Wakin' Up!

No matter how many times I have set an early alarm to wake up, it never seems to get any easier.  I have done hundreds of 5:30am master's swims...but now that I have taken a couple of months off from the early workouts, I just can't imagine how I used to do it!

Now that I am officially employed, if I want to fit a few training sessions in, I will have to get my butt up.  

To kick start my morning workouts, I eased into swimming by meeting Alyson at 6:30 (not 5:30- we needed to easeeeee our way into this).  Of course I hit snooze a couple of times, and by the time I got to the pool I just kind of stared into it.  After a few laps with no Alyson, I realized she probably meant the downtown Y and I hadn't been paying attention.  

After 1800 pathetic yards by myself, Alyson showed up.  (She had set her alarm, but forgot to turn it on).  I was so happy to have her there, because waking up that early is much better with a friend.  I managed to get in 3400- the longest I have done in months.  

And now I remember what it feels like to do a long swim in the a.m.   I am pooped.  And now I have to really get up a lot earlier.  I am calling all friends for motivation and coffee club.    

A quote Alyson sent to me today...a good one ;)

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. 

Epicurus (341 BC - 270 BC)  

The Weekend In Review

It was a pretty passive weekend here in Memphis- and I think that is a good thing.  I have requested a calm, slow environment for the next few weeks as my board exam approaches.  Dave and I were supposed to go to Birmingham for his soccer tournament, but it got cancelled last minute and we stayed here.  

I continue to have an identity crisis as I try to figure out what to do with soccer.  After watching the Wrestler this weekend, I realize that I am very much like Randy the Ram- what do I do without soccer?  Despite my injuries, I realize I am addicted to soccer like crack.  Someone needed a sub Friday night so I put in a few minutes of playing time (and loved it).  I got to play with Dave which is always fun- we give each other smiles and high fives on the field- and we know what the other person is thinking which is fun too.  It was really only about 25 minutes, and I haven't played since the beginning of March.  So, I got my little fix, and I am reminding myself hourly that I CANNOT sign up for soccer this season- it is not congruent with my short or long term goals.     

Short term goals:  pass boards, focus on total knee health and try to work up to 2 runs a week at 3 miles by September with no pain, learn the ropes at my new job, and stop being catty.  (yes, somewhere along the way I have realized I have lately been gossiping and ugly- I hate the way that makes me feel).   

Playing soccer will not help me achieve any of these goals.  I will resist the temptation to play!!!!!  

Saturday was the Los Locos social ride- roll out for 10 miles easy (or until boys get bored-and it only takes one to go to the front and lay it down) and then do a moderate group ride.  I was slightly regretting that 25 minutes of soccer Friday night with some knee discomfort, completely hating the tilt of my saddle as I destroyed the area that should never be touched in such a way (Lucia offered me a Gu to put in that area like a gel pad...ha ha!), and absolutely loving the ride otherwise.  We had super company throughout the ride, and I am enjoying riding my new bike and getting the feel for it.  

I spent the rest of my Saturday day feeling trashed while I went shopping for bridesmaid dresses with my sister.  (I am not sure if riding or shopping trashed me).  I am happy to say we picked out something cute and re-wearable.  I stayed home the rest of the day and watched the Tour/studied before realizing I had completely forgotten about a friend's engagement party and it was too late to go.  I guess my planner would help me more if I would look at it from time to time.  I was pretty bummed to have forgotten my friend's special occasion.     

Beyond that, it has been Bikram yoga and studying.  Dave and I ran 1.95 miles today (yes, Dave ran with me- a miracle).  So, that brings me to 3.5 miles since last Sun- and all 3.5 have been pain free.  I really think Bikram has helped tremendously- I did not run with a huge limp this week, and I haven't been forced to stop with any knee locking.  So, the priority list for the next few weeks continues as such:  lots of Bikram, some extra strength, several swims, 1-2 bikes to stay in touch with my new ride, and 1 baby run to test the waters. 

Okay, back to studying and focusing on goal #1!

 

        

My New 26.2

Yoga brings to mind relaxation, healing, and stretching- healthy mind/healthy body. In 2005, I began to attend my first yoga classes to help heal my original knee injury. At the time, I was unable to run- but slowly and surely I started running a mile or two with no pain. I was no scientist, but there seemed to be a relationship to my new relationship with yoga and my return to running.  

