Bike shops. Even saying those words makes my lips curl and my eyes narrow. Now, I love shopping (I sort of do it for a living!) and I really love geeking out about things I am interested in. You would think a bike shop would be a veritable candy store, full of treats and fun. Not so much. It is actually a torture that I continually put myself through and regret.
Here is how it normally goes:
I pull up in my little car, excited and hopeful. Maybe this time will be fun!
Walk in and hear the little bell ding, see the person coming running. Then watch their eyes fill with disappointment at a girl dressed in (gasp!) a skirt and boots. She must be here to look at bikes for her son or husband. Nothing interesting here, but probably an easy sell.
The rest of the experience involved my asking for things that I need, in non bike-tech terms, and the disdainful looks and short answers. So I don't know exactly what the name of the thingy I need is-isn't that what they are here for? Apparently not. If I walked in covered in spandex and clicking around on the tiled floor, I venture a guess that things would go differently.
Most bike shops talk of wanting a more cycling friendly city. I agree wholeheartedly. I also think that encouraging and supporting new riders is one step in making Birmingham more rider friendly. Bike shop snobbery only proves the stereotype that cycling is an elite sport that takes special skills and equipment. Doesn't feel like the way to promote cycling for transportation or fun.
I love supporting local businesses. There are great cycling shops in Birmingham (Cahaba Cycles is one of them), and I will continue to support them. For the ones that treat new riders and woman as an afterthought, well...
see you on the roads. I'll be the one in the skirt riding a bike I didn't buy from you, hoping for change.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Book Report: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
After he quit high school track because of a bad coach, Dean Karnazes didn't run again until the night of his thirtieth birthday. In the grip of an early midlife crisis, he ran all night — and covered thirty miles. This whim left him pretty incapacitated for a few months. It also created a hunger for more ultramarathons (defined as any distance longer than 26.2 miles).
After recovering, Karnazes performed some incredible feats, like running a marathon at the South Pole, running Badwater (100 miles in heat that actually toasts bread) and running TWO HUNDRED miles in a race designed as a 12-person relay (he ran the entire race solo).
Seems like he'd be kind of arrogant. Nope. Throughout the book, he remains humble, maintaining that there's nothing superior about him, and that the key to doing what he does is just putting one foot in front of the other. He (or an editor) made an excellent choice to include just a few race stories instead of an exhaustive list, keeping the book engaging and easy to read (I meant to just thumb through it and ending up finishing it the same day).
It includes some helpful tips, like Which Pizza Chain Delivers to Some Running Guy without an Address AND How to Pee without Stopping at All (although I'm not sure how well his method would work for a girl).
I don't run ultramarathons (I barely run 5Ks), but I can relate to taking challenges other people think are crazy. Triathablog has a lot of fans, but most of my friends think it's pointless. Same with my previous blog adventure, Cheap Women. And hardly anyone understands my desire to write an entire novel every November (nanowrimo) with no hope of publishing it. In the view of many of my logical friends and family, I'm not winning prizes and I'm not making money, so why do I devote so much time to these hobbies?
I could relate to Karnazes' drive to test his own limits. He says repeatedly that he doesn't know WHY he takes on these challenges, although he does speculate. The bottom line is, he loves them. They help give him purpose and discipline that translates to other important parts of his life, like his family and his career.
I don't know why I create crazy blog contests or write month-long novels any more than Karnazes knows why he runs 200 mile races. What I do know is, they're important to me. They make me feel alive.
Lots of my friends don't support me, and lots don't understand. That's okay. What I loved about this book was hearing from someone who does. And it doesn't hurt that I get Triathablog points for reading it.
You can get Ultramarathon Man from the Homewood Library ... just as soon as I return it.
After recovering, Karnazes performed some incredible feats, like running a marathon at the South Pole, running Badwater (100 miles in heat that actually toasts bread) and running TWO HUNDRED miles in a race designed as a 12-person relay (he ran the entire race solo).
Seems like he'd be kind of arrogant. Nope. Throughout the book, he remains humble, maintaining that there's nothing superior about him, and that the key to doing what he does is just putting one foot in front of the other. He (or an editor) made an excellent choice to include just a few race stories instead of an exhaustive list, keeping the book engaging and easy to read (I meant to just thumb through it and ending up finishing it the same day).
It includes some helpful tips, like Which Pizza Chain Delivers to Some Running Guy without an Address AND How to Pee without Stopping at All (although I'm not sure how well his method would work for a girl).
I don't run ultramarathons (I barely run 5Ks), but I can relate to taking challenges other people think are crazy. Triathablog has a lot of fans, but most of my friends think it's pointless. Same with my previous blog adventure, Cheap Women. And hardly anyone understands my desire to write an entire novel every November (nanowrimo) with no hope of publishing it. In the view of many of my logical friends and family, I'm not winning prizes and I'm not making money, so why do I devote so much time to these hobbies?
I could relate to Karnazes' drive to test his own limits. He says repeatedly that he doesn't know WHY he takes on these challenges, although he does speculate. The bottom line is, he loves them. They help give him purpose and discipline that translates to other important parts of his life, like his family and his career.
I don't know why I create crazy blog contests or write month-long novels any more than Karnazes knows why he runs 200 mile races. What I do know is, they're important to me. They make me feel alive.
Lots of my friends don't support me, and lots don't understand. That's okay. What I loved about this book was hearing from someone who does. And it doesn't hurt that I get Triathablog points for reading it.
You can get Ultramarathon Man from the Homewood Library ... just as soon as I return it.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
turkey trottin'
First of all, if you're reading this you should be eating turkey instead. Or napping. Or mentally preparing yourself for all the shopping you're going to do tomorrow.
That said, I am thankful today for my fellow triathabloggers who are allowing me to participate in their sports this week, due to the holiday closings at the gym(s). I am also thankful for what seems to be a healthy knee, or at least one that is almost back to normal. My roommate and I woke up this fine Thanksgiving morning and went for a run. Okay, more like a slow jog. It was my first time to run outdoors since my last race, and it felt so right. Don't get me wrong, I love swimming ... but I loved running first. It was good to be out there this morning, no matter how far or how fast I was. Thanks, Carrie, for being a compassionate competitor.
Tomorrow its on to biking as I take my mom's Schwinn for a spin in my parent's ridiculously hilly neighborhood, which also does not have a leash law. Wish me luck, internets.
That said, I am thankful today for my fellow triathabloggers who are allowing me to participate in their sports this week, due to the holiday closings at the gym(s). I am also thankful for what seems to be a healthy knee, or at least one that is almost back to normal. My roommate and I woke up this fine Thanksgiving morning and went for a run. Okay, more like a slow jog. It was my first time to run outdoors since my last race, and it felt so right. Don't get me wrong, I love swimming ... but I loved running first. It was good to be out there this morning, no matter how far or how fast I was. Thanks, Carrie, for being a compassionate competitor.
Tomorrow its on to biking as I take my mom's Schwinn for a spin in my parent's ridiculously hilly neighborhood, which also does not have a leash law. Wish me luck, internets.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The little cyclist who...could
We said that we were going to be honest on this blog. Well, honestly...I hate it right now. I don't want to ride and I hate that I have to. I know that I would feel better if I did ride, but the days keep passing and Mick stays in the garage. I now have to ride every day for the rest of the week to get my points in (I also hate to give up!).
What do you do when you just can't get motivated? Any pointers or words of wisdom? Anyone want to go on a ride (it is always more fun with friends)?
Sigh.
On another note, I have been having many heated discussions lately about Alabama's Bike Laws. If you want to know what they are, go here. For bike laws in other states, you can find them at Bikecommuters.com (about 1/2 down the page on the right is a drop down box)
What do you do when you just can't get motivated? Any pointers or words of wisdom? Anyone want to go on a ride (it is always more fun with friends)?
Sigh.
On another note, I have been having many heated discussions lately about Alabama's Bike Laws. If you want to know what they are, go here. For bike laws in other states, you can find them at Bikecommuters.com (about 1/2 down the page on the right is a drop down box)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Carrie Goes Baywatch: Running on the Beach
Once upon a time, an evil witch used her candy house to lure Hansel and Gretel into the forest, trying to get them lost so she could cook them in her stove. Luckily, H & G had some breadcrumbs on them, which they used to find their way home. A triumph for carbs! **
If a witch wanted to get me lost, she wouldn't need a candy house. I lose my way ridiculously easily. Once, when I was a Junior in high school, I tried to drive from my house to my school and I ended up in another state. Seriously.
For this and other reasons, I've always dreaded running while on vacation. I'm insecure enough when I'm running without worrying about unfamiliar hills, dangerous parts of town, and the disaster of my directional "skills."
Skipping workouts can be murder on my running schedule — when I miss a week of running, I tend to give up altogether. In an effort to break this trend, I've issued a personal challenge to myself to try to run every time I go to a new town, even if it's just for a day or two.
So far, it's going well. When I went to Lake Martin for work, I discovered that I actually like running on hills. When I go to see my parents, I enjoy running in the neighborhood where I spent a couple formative years. But my favorite challenge has been running on the beach, which I did last weekend when I went to Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate my sister's birthday.
There are few things better than running on the beach as the sun rises. Besides being tremendously beautiful, it was something I never thought I could do (just walking on the beach is hard enough sometimes). I had an amazing morning, and I even set a personal best for the mile (according to Lance Armstrong on my Nike Plus). I think there was something about the challenge of doing something new, plus the overwhelming beauty of the ocean, that helped me push myself further without even realizing it.
