Well, I made it thru the weekend without a spot of wine. I must admit that I stayed away from all my friends and didn't answer any phone calls so I wouldn't be tempted. Seek not into temptation.
I did; however, find the time to sit and relax with my family. It was funny Saturday when Dad asked, "Want some wine, Nic?" Mom quickly responded that I was on a 'triathlon diet.' No Mom India Diet...Dad got it anyway. Sunday came and then I heard, "your father's opening up some wine, want some?" I don't get why she understands one and then the next she doesn't.
This weekend will make 2 weeks and the diet is full circle. I think I'll break down and have some wine...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Olympics: Going For Gold
I don't know if it my dreams of winning an Olympic medal or just the fact that we get better with age, but I know that some days things do fall in the right place. I may not be Ian Thorpe or Michael Phelps in the water, but I sure make a go at it.
Wednesday, it was as if everything fell into place. Why is it after this many years, I finally figured things out. It's true. This year all my races have been pr's. What sort of miracle happened? Am I finally listening to my body?
Most say that with age we slow up our pace. Somehow, I feel that with all these years of doing things wrong, maybe things will go right. It's as if things are becoming easier more like second nature. It is become more a part of me and I of it. Maybe with age we use our minds less and become more like children.
Most children like to go out to play and enjoy running around. It's once there is 'sport' involved that the shy ones don't like it as much. I was shy and wasn't the first on picked at kickball. To play sports you need a level of confidence. I'm building my each and every day. I don't take that for granted.
With age, I've become more like a tom-boy and enjoy the sport of it all. I've broken out of my shell and made something of myself. I enjoy the competition. I enjoy the push. Most of all maybe that shy girl in me will just sit out and I'll be able to play with the boys. I have so much to learn and maybe it will stay that way.
Wednesday, it was as if everything fell into place. Why is it after this many years, I finally figured things out. It's true. This year all my races have been pr's. What sort of miracle happened? Am I finally listening to my body?
Most say that with age we slow up our pace. Somehow, I feel that with all these years of doing things wrong, maybe things will go right. It's as if things are becoming easier more like second nature. It is become more a part of me and I of it. Maybe with age we use our minds less and become more like children.
Most children like to go out to play and enjoy running around. It's once there is 'sport' involved that the shy ones don't like it as much. I was shy and wasn't the first on picked at kickball. To play sports you need a level of confidence. I'm building my each and every day. I don't take that for granted.
With age, I've become more like a tom-boy and enjoy the sport of it all. I've broken out of my shell and made something of myself. I enjoy the competition. I enjoy the push. Most of all maybe that shy girl in me will just sit out and I'll be able to play with the boys. I have so much to learn and maybe it will stay that way.
Diet: Week One Down
I have always been on the see-food diet. That's right...eat everything healthy in sight. But I have a great appetite. Thank god I work out or else I'd be a big plump fat girl. But I'd like to shed a few pounds before I go to the Himalayas. Hey, I got to do everything to be competitive. Let's go top 5.
Dating and dieting don't go together. I can believe I have people asking me out and all I think in my head is, "it's just 2 weeks, Nic. You can do it." So I've put off my dates and will let myself stay on this health kick. Some of you say, "hey, what's 2 glasses of wine." Well that will pack on the pounds as well and today I only did 7 miles. That's not enough expenditure for food and wine.
And sushi...this will be the first week in I don't know how long without it. I hope I can make it. I know that I'll just have to have even more next weekend. I'll be a little embarrassed if I ask anyone to go with me as I'll be back on that see-food diet.
Dating and dieting don't go together. I can believe I have people asking me out and all I think in my head is, "it's just 2 weeks, Nic. You can do it." So I've put off my dates and will let myself stay on this health kick. Some of you say, "hey, what's 2 glasses of wine." Well that will pack on the pounds as well and today I only did 7 miles. That's not enough expenditure for food and wine.
And sushi...this will be the first week in I don't know how long without it. I hope I can make it. I know that I'll just have to have even more next weekend. I'll be a little embarrassed if I ask anyone to go with me as I'll be back on that see-food diet.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
6 hour Ultra 9/20/08
OK. I know that you're probaly thinking I'm crazy to be doing another one of these timed events. Believe me, I thought so yesterday but today it seems like the right thing to do. I will use this 6 hour event to get me ready for my 100 mile endeaver.
Unlike the last race where I was a snail going around in a 1 mile loop. This time it's a 2 mile loop. OK. I think that's better. Maybe I'll graduate to being a turtle. Last race I wanted to place in the top 5...it ended up ok when I took 6th. This time I'd like to place in the top 3. Why? Only the top three get awards and I want one for my mantle. Get it?
