Group Ride Last Night

Whew, I was so excited to tell you about something new I learned. I went on our group ride last night and learned a basic skill. After the ride, I walked in the door stoked and said, "Jee-hum, guess what I can do now." After telling him, he already knew how to do it. Jeez, why hasn't anyone told me? It's opened doors to all sorts of places I can go. I am taking my camera from now on. Beautiful places! One of our biking coaches taught us how to descend down hills without our bikes wibbly-wobbling. We went down huge hills and my heart wasn't even pounding.

We did some hill repeats in the middle of our ride. I found out that I get faster and faster the more I do. I love hill repeats. I know that's crazy. But, it's true. My legs get warmed up after 3 of 'em. I push it on the first one. I keep pushing the following 2. Then my legs just let me go on the next ones. Even the last, I can go. It's bizarre. I know, it's crazy. It really is. I love 'em! My ankle taped, doesn't give me trouble on the bike. Doesn't swell up all that much either on the bike. (I have to say, thank you, Eric, for showing me some stuff a/b hill repeats.) They thought I was racing. The truth is... I just love to go up those things. My legs get warmed up and they go. It feels good. 

One of the coaches asked me about my ankle after we were nice and warmed up. He gave me an alternative to running and now I don't feel so trapped. He asked why I was NOT chillin' on the running. I thought I was supposed to be running. Now I can do something different and no pounding on my ankles or my head. I can focus on biking and swimming, too, as suggested. The runner "girlie doc" would be happy, too. This alternative will still workout the running muscles. Makes for a happy me. My tri-team (namely, Juliet and Melissa) is very encouraging... telling me that my 1st tri is still doable by focusing on bike and swim. I can keep in aerobic shape and stay strong. Slow down, "Missy," I'll be fine. Life's too short to take so seriously. Enjoy it. Yes?  

I am so excited about descending. You have no idea!!! Time to discover new places. By the way, I had a blast on the repeats w/ a teammate. She also helped me mentally "let-go" of riding error I made. 

Please look on the USAT site for dealing with injury. By pure coincidence I talked about injury in my previous blog. USAT quoted David Glover. On his blog he discusses his own dealings and true feelings with his current injury. He's a good writer and survivor. Not just a cheerleader. I feel very sad for a fellow tri-mate who is dealing with serious injuries, not just a minor ankle issue. She's not a teammate. She's a good mom, wife, and athlete. She's hurting. I wish her all the correct help in the world so she can recover. I know she is strong. I hope that her surgery and recovery go very well and success is achieved. She's a fighter. I know she'll do her part. 

Training in the moment,

Christy

Depends how aggressively she treats at home...

Those were the only words I saw from the guy who sent out a report about my ankle. 

Aggressive, I can do that. Get back out there ASAP. USAT just sent out an article regarding what happens when things go wrong (out of our control). Guess who wrote the article, None other than "Full Time & Sub-Nine's" David Glover. I had to check out the link. 

Unbelievable, one of the first topics on his site was staying in the moment. He posted his own account of dealing w/ his current injury. The athlete ignored it for years until now. Now, he's doing things differently: stretching, PT, and strength training. Maybe that is what was meant by "aggressive," Ya think :) ??? There is pain that you run with and learn to breathe through. And there is pain that stops you from running, biking and swimming years later. Ignoring and/or masking it with symptomatic treatments is not intelligent unless aerobic activity is something you want to be forced to stop later in life.

Yesterday, I went to yoga to stretch out the ole ankle. I bumped into 2 yoga friends I'd not seen in a very long time. They are both incredible athletes, tip-top shape. I spoke to one who is such a breath of fresh air, no pun intended. But, we talked a bit about what I was doing. I told her that I am nervous about transitions. She reminded me, "Christy, breathe. Just breathe. Slow down and breathe." And she told me to take slower yoga classes instead of the all out tuff ones we'd just finished. The restorative classes will help stretch out my body for training. She's a good woman. She I would do just fine :) She runs with a friend and loves it.

