House Of Plague

Despite what this says, I am not a smoker, never was, but you can't help but love a good jar of phlegm.

Crap! It seems the evil cough that has been making rounds (or so I have seen on blogs and FB, etc.) has finally caught up with my family unit. My sitter had it first, then Baby Toots (with a lovely 103˚F temperature for two days), my husband over the weekend plus Monday and Tuesday.....and finally me.

Started hacking Saturday after my long ride. Not too badly. Then more so after the race on Sunday, that night it got uglier and uglier. Monday morning I was coughing up yellowy green phlegm (hope you already had your breakfast). I feel fine in every other way - knock wood - except maybe for the headache and the sore abs from the force of coughing (do I still need to do core work then?). This cough is a bitch and keeping me up nights. Needless to say training is on hold....since I can't go 10 minutes without coughing up a piece of lung.

I am so antsy to get moving. My week would have looked like this so far: Monday group swim, Tuesday bike hill repeats, Wednesday big swim with timed intervals.....sigh. I was bugging Coach Michelle about swimming this morning, but she made a couple of good points: training a sick body won't help my mission and it is best to wait until my body is at least 95% and not to pack my germs and bring them with me to the gym or pool. I had to concede that she was right on both counts. Aside from the fact that I probably would have drown at the pool, I hate when sick people go out into public (especially when they ride the subway, which is wall to wall people). That said I am getting on the subway to go look at a bike later....I am guilty as charged, a total hypocrite, I admit it. Take me out to the town square for a public flogging.

They turned off the hot water today in our building to do some work. That was 'refreshing' this morning. Nothing like stepping into the shower, turning it on and "Holy Mother of God!" Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Race Report: March Madness Biathlon

AG: 4/19

Overall Female: 30/96

1:27:18

Run 2 Miles, Bike 12 Miles, Run 2 Miles

Saturday I did a long bike for 50 miles, it was 29˚F when I left the house. Lots of nice long hills....Came home, took an ice bath (much to my son's amusement) and donned my compression tights and socks. My run times were both faster this time around (I did this race back in October), my bike time was 5 minutes slower; I was not surprised by this. I felt it on the second loop around the course. My final time was about 2 minutes slower. However, I did have fresh legs for this race last year.

Sunday morning I got up at 5:45 AM to head to the staging area for the race. It was 37˚F and dark, and cold, and dark. Did I mention it was cold and dark? I took Coach Michelle's advice and warmed up on the bike for 20 minutes and did a warm up run for 10 minutes with some pick-ups on both. My legs felt like lead as she said they would after yesterday's ride. The warm up helped a lot, but there was no denying my legs were fatigued, oh well, suck it up and just do it.

I was wandering around the transition area a little while before the race start and saw Krista and her husband Sam volunteering there, Thank you! This is the first time I've met a fellow blogger, but wait! I also met Jon. He spotted me amongst the hoard in the starting area. He also stuck around for the whole race to cheer me on and took all the photos except for this one of the two of us, thanks Jon!! I am so grateful and I definitely owe him one, am happy to return the favor in the future! He had is own 15k later that morning (which he rocked!). Thanks for sticking around in the cold Jon!

If it looks like I am hanging on Jon, it's probably because I am thanks to tired legs!!

Ok, here we go..

Run 1: 2 Miles 19:19

Last year 20:35. The plan was to do 9:00 pace on this run. My watch said I did 18:58 and yet all my other times were right on with the official results...go figure. The run starts as an uphill right away with some slight sloping up and down, but nothing significant after that first hill. I was have some trouble with my breathing on this (despite having taken my inhaler), a bit of wheezing, but I kept pushing it.

T1: 1:16

This was faster than last year, but it needs to be faster still. I looked at the times some people posted for T1 & T2 and they were under a minute. What?! How? Gah!