Of course, I also got lost ... I forgot to pay attention to which boardwalk I started from. I made it back by listening to my Nike Plus (when I realized I was lost, I turned and ran exactly that distance back), and by following my own footsteps (I was lucky the tide wasn't coming in). It's no breadcrumbs in the forest, but it'll do.
** Note: I'm pretty sure I did not tell this story accurately. But it works for my own purposes, so I'll leave it. Please don't fault me for my Fairy Tale reconstructionism.
If a witch wanted to get me lost, she wouldn't need a candy house. I lose my way ridiculously easily. Once, when I was a Junior in high school, I tried to drive from my house to my school and I ended up in another state. Seriously.
For this and other reasons, I've always dreaded running while on vacation. I'm insecure enough when I'm running without worrying about unfamiliar hills, dangerous parts of town, and the disaster of my directional "skills."
Skipping workouts can be murder on my running schedule — when I miss a week of running, I tend to give up altogether. In an effort to break this trend, I've issued a personal challenge to myself to try to run every time I go to a new town, even if it's just for a day or two.
So far, it's going well. When I went to Lake Martin for work, I discovered that I actually like running on hills. When I go to see my parents, I enjoy running in the neighborhood where I spent a couple formative years. But my favorite challenge has been running on the beach, which I did last weekend when I went to Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate my sister's birthday.
There are few things better than running on the beach as the sun rises. Besides being tremendously beautiful, it was something I never thought I could do (just walking on the beach is hard enough sometimes). I had an amazing morning, and I even set a personal best for the mile (according to Lance Armstrong on my Nike Plus). I think there was something about the challenge of doing something new, plus the overwhelming beauty of the ocean, that helped me push myself further without even realizing it.
Of course, I also got lost ... I forgot to pay attention to which boardwalk I started from. I made it back by listening to my Nike Plus (when I realized I was lost, I turned and ran exactly that distance back), and by following my own footsteps (I was lucky the tide wasn't coming in). It's no breadcrumbs in the forest, but it'll do.
** Note: I'm pretty sure I did not tell this story accurately. But it works for my own purposes, so I'll leave it. Please don't fault me for my Fairy Tale reconstructionism.
Monday, November 24, 2008
the danger of mind games
“Oh my gosh, I’m going to die. I’m not going to get a breath in time, my oxygen will run out, and then I’m going to die. That poor lifeguard is going to have to actually do his job, haul my ass out of the water, try to revive me, and ultimately fail. This is not how I want to go.”
Ever since I introduced the flip turn into my workouts, these are my constant and irrational thoughts. Especially coming out of the turn and going back down the lane, I start to have mini panic attacks under water, freaking out as if I am neither in control of my own body, nor realize that I am only in four feet of water. At any point I can stop, lift my head, and not drown. I guess it’s the Type A in me that makes me breathe on every fourth stroke. And the fact that I can’t seem to maintain a straight line when I breath on every other stroke, and end up with heaping helpings of drag and inefficient swimming (I am learning something from my stupid book, even if I failed in finishing it for the challenge).
I am unsure why I like to torture myself, and push to limits that I really shouldn’t. I hope none of you have to read my obituary any time soon, telling of how I died of stupidity and being too competitive with myself. That has to be some sort of mental disorder.
On another note, getting weekly swims in is going to be challenging when gyms are closed for 2-4 days (my gym for two, the one where I am spending Thanksgiving for four). Awesome.
Ever since I introduced the flip turn into my workouts, these are my constant and irrational thoughts. Especially coming out of the turn and going back down the lane, I start to have mini panic attacks under water, freaking out as if I am neither in control of my own body, nor realize that I am only in four feet of water. At any point I can stop, lift my head, and not drown. I guess it’s the Type A in me that makes me breathe on every fourth stroke. And the fact that I can’t seem to maintain a straight line when I breath on every other stroke, and end up with heaping helpings of drag and inefficient swimming (I am learning something from my stupid book, even if I failed in finishing it for the challenge).
I am unsure why I like to torture myself, and push to limits that I really shouldn’t. I hope none of you have to read my obituary any time soon, telling of how I died of stupidity and being too competitive with myself. That has to be some sort of mental disorder.
On another note, getting weekly swims in is going to be challenging when gyms are closed for 2-4 days (my gym for two, the one where I am spending Thanksgiving for four). Awesome.
Weekly Totals = Amanda 74, Carrie 78, Elisa 75
Thanksgiving is about to get ugly. We're sure Carrie's thankful for her small lead, but what does that even mean in a contest that's only barely half over? While the rest of you slackers enjoy your turkey and tryptophan, we'll be battling it out in the pool and on the trail. Black Friday indeed.
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.
AMANDA: 6 points (74 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
1 point = Copycat Challenge (Running)
CARRIE: 9 points (78 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Bookworm Challenge
1 point = Flux Capacitor (Different Places)
ELISA: 10 points (75 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Bookworm Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Mentor)
1 point = Santa Challenge (Frisbee)
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.
AMANDA: 6 points (74 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
1 point = Copycat Challenge (Running)
CARRIE: 9 points (78 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Bookworm Challenge
1 point = Flux Capacitor (Different Places)
ELISA: 10 points (75 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Bookworm Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Mentor)
1 point = Santa Challenge (Frisbee)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Gear Me, Bro
Today I went and got some gear. So far, I have been pretty content in my street clothes to ride. Lately it has gotten a little more uncomfortable on long rides, so today before a longer ride I decided to see what was out there.
First off, it is not cheap. However, I think it is totally worth it now that I spent a comfortable day in the saddle. Here is what I purchased (from Homewood Cycles):
Shebeest riding shorts. These are to be worn under my street clothes for that extra padding. For that reason I needed them to be short and tight. I was quite afraid I wouldn't be able to find any, but they are perfect. I guess I can no longer say I am anti-spandex, just anti-spandex on the outside!
Defeet Armskins. These things are AMAZING. They are sleeves that you put on, and when you get hot on a ride you just slide them down. I love them. (plus I feel like a total bad ass wearing them). I particularly like these because they are not shiny, so I feel they look a little less 'gear-y'.
Adorable Betty's Bike Gear socks! white with pink and black chain around the ankle! so cute and so...not cotton. Perfect for wearing with my pink and black Vans and my jean leg rolled up.
New tube. It was time to get one to put in my bag.
Speaking of bags, I was recently introduced to this site: ChainLove. Oh.My.Goodness! Every hour they have a new deal that you can buy. I bought this bag for 67% less expensive than retail. It is going to be perfect for winter work commuting. the small bag I have was struggling to hold work clothes, heels, spare tube, toiletries and a lock. Now I will room to spare. They also shipped it out 2 hours after my order went through. Check it out.
I guess I am not as gearaphobic as I thought. Some of it really does help, even for Urban Cycling. So, this is a big apology to everyone to whom I wrinkled my nose when they mentioned padded spandex shorts or cycling specific socks. I may not be wearing them in the same way, but I will be sporting them right alongside you.
First off, it is not cheap. However, I think it is totally worth it now that I spent a comfortable day in the saddle. Here is what I purchased (from Homewood Cycles):
Shebeest riding shorts. These are to be worn under my street clothes for that extra padding. For that reason I needed them to be short and tight. I was quite afraid I wouldn't be able to find any, but they are perfect. I guess I can no longer say I am anti-spandex, just anti-spandex on the outside!
Defeet Armskins. These things are AMAZING. They are sleeves that you put on, and when you get hot on a ride you just slide them down. I love them. (plus I feel like a total bad ass wearing them). I particularly like these because they are not shiny, so I feel they look a little less 'gear-y'.
Adorable Betty's Bike Gear socks! white with pink and black chain around the ankle! so cute and so...not cotton. Perfect for wearing with my pink and black Vans and my jean leg rolled up.
New tube. It was time to get one to put in my bag.
Speaking of bags, I was recently introduced to this site: ChainLove. Oh.My.Goodness! Every hour they have a new deal that you can buy. I bought this bag for 67% less expensive than retail. It is going to be perfect for winter work commuting. the small bag I have was struggling to hold work clothes, heels, spare tube, toiletries and a lock. Now I will room to spare. They also shipped it out 2 hours after my order went through. Check it out.
I guess I am not as gearaphobic as I thought. Some of it really does help, even for Urban Cycling. So, this is a big apology to everyone to whom I wrinkled my nose when they mentioned padded spandex shorts or cycling specific socks. I may not be wearing them in the same way, but I will be sporting them right alongside you.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Fear and Loathing and Nike Plus
So, I appreciated Amanda and Elisa's "gift" of a Nike Plus system ... I really did. But they sure made it harder to live in denial.
For the uninitiated, Nike Plus is a relatively inexpensive (if you already have the iPod) system put together by Nike and iPod that's kind of like a super advanced, super cool pedometer. Just plug a little computer thingie into your iPod and pop a little sensor dealie into your shoe (I hope I'm not getting too technical here), and it pretty much tells you what to do from there. You can get all fancy with it, tracking workouts of your friends and family, comparing past and present workouts, and programming in your favorite songs, but I haven't tried any of that. Yet.
