I teach swimming lessons. I don't know if I like teaching these days. I have 5 more days committed and then I think I am done. I am grumpy. I don't like uncooperative, rude kids with their parents standing at arms length saying nothing... "NO, Jack is NOT cute".
Today will be the worst - I teach while my kids are at camp and then I have 45 minutes to give them lunch before I have to go right back out to the library. The girls will have a sitter for 4 hours... It's a good sitter, but I have never left her with both girls in the middle of the day... Hopefully all will go well. I like the library. I want to be able to pick up as many hours as possible.
Workouts have been non existent since Saturday. I am having pain in my knee and hip from the bike. I think I was spinning a little too hard... I was going to go to the gym this morning, but DH had to get to work early, so Wed, Thur and Friday are all mine --- 2 days at the gym and one day on the bike. We're going to PA this weekend and into next, so I need to ride before I go... As for the diet. It sucks and I have not been on the scale. I don't know why Summer is so tough. I suppose it's the kids and the lack of consistent schedule, but honestly I don't want to have to start all over come September. I think I may want to try something a little drastic - like South Beach phase I. I am going to see what I need, stock up, clean out (which won't be hard since I haven't shopped in 2 weeks!) and see what I can do.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
How am I still so slow...
I did 15 miles this morning and ran 2. My average speed -14.5 mph.... UGH... How can I work so hard, feel so fast, and only average 14.5 mph?! My bike computer has to be malfunctioning... right? 4 weeks until Danskin.... My goal is to finish in the 1:30s, like 139:59 would be A-OK with me... Quick transitions and a fire under my butt are what will do it for me... I still have work to do.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Summer Vacation - Day 1
For the last month I have had to drag my children out of bed at 7:30 a.m. kicking and screaming that they are too tired... This morning my youngest was up at 6:15 a.m. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Luckily the older one is still sleeping - though I think she's just awake and staying in bed because she can, and she wants to make a point.
I have no plan for today. My house is a wreck. My lawn is a jungle - the weeds have most definately taken over the garden... I would LOVE to spend the whole day getting it back to normal, but I fear my children will require entertaining. I love them, but I don't ever remember my mother having to create our fun. We were told to go outside and play and called only to have lunch and dinner or to come in when it got too dark. Not so these days.
I may take them to the lake where I can at least get a swim in. I have been spinning this week, but nothing else. I will bike and run tomorrow, but I feel like a big slacker this week. Hopefully I be able to get my stuff together and work hard over the next 3 weeks. Danskin approaches and I would really like a PR. Better transitions and a faster run will do it. I know it is possible...
I have no plan for today. My house is a wreck. My lawn is a jungle - the weeds have most definately taken over the garden... I would LOVE to spend the whole day getting it back to normal, but I fear my children will require entertaining. I love them, but I don't ever remember my mother having to create our fun. We were told to go outside and play and called only to have lunch and dinner or to come in when it got too dark. Not so these days.
I may take them to the lake where I can at least get a swim in. I have been spinning this week, but nothing else. I will bike and run tomorrow, but I feel like a big slacker this week. Hopefully I be able to get my stuff together and work hard over the next 3 weeks. Danskin approaches and I would really like a PR. Better transitions and a faster run will do it. I know it is possible...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Just when you thought...
Since 2003 I have lost about 30 pounds. SLOW is an understatement, but this year 180+/- pounds has felt pretty good. I am stronger, my clothes fit better (I am even able to wear some 12's for the first time in a LONG time). I was more confident about racing this year, hoping to be faster (and still hoping to be faster). And then... I borrowed my sister's Wii Fit to see if I would like it/use it. I did not know it was a scale. Worst of all, my "Mii" is fat.
When you weigh 213 pounds, 180 pounds seems almost normal weight. I mean everyone carries an extra few pounds, so when your goal weight is in the 150 range what's 25 more pounds? Now I know. I guess the good thing is that I am "overweight" and no longer "obese". As for the Wii, my kids like the games, and maybe the yoga/balance games/strength are good for a rainy day, but I would never use it for aerobics.
I like being alone with my thoughts (or a good podcast) for a run and spin class is pretty much a staple in my exercise schedule. If it ever stops raining, I'll be out on my bike (my bike that needs a name --- everyone's bike has a name, but mine), and my sisters are much better at kicking my butt than an Avatar.