Bike: 45:01

Last year it was 40:02, I like to keep numbers as even as possible..as if. I knew this was going to be tough. Coach Michelle said to take it a bit easy getting out the first 2 minutes, let my HR come down a bit before I started putting the pedal to the metal. The exit for the bike is he same as the run, as in the same uphill right out of the gate. I knew this so I had my bike in an easy gear. The first lap felt ok, just ok. I tried to take advantage of the downhills by getting into my drops (I know, I know Coach, I'm working on the aero bars). However, I really felt my legs on the uphills. There is one particular hill that I know very well and know how fast I can make it up and I was at least 2 MPH slower on that. If my legs were tired on the first loop, they were even more fatigued on the second loop. I felt it mostly in my hamstrings and behind my knees. Don't get me wrong, my quads were exhausted too. Let's just say my legs felt trashed.

T2: 1:22

True confession time. I pulled a 'newbie'. I was in the right row, but couldn't find my rack. I know, stupid. I accept any and all ridicule. I should also mention I almost forgot to pick up my timing chip...yup, time to clear the cobwebs. Truth is, I've gotten spoiled by my local running club since they include the timing chip with your race number and you just attach it to your laces.

Run 2 Miles: 20:19

They said my time was 1:27:18!! I want a recount! I've been robbed!! :P

I was supposed to go faster than 9:00 pace on this leg. Fail. I did not wear my Garmin, but I felt like I was going fast. I was focusing on turning my legs over quickly, short strides. I actually passed people who passed me on the bike, a first for me. I know my pace out of T2 heading uphill was a bit slow as my legs were tired and getting used to the change in motion, but they started to feel pretty good at the top of the hill, tired, but moving. I literally panted my way through the last 1.5 miles to the finish. It was sheer will that kept my legs moving. I came close to earning another pukie award.

I said this to Michelle, I know I shouldn't think this way, but I can't help it , if I had the same bike time as in my October race I'd have taken 2nd in my AG. That aside, I am happy my runs were faster and I also can't help wondering how I would have done on fresh legs. It was also nice to test myself in a fatigued state and if I had it in me to keep pushing. I did, even if it wasn't as fast as we had planned. Next month I will nix the long bike the day before the race.

Last night my legs felt crampy and really fatigued. I was helping my husband untangle some computer wiring and my right hamstring cramped up...do I need to tell you how freakin' painful that was?

What is the difference between a biathlon and a duathlon? Anyone?

Back into the trenches for another three week build.

Foto Friday: Biking & BBQ

Sorry, a little late this morning.....Someone from my cycling group sent this. Awsome! You can see the blog and post here.



Here it is in action. Love the music.

List Mania

I feel like doing a post in list form...I am under the delusion that it is less likely to scare away readers.

1) I am the owner of a new swimsuit; love the color. Gotta have fun with the clothes. right? It also makes me stand out in my group swim....hence more attention? It seemed to work last night, got the big thumbs up on my technique from the TNT swim coach. Yes!

2) Got some great feedback from you all on bike shorts/seats. As it happens I have a good seat, a Selle Italia Trans Am. I have been pretty happy with it. I wonder though if I might be happier with a different seat. I was thinking about a Terry Butterfly Ti. What are you ladies riding on and do you love it?

My current seat.

3) Last week I was walking though Bed, Bath & Beyond and saw one of my pattens right on the aisle. I never know where they will turn up. This one is called "Early Bird".

4) I have been wanting to do a post of food for weeks and weeks, which I guess makes it more than a month. I just never did it. So here are a few things I like:

Japanese rice seasoning. I put this on plain brown rice and quinoa. Delicious!

chopped up dates, nuts, dried fruit & unsweetened coconut for sprinkling in my oatmeal or quinoa.

sliced granny smith, sprinkled with cinnamon, cover with saran wrap, microwave for 2 minute. YUM!!

Bree's recovery balls (or as my son calls them, "rescovery balls"); think homemade LaraBars.

Seapoint oriental veggie blend over brown rice or quinoa. I actually use the seasoning packs (just a sprinkle) from the ramen noodles pkgs. with a little soy sauce and olive oil.

Jane's Crazy Mixed-Up Salt, just get it! We eat a lot of Chinese takeout (this is NYC man, they deliver EVERYTHING), I always get the steamed chicken and mixed veggies and sprinkle a little of this on top.