Truth be told, I didn't want to know how far I was running. People ask pretty often (something about starting a blog to write about your running makes people think you actually want to talk about your running ... weird). I liked being able to honestly say, "I don't know, I just run for 30 minutes." You see, it's one thing to mention (as I have, several times) that you're a slow runner. It's quite another to know just HOW slow. In trying to prepare myself for the worst, I had convinced myself that the worst was true, and that made me terrified to confirm my gloomy suspicions.
Turns out, I run a pretty respectable (I think) three miles in 30 minutes. It's no Usaine Bolt (oh, what am I saying, it's no Average Mountain Brook Mom), but I'm still pretty proud of it. Runner's World gives training advice for ten minute milers. Running three miles means I can easily handle a 5K.
Plus, I'm pretty sure that's what Miranda on Sex and the City ran when she was training for the NYC Marathon (she picked up the pace after a dating situation with a fellow runner went bad ... guess I have to start sleeping with my training partner if I'm going to run faster). I have been validated by pop culture, and, in my book, that's success!**
You can buy a Nike Plus system at The Trak Shack.
**For the record, I don't equate pop culture with success. I don't have a running partner. But, even if I did, I wouldn't sleep with him just to improve my time. Body shots, maybe.
For the uninitiated, Nike Plus is a relatively inexpensive (if you already have the iPod) system put together by Nike and iPod that's kind of like a super advanced, super cool pedometer. Just plug a little computer thingie into your iPod and pop a little sensor dealie into your shoe (I hope I'm not getting too technical here), and it pretty much tells you what to do from there. You can get all fancy with it, tracking workouts of your friends and family, comparing past and present workouts, and programming in your favorite songs, but I haven't tried any of that. Yet.
Truth be told, I didn't want to know how far I was running. People ask pretty often (something about starting a blog to write about your running makes people think you actually want to talk about your running ... weird). I liked being able to honestly say, "I don't know, I just run for 30 minutes." You see, it's one thing to mention (as I have, several times) that you're a slow runner. It's quite another to know just HOW slow. In trying to prepare myself for the worst, I had convinced myself that the worst was true, and that made me terrified to confirm my gloomy suspicions.
Turns out, I run a pretty respectable (I think) three miles in 30 minutes. It's no Usaine Bolt (oh, what am I saying, it's no Average Mountain Brook Mom), but I'm still pretty proud of it. Runner's World gives training advice for ten minute milers. Running three miles means I can easily handle a 5K.
Plus, I'm pretty sure that's what Miranda on Sex and the City ran when she was training for the NYC Marathon (she picked up the pace after a dating situation with a fellow runner went bad ... guess I have to start sleeping with my training partner if I'm going to run faster). I have been validated by pop culture, and, in my book, that's success!**
You can buy a Nike Plus system at The Trak Shack.
**For the record, I don't equate pop culture with success. I don't have a running partner. But, even if I did, I wouldn't sleep with him just to improve my time. Body shots, maybe.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
bookworm, schmookworm
The Bookworm Challenge has been the one challenge I’ve been looking forward to the least. I don’t even have time to read the novel I’ve been trying to finish for months, much less a book about swimming. I purchased my book a couple of days before this blog officially started, and still have only gotten about five chapters in. This is mostly due to lack of time, but also partly because the book is terrible - and that is being generous. The information isn’t bad, but the writing is the most horrendous thing I have ever had the displeasure of reading. There is a picture of the author, whose name I will not mention to protect his dazzling literary reputation, in the back of the book. He might have had his glory days, but I wasn’t expecting a book about swimming to be written by an obese dude with thick glasses and a dirty 'stache. Call me crazy. Also, anyone who refers to swimmers as the “perpetually wet” should not be allowed to write books.
One thing that I did manage to learn from the book this week is that I’ve been counting my laps incorrectly. Apparently, one lap is down and back. Not just down. So the other day when I said I swam 70 laps, I really only swam 35, which sounds much less impressive. I kind of knew this already, but I guess I just like lying to myself. It’s definitely not the first time.
One thing that I did manage to learn from the book this week is that I’ve been counting my laps incorrectly. Apparently, one lap is down and back. Not just down. So the other day when I said I swam 70 laps, I really only swam 35, which sounds much less impressive. I kind of knew this already, but I guess I just like lying to myself. It’s definitely not the first time.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Mother's Little Helper
I know that lately I haven't really been getting too personal. I have been waxing poetically about my wonderful commute and extolling the wonders of bike websites. Well, tonight I change that.
I have depression and OCD. Take a moment to register your shock or laugh at the obviousness of that statement. Ok, done? I am also coming on the anniversary of a pretty tragic event in my life, and my job is so stressful that I leave with a tension headache every other day. I would expect to be a complete wreck, crying all the time or numbing out completely.
Strangely that has not been the case. At first, I thought I was not dealing, or must be avoiding issues. Then I realized that nothing lately has really thrown me for a loop. It stopped about 2 months ago. Right about the time I started riding pretty seriously. Coincidence? I doubt it. I feel great and so hopeful. My insomnia has all but disappeared and I find myself with more energy than I have ever had. I have never had such a great body image. I simply feel great.
THAT is the best part of cycling for me. It has been a scary thing, throwing myself into a sport and an established (male-dominated) community. A year ago this would have thrown me into paralyzing fear and insecurity. Instead, I am so excited and full of hope. I look forward to my next ride and find myself hoping that I can ride to wherever my destination may be (concert, party, grocery store, church...).
Is this from the support I have found in friends and fellow riders, or the actual riding? I think it is a bit of both. Either way, I am so grateful. Yes, life is hard and some things are hard to accept, but everything feels a little bit easier on my bike.
On another note, Mick Jaggar is so sexy right now. New blue tires and white bar tape. If my bike were a person, I would have a mad crush on it. Picture to come.
I have depression and OCD. Take a moment to register your shock or laugh at the obviousness of that statement. Ok, done? I am also coming on the anniversary of a pretty tragic event in my life, and my job is so stressful that I leave with a tension headache every other day. I would expect to be a complete wreck, crying all the time or numbing out completely.
Strangely that has not been the case. At first, I thought I was not dealing, or must be avoiding issues. Then I realized that nothing lately has really thrown me for a loop. It stopped about 2 months ago. Right about the time I started riding pretty seriously. Coincidence? I doubt it. I feel great and so hopeful. My insomnia has all but disappeared and I find myself with more energy than I have ever had. I have never had such a great body image. I simply feel great.
THAT is the best part of cycling for me. It has been a scary thing, throwing myself into a sport and an established (male-dominated) community. A year ago this would have thrown me into paralyzing fear and insecurity. Instead, I am so excited and full of hope. I look forward to my next ride and find myself hoping that I can ride to wherever my destination may be (concert, party, grocery store, church...).
Is this from the support I have found in friends and fellow riders, or the actual riding? I think it is a bit of both. Either way, I am so grateful. Yes, life is hard and some things are hard to accept, but everything feels a little bit easier on my bike.
On another note, Mick Jaggar is so sexy right now. New blue tires and white bar tape. If my bike were a person, I would have a mad crush on it. Picture to come.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Death of an iPod: A Blog in Two Acts
I've mentioned here before that it's hard for me to run without playing significant mind games (pretending to be invisible, conjuring James Franco, etc.). My iPod was a major player in my self deception — it was the soundtrack to whatever movie happened to be playing in my head. It was the feather to my Dumbo. The security blanket to my Linus.
Then I broke it.
Well, I think I broke it. I dropped it and then it worked fine, and I rejoiced. A couple days later, it started acting funny (also known as The Great Halloween Haunting). Finally, it stopped for good. Running without an iPod was scary for me, but I did it, and I'm glad I cleared that hurdle. I don't NEED it anymore. But I still kind of want it.
Happily, my fellow Triathabloggers have my back. As soon as Amanda heard my iPod was broken, she offered to lend me one she rarely uses. Oh joy! Not to be outdone, Elisa's letting me borrow her Nike Plus system that works with an iPod to help you track your runs. (She actually took her shoe off in the middle of Starbucks, pulled the tracker out of its sole, and threw it at me.)
So my friends have saved the music, as it were. Even more important, I have a couple Physical Therapist friends who helped me save my knee.
Allison Ashby confirmed my internet diagnosis of Runner's Knee and reminded me that a bag of frozen peas makes a good icepack (I used edamame, but she still gets credit). And Amanda Lane mentioned that taking ibuprofen straight for a couple days could kick the lingering pain out of my knee, which it totally did.
I guess the moral is, keep your Triathablog friends (Allison and Amanda Lane) close, and your Triathablog enemies (Elisa and Amanda) closer. That, and try not to drop your iPod.
Then I broke it.
Well, I think I broke it. I dropped it and then it worked fine, and I rejoiced. A couple days later, it started acting funny (also known as The Great Halloween Haunting). Finally, it stopped for good. Running without an iPod was scary for me, but I did it, and I'm glad I cleared that hurdle. I don't NEED it anymore. But I still kind of want it.
Happily, my fellow Triathabloggers have my back. As soon as Amanda heard my iPod was broken, she offered to lend me one she rarely uses. Oh joy! Not to be outdone, Elisa's letting me borrow her Nike Plus system that works with an iPod to help you track your runs. (She actually took her shoe off in the middle of Starbucks, pulled the tracker out of its sole, and threw it at me.)
So my friends have saved the music, as it were. Even more important, I have a couple Physical Therapist friends who helped me save my knee.
Allison Ashby confirmed my internet diagnosis of Runner's Knee and reminded me that a bag of frozen peas makes a good icepack (I used edamame, but she still gets credit). And Amanda Lane mentioned that taking ibuprofen straight for a couple days could kick the lingering pain out of my knee, which it totally did.
