I'm loving these morning rides to work.
Things I like:
Hearing birds waking up and chirping wildly.
Watching the sun wake up and warm the sky.
Seeing people walking their dogs.
Riding over bridges with water underneath...especially the Sandy Lake bridge over the dam.
Saying "hi" to joggers and other riders.
Cool mornings...or just cooler than the afternoon heat.
Endorphin buzz all day!
Lots of calories burned...LOTS!
Seeing manicured lawns.
Getting ideas for the yard.
The housing development east of Marsh and south of Forest Ln.
Making it up hills easier each time (and not in the granny gear).
Tailwinds
Sound of sprinkers... chh chh chh chh chh fttttfttttfttttftttttttt chh chh chh chh
Squirrels playing in the trees and lawns.
Passing under the freeway; looking up to see all the cars backed up to a crawl. I win!
Things I don't like -
Traffic and scary drivers
Glass
Stoplights
Headwinds
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Swimming discovery
"Swimming is not a sport. It's a way to keep from drowning."
--George Carlin, comedian
This morning I went to the pool before work to get in about 25 minutes of swimming. I want to be prepared for the next tri and not panic again. Yikes!
During the Danskin tri, I noticed that I had a hard time catching my breath, even after I'd settled down. I think this morning I figured out part of the problem.
As I was doing laps, practicing breathing on both sides, I realized that I was starting to lose my breath again. I just felt as if I couldn't catch in enough air between strokes. I realized that I was blowing out my nose instead of both the nose and mouth. I found I was still exhaling when I should only be inhaling. "When I run, I breathe through my mouth more, so why shouldn't it work the same when swimming," I thought.
Sure enough, I started blowing out more air from my nose and mouth and was able to go longer and felt as if I could breathe easier. I found myself going back to the old habit, only to correct it shortly afterwards. It's definitely self-critiquing. :) It may take a while to get into the new habit again, but I figure if I swim twice a week from now until the next tri in August, it should work itself out.
Cheers!
--George Carlin, comedian
This morning I went to the pool before work to get in about 25 minutes of swimming. I want to be prepared for the next tri and not panic again. Yikes!
During the Danskin tri, I noticed that I had a hard time catching my breath, even after I'd settled down. I think this morning I figured out part of the problem.
As I was doing laps, practicing breathing on both sides, I realized that I was starting to lose my breath again. I just felt as if I couldn't catch in enough air between strokes. I realized that I was blowing out my nose instead of both the nose and mouth. I found I was still exhaling when I should only be inhaling. "When I run, I breathe through my mouth more, so why shouldn't it work the same when swimming," I thought.
Sure enough, I started blowing out more air from my nose and mouth and was able to go longer and felt as if I could breathe easier. I found myself going back to the old habit, only to correct it shortly afterwards. It's definitely self-critiquing. :) It may take a while to get into the new habit again, but I figure if I swim twice a week from now until the next tri in August, it should work itself out.
Cheers!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tasty summer treat with rum!
I had a watermelon smoothie last summer and had completely forgotten about it until this weekend. I picked up a seedless watermelon for Greg and Deeann's visit, but hadn't gotten to it. Since it was hot again this weekend (welcome to TX), I figured I'd see if it was still good, and make this treat out of it.
Here's what you do.
Cut open the watermelon (it's key that this is a seedless melon) and scoop out the flesh into a blender.
Blend that sucker up until it's frothy. I like mine with small chunks in it. You may have to do this several times, depending on how big your blender and the melon are. Just move the juice into another container to blend more.
Pour the watermelon juice over ice in a tall glass.
Add rum (mango rum tastes great!) or vodka. Add a lime to cut the sweetness.
Suck it on down. It's low calorie, refreshing and a crowd pleaser!
Here's what you do.
Cut open the watermelon (it's key that this is a seedless melon) and scoop out the flesh into a blender.
Blend that sucker up until it's frothy. I like mine with small chunks in it. You may have to do this several times, depending on how big your blender and the melon are. Just move the juice into another container to blend more.
Pour the watermelon juice over ice in a tall glass.
Add rum (mango rum tastes great!) or vodka. Add a lime to cut the sweetness.
