Happy Birthday to Mommy!

That was on my voicemail after I got back from my run (Yeah, peeps I said RUN - that's right). More on that later. Grace sang; Happy Birthday to Mommy, etc, and after she was done, she said "She's not saying anything". Guess she doesn't quite know what voicemail is yet. Rightfully so. She's 3. It was the sweetest thing!

To be all alone on my Birthday, I've tried to make it a decent one. I had planned on going out to dinner and have a glass of wine, a nice one. No crappy wine. But, I needed to eat early enough and quickly in order to get all the things I wanted to do, so no biggie. After I left the command after staring at CBT's (required online courses for me) all afternoon, it drained me. All the words were sounding the same, so I left at 1500 again today, and immediately got on the bike once I got back to my room. I got weird looks leaving, and not the the regulary looks I get because of the spandex, but because all the clouds were dark and it looked as if it could start pouring any second. I'll take my chances. So, it sprinkled a little but a great time to ride. It was freaky windy though and the base sits on the water, so everytime I hit a dead end (at the water), and turned around I was hit with heavy winds.

For those of you that are new bloggers, new stalkers, or new posters - my running has unfortunately been derailed lately. Specifically, at the end of July I was told by Dr. Bob to not run for 3 months because I could possibly have stress fracture in my tibia. I had swollen facia and a pulled hamstring too. I'd have to give the shins some TLC. I did that, not as religiously as I needed to (I must admit), but I have stayed off them as far as no running goes.

Until now.

I have been surrounded with running since I got here on base last weekend. This is a fit base, with a lot of special forces commands here like, EOD and just lots of people running, and staying fit. Every morning, after I get my venti skinny mocha no whip, I head to the other side of the base and pass lots of lots of sailors PT'ing - running. It's made me miss it even more, knowing I shouldn't run just yet. Well, tonight after my subway dinner, I played the dumb blonde and did it anyway. I set out to do a slow pace, of just 2 miles to see how I felt, while listening to my booty shaking music. Mentally I was 100% there, you know? But, physically my legs aren't 100% back yet. I know that. But, regardless - it felt GREAT! Well, that Dr. pepper was still sloshing around in the bottom of my tummy but whatev.

Tommorow before I pack up my car, I plan on a 15 mile bike ride and a 1.7 mile run.

After the run, I went to the exchange for some water. Only water. Well, I got in there and my instincts led me to the purse section. They pride themselves on have a good selection of Coach and Dooney purses and boy-oh-boy they do. Sa-weet! I've been visiting them a lot, well everytime I enter the exchange.

I left with my water.

And, a little present for me. She'll look cute with her big sistah! After all, it is my Birthday!!



Today:
Bike: 19 miles
Run: 2.3 miles

I haven't had a chance to read blogs tonight, so I will have to catch ya tomorrow blog homies!

3 months

Of. No. Running.

Yes, that's about it in a nutshell, but it could be less time. I had my appt today and told Dr. Bob the years off and on of my shin problems. I had them when I was living in Texas oh so many years ago, and just got through them with Icy hot most of the time. I haven't had them this bad evah though. Last thursday, Denine and I went for a run of 5 miles, and after 1 mile - we walked the rest of the way (having to cut it to 4 miles in order to get home in time for work). My shins were hurting as I was just walking. Well, I've about had it with this and want to heal them once and for all. I'm a stubborn girl. Yes, I know - hard to beleive about me, right? :-) So, my own personal diagnosis and healing myself was to take a week or 10(ish) days off of running, then start back. Well, it wasn't not long enough.

So, I possibly have a stress fracture based on my explanation of pain, where the pain is and that it is triggered by pushing down on my tibia, or in some cases - you don't even have to push down on it. I also have a strained calf muscle, and my facia (sp?) is swollen. I guess this is the tissue between my calf muscle and tibia. I don't speak medgeek, k - so bare with me.

So, after our talk - it was "no running for 3 months" to heal the stress fracture. And he said he would assume it was. If I want to make sure it's a stress fracture, I could drop some excessive cash on an MRI or X-ray to see. But then, it might not even show up on them. I'm not gonna do that. That would dip into my race money budget. hehe After he massaged my legs, he said my calf was strained and that it could be tissue/muscle damage. So, right now - we don't know. But, he said let's go with worst case scenerio. I go back in 3 weeks and I had homework when I left. I have to do certain daily stretches, and icing/heating. I'll start tomorrow with a 7-day ice/heat treatment.

