Well it's a good thing I ran that Spring Lake Oktoberfest 1/2 Marathon with my brother yesterday!
On Friday I was in touch with my physical therapist who I haven't seen in over a year (it's a good thing!), except at the Rock CF Rivers 1/2 . I told him what's been going on with my left hip, can't sleep on that side, aches pretty bad on the outside by the joint, and the range of motion isn't amazing. Thankfully he is going to get me in on next week to start cranking away. My CF Doc thinks it could be an inflamed bursa in my hip...sounds about right but we will see how it reacts to my super PT's treatment.
I guess I should tell my PT that now my knee is going to need some love too. This is where the 1/2 from yesterday comes in. My brother Adam and I ran this race a couple years ago together and we decided to give it another go yesterday. The timing worked well with my training and he has been training his ass off all summer. We went in yesterday to run and not race which sounded quite good to me...cannot get hurt..
My brother has been hit with some very recent IT band issues, so when I heard this a few weeks ago I immediately prescribed him the foam roller. After laughing through the painful tears that the roller of death inflicts, he realized that it actually does help. So before we left his house yesterday a.m. we both took a ride on the roller..
After mingling with other runners, some who have done Rock CF, we had a great slow start and first 8 miles or so. This course has a lot of up and downs which helped to flare up his IT just over half way through. He powered through very well only stretching when I had to make a pp stop and a couple other times. He decided that his ITB wasn't going to stop him just as my left knee started to give out. Real cool. By give out I mean, lock up and alter my stride while inflicting sharp pain. This same knee thing has happened during my last two half marathons. Once at mile 5 while in Canada during the Freep. When this happened I thought, "I am not getting stuck in another country!" So I just kept hobbling and finished in 2:03. This also happened at mile 11 during the Martian half as well when I was on par to break 2 hours...I finished in 2:04...laaaame.
My 10.8 mile run last week showed no signs of this knee situation coming into play. I was confident going in yesterday that only my hip would be a little sore after the race, not my knee. To say I was shocked, and pissed is an understatement! Luckily my super PT Greg has treated this, an inflamed bursa sack, for me before. Now I just need to tell him that he will be treating that and my hip...in 1 week before the biggest race of my life!!
Cue- Queen's Under Pressure
He is a magical man and I have no doubt in my mind that he will tune me up. I'll hit my chiro once a week until the race and utilize that massage coupon I have too...oh and course yoga! My training has paid off and I definitely feel ready to tackle 69.1 so a little bump in the road will not stop me.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Keep on keepin on.
Great morning of training yesterday!
It was a chilly one on that bike, and if that temp dips down another degree for the next ride my toe covers and full gloves are coming out. It was balmy!! These a.m. rides are also getting pretty damn dark. Armstrong is sans front light and her back light won't clip on anything sometimes...so she rides like a phantom and relies on spotty streetlights and my lighted up self.
We rode about an hour together and then I got 40 more minutes in until my left foot was cold and numb. It was a brick day so when I got home I had to wait until my foot thawed out before I ran..so I made my oatmeal and then hit the roads. A slow but good 40 minute run and I was home sipping coffee and eating my oatmeal w/cinnamon & flax, topped with greek yogurt and....drum roll please.................Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter! Yep it is the season folks and yesterday was my official opener. You gotta get into this stuff stat.
Also yesterday was a big CF Foundation fundraiser called Shoot for the Cure. I'm not a huge gun person but my bro is a cop so I speak Glock. Also my dad hunts so I am down with shotguns. The event yesterday was at the Detroit Gun Club and basically over 100 people were out there shoot clay pigeons. It was pretty damn cool! Last time I went I actually shot but because I'm 3 weeks away from the race I didn't want to risk anything.
After they shot and had a few drinks, glad they drank affffter, I got up and gave a little pep talk. All I can say is that of all the events I have spoken at (which is a lot), even the black ties, this group was the most generous group I have ever seen. One guy gave $5,000 on the spot after my speech and several other threw in some K's as well. It was awesome and totally made my day! THANK YOU to Roush Racing for sponsoring this incredible event and also thanks to everyone at the Michigan CFF offices. YOU ROCK!!
Tomorrow my bro Adam and I are running the Spring Lake Oktoberfest 1/2 marathon. It is a training run so my plan is to run really slow and just get the miles in. Even if I have to use a taser to slow my brother down I will..it's crunch time!
Em
It was a chilly one on that bike, and if that temp dips down another degree for the next ride my toe covers and full gloves are coming out. It was balmy!! These a.m. rides are also getting pretty damn dark. Armstrong is sans front light and her back light won't clip on anything sometimes...so she rides like a phantom and relies on spotty streetlights and my lighted up self.
We rode about an hour together and then I got 40 more minutes in until my left foot was cold and numb. It was a brick day so when I got home I had to wait until my foot thawed out before I ran..so I made my oatmeal and then hit the roads. A slow but good 40 minute run and I was home sipping coffee and eating my oatmeal w/cinnamon & flax, topped with greek yogurt and....drum roll please.................Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter! Yep it is the season folks and yesterday was my official opener. You gotta get into this stuff stat.
Also yesterday was a big CF Foundation fundraiser called Shoot for the Cure. I'm not a huge gun person but my bro is a cop so I speak Glock. Also my dad hunts so I am down with shotguns. The event yesterday was at the Detroit Gun Club and basically over 100 people were out there shoot clay pigeons. It was pretty damn cool! Last time I went I actually shot but because I'm 3 weeks away from the race I didn't want to risk anything.
After they shot and had a few drinks, glad they drank affffter, I got up and gave a little pep talk. All I can say is that of all the events I have spoken at (which is a lot), even the black ties, this group was the most generous group I have ever seen. One guy gave $5,000 on the spot after my speech and several other threw in some K's as well. It was awesome and totally made my day! THANK YOU to Roush Racing for sponsoring this incredible event and also thanks to everyone at the Michigan CFF offices. YOU ROCK!!
Tomorrow my bro Adam and I are running the Spring Lake Oktoberfest 1/2 marathon. It is a training run so my plan is to run really slow and just get the miles in. Even if I have to use a taser to slow my brother down I will..it's crunch time!
Em
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Blowout
The above scene is becoming too familiar these days.
Today's blowout was amazing! The sound it made scared the crap out of me and my friend Sarah who I was riding with. I had started riding at 7am, then picked Sarah up at 8:30 with plans to ride until 10am. At 8:35 I got a call from Reebs saying she was locked out of her house. Good thing I checked my phone when I did...So we played lock smith and rode up with my key to let Reebs in. That was the start to the day. Just minutes after that we were on our way to get some good miles in and *insert missile sound here*, my back tire blew!
This is the same tire that took 3 tubes last Wednesday to fix. Monday night the tire was flat again so I took it to my local shop last night to get fixed. It seemed to be cool this a.m. but apparently the tire slit and glass chunk in there was not good. Last nights service and tubes and today's new tire and tube added up nicely..But while I'm at it I should get a new front tire, new tire levers and a tune up.....I am about ready to sell my kidney. Oh and I need more Hammer and Heed supplies...so yeah at least 1 kidney will go on the market, followed by another appendage of the buyers choice.
Luckily Sarah was able to ride home and driver her Navigator back to rescue me and take me to the bike shop..yes she is a baller and yes Kwame did lease this car for her too. So our ride didn't go as planned but it was eventful and we got some good laughs in. I'll probably head out later tonight for another hour or so since I only got 1 hour and 45 min in this a.m. And damn it was a good ride too. No wind and it was WARM!
Ta ta for now...off for some CFF calls and meetings!
Em
Monday, September 24, 2012
Catching Mad Zzzz's
The title says it all...sleep.