How the hell did those get in here?! First of all, my husband buys these. Second, yes I do partake on occasion, I do not have the will to resist.

5) I have actually lost weight in recent weeks (despite the donuts!). The first week I lost 2 lbs. and was over the moon. The second week I had gained back a .5 lbs.. I decided not to weigh my self anymore and to just go with how my clothes are fitting. I need a belt. I will be weighed soon enough when I head for my annual checkup next month. No need to rush the knowledge.

6) Chafing...I have become more and more acquainted with this as my training sessions get longer. Perhaps you remember the indoor tri 'nastiness'? Well, nothing as bad a that. I always remember to 'lube' under the girls where the band around my sports bra is and even around the arm holes (I got some bed swimsuit burn once from a poly suit I had, I'm scarred for life). There is always some part though that you don't thing of. I discovered last night that I had evidence of chafing right near my coin slot, what?! Is no place sacred? I also discovered and bought Body Glide 'for her'. Aside form the powdery smell (which I can't really smell at all), I'm not sure how different it is. Actually, despite the fact that I can't really smell the powdery essence, the regular body glide smells nasty after a race (or maybe that's just me that smells nasty after a race). Anyway, I like the girly stuff so far, I just wish they made it the larger container.

7) They are dressed to kill and out to get you. That would be the bikelane enforcement posse known in these here parts as the Bureau of Organized Bikelane Safety. Apparently there is a $115 fine for blocking the bike lanes in NYC. I don't think these guys can hand out the tickets, but they make sure to keep the lanes clear for the rest of us....I like this!

8) Finally...Monster Garage & Pimp My Ride go nuthin' on this. I am so glad production on the Hummer has ceased, I will say no more.

Chicken Fried Legs

I saw these babies finally making a showing on Friday! Come on Spring!

 Man, what a weekend.  Saturday I had my first group bike ride.  It was gorgeous out, 73˚F!  Perfect!  The folks in my group seem to be really nice.  One of the women happens to live right down the street from me, I foresee future rides after the class is over.  There are also a couple of triathletes in my group as well as a swimmer who has done a ton of the races organized in the Hudson River (I'll be doing a couple of those this year).  We did a 45 mile ride, stopping halfway to grab lunch at a local diner.  On the return we hit a ginormous hill which makes the hills I do in Central Park look like a cake walk.  I'm so glad I am doing this bike group; there are lots of hills in my future and I will need that for Mooseman.  

I don't mind saying my booty (and other delicate parts) were sore at the end.  I wore tri shorts.  I am thinking I will definitely invest in a pair of proper bike shorts this week.  I cannot bear to have my 'delicates' hurting for the longer ride next week.  I also had my second brick of the week.  I had one on Thursday; 24 mile bike, 20 minute easy run.  Saturday I did the 45 mile ride then came home and immediately threw my running shoes on and did a 20 minute easy pace run.  And then, lucky me, I got to run for 2 hours on Sunday!  I'll tell you, my legs were tired!  I was running a full minute slower pace.  I managed to get back up to speed somewhere in the middle of the run, but then slagged off again at the end.  My legs were fried.  I'm sure it will get 'easier' as the weeks go by.  

I did indulge in an ice bath yesterday.  Well, it really wasn't very icy, not for lack of trying.  I've never really noticed, but the cold water that comes out of the tap in my tub in not very cold.  It's right about room temp.  I went into the freezer and dumped all the ice from the ice maker in and it melted almost immediately.  So I then grabbed all the frozen ice packs I had and threw them in.  It helped, but I have a feeling it wasn't nearly cold enough.  I was too comfortable. 

Floating ice packs after the ice melted.

I'm a little concerned how my legs are going to feel for my race next Sunday after my ride on Saturday.  I'm going to do my best not too work too hard and still try to keep up.  We were averaging 18-19 MPH on Saturday's ride.  The leader said he usually has the group start out at 16 MPH for the first two weeks, but we apparently didn't seem to need to do that, we are a fast group.  Woot!  I'm also praying I don't get my son's cold.  He's been a hacking, phlegm producing machine all weekend.

