Twenty-Six and Then Some

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 8

March 13, 2013

Lola is currently staring at me with those big brown puppy dog eyes, just begging me to play with her. She desperately needs a haircut and a bath — I feel like the world’s worst puppy mother as I’m opting to write this recap instead. Oh the woes of blog writing. How am I ever to survive?

So here goes week eight:

Mon., 3/4: Swim

2,350 yards followed by a “take a picture but don’t let anyone realize that you’re taking an idiotic selfie.” Selfie, check. Idiotic, double check.

Tues., 3/5: Run

I made my way around town to find a suitable hill for some repeats. I found this little guy but I think I’ll be on the lookout for something else for the next hill repeat session. Nonetheless, gasping for air prior to work never felt so good.

Wed., 3/6: Ride, Run & Swim

I had to move my training around a bit and somehow I managed to do a mini triathlon on Wednesday. Trainer ride, transition run and after work swim. This was the tear off your shirt, pound your fists on your chest and mutter mutant-like ramblings of how you totally feel on top of things right then.

Thurs., 3/7: Ride

And then, after my hulk-like Wednesday, my personal mojo got the best of me as I eeked out a less than stellar trainer ride. Highs and lows, baby, that’s what Ironman training is all about.

Fri., 3/8: Yoga

Let’s get a little blood flow, ankle juice moving around prior to Saturday’s race. I welcomed this easy day with open arms.

Sat., 3/9: Lucky Half Marathon

Woohoo – 13.1 miles for a new post-injury PDR and a confidence boosting pace. Note to self: don’t wave at the camera as you run by or you will get photos like this. At least Caitlin looks cute.

Plus, Lola got to get in a mad shred-sesh while I was running.

Sun., 3/10: Ride & Run

Back to our week of highs and lows, I met up with Cate to do my long ride and transition run. Funny thing happened though: someone filled our shoes with concrete. Those SOBs! Thankfully, we both weren’t feeling it so I cut my ride short (hint: listen to my body) and felt my ankle and achy hips on the transition run, but at least we ran with the cutest mini-person ever!

I closed out week 8 with:

9 hours and 24 minutes of training:
4,750 yards swimming
69 miles cycling
22 miles running
30 minutes yoga

Help me feel like not the biggest idiot ever — do you sneak selfies at the pool/gym?

Guilty as charged (I workout by myself — this blog wouldn’t have any photos without them!)

13 Comments | Posted in Weekly Recap

Race Recap: Lucky 13 Half Marathon

March 10, 2013

So…yeah…this past Saturday…I ran a half marathon.

Technically, I signed up for the Lucky 13 Half Marathon in Davis, CA (along with a few others) prior to my injury. I worked closely with my coach to watch my recovery progress as we approached race day the plan was to use the half marathon as a normal, zone two (maybe a bit of zone three) training run. It would be my PDR post-injury and I am always anxious to see how my ankle will react as we try new distances again. With that, the half marathon was on.

My alarm was set for 5 a.m. so Chicken Face, Lola and I would have plenty of time to eat, get ready and head to Davis for a little jaunt. For the first time in my racing history, I completely overslept and only had 15 minutes to get ready, shove food down my face and get on the road. This must have been my subconscious not worrying about the race, as it was just a training run after all. Right?

Chicken Face dropped me off at the start and he made his way to get his caffeine kick. I went to pick-up my bib and use the restroom, and it turned out I had plenty of pre-race time to kill. As I made my way to the start, I spotted RoseRunner and Faster Bunny (ok, ok, Caitlin and Margot). Margot was up from SoCal and I knew she would be running with Caitlin, but I hadn’t made any plans to run with them (I barely knew if I was going to see them). When I spotted gals, I leaped toward them and probably scared Margot with my immediate hugs.

As we stood there chatting, I professed my plan to keep it an easy 8-8:30/mi. basic training run, but as soon as that gun went off, it triggers my head and my heart. Most of the time, I can’t contain it and I thought what the hell, let’s see how long I can stay with them and then I’ll taper back.