Days 1-3: Ice only, 15 min, remove for 5-8 min, repeat ice 15 more
Days 4/5: Ice/heat contrast, Ice 15, remove, apply heat pad 5 min, repeat
Days 6/7: Heat only 15-20 min, repeat 2-4 times daily

After 7 days, I get to choose ice or heat. What a joy?

As far as workouts, I can do whatever I want that doesn't impact my shins. I can't even walk for exercise right now. I need to wait about 2 wks then I can start walking for fitness. So, I suppose I get to work on my cycling shorts tan line more now. Seriously, I'm gonna have to show my bike some much needed love and attention. I will probably do a lot more elliptical too.

I briefly mentioned that I signed up for a half. So, that money's gone down the drain. We were exciting about going to Virgina Beach to do the half. I guess I'll be a spectator/photographer for David and Chris (Gman) at this year's RnR half there.

Since I was there later than expected and wasn't able to meet my training buddy at 5 (I showed up where she was riding at 5:50), I didn't get my ride in. But, guilt got to me peeps. I got home, we did our usual Wed night-Mexican night dinner, and had to get a few groceries. We got home at 8pm, and by 8:15 I had talked myself into riding outside. Yep, you heard that right. I didn't want to get on the trainer tonight. So, I put my reflective vest on and was off. Since, it was getting dark, I wanted to stay nearby so I did loops of this over and over, up and down the same roads here, parking lots there - basically a lot of stopping and starting - but at the same time, I wanted to get used to my new gearing. It workout out well.

I knew what I was in store for when I stepped into the massage joint today. I knew something was wrong, and the best way to heal would be time off of running, which would bum me out. I have been wanting to run badly lately and every run I set out on has been a disappointment because it hurts. So, I want to heal up and will listen to what he says. But, the good news is - is that once healed, I will run again and I will do more races. This time will also give me a chance to work more on my cycling and swimming. So, this is just a bump in the road.

To show you all how a typical ride goes for myself. I can't seem to have a ride that doesn't involve either flipping my bike over and having to replace the chain (dropping it from gearing wrong), or just getting grease on my legs for no reason. My nose and neck had grease too. I'm such a noobie still.


Good night!

OCN: 10.14 mi, 44:54, 13.55 mph

bike week

So, this week is my riding focus week. I don’t ride as often as I’d like to or should, for that matter. I’m still deathly afraid of getting killed while on my bike, so my time out on the fo’really reals roads are limited to my sceeredness.

So, last night was a boring trainer ride. Nothing to report. Just that David upgraded my bike to a 10-speed over the weekend, but I didn’t gear up or down during that ride much. I mainly spin with resistance and stay steady.

This morning I woke up to the stupid alarm going off at 5:45. Luckily, I’m getting used to it. We set out for a run/walk. I’m trying to take it easy until tomorrow’s diagnosis of my shins. I know, I know – more ice, ice, ice, no running, blah, blah, blah. Another friend joined us, and she’s going to start running with us regularly. I actually felt great while running today, so maybe the key is to really slow down.

For lunch today, I got back on the trainer and caught up on Hollywood gossip. I really need to figure out this seat situation I have. I can’t find a seat that I love. I may just have to buy one from LBS this week, and take it back if it doesn’t work. I feel like I keep moving back on it, but then I scoot back up cause my lady region hurts.

Mentioned earlier, but I’m stoked about finally seeing someone about my shins. My appt is tomorrow afternoon and I know I may just hear “don’t do the half marathon in 5 weeks”. If so, I think I will cry. Seriously. I signed up for it already and paid that money. We’ll see.

So, this whole Push-up challenge that’s being talked about amongst all my bloggin’ buddies has peaked my interest and I think I’m gonna join the cool kid club. Our Navy PRT test consists of doing as many push-ups in 2:00 as you can. There is a minimum for each sex/age. I don't even know what it is. Everyone always knocks as many as they can out then quits before the 2:00 is up, because you can only rest in the push-up position. No butt in the air, or no resting on the ground. So, you basically just do what you can then stop. I usually do about 20, then rest in the up position and do about 15 more. So, I did my 20 push-ups. I'm looking forward to improving them.

