I sincerely apologize for the tardiness of the updates on here. Things have been a bit rough this past week :( From the injury and racing, to work and money, lots of emotions and concerns have been flooding my mind lately.
Nationals are in a week and I'm still having nothing but trouble and pain with running 15 minutes really easy. There is obviously something really wrong as it has been 6 weeks without any run training and I'm still not getting better. This just puts my season into perspective and makes me wonder if I should just bag it, get healthy and then rock it next year. However, without a strong schedule and resume to back myself up, sponsorship might then become a serious issue...what to do, what do to?!?!
I guess I've come to the point in the road where I need to make some serious decisions. Money is super tight and committing to some sort of career doesn't seem THAT bad. These decisions aren't going to happen overnight and require a lot of reflection and thought!
I'm hangining in there, but definitely ready for that stage where "everything always works out in the end"! Guess it's gotta happen to everyone, right!?! Stay tuned.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
What's on the back of your leg?!?!
Well I'll tell you what's on the back of my leg. It might be really tacky and bright blue, but it's really helping the healing process of this stupid hip injury. For the past week I have been bombarded with questions about what is all over my leg so for everyone's information, here it is.
Kinesio Athletic Tape is a modality treatment based on the body's own natural healing process. The major effects of Kinesio taping are correcting muscle function, improving circulation of blood and lymph, relieving pain, and repositioning the subluxation joints. Kinesio Athletic Tape is latex free, and is durable for 3-4 days of use. Kinesio Athletic Tape is an elastic athletic tape of extremely high quality, and was specifically designed by Dr. Kenzo Kase to provide exceptional results for Kinesio Taping. Kinesio Athletic Tape was designed to be worn on the skin for an extended period of time (3-4 days) without irritation, as well as during strenuous exercise or hydrotherapy. The adhesive is not only heat activated, but also will not leave any residue when removed. Kinesio® Athletic Tape is FDA approved, and patent protected. Kinesio® Athletic Tape has an elasticity of 140%, which matches the same basic elasticity found in ones skin and muscles, allowing Kinesio taping to work with your body. This provides full range of motion, support, and stability, without adversely affecting the natural range of motion. For excellent results, Kinesio® Athletic Tape should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to exercise in order for the heat activated adhesive to adjust and bond with the skin temperature. In conjunction with the Kinesio Taping Method, Kinesio Athletic Tape is frequently used for clinical applications such as patella femoral, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff, etc. Kinesio Athletic Tape is more expensive than conventional athletic tape, but due to the quality and usage, Kinesio Athletic Tape is actually more economical.
So please don't ask me any more questions...thanks :)
It's called Kinesio tape:
Kinesio Athletic Tape is a modality treatment based on the body's own natural healing process. The major effects of Kinesio taping are correcting muscle function, improving circulation of blood and lymph, relieving pain, and repositioning the subluxation joints. Kinesio Athletic Tape is latex free, and is durable for 3-4 days of use. Kinesio Athletic Tape is an elastic athletic tape of extremely high quality, and was specifically designed by Dr. Kenzo Kase to provide exceptional results for Kinesio Taping. Kinesio Athletic Tape was designed to be worn on the skin for an extended period of time (3-4 days) without irritation, as well as during strenuous exercise or hydrotherapy. The adhesive is not only heat activated, but also will not leave any residue when removed. Kinesio® Athletic Tape is FDA approved, and patent protected. Kinesio® Athletic Tape has an elasticity of 140%, which matches the same basic elasticity found in ones skin and muscles, allowing Kinesio taping to work with your body. This provides full range of motion, support, and stability, without adversely affecting the natural range of motion. For excellent results, Kinesio® Athletic Tape should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to exercise in order for the heat activated adhesive to adjust and bond with the skin temperature. In conjunction with the Kinesio Taping Method, Kinesio Athletic Tape is frequently used for clinical applications such as patella femoral, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff, etc. Kinesio Athletic Tape is more expensive than conventional athletic tape, but due to the quality and usage, Kinesio Athletic Tape is actually more economical.
So please don't ask me any more questions...thanks :)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Randomness
So I know I haven't posted anything new in a few days and I apologize. I have been super busy trying to catch up with work, sleep, training, and AQUAJOGGING...ugh, shoot me.
I have also been visiting the greatest doctor in the world on a daily basis trying to get this hip injury under control and healed. So far I have been able to run 15min. a day on the treadmill with 30-45min. of aquajogging following. Still hurts like hell, but I guess it's progress.