So we ran and talked and ran and talked some more. We chatted about Marissa Mayer and her ridiculous no WFH policy (we can debate that later), pasty skin, dairy, and probably a story I shouldn’t have told when so many other people were around (let alone Margot as this was the first time I’ve ever met her). Caitlin, the stud that she is, just ran a stellar marathon last week and was cruising like it was a recovery run for her as we put down these splits:

M1: 7:28
M2: 7:32
M3: 7:23
M4: 7:19
M5: 7:24
M6: 7:22
M7: 8:08 (Oh shit, Caitlin & Page have to stop for the bathroom)
M8: 6:57 (Oh shit, have to catch back up with Margot)
M9: 7:10 (Ugggh, haven’t run this fast in a while)
M10: 7:16 (Must…catch…up. GU ME CAITLIN!)
M11: 7:18 (Is this thing over yet, I’m losin’ it.)
M12: 7:14 (I can hear the band!)
M13: 7:19 (Bringing it in)
M14: 0:44

13.1 Miles: 1:36:37 (Garmin) / 1:36:34 (Official)

3rd in AG / 10th Female / 44th Overall / Avg. 7:22/mi.

I didn’t expect that to happen. I didn’t expect any part of this race to have a 7 in front of any of my paces — I had convinced myself that I was too out of shape to do it. But the course was flat, the scenery was lovely (only a few boring parts) and with the help of Caitlin pacing us and a new friend in Margot, I had an a great time chatting, pushing ourselves, eating Catlin’s Gus, bitching about how we were getting tired, cursing at the fact that mile 12 wasn’t soon enough, then rejoicing at the surprising finish.

I must admit, multiple times I told Caitlin and Margot that I was going to slow down and practice what I preached, but they were so motivating that I just couldn’t give in. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have even tried to push myself that much (plus, my iPod died — lovely).

As we neared the finish, the high school band was practicing and it was just the extra oomph that I needed. Caitlin told me to “go get that age group award” and she let me go as I made my way to the finish. My legs were toast as they hadn’t run anything near that in a very long time, but we stuck together and had an awesome race.

Somehow, the first thing that we did post finish was grab the free dixie-cups of beer (note to race director: your course was great; the beer could be bigger) and grabbed our free stuff. Did we need it? No. Did they have bags to put it in? Nope. Will we still take it? You betcha!

We found Chicken Face and Lola, and made our way to the results where we found out that Margot got second in her age group and I got third. Yay for Margot (!) but honestly, that third place of mine should have been Caitlin’s. She paced me then let me go ahead in the end. I know, I know, what are we to do?! Not to worry, we devised a great shared-custody plan for the extra bling blang.

Speaking of the bling blang, both the finisher medal and AG awards were HUGE! Nice job, race director, especially for a local event. Also, note to self: do not wear a black long sleeved shirt and a black earwarmer unless you want to experience unnecessary heat torture again. Rookie move.

Today, my ankle and hip are sore. There’s no doubt that I pushed my still-recovery leg and it is throwing a bit of a tantrum. However, the race was the confidence builder I needed to reassure myself that not all is lost and that my friend speed will be back soon.

I couldn’t have asked for a better day and an extra special shout out to Margot and Caitlin for helping me overcome a big mental barrier that I’ve been dealing with lately.

There were also a ton of other big wins over the weekend: congrats again to Aron, Jess, Layla, Kristen, Alyssa and everyone else how had stellar racing weekends!

Happy Running!

28 Comments | Posted in Races

How To Read A Swim Workout

March 6, 2013

To seasoned swimmers, this may be second nature. However, not too long ago I was a swimming newbie and looking at a swim workout might as well have been reading hieroglyphics. What are all of those symbols? What does that abbreviation mean? We all have to start somewhere, so let’s not let reading a swim workout scare anyone.

