911

I wanted to run 10-15 miles today, but I was so exhausted and didn't get out of bed.  Finally Bill got up and asked me to go run with him.  It was getting late and I was still stressed from the start of school, but I knew I'd feel better if I just got out, if only for a few miles.

We ended up doing and Ethanol Loop with Rachael.  It was a good run, about 2 1/2 min faster than the new usual pace.  That was great to get out again.  We started off fast and then slowed to a better pace, around 9:45ish.  Each mile got faster and we ended up with a 8:49 pace on the last mile!  I looked at my watch and my HR was 174.  I should have been lying on the ground completely exhausted and someone calling 911.  Overall it was a good run and a much needed run.  Glad the paramedics weren't needed today!

today's mileage: 5 miles running

weekly mileage: 5 miles running

monthly mileage: 49 miles running; 100 miles biking; 2.0625 miles swimming

annual mileage: 401 miles running; 415 miles riding; 10.6875 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 802

IRONWHAWK #4
running: 75 miles
riding: 0 miles
swimming: 2.55 miles

Well THAT was unexpected!

I knew I wanted to run this morning but couldn't make it to Ames because we have some girls sleeping over for Rachael's birthday.  A friend I like to run with is marathon training so I thought she might like some company on her long run.  I called her to see and yep, she was running today.... 20miles!  Hmmm, I thought 20?!  I can't do 20.  The longest run I've done all summer has been like 13 miles.  Sheez.  I told her I would run, but probably wouldn't do all 20.

We got to 7 miles and Bill thought he better stop so went another mile back home.  It was good to run with him, too.  I got to 10 miles and felt so amazingly awesome that I might be able to do the full 20!  OK 15 is my goal.  We got to our turn-around point and started coming back.  We got to 15 miles and I was starting to get a bit tired, but really felt great so I kept going.  I could tell my partner was starting to fade so I just started chattering like a jaybird.  Whatever entered my head I talked about.

The last couple miles were really tough for her, but we made it through!  We stopped and had a few walking breaks, but I just kept pushing along and chattering.  I think I even skipped for a bit.  lol  Boy I wish every run was like that one!  It was a slow pace, but it seemed very easy.  I really think I could have completed a full marathon today!  If I wasn't pressed to for time I just might have done an extra Ethanol Loop just to complete the marathon distance.

Yeah, that was really unexpected.   I loved every minute of it!

today's mileage: 20 miles running; 1200m swimming

weekly mileage: 25 miles running; 42 miles biking; .75 miles swimming

monthly mileage: 44 miles running; 100 miles biking; 2.0625 miles swimming

annual mileage: 396 miles running; 415 miles riding; 10.6875 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 797

IRONWHAWK #4
running: 70 miles
riding: 0 miles
swimming: 2.55 miles

Last day of swimming

I was very rushed swimming as I had to get back to school in time for inservice this morning.  The swim didn't start off very well.  I was extremely stressed and mentally rushed.  I think that contributed a lot to the swim.   I almost got out of the water after 15 minutes, but I decided that this is what I needed so I continued.

A bad swim? This is what I needed?  Yes. Even the worst day of swimming seemed to be better than the best day at work at that point.  At least I knew I had a goal.  I had a destination.  I knew what I was working toward.  I knew the expectation.  I knew I could accomplish that goal.  Yes, this is what I needed: structure.

While I didn't have a great sense of accomplishment in the pool, I did relax and enjoy it.  As usual, I had some rather proficient-looking swimmers on each side of me.  I enjoy getting under water and watching their form, looking at what I am trying to do and see how other people are getting it.

In the end, it was a good day and just couldn't help but think, "this is my last lap", then "this is my last stroke" for the season.  Furman, I will miss you.  It's been a good run this summer.  Hopefully we'll meet again next season.

today's mileage: 1200m swimming

weekly mileage: 5 miles running; 42 miles biking; .75 miles swimming

monthly mileage: 24 miles running; 100 miles biking; 2.0625 miles swimming

annual mileage: 376 miles running; 415 miles riding; 10.6875 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 777

IRONWHAWK #4
running: 50 miles
riding: 0 miles
swimming: 2.55 miles

Iron Hawk #3 Completed

We woke up this morning with no kids so we went for an Ethanol Loop.  It turned out to be a fast lap with all negative splits.  I was so excited.  I haven't done that in a long time!  Bill was a maniac runner this morning!  I kept telling him to slow down or he wouldn't make it, but he just kept going and going and going!  wow.

After a few errands, I hopped on the bike to complete the biking portion of the Iron Hawk.  My dad is in town and wanted to ride a bit so we did a slooooooow Ethanol Loop on the bike.  I then went on the Roland Loop.  There were about 20 mph winds that were either a blast or kicking my backside.  wow.  The first half I averaged 18 mph.  I had the bike in the highest gears they would go and was still spinning as fast as I could.  I wanted to stick my tongue out the side of my mouth just to get the full effect of a dog out a car window.  The last half, well, not so fast, but very draining! 

Since Mother Nature and I haven't been seeing eye to eye this year, I think she shifted the winds on me part way through the first half.  On the way out east it was in my face and when I turned to go west it was in my face, too.  Hmm, fancy that!  I was beat when I got home, 42 miles later.

today's mileage: 5 miles running; 42 miles biking

weekly mileage: 5 miles running; 42 miles biking

monthly mileage: 24 miles running; 100 miles biking; 1.3125 miles swimming

annual mileage: 376 miles running; 415 miles riding; 9.9375 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 777

IRONWHAWK #3
running: 76 miles
riding: 112 miles
swimming: 4.2 miles

Au natural

I've been so crazy busy this week that I haven't even had time to post my workouts this week!