Nationals are only 2 weeks away and I'm definitely getting really nervous about the run portion. My swim and bike are right where they need to be, but I'm really struggling mentally with the whole aspect of not running for 6+ weeks!!! It's really a scary thought.
Alright, enough babbling. I promise I will have something new and exciting this weekend. Until then, here are some pics from the race last weekend. Tata.
I have also been visiting the greatest doctor in the world on a daily basis trying to get this hip injury under control and healed. So far I have been able to run 15min. a day on the treadmill with 30-45min. of aquajogging following. Still hurts like hell, but I guess it's progress.
Nationals are only 2 weeks away and I'm definitely getting really nervous about the run portion. My swim and bike are right where they need to be, but I'm really struggling mentally with the whole aspect of not running for 6+ weeks!!! It's really a scary thought.
Alright, enough babbling. I promise I will have something new and exciting this weekend. Until then, here are some pics from the race last weekend. Tata.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Protein and Wild Animals
Just another AMAZING morning in the most beautiful and near perfect place in the world (Boulder, CO).
I decided to get in an early morning climb since it is supposed to get pretty hot this afternoon with a chance of thunderstorms. I left my house a little before 7am with the intent to ride up to Jamestown through Left Hand Canyon. As I was riding I had nearly the entire road to myself...that NEVER happens here!
Anyway, I'm just about to 2 miles up the climb when I see what appears to be a dog in the middle of the road. Boy was I wrong. This dog looking animal was actually a fox who was staring me right in the eyes as I got closer. Once I realized what it really was, I started getting a little nervous and slowed way down. I figured it would get frightened by me and run into the woods, but apparently not. It started moving closer and closer to me. If my heart rate was at a rate 5 beats higher, it might have beat right out of my body...no joke. I was scared out of my mind. My first thought was to turn around and go back down as fast as I could but instead I chose jump on the pedals on continue to go up as fast as I could. The fox trotted after me for a mere 2o seconds (which felt like FOREVER) and finally disapeared into the woods....oh my God...I don't think I've ever gotten up to the top of that climb that fast before!
Okay, now that I was completely wiped from running from the fox, the decent was sounding pretty damn good. I got into my drops and began bombing down the mountain...weeeeee. Apparently it was the day for bugs because by the time I got to the bottom of the canyon, I must have consumed at least 10 and had another 15 splattered on my face. Bugs and insects are a good form of protein, right? Does this mean I can include them in my food journal?!?!
What a morning! Regardless of the weather, the day, the time, the place, or the circumstance, each ride is an experience in itself.
I LOVE IT.
I decided to get in an early morning climb since it is supposed to get pretty hot this afternoon with a chance of thunderstorms. I left my house a little before 7am with the intent to ride up to Jamestown through Left Hand Canyon. As I was riding I had nearly the entire road to myself...that NEVER happens here!
Anyway, I'm just about to 2 miles up the climb when I see what appears to be a dog in the middle of the road. Boy was I wrong. This dog looking animal was actually a fox who was staring me right in the eyes as I got closer. Once I realized what it really was, I started getting a little nervous and slowed way down. I figured it would get frightened by me and run into the woods, but apparently not. It started moving closer and closer to me. If my heart rate was at a rate 5 beats higher, it might have beat right out of my body...no joke. I was scared out of my mind. My first thought was to turn around and go back down as fast as I could but instead I chose jump on the pedals on continue to go up as fast as I could. The fox trotted after me for a mere 2o seconds (which felt like FOREVER) and finally disapeared into the woods....oh my God...I don't think I've ever gotten up to the top of that climb that fast before!
Okay, now that I was completely wiped from running from the fox, the decent was sounding pretty damn good. I got into my drops and began bombing down the mountain...weeeeee. Apparently it was the day for bugs because by the time I got to the bottom of the canyon, I must have consumed at least 10 and had another 15 splattered on my face. Bugs and insects are a good form of protein, right? Does this mean I can include them in my food journal?!?!
What a morning! Regardless of the weather, the day, the time, the place, or the circumstance, each ride is an experience in itself.
I LOVE IT.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Aqua Jogging
Reason 58,467 why being injured sucks.
