3/4 mile swim in reservoir, 16 mile bike, 5 mile run.

Details are in the journal, here is the mini recap:

Swim: It was cold at 7am, but not as cold as the Pacific Ocean. I started out with freestyle and thought I was doing well, but the same old panic about breathing struck and I had to switch to backstroke. Just like in practice I was slower the first half (25 minutes) and much faster the second (15 minutes!) but still came out of the water right under 40. OH, and I learned to pee while swimming for the first time, that's right, I said it, I peed in my wetsuit in the reservoir because I had to and I decided I'd rather do it there than on my bike.

T1: I was frozen. It was only a 5 minute transition but it felt like 10. I did not fall down getting on my bike though.

Bike: We had done the course the day before which I knew was going to be a mistake. Confidence-wise it was a benefit as I knew where the hill was and how difficult it would be to get over it, as well as the fact that I COULD get over it. However, my legs were spent from getting over it the day before coupled with the swim. I never was able to power through on the bike and my time was 1:15.49, which was a good TWENTY MINUTES SLOWER than the day before. The good part? At least I know I can knock off 20 minutes next year. Also, I did not fall when I stopped at the end.

T2: About spent and out of energy, it took me 3:08 to rack my bike and change my shoes and socks, way too long.

Run: As difficult as this was, I did it in less time than I had anticipated. I had figured 1:15. I certainly can run faster than this, but doing it after two hours of swimming and riding is different. I walked much of the course but ran as much as I could. Very upsetting to realize there were not many people left on the course (none), I didn't see anyone until I made the turn-around and passed maybe five senior citizens. SENIOR CITIZENS. The good news is I finished the run in 1:10.21, almost five minutes faster than expected. AND that I didn't turn around at the 2 mile point like one lady told me to "because there's no one up there to check". Even though I wanted to. But I didn't think I could live with myself or look Erin in the eye if I didn't complete the entire course.

So my total time was 3:14.5, which is 30 seconds faster than I had anticipated, and yet I was almost the last one in out of 800 racers. As I was running I was trying to figure out how this could be. I was exactly as fast/slow as I had expected (except for the botched ride) yet I had come in just about dead last. And this is what I decided:

For all my working out I still have 40 pounds to lose, at least. And there weren't many other racers on that course with that kind of extra weight. So maybe people "my size" don't even attempt this kind of race. Which means that because I DID do it, the entire thing, and never even got off my bike to walk up the hill or turn around when no one was looking, then I did a pretty cool thing no matter how long it took. I know fit and athletic people who have no intention of attempting this or any other triathlon, so in a way, I beat them too. And I beat everyone who was still sitting at home or even in bed while I was out swimming in the reservoir.

So I was disappointed in myself for part of the run. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized how proud of myself I should be. I don't care if I was dead last, or only beat people who were 60 and 70 years old, I still DID IT. I completed the entire course!! So not only am I proudly displaying my medal, but I fully plan to do this race next year. And take 20 minutes off my bike time, dammit!!!

I did decide I have no intention of doing the Olympic Distance in June, at least not this year. Maybe after I've lost these last 40 pounds. But I don't have it in me to go out for 4 hours, just not going to happen.

But I'll do another sprint. I'm already signed up for the Mermaid Triathlon in September again, and I'm *thinking* about the San Jose sprint in June. And there are sprints in August in Santa Cruz. We'll see. I'm definitely not done with this sport, in fact, I'm only just beginning.

Yesterday morning I got up and prepared for my 20+ mile bike ride. I wanted to get it out of the way before the sun started warming up, but just as I was getting ready to head out the door the doorbell rang.

The landlord had sent the gardener to build us a new gate (to replace the one that disintegrated from old age). He was supposed to come on Friday, but I guess 8am Saturday is a better time. For WHO?? And since this dumb house has no outside power, he needed to plug in somewhere inside. So I took him in back and plugged the extension into one of my bedroom outlets, and realized I now wasn't going to go anywhere until they were done. BOO.

To be fair, he's one quick gate builder. By 9:30 he had finished a super awesome, taller, stronger gate with a better locking mechanism... in short, as usual, things were better than they ever were when he left. So at 9:45 I was on my bike and riding away.

It was supposed to be a "long, easy" ride of 1.5 - 2.5 hours, so I decided to ride over to the trail. I think the whole trail is 20 miles, so I could easily go as long out as I wanted, and then back. Also, it's flat and often shady, pretty perfect for long rides. The only problem is living up in the foothills, I have to get over a very rough hill before I get to the trail. Getting over it is one thing, getting BACK over it after a 20 mile ride is a whole different story. But I need to practice my hills, so off I went.

