That’s right. It’s officially “countdown to Spain” time and I have t-minus 4 weeks and counting. Holy hell!
My “kit” or official Team USA uniform arrived! I literally jumped out of my car (don’t worry I put it in park first) when I saw the package on my doorstep. I ran back into the car, tearing the package apart as I went, and proudly showed the kids what mommy just got in the mail. Since they can’t read, it was a less then stellar reaction. Miles actually said “Aw, I thought it was something for us.” Sigh.
Of course, that didn’t stop me from letting my frozen waffles thaw in the trunk of my car (along with the rest of my groceries) as I went upstairs to try it on, and then proceeded to parade around the house for my kids in it. I then texted everyone who cares, a picture of it, which involved lots of emoticons and exclamation points!!!
And then, it was back to work:
WEEK OF APRIL 28, 2014
RUNNING: I had an excellent week of running but fewer miles since I’m doing more brick and speed training. I also had to run on the indoor track (with gloves on because it was so f**king cold!) to do my mile repeats. I was nervous going into that session since I had 3 x 1 miles at 6:00/min pace with only a 200m (or half the track) jog in-between repeats. I was able to kill the splits but, I did feel a little pukey during the last two. Overall mileage: 20 miles
CYCLING: I spent (what seemed like) endless hours in what I will now refer to as “the pain cave:”
So many hours spent in a concrete box, pedaling to nowhere, is not good for the soul!
I biked up on that stage a total of 3.5 hours this week (80 miles!) on Tuesday and Thursday alone. Thursday was tough since I pushed my legs in Power Sculpt the night before. Why? I’m the instructor – I could do ALL upper body if I wanted to!? I will never learn this lesson. Needless to say, my legs thought I was joking when I hit the bike on Thursday morning for another two hours. My “set-up” is also getting ridiculous – two water bottles, energy chews, two towels, my phone, my iPod and luckily, my friend Barb brought me the cutest shirt so I was able to change out of the sweaty mess I created in the first hour – before I started teaching class:
On Saturday, I headed out to bike the course (and meet up with Coach Rocket Scientist) of the upcoming Duathlon on May 18th. It was the first time I was able to run and ride in my new outfit:
I’m not a Rocket Scientist, but my coach is! Me and CRS (Becky!)
I’m not sure if the cyclists in Glastonbury are extra nice, or because it was such a beautiful day but, I actually got off-the-handlebar waves from other bikers out that day! Maybe they read my blog about Can’t We Just All Get Along? Maybe it was the uniform? Whatever the case, it was great.
CROSS-TRAINING: I think I’m going to take up swimming after all this biking and running nonsense is over with. I am loving my pool workouts. I’m sure it’s just because it’s a beautiful alternative to all the pounding on my body and mind that I’m usually doing, but I’m really finding a groove in the water. This week I did sets of 100, 200, 100, 200, 100 x 2 with 30 seconds in between sets and it was lovely. I hit the hot tub afterward too. The only thing missing was my full body massage…but that comes next week!
RACING: I have an update to the post about my 5K The Hard Way. The winner, (Miss Hanson Brooks Speed Queen) apparently read my post and sent me the nicest email, which explained a lot of the situation. My faith in runners has been restored! Now I only have to turn 40 so I age out of her group (she’s 32)! She also noted that the 5K was about 3.25, making it 40-60 seconds extra, and therefore my time closer to a sub 19! Yeah, I pretty much love this girl now.
FUEL: During my time in the pain cave, I was able to try out some new energy chews from my Runnerbox and I loved them! The ProBar Bolt Organic Energy Chews (orange flavored, in case you need that kind of detail) were tasty, easily digestible and gave me just the energy surge I needed so I didn’t keel over during hour two of spinning. I will definitely be ordering more of these!
*I got the ProBar chews in my Runnerbox, that I paid for, so there’s no compensation for anything going on here. Just the truth!
