Can you believe I have just three weeks left? I can't. This week was no different than the others where I try to avoid training and try to have a life and tell myself it's ok. I did a little too much fun making early in the week but followed it up with some good solid iron-activity. It's weird. I think I am not doing the workouts because I am tired even tho I don't really physically *feel* tired. I just feel blah.
Monday - Rest Day
The weird thing about being unemployed is that, without the structure, I have no idea what I did most days. I've been having to go to my Flickr Set - XX Days of Unemployment to figure it out. I know that I didn't work out. I know that I saw Zack. Oh! I had dinner with Jessica and her boyfriend, Will, who are visiting from New England. We went to my favorite Taqueria and then Zack met us for drinks at Mission Bar.
Tuesday - Rest
I was still really aching from my Triple Brick on Sunday so I took today off from training too. Today I had an interview with Unemployment Services. Apparently they were going to assess my eligibility to get work. I was a little groggy from drinks the night before and waking up at 6:30 to get ready for an 8am appointment. The meeting was stupid. I sat around for a few until a lady came to collect me and another guy. She led us back to her cubicle which was just plastered with photos of plants and flowers that were part of a calendar. Weird. I tried to take a covert operation photo but since I was sitting less than a foot from her it was hard. She then reviewed this worksheet I filled out and handed me three sheets of paper with info on how to find a job. (gee thanks, I have never looked for a job before). I was out of there in 15 minutes. Decided to go to Chinatown but was like, eh. Then I decided to go to Macy's. Parked in the lot and treated myself to breakfast at Mel's. Didn't find anything fun to buy. Probably for the better. Later I went to a movie with Ian. We saw The Happening and it was incredibly dumb. I like to think that M. Night Shyamalan is a genius and his actors were acting that bad because of the storyline...but. I think it was just bad. Went over to Zack's and had dinner and watched a movie.
Wednesday - Well...
Had all the intentions in the world to run but woke up late-ish. I don't really remember what I did the rest of the day. Later I picked Zack up and we had dinner with Betsy and Rick at Little Star and then headed over to the Independent for the Air Guitar Championships. I had to bribe Zack to go since he thought it was gonna be lame. I kept saying, it's so awesome. This is my third year going. I wouldn't bring you to something lame. Then, of course, it was lame. I hate how the rest of the world takes the air guitar seriously except for the 20 contestants in San Francisco. LAME.
Thursday - Swim
Drove down to Burlingame to check out this pool down there. Weird that they don't put speeds on the lanes. Usually a pool will mark them slow, medium or fast. When I asked the lifeguard she said it didn't work out very well when they tried that. I was thinking, how could it NOT work out? And, really? It works out better to have them not marked so that someone slow gets in a lane with someone fast and then they have problems? Sigh. Found a lane with a guy who I assessed to be around my speed. We ended up splitting the lane so it was no biggee. The pool was treated with Bromine which, I always forget, makes me nauseous. Lap swim down there is only an hour so I couldn't finish my 3700 yards. I probably did like half of it. Stayed in that night finishing up Entourage season 3.
Friday - Run
Went to my chiropractor in the morning. I totally needed it. I have no idea what I am gonna do right after my race without Dr. Rabbetz there. Probably suffer for the week at my mom's and then get adjusted when I get back. Right after my appointment I went to Crissy Field and ran. The wind was horrible but I pushed through. Later in the day I felt like it might have been a mistake since I started to feel really stressed in my lower back. Spent the afternoon swearing with Yi on instant messenger regarding the bike route profile. It was gonna be tough. Put new tires on my bike. Watched a movie and went to bed around 8:30.
Saturday - Ride
Doug picked me up (late) and we headed down to the peninsula for our 100 mile ride that promised over 10,000 feet of climbing. Looking back, I wasn't really in the mental state for this ride. Things have been weighing heavily on my mind lately. Plus, when we pulled in the parking lot, most of the team had left. Was kinda bummed that Yi didn't wait for me even tho I texted her that I was gonna be a bit late. It all worked out since Robin and Madora were just getting there as well and I decided to ride with them. The main reason I got through last weeks triple brick was because I took it slow and that was my plan for today. With 100 miles ahead of me and some known and unknown climbing I wanted to make sure I saved myself for the massive 9 mile climb at mile 80. First part of the ride was great. Until Hwy 9. It was 5-6 miles of steady climbing. Immediately, I pulled my back. The farther up I went, the more I realized that I was in trouble as a dull ache started in my lower left back. Felt like crying a lot about a lot of stuff. As soon as I felt the tears sting my eyes I just fought it back. I'm an ironman fer crissakes. Made it to the top and was so out of it. Ate some food, stretched my back and headed on for the next part of the ride. Uneventful until we reached Old La Honda Road. I know this road, my friend Jason lives 3/4 of the way up and it's even hard to drive when you're in a car. At the bottom the rest stop volunteers assured us that it was only 2.5 miles to the top and not that bad. Coach Alex started off with me and I just want to apologize to him right now. All he heard on the way up was me swearing, spitting and crying. I was doing ok tho, except in extreme moments of steepness when my back just felt like it was burning into my stomach, and then about a half mile from the top this guy rides by me and says, unfortunately the easy part is over. The easy part! Shit. That so didn't help my confidence for the last bit. Made it to the top, up and over and on that part I decided that I had to get sagged in (picked up and driven back to the car) at mile 70 which was right before the 9 mile climb on Tunitas Road. It's not something I am proud of, getting sagged, and is the first time in my entire cycling career that I have not finished a ride. We got to the bottom of Pescadero Road and there was a steepish climb with the rest of the road hidden behind a curve. I asked Coach Dan from the South Bay team what the climb was like. He said, oh it's not bad. I asked him again saying that I needed to know specifically and to please not use the "coach deflection" technique since if it was only 500 feet I could do it and if it was 2 miles I probably couldn't. He said it's not as bad as Hwy 9 to which I replied, well, Hwy 9 blew out my fucking back and I cried all the way up Old La Honda and I am tough (to which Helen, who was standing nearby, confirmed that I was one tough cookie). Dan fessed up that it was 4-5 miles and I was like, there is no way. So he told me of an alternate route that would put me at the next waterstop in 10 miles or less and off I went. I hate that he treated me like I was trying to get out of it because I was lazy. Especially since he had seen me several times previously where I had mentioned my back hurting.
