Well, after the busy week I had last week, yoga Tuesday night was much needed. And I was hopeful for nice weather, but late Tuesday night a cold front blew in and with it came the rain. Yep. The wet stuff that we haven't had here in a long time. We needed the rain, but it kind of put a kink in the workout plan. So Wednesday and Thursday night I ended up on the treadmill (4 & 5 miles).
Friday I picked up my packet for Spokes & Spurs which was a pay ride our team was scheduled to do on Saturday. Only with all the rain, we got notice Friday afternoon that it was cancelled. Friday night one of my mentees had a fundraiser at Pluckers. The kids had been wanting to eat there, so we went for dinner.
With the weather as it has been, the team ride for Saturday got postponed until 10:00 and Dalton's soccer game got cancelled, so we actually got to sleep in! Waking up without an alarm clock is a wonderful thing, even if it is at 7:15 in the morning.
Saturday was still cold and damp, but I went to meet up with the team anyway because I wanted to get a good ride in. However, not many captains or mentors showed up, so the coach asked me to hang toward the back to make sure everyone made it ok. In the end, I only got in a little over 27 miles. And I was freezing.
Came home, took a shower, ran some errands and then headed to the Austin Aztex vs Columbus Crew soccer game. When we went to Ohio last year with Dalton we saw Columbus Crew play in their home stadium. Because of that, we are kind of partial to their team. It was a tough call who we were going to cheer for, but we ended up going for the Aztex. And they won! 1-0. It was a great game and afterwards several of the players from both teams came to the stands. Dalton got lots of autographs, but not from the one Columbus Crew player he wanted. One of his teammates said he was mad they lost and probably wouldn't be coming out. Oh well.
We slept in a little Sunday as well because Madison was at a sleepover and we had told her we would pick her up before Sunday school and then we would go to our Creekside service at 11:00. It ended up being the quarterly breakfast instead of Sunday school, so we had a long wait until the service. After the service I was hoping for a nap because it was still cold and wet outside. I figured I'd take my nap and then ride after that when the weather was suppose to get better. I never did get the nap thanks to the phone, the kids, the dogs...... And I never got that ride in either. I just lay around all day and did absolutely nothing. And it felt good. I haven't had an "off" day like that in a long time because most of the time when I don't work out it's because I have too much other stuff to do. So, it was much needed and much enjoyed.
Today was hard to get up because the kids are on spring break. And I am not. But the weather is back to being in the high 70s / low 80s so I ran outside again today for 5 miles. And I can tell I need to get use to the heat before summer really gets here!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Will It Ever End????
The crazy busy life AND the wind!!!!
Life has been crazy around here as usual, but I just keep plugging away. After last weekend's brutal rides in the wind, I ran 5 miles on Monday in beautiful weather and it felt great. Tuesday I was back at yoga. And I can tell it had been a while. My hamstrings were TIGHT!
Wednesday ended up being a day off. I had my chiro appointment Wednesday, had to pick up contacts for my daughter, and then my daughter had to be at the school at 5:15. They were having family fun night and the choir was performing. They ended up only singing one song, but it was the Star Spangled Banner. The choir director informed us that this was "practice" as they have been invited to sing at the beginning of the Round Rock Express baseball game on April 21st. Wow!!! That will be cool.
Thursday I was back on the bike and back in the wind. Ugh. I decided to take Friday off work to get some things done. The local Leukemia & Lymphoma office was having a group gargage sale as a fundraising avenue for those of us raising money. So, I dropped the kids off at school Friday morning, headed home to run 5 miles, again in the wind, and then spent most of the day cleaning out the garage and getting stuff ready to sell. My parents were kind enough to take the stuff and sit there selling it for me.
Saturday morning's temps looked to be perfect for a bike ride and they were. But, we had 20mph winds again. I had to take a shortcut at one point to get back early and the whole stretch was right into the wind. I tell you, I'm going to rejoice on that first ride without any wind.
After I got back, I had to head home, change real quick and head out of town for a wedding. My husband's cousin's son (did you get that?) was getting married. When we got to my mother-in-law's I showered and got dressed and then we headed for the wedding. Madison was a cake server, so we had bought her a new dress and shoes. Doesn't she look grown up.
