The week before the big week.
The week before the big race is one of tapering – mileage, nerves and sanity. It can be the worst week and for me, in some ways, it was. I came down with a cold sinus infection, was unable to do my “practice” triathlon and had some issues with the kids and childcare. But, I’m not letting this deter my mental game and I’m trying hard to stay focused on the big picture, and all the training I have already done, to get to this week. Plus, I’m sure this extra “rest” will be helpful, right?
WEEK OF JUNE 29, 2015
RUNNING: Despite the infection, nasal sprays and antibiotics, I was able to get some decent mileage in this week. My favorite was waking up at my usual 5am but, instead of working my mind behind the computer, I worked my legs and lungs on a run! I cannot tell you how much I miss those early morning runs. Someday, when my kids sleep past 6am, I will be able to return to them. For now, I’ll take the few that I can get!
Sweaty, happy and done with my run by 6am. Good morning!
During the run, I saw two deer. One of them was just poised in someone’s yard and I thought it was one of those plastic ones…until it moved it’s head! #HeartAttack
Total mileage: 18 mostly outside
And, you know you’re in trouble when you’re looking up stuff like this:
I looked almost exactly like this when I woke up last Wednesday. Yes, I realize that’s a man.
In case you’re interested, the advice was anything above the neck (like a head cold!) is ok but muscle/body aches or anything horrible in your chest is a no-no.
It’s a testament as to just how crazy runners are that there was no shortage of articles on this topic. I mean, in what other capacity would you ever see this? Should You Go To Work When You’re Sick? Oh hell no!
BIKING: I was only able to do one outdoor ride this past week since I was counting on the practice triathlon to get in additional miles. Oh well. The time I spent on the bike, both inside and out, felt great and this week I was just happy to be moving!
Total mileage: 45 miles
SWIMMING: Luckily I got in most of my swim miles done before the cold settled into my head. I’m upset I wasn’t able to do another open water swim before the race but I also know I’ll be ok without it. And yes, I keep repeating that to myself like a mad woman.
I was also able to test out my new waterproof iPhone case because that is something everyone needs, right? I wouldn’t want you to miss out on my pool workouts!
RACING: I am officially three days out from “the big one” which really isn’t a big one at all, at least in terms of distance. This is, after all, a sprint triathlon (1/2 mile swim, 10.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) but I’m hoping to place in the top 10 women. I know the splits I need to hit and the time I need to beat. I’m going to ride and run the course probably as you read this on Monday, and will be raring to go on Wednesday!
We also got this little tidbit in an email:
“Water temp low 70’s, race will be wetsuit legal for sure.” Super.
FUEL: I found this new-to-me Kashi cereal and I’m loving it! With only 9 grams of sugar and 6 grams of protein, it keeps me full though my morning workout…plus a banana and two whole wheat fig bars.
And why are there so many waters now? Coconut, Maple, Artichoke, Cactus, Aloe…is this really necessary? I consulted an RD and wrote an article about it for Fitbie, but I would like to do a more “candid” one here, if you know what I mean. #SnarkAlert
For now, I’m sticking with good old fashioned H2O with some NUUN.
THINGS I LOVE: Packages arriving from Oiselle!
This time around I received the Flowy Tank in Opal and the Flyte Short in Punch! I love both.
I know some people don’t like the Flyte short for many reasons, one of which is lack of pockets. Because of that, I can only wear these for some training runs, but I love the way they feel, fit and wash!
The Flowy Tank is amazing in every way – breathable, light, non-chafing and washes well!
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Bad grammar. It’s especially horrible when it’s the Physician’s Assistant who you have waited for over an hour to see on the fourth of July because you have now realized you do indeed have a sinus infection. #TrueStory
This “professional” tried to argue with me about actually having a sinus infection because she didn’t want to give me a z-pack. Last time I checked antibiotics had zero street value. She was trying to tell me to use a nasal spray and netty pot when I stopped her to say:
“I have two kids, a big race on Wednesday, I’m leaving for vacation in a week and I just paid $100 to sit and wait for over an hour on a holiday. I don’t have time to see if your nasal flushing will or will not work when I’ve have thick green mucus coming out of my nose non-stop for the past two days.”
She replied:
“Irregardless of the antibiotic, you will still need to do the other things.”
Seriously? REGARDLESS of how bad your grammar is, I still have a sinus infection.
I got the script without getting arrested. #MiraclesDoHappen
READING: I’ve had a lot of great reads lately! I was finally able to finish Still Alice which I’m sure most of you have read already. It’s an amazingly heartbreaking story of a cognitive professor at Harvard who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in her 50s. Some of it was hard to read. My favorite part? She’s a runner! In Boston! They’ve also made a movie out of it, and I always like to read the book first because it’s usually infinitely better.
