I Think I’m Going to Die

08 Mar 2011 1 Comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling Tags: ,

Life is all about learning lessons, and I’m going to share some that I’ve learnt the hard way, with you, so that you will not repeat them, as in many of my blog posts. This might be one of the most important lessons yet: It’s really, really, REALLY stupid to go for a 46mile tough ride after being deathly ill with whatever gastrointestinal bug that was going around work. Believe me when I tell you this. Learn from my mistakes. Don’t do it.

After spending the last 48 hours cooped up inside, and cancelling a coffee meeting due to this illness (which upon finding out, I was scolded by my friend for doing) I awoke feeling refreshed and needing to spend time in the fresh air.

J.G.: “Um, you canceled meeting K to go for a bike ride?”

Me: “But I was sick!”

J.G.: “Mol, you went for a freaking 46 mile bike ride!”

Me: “But, when I cancelled, I was sick!I couldn’t consume caffeine.”

J.G.: “You’re NUTS!”

Me (after a long sigh): “Yeah, I know.”

If you are nuts like me, and could consume a banana without vomiting, perhaps you would have done the same thing. Or, maybe not. It was in the high 40’s for goodness sake. I couldn’t bear to sit inside on my couch.

A couple weeks ago I complained to my coach that I was getting tired of riding on route 9 and asked her if she had any routes that I could do. In response, she told me I could bring my bike somewhere and ride–I didn’t always have to ride from my house–and gave me a website with routes that she has completed. And today I thought, why not go for a ride? My stomach can tolerate the consumption of a banana, and I’m game for an adventure.

Oh, was I wrong.

I decided to go somewhere I’ve never been before. A friend asked me if I tell people where I’m going when I go for long rides, or on “Molly adventures” as she calls them. “No, but I do bring my cell phone with me, and a first aid kit.” (Note: make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you go. Having a cell phone with a dead battery is of no use whatsoever incase you do have an emergency).

I started off in Phoenicia, a little town where I’ve never been. In fact, you really do not need to go there either. There isn’t really anything there. Sitting in the front seat of my car with a sick-to-my-stomach feeling, I looked down at the directions in my lap and it dawned on me,  no wonder I get lost easily. My “directions” are really the worst directions anyone could ever write.

So, I thought, perhaps it might be a good idea to see if the “grocery store” had a map. And, I needed gatorade and felt my sugar begin to drop and I wanted to also get a powerbar. I entered the small shop, and was actually slightly creeped out, which rarely happens to me. I walked down the aisles of dust covered cereal boxes and overpriced food and managed to find a Gatorade, but to my dismay, there were no powerbars. They did have maps though! I asked the kind lady behind the counter if there was anyplace to park in this lovely small quaint town, and she said I was welcome to park across from the post office.

I sat back in the front seat of my horribly dirty car and studied the map in my lap and chugged the gatorade.Okay, I’m ready. I unpacked my car, hopped on my bike, clipped in, and was off. Note: Chugging Gatorade after being unable to even consume Ginger Ale, is not a good idea. Emesis of fruit punch flavored fluids may occur.

I’m not going to lie, the ride was hard. Very hard. So hard that, for the majority of the ride, I thought I might die. “Ride the hills harder on this ride, so your heart rate is in zone 3” were the weekly directions from my coach. It’s safe to say my watch kept beeping to tell me I was in zone 4, and my heart rate was too high. No wonder at some points I thought my heart was fibrillating and going to jump out of my throat; my heart rate was in the 190’s.

Ouu, I've never been so close to Hunter Mountain before!

I rode up, and down, and around on winding roads that I’ve never been on, and managed to survive the waves of nausea that accompanied the twisting roads. I passed through Tannersville, which oddly reminded me a bit of Woodstock, and through Pallenville, which I haven’t been to since I was a youngster. And, I passed Kaaterskill Falls, thanking God as I coasted down the long, long hill on route 23A that I did not decide to do this route in reverse like I had originally planned. Because going in reverse, there is a MAJOR incline. For miles. And, had I done that, I think I really would have died.

Looking back up at what would have killed me.

Who knew the highest waterfalls in NY were so close by?

Whilst riding, I realized that there is a reason why my coach, who has completed full Ironman races, the  S.O.S., and other major triathlons (she’s truly amazing) is in amazing shape. If I did these rides like her on a regular basis, I’d be in terrific shape, too.