And check out the shoes!!!
The wedding was a 4:00 wedding. Lutheran wedding in a German town. That equals bar-b-que and lots of alcohol. When the preacher prays, "Lord, we know the beer has been flowing and we pray that everyone gets home safe and makes it to church in the morning" you know there are some heavy drinkers.
We came home after the wedding and picked up our dogs. We had left Tank with my brother who has a rat terrier and chihuahua and we had left Roscoe at my parents (they live on five fenced acres, so he could run free). Got in bed around 11:00, which with time change meant midnight.
Sunday we got up and went to early church because Dalton had another paintball birthday party to attend at 11:00. Then we went to my neices birthday party at 2:00. She's 15!!!! Then we went to youth group where our kids put together birthing kits. To find out more about this, head over to Cortney's blog.
I was a zombie the rest of the night. So exhausted.
Today was back to work. I hate driving to work in the dark. I ran 5 miles tonight, in the wind. It was blowing about 15mph tonight. Are you seeing a theme yet? I guess it will just make me stronger. After my run, I took Roscoe for his evening walk. He is asleep on the floor next to me right now. I think he is pooped. Tank wears him out and I think he's glad when Tank and Dalton go to bed. Tank sleeps in his kennel in Dalton's room. Roscoe sleeps on the couch! Yep, he's one spoiled dog. And he's mine!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Gluten For Punishment
As if I didn't freeze enough yesterday, I did it again today.
This morning it was cold (in the low 30s) and still windy, but not like yesterday. Todays winds were probably 10-15 mph. My son's two games today were at 8am and 12:30. I looked at the times and said, hmmm, I can get a ride in between those games. So Thursday (before I knew what the weather would be like) I sent out an email asking if anyone wanted to ride.
So this morning, despite the cold, I loaded my bike and headed to the soccer fields. After the game, my family headed to IHOP and warmness while I sat in my car waiting to see if anyone would show up to ride. And someone did. Patrick, one of our captains, came. So, we headed off for a ride. It was really cold at first, but the wind was not like yesterday. Yes, it was still windy, but tolerable. We had a great time chatting and not worrying about speed. After riding a way, I finally warmed up a bit, but as we got close to an hour on my watch (which includes stops at lights, etc.) we had been almost 10 miles and it just seemed like a good time to turn around.
And it was a good thing we did. Once again, we could go faster much easier with the tail wind, but then I got a flat. On the rear tire. Uggghhh. Not again. So, I set out to change it. But I'm not so good when I can't get some air in the tube first and I didn't have my pump with me; only CO2 cartridges. Not wanting to waste CO2 cartridges, I just put the tube in without any air. And somehow ripped a hole in the tube as I put the tire back on the rim. So when we tried to air the tube up with the CO2, the tube did not air up and there went the C02 cartridge. Took it out, put a new tube in and finally got it back on. Rode back to the fields, put the bike up and headed to the 12:30 game.
Dalton's team won big at the last game. Winning all their games put them in first place. We went to the little ceremony so he could get hardware and then headed home. Since I had taken my bike this morning, we went in two different vehicles. On the way home, my family was behind me and my daughter called and said BOTH my break lights were out. Yikes!
As soon as we got home I changed clothes and had my husband follow me to the car place. I needed to get my car inspected anyway, so I just got it all taken care of. I had really hoped for a nice warm shower and then a nap. Instead, I spent most of my afternoon in the waiting area getting my car fixed. But now it's fixed. And I'm pooped. I'm off to veg on the couch.
This morning it was cold (in the low 30s) and still windy, but not like yesterday. Todays winds were probably 10-15 mph. My son's two games today were at 8am and 12:30. I looked at the times and said, hmmm, I can get a ride in between those games. So Thursday (before I knew what the weather would be like) I sent out an email asking if anyone wanted to ride.
So this morning, despite the cold, I loaded my bike and headed to the soccer fields. After the game, my family headed to IHOP and warmness while I sat in my car waiting to see if anyone would show up to ride. And someone did. Patrick, one of our captains, came. So, we headed off for a ride. It was really cold at first, but the wind was not like yesterday. Yes, it was still windy, but tolerable. We had a great time chatting and not worrying about speed. After riding a way, I finally warmed up a bit, but as we got close to an hour on my watch (which includes stops at lights, etc.) we had been almost 10 miles and it just seemed like a good time to turn around.