Suck it on down. It's low calorie, refreshing and a crowd pleaser!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
More riding!
Woo hoo! Made it home safely last night, another 26 miles, but was pretty wiped out with the heat and ride earlier in the morning. SUrprisingly enough, I wasn't hungry when I made it, but knew I had to chow down something. I stumbled on a pair of scrumptious crab cakes left over from Greg and Deeann's visit. Ah, it was a slice of heaven!
Needless to say, I slept like a baby last night, that is, until Tweak woke me up at 5:20 this morning. I don't know how she knows it, but she wakes me up nearly every morning 20 minutes before the alarm is supposed to go off. Nearly every day, the alarm goes off at different times. I think she knows.
In any case, I got up this morning early to do another ride with Debbie up in Corinth. We met up with the Corinth Cycling Club and a few friends. We rode another 35 miles today and though it was tough, we had a great time! We stopped for breakfast at a great little place in old Denton called Fuzzy's! Wow, what a treat!
So I'm up over 300 miles on the bike since I got it about a month ago! Wow!
Needless to say, I slept like a baby last night, that is, until Tweak woke me up at 5:20 this morning. I don't know how she knows it, but she wakes me up nearly every morning 20 minutes before the alarm is supposed to go off. Nearly every day, the alarm goes off at different times. I think she knows.
In any case, I got up this morning early to do another ride with Debbie up in Corinth. We met up with the Corinth Cycling Club and a few friends. We rode another 35 miles today and though it was tough, we had a great time! We stopped for breakfast at a great little place in old Denton called Fuzzy's! Wow, what a treat!
So I'm up over 300 miles on the bike since I got it about a month ago! Wow!
Friday, June 20, 2008
26 miles to Love Field
Yay! I tried my first bike commute to SWA this morning from Lewisville and had a blast, figuratively and literally! Maybe I'm just still riding high from the endorphins.
Here's the route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/SWA-to-Lewisville
I left around 6:10. Official sunrise is at 6:20 right now, but with the early dawn and some cloud cover it seemed bright enough to leave. This morning was cooler and less breezy than it has been lately, maybe around 75 degrees or so, which is much cooler than when I've been commuting to REI in the late mornings.
The route I take overlaps with the first half of my route to REI, so it's becoming somewhat normal now. I have a couple of spots where I know I should be at a certain time. My friend Rob, for instance, lives in Coppell at the 9-ish mile mark. I got to his house about 8 minutes sooner than I have been lately, this time at about the 37 minute mark. My next checkpoint is the hour mark, which is usually when I cross under 35E. Today, I hit that same spot at 50 minutes. WHee!! I must be getting stronger and this doesn't feel like work!
Where my paths to REI and SWA diverge is right around Josey and Beltline. The roads through this area all the way to 635 underpass are busy and have a lot of traffic. Fortunately, it was still only about 7:10am so I'm hoping the traffic was a little light. I tried to stay on sidewalks where I could, but it seems as if there was a lot of glass on them.
I made it past that hairy part and was on the last 6 mile home stretch. This takes me through some pretty neighborhoods north of Love Field and east of the 'hood area. I felt safe. Next thing you know, I was popping out on Northwest Hwy and thinking I'd make it to work in about 1:45 or 1:50 which is under the 2 hours I'd estimated. Sure enough, I hit some glass, heard a popping sound that didn't sound like a rock, and as I crossed Northwest Hwy to Bachman Lake, I noticed that the back tire was flat. Damn!
Fortunately, that spot is about 1.5 miles from the back door of work. At that point, I weighed the option of changing the tire there or walking it in. Either way, it was going to be about hte same amount of time, so I opted to just walk it. I secretly hoped someone I work with might see me and throw the bike in the back, but no luck. Or maybe they did see me and kept going. LOL!
In any case, it went well and I love it. I have a spare and will change it out before I leave today. Actually, I need to make sure I can get a ride if I don't get it changed out. LOL! The ride home should be interesting as well as it'll be warmer and probably more traffic. Hope to leave around 5-5:30 to make it home.
Oh and there's another ride tomorrow morning. 30 miles with Debbie and Donna. Yay!
HAPPY SUMMER, everyone!