Aqua jogging might possibly be the most ridiculous alternative to running EVER. Although it has proven to retain running fitness and utilize the specific muscle sets for runners, there are SO many more crappy things about it than good! Here they are:
1) SOOO boring
2) You feel like a fat and old woman
3) You look like a complete moron
4) It's kinda hard
5) The bottom of your feet get scraped to hell
6) You can only go half way down the pool until you have to turn around
7) People stare are you and wonder what the hell you're doing
8) You can't use your ipod
9) You get splashed in the face by people swimming in the next lane
10) It makes running sounds SOOOO good...that never happens!
DON'T GET INJURED...IT SUCKS!
Aqua jogging might possibly be the most ridiculous alternative to running EVER. Although it has proven to retain running fitness and utilize the specific muscle sets for runners, there are SO many more crappy things about it than good! Here they are:
1) SOOO boring
2) You feel like a fat and old woman
3) You look like a complete moron
4) It's kinda hard
5) The bottom of your feet get scraped to hell
6) You can only go half way down the pool until you have to turn around
7) People stare are you and wonder what the hell you're doing
8) You can't use your ipod
9) You get splashed in the face by people swimming in the next lane
10) It makes running sounds SOOOO good...that never happens!
DON'T GET INJURED...IT SUCKS!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Race it is!
Pre Race- The alarm goes off at 5am this morning and millions of emotions are flying through my head. Since my injury, each morning when I wake up and get out of bed, I secretly hope that my hip will have miraculously healed and I will be pain free with my first step on the ground. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to be today, but that's okay, I was prepared for it. I proceeded to hobble to the bathroom, get ready, take a warm shower to loosen up and then go downstairs to make some breakfast. As I excitedly beginning cutting my bagel to smear that delight I called peanut butter all over it, I cut right through and slice off a good chunk of the top of my finger. What more do I need at this point than a bloody bagel and a finger gushing uncontrollably!?!? Well there's nothing a couple of bandaids and electrical tape can't fix, but ouch, that hurt like crazy. I then went to meet my friend Pete at Vics and we got in a good warm up biking to the course. I get everything set up in transition and proceed to head down to the water to begin warming up. I know what I've got to do and I know what the limits are, now it's all about the execution...
The Race- Like the beginning of every race, it's a huge sea of chaos; arms are flying, legs are kicking, goggles are being knocked off, etc. However, it wasn't so bad until we had about a 3 minute section where a boat's wake hit us directly from the side. I honestly felt like I was going nowhere except side to side and up and down. Needless to say, I got incredibly nauseas and motion sick and decided that stopping for 20 seconds or so wouldn't be a bad idea. Well doing this definitely didn't help my swim time nor my rhythm after I started back up again...okay, long story short, I had a really crappy swim.
The bike portion went as well as it could have. I felt strong and fairly good throughout the whole 17 miles. The only issue I had was with one girl who everytime I passed would immediately pass me and then get in front of me and slow back down. For those unaware of drafting rules, you have 10 seconds to pass someone which means you have 10 seconds to be within 3 bike lengths of the rider in front of you. Anyway, this girl was obviously not abiding by these rules and eventually the referee on his motorcycle saw what she was doing and gave her a 2 minute penalty...maybe it will teach her a lesson.
So here comes the dreaded run. I haven't run in over 4 weeks and I really should never had considered doing this, but I got into T2, put on my shoes and painfully headed out for the final portion of the race. I was definitely limping and probably looking like a total goof, but I really needed a good finish in this race and it was ONLY 5K. I basically put myself in a happy place for a little over 22 minutes and finished the run in almost tears it hurt so bad. Sometimes you just do what you gotta do.
Post Race- I needed an age-group win today and I was fortunate to have pulled if off with a little over 5 minutes to spare :) However, finishing 14th overall was very difficult to take considering where I would have been had I been healthy and fully functioning. I am okay with it, and most importantly, I am thrilled I didn't injure myself any more (that I know of), but deep down, I am irritated, frustrated and emotionally distraught. I couldn't have been more happy with the outcome of today's race considering the facts, but there's still something missing. I guess more therapy and recovery will be on the docket for next week, but I'll keep you posted!
The Race- Like the beginning of every race, it's a huge sea of chaos; arms are flying, legs are kicking, goggles are being knocked off, etc. However, it wasn't so bad until we had about a 3 minute section where a boat's wake hit us directly from the side. I honestly felt like I was going nowhere except side to side and up and down. Needless to say, I got incredibly nauseas and motion sick and decided that stopping for 20 seconds or so wouldn't be a bad idea. Well doing this definitely didn't help my swim time nor my rhythm after I started back up again...okay, long story short, I had a really crappy swim.
