updates

Work Update:
Next week I am working a different schedule because I am being trained on a 3rd reservation system (yea - more $$ for me!). I only have 2 full days off so training will be limited. I might try to ride to work at least one day too.

Breast Cancer ride:
Tomorrow is Ride Cincinnati for Breast Cancer and me and Dominic are doing 62 miles. They keep saying 'this is not a race' for people like Dominic (who is a testosterone fueled competitive racer). I am not looking forward to the 5am wake up call, but fuck it.

Lucy's sore update:
We're on day 3 of her having to wear her playsuit. Everytime I take it off she licks. I guess I am going to have to get her a cone to wear cuz it is way too hot for her to wear that playsuit. It's too early to turn the AC on!





Buy my house please:
I think I am going to end up renting my house out. No one will buy it. I have had 1 person look at it in 3 months and my real estate agent doesn't return my calls or my emails. I think she's going to be fired soon.

Trail running before work

Trail running is so hard. Or is it that this trail I am trying to learn is too technical for me. I don't know.

I woke up early to take the dogs to the 5.3 loop I did last weekend. You know, the one that kicked my ass. Last weekend they had flags on the trail that I followed but today of course there were none. I had to figure out the loop on my own.

We got to the trail about 7am. I left my car where the loop ends. The entrance to the trail was around the corner and we ran on the road over there. I couldn't find it! Where the fuck did that trail start? I started walking around all over the area and finally found it and headed into the woods.

I let the dogs off leash and I started running. The first fork I came to I turned the wrong way and ended up near a busy road so we turned around and found the right trail. I kept running, very unconfident that I was going the right way. I kept asking myself "does this look familiar?" over and over. Then we got to the stone steps and up we go. Up, up, and up! Finally get to the top and I know we're going in the right direction. The next fork we got to, my gut told me which way to go, and I ended up going the right way. I was still frustrated with my confidence so low. I kept looking at my watch to see if we should be done yet. Walked up all the hills. Took one wrong turn that actually was a short cut and I skipped out on the last big hill of the loop. Which was fine with me. A quarter of a mile later we're at the car and going home.

Trail running is technical and this particular trail is very rough. I am having 2cd thoughts about doing 31 miles in that trail in October. I just don't know.....

Relocating

So I guess my office is moving.

Our branch is located in an iffy kind of neighborhood. I have to try to remember to bring my stun gun with me to work on the weekends when I am working late. My co-worker's car got broken into and stuff was stolen. Last weekend they spray painted all over the dumpsters in the back and my co-workers called the cops.

The leisure agents are moving out July 1st to a different leisure office. The corporate agents and my department (the after hours crew) will be moving to a different location sometime this summer. I just hope they pick a location close to me. I only have a 15 minute drive and I cannot afford to drive any farther!

Brrr

Back down to the 40's. SO cold this morning. Yesterday was HOT and now it's freezing. My windows were open and poor Ari was just freezing. Lucy was asleep in her crate.

I took the dogs out for a 5.5 mile run this morning. It was only about mid-40's. I was wishing I had ear warmers on! The run was uneventful and when I got home I fed the dogs and got geared up to ride my bike.

Me and Dominic took off from downtown and road out Eastern Ave. He road his fixed gear. And he is one of those guys that hates to be passed by any cyclist. So there we are, riding down Eastern, and a cyclist comes up behind us. I am in front. Cyclist passes us. Dominic races up next to him and passes him. I just keep riding - it's SO embarrassing that he acts like that. I give him a lot of shit for it. So we got in about 25 miles before I had to go home and get ready to go to work. It was a fun ride but I am ready for hot weather right now!

Over trained?

Dominic said I am over trained.

Last night's dinner was awesome. No rain. Our Mom's got along great. They talked for 3 hours straight - me and Dominic didn't have to do anything. The two of them yakked it up all by themselves. YAY!

So, anyways. Am I overtrained? How can that be? I had no appetite yesterday after the trail run. Dominic says that's a sign of being overtrained. I think I was dehydrated. Later I finally did get hungry and they couldn't stop me from stuffing my face with chicken kabobs and chips and dip.

Today I was planning to take it easy. I walked with the dogs in the woods for a couple. Went to the Y and did arms. Shoulders, triceps, biceps. Abs. Then I swam. I like to swim laps after I lift but my shoulder is bothering me. The top of my right shoulder is sore. I still have full range of motion though. Better not be a new injury creeping up. I swam 80 laps in the pool.

I just raised my arm up and my shoulder makes a popping sound.