Here's the route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/SWA-to-Lewisville
I left around 6:10. Official sunrise is at 6:20 right now, but with the early dawn and some cloud cover it seemed bright enough to leave. This morning was cooler and less breezy than it has been lately, maybe around 75 degrees or so, which is much cooler than when I've been commuting to REI in the late mornings.
The route I take overlaps with the first half of my route to REI, so it's becoming somewhat normal now. I have a couple of spots where I know I should be at a certain time. My friend Rob, for instance, lives in Coppell at the 9-ish mile mark. I got to his house about 8 minutes sooner than I have been lately, this time at about the 37 minute mark. My next checkpoint is the hour mark, which is usually when I cross under 35E. Today, I hit that same spot at 50 minutes. WHee!! I must be getting stronger and this doesn't feel like work!
Where my paths to REI and SWA diverge is right around Josey and Beltline. The roads through this area all the way to 635 underpass are busy and have a lot of traffic. Fortunately, it was still only about 7:10am so I'm hoping the traffic was a little light. I tried to stay on sidewalks where I could, but it seems as if there was a lot of glass on them.
I made it past that hairy part and was on the last 6 mile home stretch. This takes me through some pretty neighborhoods north of Love Field and east of the 'hood area. I felt safe. Next thing you know, I was popping out on Northwest Hwy and thinking I'd make it to work in about 1:45 or 1:50 which is under the 2 hours I'd estimated. Sure enough, I hit some glass, heard a popping sound that didn't sound like a rock, and as I crossed Northwest Hwy to Bachman Lake, I noticed that the back tire was flat. Damn!
Fortunately, that spot is about 1.5 miles from the back door of work. At that point, I weighed the option of changing the tire there or walking it in. Either way, it was going to be about hte same amount of time, so I opted to just walk it. I secretly hoped someone I work with might see me and throw the bike in the back, but no luck. Or maybe they did see me and kept going. LOL!
In any case, it went well and I love it. I have a spare and will change it out before I leave today. Actually, I need to make sure I can get a ride if I don't get it changed out. LOL! The ride home should be interesting as well as it'll be warmer and probably more traffic. Hope to leave around 5-5:30 to make it home.
Oh and there's another ride tomorrow morning. 30 miles with Debbie and Donna. Yay!
HAPPY SUMMER, everyone!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Bike commutes
Well it's been a week since the triathlon and man, life can sure get in the way of fun. It took a few days to get back into work again after a small break and my body was still tired from all the excitement of the weekend. Work has been really busy and stressful, so that's added to all the "fun".
I did get to ride to REI again on Sunday and just loved it! It's so interesting to see the world from another perspective, and actually slow down to see what I'd have missed from driving a car. REI offers employees incentives for those who use mass transit or physical methods to get to work. You get a punch card which you can get a manager's initials on each time you do this. Once the card is filled (20 spots), then you get a coupon for an extra 10% off an item. That may not sound like much, but on a big-ticket item, it's a good deal. Hopefully I can take advantage of that before the daylight hours wane enough to make it dangerous to ride the streets after dark again. We'll see.
This Friday, I'm going to try to ride to SWA for the first time from home. It's about 26 miles each way. I'd like to think that it will take me less than 2 hours to get here, but I fear that the traffic will make it a slower ride. 52 miles in a day is a good deal and a great calorie burner, especially in this Texas heat!
SOmetime I have to get in some running as well. There's a 25k up in Minnesota I've planned for for a while now and haven't hardly run at all. I can muscle my way through it, but it certainly won't be a PR. LOL! At least it will be another fun week with Greg and Deeann.
I did get to ride to REI again on Sunday and just loved it! It's so interesting to see the world from another perspective, and actually slow down to see what I'd have missed from driving a car. REI offers employees incentives for those who use mass transit or physical methods to get to work. You get a punch card which you can get a manager's initials on each time you do this. Once the card is filled (20 spots), then you get a coupon for an extra 10% off an item. That may not sound like much, but on a big-ticket item, it's a good deal. Hopefully I can take advantage of that before the daylight hours wane enough to make it dangerous to ride the streets after dark again. We'll see.
