I haven't worked out in a week -- my neck is finally feeling somewhat better and I will get back out there tomorrow and do SOMEthing... but something is lost when you take this much time off. You doubt yourself, your commitment, your body's capacity to perform. I'm scared that the athlete who I used to be has faded away into the oblivion of getting older. If my neck is like this at 30, what will it be at 60? It's a frightening prospect, especially since I hoped that all this working out would strengthen things, not make it worse.
I also wonder if my head is just too big for my neck. But then I think I have a thick neck, which should be able to accommodate such a large pumpkin head. :-)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
I've got a major stiffie...
My neck is still pretty bad - it's painful and stiff. The chiropractor definitely helped but i would say that it'll be at LEAST one more day and maybe the whole weekend before i try to work out again.
Maybe I can do something light tomorrow; we'll see.
Maybe I can do something light tomorrow; we'll see.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Huge Pain in the Neck
I suffered a pretty big setback today. Last night a s I was adjusting my pillow in bed, my whole neck just seized up. It's not the first time it has happened, but every time it does it just throws my whole world into 'pause'. It's excruciating and incapacitating, not to mention expensive (already went to the chiro this morning for a cool $95).
I'm about to begin the ice/heat/ice/heat process for the rest of the day. I have made myself as comfortable as possible on the couch, but it is all relative -- the pain hasn't stopped. I guess I will use this time to continue to read/work on the worst paper of my master's program yet, and pray that the adjustment today helps enough to get me back out training in a day or two. Thank god there's leftover vicodin in the house. I may also go in for some lidocaine injections if my stupid HMO orthopedic doctor can get me in within the century.
UGH. UGH.
I'm about to begin the ice/heat/ice/heat process for the rest of the day. I have made myself as comfortable as possible on the couch, but it is all relative -- the pain hasn't stopped. I guess I will use this time to continue to read/work on the worst paper of my master's program yet, and pray that the adjustment today helps enough to get me back out training in a day or two. Thank god there's leftover vicodin in the house. I may also go in for some lidocaine injections if my stupid HMO orthopedic doctor can get me in within the century.
UGH. UGH.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Beached Whale
I seem to be missing a little thing called the "whoosh". Coming off a somewhat disappointing swim on sunday, Brad kept close track of my swimming today and well, it turns out I just am not that aerodynamic...or hydrodynamic....It's kinda like pushing a fire hydrant thru the water -- speed is not exactly the result.
My main issue is breathing. I know...small detail. But seriously, though I've learned to breathe in a systematic way every 3 strokes, both to the left AND right, it is a huge gasping desperate attempt for air every single time. Sometimes there's a wheezing noise that accompanies it. Occasionally, I drink a fair amount of water...and whether it has chlorine or salt as the primary ingredient, they both suck.
Turns out I'm a flat swimmer, or at least I just coined that term. I tend not to rotate and because of this, I'm lacking graceful, smooth long strokes, turning to the left and right with ease to get my face fully out of the water to take in oxygen. I lack the "whoosh".
So today Brad kept telling me to keep it smooth, to lengthen, to turn and keep my reaching arm out instead of windmilling desperately to make it to the other side of the pool. Finally at the end of the workout, I was told that I have to now start every practice with 400 meters of 1-arms/regular stroke...not my idea of fun. But I must be broken of my bad habits.
Now to add insult to injury, Brad had me get up on the deck. I asked "are you about to publicly humiliate me?" He said "no". But then he had me lay on my stomach on the deck and practice rolling on each side one at a time, practicing my stroke. Yeah, there's nothing quite like being ass up in broad daylight. Not that i don't LOVE my ass (dripping sarcasm), but I am kinda that person that yells 'HEY LOOK, IT'S ELVIS!' and when everyone turns to look, I rip off my clothes and cannonball into the pool. So I wasn't thrilled, but i picked up what Brad was putting down. And I realize that the bad form is only holding me back.
I think I might start a new olympic sport. Power deck swimming. Ass up.
