I like my treadmill (and the guy on the cover of RW mag)

I never thought it would happen but we bonded! And as soon as I gave him a decent chance. Sure the first 15-20 minutes, while we got to know eachother were iffy but it turned out great! You know that high you get from running around 30-40 minutes? I still got it! Even though I was staring A LOT at a blank wall! Actually at 20 minutes I swapped out the Nike Frees for a pair of Asics and added the cover of Runners World Magazine. I intended to flip through the magazine but it just didnt work logistically while running on the treadmill so I just stared at the front cover while I ran. This made the time fly! It might have had something to do with the hot, sweaty, well-muscled male runner that was on the cover. He was staring straight at me. All he had on was a pair of running shorts and probably shoes, but I didnt even notice the feet. Magazine Boy wasnt there for the first 20 minutes of the run. Maybe that was why the first 20 minutes was a bit slow? He was hairless body and tan, nice hair on his head, great muscle definition. He isnt great on conversation but I had my MP3. I think this could work. At least while all this snow is falling. He will warm me up from the ice and wind and falling snow. He needs a name......I need to think on that.
As soon as the snow is here, and packed by snowmobilers, I am outside! I cannot wait to get back on my snowshoes and run in the sun!

Wolfeboro Oil 3.2 mile turkey trot

Why does this race always have to be so cold and windy!? It took my breathe away and made my throat sore for days! It is a fun course and I beat last years time and I got third place and a prize for best costumes. We won for costumes last year also, see the below tie-dye turkey picture but this year Jen took it up a notch. She took a multi-turkey colored boa and cut it into wristlets and anklets for us and made us feathered tails (John got a peacock feather in his tail! I just loved this, she is soo creative!) They also have great homeade soups at this race and nice long sleeve tech shirts. Worth doing again and next year? We are due for a few more degrees warmer! This race makes ME want to move to Utah!

White Mountain Half Marathon

It started out cold and rainy but it was so much fun. Jen and I ran together at steady 8:30s for the first half of the race. 26 minute 5k, 52 minute 10k, like clockwork. We stayed right with Celeste, who's goal for the race was just constant 8:30s for the whole race. And I was feeling great, like I could keep that pace the whole time. But at halfway, we started to tire. By nine miles, Jen started walking, she was feeling sick. I kept going but I without Jen, I felt I had lost my 'mojo.' We hadnt been talking much but the companionship was perfect. The sun had come out, the weather was beautiful. Every mile after 9 I felt sorer; feet, quads, chafed right thigh, and then I started throwing up with 1/4 mile to go. Usually I just dry heave. In fact, this is the first race that I actually threw up! I ran the whole race, it was not pretty by the end. I ended up with an 8:52 pace, 1:56, close to a PR for me, and 3 minutes better than the previous time I ran this race. The last time I ran this race however, in 2005, I hadnt trained much as I was coming off spraining my ankle on Labor Day Weekend. I ran a 1:59:25 then. But I ran a 1:56:03 at Big Lake, an icy, rainy day on a course that most consider much hillier and tougher! If only I could keep 8:30s for the whole race. I need to work on my endurance I guess, as well as my speed.

Race Report: A Pleasant Climb

This was a great race, perfect weather, 65 degrees and sunny and breezy, my stomach behaved well (breakfast was a piece of homeade whole wheat/molasses bread with butter and sea salt, 2 cups of coffee, and later, a triberry gu with caffeine right before the start of the race.) I felt kindof stiff and heavy during the beginning of the trail portion, but maybe cuz I ran the day before? I got 3rd in my age group, averaged 10 minute miles. It was hilly and THE most technical trail race or even run, that I have ever done. It was hard to watch the direction markers because I was too busy watching the ground! I lloved this race! I completed it in 1 hour 23 minutes. It was part of the Xterra tour, western NH trail race series. Great prizes too. I got a pair of socks, a T-shirt, 2 pkgs of pancake mix, and a glass beer stein. John and I went together so I had great company and I didnt have to drive!