THINGS I LOVE: America. Seriously. I’ve never thought that much about this country (which is kind of sad) until I was able to have the opportunity to represent it, and see my name emblazoned on lycra with the words “USA” below it. I’m feeling very patriotic these days. I’m also getting nervous about being in Spain, not speaking the language and having my 5 year-old twins there. I’m also thinking I’m going to be missing America a lot more when I’m flying over the Atlantic for 9 hours. In case you didn’t know – I suck at flying.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Thieves! Someone stole my iPod out of the pain cave at the YMCA. Apparently I was too delirious to remember to put it in my bag after class, and I didn’t realize it until three days later. To whoever stole it – you know that “C” in YMCA stands for Christian, right? According to the Christians, you’re going to hell for that so, if I were you, I would confess your sin and then repent by giving it back unless you want to spend eternity in a fiery hole. I will not comment as to whether or not I will be there.
I guess it’s my fault. I forgot my sign that day.
MUSIC: I wouldn’t know since I had to run 10.25 miles on Sunday with zero music. See above.
TV: Revenge and Hannibal knocked it out of the park this week! I actually technically haven’t seen the end of Hannibal, since I fell asleep on the couch (loser!) but my husband said it was amazing. We also watched American Hustle and it was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time! Yes, I realize it came out about a year ago but, I only get to see non-Pixar movies when they make their way to pay-TV (loser!).
READING: You know I only highlight fitbie.com articles here when I’m really excited about them. This one was so fun to write and I wish I had this idea about 8 years ago – 7 Fit Bachelorette Destinations for the Active Bride-To-Be Since I’m reaching that age where my friends are now getting divorced, I’m hoping to be able to do this for one of them on their second marriage.
RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: The opposite of “drunk dialing” should have a name. Example: Calling another mom at 8am on a Sunday only to realize that by some miracle, her kids are still sleeping and therefore, so is she. #FriendFail
[Tweet “The Countdown to #Spain has begun! #TeamUSA @USAtriathlon Food, fuel, running and cycling with one goal.”]
How was your week? Anything big coming up?
Have you ever had something stolen from you?
What was your favorite “fuel” this week?
I am SO excited for you! Four weeks will go by so flipping fast! Sucks about your IPod. People can be such assholes sometimes. The only big thing was my first half this last Saturday. I will have more on that. It was very exciting and terrifying at the same time.
What do you mean the “only” thing? That is a HUGE thing! I can’t wait to read all about it!!!
Thank you so much and yes, this month will fly right by, I’m sure – yikes!
USA USA USA! I think I just caught your enthusiasm! 🙂
It’s contagious, isn’t it? 🙂
I have been counting down FOR you for like a month now! Aside from John’s races, this is on the top of my mind. I am going to make sure you hear my cheering in Spain! Although, I am terrible with time changes.
You are the best! I wish you could come and sherpa for ME!…although you will be in my head yelling “You’re still racing!” though the transitions 🙂
LOVE the uniform! HATE that someone took your ipod!!
I can’t wait to hear about your rockin’ performance!
Me too! Thank you!!
Sadly, I was up for Sunday morning soccer at 8am this weekend, but still I so wish I could have slept in a bit. Hoping that since we have no soccer next Sunday and it is Mother’s Day this will indeed happen. What are the chances? Got my fingers crossed. Seriously, though so excited for you with Spain and can’t believe it is almost here now 😉
Soccer at 8am? That is just cruel. At least I was up because I was going for a run. As for next weekend? You can pretty much demand that you get to sleep in, even if you have to sleep elsewhere to make that happen! It’s mother’s day! You should not be expected to deal with your kids 🙂
You look AMAZING in your USA uniform!!
OMG 4 weeks!
Ah – thank you!! So nervous and excited and overwhelmed. Cannot wait to relax on a beach in Portugal when this is over!!