Going over it went really well actually, and I managed to avoid a red light at the intersection before it (I'm not so comfortable with my pedal clips and HATE left turns and possible stops), and then zoomed over the hill. Okay, maybe I didn't ZOOM, but I went over pretty fast and it wasn't too hard. I got to the trail, pretty much zoomed about 10 miles out and back again, and then back to my dreaded hill.

By the time I finish all that, around 20 miles, my butt is sore, my crotch is burning, and my legs are just done. But no, I have to get over Yerba Buena Hill. Even my son and his friends are amazed that I ride over that hill, trust me that it's not easy (but not so advanced that many riders don't zoom for reals over it). The sun was starting to burn, my muscles were pretty much done, and I just wanted to get HOME. But the hill wasn't going anywhere. Normally I stop about 2 times on the way back over (it's much tougher from that direction), but this time I had my stupid clips to take into account. If I stopped, I had to concentrate on getting my feet out of the pedals correctly, getting my butt off the saddle at just the right brake time, get my metal bottomed shoe onto the pavement, and make sure if I fell it was to the right and not into the traffice lane... all on a very steep uphill. In my reality, this just isn't going to happen. Not to mention getting back into the saddle and clips and pedaling on from such a steep position when I can barely get going from my driveway at home -- and indeed had almost toppled over on my way out that morning.

And so, when the urge to stop came, I slowed to an even slower snail's pace and tried to figure out how to do it... but in that short time my heart rate came back down and I felt like I could pedal some more... so I did. I pedaled and pedaled, and the next time the need to stop hit I just slowed it down again -- we're talking around 3mph here. It takes so damn long to get to the top of the hill from that direction. I was hating life SO MUCH. But suddenly the road started flattening out, and then it was just cruising down the other side.

I had anticipated having to turn into the front entrance of my neighborhood, which is a flatter course but a lot of turns which require a slower speed. But once my muscles had rested the 20 seconds it takes to fly down the hill they felt ready to tackle the last hill that gets to my street. So I just pedaled away and up the hill, and it was probably the easiest time I've ever had with that last one.

But THEN my legs were legitimately finished. I cruised down the last two downhill streets and knew I was going to have to plan my dismount to avoid crashing. I soon revised that to planning the least painful crash possible. I decided to run the bike up on the grass so that when the inevitable fall came it wouldn't hurt. And sure enough, I ran up the grass, was fairly sure I had come to a stop, unclipped my right foot and got myself out of the saddle... but something happened right after my right foot hit the ground, I think I lifted my left foot up while still attached to the bike -- whatever happened, I toppled right over on my right.

I surely didn't care. I unclipped my left foot and lay on the grass as I struggled with the buckle on my helmet. Phoebe-cat came running over to see why I was laying out on her turf. I ripped open my gloves with my teeth and tossed them aside also. Still on my back I lifted my legs up, unstrapped and removed each shoe and tossed them. And just waited for my poor heart rate monitor to calm down.

Then Phoebe and I got up, got the key out of my pack, and went into the house to die.

23 miles, 1 hour 56 minutes, YB Hill both ways, 2776 calories.

Now how am I going to do a 3/4 mile swim before that and a 10K run right after I have no idea. But we'll find out on June 13.

I did it!
My body was really just dieing to burn as many calories as possible and I really didn't see a need to stick with run/bike/swim. So I stepped on to the elliptical and went as fast and hard as I could for 51 minutes. 4.15 miles later I had burned 1320 calories!

I went to the elliptical because I have problems tripping on the treadmill and it had alternately rained and hailed outside today. My body was just crying out for some exercise, so I just wanted to be on something safe that I could work as hard as I could. I feel great now, and ready to go back tomorrow.
If it's sunny I will swim, if not... well I guess I'll swim in the indoor pool. So I guess tomorrow is swimming, for sure!

Yeah. I DO want to do this triathlon. And I DO want to lose the rest of this weight. And when I get a real job I won't have as much time, and I think I *will* look back and regret not taking advantage of this situation.

So I need to just deal with things and get out there and work as hard as I can.

Suck it up and just DO IT.

Triathlete?

Yikes, triathlon possibly back on. Erin is going back and forth, and if she's doing it, I think I'll be mad at myself if I don't try. So in 15 minutes I'm headed to the gym. If I start seriously training IMMEDIATELY I'll be able to do it. And check off a huge accomplishment. I think I need to go back to living with no regrets in life. (Like I ever didn't?)

On advice from the beautiful Marya, I checked out Craigslist jobs, and I had no idea there were ACTUAL JOB LISTINGS again!! Like... for REAL JOBS. My resume is not ready yet, and writing jobs require samples, but if I make a timeline for myself I think I can get the resume together and the samples, and burn off as many pounds as possible in the next 30 days so I feel comfortable on an interview.

Aaaand I think that's it for now. There are 8 minutes until 5pm. I need to get changed and out the door FOR SURE. Yes. That's it. The triathlon is back on. FOR SURE.