Thus, I thought I’d break down how to read a swim workout in the easiest way possible. To start, let’s take a look at a workout from my coach:

WARM UP:
2 x 50 FORM (10″RI)
4 x (25 DRILL, 25 EASY) 15″RI
2 x (50 KICK, 25 EASY, 25 BUILD) 15″RI
4 x (25 FIST, 25 BUILD) 15″RI

MAIN SET:
4 x (200 FORM, 100 MODERATE, 100 BUILD) 30″RI

COOL DOWN:
2 x 50 Non-Freestyle (10″RI)

Before we dive into the details, let’s make note of some of the basics:

One length of a pool is usually 25 yards or 25 meters. You can ask the lifeguard or gym team, but 9 times out of 10 when I have asked, they all look at like a deer in headlights. I usually end up shaking my head in pure disappointment.
Given this equation and basic math, you can easily calculate the distances that you hear swimmers refer to so often: 50s = two pool lengths, 100s = four lengths, etc. Easy shmeezy.
‘ = minutes
“ = seconds
RI = rest inbetween
Drill = Drills are specific exercises used to improve swimming technique. Very often, workouts will just read “drill,” and it’s up to the swimmer to decide what drill to use. Ideally, pick a drill that will help improve your technique weaknesses. Not sure what drill to do? Google and YouTube are your friends, but here are some drills to get things started.

Now lets look at the workout:

The workout consists of a warm up, a main set and a cool down. I may be known to skip out on the cool down, but no, not you, you’re a good swimmer and always do all three parts.

Looking specifically at the warm up, the workout consists of swimming 50 yards, two times, focusing on your swimming form. Between each set (each 50), you would rest for 10 seconds. Thus, it would look like this: swim up and back, rest for 10 seconds, swim up and back, rest for 10 seconds. Move on to the next set. Swim one length of your chosen drill, then easily swim the other length back. Rest for 15 seconds. Do it three more times (for a total of four). Moving down the workout “fist” is a specific type of drill and “build” is where you start out swimming easily, then build your pace up.

As you get to the main set and cool-down, the same logic applies. Once you learn how to read a swim workout, it really is quite easy. It’s just that first jump from swimming neophyte that takes a moment of getting acquainted.

If you’re wondering where to even find workouts, I highly recommend the Speedo Pace Club app. It’s the app I used when I was first starting to swim and has everything from beginner to advanced workouts. Also, Google is your BFF here. I’ve never used them, but this site seems to have a good variety of workouts.

Another lifesaver tip, write down your workout and put it in a plastic baggie at the end of the pool. It’s water-proof, it floats and it’s cheap (no laminated swim cards needed).

What’s your favorite swim tip for newbie swimmers?

What other swimming questions do you have (warning: I’m no pro)?

Happy Running (and Swimming)!

8 Comments | Posted in Swimming

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 7

March 5, 2013

Coach Paul would call week seven “the calm before the storm.”

Apparently, it was the week before things start to “pick up.” Considering this week was a 10 hour plus week, I’m anxious to see how my mind, my body and my relationships manage this time around. Overall, I’m excited, I’m anxious, and week seven was a good segway into the upcoming adventure that is Ironman training. Here’s how it went down:

Mon., 2/25: Swim

2,800 yards. Whoa, when did we get to 2,800 yards already? Still the same battles with swimming, i.e. I never want to do them. But alas, I’m in the pool. I’m just thankful it’s the saline ClubSport pool and not that nasty ass thing I used to go to where they sprayed the weird chemical along the edge while I swam. Thank you, Club Sport, for the sweet membership!

Tues., 2/26: Run & Strength

Oh you know, just me falling back in love with tempo work as I try to see those 7s back in front. Later that night, I tried Jillian Michaels’ new “Hard Body” workout DVD that I was sent. I did level one and it was so-so — I’m anxious to try level two and see if my beloved Jillian can live up to her Six Weeks Six Pack DVD that I love so much.

Wed., 2/27: Rest

Thurs., 2/28: Ride & Swim

Just your usual indoor trainer ride. But that swim. Dear God that swim. I can’t think of anything more boring than a swim workout with an increased amount of kicking and no fins. What I had to keep myself amused was consistent to that of a three-year-old. I would be completely content if the kickboard and I took a long, loooong break. It’s not you. It’s me.