And it was a good thing we did. Once again, we could go faster much easier with the tail wind, but then I got a flat. On the rear tire. Uggghhh. Not again. So, I set out to change it. But I'm not so good when I can't get some air in the tube first and I didn't have my pump with me; only CO2 cartridges. Not wanting to waste CO2 cartridges, I just put the tube in without any air. And somehow ripped a hole in the tube as I put the tire back on the rim. So when we tried to air the tube up with the CO2, the tube did not air up and there went the C02 cartridge. Took it out, put a new tube in and finally got it back on. Rode back to the fields, put the bike up and headed to the 12:30 game.
Dalton's team won big at the last game. Winning all their games put them in first place. We went to the little ceremony so he could get hardware and then headed home. Since I had taken my bike this morning, we went in two different vehicles. On the way home, my family was behind me and my daughter called and said BOTH my break lights were out. Yikes!
As soon as we got home I changed clothes and had my husband follow me to the car place. I needed to get my car inspected anyway, so I just got it all taken care of. I had really hoped for a nice warm shower and then a nap. Instead, I spent most of my afternoon in the waiting area getting my car fixed. But now it's fixed. And I'm pooped. I'm off to veg on the couch.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Brutal, but fun (sort of)
So I have just a few minutes in between games and I thought I'd post a quick update.
This morning I dropped my daughter off for her games and then headed over to meet the cycle team for our nutrition clinic and our ride in the brutal 20+ mph winds. The winds were really bad, but lots of riders were willing to ride, so off we went.
When it started, I was in the first group. Luckily there were several guys in the group that I could tuck in behind, because it was BRUTAL. On the way out (heading straight into the north wind) we were going between 7 & maybe 11 mph. And that was pushing it. We had hoped to go farther, but after about an hour of stuggling in the wind, everyone decided to turn around and head back.
And that was the fun part. On one of the downhills, I was flying and reached 42.4 mph! Wahoo!!! That was fun. And there were parts where I was doing 25-30mph and didn't even feel like I was working at all. It only took us about 30 minutes to get back.
On the soccer front - My daughter's team lost all four games, but the one goal they did score was made by Madison!!! And, because there were only 4 teams in her division, they've qualified for nationals. Ha! They want to stay together and maybe even practice (imagine that) and play together some more. Should be interesting.
My son's team won 6-0. Their next game is at 6:30 and then we go straight from there to the Aztex game. And you can bet I'll be bundled up. The wind still hasn't died down.
This morning I dropped my daughter off for her games and then headed over to meet the cycle team for our nutrition clinic and our ride in the brutal 20+ mph winds. The winds were really bad, but lots of riders were willing to ride, so off we went.
When it started, I was in the first group. Luckily there were several guys in the group that I could tuck in behind, because it was BRUTAL. On the way out (heading straight into the north wind) we were going between 7 & maybe 11 mph. And that was pushing it. We had hoped to go farther, but after about an hour of stuggling in the wind, everyone decided to turn around and head back.
And that was the fun part. On one of the downhills, I was flying and reached 42.4 mph! Wahoo!!! That was fun. And there were parts where I was doing 25-30mph and didn't even feel like I was working at all. It only took us about 30 minutes to get back.
On the soccer front - My daughter's team lost all four games, but the one goal they did score was made by Madison!!! And, because there were only 4 teams in her division, they've qualified for nationals. Ha! They want to stay together and maybe even practice (imagine that) and play together some more. Should be interesting.
My son's team won 6-0. Their next game is at 6:30 and then we go straight from there to the Aztex game. And you can bet I'll be bundled up. The wind still hasn't died down.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Playing Catch Up
Gee, I didn't realize it had been so long since I last updated. I kept having things in my head to write about, but no time. So, let's see if I can get things caught up.
The weather here lately has been great during the week - highs in the 70s or 80s, but then it turns cold again during the weekend. But, I've taken advantage of the weather.