I had a very nice Sunday night too.  I got together with my old karate girlfriends for dinner at one of their homes.  This is the same gathering I went to last year that got me into triathlon in the first place.  One of my friends mentioned the Danksin Tri and that she was thinking about doing it.  She is an avid cyclist.  She described what the race involved and I thought, "Hmmm, I could do that."  Fast forward one year later and I'm training to do my first Half Ironman.  Good Morning Deb!!  How is your breakfast?  Thanks to Susie and her awesome hubby for cooking dinner too. 

I have know these ladies for almost 20 years now.  All black belts of one degree or another.

Last night was also the first night I actually got a bit drunk tipsy in a very long time.  My body doesn't seem to have the same kind of tolerance for alcohol it used to.  In fact, I tried to have a beer on Saturday night and didn't make it past two sips before I had to toss it.  What a waste of a perfectly good hefeweizen.

Foto Friday: WTF?

The one and only!

I think this speaks for itself

Wonder what the crowd is like at 5 o'clock.

I can't even go there....

Not a bad place to be I should think.

wonder what a job interview is like.

You really need a sign for this?

And you as well!

Who doesn't allow this?

Yeah, maybe not so much.

I don't need to park permanently for that.

Ladies, pay attention to both your 'bags'

Is that an order?

What? No digging of shallow graves?  Where will I hide the body?

Yeah, we don't want to do that.

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Other Stuff

I'm not a St. Patrick's Day celebrator, but to those who are (Mom? Are you there?), I hope you have a good one! My son, I am sure will have plenty to celebrate come his college years. It worries me his birthday is the day before the BIGGEST DRINKING DAY EVER!!!! I was induced 4 years ago on March 15th. Any Shakespeare fans out there? When my OB told me she wanted to induce on that day I said, "Et tu, Brute?" (I'm not sure she got the joke) The kid can't catch a break, sandwiched between those two days. I promise I'll move on to training stuff in a sec, but first a couple of birthday highlights. I made him a cake. I didn't plan to since I did it last year in the shape of a dump truck and swore I would never do it again (how quickly we forget, much like labor, otherwise why would we have more than one child? I am not having more than one, 'nuf said). This year the design was waaaaaaaay easier, except for coming off being sick.

So much easier than last years (and better looking, which is why I am not posting a pic of last year's, although it's probably on last year's post. No, I am not helping by providing a link to it!)

The kid made out like a bandit too in the gift department. This was pretty cool though when we put it together this morning. It's only one of many configurations. I just wonder for how long this will hold his attention until the next big thing comes along.

The king of marble runs, Quadrilla (more like 'Godzilla')

Ok, on to training. As most of you may know, we had the mother of all Nor'easters this past weekend. My first bike with the new club was cancelled and I also had my first two hour run this weekend. When I woke up on Saturday and saw the conditions outside, forget it. I logged on to iTunes and downloaded an audible book (which I never buy) and headed to the gym....to do the treadmill....for two hours......Having the book was a good distraction, but it really tested my patience. I thought I would go insane by the end. I got it done and headed back out into the elements. We had six people die in our area due to falling trees, downded power lines, flooding, etc. By the time it was over there was a real mess left behind.

Saturday night I started to feel a bit unwell; achy joints and muscles, headache, slight fever. By Sunday morning I was a wreck. I ended up staying in bed and sleeping the entire day. Monday was only slightly better. I haven't really been myself lately. It's strange. I actually fainted last week, have had this excessive thirst and severely chapped lips for a few weeks, a migraine that only today has finally subsided and then last night a rash on my thighs. Weird. Aunt Flo has also been a particularly bothersome house guest this month too; usually I don't even know she's here. I have lost some weight recently, but I have been eating better (and training a little more), so no surprise there. My mom is urging me to have blood work done. I see my doc in a couple of weeks. If I'm still feeling out of it, I'll ask her opinion. Otherwise, it's probably just a 'thing' that will pass.

