The bike ride yesterday represented the culmination of a week of training--one very short on bike rides but otherwise full.
Proceeding backwards: Friday I swam in my new Speedo Fastskin unitard. After my first set of 500 yards I stopped because I thought my watch was wrong. It usually takes me about 10:39 (avg.) to swim that far and my watch said 9:52. I thought I had miscounted the laps. So I did another 500. This time: 9:48! Okay..... One more set: 9:49. Now I am a true believer in the "power of the suit." (It's not the same as the ones that were so controversial at Beijing--no way--but it is expensive, and now I feel, entirely worth it.)
Thursday was a day I'd rather forget. Indeed, I rather thought I was getting an advance on my "Friday the 13th." I experienced a host of small frustrations, such that when I sat at my desk later I thought, "Perhaps you should not ride your bike this afternoon." But it was a beautiful day and there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity. So as soon as I got home I quickly changed and got out on the bike. Things went swimmingly for the first 11 miles. Then I saw something shiny scattered on the road and before my mind could forumlate the word "glass"I heard "Thump! SSSssssssssss!!!!"
Shit!! There went ANOTHER $85 Vittoria tubular tire! And this time there was no friendly stranger around to help change it. So with a heavy sight I hauled it all to a safe place by the highway and got everything set up to change the tire. I got the spare Tufo out of the saddle bag, stepped on it and pulled to strecth it out as I had seen done, then proceeded to put it round the rim.
20 minutes later I was sitting in disgust by the side of the road. I had tried and tried to get that damned tire on without success: it was a stiff as a board, and every time I would get it over the edge on one spot it would slide off another. My exercises in futility had been viewed curiously already by the kids on a school bus, residents of a nearby house--none of whom could comprehend my frustration and humilation. It all worsened when I had to face the inevitable and call my husband, who was just getting off work in Grand Saline 30 miles away, to come get me. I hate appearing incompetent, but especially in front of him. And so I sat, and sat, until at last he arrived. I was beyond possible tears at that point, beyond mad. I was settled: those Dura Ace carbon tubulars were going on eBay. They are a sweet, sweet ride but they really aren't for training, and in my case, not for racing, either. (I triathlete needs an aero carbon tubular wheel. These are more for road racing.)
Next day I went into Elite (after my swim) and handed Dave the wheel. At first I was going to get another tubular so I could sell them, but then he told me I should not sell them with tires on--let whoever buys it choose their own. So I picked out a set of Kysirum SLs and asked him to put the cassette on them for me and I'd buy 'em. He was a little puzzled I didn't opt for the $2000+ pair of Zipp 404s--like I have $2000 to spend on a pair of wheels I'd use two or three times a year!--but I explained I wanted something bombproof for training. I really only needed the aero for my big race and I was renting those. (That puzzled him, too--probably worried him as well, as that undercuts a possible source of sales for him.)
I still haven't picked up the wheels but will probably do so on Monday when I get refit by John. Then I'll get down the business of selling the old wheels. They cost me $1000 but I hope I can get at least $800. (It is very, very hard to make any kind of profit on eBay unless you are a wholesaler dealing in bulk.)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Morning After
Yesterday was the first time I've ridden the time trial bike on the road in well over a year and overall it was a good experience, but sill shows we have some major work to do on the fit.
As for the ride itself: I med Kami and Charity at Faulkner and we headed out on Loop 49. Kami was pretty slow--still recovering from her HM last weekend--so we had to stop and wait a few times. We continued out onto 155. I led the entire way. I have no idea what my speed was at that point as I have my computer set to read cadence and miles completed. Whenever I checked it was like 17.6 (and that included the warm-up, slow-downs, etc.). We turned around at Dogwood City and from there came back up 155. It was much harder coming back: more uphills and a headwind. Still--and this was not my intention--I completely lost the others by the time we reached the crossroads at FM 344. I decided not to wait, knowing Charity would wait for Kami, and plowed onward. Still no sign of them when I turned back onto Loop 49.
By this time my left shoulder was really hurting. It began hurting at 20 miles--I guess around the one hour point, which is usual--despite my stretching and other efforts to keep it loose. By 30 miles (Paluxey) I almost wanted to quit but I really wanted to get in 40 miles, so I turned around to do one more loop of the Loop. It was nice heading west--more downhill, bit of a tailwind (or so it seemed). But my shoulder was in agony. When I got to the turnaround I sat up all the way around, and when I went down to aero again for the last leg I almost wanted to cry. I made it back to the 69 Exit and got off (rather than finishing a complete loop to Paluxy and back). This was 39 miles, and I had to sit up the entire way into Faulkner Park (except the downhill).
The good news is that, apart from my left shoulder, the rest of me was fine. My legs were great. I felt fairly comfortable on the saddle. The X-Lab hydration system worked well and I've determined I will not need to use the aerodrink bottle for the race. The Infinit seemed to work well so far as I could tell.
I happened to get an e-mail from John Cobb last night who said he'd seen me out on the loop. I confirmed that it was me, then added a plea for HELP with my shoulder, so we are going to meet on Monday and see what, if anything, can be done. He's the expert, but my own instinct is to move the left aero bar outwards to loosen up that shoulder a bit. And I don't know which way to go vertically--up or down--whatever gives relief over the distance.
