Hiatus

Hello devout readers!

This post is to inform you not to expect much from this blog for the next couple weeks, because I am about to enter into the black hole known as finals. I rode my bike to school yesterday and got a nice workout from that, but my activities have begun to subside into sitting at my desk for extended periods of time eating Easter candy I bought from the clearance section at CVS.

But get excited, because beginning May 17th, I am starting my official 12 week training program! Check back then for updates, stories and sarcasm.

Sometimes not exercising can be a good thing

Remember that time you decided to study instead of going on a run, and as you were sitting at your desk, the maintenance guy that works for your building pulls up in his 1990 clunker and parks outside the building.

Then, remember when you saw all the smoke pouring out of the hood of the car, and you saw him jump out and open the hood, and then you saw FLAMES erupting out of the car! Yellow, bright, fiery flames! And you watched as he swore "shit!" and then ran into the building to grab a fire extinguisher. You thought about taking cover in case the car exploded and shrapnel came through the window you were gawking out of, but you decided that a car would have to burn for at least a minute before it exploded, so you grabbed your camera instead to take pictures in order to document this craziness that was happening.

Then he ran back out with the fire extinguisher and doused the entire engine in white crap that covered the car and the surrounding block. And you thought, ok well, that is as crazy as its going to get, until you saw him open the door of the car (it's still smoking btw!), and you thought, "Oh great. Now he's going to try to turn on the car and really blow this whole place to smithereens." But instead, you watch in complete amazement, as he reaches over to the passenger seat, grabs his Club, and securely locks it to the steering wheel. Yeah, because NOW the car is in real freaking danger of being stolen.

And to think you were going to go running today, and would have missed being a witness to this complete and utter chaos that happened DIRECTLY OUTSIDE YOUR APARTMENT. Remember, when that happened? Man, that was so crazy. It's probably the funniest thing you've seen all week. And it's only Monday.

Weekend Wrap Up

This weekend was packed full of activities, but between studying and some socializing, I also managed to get in some great workouts.

Saturday morning, I woke up at 7:30 to go to the gym. In doing so, I conceded to myself that I was totally insane, because no sane person would wake up that early on a Saturday to work out. Or so I thought until I got to the gym. The parking lot was PACKED. Who are these people? I had a nice 2 mile run, watched some of The Hills re-runs, and then wrapped it up with some weights. After swimming the other day, I thought I should probably lift some weights to build muscle in my arms because they were dragging by the end of my laps. I wish there was a girls only weights section though, so I didn't feel like such a dweeb with my 15 pound weights next to the guy on 'roids throwing down his barbell yelling "rarrr!" Again, at 8 am. Chill, dude. Roid rage is so 2001.

Today, I first spent an hour on my own attempting to install my bicycle computer that I bought a year ago to track my speed and cadence. After numerous failed attempts, I remembered why I had put off installing the computer so many times. I called my friend, Lee, bicycle extraordinaire, who came over and helped me finish the job. A dozen zip-ties later, I had all the sensors hooked up to my bike and was off on a 20 mile bike ride to Hopkins, MN and back. The bike computer definitely made me work harder on the ride as I struggled to maintain a constant RPM (revolutions per minute) on flat surfaces and inclines alike. It was a chilly day, but the ride was great, and I'm looking forward to more long bike rides as my training progresses.

p.s. Kerri Strug got married this weekend! Childhood flashback right here!

Books!

I ran on the treadmill at the gym today, and then attended a yoga class. My low expectations for the yoga class were fairly accurate, and my obsession with CorePower continues...

But who cares about that crap, because I also stopped at the public library and picked up a load of triathlon books I ordered! LOOK!

Notice the two books for "idiots" and "dummies." The titles of the books are demeaning, but I suppose I am an idiot when it comes to training for a triathlon. For instance, I have already learned that if you wear a wetsuit, you also need to cover yourself in some kind of lubricant (kinky, I know) because apparently you get some rough sorts of chaffing! Sick! I'm not sinking $300 into a wetsuit anyway, so I guess I don't need to hang on to that piece of information, but maybe it will come in handy someday. Nah, probs not. I paged through a few of the books on my bus ride home, and I'm excited to read them after those five pesky finals. Oh, May 15th - how I await your arrival!

Tricks for not appearing lazy whilst swimming...

I went swimming today at the Y, and I think I swam about half a mile. I didn't keep an exact count of my laps, but I know I swam at least 16 laps, and the lifeguard confirmed that a half mile was 18 laps. So I was somewhere around there.