This Friday, I'm going to try to ride to SWA for the first time from home. It's about 26 miles each way. I'd like to think that it will take me less than 2 hours to get here, but I fear that the traffic will make it a slower ride. 52 miles in a day is a good deal and a great calorie burner, especially in this Texas heat!
SOmetime I have to get in some running as well. There's a 25k up in Minnesota I've planned for for a while now and haven't hardly run at all. I can muscle my way through it, but it certainly won't be a PR. LOL! At least it will be another fun week with Greg and Deeann.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Danskin Triathlon - Austin
WE DID IT!!
Deeann, Kait and I all completely enjoyed our first triathlon experience with the Danskin Tri series. What an amazing atmosphere this was for a first-time tri. The race was well run in many ways, from the way the waves were run, the timing, the logistics (for the most part). All-in-all, I highly recommend it to get your feet wet, so to speak.
It was amazing to see women of all shapes, sizes and ages out there. We saw elites, teenagers and even a few ladies in their 80's out there competing. I had to laugh at how many times I heard, "sorry" as ladies hit each other during the swim or got in the way of someone else during another event. It was almost comical, but at the same time, it goes to the spirit of the energy called etsrogen. LOL!
I was so proud of both girls and how well they did! Kait is an amazing athlete and has been training for this for a while. I don't think the heat affected her, since she lives in Biloxi (MS) as much as it did Deeann, who lives in MN. Deeann was such a delight to watch go through the event and finish it. We all were really teary-eyed as she came across the finish line with a big ol' grin on her face. She accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I knew she could do anything she put her stubborn mind to and do it well. I can't wait to see what she tries next!
So for the three of us, we were all feeling pretty nervous in different ways. After seeing how long a 1/2 mile is swimming, I was scared and kicking myself for blowing off the swim training. I was in the 9th wave of women (elites/teenagers went first, followed by age groups getting younger with each wave). The wind was starting to kick up, so it was an advantage to watch how the current and wind affected the swimmers in the waves ahead of us. I figured out pretty quickly to stay upwind as most women were being blown way off course.
The first leg of the swim, I was a complete mess. I was wound tight, had a tough time breathing and ended up doing a sizeable chunk of it doing backstroke. Once I rounded that bouy though, something in me calmed and the body just kicked back into the mode of when I swam in HS and I felt pretty good. About 1/2 way to the swim finish, I remember looking up and seeing that there weren't many red caps ahead of me, which told me that I was probably doing better than I thought in my wave. In fact, I noticed that I was passing some of the people in the wave in front of me as well. Whew!
The transition was a little slower than I'd expected, as I forgot about the run up the hill to the bikes. I got out of the water and walked for about 10-15 seconds probably, then realized I needed to get my butt moving. Lesson learned and noted. I started to run and heard someone yell at me (or my number), "Great job and get moving 987!". I'm usually the one cheering to others like that so to me, that was a huge boost and it added to the excitement.
I did get on the bike well and was happy with my time on the 12 miles, considering I'd only started riding a little more seriously about a month prior to the race. I passed many more than passed me, and those who passed me were either younger or on a really great bike. The ride was hilly, but not overwhelming. There were two good hills, one short and steep; the other long and slow. Both I made it up. Yay!
The transition to the run wasn't bad, but could use a little improvement. If I get bike shoes that are a little more conduicive to easy on/off, I'll do better. I took the gloves off as I was riding in and mentally prepped for the run.
The run, which should be my best leg, was by far, the worst. The legs were really tired and I felt as if I was doing the gramma shuffle for about the first mile. The heat was kicking in, adding to the misery. I really struggled to get my breathing down and get the legs to make longer strides. I need to do more runs after a hard ride to get through this. Lesson learned and noted.
Kait's wave started about 1/2 hour behind me and I knew she could potentially catch me during the race. Sure enough, during the first 1/2 mile of the run or so, I saw her coming in for her last mile or so in the ride. She hollered at me and it was one of the best parts of my race! :) It's great having people you know out there!
At about the 2 mile point, there was a long, shallow hill. Really long. About 1/3 of the way through it, I ended up walking it to the top, but power walked it the best I could. It was discouraging, but I was certainly going faster in the walk than I would have if I'd tried jogging it. I worried about Deeann getting through this chunk as the heat would be worse for her.