I ran my scheduled run and my ankle did great. Tested it on a trail with rolling hills. Taped it really tight. I tested it while keeping my pace slow and easy. Didn't attack. Staying right in the moment. First time back on a trail. It felt so good to be out there. My favorite places to run are those trails. I'd received an email from our coaches sent to us all. It was right on the money for what I was facing mentally. It helped me get back in the game. We have such a great group of supportive athletes from all walks of life. Love it...

By the way, I am also totally inspired by a girl Abby knows, who trains with her mom. They've done it alone reading all sorts of books. They've been in the local papers, too. What an inspiration they are as a teen a mom having succeeded in many triathlons together. 

Happy training, 

Christy

Thanks To You in the Real World

The last couple of weeks have been interesting in my Ride:  climbing steep hills, hill repeats, miles of going for negative splits, long distance runs, brick workouts, etc.

However, they are not quite how you'd imagine. 

I've had the best support crew in the whole wide world, Jim. He is the most loving, strongest and wisest man I know. 

I love watching our girls actually pursue their dreams. They, too, say, "Go, Mom!" Kids are perceptive. We tell our kids about our hills within reason. We are family! Very important: They need their kid freedom. Our climbs don't become theirs and of equal importance their climbs aren't ours. We provide home, safety, love, encouragement, room to learn from error. Ahh, tears come to any mom's eyes talking a/b the family she loves. So much in a home, it just doesn't have to be perfect to work just right. 

I've faced a tiny injury but, it's slowed me down to a greater climb that has nothing to do with a sprain. I've gained a little weight, again nothing to do w/ my greater climb (just a byproduct). I came to the sport in pretty good shape because exercise helps me feel happy thus making me a better mom and wife and person. 

Jim's actually exercised more than I have lately. Those who know my love of exercise would tell you that this is highly unlike me. But, in thinking about and researching my current climb, it's okay. Blaming either me or anyone else does absolutely no good. At some point in anyone's life who is HONEST, this is the time they find out about the real world and what makes them tick. Several athletes actually talk about these times. Some hide it for game's sake. 

It's so weird, but today, I am okay. I slept 2 hours last night. So, I am very tired. I research and am doing my best in this run. 

Actually, part of maintaining fitness in this area is "aerobic exercise". After seeing my "girlie doc," he congratulated me. He's highly experienced and popular in the gyn-field. He's also a runner who races. He told me that if I was in the running world, there would be support like no tomorrow. He said that aerobic activity is very helpful and I am doing all the "right stuff". 

I will be learning patience in my tri-training. This is a hill that many climb and one that I do not see impossible. So, onward and upward one step at a time. Love and kindness towards myself are very important in this journey. I want to be running, biking, and swimming when I am 80. So, I am taking responsibility for it. I read only things that help me move in an upward direction. I read the honest books. Guess that's why I liked, "Full Time & Sub Nine" so much. I like Lance, too. He talks about the lows and how it helps him now. Love and patience and moving forward one step at a time. And yes, I will do it.

Thanks to those of you who are working to get in shape before you go to work, it helps me to do the same. Thanks to my tri-friend-moms who have to hustle b/c they can only workout in the morning. Seeing Jim ride that fixie to work everyday gives me more inspiration than he will ever know. Abby riding her bike to school and back, does the same.

Jim, Abby and Emma, You are the best! I love you!

Happy Training to you all no matter where you are in the process.

Christy

Emma Learns To Ride

Several times we've gone out on the street and tried to help Emma ride without training wheels. The bike has always been in the garage. Yesterday before school, she said, "Mom, can you get it down?" After knocking down a few tools in the process, I got it. 

She was so serious about learning that I skipped my group ride last night and  the 2 of us went to the park. I was supposed to learn how to change a flat but, Emma had more important things in mind. A neighbor once told us when her daughter had trouble, learning on grass did the trick. Better to learn around grass and people, than cars coming home from a long day's work anyway. 