I guess the moral is, keep your Triathablog friends (Allison and Amanda Lane) close, and your Triathablog enemies (Elisa and Amanda) closer. That, and try not to drop your iPod.
Monday, November 17, 2008
meditation for the on-the-go, working two jobs, overcommitted, can't say no single
I’ve been called “The Crazy One” by Carrie. Crazy, because just when it seemed my life couldn’t get any fuller, I took on the challenge presented to me in this blog. Are there times when I want to quit, or don’t feel like going to the pool? Of course there are. But I’ve been happy to find that, for the most part, I really look forward to my time in the water.
Unlike any other exercise I’ve ever participated in, there is quiet in the water. There is nothing to hear except my own exhales under water, and the splashing of other swimmers as they pass in the adjacent lanes (except, of course, when the kids come on the weekends, ruining everything with their incessant screaming). I focus on nothing but swimming, running through a mental checklist to make sure that my form is correct, and keeping a count of the laps I’ve swum. It is a time where I can forget everything else from my day – leave behind any frustration I might feel toward my boss(es), the sea of papers that cover my desk, and the clock that ticks endlessly through the eight-hour days at my job. I forget the interpersonal conflicts that might arise with people in my life, the decisions that I keep putting off about my future, and the current state of disarray in my bedroom. For a brief thirty to sixty minutes, all I think about is breathing and getting to the other side of the pool. In it’s own way, it is a form of meditation, but one that suits my can’t-sit-still life. And for now, that has to be meditation enough for me.
Unlike any other exercise I’ve ever participated in, there is quiet in the water. There is nothing to hear except my own exhales under water, and the splashing of other swimmers as they pass in the adjacent lanes (except, of course, when the kids come on the weekends, ruining everything with their incessant screaming). I focus on nothing but swimming, running through a mental checklist to make sure that my form is correct, and keeping a count of the laps I’ve swum. It is a time where I can forget everything else from my day – leave behind any frustration I might feel toward my boss(es), the sea of papers that cover my desk, and the clock that ticks endlessly through the eight-hour days at my job. I forget the interpersonal conflicts that might arise with people in my life, the decisions that I keep putting off about my future, and the current state of disarray in my bedroom. For a brief thirty to sixty minutes, all I think about is breathing and getting to the other side of the pool. In it’s own way, it is a form of meditation, but one that suits my can’t-sit-still life. And for now, that has to be meditation enough for me.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Weekly Totals = Amanda 68, Carrie 69, Elisa 65
Point totals are still steady — but as the weather cools down and the holiday season heats up, will the girls be too busy to keep up the pace? We have a feeling things are about to get interesting.
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.
AMANDA: 10 points (68 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Doublemint)
1 point = OMG (Walked to and from pool without a towel!)
CARRIE: 10 points (69 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Peace Love Blog Challenge (Meditating)
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
ELISA: 10 points (65 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Doublemint)
1 point = Special Report Challenge (The Bicycle Co-op)
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.
AMANDA: 10 points (68 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Doublemint)
1 point = OMG (Walked to and from pool without a towel!)
CARRIE: 10 points (69 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Peace Love Blog Challenge (Meditating)
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
ELISA: 10 points (65 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Doublemint)
1 point = Special Report Challenge (The Bicycle Co-op)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Special Report: The Bicycle Co-op
The two biggest variables that scared me about becoming a commuter/urban cyclist were:
1. Fear of Bike shops and of doing simple repairs
2. Cost of repairs and maintenance
It looks like I am not the only one to feel this way, and some groups and communities are finding a way to combat these fears in order to get people on two wheels. Called Bike co-ops, Bike Churches and Bike Collectives, they all have one goal in mind: to get folks on bikes and on the roads. Most shops offer a space for repairing bikes, as well as tools and volunteer mechanics to guide you in fixing your ride.
These shops all require you to get a little dirty. No dropping off your bike before work. However, there are also no $30 bills for them to 'adjust' something and act condescendingly toward you. What a deal! Hanging out in a bike shop, learning to fix your bike and getting some repairs done. Sign me up.
These co-ops exist for more than that. Some are geared toward youth, like Cycles of Change. Many are starting an Earn-a-bike program, which trades volunteer hours for a rebuilt bike (which you help to build). Others market themselves toward lower income and shelter residents, giving them reliable transportation and a place for low to no cost repairs. These shops are Non-Profit and many rely on donations and volunteer hours.
One thing that I was excited to see is that most of the guides (yes, there are guides to starting a bicycle co-op) is that they encourage 'ladies night' (A few have ladies and Trans night!), recognizing that the ability to do simple repairs in a non-threatening environment is a huge roadblock to women cycling. The first time I got a flat, I was stuck, having never learned to change one. I had to call and friend and then bring Mick Jagger to a shop and paying for a change. I am lucky enough to have a friend (thanks Heath!) who took time to teach me tonight, but having a space and special time for women is a great service.
There is a conference, Bike! Bike!, that provides instruction, support and comraderie for bike co-ops throughout the country. These consist of rides, workshops, parties and a chance for like minded riders to get together and collectively talk about how to improve the cycling culture in America. Bike!Bike! Southeast is being held in Atlanta Jan 22-25. I am hoping to get a group together (anyone interested?).
Wondering why we don't have one in Birmingham? Fear not, the men of Brocycle are working on Bici co-op, a community bike shop here in town. I am so excited to see this unfold in my community and can't wait to help out. Tomorrows allecat race is hoping to raise funds to get bici off the ground. If you want more info or to donate, email me and I will get you in touch with the right people.
See you tomorrow! I will be manning a stop and having fun at the afterparty. Come out and say hello! If you win, there is a Triathablog T-shirt with your name on it.
1. Fear of Bike shops and of doing simple repairs
2. Cost of repairs and maintenance
It looks like I am not the only one to feel this way, and some groups and communities are finding a way to combat these fears in order to get people on two wheels. Called Bike co-ops, Bike Churches and Bike Collectives, they all have one goal in mind: to get folks on bikes and on the roads. Most shops offer a space for repairing bikes, as well as tools and volunteer mechanics to guide you in fixing your ride.
These shops all require you to get a little dirty. No dropping off your bike before work. However, there are also no $30 bills for them to 'adjust' something and act condescendingly toward you. What a deal! Hanging out in a bike shop, learning to fix your bike and getting some repairs done. Sign me up.
These co-ops exist for more than that. Some are geared toward youth, like Cycles of Change. Many are starting an Earn-a-bike program, which trades volunteer hours for a rebuilt bike (which you help to build). Others market themselves toward lower income and shelter residents, giving them reliable transportation and a place for low to no cost repairs. These shops are Non-Profit and many rely on donations and volunteer hours.
One thing that I was excited to see is that most of the guides (yes, there are guides to starting a bicycle co-op) is that they encourage 'ladies night' (A few have ladies and Trans night!), recognizing that the ability to do simple repairs in a non-threatening environment is a huge roadblock to women cycling. The first time I got a flat, I was stuck, having never learned to change one. I had to call and friend and then bring Mick Jagger to a shop and paying for a change. I am lucky enough to have a friend (thanks Heath!) who took time to teach me tonight, but having a space and special time for women is a great service.
There is a conference, Bike! Bike!, that provides instruction, support and comraderie for bike co-ops throughout the country. These consist of rides, workshops, parties and a chance for like minded riders to get together and collectively talk about how to improve the cycling culture in America. Bike!Bike! Southeast is being held in Atlanta Jan 22-25. I am hoping to get a group together (anyone interested?).
Wondering why we don't have one in Birmingham? Fear not, the men of Brocycle are working on Bici co-op, a community bike shop here in town. I am so excited to see this unfold in my community and can't wait to help out. Tomorrows allecat race is hoping to raise funds to get bici off the ground. If you want more info or to donate, email me and I will get you in touch with the right people.
See you tomorrow! I will be manning a stop and having fun at the afterparty. Come out and say hello! If you win, there is a Triathablog T-shirt with your name on it.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Give me a T! Give me an R! Give me a ... Oh, Nevermind
Yesterday, I was whining to Elisa about my many troubles — both the self-imposed, like Triathablog and Nanowrimo — and the misfortunes, like layoffs at work, and the fact that my Vespa is laying hopelessly at Bogart's Motorsports (its parts strewn across their garage for who knows how long).
"Why does God hate me?" I asked. "WHY don't I have a boyfriend?!"
You might say that having a boyfriend has little to do with running or Triathablog, not to mention scooter repair and cutbacks at work. You could point out that dating might actually make me more busy and more stressed. And, I'll admit, you'd have a logical point.
But I'm a single woman living in a post-Bridget Jones world. To me, one way or another, all troubles revolve around being single (or at least are made worse by this fact).
Elisa's response? "I don't think you want a boyfriend, necessarily. You just want someone on your team. Someone to say you had a good run, and to tell you your novel is awesome, and that the people at Bogart's are jerks." (She didn't say jerks, but I'm making this PG.) "Someone to give you a hug when you're tired."
You know, I think Elisa's right. I don't need a boyfriend. I need a CHEERLEADER.
I need someone to wave pompoms next to me on the trail. Someone to chant, "Two, Four, Six, Eight, Triathabloggers are so great!" (Or maybe something more creative.) Someone to leave cookies in my locker!