Boy I'll tell ya, it has been a great weekend of sleeping. A cracked window lets this cool fall weather blow through which instantly puts me down for the count. Like a baby.
Getting that long run in on Saturday allowed me to sleep in to a cool 8:10 am on Sunday. I know, I know, that is just outrageous. 8:10? Wasted so much of my day...That night I clocked in about 10 solid hours. Today I slept until 7:30 which again brought me in at a cool 9 hours. I am well rested for the week ahead!
See, when you are training a lot sleep is a prized possession. Most of my training starts at either 5:30, 6 or 7, so sleeping past those times is like holding a fuzzy puppy to your face.
Let's get back to the fall season though. Fall usually means chillier temps right? Exactly..this morning it was a balmy 39 degrees when I awoke from my slumber. That is just TOO cold to be on a bike, at least until my new Pearl Izumi cold gear arrives! During this training I have become obsessed with the weather. So having an idea of the almost freezing morning temps, I arranged our ride today to be in the evening when it will be in the 60's. Brilliant!
Off to a slow flow yoga to keep this body going!
Boy I'll tell ya, it has been a great weekend of sleeping. A cracked window lets this cool fall weather blow through which instantly puts me down for the count. Like a baby.
Getting that long run in on Saturday allowed me to sleep in to a cool 8:10 am on Sunday. I know, I know, that is just outrageous. 8:10? Wasted so much of my day...That night I clocked in about 10 solid hours. Today I slept until 7:30 which again brought me in at a cool 9 hours. I am well rested for the week ahead!
See, when you are training a lot sleep is a prized possession. Most of my training starts at either 5:30, 6 or 7, so sleeping past those times is like holding a fuzzy puppy to your face.
Let's get back to the fall season though. Fall usually means chillier temps right? Exactly..this morning it was a balmy 39 degrees when I awoke from my slumber. That is just TOO cold to be on a bike, at least until my new Pearl Izumi cold gear arrives! During this training I have become obsessed with the weather. So having an idea of the almost freezing morning temps, I arranged our ride today to be in the evening when it will be in the 60's. Brilliant!
Off to a slow flow yoga to keep this body going!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
30 Mile Run?
My favorite day of training...weekend long run!
I just wrapped up a 10.8'er and things are feeling good. The plan was 10 miles but if you're like me and don't wear a watch or have a GPS then sometimes your runs aren't exactly spot on...today was that kind of day.
Armstrong was in for 5+ miles with me, so last night I mapped out what I thought was going to be that and then a solid 10 for me. But why go 5 when you can go 6.3? Or why go 10 when you can go 10.8? So my cartography skills are slightly off...never said I was a map expert, but I am full of surprises.
I fueled up with 1.5 whole wheat waffles with almond butter and my daddy's blackberry jam, 1/2 a banana and some G2 with a SaltStick tab...let me say though, that was .5 too many waffles. A bit too much in the tummy for the first few miles. Luckily things settled down because I was seeking out bushes along the way.
Instead of doing my usual water planting along the course we thought we would stop at Subway about 4 miles in for, as Armstrong testifies, has "the best water...they should bottle and sell that shit!" We get up to Subway and they are.....CLOSED...who needs a footlong at 7:59am? Nobody. Luckily the little Market next door was open and the nice kid working the register ran and got us each a cup of water. I told her we were going long today...30 miles, and needed that water. The look on her face was brilliant. The water shooting out of Becky's mouth was priceless...gotta keep these kids on their toes.
After GU'ing up and having a tiny glass of water at Armstrong's residence I ventured on to finish my 10 miler. Got home and did some big time stretching and foaming and then mapped the run, realizing that I'm an ass.
Refueled with some oatmeal with cinnamon & flax topped with greek yogurt, bananas, blueberries and almonds. Yummy town USA.
My left hip is a little crazy but nothing a foam roller, yoga, ice, heat, Advil and beer can't handle! A light yoga tomorrow and some rest sounds like a good Sunday..Oh, and a damn Lions WIN too please.
I just wrapped up a 10.8'er and things are feeling good. The plan was 10 miles but if you're like me and don't wear a watch or have a GPS then sometimes your runs aren't exactly spot on...today was that kind of day.
Armstrong was in for 5+ miles with me, so last night I mapped out what I thought was going to be that and then a solid 10 for me. But why go 5 when you can go 6.3? Or why go 10 when you can go 10.8? So my cartography skills are slightly off...never said I was a map expert, but I am full of surprises.
I fueled up with 1.5 whole wheat waffles with almond butter and my daddy's blackberry jam, 1/2 a banana and some G2 with a SaltStick tab...let me say though, that was .5 too many waffles. A bit too much in the tummy for the first few miles. Luckily things settled down because I was seeking out bushes along the way.
Instead of doing my usual water planting along the course we thought we would stop at Subway about 4 miles in for, as Armstrong testifies, has "the best water...they should bottle and sell that shit!" We get up to Subway and they are.....CLOSED...who needs a footlong at 7:59am? Nobody. Luckily the little Market next door was open and the nice kid working the register ran and got us each a cup of water. I told her we were going long today...30 miles, and needed that water. The look on her face was brilliant. The water shooting out of Becky's mouth was priceless...gotta keep these kids on their toes.
After GU'ing up and having a tiny glass of water at Armstrong's residence I ventured on to finish my 10 miler. Got home and did some big time stretching and foaming and then mapped the run, realizing that I'm an ass.
Refueled with some oatmeal with cinnamon & flax topped with greek yogurt, bananas, blueberries and almonds. Yummy town USA.
My left hip is a little crazy but nothing a foam roller, yoga, ice, heat, Advil and beer can't handle! A light yoga tomorrow and some rest sounds like a good Sunday..Oh, and a damn Lions WIN too please.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Brick.
So yesterday's 2nd workout was what I like to call....a "shit show." Because my morning workout was cut in half by that wet storm I decided to take on a couple more hours of riding in the afternoon. It was super sunny and warmed up a bit but it was really, really (I say this in an angry voice) windy. Sometimes if I'm not having an incredible day that wind can get a bit taxing on my old nerves. 35 minutes in I threw in the towel..my blood sugar dropped really low, I was super cranky and I just listened to my bod and called it a day. No biggie. I capped off the night with some yin yoga though and hit the hay before 10.
Now do you think I would let myself off that easy yesterday? No, no no...I decided to get up at 5:15, have a cup of coffee, a saltstick, half a Powerbar (don't recommend the vanilla crisp btw) and then I hopped on my bike and got 14 miles in. My day called for a 45'ish minute run, so after the bike I ran over and met up with Jess and Tater (her pup) and we hit the streets. I got about 5.6 good miles in.
Everything is feeling really good right now! Less than one month until race day!
Post brick breakfast today? Hold on to your Stroh's, it was a great one!
My Bananas Gone Wild recipe:
Thick cut oats with cinnamon & flax
Chocolate chips
Almond butter
Almond milk
Topped with bananas!
Give that baby a whirl..I did put too many chocolate chips in so they melted into a chocolate soup. Hey you live and you learn!
Easy yoga tomorrow then a 10 miler on Sunday.
Now do you think I would let myself off that easy yesterday? No, no no...I decided to get up at 5:15, have a cup of coffee, a saltstick, half a Powerbar (don't recommend the vanilla crisp btw) and then I hopped on my bike and got 14 miles in. My day called for a 45'ish minute run, so after the bike I ran over and met up with Jess and Tater (her pup) and we hit the streets. I got about 5.6 good miles in.
Everything is feeling really good right now! Less than one month until race day!
Post brick breakfast today? Hold on to your Stroh's, it was a great one!
