Riding with The Running Green Girl!

This past weekend was a washout for workouts. I spent the entire weekend working, with a quick trip to Boston saturday night for the Sox game. I had no time or drive to get any run, ride, or anything in. So when I had a day off today, I couldn't wait to work it out!!

First up was 5am bootcamp. A combo of ladderwork, slamballs, TRX rip trainers, battle rope running, and band rows. Home for a quick shower, then got the car packed to  drive to Simsbury, CT to meet up with The Running Green Girl as she completed the last day of her Tour DaVita!

I managed to find a big parking lot near the bike trail fairly easily. Soon I saw Mary's green handlebars cruising by, and I went running toward her with a Dunkin Donuts Boston Creme.

It was a drizzly morning to start off with, and the rain picked up as we went along.  It was so nice to ride with Mary, she is such a bubbly, fun girl! We chatted about races, running, biking, and blogging, and soon enough we were at mile 10. We took a quick photo, then I wished her good luck on the remaining 90 miles & started my trek back to the car.

10 miles done!

The rain picked up heavier, and I was getting soaked and filthy. I went as fast as I could to make it back to my car. I wished I had brought the bike rack for the car, because my back seat is now a filthy mess. My Jersey didn't look much better either...

Do you like my pretty new HMF jersey?

You know I went home and had a Panera breakfast sandwich!

Consistency is key

To make any progress toward a goal, consistency is the most important thing. Performing healthy behaviors on a daily basis, will help you reach you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Skimp, a little here, skimp a little there, and you're sidelining your goal. Sometimes things come up, but striving to avoid temptations to skip a workout, or eat an entire carton of ice cream will help us get where we want to be.

This week, I have been more than consistent. The start of bootcamp has been so motivating, I have not only gotten in 99% of my scheduled workouts, but I added in a couple too.  My leg muscles have never been more sore, and I feel like I am really starting to see changes. The scale is moving in the right direction, and I really want to stay focused through the holiday weekend.

How do you stay consistent?

Wednesday morning I had a great speedwork run, then that night I went on a group ride with the bike shop club. Remember that Cyclonauts ride I went on (post HERE)? The one I almost died on? This one was much better! An all women's ride with the Competitive Edge ladies, with manageable hills and a mostly easy pace. It was a beautiful ride with a lot of great scenery, and despite my incredibly sore legs, I had a fabulous time.  Thursday morning was another round of bootcamp. We used the huge battle ropes biggest loser style, ran laps, and did squats and side squats with elastic bands around our ankles. I glutes were literally screaming at me & ready to fall off, it was wicked intense. I am LOVING this bootcamp thing! Needless to say, I did miss my run this morning because my legs were so sore I couldn't lift my toes with walking.

Tonight I have a girls night planned, and tomorrow a beach day! I'm ready for some sunshine, relaxation, magazine catching up and a tan!

Much needed day off!

Today, I had a much needed mental health day from work. A day to de-stress, work out and get my head in the game, and get things done.  After watching the Biggest Loser season finale from my DVR (how skinny were Hannah & Olivia!!??), I went to the pool.

My first swim since the triathlon on May 1st. I went around 8ish, and once I got there I remembered how much I hate the old pool ladies. Luckily as I was getting in, another lap swimmer was starting out & was willing to split the lane. In the far lane was the old lady with her earplugs, headband, hat, & shirt doing a weird kind of crawl & sidestroke. I overheard another girl ask to share her lane later, but ohhh no, she had a medical condition and can't. I remembered her from last spring. Then ironically I heard the old lady talking to a friend, and her friend was complaining about no-one sharing a lane with her yesterday. hypocrite?

I came home, and decided to start cleaning out my flower beds, and got on a roll. I dug up the tulips, cleaned the junk. It was looking so good, I decided to head over to the local farm and hardware store to get some planting supplies. Then I came home to plant. I wasn't planning on it, but the weather was so gorgeous, I just had to be outside instead of cleaning the bathroom.

