Back in the Saddle

Today was the first day in 4-6 months I biked. Not a lolly-gagging spin on the trainer for 15 minutes, but an actual get dressed in the bike clothes, shoes, beanie and gloves and head out to Hains Point for a few loops. I tried to do this on Sunday but was thwarted because of a road race going on at the point of HP and through West Potomac park. So I rode there for about 4 minutes trying to figure out what to do then decided to just go home. At least I tried. Today I went out determined to do 5 loops at HP but when I got there and realized I was underdressed for the wind I figured 3 loops would do just fine. I had my iPod on to keep me midly entertained and I was the only biker out there which was nice so no one could see me dying. It wasn't bad at all and I forced myself to take it easy and just spin my legs, while the thoughts were spinning in my head of taking the last 2 years off from triathlon and when I might do another IronMan race. It was a low key ride which was exactly what I was aiming for as well as possibly finding the spark to get me back on the bike more often.



Fitting - Queen: Bicycle Race

New Beginnings

Some people wait until Janurary 1 to start over. Stop smoking, finally start a diet and exercising, change something in their life they don't like. I am a bit inpatient and couldn't wait until Jan 1. After 6+ years with the big M hotel I left the company to work for an association in DC as a conference coordinator. This is exactly what i have been wanting to do for years and I am so thrilled to start working for this association and with my coworkers and just to start over. Sure there are a few things that has anxiety running through my veins, like how am I going to adjust to the pay cut, will I avoid injury until Dec 1 when my insurance starts up, what time do I show up for work today. But that certainly outweighs the anxiety I felt with my other job; will I make goal, how many clients will yell at me today, when am I ever going to get out of this job. Thankfully I don't have to ask myself that last question any more. I am excited about this new job opportunity, the new schedule, new commute and finding a renewed sense of 'me' - self-assure, confident and *gasp*....happy.



This always makes me smile: 'Ripe'; Ben Lee

Winning a Lottery of Sorts

Today I found out I won a lottery selection of sorts. They announced the 300+ runners for the 2008 Bull Run Run 50 mile trail run. This will be my first run of this distance and needless to say I am filled with mixed emotions. I am a bit bummed that I decided to take myself out of running 40 miles at Uwharrie next weekend, but after a winter of lackluster training and a recent bout with tendinitis in my left foot I figured it was the best thing to do. I have other, more important races to do this year and there is no sense in making things worse for my body now.

Besides, getting an entry spot into BRR I think is the kick in the pants I need. I read a lot of runner/triathlete blogs daily and they go on and on about feeling fat for eating a candy bar, or slow after a 4000yd AM swim or sluggish after a 90min easy run. How about this---I've probably done the same amount of training From May-Dec 2007 that I completed in 1-2months during Ironman training in all 3 years I have done an IM. How's THAT for fat/lazy/sluggish. But I am making a commitment to my training to do this run in April and do it well. With a candy bar here or there for a little motivation.


Because it's on now and I love it - U2: City of Blinding Lights

Birthday Musings

Today was my birthday. Well, it still is for about 20 more minutes. It was a nice day but nothing real memorable, but really what is so great about turning 31? My 30th was privately traumatic for me so Jen and I celebrated with a gathering at our place for wine, beer and snacks then moved on to a bar crawl on Cap Hill where we proceeded to get wasted. There is always something to remember --or not-- about a bash like that, but this year we kept things low key. Jen had some friends in from Michigan so I went out with them on Saturday night. I took the day off work today (paid holiday---woo hoo!) and planned the day around a 4 page list of things to do. People asked if I had a fun b-day or will go on a trip. No. I ran errands today. I did get a massage and it was freakin' fantastic. A good massage is when they can rub the dickens --knots included--- outta your shoulders/neck/resst of the bod and still fall asleep. I did that. I can't wait to schedule my next one. I did get a few things crossed off my list including 3 important things ----12pm massage, yoga in the morning and have a good breakfast. That's a great morning.

The tradition with my mom is to call us at the time we were born to wish us a happy b-day at that time. Jen is 3:12pm and after that she calls me to say "haha I'm older than you". That lasts for 23 minutes and at 3:35pm I cathch up to her. Mom looks forward to doing this each year. Sister Jill usually calls at night to sing her Marilyn Monroe version but not so this year. I ended up calling her and Newphew Brody sang to me. At first he didn't wanted to, but after some fake crying he happily obliged. When he finished he went back to playing but I could hear him say in the background "she's happy now!". Definitely made my day.

Birthday dinner came delivered from Jen---a pint of Ben & Jerry's cookie dough ice cream. So after all my cooking (another thing to cross off the list) I had ice cream for dinner. Perfect high-cal dinner to end a low-key day.


You don't say?: They say it's your birthday

Happy New Year: Traditions

Happy 2008! New Years Eve is one of my favorite days because I love to get all dressed up, go out and party and drink and have a great time. Then on Jan 1 I usually spend the day hung over all day, laying on the sofa watching a marathon of 'Biggest Loser' on Bravo channel crying at the end of each episode. Well I wasn't going to let this year end that tradition. I did go to a party at a friend's house, got all gussied up and spent the rest of the night drinking and having a great time. NY day was as mentioned before - hung over all day laying on the sofa. The champagne - even just a little bit - gets me every time. TBL did have a marathon on Bravo but I didn't watch it because it was from a few seasons ago, so I've wept over those episodes already. I watched some hockey and a movie, had an appetite finally around 3pm for something greasy to soak up the alcohol in my belly and settled with pizza.

I don't make resolutions because I don't think you need to wait until Jan 1 to set a goal for yourself for the entire year when you have each day, hour, or tomorrow to do that. Besides, I read somewhere that it takes 21 days to quit something or better yet start a good habit. I do plan on changing somethings - better work/home life balance, cooking new meals, firm up my finances to name a few but I don't want to call them 'resolutions'. Just a few things to make for a better me in 2008.

Happy New Year: Regina Spektor - My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)