Finally, I made it to the top of this damn hill and started jogging. I HAD to start jogging as there were a ton of spectators in that last 1/2 mile as you approached the finish line. Ego kicked in, you know. LOL! Thankfully that part was flat. The crowd was motivating as well as the loud music and the announcer calling each finisher's name. It felt great to be finished and see Deeann's hubby, Greg, waiting at the finish line!
Kait finished about 20 minutes behind me. She did really well and was grinning out of excitement as well. Looking at her times overall, she finished in the top 10% of all 2900+ women. Wow! Remember, this was her first race.
Deeann started about 1/2 hour behind Kait. Greg had been running between each of us girls, trying to get pictures of us as we started or finished different legs. I think he was able go get a great workout that day as well (thank you, Greg!!). After Kait finished, we hustled over to where the transition area was, near the run beginning. Greg caught her in the transition between the bike and run. We sat close and watched her hit about the 1 mile mark. She flipped us off, in true Deeann running fashion, but did it with a smile.
The amazing thing about this race is that everyone out there supports everyone else. I can't tell you how many times I heard "woo-hoo" and "go girl" shouted to the athletes as they went through their personal ordeals. The crowd and the competitors each helped each other. There were times where the bike and run legs passed near each other where the encouragement was huge. Then again, the way the run was set up, there were many places where you would see the athletes ahead and behind you as it snaked through the woods. What an incredible experience! For anyone trying their first tri, I suggest doing a Danskin one.
In the end, we anxiously awaited Deeann's arrival. Sure enough, we saw the periwinkle blue shirt in the distance and looked like puppies waiting for their masters to come through the door as she approached. She finished well and looked as if she was spent. I'm so proud of all of us for doing what we'd set out to do, as we did it!
Yay Team Hurricane Hunters!!!!
Lessons and notes for next time:
Swim -
1. Watch the water and swimmers from early legs to see the current/wind.
2. Wait a few seconds to let most people go, breathe, then head out.
3. Relax and channel the techniques you know.
4. TRAIN, dum bass! :)
Bike -
1. Save a little for the run or at least ease up on the legs for a minute or so before transition
2. Eat a gel on the way out and if time, a few Clif Blox on the way in to have some energy for the run. Worked great!
3. Consider training/racing without gloves for 12 miles.
Run -
1. Hmm...
Transitions -
1. Run between events as much as possible. Get quickly to the bike. Get quickly off the bike.
2. Bring a better towel for drying the feet quickly.
3. Get a good way to ID the bike space quickly. It looks so much different when returning.
4. Orient yourself before the race even begins so you know the different entry/exit points.
Spectators -
1. Bring binoculars to spot your athlete in the distance. Makes it easier to pick him/her out for photos as s/he approaches.
2. Bring a camera, sunscreen, water and a lightweight chair.
3. Scout out the race area to see where some of the best viewing spots may be. There might be several closeby to make it easier on you.
3. Cheer hard!
Deeann, Kait and I all completely enjoyed our first triathlon experience with the Danskin Tri series. What an amazing atmosphere this was for a first-time tri. The race was well run in many ways, from the way the waves were run, the timing, the logistics (for the most part). All-in-all, I highly recommend it to get your feet wet, so to speak.
It was amazing to see women of all shapes, sizes and ages out there. We saw elites, teenagers and even a few ladies in their 80's out there competing. I had to laugh at how many times I heard, "sorry" as ladies hit each other during the swim or got in the way of someone else during another event. It was almost comical, but at the same time, it goes to the spirit of the energy called etsrogen. LOL!
I was so proud of both girls and how well they did! Kait is an amazing athlete and has been training for this for a while. I don't think the heat affected her, since she lives in Biloxi (MS) as much as it did Deeann, who lives in MN. Deeann was such a delight to watch go through the event and finish it. We all were really teary-eyed as she came across the finish line with a big ol' grin on her face. She accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I knew she could do anything she put her stubborn mind to and do it well. I can't wait to see what she tries next!