The Wednesday after the Austin Half, I rode outside for an hour. My neighborhood has some decent hills and lots of stops, so I only managed 14.32 miles, but right now it's all about getting time on the bike. Toward the end of the ride something seemed off, but nothing that I could see.
Thursday I went outside for a 3.5 mile run. The weather was perfect.
Friday was another bike ride. Only when I went out to get on my bike and checked my tires, my rear tire was FLAT! Ugghhh. I don't like flats to begin with, but the rear tire is always harder to change in my opinion. But I was determined to enjoy the nice weather so I began changing the tire. It took a while, but I did it. Because I had lost daylight due to changing the tire, I only managed to get in an 8 mile ride.
Saturday our TNT team met with the run, tri and hike teams for the honored hero mile. This is where we run, walk, or ride a silent mile in honor of all of those who have battled or are still battling leukemia or lymphoma. It can be a very emotional mile and it was this time for me. There are just too many people out there having to fight a battle that no one should have to fight.
After the honored hero mile, the cycle team went to a mostly empty parking lot to do a cornering clinic. The coach broke off the alumni from the beginners and told us to practice our cornering skills. What it turned into was a fast paced follow the leader through the parking lot - dodging cars, potholes and speed bumps. It was actually quite fun. Until the cold front blew through bringing with it cold wind and rain. Rain is not ok when you are doing a corning clinic. So that ended fairly quickly. The coach asked if anyone wanted to go out for a ride, but he didn't have too many takers. Being the cold natured person I am, I opted to head home and hit the treadmill for a 4 mile run. Then I showered and headed out to my son's soccer game.
Sunday after church I managed to get in a 15 mile bike ride. Monday was a TNT "cash bash" night, so no workout. Tuesday I was back to running (4 miles) and then Wednesday back on the bike for 11.77 miles.
Then yesterday I was excited. I had the time to get in an hour run and the weather was gorgeous! I headed out and the first few steps were sluggish. I felt "off" and my legs felt heavy. Not good. I made it 3 miles and didn't feel like I could go any more. I walked for a minute to see if that would help. Then I ran some more, walked some more, ran some more ... until I got to 4 miles. And then I walked home. I was disappointed because I was hoping to get in 6 miles. But, some days you have it and some days you don't. Thursday, I didn't have it.
Tonight we had to go shopping for a dress for my daughter. My husband's cousin's son (did you follow that?) is getting married next weekend and my daughter is in the house party. Because our church is so casual, the kids really don't have "dressy" clothes. So we went to buy a dress. Luckily we found one, because I don't know when else we were going to have time to shop. I'll have to post a picture after the wedding. It makes her look really grown up.
This weekend doesn't get any better. Saturday morning I have a 3 hour bike ride with the team. It will be nice to get out on some open roads and not have to be starting and stopping all the time. And it will be nice to be in a pace group because we are suppose to have winds up to 20 mph tomorrow. The ride out won't be any fun at all. The ride back might not be so bad. I just hope I'm in a group with lots of big guys who can block the wind for me :)
And, both of the kids are in soccer tournaments this weekend. Several of the boys on my son's team have older sisters and they all decided they were tired of being on the sidelines watching - they want to play! So, they are in a 3v3 tournament in one part of town while my son plays in a tournament in another part of town. Madison's games are from 9:00 to 1:00. Dalton plays at 9:00 and then doesn't play again until 6:30. I'm not happy about that, because.......
Saturday night we have tickets to the Austin Aztex vs. New England Revolution exhibition soccer game at 7:30. The Austin Aztex are the new professional soccer team here in town. They are playing 3 exhibition games against MLS teams. We can make two of them and the second one is against the Columbus Crew, which is the team we saw last summer when we went to Ohio for vacation. We ended up with season tickets, so it should be a fun summer of soccer. But, we'll have to go straight from my son's game tomorrow to the Aztex game.
Then Sunday morning my son has two more games - one at 8am and one at 12:30. I hate wasting time and not working out, so I asked if any of my teammates would want to meet me for a 2 hour ride between games and I had a couple of takers. The only problem is it's suppose to be in the 30s Sunday morning. I just hope there is no wind.
I joked today at work that I'd be glad when Monday got here so I could have a break! Does it ever slow down?????