Tomorrow, I finally hit the pool to see if I’ve improved any. If not, I’ll be okay, but if I have – I’ll be stoked (this is obviously my word of the week). I also will be riding after work, hopefully. This depends on David’s training schedule though. I may be getting back on the trainer.

Blogger won't let me comment on anyone's blog right now. I was reading Bob's and started to comment and not so much.

TaTa

Mon: OCN: 10.02 miles, 36:11, 16.62 mph
Tues: ORN: 3.34 miles, 41:51, 12:32 min/mi
Tues: OCR: 10.01 miles, 36:25, 16:49 mph

Catching up

In my last blogpost, the picture was a gum poll. We stepped outside the market to wait on the others, and saw it. David pointed and said "Look at that". Grace almost went over to get some gum off of it. Yeah, she doesn't quite get it yet. Funny thing is, there's another one starting across the street. It's even more gross up close. I can imagine a lot of people resting up against that pole waiting to cross the street, only to not know what they are resting against.

Although, I've been quite the busy lady lately with work, home life, school, and small vacations, I did get in some decent workouts this week even with my sluggishness feelings.

Tue - I did a 3 mile run and it was just horrible. I had that leg pain thing going on below my knee (calf, shin, and even a numb foot). I keep saying to myself that I'm going to go to at least get a massage, and have the local running store looking at my running to determine if it's anything to be concerned with.

Run - 3 miles 29:29

Wed AM - It was a swim of drills. I improved on time on every drill from last week. I did the exact same sets. The comparison times are on my beginner triathlete log - over there ----> down the page somewhere.

200yd warm-up
200yd sidekicks
200yd catch-up
200yd kickboard
200yd cooldown
200yd bilateral

total 1200yds

PM, I needed to get on the bike cause - well, I needed bike minutes for the week and some green in my log. I can multi task like a rock star. I read for my class while riding. Makes the time fly by...

Bike (trainer) - 11.49 miles 40:06 (17.19mi/hr)

Thur - I stayed out with Grace all day. She woke with a fever and it just got worse throughout the day so late yesterday afternoon, we got her an appt with the Dr. Apparently, she's got a virus that's going around (already forgot the name of it). So, after being so lazy during the day, I planned on blowing off my workout. We ate dinner around 7 - homemade burgers (lowfat, of course) and I just felt that guilt of not doing any exercise, so I went out into the nice night for a short run. It went very well. I had just a little shin pain, and a stitch in my side (from the food), but running that time of night is just pleasant. The sun was going down and the skies were really pretty.

Run - 3 miles 29:22
25 push-ups

The office was awesome last night! We were cracking up. And, you ought to see my husband when he's cracking up. I laugh at him laughing at the TV. He has that silent sort of laugh in the beginning. It's actually cute!

A while back, I was tagged by Jen.
The tag version is "Six Word Memoir".
Here's the rules:
(1) Write your own six word memoir.
(2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.
(3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogs-universe.
(4) Tag at least five more blogs with links.
(5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Like Jen said, this is tough. And it's especially tough for someone that does not have a clever way with words. Trust me on this one. Ask my husband. I really don't know what to say. As I type this, I have no clue... So let me think about it....

This is what David would say about me:
stubborn southerner with lack of confidence

My co-workers would pin me as this:
She doesn't have an inner filter
(Meaning I speak my mind, all the time - I'm getting better at NOT doing this).
At least I warn them when the filter is not on.

But, me - hmmm....
independently strong-willed southern sailor mommy

Sorry, that's all I can come up with at work while I'm supposed to be working. I won't tag anyone else, cause I think you all got tagged by someone else already. I'm late in the game.

I finally got caught up on blogs this morning while laying around the couch with Grace. Hoenstly, I've been so busy with school homework at night that I haven't read that much online, unless it's marketing related. But, I blew some of it off last night and this morning to read. Grace is better today, but at home just in case she's contagious. We're not some of those parents that take their kids to school when sick to infect all the others. She has NO fever today at all and is just a little snuggly bear.

Have a wonderful weekend! Mine is more work - Navy reserves! It's gonna be a busy one, so maybe it will go by fast. I found out yesterday that I am E7 board eligible for the Navy Reserves. That means that I did well enough on my exam back in Feb to have my record viewed before a board of members to determine if I'm worthy of advancing into the the CPO (Chief Petty Officer) grade this summer. I am stoked because I want to advance so badly! I didn't make it to board last year. So, I think that this year is my year!!!!