For the past couple of years, I have kept a loose relationship with yoga.  From time to time I would drop in to see our favorite yogi Maggie at the Downtown Y.  On my own, I would bust out a downward dog from time to time to get a little stretch.  I can't say that I have reaped any big rewards from my meager practice.  After all, dropping in once a month to do a triangle pose and then lie in Shavasana probably doesn't do too much for the musculoskeletal system.  

When David Lacek suggested Bikram yoga, I though...why not?  I am flexible, I like yoga, and I am willing to try anything at this point to help my knee.  Why Bikram?  I needed to be convinced- I mean, I am a physical therapist...how do I know this is better than what I am already trying?  David gave testimony about his own knee, the multiple MRIs, the pain, and the doctors telling him to give up all activity.  He had my attention- everything sounded a little too familiar.  Long story short, of course David is clearly fine now as he picks apart triathletes in time trials.    

So we discuss an off-season rehab program, and I march myself over to Bikram Yoga Memphis.  I am not worried about the heat- hell, I live and train in Memphis.  I survived the Chicago Marathon of '07.  Bring it on!  Oh, and the 90 minute class?  I do 90 minutes on an easy day of training.  No big deal.    

The instructor lets me know I will be doing 26 and 2- 26 poses with 2 breathing exercises.  The runner/athlete in my head hears 26.2 and I get giddy!  Sweet!  26.2!  It is a sign!  Great!  I decide to attend class every single day for a week.  I am going to kick start my off-season.  

Ha ha ha ha ah ha ha ha!  

ha ha

There is nothing relaxing about Bikram.  Well, maybe the sleep I get the night after class.  Sure, I may heal my knee, but I am going to have to work for it.  Between the snapping of the fingers and the no water rule until a certain time, I am surely in boot camp, not yoga class.  

I does feel great, though (afterwards, that is).  I am definitely working on weaknesses and tightness.  I have also taken bonking to a whole new level, as I spent my Tuesday morning class sitting down and holding back the nausea.  Can you imagine that?  I have never puked in training or a race- ever, yet here I was getting ready to throw up in yoga!  I thought David was sending me to yoga knee rehab, but he really sent me to "no pain, no gain" camp.  

Obviously I am not enjoying it at all, that is why I am going to class #5 tomorrow.     

A Fun End To My Tri Season- Mighty Mite RR

It is 5:00pm, and I have just decided to fix myself a cup of coffee.  I think I deserve it.  (plus I am a little drained from the beer + sun from today).  

My season has officially ended (again) as of today.  After some consideration over the past few weeks, I decided to go ahead and participate in the Mighty Mite triathlon (short sprint) this weekend and then end the season that never really started.  

What a fine looking bunch of kids!  Los Locos at the awards.  

Today was a great day.  

Lucia- 2nd overall, an amazingly fast chick- but in desperate need of a sperm helmet

Lisa- 7th overall, 1st AG.  She also gave away my half of a luna bar and left me with nothing to eat, but I forgave her after she let me eat her M&Ms.

Laura- 1st AG and good swim!

Kevin- 1st AG-thanks for the draft/ride post race 

Hawaii Steve- 1st AG and beer provider to moochers like me

Andrew- not sure how to explain the 1st OA with a broken wrist in a cast

Jarred-3rdOA with his usual fast self- and testing out a brand new bike like me!  Just wait till J and I get dialed in to our bikes!  hee hee!

Pam Green-3rd AG 

Suzy-2nd AG and a first time finish for her sister

John/Cuz-3rdAG (where did you go?  didn't see you post race!)

And my RR:

4:15am wake-up- WTF?  Thank goodness for Hawaii Steve- excellent company and chauffeur.  

Swim:  1/3 of a mile- or whatever the actually distance was.  It was a TT start (not my favorite- I love the wave starts), so I swam alone the whole way.  It didn't feel like a great swim, but it was good enough.  Luckily, my swim is saving me this year, as I had the 3rd female time or something like that- and 1st in my AG.  

Everyone thinks that I am swimming better because I can't run so I am swimming more.  The opposite is true.  I am doing 1/2 of the weekly yardage I was doing in the past 2 years.  My swimming just happens to be more purposeful now, and I think that has made all of the difference.  

One more quick thing on the swim- great job Gilmour Girl- 1st AG swim, I am proud!

T1:  uneventful

Bike:  It was a beautiful day to ride.  We had great temps and a nice tailwind.  Today was the beginning of my journey with my new bike.  I have ridden it only 3 times, and at first I was planning to ride the road bike since I really know how to work it in a race.  But, I had to think of my long term goals- and those include becoming BFF with the new bike.  So, I had to leave my security blanket (Big Blue the road bike) at home, and try something new.  I had to be brave!!!!  