I have run a lot of miles this week, and I'm about ready for a rest.
I hardly got a swim in on Sunday due to the crowded lanes, so it's just been mile after mile on the road and treadmill.
Tuesday morning I get up early so I can swim again. HURRAY!

But that means bedtime for me. Now.

Good night.

I lost another two pounds, bringing grand total to 27.5 pounds lost.

:D

So Scott and I decided to drive and then ride the bike leg of the triathlon this weekend. I don't know now if this was a great idea or a huge mistake. Driving it was okay, once were able to interpret the dumb inaccurate course map. It seemed fine except for an exceptionally steep downhill that flies into a hairpin curve. So we decided to park and ride it.

Let me first state that I did not have my own bike with me, my own brand new bike with the gears that work and the brand new fresh brakes. I was using Scott's autobike, this thing that shifts by itself and also, come to find out later, doesn't have the best brakes. And only one brake touching the back wheel. Also, loose handlebars. Otherwise it fit me fine (well, after we lowered the seat about a foot, haha) and I think it's probably a really great cruising around bike.

So we got ourselves set to go, and were on a very light downslope and started off. My gears were way too low though, so while Scott took off like a shot, I practically stayed still while pedaling my ass off until the bike finally figured out it should shift. So I started off way behind. Not that big of a deal, I just wouldn't want to use the bike in a race.

But then we came to the steeper downhills.

OMG.

I felt like I was back on the zip lines. Just straight FLYING downhill UNCONTROLLABLY with oh guess what: NO WAY TO STOP.

I was FLYING so fast and had the brakes clenched as hard as I could but the bike kept going. I had NO CONTROL. I was terrified. It really was like the zip lines all over again.

I stopped and told Scott, and he noticed the back brake which wasn't touching. He held the brakes and tried to push the bike and of course it wouldn't go, but that is NOT THE SAME THING as having all my weight on the bike pointed downhill with half it's brakes. TRUST ME, I had those brakes tight and I was still flying. I also showed him how I was clenching the handle bars so tightly that they had come loose and turned downward. Great angle for my wrists. Not. haha.

So we set off again and came to a steeper hill. Scott shot down it without a problem and kept going, I flew like a rocket downhill and decided I had HAD ENOUGH.

I caught up to him, called his name, and we stopped. I told him there was going to be NO MORE riding. With the zip lines I had no choice but to continue on to the end, but in this case, I had total control. We were done.

I'm going to take my own bike next time and we'll try it again. I mean, I HAVE to get through this. We didn't even go down that hairpin turn, and it's thoroughly shot all my confidence. Also, a lot of the course was at a slight uphill, and I was really panting. Now, my adrenalin really shot up with the downhill, so that was causing my heart rate to go way up anyway, but I really need to practice this course.

In the meantime, I'm thoroughly scared now. I had thought I was totally ready for this. But I was already uncertain about riding with a pack of cyclers, I've never done a ride with anyone before. So now I have the image of going down that hairpin turn with twenty other cyclers around me.

BOO. It's really shaken me. I need to get over it. My professor said she would help me but I'm afraid to show her what a baby I am. But I'm going to have to because I will be too damn pissed if I come in last just because of the stupid BIKE leg.

Everything has been going well, we've just been SUPER busy this summer. Buff & I went to a musical last night, I was in Aptos all weekend, and between writing, taking Buffy rollerskating, hanging out with Cinequest people (I will work for you someday oh yes I will), going to movies, watching them on DVD and my computer and training for the triathlon, well, I guess that's all I have to say. Something is going to have to give when school starts, but I have another six weeks before that.

So the training is going GREAT, almost 20 pounds lost even after a three week gym break. I found out last weekend that THIS weekend is the LiveStrong bike race in downtown San Jose. I considered entering it, but that's a really short time to prepare even mentally for a race, and I would have had to rais $250 in a week on top of that.

Now I have no doubt that you would help me do that, RIGHT? So we'll do it next year. If I raise $3000 by this time next year I get a special award and dinner - so you all understand that's what my goal will be, right? Okay. Just so we're clear. Anyway, since I'm not going to actually compete, I decided this weekend would be a good day to do something crazy anyway. Next year I plan to do the 50miler at the LiveStrong, this weekend I'm going to attempt a 50miler on the stationary bike at the gym. This will require some planning on my part since there is a 30 minute limit on machines and 50miles should take 3+ hours. But I'm going to get it done somehow. Anyone else in with me? Anyone think you could try 50 miles on Sunday morning? CycloChip? How about it?

And since I'm behind on all my other writing, this is all you're going to get today. If you're in San Jose though, you really should come to the final Cinequest Happy Hour this Friday. I'll see you there!

New entry about my bike ride today!