Anyways
Got sagged and was planing on going to the top of Tunitas Road and then riding down but the time in the car stiffened my back up and I opted to just go back to the car. Doug was already done and eating (he was 2 hours a head of me even tho we left roughly around the same time!) We drove home and I felt like crying the whole way. The ride was a bit demoralizing for me and definitely did not build any confidence. Life is so hard sometimes! Came home and took an ice bath and got ready to go to Zack's for a party. Yes, I rode 70 tough miles and planned on partying! hahaha. (not really, just visiting)
Sunday - Nada
Supposed to run but because of the state of my back put it off til Monday when hopefully my body and my mental state will all be better.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Week 37
I was exhausted after the weekend in Clearlake and unconsciously decided to take it easy this week on the training front. On the life front, I had so much going on that the week flew by and before I knew it, it was Sunday and I was headed down to the Peninsula to do my season culminating Triple Brick.
Monday - Rest
Today I wasn't really feeling sore from the previous weekend, even still, I moved my Friday chiropractic appointment to Tuesday morning to have some things addressed. I went over to Elektra's today to help her set up a trainer she bought so she could rig her mountain bike to be stationary. Both her tires were flat and I happened to have the right size tubes she needed and the experience in tube/tire changing. Then we sat around and ate some lunch and watched bad cable. Then I can't really remember what I did. heh.
Tuesday - Swim
Had a big swim workout planned. The weather started out not being so nice so I hoped the pool would not be packed. Then it got sunny out and everybody and their brother was there. At one point I counted 12 people in the fast lane. It wouldn't be so bad if the people were considerate. Dude, if you see that someone is right on your feet because they are clearly faster than you, don't push off in front of them...let them fucking pass! GAH! I had to cut the workout short since I was so frustrated. Afterwards I met Zack for lunch. Then we went out and watched the Celtics at a dive bar. Three beers later I was druuunk. heh.
Wednesday - Nada
So now three beers creates a hangover...even with 9 hours of sleep. I was supposed to clean my bike at some point this week and today was supposed to be the day. But I was headachey. Ian gave me a pity job of cleaning his apartment while he was away on business so I went over there and did that. Then came home and vegged out to hours of Entourage. I kept saying: one more episode. Next thing I knew it was time to get ready for dinner with my friend Jess. She's in town from New England. Her mom lives in SOMA so I headed over there for fabulous company and dinner. Lot's of wine = druuuunk.
Thursday - Sonoma-Marin Fair
Kind of hungover-ish again. Went over to Elektra's very early to collect her and Xino to head up to Petaluma. Elektra entered her doggy in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest that was being held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Xino's story was so heartwarming that the Animal Planet people who sponsor the contest made Xino a featured player! Today Elektra got interviewed by Animal Planet, Channel 4 and Channel 7. Xino got filmed for a green screen something or other and then there were rehearsals for the contest. It was like 100 in Petaluma and my car doesn't have a/c so we were kinda dying. Especially since we didn't expect it. Came home and crashed.
Friday - Sonoma-Marin Fair
Today was the big contest day so I picked up Elektra, Xino and Elektra's boyfriend Nathan and we all headed up to Hog Island Oyster Farm for the yummiest lunch ever. The weather was INSANE. It was already 80 when I woke up at 7am and 90 by the time I left my house at 11am. We drove to the oyster farm, which is usually cool and windy. When we got there it was 80 and HOT. Still, we had a fabulous lunch of Kumamotos, Sweetwaters and clams. I made a mignonette. We grilled some of the Sweetwaters rockefeller style. We also grilled the clams and spritzed them with lemon and salt and pepper and they were just so fabulous. I never knew clams could be so good. We also had bread, cheese, olives, guacamole and apricot jam...oh and wine and champagne. Then we headed over to Petaluma for the doggy contest. Xino came in third! (he was robbed)
Hez and Xino at Hog Island
Saturday - Nothing
There was nothing on the calendar for my workout and then I realized that I missed an email for a swim workout. Oh wells. Went to Iron Mo's going away party at Crissy Field. Then decided to go to Macy's but the traffic was so bad and the parking garage so full I was like, why am I going to Macy's on a Saturday when I can go on a Monday! Went home to watch more Entourage and get ready for my big workout on Sunday. Zack called and he came over with some movies. Can you believe I had never seen Taxi Driver in it's entirety? Then we got a burrito. Then I made him watch my two remaining episodes of Entourage.
People at Crissy Field
Sunday - Triple Brick
Soooo, after not working out all week and having alcohol twice, I set out for my triple brick down on the peninsula with the South Bay Ironteam. A brick is the act of cycling and running, triple means we had to do it 3 times. The day had some minor annoying issues. I was late-ish and had to rush around. I forgot to charge my Garmin so I did not have a watch, gps, heart rate monitor, speedometer, distance or reminder for food intake the whole day. I dropped my chain twice. I actually fell off my bike from a complete standstill in the middle of the road. But, the rest of the day was awesome! The bike routes were pretty easy. I was worried about the first one since it involved climbing 25 minutes on Kings Mountain Road, which is my nemeis, by the way. In 2006 I did a ride about 5 months after my traithlon season was over and I had not ridden at all. It involved going up King's Mtn and I had to stop well before halfway. I just couldn't do it. So I was very nervous. It was such a non-issue tho. It was even easy! My heart rate was at least 10 beats below my lactate threshold and for most of the ride was well below that (the Garmin worked for about 2 hours). The day consisted of riding for two hours and then running for one hour three times in a row. I was surprised at how easy it all was and I felt great throughout. On the run I had to bring my cell phone with me to keep track of time and at one point my mom called. I answered and she was like, what are you up to? I was like, I'm on my second run! hahaha. Look at me answering the phone while running. The day was great and I felt great, tho worried about my psoas as it acted up towards the end. After the workout I came home, ordered chinese food and then passed out.
Monday - Rest
Today I wasn't really feeling sore from the previous weekend, even still, I moved my Friday chiropractic appointment to Tuesday morning to have some things addressed. I went over to Elektra's today to help her set up a trainer she bought so she could rig her mountain bike to be stationary. Both her tires were flat and I happened to have the right size tubes she needed and the experience in tube/tire changing. Then we sat around and ate some lunch and watched bad cable. Then I can't really remember what I did. heh.
