SATURDAY, 04.25.09. I got up bright and early and met the team at the Boat House at 8 am. Finally, the weather was on our side to ride over the GWB! We were all very excited - and glad to see Coach Jenn. We double pacelined through the park until we got to the roads over to Mroningside Drive where we kept our single paceline. I was warned by KC about the incoming traffic through swerving sharp narrow turns at GWB. He was not exxagerrating. When I saw the enven pavement just before the 5 feet width entrance of the bridge, I hesitated. They should really fix that! I unclipped right away and saw the bikers coming towards me - humph! Gotta make it through though. I clipped myself back on and pushed hard on the pedals up the steep ramp. On the 180 U turn, every one got off their bikes - there was too much traffic. I did the same. The following turns on the bridge wasn't bad at all as it was much more spacious. The view was spectacular! A clear warm day. I took my time absorbing the moment. It was my first and I waited 3 weeks to do this! I took deep breaths of the fresh air and at times closed my eyes just to feel the breeze on my face and the flow of my hair. Such is an example of the simple pleasures in my life. After the bridge we gathered as Coach Laura explained the directions and the ride for the day. Make a left at the dead end and the next right. We rode route 9W. I saw a lot of experienced group riders in mathcing uniforms. It was cool to see - different from what I'm used to seeing at Central Park every week. I struggled against the wind - riding up and down the hills on my own until I caught up to Katie who with her new sexy black Guru tri- bike and helmet looked like a pro. At times we drafted each other but for a lot of the time we rode side by side sharing our thoughts and experiences on relationships. She said to me: You don't come off as this, which is a great thing, but I'm always thinking the grass is greener on the other side. And sooner than I can remember we caught up with the rest of the group who was stationed on the top of 9W having snacks. That was a tough ride, riding alone, against the wind - but having that conversation with Katie made it enjoyable. On our way back four of us pacelined - Laura, Carey, Katie and myself. The ride was a piece of cake - rotating every minute or so. We ended up at the bike shop playing loud music outdoors where I bought a cup of coffee and some Nuun electrolites ($7 is expensive!). After another ride through the beautiful views of the GWB, I took the train back with Marianne who was stressing about her packing and moving to her new apt. I've never lived alone, and certainly don't know the stress that comes along with moving. What I know about Marrianne is that she comes from Cali, loves scuba diving and gets very excited talking about turtles! As soon as I got to my train stop, I bumped into a two of my friends who I haven't seen since those partying nights last year. We were all in different places now, with different people and all I can think of is WOW what a change a half a year can make! When I got home, my family decided they would come watch me swim in the open water with my team in Coney Island beach. So I ate some lunch and headed out together in our new 4 Runner truck. When I arrived, I thought I was late so I ran from one gazebo to the other looking for my teammates - no signs - but then Lorraine and her husband waved out to m
e. She said that Coach Laura is still on their way. Soon after I caught a glimpse of 30ish tight black rubber (super hero-like) bodies standing on the sand. That's them! I excitingly pointed out. So I started running over. I changed into my wet suit - just as the guy at Cadence taught me - I knew the deal after putting on 4 wetsuits by now - no struggle. =) I told Coach Laura that my family will be around because we have errands to run right after. My family arrived as Coach Laura was reviewing our open water swim. Some girls probably thought they were tourists, so I decided to introduce them. The girls were welcoming as some of them have already met my family. We were anxious. Luckily Marianela and I had our booties and warming swim caps! =) Those really helped me out! Coach Laura swam out and stood as our human bouy as we all jumped ran and dived in together in the cold ocean water. This was definitely memorable as we all laughed and shivered. I saw seaweed and crabs and I did my back stroke cart wheel turn around Coach Laura. We did this twice: once going counter clockwise and the second time clockwise. I drank some salty water and more - I think twice I actually *gulped* the water - gross but true. When doing the back stroke cartwheel turn, the arm closest to the bouy extends out in front as you turn - this is just for me to remember in the future in case I forget. After that, we partnered up and swam together while sighting the buildings. I think it was a great exercise to familiarize ourselves with the open water. Too bad I didn't have the time to swim the whole mile - but I was happy I did this! Afterwards, I rushed away to my brother's wedding rehearsal and then dinner, and then my good friend's engagement party. Can things be any more busy?
FRIDAY, 04.24.09 Today I took it light. Yoga, abs and swim...and GYRO! TGIF!