When you weigh 213 pounds, 180 pounds seems almost normal weight. I mean everyone carries an extra few pounds, so when your goal weight is in the 150 range what's 25 more pounds? Now I know. I guess the good thing is that I am "overweight" and no longer "obese". As for the Wii, my kids like the games, and maybe the yoga/balance games/strength are good for a rainy day, but I would never use it for aerobics.
I like being alone with my thoughts (or a good podcast) for a run and spin class is pretty much a staple in my exercise schedule. If it ever stops raining, I'll be out on my bike (my bike that needs a name --- everyone's bike has a name, but mine), and my sisters are much better at kicking my butt than an Avatar.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Triathlons and Swimming...
I guarded at a triathlon this weekend. There were 600 people participating, but there were not 600 swimmers... For the first time in all of my years of guarding, I saved somebody's life. She is 24; it was her first triathlon, her first open water swim and she was in awesome shape. She had trained hard, but was obviously unprepared for what race day would bring. Someone had told her that she'd probably be able to touch if she got tired, and she panicked when that was not the case.
The water was choppy and she swallowed a lot of it. I heard another swimmer yell for HELP and another say "She's going under!" I had to swim across the pack of racers to get to her. I was relieved to know that all the scenarios we run through during monthly training are actually helpful and necessary. When faced with a real emergency the tendency is hesitate, second guess, when what you really need to do is GO. Luckily I went. She was about 50 feet from me... 47 seconds is my fastest 50....I grabbed her arm and put it over the rescue tube. She was crying, but slowly began to calm down... I brought her to the outside of the pack and I towed her into shore. Once she composed herself and had the EMTs check her out, she resumed the race and finished.
I left the venue a little sick to my stomach. A whole lot of "what ifs" running through my mind. It was a lot to process. Being responsible for someone elses life is nothing I will ever take lightly. I don't think the kids (I think the next oldest guard was 21?) don't fully grasp that concept. I have to guard at a beginner clinic in July...
The water was choppy and she swallowed a lot of it. I heard another swimmer yell for HELP and another say "She's going under!" I had to swim across the pack of racers to get to her. I was relieved to know that all the scenarios we run through during monthly training are actually helpful and necessary. When faced with a real emergency the tendency is hesitate, second guess, when what you really need to do is GO. Luckily I went. She was about 50 feet from me... 47 seconds is my fastest 50....I grabbed her arm and put it over the rescue tube. She was crying, but slowly began to calm down... I brought her to the outside of the pack and I towed her into shore. Once she composed herself and had the EMTs check her out, she resumed the race and finished.
I left the venue a little sick to my stomach. A whole lot of "what ifs" running through my mind. It was a lot to process. Being responsible for someone elses life is nothing I will ever take lightly. I don't think the kids (I think the next oldest guard was 21?) don't fully grasp that concept. I have to guard at a beginner clinic in July...
Friday, June 19, 2009
Rain.
This month of June is God's way of letting me know why I never want to live in Seattle. It has rained every day, and that streak continues into the weekend. Field Day is cancelled (OK, I am not that bummed). Tomorrow I have a run with my sisters that will be in the rain and Sunday I guard at a triathlon and like last weekend it will be in the rain. My grass is now 10 feet tall and my garden is a jungle, but I can't get out there to take care of it because it is raining... My kids keep asking "When is it going to be summer?" My neighbor's pool is 62 degrees... COLD. I have no good answer, but it better stop soon. please?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Overworked...
I am feeling overwhelmed in my life this week. I don't know what I was thinking, but assumed that life post-triathlon would be a little less stressful. Man, was I ever wrong.
- Grandmother died last Saturday. Calling hour, funeral and festivities all day yesterday.
- Kindergarden trip to zoo. My daughter, her friend and the worst two behaved boys in her class were mine from 9:30 - 2:00 p.m. I could tell the teacher knew it was a challenge. Everytime our paths crossed..... "Is everyone listening?" "Are the girls doing OK?" She seemed to be seeking us out to make sure that I hadn't "accidentially" left them at the Chimp Expo...
