Was really looking forward to my Master's swim this morning, it would have been a huge help if I had actually checked the Master's swim schedule first! Turns out Masters does not swim at 7am on Tuesdays! Ugggg! Wound up swimming alone. Muscles were a bit sore, so I made a deal with myself that I only needed to swim 2000 yards and then I could hit the hot-tub.
I got my distance in and then while in the hot-tub, 2 guys get in. Keep in mind that as a participant in triathlon, specifically long distance, a lot of men shave their legs. Both of these guys did not subscribe to the shaving way of life. Anyway, for some reason...maybe it was low blood sugar, but I kept having these images of their leg hair floating away in the hot-tub and me getting tangled up in it! Yes, gross! So of course, I got out immediately......and now I don't think I will be making a journey back to the hot-tub for some time.
Later in the morning I went to my Computrainer class. I call it my 90-minute sweat-fest. As I'm driving over there is a woman in her car on the side of the road smoking, eating french fries and chatting on the phone. I was reminded of fortunate I am to not only have the ability to train, but the drive to push myself as well. Accepting that I am responsible for my health.
As I drive by, another random thought......if at this very moment someone was to take your picture and capture your life in one photo, would you really want to be sucking down french fries and smoking? I'm not making judgments, but it made me think more about how we spend our days. The next time I find myself in front of the tv or wasting time online, I will think of someone taking my picture and think "if this were to be the last photo taken of me, is this my legacy?"
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Better to follow the heart than the training plan
Today's workout should have been the 4-hour ride that I swapped out yesterday, but my heart and mind were not in it. I needed to zone out a bit, not really conducive to riding on the roads with cars and other distractions, so I hit the trails of China Camp.
Along the way there was a dead lizard on the path, I'm guessing he was hit by a mountain biker. I ran past him and then doubled backed, took a rock and pushed him to the side of the trail. All creatures deserve a bit of dignity in death. I continued to run up to the top of the trail, pushing myself to the top of my own private Everest. I stopped along the way just to take in the beauty of the trail and the way the trees parted to give the most amazing view of the Bay.
I stood there in awe of my luck to have access to such an amazing sight, practically in my backyard. Suddenly, tears were rolling down my face. Sadness for so many who will never take advantage of what is in front of them and those who would give anything for the opportunity to run up a trail, but lack the physical ability to do so. I was reminded of what my grandmother said to me when I moved to California, "Abbala, (Jewish grandmother speak) God took everything beautiful ad gave it to California".
I continued on as my thoughts drifted to my current endeavor...3 Ironman races in one season. A total of 421.8 miles in racing, not to mention the distance I will train to accomplish my goal. I reminded myself that I need to stay focused on my goals and to enjoy the journey along the way. The finish line of each race is not my ultimate destination, it's pushing myself to new limits and overcoming obstacles along the way. Learning more about myself and what my body can accomplish.
Never waste the day or an opportunity to grow. On the way down the trail a deer stood in the way, I stopped and watched her as a huge grin spread across my face....this is what training is about, enjoying what is around me.....nature's therapy.
Along the way there was a dead lizard on the path, I'm guessing he was hit by a mountain biker. I ran past him and then doubled backed, took a rock and pushed him to the side of the trail. All creatures deserve a bit of dignity in death. I continued to run up to the top of the trail, pushing myself to the top of my own private Everest. I stopped along the way just to take in the beauty of the trail and the way the trees parted to give the most amazing view of the Bay.
I stood there in awe of my luck to have access to such an amazing sight, practically in my backyard. Suddenly, tears were rolling down my face. Sadness for so many who will never take advantage of what is in front of them and those who would give anything for the opportunity to run up a trail, but lack the physical ability to do so. I was reminded of what my grandmother said to me when I moved to California, "Abbala, (Jewish grandmother speak) God took everything beautiful ad gave it to California".
I continued on as my thoughts drifted to my current endeavor...3 Ironman races in one season. A total of 421.8 miles in racing, not to mention the distance I will train to accomplish my goal. I reminded myself that I need to stay focused on my goals and to enjoy the journey along the way. The finish line of each race is not my ultimate destination, it's pushing myself to new limits and overcoming obstacles along the way. Learning more about myself and what my body can accomplish.
Never waste the day or an opportunity to grow. On the way down the trail a deer stood in the way, I stopped and watched her as a huge grin spread across my face....this is what training is about, enjoying what is around me.....nature's therapy.