Dominic rode his fixed gear while I swam. I ran into him riding while I was walking back to his house. I was so happy to see him wearing his Fat Cyclist jersey that just came in the mail today from Twin Six. I am happy we have them to wear on the Ride Cincinnati Breast Cancer ride on Sunday. Perfectly appropriate.

Tonight I am leaving you with a picture of Dominic and a video of Ari eating.

He's watching videos on Bicycling.com.



Here is Ari eating his breakfast of turkey necks. See how many seconds it takes for him to eat 1.5 necks.

Exhausted on Memorial Day

Yesterday was a good day of training. And today I got my ass handed to me in the trails.

2000 meters
23 mile ride
15.6 mile trail run

It was sunny and 70's - I knew the water would be cold at my swim club. I wasn't sure how cold. So I went up there and the lifeguard checked. One thermometer said 60. Yikes. Then he checked a 2cd one which said 67. Cold. Heart stopping cold. I got in up to my waist and stayed there a good 10 minutes before I decided to HTFU and just swim. So I swam a few and my face was freezing. I wish I knew which temp was right. It felt more like 60.

My best friend came up to meet me and we usually swim laps together and then bake in the sun. She could only do about 20 laps. She said it was way too cold. I ended up doing 80 laps (2000 meters). When I got out of the pool I couldn't feel my right 2cd toe and I almost passed out in the locker room changing into my 2 piece. My goosebumps finally went away after 30 minutes in the sun.

And I got sunburned on my back while I was swimming laps.



After the pool me and Dominic rode to Clifton and had coffee and cookies at Sitwells. We did some big ass hills and I kicked his ass. I found myself doing 15mph up one hill. I am climbing well. I got to sit at the top and wait for his ass and give him lots of shit. We did about 23 miles total, mostly just fucking around. My new 130 stem is awesome. The fit is much much better. No shoulder pain after my ride.

Dominic wrapped my bars in black and right now my tt bars are also black (but you can't really see them here). Soon to be pink.



Today I got up at 5:45am and met the ultra trail runners for the 50k training run. I didn't know how fast (elite) these guys were. They were basically doing 31 miles today as a training run for a 100 mile in a few weeks. Two other women showed up and one was nice - she was only planning on doing 8-10 miles. Some of them were doing the whole 50k, some were just doing half, like me.

To understand how much slower you are running on a trail I'll give you this example. One guy was talking about a 5K he had done the day before in 21 minutes. Sub 7's. On the trail it took him 49 minutes to do 5.3 miles. Which is almost 10's. That's 3 whole minutes slower per minute.

I did the 1st loop 5.3 miles and ended up in the back with the nice girl. The other girl was up ahead just by a couple minutes. The girl I was running with finished the Pig in 4:13 but was hoping for a sub 4:00. So she was making me run a faster pace. I was getting my ass kicked in that 1st loop. The stone steps are insane. We had another huge hill about 1/2 mile before the end of the loop. Finally finished the first loop in 1:06.

The next loop was supposed to be 3.3 but that girl running ahead got us all lost. Me and the other girl ended up totally lost and it took us 1:10 to make it back to the start. We had to ask a cop in the park. So I am pretty sure I did about 5 there. It was sticky out - humid and hot.

For the 3rd loop I did the 5.3 mile trail alone. I ended up running it in my sport's bra and shorts I was so hot, and I NEVER do that. My ponytail was soaked and flapping across my back. I was truly suffering. I could not remember anything that hard since my 28 mile mntn bike ride in that triathlon last year - with huge hills. Talk about pain. I had 2 Hammer gels and a bananna, G2, and water. That loop took me 1:11 or so. Maybe more. I was so done.

Trail running kicked my ass. Oh, this guy who also did half told me that these trails were extremely rough compared to the ones he runs in Dayton.



After the run I went home and walked my dogs for about a half hour. I was so spent - but they had to get out. It was hot and the heat is now kicking Ari's ass.

After the walk, me and Dominic went downtown to Taste of Cincinnati - tons of people and food. I hate festivals cuz I hate crowds - so we rode rides. We rode that one ride - Zero Gravity - where you stand up and it spins and you feel like throwing up? And then we did another ride just like it but it was covered and there was Leonard Skynard (fuck is that how you spell it?) blasting - and then you start spinning. It reminded me of when you get so drunk, that when you lie down, you get the spins. But then it got much faster, spinning and spinning... it was so fun. We had a blast.

Tonight me and Dominic's Mom's are going to meet. We're grilling out chicken kabobs - but we're expecting heavy storms in about an hour. And I am exhausted. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Yay.