My main issue is breathing. I know...small detail. But seriously, though I've learned to breathe in a systematic way every 3 strokes, both to the left AND right, it is a huge gasping desperate attempt for air every single time. Sometimes there's a wheezing noise that accompanies it. Occasionally, I drink a fair amount of water...and whether it has chlorine or salt as the primary ingredient, they both suck.
Turns out I'm a flat swimmer, or at least I just coined that term. I tend not to rotate and because of this, I'm lacking graceful, smooth long strokes, turning to the left and right with ease to get my face fully out of the water to take in oxygen. I lack the "whoosh".
So today Brad kept telling me to keep it smooth, to lengthen, to turn and keep my reaching arm out instead of windmilling desperately to make it to the other side of the pool. Finally at the end of the workout, I was told that I have to now start every practice with 400 meters of 1-arms/regular stroke...not my idea of fun. But I must be broken of my bad habits.
Now to add insult to injury, Brad had me get up on the deck. I asked "are you about to publicly humiliate me?" He said "no". But then he had me lay on my stomach on the deck and practice rolling on each side one at a time, practicing my stroke. Yeah, there's nothing quite like being ass up in broad daylight. Not that i don't LOVE my ass (dripping sarcasm), but I am kinda that person that yells 'HEY LOOK, IT'S ELVIS!' and when everyone turns to look, I rip off my clothes and cannonball into the pool. So I wasn't thrilled, but i picked up what Brad was putting down. And I realize that the bad form is only holding me back.
I think I might start a new olympic sport. Power deck swimming. Ass up.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Reality Check
Yesterday I competed in my first multi-sport race. I spent about 1/2 hour in bed between 6 and 6:30 a.m. debating sleeping in till noon, or getting down to the beach by 7 to register for the 9:00 a.m. Aquathlon. This one time, ambition won out and the comfy bed lost its bid to seduce me.
So I arrived for the event, wetsuit and running gear in tow, exhausted but also kinda...just KINDA...excited. This event is called "Playa Del Run" and consists of 1000m swim and a 5k(3.1. mile) run. Encouraged by the fact some of my teammates would be there, I thought it would be a good practice thing to do, to experience swimming in the water with 150+ other people, something I haven't done yet.
Around 8:45 a.m., after chitchat, nervous talk with some of my other fellow novices, and readjusting my transition area 67 times, we walked over to the start on the beach. I was squeezed 1/2 way into my wetsuit and oh MAN was it boiling hot in that sun. I actually couldn't wait to get in the water. In the little holding pen, I saw Erik running towards me, looking for me in the sea of people...I was happy he had made it to witness this hot mess compete in her first race.
Then the whistle went off and we barrel-assed towards the sea...the course was straight in towards a huge yellow buoy, hang a right, go down to the 3rd buoy then straight back in. Initially, I started in the back, but dove in with gusto. I'm nothing if not competitive. Turns out I'm also slow. Though around the first turn there were tons of us, by the final turn towards the beach, I suddenly felt oddly alone. I figured I was either kicking everyone's ass, or somewhere in the middleof the ocean about to do a Tom Hanks scene from Castaway. Turns out I was the latter...I struggled out of the water feeling like I weighed about 400 pounds, and turned aroudn to see VERY few people behind me in the water....Erik was there cheering me on as I ran up the beach and I managed to gasp "am i last?"...He said "no"...ok, phew....
Up to transition area, got my wetsuit off, put on the shoes and hat and took off. The 1st 1/2 of the run sucked. It was a 2-loop course so as I came around the end of the first loop, some guy was like '2 MORE MINUTES!!!'. I snorted b/c while i'm sure it WAS 2 more minutes for some people who had easily lapped me, I still had at least another 15. If I had had the strength I would have clotheslined that guy. So I ran and ran and ran some more, but did not stop once to walk, so that's SOMEthing. I finally got to the end and crossed just as I saw the time 55:45 flash. I actually did the 5K in 33 minutes, which considering it was preceded by my first swim race of 22 minutes, is not half bad for ME.