The bike portion went as well as it could have. I felt strong and fairly good throughout the whole 17 miles. The only issue I had was with one girl who everytime I passed would immediately pass me and then get in front of me and slow back down. For those unaware of drafting rules, you have 10 seconds to pass someone which means you have 10 seconds to be within 3 bike lengths of the rider in front of you. Anyway, this girl was obviously not abiding by these rules and eventually the referee on his motorcycle saw what she was doing and gave her a 2 minute penalty...maybe it will teach her a lesson.
So here comes the dreaded run. I haven't run in over 4 weeks and I really should never had considered doing this, but I got into T2, put on my shoes and painfully headed out for the final portion of the race. I was definitely limping and probably looking like a total goof, but I really needed a good finish in this race and it was ONLY 5K. I basically put myself in a happy place for a little over 22 minutes and finished the run in almost tears it hurt so bad. Sometimes you just do what you gotta do.
Post Race- I needed an age-group win today and I was fortunate to have pulled if off with a little over 5 minutes to spare :) However, finishing 14th overall was very difficult to take considering where I would have been had I been healthy and fully functioning. I am okay with it, and most importantly, I am thrilled I didn't injure myself any more (that I know of), but deep down, I am irritated, frustrated and emotionally distraught. I couldn't have been more happy with the outcome of today's race considering the facts, but there's still something missing. I guess more therapy and recovery will be on the docket for next week, but I'll keep you posted!
Friday, June 16, 2006
To race or not to race?!?!
This is the question of the day.
With a strained hip flexor, possible stress fracture, no running in almost 4 weeks, pain and soreness even walking...what would you do? Would it change your mind if it was the first race of a 3 race series in which you had a great chance to win $2500 in?!?! I bet it would. I guess that was the determining factor for me since financials are a big issue in my life right now.
Although Nationals (July 8th) and Worlds (Sept. 3) are the most important races of the season, and I should be doing everything my power to be 100% healthy by Nationals, it's very necessary for me to do well in this series...
With strict orders from the doctor and coach, I will race this Sunday with every intention to pull out as soon as I feel I will be making the injury any worse. How in the world do you know when you're doing that? There is such a fine line between the pain you experience during a race and the pain you experience when you're actually injuring yourself. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes during the bike and the first few minutes in the run and make my decision based on those feelings...
Racing - Sunday, June 18 @ 7:30am...stay tuned.
With a strained hip flexor, possible stress fracture, no running in almost 4 weeks, pain and soreness even walking...what would you do? Would it change your mind if it was the first race of a 3 race series in which you had a great chance to win $2500 in?!?! I bet it would. I guess that was the determining factor for me since financials are a big issue in my life right now.
Although Nationals (July 8th) and Worlds (Sept. 3) are the most important races of the season, and I should be doing everything my power to be 100% healthy by Nationals, it's very necessary for me to do well in this series...
With strict orders from the doctor and coach, I will race this Sunday with every intention to pull out as soon as I feel I will be making the injury any worse. How in the world do you know when you're doing that? There is such a fine line between the pain you experience during a race and the pain you experience when you're actually injuring yourself. I guess I'll just have to see how it goes during the bike and the first few minutes in the run and make my decision based on those feelings...
Racing - Sunday, June 18 @ 7:30am...stay tuned.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Snot Rockets
Definition - n. process in which snot is released and pelted from the body through one nostril with the use of a single finger to create the pressure buildup and a strong exhaling blow through the nose to trigger the release.
Application - this method is used when runny noses occur and paper products are unavailable; however, some people just think it's cool, and that's okay too.
Users - athletes on the go; including cyclists, runners, or anyone not having the ability to carry a box of tissues while training or racing.
Effectiveness - highly, when performed properly; just be aware of your surroundings and the people who may be behind or next to you...although snot is not the grossest thing in the world, it's definitely not the easiest to clean up.
WHY?!?!
Okay, there's obviously a story behind this ridiculousness, but for those who don't know what snot rockets are, it's only fair that they get a brief understanding before I attempt to discuss such a topic.
So after battling 104 degree temps and crazy 30mph winds yesterday, I was super excited to get out in 70 degree, sunny and calm weather...on the bike that is. I haven't been on the TT (time trial) bike in a while, so I thought I would take it for a nice 2 hour cruise. Wow, was that a great idea. As I'm riding along staring at the mountains and jammin' to some String Cheese Incident on the Ipod, I felt a sniffle coming on. Allergies have been pretty narly this spring/summer so I wasn't really surprised!