Now I'm home, freshly showered, and exhausted. Swimming is something that I really enjoy, but it is an activity that is energy draining. I swam 10 laps freestyle without stopping, and then I did a little trick I like to call the goggle check.

The goggle check is a way to catch your breath in between laps without looking lazy. Instead of stopping at the end of my lap and just hanging out by the edge of the pool. I take off my goggles and attempt to "adjust" them. Sometimes I even take it a step further and pretend like they leaked mid-lap, and I really need to fix them before I begin again. Ha! My goggles don't leak. They are made by TYR, cost $15, and I purchased them at Midwest Mountaineering. Believe me, they are top notch.

And yet, I continue this charade in my attempts to fool anyone who may be observing that I need anything but a break. After a well timed goggle check, I finished up with some more laps consisting of backstroke and breaststroke before heading out. I felt a lot better swimming this time around, and hope my comfortableness level continues to increase.

Kickass Bike Ride!

So today, I found myself making excuses for not wanting to work out. I was worried about school work, I was tired, I was hungry, etc. Then I mentally slapped myself, put on my sports bra and took Golden Eagle Jr. out for a spin. I made one rule for myself today: no coasting.

Typically, I have biked for leisure or to commute. Well my friends, welcome to a new era. You will stand and applaud after reading this story.

I decided to tackle the Chain of the Lakes route and made my way towards Lake Harriet. Halfway around, I was fast approaching a man on a decked out super pricey looking road bike, complete in matching gear, clipped in shoes, etc. Hmm, I decide, I wonder if I can match his pace.

OH AND I DID AND MORE! I smoked him going up a hill and then did. not. quit. Golden Eagle Jr. was so on top of it, and I silently took back any thoughts I had of buying a new bicycle. Finally, I arrived at the intersection where the trail crosses to meet Lake Calhoun, and as I sat at the stop light waiting for the green, my defeated bicycle friend pulled up beside me.

"Nice pace," he said.

"I know," I replied.

"This is the first time I've been out this year," he said, trying to make himself feel better after getting smoked by a girl on a hybrid bicycle with a pannier rack.

"You should really get out more," I said, silently gearing up to race out of the stop light. I could see old people approaching, and I didn't want to get stuck behind their wrinkly old butts on the bike path.

"Yeah, you know work gets in..." he began and then his words fell to the wayside as I took off into the sunset, not really caring to hear excuses.

The rest of my bike ride was equally awesome. The lakes looked beautiful at night, and I was really happy I forced myself to get out there and ride. I won't be working out at all tomorrow because I'm going to the Twins game after school! What up Target Field?!

Treadmill Turnaround

Day 2 of gym membership: I went to the gym today with full intentions of running and then doing a fitness yoga class. But then I discovered something. I can run faster on the treadmill than outdoors.

Try this equation on for size.

Lack of wind + lack of french bulldogs for me to covet = faster running times! Amazing!

I pushed myself at the end of my two miles and sprinted the final quarter mile, which felt really good. Then I still had 45 minutes until yoga...hmm. So I did some leg press machines, drank more water, considered doing the elliptical, and then I still had 30 minutes to wait. So I went home instead. I just felt too bad about wasting another half hour before the hour class when I still have loads to do before school tomorrow. At least I know now to give myself less time to run before a class. I'm excited to try out a spin class this week.

Investments

I took two major steps in my triathlon training this weekend: I bought a new swimsuit, and I signed up for a YMCA membership. Both ended up being more expensive than I initially expected, but I have been putting off both for too long already. Having signed up for the gym this morning, I lost no time in taking advantage of my membership, and I headed over to swim some laps this afternoon.

I've already mentioned that I consider myself a decent swimmer, having been a lifeguard and such, but in reality, I haven't swam laps in years. And today was proof of that. Even though I looked pretty awesome in my sweet reversible swimsuit out of the water, once I was in, and after 8 laps, I looked sloppy. I continued swimming for about 20 minutes, switching to backstroke once I was tired, but this workout totally kicked my butt.

On the plus side, my new swimsuit felt SO much better than the old, half deteriorating one from high school that I randomly used for laps last summer. Satisfied customer, right here!

The next time I swim, I need to calculate how many laps = half a mile. Right now, I'm really thankful that I still have 126 days to prepare for this race, because I am no where near ready!

