First I'd like to thank you all for visiting and reading my blog! Its fun to know people actually read about me and my experiences, so hi readers!!! Hope this continues to spark your interest, whether it's for mere motivation or pure entertainment, I'm happy you're here!
It was a beautiful Saturday in NYC (close to 50 degrees with clear skies). Many runners and bikers were at the park for leisure and for training. We've been bike training at Central Park for 3 Saturdays now and not many people have been outside because of the cold. Today was different, its like when the rain stops, all the ants and worms start coming out of their holes and start greeting others. It was nice to watch.
Every week I pick a special tree. It's duty is to keep my snack company. Today was no different, I picked a large competent tree to hide my bananas. So far I've been lucky not to have anyone take or encounter any dogs pee on my food. This way, I always finish the park with a nice cold rejuvenating snack without having to carry it with me during my ride! I better not catch you take my snack because by the time I find out I'll be jacked enough to kick your @ss!
Before riding around the loop we practiced waving with one hand and drinking from our water bottles while biking. Cissie was impressive because she was super scared at first, thinking she could never do it, but only after a few tries, she was able to point out directions and obstacles while riding. Not only was she able to do it, it looked (from my perspective anyway) very controlled. I guess things like this is all mental. We tell ourselves that we're scared and the result is that we become scared for years. In reality our body can do what our minds just tell it to do. While on our bikes, we also practiced looking behind each shoulder and reading number of fingers that was flashed at us. That was enjoyable. Coach Will told me that I stop and land well on my bike.
Took the train straight to Cadence to prepare for a 2 hour indoor ride. I'll see how long my legs can last today. Some girls thought it was funny that I rode indoors with my booties. They're so difficult to take off! I not going to waste 5 min taking them off and another 5 min putting them back on later. I'm practical like that (don't like to waste time, though my bf will probably call me "lazy" for that but I don't believe him, I'm not lazy). I had to switch the "pin" on my back wheel to attch to the station. My original pin had squarish edges that would scrape against the station while spinning so I needed to switch it to a rounded edged pin. I think I have loose derailuers / chains. The chains always gets stuck in mid-gear. I may need barrel adjusters, but we'll see. I'll ask Coach Will during our Bike Clinic class on Monday.
Anyway, after an hour and 15 miles, I was tired...but but but! I told myself I can push some more! Have I told you how much I love my iPod? Music keeps me going. It's my juice, the basis of my livelihood. With the beat of the music I finished strong totaling 40 miles of riding today!!!
But I wasn't done. I met up with Coach Laura for her swim class at 5 pm. I swam faster this week. I know because I kept catching up to and touching the guys foot in front of me. Last week this guy and I were swimming the same pace. =) But you know what, I shouldn't really use that to gauge. He couldv'e been tired. Need to learn to use my stop watch.
SUNDAY 03.01.09
Met Francisco who's worked at Riverbank State Park for 16 years now. He showed me around the park and the skating rink where I watched little boys play ice hockey. So adorable! He's super nice if you ever bump into him.
I struggled doing 200 m (4 laps) non-stop today. I had to stand up in my last 25 meters and back stroke the rest of the way. =( To think that I have to be able to do 16 laps non-stop before race day is a pretty scary thought. I don't want to envision myself drowning or drinking toxic Hudson River water. I need to find that right rythm on my legs! Grrrrr! I kick too much and tire myself out to fast. It's hard to switch the mentality because I'm used to always using my legs because they are the strongest muscle set, but now the mentality is that I have to conserve my legs as much as possible. Coach Jenn said I was doing "really good" in the pool. It's very motivating to hear that all that time and hard work I put these past weeks has not gone to waste. Oh and before I forget, applying conditioner on my hair before a swim works so well! I have to thank Lauren for that idea.
I run everywhere now. To the bike shop, to the dance show, going home from the train station, etc. I'll treat you to more massages if you keep it up Joy Sy!
MONDAY 03.01.09
Many times my training attire becomes a fashion attraction. My "cute" bike skirt (http://www.skirtsports.com/) with the shami has become quite popular. My lululemon hat with ponytail accomodation (http://www.lululemon.com/) has been one of my most useful purchase. And the Rudy Projects - just hottt (http://www.pedalpushersonline.com/?CID=1106)! This random girl at the locker room said to me "Hey, you may not win first at the race but you'll win best dressed!" She liked my aqua tri-swim suit from Danskin. Joy's back in business. After 3 months of disability and only 3 weeks of training, I'm back to being able to do 120 squats in 4 minutes. Yay! Plyometrics class with Eric VonFrolich is always intense. Full of sweat and adrenaline. My heart rate was up to 92% at class!I'll be drinking chlorine water with Marianela later. Yay!
And let's see what we learn from our Bike Clinic tonight! Ciao!
