What A Day!

Saturday was the most perfect day weather wise here. It was sunny with blue skies and a perfect temperature.  I was determined to get in the 50 mile bike ride I haven't had yet.  I had my route all planned when someone suggested a different one but I am not always the most flexible person so I stuck to my original plan. I had been looking forward to it.  I went on some favorite roads I don't go on often. This was one of them although I realized I usually am going in the opposite direction.

I was thoroughly enjoying myself, stopping to take pictures when I wanted with no worries of holding anyone up.  I did start to feel tired around 25 miles and wondered what was up with that as when I rode 45 miles a couple weeks ago I hardly noticed it. The day was just beautiful.

 My first snack stop was when I first got to Lake Dunmore (the scene of one of my tris last summer.)  I found a great place to sit and sat basking in the sun and enjoying the day.

My plan was to ride around the lake.  The last time I tried this I got lost.  But this time - even though I almost made the same mistake I managed to do it right. I haven't been on the back side of the lake in years.  The road was mostly dirt but it wasn't a problem.  There were a lot of people around getting camps ready for the summer and I was beginning to look for a bathroom spot - the number one problem on long solo bike rides.  I eventually came to Branberry Beach which isn't open yet but there were a fair number of people there enjoying the day.  I had more snacks even though I hadn't even gone 10 more miles, it was just such a great place to relax and enjoy the day.

My bike is looking back toward the beach thinking 

about how to do better this year in the triathlon.

Once I started off again I only stopped once to take one more picture.  The trouble with riding roads you are familiar with  is you dread the hills you know for far too many miles. There were two I was thinking about and they didn't disappoint. One in particular would have been hard no matter what but at mile 52 it was downright awful!  I was feeling very tired and ready to be home. I told myself I could walk up my driveway - the small things we can look forward to.  The last four miles to my house are uphill and they aren't horrendous but being as tired as I was they seemed more so yesterday.  But I did it with 56 miles in the books. Right now I can't imagine doing 100 but maybe I can build up to that.  I was useless the rest of the day!

Today I got a bunch of stuff done before my VERY SLOW 8 mile run. I could tell I was still tired. Note to self. Don't take a long bike ride next Saturday before Sunday's half marathon!

Three Things Thursday

From my outstanding bike ride.

1. Today was a 9 bag day.  It's amazing what working out adds to an already busy life. The time I spent packing for today to say nothing of executing my workouts!  Here are my bags:

Swimming - 2 bags, 1 wet and 1 dry
Biking - 2 bags - lots of extra stuff in case it was cold
Running  - 1 bag
School/work - 1 bag
Library - 1 bag
Pocketbook
Small bag to carry book etc. to dentist appointment

But I got new library books and had 3 good workouts so it was worth the time.  My bike ride was incredibly awesome.  It was short (15 miles) but so so wonderful.  As I was riding I was trying to figure out what was making it even better than usual. I never figured it out, just decided to enjoy it totally!

2. Wednesday started out a bit differently. I was at school frantically getting ready for the kids to bust in the door  to start the day when the fire alarm went off.  What?  So outdoors all the staff went and soon the students were arriving and trickling through the parking lot.  Our outdoor crowd kept getting bigger and bigger. Usually fire alarm drills are quiet, orderly affairs but this drill? practice? real fire? wasn't. People were milling about talking and wondering what was  going on. Every second time one of my students asked me what was going on and when we could go in the building I told them ever so patiently of course that they knew just as much as I did.  Eventually we got the message that we should have our morning meetings out there. So all over the playground classes were circling up and starting their meetings. Of course my plans were inside so it was all made up on the spot.  The greeting we did was one we were always squished doing but here we had plenty of room. (Look at me being positive.)  I had a colleague ask me about it later as she said it looked like a fun greeting. (It is.)  Then we had sharing. I was running out of sharing ideas so I polled my kids and they wanted to bring collections. About 3 kids a day are bringing one.  I have to say I LOVE seeing their collections.  Today they reminded me their collections were right in their backpacks which they had brought from home.  Then every class out there was playing, Duck Duck Goose, so we had to join the party.  Well 3 kids got hurt on the stones and finally it was time to go in. The worst part was that we were out there for a FULL HOUR and I missed some of my oh so precious special when the kids aren't with me and I have time to plan!!!  But other than that we really did quite well for an impromptu unplanned hour outdoors with the whole school.
And what was the problem? The fire alarm got pulled and then it wouldn't go off so we had to wait for the fire department to come and make sure it was functioning correctly.