Fri., 3/1: Overslept!

Well shit.

Sat., 3/2: Long Ride & Transition Run

An awesome day with awesome friends as we rode almost 58 miles throughout the East Bay, followed by a 15 minute transition run.

Plus, my first awkward tan line of the season!

Sun., 3/3: Long Run

Almost 11 miles, my longest run post-injury, with Chicken Face by my side. Slowly but surely making my way back and I couldn’t be happier.

I closed out week 7 with:

10 hours and 07 minutes of training:
5,400 yards swimming
74 miles cycling
18.53 miles running
1 hour minutes strength

If you could could do without one workout forever, what would that one be?

Happy Running!

5 Comments | Posted in Weekly Recap

Better Together

March 4, 2013

Jack Johnson was right. Things are better together, especially with Chicken Face and good friends.

Things are also better together during Ironman training and I was so thankful for that reminder this past weekend. A long ride on Saturday with Cate and Jana, and… wait for it… Chicken Face’s first “clipped in” ride. Can you see my heart smiling?!

Saturday’s weather was pure riding perfection as I took the girls throughout some East Bay routes, including Patterson Pass.

Thankfully, Patterson Pass was relatively wind-free and cloud covered, but the climb gives your legs a run for their money. Outside of cursing up the climb, we were all smiles.

Photo courtesy of Jana.

Cate and I at the top!

Now on to Sunday…

Over Christmas, Chicken Face had given me an amazing gift: he told me that he would try cycling! Giddy with excitement, we’ve been getting affordable gear for him and I couldn’t wait for him to take his first “clipped-in ride.” We were supposed to go on a little ride together on Sunday, but because my lazy ass overslept on Friday, I had to move my long run to Sunday. But Chicken Face threw in a surprise saying that he’d ride with me while I ran.

We’ve never done the whole “you ride, I run” thing, but it was just the motivation I needed to drag my heavy legs out. Plus, Chicken Face proved once again what a stud he was and that cycling is no problem for him.

Plus, because he has to ride so slow while I was running, it was like having a paparazzi circle you for 10 miles.

One of the things I love most about sports are the memories you make doing them with other people. Come join me sometime, I’d love some company!

Happy running!

15 Comments | Posted in cycling, running

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 6

February 27, 2013

I’m late!

Ack! No. Not that kind of late.

Just late to my week six recap.

So let’s not delay (or excite my mom too much) and just get to the recap already shall we?

Monday, 2/18: Yoga & Swim

Swimming and I, we’re not getting along right now. Before every swim, it’s a mental battle as I make up excuses as to when I can “reschedule” my swim. These back and forth thoughts go through my head for at least a half an hour, if not the entire day. Then the result is always the same: grow the hell up, go to the pool, swim, be glad you did in the end. It’s a genius revelation, I know. But swimming just requires a shower and make me have to pee…it’s really too much to deal with (let alone TMI). Deep thoughts right here, folks.

The good news: I dig yoga and am always open for a little one-on-one yoga time.

Tuesday, 2/19: Tempo Run & Strength

Right now in training, nothing makes me happier than tempo runs. It’s the time when I get to go after what I’ve been missing: speed! My ankle still freaks out a bit and I’m not where I was, but I can also feel my heart pumping hard and my lungs filling with air as I work to get back to where I was. Ahhh, I want to go right now! I also got a little upper and core work in, thank you very much Nike Training Club.

Wednesday, 2/20: Indoor Ride & Swim

What was special about this ride? SMASH! SMASH is back and I got to pick up on my strange obsession with that show and my Katharine McPhee girl crush (along with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone, just for the record). Ridiculous drama, cycling and a p.m. swim that I didn’t talk myself out of. A successful Wednesday in my books.