The weather here lately has been great during the week - highs in the 70s or 80s, but then it turns cold again during the weekend. But, I've taken advantage of the weather.
The Wednesday after the Austin Half, I rode outside for an hour. My neighborhood has some decent hills and lots of stops, so I only managed 14.32 miles, but right now it's all about getting time on the bike. Toward the end of the ride something seemed off, but nothing that I could see.
Thursday I went outside for a 3.5 mile run. The weather was perfect.
Friday was another bike ride. Only when I went out to get on my bike and checked my tires, my rear tire was FLAT! Ugghhh. I don't like flats to begin with, but the rear tire is always harder to change in my opinion. But I was determined to enjoy the nice weather so I began changing the tire. It took a while, but I did it. Because I had lost daylight due to changing the tire, I only managed to get in an 8 mile ride.
Saturday our TNT team met with the run, tri and hike teams for the honored hero mile. This is where we run, walk, or ride a silent mile in honor of all of those who have battled or are still battling leukemia or lymphoma. It can be a very emotional mile and it was this time for me. There are just too many people out there having to fight a battle that no one should have to fight.
After the honored hero mile, the cycle team went to a mostly empty parking lot to do a cornering clinic. The coach broke off the alumni from the beginners and told us to practice our cornering skills. What it turned into was a fast paced follow the leader through the parking lot - dodging cars, potholes and speed bumps. It was actually quite fun. Until the cold front blew through bringing with it cold wind and rain. Rain is not ok when you are doing a corning clinic. So that ended fairly quickly. The coach asked if anyone wanted to go out for a ride, but he didn't have too many takers. Being the cold natured person I am, I opted to head home and hit the treadmill for a 4 mile run. Then I showered and headed out to my son's soccer game.
Sunday after church I managed to get in a 15 mile bike ride. Monday was a TNT "cash bash" night, so no workout. Tuesday I was back to running (4 miles) and then Wednesday back on the bike for 11.77 miles.
Then yesterday I was excited. I had the time to get in an hour run and the weather was gorgeous! I headed out and the first few steps were sluggish. I felt "off" and my legs felt heavy. Not good. I made it 3 miles and didn't feel like I could go any more. I walked for a minute to see if that would help. Then I ran some more, walked some more, ran some more ... until I got to 4 miles. And then I walked home. I was disappointed because I was hoping to get in 6 miles. But, some days you have it and some days you don't. Thursday, I didn't have it.
Tonight we had to go shopping for a dress for my daughter. My husband's cousin's son (did you follow that?) is getting married next weekend and my daughter is in the house party. Because our church is so casual, the kids really don't have "dressy" clothes. So we went to buy a dress. Luckily we found one, because I don't know when else we were going to have time to shop. I'll have to post a picture after the wedding. It makes her look really grown up.
This weekend doesn't get any better. Saturday morning I have a 3 hour bike ride with the team. It will be nice to get out on some open roads and not have to be starting and stopping all the time. And it will be nice to be in a pace group because we are suppose to have winds up to 20 mph tomorrow. The ride out won't be any fun at all. The ride back might not be so bad. I just hope I'm in a group with lots of big guys who can block the wind for me :)
And, both of the kids are in soccer tournaments this weekend. Several of the boys on my son's team have older sisters and they all decided they were tired of being on the sidelines watching - they want to play! So, they are in a 3v3 tournament in one part of town while my son plays in a tournament in another part of town. Madison's games are from 9:00 to 1:00. Dalton plays at 9:00 and then doesn't play again until 6:30. I'm not happy about that, because.......
Saturday night we have tickets to the Austin Aztex vs. New England Revolution exhibition soccer game at 7:30. The Austin Aztex are the new professional soccer team here in town. They are playing 3 exhibition games against MLS teams. We can make two of them and the second one is against the Columbus Crew, which is the team we saw last summer when we went to Ohio for vacation. We ended up with season tickets, so it should be a fun summer of soccer. But, we'll have to go straight from my son's game tomorrow to the Aztex game.
Then Sunday morning my son has two more games - one at 8am and one at 12:30. I hate wasting time and not working out, so I asked if any of my teammates would want to meet me for a 2 hour ride between games and I had a couple of takers. The only problem is it's suppose to be in the 30s Sunday morning. I just hope there is no wind.
