34 miles on a weeknight isn't bad
Monday March 26th 2007, 10:27 pm
Filed under:
the bikeGah. It’s late. I’m never up this late. Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks to ditching work early to go ride (because it’s freakin’ 78 degrees in Minnesota in March!) is that you may have to work later. Which I’m doing. Or I’ve done. I’m off to bed pretty soon but not without saying it was a great ride and a BEAUTIFUL night. The boy joined me and we headed off to join a pack who’d left from the Birchwood at 6pm. We caught up with them on Summit avenue and continued with them for approximately an hour. It was groovy to also ride with Sascha The Lost Empire trailer Dragonheart dvdrip
on our matching Divas.
All in all, a 34 mile ride with a number of climbs because we spent the fair share in St. Paul along the river. Not a bad way to spend a Monday night. We averaged around 17 mph (I think — I still don’t have a damn computer on my bike yet).
And I’m toying with the idea of actually racing this weekend. Something I said I’d NEVER do.
Crazy what the diva has me up to…
[EDITED TO ADD: This was officially ride #5. Ride #4 took place over the weekend. It was 50 miles with 18 teammates. We even double pacelined. It felt very, very fancy.]
[[EDITED TO ALSO ADD: I have no idea how to spell paceline.]]The Wackness trailerBeezy Bear psp
The Hudsucker Proxy buy
Today
I love my job.
And not just because we’re having our inaugural rooftop party today. And it’s 50 degrees and sunny.
No, it’s probably more because we get to start drinking at 4:30.
Salut!
The Winged Scourge download
The New Guy trailer Julia divx
Bomb the System full movie
Return Of The Magnificent Seven
download The Express movie Ulysses video
Ride #3 on the Diva and she crashes
Sunday March 18th 2007, 10:49 am
Filed under:
the husbandYep, that’s right. I don’t even have a handful of rides in on my new bike and she’s already taken a tumble. Thankfully (and I’ll end the suspense right now), she’s okay. There are some scratches on the skewer and brake lever, but the frame is okay. The components seem fine and I was able to get back up and complete the 60 mile hill ride with just a burning elbow due to some road rash. But, boy was that a scare! Especially after I figured out the bodies in question were okay and I just stared at my pretty purple bike on the road almost not wanting to look closer for fear that it was wrecked. James and the boys were up ahead and I knew they were all thinking the same thing, “are they okay? is the new bike okay?”
What happened? It’s hard to tell for sure. It all happened so fast. I was riding on the inside. We were approximately 15 miles into the ride on our way to Stillwater when my cycling mate on the outside of me (who was a little in front of my bike) hit a pothole and lost her balance. I saw it happen. For a second, I thought she would pull it out, but the impact of the pothole and loss of balance had her turning in towards the shoulder and right in front of me. She went down in front of my wheel, I tried to avoid her, but I ended up hitting her bike and collapsing over as well sliding on my right side as she tumbled over the shoulder and into the weeds/snow/gunk on the side of the road. I got up right away and knew I was fine. Just a little scrapped up and surprised. My cycling mate was a little worse off. We were probably going 18 mph and she never got a chance to brake before she fell so she hit the pavement much harder than I. We waited for her to get her bearings and see if her limbs were operable. Nothing was broken. But she was sore. Her leg and back took the most impact. We got up and then finally inspected the bikes. Both were shockingly fine and we eventually hopped back on to continue the ride. When we got to Stillwater, we stopped at a coffee shop to regroup and see how everyone was doing. My teammate was having a hard time breathing and was feeling soreness from the fall so she opted to have a friend pick her up. I continued the ride with the rest of the guys. So, it was scary — but the good news is everyone is okay and the bikes are okay. It could have turned out WAY worse.
So, with the crash recap out of the way, I can continue on and talk about the ride. I was a little nervous from the start because it ended up being a group ride with a lot of guys. I thought it was going to be just James and our teammate for a moderately-paced Saturday ride. But since James posted on the ride board the day prior to the team, suddenly there were three guys at our house at 10:30 am with two more on their way.