First of all omg that is THE BEST uniform I have EVER SEEN! I would totally wave to you too if I saw you cycling, you are a superstar my dear!! I would have pranced around too, shoot I totally would have worn it to work!! I am SO EXCITED that you were able to work it out with the other 5k girls, usually a lot of things aren’t what they seem. Sorry about the Ipod–booo. I can’t do anything without my music so you are amazing for doing that run solo. I am going to watch revenge tonight I can’t wait!! My DVR is so backed up at this point from conference planning!
Thank you so much Nellie! I’m laughing at the thought of you wearing it to work – ha ha – love that, and if I had an office job, I probably would too!!
It was a tough 10 miler sans music and for the first 5 miles or so I was steaming over the whole thing…then it got much better when I just let it go!!
You are going to LOVE Revenge. They have gone off the rails lately and last week, they used it wisely!
Countdown to Healthy U has also begun!!!! Can’t wait to meet you!
You are freaking AMAZING! I wish I could be as fast as you! Maybe one day! Last week marked my 1st serious week for training. I signed up for my 1st marathon in November. My long run felt like HELL yesterday! Why oh why does it have to hurt so bad when you are getting back into training mode. If I could only stay motivated during the winter months!
Ha ha – thank you so much! It was especially hard this winter with way too much treadmill time – ugh! I don’t blame you. Just think though, you have fresh legs! Give them time and you will be back to your pre-winter self in no time 🙂
Four weeks! How did that happen? You are rocking the team kit. Very excited for you.
Who’s the loser who stole your iPod? That’s just plain mean. But now tell me…did you not like not having music on the run? (I never use music–love to have my hearing freed up!)
Well, after I got over my tantrum about someone stealing my iPod (about 5 miles), I really enjoyed it. I never race with music so I’m not sure why I’m so addicted to it on training runs but I usually train with it unless it’s raining. I may try to give it up for a while and see what happens 🙂
U-S-A! U-S-A! I’m with Angela and have the incredible urge to keep chanting U-S-A a la Miracle on Ice. You’ll be the miracle mama on kicks & wheels! So excited for you! Also agree that the person who stole your iPod is a total a-hole. What is wrong with people?! One more thing. 3 x 1 mile at 6:00 min pace?! Like a I said, Total badass, super speedy, miracle mama!!
‘Miracle mama!’ – I like that!! It will be a miracle to get this whole crew to Spain – along with all my gear (including my bike!) and my sanity in tact. Thanks for the cheers! I will be thinking of them on race day!
So exciting! Boo to the person that took your iPod. I really don’t understand people that do things like that. Wising Karma on them. I never use music when I am working out…how was it without? Can’t wait to hear all about it!
It really wasn’t THAT bad…and I never race with music so not sure why I feel I need it on training runs. I guess because I started thinking more about all the things I needed to do once the run was over, including replace my iPod!
AHHHH HSHUEIUFDKNJWIQRNJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wanna go to Spain. Actually I really just want to travel in general and Spain is definitely on my list of TO GO placesssss! The food is going to be so good. The history is going to be epic! AHHH I am envious, envious I TELL YOU!
I’m sure you’ll get there someday girl…and when you do – I expect EPIC recipes!!!
Sorry about your ipod! I can’t run to save my life…but I love reading about your training! You are inspiring me to lose the last 10 pounds and put myself first. Thank you!
I’m so glad! Yes, you need to put yourself first because no one else is!!
I got a little emotional seeing you in your USA gear – I’m so excited for you! So glad that runner reached out to you and straightened everything out. Now if only the thief would ‘fess up.
Awww Dana – that is so sweet. Thank you so much!
I was so happy to get the email too but not holding my breath about getting the iPod back…
Your uniform (outfit? costume?) is FANTASTIC!!! Love it! You are like an Olympic athlete!! And BOO to whoever stole your iPod. That is just AWFUL. Why do people have to suck?? Getting so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventure! :)-Ashley
Thanks so much Ashley!! The stolen iPod is a huge downer – luckily I can just put my Team USA on to cheer myself up 🙂
You look FANTASTIC in your uniform! Lookin’ all athletic-professional & elite ‘n stuff.