As for the ride itself: I med Kami and Charity at Faulkner and we headed out on Loop 49. Kami was pretty slow--still recovering from her HM last weekend--so we had to stop and wait a few times. We continued out onto 155. I led the entire way. I have no idea what my speed was at that point as I have my computer set to read cadence and miles completed. Whenever I checked it was like 17.6 (and that included the warm-up, slow-downs, etc.). We turned around at Dogwood City and from there came back up 155. It was much harder coming back: more uphills and a headwind. Still--and this was not my intention--I completely lost the others by the time we reached the crossroads at FM 344. I decided not to wait, knowing Charity would wait for Kami, and plowed onward. Still no sign of them when I turned back onto Loop 49.
By this time my left shoulder was really hurting. It began hurting at 20 miles--I guess around the one hour point, which is usual--despite my stretching and other efforts to keep it loose. By 30 miles (Paluxey) I almost wanted to quit but I really wanted to get in 40 miles, so I turned around to do one more loop of the Loop. It was nice heading west--more downhill, bit of a tailwind (or so it seemed). But my shoulder was in agony. When I got to the turnaround I sat up all the way around, and when I went down to aero again for the last leg I almost wanted to cry. I made it back to the 69 Exit and got off (rather than finishing a complete loop to Paluxy and back). This was 39 miles, and I had to sit up the entire way into Faulkner Park (except the downhill).
The good news is that, apart from my left shoulder, the rest of me was fine. My legs were great. I felt fairly comfortable on the saddle. The X-Lab hydration system worked well and I've determined I will not need to use the aerodrink bottle for the race. The Infinit seemed to work well so far as I could tell.
I happened to get an e-mail from John Cobb last night who said he'd seen me out on the loop. I confirmed that it was me, then added a plea for HELP with my shoulder, so we are going to meet on Monday and see what, if anything, can be done. He's the expert, but my own instinct is to move the left aero bar outwards to loosen up that shoulder a bit. And I don't know which way to go vertically--up or down--whatever gives relief over the distance.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Rushing
This is obviously not going to be a cycling week. I haven't ridden since Saturday. Today would have been perfect but my mother insisted I come out. As they were holding my Belgian beer hostage.... So I went out there as soon as I could get away from campus. I managed to at least get in a run. Looking at tomorrow, I may get to ride in the afternoon. Looks like crap weather on Friday--just hope no lightning so I can swim and try my new suit. I also need to do some more weights. I saw the new doc yesterday morning--Kenneth Haygood, a really nice guy--and he prescribed weight training to help alleviate the muscle spasms in my left trapezius. (I'd already begun this on my own, so good for that.) He said I need to do weights at least twice a week.
Otherwise, it's just a crazy-busy week. I gave my class their exam on Monday and graded them yesterday and gave them back today. I had the doc on Tuesday morning, a meeting with Pete to help with his Master Syllabus at 10, then worked on my master syllabus and grading papers. Didn't get home till nearly 4. Today it was go-go-go. Had to get to my office early to give a make-up exam, then rush (as always) to make sure I had enough Power Point slides for the day's lecture. More make-up exams after class; grab a quick bite from the cafeteria and then attend the TJC Bicycle Club Meeting at noon.
The last was a bit depressing. We just can't seem to get any turnout at our meetings. We had all these people sign up during the activities fair but have yet to see hide nor hair. We've pretty much ditched the idea of offering a bicycle "rodeo" for TJC students. If we can't even excite interest among our own members, what chance do we have in getting a response from the student body at large? But leaving the meeting, I spoke with Chip (club president) and flashed back to an earlier idea: having some kind of event in conjunction with International Day. That would guarantee a maximum audience, and give us more time to prepare.
(Sigh.) All that, and I still feel like I am running behind! I know I will have several assignments to grade when I check into Eastern Civ. (Today was the last day to turn it in, so of course only one person has turned it in so far!) Likewise, ungraded essays from the US Internet sections. Boy, I need a vacation.... ;-)
Otherwise, it's just a crazy-busy week. I gave my class their exam on Monday and graded them yesterday and gave them back today. I had the doc on Tuesday morning, a meeting with Pete to help with his Master Syllabus at 10, then worked on my master syllabus and grading papers. Didn't get home till nearly 4. Today it was go-go-go. Had to get to my office early to give a make-up exam, then rush (as always) to make sure I had enough Power Point slides for the day's lecture. More make-up exams after class; grab a quick bite from the cafeteria and then attend the TJC Bicycle Club Meeting at noon.
The last was a bit depressing. We just can't seem to get any turnout at our meetings. We had all these people sign up during the activities fair but have yet to see hide nor hair. We've pretty much ditched the idea of offering a bicycle "rodeo" for TJC students. If we can't even excite interest among our own members, what chance do we have in getting a response from the student body at large? But leaving the meeting, I spoke with Chip (club president) and flashed back to an earlier idea: having some kind of event in conjunction with International Day. That would guarantee a maximum audience, and give us more time to prepare.
(Sigh.) All that, and I still feel like I am running behind! I know I will have several assignments to grade when I check into Eastern Civ. (Today was the last day to turn it in, so of course only one person has turned it in so far!) Likewise, ungraded essays from the US Internet sections. Boy, I need a vacation.... ;-)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Blue Monday
No, I don't have "the blues". The "blue" refers to the lane marker in the swimming pool where I spend an hour of my day every Monday. Today I did my longest distance yet: 2,500 yards, though not uninterrupted. I did 2 sets of 1,000 yards, stopping to swig some water and reset my watch, and a final set of 500 yards. The water helped though close to the end I experienced that same sort of weird breathing sensation where I feel like my throat is closing up. (Wish we had that super-duper high-tech pool like they had in Beijing where there was no chlorine to interfere with the breathing.)