Thursday, 2/21: Indoor Ride

More riding, more sweating…

But in other news, I have to share: Chicken Face and I did it. We bit the bullet and just pulled the plug on cable TV! Ah, it was ridiculous but we had so much anxiety about this: what about all of our shows?! The DVR?! Well, I should say that we still get the basic channels (2-15), but with Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, we should be more than covered. Plus, this is easier on our wallets and better for us. Cooking in the kitchen now looks like this:

Friday, 2/22: Long/Hill Run

I had 8.5 miles on schedule and with it getting lighter out earlier, I decided to meet the Forward Motion Group for their weekly hill run. I met my friend Simon for some pre-workout mileage and would then join the group for a series of six hill climbs. Lesson of the day: holy shit am I out of hill shape. The group pummeled my ass, but I blame Simon for his deceptive pacing promises.

I failed to take any photos but I’ll tell you this: it was hard, but it was my first hill workout back and you know what, I’ll take it! I won’t be making Friday hill runs a regular things as Coach Paul wants me to save my legs for Saturday’s long workouts, but I’m excited to get to know hills again throughout the week.

Saturday, 2/23: Indoor Long Ride & Transition Run

Yay for horrible quality iPhone photos!

Friday evening, Chicken Face, his sister and I all headed to Reno for my father-in-law’s 60th birthday.Weekend road trips and a small car mean I can’t bring my bike. Thus, I hopped on the spin bike at my parent’s place again for a two hour trainer ride. The consensus: I get antsy spinning in place for two hours, but soon, the voices in your head keep you plenty of company.

Sunday, 2/24: Yoga

Drove home and stretched it all out. Lola had the right idea.

I closed out week 6 with:

8 hours and 45 minutes of training:
4,600 yards swimming
58 miles cycling
19 miles running
45 minutes yoga
30 minutes strength

So, let’s hear it, who’s your girl crush?

Happy Running!

17 Comments | Posted in Weekly Recap

COOKIN’: FEBRUARY RECIPE ROUND-UP

February 21, 2013

Not to detract too far from training, let’s talk about something that kind of goes hand-in-hand: FOOD!

I’m one of those people that posts some of the better food that they’ve just made on Instagram. If you hate it, whatevs, you don’t have to follow me. But I just can’t help being proud of the fact that my zero cooking skills actually resulted in something delicious. It’s a feeling of accomplishment and down right satisfaction. Plus, I usually get a few folks asking for the recipes. Thus, instead of sending them all one by one, I thought I’d do a round up of some of the winners I’ve made recently.

Mexican Quinoa Salad with Spicy Chicken

Stop what you’re doing and go make this salad. Actually, I don’t even like calling a salad. It’s a bowl full of health perfection topped with a flavor-punch of protein. It’s colorful, filling and a combination of two recipes I found online.

First, the Mexican Quinoa salad (the dressing is what sets it apart). Then, I simply sautéed two chicken breasts with the following spice mixture:

1 tbsp. chili powder
½ tbsp. paprika
¼ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
½ tsp. sugar
½ tsp. salt

Top the salad with the dressing (that you hopefully made ahead and refrigerated) and then your chicken. I prefer the salad chilled, but it was great with hot chicken on top as well.

Dairy-Free Banana Pumpkin Oatmeal Honey Bread

Whew! That’s a mouthful — and it is in more ways than one. Over-ripe bananas? No problem. Throw them in with what I would guarantee 75 percent of us have in our pantries right now for a hearty, delicious bread that will keep you fed for breakfast for the entire week. You can find the recipe here.

Orzo Vegetable Soup with Pesto

After cooking quite a few soups this season, I have found that I love when they have pasta in them as it helps fill me up a bit more. However, the noodle size was never quite perfected…until I tried orzo in a soup. It’s hearty enough, but not too much. This soup was a winner because it introduced me to my new soup BFF, but I would just go ahead and add the pesto in instead of dolloping it on top. You can find the recipe here.

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

If you can’t tell already, I’m slightly obsessed with The Garden Grazer. I’ve tried three of her recipes thus far and not one has failed me. This one was the double agent of recipes: on the bottom it’s all, “Oh hey. I’m so healthy and will hashtag the hell out of how healthy I am.” But then on top, BAM, cheesy goodness that I broiled to be just slightly crunchy but fully flavorful. You can find the recipe here.