My Bananas Gone Wild recipe:
Thick cut oats with cinnamon & flax
Chocolate chips
Almond butter
Almond milk
Topped with bananas!
Give that baby a whirl..I did put too many chocolate chips in so they melted into a chocolate soup. Hey you live and you learn!
Easy yoga tomorrow then a 10 miler on Sunday.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thar She Blows..
Last night it was the tire..this a.m.? Storm! Wind, rain, thunder & lightning. This almost sounds like the Captain Planet theme song. The only thing missing is, Heart!
Today I was aiming for the 4 hour ride + 15-20 min run...this was all cut a little short and I only got 2 hours of riding in. Because of my tire and having no tubes or anything to help if iI got in a jam, I decided to stay close instead of heading downtown or far east. I did a few loops down by the water for about an hour and was accompanied by some serious wind gusts. The wind was a little psycho though because it really didn't know which way to blow, this just made it pretty entertaining. 20 mph in one directing, 14 in the other. Love these days.
After my windy hour I headed east (or north..I really don't know) and started to do some loops up there. Into the wind one way and a little help from the wind the other. It was actually pretty fun and I was looking forward to another 2 hours...that is until the raindrops started.1 hour and 45min in they started dropping. Then they were dropping a little harder, and then a little more. Once the thunder and lightning started I hauled ass back toward my crib. The faster I pedaled the harder the rain fell and the wind blew. With each flash of lightning I did a self check "do I feel electric? is my hair standing up?"...After 15 minutes of hard riding in the downpour, into the wind and dodging puddles, my wet and dirty ass made it home. Straight to the shower I went to warm up!
Hopping on the trainer crossed my mind, rather briefly..I'll probably head out this afternoon when it dries up for another 1/.5-2 hour ride and a little run. This week of riding is cray craaaay!
On a side note, I've got some nice congestion going on this week. Blue Lightning is in my system but it just feels like it is taking longer to kick in. This is my 3rd time stopping and restarting it and it seems like each time I restart it takes longer and I don't really make it back to my highest peak. Thinking or worrying about it isn't worth is soI just ride and run harder, and spit along the way!
Here's to a dry afternoon!
Em
Today I was aiming for the 4 hour ride + 15-20 min run...this was all cut a little short and I only got 2 hours of riding in. Because of my tire and having no tubes or anything to help if iI got in a jam, I decided to stay close instead of heading downtown or far east. I did a few loops down by the water for about an hour and was accompanied by some serious wind gusts. The wind was a little psycho though because it really didn't know which way to blow, this just made it pretty entertaining. 20 mph in one directing, 14 in the other. Love these days.
After my windy hour I headed east (or north..I really don't know) and started to do some loops up there. Into the wind one way and a little help from the wind the other. It was actually pretty fun and I was looking forward to another 2 hours...that is until the raindrops started.1 hour and 45min in they started dropping. Then they were dropping a little harder, and then a little more. Once the thunder and lightning started I hauled ass back toward my crib. The faster I pedaled the harder the rain fell and the wind blew. With each flash of lightning I did a self check "do I feel electric? is my hair standing up?"...After 15 minutes of hard riding in the downpour, into the wind and dodging puddles, my wet and dirty ass made it home. Straight to the shower I went to warm up!
Hopping on the trainer crossed my mind, rather briefly..I'll probably head out this afternoon when it dries up for another 1/.5-2 hour ride and a little run. This week of riding is cray craaaay!
On a side note, I've got some nice congestion going on this week. Blue Lightning is in my system but it just feels like it is taking longer to kick in. This is my 3rd time stopping and restarting it and it seems like each time I restart it takes longer and I don't really make it back to my highest peak. Thinking or worrying about it isn't worth is soI just ride and run harder, and spit along the way!
Here's to a dry afternoon!
Em
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Windy Wednesday becomes....flat
You are the wind beneath my wings...or the wind against my face. Today was a little windy! Armstrong and I decided last night (at the TCBY Rock CF Fundraiser) that instead of riding at 6 am when it would be 40 degrees, we should ride at 6pm when it would be 66. Sounded good to me! I just realized that there are a lot of 6's happening in this paragraph. Hmmmm...maybe that is a sign to where this is going.
Our plan was to start adding in some speed work today. Nothing more I want to do on a windy day than add in some speed. We did it though and it was actually pretty sweet! The wind really wasn't that bad and we got in a few sprints before I ran something over that jolted my back end, of the bike... ;)
We finished up a sprint and I then I saw it...the flat tire! Boooooooooo.
In my trusty pack I had a tire lever, a tube, and a co2 pump. Ready to rock this shit. I got the wheel off the bike and just as I was struggling my ass off to pop the tire, two guys rolled up and offered to help. Why yes, I will accept your help fellas. After watching them both, together, work to get the tire off I didn't feel so bad that I couldn't get it off. This baby was like glued into my rim. Once they finally got it off (breaking my tire lever) they popped my new tube and, filled it up annnd...flat. This baby wouldn't hold air. Took the tire back off and sure enough there was a hole in it. New tube round 2..wouldn't hold air. COOL! Now I have really stumped these guys. Armstrong decided to head home so she could get her car to drive me home because we all saw no hope with this tire situation...
After inspecting my rim, the tire and anything that could be inspected, we found nothing. What is going on? 3rd time was definitely a charm though. This baby filled up and held air. Bing bango! The guys went on their way and I waited with a handful of tubes, co2's and boxes waiting for Becky. She came and gathered my trash and I was back on the road. Definitely owe these guys new co2's and some tubes. Luckily I know where one of them works.
Off for some Zzzz's, 4 hour ride + 15 minute run in the am. Cold gear is out because I've got a feeling I will be looking at icicles in the am.
Peace.
Our plan was to start adding in some speed work today. Nothing more I want to do on a windy day than add in some speed. We did it though and it was actually pretty sweet! The wind really wasn't that bad and we got in a few sprints before I ran something over that jolted my back end, of the bike... ;)
We finished up a sprint and I then I saw it...the flat tire! Boooooooooo.
In my trusty pack I had a tire lever, a tube, and a co2 pump. Ready to rock this shit. I got the wheel off the bike and just as I was struggling my ass off to pop the tire, two guys rolled up and offered to help. Why yes, I will accept your help fellas. After watching them both, together, work to get the tire off I didn't feel so bad that I couldn't get it off. This baby was like glued into my rim. Once they finally got it off (breaking my tire lever) they popped my new tube and, filled it up annnd...flat. This baby wouldn't hold air. Took the tire back off and sure enough there was a hole in it. New tube round 2..wouldn't hold air. COOL! Now I have really stumped these guys. Armstrong decided to head home so she could get her car to drive me home because we all saw no hope with this tire situation...
After inspecting my rim, the tire and anything that could be inspected, we found nothing. What is going on? 3rd time was definitely a charm though. This baby filled up and held air. Bing bango! The guys went on their way and I waited with a handful of tubes, co2's and boxes waiting for Becky. She came and gathered my trash and I was back on the road. Definitely owe these guys new co2's and some tubes. Luckily I know where one of them works.
Off for some Zzzz's, 4 hour ride + 15 minute run in the am. Cold gear is out because I've got a feeling I will be looking at icicles in the am.
Peace.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Beat the Rain Mile..
Reo Speedwagon's "Riding the storm out" was running through my head on this mornings run...the forecast looked wet but when I woke up to run there was no sign or sound of drizzle. After a good foam roller session and some coffee I hit the streets for an hour run.