My new bike is wonderful.  It is comfortable and fun to ride.  I have not had a chance to ride the bike with any sort of speed, so it was fun to try it out.  It definitely feels different- comfortable, just unfamiliar- but it is going to be a great fit with some time.  

I was passed by one guy within the first 1/2 mile out of the swim, then I did a lot of passing for a while.  Then I heard a happy voice behind me- it was Hawaii Steve! Dern!  He started behind me in the swim and I did not expect him to catch me so quickly.  I  kept him within my sights for a few miles and made it my goal to stay within reach, but being the fantastic cyclist that he is, it wasn't long before I couldn't see him anymore.  I didn't let anyone else pass me after that.  And next time I am going to put a stick in Hawaii Steve's wheels as he rides by to slow him up a bit.  :)

My final bike split...eek.  I have been riding at the top for bike splits recently, and today I wasn't even in the top 3 of my AG!  I guess it just wasn't my day?  Is the declining fitness catching up to me?  I think so!  I just spoke with a fellow triathlete on the phone that said she saw my bike split, and it was not a good one for me or indicative of me as a cyclist- and she was right.  Well, gotta let the bike split go.  I am grateful that I enjoyed my first race on my new bike, tested out my new pedal system and new shoes, and got a feel for my new fit and position.  

T2:  Lucia kindly drew me a pair of feet with sandals + my name right in front of my space on the rack.  It put a smile on my face in T2.  Thank goodness I wasn't on her rack, where she wrote AARP in big chalk letter for her and Hawaii Steve to locate their bikes.  Of course Lucia is only 32....

Run:  Today I was able to complete the 3 mile run (actually more like 2.9- sorry to burst anyone's bubble) at a 7:10 pace (which I guess is really a 7:22 pace or so).  Around mile 1 I had to stop as my knee cracked, buckled and I tripped.  I was running lopsided and it was ugly.  I was not in horrible pain, it was just so bothersome and weak.  At the end of the race, I could not bend my knee and I got ice on it right away.  

Since I have only averaged 4 miles per week in the past 4 months (no I did not make that number up, it is straight from the training log), I can't ask for anything else from my run.  I think I have done a great job with no miles and no speedwork.  I feel positive and happy, and I know once I get healthy my run will come back.  

Today was a great day- I love my team, Los Locos- awesome people and triathletes.  From carpooling to the race, to forcing Laura to run to the bus STRAIGHT after she crossed the finish line, to riding the LL train back to the cars, to drinking beers...Los Locos knows how to have fun at a race.  

Post Race- Beer

Happy Second Off-Season to me.  I will keep you guys updated on the knee progress- we are going to get it right this time.  My goal is to be running by the fall.  (fingers crossed!!!!)

News #2

Meant to add this pic and forgot, so sorry for the edit.  Look at cute little Cayenne!  We have been calling her our little flower.  This is her collar (that doesn't work) to help her stop licking a wound on her leg.  And when she can't get to it (and she can almost always get to it), Rooney licks it for her.  Talk about teamwork.  

Okay, and drumroll please....

We are staying in Memphis.  The opportunities to make a quick move from Memphis to New Orleans after my graduation did not pan out.  Rather than fight to sell the house, find a place to live in New Orleans, and search for 2 new jobs carte blanche, Dave and I decided to stay here a little longer and make a better plan.  So Memphis, you have me for a little while yet.  

Oh, and I landed a job.  That would be news #3?  I will be working at a skilled nursing facility, and I am excited.  Most PTs shy away from this kind of work- they want ortho or sports patients.  This is on the other end of the spectrum with patient care.  I will be working to help mostly elderly patients return home or to some other form of care.  I think it will be rewarding and I will learn a lot.  I wanted to further my medical education and work with other allied health professionals out of school before narrowing my scope of practice.  

So, yea me.  I will be bringing home a paycheck soon!

But don't worry, New Orleans, you are still on are radar.  We are working our way back to you!

News #1

Finally, a post about training/triathlons.  I am sure no one cares about my dog pictures or swimming pool removal.  

The new bike is in.  

A review:  After IMFL, I felt that it was time to get a TT bike.  My road bike has done his job, but my 31-year-old butt and back would really like some carbon.  I found a wonderful deal on the exact Quintana Roo that I had wanted for a couple of years now- good bike, great components, good upgrade for me.  