Tuesday - Swim
Had a big swim workout planned. The weather started out not being so nice so I hoped the pool would not be packed. Then it got sunny out and everybody and their brother was there. At one point I counted 12 people in the fast lane. It wouldn't be so bad if the people were considerate. Dude, if you see that someone is right on your feet because they are clearly faster than you, don't push off in front of them...let them fucking pass! GAH! I had to cut the workout short since I was so frustrated. Afterwards I met Zack for lunch. Then we went out and watched the Celtics at a dive bar. Three beers later I was druuunk. heh.
Wednesday - Nada
So now three beers creates a hangover...even with 9 hours of sleep. I was supposed to clean my bike at some point this week and today was supposed to be the day. But I was headachey. Ian gave me a pity job of cleaning his apartment while he was away on business so I went over there and did that. Then came home and vegged out to hours of Entourage. I kept saying: one more episode. Next thing I knew it was time to get ready for dinner with my friend Jess. She's in town from New England. Her mom lives in SOMA so I headed over there for fabulous company and dinner. Lot's of wine = druuuunk.
Thursday - Sonoma-Marin Fair
Kind of hungover-ish again. Went over to Elektra's very early to collect her and Xino to head up to Petaluma. Elektra entered her doggy in the World's Ugliest Dog Contest that was being held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Xino's story was so heartwarming that the Animal Planet people who sponsor the contest made Xino a featured player! Today Elektra got interviewed by Animal Planet, Channel 4 and Channel 7. Xino got filmed for a green screen something or other and then there were rehearsals for the contest. It was like 100 in Petaluma and my car doesn't have a/c so we were kinda dying. Especially since we didn't expect it. Came home and crashed.
Friday - Sonoma-Marin Fair
Today was the big contest day so I picked up Elektra, Xino and Elektra's boyfriend Nathan and we all headed up to Hog Island Oyster Farm for the yummiest lunch ever. The weather was INSANE. It was already 80 when I woke up at 7am and 90 by the time I left my house at 11am. We drove to the oyster farm, which is usually cool and windy. When we got there it was 80 and HOT. Still, we had a fabulous lunch of Kumamotos, Sweetwaters and clams. I made a mignonette. We grilled some of the Sweetwaters rockefeller style. We also grilled the clams and spritzed them with lemon and salt and pepper and they were just so fabulous. I never knew clams could be so good. We also had bread, cheese, olives, guacamole and apricot jam...oh and wine and champagne. Then we headed over to Petaluma for the doggy contest. Xino came in third! (he was robbed)
Hez and Xino at Hog IslandSaturday - Nothing
There was nothing on the calendar for my workout and then I realized that I missed an email for a swim workout. Oh wells. Went to Iron Mo's going away party at Crissy Field. Then decided to go to Macy's but the traffic was so bad and the parking garage so full I was like, why am I going to Macy's on a Saturday when I can go on a Monday! Went home to watch more Entourage and get ready for my big workout on Sunday. Zack called and he came over with some movies. Can you believe I had never seen Taxi Driver in it's entirety? Then we got a burrito. Then I made him watch my two remaining episodes of Entourage.
People at Crissy FieldSunday - Triple Brick
Soooo, after not working out all week and having alcohol twice, I set out for my triple brick down on the peninsula with the South Bay Ironteam. A brick is the act of cycling and running, triple means we had to do it 3 times. The day had some minor annoying issues. I was late-ish and had to rush around. I forgot to charge my Garmin so I did not have a watch, gps, heart rate monitor, speedometer, distance or reminder for food intake the whole day. I dropped my chain twice. I actually fell off my bike from a complete standstill in the middle of the road. But, the rest of the day was awesome! The bike routes were pretty easy. I was worried about the first one since it involved climbing 25 minutes on Kings Mountain Road, which is my nemeis, by the way. In 2006 I did a ride about 5 months after my traithlon season was over and I had not ridden at all. It involved going up King's Mtn and I had to stop well before halfway. I just couldn't do it. So I was very nervous. It was such a non-issue tho. It was even easy! My heart rate was at least 10 beats below my lactate threshold and for most of the ride was well below that (the Garmin worked for about 2 hours). The day consisted of riding for two hours and then running for one hour three times in a row. I was surprised at how easy it all was and I felt great throughout. On the run I had to bring my cell phone with me to keep track of time and at one point my mom called. I answered and she was like, what are you up to? I was like, I'm on my second run! hahaha. Look at me answering the phone while running. The day was great and I felt great, tho worried about my psoas as it acted up towards the end. After the workout I came home, ordered chinese food and then passed out.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Week 36: Ass Whooping
This week seemed to be working out ok. Besides the news that someone I care deeply about is leaving San Francisco and that had to be addressed...and dealt with...and cried about...and reevaluated...and obsessed about...and etc etc etc. Exhausting.
Monday - Rest
Happy that the weather was unusually hot, I drove to Lyne's house to have a walk with her and her baby, Oliver, and enjoyed an ice coffee in Noe Valley. Then I headed over to Elektra's house where we drank beers and watched bad cable TV and commiserated about our lost jobs...she worked with me and got laid off too.
Tuesday - Bike
Drove down to Canada Road to do a bike marker set. Read the details on the calendar as a 15 minute warm up, 30 minute marker set, 15 minute cool down. Thought it was a little weird but Canada Road seemed perfect for it since it's 15 miles out and back and would work well. Plus I got to try out my aerobars again on a not so windy day. Worked awesome and I feel more comfortable using them. Got home and realized that the calendar said a 30 MILE bike marker set...not 30 MINUTES. Sigh. Had an almost major melt down later in the day but managed to pull it together and not make a fool of myself in public. It sucked, tho, it really sucked.
Wednesday -Swim
Massive swim workout planned, rode my bike to my public pool and it was closed for the afternoon lap swim because of a city training or something. Then quick rode over to the Mission outdoor public pool but that one was closed too til 3pm. Since it was so hot out, I decided to wait til the evening lap swim and do it in the outside pool. Rode back over there and pool was still closed. So no swimming for me but lots of neighborhood riding. Went to the library and got a library card. They didn't have the book I wanted at my local branch so ordered it and waited impatiently for book two of the Earthsea series. Went to my coaches house for dinner and interrogated him and his wife about Ironman and what actually happens on the day.