3. Today on the radio I heard about what has to be the worst job ever............boa constrictor catcher in NYC. If you lose your boa there is a man to call! I heard it on NPR!

Not the Smartest Bicyclist in the Bunch

The weather here has been fabulous which makes it easier to not have to scramble to bike when it's not raining. But last week was busy so it was more about fitting in my workouts when I could. Following my half last weekend I did doubles MTW.  Good planning? Of course not but that is how the week unfolded.  I did something in the morning before work followed by a different workout after work.  Monday's bike ride was a new one, 23 miles or so and very scenic. It was a bit hilly but okay. I am amazed at the roads near me I never go on.  Two of these roads I never go on in a car or anything so it was delightful.  

The rest of the workouts were pretty typical until Saturday. I ran 10 miles and a little bit also in a new place.  It's really not a road I'm likely to repeat as there was a lot of traffic but it was nice to go elsewhere. What I'm most amazed about is how lame I am in today.  I ran 13 last weekend so why am I lame now?  I hadn't planned to run today which worked out well.  Today I planned a long bike ride which didn't quite happen.  I did 20 on one of my regular routes with a friend I never bike with and that was wonderful. 

 Then I started out on the second part where I was going to do 30 on a route I haven't done in a long time.  I am dying to get 50 in and can't seem to get there.  A little bit down the road, my chain came off. I stopped to fix it and could not get my right shoe out of the clip.  I have been having trouble with this but thought it was me. I actually had to take my foot out of the shoe and then I got the shoe out.  If this had been the other side I would have done something about it sooner because that is my dismounting side.  But when I got going I could not could not absolutely could not clip in again. Finally I stop to check it out and something is missing from my shoe and pedal. So I ride up and down this road a few times trying to find it. No luck. I go back to my car and go to a bike shop which was just opening. I really need to give this shop more business as I love them.  I went there for a different repair once and was so pleased.  Well, I had lost my cleat because I hadn't tightened it when it was loose. Who knew?  The guy put a new cleat on, fixed the pedal, sold me a set of wrenches to do it myself,  (ha!) fixed my chain problem and told me he would show me how to fix a flat.  I decided to wait. Never did he show his astonishment at my ignorance of all things to do with maintaining a bike.  He did keep saying when you put a lot of miles on which I liked that he assumed I would put a lot of miles on.  Once I left I decided it was time to go home and spend MD with my son and husband so still no 50 miles for me this year. It had also gotten much colder and I was a bit chilled from stopping. I did get 25 in so that was okay.  Not great but okay!  

Now pictures of Mother's Day and a field trip in my work life!

Biking with Sara - we biked well together.

A picture on the bridge where I usually prop my bike.

Later going for a walk with my grand dog, Jaxon.

What a clown!

Prancing with his stick.

So much to explore and do.

Just hanging out after the walk.

At the Biodome in Montreal. Loved watching this beaver swim.

Always love cats!

Penguins are pretty awesome too.

There is a sloth in there.  I always spend a lot of time finding

the sloth and watching the sloth.  It was great when

he moved because then you could see him.

Walking through the rainforest environment.

Racing is Fun Again

Oh my, I had fun today at the Maple Half.  It was an unbelievably gorgeous day.  Middlebury was buzzing with excitement and there were about 1000 runners.  The temperature was perfect.  My goals were small. I think the only one I stated was to be faster than 3 weeks ago. I still planned to run/walk it and thought I could be faster but this is a much hillier course.