Alas, I was not able to wear a new Speedo bathing suit for today's session. My current Speedo unitard has been sagging for a while. It's held up very well for over a year and then some, but I need a new suit. I HAVE to have something that coveres my upper thighs! The only things available in that version are pretty costly--namely, the Speedo Fastskin series. So I ordered one last week and it arrived on Friday. However, it was too small: I had read the wrong size chart on their web site. Rechecking, I found they don't have my size, so I had to go to another vendor and buy a close relation to this Fastskin II knicker. I don't know when it will arrive, or if it will fit. (And wouldn't you know after all that I saw that TYR makes a similar suit for one-third the cost??)
Prior to swimming I gave my lecture class their first exam of the year. I had 3 or 4 absent. I hate having to give make-ups! Only one called me to say he was ill. I didn't get a chance to start grading until this afternoon, and the initial objective scores were the usual reverse Bell curve: either pretty good or really bad--very little middle ground.
I left school around 3 p.m. hoping to get home in time to see Jim. I made it--barely. He had been at Region VII in Kilgore and got out early, though he neglected to tell me how early. Consequently, I was only able to see him for about 15 minutes before he left to teach his evening class in Lindale.
I am going to take it easy this evening--no second workout on the bike, in other words. I have an appointment to see the doctor in the morning. I've had recurring neck and shoulder pain when riding the bike, but today was the first time I had ever experienced it after an extended swim. Before I do a radical bike refit, I want to eliminate anything like a compressed disc or a pinched nerve. (Given that this is not bi-lateral, it seems to point that way.)
So tomorrow morning promises to be quite busy. I have the appointment at 8:30, a meeting with Pete at 10 to help with his syllabus, and--if I decide to honor my obligation--a Hadassah luncheon at 11:30 at Willowbrook CC.
Alas, I was not able to wear a new Speedo bathing suit for today's session. My current Speedo unitard has been sagging for a while. It's held up very well for over a year and then some, but I need a new suit. I HAVE to have something that coveres my upper thighs! The only things available in that version are pretty costly--namely, the Speedo Fastskin series. So I ordered one last week and it arrived on Friday. However, it was too small: I had read the wrong size chart on their web site. Rechecking, I found they don't have my size, so I had to go to another vendor and buy a close relation to this Fastskin II knicker. I don't know when it will arrive, or if it will fit. (And wouldn't you know after all that I saw that TYR makes a similar suit for one-third the cost??)
Prior to swimming I gave my lecture class their first exam of the year. I had 3 or 4 absent. I hate having to give make-ups! Only one called me to say he was ill. I didn't get a chance to start grading until this afternoon, and the initial objective scores were the usual reverse Bell curve: either pretty good or really bad--very little middle ground.
I left school around 3 p.m. hoping to get home in time to see Jim. I made it--barely. He had been at Region VII in Kilgore and got out early, though he neglected to tell me how early. Consequently, I was only able to see him for about 15 minutes before he left to teach his evening class in Lindale.
I am going to take it easy this evening--no second workout on the bike, in other words. I have an appointment to see the doctor in the morning. I've had recurring neck and shoulder pain when riding the bike, but today was the first time I had ever experienced it after an extended swim. Before I do a radical bike refit, I want to eliminate anything like a compressed disc or a pinched nerve. (Given that this is not bi-lateral, it seems to point that way.)
So tomorrow morning promises to be quite busy. I have the appointment at 8:30, a meeting with Pete at 10 to help with his syllabus, and--if I decide to honor my obligation--a Hadassah luncheon at 11:30 at Willowbrook CC.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
"Race Day"
Of course it wasn't a race, but tell that to my gut when I wake up at 6 a.m. I had that familiar heavy feeling as I pushed myself through breakfast, dressing, etc. What my mind was playing, naturally, was not the "script" for the Freeze Your Fanny Ride but the Ironman 70.3. But never mind; I went.
I got to Doris McQueen, picked up my stuff, and wandered back to my car. There I saw Aaron, and later I saw Chip and eventually Jordan. Poor girl... I am afraid I did not give her ample information for registration because she showed up, all kitted out, but with no money. I had to go to my car and fetch $30 so she could register for the 10 mile ride. Thankfully Big Tim McClendon planned on doing that ride and agreed to look after her. (I offered to stay and ride with her but she demurred.) Finally, I saw Alex Volberding. He said he planned on doing the 60 miles, so I pointed him out to Chip. That made two of our number in the 60 and two of us (me and Aaron) in the 30 and Jordan in the 10.
Aaron led out fast as usual. He kept moving up through the groups and then from group to group. I kept having to "sprint" out of the saddle just to catch up. And so it went for the first five miles until we made the first right turn. Not a quarter mile down the road there had been a big wreck: on rider on the deck and many others standing around an in the ditch, cops already there. I passed slowly through the mayhem, and by the time I got to the other side there was no sign of Aaron. I pedaled like mad to make the first group I saw, sat in a bit, then bridged up to the next. And so it went for the next nine miles. I finally caught up with Aaron at around mile 14. He had dropped back once he saw me. (Should have dropped back before but that's another story...) We rode the remaining mile to the first rest stop.
I was pleased to see many familiar faces at the rest stop, including Chip and Blaise, both of whom were doing the 60. (I though the macho 60s wouldn't stop for anything.) Aaron seemed content to stay there for quite a time, but I finally got us back on the road where he urged me to "take it easy" for the next five miles. I did as much as I could, though after a few miles when we got to some big downhills, I shifted to the biggest gear I could to make up speed going down, knowing I would lose it coming up the other side. But Aaron was already fading. I had to stop at around 24 miles and let him catch up, and stopped a mile later to let him catch up again (while I removed my arm warmers). I really had no idea he was that knackered but he was. We latched on to another small group, but after another hill he told me to go ahead and he would see me at the finish. It was only about three more miles so I went. It was tough riding on hills, chip seal, and a strong wind. But I made it. Took Aaron a bit more, and when he did arrive he collapsed flat on the ground.