Dog stuff

Came home last week and found a mark on Lucy's back, like Ari had nipped her. They nip each other when they play so I wasn't worried it was anything serious. Now Lucy is licking it and it looks like shit. I have always been happy that my dogs didn't get lick granuloma's and they haven't so far - but this could turn into one.

Yesterday I had her wear her dress all day while I was at work, and when I got home, the dress had a big wet spot over the sore.

This is Lucy in her dress.

I ran 4 miles with them this morning. It is gorgeous outside and I have to work my last 12 for the week. Then I am off till Wed nite.

SF Messenger killed

A San Francisco messenger was killed on Wednesday.

Read about it here.

Sucks. I used to be a messenger there too back in 90-92. I remember so many guys getting huge amounts of money for crashing, they'd end up all strung out on dope.

Tired

I am draggin' this morning.
Hiked a couple with the dogs in the rain - woods are muddy.

The plan is to rest today and a do a 4 mile run tomorrow. Next week is a lighter week but I am keeping up with my long runs.

Monday is a training run with the race director of the Stone Steps 50K. He is doing the whole 50k and I plan to do half (around 15 miles). It is raining today. I hope the trails aren't too muddy.

I ran into this guy from my My Space page at Whole Foods yesterday. He did a 100mile run last weekend (took 32 hours). He was planning to do another one in 2 weeks. I was bowing down to him! Maybe someday....after IMKY 09.

I love my boyfriend. That's about all I have to say about that.

6am swim

5:30am -Alarm goes off. Dogs keep sleeping. I get up and get my swim suit on, throw on sweats and hoodie. Sip coffee. Cuddle with dogs on the couch and realize I could have slept in 15 more minutes since the Y opens at 6am and I am only 5 minutes away.

5:50am - dogs are now looking like WTF are you doing as I give them some treats and walk out the door.

6:00am - arrive at the Y and swim 60 laps, 1500 yards. I feel nauseous. Waking up this early makes me want to throw up. Should not have had coffee.

6:45am - drive home, it's freezing, my hair is soaked.

7:00am - arrive home only to leave again with the dogs.

7:15am - hike with the dogs in the woods and watch them run off leash.

8:15am - drive home.

8:30am - feed dogs, take vitamins, drink a protein shake, do 200 crunches on my yoga ball.

9:00am - shower, get dressed.

9:30am - head to work

10a - 10p - work a 12 hour shift.

GONNA BE A LONG DAY!

Running dogs

I got in 10 miles of running and a weight session today. My training has gone well this week. Tomorrow I am going to swim before work, and Friday a 4 mile run, and I got in all the workouts except a 35 mile bike ride.

So that's 9.75 hours in the last 4 days.

I got up and ran my pups 6 miles and the sun was shining but cool. I let Ari pee on just about every damn bush in Price Hill. By the end of the run he was hot even though it was still in the 50's (come on HURRY UP AND GET HOT).

Me and Dominic were supposed to get massages but it got late and I let him sleep while I ran. So I changed the appts and he went home to let his dogs out. We are so lucky to only live 3 miles from each other.

I went to Nancy's to run her dogs after Dominic left. They were much better behaved this week. I switched the route to try and avoid any critters. Her dogs have some crazy prey drive.

When I was done with her dogs - 4 miles - I met Dominic at his house so we could go to the Y and lift. I did 2 sets of chest - I never do chest unless I am in yoga or doing push ups. So today I went light and did some 'flys'. I also did legs - lighter than I normally go. It was a quick 30 minute work out. I don't like to do legs on the same day I run, but o-well.

As far as my bike goes, we're going to try a longer stem. My shoulders hurt after every ride. I feel cramped. And Dominic can get me this frame and fork for next to nothing. He said we could swap out all my parts. I don't know what to do.

Here are some better Flying Pig pictures - I bought these. They totally overcharge but it's worth it. My Mom wanted them too.

Tuesday ride

Me and Dominic rode yesterday. I needed to get in 40 miles which we did - some on the bike trail at Miami Whitewater. We also left the park to do some big hills on the country roads. I hate riding on country roads though. Too scary. Give me city streets or a trail anyday - though the trail is boring.

Last night me and Dominic went out for Indian food and then had dessert at his old work (fancy place in Kenwood). We picked up his aero bars from his friend (he used to work with there) who was using them last summer and now I get to put them on my bike. We had opera cream cake - YUM.

I think I am going to do black handlebar tape but wrap the aero bars in pink. I need a longer stem. That's the problem I have been having - I think. We're gonna order a 130 for me and see if that helps.