My other favorite of the week was shared by Christine at Love, Life, Surf: This Is 40 written by USA Women’s World Cup soccer player and three time Olympic gold medalist, Christie Rampone. I love when professional athletes laugh at 40 and then kick a goal straight up it’s ass. Ok, she’s a defender but you get the idea.
“Yes, I’m 39 going on 40. Yes, I’m the mother of two kids. Yes, I’ve torn my ACL and come back from it. I’ve also won three gold medals and now been to five World Cups.”
TV: First of all HOLY USA WIN!!!!!!!! Those women were on fire and I loved every minute.
USA midfielder Carli Lloyd (10) celebrates her goal with teammates during the final football match between USA and Japan during their 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on July 5, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
Second, Have you started watching the new True Detective series with Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams? You should. Farrell’s character is a true psycho that you can’t stop watching, McAdams is a washed out version of herself that works on so many levels and Vaughn, well, he’s Vince Vaughn.
And I couldn’t be more excited to start watching Ray Donovan starting Sunday, July 12.
Don’t you dare have even one expression on your face Mr. Donovan.
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK: My sweet little Vaughn pulled me close and whispered into my ear:
You know the best way to wake someone up? Pinch him in the privates!
What an angel. I’m sure Miles is thrilled.
How was your week?
Do you workout when you have a cold?
What are you watching this summer?
Do you have a favorite water alternative?
Booooo for colds, but glad the runs went well despite that. Love that the hour from 5-6 is your little time to do what you please, and I love that you chose to use it running 🙂 Womens world cup….even though I am a failure to my country as you found out the other day :P, I was happy that the USA won, thats pretty cool! As for that kashi, will look out for it! Sounds delicious! Oh and by the way, the runners connect post on being sick is better 😛 http://runnersconnect.net/running-injury-prevention/does-running-with-a-cold-impair-health-or-performance-the-research-is-examined/
Happy Monday my friend!
THANK YOU for the Runner’s Connect article as I am still battling this cold!! Not good – two days and counting…
I’m always awake that early and I find it the perfect time to do things I like as well. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling under the weather. That is seriously the worst. Hopefully you’ll be able to feel better for the race. You have plenty of time though, I’m sure you will!
I hope so!! Thanks Hollie.
RAY DONOVAN!!!! We JUST started watching this about 3 weeks ago and have already finished season 1 and 2. Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?!
Have you ever tried Shaklee’s products for workout energy? I’m so sold on this company! Here’s the link: http://bemomstrong.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthyfoundations/sports
I hope you have a stressLESS week leading up to this race! Can’t wait to hear but already know the outcome… you’re going to rock it.
I’m positive I’m mentioned “Ray” a few times here as I am obsessed!! Glad you can share that obsessions also 🙂
Thank you for the link! I know how much you love this new product and I definitely need to get the multivitamins for the kids.
Thanks for the positive vibes Emma – I need all the help I can get at this point!
USA! USA! That was unbelievable!! What a game.
Ordering the Christine Rampone book right now, thanks!!
“Irregardless” does the exact opposite of “you had me at hello!”…one of my all-time grammatical pet peeves!!
OMG that is the perfect analogy!!
Rampone is officially my new hero 🙂
I love hearing Summer Lovin’ in the background of your pool workout. Hahaha!
Gotta love the “aqua class” going on. Just another reason to wear my Waterfi music!!
So yeah. I don’t even know what the big deal is about a zpack. First they pretty much cute anything in like 5 seconds (or days depends on who you are asking) and 2 you know what your body needs!! I wish I could have a full stash of packs because they do miracles!! Enjoy your taper week. I need to watch true detective. And yes pinch em in the privates has been working famously for me for years! Hahaha
LOL!!!! Love that last line 🙂
Unfortunately I think that grammatical train wreck of a PA was right since the z-pack is not helping and I’ve been on it since Saturday. BOOOO!
haha I love your response to the PA. Brilliant. Irregardless has to be one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate when people say that! I am sorry that you’re sick and hope it’s kicked to the curb before race day. And the soccer match last night? Holy crap they were amazing! I’ve only watched the first episode of the first season of True Detective but hear that I should continue watching it because it’s great.
It was like nails on a chalkboard after what I had been though already. It took a lot of willpower not to completely tell her off.
That game was completely amazing – it was a whole new level of play and so exciting to watch!
Keep watching!! The first season was creepily fantastic and McConaughey’s performance alone was worth the watch.