Thursday - Swim Again
Went to the outdoor Mission pool, which is now my favorite place to swim since it is um, outside. Was a little disappointed that it was only 2 lanes. One slow and one fast. Got in the fast lane and had to deal with tons of testosterone. Stupid men. Why do they have to act like they are olympic swimmers? Dude, it's a 30 yard public pool, do you really need to overtake me and cut me off before the wall and then NOT continue so my flow gets interrupted? No. Oh yeah, and you - super fast guy who thinks you are awesome for swimming so super fast for your measly 30 minutes? Try swimming for 90 minutes. Pussy. Workout was 3600 yards, which in this new pool was 4300 yards. Hi? Stud. Sunblocked my tattoos and my face but not my back. Ouch! Then I went shopping and spent way too much money at Sports Basement on stuff I actually needed. Well, maybe I didn't need those shorts and that dress but I did need some tubes and nutrition and socks and a sports bra etc etc. It's like my last time spending money until I get a job.
Friday - Packing and Driving
Packed for my training weekend away in Clearlake. Made a call to my grandpa. Made me cry because he was in a grumpy mood. Doug, my teammate, picked me up and we hit Manora's Thai restaurant before we left the city then headed out for the 3 hour drive to Lakeport. Drive was uneventful except for a stop at the tri-tip BBQ taco place. When Doug and I walked in it was literally THIS CLOSE to being Deliverance and we were scared of the two Harley Dudes sitting at the bar and the near toothless old woman behind the bar. But the Harley Dudes turned out to be awesome and nice and invited us to sit down. Got to Ironteam alum, Jeff's house and dropped or bikes off then headed to the hotel and then off to meet some of the team for dinner. Roomed with Yi. We got in bed at 8:30pm and were alseep shortly after that.
Saturday - Swim/Bike
Woke up at 5am to get ready for the morning. Packed our stuff and carpooled down to Jeff the Alums house on Clearlake which would be our starting point. Got our wetsuits on and headed down to the water for our 2 mile swim. The route would be to swim out about 100 yards, turn left and swim to a white buoy, turn right and swim past an orange buoy to a dock, turn around and swim back to the orange buoy and then swim in. The night before when I was envisioning my swim, I decided to aim for 1:15. The swim wasn't that bad! Two miles seems like a long way and a long time to be in the water but it went by kinda fast. I just kept my head down and followed along behind some of the girls who were just slightly faster than me. Came out of the water in 1:19 which wasn't so bad. Later it was discussed that the swim route might've been longer than 2 miles based on the swim times of teammates who know their 2 mile times. So, that is good news for me!
After the swim we got ready for our 90 mile bike ride. The route led us 15 miles to a park which would be our base rest stop. Then we had two 30 mile circles from that point and then we would ride 15 mile back to the house. The first 15 miles? Awesome. The first 30 mile loop? Not so awesome. I went out way too hard with a group that was averaging 20 mph! Holy crap! By the end of that loop I was tired, sluggish, heavy feeling and exhausted and it was getting hot. I couldn't keep up with the people and started to really lag behind. I made a decision that when I got to the park I would just relax and lay in the grass for a bit. When I got to the rest stop I couldn't even talk. People were checking in with me and asking me questions and I was only able to grunt. heh. Had some fluids and then sat down. Yi was getting ready to go back out on the second loop and I told her that I wanted to rest a bit. Then Mai, Nancy, Izumi and Susan rolled in and I decided to go out with them. Best decision ever. Their speed was a bit slower and I was able to draft off of Mai for about 2o miles. It really helped me to recover and get my second wind. I finished up that second loop feeling awesome and like myself again. Then it was just a quick 15 miles back to the house and we were done! I think I finished the ride in 6:30 or maybe 7 hours. Not too bad. I'd like to get that time down, but that also includes rest stops. That night we had a great BBQ at Jeff's house and I just zoned out til we went back to the hotel.
Sunday - Run
I was slated to run 18 miles but had mentally decided to run 15 with the team. Still tho, my coach wanted me to get there a half hour early in case I wanted to go a bit longer. Yi gratiously offered to go with me early and we headed off, running 8 minutes and then walking for 2. I was a bit sore from the day before but everything seemed ok...until mile 10. :-| My right butt, right hip and outside of my right and left thigh started to get really tight. Like painfully tight. It was really all I could do to keep moving but when we would stop for our 2 minute walk that was painful too. I felt like I just wanted to lay down on the ground and roll around and stretch everything. Of course that isn't an option when you're running on Route 20 in Clearlake. Finally, tho, it was over and it was all I could do to push out the last half mile. When I got to Jeff's driveway I started to walk and just stomped into the backyard taking things off along they way like my visor, heart rate monitor, watch, socks and shoes and just layed down in the grass and started crying. Ted and Pete, two of my coaches came over to talk to me and when they saw that I was crying they were like, uhhh. They were concerned but had no idea what to do. hahahaha. I just stayed there for a bit stretching everything. Then I finagled my way into a shower and shortly after Doug and I left to go back to the city.
All in all, the weekend was hard but manageable. The swim definitely built my confidence. The bike, tho hard at first was awesome. I mean, 90 miles. Next time you get in your car reset your trip odometer and see how long it takes you to drive that! The run, tho, may have set me back a bit on the confidence scale. I kept thinking, would I be able to bust out another 11 miles feeling like this? Hopefully on race day adrenalin will kick in and keep all those aches and pains at bay.
And by the way, my race is just 31 days away! I am also closing in on my fundraising goal and have just $400 left to make my $8000 total! Are you feeling generous? Go here to help me cure cancer!
Monday - Rest
Happy that the weather was unusually hot, I drove to Lyne's house to have a walk with her and her baby, Oliver, and enjoyed an ice coffee in Noe Valley. Then I headed over to Elektra's house where we drank beers and watched bad cable TV and commiserated about our lost jobs...she worked with me and got laid off too.
Tuesday - Bike
Drove down to Canada Road to do a bike marker set. Read the details on the calendar as a 15 minute warm up, 30 minute marker set, 15 minute cool down. Thought it was a little weird but Canada Road seemed perfect for it since it's 15 miles out and back and would work well. Plus I got to try out my aerobars again on a not so windy day. Worked awesome and I feel more comfortable using them. Got home and realized that the calendar said a 30 MILE bike marker set...not 30 MINUTES. Sigh. Had an almost major melt down later in the day but managed to pull it together and not make a fool of myself in public. It sucked, tho, it really sucked.