Relay around the Lake, Fred Brown race report

This was fun, beautiful weather. Fun day all around. I did the 3rd leg for the CNE team, very hilly, a very steep hill at the beginning, I ran up it and passed others. 9.3 miles. The end was sketchy pavement and no shoulder to run on. I think I would love to do the 5th or 6th leg of this race. 8 or so years ago I did the last, 8th leg. That was very hilly too. You really need to carpool to make this race fun, see everyone, not have to go back and get your car where you left it. I ran a 9:10 pace which is not bad considering the hills I guess. If I do this one again though, I hope to do it faster. I got a big blister on my left foot, next to smallest toe, even though I rubbed my feet with body glide before the race. Also, I drank some pepto before starting and my stomache behaved well for the whole run.

Pumpkinman Race Report, September 6, 2008

Jen and John met me at my house and we drove 1.5 hours to the venue. Started out rainy and cold. It was a relief to put on my wetsuit, but also very difficult as it, and I were wet. Body marking washed off as soon as it was written on.
THe swim was murky and sea monstery, sea monsters tried to take off my goggles, but I was right out front in the last wave, for a 9 minute swim.
The run up the hill was no problem, from the reports I heard beforehand I was worried. I did a relzexed run up it, no sense burning out early or getting a cramp (always a fear for me, justifiably).
The bike was wet and curvy. Traffic, slippery places, painted lines, wooden bridge. I averaged almost 20 mph which isnt too bad for the course and my gears worked the whole time, although the derailleur fell again so I wasnt too confident about them.
The run was interesting. I was with 2 other girls who passed me early on. I stayed close to them but they were ahead but for a change, I ended up passing them both! It was very exciting! I dropped the second girl on the last big hill, also diff for me. and I did a 7:55 pace which is not bad for me! I passed 18 people total on this run. I counted as I ran for something exciting to do.
I had longish transitions, I got my helmet strap all tangled up, and then on the second trans I dropped my gasX, which I had to go get, even though I didnt need it!
I drank some coke on the bike, not a whole lot, and had some water on the run. It was only a sprint so not too much was needed. Final time 1:21:19. Had 2 packets of instant oatmeal for breakfast and 1.5 cups of coffee at 5 am. Race started at 8 am. Not my usual breakfast, but that was all I had and could stomach at the time. It worked fine.
I met Jolene W. afterwards. She is from Utah and travels around to tris. I invited her to stay with me for Timberman, I hope she does!
The food at this race was outstanding! Next time I should bring tupperware!

NHEC Covered Bridge 5k race report

This was a great race, nice course, a bit of hills going out, some offroad, nice trail. I did 25:00, pace of 8:03. It was humid, lots of people. I got fourth in my age group, 2 of the people I knew, Lily C and Celeste. I went up with John and Lily and we rode our bikes afterwards. It is beautiful up there. I also learned about Franklin Falls from Joe M., which is mtn bike trails of varying levels of difficulty, swimming, and running trails, playground, great family place off of 127.