I joked today at work that I'd be glad when Monday got here so I could have a break! Does it ever slow down?????
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Austin Half Marathon
Well, after the warmer weather last week, a "cold" front blew through Friday night and the colder weather hung around for the Austin Half Marathon on Sunday.
Saturday morning I headed out to meet up with my cycling team. I was going to do a small warmup lap and then do the scheduled time trial. Plans changed after I got there, however. It was cold and windy and the warmup lap was the same route as the time trial (an 8-9 mile loop). After riding that first loop and being miserable from the cold, I told myself that if I did the time trial, I would push myself too hard and my legs wouldn't be rested for my half marathon Sunday morning. So, I just did the warmup lap and put my bike up.
That was probably a wise decision because I forgot just how hilly the half marathon course was.
Sunday morning I woke up at 4am, got dressed and ate my standard race day breakfast of oatmeal. I grabbed all my gear and left the house around 5. I met a friend of mine at the local HEB and we headed downtown to find a parking spot. Got a great spot and sat in the warm car for a little while. Around 6:15 we headed toward the race start and stopped at the Radisson to head inside for the bathrooms. Met up with some TNT folks and then walked to the start line.
Because I'm still trying to break 2 hours, I seeded myself between the 4hr and 4:15 marathon pace groups. I figured if I could stay between them, I might be able to kick it in at the end and meet my goal. Boy was I fooled.
The race got started a little late (not sure why) and was very crowded for the first 3-4 miles. I tried to stay on the outside to the right so that if I needed to pass I could do so on the sidewalk. I hit the first mile at 9:45. I'm thinking this is good. It's a little slow for hitting the 2 hour mark, but with the crowds, it's good. And I never want to go out too fast. Mile 2 was 9:32. Ok, I'm getting in my groove. Then I saw some friends who cheered for me. That always makes me feel good.
Mile 3: 9:36
Mile 4: 9:25
Somewhere along in here, I hear someone ask if the whole course is uphill. So far we've had gradual inclines, but the big hills are yet to come. We turn to head back to town and finally get a bit of a downhill.
Mile 5: 9:08
As we get closer to town, there is a much bigger crowd. It must have been so big that I missed mile 6.
Mile 6 & 7: 18:42
We are starting to see more hills now and I have my first 10 minute mile. Ugghh.
Mile 8: 10:00
Mile 9: 9:54
Mile 10: 9:59
Just before the half and full marathon routes split, we climbed another hill and at the top of the hill were more friends cheering me on. They really know how to help keep you going.
Mile 11: 10:02
And now we come to the biggest hill of the course. One of those where you are running, but could probably walk the same speed. As a matter of principal, I kept running.
Mile 12: 10:09
Another short uphill before turning toward the capitol and down toward the finish line.
Mile 13: 10:06
Then you start seeing signs. 800 meters. 400 meters. I kicked in what little I had left and finished the last .1 in 1:10.
Total official time was 2:07:30. Not even close to breaking the 2 hour mark, but on a course this hilly, I'm perfectly fine with it. My average pace was 9:45, so I'm happy.
Overall it was a great race. I'll probably do the half or full marathon every year if the date works out.
I took Monday off to rest my legs and get some things done that have been neglected - like getting Tank in to see our vet. They said he looks good.
Today it was dreary and misty here, so I put my bike on the trainer and rode for 45 minutes. Nothing hard, just a light, easy spin. I'll still be running, but it's time to shift the focus over to cycling for a few months.
Saturday morning I headed out to meet up with my cycling team. I was going to do a small warmup lap and then do the scheduled time trial. Plans changed after I got there, however. It was cold and windy and the warmup lap was the same route as the time trial (an 8-9 mile loop). After riding that first loop and being miserable from the cold, I told myself that if I did the time trial, I would push myself too hard and my legs wouldn't be rested for my half marathon Sunday morning. So, I just did the warmup lap and put my bike up.
That was probably a wise decision because I forgot just how hilly the half marathon course was.