Alas, I don't think it's happening any time soon. (That's probably for the best — being followed around by a girl in a short skirt might get weird.) For now, I appreciate the little things, like my friends Kevin and John telling me that running three miles IS a big deal and something to be proud of, or Amanda and Elisa "listening" via email to boring running stories too dull to post, or readers and friends who leave comments or tell me in person that they enjoy the blog.
Just so you know, every time you leave a comment or a compliment, it's like you're giving us a little cheer. That means a lot to us — who needs pompoms? (Although, if anyone wants to do a human pyramid sometime, that might be nice.)
"Why does God hate me?" I asked. "WHY don't I have a boyfriend?!"
You might say that having a boyfriend has little to do with running or Triathablog, not to mention scooter repair and cutbacks at work. You could point out that dating might actually make me more busy and more stressed. And, I'll admit, you'd have a logical point.
But I'm a single woman living in a post-Bridget Jones world. To me, one way or another, all troubles revolve around being single (or at least are made worse by this fact).
Elisa's response? "I don't think you want a boyfriend, necessarily. You just want someone on your team. Someone to say you had a good run, and to tell you your novel is awesome, and that the people at Bogart's are jerks." (She didn't say jerks, but I'm making this PG.) "Someone to give you a hug when you're tired."
You know, I think Elisa's right. I don't need a boyfriend. I need a CHEERLEADER.
I need someone to wave pompoms next to me on the trail. Someone to chant, "Two, Four, Six, Eight, Triathabloggers are so great!" (Or maybe something more creative.) Someone to leave cookies in my locker!
Alas, I don't think it's happening any time soon. (That's probably for the best — being followed around by a girl in a short skirt might get weird.) For now, I appreciate the little things, like my friends Kevin and John telling me that running three miles IS a big deal and something to be proud of, or Amanda and Elisa "listening" via email to boring running stories too dull to post, or readers and friends who leave comments or tell me in person that they enjoy the blog.
Just so you know, every time you leave a comment or a compliment, it's like you're giving us a little cheer. That means a lot to us — who needs pompoms? (Although, if anyone wants to do a human pyramid sometime, that might be nice.)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
fully equipped
Last night I started on the Doublemint Challenge (darn you, John with your crazy ideas). It wasn’t as hard as I was anticipating, but it wasn’t easy either. My shoulders and back are feeling that hour of swimming with much intensity today, and they will be going through it all again tonight (and the next two nights). I swam about 70 laps – that’s 1,750 meters, folks. Be impressed.
I have started using swim fins (flippers) on some of my laps. I don’t know why I haven’t done this before because they are freaking amazing. I swim super fast with them on, which makes me feel like a champ, and they also provide a nice leg workout, since trying to control their awkwardness underwater is a bit of a challenge. My favorite thing to do with them on is to do a sort of backstroke-sans-arms and watch how fast the ceiling goes by. Not only is it fun, it really burns the quads. Bonus! Using the fins makes me jealous of fish - they get to use them all the time. They think they are sooo special.
Here’s a little run down of the advantages of using swim fins:
Improves kick strength.
Increases ankle flexibility.
Improves body position.
Improves speed.
Makes you fish-like.
Five for one - not too shabby. Short-blade fins should be used – not those giant ones like you’re embarking on a snorkel adventure. The blades should be about two inches and should be flexible to reduce stress on the ankle. These are provided at my gym, but if you needed to buy some a good brand to look for is Zoomers.
With all of this Doubleminty swimming, I'm grateful to have new toys to switch things up. And to improve my swimming.
I have started using swim fins (flippers) on some of my laps. I don’t know why I haven’t done this before because they are freaking amazing. I swim super fast with them on, which makes me feel like a champ, and they also provide a nice leg workout, since trying to control their awkwardness underwater is a bit of a challenge. My favorite thing to do with them on is to do a sort of backstroke-sans-arms and watch how fast the ceiling goes by. Not only is it fun, it really burns the quads. Bonus! Using the fins makes me jealous of fish - they get to use them all the time. They think they are sooo special.
Here’s a little run down of the advantages of using swim fins:
Improves kick strength.
Increases ankle flexibility.
Improves body position.
Improves speed.
Makes you fish-like.
Five for one - not too shabby. Short-blade fins should be used – not those giant ones like you’re embarking on a snorkel adventure. The blades should be about two inches and should be flexible to reduce stress on the ankle. These are provided at my gym, but if you needed to buy some a good brand to look for is Zoomers.
With all of this Doubleminty swimming, I'm grateful to have new toys to switch things up. And to improve my swimming.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Why I Love my Commute, Part Two: The Weather
It seems that I would be a slave to the weather as a bike commuter, and I am. I am also, however, completely in love with the weather. Most people think of weather in their commute as something that they have to deal with getting into the car and then the office. Not I. For me, it is something I feel every minute of the ride. I am directly affected by every aspect of the day's weather. All day long. If the weather calls for possible storms in the afternoon, I have to be careful not to get stuck at work (not experienced enough to ride in the rain AND dark).
Windy days are both good and bad. A strong head wind is great when going downhill on a hot day but terrible when going uphill in the cold or spitting rain. The wind changes when it is about to rain. I can feel that. I can tell you if a storm is coming...the wind shift, the air smells differently (comes from a gas called petrichor) and the colors are particularly sharp.
Sunny days are sometimes worse than cloudy or windy days. I have awakened to a clear, sunny day and dreaded my ride. Sunny mornings mean less visibility and blinded driveron certain streets. It also means heat. Here in the southeast, even in the winter, sometimes it is too much heat for a vigorous ride. What I wear is dependent on the weather, and not just which umbrella to use or which jacket to throw on. Cold, sunny days mean layers and layers. Sunny summer days mean bringing an extra set of clothes.
The day (actually hours) after rain is wonderful. Clear and crisp and the fresh smell of trees and earth. Even in the city. However, I must remember that the roads also have extra grease and debris on them and ride accordingly.
Cars also act differently depending on the weather. Sunny days equal more speed and less patience for me. I get a lot of honks and yells on sunny mornings! Cloudy days people seem to be more tired and act more recklessly, cutting me off and swerving into my lane. Chilly mornings and everyone is so nice, feeling sorry for the poor little girl riding her bike to work in tights and a skirt (Ha! Jokes on them).
My favorite weather to commute in is a brisk (55-65 degrees), breezy, slightly cloudy day. You couldn't pay me to get into my car on days like those. Unless I have overslept, but that is for another day's post...
*side note: An alleycat race is taking place this Saturday, 4pm at Linn Park. Come out and be a part or just hang out (they could use some help manning stops). The proceeds benefit Bici Coop, a community bike shop that is in the works. Fun AND philanthropic, who can pass that up? Plus, you could win a Triathablog Tshirt!
Windy days are both good and bad. A strong head wind is great when going downhill on a hot day but terrible when going uphill in the cold or spitting rain. The wind changes when it is about to rain. I can feel that. I can tell you if a storm is coming...the wind shift, the air smells differently (comes from a gas called petrichor) and the colors are particularly sharp.
Sunny days are sometimes worse than cloudy or windy days. I have awakened to a clear, sunny day and dreaded my ride. Sunny mornings mean less visibility and blinded driveron certain streets. It also means heat. Here in the southeast, even in the winter, sometimes it is too much heat for a vigorous ride. What I wear is dependent on the weather, and not just which umbrella to use or which jacket to throw on. Cold, sunny days mean layers and layers. Sunny summer days mean bringing an extra set of clothes.
The day (actually hours) after rain is wonderful. Clear and crisp and the fresh smell of trees and earth. Even in the city. However, I must remember that the roads also have extra grease and debris on them and ride accordingly.
Cars also act differently depending on the weather. Sunny days equal more speed and less patience for me. I get a lot of honks and yells on sunny mornings! Cloudy days people seem to be more tired and act more recklessly, cutting me off and swerving into my lane. Chilly mornings and everyone is so nice, feeling sorry for the poor little girl riding her bike to work in tights and a skirt (Ha! Jokes on them).
My favorite weather to commute in is a brisk (55-65 degrees), breezy, slightly cloudy day. You couldn't pay me to get into my car on days like those. Unless I have overslept, but that is for another day's post...
*side note: An alleycat race is taking place this Saturday, 4pm at Linn Park. Come out and be a part or just hang out (they could use some help manning stops). The proceeds benefit Bici Coop, a community bike shop that is in the works. Fun AND philanthropic, who can pass that up? Plus, you could win a Triathablog Tshirt!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
My Achilles Heel Is Ranch Fries: It May Not Be an Epic Struggle, but It's Mine
When it comes to my diet, I’m kind of like that girl in the nursery rhyme: "when she was good, she was very, very good, and when she was bad, she was horrid.”
I’m a vegetarian anyway, and when I actually pay attention to what I eat, I end up getting plenty of vegetables, some fruit, lots of protein and just a few carbs. Awesome! When I’m not paying attention, my diet consists mostly of Egg and Cheese Biscuits, baked potatoes, and Purple Onion ranch fries (although lately I’ve been experimenting with cheese fries). Not exactly a food pyramid so much as a flat line … which could be taken as some kind of metaphor, I guess.
I don’t think November is the time to start a full-on Food Watch, considering this month I’m trying to win Triathablog, finish a novel for Nanowrimo, and plan holiday parties and gifts … oh, and hold down a full-time job. But I do want to stop the downward spiral.