Ok, so Erik put a fake microphone in my face at the end and said 'how do you feel?' Other than wanting to face plant in the sand, I had a mix of emotions. On one hand I was psyched I did it in under an hour. On the other hand, I was really surprised at how slow my swim was. I'm not sure I pushed myself as hard as I could go, because I knew there was a run behind it, but I did think I'd do better. I KNOW I hate the run and suck at it, but I was unpleasantly surprised about the swim. Also, realizing that I would have to do double the run at the tri in june worries me....I think I really need to step up the running practice and improve on my swimming speed.
So preliminarily, I came in 168th out of 178th overall (so yeah, ALMOST last), but that doesn't include some people who didn't finish. I was 150th in the swim and 149th in the run timewise. And I think it was a pretty seasoned crowd of athletes.
The sunny side of the street is that this shows I have lots of room for improvement, which is something to look forward to. I really need to get some weight off -- I"m sure even 10 pounds would help enormously. It's been 3.5 months of training...really getting BACK in half-way decent shape. once the baseline is established, I know I can do a lot better.
The rest of my day consisted of sleep and whining about my sore body. But still, I'm really glad I did it as it helped me see exactly where I stand (and swim and run) in all this stuff.
So I arrived for the event, wetsuit and running gear in tow, exhausted but also kinda...just KINDA...excited. This event is called "Playa Del Run" and consists of 1000m swim and a 5k(3.1. mile) run. Encouraged by the fact some of my teammates would be there, I thought it would be a good practice thing to do, to experience swimming in the water with 150+ other people, something I haven't done yet.
Around 8:45 a.m., after chitchat, nervous talk with some of my other fellow novices, and readjusting my transition area 67 times, we walked over to the start on the beach. I was squeezed 1/2 way into my wetsuit and oh MAN was it boiling hot in that sun. I actually couldn't wait to get in the water. In the little holding pen, I saw Erik running towards me, looking for me in the sea of people...I was happy he had made it to witness this hot mess compete in her first race.
Then the whistle went off and we barrel-assed towards the sea...the course was straight in towards a huge yellow buoy, hang a right, go down to the 3rd buoy then straight back in. Initially, I started in the back, but dove in with gusto. I'm nothing if not competitive. Turns out I'm also slow. Though around the first turn there were tons of us, by the final turn towards the beach, I suddenly felt oddly alone. I figured I was either kicking everyone's ass, or somewhere in the middleof the ocean about to do a Tom Hanks scene from Castaway. Turns out I was the latter...I struggled out of the water feeling like I weighed about 400 pounds, and turned aroudn to see VERY few people behind me in the water....Erik was there cheering me on as I ran up the beach and I managed to gasp "am i last?"...He said "no"...ok, phew....
Up to transition area, got my wetsuit off, put on the shoes and hat and took off. The 1st 1/2 of the run sucked. It was a 2-loop course so as I came around the end of the first loop, some guy was like '2 MORE MINUTES!!!'. I snorted b/c while i'm sure it WAS 2 more minutes for some people who had easily lapped me, I still had at least another 15. If I had had the strength I would have clotheslined that guy. So I ran and ran and ran some more, but did not stop once to walk, so that's SOMEthing. I finally got to the end and crossed just as I saw the time 55:45 flash. I actually did the 5K in 33 minutes, which considering it was preceded by my first swim race of 22 minutes, is not half bad for ME.
Ok, so Erik put a fake microphone in my face at the end and said 'how do you feel?' Other than wanting to face plant in the sand, I had a mix of emotions. On one hand I was psyched I did it in under an hour. On the other hand, I was really surprised at how slow my swim was. I'm not sure I pushed myself as hard as I could go, because I knew there was a run behind it, but I did think I'd do better. I KNOW I hate the run and suck at it, but I was unpleasantly surprised about the swim. Also, realizing that I would have to do double the run at the tri in june worries me....I think I really need to step up the running practice and improve on my swimming speed.
