Tuesday, April 29, 2008

12 Weeks!

I was cool looking at my countdown timer, stating 80+ days until Lake Placid. Then Karen sends out my training plan for the week. 12 weeks to go, she states. Holy cow! That sounds so much closer than 80+ days.

Finished up my first t-run since last year. I was forgetting how tough it is to run off the bike. I have a 5 hour ride this weekend and the Cap2Cap Century ride next weekend, both with t-runs. So, I'll see what it feels like to run after the 5 hour ride and the 100 miler. (For those that don't know, a t-run is a transition run, or brick, where you do a very short run immediately following a bike ride. This gets the leg muscles trained to transition from biking to running.)

I'm loving the Tuesday night group ride. We are riding about 36 miles. Last week we averaged 19mph. This week, 21mph! I'm still not up with the main group once we hit the hills, which start about maybe mile 25, but I'm sticking with the second group once the main pack splits. And actually doing my fair share of pulling.

BTW...My calves HAVE to stop hurting at some point, don't they? I feel like they are in total anarchy! At least my IT band is happy!

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Training going well

I'm holding my own on that Tuesday night bike ride that killed me last year. That's making me much more comfortable on the bike. I'm even doing a good deal of pulling. Also not getting dropped on the climbs is pretty encouraging. I'm really pushing myself at times, knowing that riding fast will make me much stronger come July.

Karen and Stadler have changed my running form. I'm feeling much better, though my calves are pretty sore. The IT band is feeling okay. Leah, my rehab therapist, has got me working on some great strength training exercises. I swear, between Karen, Stadler, and Leah, it'll be amazing if I can even run come July. I'm so sore in internal leg muscles that I didn't even know I had!

Karen is really kicking my butt in the pool. I'm feeling so much more comfortable in the water. Last nights master's swim was really good. I'm very relaxed and feeling longer in my stroke. She's pleased that I'm picking up the changes so quickly and improving so much.

The one thing helping me get the IT band healed and the significant improvement in my swim stroke is that I trust Karen, Stadler, and Leah 100%. I'm always told that I'm very body aware, so I can really focus on what they are teaching me and translate that into my workouts.

Got a 4 hour bike ride on Saturday and a 1 hour 15 minute run on Sunday. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Remembering

One year ago, our family lost a wonderful Mother and a great person. Today, our family remembers Judy and all the joy she brought us. We all will continue to remember and love her.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, especially today.

We miss you Judy...

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

We Will Not Forget


Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Yikes!

Just noticed that my countdown timer is under 100 days!

Wanted to get a quick post to let everyone know that my training is going really well so far.

I'm very pleased to let you all know that I'm holding my own with
that RABA ride that kicked my butt last year. For the last two weeks, I'm finishing the entire ride with a few folks, more importantly, not by myself as I did last year. I even have the legs to be baited into a sprint during the last few miles! Tonight, we averaged 20.4 MPH for the 35 mile ride.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

I'M STOKED!

Boy did I truly find that sweet spot for the ITB strap. Got a 40 minute run on the treadmill today, with NO PAIN! I was at about 9 minute pace, but hey, at this point I'll take that. Sure beats not running at all...

Monday, April 7, 2008

A soccer star!

On a wet and rainy Saturday morning, Logan scores 3 goals in his very first soccer game! He looked like a natural out there and was super excited. His assistant coach, that's me, was very proud of him.

ITBS update - My MRI on Friday evening was pretty uneventful. Just a 30 minute nap. I'll find out the full results on Thursday, when I have my follow-up with Dr. Stadler. I was able to get a 20 minute run in today with very minimal pain. More discomfort than actual pain like last week! I think I've found the sweet spot for the ITB strap that I've been wearing. Meaning, the spot that prevents the IT band from rubbing my knee. I'm pretty stoked about that, but will remain calm and controlled. Not going to rush this and risk a setback.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Logan's 5

I feel bad for not posting this last weekend, but our little boy is growing up too fast!

Yes! Power Rangers!
Thanks for my Dino, Ansley!
Cool! Star Wars!
All mine!
Use the force, Luke

IT Band Update

Here's the scoop so far...

Still can't run longer than 20 minutes without pain on the outside of my left knee. Had an MRI tonight on my left leg to confirm ITBS and rule anything else weird out. Next week I may have a cortisone shot into the bursa of the knee to alleviate the pain and allow me to run.

The good news is that I can bike and swim without any pain at all. Karen is kicking my butt in her Master's swim on Wednesday evenings. I'm still swimming only catch-up, but I'm feeling MUCH smoother in the water. I'm actually getting comfortable breathing on the right!

Will keep you updated.