I’m terrible with moderation (give me an outlandish blog challenge and I’ll run every day, but give me freedom and I’ll sit on my couch), but it looks like I’m going to have to get better at it if I’m going to get vitamins or protein for the next couple months. This is Triathablog, not Supersize Me — there’s no need to prove I can run fueled only by McDonalds.
My energy is low, and that's not good for my health or my running, so I'm hoping to start small changes. I'm going to keep drinking lots of water, and I'm giving up soda after today. I'll try to eat some fruit or (gasp!) even a vegetable or two. Maybe substitute hummus for ranch fries next time I’m at the Purple Onion. (Or maybe not; let’s not go crazy.)
Here’s hoping.
I’m a vegetarian anyway, and when I actually pay attention to what I eat, I end up getting plenty of vegetables, some fruit, lots of protein and just a few carbs. Awesome! When I’m not paying attention, my diet consists mostly of Egg and Cheese Biscuits, baked potatoes, and Purple Onion ranch fries (although lately I’ve been experimenting with cheese fries). Not exactly a food pyramid so much as a flat line … which could be taken as some kind of metaphor, I guess.
I don’t think November is the time to start a full-on Food Watch, considering this month I’m trying to win Triathablog, finish a novel for Nanowrimo, and plan holiday parties and gifts … oh, and hold down a full-time job. But I do want to stop the downward spiral.
I’m terrible with moderation (give me an outlandish blog challenge and I’ll run every day, but give me freedom and I’ll sit on my couch), but it looks like I’m going to have to get better at it if I’m going to get vitamins or protein for the next couple months. This is Triathablog, not Supersize Me — there’s no need to prove I can run fueled only by McDonalds.
My energy is low, and that's not good for my health or my running, so I'm hoping to start small changes. I'm going to keep drinking lots of water, and I'm giving up soda after today. I'll try to eat some fruit or (gasp!) even a vegetable or two. Maybe substitute hummus for ranch fries next time I’m at the Purple Onion. (Or maybe not; let’s not go crazy.)
Here’s hoping.
Monday, November 10, 2008
leisurely laps
This weekend I journeyed to Orange Beach for my company's semi-annual beach trip. With only three of my weekly swims in, I needed to put on the suit and do some laps - not exactly something I wanted to do in front of my coworkers. It is one thing to swim at the gym with people I don't know, but to swim with people who share cube space with me is more than a little daunting.
I waited until the last morning when everyone was too hungover to be out of their beds, much less in the pool. I slipped out of my room and made the chilly trip down eleven floors to the indoor swimming hole. Thankfully, I didn't see any familiar faces, but I did see lots of Gray Hairs. Of course, I felt right at home with them, since they are always the ones out and about in the mornings at the gym.
The pool was tiny - probably about 12 meters at it's longest point. The Olds couldn't decide which way they wanted to go. They'd swim across the length of the pool, then maybe take a diagonal lap. Whichever way suited their fancy, I suppose. I definitely ran smack into an old man one time, to which he exclaimed, "I'm sorry! Didn't mean to cut you off!" I'm not really sure how he didn't see me coming. More time was spent waiting for someone to pass by than actually swimming. But one of the ladies told me that I had "swimmer's shoulders" and I wanted to kiss her on the mouth. I'm not sure that is true, but at least some little old lady out there thinks so. Kind of like how the only people who tell me I'm beautiful are middle-aged women. It may not be an available man, but at least it's something.
We continued our conversation for a while after swimming, and it was quite enjoyable. Then after I got out of the water, another older lady struck up a conversation with me and we talked for a few minutes. It might not have been the best day for exercise, but it was probably the most entertaining time I've had in the water yet. I'll take that.
I waited until the last morning when everyone was too hungover to be out of their beds, much less in the pool. I slipped out of my room and made the chilly trip down eleven floors to the indoor swimming hole. Thankfully, I didn't see any familiar faces, but I did see lots of Gray Hairs. Of course, I felt right at home with them, since they are always the ones out and about in the mornings at the gym.
The pool was tiny - probably about 12 meters at it's longest point. The Olds couldn't decide which way they wanted to go. They'd swim across the length of the pool, then maybe take a diagonal lap. Whichever way suited their fancy, I suppose. I definitely ran smack into an old man one time, to which he exclaimed, "I'm sorry! Didn't mean to cut you off!" I'm not really sure how he didn't see me coming. More time was spent waiting for someone to pass by than actually swimming. But one of the ladies told me that I had "swimmer's shoulders" and I wanted to kiss her on the mouth. I'm not sure that is true, but at least some little old lady out there thinks so. Kind of like how the only people who tell me I'm beautiful are middle-aged women. It may not be an available man, but at least it's something.
We continued our conversation for a while after swimming, and it was quite enjoyable. Then after I got out of the water, another older lady struck up a conversation with me and we talked for a few minutes. It might not have been the best day for exercise, but it was probably the most entertaining time I've had in the water yet. I'll take that.
Weekly Totals = Amanda 58, Carrie 59, Elisa 55
The race gets closer as Carrie inches ahead of Amanda for the first time in the history of Triathablog! Can Amanda regain her position? Will Elisa ride away with the lead? Join the girls as they take on this week's APARTMENT (PHYSICAL) THERAPY Challenge, doing workout videos!
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.
AMANDA: 10 points (58 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Swam at the Beach)
CARRIE: 11 points (59 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Special Report Challenge (Running Mates)
1 point = OMG Challenge (Running without iPod)
1 point = Iron Challenge (Weight Lifting)
ELISA: 9 points (55 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Different Time AND Different Place)
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.
AMANDA: 10 points (58 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Swam at the Beach)
CARRIE: 11 points (59 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Special Report Challenge (Running Mates)
1 point = OMG Challenge (Running without iPod)
1 point = Iron Challenge (Weight Lifting)
ELISA: 9 points (55 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Different Time AND Different Place)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
LinkaPalooza!
Here are a bunch of links to all things cycling that I check regularly. Enjoy!
Cyclelicious-great site about cycling life in the US.
Copenhagen Cycling Chic- Streetstyle and Bike Advocacy in High Heels. My destination for cycling fashion help.
Copenhagenize-the Mecca of cycling cities. Sister (Brother) blog to Cycling Chic.
Ecovelo-one of my favorites. Great for urban cycling and commuters. Beautiful photos as well.
Commute By Bike-tips, news and techniques for bike commuters. From beginner to expert.
Urban Velo-great magazine/website about urban cycling. You can also download the magazine issues for free each month (although I think I am going to get a 'real' subscription so I can save them).
Great article in Urban Velo about city planning.
Brocycle and Tonight we Ride-cool guys in Birmingham. Friends of mine who are helping bring cycling back to the Magic City.
Two Five Fix-Fixed gear scene in Huntsville. Nice guys who are total badass riders.
Swobo-How to avoid the Bummer Life. Also great cycling merch and gear.
enjoy!
Cyclelicious-great site about cycling life in the US.
Copenhagen Cycling Chic- Streetstyle and Bike Advocacy in High Heels. My destination for cycling fashion help.
Copenhagenize-the Mecca of cycling cities. Sister (Brother) blog to Cycling Chic.
Ecovelo-one of my favorites. Great for urban cycling and commuters. Beautiful photos as well.
Commute By Bike-tips, news and techniques for bike commuters. From beginner to expert.
Urban Velo-great magazine/website about urban cycling. You can also download the magazine issues for free each month (although I think I am going to get a 'real' subscription so I can save them).
Great article in Urban Velo about city planning.
Brocycle and Tonight we Ride-cool guys in Birmingham. Friends of mine who are helping bring cycling back to the Magic City.
Two Five Fix-Fixed gear scene in Huntsville. Nice guys who are total badass riders.
Swobo-How to avoid the Bummer Life. Also great cycling merch and gear.
enjoy!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Movie Review: Prefontaine
Tonight I watched Prefontaine, a somewhat poorly acted film (it's set up kind of like a documentary, but with actors playing the interviewees ... unless Al Bundy really did coach Track and Field) about running legend Steve Prefontaine.
I was struck by the importance of competition on Pre's running — and on athletics in general, really. Why do runners make their best times in competition? What is it about the race that pushes us to go further than we would on an everyday run?
We Triathabloggers get this question a LOT: Why have a competition? Why not do this on your own?
For me, the answer's so simple: We compete because it pushes us further. And we compete because it's fun.
Did Steve Prefontaine showboat? Yeah, and so do we (read the previous post if you need proof). But did he come through for his team when they needed him? He did. And so do we, coming through for each other with affirmation and support (see Amanda and Elisa's comments on my last Special Report if you need proof) when we need it.
We're not the type of girls who enjoy running alone on treadmills. We're girls who want to dive in, run harder, ride farther. We're girls who like a challenge, and we're girls who like to win. With Triathablog, we embrace that.
Prefontaine is a lackluster movie, but Pre's story does shine through. Plus there's lots of retro facial hair, some interesting history (about the Munich Olympics and the founding of Nike, particularly), and plenty of shirtless shots of Jordan Catalano (okay, Jared Leto). All in all, not a bad rental.
I was struck by the importance of competition on Pre's running — and on athletics in general, really. Why do runners make their best times in competition? What is it about the race that pushes us to go further than we would on an everyday run?
We Triathabloggers get this question a LOT: Why have a competition? Why not do this on your own?
For me, the answer's so simple: We compete because it pushes us further. And we compete because it's fun.