Wednesday -Swim
Massive swim workout planned, rode my bike to my public pool and it was closed for the afternoon lap swim because of a city training or something. Then quick rode over to the Mission outdoor public pool but that one was closed too til 3pm. Since it was so hot out, I decided to wait til the evening lap swim and do it in the outside pool. Rode back over there and pool was still closed. So no swimming for me but lots of neighborhood riding. Went to the library and got a library card. They didn't have the book I wanted at my local branch so ordered it and waited impatiently for book two of the Earthsea series. Went to my coaches house for dinner and interrogated him and his wife about Ironman and what actually happens on the day.
Thursday - Swim Again
Went to the outdoor Mission pool, which is now my favorite place to swim since it is um, outside. Was a little disappointed that it was only 2 lanes. One slow and one fast. Got in the fast lane and had to deal with tons of testosterone. Stupid men. Why do they have to act like they are olympic swimmers? Dude, it's a 30 yard public pool, do you really need to overtake me and cut me off before the wall and then NOT continue so my flow gets interrupted? No. Oh yeah, and you - super fast guy who thinks you are awesome for swimming so super fast for your measly 30 minutes? Try swimming for 90 minutes. Pussy. Workout was 3600 yards, which in this new pool was 4300 yards. Hi? Stud. Sunblocked my tattoos and my face but not my back. Ouch! Then I went shopping and spent way too much money at Sports Basement on stuff I actually needed. Well, maybe I didn't need those shorts and that dress but I did need some tubes and nutrition and socks and a sports bra etc etc. It's like my last time spending money until I get a job.
Friday - Packing and Driving
Packed for my training weekend away in Clearlake. Made a call to my grandpa. Made me cry because he was in a grumpy mood. Doug, my teammate, picked me up and we hit Manora's Thai restaurant before we left the city then headed out for the 3 hour drive to Lakeport. Drive was uneventful except for a stop at the tri-tip BBQ taco place. When Doug and I walked in it was literally THIS CLOSE to being Deliverance and we were scared of the two Harley Dudes sitting at the bar and the near toothless old woman behind the bar. But the Harley Dudes turned out to be awesome and nice and invited us to sit down. Got to Ironteam alum, Jeff's house and dropped or bikes off then headed to the hotel and then off to meet some of the team for dinner. Roomed with Yi. We got in bed at 8:30pm and were alseep shortly after that.
Saturday - Swim/Bike
Woke up at 5am to get ready for the morning. Packed our stuff and carpooled down to Jeff the Alums house on Clearlake which would be our starting point. Got our wetsuits on and headed down to the water for our 2 mile swim. The route would be to swim out about 100 yards, turn left and swim to a white buoy, turn right and swim past an orange buoy to a dock, turn around and swim back to the orange buoy and then swim in. The night before when I was envisioning my swim, I decided to aim for 1:15. The swim wasn't that bad! Two miles seems like a long way and a long time to be in the water but it went by kinda fast. I just kept my head down and followed along behind some of the girls who were just slightly faster than me. Came out of the water in 1:19 which wasn't so bad. Later it was discussed that the swim route might've been longer than 2 miles based on the swim times of teammates who know their 2 mile times. So, that is good news for me!
After the swim we got ready for our 90 mile bike ride. The route led us 15 miles to a park which would be our base rest stop. Then we had two 30 mile circles from that point and then we would ride 15 mile back to the house. The first 15 miles? Awesome. The first 30 mile loop? Not so awesome. I went out way too hard with a group that was averaging 20 mph! Holy crap! By the end of that loop I was tired, sluggish, heavy feeling and exhausted and it was getting hot. I couldn't keep up with the people and started to really lag behind. I made a decision that when I got to the park I would just relax and lay in the grass for a bit. When I got to the rest stop I couldn't even talk. People were checking in with me and asking me questions and I was only able to grunt. heh. Had some fluids and then sat down. Yi was getting ready to go back out on the second loop and I told her that I wanted to rest a bit. Then Mai, Nancy, Izumi and Susan rolled in and I decided to go out with them. Best decision ever. Their speed was a bit slower and I was able to draft off of Mai for about 2o miles. It really helped me to recover and get my second wind. I finished up that second loop feeling awesome and like myself again. Then it was just a quick 15 miles back to the house and we were done! I think I finished the ride in 6:30 or maybe 7 hours. Not too bad. I'd like to get that time down, but that also includes rest stops. That night we had a great BBQ at Jeff's house and I just zoned out til we went back to the hotel.
Sunday - Run
I was slated to run 18 miles but had mentally decided to run 15 with the team. Still tho, my coach wanted me to get there a half hour early in case I wanted to go a bit longer. Yi gratiously offered to go with me early and we headed off, running 8 minutes and then walking for 2. I was a bit sore from the day before but everything seemed ok...until mile 10. :-| My right butt, right hip and outside of my right and left thigh started to get really tight. Like painfully tight. It was really all I could do to keep moving but when we would stop for our 2 minute walk that was painful too. I felt like I just wanted to lay down on the ground and roll around and stretch everything. Of course that isn't an option when you're running on Route 20 in Clearlake. Finally, tho, it was over and it was all I could do to push out the last half mile. When I got to Jeff's driveway I started to walk and just stomped into the backyard taking things off along they way like my visor, heart rate monitor, watch, socks and shoes and just layed down in the grass and started crying. Ted and Pete, two of my coaches came over to talk to me and when they saw that I was crying they were like, uhhh. They were concerned but had no idea what to do. hahahaha. I just stayed there for a bit stretching everything. Then I finagled my way into a shower and shortly after Doug and I left to go back to the city.
All in all, the weekend was hard but manageable. The swim definitely built my confidence. The bike, tho hard at first was awesome. I mean, 90 miles. Next time you get in your car reset your trip odometer and see how long it takes you to drive that! The run, tho, may have set me back a bit on the confidence scale. I kept thinking, would I be able to bust out another 11 miles feeling like this? Hopefully on race day adrenalin will kick in and keep all those aches and pains at bay.
And by the way, my race is just 31 days away! I am also closing in on my fundraising goal and have just $400 left to make my $8000 total! Are you feeling generous? Go here to help me cure cancer!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Week 35: Downward Spiral
Seems like every week is challenging but this time I really mean it! I was able to get back to swimming, finally got my bike back from the shop and was ready to get back on track (hi? 40 days?) and then my life fell apart. Shit.