Sunday morning I woke up at 4am, got dressed and ate my standard race day breakfast of oatmeal. I grabbed all my gear and left the house around 5. I met a friend of mine at the local HEB and we headed downtown to find a parking spot. Got a great spot and sat in the warm car for a little while. Around 6:15 we headed toward the race start and stopped at the Radisson to head inside for the bathrooms. Met up with some TNT folks and then walked to the start line.
Because I'm still trying to break 2 hours, I seeded myself between the 4hr and 4:15 marathon pace groups. I figured if I could stay between them, I might be able to kick it in at the end and meet my goal. Boy was I fooled.
The race got started a little late (not sure why) and was very crowded for the first 3-4 miles. I tried to stay on the outside to the right so that if I needed to pass I could do so on the sidewalk. I hit the first mile at 9:45. I'm thinking this is good. It's a little slow for hitting the 2 hour mark, but with the crowds, it's good. And I never want to go out too fast. Mile 2 was 9:32. Ok, I'm getting in my groove. Then I saw some friends who cheered for me. That always makes me feel good.
Mile 3: 9:36
Mile 4: 9:25
Somewhere along in here, I hear someone ask if the whole course is uphill. So far we've had gradual inclines, but the big hills are yet to come. We turn to head back to town and finally get a bit of a downhill.
Mile 5: 9:08
As we get closer to town, there is a much bigger crowd. It must have been so big that I missed mile 6.
Mile 6 & 7: 18:42
We are starting to see more hills now and I have my first 10 minute mile. Ugghh.
Mile 8: 10:00
Mile 9: 9:54
Mile 10: 9:59
Just before the half and full marathon routes split, we climbed another hill and at the top of the hill were more friends cheering me on. They really know how to help keep you going.
Mile 11: 10:02
And now we come to the biggest hill of the course. One of those where you are running, but could probably walk the same speed. As a matter of principal, I kept running.
Mile 12: 10:09
Another short uphill before turning toward the capitol and down toward the finish line.
Mile 13: 10:06
Then you start seeing signs. 800 meters. 400 meters. I kicked in what little I had left and finished the last .1 in 1:10.
Total official time was 2:07:30. Not even close to breaking the 2 hour mark, but on a course this hilly, I'm perfectly fine with it. My average pace was 9:45, so I'm happy.
Overall it was a great race. I'll probably do the half or full marathon every year if the date works out.
I took Monday off to rest my legs and get some things done that have been neglected - like getting Tank in to see our vet. They said he looks good.
Today it was dreary and misty here, so I put my bike on the trainer and rode for 45 minutes. Nothing hard, just a light, easy spin. I'll still be running, but it's time to shift the focus over to cycling for a few months.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Great Day For A Bike Ride
The past couple of days have given me some perfect weather for working out. After getting some rain here this week (and we haven't seen rain in forever), Tuesday afternoon and today were PERFECT for getting in workouts. The temps were in the mid 70s and the sun was out. What more could you ask for? Tuesday I ran, today I biked. Since I'm on limited time after I get home and before I have to take my daughter to work, I only got in 11.79 miles in 50:49 minutes (you don't get very fast when riding in the neighborhood and having to stop at all the stop signs). The important thing is that I got some bike time in. I can get more in once daylight savings happens. Besides, I have a half marathon this weekend, so I shouldn't do too much this week anyway.
The cycling season with Team in Training is off to a great start. We have somewhere between 40 and 50 cyclists. Some are doing a local event in May, but most are doing the America's Most Beautiful Ride in Tahoe. This past weekend was time to get the new riders use to their bikes and to get the intermediate riders use to riding in a pace line. The advanced riders took off for a ride. I hung around with the intermediate group and then did a couple of laps on the "autobahn" or South Mopac (which ever you want to call it). I ended up with about 25 miles. It's going to be a fun season.
The cycling season with Team in Training is off to a great start. We have somewhere between 40 and 50 cyclists. Some are doing a local event in May, but most are doing the America's Most Beautiful Ride in Tahoe. This past weekend was time to get the new riders use to their bikes and to get the intermediate riders use to riding in a pace line. The advanced riders took off for a ride. I hung around with the intermediate group and then did a couple of laps on the "autobahn" or South Mopac (which ever you want to call it). I ended up with about 25 miles. It's going to be a fun season.
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