This past week was a total blur. It was the oddest mix of life spinning out of control and being at total peace. I was anticipating a big race all week, the boys had their first day of first grade, I had huge schedule changes and was on an emotional roller coaster.
All that in seven days…and now I’m doing it all over again!
WEEK OF AUGUST 24, 2015
RUNNING: Last week was the final week that running won’t be a major focus, so I relished it. After this I will be doing almost nothing but running leading up to all.the.races on my calendar. In fact, between now and November 1, I will be racing almost every standard running distance:
Sept. 7: 20K
Oct. 4: half marathon
Oct. 16: 3.8 mile trail race
Oct. 17: 5K and 10 K
Oct 18: half marathon
Nov 1: marathon
Somebody stop me! No, don’t. I love it and me and my Adidas are going to be ready!
Can someone please make this for me?
CYCLING: I had some great rides this past week and was able to ride the race course with my coach! While I was at REI last week (since now I have time to go to places like that!) I was actually looking at some fall/winter cycling gear. Typically I do not bike outside when the temperature falls below 60. This year, I’m not so sure I can give it up that fast.
SWIMMING: I had three OWS (open water swims) last week and zero time in the pool! Unfortunately, I don’t feel about swimming the way I feel about cycling. I’m cold at the indoor pool during the fall and winter so I’m just going to have to wait or move if I want to get into open water past September. #Brrrrr
At least I can still SUP for a while longer. SUP Fall?
RACING: Talk about out of control, you saw my above schedule, right? Normally after an effort like the triathlon on Sunday (you know a full recap of that bad boy is coming!) I would be in a recovery period this week in my training. However, I have a 20K in New Haven on Labor Day. Yes, Labor Day is next Monday.
I have a long history with this race and wouldn’t skip it for the world since it means racing with my best running friends, eating bread and drinking beer in the park afterward, and all the people watching. I think we actually do it just for those last three things. #Priorities
Let’s hope this year is better for everyone and not just Chrissie!
THINGS I LOVE: This is how I feel about the boys being in all-day school:
Yes, I miss them and it was very difficult putting them on the bus and walking away but, the freedom is pretty amazing. And no, I’m not trying to say the last six years were like a sort of prison. I would never say that. That would be a horrible, terrible, awful thing for a mother to say. Just awful.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Is it really necessary to wear this?
Even this MODEL doesn’t want her face shown in this get up.
No one should have to but, I was worried I would be cold at the 7:00am start for the triathlon so, three days before the race, I decided to call around to see if anyone had these awesome and totally flattering outfits. #NothingNewOnRaceDayMakesMeLaugh
The only store who said “yes” was REI, which is 45 minutes away from me. But, this is the beauty of all day school, right? Only when I got there (and had to pay for parking! what the…?) and asked where I could find the tri suits, the employee got this sad face and said “Oh I don’t think we have any.” Gee, I’m so glad I called to make sure you did! $%#@!
Luckily (or really unluckily) there was one, just one, and in my size and on clearance. That price was of course negated by the 27 other things I decided I “needed” because REI is my candy store.
I did try out my new outfit, the day before the race, when I did a mini-brick. Notice the angle.
RANDOM TWEET OF THE WEEK: Because this is just hilarious and I’m also spiteful because my husband hates to run:
SPOILER ALERT: I’m beyond excited that I raced so well on Sunday and qualified for USAT Nationals, to be held in Omaha, NE, August 2016. I can’t thank you all enough for your texts, tweets, FB messages, phone calls and just so much love and support! I appreciate it more then you know. Truly.
Full race recap on Wednesday!
How was your week?
Are you back to school yet?
What was a complete blur for you last week?
I am SOOOOOO excited for you! This was awesome to read, and that photo post race…..I am not sure I could love you any more…..wait, yes I am….in a few months! Woooohhhooo!!! I am jealous you went paddle boarding, I was trying to find that somewhere here this summer, but it hasn’t made it to KY yet! Have a wonderful week my friend!
Thank you so much Tina and YES I cannot wait to give you a huge hug when I see you in Maine!!!
You would LOVE paddle boarding. I can see a whole cross training day for you – ElliptiGO to SUP 🙂
It sounds like your training is going to be really exciting and I cannot wait to watch it unfold. I know a lot of people doing NYC and really excited for it so I cannot wait to see how you do! Plus Runners World is going to be the bomb!
Yes it is!! Thanks Hollie. Can’t wait to meet up in PA. – – > never thought I would write that!?
If say the Uni is your new good luck charm. I’m so excited for you!!!! Way to kick ass!
Oh no. I think you’re right! So, so bad but I would wear a tutu if I get the same results 🙂
I saw that you qualified on FB and I’m so happy for you Allie!!! That is amazing. Can’t wait to hear more about it. Your race schedule is definitely …challenging! Haha. I hope you do awesome. I would love to have an entire day to my self. Just one. Although this weekend the Hubs and I had a babysitter and spent an entire day playing tennis, having lunch and swimming in the pool without having to worry about the little guy. We needed it!