...and so that was that. I was pleased to be done and to have accomplished a good ride. I wasn't diposed, however, to stick around. It would be a while before the 60 milers came in and I wanted to stop by Academy Sports on my way out and also grab a Whopper Jr. I made a last check of Aaron and then took off.
I felt surprisingly well. My shoulder hadn't bothered me much at all until the last mile or two. But by the time I got to the Lake Hawkins turnoff my neck was growing stiff, and a few hours later my shoulder began burning. (Why hours later? That I cannot figure.) Jim was not home and did not arrive until almost 5 p.m. Since then he has spent as much time as he can outside, enjoying the warmer temperatures and anticipating the fact that the next two days will be rainy.
I am still a bit out of sorts. Today feels like Sunday rather than Saturday, and tomorrow will throw me even further off I'm sure as we will go see Jim's mother (which we normally do on Saturday). I'm pleased that I nearly met all my training goals for the week, but looking at next week, I am sleptical. I would like to make next week, Week 7, a Recovery Week rather than Week 8, but....
I got to Doris McQueen, picked up my stuff, and wandered back to my car. There I saw Aaron, and later I saw Chip and eventually Jordan. Poor girl... I am afraid I did not give her ample information for registration because she showed up, all kitted out, but with no money. I had to go to my car and fetch $30 so she could register for the 10 mile ride. Thankfully Big Tim McClendon planned on doing that ride and agreed to look after her. (I offered to stay and ride with her but she demurred.) Finally, I saw Alex Volberding. He said he planned on doing the 60 miles, so I pointed him out to Chip. That made two of our number in the 60 and two of us (me and Aaron) in the 30 and Jordan in the 10.
Aaron led out fast as usual. He kept moving up through the groups and then from group to group. I kept having to "sprint" out of the saddle just to catch up. And so it went for the first five miles until we made the first right turn. Not a quarter mile down the road there had been a big wreck: on rider on the deck and many others standing around an in the ditch, cops already there. I passed slowly through the mayhem, and by the time I got to the other side there was no sign of Aaron. I pedaled like mad to make the first group I saw, sat in a bit, then bridged up to the next. And so it went for the next nine miles. I finally caught up with Aaron at around mile 14. He had dropped back once he saw me. (Should have dropped back before but that's another story...) We rode the remaining mile to the first rest stop.
I was pleased to see many familiar faces at the rest stop, including Chip and Blaise, both of whom were doing the 60. (I though the macho 60s wouldn't stop for anything.) Aaron seemed content to stay there for quite a time, but I finally got us back on the road where he urged me to "take it easy" for the next five miles. I did as much as I could, though after a few miles when we got to some big downhills, I shifted to the biggest gear I could to make up speed going down, knowing I would lose it coming up the other side. But Aaron was already fading. I had to stop at around 24 miles and let him catch up, and stopped a mile later to let him catch up again (while I removed my arm warmers). I really had no idea he was that knackered but he was. We latched on to another small group, but after another hill he told me to go ahead and he would see me at the finish. It was only about three more miles so I went. It was tough riding on hills, chip seal, and a strong wind. But I made it. Took Aaron a bit more, and when he did arrive he collapsed flat on the ground.
...and so that was that. I was pleased to be done and to have accomplished a good ride. I wasn't diposed, however, to stick around. It would be a while before the 60 milers came in and I wanted to stop by Academy Sports on my way out and also grab a Whopper Jr. I made a last check of Aaron and then took off.
I felt surprisingly well. My shoulder hadn't bothered me much at all until the last mile or two. But by the time I got to the Lake Hawkins turnoff my neck was growing stiff, and a few hours later my shoulder began burning. (Why hours later? That I cannot figure.) Jim was not home and did not arrive until almost 5 p.m. Since then he has spent as much time as he can outside, enjoying the warmer temperatures and anticipating the fact that the next two days will be rainy.
I am still a bit out of sorts. Today feels like Sunday rather than Saturday, and tomorrow will throw me even further off I'm sure as we will go see Jim's mother (which we normally do on Saturday). I'm pleased that I nearly met all my training goals for the week, but looking at next week, I am sleptical. I would like to make next week, Week 7, a Recovery Week rather than Week 8, but....
Friday, February 6, 2009
Freitag
...and an early Frietag at that! The day began before dawn. I'd told Jim for days now I heard the sound water running but he had not acted upon my statement. Then, for some unknown reason, at 4 a.m., he got up, stood in the middle of the bedroom, and claimed he heard water running and must find the source. (Perhaps he was dreaming because he is half-deaf, and I, who am not, could hear nothing from the bedroom. Nothing would satisfy, however, but that he immediately investigate the possible source lest a pool of water build up under the house. (Like it couldn't have been accumulating for days???) Long story short, he got out a flashlight and went up under the house, only to find nothing there out of sorts. And when he returned he said he heard no water running! Well, at least 20 minutes had elapsed, and though he might return to bed in the expectation that he could return to sleep. I, of course, could not. So I have been up over 17 hours at this point.