So for the three of us, we were all feeling pretty nervous in different ways. After seeing how long a 1/2 mile is swimming, I was scared and kicking myself for blowing off the swim training. I was in the 9th wave of women (elites/teenagers went first, followed by age groups getting younger with each wave). The wind was starting to kick up, so it was an advantage to watch how the current and wind affected the swimmers in the waves ahead of us. I figured out pretty quickly to stay upwind as most women were being blown way off course.
The first leg of the swim, I was a complete mess. I was wound tight, had a tough time breathing and ended up doing a sizeable chunk of it doing backstroke. Once I rounded that bouy though, something in me calmed and the body just kicked back into the mode of when I swam in HS and I felt pretty good. About 1/2 way to the swim finish, I remember looking up and seeing that there weren't many red caps ahead of me, which told me that I was probably doing better than I thought in my wave. In fact, I noticed that I was passing some of the people in the wave in front of me as well. Whew!
The transition was a little slower than I'd expected, as I forgot about the run up the hill to the bikes. I got out of the water and walked for about 10-15 seconds probably, then realized I needed to get my butt moving. Lesson learned and noted. I started to run and heard someone yell at me (or my number), "Great job and get moving 987!". I'm usually the one cheering to others like that so to me, that was a huge boost and it added to the excitement.
I did get on the bike well and was happy with my time on the 12 miles, considering I'd only started riding a little more seriously about a month prior to the race. I passed many more than passed me, and those who passed me were either younger or on a really great bike. The ride was hilly, but not overwhelming. There were two good hills, one short and steep; the other long and slow. Both I made it up. Yay!
The transition to the run wasn't bad, but could use a little improvement. If I get bike shoes that are a little more conduicive to easy on/off, I'll do better. I took the gloves off as I was riding in and mentally prepped for the run.
The run, which should be my best leg, was by far, the worst. The legs were really tired and I felt as if I was doing the gramma shuffle for about the first mile. The heat was kicking in, adding to the misery. I really struggled to get my breathing down and get the legs to make longer strides. I need to do more runs after a hard ride to get through this. Lesson learned and noted.
Kait's wave started about 1/2 hour behind me and I knew she could potentially catch me during the race. Sure enough, during the first 1/2 mile of the run or so, I saw her coming in for her last mile or so in the ride. She hollered at me and it was one of the best parts of my race! :) It's great having people you know out there!
At about the 2 mile point, there was a long, shallow hill. Really long. About 1/3 of the way through it, I ended up walking it to the top, but power walked it the best I could. It was discouraging, but I was certainly going faster in the walk than I would have if I'd tried jogging it. I worried about Deeann getting through this chunk as the heat would be worse for her.
Finally, I made it to the top of this damn hill and started jogging. I HAD to start jogging as there were a ton of spectators in that last 1/2 mile as you approached the finish line. Ego kicked in, you know. LOL! Thankfully that part was flat. The crowd was motivating as well as the loud music and the announcer calling each finisher's name. It felt great to be finished and see Deeann's hubby, Greg, waiting at the finish line!
Kait finished about 20 minutes behind me. She did really well and was grinning out of excitement as well. Looking at her times overall, she finished in the top 10% of all 2900+ women. Wow! Remember, this was her first race.
Deeann started about 1/2 hour behind Kait. Greg had been running between each of us girls, trying to get pictures of us as we started or finished different legs. I think he was able go get a great workout that day as well (thank you, Greg!!). After Kait finished, we hustled over to where the transition area was, near the run beginning. Greg caught her in the transition between the bike and run. We sat close and watched her hit about the 1 mile mark. She flipped us off, in true Deeann running fashion, but did it with a smile.
The amazing thing about this race is that everyone out there supports everyone else. I can't tell you how many times I heard "woo-hoo" and "go girl" shouted to the athletes as they went through their personal ordeals. The crowd and the competitors each helped each other. There were times where the bike and run legs passed near each other where the encouragement was huge. Then again, the way the run was set up, there were many places where you would see the athletes ahead and behind you as it snaked through the woods. What an incredible experience! For anyone trying their first tri, I suggest doing a Danskin one.