So preliminarily, I came in 168th out of 178th overall (so yeah, ALMOST last), but that doesn't include some people who didn't finish. I was 150th in the swim and 149th in the run timewise. And I think it was a pretty seasoned crowd of athletes.
The sunny side of the street is that this shows I have lots of room for improvement, which is something to look forward to. I really need to get some weight off -- I"m sure even 10 pounds would help enormously. It's been 3.5 months of training...really getting BACK in half-way decent shape. once the baseline is established, I know I can do a lot better.
The rest of my day consisted of sleep and whining about my sore body. But still, I'm really glad I did it as it helped me see exactly where I stand (and swim and run) in all this stuff.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Sand in the Crack
Today I did my first REAL ocean swim...like, there were waves and everything. The last 2 times we've been in the water it's been in the nasty disgusting Long Beach closed bay -- basically standing water, with the taste and after-taste to match. So it was refreshing and really a lot of fun to go out into the big ocean.
When we got in at 7:15 a.m. for our first 500 m loop, the waves were small. We learned to dive under the waves and hold onto the bottom so we don't get pulled backwards. Then once you're past the surf you swim and swim and swim, realize you're nowhere near the target buoy, double back, and then finally get where you're going. Heading back to shore, with a north-moving current, you have to swim south and you sorta maybe end up where you were supposed to get out of the water. AFter running back to the original spot, we did it again, only this time the waves were large enough that there were surfers everywhere. Four of us manned up and did a second 500 loop (even though we still maintain our guppie status), and finally made it back in. Coming in is the fun part -- there is *some* swimming involved but far more body surfing and baywatch running (in slow motion, of course) through the surf.
Afterwards we sat in the sand for a little while and jumped around in the waves...until mean coach Brad made us go bike and run. Ok, so he's not mean, but maybe was a little grumpy and hungover after celebrating his 40th birthday yesterday. If anyone gives meaning to the saying "40 is the new 30", it's Brad - awesome guy, coach, and definitely inspiring and great to work with.
Ok, so we took off on the bike ride, through venice and around the marina -- about a 10 mile loop. Even though I got lost briefly, somehow I ended up back with the pack by the end.
I usually spend most of the ride dreading the run. No matter how well I handle the swim and bike, having that most hated part of the day hanging over my head really bums me out. I am trying to start saying "I LOVE running" as much as possible, hoping it will improve the experience...but goddammit, i HATE running. wait, no...i mean i LOVE running.. :)
We transitioned to the 5K run, which I apparently extended a few tenths of a mile by going too far, but whatever, I probably needed it. I ran pretty much all of it and actually had a thought near the end that I would do just fine at the actual triathlon. So yeah, a good day...er, morning. While I cursed Brad at 6 a.m. for making us be in the ocean by 7, with the heat like it was by 10:00 a.m., I'd say he knows what he's doing.
Ok, i'm tired now. Time for the 4th leg...remember? it's "nap" - no equipment required.
*snore*
When we got in at 7:15 a.m. for our first 500 m loop, the waves were small. We learned to dive under the waves and hold onto the bottom so we don't get pulled backwards. Then once you're past the surf you swim and swim and swim, realize you're nowhere near the target buoy, double back, and then finally get where you're going. Heading back to shore, with a north-moving current, you have to swim south and you sorta maybe end up where you were supposed to get out of the water. AFter running back to the original spot, we did it again, only this time the waves were large enough that there were surfers everywhere. Four of us manned up and did a second 500 loop (even though we still maintain our guppie status), and finally made it back in. Coming in is the fun part -- there is *some* swimming involved but far more body surfing and baywatch running (in slow motion, of course) through the surf.
Afterwards we sat in the sand for a little while and jumped around in the waves...until mean coach Brad made us go bike and run. Ok, so he's not mean, but maybe was a little grumpy and hungover after celebrating his 40th birthday yesterday. If anyone gives meaning to the saying "40 is the new 30", it's Brad - awesome guy, coach, and definitely inspiring and great to work with.