Monday, April 19, 2010
It's been a crazy few weeks, but I have been getting some trainig in, just have been lax about logging it here. I will pick up the slack on that :)
This weekend I was able to get some solid training in. On Saturday I did a 3.5 hour bike ride on "Sparty", my beautiful Guru tri-bike! A bit too much wind for my liking but it's hard to avoid it living in the Bay area. I did a bunch of climbing....nothing like taking a bike to climb a mountain :)
Yesterday I did a trail run. AMAZING day!! It was warm, the sun was shining and the sky was clear. One of those days where I could not imagine living anywhere else. Did more climbing and wow are my quads "thanking" me for that today. Ugg, it look like I need to make another date with my foam-roller, but it was so worth it!
This weekend I was able to get some solid training in. On Saturday I did a 3.5 hour bike ride on "Sparty", my beautiful Guru tri-bike! A bit too much wind for my liking but it's hard to avoid it living in the Bay area. I did a bunch of climbing....nothing like taking a bike to climb a mountain :)
Yesterday I did a trail run. AMAZING day!! It was warm, the sun was shining and the sky was clear. One of those days where I could not imagine living anywhere else. Did more climbing and wow are my quads "thanking" me for that today. Ugg, it look like I need to make another date with my foam-roller, but it was so worth it!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
No rain this morning, YAY!!! Went out for a 6 mile run this morning. I love running in the dark before everyone is up. Amazing solitude and I dont have to worry about anyone running me over on a bicycle or anyone pushing a stroller in front of me like I do on the weekends.
Saw dawn breaking just over the bridge.....wish I had my camera to take a picture of it.
Along my run today I phase came to mind...I dont remember if I heard it in a movie or read it somewhere, but it was "if you are not part of the solutiuon, you are part of the problem."
Ahhhh spring is in the air!
Saw dawn breaking just over the bridge.....wish I had my camera to take a picture of it.
Along my run today I phase came to mind...I dont remember if I heard it in a movie or read it somewhere, but it was "if you are not part of the solutiuon, you are part of the problem."
Ahhhh spring is in the air!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Uggg just a quick run while I am down in LA....it did not go well. Let's just say I would like to extend a hearty "thank you" to whoever decided to put bathrooms along Ocean Blvd in Santa Monica!
Yesterday was day 1 of the donation site going live, already $100 has been raised!
Headed back to SF this afternoon....in words of the great Dorothy "There's no place like home"
Yesterday was day 1 of the donation site going live, already $100 has been raised!
Headed back to SF this afternoon....in words of the great Dorothy "There's no place like home"
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
On March 13th 2010, my birthday, I woke up and went for a 3-hour bike ride. Along this ride, I took stock of how fortunate I am to be have the ABILITY to go our for a ride. It was cold, the sun was shining, but a great day to be alive and thankful for all that I have in life.
This lead me to think of those in my life that have or are currently battling cancer. My father, Mark, is undergoing Chemo for lung cancer, my uncle Michael is dealing with bladder cancer and my grandmother Marion who I lost to Breast Cancer almost 10 years ago. Cancer sucks!
As the cold whipped through my body an idea was sparked, why not do something to honor those in my life touched by Cancer? I already planned on racing 2 Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run) races in 2010, hmmm, why not race a third and dedicate one race to each of my family members and raise money along the way for Cancer research!?
I immediately smiled and knew I would have to clear this idea with my coach Tim Fleming. I sent him an email outlining my thoughts and asked if "I should just book a lobotomy instead?" He said, "you're not crazy, just.....adventurous!"
3 people, 3 Ironman races and the goal of raising $3,000 for each race. So here I am, documenting my training and the insane thoughts and emotions that go along with it. Training for a larger purpose beyond just getting to the finish line as fast as I can. I'm not fast in the grand scheme of triathlon, but I am beyond determined to see this idea become a reality. It's going to be an interesting journey, I hope you enjoy following along and will feel compelled to donate as well!
This lead me to think of those in my life that have or are currently battling cancer. My father, Mark, is undergoing Chemo for lung cancer, my uncle Michael is dealing with bladder cancer and my grandmother Marion who I lost to Breast Cancer almost 10 years ago. Cancer sucks!
As the cold whipped through my body an idea was sparked, why not do something to honor those in my life touched by Cancer? I already planned on racing 2 Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run) races in 2010, hmmm, why not race a third and dedicate one race to each of my family members and raise money along the way for Cancer research!?
I immediately smiled and knew I would have to clear this idea with my coach Tim Fleming. I sent him an email outlining my thoughts and asked if "I should just book a lobotomy instead?" He said, "you're not crazy, just.....adventurous!"
3 people, 3 Ironman races and the goal of raising $3,000 for each race. So here I am, documenting my training and the insane thoughts and emotions that go along with it. Training for a larger purpose beyond just getting to the finish line as fast as I can. I'm not fast in the grand scheme of triathlon, but I am beyond determined to see this idea become a reality. It's going to be an interesting journey, I hope you enjoy following along and will feel compelled to donate as well!
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