I'm trying not to fill up this blog with all my weight loss statistics so I don't drive everyone away with boredom, but I had a really great milestone at the gym today.

I got there just a little later than usual this morning and every single darn cardio machine was filled up. Expresso Bikes: Taken! Ellipticals: Taken! Treadmills: Taken! Well, all but one. The one treadmill that no gym fan is turned towards, haha. I had wanted to do a long bike run today, but obviously plans had to change.

So I hopped on the treadmill and decided to run the 5K loop. My running is really slow right now, well, mostly it's a lot of running, then walking to get my heart rate down, and then fast walking up hills and running. I've been working really hard on it to get back up to par. Still though, my 5K times have been running around 44 minutes.

So today I hopped on and realized that I really never just start off on the treadmill, I'm always on it AFTER the Expresso or AFTER my weight. So I walked for around 2 minutes, 3.8 speed, and then moved it up to 4.5 That was really easy so after a few minutes I moved it up to 4.8 and left it there for about half the run. I was feeling great and not breathing hard or anything, but by 1.5 miles I was getting bored and was fixing to be on the treadmill for 45 minutes or more. So I upped it to 5.0, but I just wanted the run to be OVER, so I upped it to 5.5 and I think I left it there (I'm not sure if I went to 5.8). This isn't fast for a lot of people, but for my little short legs it really is, and I was puffing hard. There were so many times when I wanted to slow it down and walk, but more than anything I wanted the run finished and then I listened to Jillian Michaels yelling at me "You're NOT going to DIE," and I kept watching the little red lights go around the track wishing they would just go FASTER so I could get OFF the damn thing, and I looked at the running clock...

And I realized I was heading for a record.

Not an all time record by any means, but I haven't really gone below 40-44 since before I've been with Scott, so that's six years at least. I sucked it all up, pumped my legs as hard as I could and forced the air in and out of my lungs so long and hard the guy next to me kept staring. For the record, I was out running him by a long shot. I was sweating all over, dripping all into my eyes and clogging my ears, and all I could think about was finishing the run and getting that time.

And at 37.45 exactly, I finished. I smacked that speed button down as hard as I could to get it down to a very slow walk, and clasped the heart rate monitor which logged a 175 which went down very quickly. I wanted to SHOUT I was so happy. I couldn't really though, because I was about ready to pass out, I had to instead concentrate on catching my breath, and getting my legs working right, and waiting for my heart rate to go down, and wiping the sweat out of my face. But in my head I was screaming "YES! YES! YES! I DID IT! UNDER 40!! FIRST TIME IN HOW MANY YEARS!!!!"

SOOOOOOOOO happy, you have no idea. In the old days my average time was 26-28, with my all time record a 24 (racing on a bet with Tom). So 37:45 is not great, it's not even good in running terms. But shaving off seven minutes IS AMAZING, for anyone. I was really proud of myself, not just for the accomplishment, but for working so entirely hard during the run. The all out effort probably rivaled my 24 time.

That's all. Oh, and I'm down 13.5 pounds. This is me yesterday after exactly a month of 2 hour workouts. Can I tell you that the difference between last month's graduation pictures and this picture is absolutely amazing.

So this morning the scale says I've gained a pound. And I know that day to day a one pound gain or loss means nothing, but it's hard to work so hard and stick to 1200 calories a day and work your ass off and then see a one pound gain. So I'm not so motivated today. It's like the only thing I can't seem to succeed with. I'm not giving up, just not feeling happy about this. I'm going to go take a shower and get on my bike and ride like crazy.

Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do.

So February 8 I'm running a 5K in Monterey (the same one we usually run).
On March 22 I'm running a 10K in Mt. View.

And.

On September 27 I'm running my first sprint triathlon.

Old age, Shmold age. I'm doing it.

Today I went out for my "long run", planning to do a 3.2 miler, but hoping that just maybe I could pull out 4 miles. This was highly unlikely, as I've only been running about a month now, and I haven't done four freakin' miles in around EIGHT YEARS, and also, Hellooooo, still a fat lady.

I ran the four miles. And had energy to spare.

Around the end of the third mile I just started feeling fantastic, my heart was pumping nicely, my lungs were breathing, and my legs just kept on going. Since moving off the sidewalk and into the asphalt street my ankles haven't bothered me a bit (duh). And so... heart fine, lungs fine, muscles fine, legs ankles feet fine... I figured there was no way I wasn't going to try for the fifth lap. And I did it, and I could have run another 2 miles.

I didn't, because you're not supposed to increase your mileage so much (10% is recommended, my four miles was around 25% as it was). So I was a good, injury-free runner, and did what I was supposed to do.

I turned in the driveway after four miles and served myself up some porkchops and rice.

And it was gooood.