[To make matters worse, James and I were out until 2am at this nightclub called NV
Universal Remote trailer Gnaw dvdrip
-- some swank new premium nightclub in MPLS that went into the 1st floor of the building where I work. And before you think I always show up to Saturday rides hungover, Eclectchick The Ninth Configuration
Adoration psp
, this was an anomaly -- we usually don't go to clubs like this. But we were at our company post-holiday party and when that closed and we were going to go home, some coworkers talked us in to trying to get into the hip club. Which we were successful at (because we "have someone who knows someone"). At any rate, it was a late night and that made the 10:30 meet-up kind of rough.]
So, back to the ride. I’m an okay pack rider and I don’t mind regularly riding with the girls. But I do lack some confidence when it comes to “guy rides.” I knew we’d be doing hills and the fact that there where 6 guys and two girls had me somewhat comfortable in that I wouldn’t be the only one to fall behind. But then my teammate couldn’t continue and there I was, the only girl. But I had to just get over that and ride.
And it was all okay. I kept up okay. They weren’t pushing the pace. On the big hills, I did fall behind quite considerably. But they waited up at the end and, as we tempo-ed it back home, one of the guys would fall back to pull me up to the group whenever I got dropped. It was nice and it felt good to be challenged. It wasn’t a moderate ride for me — but that’s what I need to get better.
All in all (and aside from the crash), it was a good ride. I’m pleased that I felt so good for 60 miles (including hills) after only two 25-mile rides out this season. I also am once again so very pleased with my new bike. She is awesome and fast and can take a spill better than I thought possible.
After the ride, we crashed on the couch after a burrito and recovery drink. We then headed out and for dinner at a friend’s home which was pleasant and low-key. After that? Bed. Originally, we’d considered participating in St. Patrick’s day festivities with some other friends after dinner, but when they called at midnight, I just didn’t have it in me. I needed rest.Ghost Ship trailer
I took the day off
Wednesday March 14th 2007, 2:19 pm
Filed under:
the bikeI have PTO that I was going to lose, so I decided to stay home today. It hasn’t prevented me from working, though. Shucks!
I did manage to head out and take a skirt and shoes to the leather repair shop — stuff I never have time for during the week. I also picked up a new metallic, funky new bag at a local consignment shop. And Pocky. I’m addicted to Pocky, lately. So when I stopped at the grocery store from some soymilk, I ended up with two boxes of Pocky Chocolate.
Gah. I’ll never get back to goal weight like that.
Of course, I told myself I’d share the Pocky. With James. With my workmates. I love Pocky.
+ + + +
So, yes. I rode the Diva on Sunday. In fact, I think she’s going to go out for another spin this afternoon when the boy gets home. It’s really unfortunate, however, that it’s been 55+ degrees and sunny for the past two days and I’ve been stuck for 12+ hours in the office. Ugh. Now, I’m off and it’s grey. It’s still above 40 degrees. But barely. It’s not the sunshiney goodness of yesterday — but I’ll take what I can get. It’s supposed to get even colder tomorrow with rain.
That said, the Diva is awesome. Granted, we took her out on Sunday afternoon with a killer wind that was to our back on the way out. Naturally, we feel speedy and awesome at the start only to have to trudge back at nearly a 10 mph deficit. I had to remind myself that, as hard as that return trip felt, it was easier than it would have been on my KHS.
The differences between this bike and my old KHS are huge — and I’m not just talking about the carbon. I’ve been riding a bike that was too big for me for years. And riding it fairly well, if I say so myself. Granted, I was never the best climber. But I hung in there and I’ve had some awesome races — especially last year. But getting on the Diva? It’s so different. I suddenly feel like I have more momentum. Climbing seems so much easier. I don’t have to stretch out over the bike and it shifts like a dream. I guess I never knew I had it rough. Or I guess I never knew I could have it so easy.
Time will tell what kind of difference this new bike will really make. I don’t even have a computer on it yet — so I really can’t tell you what my average was on Sunday. I won’t know today, either. Without that computer, all of this could just be in my head — some internal rationalization meant to justify the purchase of the bike. But I don’t think that’s the case. I think I’m going to be faster. I think my skillz are going to improve. And I know I have one sweet bike. If just because she’s so darn pretty.
