What a glorious day!

After a week of rain and snow, yes snow in the middle of May today turned out to be a glorious day! Today I did the Community Classic Bike Tour in Loveland, CO. Although it was just over 40 degrees (almost 20 degrees colder then I've ever ridden in) at 7:00 am this morning when we were getting ready to head out the sun was shinning and a great day was shaping up. I was riding with a friend, her husband and her mom. Our riding levels were all a little different, Jen rides but has been really busy and has not ridden much this year, her husband has not ridden much since he was a kid and has a brand new (very nice!) bike that only had about 10 miles on it. An her mom well she was on a hybrid and was out visiting from Nebraska. After we got off the bike path part I went ahead and then waited up at the first aid station

Me waiting (my lord I look ridiculous in a helmet!)

Jen and I

We then headed out towards the break off for the 30 mile, Eric decided to stick to 30 and skip the climb while the girls all headed off on the 37 mile route that included a climb up to the top of the dam. During the ride I spent some time thinking of all those that I knew out running 1/2 marathons today, an can I just say many many congrats to all of you! But for the most part it seems like I'm just in a zone. I don't know what I think about it's just kind of a wonderful relaxing time.

Headed towards the hill.

I must say the climb was a little tough but for the most part I knew that I would make it. I was however in my lowest gear. :) I'm a slow climber I need much practice but I made it. I did stop once, although I'm not sure why, I think I was contemplating removing a layer, but then decided that would be a little difficult since it would require stripping to my sports bra. and then putting my jersey back on. (which actually ended up happening in my car at a stop light on the way home!) The climb was made a little more interesting by the fact that there was also a some kind of bike rally going on we were passed by literally hundreds of very loud Harley's. But better then travel trailers and boats.

Looking at Carter lake once on top of the dam. About mile 20

It's all down hill from here. I had a rather long wait at this aid station which was a little hard when I got back on the bike. By this time we were also at the very back of the pack. The muscles were pretty cold by the time I got back on the bike but as I said at least there was just a small hill before the down hill. The last 17 miles went really fast. I did do a little back track when I just kind of followed the cars and turned but didn't really look at the signs to see if that was what I was suppose to do. But soon ran back into my friends. Before I knew it the ride was over and I was starved! But I wasn't in the mood for the pancakes the were offering so off we went for some greasy burgers and fries. I always think I'm going to like the greasy food and forget that mostly I just really don't like it any more. But it filled the void.

Ok lets see training report for Week 8

It was a recovery week, but I missed a few workouts to0

Bike: 37.9 Mi
Run: 5.5 Mi
Swim: 0.8 Mi

Also another 2 lb weight loss this week total 8.2. Today I have a bottomless pit...must eat all those calories I worked off right?

On to another great week! And again Congrats to all those who raced this weekend!

I feel good!!!!

But even as good as I feel, not sure I could do that. I'm starting to get really excited about the race season and feel a little more confident that I could possibly do an Oly this year. Wow, guess that didn't sound all that confident. :) My body just seems to be feeling really good this week. Even after a 5 mile somewhat hilly run yesterday and a pretty good bike ride today. Upon looking at workout my schedule I trained 6 days last week, and that made me happy. Also feeling better about the prospect of running the Boulder Boulder. Having done so little running I was pretty concerned about doing a 10k in 3 weeks. But after my 5 miler, I know I can do it. I'm not going to break any records but I will be able to do it. And lovin my new shoes!

Week 7

Bike: 42.3 Mi
Run: 10.2 Mi
Swim: 1.9 Mi


Weight Loss only .4 pounds this week...but down is down and that puts me at 6 pounds in 3 week.

Really looking forward to this coming weekend and the Community Classic Bike Tour. Going to do the 37 miler if all goes well. Must say I'm a bit concerned about the readiness of some of my friends that will be doing the ride with me. Although I think if worse comes to worse the only real hill of the ride can be cut out and the ride can be shortened to 30 miles. So maybe that will be an option for some. Fingers crossed for good weather! I plan to just take it easy and ride with them and have fun. No pressure.

Running Accessories?