Hopefully, I can get in a swim today, a run tomorrow night and a 21 miler bike ride Sunday afternoon before traditional Pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Yum-O

See ya!

BI - What???

Bilateral breathing, that is. It just sucks. Well, maybe not. I'm new at it and I know I need to give it more time. But I gotta tell ya - I drank a lot pool water while bilateral breathing on my left side today. Now, you'd think that that would be my dominant side to breathe huh, since I am left (wrong-whatevah!) handed. But, when I started lap swimming last year and decided to go from the doggy swimming style to actually putting my face in the water, I naturally started unilateral breathing on my right side. Now, after reading a couple of articles about unilateral breathing possibly being related to some shoulder pain, I am going to have to start tying this crap more often. Over my last few swim sessions, I've had shoulder pain afterwards and think it could be related. So, they're ya have it! Another freakin' reason to slow my arse down EVEN more. More technique changes... Blah.............. One day, one day, maybe I'll become a faster swimmer after all this technique changes. I know what I'm doing is gonna make me more efficient.

Last night, I had a 4 or 5 mile on my schedule. Time was tight. I had planned a 6ish gathering at the Hippie Mellow Mushroom. Mmmm.... loves me some pizza. Our sweet friend, Robin stopped by to say Hi and Happy Birthday to David. We got to chatting, and laughing and time flew away from us. I headed out for my run while David went to get the little lady. It was around 75 yesterday, and I could tell fo SHO. What's happened with our weather lately? Anyway, it was HOT for me (so far) and the humidity was around 50. Time for pollen season here... and my car can sure tell. After I left, I didn't know how much time I had to run, so I cut it short and did 3, but they were really the worst 3 miles I have done in a while. I had to stop several times to catch my breathe and stretch my calf. I'm glad I did just 3, because I started out at 5 and we left the house at 6, after my quick shower.

Run 3 miles - 31:49 (10:16/mi)

Today at lunch, I did lap drills. It was pretty boring, and I already mentioned the bilateral breathing drama.

200yd wu
200yd sidekicks
200yd catch-up
200yd kickboard
200yd cd
200yd bilateral breathing

Swim 1200yds

After work, we both needed to get in some exercise, so David went for a quick run that was in the 40's and light rain. See what I'm saying about our weather!!!! While I hopped on the trainer for 35 min. We had to hurry, so we could go to dinner and then for me to head out to meet a friend for a cup o' java! It was a fantastic time!

Bike (trainer) - 35:00 10:18 miles (17.45 mi/hr)

The bridge run had some obstacles for us last night. Long story short, our plans for a babysitter (friend and owner of the condo we're staying at) fell through and she had no reason to go down to Charleston. I told her that's okay, we'll figure something out. It's wonderful she's letting us stay in their vacation home for the weekend. So, last night - David nor I would say "I won't run it, so you can". But, I started to think that one of us would not run it. But plans change and my Mother and boyfriend are joining us for the entire weekend, so we're making a nice trip out of it. Yehaww.....

Time to pack for the trip. I'll read blogs first thing in the morning with my morning coffee and bagel.

Hump Day workout(s)

I woke up at 5:00 this morning, and just could not go back to sleep. I tossed and turned just trying my best to snooze more, but it wasn't in the cards, I suppose. So, I got up and did a Pilates session with ms Ana. I have a hard enough time following her doing those poses and such when I'm awake, but this morning I was falling all over the place. I'm so uncoordinated when it comes to those things. Oh well. I do like that video though, and will probably buy a few of her others.

After Pilates, I did 15 min of stretching my legs, then 100 crunches.

Training today was "bike 30 min" and I did it on the trainer. Easy enough.

NOT - I did it, but it sucked.

I had a numb bum the entire time. I guess I just gotta get the oh derrière used to the saddle again. It's not like I don't have enough cushion back there. But, the good news is I got to watch the first season episode of Boston Legal. I love that show. The relationship between Denny and Alan cracks me up. Since I didn't watch it from the beginning, I received the 1st season for Christmas.

Amazon received a purchase from me yesterday. Yup! I cracked down and twisted my own arm, had that conversation with myself that ultimately lead me to think I NEEDED a new Garmin. The one Mendy on my shoulder said "look at all you can do with a new Garmin, the data you can download and analyze". The other side didn't have a leg to stand on. Screw sending the 201 in. I'm getting the 205, baby. Yes, I know Wes, you mentioned the 405... but I don't roll with that kind of cash in my pockets.