What went well:

• I ran the whole thing! Unexpected but it was going well and as I got past 6 miles that became my goal.  I don't think it would have slowed me down to walk a bit in the last few miles but I really wanted to be able to say I ran it all.
• I had fun.  I had lots of fun.  I loved racing today!  I love being part of a large crowd (relatively speaking) who all like doing what I am doing and are out there enjoying the day in such a fabulous way.  Yes, it became hard the last few miles and I really slowed down but never was I overwhelmed and ready to throw in the towel.
• The GI distress waited until the race was done!
• I saw people I knew, a few cheering their children and others in the race.  I love the local feel, knowing the route, loving part of the route as a biker but getting a chance to run on it too.
• I wasn't last.
• I always say I love the Unplugged Half and this one but I really like this one better. If I decide to not do so many next spring, I will need to remember this and choose this one in spite of it's hilliness.  
• My fastest mile was 9:26,
• My overall time was about 12 minutes faster than three weeks ago.
• I kept my overall pace in the tens (barely but it was there) 
• I just realized this was my 25th half marathon!!

Before the start with Christa 

One of the hills...on the way to the Morgan Horse Farm

A herd of cows on Sheep Farm Road

Cute kid running with her dad- she was doing the whole thing

and had also done it when she was 7 and 9.  He was great with her.

They walked some, talked a lot, stopped for the bathroom.  Low

key.

Looking back toward the Morgan Horse Farm 

The last 5 miles are out and back with some long hills.

Still going out.

Still heading out. Once I turned around I guess I was too

tired to take more pictures.

Later eating lunch on Church Street with my favorite people.... 

......and dog.

What didn't go well:

• I could have been faster but truthfully that wasn't on my mind. I wasn't looking at my pace to see how I was doing and that was kind of relaxing.  So this one could be both places.
• My slowest mile was 12:00.
• Worrying about GI distress.

But no question........on a feel good score it was a fabulous race  !!!!

Three Things Thursday

Last year the covered bridge was being repaired so there

was a detour.  I rode my bike through it the other day. I actually rode 

on a lot of the route I'll be running on Sunday.

1.  I have a half marathon on Sunday... again. I will be running and walking again. I guess my goal is to beat my time from 3 weeks ago.  Believe me I am not positive that will happen.  I am still so slow. I am not sure if I am using my injury as an excuse and being lazy and not doing harder workouts.  It isn't completely healed but it is oh so close. I do feel like I can pick it up more.  I actually do this best on the treadmill but I'm not setting the thing on fire.  Still, I  am looking forward to the half on Sunday. The weather should be good, it's a pretty course and there is always the bakery after, right?

2. This week here has been gorgeous!  No problem getting some good biking in.  I rode after running on Monday and while my car's tires were being changed on Tuesday.  I've had doubles 3 days this week and tomorrow just biking will be lovely.  I'm getting my hair cut and I love the riding out there so my bike is already packed. I am going to take Saturday off before the half and rest by cleaning the laundry room!  Actually I have a lot to get done and I'm kind of looking forward to having the time to do it.

3. My swimming - I guess it is what it is. Today felt particularly slow and I didn't feel very motivated.  But I went. I got it done.  I guess that counts for something.

4. I have no big April recap but I love my stats (especially compared to March).
Running 99.2 (37.9)
Biking 279.8 (11.3)
Swimming 12,900 yards (25,900)

The swimming had to go down. I couldn't keep that up while adding biking and running back in.  My biking miles just make me smile and smile! And truthfully I'm pretty darn happy to see those running miles back up there also!

May the month of May find us all finding our workout bliss and staying healthy and uninjured.

Biking in Vermont "Ain't" Bad

Lately I've had all these posts about biking in Maine by the ocean and how wonderful it is.  All true!

One of my favorite spots on this ride.