Off we went. Whoa, was she determined. We forgot the need for long jeans. She was sportin' shorts and a t-shirt. And she found out that in learning the seat of the bike hits your butt. Ouch! I thought she'd had it and was ready to put the bike in the car. Nope! She said, "I'm not ready to go home yet." With tears in her eyes she kept trying over and over again til I let go and she kept going just like birds always learn to fly. Then she was riding the sidewalk with the busy people there for soccer practice. By the way, it's not so busy anymore. Soccer's not the only sport people play... She hates soccer. Emma says she is an "extreme" athlete. 

She was riding down a hill and I had to sprint to catch her. (Ankle did fine!) As I caught up to her, she was okay. I just jogged beside her as she kept riding all around the park. Nice little workout for me. She protested going home. But, it was time for dinner. Plus, she was ready to test the street in front of the house. 

Abby was playing outside with Molly. The 2 girls road their bikes together outside. Yep, Emma was tentative but doing it w/ determination. 

She Did IT!!! Proud of ya girl!!! Ya learned long before I did!

By the way, there was no better place for me to be! 

Do Eat & Ride

I went for a long ride yesterday. The snow is FINALLY starting to melt. I feel done waiting around for this ankle. The bike and I are still getting aquatinted in various situations. I tape my clicking ankle and now use my other foot to click in and out of. I've gotten the hang of it. 

I practiced using the bottom part of my handle bars while lapping Chatfield at high cadence. Changed my gears while keeping my hands way down low and pulling my legs up towards my gut. It was fun. The wind always picks over there and it's good place to learn how to ride with it. You've got a flat and a bit of a hill for practice at the same place. And you can lap it several times. I see the same people there all the time. We don't say anything, just wave as we pass going opposite directions. 

I hadn't paid attention to my watch and I'd ridden for a while. On the way home I realized that I was pretty hungry and out of water. Jim called and the girls and I were going to meet at a park. So, I stopped to get a power bar and some Gatorade. Poured as much Gatorade in my empty water bottle as I could, and then I drank the rest. In trying to hustle, I decided I would try to eat and ride to the park. 

I did it. I was eating my power bar, shifting gears, pulling my brakes, clicking in and out at the red lights, and eating my bar all while riding the busiest street of the day. It's huge! I can eat and ride at the same time!!! Can I get the bar out of my jersey, unwrap it, and then eat it? I dunno about that one, YET! 

Oh, my ride was 4 hours, eek... guess I was gone a long time.

Happy Training,

Christy

Tyler Hamilton

Jim showed me an article about a cyclist who retired, Tyler Hamilton... busted for "steroid use." He'd been treating his diagnosed depression with a homeopathic over-the-counter med which contained a steroid. Because many athletes have abused the system using steroids to cheat, athletes with legit medical needs have been hurt. This was Tyler's 2nd time to be caught. Who knows, if he was self-medicating depression the first time or not. However, he admits  self-medicating with the homeopathic drug due to his diagnosed depression in 2003. This over-the-counter drug is commonly used by many for treating depression. He was caught and banned. He decided to permanently retire. It would be the only way he could seek proper medical attention. 

Going without treatment could cause a fatal side effect... suicide.

Wow, our society still labels depression, anxiety, bipolar, or anything of the like as something which should prohibit athletes from participating in sport. The side effect of non-treatment could be death just as a bee sting to a participant who is allergic to bees. 

Sport and aerobic activity actually assists in the recovery rate of depression, anxiety, etc. And some meds given by a medical practitioner actually increase the athlete's physical challenge. Guess what, that gives the opponent the competitive advantage. 

We still live in the dark ages of absolute ignorance and discrimination. Should Tyler have treated himself? NO. Medical care would have been ideal. What choice did he have? He treated himself when he could no longer handle the depression on his own. He said that others with depression would understand. I suspect that he knew other athletes who suffer. Google the stats on depression/anxiety. He completely retired because he had to treat his illness. WADA wouldn't allow him to treat his illness. Therefore, he chose life. Hopefully, he continues to fight and experience the freedom of seeking medical care. 