THURSDAY, 04.23.09 I can't remember if I worked out at all this afternoon - but who cares. I put out good effort at tonights brick. I even studied the Central Park map for 2 minutes. HA! It was nice to see Coach Jenn after a few weeks of bad weather and cancelled rides, it seems like we haven't seen her in forever! Tonight we rode one full loop as warm up - this time with a double pace line! That was much more fun than a single paceline. For 15 minutes each, a pair of girls and sometimes with Jean Luc and Steve would lead the group. There was about 20 of us that night and we were accompanied by good weather. It certainly feels better not to have sore legs from plyo while doing this brick training! After 1 full loop we progressed through our individual efforts around the inner loop twice - cutting off the 102 st and again on 72nd st transverse. I say it like I know what I'm talking about. In reality, I just follow where I see orange colors riding! I definitley need to rely on myself with directions at this point. Anywho, after our 80-85% effort on both loops, we transitioned into 5 minutes of climbing up and down the stairs by the Bethseda Fountain Stairs. The legs were wobbly but seemed very light. Immediately right after, we ran the lower loop. I tried a different way of running and noticed a huge difference in running efficiency. When I landed right on the ball of my foot - barely landing on my heels, I felt very light and my legs picked up quickly. The way the ball of the foot landed the ground did not bother my shin muscles! Is this the way running is supposed to feel? No pain?
WEDNESDAY, 04.22.09 After calling myself some undesirable names, I was surprised when I changed to running clothes and actually walked out my door. Didn't think I would do it, but the name calling and good weather certainly helped. It also helped that I didn't see people in the house and didn't smell the aroma of a home cooked meal. Otherwise I would've relaxed on my warm fluffy couch. It was breezy outside. I ran up and down my block (which is a length of an avenue). Did 1.5 round warm up and 5 rounds of joy running. I define Joy running as the pace in which is most comfortable for me - not too fast and not too slow. Geez I'm still not over the fact that I run so uncomfortably. My nerve on my lower right back seems pinched. And I reposition myself very often landing the ground differently everytime. I wonder if others can notice how silly I look. I sweat like a pig and tonight was no different. I like it though because I know I am detoxifying everyday resulting in baby smooth skin. Anyhow, here's the start to my new focus, which is running improvement. It was suggested by my dear KC to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night starting last night. I listened (as usual, haha) and went to bed a little after 10. This morning I woke up and felt no real difference. But as soon as I hit the endless pool, I noticed the energy. Either it was the 8 hrs of sleep or all the carbs I ate last night - maybe the combination of both. Anyhow, I thank my baby for the suggestion. I should really listen to him more often. In the pool, I struggled swimming against the current generated by the machine. But after about 15 minutes, I had the groove. I swam the next 15 minutes non stop and after, I felt like I can swim against the current for at least another 15 min. I didn't stop because I quit, I stopped because endless pool hour was over. Ha! This is a good sign though. Next time I will have to swim it for 30 minutes straight to prove myself - that and I may also have to bring my wetsuit along. In the afternoon, instead of taking spin class, what did I do? I ran! Yes, yes...that is my new goal afterall. Took a step onto the unfamiliar treadmill - which should not be the case at this point of my training. I started off with 6.0 mph which is equivalent to 9+ min mile and ended with 7.0 mph which is 8+ min mile. I did this for 2.3 miles and averaged a heart rate of 169 beats per minute. Shows how much I didnt really push myself. =T. After my sweaty run, I made my way to Stacy who graciously gave me a deep tissue shoulder massage / knead. I weighed 111 this afternoon - no significance for me really. I went o SBR after work and got myself a skull cap and wetsuit booties to wear for my races and the open water swim at Coney Island beach as part of this weekend's team training. They also gave me a triathlon transition bag for free! Woot! Woot! OK, Joy Sy prepare for tomorrow's brick class by eating more carbs tonight and sleeping 8 hrs.
TUESDAY, 04.21.09 The goal was to hold my breath for the length of the pool. I had to take 2. Booo. The goal was to stay together swimming in a pack. I fell behind. I did kicking drills with a board and barely moved. What da?!?! What's wrong Joy Sy? I went to lift weights. Not impressive. MUST RUN. At least it can't get any worse. Or can it??? F!!!
e. She said that Coach Laura is still on their way. Soon after I caught a glimpse of 30ish tight black rubber (super hero-like) bodies standing on the sand. That's them! I excitingly pointed out. So I started running over. I changed into my wet suit - just as the guy at Cadence taught me - I knew the deal after putting on 4 wetsuits by now - no struggle. =) I told Coach Laura that my family will be around because we have errands to run right after. My family arrived as Coach Laura was reviewing our open water swim. Some girls probably thought they were tourists, so I decided to introduce them. The girls were welcoming as some of them have already met my family. We were anxious. Luckily Marianela and I had our booties and warming swim caps! =) Those really helped me out! Coach Laura swam out and stood as our human bouy as we all jumped ran and dived in together in the cold ocean water. This was definitely memorable as we all laughed and shivered. I saw seaweed and crabs and I did my back stroke cart wheel turn around Coach Laura. We did this twice: once going counter clockwise and the second time clockwise. I drank some salty water and more - I think twice I actually *gulped* the water - gross but true. When doing the back stroke cartwheel turn, the arm closest to the bouy extends out in front as you turn - this is just for me to remember in the future in case I forget. After that, we partnered up and swam together while sighting the buildings. I think it was a great exercise to familiarize ourselves with the open water. Too bad I didn't have the time to swim the whole mile - but I was happy I did this! Afterwards, I rushed away to my brother's wedding rehearsal and then dinner, and then my good friend's engagement party. Can things be any more busy?FRIDAY, 04.24.09 Today I took it light. Yoga, abs and swim...and GYRO! TGIF!