Ok, so we took off on the bike ride, through venice and around the marina -- about a 10 mile loop. Even though I got lost briefly, somehow I ended up back with the pack by the end.
I usually spend most of the ride dreading the run. No matter how well I handle the swim and bike, having that most hated part of the day hanging over my head really bums me out. I am trying to start saying "I LOVE running" as much as possible, hoping it will improve the experience...but goddammit, i HATE running. wait, no...i mean i LOVE running.. :)
We transitioned to the 5K run, which I apparently extended a few tenths of a mile by going too far, but whatever, I probably needed it. I ran pretty much all of it and actually had a thought near the end that I would do just fine at the actual triathlon. So yeah, a good day...er, morning. While I cursed Brad at 6 a.m. for making us be in the ocean by 7, with the heat like it was by 10:00 a.m., I'd say he knows what he's doing.
Ok, i'm tired now. Time for the 4th leg...remember? it's "nap" - no equipment required.
*snore*
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Rock! (and i don't mean my abs)
I'm ENGAGED to the love of my life!!!!!!!
He proposed on one knee in front of my family in the late part of the day sunday (well after the Mother's day festivities). I was shocked, said "yes" and then called him an asshole (mostly for surprising me YET again). It's very *me* and also caught on tape.
Here is the ring for all you voyeurs. :)
yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A good day!
So today we did about as close to the triathlon distance as we've done yet.
First a 3/4 mile swim (slowly and getting used to the water still) -- this is actually longer than I will have to swim.
Then we did a 2 HOUR BIKE RIDE. Granted it was only 1 hour 50 minutes because we had the wind behind us on the way back, but still.
Then an optional 2 mile run. I totally kicked ASS at this part. For the first time, I ran it in 18 minutes - that's 9 MINUTE MILES. not 10...9. I was completely about to puke by the end -- not sure where another 4.2 miles would come from, but I was really proud of my speed for this one. I rocked it.
Somehow I ended up at Renaissance fair in the afternoon and by the time i got home at 8, to have sushi with Erik, I was practically snoozing in my miso soup. It was a great training day, but man, exhausting. TIME FOR BED!!!!
I wish I could say that I'm ready to do the next big workout (tomorrow) on Sunday, but I usually am wrecked a full 24 hours afterwards. Some people are *actually* going to swim and bike tomorrow too. Nutso's. don't they know you must rest on Mother's Day????
First a 3/4 mile swim (slowly and getting used to the water still) -- this is actually longer than I will have to swim.
Then we did a 2 HOUR BIKE RIDE. Granted it was only 1 hour 50 minutes because we had the wind behind us on the way back, but still.
Then an optional 2 mile run. I totally kicked ASS at this part. For the first time, I ran it in 18 minutes - that's 9 MINUTE MILES. not 10...9. I was completely about to puke by the end -- not sure where another 4.2 miles would come from, but I was really proud of my speed for this one. I rocked it.
Somehow I ended up at Renaissance fair in the afternoon and by the time i got home at 8, to have sushi with Erik, I was practically snoozing in my miso soup. It was a great training day, but man, exhausting. TIME FOR BED!!!!
I wish I could say that I'm ready to do the next big workout (tomorrow) on Sunday, but I usually am wrecked a full 24 hours afterwards. Some people are *actually* going to swim and bike tomorrow too. Nutso's. don't they know you must rest on Mother's Day????
Friday, May 9, 2008
Boo-TAY! arrrrrrr
Yesterday, my ridiculously generous and supportive boyfriend took me to Top-to-Top running store. I was completely resigned to running in crap shoes and cut off sweats thru to the end of my Tri training, despite massive chafing and blistering, but for some odd reason, I am a lucky lucky girl. Maybe triathlon wasn't *quite* the best decision for a social work grad student...but I have had a lot of support and help in getting me the equipment I need for this very costly event Seriously, there is so much CRAP to buy....who knew? Don't buy the "all you really need is running shoes, a bathing suit, and a bike" line - it's a big load of hog-hooie.