On the bike front, I received the results of my time trial and placement for my training group. The groups are broken up into A, B, C (A=faster, C=slower) and then further divided. For example, A-19, B-16, C-14. The number is MPH. I signed up for the B's and my time trial results landed me in B-18!! top of the B's. I'm pretty stoked about that. It's the A's for me next year, you can count on that! I did my first ride with with one of the leaders yesterday morning. It was really nice. We did a bunch a hill repeats (seated hard gear, seated spin, standing sprint, etc). It was so nice to ride with someone else and man, the time flew! I felt really strong, which surprised me, coming off felling ill and having felt a bit out of it lately. I'm meeting up again on Thursday morning before the sun comes up. Amazing how many people are out in Central Park running and biking before dawn.

Amendment:
I have to send a big THANK YOU to Tri Diesel for my Pukie Award! I'm sorry, I begged for it and then neglected to mention it. I am honored to have received it for my Al Gordon 4 Miler on February 28th!!

From my puke-a-thon.

Two hours later and the marble run is still seeing some action....

Thank you to those who have donated to TNT already!!

Amendment 2:

Just got this from TNT get 30% off for four days, March 18-21 at any Gap, Banana or Old Navy and a percentage will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. What are you waiting for, get shopping!!

Love Of My Life

Four years ago my life changed forever and I couldn't be happier.  Induced + no epidural until 7 cm + 21 hours of labor + 2.5 hours of pushing = C-section and a gorgeous baby boy; Ironman got nuthin' on that!  Happy Birthday Baby Toots!!

Finally!

Foto Friday: Pranks

I love a good joke or prank, as long as no one gets hurt!  I'm  all about safety.  Enjoy.

The Power of Two

I mentioned a special post I wanted to do.  I hope I didn't tease you too much or too long.  I want to talk about two very special people.  Before I do that, a little background for those not with me from day one.  I got into doing triathlon because a friend mentioned a sprint tri at a dinner party I was attending last January.  When it was explained to me what was involved, I thought it would be a great thing to do and I desperately needed a new goal.  I had been rotting on the vine since having my son three years ago.  Once I committed to the sprint tri I started looking at how to train and for people to train with.  I stumbled across Team In Training and went to a meeting.  Imagine my surprise when I realized it was their recruitment for the NYC Triathlon; an Olympic distance tri...uh, longer than the sprint tri, um, not what I was thinking.  I just wanted to find people to train with not sign up for another loooooonger tri.  Next thing you know, I'm singing my name, forking over $80 and raising money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research.  So what does all this have to do with the price of tea in China?  I'm back with Team In Training and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society again this year, but this time not as an unwitting participant, but a willing and able competitor.  However, what matters more are the two people I am celebrating by participating this year.  Michelle and Rosa, both survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Michelle

Most of you are not unfamiliar with Michelle aka Mama Simmons and to me, Coach.  I found her blog about a year ago because she had Hodgkin Lymphoma.  She had dedicated a post to her fight with this disease.  I was so impressed with her determination to keep pushing through and to even do a HIM after already starting chemo?!  Of course, as one of her coaching progeny, it no longer surprises me; she expects no less an effort from her athletes.  She is hard core.  And yet, she has been a fantastic supporter with a great sense of humor and a coach that knows how to administer tough love when it is needed.  (but we won't talk about that here...moving on..)  I am happy to say that Michelle has been cancer free for going on 11 years now.  She has a loving husband, an adorable little girl, and Kona, baby! I am not only privileged to be trained by her, but honored that she has let me celebrate her life by doing what she does; train for and participate in a sport she loves, triathlon. 

Rosa

Rosa was my celbrated teammate last year and I am honored that she allowed me to do this again for her this year.  I have known Rosa for over 10 years.  Rosa was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma twice, I knew her when she was diagnosed the second time.  We were playing on the same soccer team for some years already and I remember going to visit her in the hospital.  You never would have guessed what she was going through as she always had a smile on her face and was quick to laugh.  She is one of those very rare people that never seems to let anything get her down, always has a kind word and is one of the most peaceful souls I know.  Rosa has been cancer free for 8 years now.  She is an elementary school teacher and a Muay Thai fighter (don't let that calm demeanor fool you, she'll kick your ass!) and did I mention gorgeous?