WIN SUSAN!

Don't forget to order your Fat Cyclist jersey from Twin Six! If you don't read it already, check out Fatty's blog. His wife is very sick - she has breast cancer that spread to her brain. I just ordered two - pink for me and orange for Dominic.

Swimming with a masters team

Today was a nice day and I wanted to get in another ride but Dominic wanted to lift so we went to the Y. I am hoping to get a ride in tomorrow.

I did arms and back - shoulders, triceps, biceps, rows, etc. I am still getting acclimated to the new weight room. I worked out at Bally's for 10 years so it's weird working out at the Y. I really like it. In addition to the weight room, they have racquetball, basketball, and indoor and outdoor pools. Plus the sauna, steamroom, and whirlpool.

We played basketball after we lifted. I used to play all the time when I was younger. My Dad was the captain of the Cincinnati Bearcats team and my brother played on Israel's national team. So we shot some hoops for a while. It was fun.

Tonight was my first time swimming with the masters team I found that swims at Xavier U. It was cool. There wasn't really a coach. The guy running it was in the pool swimming. There was a guy I had been talking to before class who used to do triathlons that I shared a lane with. He was nice and he helped me understand the work out.

I never understood what stuff like 2x100 meant but now I get it.

The warm up was this:
4x100 free
2x100 kick board
4x100 free (each 100 had to be under 2 minutes)

My best 100 meters was 1:50 and my average overall was about 1:58. I know I can do better. I want to be able to do 1500 in less than 30 minutes.

I don't remember the rest of the workout from the board but we swam and swam and swam. Before I knew it most people were gone. I asked my lane partner where everyone was and he said most people leave after an hour. I kept swimming to finish the work out. The lifeguard tried to close the pool but I had 4 laps to go. When she left I kept swimming. She was a little pissed when she came back but I had to finish. We did a total of 3000 meters.

Easy $$$

I made $140 bucks today and it was so easy.

Me and my Mom started trying out products for a research company. I tried a new mouthwash by Crest for 2 weeks and today I was supposed to go back and drop the product off and discuss my thoughts about it. I sat in the waiting room for a half hour. They called back the other 2 ladies who were waiting and then they called me up front. She hands me a check and says she's sorry they don't have time to meet with me - so basically I got paid $140.00 to fill out a questionnaire. Yea!

Training solo

I normally train alone. So does Dominic. We talked about teams last night and I think we're both just loners in the sense that joining a team just isn't us. He had his track racing clinic yesterday and some guys in kits were there. He said he has no desire to ride with a team. I could join a tri-team too if I wanted. But I don't. And I won't. I run alone and I ride with Dominic. Works for me.

Today I was determined to get in 2 work outs - a run, and a ride or swim. And I did.

After the dogs were exercised for an hour off leash in the woods, I went running. I ate 2 egg whites and a thing of yogurt and then didn't bring water with me. Stupid. I ran 8 miles. Hills. Hamstring is sore. I really think it's pulled. Yoga didn't do shit for me last week. The sun was hot on my face but cool enough for arm warmers. I felt like shit by the time I was a mile from home. I drank a bunch of water when I got in and felt better.

After my run I ate a turkey sandwich and went to the grocery. After that was done, I got ready to ride. Solo.

This was my 1st solo ride since last summer. I don't mind riding alone at all. It was a nice change actually. I left my house and rode to Northside, down Spring Grove to the cemetary. Did some hilly laps in there and then rode up Clifton hill to Burnett Woods and then headed back to Northside. Rode up Montana hill and down Harrison to my house. Total miles 25. A lot of hills. Dominic's been injured a lot and hasn't been able to do hill rides.

The wind ruined everything though, nearly blew me off my fucking bike. Stupid fucking wind - 35mph! Plus mother fuckers who drive in Cincinnati don't know what to do when they see a cyclist! I cussed at many cars today. Couldn't even flip them off cuz the wind would blow my bike in another direction if I dared take my hand off the handlebar.

I wore my helmet too - and it doesn't even look dorky (even though I am a huge dork for taking the picture). It's comfy too. It will suck to have to wear it when it gets hot I think.

Weekly List

Every week I make up a "to-do" list for my days off that include my miles, errands and any appts I might have. Last week I printed out this half IM distance training schedule and now I am obsessed. I can physically do everything this training is calling for but finding the time is the challenge. This schedule is more for someone who works 8-5 Mon-Fri.
My work schedule is totally different:

Wed - 5p-10p
Thur 10a-10p
Fri 10a-10p
Sat 10a-10p

So I am going to HTFU and try to get in an early swim at the Y at 6am on Thur before work and then be home by 7:15am to take my dogs for a run or a hike and then work a 12 hour shift. Fuck.