Timberman half race report

What a race! I got a great parking space, arriving there at 5:20. I had picked up my packet and packed the night before so I was more organized, numbers already on helmet, bike and race belt. My number was part of my childhood phone number! Good Luck I thought. Breakfast was 2 cups of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal with craisins. I ate as much as I could.
The swim was amazing. I got in a pack of 4 or 5 other women and we forged ahead and made great time til we really got bogged down in the wave before us, too bad there isn't more time between wave starts. The last leg of the swim was tough, windy, big current that kept pulling me. It was challenging, I loved it. Lots of cheering out of the water, I ran to the wetsuit strippers and then ran back to my transition area, making a mental note that it was easier running with the wetsuit half on than carrying it.
The bike: Started with a 22 ounce bottle of coke with perpetuem and 4 caps of endurlytes mixed in. and a bottle of water with perpetuem and 4 endurolytes. Each bottle had 2.5 scoops of perpetuem in it. I right off I noticed my mavic bike computer wasnt working. This just got me pissed off and I had to keep telling myself that it was no big deal but I didnt like not knowing my speed and cadence the whole race. My legs felt achy and soon my right hip began to scream. I was almost to the end of 106 when I realized that I had been biking slower than I do on a sunday stroll and I couldnt keep going with the pain in my hip. My body listened and kindly took the pain to my side so that I could barely pedal and could not take a full breathe in. This was horrible. I took 2 Gasx, which helped a small bit and stopped drinking perpetuem for a bit. After awhile I drank it more as I needed the nutrition but I was going so slowly! Standing up biking seemed to help so I did that, but as I got off 106 and onto the hill on Leavitt, when I adjusted the frotn chain ring, the chain would lock up. Luckily I realized that pedaling backwards fixed it as it started happening more and more. I finally made it back to the transition area, where I thought about not doing the run as I was so cramped but I dont know how to stop so I stretched a bit, thinking it was my psoas and then forged on. I never touched the water bottle but pretty much finished the 22 ounce bottle of coke with 2.5 scoops of perpetuem and 4 endurolytes.
The run: As soon as I started the run the cramps came in hard, on both sides of my abdomen. I stopped at the first station, not even out of the driveway to Ellacoya and had 2 endurolytes. I had pretzels, pepsi, and rubbed some chamois butter onto my now stinging neck from my usual swim "hickey." I set off to run, feeling horrible. I was of the mindset that if I were going to do the run, it was going to be at a jog, so it was. I stopped at every aid station, every single one. I ate pretzels and bananas, alternated between water and pepsi, had some more endurolytes and even stopped at the porta potty. I did every hose, all the sponges, sometimes 3-4 per stop and poured water over my head. When I got to the turnaround for the second loop, I couldnt remember if it was my first loop or my second! The cramps subsided for most of the run, but I had a huge blister on the left foot, center front behind the toes. I shouldve put some chamois butter there. The cramps came back hard with 2 miles to go but I kept barely jogging, even down the chute to the finish I was unable to speed up. Ny new shoes, which were white were bright red from blood! Saddle sores were there but they did not bother me until I went into the lake to rinse off, then they stung!
No dry heaves at the end, as I usually get but shortly after stopping I got an asthma attack! I couldnt get back into transition to get the albuterol so I wandered around, looking for the medical tent, where they gave me a nebulizer with albuterol. I felt a bit better, still a bit dizzy but afterwards I got back into the transition area and did another hit of albuterol. The worst of the attack was over before the medical tent anyway.
Later that night I got my usual headache after a race. Oh well. I cannot believe I beat last years time. I had a better swim, and even a better bike which just goes to show that the bike is faster and will be way faster when I get it all figured out and situated. I am glad I finished.
2008: 141 32:27 27:03 2:09 934 3:08:03 17.9 2:57 995 2:16:57 10:28 6:02:31 34/82 F40-44 150/435 F

2007: 237 34:15 28:32 2:24 1023 3:13:05 17.4 2:04 1004 2:11:16 10:02 6:03:01 27/73 F40-44 210/475 F

My New Bike

Oh, I was so scared to ride it at first but it is wonderful. Right away, I felt like the cockpit is higher, expecially the handlebars, as opposed to the aerobars. Not great for my aerodynamic-ness but my neck and shoulders dont hurt, not that I have done any long rides yet. Also, within the first 5-10 miles, my knees hurt but that seems to have gone away. The pedals seem closer together if that is even possible. Also, the handlebars are narrower so standing and climbing seems different. I got up to 53.4 mph, something my old bike hasnt done since it was new and I notice my cadence is higher. It shows max cadence: 154 is up there! Seems really high! Must be on downhills! The front end feels different, so much lighter and thinner. It was scaryish going that fast downhill but I will get used to that. Also, my leg hits the cadence sensor a lot, but I know that can be tweaked. I love it, and I am hoping I am fast in the Timberman. I am hoping to do it in under 5:30! High hopes but I think it is possible! I definitely have to break 6!

Patriot Half Triathlon Race Report

Now that it is over, this was fun! Jen and I drove down together and stayed at the Taunton Holiday Inn. Nice hotel, nice pool but so much chlorine in the pool, it invaded our nostrils the minute we opened the door to the pool room. I skipped my usual night-before swim because I was so tired and the overload of chlorine turned me off!