Perfect Opportunity - No one was around, and it was getting to the point where I couldn't go without sniffling for 5 seconds. One, two, three...BLOW....woooshhhh....oh s**t. Ewwww, ahhh, GROSS. Can you imagine what just happened without getting too disturbed? Flippin' wind. I got nailed with a huge crosswind gust that shot my snot rocket right back at me. Let's just say it wasn't pretty and REALLY annoying.
Even though I came back to Boulder covered in snot...just about nothing could have peeled the smile off my face. Days like today remind me of how fortunate I am to be here and I couldn't imagine it being any different.
I love Boulder...and snot rockets, even if they get all over me sometimes :)
Application - this method is used when runny noses occur and paper products are unavailable; however, some people just think it's cool, and that's okay too.
Users - athletes on the go; including cyclists, runners, or anyone not having the ability to carry a box of tissues while training or racing.
Effectiveness - highly, when performed properly; just be aware of your surroundings and the people who may be behind or next to you...although snot is not the grossest thing in the world, it's definitely not the easiest to clean up.
WHY?!?!
Okay, there's obviously a story behind this ridiculousness, but for those who don't know what snot rockets are, it's only fair that they get a brief understanding before I attempt to discuss such a topic.
So after battling 104 degree temps and crazy 30mph winds yesterday, I was super excited to get out in 70 degree, sunny and calm weather...on the bike that is. I haven't been on the TT (time trial) bike in a while, so I thought I would take it for a nice 2 hour cruise. Wow, was that a great idea. As I'm riding along staring at the mountains and jammin' to some String Cheese Incident on the Ipod, I felt a sniffle coming on. Allergies have been pretty narly this spring/summer so I wasn't really surprised!
Perfect Opportunity - No one was around, and it was getting to the point where I couldn't go without sniffling for 5 seconds. One, two, three...BLOW....woooshhhh....oh s**t. Ewwww, ahhh, GROSS. Can you imagine what just happened without getting too disturbed? Flippin' wind. I got nailed with a huge crosswind gust that shot my snot rocket right back at me. Let's just say it wasn't pretty and REALLY annoying.
Even though I came back to Boulder covered in snot...just about nothing could have peeled the smile off my face. Days like today remind me of how fortunate I am to be here and I couldn't imagine it being any different.
I love Boulder...and snot rockets, even if they get all over me sometimes :)
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
PEANUT BUTTER
Mmmmm...If I were forever stuck on an island and could only have one item of food to live off of, well duh, of course it would be peanut butter.
For those of you who are unaware of my undying obsession and passionate affection of peanut butter, it's really true...I'm a PB freak. Not to mention I probably eat entirely way too much of it, but who cares, it's the greatest tasting stuff on earth.
So I'm at Whole Foods the other day getting a free Jamba Juice with a coupon from a race back in Cali. If I were made of money I would shop there on a daily basis, however, triathlete and rich may possibly be the strongest antonyms in the world so therefore I cannot afford to even think about shopping there. Anyways, as I'm waiting for my smoothie to be prepared, I wandered off to find as many taste testers as I could...not only are they amazing samples, I had just come from swimming and I was starving...okay, I'm always hungry, but my stomach was seriously eating itself so I needed to find something and FAST. Totally must have been my day because the first sample I come by is a jar of cinnamon peanut butter with Ritz crackers...Bryan knows exactly what is going through my mind.
As I completely salivate all over myself trying to get the peanut butter on the cracker, I can't even contemplate the feeling of indulgence and satisfaction I am about to experience. Oh, and there it was...the savory, sweet, luscious taste of my absolutely new favorite food. Without a second thought in my mind did I purchase a jar of it...a pound that is. This was Friday evening and it is now Tuesday evening...it's 90% gone. Mmmmm.
Enough said.
For those of you who are unaware of my undying obsession and passionate affection of peanut butter, it's really true...I'm a PB freak. Not to mention I probably eat entirely way too much of it, but who cares, it's the greatest tasting stuff on earth.
