Help is on the Way!

I need help with my swimming.Desperately.
I learned to swim as a kid, at the town lake. The lessons were free to all town residents. Now don't get me wrong. I am eternally thankful that my Mom took the time to bring me to these lessons every summer. She sat on the cold beach with all the other Mom's and watched us learn to swim, year after year. This was even more special, given the fact that my Mom doesn't swim, and I don't think she likes lakes or pools. I'm also thankful that this was a completely fun, noncompetitive environment, because I was able to develop my love of water and swimming without any stress.
But, with all that being said, the fact remains that I have zero technique. In the past 2 years, I've taught myself a few of the basics. Like, bi-lateral breathing and to keep my head and shoulders down. But truly, I'm clueless.

So, when I saw a post on Beginner Triathlete, looking for people to try this out, I jumped at the chance. I emailed Kevin Koskella of Tri Swim Coach, and told him I'm interested in trying his program. He agreed, and now I'm waitng (anxiously)for the DVD to arrive!Lord knows, I need all the help I can get!

In other news, I ran 4 miles outside today! In shorts and a t-shirt! This is an amazing thing here in upstate NY on November 15!

The Week in Review

In the Tri world:
I got in 2 runs this week. My pace is picking up, and I feel like I can consistently go longer at a faster pace. I feel like a 10 minute mile is within grasp, for the first time in 7 years! That is exciting for me!
I broke down and put the bike on the trainer last night. Jack loves when I ride the trainer. He stands by and watches me. Plus, he's the best support crew I have. He cheers me on, and then he takes a towel and dries the sweat as it hits the ground.
It's going to be a long winter, so I went to ebay and bid on season 3 of Gilmore Girls. GG's is such a guilty pleasure for me. I started watching the show with Shayna when it first came out, and it struck a chord with me. Hopefully, Season 3will get me through a month or 2 on the trainer.
I'm not sure why I've been avoiding the pool, but I have. The goal this week is to get in the water at least once. We'll see if I make it.

In other news, Jack and Shayna are both feeling better. But Kenz is sick now. She has been spiking fevers since last night, and we are planning to keep her home tomorrow. Let's hope she feels better soon.

Bonus: Picture of the week:


This is my Great Uncle Pete, and his wife, Aunt Nete. Shayna took this picture on Saturday, at Uncle Pete's 90th birthday party.
I want to be them!

Truly, I don't think it's possible to be their age, and not be beautiful.
Peace.

Halloween Fun

Shayna was home with us for the week before Halloween. Although she was home because she was pretty sick, we were still able to do a few Halloween activities. The kids were thrilled to have her here for an extended stay! She worked on Halloween costumes with Mack. And they did such a great job on the sword, that Mack has now refused to use it as part of her costume. She doesn't want to take any chances that it will get ruined.

We started the week with some pumpkin carving.



Unfortunately, Shayna had to return to school the day before Halloween. So, she didn't get to join us for the trick or treating fun. That was really okay, because Halloween was rainy and cold, so Trick or Treating was cut quite short.
Jack changed his mind daily about what he would be. We have several superhero costumes that I've picked up on clearance in the past few years, to have as dress up clothes.He ran the gamut from firefighter, to police officer, Batman and Spider man. On Halloween morning he decided on Superman. Complete with the fake muscles and the cape.
Here he is, showing off his muscles. Of course, "Favorite Blankie" is never far from Jack's reach.

On the day of Halloween, Mack was a pirate. But the costume was not very interesting, since she wouldn't carry the sword, or wear the bandanna on her head. Luckily, we also had plans for a Halloween festival on Sunday in Saratoga. Sunday morning I did my usual trip to Target, and while there found that all Halloween costumes were 50% off. I picked up a Ninja costume for $5. She loved it, and here she is:

Sorry for the blurriness on this one. But it's pretty cute anyway.

3rd run in a week!

Or maybe I could count it as 4?

I did the race on Sunday.
Hit the treadmill on Thursday for 30 minutes (plus 10 of walking)
Today, I went out for a long run. Unfortunately, I think I had too much chocolate before heading out the door. Had to walk after 20 minutes of running. So, I walked for about 10 minutes, then ran another 30. That makes today at total of 50 minutes, in 2 separate runs (kinda).

I don't know...What's the general consensus? Is a 10 minute walk break enough to qualify it as 2 runs? Or does it count as one long run?