Phoenicia->Palenville->Phoenicia Route

The roads continued to go up, and down, and around. I stopped a couple times to glance at my map (BEST purchase ever) because I was afraid I was lost, and being lost in the Catskills is not where you want to be. But, upon reaching Glasco Turnpike, I knew exactly where I was. Then again, there are only so many Glasco Turnpikes outside of Woodstock of which I’m aware.

When dehydration sets in, you find signs like this funny.

In all honesty, it was perfect weather for riding, and going down hills were nice. When you go for long rides, or tough ones I should say, you really should bring something to eat incase your blood sugar plummets, and make sure you have enough water. Thankfully I was smart enough to pack a banana with me which I think might have saved me from a hypoglycemic coma in Shandaken.

On all of my recent rides, to my dismay, I have not passed other cyclists. I know other people do go out for rides, just not on weekdays when I go, since I tend to work on weekends. However, I was very excited to pass two cyclists, who, imagine this, I actually recognized. Okay, the fact I was close to Woodstock, and the fact they were wearing yellow jackets with red, green, and black stripes across the chest, kind of gave them away.

Sickler Road

Finally, after what I felt was hours of pedaling (and indeed, it was hours), I made it safely back to my embarrassingly dirty car.

Upon arriving home, I opened my e-mail to find one from my coach which read the following:

How was your long ride today? You weren’t on 212 by any chance–Steve said he passed someone who looked like you.

And, after laughing, I replied,

Yes, that was me. I thought I passed him. Your routes are killers!

Breakfast at Tiffany’s was in my head for the majority of the ride. Thank you, Pandora, for putting me through even more pain than I was already in.

Bicycle Dreams and Bicycle Rides

02 Mar 2011 Leave a comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling Tags:

I’m not much of a sleeper; it’s not that I dislike sleeping, I just don’t for some odd reason, which makes working at night, and training during the day/night, exhausting. My colleague so eloquently brought it to my attention last night as she said, “You look like sh-t, you need to sleep more.” But after years of this, my body has somewhat learnt how to function on short amounts of sleep. When I do doze off, I rarely dream. And,  I think I was slightly alarmed waking up today after having the most vivid dreams I’ve had in a very long time. Undoubtably, you could guess what the dreams were about: biking. I have a feeling this sport has been on my mind too much. Okay,  the constant looking at Cervélo’s and Scott’s new bikes, and possibly the next addition to the Geuss household probably had something to do with why bicycles were present in my REM sleep.

The last dream I about biking involved Tim Robbins and Lance Armstrong. Why I remember that, well, first of all, who dreams of those two people together on a ride in Luxembourg? Second of all, who dreams of Tim Robbins getting mad at Lance for his amazingly awesome ride, and Armstrong who has cycled in Luxembourg, needing directions from an already directionally challenged individual like myself? I do.

This dream, however, took place in New Paltz/ Kingston, and involved: my coach, iPhones, my bike, bike stores (pretty much a combination of the store where I got my bike from, the Bicycle Depot in New Paltz, and a store back home), Shimano Tri cycling shoes (obviously if my coach says I need them in my dream, I need them in real life), and fellow crazy cyclists. I think it is safe to say I’m somewhat scared/nervous/terrified of this race in June after being out for a couple long rides and realizing my workouts on the trainer did squat for me. Well, maybe cardiovascular wise, it kept me in shape. But, in terms of hills which Mooseman is known to have on its bike course (and came up in a conversation with my coach the night before the dream of mine), the trainer did nothing for me.

Ohh the things I learn.

Somewhere in Columbia County, looking at the Catskill Mountains

I did, however, get out for a fantastic ride today–all thanks to my coach of course, who suggested the route to me. After three nights of hell at work (remember that post I wrote about what I love and hate about my profession? I think I’ve come up with more things I hate about it), I woke up today excited because the snow is melting and I think spring is approaching the tundra of New York, finally. And, I can honestly say, the ride made up for the crappy nights at work.

47 Mile Route

It was perfect. No chain issues. No flat. There were hills (what you go down you need to go back up), and my thighs were angry at me. But it was sunny. Grass could be seen. I had feeling in my hands and feet for the majority of the ride. I didn’t get lost. Endorphins were released, and much appreciated. The last couple rides I’ve had have been miserable, because I was so cold. This, I enjoyed.