- Tomorrow I get to Lifeguard for 2 hours, pick up my daughter and her friend for the afternoon. Pick up my other daughter at school and bring her to skating; bring everyone home for dinner and head back out for a shift at the library from 6-9 p.m. hoping that DH can make it home on time (please).
- Friday is FIELD DAY and another opportunity to volunteer.
- Saturday is training with my sisters that I desperately want to bag on, and
- Sunday I will be lifeguarding at a triathlon and celebrating Father's Day with my kids and DH.
How about a little break?!... Summer vacation starts next Thursday at NOON.... OMG... Minor meltdown... I have told myself for the last month that I would take a morning (the whole 2.25 hours of half-day kindergarden) and get a pedicure. It would be my mini-pampering session before the kids were out... Little did I know that the maid had lost her way, there is no food in the house and the laundry is piling up. Geez, it's tough to find good help these days..... What to do?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I Did It!
Done. It was stressful, muddy and hilly; really hilly. I went 44 mph on a downhill (my fastest speed ever recorded). I swam well (for me), and dug deep for the ride and most especially the run. The finish time which included a half mile trail run (actually a muddy, root covered eco-challenge) was 4:08.
I woke up at 3:30 a.m. to a thunderstorm and downpour. I lay in bed contemplating what it might be like to just bag it, call my sister, go back to sleep. Instead, I got up hit the bathroom and turned on my computer to check the radar. Luckily this was the last of the storms, but the rains would be there for the day. I resigned myself to being cold and wet.
My sister arrived promptly at 5:30 a.m. We hit the bathroom one more time, loaded bikes, got some big trash bags and headed out. Race day breakfast is ALWAYS a plain cinnamon-raisin bagel and a large coffee (I can not live without coffee). We arrived at the venue and were surprised to find that instead of parking on the asphalt lot we were setting up in a large and rain soaked field a half mile away? It was a good thing my sister drove the SUV; I think my minivan would have bottomed out with some of the muddy rutts we had to navigate. We sat in the truck waiting as another downpour hit. My hands ached. This is a typical reaction to stress/anxiety... We walked up to registration and got our packets (not good swag - banana goo, useless coupons and a cotton t-shirt yuck). We got body marked and headed back to the truck to unload our bikes. We still had about 45 minutes until the start so we sat in the truck planning to wait til the last possible second to set up our transition.
I am SO glad I brought my old sneakers for the transition. I contemplated just using my Crocs, but the trail from the water was a mess of slippery mud (lots of butt slides), stumps to trip on and moss covered rocks and leaves and I am clumsy by nature. I was happy to have my wetsuit on. It definately warmed me up (outside temp was 58-60). The water at 66 degrees felt warm. I swam slow - I didn't want to push anything today; just finish. It took about 1/3 mile before I could settle into a rythym and I felt strong. My swim time for the mile 33:38. The transition was slow because I did not want to fall going back up the trail. I learned that it also helps speed transition if you take your wet suit off before you put your socks and bike shoes on... (yes, stupid). Leaving transition there was a HUGE muddy puddle. They had lay some carpet and burlap over it, but it really didn't help that much. My feet were soaked through and my bike tires were caked. I stomped off my feet, clipped in and headed out.
The bike course was hilly (2 - 2 mile uphills and one 3 mile downhill were the highlights of this 13.5 mile, 2 loop course). They kept the roads detoured so I was able to stay on my aerobars most of the time. I think this ended up causing me some issues because my lower back began to pinch/ache the last 5 miles of the 2nd loop and into the run. I averaged 14.5 miles per hour on this pretty tough course and I went so fast I almost fell into a panic 44mph - I really scared myself. My time on the bike 1:48:17.
The smartest thing I did this day was change my wet socks. My feet had been soaking and cold for nearly 3 hours. I have a circulation issue with my left foot (a casualty of frostbite as a kid) and it was definately numb as tucked it into a nice dry sock and dry sneaker. I thought it would be harder to start the run, but I was surprisingly comfortable and it felt great to be upright. The run course was the toughest 10K I've ever done. The first half mile was a gradual up hill, the second mile was a steep downhill which made me cringe as I passed a string of pained faces making their way to the top and the finish a mile away. I passed one guy looking ragged and told him "you're on your last hill!" to which he replied "I wish I could say the same for you". It was a LONG run. I made sure to hit all the water stations, and I could only walk uphill. I wish I could have been a little faster. Oh well. My time for the run was 1:31:32.