Along with that, I've decided to take today's route out of the rotation for a while. It's the route I hurt my foot on several years ago, and every time I run it, I have at least one close call with a driver pulling out of a side street without even looking. Today, I almost got knocked down by a FedEx truck, who saw me but didn't want to let me go. Even though I was well into the cross walk by the time he pulled up to it. I've decided that this route is too stressful for me. Oh well. Too bad for me, since it has some nice little hills.

Next week- I'm shooting for 4 runs!
Here's the plan:
Sunday- 30 minutes
Tuesday- treadmill 45 minutes
Thursday- 40 minutes
Saturday- 50 minutes

I have no real rhyme or reason for the times I've chosen on each day. So, if there are any suggestions for a better way to do it, that would be great!
-Peace

Heading Toward Healthy!

Good news! Jack has his cast off! It looks like he had a hairline fracture in the growth plate of his knee. The Dr. feels it's healed. Jack is still limping, but I'm todl that is normal. Being me, I am worried that it hasn't really healed. So, I'm keeping a close eye on him.

More good news! Shayna is also almost all better! She went back to the ENT today and was cleared to return to school. Since my parents are awesome, they are going to drive her down to NP tomorrow. That way, she doesn't have to be on the bus, and walk up to campus from downtown.

Running news: I managed to get myself to the Y tonight and hit the treadmill. Of course, when I got there, I realized that I didn't have my orthotics with me. This caused a moment of panic for me. Please understand, these are custom made orthotics that I got after I ruptured the tendon in my foot. They are a life saver for me, and the only reason I was able to return to running. I took a deep breath and thought about my options. Going back home wasn't an option. Hitting the bike would work, but I hate the seats on the gym bikes. My current sneakers are brand new, so they haven't conformed to the shape of the orthotic yet. Hmmm- do I dare try to run?

Yep.

I cut my planned workout down, just to be safe. Instead of 45 minutes with a 5 minute walk, I did 10 minutes of walking with 30 minutes of running. I'm glad I took the chance, because so far my foot feels okay.

So, that's 2 runs done this week! My goal is to either do one bike and one run, or two more runs. We'll see how that works out.

Capital Region Special Surgery Race for Hope

I ran this 5k this morning.
It was a first annual, with a starting line about 3 miles from my home.

First, the good things: I got up and did it!
I didn't walk. Not even 1 step of it!
I passed a few people. That is a first for me. Usually, I'm the one being left in the dust. Don't get me wrong- obviously a few people passed me too. But still..

The challenges:
This race started with one mile uphill climb. I've never entered a race with an uphill start, so I didn't know what to expect. It wasn't easy- that's all I'm gonna say.
My legs have not fully recovered from Thursdays Tri. I know. For those of you who are hard core triathlete's out there- a 5k is a little warm up. For me, it's a workout.
Finally; I spent most of last night in the ER with Shayna. She has tonsillitis that she's been on antibiotics for since Weds. But, last night around 9 o'clock she came to me and said she was having a hard time breathing. Of course, Kevin was at a gig. But, luckily I have an awesome mother in law who came over and stayed with Mack and Jack.
Shayna's tonsils had swollen to dangerous size, and she required IV steroids/anti-inflammatory meds. After blood work, a CAT scan, and some IV meds, her tonsils went down to a more normal size. We were able to come home. I rolled into bed at about 4 AM!
So, given all of that, I'm thinking that getting up at 7:30 to walk the dog and go to the run, is pretty darn impressive! NO PR- but that's okay.
Here's the course:

I would do it again next year!

2nd Annual Home Tri! Finally!

I finally was able to run the "2nd Annual Home Tri" yesterday!
The weather was perfect! It was an unseasonably warm 70 degrees out! Due to early sunset time here, I chose to cut the bike course a little short.

Here is a "Cliff Notes" grid of my times, comparing them to last years race:

Oct 22, 2009
Swim Distance: 500 yrds
Time: 14:02
Swim Pace 2:49 (mins/100 yrds)

Bike Distance: 11.50 miles
Time: 42:43 mins
Pace: 16:15 mph

Run 5K: Time: 34:54 mins
Pace: 11:16 mins per mile

In contrast to the Sept 28, 2008 Home Tri:

Swim Distance: 600yards
Time: 16:45
Pace: 2:47 mins/100 yards

Bike Distance: 15.40 miles
Time: 62 mins
PAce: 14:22 mph

Run 5K:
Time: 38 mins
Pace: 12:26 mins per mile.

First, I should point out that I did shorten the swim by 100yards. I haven't been in the pool much, and my neck is still tender, so I opted not to push it. Given those 2 issues, I'm satisfied that I only lost 2 seconds on my splits.