There is no better feeling than just being and riding in the present. Not being consumed with the past, or what happened hours ago, or concerned about what the future will bring. Concentrated on the stretch of road lying before your bike and only that; breathing in the crisp, fresh air; the world around you ceases to exist for those few precious hours you are out. You’re at peace. You have the ability to be out there. And when you return, fatigued, with that grin across your face, you are reminded of how awesome life is.

It’s…Dirty!

18 Feb 2011 1 Comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling Tags:

I try not to attach labels to people or things, as I think that is just wrong, but I think it is safe to say that I am a clean/neat freak. I’m not an anal clean freak–except for when I’m stressed–then the vacuum comes out twice a day. But, I feel more comfortably if things are tidy and neat. I’m getting better at not attacking the lone used spoon laying in my sink–I wait for a couple of other dishes to pile up before wasting water to wash them (okay okay, so a bowl added to the spoon is enough for me to start washing). From time away from training, I had color coordinated all my jackets and the rest of my clothes–not OCD at all.

And, I thought I was getting better at containing my need for order and cleanliness…Allowing used (but still clean) clothes to pile up on a chair in my room (folded, ofcourse).

But, I realized, the progress I have made in becoming less anal and neat-freakish disappears when my bike gets dirty.

I hate when my bike is dirty.

Which means any races that involve mud, dirt, and my bike, may never happen.

I had this realization upon returning from an amazing ride in the warmest weather I have felt all winter. Yes, it was 51 degrees out, and I had feeling in my fingers and toes. No, the water in my water bottle did not freeze on the ride. But, perhaps even worse, my bike was filthy at the end, due to the melting snow creating streams in the street, a mini mud slide that developed on my driveway, small rocks and debris all commingled with salt particles used during our snow storms.

Upon returning and riding up the mud slide of my driveway, thinking “ew ew ew ew” all the way from the main road to my door, I got off my bike and almost had a heart attack when I saw the state of my baby. Just two days prior i had a conversation with my coach’s significant other about cleaning a bike, and found it interesting to know that the guys at the shop will use Simple Green or Pledge to clean the bikes. For some odd reason I thought that was corrosive to the bike. Then again, my bike knowledge is next to nothing. “Nope, we use it all the time,” was his response.

With the horrible sight of my bike in such condition, I could not do anything else–or think of anything other than getting it clean. Yes, my clothes were muddy and my backpack had a trail of mud up the middle from the spray of my wheels, but all i could concentrate on was cleaning. And, yes, cross racers will probably think that the condition of my bike post ride was nothing compared to theirs after they compete in their races and scoff at my odd behavior. But, as you probably already realized, there is a reason why I may never partake in that type of racing.

For a second, I thought that hosing the bike off would be easier to clear away the mud, but alas, I have no idea where our hose is. So, I shed the mud crusted cycling attired and trudged through my house in search of cleaning spray. 7th Generation Lavender scented all-purpose spray would do the trick.

Now, I am by no means suggesting I have never cleaned my bike before–it’s my pride and joy, and I worry about it sometimes more than a sane normal person would. But I’ve never sat down with paper towels and cleaning spray to make sure every speck of mud or crusted salt was off of the frame, or gears, or spokes. I’m afraid to say that the mailman probably thinks I am a very odd creature after pulling up to give me my mail and find me cross legged on the front porch cleaning in between the tire and back brakes with a paper towel.

Front done, now onto the back

After about forty-five minutes of scrutinizing over the bike, it looked shinier and cleaner than ever, and now every time I pass it I cannot help but take a whiff of that lovely lavender smell.

Cold Weather Riding

11 Feb 2011 1 Comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling Tags: , ,

Getting ready to become a moving popsicle

It’s been awhile since I’ve actually ridden my bike outside and not on the trainer, with the combination of medical issues, snow storms, and the fact it is below freezing, have all kept me riding my bike inside. But, this morning I decided to go for a spin after numerous unsuccessful attempts yesterday where my rides were cut short due to chain issues. A friend was in Rhinebeck and stopped by to say hi, and it just so happens he’s a cyclist. After looking outside at the sun, I suggested we go for a ride (as it just so happens he had his riding attire in his car, too).

“Lets go for a ride.”

“It’s 7 degrees out…It feels like 4. Do you know the wind chill is with a temperature like that?” he said, handing me his iPhone as if I did not believe his forecast reading abilities.