Friday night Bill and I took off for Webster for a "date".  I discovered that I left my Garmin charger at my parents' house when I was there for the tri so I it wouldn't last through this ride.  I knew I could at least get there, but then would be on my own for the rest of the ride.  Looking at the weather I figured it would be hellish going up, but so great coming back.  I just had to get there and the work would be done.  We stopped at Subway for a quick sandwich, refill of water, and then back on the bikes to head home.  I had a lot of great "world problems solved" on the way home.  It was great to get that off my shoulders!  I was rather worked up and realized almost home that I was really pushing it hard.  Sorry, Bill.  He made a record mileage on that trip and it was good to get home.

The next morning Rachael and I ran with the Vardos in Ames.  What a beautiful morning for a run!  We got in the van and the temp read 48 degrees!  Wow, I can't remember the last time it was that chilly!  We were shivering like crazy in the parking lot before we left.  Since the watch was completely dead, I was really running "au natural" on this run.  9 miles of just running.  Me and Rachael, then "Waldo" joined us.  After a few minutes, I realized that I had run with Mike last time.  We had a good chat.

Our run started off a bit slow as usual, then up to about a 10 min pace with a couple ladies - Chris and Kim.  We crossed the street, following the people in front of us, but Chris and Kim continued on the same side of the street.  We started running a bit faster and eventually caught up to the water break and joined Waldo.  He and Rachael helped pull me through the last few miles.  I think if it were just me and Rachael out there, I probably would have stopped so it was good we were with a group.  I think our pace was a little more like 9:30-9:40, too.  The route was a nice rolling hill kind of route - perfect for me!  I loved it.

today's mileage: 9 miles running; 42 miles biking

weekly mileage: 12 miles running; 42 miles bikin; 1800 m swimming

monthly mileage: 19 miles running; 58 miles biking; 1.3125 miles swimming

annual mileage: 371 miles running; 373 miles riding; 9.9375 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 735

IRONWHAWK #3
running: 71 miles
riding: 70 miles
swimming: 4.2 miles

Stormy swim

This morning I woke up to raging storms in the southern skies and knew I wouldn't be able to swim today.  :(  I was so very sad.  I went back to sleep, hoping when I woke up it would be just a bad dream.  I woke up and it was still lightening and I could hear thunder.  Darn it!  Mother Nature and I have not been the best of friends this year and she is now on my hit list again.

At lunchtime I decided that I would go up to the local pool for the free hour swim because I was determined to make progress today!  I got in and acclimated myself to the water and took off swimming.  I tried to rotate my arms more today, getting more cycles in than usual.  I think I was breathing the same, just moving faster in the pool.  I was able to breathe every 3 strokes and make a full lap consistently (50 m).  YEAH!  I took short breaks at the end of each lap, but was able to get in a little over a mile in about 40-45 min.  I focused on my breathing, rotating, and swinging of the arms.

I love to end on a great day.  I fear this may be my last day of swimming.  :(  I have until Aug 31 to complete my weekly swims in Ames, but school starts next week and it will be tricky.  I may try to sneak in one more swim next week since I don't have to look so professional for inservice days.  Then I can get as much swimming in as possible and walk in at the last minute like my colleagues!  HA.  I will miss this time in the pool each week.  Bye bye summer....

today's mileage: 1800 m swimming

weekly mileage: 3 miles running; 1800 m swimming

monthly mileage: 10 miles running; 15.5 miles biking; 1.3125 miles swimming

annual mileage: 362 miles running; 331 miles riding; 9.9375 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 684

IRONWHAWK #3
running: 62 miles
riding: 28 miles
swimming: 4.2 miles

Mike Wazowski!

So my shins have been progressively more painful each day since Sunday.  My foot is getting better, but my shins are screaming at me!  I wasn't sure if I could do a run tonight or not, but I drug myself and lathered Biofreeze on my shins and the muscles just to the sides of them.  The foam roller hasn't seemed to help, either.

As per the Vardogram meeting spot tonight, I had to figure out where "Vardo Center" was so Mr. Vardotrichic helped me out with that one.  Thank you, sir!  :)  I loaded up Bill and Rachael as soon as he got home and we headed out.  With the hottest day scheduled all week, we also loaded up on beverage.

There was a new member, Mike _____.  I couldn't remember his name so in my mind I called him Mike Wazowski.  lol  Some of the Vardos did a 3 mile run, others did a 5 mile run.  I figured I should probably stick with the 3 miles to recover and let my shins heal a bit more.  I took off and felt great, like I could have done the 5 miles, but stuck with the 3 miles.  We soon realized that Mike Wazowski was the only other one who did the 3 miles so we stopped and waited for him.  We had a nice chat and he was a great gentleman.  It was a much slower pace than we wanted to do, but it was good to run with someone else.

We stuck around for about 15 minutes after we got back to wait for others, but then knew our pizza we ordered would be getting cold if we didn't leave.  HA.  As we were leaving we saw the 5 milers coming back and cheered them on through the window of the van.  They perked up and cheered back.  I love the Vardos!

Poopy!  I just looked at the weather and not sure if I can swim tomorrow.  I'm so sad because I think it's the last day before I go back to school.  :(

today's mileage: 3 miles running

weekly mileage: 3 miles running

monthly mileage: 10 miles running; 15.5 miles biking; 300m swimming

annual mileage: 362 miles running; 331 miles riding; 8.8125 miles swimming

TOTAL mileage: 684


IRONWHAWK #3
running: 62 miles
riding: 28 miles
swimming: 3.0125 miles