I rode the bike some in the spring (liked it, but it was never quite right) and then developed a nasty knee injury.  After consultation and good bike fit session, I was told the bike really wasn't a good fit for me.  I was pretty bummed when he told me to sell my bike and start looking for one that fits- and he gave me a list of options.  Back on the road bike (which is also too big for me), I contemplated how in the world I would ever sell my new TT bike and get another new TT bike.  I kept hoping that tree in the backyard would start growing money soon.  

Well, my friends.  With some persistence, patience, research, and dealing, I finally have my new TT bike.  Here she is (I am thinking she...).  I bought a Cannondale Slice frame, added SRAM components, and changed out the aerobars to get what fit me best.  

The bike is almost complete.  The crank set and cassette are not available just yet, so the store is letting me borrow some components so I can go ahead and ride.  

Alyson and I took her to the roads today.  

I LOVE HER.  From the first block I knew she would be a great bike for me.  If I had any clue prior that riding a bike should feel like this, I would have made this choice a long time ago.   Anyways, I could spend the rest of the night talking about how awesome she is, how nice the SRAM shifts, how great I felt when I was riding...yawn.  Luckily I get to ride her early in the morning- normally there is no way on a Friday I would want to wake up before 6am, but it didn't take much to convince me to go on another ride with Alyson.  So, more wonderfulness in store for me in the morning.  :)

I don't have anything to blog about, so I will just post another mommy with her dogs picture.  

We are probably watching the Tour- I don't think Roo and Caya are getting into it quite like me. 

My days go a little something like this:

• Dave lets Rooney and Cayenne in the bedroom to wake up mommy.    
• I pop up at exactly 7:30 to watch Le Tour.
• Study
• Throw the ball with the dogs/walk the dogs 
• Study
• Swim/Bike/Run
• Study
• Chores, errands, find a job, etc...  (eat lunch with Jan, Loren, Gina...okay, so I do find time to do some fun stuff ;)
• Watch more of Le Tour if I didn't finish it earlier
• Study
• Swim/Bike/Run
• Study
• Rinse, Wash, and Repeat

The dogs LOVE having me home.  Dave and I have decided it is like summer camp for them.  From 7am till 10pm, they follow me EVERYWHERE.  They are my little shadows, always showing off.  Dave comes home, and they say hi to him and then resume bugging me.  They are going to be so disappointed when I get a job.  

News?  Not much here.  Yet.

I did set a new 100yd PR by 4 seconds this past week in the pool, so that was exciting.  Other than that, I can't say that I have been doing real triathlon training.  I think my triathlon training right now just consists of continuing to get healthy.  I am still at the 2-3 mile run mark about 2 x week.  I am just happy to run, no matter how little.  I think (well, I know) the 2009 tri season is a wash for me, so I will just take the rest of this year to try to get strong and healthy and try again in 2010.

I do have all kinds of big news regarding our move to New Orleans, jobs, and more...but we haven't even told our family of our evolving plans, so the blog will surely have to wait.  I think by Friday I will have more to talk about ;)

Happenings on a Happy 4th

All is good here at the Roberts' house.

We were originally going to the cabin in Hot Springs with my family and all of the dogs, but things didn't quite work out this morning. We have spent the past week working to get our above ground pool disassembled and moved. All that is left now is a big hole with the liner and at least 1 ton of toxic algae. Cayenne, our smelly, gross dog, runs straight to the nastiness every time we let her out. She tries to eat the nasty, disgusting, toxic waste and BELIEVE ME- she is loving it. We get on to her, chase her out, etc...but she thinks it is funny and takes a big chunk in her mouth before running off to play. She is in HEAVEN with the nastiness.


Since she truly is our nasty girl- she has a stomach of steel and has been unaffected. Roo, on the other hand, followed her out there this morning and I busted him drinking and eating from the brown mush too. Apparently, he does not have a stomach of steel and has been sick all day.

See! Look at Cayenne trying to get a mouthful! Gross!!!!!!

So, we have one dog with a sour tummy, Dave is tired from the week, and I need to study= stay at home. Hopefully the family will forgive us for bailing out on the party.

I have lots and lots of other stuff going on, and I will share the secrets later as they develop into permanent things.

The highlight of my 4th has been the re-introduction of Vs into our house. Two years ago, Dave added Setanta sports to our TV package to watch all of the soccer he wants. It is a great channel- but I discovered he got rid of my Vs to do it. Boy was I mad! Today, though, I heard him on the phone canceling Setanta and adding VS just for me so I could watch the Tour. Yippeeee!!!!!