We had dinner with Dave C. and Paul C. at the Stoneforge Tavern, which was nice, the food was good but my chicken came raw. I had the Mango Chicken pasta. The conversation was great. It is always good getting to know other GSTCers better. We had also invited Jamie Poire to join us too but he behaved himself and went to bed too early. We stayed up too late. I told him we would be drinking and partying all night but he still didnt join us!

We got to the race site early, around 5:15, but we still felt pressed for time somehow, setting up transition! Stopped at Dunkin Donuts on the way, I had no idea I could get half hot cocoa and half french vanilla coffee! I had a cliff bar for breakfast, the hotel didnt have a continental breakfast, and their restaurant didnt open til 6:30. For punishment for the hotel, Jen and I rode our bikes back and forth on the long, carpeted hallway outside our rooms. When we went downstairs to see if they had a microwave to heat yesterday's coffee, the disheveled, sleeping man behind the desk replied that they had one, but not for the public?! Well, I told him that we weren't public, but we were customers. He and the security guy didnt seem to react when, for punishment for that comment, I rode my bike across the beautiful marble floors and out the automatic doors. That was fun!

I digressed! This race supplied everything I needed. I couldn't find my bento box, and hadn't been able to get the bike tube I needed, but there, both of these things were free! from IBC, the on-site bike peeps there! The weather was nice also! Overcast, occasional light rain, around 71 degrees but humid. The air felt very heavy on the run especially

The swim was nice, 77 degree water, brackish and a bit of veggie stuff at the end, but nothing bad. I think I was second in my wave. I was drafting behind the first girl for awhile but she started zig-zagging so I thought I could do better without her. I am pretty sure I saw her up ahead later so I shouldve stuck with her. I did a lot of zigging myself so I had to start siting more often. I wanted to know her name so I could look for her and try drafting her at future races, but I couldnt find anyone in my heat, that was faster, but some splits were lost. Or she did zig out of the way. We had white caps so it was hard to see them after a bit, everyone's splashing looked white. The swim was warm. I did think at one point that I was really warm, almost, but not quite, too much. I really enjoyed the swim. It was 32.14 for 1.3 miles. Pace: 24.47 minutes/mile or 1:24 per hundred. Not great, but in my normal range.
The bike: I made a friend, Kim from Kennebunk, ME. We went back and forth a few times, talked a bit, I was ahead of her most of the time but at the end she soared ahead with a group and beat me! I was getting tired, so maybe she didnt get faster but I got tired! I had about 12 ounces of coke with 1.5 scoops of perpetuem and 8 ounces of water. In hindsight, this was NOT enough. I shouldve put perpetuem in the water as well. For 3 hours, I should have 4.5 scoops of perpetuem. I also had cuts on my thighs and serious saddle sores! I think the nose of my saddle is too wide. But the new cassette was amazing! Total time for bike was 2:57:15 which is a pace of 19.97! Wicked fast for me! I dont need a new bike, I just needed a cassette! Later, I figured out that the saddle was crooked, and I thought my right thigh was fatter than my left! SO much for getting the saddle on straight after working on the bike to put on the new cassette.

The run felt good...at first. My hips and shoulders felt immediate relief from the pain they were in on the bike. But then every mile seemed forever! I kept telling myself I was in no pain, and I wasnt! But it was so hard! I really think I needed nutrition. Around mile 5 I nursed a tropical hammer gel for 3 miles, I never finished it, I had some water at every stop, drinking a bit, pouring the rest over my head, which just made my shorts wet and rub more on my horrible saddles sores. This was the only actual pain I felt, serious crotch area burning! But that didnt keep me from running well, I just had nothing left. At mile 10 I stopped and stood for awhile at the table. The lady there looked worried about me. She asked if I could keep going. I told her I didnt know. After an animal cracker and a pretel and some water, I realized I at least shouldve been walking. I took some pretels and set off at a jog, licking the pretzels and enjoying the salty taste in my mouth. I used the inhaler early on but I dont think anything acame out and certainly didnt get any in, as I was breathing in and out fast. I had the gasX too but never really needed it. At some points I wasnt sure but I skipped it. I kept thinking I needed a portapotty but then I realized that it was just pain, I didnt have to go bad enough to stop, so I didnt.
I ran a 2:05:39, a pace of 9:35 amazingly, qualifying me for SOS! (for better or worse) So I accomplished what I came for.