In our society, drinking is acceptable. People joke about getting drunk. Treating depression, anxiety, etc with alcohol or even "street drugs" is quite acceptable. But, seeking medical care for this is not. How backwards and irresponsible can society be? What message are we giving each other? Treat yourself. Don't get help. DIE?  

What is even more astonishing is that Tyler Hamilton will be alone. Anyone who comes to his side, will be labeled as "suspicious." 

I know, anyone w/ these illnesses should just sit on a couch, not see a doc, become uninvolved in society, quit eating or eat so much you have a heart attack, stop exercising, pace the floors all night when you can't sleep, or sleep all day, not pay your bills because you can't think to work, and just depend on society to take care of ya! That's it!  (obvious sarcasm) 

Discovering New Trails

Went swimmin' yesterday. Bought some hand-pulls for triathletes. Shew, I feel like I'm doing pull-ups w/ every stroke. Felt pretty cool and totally got my mind off of breathing under water. I am not kidding. If you think I'm talking about the smaller yellow hand-pulls, uh-uh, think again. My catch definitely got the idea. Did a little ab work after my swim. After all, my running legs are getting time off. 

Guess what! We had a group ride last night. One of our biking coaches showed us a way to go from Chatfield to Deercreek. Deercreek is an awesome place to train if you come to Denver. Chatfield is okay, too. Close to the house, but Deercreek has some steep climbs & descends if you have to work in town and don't have time to go to the mountains. "Ya got 'em at Deercreek," and can be at the office by 8 a.m. 

I can now ride from my house to Deercreek. Ahhh, Bliss! Last night we had wind. Front coming in, of course... they say our biggest storm yet. It's spring. CO and snowstorms go hand-in-hand. 

Group ride was a blast. I didn't notice the wind. I was chatting w/ a teammate and trying to learn how to ride a road-bike w/out using my hands... ya know, how they cross the finish line? That's how. She was showing me. I totally forgot a/b the fact that running was "on hold." I forgot about the wind I was facing. She and I focused on high cadence. We talked a/b triathlon, transitions, fueling the body during a race, and all sorts stuff. I am stoked. 

My new group is inclusive, interested in how each teammate is doing in their race. This is important. If you're unhappy and not learning, change! I am learning the things I didn't know and was paying hard earned money to discover. 

So, w/ a tiny halt in running... I am loving biking and even swimming. I do not like injury, still! I wanna run!!! It's my nature. To borrow a comment from a coach last night, "It is what it is." 

Happy Training,

Christy

 

Focus

I have been focused on healing in different ways. So I've been solemn. The balance of life. In my 42 yrs, 2 kids, and 17 yrs of marriage... thus far, I've learned that there are just stages. And it's A-okay!  

The school could call me in the middle of the day. Tell me that my 14 yr old is in the health room, just given herself an epi. Suddenly my focus would be single-minded. I get in the car and so far get there before the fire dept. My focus and thought would be very clear on what to do and expect and calmly demand for my daughter. At least that has been my experience thus far. 

My ankle sprain is not life-threatening. It's just close to race-season. I am really fortunate and very grateful to a tri-friend who has introduced laughter and fun to my training. And she's a good triathlete. She loves the sport. 

The aerobic side of this sport is something I really love. It takes time to develop a base. 

Today I googled, "taping a sprained ankle for athletes." I taped my own ankle so I could ride the bike. I biked the trainer to see how my ankle was doing. And I swam w/ the pull buoy non-stop. I learned how to do something different w/ my breathing that felt a lot better in the water. Oh, I lifted and did ab work today too. Then I stuck my foot in ice-water for as long as I could. My 14 yr old was there. She couldn't believe it. The rest of the time, I iced it the regular way. 

So I am learning a lot, even how to take care of myself thru injury. Google is a great tool. I love my tri-group. They are warning me not to over-due... that's a challenge for me. 