I know, right? Who IS that woman??
You’re so B.A. for representing us! You have every right to be as excited as you were 🙂 I’ve been out-of-town since Friday and will be through next Sunday. Before leaving, I blended up a few glowing green smoothies, and those have been my favorite fuel, especially since getting greens in while on-the-road can be a real challenge.
Oh yum! That sounds soooo good to me right now. I hope you have happy travels!!
Did the waffles survive??
And today I got chocolate in the mail and I was quite excited but Scarlet said it should have been something for her.
I got chills seeing you in the shirt – you look like an Olympian!
I’ve never had anything stolen but I do have big things coming up. My sister’s wedding. My first blog conference!
Yes, they did – thanks for your concern 🙂 Glad to hear my kids aren’t the only ones disappointed when the mail isn’t for them!
Yes you do have very big, exciting, fun things coming up!! It’s going to be a great summer…especially when we meet up at the Coventry Farmer’s Market!
I can’t believe someone stole your iPod!!!! Shame on them! My hubs has been staying at the W Hotel in Mexico City for the past 1.5 years on a weekly basis. They all know him there now. Can you believe that one of the housekeepers there stole his iPod? He complained and they didn’t really do anything about. We got a free robe that has my name embroidered on it….
I’m so behind on Revenge! I have to catch up! What do you think is going on in Hannibal? I have a theory that Will is not actually going to the darkside but is just doing it to lure in Hannibal to catch him. Or maybe this is obvious and I just think I’m start for figuring it out!?
I’m so excited for you for your duathlon!!! I swear I could not do all the training you have been doing. It’s crazy! I wish I could go to Spain and cheer you on!
That is CRAZY about your husband’s iPod! A bathrobe? Seriously? The last time we were at Aria in Las Vegas someone stole my prescription bottle of Xanax that I needed to fly home!!!! They didn’t do anything about it either (not that they could get me another prescription) but we’ve stayed there for years. It’s so awful.
You are funny about Hannibal. Yes, I think that’s EXACTLY what’s going on. There’s no way Will is going dark. I’m sure there will be some twists along the way too. That show is crazy!
Oh – that totally sucks about the iPod being stolen. But, it doesn’t take away at all from the awesomeness of your uniform – you look like a true Team USA member wearing it!!!
I have a little race Saturday – ready to get it done (50 miles).
OMG that this Saturday?? Wow! You are going to be great. Just go steady and know you can DO IT! I’ll be cheering from afar…
Allie I would love to take one of your spin classes… I need some more assertive comments in my classes and would love to see how you do it because you seem so fun. want to tape one for me?!!? 😉
Yay 4 weeks… you got this fast mama!
That is a great idea! 🙂 I wish you could come in person…
You look so cute in your uniform! I love it! I can’t wait to hear about how you do in this competition. Also….REVENGE?!? YEEEEEEES! I have loved this show since season 1! I didn’t particularly care for last season and this season was moving kind of slow, but Sunday night, gave me EVERYTHING I needed and MORE! The look on Emily/Amanda’s face when Conrad confessed all of that to Charlotte…GOLDEN. I can’t wait to see how this is going to play out next week. Spoilers say there will be two deaths in the finale, and one has been there from the beginning. I’m thinking Daniel and Aiden. We’ll see!
Oh how I hope Daniel dies a horrible death!! I agree about last season, and even this season was going a bit off the rails, but the last two episodes were intense!!! Cannot wait for the season finale…and I hope poor Aiden is spared – but you know Jack and Emily (Amanda) have to end up together!
Woohoo!! 4 weeks is so close- and you’re killing it with your workouts, as usual. I got to try Probar chews this fall and loved them for marathon training. Excited for you!!
Thanks so much Laura! Aren’t those chews so good? There’s not many I can say that about!