I've been working really hard at the gym, in spite of how gentle the trainer wants to treat me (I even sneak extra weight onto the machines sometimes), and last Friday instead of walking for my warm-up I decided to run (since the trainer wasn't watching me).

And I DID run, and it felt GREAT. I only ran for about 7 minutes before the trainer got there and told me that "Walking is better for a warm up! Don't run!" But the good thing is he has been putting me on the Expresso Bike each Friday now and letting me run wild with it. So I finally feel that my cardio capacity is up.

So today I decided to get out and see just how far I can run.

Twice around the block = 1.6 miles. Took me 20 minutes with two walking sessions, but they were the shortest walking sessions ever, I was so surprised and proud of myself! I probably could have pushed for once more around the block, but I have barely gotten over my fear of dropping dead in the street from a heart attack and I didn't want to push that.

This is what I was hoping to gain from the trainer, if not a dramatic decrease in weight (hasn't happened, but I haven't gained any either) I wanted to at least get in shape enough that I wasn't going to be afraid to run on my own. I am finally there and I am so happy. The money for the trainer was definitely worth it now. And I still have two sessions left with him!

Tomorrow I have a drinking date with another student so no running, and Friday is back to the trainer. Hopefully I can get some running in this weekend. If I can manage time to run a few days a week, there won't be any stopping me!

I forgot to mention that when I went to the gym today there was a big sign by the front door saying "Our dryer is broken, we have NO TOWELS, sorry for the inconvenience". So by the time I was done with my seven miles I was soaked like SpongeBob and couldn't wait to get to the bathroom to rinse off. Nothing was going to stop me from riding that bike though!

I presented my "save money on gas to the gym and make the bike worth it" speech to Spike, who shot back with a "But that calculation relies on you going to the gym every single day, all year long, or 2-1/2 years every single day to be exact. Right?"

Darn kids and their critical thinking skills and their common sense. He did reply to my scowl with a "Just GET IT ALREADY" though, said with the emphasis of one who does not want to hear about the damn $5000 bike anymore.

Buffy appears to be the only one with real common sense, though true to form, only because she thinks it will affect HER. "$5000 is probably going to come right out of my college fund! NO! You're NOT buying that bike!"

Nice to see she's finally so concerned about her education, heh.

And now I go to bed.

I could not stop myself from going to the gym today so I could get back on that bike. I don't understand why I never see anyone else in the gym using these bikes, maybe they don't know how to work them? I rode for seven miles in 30 minutes and chose a silver medal course, Farmers Bluff. It was all along ocean cliffs with little sheep grazing on the side of the road. I would happily find time to get to the gym every day just to ride that bike. The drawback - I have a 22 mile round trip drive to the gym.

So that means if I actually had one at my house I would be saving 8030 miles of driving per year. Which is $1,285 in gas a year. So the bike would be paid for in gas savings in 2.5 years.

NONONONONONONONONO!!!!! Stop thinking about it!!!! Not going to happen!!!

My YMCA got a couple Expresso Bikes and they are absolutely awesome. The video courses are so cool you actually feel like you're really riding the course and I've had three fantastic and difficult workouts on them so far. I usually HATE stationary bikes as they are NOTHING like a real bike ride, but these are actually awesome.

I want one for my own house so bad I can taste it.

But at $5000 each... someone make sure I don't do it, okay?

"All runners receive an official race T-shirt and both male and female first place winners of the half marathon win their weight in wine."

That sounds like my kind of race!

Solved the pants problem today by wearing my running pants.

Ahhhhhhhh.....

Today in swimming I swam 82 laps!!!!! YAYYYYYY
That's over a mile!

You can add to that list from this weekend: The swim coach did not show up to class again.

That makes:
2 times in two weeks that we sat in the rain at 7am on a Saturday waiting for him
3 times in two months he has not showed up.
4 times in two months that I did not get to swim (because I missed one day when I was sick)
24 days since I've been in the pool.

I am not losing any weight this way folks.

After sitting in theaters for 2-8 hours a day for 12 days straight, even Spike was begging to go to the gym with me. We cannot wait to get back. We refused to take the escalator the last couple days in order to get some sort of exercise. It was the stairs for us! My first day back at the gym will be Thursday - I'll probably take Spike along on Saturday. Really cannot wait!

I was asked how long it takes me to do 50 laps...

It takes me around an hour, sometimes 50 minutes. Keep in mind this is using a lot of different strokes, and that I can rest as often as I like. Typical assignment will be something like:

8 laps warmup
8 laps freestyle/breastroke alternating
8 laps with kickboard
8 laps with blocks (arms only, no kicking)
8 laps backstroke
8 laps freestyle
8 laps cooldown

So this takes around an hour. I'm going to ask him to put up an assignment totalling the 72 laps (1 mile) because as long as it's written down I know I can do it - also it's easier to keep track of what I've done when I'm following the board.