Abby's riding her bike to and from school. She loves to see how fast she can make it. She mentioned the wind today and a road bike yesterday. Jim rides to and from work. Emma walks to school w/ the neighborhood. It's amazing how lazy our culture has gotten. Most kids are driven... don't want to mess up their hair I guess.  

I know this a "spaghetti blog." Being mom, wife, & working hard for my first tri is fun. And I am learning a lot. I hate being injured! That, I already knew. But, now I am learning how to take care of myself when it happens and still stay focused. Leaves me a bit solemn. 

I get to do a group ride tomorrow. That will be fun. 

Happy Training,

Christy

Hoppy Day!

The Easter Bunny has come and gone. We had a touch of a homemade fort disaster this a.m. thanks to Molly, the dog. 8 yr olds love to sleep in homemade forts. 

I'll be riding my bike this week and doing pull-buoy in the pool. Our swim coach called yesterday. She helped me see the bright side of rolling an ankle as all triathletes do it. I'll be able to work on some things that we've discussed during team swim practice. It's the same ankle I rolled about a month ago. I was pretty bummed but they had a doc there who treated it differently than I've seen in the past. Although painful, it really works because it was a bit swollen and the swelling has decreased a lot this a.m. However, I did what was suggested throughout the day despite the pain. 

I was getting pretty bummed last night until Jim talked to me about how seeing me race has inspired his running. Now he's considering doing this next year, joining the group, too. I love fitness. Getting anyone involved especially my family is the best. I would love to race w/ my hubby. 

It helped hearing from my swim coach who talked about all the things I will get to work on now besides just running. That's the great thing about triathlon... very versatile even thru injury. Me, the trainer, and chlorine pools :)

Thanks to my carpooling tri-friends who were most helpful and patient. Congrats to them on their great times during the time-trial! Have a great day w/ your families and friends even if it's raining outside. 

I keep going for those negative splits (running each successive mile at a faster pace.) I admit, it's hard for me, too. I train on a hilly trail. I need to train on the flats, too, when I truly heal. Those can be challenging as the miles can seem endless. The running coaches say to focus on the moment. If you are going all out the last mile, yep, it will be some pain, they say.  

Happy Training,

Christy

 

Fun

The last several days I haven't felt so great. I've taken 2 days off. Well, days off: and 2 and 1/2 days worth of workouts off. I am a little precise a/b my workouts. I had a 2 in 1 day and had to go to bed. 

I am off for a run this a.m. and letting my food settle which is my routine. It's the best when you get to see the sun rise and the moon go down. Beautiful! The dogs are fed and watered and "the biggin'," (Dane) is back to sleep beside our bed. 

One of the greatest things about training is having my family join me. Yesterday morning, Jim came back from his run. He looked at me and said, "Well, that hardly hurt at all compared to the snowshoe race. It was like a tack-hammer to the head compared to a sledge-hammer." He actually enjoyed his run yesterday :) He always makes me laugh. 

The girls have started snowboarding. They prefer it over swimming. Well, winter is going away! Abby heard on the radio that there was a walk for breast cancer and she asked me to do it with her. I am hoping they will let 14 yr olds do it. And I am hoping it doesn't interfere w/ the one tri I have that month. Yikes. It's the cause and the race she really cares about. 

Speaking of cancer, if you don't get updates from Lance Armstrong, he is promoting a race for cancer. Jim's still snoozing. And it's time for me to get off the computer. So here is the slow version for all you cyclists: (Please tell your cycling friends)

www.pelotonia.org

Happy Training,

Christy

Over training

Me? Nah :) 

I can always tell when I do it. I get the shivers. I get weepy. Trouble sleeping. Starving or not hungry. And then I feel really week and possibly get sick. 

With my schedule I have a rest day every day of the week. That seems to work best for my body IF I do it. Why? Because when I train, I train hard. The past week I had a rest day before my race due to weather and a regularly scheduled rest day post race. But, I went to a challenging yoga class. I figured I'd stretch out my muscles and pick up some heat and humidity. Yoga is fine. And it helps me post race. The problem was... the type of class I picked. And I need to hydrate even more during this time!!! 