My overall time was 5:39:32, 25 minutes faster than Timberman and this was a longer race. Jen and I had thought this race would take us 20 minutes longer than Timberman! Also earlier in the season! So, I am very happy with the results. I only wish I had fueled more and not died on the run! Fifth in my age group....not too shabby.

Tight Psoas/Tight Glutes

These are opposing muscles and they are both bugging me. I love this link and exercises.
http://stronglifts.com/the-psoas-is-it-killing-your-back/

Eastman Splash, Mash, Dash Race Report

This was a fun race! I didnt want to go, but succumbed to peer pressure from Jen and John. And I got first place in my age group! I dont ever remember getting first place in my age group before in a triathlon! I am psyched!
I met John at the park n ride at 5:30 am (ugh!) or so, we found a great, fast way to go: 104 to 11 to 4 to 4a, to springfield rd to 114 to eastman! less than 1 hour from the park and ride.
This time I forgot to take the gas-x with me on the bike/run, but it was in the backpack. SHorter race so drank only water and didnt need the gasX. back was stiff, but the run helped it.
this years results in detail:
swim 8:40 great swim 73 degree water! back felt fine. shouldve started more to left. 1st in heat
bike 41:46, bike acting up some, back scary, some tough road conditions, only drank water, no stomach issues.
run 29:02 nice trail, beach, packed bluestone road run, very varied terrain and hilly, no stomach issues and back felt fine. SOme breathing issues, esp at the beginning, coughing, trouble talking wished I had the inhaler with me. I left it in my backpack!
overall 1:22:10

2006 results:
swim 8:15
bike 44:32
run 27:30
overall: 1:20:18

Mooseman race report

This Mooseman was the best ever. The weather was great. The swim was amazing, although it was shortened due to the fog. It felt good, smooth and relaxing, not cold. My first real swim in the lake this season. I even used the wetsuit strippers for the first time and it was great, I would do that again. I wore my new LG rocket air helmet on the bike, it felt faster! The bike went well, (forgot to zero out my computer before hand) I felt strong, although I was about a minute off from my best Mooseman bike time (cramps). This may be because I got the cramps on the bike but was able to Yuen them away before the run. A smile seemed to seal the deal on the cramps going away. It is the run that really kills me when I have the cramps. I think I got them from a) either the cytomax was too strong, I was trying to drink the whole bottle on the bike, got to 2/3 when I got the cramps, so I stopped drinking altogether at about 2/3 through the bike. or b), we were waiting so long for the swim start I got hungry. I had 2 strawberry cliff bloks, and probably not enough breakfast. So hard to eat so early in the morning. I had 1 and 1/3 pieces of peanut butter ezekiel toast, and 2 cups of coffee at 5 am. The race was postponed so I didnt start til 9. The run was my fastest moose run and although it was hot, I was well prepared and it wasnt too too hot. I wore a hat, put a sponge in my back pocket and kept pouring water over my head and down my back. I had an 8:29 pace. I even passed 33 people, an all time record for me I believe! My goal was 10 people. I had more dry heaves at the end than I have ever had at a race, really thought I was going to lose it! But I didnt. 11th in my age group. I forgot the coke and left the gas-x in the car, which wouldve been handy in the bike bag. Coke with weak cytomax might be good to try. Forgot to body glide my neck and got a good rub/chafe there, from the neoprene cap strap. I used the inhaler at the start of the run, forgot to use it at the start of the whole race. I could've put it in my back shirt pocket, which I forgot I had, so instead carried a neoprene bag (hot) and used that as a race belt. Had a gu in it which I never used, although I took a carboom and ate about half of it at 3/4 of the run, where I felt I needed the boost. The neoprene bag didnt work well also cuz I thought I put the inhaler in it, but instead I dropped it. Got it back at the end though. A good race. I really dreaded it as last year was soooo horrible and I swore I would never do this race again. I am glad I did it this year. Volunteering on sunday was fun too.