In the end, we anxiously awaited Deeann's arrival. Sure enough, we saw the periwinkle blue shirt in the distance and looked like puppies waiting for their masters to come through the door as she approached. She finished well and looked as if she was spent. I'm so proud of all of us for doing what we'd set out to do, as we did it!
Yay Team Hurricane Hunters!!!!
Lessons and notes for next time:
Swim -
1. Watch the water and swimmers from early legs to see the current/wind.
2. Wait a few seconds to let most people go, breathe, then head out.
3. Relax and channel the techniques you know.
4. TRAIN, dum bass! :)
Bike -
1. Save a little for the run or at least ease up on the legs for a minute or so before transition
2. Eat a gel on the way out and if time, a few Clif Blox on the way in to have some energy for the run. Worked great!
3. Consider training/racing without gloves for 12 miles.
Run -
1. Hmm...
Transitions -
1. Run between events as much as possible. Get quickly to the bike. Get quickly off the bike.
2. Bring a better towel for drying the feet quickly.
3. Get a good way to ID the bike space quickly. It looks so much different when returning.
4. Orient yourself before the race even begins so you know the different entry/exit points.
Spectators -
1. Bring binoculars to spot your athlete in the distance. Makes it easier to pick him/her out for photos as s/he approaches.
2. Bring a camera, sunscreen, water and a lightweight chair.
3. Scout out the race area to see where some of the best viewing spots may be. There might be several closeby to make it easier on you.
3. Cheer hard!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Countdown - 3 days to the Tri
Let's start with a little bit of history.
Last fall, Deeann and I were doing our (now) annual Jesse James Day 5k up in Northfield, MN. As we were joggling and yapping, somehow we got on the conversation of doing a triathlon...just a basic one. Deeann, I think, humored me at the time, probably to keep me from yapping so much :) , but lo and behold, early 2008 I got a call from her saying, "Let's do it!"
With some digging we found a Danskin Women's Triathlon in Austin, which will be held this Sunday. They're great beginner-friendly tri's and the logistics of it being (sort of) close to Dallas made it ideal. I could borrow a bike from a friend for her and we could ride down together.
She enlisted more competitors from our Hurricane Hunter squadron, Kait and Danielle. She also designed a great t-shirt with the Hurricane Hunter logo and a breast cancer awareness pink ribbon. We plan to wear them at least for the run, since that's where some of the best photo ops are.
Deeann has been dillegently following a triathlon training schedule we found on www.halhigdon.com which works the athlete on time, rather than distance. It was so much fun to hear her talk about how much more she's doing every week and how it's starting to be fun for her. I just grin from ear-to-ear every time I talk to her or read her blog. She's going to do well.
So fast forward, Deeann and her hubby, Greg, will be here in Dallas later today to spend the weekend together. We'll drive down to Austin on Saturday, where we'll get through the packet pickup and bike racking. Then our hotel is right near 6th Street, so at least we can walk to great food and entertainment for the weekend.
I think we're both REALLY excited to do this and in the end, have the race behind us. None of the four of us girls have ever done one, so this should be really exciting. Wish us luck! We'll post more after the race.
kk
Last fall, Deeann and I were doing our (now) annual Jesse James Day 5k up in Northfield, MN. As we were joggling and yapping, somehow we got on the conversation of doing a triathlon...just a basic one. Deeann, I think, humored me at the time, probably to keep me from yapping so much :) , but lo and behold, early 2008 I got a call from her saying, "Let's do it!"
With some digging we found a Danskin Women's Triathlon in Austin, which will be held this Sunday. They're great beginner-friendly tri's and the logistics of it being (sort of) close to Dallas made it ideal. I could borrow a bike from a friend for her and we could ride down together.
She enlisted more competitors from our Hurricane Hunter squadron, Kait and Danielle. She also designed a great t-shirt with the Hurricane Hunter logo and a breast cancer awareness pink ribbon. We plan to wear them at least for the run, since that's where some of the best photo ops are.
Deeann has been dillegently following a triathlon training schedule we found on www.halhigdon.com which works the athlete on time, rather than distance. It was so much fun to hear her talk about how much more she's doing every week and how it's starting to be fun for her. I just grin from ear-to-ear every time I talk to her or read her blog. She's going to do well.