+ + + +
I think I’m finally going to do it. I’m finally going to join a master’s swim group. The sad part of this is that the reason I’m going to do so isn’t necessarily because I need to swim with other people to get faster (which is true and I do) — but because the damn pool at my club is STILL BROKEN. And, to make matters worse, the pool at the downtown MPLS club where I’ve been going in the interim is now out of commission because they’re cleaning it. I can’t catch a freakin’ break, people! At least without driving to the suburbs — or paying extra to go to the Y.
So, I caved and looked up some masters swim groups and the YWCA in downtown MPLS has session both in the mornings and evenings that are not far from where I work. And at $7/pop, I won’t go broke trying it out. My goal is to start on Monday. Let’s see if it really happens…
Green Eyed Monster video
And Soon the Darkness video
Goodbye Bafana movieThe Shepherd full movie
Good food, yoga, cauliflower and a 30-minute TT
Saturday March 10th 2007, 10:03 pm
Filed under:
the husbandJames is afraid we’re getting old.
That’s what he said tonight as we finished dinner and I asked him if we were going to the show. The show, in particular, was the one I discovered earlier today while seaching music on MySpace. Nee Nee Failure to Launch dvdrip
The Red Violin ipod
Havoc dvd
is a local band (artist?) who we discovered and I saw that she was playing that the Kitty Kat Club tonight with two other acts. It’s been a while since we’ve been out to listen to live music and the boy was really jazzed about the idea of going out to see the groups play.
Of course, then we fixed dinner. We had some appetizers. A glass of Belgium beer. A glass of wine. Over our fabulous meal of homemade lentil stew and Indian-inspired cauliflower, the alcohol was making our eyes droop and the sound of jazz from the speakers was lulling us into the living room. I asked him again if I should get ready to go to the show. He replies, “I want to go. But I don’t. I’m tired. Does that mean we’re old?”
Poor James. No, that doesn’t mean we’re old. We’re just busy and active. And it all takes its toll. We both had crazy busy weeks. Then, today, he went riding. I did my own yoga / run combo. We grocery shopped. We cooked. The Saturday was full. And just because we like Nee Nee, we should be okay with the fact that if we’re tired, it’s okay not to go. We’re not old.
(Okay. Maybe we’re just a little old. But we still can party. Really. We just “choose” not to.)
:)
At any rate, it’s daylight savings tonight and we’re missing an hour of sleep. If I have to get all sensible on you, I can credit staying home to the fact that I’d like at least 8 hours of sleep.
+ + + +
Cooking dinner tonight was really nice. It’s honestly been months since I’ve participated in any of the kitchen obligations. As busy as I’ve become with work, the cooking has either fallen on James or turned into simple “heat-and-eat” affairs. Lots of pizzas, pasta and soups have been staples. Green salads are easy. So, when I assisted James tonight by making the Crackling Cauliflower from the Whole Food’s cookbook, I got to see what it was like to once again touch whole foods and put together a nutritious and delicious dinner. Looking at the ingredients going into both my cauliflower and James’ lentil stew, I became nostalgic for when I had more time to cook. I appreciate meals made from scratch chock-full of plant-based foods. I just wish I had more time. Unfortunately cooking like we did tonight isn’t an option during the week. At least not right now.
+ + + +
I went to Yoga this morning. I didn’t know that’s what I was going to do. In fact, it wasn’t on my training schedule and I got up with the full intention of a long run. I even ate my bowl of shredded wheat as planned fuel. But the more I thought about the day while I ate my cereal and surfed blogs, I kept thinking about how much I missed my Saturday morning Yoga classes. And while I’ve been doing Yoga at home, it’s just not the same. And the next thing I knew, I was donning my baggy workout pants with my Yoga mat bag on my shoulder. I could run later in the day.