One more thing... I am also learning that not every single training hour needs to be "all out".... I watched a guy who trains and wins 100 mile running races in high altitudes. He doesn't train speed all the time, obviously. Sure, we are training for different sports. But, for the length of time I train, I need to prevent burnout and over training by having the slow training days, too. They are in my schedule. I just have to stick to it :) 

I blog this because this seems to be an issue for a lot of people I know. We are motivated and we don't hear our bodies until it says, "Okay, you're going to bed now." 

Good to hear from my friend in IL. Glad to hear all is well. Next time your brother-n-law races here let me know. I'll help too. We'd love to see you guys! 

Happy Training to all,

Christy

Snowshoe With Jim & Christy

Seriously! We had too much fun not to invite our friends along. 

You don't have to be a triathlete. Do your thing this summer... hike, mountain bike, run, road ride, swim, lift... whatever it is you love to do in the great outdoors. Build some aerobic capacity. Work on quad and calf strength. Then keep it up in the winter by joining us once a month for the Beaver Creek Adventure Snowshoe series.

We will be more than happy to suggest all we can about equipment/clothing needs to make it a grand experience for you. Yes, it will be challenging especially your first race. For the hilarious description, you can read Jim's twitter. But, you'll come back for more just for the pure challenge of beating your previous time. And it will motivate you to keep up w/ exercise thru the winter months. Jim will be doing it next year along w/ me. His choice, I promise! 

When it gets closer, we can suggest supplies. If you wanna buy snowshoes or rent, what to bring and where you'll be bringing it. We do not sell anything. We can point you to the race place. I didn't know the first time. That was my greatest challenge since this was my first year. Everyone told me something different. 

There is a kid's race. My kids like snowboarding and there is a school. You don't have to have kids to join us. You don't have to have a spouse :) Come have fun. Go for it. There is a dash for cash right before the race. There is a 5K and a 10K. 

Hey, we are talking to you, friends who are moving but wanna come back for a wkend visit and you, who just purchased the cowboy trailer :) Yoga friends who wanna have some fun in the snow.

So, enjoy the summer, wake up early and do your workout deal. Join me for a running race if you'd like. Try a triathlon if you want this summer. But, be sure you train for it first so you don't get hurt. Whatever it is you'd like to do, enjoy. 

Jim's not here... so here is the slow version of the website

http://www.bcsnowshoe.com

There are 4 races, 1 race per month. The grand finale benefitting a specific cancer research facility. Check it out for yourself. Suggestion... Winter clothes are on sale now. Long slick running pants are awesome for this race. I wear 2-3 pair, the same pair for every race. 

You are responsible for your own health and well-being. You will be signing a release provided by the race. We are not health professionals. No M.D.'s nor coaches live here. Obviously, this is Colorado, high altitude. Most of us committed to this for 4 months live near the area and are adjusted to the altitude. We have also trained ahead of time. If you've never exercised in high altitude, my non-professional opinion would be to try something else first. Ask your doctor. Some parts of the courses are at almost 12,ooo ft above sea level. Our friends have exercised in high altitude and know how their bodies respond to it. I want you to know it is challenging and worth your training.  

Happy Training, 

Christy

written: April '09

 

Jim's 1st Snow Shoe Race

He Did IT!

No falling! Made it all the way! Lots of fresh powder on the trail. Snow shoes from friend, Todd, who just happens to a bit taller. Jim says that we are all grounded if we comment on exactly how much taller. In other words, his snowshoes were probably twice as long as mine :) No one's grounded for that comment. The boy did it. I saw him come in. Cheered him on! So proud of him!

He even said he'd do it again and consider getting my kind, Northern Lites, next season. Isn't that awesome? We had a blast.