Not Feeling It

I had a really hard time running around Lake Calhoun tonight. It was very windy at the beginning of the run, and I think running against the wind took a lot out of me right from the start. Augh, but whatever with these excuses. I was really disappointed in myself, and even worse, I was running with Jihone, so there was a witness to my suckiness!

Tomorrow is an off day, and I haven't decided what to do for Saturday yet. I still need to join a gym, so maybe I can accomplish that this weekend. In other news, I have been hydrating more before running and haven't been having the swollen hands issue. Thanks to Giul, who gave me the heads up on that trick!

Support System

Breaking news, fans! Triple Torture's biggest fan has just announced that she will be flying in for the St. Paul Triathlon to show her support. She's taking a jet plane all the way from the East Coast, she's waking up at 5 am with me, and she better be bringing her camera to document my domination of this course. That's right, my mother! See the resemblance - I know you do.

I am really lucky to have such supportive parents, and now the pressure is on to perform well. I can't bring shame to the family. Just kidding. We're Irish, not Asian.

I went running tonight with Rachael, and even though it was humid and disgusting, we finished our loop around Lake Calhoun and then stretched while watching a beautiful sunset. I typically run earlier in the evening, but with the warm weather upon us, I might start running later just to see more sunsets like tonight.

The Good and the Bad of Today's Ride

Best part about long bicycle rides: bike jerseys! I love wearing bike jerseys for longer, purely for exercise, rides. My favorite things about bike jerseys are the pockets built in the back and the elastic that keeps your shirt from riding up. The jersey I wore today is from bonktown.com and it's made by Giordana in case you can't tell from the picture. It has mesh sleeves, which I love for keeping cool, and soft fabric. The designers were also smart enough not to include an itchy tag, so all around its a great jersey! Bonktown.com is my favorite place to buy discounted cycling gear, although I guess I have only used it to buy this jersey and my tri-shorts... but I feel like I am on the site all the time scoping out deals!

I decided to switch it up today and go on a bike ride when I got home. I rode around Lake Harriet first and had planned to ride the loop around the lakes (Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles), but by the time I got to Lake Calhoun, I was so into the ride that I missed the turnoff to Lake of the Isles. oops. So I just finished Lake Calhoun, then went back to Harriet and rode around there again. The weather was nice with the exception of some strong winds.

HOWEVER, something is going on with Golden Eagle Jr. There were some awkward sounds coming from my chain, and when I switched gears there was unnecessary clanking. Unfortunately, I no longer live in DC and can't take my bike to Revolution Cycles <--- the best bike shop ever. So now I need to find a new place to go, or bike-knowledge friend to give me a diagnosis. I probably just need some oil, grease, etc. but I'm pretty ignorant in that department so I'd rather leave it up to the experts. I just found out that I got a job for the summer, so my former stance on not buying a new bicycle for the triathlon has already begun to waiver. eek!

Looking forward to a run with some friends tomorrow, but the forecast is calling for thunderstorms. We'll see what happens!

Today's Run From Hell and Sibling Love

Today I remembered how much I actually hate running. I hate it. It sucked. And I need to remember to drink more water before I start running. Finishing the loop around Lake Calhoun was agonizing.

So instead of talking about that, let's look at this picture of my brother and laugh...

He told me I should make sure to talk about him more on this blog since he loves to work out and considers himself to be my fitness role model. He came to visit me in March, when I had just decided to enter the triathlon. We went running together a few times and my ability to keep up with him was laughable. At one point, he ran ahead of me for a mile, yelling over his shoulder, "Don't stop running until I come back for you!" The first time I made it around Lake of the Isles without stopping, I called him immediately after so he could tell me "congratulations." It would be really great if he lived here so I could have a steady running partner, but alas, I have to suffice with calling him instead to report on my workout schedule.

So here's to Chauncey - my goofy inspiration!

Ipod Shuffle Takes Her First Bike Trip

My new neighborhood poses a difficult problem of not having a direct bus route from my apartment to school on the weekends. Rather than drive and pay for parking, which is #1 on things I hate to pay for (#2 is shipping and handling and #3 is sales tax on clothing, just in case you were wondering), I decided to bike. My ride is a mile longer now, which makes it a 12 mile round trip ride. Luckily the weather was beautiful yesterday, so I packed up my panniers and headed towards the Greenway!