Other recipe winners that I’ve encountered over the month but failed to take a photo of include Baked Gnocchi with Ricotta and Marinara, Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls, Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes and Quinoa Stuffer Peppers (all of which I’ve linked to on my Pinterest account).

Now if only I actually had good food blogging photos…

Any great new recipe discoveries you can share?

Happy Running!

11 Comments | Posted in Cooking, Food

2013 SOAS Amateur Race Team

February 20, 2013

Last year I was on a quest.

I’m not speaking of my journey to Ironman quest in this post, but rather the quest for the perfect tri “kit.” A triathlon “kit” is a top and a bottom that you can wear for all three sports. A kit needs to be tight enough to wear under a wetsuit while you swim, long enough that you can contort into odd shapes and still be covered (and wind resistant) on the bike, and comfortable enough that you can run chafe-free. All of this while being appropriately fit for a woman, long enough for my freakish torso and to be honest, cute enough to make you look feminine and fast*.

Testing out my SOAS kit last year.

After racing in a variety of triathlon pieces (none of which were actually designed to work together), I decided to purchase a kit that I had been hearing so much about: a SOAS kit. I tested it out on a few final workouts leading up to the race and was uber-impressed. I was in love with the racer back top, was giddy that the shorts were long enough to get the job done but short enough to not warrant an SNL mom-jeans skit and had a great look to it. It fit well, it was functional and I even got a few compliments! Can I get a HUZZAH?!

When I saw that SOAS was looking for applicant for their 2013 amateur race team, I jumped at the chance, but didn’t really share with anyone that I had applied. I submitted my application and got the shocking/exciting news last week: I was accepted as part of the 2013 team! To say that I’m pumped would be an understatement. I’m honored and ecstatic to be part of a team that is working to empower women in this sport, all while making them functional, feminine and fast.

I’ll make sure to share more SOAS news as it comes in, but I’m even more ready for this season, racing in some awesome gear and being part of the team.

If you want to learn more about SOAS, send some social love on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Happy Running!

*Nota Bena: For crying out loud, it doesn’t have to be pink and have butterflies if it’s made for women! I hereby petition a ban on all tri kits with flowers and butterflies.

23 Comments | Posted in SOAS

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 5

February 18, 2013

The IMCDA training flight has officially taken off and we are now safe to remove our seat belts. Week five was packed with training and personal life balance, but I finally saw a few glimpses of getting back to where I was. From my first group ride back, my first double brick back, Valentine’s Day, birthday runs and more – high five to week five!

Here’s how it went down:

Monday, 2/11: Swim & Yoga

I’ll never get sick of looking at the Club Sport Pleasanton adult, saline pool.

An 800 meter marker in the pool and once again, my swim pace isn’t where it used to be. Maybe it’s my scrawny arms and lack of any shoulder muscles — most likely. I guess we’ll just have to keep working on that. Oh, and 30 minutes of flexibility yoga on The Yoga Studio app.

Tuesday, 2/12: Ride/Transition Run & Strength

I’m back at doing actual workouts on the trainer (not just riding to ride), followed by a 25 minutes transition run. Later that night: 30 minutes sweating with Nike Training Club.

Wednesday, 2/13: Tempo Run

Have to give a quick shout-out to my Oakley TwentySix.2 glasses c/o Oakley. Cute glasses that fit my wide face and actually don’t bounce by running. BONUS: I don’t look like an alien.

You guys. A TEMPO RUN. And not just any tempo run, but a TEMPO RUN IN A TANK TOP! Whaaaaat? My ankle was curious, my heart was rejoicing and my arms were thankful to be fabric-free! It felt great to push myself and my speed, even if it did mean I was gasping for air. Oh how I’ve missed you, tempo runs.