Anyway, that's my swimming!

So I swam 50 laps Saturday morning (37 degrees again!) but mostly fooled around. I could have easily done 72 (1 mile) but I goofed off too much and had to leave for Cinequest. Next Saturday I plan to buckle down and get the entire thing done.

It's only been a week without running (while we've been at Cinequest) but I really miss it. I was happy to see that I've only gained half a pound - yes it's a gain, but a gain after sitting in a theater all week and eating popcorn and cappuccinos. Actually I was happy to see the scale still tipped down at that almost-lost-8-pounds section. I just have to get through one more week of movies, then I can hit the gym. Unfortunately, that won't be this weekend as I'll be in the theater all day every day then.

I was up to running and using the elliptical for 90 minutes when I stopped. That is a great feeling. Not of accomplishment, although there's that too, but the feeling you get when you can run for any amount over 30 minutes is really great. If you can run for an hour, you don't want to ever stop. Even at 90 minutes I only stopped because of time constraints.

The other good thing is I was scratching my back, over my shoulder, and there was this big lump there at the top between my neck and my shoulder, and for a second I was wondering "What the heck is THAT?" and then I realized...

It's my muscle. Hee. and Hurray!

So, just one more week of theater popcorn and hot dogs and Starbucks Marble Mocha Macchiattos, swim my mile on Saturday, and hit the gym next week. I only need to drop 1.5 pounds to get to the next 10 pound section - those are always great goals to hit, haha.

And we're set.
The kids and I are all going to run the 5K at the Mercury News race in March.
That overachiever part of me wants to sign up for the 10K, but I would rather run a really good 5K then a crappy 10K. So that's what we're going to do.
I am really really happy with the decision.

Okay, I decided. I'm going to run the Mercury News race, and I'll do the 5K. There's no reason not to, really, since I'll be in San Jose and I can definitely run a 5K (anyone can run a 5K, Itsy, everyone should try it one day!), and there's really no excuse to not run it. To not run it would just be laziness.

I didn't ask the kids yesterday because I was basically trying to not kill them last night, and that required so much concentration I forgot about the race. But if I'm calmer by the time I get home I'll ask them tonight.

And also, for those who asked, a 5K equals 3.1 miles. Plenty of people walk and run, or just plain walk. So a 5K is always open to anyone. I really would like to take on the 10K (6.2 miles) though, so I'm going to delay registering until the end of the month to see how much progress I can make.

While looking something up for an email I was writing I came upon the website for the Mercury News 10K, you all remember, that race I had planned to do again... last year? two years ago? However long ago it was that I started school and let the ole body go all to hell?

Anyway. I remember that was my big goal for that year, to better my time by ten whole minutes, but school got in the way, blah blah blah excuses excuses, and that goal was not achieved. But as I looked it up today I realize it's coming up again...

Now, there's no way I can better my time by ten minutes in less than 2 months, in fact, I'm not sure I can get up to a 10K in that time... but I can definitely do the 5K... which is a shame because I love that 10K course so much... but still, a race... I haven't done a race in so long... !!!!!!

I just checked the calendar, I'll be in San Jose that weekend... there's a 5K walk the kids can do if they want... or they can run or they can stay in bed until I get home for all I care.... do I dare?

What a great goal to start the year off. I remember when I ran that 10K for the first time so long ago my mother was SO PROUD of me, and bragged to everyone at work that her daughter ran the race, and ran it faster than some other teacher's daughter who worked with her... Heee....

Well WHY THE HECK NOT? I can run a 5K. It may be my slowest time ever (or probably not, considering I was stuck in a portapotty at the starting gun of a race in Monterey once, heh) but I can still cross the finish line...

To be continued while I think about this some more...

2.5 pounds lost!
FINALLY!!!!!!

Forgot to tell ya'll I went to the gym yesterday, ran for 15 minutes, lifted 32,000 pounds, and then rode the bike for 20.

OH, but I also forgot to tell you the terms of my and Scott's new relationship contract, didn't I! HAH! Okay, hold on, let me put that in a separate item, be right back...

Today I had the day off. I went to Sportsmart hoping there would be sales, you know, like Christmas sales, but NO, they not only had (hardly any) sales but they also had no swim suits. Hopefully some place will have them by the end of January. As for the "sales" they did have? A sports bra marked down to $25 is not a sale. Track pants for $60 is not a sale. I can get the same damn things at Target for $15. I was disappointed because I've been to their REAL sales before, and they're quite awesome.

But.

The running shoes were on sale, and I GOT SOME. Nike Converge. They are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO beautiful, that picture doesn't even do them justice. It also doesn't show how old and raggedy my old ones were. Anyway, I put them on and drove straight to my old YMCA. Re-signed up, put my stuff in a locker...