Did Steve Prefontaine showboat? Yeah, and so do we (read the previous post if you need proof). But did he come through for his team when they needed him? He did. And so do we, coming through for each other with affirmation and support (see Amanda and Elisa's comments on my last Special Report if you need proof) when we need it.
We're not the type of girls who enjoy running alone on treadmills. We're girls who want to dive in, run harder, ride farther. We're girls who like a challenge, and we're girls who like to win. With Triathablog, we embrace that.
Prefontaine is a lackluster movie, but Pre's story does shine through. Plus there's lots of retro facial hair, some interesting history (about the Munich Olympics and the founding of Nike, particularly), and plenty of shirtless shots of Jordan Catalano (okay, Jared Leto). All in all, not a bad rental.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
top ten reasons why my sport is better/harder/deserves bonus points
- Swimming is a total body workout. Every muscle is involved to get you from one end of the pool to the other, and your heart rate gets super high.
- It is performed, most often, indoors. When winter comes, my competitors will be so sad. And cold.
- Good-looking, shirtless dudes all year.
- When I'm done, I'm not sweaty and smelly.
- Because I am only 1.5 yards of fabric away from naked.
- There is always a hot tub in close proximity.
- Less washing of the workout gear - just let it dry. This may be gross, but it is efficient.
- No impact on the joints.
- Have you seen swimmers' backs? Dang.
- Two words: bikini line. That's all I'm gonna say.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Why I love my commute, Part One: The City
This is the first in a series of posts describing my favorite things about my bike commute. Today I focus on the city.
The city is an active participant in my trip. The life of the city is not shut off from me by metal and glass, and I love it. When you are on a bike, you feel the city more. The roads, the animals, the garbage collectors...they are no longer something I feel or see out my window, they are something I interact with.
The way I see the city has changed. It may sound cheesy, but the city has different moods. In the morning, it is wide awake and excited. Afternoon is slower and gentler. Night is quiet and solemn, with an edginess to it that is indescribable. I get to see all the shadows that are missed at 30 miles per hour and the flowers growing up in the cracks (which I often narrowly miss).
I can tell you who had a baby recently and who gets packages that they leave on their porches all day. Wondering when most of the city gets home each day? I can tell you...around 5:25. Before that the driveways are mostly empty.
I smell the city when I ride. I can tell you who is eating bacon and what time the BBQ joint starts smoking the meat for the day (around 7). I smell when a truck has recently been on the road, and when a woman in a convertible has worn entirely too much perfume (yes, this happens more than you would think). I can also smell the morning, all dewy and fresh. Morning smells completely different from evening, when the shadows are longer and the smells are more industrial. Exhaust, tar, burned rubber, these are the evening smells...occasionally punctuated by the smell of someone cooking on the grill. The night smells change often and are harder to describe, but I get to smell each one and I consider myself lucky for that.
I hear the city. I hear children yelling inside houses before school and dogs barking (a LOT of dogs barking). I hear lawnmowers and car doors slamming. When a car hits a bump, I hear it and automatically move more to the side. Leaves crackling, branches falling, I hear all of it. I hear people cursing the traffic when their windows are open and kids talking about their day excitedly on the way home. I hear the music people listen to, which is often surprising. The city has a beat that I pedal to.
So many of our communities are full of strip malls and large roads. Every time I ride, it feels like I am reclaiming my city. Refusing to experience it from a distance. Loving it in new ways each and every time I ride. I live in the city.
So get out there and reclaim your city. You would be surprised at how different it is.
Image from BikeHugger.com
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Special Report: Running Mates
I'm always amazed by just how new women's rights are to the world. It's great to imagine those suffragettes marching for the vote — which women in the U.S. didn't get until 1920, not even 100 years ago. But all those flappers seem a long way away.
In 1966, women still weren't allowed admission to Yale or Harvard (Yale allowed women in 1969, Harvard not until 1972). And they weren't allowed to run marathons, either. The standard thought was women's bodies couldn't handle the strain, and they would die — yes, die — from running a marathon.
Roberta "Bobbi" Gibb found out about the limitation after applying to run Boston and being denied. That year, she traveled the country in her VW bus (so sixies!), training the whole way. The next year, she decided to run without official authorization. She dressed in men's clothes and hid in the bushes until the start, then joined the pack.
The next year, Kathrine Switzer was the first to run Boston with an actual race number — she had to register using only her initials and get her coach to pick up her number so officials wouldn't know she was a woman. They didn't know she was a woman until she started running — then it got ugly. Two race officials ran after Switzer, trying to physically remove her from the race, or at least tear off her number. (Actually, Gibb ran that year, too, but without a number. She was forced off the course right before the finish.)
Both women talk about how amazing the men who ran with them acted at the events. Men circled both women, offering support in Gibb's case and protection in Switzer's. I'm proud of those men, who supported their fellow athletes despite stereotypes against them. And I'm amazed by women who managed to run over 26 miles, proving themselves under the pressure of proving the strength of an entire gender.
Many countries STILL treat women as second class citizens, denying not only important rights like voting and choosing who to marry, but also robbing them of small things we take for granted, like heading out for a jog.
A couple years ago I read Nine Parts of Desire, by Geraldine Brooks, a great book about women in the Middle East. One of the chapters describes the struggles of female Muslim athletes, who can't go out in public unless they're wearing a burqa. I found it difficult to run in ladybug wings ... I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it covered head to toe in fabric.
Most of my life, I considered running — or any exercise, really — a chore, and I felt sorry for myself when I had to do it. Now I realize heading out for a run is a freedom that thousands of women still don't have.
Gibb writes that she entered the Boston Marathon because she loves running, not to make a statement. But she is philosophical about her run: "We talk a lot about peace," she says. "But what is peace? It is not just a passive state of acquiescence. Peace is a dynamic state of human interrelationship, based on fairness and consideration, which requires the hard work of becoming fully who we are and encouraging others to do the same."
Today, we vote. I can't express how important I believe it is to exercise this freedom that so many have fought for. But it's also important not to take our "everyday" freedoms for granted. The freedom to run a marathon. The freedom to join the corporate world. The freedom to choose who to marry — or to choose not to marry at all.
Today, I will vote, and I'll be grateful for the freedom to do it. And today, I'll run, and I'll be thankful that I'm able to do that, too.
In 1966, women still weren't allowed admission to Yale or Harvard (Yale allowed women in 1969, Harvard not until 1972). And they weren't allowed to run marathons, either. The standard thought was women's bodies couldn't handle the strain, and they would die — yes, die — from running a marathon.
Roberta "Bobbi" Gibb found out about the limitation after applying to run Boston and being denied. That year, she traveled the country in her VW bus (so sixies!), training the whole way. The next year, she decided to run without official authorization. She dressed in men's clothes and hid in the bushes until the start, then joined the pack.
The next year, Kathrine Switzer was the first to run Boston with an actual race number — she had to register using only her initials and get her coach to pick up her number so officials wouldn't know she was a woman. They didn't know she was a woman until she started running — then it got ugly. Two race officials ran after Switzer, trying to physically remove her from the race, or at least tear off her number. (Actually, Gibb ran that year, too, but without a number. She was forced off the course right before the finish.)Both women talk about how amazing the men who ran with them acted at the events. Men circled both women, offering support in Gibb's case and protection in Switzer's. I'm proud of those men, who supported their fellow athletes despite stereotypes against them. And I'm amazed by women who managed to run over 26 miles, proving themselves under the pressure of proving the strength of an entire gender.
Many countries STILL treat women as second class citizens, denying not only important rights like voting and choosing who to marry, but also robbing them of small things we take for granted, like heading out for a jog.
A couple years ago I read Nine Parts of Desire, by Geraldine Brooks, a great book about women in the Middle East. One of the chapters describes the struggles of female Muslim athletes, who can't go out in public unless they're wearing a burqa. I found it difficult to run in ladybug wings ... I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it covered head to toe in fabric.
Most of my life, I considered running — or any exercise, really — a chore, and I felt sorry for myself when I had to do it. Now I realize heading out for a run is a freedom that thousands of women still don't have.
Gibb writes that she entered the Boston Marathon because she loves running, not to make a statement. But she is philosophical about her run: "We talk a lot about peace," she says. "But what is peace? It is not just a passive state of acquiescence. Peace is a dynamic state of human interrelationship, based on fairness and consideration, which requires the hard work of becoming fully who we are and encouraging others to do the same."
Today, we vote. I can't express how important I believe it is to exercise this freedom that so many have fought for. But it's also important not to take our "everyday" freedoms for granted. The freedom to run a marathon. The freedom to join the corporate world. The freedom to choose who to marry — or to choose not to marry at all.
Today, I will vote, and I'll be grateful for the freedom to do it. And today, I'll run, and I'll be thankful that I'm able to do that, too.
Monday, November 3, 2008
And the Winner Is ...