I went with my Newton's today and that seemed to be a good choice. My feet felt good, and so did the rest of my bod. I set cruise control at a pretty low pace and just coasted through these miles today. The sky grew darker by the mile and by the time I was on my last two it was very dark. A nice man walking his dogs even stopped me to tell me to be careful, a nasty cloud was moving our way fast. This became an opportunity to turn it on a little bit. Hammering out the last two miles at a fairly speedy pace felt good...almost like I was racing this black cloud. Looking up to the sky at every block it came closer and closer...
Luckily I made it home before it even began to spit. Yeehaw!! Another dry run!
Yesterday I got a decent cycling session in. Tomorrow I am going to do some speedy riding with Armstrong and shoot for a 4 hour + 15 run situation on Thursday. The mornings are getting cold so I have a cart full of cold weather gear on the Pearl Izumi site...just need $$$$$ to pay for it!
I hate few things more than being cold on a bike...the other things I will leave alone for now. So wonder your little hearts out.
Happy "Shiver Me Tuesday" Rock CF Fundraiser day at TCBY in the Village! I will be indulging tonight in a "training treat"of chocolate and vanilla fro yo with Caramel, Fudge, banana and peanut butter cups...I hear this combo makes you ride really fast in the am...
I went with my Newton's today and that seemed to be a good choice. My feet felt good, and so did the rest of my bod. I set cruise control at a pretty low pace and just coasted through these miles today. The sky grew darker by the mile and by the time I was on my last two it was very dark. A nice man walking his dogs even stopped me to tell me to be careful, a nasty cloud was moving our way fast. This became an opportunity to turn it on a little bit. Hammering out the last two miles at a fairly speedy pace felt good...almost like I was racing this black cloud. Looking up to the sky at every block it came closer and closer...
Luckily I made it home before it even began to spit. Yeehaw!! Another dry run!
Yesterday I got a decent cycling session in. Tomorrow I am going to do some speedy riding with Armstrong and shoot for a 4 hour + 15 run situation on Thursday. The mornings are getting cold so I have a cart full of cold weather gear on the Pearl Izumi site...just need $$$$$ to pay for it!
I hate few things more than being cold on a bike...the other things I will leave alone for now. So wonder your little hearts out.
Happy "Shiver Me Tuesday" Rock CF Fundraiser day at TCBY in the Village! I will be indulging tonight in a "training treat"of chocolate and vanilla fro yo with Caramel, Fudge, banana and peanut butter cups...I hear this combo makes you ride really fast in the am...
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Aaaaand We are Back on Track!
I'm going to break this post into two parts. 1) My return to Blue Lightning 2) Training Fun
Blue Lightning
It came! My first Blue Lightning prescription came on Thursday and I tossed back my first dose after dinner that night. The best thing about getting the script? The price tag that is attached to this monthly bottle...all I'm saying is that it is a 5 digit number that is pretty close to the number of hours in a day... ;) Oh thank heaven that I have the insurance that I do..My copay is $0!
The cough that I had going on early in the week seems to be clearing up quickly and my sinuses are back on track. No more giant slugs flying out of these nostrils. Woohoo!
Training
34 Days until B2B
Well well well...this what a nice week of training. Yesterday was supposed to be another 4 hour ride + 20 minute run. The plan was to meet Armstrong at 6am to get pedaling. I awoke to some drizzle but over texts we decided we will ride "unless it starts to downpour, then we are out!" Cycling over to her corner (yep, she works the corner) the rain got harder. She was there and we both just laughed and said screw this, let's ride later. So I rode home twisted out my soaking wet clothes and carried my bike upstairs and threw it on my trainer. While watching an episode of Downton Abbey and then Ellen I got about 90 minutes in. That trainer is so damn annoying, I don't know how people can stay on it for hours. Drenched in sweat I threw in the towel knowing that I'd get more riding in later.
At about 4:15 and a much sunnier setting I hopped on my bike (Minty) and started riding. I got about 30 minutes in before Armstrong joined in. After storms there is always wind...right? Well there was yesterday, and also a lot of cars and really terrible drivers. On one stretch I was definitely almost a goner. A car flew by us just brushing my left arm. Definitely earned a beer for that one. We got about 2 hours of nice riding in and called it a night. On my way home I almost had a lady drive directly into me head on. She was even looking right at me, speeding and not moving over. Amazing shit. That one earned me 2 pieces of pizza ;) So yeah I didn't get 4 hours in but 3.5 hours..and I didn't do the run because I was running in the am. Fine with me.
To get ready for this am's run I had a couple huge pieces of veggie pizza and a beer with Reebs, while of course, watching 2 episodes of Downton Abbey. My signature "nightcap" of cereal topped the night off.
So today's run...I had to get 90 minutes in which in my life that's about 9 miles. Armstrong agreed to run about 4 miles with me at 7 so that was cool. After some coffee, sips of G2, a SaltStick cap and 1/2 a protein Powerbar I hit the road at 6:45am and ran the roughly 1.32 miles to her house. A nice head start on the 9 miles. We hammered out the first loop together while talking about food and the crazy people that I encounter downtown. It was a really fun way to knock a few miles out!
I circled home for a quick shot of G2 with extra salt and half of a GU...I know, call the po po, you should take GU with water..but I survived. Also at my 5.75 mile pit stop I changed shoes. I've been running in Newton's for about a month now and have really been liking the results. Natural and forward running..and no pain is always good! This week though I noticed a little tweak in my right foot by my toe, right where the Newton's makes you land. It could just be from the Harvest Stompede uphills but I want to make sure no stress fracture or anything is popping up.
Armstrong let me borrow a new pair of borrowed Saucony Hurricane 14's to try. So I swapped into those for the 2nd part of my niner. These shoes fit well but aren't as cushioned as they say..BUT they helped my foot track really well and actually felt like they could be made for my weird feet. I felt like I was running more forward even in these (TY Newtons!) The second half of the run went really well and I felt very strong. Not tired or fatigued at all. So I may alternate shoes during the week see how I'm feeling for my long weekend runs. I love an option!
Post run nutrition today? Hahaha... OH wait, Armstrong told me yesterday that she was cursing me because with CF I can eat so much. Yep that is definitely one of the best parts of having CF :) Of course keeping as natural and whole foody as possible, but a lot of eating does happen in my world..especially when training for 2/3 of a 1/2 Iron Man.
So here's what I did this am post run:
Shake/Smoothie/Frozen Situation
1 Frozen banana
1 Little carton of chocolate soy milk
1 Tbsp of coconut oil
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup blueberries
Food
TJ's whole wheat waffle topped with:
1 heaping scoop of almond butter with flax seeds
Dash of cinnamon
Drizzled Michigan honey
Overall a super great week of training! My goal is to keep training smart, not over doing anything, eating well, doing yoga and a lot of stretching. We are nearing the home stretch...not sure when the official home stretch day but we are getting close!!
Ok I'm hungry again...
Em
Blue Lightning
It came! My first Blue Lightning prescription came on Thursday and I tossed back my first dose after dinner that night. The best thing about getting the script? The price tag that is attached to this monthly bottle...all I'm saying is that it is a 5 digit number that is pretty close to the number of hours in a day... ;) Oh thank heaven that I have the insurance that I do..My copay is $0!
The cough that I had going on early in the week seems to be clearing up quickly and my sinuses are back on track. No more giant slugs flying out of these nostrils. Woohoo!
Training
34 Days until B2B
Well well well...this what a nice week of training. Yesterday was supposed to be another 4 hour ride + 20 minute run. The plan was to meet Armstrong at 6am to get pedaling. I awoke to some drizzle but over texts we decided we will ride "unless it starts to downpour, then we are out!" Cycling over to her corner (yep, she works the corner) the rain got harder. She was there and we both just laughed and said screw this, let's ride later. So I rode home twisted out my soaking wet clothes and carried my bike upstairs and threw it on my trainer. While watching an episode of Downton Abbey and then Ellen I got about 90 minutes in. That trainer is so damn annoying, I don't know how people can stay on it for hours. Drenched in sweat I threw in the towel knowing that I'd get more riding in later.