The bike portion was fantastic! The weather was perfect and the sky was gorgeous! Plus, I've hardly been on the bike lately, so I was really happy to be out there. The downside to this course is that much of it is on a major road, and I was racing during rush hour traffic. It did slow me down a little, but not much. I cut 4 miles off last years course for safety reasons, as it was getting dark out pretty fast. Increasing my pace from 14:22 to 16:15 is pretty impressive!

The run: This was the same exact out and back course that we did last year. There is really only one hill, that is about 1/2 a mile long. By the time I got to the run, it was dusk, and just beautiful out! The leaves were crunching under my feet, and I almost forgot about the pain at one point! My goal was to finish the run in under 36 minutes. I hit 34:54! So, I beat my goal by more than a minute! And beat last years run time by just over 3 minutes!

I really love doing this Home Tri! Next year, I might have to hit Cafe Press and make a T-shirt for myself :).

If any one else joined me, I'd love to hear a race report.
Thanks to my Aunt, who made a donation to the "Brain, Head and Neck Cancer Center" here in Albany, to show her support for my efforts!

-Peace.

First, Jack seems to be doing okay with his cast. He's up and running, and not really letting him slow him down much. We go back next week for the new x-rays.

Second, the Home Tri was postponed. First, due to yucky weather. Then, due to Jack's leg. I just could not leave him for 2 hours this weekend. He really requires significant attention. Not, because he asks for it: More because he doesn't ask. He seems to be completely oblivious to the fact that he can not safely go up and down stairs with out help. I guess the silver lining to the postponement is that the weather is supposed to be much nicer tomorrow, which is when I will actually run the race.

Now, on to the issue of training. It has fallen into the category of "Non issue" It just hasn't been happening. In an effort to be more accountable, I am going to post my workouts here on the blog for a while. So, if you don't see any running minutes for a couple of days in a row- shout at me. Please. I need it.

Here we go:
Last night- treadmill run at the Y. 5k in 34:17. I don't like running in the evening. Actually, my digestive track doesn't like it. I had to slow down a few times, so that I wouldn't lose lunch. I also did 10 minutes of intervals. But, didn't keep track of times.
W-up 5 min walk
5k- 34:17
Intervals- 10 minutes (fastest pace was 9 min mile)
cool down- 5 min walk.

That's it. And, I;m serious about needing some accountability right now. Feel free to give me an earful, if I'm not running over the next couple of weeks..
-Heidi

Nature vs. Nurture?

Jack fractured his leg. Possibly in 2 places. We have no idea how or when this happened. All we know is that yesterday morning, when he woke up he couldn't put any weight on the leg at all. He seemed fine when he went to bed the night before.

How does that happen?

We know he fell on the hike this past Sunday. But all the bruises and cuts are on the opposite leg. We can't think of any other time in the past week that he really hurt himself. We went to the playground on Weds night. He ran and played and never complained of being hurt. He was cranky when we came home, but I thought it was because he was hungry.

Then yesterday morning he got up, took about 5 steps, and that was it. That was all he could do. I took him to the orthopedist. They feel he fractured the growth plate in his knee, and possibly his tibia also. Xrays were negative, but apparently that is common with "toddler fractures"

I've been trying to figure out how this could have happened. What did we miss? When did it happen?

Then, I started thinking about the whole nature vs. nurture discussion. Our family has a long standing history of "tough guys". My Dad, is the quintessential "tough guy" when it comes to injuries. Several years ago he shattered his hip. He spent the night at home before he was willing to go to the hospital the next day.

When I was a teenager, I fell off my bike and hurt my shoulder. I never told my parents, because I didn't want to go to the Dr. Years later, when I was x-rayed for something else, the Dr informed me that I had broken my collar bone at some point in my life. I assume it was from that fall.

Before we went to the Dr, Jack kept trying to convince me that he was all better, and didn't need to go. He even tried to walk a step to prove the point. It didn't work.
Then at the Dr's Jack didn't complain once. He just sat through the exam, the x-rays, and the casting with his jaw clenched and a look of determination on his face. How does a three year old do that?
Is that Nurture: Something Kevin and I and society have instilled in him at such an early age? Or, is that Nature: some genetic link passed from my Dad to me, to Jack?

It's always an intriguing question to me.
I don't think we'll ever know for sure how or when he broke his leg. For now, we'll be thankful for the quality care he received yesterday, and that he seems to be on the mend.
-Peace.