Normally I don't listen to music while bicycling, because I want to be aware of cars, other cyclists, potential homeland security threats, etc. But I always take an ipod when riding on the Greenway, because the paths are wide and free from obstructions. Cyclists and walkers alike also tend to be a lot more considerate on the Greenway as opposed to the Grand Rounds.

The new ipod was perfect! My workout music selection is pretty awesome and I pushed myself faster with every beat. My goal is to bike to class one day a week, and it looks like Thursday might be my lucky day this week. Now if the rain can just hold off so I can go jogging tonight...

Recovering via Yoga

You know what makes the thought of running 3 miles sound even worse than normal? The thought of running 3 miles after spending the previous night on a party bus....

So yesterday, when I eventually woke up around noon, I decided to forgo running in favor of a 90 minute yoga sesh at Core Power. Initially my plan had been to run before yoga, but I justified my laziness by taking into account the amount of dancing I had done the night before.

Plus, keeping your balance on a pimped out school bus (painted bright pink and called the "Busweiser") that's going 60 mph on the highway out to Minnetonka is a really good core workout.

I thought yoga would provide some detox in addition to exercise, and it was that and so much more. First of all, I'm mildly obsessed with Core Power, but I have neither the commitment nor the capital necessary to purchase a real membership. So I stick to going on days when they have their free classes. Secondly, for some bizarre reason, practicing yoga in a 90 degree studio always feels good. Even on hangover days. This is coming from a former lifeguard who frequently fainted/passed out, off her stand, during the summer heat. No, that's not a joke.

I drank two Nalgenes of water in under 90 minutes and felt like a normal person by the time class was over. This week, I am forcing myself to shape up and buy a Y membership. I'm hoping the yoga classes at the Y will be just as good as Core Power, but something tells me not to get my hopes up.

"For someone who hates running, you sure run a lot."

The title of this post pretty much sums up my run last night. I ran around Lake Calhoun with Jihone and really hated the experience. I don't know if I was tired from running a little longer the day before or what, but around the halfway point, every part of me was thinking "screw this."

This is where it was really helpful to be running with a friend. It forced me to continue running for two reasons:
1. I didn't want to ruin his workout by making us stop
2. I didn't want to look like a fat baby who couldn't finish something she easily did yesterday

So yes, I finished the run, yelled "thank god" and went home to eat some peanut m&ms.

Today is an off day. No, this has nothing to do with a training regiment, which I still have to create btw. It's simply because I don't have enough time in the day. Between work, networking, and oh yeah, the PARTY BUS I'm going on tonight for a friend's birthday, working out isn't making the schedule today.

Check back tomorrow when I attempt to run and then attend a 90 minute hot yoga session at Core Power. Hopefully some of the hippies decide to wear deodorant this time.

Celebration!

Triple Torture has over 200 views as of today!!! Thanks, readers! And now, a little treat for you....



mmmm homemade Easter Bunny cupcakes

Question of the Day

Hello, readers! Here is my question: do your hands ever swell when you are running? If so, what do you do to prevent or alleviate this?

I had this problem today when I was running around Lake Calhoun. It doesn't happen to me every time I run, but frequently enough that it is annoying. This has also happened to me when I have been hiking, but I cured the problem by using hiking poles, and I think the constant motion of my arms makes the blood flow better. What should I do when running? Move my arms more? Higher? Lower?

My run was pretty uneventful other than that it was the first time I have run with my new ipod. It worked marvelously, and I'm really happy with my purchase! I was feeling pretty good (and listening to Lets Get Loud!) at the beginning of my run, so I increased my speed. Suddenly, augh! stomach cramp, and I had to slow down to a jog. Maybe I'll be able to run a little faster tomorrow.

One more thought: can training for a triathlon give me a body like J-Lo?

Triathlete Magazine

Before I flew to Seattle, I went to Barnes and Nobles and bought this magazine to read on the plane. I have to admit, its pretty cool that there is a magazine (and this isn't the only one) dedicated to triathletes. The magazine makes triathlons seem more like a sport and less like an activity for exercise affectionados.

What isn't cool is that fact that halfway through reading, I had a minor panic attack about owning a bicycle that costs less than $4,000. Umm, I know Golden Eagle Jr. (my bike) isn't the flashiest piece in the pan, but it is still solid gold in my book! I'm committed to competing in my first triathlon on Golden Eagle Jr. for two reasons:

1. I'm too poor to buy a new bicycle
2. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a new bicycle if I end up hating this race - better to wait until after August 22nd to make this decision

But, I will be investing in some new gear for the triathlon. I've already purchased a pair of tri-shorts (awesome deal on Bonktown.com), and I'm planning on purchasing a tri-top at REI this weekend with my rebate check and 20% off members-only coupon. Holla! Members of REI say whatttt to savings!