Do you have a running accessory? My dog seems to be mine. And let me tell you he was not happy when I went on my run this weekend without him. And me I felt a little lost when I first started out. Almost naked. But I knew that he would not be up for it. Any time the temps gets over 50ish and the run is longer then 30 minutes I end up dragging him.

As you can tell from this photo, he can be a bit lazy, he also thinks he is a lap dog all 70+ pounds of him. So whats your running accessory?

Week 6
Bike: 25.3 Mi
Run: 7 Mi
Swim: 1.8 Mi

I ended up short one ride but got two runs, and swims in. I've lost 5 lbs over the last 2 weeks. Which is just 5lbs I don't have to drag up hills any more! Keep the trend going! Also picked up some new workout clothes and a pair of running shoes. Although I'm not sure about them. Need to try them out and make a decision if I want to keep them. Next purchase....pedals and shoes.

Every little bit helps...

I can feel myself getting stronger every workout and it feels good! I did some thinking this week while out on the bike. I found a pretty decent route that gets me off of the bike paths and one that can be extended. I like the paths at busy times when I don't want to be on the roads, but it can be a big of a drag to dodge people and dogs, not to mention all the sharp curves and bridges. But I digress....this weekend was my oldest sons 16th birthday. I was thinking back to me and what I was like 16 years ago. I was heavier (even not pregnant) I smoked, and I did absolutely no exercise. So while having a 16 year old may make some feel old, I just feel good. Good about where I am in my life. And good about where my life if going.

Week 5 totals
Includes 2 bikes, 2 runs, 3 swims
Bike: 32 Mi
Run: 6 Mi
Swim: 2.5 Mi

Off to a good start this week too. Although I really need to get 3 runs in along with the 3 swims. I'm having a hard time scheduling it. I would really like get the extra workouts in with the Boulder Boulder coming up so soon. Even if I don't have a time goal, I would like to be able to do it with out suffering. :)

SUNSHINE!!!!

Oh what a beautiful day! Have I said recently that I am oh so ready for summer?

Week 3 of 20

Got all my workouts in plus an extra swim.

Bike: 33.8 Mi
Run: 6.2 Mi
Swim: 2.3 Mi

I really need to work on getting one of my long workouts bike or run in during the week instead of trying to do all of my long workouts on the weekend. My butt is a little wiped out from that and the normal weekend work.

Bike ride today was fantastic although I'm getting a little tired of bike trails, time to find some where else to ride. I don't mind the trails sometimes but there are so many sharp turns and people to avoid....oh yea and snakes! I saw the biggest snake I've ever seen on a trail. He was right in the middle of the trail and everyone was stopped. He was about 3 feet long and maybe 1 1/2 inches round in the middle...I get the chills just thinking about him...ick!

Run yesterday was good almost 4 miles doing a 2:1 run:walk. I was surprised to find that my pace was for me a pretty speedy 12.25. I really like doing the run/walk intervals and think I will continue it. I may bump it up to a 3:1 soon though and see how that feels.

Swim I think I could feel some improvements all though some critiquing of my form would be great. I'm thinking I need to find some swim lessons. I did a little bit of form work this week. I have no kick...none, nada....in fact when doing some kick drills it was almost like I was standing still. Must work on that....alot!

It's a start

So these aren't really big totals but I feel really good that I got out there and I stuck to the plan. A little bit of changing around days, but I got in 2 of each.

The running felt pretty good, although for now I'm sticking to run 2 minutes walk 1. It seems to work for me. I'm surprised that my speed (that being a relative term :) ) that way is actually pretty good, and as I get some more miles under my belt and get back in the groove I will change to run 3 walk 1.

Swimming..It's funny to me how sometimes it just feels so easy and I get to the end of the pool and think..wow that just felt right. And other times it feels like my arm (especially my left) is just being dragged along. I know that like the running and biking the just doing it more will help me to improve.

Biking, I love biking....I do need to get out and do some hills though, I can tell that I have lost a lot of strength since last years riding. I still like my bike but still working on being comfortable with the shifting....again more time spent doing it make for huge improvements.

I'm looking forward to a couple good days of workouts as I'm off Monday and Tuesday for a little "staycation" Really needed the time off and it's good to spend some time with my boys just hanging out.