I got up early, worked on my Power Point presentations, and was able to leave home a bit early. That allowed me time to go by the bank and then buy an extra breakfast at McD's. I managed to do a lot of bit and pieces before class, and class itself went well. But as soon as it was over I made a beeline for the pool. I needed to get in at least 35 laps and then make it to Heartland Ham by noon in order to eat lunch with Mom. I busted my butt to get out of there in time--only to discover that Mother had already eaten at 11 and was ready to leave! Still, she waited for me and sat with my while I ate.
After lunch I swung by the recycling center to dump our reserve of aluminum cans, then headed home by way of Big Sandy. I know I "owed" at least 30 minutes of running after I got here. (I will never, ever meet all the minutes and miles ascribed by the training plan, but I can try.) I did it, but it was hard. My right leg was in pre-cramp most of the time and I had to stop twice to stretch.
Tomorrow is the Freeze Your Fanny Ride at Longview. The weather promises to be fair. I shall ride it, but next week I have to seek some remedy for my left shoulder. After my two-hour ride on Thursday, I still feel burning pain even today. If I can't ride more that two hours there is little point in aspiring to anything.....
I got up early, worked on my Power Point presentations, and was able to leave home a bit early. That allowed me time to go by the bank and then buy an extra breakfast at McD's. I managed to do a lot of bit and pieces before class, and class itself went well. But as soon as it was over I made a beeline for the pool. I needed to get in at least 35 laps and then make it to Heartland Ham by noon in order to eat lunch with Mom. I busted my butt to get out of there in time--only to discover that Mother had already eaten at 11 and was ready to leave! Still, she waited for me and sat with my while I ate.
After lunch I swung by the recycling center to dump our reserve of aluminum cans, then headed home by way of Big Sandy. I know I "owed" at least 30 minutes of running after I got here. (I will never, ever meet all the minutes and miles ascribed by the training plan, but I can try.) I did it, but it was hard. My right leg was in pre-cramp most of the time and I had to stop twice to stretch.
Tomorrow is the Freeze Your Fanny Ride at Longview. The weather promises to be fair. I shall ride it, but next week I have to seek some remedy for my left shoulder. After my two-hour ride on Thursday, I still feel burning pain even today. If I can't ride more that two hours there is little point in aspiring to anything.....
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Whennnn-zzzz-deayyyy
C'est la vie. Wednesday.
Got to work okay. Lecture went very well. Worked in the office and then had a nice lunch with Madeleine. Did some more office work and then went to the gym. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill (22:22) as a prelude to weights. It was my first time on a treadmill and it was a very interesting experience! It took me almost 8 minutes to jack up the speed to a pace where I could run without holding on to something. Even then I kept advancing the pace till I was at a 9 min./mile speed. (Hola!) Makes a big difference to run a steady pace with no hills, no cars, no dogs... I just wonder if it's easier on the joints? It was also kinda fun to have "One Life to Live" on the TV. If it's that funny every day, perhaps I should start watching soaps again....
Advanced to the weight room. This time I wrote down the machines, the reps, the weights, etc. Probably nothing earth-shattering, but I will now more in the morning by the extent of any muscle soreness. I also worked with the stability ball and did some old-fashioned crunches and planks.
Then, I came home. I chopped veggies for some more pasta fixins'--proving for the umpteenth time that the "Slap-Chop" device is a piece of ****. It works decently on sliced onions, but anything else gets stuck up in the works. As much time as it takes to unclocg I would do just as well to chop it all with a knife. All this time I was enagaged in a Facebook correspondence with old friend Dirk. Multi-tasking! I was doing laundry, cooking, and texting all at the same time; can't say for certain I did any of it well.
Cell phone rang some time in the midst of all this. I let it go to Voicemail 'cause we get such lousy reception in here. When I checked later it was Gersch. His first call was in errror, but in his second he said he needed to talk to me so I called. When I did he asked if I was available to work some Saturdays. I said yes, though even as I said it I wondered what Jim's reaction would be--or even how it would fit in with my own training. But that's all in the future. It's an inviting prospect and one I will probably take.
On a somewhat related front: I contacted Regina Williams in Dr. Lane's office regarding a reallocation of our Fall 08 SSFAC funds, and from what I gather so far, we are okay to reallocate however we see fit. Time to place a reorder to champ-sys!!
Got to work okay. Lecture went very well. Worked in the office and then had a nice lunch with Madeleine. Did some more office work and then went to the gym. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill (22:22) as a prelude to weights. It was my first time on a treadmill and it was a very interesting experience! It took me almost 8 minutes to jack up the speed to a pace where I could run without holding on to something. Even then I kept advancing the pace till I was at a 9 min./mile speed. (Hola!) Makes a big difference to run a steady pace with no hills, no cars, no dogs... I just wonder if it's easier on the joints? It was also kinda fun to have "One Life to Live" on the TV. If it's that funny every day, perhaps I should start watching soaps again....
Advanced to the weight room. This time I wrote down the machines, the reps, the weights, etc. Probably nothing earth-shattering, but I will now more in the morning by the extent of any muscle soreness. I also worked with the stability ball and did some old-fashioned crunches and planks.
Then, I came home. I chopped veggies for some more pasta fixins'--proving for the umpteenth time that the "Slap-Chop" device is a piece of ****. It works decently on sliced onions, but anything else gets stuck up in the works. As much time as it takes to unclocg I would do just as well to chop it all with a knife. All this time I was enagaged in a Facebook correspondence with old friend Dirk. Multi-tasking! I was doing laundry, cooking, and texting all at the same time; can't say for certain I did any of it well.