I finished my first Olympic Distance Triathlon on one of the toughest courses in New England. I consider it a pretty big accomplishment. I challenged myself and was DEFINATELY out of my comfort zone. Obviously I have room for improvement and with Danskin just 5 weeks away, I'll be pushing myself to better my 5k time and think more about my transitions (no matter what the weather). I have to continue to eat healthy, but to focus more on portion control and get back to weighing myself daily and journaling my food.
Today I will try to get my house back together, work at the library for a few hours and tend to my kids (one is home sick). My grandmother died Saturday night and the funeral is tomorrow. I am glad that she is no longer in pain and that my aunts can go fight about something else now. Family drama is a stupid waste - I hope they can hold it together for one more day so gram can be remembered in a peaceful way! Life should be back to "normal" by Wednesday.
I woke up at 3:30 a.m. to a thunderstorm and downpour. I lay in bed contemplating what it might be like to just bag it, call my sister, go back to sleep. Instead, I got up hit the bathroom and turned on my computer to check the radar. Luckily this was the last of the storms, but the rains would be there for the day. I resigned myself to being cold and wet.
My sister arrived promptly at 5:30 a.m. We hit the bathroom one more time, loaded bikes, got some big trash bags and headed out. Race day breakfast is ALWAYS a plain cinnamon-raisin bagel and a large coffee (I can not live without coffee). We arrived at the venue and were surprised to find that instead of parking on the asphalt lot we were setting up in a large and rain soaked field a half mile away? It was a good thing my sister drove the SUV; I think my minivan would have bottomed out with some of the muddy rutts we had to navigate. We sat in the truck waiting as another downpour hit. My hands ached. This is a typical reaction to stress/anxiety... We walked up to registration and got our packets (not good swag - banana goo, useless coupons and a cotton t-shirt yuck). We got body marked and headed back to the truck to unload our bikes. We still had about 45 minutes until the start so we sat in the truck planning to wait til the last possible second to set up our transition.
I am SO glad I brought my old sneakers for the transition. I contemplated just using my Crocs, but the trail from the water was a mess of slippery mud (lots of butt slides), stumps to trip on and moss covered rocks and leaves and I am clumsy by nature. I was happy to have my wetsuit on. It definately warmed me up (outside temp was 58-60). The water at 66 degrees felt warm. I swam slow - I didn't want to push anything today; just finish. It took about 1/3 mile before I could settle into a rythym and I felt strong. My swim time for the mile 33:38. The transition was slow because I did not want to fall going back up the trail. I learned that it also helps speed transition if you take your wet suit off before you put your socks and bike shoes on... (yes, stupid). Leaving transition there was a HUGE muddy puddle. They had lay some carpet and burlap over it, but it really didn't help that much. My feet were soaked through and my bike tires were caked. I stomped off my feet, clipped in and headed out.
The bike course was hilly (2 - 2 mile uphills and one 3 mile downhill were the highlights of this 13.5 mile, 2 loop course). They kept the roads detoured so I was able to stay on my aerobars most of the time. I think this ended up causing me some issues because my lower back began to pinch/ache the last 5 miles of the 2nd loop and into the run. I averaged 14.5 miles per hour on this pretty tough course and I went so fast I almost fell into a panic 44mph - I really scared myself. My time on the bike 1:48:17.
The smartest thing I did this day was change my wet socks. My feet had been soaking and cold for nearly 3 hours. I have a circulation issue with my left foot (a casualty of frostbite as a kid) and it was definately numb as tucked it into a nice dry sock and dry sneaker. I thought it would be harder to start the run, but I was surprisingly comfortable and it felt great to be upright. The run course was the toughest 10K I've ever done. The first half mile was a gradual up hill, the second mile was a steep downhill which made me cringe as I passed a string of pained faces making their way to the top and the finish a mile away. I passed one guy looking ragged and told him "you're on your last hill!" to which he replied "I wish I could say the same for you". It was a LONG run. I made sure to hit all the water stations, and I could only walk uphill. I wish I could have been a little faster. Oh well. My time for the run was 1:31:32.