Sun-Wed I always train for as many hours as I can fit in. That almost always incudes a long run, swim and ride but I need MORE rides (3) and more swimming (2-3). The running I can always squeeze in because it doesn't require a lot of time.

How am I going to fit in all the workouts?

I don't know but I can't stress on it. I am going to do the best I can and hope I can finish in a decent time.

New gear

I ordered a new helmet. I hope I don't look too dorky. It's women specific.



I also ordered a new pair of tri-shorts. I like 8" .





Stuff I need:

1. A new tri-top but I want a red one and I can't seem to find a cool red top that is affordable.
2. A wetsuit. I sold mine from last year. Anyone got one to donate?

Bitch session

Can I just take a moment to bitch about the weather?

It was 43 degrees this morning. Umm...hello spring? Where the fuck did you go? It's been raining for the last week (with the exception of Tuesday) and last night I was so cold. When I woke up this morning the temp in the house was barely 60 - my dogs were freezing too.

I had to turn the heat back on. What kind of shit is that? It was warmer in March! The forecast sucks too - more rain and 60's.

And my swim club opens in a week!
WTF!?

So I ran the dogs about 5.5 miles this morning. It was cold and for whatever reason I wore one of Dominic's hoodies which got wet with sweat and so then I stayed cold for most of the run. The dogs were on my nerves because their activity level hasn't slowed down at all and they need more off leash running. The woods are too muddy to run in. They'll also be so much more mellow when the hot weather gets here. I can't wait.

Summer hurry up and get here.

Baby shower

Are these not the cutest baby shoes you have ever seen?

My co-worker Holly is having a baby. I have also known her husband since we were like 17 and we always wore black converse back in the day. I know he'll get a kick out of these baby Converse. Today was her shower at work and I am stuffing my face with pink cake.

He's injured

Dominic stays injured. You'll see the pattern if you read here long enough. Last week it was his ankle. Now it's his knee. Every bike ride seems to give him a new hurt. He beat his body up when he was young riding half pipe and flatland, etc. If only he'd take the vitamins I take and get more massage - I don't think he'd hurt so much. Today he's limping and I am worried about his knee because his track clinic is Saturday.

I feel good today though I was sore through the night. I used a heating pad on my back some. I am not sure if it's my position or if I need aero bars.

My dog's freezer was empty so I went to Nancy's to run her dogs. Do you know how much it sucks to run 2 un-exercised-amped up-never get out of the house-sighthounds, IN THE RAIN?
And to have to run 2 at a time for a mile - totalling 8 dogs and 4 miles? Ahhhhhh well it sucked. But now my dogs have enough meat for 2 weeks.

Century ride

Today I did my first 100 mile ride. And It hurt.

My ass is broke.
My shoulders and neck are sore (Dominic thinks I need 44's).
My legs were filled with lactic acid from mile 60 on.

I didn't bitch too bad though! Dominic had more pain than I did. His ankle and ass hurt a lot.

We did a straight shot up the Loveland bike trail 50 miles (the trail goes thru Dayton) and then turned around and came back. This is a good way to just do the miles and not have to really think about roads and cars. We just needed the mileage and I was craving it.

I was in the saddle for over 7 hours (we stopped for food at mile 73) and our average was 16.3. Overall I think it was lower and our computers are cheap pieces of shit. I know I need a new one.

When I got home I mowed.

Blogs are boring without pics.
Today I wanted to post a picture of the cycle computer with the 100 miles on it. I will have to post it later cuz right now my bike is at Dominic's for a cleaning. She is filthy. For now I'll have to post a picture of her, just cuz she's gorgeous. I am about to change the handlebar tape. What do you think about green?

A new place to workout

I snapped out of my mood today after a swim - was cranky last night when Dominic finally made it over. The mud kept me in a cranky mood for most of this morning.

We worked out at the Y - Dominic joined us both up. The weight room was ok, I kind of did my own thing. Light weight heavy reps, but with a heavier weight than last week. Focused on arms. 35 minutes and 300 crunches on a ball.

After weights I swam. The pool was so nice. I had it all to my self. I swam 90 laps - 2000 meters. I broke it up into 3 sets of 30. The 1st 30 I did free. Next set I did some kickboard (which kills my legs), side, and breast strokes. The last 30 was all free, focusing on time. And I am still so damn slow. I found a masters team and I might see what that's all about.