“I have an extra pair of gloves you can borrow?”

“Sure, why not. It’s sunny.”

I have no idea how I have the ability to convince people to do things with me in literally freezing weather. I guess it is safe to say the majority of hardcore cyclists out there are just as crazy as I am.

Mentally preparing myself for the cold conditions we are about to face.

The ride itself was not too bad, and felt warmer than 7 degrees. Okay, that is a lie. The “feels like 4 degrees” on Jim’s iPhone must have been lying to us, too. I was frozen the whole ride. The water in my water bottle froze, and the water in the tube attached to my water bladder camel back was frozen, so I could not drink anything. For some odd reason, I did not plan on my water freezing, but that only makes sense, since water freezes at 32 degrees, and we were riding in single digit temperature.

So, what made this cold weather riding experience possible? 1) my insanity and 2) my brilliant winter riding attire.

Cold weather cycling is a lot like cold winter running which I wrote a whole post on, called, Running in the Cold and Snow,  so I will not be redundant about all the attire needed. But I wanted to talk about the type of attire that makes winter riding possible or bearable, atleast for me.

It’s vital if you decide to ride in the cold, you are properly dressed. Otherwise, the cold temperatures can do damage to the body. You could become hypothermic…Believe me, it’s just dangerous. My winter riding pants are amazing, and shield your legs from the wind when riding. They are Craft PCX Storm tights that I wear over cycling shorts. When my coach told me they were the best tights out there, she wasn’t lying. I even use them when its single digits out running because they are so warm, and they do not have build in chamois (hence why I needed to wear a pair of bike shorts underneath). On a separate note, Craft has some great winter sports attire too, if you are into cross country skiing, or outdoor running…It’s pricy, but worth it.

On the ride, my core was warm enough wearing an Under Armour long sleeved shirt below a Pearl Izumi’s pro series soft shell cycling jacket, which I cannot praise enough for it’s windstopping capabilities. With just those two top layers on, my upper body was warm.

My feet and hands were a different story. For the majority of the ride, my fingers were warm in the lobster gloves I wear (if you are not used to those types of gloves, handling gears can feel awkward at first, but then you get used to your fingers in the position they are). But towards the end, I started to lose feeling in the digits, which can be uncomfortable. My riding partner, who is an astounding athlete, has amazing circulation and never gets cold hands. I’m secretly jealous of him. Okay, I guess that secret is out now.

There are specialized winter riding shoes that you can get, which usually are gore-tex and have more windstopping abilities than normal cycling shoes. I simply wore two pairs of booties over my shoes, which was still not enough. My toes are still thawing as I write this. I’m pretty sure if you go to your local bike shop they can help you with if you really want to get some warm riding shoes. Shimano has some great winter riding shoes made specifically for winter riding, which one day I might invest in if it continues to be so cold….Ohh how i cannot wait until spring!

Since the face is the least protected part when riding, it’s super important to wear a hat, or ear muffs, or scarf to protect the head and neck (AND do not forget the helmet!!!!). I just wear a balaclava that covers my nose, because that part of my face tends to freeze first in cold weather. It’s less painful when you have a barrier between your mouth and the outside air when you are breathing (if you breath through your mouth that is). A balaclava keeps the majority of your face covered, too, which your frozen nose definitely thanks you for. Even still, I always seem to have tears streaming down my face from the wind.

Lastly, eye protection. With the already freezing temperature out, plus wind you are facing when riding (oh boy, are going down hills brutal), you need something to shield your eyes. And, if there is snow on the ground, like there is where I am now, you need to shield your eyes from the bright reflection of the snow–similar to why ski and snowboard goggles are tinted. The brightness of the reflection can cause damage to your eyes. Today, I just wore a pair of sun glasses. If there is no snow, you can get clear glasses which help protect your eyes from the wind. I used to have a pair until I stepped on them. Oops.

Post-ride, Jim to me: "You can take your stuff off, we're inside." My response: "I can't unhook the helmet, my fingers are too cold."

I must admit, other than the frozen extremities, the ride was nice. If you do go riding, be aware that the salt on the roads can be damaging to your bike, so once you are done with the ride, you want to make sure and wipe your bike down. And, you need to be cautious of areas where there is ice on the roads. Just like cars and moving people, bike tires slide on ice too. A lesson I learned today.

Happy winter riding!

When Is Too Much, Too Much?

