(1) In swim lessons, your coach can tell when you haven’t practiced

(2) I’m a faster swimmer than I thought. (Obviously, I still have far to go, but I consistently assess my speed at lower than it really is.)

(3) Running at 7.0 MPH at a 4% incline is WAY harder than running at 8.0 MPH at a -1.0% incline. So help me god.

(4) If you agree to share a swim lane, don’t get suck with the side next to the wall.

(5) 90 minute spin classes are awesome (even at 5:45 am) if the instructor is hot.

(6) Skiing at night, after dark, in 9 degree weather is still cold even if it’s 20 degrees higher than it’s been in the past week. I need to remember that. After another few days with sub-zero temps, I was dying to get out last night. But when I did, I only lasted 30 minutes. I was still cold.

(7) I feel like a stud when I do squats on the Smith press.

(8) I still struggle with working out on Mondays before work. Even now, 8 years after I started my morning routine.

(9) I know how to mix a mean Spin class music mix.

(10) There are less than 20 weeks before my marathon. I need to starting really amping up my mileage.Labor Pains the movie Get Thrashed divx The Watermelon full movie The Jammed divx Bundy: An American Icon trailer

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So, I’m home for the weekend without the man. He has flown down to Texas for a 60th birthday surprise for his father and I am left to my own devices. And if last night wasn’t an enjoyable waste of some hour-age, today was more of that. And I’m completely fine with it all.

I knew I was going to be home alone (aside from two wonderful, furry creatures) so I called my girlfriend to see what she was up to. Her Friday night was free in that she and her mom were going to hit the movies and I was invited to tag-along. It seemed a perfectly acceptable invitation, so I met them at her pad at 7pm. Only, nothing seemed very appealing in terms of flicks that the group could agree on. We viewed trailer after trailer online (and even some mildly entertaining YouTube videos as palate cleansers) while drinking wine and eating cheese it the kitchen. Finally, around 9pm, we weren’t any closer to a movie choice and we knew we had to eat, so we headed to a local Thai joint, had some great food and then just headed back to the house to watch Xanadu.

Yes, Xanadu.

What can I say? I Netflixed the thing a couple of weeks ago because I had to refresh my memory of what had captivated me so much as an 8-year-old. Captivated me so much that I would roller skate acting out the entire performance in my driveway to the record soundtrack.

So, I got it. Another dear friend copied the DVD for me. And I had passed it along to my buddy so that she could see what it was all about. Long story longer, she hadn’t gotten around to watching it — so we decided to watch it together. (Not sure a smart idea on my part because I get to be mocked throughout the entire thing in person, but what can you do…)

And that’s what we did. Suddenly, it was 12:30 am and I was making my way post-Xanadu back to my pad from St. Louis Park. That’s a 1/2 hour drive for those keeping score at home. I hit the sack after 1am and knew I’d be sleeping in on Saturday morning.

So, this morning (as expected), I got up late and lolly-gagged around. I checked email, ate my cereal and washed a few dishes. I also texted my other girlfriend who’d invited me to go skiing. I was kind of on the fence, and a little nervous, about trying the sport again after my injury, but she encourage me to get out there. We had plans to meet in the early afternoon out at Carver Park Reserve. And since I have been pain free for about 2-1/2 weeks now, I thought it was worth giving it a try. I figured I could try and ski as much as possible without poles. I would take it easy. And, even as I waxed my skis, I was mindful of my arm and tried to used my right side (non-injured) as much as possible.

After a couple doses of sub-zero temps recently, it was beautiful today — in the 30s. And the sun was shining at Carver when we arrived. We ended up doing about 10-12k of skiing (I’m estimating). For a portion of it, we skiied the Grimm trail which was an advanced trail over 7.5k long. There were hills and a couple of fun (and scary) downhills. It was a good workout and I felt really strong. My arm never hurt (although, it never did hurt when I was actually skiing). I skiied without poles whenever possible. And we both felt like it was a great effort. We also both confided that neither of us would have gone out had we been left to our own devices.

We skiied for about 1-1/2 hours before having to head back to the city (it is a haul out there — over 40 miles). We stopped for a warm-up coffee, chatted some more and then I was on my way home. I couldn’t believe it was already past 5pm. Where had my day gone??

On my way home, I called James to check in. I also stopped at Cost Plus World Market to stock up on some wine. I got home after 6pm and filled the tub with hot, hot water and my Burt’s Bees Buttermilk Bath Soak. The bath was absolutely yummy.

Now, I’m just hanging out with the girls. I’m icing my arm. I ate my left-over Thai for dinner and have a nice glass of red wine at my side. I’m also updating my photos on Flickr and listening some good music. It is all so very indulgent.
I really didn’t get much accomplished today. I didn’t grocery shop, clean the house, run errands or pay bills. I didn’t even cook or catch up on work. But I feel completely relaxed. I can get stuff done tomorrow.

Sometimes you just need days like these.

In fact, I’m going to get even crazier and read my book as soon as I log off here.

Happy Saturday, ya’ll.

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It’s officially been over 2 weeks that I have not done yoga, swam, weight trained my upper body or skiied. I have iced my arm. I have taken it easy. I have really only cycled, walked and ran and tonight I decided to re-enter the pool.