After the swim I had my monthly acupuncture appointment. Lots of needles in my head today.

I WON A BIKE!

Last month, Zandria had a post up on her blog about a contest sponsored by Lipton White Tea and their "Free Your Y" campaign. The prize was a bike.

It was a simple contest - just leave a comment explaining my favorite ways to stay active.

My response:
Training for races helps me stay clean from drugs. Period. Pick me.

And today I got an email from Zandria that I won! I can hardly believe it! I have never won anything!

Here is the bike. It's a total comfort bike! WOW!

Thanks Zandria and thanks Lipton Tea!

P.S. Check out Zandria's blog. The girl always posts good stuff. Even though she's 10 years younger than me, she is adorable and I relate.

Pity Party

Nobody stands in between me and my man,
it's me And Mr Jones (Me and Mr Jones)

What kind of fuckery is this?

Woke up in a horrible mood to match the horrible weather. Rain and 50's.

Took the dogs for a 6 mile run early, 7am. Didn't help.

Listened to my Amy Winehouse CD in the car and cried all the way to my 9am Yoga class.
Ashtanga II - 90 minutes, just for my poor hamstring that won't heal. I think it hurts worse now.

Why do I have to be so emotional? Why do I have to be an addict?
Why do I have to always want drugs when I am upset?
I think about the pills in my Mom's drawer.

The dogs are on my nerves.

I am feeling really lonely.
I woke alone and I am sick of it.

Clean Eating

I have been eating clean since Monday. That's 6 days of eating clean in a row. I feel so much better than last week when I was tapering and stuffing my face. My belly feels better too.

Some of my favorate good foods to eat are:

Egg whites hard boiled
Grapefruit
Kashi cereal
Auntie Millie's English muffins (good for sandwiches)
Whole grain bagels
Smart Balance butter
Lean Cuisines (for work)
Salad with tons of veggies and real salad dressing
Chick pea salad
Veggie burgers
Turkey bacon
Turkey sausage
Pita chips
Hummus
Peanut butter
Any kind of fruit
Salsa
Wheatgrass

He knew he fucked up

These were waiting for me when I got home from work tonight.

Bad Day

The only good thing about today was the 5.5 mile pain free run I took this morning before I came into work. It was raining too.

Me and Dominic have had plans for 3 weeks now for Mother's Day. We wanted our Mom's to meet so we made plans for brunch where he works. Ends up they had too many reservations so we switched it to dinner. Well he canceled on me today. He forgot to tell his Mom about the switch and she made plans to hang out with his brother and his kids for dinner.

So yea. I am not real happy. It meant a lot to me - this dinner. I was nervous about it but I was looking forward to it.

I have a friend (now he's an x friend) and I found out he is cheating on his girlfriend. I HATE men who cheat. My Dad cheated on my Mom for years and he was so mean to her. I have zero tolerance for that shit. So I confronted him and he denied it. I HATE liers. To make matters worse, the girl he cheated with is a friend of mine and now she's pissed at me for telling him I know.

All that drama, plus major computer problems at work for 2 weeks now. Fucking pain in my ass.

86'ed

Dominic got himself 86'ed from Bally's yesterday. He was a tad rude to the morbidly obese manager over the fact that their whirlpool is down 75% of the time. Dominic likes to put his ankle in the whirlpool against the jet - it helps a lot he says. Anyways, they canceled his membership. We're going to join the YMCA - (though I am keeping my month-to-month membership at Bally's) and Dominic is paying for both of us at the Y.

Yesterday morning I went for a 3.5 mile run in the woods with my dogs. Trail running is hard. I have to stop and walk across rocks and creeks and stuff but I still like the scenery change.

Later I took Bruno for a 2 mile run. Poor Bruno is so out of shape. They overfeed him and no one walks him unless I do it. Dominic just gives him a medicine ball to play with or a rope toy to tire himself out with. He's also building him a spring pole and I am not sure if I am going to like that. Regardless, the run felt good. No pain.

I also did weights - BACK and LEGS, but again, I did high reps for 2 sets only.

Today I took the pups to the woods for a 2 mile muddy hike before work and tomorrow I am planning a 5 miler before work.

I am looking at half Ironman training schedules, but to be honest, I don't understand some of the lingo. I don't know if the swim is in meters or yards (like this one). If anyone can help me out, shoot me an email or comment. Just what does 2x1500 mean? Does that mean swim 3000 meters?

NEW FINISH TIME!!