28 Jan 2011 1 Comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling, Running Tags: , , , ,

I think there is a fine line between when you do something because you love it, and when it becomes a (healthy) addiction. And, I crossed that fine line last night at work (however, some would argue I crossed that line months ago).

I’ve joked about it before–my quote-en-quote “fascination” with races–which really only started in 2004 when I ran my first 5k and got third for my age group, although thinking about it, growing up I was always doing something competitive.

So, when is too much, too much? Is it,

  • When you schedule all your weekends off work around races for the next year, including running races, triathlons, and duathlons–not only in the state you live in, but other states? “Oh, I know I cannot work the third weekend of September 2011 because there’s a tri Sunday morning at 0830”
  • When in the middle of writing a nursing note at the end of a shift, after coding patients, physical and mental exhaustion, feet killing you after being on them for thirteen hours, you begin to wonder how long a certain run will take you when you get home from work?
  • When you kindly decline people’s offers for incredibly delicious looking cookies at 0500 because you are getting back to your “peak racing weight”–and you actually have no idea what your racing weight should be, but know it’s just less than what the scale says.
  • When co-workers at the hospital have nicknamed you “the TKH’s very own little ICU racer”?
  • …And they cannot believe you spent two hours on a trainer before coming on to your third night in a row, or wonder how you can devour 5 hour old stale coffee black with no sugar or milk, or exist on three hours of sleep.
  • …And they know not to mess with you if you only got a 3 miler in before work?
  • …And when your fellow cycling buddy/ colleague talks about Graeme Brown after handing off report, you know exactly who he’s talking about?
  • When you spend non-working hours studying past race results, and figure out how fast you need to be this year to beat other people in your age group–just incase they decide to partake in that particular race this year as well.
  • …And, if your body can tolerate it, when you can visit family members (but really, are traveling to those places because there’s a certain race going on at that time…and it just so happens you have a family member who lives in that city)?
  • …And are glad you are still young, because the majority of people racing in tri’s are ten or more years older than you, so you still have time to do well…And wonder, “Woah, what will I be like in ten years?” Now, that is a scary thought.
  • When your doctor tells you it’s okay for you to exercise again, in hopes you will stop pestering him about when it’s okay for you to train?
  • You see someone with an IM tattoo on the back of their calf at the gym, and wonder how his swimming skills are, and which IM he has completed (and you feel a pang of jealousy that he has such a tattoo, and even know what the IM stands for, when the majority of people at the gym probably have no idea)…And then wonder if he will marry you.
  • You regret getting that tetanus shot in your deltoid the day before because it really messes up your stroke when swimming the next day.
  • You know three weeks in advance you cannot do anything on a certain Friday night because you have a brick workout scheduled the next day?
  • The majority of your clothes are either cycle wear or exercise attire, could cause blindness to people in the sunlight, and have special “sweat-wicking” properties?
  • …And other than scrubs, that’s basically the only thing you ever wear?
  • …But just found two boxes of high heeled boots and drop-dead gorgeous shoes this complete ex-shoe addict completely forgot existed, thinking, “Man, how did I ever walk in four inch heels?”
  • …Then look down at your really pathetic looking feet, thinking purple/back toe nails falling off is really a turn-off–even to podiatrists.
  • The only thing left in your kitchen is zero-calorie gatorade, powerbars, sports recovery drink powder, your newly discovered and favorite Honeystinger products, and decaf coffee (that you refuse to make, because it is decaffeinated)

Completely normal, right?

One Week…Not That Anyone is Counting…

26 Jan 2011 Leave a comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in All Others, Food/Nutrition Tags: , , ,

For the first time, I’m following the advice of a trained medical professional (minus the me working part) and have not done any training whatsoever in a week. Seven (almost) full days. No pool. No bike. No running–ehh, well, exception taken for being at work, as nursing does entail a fair amount of running around and somewhat heavy lifting. And, if I go any longer without activity, I might go crazy.* For this chica to go from being “I-need-to-be-doing-something-twenty-four-seven” to, basically, doing nothing, something drastic must have happened. Let me tell you, this inactivity has definitely been quite an experience in itself. I’ve slept more in the past four days than total hours of sleep I’ve had in the past month, and am still more fatigued that I was when working and training. It’s odd, I feel I have much more time on my hands now.

So, what have I been doing, except for sleeping upto, if not more than, twelve hours a day (I know, unbelievable, right)? Let me tell you.