At about 4:15 and a much sunnier setting I hopped on my bike (Minty) and started riding. I got about 30 minutes in before Armstrong joined in. After storms there is always wind...right? Well there was yesterday, and also a lot of cars and really terrible drivers. On one stretch I was definitely almost a goner. A car flew by us just brushing my left arm. Definitely earned a beer for that one. We got about 2 hours of nice riding in and called it a night. On my way home I almost had a lady drive directly into me head on. She was even looking right at me, speeding and not moving over. Amazing shit. That one earned me 2 pieces of pizza ;) So yeah I didn't get 4 hours in but 3.5 hours..and I didn't do the run because I was running in the am. Fine with me.
To get ready for this am's run I had a couple huge pieces of veggie pizza and a beer with Reebs, while of course, watching 2 episodes of Downton Abbey. My signature "nightcap" of cereal topped the night off.
So today's run...I had to get 90 minutes in which in my life that's about 9 miles. Armstrong agreed to run about 4 miles with me at 7 so that was cool. After some coffee, sips of G2, a SaltStick cap and 1/2 a protein Powerbar I hit the road at 6:45am and ran the roughly 1.32 miles to her house. A nice head start on the 9 miles. We hammered out the first loop together while talking about food and the crazy people that I encounter downtown. It was a really fun way to knock a few miles out!
I circled home for a quick shot of G2 with extra salt and half of a GU...I know, call the po po, you should take GU with water..but I survived. Also at my 5.75 mile pit stop I changed shoes. I've been running in Newton's for about a month now and have really been liking the results. Natural and forward running..and no pain is always good! This week though I noticed a little tweak in my right foot by my toe, right where the Newton's makes you land. It could just be from the Harvest Stompede uphills but I want to make sure no stress fracture or anything is popping up.
Armstrong let me borrow a new pair of borrowed Saucony Hurricane 14's to try. So I swapped into those for the 2nd part of my niner. These shoes fit well but aren't as cushioned as they say..BUT they helped my foot track really well and actually felt like they could be made for my weird feet. I felt like I was running more forward even in these (TY Newtons!) The second half of the run went really well and I felt very strong. Not tired or fatigued at all. So I may alternate shoes during the week see how I'm feeling for my long weekend runs. I love an option!
Post run nutrition today? Hahaha... OH wait, Armstrong told me yesterday that she was cursing me because with CF I can eat so much. Yep that is definitely one of the best parts of having CF :) Of course keeping as natural and whole foody as possible, but a lot of eating does happen in my world..especially when training for 2/3 of a 1/2 Iron Man.
So here's what I did this am post run:
Shake/Smoothie/Frozen Situation
1 Frozen banana
1 Little carton of chocolate soy milk
1 Tbsp of coconut oil
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup blueberries
Food
TJ's whole wheat waffle topped with:
1 heaping scoop of almond butter with flax seeds
Dash of cinnamon
Drizzled Michigan honey
Overall a super great week of training! My goal is to keep training smart, not over doing anything, eating well, doing yoga and a lot of stretching. We are nearing the home stretch...not sure when the official home stretch day but we are getting close!!
Ok I'm hungry again...
Em
Thursday, September 13, 2012
7 Days without my Lightning!
Well....that's different.
I just got back from the toughest run of the year, a measly 5.5 miler. The 7 mile Stompede through the hilly wineries was easier than this one. How is that possible? Well here is the answer..7 days without Blue Lightning aka Kalydeco, aka the little blue pill....and the drug that has allowed me breathe and live like I've never done before.
Unsure about the impact of Kalydeco Check out this vid to see just how cool it is...
It took about 5 days of no BL to really notice that I was returning to my old "CF" self. Much more coughing, a lot more thick and sticky mucus, smelly foul tasting shit in my lungs and breathing when running, cycling and in yoga was a lot different.
Of course with me nothing is ever easy. Something always happens when I am planning a big event, always! So this little hiccup during my most intense training ever was just a test. Todays run I was sweating a ton, my head started throbbing after 3 miles and my sweat was waaaaaaay salty, like the good old days. Definitely a very grounding day.
On my walk home from the run I was thinking and then I realized how lucky I am. Really. To be in the 4% that benefits from this pill is amazing. Feeling not up to par for a week but knowing that when I again start taking this little blue pill I will feel totally different is just crazy. I realize that some of my friends are struggling to get through the day, or are running and exercising while feeling like crap, and I can take 1 pill (along with my inhaled meds, vest and 40 enzymes) that makes me feel like I can run around the world.
The run today really made me appreciate all of the running and cycling I did over the years while not on Blue Lightning too. It really was tough! And now that I am on it I am not taking any of this for granted. Testing my limits with this 1/2 Iron Man training and making the most out of this new life is what I have to do. Now that I can breathe and live, I feel like I have to do as much as I can and keep challenging myself. REST is a 4 letter word and it is too easy!
If you're just catching up I ended my clinical trials for Kalydeco on Thursday and there is a little gap between getting the real deal (my first real prescription) from my pharmacy. Because the cost of this drug, it's not so easy as to just phone it in to your local CVS and pick it up later that day. I had to get prior approval from my insurance which took a few days and then we had to make sure someone was home to sign for it. No leaving this precious package on the front porch!
**I did just get an update from my pops...the eagle has landed!! I will be starting back on Blue Lightning today!!
Lots of morning cycling happened this week. Tomorrow is my 4 hour ride + 20 minute run...stay tuned for the after report!
Cheers to Blue Lightning!
Em
I just got back from the toughest run of the year, a measly 5.5 miler. The 7 mile Stompede through the hilly wineries was easier than this one. How is that possible? Well here is the answer..7 days without Blue Lightning aka Kalydeco, aka the little blue pill....and the drug that has allowed me breathe and live like I've never done before.
Unsure about the impact of Kalydeco Check out this vid to see just how cool it is...
It took about 5 days of no BL to really notice that I was returning to my old "CF" self. Much more coughing, a lot more thick and sticky mucus, smelly foul tasting shit in my lungs and breathing when running, cycling and in yoga was a lot different.
Of course with me nothing is ever easy. Something always happens when I am planning a big event, always! So this little hiccup during my most intense training ever was just a test. Todays run I was sweating a ton, my head started throbbing after 3 miles and my sweat was waaaaaaay salty, like the good old days. Definitely a very grounding day.
On my walk home from the run I was thinking and then I realized how lucky I am. Really. To be in the 4% that benefits from this pill is amazing. Feeling not up to par for a week but knowing that when I again start taking this little blue pill I will feel totally different is just crazy. I realize that some of my friends are struggling to get through the day, or are running and exercising while feeling like crap, and I can take 1 pill (along with my inhaled meds, vest and 40 enzymes) that makes me feel like I can run around the world.
The run today really made me appreciate all of the running and cycling I did over the years while not on Blue Lightning too. It really was tough! And now that I am on it I am not taking any of this for granted. Testing my limits with this 1/2 Iron Man training and making the most out of this new life is what I have to do. Now that I can breathe and live, I feel like I have to do as much as I can and keep challenging myself. REST is a 4 letter word and it is too easy!