This race will also allow me to be in the Grand Prix Ultra Series where there are points given out to those who place well. The person who places the highest wins. I'm doing pretty well for my age group and would like to get that award as well, but I have to place first to get it so I have my work cut out for me. I have a few more races to look at so we'll see on that one.
For now...
http://newyorkultrarunning.org/Staten_Island_6HourUltraRace_App_2008.pdf
That's the link to my 'training run'. Any yes, for those spin lovers....I will be teaching the following day so look out!!!
Unlike the last race where I was a snail going around in a 1 mile loop. This time it's a 2 mile loop. OK. I think that's better. Maybe I'll graduate to being a turtle. Last race I wanted to place in the top 5...it ended up ok when I took 6th. This time I'd like to place in the top 3. Why? Only the top three get awards and I want one for my mantle. Get it?
This race will also allow me to be in the Grand Prix Ultra Series where there are points given out to those who place well. The person who places the highest wins. I'm doing pretty well for my age group and would like to get that award as well, but I have to place first to get it so I have my work cut out for me. I have a few more races to look at so we'll see on that one.
For now...
http://newyorkultrarunning.org/Staten_Island_6HourUltraRace_App_2008.pdf
That's the link to my 'training run'. Any yes, for those spin lovers....I will be teaching the following day so look out!!!
September 13 Central Park Training Run
http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/r0913x00.asp
Anyone want to join me for this one. It's only 20 miles. Pacers and lots of aid stations. My kind of running. Did you know that in the 12 hour race I didn't loose one pound. Maybe I had too much gatorade at the aid stations.
Anyway, let me know if you'd like to join me. I'll drive. I'm already signed up and will run in the rain if I have to. Let me know.
Anyone want to join me for this one. It's only 20 miles. Pacers and lots of aid stations. My kind of running. Did you know that in the 12 hour race I didn't loose one pound. Maybe I had too much gatorade at the aid stations.
Anyway, let me know if you'd like to join me. I'll drive. I'm already signed up and will run in the rain if I have to. Let me know.
Diet
My training has been going great. I started my new diet yesterday. Let me tell you, it was not fun! I am not allowed my usual sushi...I can eat for 2-3 people. Those of you who have been out with me know the real deal. I will be allowed sushi in 2-3 weeks. No alchol for 2 weeks. That ruins my brunch plans so I won't be fun for a little while. Please forgive me.
I am hoping that I will get everything under control and get my body to drop those pounds. I will also have to cut the carbs. As always, I will eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I can't have any extra weight in those mountains.
I am hoping that I will get everything under control and get my body to drop those pounds. I will also have to cut the carbs. As always, I will eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I can't have any extra weight in those mountains.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Long Miles
I'm back on track and ready for some more. I do have many new aches and pains but I think all will go well until race day. I am offically on Ironman Triathlon and Ultramarathon Training once again. What does that mean? Well, for those of you who would like to make a late night stay out...offer me wine and we'll think about it.
For me it means a lot of hard work that will hopefully pay off in the end. The true test was this weekend where I tried to get back to my normal weekend training. This was hard as I recently lost my weekend training partner. I've training during the week on my own for the past few years but my weekends were filled with stories, but now with the sounds of an ipod.
Lucky for me I was off to a quick pace and got through my weekend miles in no time. The weather was great and I quiet enjoied the days. I know that I will be ready for my next endeavors if I do not get injured.
For me it means a lot of hard work that will hopefully pay off in the end. The true test was this weekend where I tried to get back to my normal weekend training. This was hard as I recently lost my weekend training partner. I've training during the week on my own for the past few years but my weekends were filled with stories, but now with the sounds of an ipod.
Lucky for me I was off to a quick pace and got through my weekend miles in no time. The weather was great and I quiet enjoied the days. I know that I will be ready for my next endeavors if I do not get injured.
missing weekend training partner
For the past few years, I've been running with my best friend Doreen who is an amazing runner. She can run for miles without taking a break. She even has done a 2:47 marathon backin 1986 where she won the Philly Marathon where she qualified for the olympic trials. It has been amazing to meet and run with such a wonderful person. She has gotten me out there on those cold snowy days and I've said, "let's just run." Those days I'll remember most, as those were our fastest, as I didn't want to stay out there for too many hours in the cold.
Unfortuanely with the cost of gas and her having moved away from our running destaintion, she has elected to not run there even though it is only 6 miles from her house which is about the same for mine. I have been left to run on my own. She has said that it takes too much time to get to the lake and that she would rather run on the local roads which in my mind aren't safe for two and not as challenging..
So if any of you would like run a few...ok many miles...on the weekends as you know during the week, it's just a quick 12-15 mile jaunt. I'd love for you to come out and explore the early am with me.
Unfortuanely with the cost of gas and her having moved away from our running destaintion, she has elected to not run there even though it is only 6 miles from her house which is about the same for mine. I have been left to run on my own. She has said that it takes too much time to get to the lake and that she would rather run on the local roads which in my mind aren't safe for two and not as challenging..
