Wednesday August 27, 2008

I did my biathlon! I actually did it!

Well, not exactly. Let me explain�I got to the gym a little early this morning and ran for 30 minutes (did the hill program on a pretty fast tempo). Then I taught my spin class (which was totally kick butt!). Then after class I was still feeling good and since I had some time � all three of my kids are in school today � I decided to get back on the treadmill. I just did the quick start and started running. I told myself I would just run for as long as I could. The next thing I knew I had run over 3 miles! Well, it wasn�t like I blinked and the time flew. I did struggle. But once I realized I could do the distance I just kept pushing myself. And, for the last five minutes of the run I sprinted. It felt amazing.


Granted the post-spin class run was on flat terrain with zero incline and I know the course I�ll be running is anything but flat, but still I covered the distance. I am so proud of myself.

So now I have to figure out how to translate that to the outside. I need to work on getting over my mental running outside hurdle. I have exactly one month to do that. The truth is, I would rather be on the treadmill. Crazy, I know but I just love it. I love being able to look down and see within in a glance how far I�ve run, how many calories I�ve burned and what�s coming �down the road.� And running at the gym where I work has other perks too, like a fan club. I totally eat up the compliments people give me. I love when they look at me like I�m crazy and will say things like �wow, you�re amazing� or �didn�t you just teach a spin class?� It�s that constant feedback and recognition that I get while on the treadmill that keeps me going. Hmm�I wonder if there�s anyway to pack the crowd with various members of my gym. Or, maybe I could pay some college students to come out and pretend I�m their hero. Wait a minute; I�ve already got some people who think like that � my kids. Ok, I�m going to make sure my kids are front and center at this race! That will keep me going. Thirty more days�

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Monday August 25, 2008

Perhaps it is possible�

Ok, I have to admit it; I�m finally feeling positive about this race. I have 5 more weeks until d-day and it�s I can see that it�s definitely doable. Today Amy and I executed our first (of many) brick workouts. Finally after vacations, conflicting schedules, a stolen bike, and other life hiccups, we were able to actually get out on the road for a long ride followed by a short run and it felt great. Well, truthfully, it was a little painful but it was a good pain.

Honestly I didn�t think it was actually going to happen when I get a call from Amy early in the morning telling me her husband spontaneously took one of their kids camping so she was left shuttling her other kids to lacrosse practice, swimming and various other weekend activities. I was ready to give up hope, but she told me she still had some calls to make and she wasn�t going to let another day get away from us. I was doubtful.

But, true to her word, she calls back several hours later asks if I can be ready in twenty minutes. Tentatively I said yes. I really wanted/needed to workout with her but when I realized it would put us on the road around 2pm � the hottest part of the day � I was more than a little weary. But, remembering my promise to myself to be positive and flexible I rallied. And I�m so glad I did.

The ride was awesome, the hills and hour just flew by. The run was definitely more difficult (it had gotten pretty hot by this point) but we did it; with more walking than running, but hey it�s a start! We are now committed more than ever to make sure we get out and do a brick workout at least once a week and each time adding a few more minutes to our runs.

Working out with Amy was just what I needed. She�s funny and smart and sarcastic � I love spending time with her. Although, I need to be careful, because I�m not sure, but I may have committed to doing an Ironman with her next summer. Yikes! Well, I�ll just get through this race first and see where it takes me