To answer your comment, Jess about my shin pain. Yes, it does hurt when I touch the shin. It's funny, because just this morning, I was telling my co-worker about my shin and that it hurt to touch it lightly or rub it a little. So, I do need to my due diligence research and get it fixed. We are heading to my favorite home-away-from-home tonight, Target, and I will be picking me up a brace you mentioned. Thanks! I would like to have a pain-free run sometime soon.

It feels good to already be done with training for the day. Now, we can go enjoy some Mexican food and a trip to Target.

Happy Hump Day buddies!

Back to the grind

Here's hoping you all had a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends!!!

It's been a week since I posted - I can't believe it. That old saying about how time flies when having fun isn't far from the truth.

Since my last post, I've had some decent runs, however confused about my pacing right now. I'll explain...

Wed (PM)- 3 miles
This was just a horrible run for me. I started out slow, feeling heavy and even tired, and just got slower. Talk about positive splits! I work for a grocery store chain, and during the Holidays, we, at the corp office are encouraged to volunteer in the stores and this was the first year I chose to. So, I bagged groceries, filled the character balloons of air, and brought in the shopping carts (in dress shoes) all afternoon. So, I can blame my bad run on the painful sores on my feel from returning all those shopping carts, right?

I had planned on running my 6 on Thanksgiving Day, but that quickly got put off to the next day after we returned from my Aunt's house that afternoon. It was a great Thanksgiving as always with my family!

Here's Grace with my cousin's boy, Tyler. They have a big age difference but really enjoy playing with each other.















One I got of her without the "cheesy" smile after she says "Cheese".


My brother got dragged outside by Grace to play with her.


After Thanksgiving get-together, Grace went home with Grandma. David and I got home and went out for a ride before it got dark. However, when we returned and took off the sunglasses (that don't show how dark it is), we realized JUST how dark it was and snapped this photo. It was a nice ride that I really enjoyed! I even hit the 26mph range on the flats on a little of the ride, and didn't even realize it, until David told me after we returned.

Thursday - Ride 8.52 miles / 37:52@13.5mph













Friday - Run 6 miles
We got up and both headed out for a run. David ended up doing 7, while I did 6. He found me around 3.5 miles into my run and ran the return portion with me. Yes, he slowed W-A-Y down for me. I picked up my pace in the end, but this run had me baffled all day, because it showed me that I'm intentionally slowing myself down way too much in the beginning of my longer runs, not trusting in myself. My splits are ALL over the place. For instance, I started out with a 10:37 (mile 1) and got up to a 11:42 (mile 4 - I walked some), but mile 6 (last mile) was a 9:19. I need some consistency in my runs!

Saturday was the BIG game!!! Clemson/Carolina game and we are Tiger fans! We had our good friends, Chris and Jennifer, over to celebrate the game with us and had such a great time! We let the kids go nuts, and believe me - they did! but had so much fun playing. Clemson barely won this game, and we were on our toes in the last 2 minutes seeing if our field goal was going to take the game's lead, and it did!!! Here are some photos of the party!

..and here's Grace celebrating!











Sunday - Run 7 Miles
Sunday morning, while Grace and David were still sleeping, I got up and went out for my 7 miles before Church. It was in the low 40's with a small breeze, depending on direction I was going. The first 1.5 of my runs these days, I honestly don't know if I'll finish them, but it could have something to do with the incline leaving our community and just tight legs. So, after I got into the ZONE, I was doing well. Again, the splits are ALL over the place, from a range of (10:22-11:14) pace, and a 9:39 as my 7th mile. Oh well!

After Church, we had lunch with my Mom for her Birthday! She's one of the sweetest people I know or have ever known, and my brother and I are super fortunate to have her as a Mother. Here's the last photo of this post and probably one of my favorites! David, Me, my Brother (Daniel), Mom, Butch, & Grace.


We had a great long weekend with lots of fun with family and friends! Hope yours was just as enjoyable!

Lunchtime workout...