According to the Flying Pig website, I can re-calculate my time because of the added 1/4 mile. They gave us an online calculator to use. Check it out - my new finish time is:

4:43:40

Race photo's are here - bib number 4067. I don't look like an oinker as much in these pictures.

I can't believe it's over

The day after:
Yesterday I got up and walked my dogs for a good hour and felt pretty good. My hamstring was tight but that was to be expected. How tight and sore was the question. And the pain wasn't bad at all. Last year I limped for 3 days after the race. This year I am fine. fingers crossed

I got a massage. She worked on my hamstring and the top of my foot which is also sore. I think that massage is keeping me injury free for real.

Later in the day I found a huge blister that covered about 40% of my pinkie toe. I was afraid to pop it but Nancy talked me into it today, and it's healing just fine now.

I went to the gym yesterday as well - for upper body weights. I changed it up and did really high reps (up to 50 reps per set) - shoulders, biceps and triceps are sore as shit.

Last night I cleaned my house like I usually do on Mondays.

Took a bath and a toenail came off. My feet are gonna be lookin' real good in those sandals, right!

Today:
Rode with Dominic in the city. We did about 32 miles. I feel like I am really getting used to my bike. Dominic's ankle is still somewhat sore so to avoid Montana hill we parked the car downtown and headed out Eastern ave. It was warm and sunny and I was happy to be back on my bike. I miss my long rides.

Training:
I really want to start riding more. I have been training for this marathon 4-5 days a week and now I can really focus on riding faster. I know I have the strength - I just need to apply it. I am going to start doing a short run after my long rides too. I am doing a half Ironman distance race in August and need to get training for that!

Trail runs are going to start now too, on Sunday mornings. Memorial day is a training run for Stone Steps 50K. I can do as much of the 50K as I want. I think I am going to try 15 miles and see how it feels. It will be my first long trail run.

As far as swimming goes, I might try to hook up with someone who can help me get faster. Dominic works with a girl who coaches at NKU and she has offered to help me out. If our schedules work out, that is. And once the pool opens I will swim several times a week.

Flying Pig Marathon Race Report

The night before the race me and Dominic went down to the Expo to get my free stuff and race packet. We did some shopping (he is like a compulsive shopper) and we got some sweet ass stickers from the Pearl Izumi guy. They say stuff like "run like an animal" and another one that says "Satan drives an suv". LOL.

After the expo, we met my friend Emily and her husband for dinner - we ate at an old restaurant (opened in the late 1800's, everything is still the same) that I used to work at, and has excellent pasta. We chowed and I came home and worked on my MP3 for an hour and then went to bed.

I woke up, had water, oatmeal, protein shake, coffee. Good start to my day nutrition-wise. I had good nutrition the entire race.

Dominic and I drove the 4 miles down to the race and he walked me to the start line. It was freezing. I wore a hoodie I planned to throw away once I got warm. It was probably late 30's or 41 degrees. But the sun started to rise and once the race started, I got warm. Dominic stayed with me until the gun went off and then I took off. We were 15 minutes late starting due to a fire on the course (see below).

I won't type out mile by mile by mile but I'll tell ya one thing - I felt strong and totally prepared all 26.2 miles. I trained right.

The entire east side of Cincinnati comes out for this race. We had 250,000 spectators last year. I mean they cheer you on, scream, make noise, and you just feel like a rock star - you guys know what I mean. About mile 5 I saw Dominic downtown on 7th street. He had my new camera and was snapping pics. Tons of hills during miles 7,8,9 and then finally some downhill into Hyde Park. I saw old dogs arooooing and it cracked me up. Passed my Mom at mile 10 and hugged her. I got a text at mile 12 from Dominic that he lost my brand new camera and I almost threw my cell phone into a tree, I was pissed. Saw him at mile 14 and stopped to cuss him out. He felt horrible but his pocket tore cuz his PI jersey is old so I gave him a kiss and kept going. I stayed mad for a while. At mile 18 I stopped at a first aid booth for some Alieve and the woman was such a bitch. She handed me 3 ibuprofen but wouldn't let me have a water. She only had one bottle and she seriously told me to get water at the next water station which was 1/2 mile away all the while I had the fucking pills in my mouth. So I ran off and grabbed a bottle of water someone left on the ground near a chair and drank that. She pissed me off too! During miles 20-26 I was just running, trying to get under 5 hours, secretly hoping for a 4:45. Passed a Flying Keg party at mile 23 - they were handing out cups of beer. Grossed me out cuz the smell stinks to me. Finally the last .2 miles it is 5 people deep each side of the barricades and I ran to the finish and looked at my watch for 4:46.