I finished my first Olympic Distance Triathlon on one of the toughest courses in New England. I consider it a pretty big accomplishment. I challenged myself and was DEFINATELY out of my comfort zone. Obviously I have room for improvement and with Danskin just 5 weeks away, I'll be pushing myself to better my 5k time and think more about my transitions (no matter what the weather). I have to continue to eat healthy, but to focus more on portion control and get back to weighing myself daily and journaling my food.
Today I will try to get my house back together, work at the library for a few hours and tend to my kids (one is home sick). My grandmother died Saturday night and the funeral is tomorrow. I am glad that she is no longer in pain and that my aunts can go fight about something else now. Family drama is a stupid waste - I hope they can hold it together for one more day so gram can be remembered in a peaceful way! Life should be back to "normal" by Wednesday.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Checking off my list...
Finally Friday. My daughter has her end of year Gymnastics show at 6:30 p.m, and my niece's is tomorrow night. That's it for commitments --- other than the race Sunday morning. My sister is coming out tomorrow to swim with me at the lake. I definately need to re-acclimate to the cold and yuck factor after a week of rain and below average temperatures. Now, if only the weather gods will cooperate. All week long they gave a sunny weekend forecast and now they are saying chance of showers... Come on...
Oh well. My tri-bag is packed. I think I've covered all the bases. I hope I don't get a flat, because I've never had to change one by myself and I'm sure it would be disasterous. Tonight I'll be sure to get a good night's sleep.... Saturday could be hard to rest thinking about that flat tire. I know me.
Oh well. My tri-bag is packed. I think I've covered all the bases. I hope I don't get a flat, because I've never had to change one by myself and I'm sure it would be disasterous. Tonight I'll be sure to get a good night's sleep.... Saturday could be hard to rest thinking about that flat tire. I know me.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Could this week be any longer?
TEARS filled my morning. I have never been happier to see that big yellow bus pull up and my 2 lovely daughters get on. PEACE. Breathe. calm.
I made 100 "tarts" for the cast party last night. It took much longer than I thought it would and I am SO glad that my mom insisted on helping. I was super tired this morning, after a stressful sleep, but I still made it to spin. I didn't go all out, I just wanted to keep my legs moving and ease into Sunday's race... 3 more days. Is it possible to clench your teeth for a week straight? That's what I feel like I am doing these days. sigh.
My DH, who honestly does the best he knows how (his family is full of wack jobs) can not understand why I would want to do a race if it's making me this stressed out. He truly does not get the need I have to challenge myself. But this is not the time to question me. This is the time to offer support, lighten my load.
Three more days...
I made 100 "tarts" for the cast party last night. It took much longer than I thought it would and I am SO glad that my mom insisted on helping. I was super tired this morning, after a stressful sleep, but I still made it to spin. I didn't go all out, I just wanted to keep my legs moving and ease into Sunday's race... 3 more days. Is it possible to clench your teeth for a week straight? That's what I feel like I am doing these days. sigh.
My DH, who honestly does the best he knows how (his family is full of wack jobs) can not understand why I would want to do a race if it's making me this stressed out. He truly does not get the need I have to challenge myself. But this is not the time to question me. This is the time to offer support, lighten my load.
Three more days...
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Shall we review your training schedule?
Ace Triathlete Coach offered to review my training this morning. I said sure,but probably not a few days before I race... I mean, how am I supposed to feel if she trashes it? Luckily, she agreed.
I ran yesterday - not long - but I met a friend, who talked me into staying with her for a bit. She turned onto the dreaded hill road; basically a half mile of straight up. There was no way I was walking with this person... In fact, I think she altered her run to include this hill just for me... I just had a feeling... She even knew about this weekend's race. Evil woman!! My butt was aching today as I got up to spin. I decided I better start tapering... and made it a moderate workout - well below threshold.
Tomorrow I have obligations at my daughter's school, gymnastics and a trip to visit my grandmother (who inches closer to death every day). Thursday I will spin; Friday I will swim; Saturday I may get into the lake to try and get better acclimated to the cold and the ick factor. Sunday is it!!!!! Man, I can not wait! I am anxious. My sister did call me today with the run down. It's a small race 132 people (yeah, too many hills), there are 4 athenas registered and 2 people in the 70 and over category. I am hoping that means I could place, but more importantly, I won't come in last!!