Cell phone rang some time in the midst of all this. I let it go to Voicemail 'cause we get such lousy reception in here. When I checked later it was Gersch. His first call was in errror, but in his second he said he needed to talk to me so I called. When I did he asked if I was available to work some Saturdays. I said yes, though even as I said it I wondered what Jim's reaction would be--or even how it would fit in with my own training. But that's all in the future. It's an inviting prospect and one I will probably take.
On a somewhat related front: I contacted Regina Williams in Dr. Lane's office regarding a reallocation of our Fall 08 SSFAC funds, and from what I gather so far, we are okay to reallocate however we see fit. Time to place a reorder to champ-sys!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sunny D??
"D" as in "disposition" as in "will it ever happen to me"??
Ahhh, I exaggerate...a bit! Most of the day was fine. It's always tedious to work for hours on the computer waiting for things to warm up enough to go outside, but it was necessary, and I did go outside. I did a run: 20 minutes warm-up; stop and stretch; then I did 4 x 2 min. max. sustainable efforts with 1 min. recovery. In the latter part of the run I did some strides--and ran up Sadie's Hill (however slowly I may have done it). End result: 55 minutes, 5.16 miles, 11.1 pace. AHR 163 MHR 184.
...on a related note: my HRM strap is killing me. No sooner did I get the old blister healed than it's rubbed a new blister! I've been using Body Glide but aparently to no avail. I examined the strap afterward and can see no flaw that could account for it. So my next conclusion is maybe it has something to do with the sports bra. Maybe I need to try a new variety. (Under Armour has been my choice thus far.)
I came in after the run, stretched, did crunches, planks, and other core work, plus a few feeble sets with hand weights. Then I ate and cleaned up...and at again! Worked on the computer more, then finally had to bite the bullet and drive to town for a single, silly syllabus meeting. (A little alliteration if you please!!) My colleagues can be so...disorganized? Complaining in a meeting is a waste of time. You're there already, so you might as well be as efficient and effective as possible on the task at hand so you can leave!! Rrggghhh.....
Then? Back home...by way of Mickey D. :( I know, I know! I'm bad. But it's hard to drive and eat a salad!
Not long after I got home my cell phone rang. It was Chip, my club president. He'd just gotten out of the student senate meeting and was very upset (relatively speaking--he's pretty unflappable) to have found that SSFAC proposals were due TODAY and he knew nothing about it. I said I knew nothing about it--no e-mails, nothing. I promised I would shoot Vincent an e-mail and find out what's up, but I doubt I'll hear back soon. He's probably off to that conference in Austin. I fully accept I may have missed something obvious, but if this was a failure of the Student Senate to give proper notification, then I expect to be given due consideration and a second chance. (You don't put these proposals together overnight.) Then again, if we miss it we miss it. Nothing to be done.
****Well, speak of him and he will call! Vincent just called and there was a miscommunication but that will not be a deal-breaker. That's good to know.
Ahhh, I exaggerate...a bit! Most of the day was fine. It's always tedious to work for hours on the computer waiting for things to warm up enough to go outside, but it was necessary, and I did go outside. I did a run: 20 minutes warm-up; stop and stretch; then I did 4 x 2 min. max. sustainable efforts with 1 min. recovery. In the latter part of the run I did some strides--and ran up Sadie's Hill (however slowly I may have done it). End result: 55 minutes, 5.16 miles, 11.1 pace. AHR 163 MHR 184.
...on a related note: my HRM strap is killing me. No sooner did I get the old blister healed than it's rubbed a new blister! I've been using Body Glide but aparently to no avail. I examined the strap afterward and can see no flaw that could account for it. So my next conclusion is maybe it has something to do with the sports bra. Maybe I need to try a new variety. (Under Armour has been my choice thus far.)
I came in after the run, stretched, did crunches, planks, and other core work, plus a few feeble sets with hand weights. Then I ate and cleaned up...and at again! Worked on the computer more, then finally had to bite the bullet and drive to town for a single, silly syllabus meeting. (A little alliteration if you please!!) My colleagues can be so...disorganized? Complaining in a meeting is a waste of time. You're there already, so you might as well be as efficient and effective as possible on the task at hand so you can leave!! Rrggghhh.....
Then? Back home...by way of Mickey D. :( I know, I know! I'm bad. But it's hard to drive and eat a salad!
Not long after I got home my cell phone rang. It was Chip, my club president. He'd just gotten out of the student senate meeting and was very upset (relatively speaking--he's pretty unflappable) to have found that SSFAC proposals were due TODAY and he knew nothing about it. I said I knew nothing about it--no e-mails, nothing. I promised I would shoot Vincent an e-mail and find out what's up, but I doubt I'll hear back soon. He's probably off to that conference in Austin. I fully accept I may have missed something obvious, but if this was a failure of the Student Senate to give proper notification, then I expect to be given due consideration and a second chance. (You don't put these proposals together overnight.) Then again, if we miss it we miss it. Nothing to be done.
****Well, speak of him and he will call! Vincent just called and there was a miscommunication but that will not be a deal-breaker. That's good to know.
Long Day
Monday was a very long day. I woke up feeling worse for wear, even though I hadn't exercised so much the previous day. Then I made the connection: it's Monday and I have to go to work; that's the reason I feel like ****.
On my way to work I had to wait for THE slowest train I have seen in quite some time. (Thank heavens for the Blackberry! Checked a few things while I waited.) Subsequently I got stuck in a line of about 12 cars headed for Tyler. Naturally there were some real idiots who put themselves and God knows who else in danger by passing uphill, etc. (I took a great deal of satisfaction in seeing, when we go to Loop 323, they had arrived at the same time I did!) But luck smiled when I got to campus 'cause I got a parking space very close to Jenkins.