And ran on the treadmill. Then worked every weight machine (15) twice, for a total of 29712 pounds. Yes that's right, almost 30,000 pounds. Then rode the bike. When I checked out, I noticed that I had reached my next level already - I was only 250 points away when I left that gym! So with the 500 points I earned today, I am at 30000 points and have earned my Yellow YMCA shirt. WOOOOOO!!! Great welcome back present!

And it's funny, because as much fun as I had at the gym, and I really really did, I am totally not having fun at the moment. The closer it gets to Christmas the gloomier this family has been feeling. I will snap out of it, don't worry, you don't have to say anything to me. It's part of the grieving process, so just let me be. I think for us to get on with things we may have to just accept that it isn't going to be a happy Christmas, no matter how much we want it to. My mom only died 6 weeks ago. Like I told her just a few months ago... it's okay to still be sad.

So after a very nice three day weekend (and another coming up this week!) I am happy to report that I ran 3 of the last four days. And my leg muscles are crying to prove it.

And then a very large life insurance check came in, and it had so many zeroes that I kept mis-punching the amount at the ATM when I tried to deposit it. At any rate, looks like some bills will be paid off and a car will be ordered next month.

And maybe some work-out clothes bought, and also the dreaded swimsuit that I need by February 4th, 7am.

Brrrrrrrrr.......

Foiled by rain.
I didn't even know it was raining outside when I typed that wish to run yesterday.

Oh well.

Okay guys, Sunday, October 29, 2006, is the Silicon Valley Marathon.

I'm going to do the half marathon (13 miles).

Shut up, I am.

I won't put a time goal on myself this time, but I'm going to run it. It's the same one I did before (only 10K then) and it was an EXCELLENT race, one of my favorites.

I have to start swimming at the end of January, 3 hours every Saturday morning, 7am (for school). So I'll be ready to get in shape.

I mean it this time. I'm going to do it.

Okay, since I am down to 11 units and midterms are over after Saturday, starting Tuesday I can go back to the gym after work. YAYYYY

Plus, in school I start Swimming in late January, meaning I have to be at the pool at 7am ever Saturday for a 3 hour class... I should probably get myself into some sort of shape before that, eh?

I am really excited, actually.

Yes, I actually got up at 5:30 am and ran for two miles this morning.

And now my body wants to kill me.

I keep telling it that running is good for it, but it doesn't believe me and is currently plotting my death.

I did it!!! I ran over three miles! I can't say my body is too happy with me at the moment, but actually I feel really really great. I've already had a shower, after clambering up the quarter mile steep driveway to Scott's house, and I can still feel the blood pumping through my veins. Skin feels so fresh and alive... I just feel great.

It was warmer than I would have liked it to be. It felt great in the shade, but it was way too hot in the sun. I almost got ran over by a bus - Stupid bus. But all the bicyclists were very nice.

Now I'm supposed to run 2 miles tomorrow. That I'm not sure how I'm going to accomplish because it's going to be way too hot. I may have to do it before work in the morning. Well, I guess if I'm going to commit to this schedule then that's what I'm going to have to do. Run at 5:30am. At least the sun will already be out.

And now I have Creative Writing homework to do. So see ya later.

Ran twice around the block this evening, 1.6 miles. YAY!

FINALLY!!!

Just ran! Feels GREAT! Well, *puff* *puff* my heart and lungs are telling a different story, and even my arm muscles are having a bit of trouble typing this right now, but I do feel great.
Only ran .8 miles (once around the block), was going to go twice around but got a bad chest cramp right before I arrived at my house, so I just stopped. Don't want to have a heart attack right after I turn 38.

But I do feel great. November evening weather in San Jose is so perfect for running, it's about 55deg.F right now.

So I finally accomplished that. Also, just found out I can take Eng 1B during the winter session, which is a great relief because otherwise I was going to cram in Eng 1B AND Women in Literature AND Creative Writing all during the summer - NOT a good plan. This makes the summer plan MUCH better, and I should be able to do well in all three classes now, instead of barely passing any of them.

Okay enough. Must study for Oceanography midterm that is tomorrow morning.

Good night!

I went to the gym and met with Nick (Mr.Jack-LaLanne's-Father) and he was really really great. He just had some casual pants and a sweater on, and he showed me each of the machines. He's super strong, and said that I was his strongest client, EVER. :-) He said he could tell I work out, and that I'm going to do really well because I use the machines correctly and really concentrate. He said I did so well I should become a teacher!
I told him I was studying to be an English Teacher, going to work full time, school full time, and the mother of two kids. His jaw dropped! He said I didn't look old enough to have 2 teenagers, that I barely looked 30.

So of course, I love my Mr.Nick!

Also, I really really love the gym. It's small but quiet and empty, it has twice the machines the Y had and they're really nice, the people are nice, and it's exactly what I was looking for.

