Running Toward Myself

Weekend In Review

Since my ode to National Running Day took on a life of its own and stole the space reserved for my weekly update, I thought I'd keep things short and sweet and talk a little about this past weekend of training. Training for what, right now, is the question. Due to family obligations, I had to back out of the June 24th sprint triathlon in Indianapolis that would have marked my ~~epic return~~ second attempt at not drowning. Even though I am currently "goal-race-less," I'm rather adept at keeping my motivation on my own. I am confident that I will find the perfect race to focus on soon, but until then, I'm simply focusing on having a fast Peachtree Road Race on July 4th, continuing to improve in the pool, and racking up some miles on both the run and the bike.

Friday I had a completely awesome rest day that was highlighted by meeting Karen and Colleen for lunch and an afternoon of shopping. I am continually amazed at how blogland has the ability to connect people! I met fellow Tough Chik Karen through Swim Bike Mom and Colleen through her blog Irondiva. It never ceases to amaze me how open and inviting that the world of triathlon is. It was a great afternoon of getting to know one another with some discussion of training peppered in....but not too much....remember it was a rest day!

As a new weekend full of endless possibilities dawned, the day quickly went in the wrong direction as the GERMinator was on call and, of course, was paged during the night. So, instead of hitting up the gym first thing and enjoying a long ride together, he headed off to work and I hung at home and did lots of fun chores such as cleaning the house and bathing the dogs. When, at noon, the GERMinator was still deep in infectious disease control conundrums, I decided a beautiful day was wasting away so I set out on the bike (I SO need a name for her just like all the other cool kids are doing) solo. I love living right by the Silver Comet as it allows for no excuse for not riding alone. I donned my Tough Chik garb and set off. It was extremely crowded on the first 8 miles of the trail, as usual, but once I got away from the city I was able to hit my "stride" and enjoyed a lot of very productive miles. The only snafu of the day was a bit of knee pain. I am afraid a proper bike-fitting might be in the offing.....and I'm not a fan of shelling out the cash for that right now. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it was a total fluke. What are the odds? Best part of the ride? Hands down aughing myself silly and nearly falling off of my bike when I pulled up behind a rather large woman on a beach-cruiser-ish bike at a light and she ripped off the biggest fart ever without even glancing to see if anyone was around. I am telling you I laughed so hard I nearly fell over and missed the light. Note to others: At least LOOK to see if anyone is behind you on a crowded trail before you break wind.

We awoke Sunday to all the rain and wind and yuk that the weather forecasters had predicted, so the ten-miles I had intended to run to give my ankle the true test of endurance wasn't going to happen outdoors. The GERMinator and I, instead, hit up our favorite local coffee shop and headed to Lifetime. I thought I could pull off ten miles on a treadmill, what with all of the endless television stations and distractions that this gym provides. However, none of those distractions matter one bit if you leave you running shoes at home. REALLY? Smooth move....However, I took this as God's nudge into the pool since my knees were a bit sore after yesterday's ride. So, after a quick core workout (shoe-less), it was to the water I went. I felt smooth and fast(ish) as I swam 1250 meters...the most I think I've ever done at once. The GERMinator even complimented me on my glide in the water...something I've struggled with. All in all, I wasn't one bit upset that I left my shoes at home as I need the mental aspect of this swim a lot more than I needed another ten miles in my running log.

After a quick and healthy lunch at Whole Foods I was able to squeeze in a pretty uncomfortable four-miler between raindrops back home. Note to self: How long will it take you to learn you can't eat then run? Ever. Anything? Especially kielbasa?

In other news: Gratuitous fur-baby pictures....