It was for a good cause... cancer research. We signed up together. They asked us who we'd like to dedicate it to... they wrote it on our shirts. Neither one of us filled it out. We both went off to the side and talked about who we thought of in our minds-Someone we loved dearly who was gone. But, it was personal. My loved one made me laugh and still makes me laugh when I think of him. So, I smiled when I ran my heart out and enjoyed every second of the race without his name on my back. Whatever any racer chose to do with that sheet was personal and not to be judged. Loved ones are to be remembered however we choose. Many athletes run races not yet being cancer-free. We all know someone.

Racing with Jim was great! I loved every minute of it even though he made me run ahead. I was so proud of him and can't wait to do it again.

It's Time

I've mentioned reading this Triathlon book, "Full Time & Sub-Nine." I am sure the author would tell you the hardest thing he had to face was cancer as he talks a/b the lingering thought in his mind. 

After reading the book, I finally called and made an appt for a mammogram 10 years after my own surgery. I was 32 yrs old then. I blog it b/c I KNOW there are many people out there like myself. I was fortunate as the post-surgery wait proved benign. The whole thing that people go thru everyday was surreal. I have put off annuals out of fear and positive thoughts. "It won't happen again. I will take really good care of my body! I will be positive. Let go of things. Eat healthy. etc." After reading the book, I made the appt. and called that doctor, too. It scares the "you-know-what" out of Jim. But, I know everything will be alright. Many people go thru this w/ much worse results. I will always train. I say, "people," because breasts aren't the only places you should check. 

Why they use PINK ribbons as reminders, I'll never know. There was nothing "cutsie" about the whole process. Post-surgery hurts. Women cry in waiting rooms. Tests are painful. Doctors constantly give you, "We'll just have to see," answers. And  people go thru this everyday. Interesting article about all of this in "Wired" magazine... non-medical, yes. My hubby reads it and so do I. Worth a read for those of you who are willing to go back and look. 

I am so fortunate that the lump discovered by my doc back then was benign. Everything will be just fine for me. But, it's worth blogging b/c many of us don't take time... just like me :) 

I keep my eyes open in my one yoga class a week b/c life is worth living. Closing them reminds me of my wicked, vomiting migraines. Exercise makes me feel great and ready for the day. Training helps me feel strong and alive enough to care for our 14 yr old daughter who comes home w/ tons of middle school stories. Our toothless 8 yr old has a smile so big as she is waiting to say her "th's" and "s's" til that permanent tooth gets in. Most of all, Jim. My heart belongs to him. He will be there when I cross the finish line at my first tri.  

I get to swim today. Jim's first snowshoe race is THIS weekend!!! Wish him luck on his website, if you know him. He's got a new site. He's finally taking time to blog. A friend of ours is letting him borrow snowshoes. It will be fun. I am sure he will twitter all a/b it. The kids can't wait to snowboard if we can beat the next winter storm due this weekend. 

Happy Training,

Christy

 

 

Lovin' It

Today was a blast. It's been a while since I've gotten to do a 2 in 1. I used to solo train by picking 2 things a day... swim or bike, bike or run. You get the idea. Yesterday was supposed to be a swim and bike. But, the weather slammed the door on our group ride. So, w/ flexibility in mind I snuck it in on today's schedule w/ my running.

The trainer had my name on it since the roads were too slick this a.m. for my road bike tires. I put it in high gear and worked on keeping my cadence (pedal stroke) high. Jim took a pic as he worked at home today. It's always fun to see him around during the day even if it's crazy running in and out.

Then it was off for my run just like the old days. I figure, that's how a race will be. I had fun. Took it one thing at a time while keeping the goals in mind for the bike and the run. I did it. Now I am off to my one yoga class a week... gotta stretch out my muscles :)

Saw my migraine doc the other day. She said that aerobic exercise is good for migraines as hard as they are to treat. She's a good woman. She was wearing a pin that said, "Every patient counts." She never spends less than 30 minutes finding out how I am doing-even talks to Jim even if she has to call him while I am there. I think the aerobic stuff is a good fit for me. I've learned in my life-time, never take health for granted. And not everyone understands that fact. That has to be okay for me.

Happy Training,

Christy