1. I’ve gone through all 2011 Oscar Nominees and Oscar Nominations, and composed a list of who I think should win this year. The movies are all impressive, but I really thought James Franco had a moving performance in 127 Hours— a film I strongly suggest everyone see, but do warn that some of the content is not suitable for the faint of heart. However, Colin Firth is a brilliant actor. (Ladies, who could forget Mr. Darcy?)

2.I’ve learned that plastic melts quite quickly, and the fire alarms in my house function without a problem. Furthermore, I have the mouth of a sailor not only when cycling up hills but when things are burning in my kitchen.

Oops, my bad

3.On that note, I have embarked on a culinary and baking expedition, turning my kitchen into a food laboratory: dissecting, slicing, marinating… Experimenting with types of flour I have never heard of…And I’ve decided that the Geuss name should once again be associated with baking.**

My make-shift steamer, after melting plastic

It’s advised that you make sure you have all the cookware needed before starting to cook

4.After creating dozens (I kid you not) of different baked goods, I’ve decided to go on a raw foods diet, thus further exploring the raw foods culinary world (it was more of a decision made due to the fact I only have raw foods left in my house and do not feel like going shopping–to think I lived over a year in Virginia without a car and had more food in my refrigerator than I do now with two cars is somewhat concerning). I made Mediterranean Tabouli out of Hemp Seeds*** last night, as well as homemade peanut butter. Matt Amsden is a culinary genius. Note: this decision to go raw will not affect my baking safari, so fear not, if you live close to me, you’ll still receive plenty of baked goods.

5. I’ve learned that not only does my cat eat Tofu, but will also consume Soy Milk when she’s on a Molly Diet (aka, an “I really need to go shopping because I ran out of cat food” diet). I think she is a much happier, healthier cat now, as she runs into walls less. We are still working on mouse hunting skills together.****

6.I’ve watched an insane amount of YouTube and Netflix videos, teary eyed from laughing so much. I’m not going to say how many, because that is simply embarrassing.

7.After losing my mobile phone, and time spent debating with coworkers if I should go iPhone or other Smartphone route, the fact Verizon will have the iPhone next month pretty much made my decision for me.

8. I think Justin Harris is my new triathlon idol. I have Jennifer Dougherty to thank for this.

Lastly, number 9. I’ve decided to take up Snowshoeing (I have my father to thank for putting this idea into my head) when I’m allowed to be the overly active person once again.

The list could go on, but whilst taking a break from composing this post, I decided it was necessary to pick a shovel back up and finish the walkways, and just found out from the head doctor it’s okay for me to spend QT with my Scott once again…And found my phone…And went food shopping.

As pretty as snow is, I’m ready for spring

*Some would argue that I’ve already gone mad. As long as I have not lost my sense of humor, everything is okay.

**My great grandfather was a baker who owned the Geuss Bakery in Kingston, which closed down in the 1950’s after a fire.

***Hemp seeds are one of those “perfect foods” which contain all necessary amino acids to sustain life. No, you do not get high when eating them raw.

****Don’t worry, I take very good care of my cat. I actually have plenty of cat food in my car, so Lucky will continue to be a worry-free, happy-as-a-clam, fat, friendly feline who simply stares at mice running across the floor.

Here, More Amusing Videos for Triathletes

24 Jan 2011 Leave a comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling, Running Tags: , ,

Some funny running/swimming/cycling videos.

It’s like watching myself in the pool…

Clip on, clip off…

No no, grab me a Latte…


Twenty Four

28 Dec 2010 Leave a comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling Tags:

There are twenty four hours in a day.

168 hours in a week.

Twenty four weeks until the big race.

(4032 hours)

Fourteen weeks until the half marathon.

(2352 hours)

Twenty three weeks until the first tri of the season…And what will be my first tri ever.

It seems like a long time, but at the rate time goes at the moment, it will be here before I know it.

Now, I spend almost eight hrs a week building a foundation for the harder training which begins in February. Swimming is focused on technique and proper form. Biking is composed of interval training. For the first time in years, I spend time running around a track doing speed work…I found out that eight laps around a track is more than 800 meters (don’t judge, the track had snow on it and I was running in the dark and running on lack of sleep and thought one lap around the track was 100 meters…Eight laps is actually 3200meters, just incase you did not know. No wonder that “speed” workout took me forever.) Each week builds upon the previous one. There is no excuse for missing a session, since I can do all these activities inside if need be, like spending time on the dreaded trainer.