I finished 33 minutes faster than last year - HOLLA!

My Mom lied to the race officials and said I was injured so they could get inside the barricade. Dominic took a bunch of pix with a camera my Mom brought. It was very exciting and I felt awesome. No pain except my pinkie toe had a blister and the top of my right foot is sore. Nutrition was perfect. Hammer gels are the best for me.

Distance: Marathon

Chip Time: 4:46:23
6.8 mile split 1:11:12
12 mile split 2:05:55
13.1 mile split 2:16:18
19.7 mile split 3:29:14
25.2 mile split 4:36:27
Pace: 10:50 HOLY SHIT!

Oh and then today I found this on the website:

Due to a multiple-alarm fire on Mile 22 of the Marathon course, the start of the race was delayed by about 15 minutes. The course was re-directed around the emergency, adding an estimated fourth of a mile to the route. The route still will be certified as an official course.

What does this to do my time?

After the race me, my Mom and Dominic hung out in the sun on Serpentine Wall in the sun. We had more than 22K people run the Pig this year. There were a TON of people everywhere. I didn't see Nancy but later found out I finished 10 minutes faster than her. My girl Mendy did the half under 10 minute miles.

I look like an oinker.

Side note:

I dedicated my run to Elden's (AKA Fat Cyclist) wife Susan.

24 little hours till 26.2

I love to run.
Running is Euphoric.
Running is Strength.
Running is Healing

I posted about my love for running a while back and I thought I should link to it again just in case some of you haven't read it.

Think good thoughts for me!

Northcoast Dobe Rescue Updates

I posted about Seven last week - an NCDR Dobe who had a leg amputated and had been in rescue for almost a year waiting for a home. I sent out a plea to all the big Doberman email lists about Seven and guess what? He is going HOME! Today! An older woman in Michigan is taking him sight unseen. She is an obedience instructor and is going to make Seven her demo dog and possibly a therapy dog. Seven has definitely got the hook up now.

In other rescue news, I totaled up all the NCDR donations that came through via check and paypal. I am happy to report, that with your help, I raised $648.00. Thank you. So much.

Dominic's TV Debut

Dominic is going to be on the news tonight. Cincinnati's channel 9 news, WCPO, 5:00pm. Wanda, who owns our bikeshop, called me to see if I could find Dominic to tell him to come to the store and do the interview. He said it was really fun -just talked about traffic laws, tune ups, the usual bike stuff, and they filmed him working on bikes too. He is such a ham!

I also wanted to wish a Happy Bday to commenter BGW - Bikesgonewild! His bday is tomorrow and I hope he has a great day! I'll be sure to give ya a good race.

***** UPDATE - here is a link to Dominic's TV debut talking about bike commuting around time.

3 days till The Pig

No one around me wants to hear about me "running a marathon this weekend" anymore. Like for instance, I just told my co-worker and she just said "I figured you would be" and then walked away.

Perfect timing:
Food day at work tomorrow which means stuff your face with everything from cheese dips and cake to shrimp cocktail and salami roll ups.

Lots of marathons happening this weekend. I had no idea. I guess May is a good month run a long race in, right?

- Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH
- Providence Marathon in Rhode Island
- Eugene Marathon in Oregon
- Vancouver Marathon in British Columbia
- Pocono Mountain Marathon in Pennsylvania
- Lincoln Marathon in Nebraska
- Colorado Marathon in Colorado

They keep changing the weather. This morning I heard cloudy and 40-ish to start the race, and a high of 60 during the day. I bought an Under Armour (short sleeve) shirt to wear but I doubt I wear it now. Or I will be a dork and wear arm warmers till I am warm enough.

My plan is:

Tomorrow I run 4 miles and that'll be it until the race. I'll hike with the dogs a couple miles on Saturday and then work 10a-4p on Saturday. After work I am taking the dogs to my friend's house for the night so I don't have to deal with them at 4:30am on race day. Me and Dominic will go to the Expo and pick up my race packet and then have dinner at Arnold's. Then home to fuck around with my MP3 and load some new music (Thanks P.O.M.).

Dominic is going to be riding around the city at my beck and call pretty much. His family always goes out to cheer on the runners since we'll be running a few blocks from their house. He is almost as excited as I am. I just hope his ankle doesn't give him too much trouble.

** Good luck to Julie running in Eugene! You have trained hard and will do well!
** Good luck to Cheetos Michelle running half the Pig (if you see me, say HI)