My arm has been feeling much better. It doesn’t tweak like hell anymore and I can sleep without waking up every time I turn over and the pain would shoot up my neck. I still have an appointment booked with a PT in a couple of weeks. I’m not planning on hitting the skis hard anytime soon (I want to stay healthy for our dog sledding trip coming up later this week). But after the time off and rest, I decided to give it a go again in the pool. After all, I did sign up for lessons that are quickly running out with teammates. And, truth be told, our lessons are more like coaching sessions. With five of us in the lane at a time, Dave doesn’t usually have time to give us a workout. He more works on technique pointers with everyone. And, before I had to take the time off due to injury, I was having some break through workouts with 100s nearing 1:30. I hated having to stop.

So, tonight I hit lessons. And what I said about not getting a workout? Hah. Not the case tonight! There were only three of us and we concentrated on doing higher intensity 100s to see where our form goes to crap when fatigued. I was out of breath after every interval and when he had us do a 200, I couldn’t believe how winded I got. Crazy how in even two weeks you can lose fitness in a sport. It was an interesting lesson. Each of us in the lesson consistently dropped 10 seconds from the second 100 in the 200 set — a result of being tired. Working on consistent effort and endurance is on tap before our next lesson.

We’ll see how my arm feels in the morning, too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed… (and it didn’t hurt during the lesson or now, so I’m hopeful).

In other news, I had a really good tempo interval run last week. I’m at the part in my plan where I’m doing these timed 1-mile tests every four or so weeks where I warm up, then run for 1 mile at a heart rate 9-11 beats below  my lowest 5a zone #. That’s approx. 159 for me. And when I did the test on Thursday, I completed my mile in 8:45 — with an average HR of 159. I was happy with that. But I was floored when I compared my results to last year’s at this time. The same test I averaged 9:15 for the mile the first time (avg. HR: 161) and then 9:10 for the second time (avg. HR: 160)! How did I managed to shave almost 25 seconds off and with a lower HR? Crazy, that.

Now that my arm seems to be cooperating, I’m trying to ease back into my base training schedule. I’m still going to take it easy on upper arm weights and yoga. But I do think I’m going to go to a gentle yoga class and swim a little more (but cap the swims at 2500 yds / 45 minutes). I have a feeling going out and trying to accomplish 3000+ yard workouts after not swimming wouldn’t be very smart.

I also want to get back on my skis, but I’ll have to do that sans poles until after I talk to the PT. I don’t want to tempt anything and I want to stay healthy for our dog sled trip.

I can’t believe it’s in less than three weeks. Crazy. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea of sleeping outside — let alone actually dog sledding, skiing and making camp. What in the world have I gotten ourselves into?????

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A girlfriend forwarded this on and, instead of starting on cleaning my house, I thought I’d post it instead.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE ? my middle name: Mian — after the Inca Goddess of the Universe (seriously)
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week at the movies while watching Lars and the Real Girl — I bawled through the whole movie and had puffy eyes the next day!
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. It’s terrible.
4. WHAT I S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Applegate Farms Organic Herbed Turkey breast

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2 dogs

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? of course

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A Lot? no

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8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes, even though I’ve had tonsillitis (wtf?)

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9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Totally

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Favorite every day: Kashi Go Lean; favorite as a treat: Granola with tons of fruit & nuts.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not with lace locks! ;)

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically: Pretty sure I am. Although, I’m always amazed at how much I suck at helping to move furniture — then I’m a wimp. Mentally: I’m getting stronger every year.

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14 What IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Hair. I always notice hair — is that bad?

15. RED OR PINK? WHEN? I prefer red in terms of color, but I wear more pink because I look better in it.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I don’t always have enough confidence in myself and I’m a huge procrastinator. (Like answering this email instead of cleaning my bathroom)

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Grandpa (on my dad’s side). He died when I was sixteen and I wish he could know me now. I do still talk to him all the time, though.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Edy’s Slow-churned Butter Pecan ice cream (last night)

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22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Bittersweet (I’m a dork and actually looked up the names. Remember Maize and Brick Red? http://www.crayola.com/colorcensus/history/chronology.cfm)

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23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fresh brewed coffee, peonies, fresh lavender, my dogs’ stinky breath

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? An old coworker from my agency life

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? She’s a rockstar.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Anything in the Olympics (except maybe ballroom dancing and figure skating), NCAA men’s basketball

27. HAIR COLOR? Depends on the season and my mood.

28. EYE COLOR? Green

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Only when I’m active (cycling, skiing, tris)

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30 FAVORITE FOOD? pizza

31 . SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? There is a time and place for both

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Crazy Love (documentary about that crazy dude who hired someone to pour acid in his girlfriend’s eyes, went to jail and then they got married when he go out)

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34. SUMMER OR WINTER? what kind of question is that? umm, both

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35. HUGS OR KISSES? ditto

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Creme Brulee (especially a Green Tea one I had in Miami a few years ago)

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? dunno

38. Least likely to respond? dunno

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Water for Elephants,

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Many orange dots

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Not telling – but it was bad

42. FAVORITE SOUND? Jazz

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Norway

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can tell you almost anything about your food (environmental impact, caloric content, WW Points value) — it’s very sad