My front flower bed. Geraniums & Dalhias

My veggie garden. String beans, zucchini, eggplant, cucumber,  basil, & green peppers.

Porch tomato plant.

After a few hours of gardening, I came in to get cleaned up. Then I had to get out for a ride. Off I went for an easy one since I was pretty tired from the day's activities. A few hiccups along the way, like me misplacing my water bottle after a drink and it falling into the road. I had to stop to pick it up. Then I almost got swiped by 2 cars who were not paying attention later on. Plus, my gears were not changing right, I think I need a tune up. desperately.

So now, after my super productive day, I am heading to Chilis for dinner with the roomie, possibly followed by a splurge of ice cream for dessert.

What did you do for the gorgeous day?

ALO is done TONIGHT HERE

When bike love isn't enough...

Want some laughter in your day? Check out some of my race shots from sunday's triathlon...

I look ready to eat my armpit!

yikes! I thought I had been working on my form... I guess not!

Holy cleavage!

The only cute one!

Most race action shots are horribly unflattering in my case. Although I think triathlon is particularly unforgiving with tighter clothes, wetsuits, water, and that badass feeling that you have got to plow through 3 sports to the finish line.

After my last post on that killer bike ride, I loved all the comments you left me! It really made me feel like going on the group ride was the right decision, and that I will definitely make it a regular occurrence. Some of you are training for your first triathlon, or thinking of doing one, or wondering how you'd ride a bike. Once upon a time, I was there too (and it wasn't that long ago)!

I got my bike 2 years ago. Prior to that, the last bike I owned was a splatter painted Huffy in middle school. I hadn't ridden a bike in 10+ years, except for the occasional casual ride on vacation (once I think at Cape Cod). Kevin and I decided to buy bikes, and I figured since one day I would like to do a triathlon, I should get a road bike. We spent a couple weeks looking between the two bike shops in town, and finally I settled on my white & pink Specialized dolce elite. 

I remember the first ride we went on. I had no fancy pedals or shoes, instead my running shoes and flat pedals were what I had to work with. My only extra gear was my helmet, water bottle, and padded shorts (I was told by a friend they were a necessity). I didn't even know how to shift gears, what made it harder, what made it easier, I made it up as I went. I got frustrated going downhill when I couldn't pedal & my feet would fly around, and angry that I couldn't get up hills without a struggle (that part hasn't changed). I remember wondering how in the world I would ever do a triathlon. I dedicated the first year to figuring out my bike (somewhat), which is definitely not a necessary step, but what I thought was best for me.

I had foot surgery last April, and rode once before it. While I was healing, I mostly dreamed of running, but I also longed for my bike. I started this blog while I was healing from surgery, and in my immobile stupor, I decided what my comeback race would be. I didn't just need to do a 5K, I would do a triathlon. I mean, swimming and biking are low impact activities, right? Plus I had spent a lot of time on the recumbent bike at the gym, keeping weight off my foot. Once my incision healed completely I started swimming, and after 3 months started with slow jogging, and rides. I became more comfortable with my bike, and a few weeks before race time I added my new pedals and shoes to the mix. Not to jinx myself, but I have not fallen off once (almost did monday night).

Now I love the bike. All winter long, I craved to ride. I don't think it will ever overtake my love of running, but I do get more rides in than swims, so I think its a close second.

Rockin workouts

Remember my anxiety over going to the group ride on monday night?

I sucked it up, and went.

The people were very nice, and helpful. However, I would not recommend increasing your max mileage from 9 miles this training cycle to 25 miles overnight. Especially over killer hills, with a bunch of people who know what they're doing. I was the last one up the hills, and ran out of water with 6 miles to go. I was struggling beyond belief. There were points when if I knew where I was, I would have called Kevin for a ride, or gone a shorter route without them. I had no idea where we were in the farm lands of Somers, CT, so I sucked it up and tried not to get left behind. They were awesome about waiting for me and helping push me along. Almost 2 hours later, we were back, and I was exhausted. My Garmin lost satiliette part way through, so I only clocked 21. I was dying of thirst, and collapsed on the couch while Kevin made dinner.

wished I was riding this!