So here is what I made out with yesterday.
New Nike Running shoes - beautiful red and grey...
"I *heart* Tri" moisture-wicking socks
3/4 length Running pants - the most comfortable things i've ever worn
A new teal running shirt
These shoelace tie thingies so I don't have to lace my shoes, just zip tie them
A water bottle running belt
More gu/gel/shot blocks than you can shake a stick at.
I can't say i was necessarily running faster or longer today, but i definitely was WAY cooler.
Thanks baby!!!!!!!!!
And also thanks to him, and my mom, a little finders fee from Missy and Jason for a real estate referral ,and overzealous personal spending habits, I am also in possession of (or about to be in possession of):
A beautiful road bike
A unitard/triathlon race thingy
Tri shorts
A bike shirt
A bike saddle bag
Odometer
New sports bra
Bike air pump and tire repair kit (that i don't know how to use)
An awesome bathing suit
Silicon Swim Cap
Pink Goggles
Does this give you an idea of what it takes yet??? sheesh. I'm tired writing it.
In case anyone is curious, I still need (want):
- a Bento Box for my bike (*update -- Erik just got me this! weeeee!)
- Aero-bars
- Leg/arm warmers
- More moisture-wicking thin socks
- Sunglasses
- Hand pump
- Deep-tissue massage
- A Job
Some of these things can be found at sporteve.com or at trilabs.com, though I don't think that includes the job.
ok, that's all i got.
Up at 6 a.m tomorrow for a swim/2-hour bike/2-mile run tomorrow in Long beach.
So here is what I made out with yesterday.
New Nike Running shoes - beautiful red and grey...
"I *heart* Tri" moisture-wicking socks
3/4 length Running pants - the most comfortable things i've ever worn
A new teal running shirt
These shoelace tie thingies so I don't have to lace my shoes, just zip tie them
A water bottle running belt
More gu/gel/shot blocks than you can shake a stick at.
I can't say i was necessarily running faster or longer today, but i definitely was WAY cooler.
Thanks baby!!!!!!!!!
And also thanks to him, and my mom, a little finders fee from Missy and Jason for a real estate referral ,and overzealous personal spending habits, I am also in possession of (or about to be in possession of):
A beautiful road bike
A unitard/triathlon race thingy
Tri shorts
A bike shirt
A bike saddle bag
Odometer
New sports bra
Bike air pump and tire repair kit (that i don't know how to use)
An awesome bathing suit
Silicon Swim Cap
Pink Goggles
Does this give you an idea of what it takes yet??? sheesh. I'm tired writing it.
In case anyone is curious, I still need (want):
- a Bento Box for my bike (*update -- Erik just got me this! weeeee!)
- Aero-bars
- Leg/arm warmers
- More moisture-wicking thin socks
- Sunglasses
- Hand pump
- Deep-tissue massage
- A Job
Some of these things can be found at sporteve.com or at trilabs.com, though I don't think that includes the job.
ok, that's all i got.
Up at 6 a.m tomorrow for a swim/2-hour bike/2-mile run tomorrow in Long beach.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
For the first time......
.....I am going to do every required workout this week.
I'll post a sample schedule later when I figure out how to make it fit in this blog.
:-)
I'll post a sample schedule later when I figure out how to make it fit in this blog.
:-)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Cow Tipping 2
Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimber....
Only this time into a ditch..and in front of people.
Let's face it -- that last skinned knee was kinda lame.
Here was a fun conversation that transpired with a teammate after the ride.
Teammate: "Holy Crap! How fast were you going?"
Me: "Zero point zero miles per hour."
Him: (disappointed) "Oh"
*************
I really need to learn:
a) ...how to drink while riding. If I hadn't had to stop to drink some water, this wouldn't have happened
b) ...to take the foot out of the bike clip that I intend to stand on.