Monday - Rest
And when I say rest, I mean rest. I called in sick because I was feeling sick. And when I say sick, I mean hungover from my Sunday night of 3 hours of karaoke and boozing it up. Was in bed by 10pm but was still a wreck the next day. I have the bruises to prove it.
Tuesday - Bonus Rest
No training today for me. Felt like I was getting sick as that sore throat that came about last Friday reappeared. Tho, it might've been from singing three hours straight on Sunday. The day started out alright and then halfway through I learned of some devastating news. Something inside me definitely shut down, broke apart and then started clanging around my body (that's a metaphor, people). Tried not to cry the whole rest of the day at my desk til I left to go pick up my bike in Redwood City. Called my mom on the way down there and cried on 280 for about 10 miles. Got to the bike shop and the owner, Bob, was like, sooooo, we didn't really know what to do with your bike. You wanted the basic tune up right? No. You wanted the aerobars taken off? No. Sigh. Apparently, even tho I specifically went over everything when I dropped off my bike, no one wrote it down and then no one could even CALL ME when they realized that they didn't know what to do. Complained that I drove all the way down there from the city and that I need my bike BY FRIDAY. Went back home and cried all the way back. Came home and self-medicated with a Tylenol PM and fell asleep (hey at least it's not pot or heroin or alcohol).
Wednesday - Track
Managed to get out of bed and go to work. Very, very sad but functioning relatively well. Was gonna go pick up lunch when my boss called me into her office and unceremoniously told me that they were eliminating my position.
"......."
What?!?! And as I sat there in shock. IN SHOCK. I was simultaneously very sad and relieved. Very sad because I loved this job so much. It was the first job in a long time where I actually wanted to get up and go to. I loved the people, loved the work (well some of it) and was hoping to stay there a long time and actually have a career. But I was also relieved because of what happened on Tuesday made me want to totally check out and finally FINALLY get. the. fuck. out of San Francisco. (there is only so much a girl can take) Of course the only thing keeping me here was what I thought I had prior to Tuesday, and of course, my job. Now with both of those things gone, it started to look like I was free. And because I am an Aries and self-centered, I thought I was the only one getting laid off. Turns out about 13 of us were unlucky today. Again very said, very disorienting and very unbelieveable.
Filed for unemployment before I left the office.
My Peanut Butter M&M's Randomly Matched My Unemployment Paperwork
Then I went to the dentist. Called my mom on the way there and was like, soooo, I thought it couldn't get worse... (and I said, things could be worse and I waited and sure enough, they were!) Cried all the way to the dentist.
Wasn't going to go to track but figured it was a lot better to be running around for an hour then sitting at home crying.
Thursday - Um yeah
Actually, today wasn't that bad because I had plans. I had things to do. Went to the chiropractor at 8:30am. Once again Dr. Rabbetz was the fucking shit! As I sat there crying in his office and batting tissues out of his hand (I don't need tissues!) He told me that I always had a home there and that he would take care of me regardless. Awww. I *heart* Dr. Rabbetz so much. He is just so amazing. Then Jez came in and said, I see you're on my books for later! Two weeks ago I finally made a massage appointment with Jez and even though I can't really afford it now, I knew I needed to keep that appointment for my sanity. Jez worked me over then Rabbetz came in and adjusted me and then I cried on the way out.
Met Lyne for coffee at Atlas Cafe. Haven't seen her in a while and it was so good to do so. Then I went to pick up my bike in Redwood City. Of course, they still screwed up the order. When I dropped the bike off with them the Thursday before I said, install the aerobars and wrap them with this shiny blue tape I am providing you. When they rolled the bike out a week later they had rewrapped my entire handle bars in the shiny blue tape and wrapped the aerobars in black. BOB! I yelled. And then I just sighed loudly. "Sigh, I wanted the aerobars wrapped in blue. The handle bars just got wrapped less than 6 months ago and YOU DID IT!" Bob said they would rewrap in black for me while I waited but I decided no, since I secretly thought the blue looked kick ass! Then as Bob was leaving me with the register guy he was like, you're all set. And I was like what? He decided not to charge me because of all the trouble. I walked out of there with a tune up, cleaning, new brake pads, aerobars installed, handle bars wrapped, a package of black tape and shoe cleats...for free! Couldn't have come at a better time. The receipt said: You saved $92 at Go Ride! You bet your ass I did. (but only later did I notice that they didn't install the aerobars right....)
New Tape On My Bars
Then I had a massage and Jez was awesome. He totally did me right even though I tried not to cry the whole time. At the end he said, It will get better...you always have us. Awww.
Went to dinner with Ian.
Friday - Swim
Today was harder because I had less plans. Did some interneting until 11am and then went to swim. Russian lifeguard was all, where have YOU been? Cut the workout short since it was my first time in the pool. Did my marker set tho and added half a lap to my 30 minute time.
Decided to get a bikini wax as my last "splurge." Then my teammate Doug picked me up and we grabbed a quick burger and went to see Iron Man. That movie KICKS ASS. It was so good.
Saturday - Bike
Drove down to Santa Cruz to ride with Deb and her friend Marin. On the schedule we were slated for 85 miles. The plan was to bike north on Route 1 for 40 miles then turn around and do an extra 5 somewhere close to the end. Deb's uncle lives down there and his house is amazing, complete with a Maserati in the drive. We got ready and headed out around 9:45am. Our goal was to make it to Pescadero which we thought was about 35 miles up the coast, but turned out to be only 33. The day was really beautiful and it is always so cool to be riding with cliffs and farms to your right and the ocean to your left. Just amazing. What was not amazing was the INSANE headwind. And crosswinds. I went down a hill at 13 mph, that I easily could've broken 25 mph on, partly because the crosswind was so dangerous and partly because the headwind was slowing me down that much. Boy was I glad I had my aerobars! Route 1 was a perfect first ride to try them out on since there are long stretches of flats or flats with a slight incline. I felt noticeably faster. All in all, it took us 2:30 to go the 33 miles. On the way back? Hello tailwind! We did the 33 miles in 1:30! Can you believe that? We took an hour off the time. That is amazing. By the end we were so exhausted. We were all just sitting in Deb's aunt's kitchen shoving food into our faces and zoning out. Then we hopped in the pool and then the hot tub. I took a shower, had some more food and headed home around 5pm. At home I just vegged on my couch to Word Play and ate mini powdered donuts.