Yes, a friend caught me on my nemesis. Not only am I not a huge fan of the trainer, I’m not too fond of when people come to visit whilst I’m in the midst of a workout. I don’t think I’m ever in a good mood in the middle of a hot and sweaty date with Kurt, mostly, because I’m always drenched with sweat, and, there is no such thing as coasting whilst on a trainer. The only thing that seems to keep me sane is my ipod with really, really great music for indoor riding. My friend happened to stop by and thought it would be amusing to take a picture of me. I, on the other hand, was not as amused.

“You’re totally sporting spandex there, Mols.”

“Yeah. Didn’t expect visitors. I’ll never talk to you again if you dare take a picture.”

“Too late.You should see your legs.”

My friends are so considerate of my feelings.

On a similar yet different note, I cannot believe how accurate the below video is–I think anyone who is serious about racing can relate to some aspect of it.

I have to go to sleep now…

Observations by a Land Mammal Turned Amphibian

08 Dec 2010 Leave a comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling, Running, swimming Tags: , , , ,

Yes, this land mammal is returning to her water roots, and finding amphibian life more complicated and difficult than she remembered. It seems like just yesterday I was starting my swim career at Pax River’s swimming pool. Boy, how times have changed.

Nowadays, between 3:30 and 4:30pm, you will likely find me spending time trying to grow gills at the pool. I was hoping my recent dates with chlorine would show some improvement in my swimming skills by now, but, I still seem to dread pool time, and continue to feel a need to gasp for air with every stroke and after each maneuver in the water. My attempts at flip turns are useless, and yet fifteen years ago, I could do them with my eyes closed.

I was discussing my swimming frustrations with my coach today who stated matter of factly, “You can’t be so hard on yourself, you just started swimming again.”

Dorothy was right, I can’t expect to be Nathalie Coughlin after a few sessions at Bard after a thirteen year swim hiatus. The only thing is, you cannot tell a perfectionist like myself perfection is hard to reach. “You have to give it time.”

Man, I really hate it when people tell me to “give it time,” even though I myself am guilty of telling others to do the same. Will I really be able to swim 1.4 miles by June without having a cardiac arrest?

I suppose “time” will tell.

Some observations I’ve noticed about swimming thus far:

1. Goggle marks around your eyes, and cap marks on your forehead, are not very sexy. Nor is wearing your swimsuit inside out, for that matter.

2. The black line at the bottom of the pool does not extend all the way up the sides of the pool.

3. Swimming hurts your thighs just as much as hill work on a bike. Try swimming 800 yards with a kick board.

4. I have not felt upper body fatigue like after a swim workout since my rock climbing days.

5. I’m hungrier after a 45 minute swim session than two hour bike ride, and have weird cravings for Ritz crackers after my time in the water.

Non-swimming related observations:

1. Brick workouts are painful, but an important part of multisport race training programs. They remind me of a quote about running: “running is like mouthwash, if you can feel the burn, it’s working.” Need inspirational/motivational quotes?Just ask.

2. Tears freeze to your cheeks when riding in cold weather. So do the other liquids that might come from your face, like your nose. Note: checking your reflection before going into a store after a ride in cold weather is strongly advised by yours truly.

3. I could easily own a European club with all the dance/techno/trance music on my workout playlists.

4. If compression socks are God’s gift to the recovering calves, then imagine what compression pants and shirt are to the body.

Miscellaneous Music Notes

Great tune for getting you out the door

JBT, bringing back memories of mishaps with Australian friends, is good for sprinting

And for a steady incline

Dutchess County Sheriff, New York State Trooper…

23 Nov 2010 1 Comment

by rendezvouswithsneakers in cycling Tags: ,

…Who else will I meet while cycling?

It was too good to be true to go for a ride yesterday. The weather was too nice, and I was actually up during the day to experience sunlight and given the chance to go for a bike ride. I was pumped after not drowning in Bard’s pool, and finished having really fresh, hot, liquid caffeinated perfection at a local shop and discussing racing with a friend (I’m way to addicted to this sport)… I had to go for a ride. My bike was staring at me at home, longing for my love and attention.

But I was not meant to go for a bike ride.