So fast forward, Deeann and her hubby, Greg, will be here in Dallas later today to spend the weekend together. We'll drive down to Austin on Saturday, where we'll get through the packet pickup and bike racking. Then our hotel is right near 6th Street, so at least we can walk to great food and entertainment for the weekend.
I think we're both REALLY excited to do this and in the end, have the race behind us. None of the four of us girls have ever done one, so this should be really exciting. Wish us luck! We'll post more after the race.
kk
Monday, June 2, 2008
Friends and a Sunday bike commute
Sometimes you just don't appreciate how wonderful your friends are. Yesterday, I found out.
Driving, it's about 16-17 miles from my house to REI where I work on the weekends. When backroads are used, such as a route to ride a bike on, it's 20 miles on the nose door-to-door. After some playing around on a cool site http://www.bikely.com/ I came up with a route through a bunch of neighborhoods and mostly off the main flow of traffic. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/REI-to-Lewisville
When I told my neighbors, Debbie and Marsha, about the ride, they were worried that I'd get stuck or in a bad area or worse, get hit. The gang at REI also voiced concern for my ride home. I feel so lucky to have people care enough to worry. Because I've been on my own for so long, I sometimes feel as if it's me against the world and forget how wonderful of friends I have. It's opportunities like this that take a two-by-four to my noggin to make me realize the friendships I have. Thank you all! :)
So, I offered to let Deb and Marsha know the minute I made it to the store, so they could stop worrying. On the way home, I texted them again to let them know I was on the way and about what time I expected to be home. I figured it would be about 8:15 when I got home and let them know. Sure enough, when I rounded the corner to the street at 8:05, the two were sitting on the front porch waiting. It was so sweet.
I gave myself about 2 hours and some change to get to work, which also allowed me a bit of time to get a quick shower and get changed for work.
The heat wasn't too bad, but the steady south headwind made it a slow ride going to the store. Plus I swear, Edmonds Lane is all uphill, though it's deceiving in that it looks flat. It took about 1:45 to get there, but I also had a belly full of breakfast.
The way home, the air was cooler and the wind had died some. I had a bit of a tailwind, but not much. Through the neighborhoods, the aroma of grills was everywhere and my stomach growled incessantly. There was a bit more traffic on the road, but for the most part it was much quieter than it would be on a weekday, I'm sure. It took about 1:25 to get home.
Great friends. Great ride. What else can you ask for, right?
Driving, it's about 16-17 miles from my house to REI where I work on the weekends. When backroads are used, such as a route to ride a bike on, it's 20 miles on the nose door-to-door. After some playing around on a cool site http://www.bikely.com/ I came up with a route through a bunch of neighborhoods and mostly off the main flow of traffic. http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/REI-to-Lewisville
When I told my neighbors, Debbie and Marsha, about the ride, they were worried that I'd get stuck or in a bad area or worse, get hit. The gang at REI also voiced concern for my ride home. I feel so lucky to have people care enough to worry. Because I've been on my own for so long, I sometimes feel as if it's me against the world and forget how wonderful of friends I have. It's opportunities like this that take a two-by-four to my noggin to make me realize the friendships I have. Thank you all! :)
So, I offered to let Deb and Marsha know the minute I made it to the store, so they could stop worrying. On the way home, I texted them again to let them know I was on the way and about what time I expected to be home. I figured it would be about 8:15 when I got home and let them know. Sure enough, when I rounded the corner to the street at 8:05, the two were sitting on the front porch waiting. It was so sweet.
I gave myself about 2 hours and some change to get to work, which also allowed me a bit of time to get a quick shower and get changed for work.
The heat wasn't too bad, but the steady south headwind made it a slow ride going to the store. Plus I swear, Edmonds Lane is all uphill, though it's deceiving in that it looks flat. It took about 1:45 to get there, but I also had a belly full of breakfast.
The way home, the air was cooler and the wind had died some. I had a bit of a tailwind, but not much. Through the neighborhoods, the aroma of grills was everywhere and my stomach growled incessantly. There was a bit more traffic on the road, but for the most part it was much quieter than it would be on a weekday, I'm sure. It took about 1:25 to get home.
Great friends. Great ride. What else can you ask for, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
