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.