So I'm at Whole Foods the other day getting a free Jamba Juice with a coupon from a race back in Cali. If I were made of money I would shop there on a daily basis, however, triathlete and rich may possibly be the strongest antonyms in the world so therefore I cannot afford to even think about shopping there. Anyways, as I'm waiting for my smoothie to be prepared, I wandered off to find as many taste testers as I could...not only are they amazing samples, I had just come from swimming and I was starving...okay, I'm always hungry, but my stomach was seriously eating itself so I needed to find something and FAST. Totally must have been my day because the first sample I come by is a jar of cinnamon peanut butter with Ritz crackers...Bryan knows exactly what is going through my mind.
As I completely salivate all over myself trying to get the peanut butter on the cracker, I can't even contemplate the feeling of indulgence and satisfaction I am about to experience. Oh, and there it was...the savory, sweet, luscious taste of my absolutely new favorite food. Without a second thought in my mind did I purchase a jar of it...a pound that is. This was Friday evening and it is now Tuesday evening...it's 90% gone. Mmmmm.
Enough said.
Bicycles...grrrr
Sometimes you love 'em, sometimes you hate 'em. Today, I hate them.
All I want to do is go for a simple long and easy ride this afternoon and what more do I get but a flat tire on my rear wheel as I am about to grab my bike to head out. No sweat, it's an easy fix here at home with all the proper equipment, etc...Snap, changed and done.
I'm about a quarter of a mile down the street, listening to some great new tunes I just put into my ipod and poof...total blowout on the same damn tire. I pull off into a car tire store (how ironic) and proceed to change it once more. A huge piece of glass had gotten stuck in the tire puncturing right through to the tube...how lovely.
Okay, onward. I have one more spare tube and CO2 cartridge left. I haven't flatted in months and it had to be a total fluke that I had gotten two in less than 5 minutes. Well, guess what, that's right, I get about another mile up the road and flippin' flat AGAIN! Yeah, I bet you're thinking what I was thinking....F-this, I'm going home.
So here I am right now telling you all about how I punked out on my ride today because I got 3 flats in less than 10 minutes. I'm sure there was a good reason for this happening and I know it's pathetic, but there's no doubt in my mind I was not meant to be on the road today. Sometimes it sucks and I was definitely looking forward to the ride, but I don't even want to think of the consequences I may have suffered had I been persistent and continued riding. Everything happens for a reason.
So this is why I hate bicycles today...any questions?
All I want to do is go for a simple long and easy ride this afternoon and what more do I get but a flat tire on my rear wheel as I am about to grab my bike to head out. No sweat, it's an easy fix here at home with all the proper equipment, etc...Snap, changed and done.
I'm about a quarter of a mile down the street, listening to some great new tunes I just put into my ipod and poof...total blowout on the same damn tire. I pull off into a car tire store (how ironic) and proceed to change it once more. A huge piece of glass had gotten stuck in the tire puncturing right through to the tube...how lovely.
Okay, onward. I have one more spare tube and CO2 cartridge left. I haven't flatted in months and it had to be a total fluke that I had gotten two in less than 5 minutes. Well, guess what, that's right, I get about another mile up the road and flippin' flat AGAIN! Yeah, I bet you're thinking what I was thinking....F-this, I'm going home.
So here I am right now telling you all about how I punked out on my ride today because I got 3 flats in less than 10 minutes. I'm sure there was a good reason for this happening and I know it's pathetic, but there's no doubt in my mind I was not meant to be on the road today. Sometimes it sucks and I was definitely looking forward to the ride, but I don't even want to think of the consequences I may have suffered had I been persistent and continued riding. Everything happens for a reason.
So this is why I hate bicycles today...any questions?
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Being Injured
If you're an athlete of any sport, you've probably been through it, and if not, then it's mostly likely to occur as long as you're still training and stressing your body. There is no doubt that being unable to train and participate in something you are unconditionally passionate about can be more mentally draining and frustrating than performing sub-par at an important race...you know what I'm talking about.
So here I am. Strained hip flexor from a routine long Sunday run a week before the first half ironman of the season. To race or not to race. Well race...duh! I've only been busting my butt for how many weeks?!?! And plus, I'm tough and can suck it up for a little over 5 hours, right?! Okay...BAD IDEA. Placed well in the race (which was not even an "A" race) but put myself in big detriment physically.
After week 3 of no running and a super important race less than a week away, I'm not only in an emotional tizzy, but I'm starting to look at the sport of triathlon and the lifestyle which accompanies it in a totally different dimension. Shit happens...and for the most part, it always seems to happen at the exact wrong time (i.e. I'm finally done with school and have time to train/rest/recover, so why now?) However, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and giving my body a break may be exactly what it needs.