Was it hard? Unbelievably. This is what I need to get better though. If I want to be a better cyclist, I will go. No matter how much it sucks. Because eventually it will get easier.

This morning I managed to even get up for my speedwork run. 5 x 1K of awesomeness @ 6.1mph. I felt fast and strong. My legs felt good, even after the crazy ride the day before. I killed it, and had a good stretch afterwards.

My nutrition has been better, and my scale should be arriving soon, so I feel like I'm on the right track! Wish me luck for a pool workout tomorrow!

First or last?

My Tri top!

2 different feelings today on racing. This weekend's race I am pumped about, so excited to get out there. To top it off, the triathlon top I bought last year fits a little better and I think I'm going to wear it Sunday! I guess I got all worked up over a red top for nothing. While boosting my confidence looking at last years race results, I went to check out last year's results for the tri I was planning on in June. I am pretty sure I may come in last place! How depressing! They have a super sprint category as well, but I/m kinda bummed out now. I certainly don't want to finish a race in last place!

This morning I headed over to my alma matter to help with student practical exams, before they all head out on their PT affiliations. I had been creeping on the local triathlon club's website, and saw that one of the PT professors leads the Monday night ride. I have been super anxious about joining the club, because I hate meeting new people (anxiety about being liked), and I have no idea how to ride with a group. She assured me that it wasn't a tough ride, and that they could probably teach me a lot. So I think I'm gonna go for it!

I also have a patient who is a cyclist. So in exchange for my fabulous treatment skills, he is giving me cycling advice. Today we were talking about cadence. I recently got a cadence sensor to go with my garmin, so he told me after my ride last night, to check what my cadence was and we'd talk. I was at an average of 70ish, which I had no idea was good or bad. I was always under the assumption that you wanted to have a good amount of resistance as you pedal because it would take you further. He explained to me that actually increasing my cadence at a lower resistance will keep my legs from tiring and help me go faster. Add it to the list of things I don't know, since I taught myself! I'm always looking to learn...

What's the best cycling advice you have for me?

(or running or swimming)

This morning I slept through the alarm & missed my workout, and again today I am feeling drained by afternoon. What is my deal lately. Off to lounge and do a little stretching!!

My new toy... & Rev Abs winner!

Last week my mom called. My christmas present was delivered. It came in too big of a box for her to want to wrap under the tree & she thought it was too heavy to lift. So.... she called me & told me to pick it up, I could have my christmas present early!

You know what that is!!! My new bike trainer!

I was so excited & with the drama continuing between Kevin & I, I decided to take a shot at putting it together myself yesterday.  Decided against figuring out the whole how to put a bike on it part until today.

my beautiful white & pink specialized dolce elite!

After a few tears, and a u-tube video search I managed to get my bike on the trainer, without the man! HA, take that! I then rode for 43 minutes while watching my DVRd Desperate Housewives from Sunday night. This thing is gonna be awesome. It wasn't too loud, it was a nice smooth ride, and will certainly make improving my cycling over the winter much easier! One question, am I supposed to be shifting gears to make it harder at times? I can't wait to actually try out one of the spinervals dvds i have!

Running? I didn't go again today. The knee is starting to feel better, but my anterior tib is tender. I've been wearing my compression socks and it seems to be helping, oh and using that foam roller. I'm going to aim for my tempo run tomorrow, hopefully all goes well!

As for the Rev Abs

Lucky girl is.....

Amber @ This is the life!

She will get the complete Rev Abs package! Amber please email me your address to sgrigely at hotmail dot com & I'll ship it right out to you!

Don't forget Mike's giveaway at 26.2 is my cooldown for an Ipod shuffle HERE

Today is my friday!

and.... 