So if any of you would like run a few...ok many miles...on the weekends as you know during the week, it's just a quick 12-15 mile jaunt. I'd love for you to come out and explore the early am with me.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Boy, swimming should come easy
When I was a little girl, mom gave my sister and me swim lessons. I was always the first one in the pool. At that time I wanted to swim with the dolphins for work. My mom quickly told me that I wanted to be a marine biologist and I told her no, I just want to swim with the dolphins and explore the seals. What did I know, I was only five. One day I hope to swim with them.
Most kids played with Barbie, but I had no use for Barbie when I had Mommy Seal, Daddy Seal, and my dolphin who for some reason didn't have a name. These stuffed toys got me out of a lot of trouble as my sister was always up to mischief.
But in order to swim with the dolphins, I had to join a team. I joined the Middies Swim team in NY. I was very excited, but for some reason was always the last one out of the water. I soon learned that they didn't count all their laps. And from them I still to this day can not count the 74 laps to make a mile. Hey, we all fall a little short sometimes, but when race day comes, it's all hands on deck and look out. I'll have my game face on and ready to go.
Today was not like my childhood. There were very few swimmers in the water and I was the fastest. I got into the water with ease even though my heart pounded a little faster as I felt the cold water. I felt streamline in the water and quickly got my breathing under control for my flip turns. I was at peace.
Even though, I only swam 3/4 of a mile, not bad as I have been in the water since April when I did the 1/2 Ironman Triathlon and shaved 5 minutes off my swim time. But today I swam hard. Freestyle was always my hardest stroke, even when I was a child. There are so many things to keep in mind and I just can't let it go. I hope that one day I can swim the way I run. The water will just move around me and I'll glide thru the water. Now that way, the dolphins would thing I was one of them. Boy, I have so much to learn.
Most kids played with Barbie, but I had no use for Barbie when I had Mommy Seal, Daddy Seal, and my dolphin who for some reason didn't have a name. These stuffed toys got me out of a lot of trouble as my sister was always up to mischief.
But in order to swim with the dolphins, I had to join a team. I joined the Middies Swim team in NY. I was very excited, but for some reason was always the last one out of the water. I soon learned that they didn't count all their laps. And from them I still to this day can not count the 74 laps to make a mile. Hey, we all fall a little short sometimes, but when race day comes, it's all hands on deck and look out. I'll have my game face on and ready to go.
Today was not like my childhood. There were very few swimmers in the water and I was the fastest. I got into the water with ease even though my heart pounded a little faster as I felt the cold water. I felt streamline in the water and quickly got my breathing under control for my flip turns. I was at peace.
Even though, I only swam 3/4 of a mile, not bad as I have been in the water since April when I did the 1/2 Ironman Triathlon and shaved 5 minutes off my swim time. But today I swam hard. Freestyle was always my hardest stroke, even when I was a child. There are so many things to keep in mind and I just can't let it go. I hope that one day I can swim the way I run. The water will just move around me and I'll glide thru the water. Now that way, the dolphins would thing I was one of them. Boy, I have so much to learn.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Training Resumes
I got the training let down blues and I'm ready to start again. Tomorrow, I'll start both Ironman Triathlon and Ultramarathon training. I will use my 100 mile stage running race in the Himalayas to get me ready for Ironman where I hope to break 12 hours. Again, I hope to place in the top 5 in the Himalayas and know that it will be hard as I haven't done any altitude training. I was told that it is like being hung over. But I don't think I'll drink every night to establish this feeling. If I can get enough time off, I'll try to go out to Colorado to experience the real thing. What do you think?
I will get back in the water tomorrow, Thursday I'll up my run mileage and bike over the weekend. I will also get one of my bikes on a trainer as I don't have much time to spend outdoors. Damm that work!!! It gets in the way. But we do what we have to do.
My injuries are looking good as I haven't really pushed it. The test will be this weekend when I put everything together. Anyone want to go for a ride with me, let me know.
I will get back in the water tomorrow, Thursday I'll up my run mileage and bike over the weekend. I will also get one of my bikes on a trainer as I don't have much time to spend outdoors. Damm that work!!! It gets in the way. But we do what we have to do.
My injuries are looking good as I haven't really pushed it. The test will be this weekend when I put everything together. Anyone want to go for a ride with me, let me know.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Injury report
Hi all--
Went to the doctors today and found out that I have tendonitis in the patella and achilles. He told me that he knew that I wouldn't stop running for it to heal quickly. I will go out for a 10 mile run tomorrow and then head to the beach for some sun.
Next week, I start training for my 100 mile stage race in the Himalyas. This will be a true test of the soul. What worries me most is not the mental or physical part of the race, but it's the shafing.