2008 results in detail:
swim (shortened to .6 mile) 15:15
T1: 1:45
bike: 1:28:05/18.6 pace
T2: 1:32
run: 52:28 8:27 pace
2:39:03

2007 results:
swim 25:31/28:21 pace
T1: 2:08
bike: 1:27:31/18.7 pace
T2: 1:35
run: 58:42/9:28 pace (horribly hot, humid, asthma attack)
overall 2:55:26

2006 results:
swim 24:20/27:02 pace
T1: 1:55
bike: 1:28:33/18.5 pace
T2: 1:56
run: 52:48/8:31
overall 2:49:29

Process Goals

At the GSTC tri-clinic, we talked about different types of goal-setting. The process goals are some that I already work on in my head, and decided, after that clinic, to jot some of them down here. I really liked how I set out my goals for winter in December and accomplished most of them, perhaps I could check back here in a few months and be surprised that I did most of the ones I am putting down now!?

SWIM:
Kick more in swim
finish stroke farther down leg
reach up higher in stroke at entry

BIKE:
pull up more in pedal stroke, scraping mud
stay in aerobars more
improve uphills

RUN:
kick back more
improve uphills
pump elbows more
run more often ( I often dont get to the shorter runs, mabye cuz they seems so piddley or just more skippable?)

GENERAL:
enjoy races more, less stress but still work hard and love the pain more!

Race Report: Crank the Kanc

This was a fun, hard race. I did it in 1:42:30. I was hoping for 1:30 but there was a big headwind going up the hill, and I really had no basis for that plan. I made it to THE HILL in one hour and thought I had it made, but my legs were sore from the getgo, in the inner upper thigh! I thought I was injured at the end, I couldnt walk u pthe one small step to get a banana! sitting in the car was killer! But I loosened up quickly. Won some schwag at the end too! Note to self: Sign up next March 15 for this one!

Running Partner Position Temporarily filled, but check back in November

Submitted resumes will be held and evaluated for the impending November job opportunity. Please submit resume here, as a comment. Inthe event that too many resumes are received, there will be a position open to read and screen resumes.

Race Report: Xterra Merrimack River 10 mile trail run

This was fun! And to think we didnt do it cuz we thought the weather would be bad!
Started off tough. I had diarreah all night. Didnt sleep well, got up early to more. Stopped to get some meds on the way down to the race. It took about 1 hour 20 to get there, Jen drove. So very little coffee and only a bit of water this am, too scared to eat r drink much. I did eat a maple nut cliff bar though, knew I needed some gas in the tank. No idea why I have this problem! but have been feeling tired and sore and slow this week. Fighting something off?
Surprise when we got there! We got T-shirts! The race started off great. The miles seemed short as the first mile splits were 8:40, 8:45 and 9:00. Then I didnt see a mile marker at 4 and the hills got technical. People were coming back down the hills as we went up and we had to move over. There were plenty of muddy places and one long water run with the water up to our knees. But contrary to the nasty weather forecast, the sun started to peak out! I did about 23 minutes for mile 4 and 5 combined. Had a bit of water and turned around to go back at mile 5. I was just thinking how fun this all was when I turned my ankle on something, not sure what. The pain was excrutiating! I walked on it though. People were so nice. The people I had been runnning and chatting with stayed to keep me company, make sure I was OK, others were stopping. but then I thought I was going to throw up or pass out. I had to lie down! Lying down was a bad mistake, not sure if I did more than sit but I got the worst asthma attack I ever had. Weezy in and out. I know that when I do get these it is because I have stopped running. I was asking people if they had an inhaler. Someone asked me if I was safe. I said yes, but then thought about it, unsure. Finally everyone went on without me. I got back up and started to run/walk. Watching very carefully where I put my foot. I managed to get to the finish, even passing a few people. IN a time of 1:49. Amazing! Only lost around 10 minutes there I think. Mile 9 and 10 were at about 9:44 pace, each. Jen was waiting for me, concerned as I had been right behind her and she thought I was having problems more due the illness I had started the race with! I was so proud that I finished in spite of a sprained ankle! I even ran on it quite a bit. I felt great. Some pain but the pace was comfortable. I was upset that it happened. At the time, I swore off trail and adventure races but I love them so much that now that it is over, I will do it again. I know I will. No medical tent at the race. Someone gave me a ziploc and showed me the ice and I filled the bag and tied it to my ankel with a shirt and kept it elevated the whole way home. It stiffened up a bit but seems ok, sore and stiff but not badly sprained. I look forward to doing this race again next year!