I ran yesterday - not long - but I met a friend, who talked me into staying with her for a bit. She turned onto the dreaded hill road; basically a half mile of straight up. There was no way I was walking with this person... In fact, I think she altered her run to include this hill just for me... I just had a feeling... She even knew about this weekend's race. Evil woman!! My butt was aching today as I got up to spin. I decided I better start tapering... and made it a moderate workout - well below threshold.
Tomorrow I have obligations at my daughter's school, gymnastics and a trip to visit my grandmother (who inches closer to death every day). Thursday I will spin; Friday I will swim; Saturday I may get into the lake to try and get better acclimated to the cold and the ick factor. Sunday is it!!!!! Man, I can not wait! I am anxious. My sister did call me today with the run down. It's a small race 132 people (yeah, too many hills), there are 4 athenas registered and 2 people in the 70 and over category. I am hoping that means I could place, but more importantly, I won't come in last!!
Monday, June 08, 2009
T - minus 6 days and counting...
This week needs to be over. I want to just do my race and have it be done.
Instead I have a week to...
I will try deep breathing and self-hypnosis (a la itunes) to help with the anxiety. I will make sure that I am fully prepared for the race (I may even get some new sneakers if I can sneak a trip to the store into my schedule). I just need to make it through the week - and that's a lot...
Instead I have a week to...
- Put together a photo book as an end of year teachers gift
- Make 100 tarts for the "Queen of Tarts" cast party
- Attend the Kindergarten play "Queen of Tarts" and serve 100 tarts at the cast party
- Attend the 3rd Grade Author's breakfast
- Attend the kindergarden "Gymnastics" show
- Attend my nieces gymnastics show
- Make it to 2 doctors appointments
- Make it to 2 rehersals for said gymnastics show
- Make it to 2 skating times for the other daughter
- Attend a volunteer breakfast
- Work 2 mornings at the Y
I will try deep breathing and self-hypnosis (a la itunes) to help with the anxiety. I will make sure that I am fully prepared for the race (I may even get some new sneakers if I can sneak a trip to the store into my schedule). I just need to make it through the week - and that's a lot...
Friday, June 05, 2009
Fears Dashed...
The swim clinic this morning was GREAT! I swam with the big kids and guess what? Even the "elite" athletes get creeped out over weeds, react negatively to extremely cold water (until they adjust), and they also have husbands that they can't count on to get the kids on the bus without them... Who knew!?
I did not sleep well last night. I did not want to be late, so I woke every hour to check the clock. I was up for the day at 4:25. I made some coffee, did my bathroom duties, put on my trisuit and the bottom half of my wetsuit, gathered my prepacked bag and headed out. I was the second of 4 of us planning to swim at 5:00. It was my first lake swim of the season. The water was about 64 degrees (cold) and the air temp was about that as well. It was decided (and not by me) to swim across the lake to another beach area and then back --- I would say a mile or so, before the clinic participants arrived... There was no slow entry - they took off and not wanting to be left behind, so did I. For about the first 250 I was completely unable to regulate my breathing. It felt as though I was hyperventilating... I talked myself down, knowing that it would not be a good thing to have the clinic's only lifeguard panic in the water.... I finally got it together, and although I was the last one in, I was only a few seconds behind.
Once the clinic started, I was in the water, treading and helping a few beginner swimmers adjust to the water (I knew what they were going through). My sister was there too and she was right there in the middle of the "beginner" group, not LAST, as she assumed she'd be. She was very happy she came - me too. I definately got a few pointers about my breathing and stroke, about how to get the most out of swimming in a wetsuit and the best way to exit the water. I think people were happy with me and that means I'll be able to keep this gig for the forseeable future. A little free coaching, swag (we got a nice hat) and some free races is definately a good deal!
As we prepared to leave at 7:30 I remarked that I hoped my DH had been able to manage the morning without me. One woman was phoning to check, One had made lunches at 4:00 a.m. before she came, and the last assumed that she'd be driving her kids to school (they'd never make the bus)... I had prepped my DH the night before, put out clothes for the kids, homework, toothbrushes, a face cloth and hairbrush with barrettes on the kitchen counter, pre-packed snacks and put cereal bowls on the table... You would think life would be fine. You would think that my DH, who complained about how much he needed to get to work on time would have it all together and be ready to run out the door as soon as I arrived.... Yeah, not so much...