Only this time into a ditch..and in front of people.
Let's face it -- that last skinned knee was kinda lame.
Here was a fun conversation that transpired with a teammate after the ride.
Teammate: "Holy Crap! How fast were you going?"
Me: "Zero point zero miles per hour."
Him: (disappointed) "Oh"
*************
I really need to learn:
a) ...how to drink while riding. If I hadn't had to stop to drink some water, this wouldn't have happened
b) ...to take the foot out of the bike clip that I intend to stand on.
Friday, May 2, 2008
How I feel about Getting Up at 6 a. m. Tomorrow Morning For Bike/Run Practice In Palos Verdes
Best represented by the multi-talented and expressive Cookie.....
CowTipping
Yesterday my body took a more unusual beating.
The bike clips finally got me. I had heard of it happening but remember cockily thinking 'nah, I totally get 'em...no problemo.'
I had gotten lost in in the hills of santa monica, or maybe it was brentwood -- I got confused as to which way to go and all of a sudden as I debated whether to stop or go, I felt it happen in slow motion...I couldn't wrestle my foot out of the clip and just ate it. Really it was worse and less interesting than truly taking good nosedive because i wasn't even moving. I just toppled over like a cow tipping in the night. Embarrassed and slighly bleeding, I managed to disengage my foot from my bike and get up. Not one person even leaned out the window to ask if i was ok. I felt a bizarre and impatient audience of hummers, mercedes, bmw's and maybe even a ferrari just stared at me. I think i heard a horn honk. I tucked my tail between my diaper-shorted legs and slunk off, ignoring the sting of my knee and pride. It wasn't my best moment. However, it WAS nice to get over the anticipation of my first fall and just get it over with.
And i'm really proud to show off my war scar today. Hold onto your socks!
i know...it's HUGE. ha ha.
I also tried to take a picture of my ego wound, but alas...
The bike clips finally got me. I had heard of it happening but remember cockily thinking 'nah, I totally get 'em...no problemo.'
I had gotten lost in in the hills of santa monica, or maybe it was brentwood -- I got confused as to which way to go and all of a sudden as I debated whether to stop or go, I felt it happen in slow motion...I couldn't wrestle my foot out of the clip and just ate it. Really it was worse and less interesting than truly taking good nosedive because i wasn't even moving. I just toppled over like a cow tipping in the night. Embarrassed and slighly bleeding, I managed to disengage my foot from my bike and get up. Not one person even leaned out the window to ask if i was ok. I felt a bizarre and impatient audience of hummers, mercedes, bmw's and maybe even a ferrari just stared at me. I think i heard a horn honk. I tucked my tail between my diaper-shorted legs and slunk off, ignoring the sting of my knee and pride. It wasn't my best moment. However, it WAS nice to get over the anticipation of my first fall and just get it over with.
And i'm really proud to show off my war scar today. Hold onto your socks!
i know...it's HUGE. ha ha.
I also tried to take a picture of my ego wound, but alas...
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Freaky People
Yesterday I took a left instead of a right for my hour-long run. I parked at the lot on ocean park and instead of taking off in the less crowded direction towards the pier, which would be my normal choice, I took off towards the Venice Boardwalk.
I have a fear of running outside. It started in my much heavier days towards the end of college when things really got out of control. At about 70 pounds heavier, but really rather in denial about it, I went for a run through the town of Princeton. I remember so clearly that it was a humid spring morning before my first ever real job interview, and I could barely barely squeeze into my size 16 suit that I had bought from Ann Taylor. I was horrified when a truck with a couple guys in it drove by and yelled 'better keep running fatty!'. And run I did....back to my dorm...in tears, and barely able to later suffer through a job interview that needless to say, I did not get.
So fast forward to other brief attempts at running, of which a small percentage included some idiot commenting on some aspect of my physical being...i mean, seriously, who are these people and where do they get the nerve?? But i've spent much of my life since then avoiding running alone outside, particularly being stopped at corners for stop lights where cars can stop and assess you...for some reason running alone, with no headphones, just feels so NAKED...maybe even worse than naked.