If you're just catching up I ended my clinical trials for Kalydeco on Thursday and there is a little gap between getting the real deal (my first real prescription) from my pharmacy. Because the cost of this drug, it's not so easy as to just phone it in to your local CVS and pick it up later that day. I had to get prior approval from my insurance which took a few days and then we had to make sure someone was home to sign for it. No leaving this precious package on the front porch!
**I did just get an update from my pops...the eagle has landed!! I will be starting back on Blue Lightning today!!
Lots of morning cycling happened this week. Tomorrow is my 4 hour ride + 20 minute run...stay tuned for the after report!
Cheers to Blue Lightning!
Em
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Harvest Stompede...and a stompede it was!
"This is hilarious...." is what I heard from a younger girl in the first few hundred feet of the morning's Harvest Stompede yesterday, hilarious indeed.
As 850+ of us lined up at the foothills of the Ciccone Winery in Suttons Bay, ready to tackle the 5K or 7 Miler, we saw the rain get eaten alive by sunlight and rainbows. The rain did leave some extremely muddy trails, especially at the start! Both races lined up together and would be together for the first 1.25 miles or so, so all 850 of us dodging wine vines, grapes, mud, puddles and each other eventually working our way up a little hill and into a flat where we could finally spread out.
Fun trivia (That some of you, especially the obsessed may know)...Madonna aka Madge ya know? This is her dad's winery. So while my mom and I were sweating up hills and mud my dad was schmoozing it up with Mr Madge getting wine tips.
Back to the race....the first 2 miles felt like forever. Maybe because I missed the mile 1 sign? I don't know. Let me just say this here. I live and train in southeastern Michigan. It is FLAT...this race was up north near Traverse City in Suttons Bay. Sutton's Bay is know for its' wineries. What makes wineries successful? HILLS! This course was hilly, and by hilly I mean uphills that would go up rapidly, wind, go up some more and then some more. BUT because I have been training this little ass off I nailed the hills. While most people that I saw were walking up the hills I just put my head down, shortened my stance and powered up those babies. At times yes it was hilarious because I was barely moving, but I was not walking. Talk about a good feeling.
Miles 4-5 were again, hilarious. They really make you feel like you are climbing Mt. Everest to get to the 4 mile mark. At the top of that hill was a little sign that said LOOK with in arrow pointing left. Of course I looked and to my left was an incredible view of the bay (I think) from way up high. Definitely worth that little neon sign. Winding up to mile 5 there were more... wait for it, hills. We ran through Black Star Farms, rows of grape vines and then back down toward Ciccone.
Of course at mile 6 the unexpected happened...rain...oh and some cross winds. Of course! It started as a cool drizzle and eventually a grew into a downpour. What do you do when that happens though? Laugh and keep on running. I wound my way back toward the finish area, which is where the start was and knew that a few last hills were in the cards. Head down I rolled up those little guys and ran down a row of vines to the Finish....where I had a failed attempt at grape stomping. My parents were there and my dad even managed to snap a shot of me coming down the hill.
1 hour and 12 minutes was my time and was actually about 7-8 minutes faster than I had planned/hoped. I was using this race for training and that was it. Holding back and just coasting along was my goal and it seemed to work. Next year I'll try to race it and see what happens but I have too many hours of healthy training in for this 1/2 iron man in to push it too far and get injured.
We ended the morning with a dry shirt, hot coffee and breakfast at the Omlette Shop in Traverse City. This issue of Runner's World is all about pancakes so I could not resist. I went for the whole grain pancakes that had sunflower seeds and walnuts in them...and of course some of my mom's omlette and potatoes.
P.S. I must point out now that my 62 year old mom also ran yesterday. She has been running for a few years now but again, FLAT runs/races. The Harvest 5K yesterday was by far her hilliest run ever but she did great! I am super proud of her and am happy to hear she will be back next year to shave some minutes off her time..now that we know what we are in for.
As 850+ of us lined up at the foothills of the Ciccone Winery in Suttons Bay, ready to tackle the 5K or 7 Miler, we saw the rain get eaten alive by sunlight and rainbows. The rain did leave some extremely muddy trails, especially at the start! Both races lined up together and would be together for the first 1.25 miles or so, so all 850 of us dodging wine vines, grapes, mud, puddles and each other eventually working our way up a little hill and into a flat where we could finally spread out.
Fun trivia (That some of you, especially the obsessed may know)...Madonna aka Madge ya know? This is her dad's winery. So while my mom and I were sweating up hills and mud my dad was schmoozing it up with Mr Madge getting wine tips.
Back to the race....the first 2 miles felt like forever. Maybe because I missed the mile 1 sign? I don't know. Let me just say this here. I live and train in southeastern Michigan. It is FLAT...this race was up north near Traverse City in Suttons Bay. Sutton's Bay is know for its' wineries. What makes wineries successful? HILLS! This course was hilly, and by hilly I mean uphills that would go up rapidly, wind, go up some more and then some more. BUT because I have been training this little ass off I nailed the hills. While most people that I saw were walking up the hills I just put my head down, shortened my stance and powered up those babies. At times yes it was hilarious because I was barely moving, but I was not walking. Talk about a good feeling.
Miles 4-5 were again, hilarious. They really make you feel like you are climbing Mt. Everest to get to the 4 mile mark. At the top of that hill was a little sign that said LOOK with in arrow pointing left. Of course I looked and to my left was an incredible view of the bay (I think) from way up high. Definitely worth that little neon sign. Winding up to mile 5 there were more... wait for it, hills. We ran through Black Star Farms, rows of grape vines and then back down toward Ciccone.
Of course at mile 6 the unexpected happened...rain...oh and some cross winds. Of course! It started as a cool drizzle and eventually a grew into a downpour. What do you do when that happens though? Laugh and keep on running. I wound my way back toward the finish area, which is where the start was and knew that a few last hills were in the cards. Head down I rolled up those little guys and ran down a row of vines to the Finish....where I had a failed attempt at grape stomping. My parents were there and my dad even managed to snap a shot of me coming down the hill.
1 hour and 12 minutes was my time and was actually about 7-8 minutes faster than I had planned/hoped. I was using this race for training and that was it. Holding back and just coasting along was my goal and it seemed to work. Next year I'll try to race it and see what happens but I have too many hours of healthy training in for this 1/2 iron man in to push it too far and get injured.
We ended the morning with a dry shirt, hot coffee and breakfast at the Omlette Shop in Traverse City. This issue of Runner's World is all about pancakes so I could not resist. I went for the whole grain pancakes that had sunflower seeds and walnuts in them...and of course some of my mom's omlette and potatoes.
4 hour ride and 20 minute run tomorrow!
Em
P.S. I must point out now that my 62 year old mom also ran yesterday. She has been running for a few years now but again, FLAT runs/races. The Harvest 5K yesterday was by far her hilliest run ever but she did great! I am super proud of her and am happy to hear she will be back next year to shave some minutes off her time..now that we know what we are in for.
Friday, September 7, 2012
It's Just snot right..
I gotta apologize in advance for where this one is gonna go..as the title states, it's just snot right..
So you know I am getting over a cold that snuck in on me Sunday. It went through the cycles, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose and now it's down in my lungs. Sweet. With CF that is what we always hope doesn't happen. Stay out of the lungs! Yesterday I saw my awesome CF Dr. and did a few pulmonary function tests...My FEV's were down a little 72/74; now remember this is way up from where I was before I started Blue Lightning. I peaked in the 80's and 90's, so being in the 70's is kind of a "high" for my old self. We can definitely blame that on this cold. Tom, my CF doc dude asked if I wanted anything to treat this situation and I said " no thanks!" I think I can get rid of this one on my own...the antibiotics that they would give me cause tendon issues (achilles flashback anyone?) and with this training I cannot be bothered with that.