I walked in the door to a half-mopped up puddle of milk, a sink full of dishes (Dad made pancakes!), DH in the shower (10 minutes before the bus is supposed to come), no pills taken, no teeth brushed, no faces washed, no hair brushed, no homework done (in fact, we actually don't know where it went to?). I wish I was exagerating . I wish I was kidding. I wish my DH didn't yell from the shower that I told him I "should" be home before the bus.... What if I wasn't??? OMG! My sister was there (I was pissed and a little embarrassed)- we were going to shower and have breakfast after everyone left... She took hair, face, pill duty, I got to clean up the floor and the pancake mess. What a treat to have a little help. Everybody got to where they needed to be and I did not let it ruin my day!
I did not sleep well last night. I did not want to be late, so I woke every hour to check the clock. I was up for the day at 4:25. I made some coffee, did my bathroom duties, put on my trisuit and the bottom half of my wetsuit, gathered my prepacked bag and headed out. I was the second of 4 of us planning to swim at 5:00. It was my first lake swim of the season. The water was about 64 degrees (cold) and the air temp was about that as well. It was decided (and not by me) to swim across the lake to another beach area and then back --- I would say a mile or so, before the clinic participants arrived... There was no slow entry - they took off and not wanting to be left behind, so did I. For about the first 250 I was completely unable to regulate my breathing. It felt as though I was hyperventilating... I talked myself down, knowing that it would not be a good thing to have the clinic's only lifeguard panic in the water.... I finally got it together, and although I was the last one in, I was only a few seconds behind.
Once the clinic started, I was in the water, treading and helping a few beginner swimmers adjust to the water (I knew what they were going through). My sister was there too and she was right there in the middle of the "beginner" group, not LAST, as she assumed she'd be. She was very happy she came - me too. I definately got a few pointers about my breathing and stroke, about how to get the most out of swimming in a wetsuit and the best way to exit the water. I think people were happy with me and that means I'll be able to keep this gig for the forseeable future. A little free coaching, swag (we got a nice hat) and some free races is definately a good deal!
As we prepared to leave at 7:30 I remarked that I hoped my DH had been able to manage the morning without me. One woman was phoning to check, One had made lunches at 4:00 a.m. before she came, and the last assumed that she'd be driving her kids to school (they'd never make the bus)... I had prepped my DH the night before, put out clothes for the kids, homework, toothbrushes, a face cloth and hairbrush with barrettes on the kitchen counter, pre-packed snacks and put cereal bowls on the table... You would think life would be fine. You would think that my DH, who complained about how much he needed to get to work on time would have it all together and be ready to run out the door as soon as I arrived.... Yeah, not so much...
I walked in the door to a half-mopped up puddle of milk, a sink full of dishes (Dad made pancakes!), DH in the shower (10 minutes before the bus is supposed to come), no pills taken, no teeth brushed, no faces washed, no hair brushed, no homework done (in fact, we actually don't know where it went to?). I wish I was exagerating . I wish I was kidding. I wish my DH didn't yell from the shower that I told him I "should" be home before the bus.... What if I wasn't??? OMG! My sister was there (I was pissed and a little embarrassed)- we were going to shower and have breakfast after everyone left... She took hair, face, pill duty, I got to clean up the floor and the pancake mess. What a treat to have a little help. Everybody got to where they needed to be and I did not let it ruin my day!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
I Can't Say NO...
My spin teacher is a BIG triathlete. She weighs about 100 pounds and has a ton of energy. Of course she is also a coach and trainer, though there is no way I could ever afford her services... that is, until now. She was putting together some swim clinics and asked if I would be interested in lifeguarding. "Sure." I figure even as an observer I could get a few pointers. She asked me what I wanted to be paid... I decided to barter for a few free races (she's also affiliated with a race managment company), and then perhaps some coaching... win-win right? On Tuesday she asked if I wanted to swim with her and the other coaches before the friday clinic... Sure, I say... And so it begins...