I am so proud to know both of these courageous women and am so honored that they have allowed me train, race and raise money in celebration of their lives.   The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in conjunction with Team In Training have done so much to help in the fight against blood cancers.  I hope you can take a moment to help too.  I have set up a donation web page that you can get to here, or click on the "Team In Training" badge in my sidebar.  I know times are tough financially for everyone, but even the smallest amount helps and is gratefully appreciated.  I thank you on behalf of myself, Michelle, Rosa and anyone who has been touched by this disease.  Many, many thanks!

Spring Teaser

First, thank you to everyone for your kind words and well wishes regarding the family crisis I mentioned a couple of posts ago.  A senior member of our family had to be taken to the hospital via ambulance and now we are faced with some tough decisions.  She isn't dying, a blessing, but she isn't well.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Not an easy transition, but here we go....

We had a glorious weekend here weather-wise, finally!  Temps in the low 50's made it seem balmy compared to the winter we have been experiencing.  I was so pleased too since I had a jam packed weekend of bike/run.

Saturday I went out for a time trial for a bike group I joined.  It isn't a race group, but they will be covering a lot of skills stuff: spinning, gearing, climbing, cycling in traffic (nice bonus for city riders like moi), descending, paceline cycling, leading, not to mention the 50-104 miles we will be covering each Saturday.   All good stuff as far as I am concerned.  I know some of what they'll be teaching us, but I'm going in with a 'beginner's mind' (a little something I was taught in karate).  You never know everything, and chances are you don't know half of what you think you know (starting to sound like Landspeak, ie. Landmark Forum cough, sputter, blech!).  

Back to the time trial.  We were timed 4 laps of Central Park which is about 24 miles.  Kind of rolling hills, with a couple of larger ones. I did 1:29.  I'll find out which group I am in by Wednesday.  Afterwards they had an orientation. There were a lot of folks there.  I got to meet a couple of guys who's times were just about the same as mine, nice people.  I had a good feeling there.   

I've ridden outside once or twice this winter when the temps are at least 32˚F or more and not snowing or raining; this has not happened much.  Despite that and tons of spin time, I felt some new muscles kicking in, including my ass gluteus maximus, and it is maximus.  I did feel pretty strong and didn't really lose any time on the laps, but my ass was screaming! (why do I suddenly have an image of....oh never mind)  All I could think was, "If I had to run off the bike today I would be road kill!"  Coach Michelle said I'd be doing that in a couple of weeks and she emphasized how bad-ass I'm gonna look to the other riders.  Little consolation on a day when my ass felt bad for all the wrong reasons, youch!

Sunday I was out running.  How nice to run in one layer of clothing, so freeing!  I did 10.11 miles (my longest yet) in 1:45 with a couple of 10 minute pick-ups (just slight pick-ups).  It felt really good.  

The park was packed with people both days.  I saw so many groups of runners and bikers out, it was nice and a reminder that the season is upon us!  In fact, during my laps on Saturday this one woman passed me, but I kept her in my sights for another 10-12 miles and then eventually passed her.  She never passed my back and I wasn't sure if she left the park, then I saw her at  the bike group orientation, yes!  Kind of a little ego boost for me.  The club is great, for $22/year they sponsor this thing I am doing, plus have rides going on all week long that you can join and a few races.  This is a bargain for NYC.

My next post is going to be a very special post, so please come back in a day or two.  Thanks!!

Foto Friday: Around Town

I saw this as I exited the subway last weekend for my 4 mile race.

Hey, hey, hey!

And this, after the huge snowfall we had a week ago.

Something so disturbing about this.

Harvey?  Is that you?  This is the same bench as the one above.  I wonder if he underwent a transformation.

Last, this very cool video of NYC by a local artist.  It is actually made from 35, 00 stills using a style called "tilt-shift".  It looks so surreal.  You can read about the process here.

The Sandpit, by Sam O'Hare


The Sandpit from Sam O'Hare on Vimeo.