THURSDAY, 04.23.09 I can't remember if I worked out at all this afternoon - but who cares. I put out good effort at tonights brick. I even studied the Central Park map for 2 minutes. HA! It was nice to see Coach Jenn after a few weeks of bad weather and cancelled rides, it seems like we haven't seen her in forever! Tonight we rode one full loop as warm up - this time with a double pace line! That was much more fun than a single paceline. For 15 minutes each, a pair of girls and sometimes with Jean Luc and Steve would lead the group. There was about 20 of us that night and we were accompanied by good weather. It certainly feels better not to have sore legs from plyo while doing this brick training! After 1 full loop we progressed through our individual efforts around the inner loop twice - cutting off the 102 st and again on 72nd st transverse. I say it like I know what I'm talking about. In reality, I just follow where I see orange colors riding! I definitley need to rely on myself with directions at this point. Anywho, after our 80-85% effort on both loops, we transitioned into 5 minutes of climbing up and down the stairs by the Bethseda Fountain Stairs. The legs were wobbly but seemed very light. Immediately right after, we ran the lower loop. I tried a different way of running and noticed a huge difference in running efficiency. When I landed right on the ball of my foot - barely landing on my heels, I felt very light and my legs picked up quickly. The way the ball of the foot landed the ground did not bother my shin muscles! Is this the way running is supposed to feel? No pain?
WEDNESDAY, 04.22.09 After calling myself some undesirable names, I was surprised when I changed to running clothes and actually walked out my door. Didn't think I would do it, but the name calling and good weather certainly helped. It also helped that I didn't see people in the house and didn't smell the aroma of a home cooked meal. Otherwise I would've relaxed on my warm fluffy couch. It was breezy outside. I ran up and down my block (which is a length of an avenue). Did 1.5 round warm up and 5 rounds of joy running. I define Joy running as the pace in which is most comfortable for me - not too fast and not too slow. Geez I'm still not over the fact that I run so uncomfortably. My nerve on my lower right back seems pinched. And I reposition myself very often landing the ground differently everytime. I wonder if others can notice how silly I look. I sweat like a pig and tonight was no different. I like it though because I know I am detoxifying everyday resulting in baby smooth skin. Anyhow, here's the start to my new focus, which is running improvement. It was suggested by my dear KC to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night starting last night. I listened (as usual, haha) and went to bed a little after 10. This morning I woke up and felt no real difference. But as soon as I hit the endless pool, I noticed the energy. Either it was the 8 hrs of sleep or all the carbs I ate last night - maybe the combination of both. Anyhow, I thank my baby for the suggestion. I should really listen to him more often. In the pool, I struggled swimming against the current generated by the machine. But after about 15 minutes, I had the groove. I swam the next 15 minutes non stop and after, I felt like I can swim against the current for at least another 15 min. I didn't stop because I quit, I stopped because endless pool hour was over. Ha! This is a good sign though. Next time I will have to swim it for 30 minutes straight to prove myself - that and I may also have to bring my wetsuit along. In the afternoon, instead of taking spin class, what did I do? I ran! Yes, yes...that is my new goal afterall. Took a step onto the unfamiliar treadmill - which should not be the case at this point of my training. I started off with 6.0 mph which is equivalent to 9+ min mile and ended with 7.0 mph which is 8+ min mile. I did this for 2.3 miles and averaged a heart rate of 169 beats per minute. Shows how much I didnt really push myself. =T. After my sweaty run, I made my way to Stacy who graciously gave me a deep tissue shoulder massage / knead. I weighed 111 this afternoon - no significance for me really. I went o SBR after work and got myself a skull cap and wetsuit booties to wear for my races and the open water swim at Coney Island beach as part of this weekend's team training. They also gave me a triathlon transition bag for free! Woot! Woot! OK, Joy Sy prepare for tomorrow's brick class by eating more carbs tonight and sleeping 8 hrs.
TUESDAY, 04.21.09 The goal was to hold my breath for the length of the pool. I had to take 2. Booo. The goal was to stay together swimming in a pack. I fell behind. I did kicking drills with a board and barely moved. What da?!?! What's wrong Joy Sy? I went to lift weights. Not impressive. MUST RUN. At least it can't get any worse. Or can it??? F!!!