In the meantime, its back to the library to check out some triathlon books and read more about brick workouts that were hinted at in Triathlete. Overall, I thought this was a nice magazine, but I won't be purchasing the May issue because it is written for a far more advanced athlete than I.

Oh, and it rained today so I still haven't had a chance to test out my new ipod on a run. Blue skies tomorrow? Check back tomorrow, Mum fans!

Woah

So small...

NEWS FLASH

I just ran for a second time today! Yes, that is correct - two workouts in one day. Has the whole world gone crazy? Did I ingest crazy pills along with my marshmellow peeps this morning? Who knows! But the idea of running around Lake Calhoun with my friend, Jihone, and enjoying the last few minutes of sunshine in the day made me realize I. Had. Not. Had. Enough.

This means I ran about 6 miles today. I'm not sure if I could have done it consecutively, but I am going to start pushing myself for more speed now that I know I have built up more endurance.

Benefits to Running at the Lake: No Shortcuts

I plotted a three mile course around my neighborhood this morning, and set off with full intentions on completing the course. Flash forward 25 minutes later, and I really just want to take a shower and eat some Easter breakfast. If I were running around the lake, I would HAVE to finish the loop, or else start swimming (hmm have I just found a new brick exercise strategy?)

Ok ok, fine, I admit, once - just once! - in February, I was running and just felt like going home, so I walked across the frozen Lake of the Isles and went home early....

So today, I cut four blocks off what I was originally supposed to run. Yeah, ok, whatever, keep your disappointment to yourself. I'm still proud of myself for getting out there and running as soon as I woke up this morning. Exercising before breakfast, or even before noon, is something the old me would never have done. Things are on the up and up.

Plus, I get my new ipod shuffle in the mail tomorrow! I ordered the pink one (obvi), and I'm loading it up with tons of Gaga, Britney, and Cher. I have been running with my old ipod, and it just hasn't been working out for either of us. When I say old, I mean ancient in Applespeak. It's six years old *gasp!dinosaur technology* and it's so fat that it won't even fit in those new-age arm bands they make for the kids. So for the sanctity of our six year relationship, old ipod will be reserved for buses and planes, while new ipod will become my electronic running partner.

Now that the weather has officially turned the corner for spring, I will be riding my bike more often and prepping for the 12k ride. Can't wait to wear my superdork Microsoft bike jersey I bought in Seattle!

First Timed Run

I ran another lap (5k) around Lake Calhoun tonight, and for the first time I actually paid attention to my starting and stopping time. I made it around again without walking, although I must confess, it was harder to do on my own and with the 25 mph wind gusts. My time per mile was what I expected: 10 minutes. I'm not sure how to decrease that time, other than running faster. My hope is that the more I run, the better my time will become. I will have to read some books about this.

I don't think I have explicitly stated my goals on here for my first triathlon, but they are as follows:
1. finish the race
2. don't be last

Although I am far from swimming, biking, and running a complete course, I looked up last year's race times to get a general idea of where I need to be in 142 days. The top woman finished in 1:08 and the last place woman finished in 2:51. I would love to finish right around the 1:30 mark, but unless I buy a new bicycle, I don't think that's happening. Some time under 2:00 is realistic. More about getting psyched out about expensive triathlon gear that "makes you faster" later.

And on a final note, I haven't exercised this much in a week since high school - and that was because we had gym class daily....

Peer Pressure Made Me Do It

Last night I reached another goal: running around Lake Calhoun (5k) without stopping! I have no idea of my time per mile, but I kept a constant pace and finished strong. But I didn't do it alone! I can attribute much of this success to my friend, Rachael. We ran around the lake together, and running with her forced me to keep a steady pace and to continue going when I really felt like stopping. If I had been alone, I likely would have stopped to walk at least once. Thanks, friend! For the first time I see the benefits of having a running buddy, and I hope that we can go running together often.

Today's lesson: peer pressure can be a good thing!

In other news, I saw the homeless clown on Nicollet Mall again yesterday, but he wasn't assaulting anyone this time. Keep on the path of straight and narrow clownman.