Luckily this cold is passing rather quickly and I say it's because of my juicing, eating right, drinking a ton of water and just running, cycling and yoga'ing per usual. Some like to rest when they are sick, I've done this before and it's alright but very boring. Rest is also a 4 letter word. So this time I went the route of telling myself that I am not sick. It seems to be working!
Today's training was a pretty laid back ride with Armstrong for an hour or so. I'm running a 7 miler in Suttons Bay tomorrow so I needed to spin a little bit but not too crazy. Tomorrow will be one hilly run so my legs need all the help the can get.
When I got home from the ride though I had a thought..Becky/Armstrong must think that I am absolutely disgusting! Not knowing me very long, I don't think she is aware of how nasty and snotty CF is. I must have blow a dozen snot rockets this morning (some verrrrry nice) and coughed & spit a ton too. Of course exercise brings out the best in me, my lungs and my sinuses...but not everyone is aware. If she was not aware before, she is now!
I'm thinking I put a disclaimer out from now on for people who want to ride or run with me...
"Caution: thick and sticky objects may forcefully head your way during the ride/run. A face shield and strong stomach is recommended when exercising with a CF patient. Please do so at your own risk!"
Oh and I'm also off of Blue Lightning for a few days...the study finally wrapped up yesterday and we placed my first order with the CF Pharmacy but now I have to wait for it to arrive. Going out of town will not help the situation but I guess I just have to run my ass off to make up for no BL!
Will check in after the run!
Rock CF,
Emily
So you know I am getting over a cold that snuck in on me Sunday. It went through the cycles, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose and now it's down in my lungs. Sweet. With CF that is what we always hope doesn't happen. Stay out of the lungs! Yesterday I saw my awesome CF Dr. and did a few pulmonary function tests...My FEV's were down a little 72/74; now remember this is way up from where I was before I started Blue Lightning. I peaked in the 80's and 90's, so being in the 70's is kind of a "high" for my old self. We can definitely blame that on this cold. Tom, my CF doc dude asked if I wanted anything to treat this situation and I said " no thanks!" I think I can get rid of this one on my own...the antibiotics that they would give me cause tendon issues (achilles flashback anyone?) and with this training I cannot be bothered with that.
Luckily this cold is passing rather quickly and I say it's because of my juicing, eating right, drinking a ton of water and just running, cycling and yoga'ing per usual. Some like to rest when they are sick, I've done this before and it's alright but very boring. Rest is also a 4 letter word. So this time I went the route of telling myself that I am not sick. It seems to be working!
Today's training was a pretty laid back ride with Armstrong for an hour or so. I'm running a 7 miler in Suttons Bay tomorrow so I needed to spin a little bit but not too crazy. Tomorrow will be one hilly run so my legs need all the help the can get.
When I got home from the ride though I had a thought..Becky/Armstrong must think that I am absolutely disgusting! Not knowing me very long, I don't think she is aware of how nasty and snotty CF is. I must have blow a dozen snot rockets this morning (some verrrrry nice) and coughed & spit a ton too. Of course exercise brings out the best in me, my lungs and my sinuses...but not everyone is aware. If she was not aware before, she is now!
I'm thinking I put a disclaimer out from now on for people who want to ride or run with me...
"Caution: thick and sticky objects may forcefully head your way during the ride/run. A face shield and strong stomach is recommended when exercising with a CF patient. Please do so at your own risk!"
Oh and I'm also off of Blue Lightning for a few days...the study finally wrapped up yesterday and we placed my first order with the CF Pharmacy but now I have to wait for it to arrive. Going out of town will not help the situation but I guess I just have to run my ass off to make up for no BL!
Will check in after the run!
Rock CF,
Emily
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Waffle Wednesday
Well if it isn't waffle cone Wednesday once again! By now you may know that WCW is a TCBY special..instead of the fro yo tonight I opted for just Waffle Wednesday after my ride. Pictured above are two whole wheat waffles. One has earth balance and my dad's famous blackberry jam. The other has almond butter with flax from TJ's, some cinnamon, Michigan honey and chia seeds. I washed it all down with some almond milk and French roast. Oh I also juiced carrots, an orange and ginger right after I got off the bike.
I rode this am with Armstrong for a cool hour and then got another 30 minutes in because she has to get those kids ready for school.,ended up with a nice 25 miles. But boy was it a humid and snotty ride! I'm getting over this sinus situation and was blowing rockets like crazy. Feels good to get that junk outta there but I feel sorry for the people who got to see it.
Around 11pm last night I took 1 of my sinus night time meds because I was coughing and sneezing and was all jazzed up watching our First Lady's speech. I mean come on, even if you are an elephant and disagree totally with our president, you gotta have some major respect for this lady. She is a beacon of hope and is my inspiration. Look at what she has done to inspire this nations families; putting children first, health, fitness and just being a total inspiration. I love her. I even delayed taking that much needed sinus pill because I could not leave the room, had to watch every word she said. At a couple points during her speech I was sobbing. Sobbing because I was inspired, sobbing because my arms will never look that good, but also I know that she has my back and actually cares about the social issues that I face every day. She is the real deal and the USA needs someone like this to look up to. She is 100% class and has some of the finest arms around.
I'll end today's blog with my favorite quote of the night. This really hit home with me because I am a broke ass lady, living paycheck to paycheck, not working full time, but busting my ass every second I can to be there and help others. So here is the quote and I hope everyone can start to think more like this:
"Success is not about how much money you make, It's about the difference you make in people's lives."- Michelle Obama
EM
P.S. I do not like to get political very often because I am friends with a lot of people with a lot of different views. I just woke up riding high from a couple speeches (and night time sinus meds) from last night and feel very good about who I am because of what I heard.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Runnin with my mama
This cold or sinus program seems to be moving out...it's trying to work its' way into my lungs but I have not time for that. The nagging BS cough that is super weak compared to a CF cough is what I've got going on now. Luckily I see my CF Doc and team on Thursday in case we need to do anything about this. Can't wait to see what my PFT's are and if I have been able to keep my weight up with all this crazy training!
A good day of training so far though. I did some arms, core and strength stuff this am and tonight is a hard slow flow yoga class. The best part was running with my mama. She headed over after work and we hit the hot, steamy and humid streets for a nice 3 miler.
Of course these runs always include dinner afterward. Today's Tuesday special? Brown rice and quinoa pilaf with peas, kale, lentils and a bunch of little asian inspired spices and ingredients. I'll be living off this for a few days now, and I don't hate that.
2 hour ride in the am!
Em
A good day of training so far though. I did some arms, core and strength stuff this am and tonight is a hard slow flow yoga class. The best part was running with my mama. She headed over after work and we hit the hot, steamy and humid streets for a nice 3 miler.
Of course these runs always include dinner afterward. Today's Tuesday special? Brown rice and quinoa pilaf with peas, kale, lentils and a bunch of little asian inspired spices and ingredients. I'll be living off this for a few days now, and I don't hate that.
2 hour ride in the am!
Em
Sunday, September 2, 2012
70 Miles..2 Days
Well that was a great weekend of training! But now I feel like shit! It could be that during my whole trip to NYC and N.C. I was up at 3:45am, 4:45 or 6 for 5 of the 6 days, and hit up 5 different planes. Last night I started to feel like I was getting a cold. I ran this am and felt great but early this afternoon my head started pounding, my sinuses hurt, my ears feel crazy and my nose is feeling stuffy. Today I juiced, drank an s ton of water, and ate a lot of fruits & veggies to see if I can ward this bugger off. I cannot be bothered with being sick right now, I gotta train!...So I am not going to get sick. Never mind feeling hot, sweaty and feverish as I sit here...