Wow, you guys are good. We were pretty impressed by the variety of challenges (and saddened by how much some of you want to humiliate us). Here's what you came up with:
The HURTS SO GOOD Challenge: What about getting a massage? It is good for you and your body. Plus, let's face it-you Triathagirls could use a break. (Anonymous)
The H2-WHOA Challenge: Drink a gallon of water each day... that's healthy! (Anonymous)
The DANCE TRANCE Challenge: You should all totally come lindy hop with us one Monday night in all your retro swing cat glory. (Natalie)
The MINI ME Challenge: Practice your sport with a kid you know...kind of an evangelistic challenge. (Kristen)
The DOUBLEMINT Challenge: Players must increase their workouts by 100%. This means that each athlete must partake in one hour of cardiovascular activity for four days out of the week. It is up to Sanjay to determine if it is acceptable to substitute another cardiovascular activity in the place of your respectivly assigned forms of exercise. However, you will not be able to use this to claim points for the Copycat Challenge. Sanjay must also decide if it is acceptable to spread out the four hours of total exercise throughout the seven day week, but again, you will not be allowed to claim this additional time as criteria met for the Flux Capacitor Challenge. This
is meant to push you to your limits, not shower you with opportunities to amass extra points. Come on ladies, lets see who wants this the most. (John)
The GET PERSONAL Challenge: i think you should set up an appointment with a personal trainer. i think they're okay with it being a one-time thing, and they'd help you set up a good lifting routine and give you cardio tips. a session isn't that expensive, and maybe if you offered to advertise for them, they'd give you a discount. (Jenn)
The SHOUT! SHOUT! LET IT ALL OUT! Challenge: While doing your sport, you should have to randomly shout out cheesy self-encouragement phrases. And I mean SHOUT. Turret's-like. (Josh)
The MENTOR Challenge: Work out with someone who is better at your sport than you are. (Amanda)
The BUDDY SYSTEM Challenge: Work out with someone else all week. (Anna)
Voting was pretty intense, but we've come up with a winner. Without further ado, this week's challenge is:
The H2-WHOA Challenge — Each participant must drink a GALLON of water each day this week.
But in a way, everyone's a winner (well, everyone who suggested challenges, anyway). This week, we're all drinking water. But remember, each challenge can be performed three times. So, once we do the water challenge, we get to pick from any of your suggestions for the future weeks. So, stay tuned ... you might just see your challenge get its day in the Triathasun.
The HURTS SO GOOD Challenge: What about getting a massage? It is good for you and your body. Plus, let's face it-you Triathagirls could use a break. (Anonymous)
The H2-WHOA Challenge: Drink a gallon of water each day... that's healthy! (Anonymous)
The DANCE TRANCE Challenge: You should all totally come lindy hop with us one Monday night in all your retro swing cat glory. (Natalie)
The MINI ME Challenge: Practice your sport with a kid you know...kind of an evangelistic challenge. (Kristen)
The DOUBLEMINT Challenge: Players must increase their workouts by 100%. This means that each athlete must partake in one hour of cardiovascular activity for four days out of the week. It is up to Sanjay to determine if it is acceptable to substitute another cardiovascular activity in the place of your respectivly assigned forms of exercise. However, you will not be able to use this to claim points for the Copycat Challenge. Sanjay must also decide if it is acceptable to spread out the four hours of total exercise throughout the seven day week, but again, you will not be allowed to claim this additional time as criteria met for the Flux Capacitor Challenge. This
is meant to push you to your limits, not shower you with opportunities to amass extra points. Come on ladies, lets see who wants this the most. (John)
The GET PERSONAL Challenge: i think you should set up an appointment with a personal trainer. i think they're okay with it being a one-time thing, and they'd help you set up a good lifting routine and give you cardio tips. a session isn't that expensive, and maybe if you offered to advertise for them, they'd give you a discount. (Jenn)
The SHOUT! SHOUT! LET IT ALL OUT! Challenge: While doing your sport, you should have to randomly shout out cheesy self-encouragement phrases. And I mean SHOUT. Turret's-like. (Josh)
The MENTOR Challenge: Work out with someone who is better at your sport than you are. (Amanda)
The BUDDY SYSTEM Challenge: Work out with someone else all week. (Anna)
Voting was pretty intense, but we've come up with a winner. Without further ado, this week's challenge is:
The H2-WHOA Challenge — Each participant must drink a GALLON of water each day this week.
But in a way, everyone's a winner (well, everyone who suggested challenges, anyway). This week, we're all drinking water. But remember, each challenge can be performed three times. So, once we do the water challenge, we get to pick from any of your suggestions for the future weeks. So, stay tuned ... you might just see your challenge get its day in the Triathasun.
progress reports and fashion flippers
Welcome to the segment of Triathablog where I brag about my accomplishments and blatantly stroke my own ego.
This past week marked a milestone of sorts for me in this Triathajourney. Before I started swimming, I would have never guessed how ridiculously hard it is. My first couple of weeks in the water I had to go through a mental checklist while swimming to make sure I was doing everything. "Am I moving my arms? Am I breathing? Am I kicking my feet? Am I not drowning?" Most of the time, I was not doing one or more of those things. Usually the kicking of the feet, which will certainly get you nowhere fast. Swimming, for me, has been more taxing on the ol' respiratory system than running ever was (yeah, Carrie - I said that). In the beginning I was taking long breaks after each lap, and have slowly worked my way up to doing multiple laps at a time. The introduction of the flip turn has helped tremendously in shortening the down time.
Not only am I competitive with the other ladies in Triathablog, I am also competitive with myself. I find that I make bets with myself to do things in the pool - and life in general. "I bet you can't fold your laundry within the next five minutes!" Or, "I bet you can't swim 100 meters without stopping!" These challenges are usually met with an obstinate, "Oh, yeah? Watch this!" I realize that this makes me a Crazy, but it works. Don't judge me.
Last week I bet myself that I couldn't swim 200 meters with flip turns without stopping. Not only did I do it, but I beat my wager by 50 meters! I was very proud of myself, and promptly told anyone who would listen. If you would care to shower me with praise, please do so in the comments section.
On a totally unrelated note, I ran across these online last week while attempting to find a costume to swim in. They may be the most ridiculous things I have ever seen.
This past week marked a milestone of sorts for me in this Triathajourney. Before I started swimming, I would have never guessed how ridiculously hard it is. My first couple of weeks in the water I had to go through a mental checklist while swimming to make sure I was doing everything. "Am I moving my arms? Am I breathing? Am I kicking my feet? Am I not drowning?" Most of the time, I was not doing one or more of those things. Usually the kicking of the feet, which will certainly get you nowhere fast. Swimming, for me, has been more taxing on the ol' respiratory system than running ever was (yeah, Carrie - I said that). In the beginning I was taking long breaks after each lap, and have slowly worked my way up to doing multiple laps at a time. The introduction of the flip turn has helped tremendously in shortening the down time.
Not only am I competitive with the other ladies in Triathablog, I am also competitive with myself. I find that I make bets with myself to do things in the pool - and life in general. "I bet you can't fold your laundry within the next five minutes!" Or, "I bet you can't swim 100 meters without stopping!" These challenges are usually met with an obstinate, "Oh, yeah? Watch this!" I realize that this makes me a Crazy, but it works. Don't judge me.
Last week I bet myself that I couldn't swim 200 meters with flip turns without stopping. Not only did I do it, but I beat my wager by 50 meters! I was very proud of myself, and promptly told anyone who would listen. If you would care to shower me with praise, please do so in the comments section.
On a totally unrelated note, I ran across these online last week while attempting to find a costume to swim in. They may be the most ridiculous things I have ever seen.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Weekly Totals = Amanda 48, Carrie 48, Elisa 46
Sharpen your pencils and put on your thinking caps, because today's your LAST CHANCE to suggest a Physical Challenge!
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details. Then just comment on any post to suggest your own. We'll announce the winning challenge tomorrow — and the winning suggestion earns you a free Triathablog t-shirt!
AMANDA: 8 points (48 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
1 point = Special Report Challenge
1 point = Santa Challenge (Basketball)
1 point = OMG Challenge (Swam 250 Meters WITH Flip Turns!)
CARRIE: 12 points (48 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Masquerade Challenge (Ladybug)
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Different Time)
1 point = Touch Your Toes Challenge (Yoga)
1 point = Iron Challenge (Weight Lifting)
1 point = Hemingway Challenge (Fitness Journal)
ELISA: 8 points (46 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Masquerade Challenge (Police Woman)
"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details. Then just comment on any post to suggest your own. We'll announce the winning challenge tomorrow — and the winning suggestion earns you a free Triathablog t-shirt!
AMANDA: 8 points (48 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
1 point = Special Report Challenge
1 point = Santa Challenge (Basketball)
1 point = OMG Challenge (Swam 250 Meters WITH Flip Turns!)
CARRIE: 12 points (48 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Masquerade Challenge (Ladybug)
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Different Time)
1 point = Touch Your Toes Challenge (Yoga)
1 point = Iron Challenge (Weight Lifting)
1 point = Hemingway Challenge (Fitness Journal)
ELISA: 8 points (46 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Masquerade Challenge (Police Woman)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
You are what you wear.
Been wondering how to wear your Triathalove? Well, wait no longer. Triathablog Tshirts are here! We have three awesome designs to chose from. Order them today! American Apparel T-shirts, cool Turquoise color (swatch below). Sizes Women's M, L (they run small), Men's M, L, XL (also run small). Will have actual model photos tomorrow. Send us an email or comment to order, include design and size. $12 each. Cash or check only for now (working on paypal), allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery max. Stand out while breaking a sweat (or hanging out!).
Great Christmas Gifts! bulk discounts available...
Watch out for Fast Girls
color swatch:
Order today! Be the coolest kid on the block. (Childs sizes available by request)
Great Christmas Gifts! bulk discounts available...
Watch out for Fast Girls
color swatch:
Order today! Be the coolest kid on the block. (Childs sizes available by request)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