And, please, one of the reasons for this blog is to teach little lessons to others–helpful hints–I have learned along the way. And I write about them, but do I actually do what I suggest? No.

Remember my first bike ride in my cycling shoes with my Aussie friend a couple of months ago and the flat tire? It happened again.

It started out all fine and dandy. Teary eyed, and legs a bit tired from the swim, but I’ll be needing to do these types of training days in the future for the race. I decided to head down route 9 and over to Rhinecliff since most of my riding as of late has been heading north. The ride was great, it felt good to be outside again, until I felt something in my rear tire.

Hmm. That’s interesting.

My speed slowed, and I peeked down back at my tire.

You had better not be flat, I thought.

And speed continued to decrease, and I began to feel every rock in the road, every tiny crack in the pavement. The fluidity and feeling that normal tires should have was no longer there.

Oh f……………

I swear, I have the cleanest language, except for when I’m running or biking.

I had a flat.

And no cell phone. Or spare tube. Or saddle bag. Or money/wallet. Or anything other than chapstick and tissues, for that matter.

I stopped and got off and examined my tire, as cars whizzed by–like I could magically fix a tire by looking at it. Unfortunately, I do not have that magical power, although, it would be a great super power to have if I were to have one.

Hmm. What do I do. I could walk back home (it happened about 4 miles outside of Rhinebeck). But I have cleats, and route 9 is busy. Then I thought, ouu, there is a state trooper barracks a couple hundred yards from here. Maybe they can help.

So, I crossed the four lane road and walked my bike to the trooper barracks. I have never been in a police station before, and really did not know what to expect. I rang the door bell, praying someone was there, and a NYS trooper came to the door.

“Hi, I’m really sorry, I just got a flat, and don’t have a tube or my cell with me, can I use your phone?”

“Is that your bike over there?” The trooper asked.

“Yea,”

“Sure, come on in.”

This trooper was so nice. She picked up the phone and handed it to me and asked, “what’s the number?”

And that’s when I realized, I have no phone numbers memorized. They are all in my cell. And, who would come to pick me up? It’s a work day. Crap.

“Umm, wait, I don’t know.” Man, I felt like an idiot.

“All your numbers are in your phone, right?” She asked.

“Yes…Umm, can you call a taxi?”

“Well, where do you need to go?”

“Just to outside the village on 308 where I live.”

“Oh, that’s so close, hold on.” She put the phone back and then went to the back and talked on her radio. A minute later, returned to the front desk.

“Can you wait ten minutes till my Sargent comes back with a truck–I’ll drive you, it makes no sense to get a taxi if you are so close.”

“Ohh that would be awesome, thank you so much. You have no idea. I was going to walk back–”

“Oh route 9 with cleats? No, no, too dangerous.”

I love NYS troopers.

So, I spent ten minutes sitting in the trooper barracks in my cycling gear, wondering how I ended up, again, coming into contact with the Dutchess County Law on a bike ride. I don’t know how these things happen to me. They just do.

A couple minutes later, an officer in a suit came out, “Flat? And you don’t have a spare?”

“Yes sir.”

“It’s happened to me.” Man, why do these officers have to be incredibly good looking, and be cyclists themselves, and I’m always in cycling attire when I meet them?

“Don’t worry, it happens, just hold on for a couple minutes.”

I waited, and looked around. Low and behold, the female officer came out and told me to meet her outside with my bike.

Mr. Attractive in a suit came out and signaled for me to come to the truck.

“How hard is it to take that front wheel off?” He asked.

“Oh, not hard,” Thank goodness I know what I’m doing with bikes. I took off the front wheel and helped put it in the truck.

My new best friends

“There you go, take care.” He went back inside, and I got into the truck with Ms. Really Nice Trooper.

“Thank you so so much, you have no idea what an idiot I feel like now.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry.”

And she drove me to my house!

Voila, my second run-in with law enforcement. I really have no idea how these things happen to me when I ride.

So, fellow readers, please, please learn from my mistake and follow the guidance I am about to share.

1) ALWAYS carry a cell phone if you have one, or, at least some telephone numbers of people you know

2) ALWAYS bring a spare tube and saddle bag with some sort of pump. Lord knows you’ll get a flat when you have nothing with you. And money.

3) State Troopers really are friendly people.

4) If you are going to go for a bike ride with me, just be prepared. You never know what’s going to happen.

Yea, I change tires in my living room...Mother would be proud

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