bye Ernesto and don't come back!!!!

I've earned a lazy Sunday evening...

August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 121
Miles to go = 14

17 mile walk this morning followed by 2 hours of cleaning the garage and grocery shopping for the week.

I'm pooped!!!!

Mileage Update

Since It's been a few days since I posted my mileage for the month, I thought I'd give you a quick update.

August goal = 135 miles
Miles walked = 104
Miles to go = 31

Julie and I are going to walk 15 miles in the morning, which means I'll only have 16 miles to walk next week to get me to goal for the month. Piece of cake! =)