Sunday wasn't quiet the PT washout I thought it was going to be, as I did some core work at 9:30PM. See, I'm not motivated at all to run on a Saturday or Sunday evening. I had all intentions of running Sunday before Church, but woke up with the alarm and heard rain drops dropping on our window seal. Nah, it's raining, I said, even though I didn't look outside to see how MUCH it was raining. I actually like to run in the rain, but for a short distance, not 8-8.5 miles I had planning on doing. So, I hung it up and didn't do it... AT ALL all day. After Church, we ate, and headed home, let our food settle and toss the coin of which one of us was going running first. David won.

Grace was napping and I started doing our wine inventory. We got a new rack in last week that adds to the modular racks we already have, and now we need another one as we filled it up. We need to put it all in a database, so we know what we got and when it needs to be drunk. So, I'm actually pretty excited and got 1 of our racks inventoried. David thinks I'm a nerd... but we've needed to do this for a while, as we have some that have reached their age limit (some are 10 yrs old already) and unfortunately - need to be drunk. :-)

After Grace woke up from la-la land, her and I went to visit her Great-Grandma, and some of my family for a short visit. We returned and both David and I were starving... so, David mentioned Pizza. I declined as I'm convinced if I continue to eat healthy, I'll be 2 more lbs down on weigh-in day, Wed. So, we had salad - and we've sort of mastered the "big" salad at home - and they turn out delicious. I topped it off with a Honey Brown, and we were off to wash David's car. It NEEDED it soooo bad.

No, those are NOT my abs - But I WILL have them one day - soon. So, guilt sunk in and when we returned - I just couldn't not do anything exercise-wise today. So, I do core work (30min) once a week, and decided that since it was so late, I could get it completed for the week. Even though my 2 ft munchkin was trying to sit on my tummy while I was doing crunches... not fun.

Core - 30 min
2x15 Reverse crunches (lower abs)
2x50 Flutter kicks (lower abs)
2x15 side leg raises, each side (obliques)
2x15 side crunches, each side (obliques)
2x15 crunches knees bent (upper abs)
2x15 toe touches (upper abs)
2x15 crossovers (combo)
2x15 bicycles (combo)
2x15 crunches on ball
2x15 twisting crunches on ball
2x15 crunches, feet on ball, toe reaches

Lunch today
Bike 7.17 mi / 30:00

Treadmill Run 1.00 mi / 8:23


Nice easy workout today. I wore the wrong running shoes and my left shin is cursing me right now. But, nothing biofreeze and a bag of ice (tonight) can't cure. I am not worried about pace (yet) on the bike, and I'm still inside riding for now. I will be getting outside soon. I did wear my tri shorts so I can feel how it was to run in them. Not bad at all. They're very comfortable. I finished my workout with some stretches and 150 crunches.

So, as far as the tri goes - I'm officially signed up with the Triathlon clinic at the YMCA, which guarantees me a spot for the Greenville Triathlon 8/19. They actually sign us up during the clinic. My clinic starts 7/12, I think.

My friend, Robin, did her first Ultra Marathon yesterday - which = a total of 36+ miles, and not JUST 36 miles. It was in the pouring rain, through rivers (knee high), heat, trails, no bathrooms, etc. It was a tough run, but she completed it! Good Job on that Robin! Determination should have your name written next to it. You overcame sooo much and still came out on top. I don't know hardly anyone that would have kept going at all. You're a true inspiration to the sport!

My boring workouts plus March stats & April's goals!

I haven't blogged my workouts lately, probably because they seem, umm, boring to me. Here's a quick rundown:
A week ago, I left work early for a circuit training. Other people tend to leave just to leave - I go to workout. Love it! I have really enjoying doing cardio circuit, but decided to change it up a little.

Fri - 23rd - 5 min treadmill all out
25 squats (12lb weights) - 25 lunges (12lbs)
10 min elliptical
25 squats (12lbs) - 25 lunges (12lbs)
10 min bike (my change from the treadmill); interval setting
20 push-ups / 100 curl-ups

Sat - Rest

Sun - Jason and I decided to do a 11 mile run at Donaldson Center. Well, I decided to change our plans and run our awesome downtown. It was gorgeous. However, we planned to meet after I returned from Church. Well, of course I needed some fuel, so David, the munchkin and I went to eat Italian food, and get this - it was a buffet. That's all I need to say. We went home, changed really quick and headed out in different cars - David took Grace on a bicycle ride (she was in the trailer behind his bike), and I met Jason in the park. We started off and not even a mile into it, my calf gave me trouble, then 2 miles, it was the heat. Well, to make this a quick ending to the story, the heat was around 90, with the beginning of pollen season. What a horrible run!!! It was so bad, that we cut it short down to almost 6 miles. It was one of the worst runs I've had in a long time.