Thursday, 2/14: Ride & Valentine’s Day

Sure there was an indoor trainer ride in the a.m., but Chicken Face told me to not come home until a certain time as he was prepping a simply amazing Valentine’s Day dinner at home for us.

I’ll leave our Valentine’s Day between Chicken Face and I, but he did surprise me with the medal rack and my hurst burst with glee!

Friday, 2/15: Rest

Sleeping in and relaxing during the evening. A perfect way to chillax from a busy week.

Saturday, 2/16: Double Brick #1

It was far too easy to slip back into my normal Saturday morning, pre-bike routine: wake-up too early, tea, breakfast, messed around on the computer for a little bit and final bike prep. It was my first group ride/double brick back and all went seamlessly.

20 mile ride, 10 minute run, 20 mile ride, 10 minute run. I was tired afterwards, but everything held up leaving a solid smile smeared across my face.

Sunday, 2/17: Long Run

Sunday was Kristin’s birthday celebration where all of us crazies (i.e. her runner friends) met at her place to sip, celebrate and run around San Francisco.

Me, Aron, Kristen, Alyssa, Sima, Kristin, Jess, Angela, Layla, Jojo.

While the rest of the girls ran 10 miles, I was determined to stick to my plan and not do anything stupid as I am building my strength/increasing mileage. I ran the first 3.5 miles with Jojo and Jess (two of my faves) and then ran the rest home by myself as the other girls went on. I waited for them to all arrive back and then what we do best: EAT.

I brought ridiculously easy peanut butter and jelly muffins to the party — you can get the oh-no-she-didn’t recipe here.

I closed out week 5 with:

8 hours and 55 minutes of training:
4,300 yards swimming
68.41 miles cycling
17.5 miles running
30 minutes yoga
30 minutes strength

Happy Running!

16 Comments | Posted in Weekly Recap

Happy Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2013

If I could take running on a steamy Valentine’s Day date, I would. I’ve been courting him for years and I think it’s time I finally get lucky.

We were introduced by friends at high school track, but truth be told, I didn’t really care for him at first. He was the cool kid. You know, the one that all of your friends doted over as he had that John Travolta, plain white tee with rolled up sleeves, Grease suaveness about him. Sure I had chills, but they weren’t immediately multiplying.

When we met, I was shy and had zero experience. I mean, my dad always told me that it takes at least two years to really know a guy and I had been fairly brainwashed about teenage boys and their hormones. Enter awkward gait and arm position.

So there we were, pushed together by fate and one of us had to make the move, or I literally wouldn’t be going anywhere. With a push from my friends, I ended up in a place I shouldn’t have been. A dangerous place that is for experienced folks, maybe even the seniors.

Sprinting and hurdles.

What?! How did I get here? He was moving way too fast for me. That’s almost third base — I am a lady and should be treated like one!

Being young and naïve, I got duped into the hurdles and sprinting because all of my friends were doing it. Oh young Page, haven’t you learned? Wasn’t this the type of peer pressure that they warned you about? Do you know what kind of diseases you could have gotten? Tendonitis Sprained ankles! Ligament tears! I can’t even continue on… What I should have done was listen to my dad, stood up for myself and declared, “Sorry, but I’m not that kind of girl.” What was I doing messing around with such a boy?

It took me two years to finally realize that I was approaching this relationship all wrong and what I really wanted. I was the girl who looked forward to our Friday dates more than anything. We weren’t doing 400 meter repeats and pushing out of the blocks. It was where we’d go long and we’d best of friends. Where we’d reach a new state of euphoria fueled by hormones, ehem, endorphins. Where I’d find my knight in shining armor. That’s all a 16-year-old girl really wants after all, isn’t it?

Once I was true to myself and had an honest conversation about where I wanted this relationship to go is when it happened: we fell in l-o-v-e and I haven’t looked back. We keep each other honest, accountable, entertained and in respectable shape. We made memories and continue to do so to this day.

If I can promise you one thing it’s this: this high school sweetheart relationship and I…we’re going to work out. No pun intended.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Don’t worry Chicken Face, I love you more!)

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