I am thinking this little committment could turn into a summer-time kick in the ass for my training as well as diet (since this woman is big into nutrition). Could this be the year I break 1:30 at Danskin? Stay tuned... We'll see how psyched I am come Friday. The temperature should be around 55 degrees at 5:00 a.m., and the water is about 62 or so... balmy. Yes, I'll be wearing my wetsuit, but it's sleeveless.... I'm shivering already, but how could I say no... As it stands I'll be at the lake from 5:00 - 7:30 a.m. I'll keep you posted...
I am thinking this little committment could turn into a summer-time kick in the ass for my training as well as diet (since this woman is big into nutrition). Could this be the year I break 1:30 at Danskin? Stay tuned... We'll see how psyched I am come Friday. The temperature should be around 55 degrees at 5:00 a.m., and the water is about 62 or so... balmy. Yes, I'll be wearing my wetsuit, but it's sleeveless.... I'm shivering already, but how could I say no... As it stands I'll be at the lake from 5:00 - 7:30 a.m. I'll keep you posted...
Monday, June 01, 2009
Being a mom is NOT easy...
I actually have a morning off or a morning to do errands and housework that I feel like doing --- if I get to it... There's nothing that HAS to be done and that is good. My body is sore from my workouts Friday and Sunday so aside from a walk with the dog and maybe a few stretches I have no workout planned.
My daughters gave me a run for my money this morning. First, with 18 days left of school, they are tired of getting up and grumpy when they do. They couldn't decide on a breakfast (my little one liked none of the options) and the clothes they chose last night for school didn't work for them either. And then there was the argument over flip flops. They are not allowed in Elementary School, but apparently the rule is not being enforced and everyone wears them... except my kids. In the back of my mind I just kept chanting "just get them on the bus.... just get them on the bus...", and I did, Thank GOD.
I am well aware that my children's issues will only get more complicated, but it seems these little, stupid, "gotta-be-a-mean-mom" problems are life-sucking, and take the joy right out of motherhood. I am really looking forward to September when I'll have more time to regroup. This half-day kindergarten is just not enough!
On the diet front, it is MONDAY and Day 1 of journally for the week (again). If there's one thing I can say, I will not ever give up!! My breakfast - high fiber oatmeal with a handful of walnuts (Omega-3s), flax seed, wheat germ, and craisins. It's pretty hefty, but OMG am I full when it's gone and I usually have no desire to snack until lunch. I would LOVE LOVE to weigh in the 170's this week and it is doable. I've felt really strong in my workouts and I am less anxious about my race. If I can just manage the stressors associated with end of school activities (plays, concerts, parties, field day, field trips, teacher gifts...) I'll be just fine. Planning meals and shopping lists will be key! Oh, and adopting a "habit a week" to work on... This week starts NO EATING in the car... It will not be easy. I'll let you know...
My daughters gave me a run for my money this morning. First, with 18 days left of school, they are tired of getting up and grumpy when they do. They couldn't decide on a breakfast (my little one liked none of the options) and the clothes they chose last night for school didn't work for them either. And then there was the argument over flip flops. They are not allowed in Elementary School, but apparently the rule is not being enforced and everyone wears them... except my kids. In the back of my mind I just kept chanting "just get them on the bus.... just get them on the bus...", and I did, Thank GOD.
I am well aware that my children's issues will only get more complicated, but it seems these little, stupid, "gotta-be-a-mean-mom" problems are life-sucking, and take the joy right out of motherhood. I am really looking forward to September when I'll have more time to regroup. This half-day kindergarten is just not enough!
On the diet front, it is MONDAY and Day 1 of journally for the week (again). If there's one thing I can say, I will not ever give up!! My breakfast - high fiber oatmeal with a handful of walnuts (Omega-3s), flax seed, wheat germ, and craisins. It's pretty hefty, but OMG am I full when it's gone and I usually have no desire to snack until lunch. I would LOVE LOVE to weigh in the 170's this week and it is doable. I've felt really strong in my workouts and I am less anxious about my race. If I can just manage the stressors associated with end of school activities (plays, concerts, parties, field day, field trips, teacher gifts...) I'll be just fine. Planning meals and shopping lists will be key! Oh, and adopting a "habit a week" to work on... This week starts NO EATING in the car... It will not be easy. I'll let you know...
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