So yesterday I went left...through the throngs of people milling during dusk along venice boardwalk. I ran and ran -- about 2.5 miles down to Marina Del Rey and then back. It was hard running by the cafes with people enjoying drinks and just people-watching, worrying what they thought of my spandex-clad ass. I was shocked that throughout the whole run, I wasn't harrassed once, not about my breasts or my booty, or my running style, or my jiggle. No one told me to keep running, leered, or laughed. In fact, I ran by a grungy but delicate-looking panhandling 18-year old boy sitting against a wall with a jar and a sign that said "help me get to Prom" who said on my return trip past him "keep up the good work, hot stuff".
I loved that run yesterday. The beach was on my right the whole time, there was a buzzing energy along the boardwalk, as I passed the cafes, and "muscle beach", and the paddle courts, and all the crazy vendors, and the many varieties of dogs walking their owners. It was lively and colorful and I realized that when you're just one average person going for a run at sunset along one of the most eclectic places in the world, you're safe. I was happy to just be Normal blending in among those wonderful, freaky people.
I have a fear of running outside. It started in my much heavier days towards the end of college when things really got out of control. At about 70 pounds heavier, but really rather in denial about it, I went for a run through the town of Princeton. I remember so clearly that it was a humid spring morning before my first ever real job interview, and I could barely barely squeeze into my size 16 suit that I had bought from Ann Taylor. I was horrified when a truck with a couple guys in it drove by and yelled 'better keep running fatty!'. And run I did....back to my dorm...in tears, and barely able to later suffer through a job interview that needless to say, I did not get.
So fast forward to other brief attempts at running, of which a small percentage included some idiot commenting on some aspect of my physical being...i mean, seriously, who are these people and where do they get the nerve?? But i've spent much of my life since then avoiding running alone outside, particularly being stopped at corners for stop lights where cars can stop and assess you...for some reason running alone, with no headphones, just feels so NAKED...maybe even worse than naked.
So yesterday I went left...through the throngs of people milling during dusk along venice boardwalk. I ran and ran -- about 2.5 miles down to Marina Del Rey and then back. It was hard running by the cafes with people enjoying drinks and just people-watching, worrying what they thought of my spandex-clad ass. I was shocked that throughout the whole run, I wasn't harrassed once, not about my breasts or my booty, or my running style, or my jiggle. No one told me to keep running, leered, or laughed. In fact, I ran by a grungy but delicate-looking panhandling 18-year old boy sitting against a wall with a jar and a sign that said "help me get to Prom" who said on my return trip past him "keep up the good work, hot stuff".
I loved that run yesterday. The beach was on my right the whole time, there was a buzzing energy along the boardwalk, as I passed the cafes, and "muscle beach", and the paddle courts, and all the crazy vendors, and the many varieties of dogs walking their owners. It was lively and colorful and I realized that when you're just one average person going for a run at sunset along one of the most eclectic places in the world, you're safe. I was happy to just be Normal blending in among those wonderful, freaky people.
Important Announcement...
These are my step-children. I would like you to meet them.
Introducing Rocky (Yorkie) and Cookie (Japanese Chin)
I tend to favor Cookie a little bit in the picture-taking b/c she is so pathetic and goofy. But Rocky is insanely cute. Here are a few more of the girls. Oh, my god, i can't stand how cute they are.
Hey people!
I have a billion more. Maybe I'll start sprinkling them in my posts.
big hugs!
Introducing Rocky (Yorkie) and Cookie (Japanese Chin)
I tend to favor Cookie a little bit in the picture-taking b/c she is so pathetic and goofy. But Rocky is insanely cute. Here are a few more of the girls. Oh, my god, i can't stand how cute they are.
This is sorta how I am after my Saturday Practices:
Hey people!
I have a billion more. Maybe I'll start sprinkling them in my posts.
big hugs!
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