Swim lessons

Things to think about:

high elbow ripple throw elbow places hand without thought
think biceps triceps
can do underwater part of stroke only
point to bottom
stretch back ribs
turn at high elbow
lead with elbow gives reach feel lat stretch gives rotation
brush thigh to finish stroke feel lat contraction
head down - alignment
temple and half of head and face in water when breathing
no shoulder!
kick with soft knees but straighter legs, from quads

or deeper pulls? feels better

My trip to Fitwerx

What a day! I totally didnt think I could do this, logistically, but thanks to Suzan, it all worked out! We went up together. It was interesting watching her fitting, and then I went for a beautiful snowshoe run on the groomed snowmobile trails in the sun! Rolling hills, through the woods, over fields....wow! This is a record-breaking week mileage-wise for me, I am very excited about that too! I will try to do just over 1 mile tomorrow to break 30!
Then it was my turn. Here are some things I need to remember: Flat back, knees in, small circles, elbows off the pads. Easy rides mean easier gears, but still faster cadence, strengthen my hamstrings, and then use them. Use my abs for power, stay in the center of the seat and quiet while riding, dont fidgit. Even ride in aers up moderate hills. Stay moderate, don't push hard, then coast, my HR should parallel the power outage. Put your bike shoes in the freezer, FW isnt soooo far away. And it is in a cute town worth visiting, and there is a Seven demo center there also, among other things! Shims or more arch support on my shoes to stop my collapse (plantar Fasciatis). and put my new pedals on my bike. I am going to like to bike now.

Wanted: New Running Partner

Must be reliable, with similar time slots available to run. Must be faster than I am, in order to push me into running faster. Must be mean enough not to slow down for me, even when I am lagging behind on uphills or when I am tired. Must be willing to be a bad influence, forcing me to run even when I know I should rest. Must be worse than I am at resting. Must also be able to tell jokes and interesting stories, both related and unrelated to triathlon while running and willing to run in all sorts of weather. Must also be willing to bike, swim, lift weights, stretch or participate in other sports. A willingness to try new, seemingly stupid things, like races involving long hours, long, steep unhills, cold water, mud and long drives. Must be willing to wear ridiculous outfits to races, and there is occasional driving in inclement weather involved. Also, must be willing to listen to me go on and on about all sorts of stupid topics while running. Being able to make me feel guilty about all manner of things, including, but not limited to racing young children carrying backpacks on icy sidewalks is valuable. Please reply here. I will contact you if you seem qualified enough for an interview or trial running session.

Hangover Race

This was a really fun race.
http://xenia.unh.edu/wcrc/hangover.htm
I had second thoughts going down, I felt bad for making John drive so far, for just a 5k. We had no time to warmup, by the time we got our race numbers and went to the bathroom. The beginning of the race was just weaving through the tons of people! It was out and back. The way back was very windy but the whole race was pretty flat. According to my watch, I ran a 24:50 which is better than I have done in well over a year. According to the race results, I ran a 23:30!
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/08/ma/Jan1_27thHA_set1.shtml
I don't know where they came up with that one! On the way back, the snow was coming down hard, the roads were terrible and I felt even worse for dragging him down all that way and making him drive in those conditions. But it was a lot of fun! I sure hope John is still talking to me!
I swear I run harder sometimes in practice. I seem to have some mental thing going on during races. I am used to doing longer distances, so I am always saving something for later. I didnt even dry heave at the end of this race, in fact I sprinted in, and would have kicked it in sooner had I known how close I was to the finish! But there is something else. I am not sure what but I KNOW I can run faster. I have to get rid of the mental block somehow....