Sunday - Unofficial Rest Day
So exhuasted from Saturday that there is no way I am doing anything. Today is Escape From Alcatraz and I feel super bad that I am not out there supporting my teammates who are racing. Honestly tho? I couldn't get out of bed. Today we also have our team BBQ which I am looking forward to since I am all about free food now. Ok, I was never NOT into free food but now it's more relevant. heh. I am supposed to be running like 15 miles or something but, eh. Next weekend I'll have to run 18. But here is the thing. When I have to do it, I'll just do it. I know that I can. I mean, I have never run 18 miles before but how hard can it be?
Week Ahead
Stop spending money like I am going to get a paycheck
Send out final fundraising letter - my deadline is the end of the month
Be thankful for what I do have
Start training during the day - I am semi-pro now!
Really clean my house, and I mean REALLY
Get a library card
Prepare for next weekend in Clearlake (3/4 ironman training weekend!)
Figure out what I can sell
Figure out how to make extra money without stepping into an office
Start praying/meditating for direction
Monday - Rest
And when I say rest, I mean rest. I called in sick because I was feeling sick. And when I say sick, I mean hungover from my Sunday night of 3 hours of karaoke and boozing it up. Was in bed by 10pm but was still a wreck the next day. I have the bruises to prove it.
Tuesday - Bonus Rest
No training today for me. Felt like I was getting sick as that sore throat that came about last Friday reappeared. Tho, it might've been from singing three hours straight on Sunday. The day started out alright and then halfway through I learned of some devastating news. Something inside me definitely shut down, broke apart and then started clanging around my body (that's a metaphor, people). Tried not to cry the whole rest of the day at my desk til I left to go pick up my bike in Redwood City. Called my mom on the way down there and cried on 280 for about 10 miles. Got to the bike shop and the owner, Bob, was like, sooooo, we didn't really know what to do with your bike. You wanted the basic tune up right? No. You wanted the aerobars taken off? No. Sigh. Apparently, even tho I specifically went over everything when I dropped off my bike, no one wrote it down and then no one could even CALL ME when they realized that they didn't know what to do. Complained that I drove all the way down there from the city and that I need my bike BY FRIDAY. Went back home and cried all the way back. Came home and self-medicated with a Tylenol PM and fell asleep (hey at least it's not pot or heroin or alcohol).
Wednesday - Track
Managed to get out of bed and go to work. Very, very sad but functioning relatively well. Was gonna go pick up lunch when my boss called me into her office and unceremoniously told me that they were eliminating my position.
"......."
What?!?! And as I sat there in shock. IN SHOCK. I was simultaneously very sad and relieved. Very sad because I loved this job so much. It was the first job in a long time where I actually wanted to get up and go to. I loved the people, loved the work (well some of it) and was hoping to stay there a long time and actually have a career. But I was also relieved because of what happened on Tuesday made me want to totally check out and finally FINALLY get. the. fuck. out of San Francisco. (there is only so much a girl can take) Of course the only thing keeping me here was what I thought I had prior to Tuesday, and of course, my job. Now with both of those things gone, it started to look like I was free. And because I am an Aries and self-centered, I thought I was the only one getting laid off. Turns out about 13 of us were unlucky today. Again very said, very disorienting and very unbelieveable.
Filed for unemployment before I left the office.
My Peanut Butter M&M's Randomly Matched My Unemployment PaperworkThen I went to the dentist. Called my mom on the way there and was like, soooo, I thought it couldn't get worse... (and I said, things could be worse and I waited and sure enough, they were!) Cried all the way to the dentist.
Wasn't going to go to track but figured it was a lot better to be running around for an hour then sitting at home crying.
Thursday - Um yeah
Actually, today wasn't that bad because I had plans. I had things to do. Went to the chiropractor at 8:30am. Once again Dr. Rabbetz was the fucking shit! As I sat there crying in his office and batting tissues out of his hand (I don't need tissues!) He told me that I always had a home there and that he would take care of me regardless. Awww. I *heart* Dr. Rabbetz so much. He is just so amazing. Then Jez came in and said, I see you're on my books for later! Two weeks ago I finally made a massage appointment with Jez and even though I can't really afford it now, I knew I needed to keep that appointment for my sanity. Jez worked me over then Rabbetz came in and adjusted me and then I cried on the way out.
Met Lyne for coffee at Atlas Cafe. Haven't seen her in a while and it was so good to do so. Then I went to pick up my bike in Redwood City. Of course, they still screwed up the order. When I dropped the bike off with them the Thursday before I said, install the aerobars and wrap them with this shiny blue tape I am providing you. When they rolled the bike out a week later they had rewrapped my entire handle bars in the shiny blue tape and wrapped the aerobars in black. BOB! I yelled. And then I just sighed loudly. "Sigh, I wanted the aerobars wrapped in blue. The handle bars just got wrapped less than 6 months ago and YOU DID IT!" Bob said they would rewrap in black for me while I waited but I decided no, since I secretly thought the blue looked kick ass! Then as Bob was leaving me with the register guy he was like, you're all set. And I was like what? He decided not to charge me because of all the trouble. I walked out of there with a tune up, cleaning, new brake pads, aerobars installed, handle bars wrapped, a package of black tape and shoe cleats...for free! Couldn't have come at a better time. The receipt said: You saved $92 at Go Ride! You bet your ass I did. (but only later did I notice that they didn't install the aerobars right....)
New Tape On My BarsThen I had a massage and Jez was awesome. He totally did me right even though I tried not to cry the whole time. At the end he said, It will get better...you always have us. Awww.
Went to dinner with Ian.
Friday - Swim
Today was harder because I had less plans. Did some interneting until 11am and then went to swim. Russian lifeguard was all, where have YOU been? Cut the workout short since it was my first time in the pool. Did my marker set tho and added half a lap to my 30 minute time.
Decided to get a bikini wax as my last "splurge." Then my teammate Doug picked me up and we grabbed a quick burger and went to see Iron Man. That movie KICKS ASS. It was so good.