Thanks so much Brittany!
Yes, you absolutely need those days. Plus, you take relaxing to a whole new level after you’ve had a baby!!
Looks like you have made the most out of your first week out of freedom…..LOVE that tweet….and I’m waiting for your race recap! I had a nice cold beer while thinking of you after seeing your FB status, because that’s the type of supportive virtual friend I am….you kick ass!!!!
I love it!! I was probably having one at the same time 🙂 Actually, I had one beer and then too many glasses of wine. It was perfect. Thanks Paria. You are a true friend – LOL.
Congratulations!!!! That’s so freakin awesome. You rock!
The whole week was a blur for me since one of my dogs had major surgery, I am still recovering from oral surgery, and my husband basically gone all week with work and grad school. Don’t even remember how I got through but I did and had some really nice runs. Catching beautiful sunrises has been warming my soul!
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that Danielle and hope this week is kinder to you. Keep chasing those sunrises!
Congrats on your race and your qualifying time!!! You’re amazing! (my husband does not like running either.–I’ll join your club)
Thank you Wendy!! Now we just need a club name and awesome t-shirts 🙂
I need to ask the expert a question (that’s you). How do your knees deal with all the running? I have new sneakers but my knees are still sore a day after running — but do always get better. Does my body need to adjust? Am I just an old jalopy of a woman now? I do run on concrete (sidewalk/street). Thanks for your help!
You should just hang up your shoes and sit in a corner.
Or, you could do more to strengthen your quads, hip flexors and glutes since those will help take pressure off of your knees. If you know you have the right shoes (which I think you know you do) it’s a matter of not doing too many miles too quickly and working on building the supporting muscles around your joints. There are TONS of hip, glute, hammy and quad strength routines out there but let me know if you need help finding a good one. I recommend Runners Connect web site or good ‘ol Runner’s World!
PS – Concrete is probably the worst surface to run on. Pavement is much better or a dirt trail when your knees are especially grumpy.
PPS – My knees only hurt when I need a new pair of Adidas 🙂
Thank you for your wisdom. I will work on strengthening my legs and get off the dang concrete sidewalk. There’s plenty of pavement and dirt around here.
Go get it woman!
Huge congratulations on qualifying for Nationals! You’re amazing!
REI is my husband’s and my candy store as well. Since they’re a Seattle based store, we have at least four in driving distance, including the flagship, which is lots of fun for us but dangerous for our budget. Sooo excited for their Labor Day sale!
Ooooo the flagship store? That makes me want to drive all the way to Seattle!!
Thanks Laura.
You ROCK Allie!! I Am so happy for you and a big, huge congrats for making it to Nationals!!!
That is so, so awesome!!
We go back to school next week! I think the kids are ready. I think I am ready. Ready or not here we gooo 🙂
Look at all the fun races you have lined up this fall!! I will be in NYC for the marathon (as a spectator!) Would love to meet up!!
Thanks so much!!
You MUST be ready for school at this point. I feel like I’m already in the routine of getting them on the bus, and they are really enjoying their days – whew!
SO great that you will be spectating the NYC marathon!! I would love to meet up!!
My back to school day was yesterday and I’ve got one more to go next week!!
Congrats on qualifying you are amazing!! I knew you would do it because you are awesome like that! 🙂
Your schedule looks grueling — but I know you are gonna murder each and everyone. I totally know about blurs btw, I’m getting ready to do a family vacation and I haven’t done anything to prepare!!
You whole life must be a blur at the rate you work it Nellie!!! It’s awesome and amazing 🙂
I saw cutie #1 on FB for his first day – OMG he is just so adorable. How do you let him out of your sight?
Thank you!!! I was thinking of you at the finish!!
BAH HA HA HA HA AH AH AHA! IF I HAD KIDS – I would feel THE EXACT SAME WAY you do about them being in school all day! 😉
OMG – that tweet had me pee my pants almost! How about a cross stitch of that quote?
LOL!!! That is a much better idea!
First of all, don’t lie….it was like prison 😉 Ok, maybe not prison…maybe more like…..prison. LOL….Seriously though, it is sad, but the freedom is exhilhirating isn’t it? It’s almost like finding an old part of you. But I love the hugs and stories when they get home 🙂 Still waiting for my little guy to start school! Still 2 more weeks! WTH?! So proud of you and your triathalon! I knew you would do it 🙂 Congrats!
You got me – it was a total prison! And YES the hugs and non-stop chatter from the moment they emerge off the bus is awesome. They are extra loving too since they actually have a chance to miss me during the day 🙂
Wait – didn’t your older son start in August? What’s up with that? Good luck getting him off!
Thank you!! It was a crazy day but I did it!!