I forgot about this when I just updated the diary with my good news, but after I paid my "fee" at college I decided to celebrate by joining a brand new gym that's exactly 1.5 miles from my house, using the same equipment my YMCA has, for exactly the same price. I had let my YMCA membership lapse because, duh, it cost money, and also I wasn't using it because it was too far.

But I got a coupon in the mail the other day, so I marched over to the gym with it and signed up and was SO excited, because now my days and evenings will be filled with work and school and exercizing...

And then they scheduled my Fitness/Wellness Test... with this old man... like 80 years old... Like Jack LaLanne's FATHER, so old. And the guy is all decked out in his work-out gear, I mean like even a sweat band around his forehead and wrists and everything. And he told me all about how he was going to show me how to work out, and use the machines "the right way AND the wrong way", etc., and I gotta tell you, it was all I could do to not crack up as I thought about how this gym was also going to provide me with as many stories as Princess Missy at Curves did.

Anyway, my appointment is 5:30pm tomorrow, and then I can go anytime I want. I am so excited, my life is so on track right now. Everything is good.

Please, God, Please let it stay that way for awhile.

So Thursday evening I did the New York City Ballet workout tape, which is a very very simplified ballet workout. I took ballet for many years and class was always much harder than this... but I'm 37 years old now and not a cute little ballerina any more, so my legs were sore the next day anyway.

Friday I did a few ballet moves at lunch, and Saturday I did about 20 minutes in the morning. Today I did my Tae Bo workout tape.

I wrote a "Project" statement up this evening, stating I will lose 30 pounds by August 1. If I'm going to get back into shape, I need to just do it, so since I'm on somewhat of a roll, I just need to keep that ball rolling.

I can do it!

Tomorrow morning Buffy and I are getting up at 7:30am to run to the bakery (actually run, not get in the car and drive) (1 mile) and get a bagel and coffee (for me, juice for her) and then run back home.

That is the plan.

Actually the hardest part will be getting her up, haha.

Also, Emily, go check out your page, it's beautiful again!

Well Spike wasn't comfortable with being left alone with frying chicken, so I ran for a mile, then came home and started it myself. Running a mile and eating a couple pieces of fried chicken will just even out, right?

What about if I include a salad?

I'm going running with Buffy right now, then I'll be back at the computer and I get to stay here all evening because my son is grounded AGAIN.
I think he's working on some kind of record.
Or he's very persistent in trying to make me certifiably crazy.
The computers Mine Mine Mine again!!!

Five miles in 63 minutes, People.
Five miles for the second time in a week.
The 2 miles I need to do tomorrow sounds SOOO much nicer now, haha.
Next Sunday I do SIX.

I ran five miles at the gym today and I am very very very proud of myself!!!

I never should have put these comfy sweats on before leaving Scott's house.
They are a psychological symbol to my brain that says "Time for bed!"
I have had not one iota of interest in running since I put them on.
Skipped the 5 miler today.
Not good.
Was going to do a speed run instead.
Not looking likely.
Today I am a bum.
I am disappointed in myself, but I still have no intention of going outside.

Caterwaul ran a half marathon November 16 and here is her inspiring entry.

I have officially lost 8 pounds this month.

I think I may get this watch after Christmas if it's still on sale then, but I'm a little confused why on my wishlist it says it's $109 but when you click on it it's $39. I don't like price confusion.

I had such an easy time running today, I wish I could have had more time. I know I could have done 5 or more miles. I can't wait to go back to the gym - I love running the streets outside, but seeing the exact mileage on the treadmill is very satisfying.
On the other hand, running in Aptos was the very best of all, and I get to do that Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Hurray!

Running Picture

Isn't this a great picture for my running diary?
Someday I'll figure out how to do my own layouts.
Hmmmm.... I wonder if I could figure it out myself....
Well, another day, I'm just glad I found a great picture for now.
Did I mention I ran four miles today?
:-)
Yes, I'm proud of myself.
It's been a great day and a good weekend.

Site
Diary
Running Diary
Pictures
Guestbook
Pischina-Ku
books

Recent Entries
Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon
23 Mile Bike Ride
Went to the gym!
Triathlete?
Triathlon training underway
This week keeps getting better
The bike route
a 50 mile challenge to myself
Go Pischina Go!!
Best 5K in 6 years

Categories
Blogger Idol
Books
Computer People
Diary Update
eBay
Family
Food
Friday Five
Happy!
Health
Interesting
Kids
Lara Croft
Movies
Music
News
Nothing Special
Old Blogger Entries
Pets and Pets and Pets
Politics
Quiz
Reasons for Love
Recipes
Running
School
Scott
Site Maintenance
Sports
Television
Theatre
Vehicles
Work
Writing