Once at work I had to get down to it and finish the PPT slides for Chapter 18. I had to rush, but I did it. Once in lecture, though, I didn't think I was going to get through them all, but I was determined to finish the chapter so they would have a week to study for their first test. I did, but who knows if they will?
As soon as class was over I just dropped everything off at the office, grabbed my gym bag and headed for the pool. I was in the water by 11:05. I was scheduled to do 2,000 yards and had no idea what I would do: drills? If so, what kind? But it was all taken out of my hands on the warm-up laps when I felt that rare, sublime feeling I call "Zen Swim"--of being one with the water--and I knew I would just swim straight through without stopping. I got to 40 (2000 yards) but kept going (45, or 2250 yards). I would have gone further but felt something weird happening with my nose and throat. Either it was dehydration or the effects of too much chlorinated water, but it affected my breathing so that ended the session: 2,250 yard in 42 minutes and change, or about a 2.11 pace, which is my normal.
After cleaning up I hot-footed it to the cafeteria. I figured if I was going to eat, I needed to do so within 30 minutes so I would burn more as fuel and store less as fat. Betsy and Elaine were in the Faculty dining room and I would've liked to stay and eat with them, but my office hours started in 15 minutes so I got a meal to go: 2 hamburger steaks (one to take home to Jim), new potatoes, and steamed zucchini. Oh, yes, and cake. :-/ I hauled it to Jenkins to the Faculty Lounge, which was strangely empty. Then Steve reminded me of the discussion meeting of the history faculty occurring at that hour. I preferred eating and so remained there.
After eating I returned to my office I answered student e-mails and graded a few essays. (Oh, the horror!!) Then it was time to leave.
I got home around after 3, but I felt I needed to do something more by way of exercise. If I'm to get all my miles and hours in I'm going to have to start doing two workouts a day. It was in the mid-fifties outside and I though it was a beautiful day I just couldn't convince myself to ride on the road. So I set up my TT bike on the trainer in front of the TV, popped "Apocalypto" into the DVD players, and began my warmup. (I like watching that movie while riding--I guess because it doesn't have much dialogue, and when there is it's all in Quechua with subtitles! Easier to read subtitles than listen to dialogue over a noisy trainer.) I did ten minutes warmup, then 6 x 5 min. hard sessions with 2 minute recovery, then ten minute warmdown. 1 hour, 19.69 miles, 167 AHR, 177 MHR.
After my second shower of the day, I pre-heated the oven for my cheapie pizza and settled down to work on the Internet--and that's when the trouble began. I could not get on! I plugged an unplugged the router. No dice. I rebooted my computer. Nothing. I checked the satellite signal. No problem there. Now what?? I texted Jim, hoping he would read it before his evening class and have some idea but heard nothing. Nothing for it but to just eat and have a glass of wine.
When Jim came home, it was rather ugly for a while. No "Hi, how are you?" but "What's wrong with the Internet? Did you.... And did you....?" He got on just fine, so that told us it was down to my laptop, but when I asked him to check it out he put up a fuss, claiming he knew nothing about it (because it's Windows rather than Mac). Given the questions he'd already asked, I said, it was obvious he already knew more than me. Back and forth it went, with him proverbially kicking and screaming the whole way. (If you ask for "help" from him you better be willing to pay the price.) In the end, *I* figured it out, though quite by accident: a switch on the side of my computer I never knew existed had been flipped off. It turns off/on the wireless card. It was off and I flipped it on. Voila! Problem solved. But sheesh! What a hullbaloo just to get that far.
By this time it was 9 p.m. and I had a ****load of work to do on student essays, etc. It was 10:40 before I finished. (I normally go to bed at 10.) Nothing like a 14+ hour day to start the week!
On my way to work I had to wait for THE slowest train I have seen in quite some time. (Thank heavens for the Blackberry! Checked a few things while I waited.) Subsequently I got stuck in a line of about 12 cars headed for Tyler. Naturally there were some real idiots who put themselves and God knows who else in danger by passing uphill, etc. (I took a great deal of satisfaction in seeing, when we go to Loop 323, they had arrived at the same time I did!) But luck smiled when I got to campus 'cause I got a parking space very close to Jenkins.
Once at work I had to get down to it and finish the PPT slides for Chapter 18. I had to rush, but I did it. Once in lecture, though, I didn't think I was going to get through them all, but I was determined to finish the chapter so they would have a week to study for their first test. I did, but who knows if they will?
As soon as class was over I just dropped everything off at the office, grabbed my gym bag and headed for the pool. I was in the water by 11:05. I was scheduled to do 2,000 yards and had no idea what I would do: drills? If so, what kind? But it was all taken out of my hands on the warm-up laps when I felt that rare, sublime feeling I call "Zen Swim"--of being one with the water--and I knew I would just swim straight through without stopping. I got to 40 (2000 yards) but kept going (45, or 2250 yards). I would have gone further but felt something weird happening with my nose and throat. Either it was dehydration or the effects of too much chlorinated water, but it affected my breathing so that ended the session: 2,250 yard in 42 minutes and change, or about a 2.11 pace, which is my normal.
After cleaning up I hot-footed it to the cafeteria. I figured if I was going to eat, I needed to do so within 30 minutes so I would burn more as fuel and store less as fat. Betsy and Elaine were in the Faculty dining room and I would've liked to stay and eat with them, but my office hours started in 15 minutes so I got a meal to go: 2 hamburger steaks (one to take home to Jim), new potatoes, and steamed zucchini. Oh, yes, and cake. :-/ I hauled it to Jenkins to the Faculty Lounge, which was strangely empty. Then Steve reminded me of the discussion meeting of the history faculty occurring at that hour. I preferred eating and so remained there.