Saturday - Bike
Drove down to Santa Cruz to ride with Deb and her friend Marin. On the schedule we were slated for 85 miles. The plan was to bike north on Route 1 for 40 miles then turn around and do an extra 5 somewhere close to the end. Deb's uncle lives down there and his house is amazing, complete with a Maserati in the drive. We got ready and headed out around 9:45am. Our goal was to make it to Pescadero which we thought was about 35 miles up the coast, but turned out to be only 33. The day was really beautiful and it is always so cool to be riding with cliffs and farms to your right and the ocean to your left. Just amazing. What was not amazing was the INSANE headwind. And crosswinds. I went down a hill at 13 mph, that I easily could've broken 25 mph on, partly because the crosswind was so dangerous and partly because the headwind was slowing me down that much. Boy was I glad I had my aerobars! Route 1 was a perfect first ride to try them out on since there are long stretches of flats or flats with a slight incline. I felt noticeably faster. All in all, it took us 2:30 to go the 33 miles. On the way back? Hello tailwind! We did the 33 miles in 1:30! Can you believe that? We took an hour off the time. That is amazing. By the end we were so exhausted. We were all just sitting in Deb's aunt's kitchen shoving food into our faces and zoning out. Then we hopped in the pool and then the hot tub. I took a shower, had some more food and headed home around 5pm. At home I just vegged on my couch to Word Play and ate mini powdered donuts.
Sunday - Unofficial Rest Day
So exhuasted from Saturday that there is no way I am doing anything. Today is Escape From Alcatraz and I feel super bad that I am not out there supporting my teammates who are racing. Honestly tho? I couldn't get out of bed. Today we also have our team BBQ which I am looking forward to since I am all about free food now. Ok, I was never NOT into free food but now it's more relevant. heh. I am supposed to be running like 15 miles or something but, eh. Next weekend I'll have to run 18. But here is the thing. When I have to do it, I'll just do it. I know that I can. I mean, I have never run 18 miles before but how hard can it be?
Week Ahead
Stop spending money like I am going to get a paycheck
Send out final fundraising letter - my deadline is the end of the month
Be thankful for what I do have
Start training during the day - I am semi-pro now!
Really clean my house, and I mean REALLY
Get a library card
Prepare for next weekend in Clearlake (3/4 ironman training weekend!)
Figure out what I can sell
Figure out how to make extra money without stepping into an office
Start praying/meditating for direction
Monday, June 02, 2008
Week 34: Recovery Week
This week was very low key for me on the training front, but on the partying front Whooo! I enlisted some cross training this week in the way of concerts, karaoke, brunches and BBQs. Not sure if my attitude about training is actually an attitude or I am just tired but when I look at the training calendar I am all, ugh, and want to hide under the covers.
Monday - Rest
Much needed after my marathon bike ride and run over the weekend. Wishing I had a chiropractor appointment but alas. Did not do much on this day off from work but some fretting and moping. heh.
Tuesday - Core
Doing core instead of swimming. I can already tell the difference from doing it the week before. Those 40 second side planks felt easier! (I guess so did the 500 stomach crunches too...ugh)
Wednesday - Metal
Having trouble staying asleep. Been waking up around 3-4am and then staying awake for 1-2 hours and then falling back asleep until 8am. Was going to try and run this morning but woke up too late. Went to see Iron Maiden with Zack and Jon in Concord. Totally rocked out. Zack and I spent the whole show jumping up and down, screaming lyrics, making out and doing air guitar. Very much like the last time I saw Maiden in 1986...except the making out part.
Thursday - Ouch!
What it means to be 38 - you can't headbang to a metal show and expect to function normally the next day. Oy. Thank god for chiropractors.
Friday - Core
Had the middle of the night wake up thing so woke up late again. Managed to squeeze in some core. Felt like I was getting a bit sick. Stayed in and watched movies.
The Weekend - Not Much
Saturday Doug and I went to M2 to spin. Zack and I stayed in and watched movies all night. Had brunch with Ian and then drove him to the airport. Tried to shop for boots (not easy in the summer), went to a BBQ and then ended up in a private karaoke room with Misty, Kate, Jojo, Joe Mud, Dan, Donna and Dylan. I knew it was gonna be a good night when my first two songs of the evening were Iron Maiden and Dio. (photos courtesy of Miss Kate!)
On Dan's (roof) deck
Misty and Hez leaving the BBQ for Cassis
Misty, Hez and Joe Mud at Cassis
Kate, Misty, Hez and Joe Mud
Dylan and Hez singing
Karaoke Queen
It's not a party until I am drunk and falling off things while singing karaoke
(i love this photo so much, it really speaks to my endurance)
Monday - Rest
Much needed after my marathon bike ride and run over the weekend. Wishing I had a chiropractor appointment but alas. Did not do much on this day off from work but some fretting and moping. heh.
Tuesday - Core
Doing core instead of swimming. I can already tell the difference from doing it the week before. Those 40 second side planks felt easier! (I guess so did the 500 stomach crunches too...ugh)
Wednesday - Metal
Having trouble staying asleep. Been waking up around 3-4am and then staying awake for 1-2 hours and then falling back asleep until 8am. Was going to try and run this morning but woke up too late. Went to see Iron Maiden with Zack and Jon in Concord. Totally rocked out. Zack and I spent the whole show jumping up and down, screaming lyrics, making out and doing air guitar. Very much like the last time I saw Maiden in 1986...except the making out part.
Thursday - Ouch!
What it means to be 38 - you can't headbang to a metal show and expect to function normally the next day. Oy. Thank god for chiropractors.
Friday - Core
Had the middle of the night wake up thing so woke up late again. Managed to squeeze in some core. Felt like I was getting a bit sick. Stayed in and watched movies.
The Weekend - Not Much
Saturday Doug and I went to M2 to spin. Zack and I stayed in and watched movies all night. Had brunch with Ian and then drove him to the airport. Tried to shop for boots (not easy in the summer), went to a BBQ and then ended up in a private karaoke room with Misty, Kate, Jojo, Joe Mud, Dan, Donna and Dylan. I knew it was gonna be a good night when my first two songs of the evening were Iron Maiden and Dio. (photos courtesy of Miss Kate!)
On Dan's (roof) deck
Misty and Hez leaving the BBQ for Cassis
Misty, Hez and Joe Mud at Cassis
Kate, Misty, Hez and Joe Mud
Dylan and Hez singing
Karaoke Queen
It's not a party until I am drunk and falling off things while singing karaoke(i love this photo so much, it really speaks to my endurance)
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