All in all, the thing that hurt most from my 12 hour race was all the shafing that I got. Can you believe that I had to take a shower with my clothes on? Now that sucked. I even got my hair professionally washed. Well, they also put color in it to get rid of the grey hairs.
Went to the doctors today and found out that I have tendonitis in the patella and achilles. He told me that he knew that I wouldn't stop running for it to heal quickly. I will go out for a 10 mile run tomorrow and then head to the beach for some sun.
Next week, I start training for my 100 mile stage race in the Himalyas. This will be a true test of the soul. What worries me most is not the mental or physical part of the race, but it's the shafing.
All in all, the thing that hurt most from my 12 hour race was all the shafing that I got. Can you believe that I had to take a shower with my clothes on? Now that sucked. I even got my hair professionally washed. Well, they also put color in it to get rid of the grey hairs.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Recovery Run
Yesterday was my first day back since Saturday's adventure. I thought I'd play it safe and just do the stationary bike for about an hour. This was fine. I think what hurt most was going up and down the stairs to get at the bike. All in all I think I did fine.
So today I thought I'd take my recovery to another level. A run!!! Yea. I'll be back in no time I thought. Well, I think walkers could have passed me I was so slow. I went out for a 4 mile stint and found it hard to run downhill. I'm having pain in my left knee. I wanted to do more but I think I'll have to settle for going to the gym tonight...
So today I thought I'd take my recovery to another level. A run!!! Yea. I'll be back in no time I thought. Well, I think walkers could have passed me I was so slow. I went out for a 4 mile stint and found it hard to run downhill. I'm having pain in my left knee. I wanted to do more but I think I'll have to settle for going to the gym tonight...
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Race Report 8/2/08 12 Hour Ultramarthon Long Island
Hi all--The long day is now over, and today I have muscle aches, shafing everywhere, and am happy with all that I've done. I believe that I'll be ok for the Himalyas race. Just imagine that I'll have to feel like this for 5 solid days. I'd like to wash my hair but am shafed and can't withstand the beating of water. I think I'll put some clothes on and take a shoer that way.But let me tell you how I got Saturday went. It was a hot and wet start and I don't know if watching the Tour De France was good for me. As you know there is the lead pack, chase pack and the peleton. The race started with a quick break away of 4 runners. Not wanting to be left behind, I hung on to the chase pack of 3 runners, all men and me. There after was the peleton, about 95 or so people.I led the women's race for the first 15 miles. I wish I could have held on. It rained and my feet got wet. Lucky for me I had a change of shoes. While changing my shoes, I lost time and the next thing I know I was passed by a woman. This was very dishearting.We were told that if lightning struck they would hold up the race. Within 5-7 miles lightning and thunder were all around us. Unfortunately, I had already started out on the course and it downpoured on me. The course had a flowing river 4-6 inches deep. My feet sloshed thru, there was no reason to find wet ground as my feet were soaked. When I finished the lap, they told me to find shelter.I don't know how long we were waiting to start again, but the race clock continued on. Someone bellowed, "I don't know if stoping was a good thing." I agree with him. For some reason, I thought that I could run in those shoes. Within the next lap, I knew I had to put on the less soaked shoes as I only brought 2 pair. But I did bring enough socks. Again I was passed, the day just wasn't unfolding as well as I guess. My goal was to place in the top 5 and I wasn't sure where I was. I continued on like a hamster on that one mile loop. As with all races, there are highs and lows. Lucky for me, I didn't have many lows, I was focused on the events that lay ahead.I found a few people who were willing to share their stories and that made the time go by quicker. I was only 7 miles behind the winning lady and I ended up placing 6th in the women's division, not in the top five but I did make a go at it. I guess it's not too bad. But it was nice being the leader, even if for a little while. Maybe next time, I'll hold on to it.Until then we'll have to wait, train, and see. Thanks again for all your support.
12 Hour Ultramarathon 8/1/08 Long Island
As most of you know, I am racing this weekend. I've tried to keep my fitness level since April and have had a great year thus far. I need to keep it going. I did peak too soon...about 2 weeks ago and will take everything one step at a time.And yes, you all know that I like to push the envelope. Unfortunately, my Achilles hasn't heeled since April and feel it every day. I know that most of you believe that I shouldn't be at the starting line as we all know how that injury is debilitating, but I am stubborn and will not let this make Saturday a no-go situation.I will be out there Saturday for 12 hours competing in a small loop...yes small. It's only 1 mile. I hope that both my body and mind won't break down. 12 Hours is a long time to be out there and hopefully I'll keep my focus and come out on top.I have told most of you that this is in Queens, NY. It's not too far if you want to come out. Hey, Doreen...why don't you do the first 4-6 hours with me. Now that would make the time go by.I will be accessible thru the weekend and would love to hear from you all.
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