After eating I returned to my office I answered student e-mails and graded a few essays. (Oh, the horror!!) Then it was time to leave.
I got home around after 3, but I felt I needed to do something more by way of exercise. If I'm to get all my miles and hours in I'm going to have to start doing two workouts a day. It was in the mid-fifties outside and I though it was a beautiful day I just couldn't convince myself to ride on the road. So I set up my TT bike on the trainer in front of the TV, popped "Apocalypto" into the DVD players, and began my warmup. (I like watching that movie while riding--I guess because it doesn't have much dialogue, and when there is it's all in Quechua with subtitles! Easier to read subtitles than listen to dialogue over a noisy trainer.) I did ten minutes warmup, then 6 x 5 min. hard sessions with 2 minute recovery, then ten minute warmdown. 1 hour, 19.69 miles, 167 AHR, 177 MHR.
After my second shower of the day, I pre-heated the oven for my cheapie pizza and settled down to work on the Internet--and that's when the trouble began. I could not get on! I plugged an unplugged the router. No dice. I rebooted my computer. Nothing. I checked the satellite signal. No problem there. Now what?? I texted Jim, hoping he would read it before his evening class and have some idea but heard nothing. Nothing for it but to just eat and have a glass of wine.
When Jim came home, it was rather ugly for a while. No "Hi, how are you?" but "What's wrong with the Internet? Did you.... And did you....?" He got on just fine, so that told us it was down to my laptop, but when I asked him to check it out he put up a fuss, claiming he knew nothing about it (because it's Windows rather than Mac). Given the questions he'd already asked, I said, it was obvious he already knew more than me. Back and forth it went, with him proverbially kicking and screaming the whole way. (If you ask for "help" from him you better be willing to pay the price.) In the end, *I* figured it out, though quite by accident: a switch on the side of my computer I never knew existed had been flipped off. It turns off/on the wireless card. It was off and I flipped it on. Voila! Problem solved. But sheesh! What a hullbaloo just to get that far.
By this time it was 9 p.m. and I had a ****load of work to do on student essays, etc. It was 10:40 before I finished. (I normally go to bed at 10.) Nothing like a 14+ hour day to start the week!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
SUN-day
A second day of sunshine! Yes!
I expected to wake up feeling like I'd been run over by a train, but I felt okay. I managed to convince Jim (didn't take much) to go out to Mineola Nature Preserve where I could run on the trail. I didn't do a "long run" but did some speedwork, which Gina advised me to do. I don't know if what I did qualified, but I did my best. I ran the entire trail in a little less than 40 minutes, but my goal was 45 minutes, so I ran around the parking lot for another 5 minutes.
Jim and I then actually at lunch together! Sitting down, at a table, face to face. So it was at McDonald's.... We had healthy salads, and it was a nice experience, and I was grateful. Then we went to Wal Mart--not my favorite place, but it's the only place we can find certain items, like 40-pound bags of Beneful Healthy Weight formula, Equate Vitamins, and family-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner. (Jim is very picky about what he puts on his hair.)
Back home I considered going out for yet another bike ride but just had other things to do. I had to finish up with Chapter 18 so I could finish out my Power Point slides tonight. I did laundry; choppped peppers and onions and sauted them; made pasta; texted with Kami throughout all the previous.... Finished now and next on the agenda is: make the Power Point slides and try and read ahead on Chapter 20. Oh, and somewhere in there, check my Internet courses. (Not enthusiastic about the latter. Over half my American history students have yet to do their first assessment after three weeks, and their first exam starts tomorrow. Oy....)
Glad to hear Carolyn did so well in the Mardi Gras Marathon! That lady is going to do so well in the triathlon it's not even funny. I just hope I'll make the cut-off time and not collapse before hand. :-/
I expected to wake up feeling like I'd been run over by a train, but I felt okay. I managed to convince Jim (didn't take much) to go out to Mineola Nature Preserve where I could run on the trail. I didn't do a "long run" but did some speedwork, which Gina advised me to do. I don't know if what I did qualified, but I did my best. I ran the entire trail in a little less than 40 minutes, but my goal was 45 minutes, so I ran around the parking lot for another 5 minutes.
Jim and I then actually at lunch together! Sitting down, at a table, face to face. So it was at McDonald's.... We had healthy salads, and it was a nice experience, and I was grateful. Then we went to Wal Mart--not my favorite place, but it's the only place we can find certain items, like 40-pound bags of Beneful Healthy Weight formula, Equate Vitamins, and family-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner. (Jim is very picky about what he puts on his hair.)
Back home I considered going out for yet another bike ride but just had other things to do. I had to finish up with Chapter 18 so I could finish out my Power Point slides tonight. I did laundry; choppped peppers and onions and sauted them; made pasta; texted with Kami throughout all the previous.... Finished now and next on the agenda is: make the Power Point slides and try and read ahead on Chapter 20. Oh, and somewhere in there, check my Internet courses. (Not enthusiastic about the latter. Over half my American history students have yet to do their first assessment after three weeks, and their first exam starts tomorrow. Oy....)
Glad to hear Carolyn did so well in the Mardi Gras Marathon! That lady is going to do so well in the triathlon it's not even funny. I just hope I'll make the cut-off time and not collapse before hand. :-/
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