Mon - 26th - David & I went for a morning run with both of us doing about 2.5 miles. For now, I'm going to do a lot of short runs in preparation for my Navy PRT coming up. I want to be faster on the 1.5 miles. And, it wouldn't hurt to have a PR on a 5K soon! :-) Overall, excellent run, and it was on an empty stomach! Great run for burning fat. Love it!

In the afternoon, David and I went for a bike ride. David does these all the time and is very good at cycling, and especially around our area. We have lots of hills. Well, I was nervous going out because I haven't ridden around traffic much, and especially at rush-hr. It was nerve wrecking for me in the first 4 miles. Nonstop traffic, while climbing hills. I was a mess, acting like a baby, whining. Anyway, after I calmed down some - I ended up doing better towards the end of the ride, and despite me asking David several times to go get the car and come pick me up, I ended the ride on the bicycle at the house! 14 miles - Check! I'll do better next time.
BTW, My husband was a real champ encouraging me, and blocking cars from coming TOO close to me. Very supportive! I think I'll keep him. :-)

Tues 27th - We swam on our lunch hr. 500 yards. It was a slow swim too, I think due to the pollen. Both of us struggled.

Wed 28th - Spinning 60 min with Jeni. Great class!

Today - Run 2.4 on lunch hr. I actually did a decent pace, that I'm happy with. Want to get that pace lower though!

March Totals:
Running -> 51 miles
Spinning -> 4 times
Swimming -> 3 times
Circuit -> 3 times
Cycling -> 21.1 miles

Apr Goals:
Running -> 60 miles
Spinning -> 4 times
Swimming -> 8 times
Circuit -> 4 times
Cycling -> 28 miles
Pilates -> 2 times

Fun, Fun - Adios!

Oh, BTW - If you are an American Idol or Chris Sligh fan, check out the post below!

My Navy / Exercise filled weekend!

In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand ... Yada, Yada, Yada....

Sometimes, I hate drill weekends. They come so fast, you get up so early after 5 days of continued working, work the weekend, and go back to work on Monday. No break, no relaxing weekend. Just go, go, and more go.

Saturday, we had our Change of Command ceremony. This is when the Commanding Officer is getting relieved by an oncoming CO. They just "change the command". This usually happens every 2 years. Those guys/gals move around a LOT. Well, lucky for me the outgoing CO asked me to help out by getting flowers, cake and setting it all up, so I didn't have to stand at attention for an hour. Even better...

My drill is held at Donaldson Center (an old Air-Force base) and it's known for cyclist and runners using it for training. One loop around Donaldson is about 7.1 miles. There's still a lot of businesses around it, but other than that traffic, it's a great place to run or cycle - if you don't mind some deceiving hills.

I run the loop every drill weekend, and Saturday was the first time I had company. My co-worker/friend, Jason and I ran the loop. It was the first time we've ran together other than being in the same race. My husband started off with us, but within minutes he was out of our site. He sucks. That's okay. We held a nice consistent pace and it was a beautiful day for a great run. I told Jason that I didn't talk much on runs, but probaly talked too much for half of our run. It was a pleasant run and I'm sure we'll do it again soon.

Sunday after drill, my relaxing way to unwind was to do the loop again, but this time - on my bicycle. Jason joined me again for the ride. After a challenging time trying to figure out why Jason's tire wouldn't hold air, we fixed it with a new tube and we were off. My husband did 4 loops of Donaldson while we did 1. That's sad. Actually, he started off earlier than us too. But, we had a great ride. I'm still getting comfortable on my bike, and as each time I ride passes, my comfort level gets better. I really enjoy it, and next time I'm doing 2 or 3.

Thanks Jason, for the company on the run and ride!

So, saturday was running, sunday was biking, and monday.... well....

What's next?

Swimming! This was sad. The first time I have been in a pool to swim laps. I did 12 laps, stopping regularly. Another sport I plan on improving on in the next few months. I find it relaxing, and nice to give my joints a break.

I'm so exhausted right now, as we're vegging out on the couch as a family, about to watch 24 and Jack Bauer!