Mr. AJH coming up for his first snack.

But now I'm back in Vermont and biking around here isn't too shabby either.  The weekend weather was gorgeous and I actually got Mr. AJH for a ride on his new bike.  He has declined all other offers which he may have regretted as this one was a rather long ride compared to what the others would have been.  I did cut it a little short but not much so for his first ride of the season he rode 45 miles! The poor man wanted a snack at 10 miles and like a kid kept asking how far we had gone. But he hung in there and felt quite good about completing it all with no whining!

The "new" Lake Champlain bridge. We rode over it because

it was there and my husband hadn't before. Riding over

it and staying in the bike lane near the rail is a little

creepy and I unclipped for the whole way.

From the top of the bridge.

On the New York side for a snack stop. Snacks were

pretty important this ride.

I was doing a route I've done many times with my friend, Cathy, but I've never done it without her and wasn't sure I would know the whole way.  That didn't seem to be a problem.  The only problem I can think of is the continuing wind. The good thing is this ride went in every direction so at least some of the time it was helping.  I wasn't used to the heat and that took me by surprise but I'm not complaining about the heat. (yet)

Last week I rode a total of 186 miles. I am guessing that is a weekly high for me and also guessing it will stay the weekly high for quite some time.  Due to all those biking miles I had a GREAT week last week!

I got out tonight for a quick 10 miles near my house and I must be tired because that amount seemed just fine. I also ran.  The doubles seem to be back as triathlon season approaches.

 I realized today as I headed back to work that if only they would pay me to ride, bike and swim life would be so much easier as my job interferes with my passion.  Somehow I don't think that's going to happen and who knows.  Maybe I wouldn't appreciate biking in Maine so much if it was something I could do whenever I wanted.  Okay off on a rambling thread here.  Time to stop.

Easy Post

I got this from Jamoosh but it is originally linked from here.  Love these easy posts plus I always like reading them.

Best Run Ever

This is a tough one.   How does one pick a very best run ever?  Maybe I should pick my first run which was actually a race.  I was a walker who used to compete in races as a walker.  But this day there was only a fun walk. I am  a competitive person and it seemed like a waste of time to do this just for fun.  So at the minute the gun went off I decided to run. It was 4 miles, a combination of trails and roads. I ran the whole thing and was elated when I finished!  Then  I actually won second place in my age group.  I was hooked, continued to run races and never looked back.

Three Words That Describe My Running

Slow, necessary,  invigorating

My Go-To Running Outfit

This depends on the weather but mostly I like short sleeve tech tees and capris. I do have some running skirts I like.  I always wear a baseball cap or a headband.

I Won’t Run Outside When It’s...

I run outside in everything. I love rain and snow and like everyone else I like a good sunny day.  I don't like humidity and high heat but I will run in it. The one thing I won't run outside in is lightning!

Worst Injury – And How I Got Over It

I have had a few injuries.  The PF certainly lingered the longest and came back once.  There are many ideas out there about what to do for this. I got orthotics, I stretched, I rested, I rolled on a golf ball or tennis ball.  I iced. I did it all. But the thing that ultimately got rid of it was a cortisone shot.  I know these don't work for everyone and it's said that it just masks the problem but I have been PF free for quite a long time now. I do one day less of running than I used to with more cross training thrown it which probably also help. But the thing that irritates it the most is LOTS of walking like when I visit Em in DC and walk miles.

I Feel Most Like a Badass Runner When...

I go out in various weather but particularly the cold.  Cold doesn't bother me at least not enough to not run. I especially love running in heavy snowstorms except for when I step in potholes.

 Running Goal for 2013

My running goal has become to continue to heal my ankle while being a smart runner and to get some speed back.

My Next Race Is...

May 5, another half marathon that I am not prepared for. This one is very local and very hilly.  I'll try the run/walk thing again and complete it, maybe faster than my half two weeks ago!

Maybe next winter I won't sign up for so many spring halves.