I arrived at class about 10 minutes early. I brought along a mug of Sweet and Spicy tea so I sat and relaxed on my mat prior to class with the warm mug of cinnamon goodness in my hands. Jan had candles and insense burning and just the peace of sitting there was affirmation that I’d made the right choice.
Class was great. It was challenging. Jan (the instructor) was lively and enthusiastic. She got me all sweaty and limber and every muscle in my body was shaking at one point or another.
And, as hard as it was, it was also an amazing retreat. I felt like I was able to let go of a lot of baggage and really live in the moment and relax. I had a clear mind and a clear focus. I wasn’t the same chick 70 minutes later.
After class, I came home where I refueled with some melon and cottage cheese. I felt strong and at peace and I finally talked myself into the run workout that I’ve been avoiding all week. A 30 minute time trial to determine my lactate threshold heart rate.
The workout was tough. Forcing myself to run at full-speed for 30 minutes in a non-race enviroment is one of the more challenging workouts I’ve ever faced. But I managed to do it (with positive self talk all the way). My 5k TT time was 0:26:11 (an 8:26/mile pace) and my average heart rate for the final 20 minutes of the TT was 167: supposedly my LTHR.
After the TT and the long cool down back to the house, I refueled again with spicy tofu on greens and two slices of toast. I then CRASHED on the couch — something I never do on weekend.
I guess I was tired.
So. Yeah. That was my day. You add that to the grocery shopping and dinner and you might be able to understand why now I am in my pajamas typing on the computer rather than at a club watching indie pop.
We all make choices, you know. And today, mine were clear. Yoga. Run. Rest. Fuel.
I do like my life. How lucky am I that the tough choices of the day surround lovely, lovely options?
[Side note: remind me to fill you all in on the epiphany that the 167 LTHR result turned out to be -- I plugged that in for my target zones and suddenly zone 1 is 141 or lower! Training is going to change my friend. Boy, is it going to change...]
What a difference a week makes?
Friday March 09th 2007, 10:55 pm
Filed under:
randomLast Friday, my office was closed due to the snow. Granted, I still went in and put in a full day. But I was the freak. The anomoly.
This Friday? 50 degrees. Everything is melting. Spring in Minnesota.
We love it. We hate it. We never know what we’re going to get.
For those looking for an update on the bike, I’ve yet to take it out. The snow made it pretty impossible. And, during the stretch that we had when it was warm, I was too paranoid about the salt and holes in the road. So, the bike is untested. But it sure looks pretty in my basement. :)
+ + + +
I did finally register for my first bunch of races. We also got our registration for the Bicycle Tour of Colorado squared away. We’re really going to do it. I’m both excited and scared. The day after, I received an email about crossing the continental divide 6 times. I’m starting to wonder if I was high when I thought this would be a good idea.
+ + + +
Work is still making my triathlon training (and everything else in my life) a little difficult to keep up with. I’m barely following my training plan and I feel like I’m not getting adequate sleep. My diet isn’t as good as it could be. I’m constantly thinking about my clients and projects and I know James is so over it all. We are trying to staff up at work. This should only be short-term. But I’m going on my 5th week of 50+ hours and it’s weighing on me. I can’t remember the last evening that I didn’t spend it tied to my laptop and answering emails until 10pm. Blah, blah, blah. Nobody likes a whiner.
+ + + +
We went out for Ethiopian tonight with another couple that we’ve been meaning to catch up with. I’ve never had Ethiopian before and the food was fantastic. I could eat like this all the time. The conversation with awesome, too. We talked about heavy subjects like religions and morals. We also talked about plastic surgery. Those conversations weren’t mutually exclusive. It was a good night.
+ + + +
This weekend I vow to get caught up at work. I also vow to pay my household bills, workout and walk my dogs. I want to clean my house. I want to purchase a lamp. I want to blog.
I miss my blog.Night of the Living Dead 3D dvd The Hearse divx
Rudy full movie
UKM: The Ultimate Killing Machine movie download
Blown Away hd
Mr. Motos Last Warning video
Cypher dvdrip The Age of Stupid full movie Fast Track: No Limits trailer Failure to Launch movie download