As I deal with the frustrations and irritations surrounding this issue, I can only take it as a learning experience and attempt to understand the reasonings behind it. These experiences are responsible for creating the unique and individual characters each of us are. It may be a rough and bumpy road to get through, but in the end, it's worth every moment!
WORK LIKE YOU DON'T NEED MONEY, LOVE LIKE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN HURT, DANCE LIKE NO ONE'S WATCHING!
So here I am. Strained hip flexor from a routine long Sunday run a week before the first half ironman of the season. To race or not to race. Well race...duh! I've only been busting my butt for how many weeks?!?! And plus, I'm tough and can suck it up for a little over 5 hours, right?! Okay...BAD IDEA. Placed well in the race (which was not even an "A" race) but put myself in big detriment physically.
After week 3 of no running and a super important race less than a week away, I'm not only in an emotional tizzy, but I'm starting to look at the sport of triathlon and the lifestyle which accompanies it in a totally different dimension. Shit happens...and for the most part, it always seems to happen at the exact wrong time (i.e. I'm finally done with school and have time to train/rest/recover, so why now?) However, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and giving my body a break may be exactly what it needs.
As I deal with the frustrations and irritations surrounding this issue, I can only take it as a learning experience and attempt to understand the reasonings behind it. These experiences are responsible for creating the unique and individual characters each of us are. It may be a rough and bumpy road to get through, but in the end, it's worth every moment!
WORK LIKE YOU DON'T NEED MONEY, LOVE LIKE YOU'VE NEVER BEEN HURT, DANCE LIKE NO ONE'S WATCHING!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
This is kinda cool...
So I'm totally new to this whole blog thing, but I couldn't leave a comment on Bryan's blog without creating my own...so here I am now!
What to write about?!?! Well I guess I could begin by giving a brief update for those who are not out here in the great state of Colorado of what I have been up to since the big graduation from CU this May.
Working - still chugging away as the bookkeeping for a small law firm in Boulder. Lovin' every second of it. Working ~20 hrs/wk and completely on my own schedule...perfect for training!
Training - going long and strong :) 30+ hrs/wk in the pool, on the bike, and running...it's pretty intense, but couldn't enjoy a different lifestyle. I have lots of races over the next few months with big goals and high expectations so hopefully the hard work, determination and commitment will pay off...I'll keep everyone posted.
Racing - had a race back in Texas in March...did alright for the first one off the blood clot and little training (5th overall female). Raced very well in early May at Wildflower in Cali (1st in age group by over 13 min. and 9th overall female out of ~2000). Had a rough go at the first half ironman of the season in late May but managed to pull off an age group win and 2nd overall female finish despite a strained hip flexor...more to come on the injury and the ridiculousness accompanying it :(
Life in general - life is good. Actually, it's better than good, it's AMAZING. I couldn't be happier living the triathlon lifestyle in Boulder, CO. A little nervous about the financial situation, but should be okay through the end of the year. Need to work on the sponsorship aspect of the sport.
Alright, I'm done for the day. I'll start updating regularly, but if you have anything you want to know or chat about, let me know!
What to write about?!?! Well I guess I could begin by giving a brief update for those who are not out here in the great state of Colorado of what I have been up to since the big graduation from CU this May.
Working - still chugging away as the bookkeeping for a small law firm in Boulder. Lovin' every second of it. Working ~20 hrs/wk and completely on my own schedule...perfect for training!
Training - going long and strong :) 30+ hrs/wk in the pool, on the bike, and running...it's pretty intense, but couldn't enjoy a different lifestyle. I have lots of races over the next few months with big goals and high expectations so hopefully the hard work, determination and commitment will pay off...I'll keep everyone posted.
Racing - had a race back in Texas in March...did alright for the first one off the blood clot and little training (5th overall female). Raced very well in early May at Wildflower in Cali (1st in age group by over 13 min. and 9th overall female out of ~2000). Had a rough go at the first half ironman of the season in late May but managed to pull off an age group win and 2nd overall female finish despite a strained hip flexor...more to come on the injury and the ridiculousness accompanying it :(
Life in general - life is good. Actually, it's better than good, it's AMAZING. I couldn't be happier living the triathlon lifestyle in Boulder, CO. A little nervous about the financial situation, but should be okay through the end of the year. Need to work on the sponsorship aspect of the sport.
Alright, I'm done for the day. I'll start updating regularly, but if you have anything you want to know or chat about, let me know!
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