After a 4 hour delay in Charlotte I got into town from my NYC/N.C. trip Saturday at 1am. The previous 7am ride meeting time was pushed back to 8am so I could at least get a decent nights sleep. I met "Armstrong" on the corner at 8am and we were on our way downtown for a kick ass ride! We hit a couple laps around Belle Isle and then headed over to the Dequinder Cut. From there we just did a big old tour; Comerica Park, WSU, Cass Ave, Third, Temple (the "girls" were not out), through downtown and then back east. Armstrong rode with me for about 2 hours and 20 min and then I headed out on my own.
Because of how I felt after my last 4 hour ride + run (drunk and lightheaded for the rest of the day) I made it my goal for the day was to drink 1 bottle of water per hour. I carried 1 bottle of water in my back pocket and then used the drinking fountains in the village to fill up on my ways through. Very convenient, and even better without the mounds of fish flies staring me down. I had one bottle of the lovely orange cream Hammer Perpetuem, and drank 1/4 bottle per hour. One chocolate Stinger Waffle 2.5 hours in and then 1 Vanilla GU at 3.5 hours in had me feeling damn good. Also I popped those Salt Sticks every 30-45 and my 4 enzymes every 1.5 hours or so. Because the Perpetuem has protein and I'm drinking it continuously I need to make sure I take my enzymes so the stuff actually digests and absorbs.
I got 60 miles in at about 3 hours and 55 minutes...not my speediest ride. My lower back started really acting up about 2 hours in and then that radiated into my thighs. Once I was off the bike and in my running shorts and Newton's, my back and legs felt much better and stopped aching. I hammered out a couple miles and jumped upstairs for a banana and a Chocolate Recoverite. Usually I'm hungry after a workout but lately with the ramped up training I am not really seeking out the food to fulfill my tapeworm. The Recoverite makes it easy to get a carb to protein recovery that I need until I can hunt down a giant veggie sandwhich from the hippie Sprout House a couple blocks away.
Today was a run day! I love fewer things that long Sunday runs. My friend and running partner Jessica met me at 9am and we were on our way. We did two loops so the 2nd loop we could stop and get her Tater, her 2 year old pit to run with us. She strapped that leash around her waist and we set out for a longer 2nd loop. The goal was to get around 7+ miles in. MapMyRun showed that I logged about 8 miles...nice!
This Saturday I have a very hilly 7 mile race through the wineries up north in Suttons Bay. A couple runs, a few rides, some yoga and some Rock CF work, and then I'll head up north to the cabin for a relaxing weekend!
48 days until race time!
After a 4 hour delay in Charlotte I got into town from my NYC/N.C. trip Saturday at 1am. The previous 7am ride meeting time was pushed back to 8am so I could at least get a decent nights sleep. I met "Armstrong" on the corner at 8am and we were on our way downtown for a kick ass ride! We hit a couple laps around Belle Isle and then headed over to the Dequinder Cut. From there we just did a big old tour; Comerica Park, WSU, Cass Ave, Third, Temple (the "girls" were not out), through downtown and then back east. Armstrong rode with me for about 2 hours and 20 min and then I headed out on my own.
Because of how I felt after my last 4 hour ride + run (drunk and lightheaded for the rest of the day) I made it my goal for the day was to drink 1 bottle of water per hour. I carried 1 bottle of water in my back pocket and then used the drinking fountains in the village to fill up on my ways through. Very convenient, and even better without the mounds of fish flies staring me down. I had one bottle of the lovely orange cream Hammer Perpetuem, and drank 1/4 bottle per hour. One chocolate Stinger Waffle 2.5 hours in and then 1 Vanilla GU at 3.5 hours in had me feeling damn good. Also I popped those Salt Sticks every 30-45 and my 4 enzymes every 1.5 hours or so. Because the Perpetuem has protein and I'm drinking it continuously I need to make sure I take my enzymes so the stuff actually digests and absorbs.
I got 60 miles in at about 3 hours and 55 minutes...not my speediest ride. My lower back started really acting up about 2 hours in and then that radiated into my thighs. Once I was off the bike and in my running shorts and Newton's, my back and legs felt much better and stopped aching. I hammered out a couple miles and jumped upstairs for a banana and a Chocolate Recoverite. Usually I'm hungry after a workout but lately with the ramped up training I am not really seeking out the food to fulfill my tapeworm. The Recoverite makes it easy to get a carb to protein recovery that I need until I can hunt down a giant veggie sandwhich from the hippie Sprout House a couple blocks away.
Today was a run day! I love fewer things that long Sunday runs. My friend and running partner Jessica met me at 9am and we were on our way. We did two loops so the 2nd loop we could stop and get her Tater, her 2 year old pit to run with us. She strapped that leash around her waist and we set out for a longer 2nd loop. The goal was to get around 7+ miles in. MapMyRun showed that I logged about 8 miles...nice!
This Saturday I have a very hilly 7 mile race through the wineries up north in Suttons Bay. A couple runs, a few rides, some yoga and some Rock CF work, and then I'll head up north to the cabin for a relaxing weekend!
48 days until race time!
What a week!
Video shoots, paparazzi, dinners, lunches, running, biking, family, friends, Broadway and great people! This just about sums up this week for me.
Sunday am I headed to NYC for a quick video shoot for a company that I have worked with quite a bit in the past. I love when I get a phone call from them because I know something fun is in the works. Also, because they are in NYC it always gives me a chance to see my uncles..this time I had an added bonus, my other uncle was in town on tour.
Bring It On on Broadway, dinner with the uncles, lunch and dinner with them again, the video shoot with my peeps, a little retail therapy and also a nice run downtown.
Sunday am I headed to NYC for a quick video shoot for a company that I have worked with quite a bit in the past. I love when I get a phone call from them because I know something fun is in the works. Also, because they are in NYC it always gives me a chance to see my uncles..this time I had an added bonus, my other uncle was in town on tour.
Bring It On on Broadway, dinner with the uncles, lunch and dinner with them again, the video shoot with my peeps, a little retail therapy and also a nice run downtown.
Here are my uncles and me after dinner at John's, our favorite pizza spot. The three you see here are responsible for why I am the way I am now. Of course my parents and brothers can be thanked for that BUT these three taught me everything I know...
Wednesday am I was back at the airport headed to Wilmington, N.C. for the big video and photo shoot for PPD. PPD is the sponsor for the Beach 2 Battleship triathlon and the reason I will be nailing a 1/2 Iron Man in October.
PPD has chosen me to be one of their "Hero" which is probably the coolest honor I've had yet. They brought me down for the video and photo shoot. Thursday was the shoot and it all started with a 5:30am beach call time.We filmed and shot there for a bit then headed over to the gym at the PPD HQ. After the gym we broke for a nice lunch and then headed downtown for some b roll of me strolling the streets and eating Kilwin's ice cream..yummmm! We ended the day with the actual interview. I cannot wait to see this video. The crew that shot was incredibly talented and they were the real deal...stay tuned for this!
While in the Wilm I was constantly on the go, dinner with different PPD employees, the PPD CEO and CFO, the CEO of YMCA, a group from the CFF and more. I was also able to meet my swimming relay member Scott. Scott just happens to have CF, had a double lung transplant some 10 years ago and most importantly, he is hilarious. Since his transplant he has competed in 6 iron mans. He is the MAN and I cannot wait to tackle this tri with him. At that dinner I was also able to meet Hal. He had a double transplant 22 years ago.....seriously. Clay Aiken was at the table next to us but clearly our table had much more star power!
I will post about yesterday and today's training later...I'll just say that yesterdays 4 hour ride + 15 min run went really really well!
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