I have a 5 day weekend! Love it!

What are my plans? Nothing specific. Pretty much gym time. Working out, and getting used to this new weight watchers plan. So far I think I like it. Definitely puts an emphasis on healthy, whole foods, which I had been trying to do anyways. I had a 1 pound loss this week, which was fabulous I thought after thanksgiving. Now, my plan is to really buckle down, learn the new program & kick into gear. The more weight I can lose, the less I have to carry through 13.1 in new orleans & disney.

My other plans include finishing my christmas shopping, wrapping & decorating. Still not sure of what to get everyone, so I'll need to do some browsing and figure it out. My mom had me order this beauty to arrive under the tree on christmas at her house...

Thats right, Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer! So excited, and I know this will help me get some bike miles in over the winter. I really want to improve for tri season next year, and this will help me avoid biking at the gym and in the snow. Now... to get to the pool more often.

Today is mine & Kevin's 6 year anniversary. We're celebrating on sunday, since he has class tonight. I have a busy weekend ahead. Dinner with friends tomorrow, and a beer & wine tasting party on saturday night. Plus 2 road races! The Springfield Jolly Jaunt 10K is to benefit Massachusetts Special Olympics on saturday & the Hot Chocolate Run 5K is to benefit Safepass on sunday. I feel good that they are both to benefit charities, and it helps me get my miles in with my long run parter away. I'm secretly hoping to PR on at least the 5K.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for Inperspire towels HERE!

Pearl Izumi toe cover giveaway

A little while ago, Tech-Tri gave away a set of toe covers that he had bought & were too small. I was so lucky to win them, when he had a giveaway! They had been sitting in my drawer waiting for a chilly ride to wear them, and that day was saturday. I tried to pull them on over my cycling shoes..... too small. DAMN!

so sad, I really hoped they would fit!

They are size S/M should fit up to size 42. I wear a 42, and they were a little to snug to fit over my shoes. They have never been used, and I would like to pass them along to one of you!

How to Win

leave a separate comment for each

1. be or become a follower of my blog

2. Tell me why you need a pair of toe covers

3. share this on your blog, facebook or twitter (1 for each)

I will close the drawing Sunday 11/21, good luck!

My first Long Run

since my training began for New Orleans anyways. My friend Angie & I made a running date for 8 miles on saturday afternoon, but she ended up car shopping. So we rescheduled for this morning, an early run at 7:30am. It was cold out, around 40, I wasn't really sure what to wear. What do you wear in 40 degree weather? I went with my running tights & shorts, and a longsleeve top that I ended up pushing the sleeves up on. I started with gloves because my hands were frozen, but ended up tucking them into my fuel belt. WOW what a difference having a running partner makes! It was great to chat to pass the time, and have someone I felt like I needed to catch up with and not wimp out on. I was able to stay up with her for probably about 7 miles until I started dropping back. I could see her, and wasn't too far away though. I still can't believe I made it through the 8 miles, since I haven't done that since the Disney Half last year, and the most I've run since surgery is 5 really tough miles. I'm sore, and hoping it doesn't get worse for tomorrow.

Yesterday I ended up going for a ride in the afternoon since we changed our running plans. I did my usual 12 mile loop, but it was so windy I almost got blown off my bike a few times! I made sure to wear my headband & gloves to keep warm. I can't wait for the toe warmers I won from Tech-Tri to come in so my toes will stop going numb!

We did some planning for our halloween party today. My coworker brought me in 2 HUGE buckets of decorations to borrow, then my roomate & I hit Walmart, & I Party to buy some other fun stuff. We picked out what we're going to make a serve for cocktails, and what games we're going to play. I took friday off from work so I can give the house a good cleaning and work on decorating for the party. I have to work at my per diem job on saturday morning & the party is this saturday night. So excited!!

My plan is to do a little cross-training & weight-training tomorrow, and my speedwork tuesday. I'm ready to start week 2 of my training!