Vaughn and my Lily could be best of friends as she is most definitely into pinching right now to see what kind of reaction she will get – mostly our behinds, but still pinching is pinching! Oh and the antibiotics, I have had similar fights for this for both my kids in recent times and as much as they seem to push using other methods, why is it once an antibiotic is prescribed that we all seem to be on the mend?!
Gotta love the pinching. I guess it’s better then the biting stage, right?
I don’t know what the uproar over antibiotics is. Who would ever want to abuse them?? So annoying!
Ha! I can’t believe you said that to the PA. Good for you! Take that bad grammar lady!
I loved Still Alice but it was hard for me to read because my grandmother had alzheimer’s. I have watched the first episode of True Detective but I need to get caught up. I though Colin Ferrel’s character was a little nutty!
My pool workouts lately have consisted of swinging a little seven month around until he laughs his head off! 🙂
I was just beyond frustrated and feeling so awful. It was the proverbial straw!
I can’t imagine how hard of a read that was for you. It was so compelling but gut wrenching at the same time.
Farrell’s character is A LOT nutty. He’s way off the rails but it’s exciting to watch.
You pool workouts sound amazing 🙂
I’m so sorry you were under the weather. Better last week than this week. For some reason I tend to get sick close to races. Regardless, you are going to do amazing and will probably win the whole thing 🙂 We love True Detective and have been watching it every Sunday. So many creepy characters. Good luck this week! xoxo
Thanks Jesica and YES I’m almost over this cold (I hope!) so better now then on race day for sure!!
So glad you’re enjoying the creep factor of True Detective too 🙂
bahaha! Vaughn’s “best wake-up secret” is hysterical!
I work out when I am sick but I try to stick to the above-neck rule. However, if I feel especially terrible, I will opt for more sleep/rest.
Loved every single moment of the soccer game – inspirational ladies who definitely do not back down!
Gotta love that kid…but he scares me 🙂
I’m going to opt for rest tomorrow and then hope for the best on Wednesday! Thanks Olivia!
So excited for your upcoming triathlon…. That Women’s World Cup game was so amazing and unbelievable….I actually did feel really bad for Japan though…. but the US team was just so after it and aggressive…loved it!
It was insane!! I don’t think anyone expected that to happen, least of all Japan.
Thanks Paria!
omg vaugn is hilarious!!!!! I have to tell my husband, he would die laughing. we share the same sick potty humor.
I get you on the grammar thing, I hate capitalizing letters because i’m just lazy but I do appreciate good grammar. irregardless of my lack of caring, LOL.
oh, and I still don’t get what is up with all the “waters” on the market. what’s wrong with just plain water? i’m always late to the party on most new “stuff” out there but I just can’t imagine buying fancy water. I have bought smart water because I wanted to try it, but then I just saved the bottle and filled it up with whatever I could get out of the tap.
oh and I can’t wait to see Ray Donovan! I am a True Detective maniac and agree with your comments all the way… ugh such a good show. but we need more. we try and watch Ballers but i’m less than impressed. it looked like it was going to be a winner, but so far meh.
happy Monday!
I was going to watch Ballers but it’s on so late and if I DVR one more show I’ll probably give up on all of them! TV should not be this consuming, right? 🙂
I hope you feel better, especially before the race! Bad grammar irritates me to no end and it takes a lot of self-control for me not to correct people. I don’t always have that self-control.
Yes to just good old tap water and Nuun! The plethora of different waters is a bit overwhelming. Although I am quite fond of my barley and hops water 😉
There’s nothing wrong with a little barley and hops in your water for sure! Thanks Laura 🙂
I saw the movie Still Alice a month ago and loved it. I didn’t read the book, but the movie was so well done.
She totally deserved the Oscar!
TV, TV…I am so behind on everything!! These show sound so good and I hope I can find the time to check them out 🙂
Good for you, telling that PA to bug off. She must know that you wouldn’t be there on a SATURDAY on 4th of July if everything was dandy, right?!
I hope you are feeling better, and you will rock it on Wed (a wed race – cool!).
Wishing you lots of good rest this week!
Thanks so much Natalie! Yes, a race on a Wednesday at 6pm – very weird so we will see how it goes. Good to know the movie does the book justice. I can’t wait to see it!!
Bad grammar is a huge pet peeve of mine! But I don’t think I’ve EVER heard anyone say irregardless — WTF is that?! Too funny.
Did you watch the first season of True Detective? So far I like it better than this season, and I’m finding myself mostly creeped out, plus I can’t take Vince Vaughn seriously ha! And yes, I was also loving USA kicking major ass in the Women’s World Cup! How awesome was the first 15 minutes?! I was screaming at my TV in excitement.
AWESOME JOB powering through your training even with a cold. Best of luck to your in your upcoming race! 🙂
Thanks Nicole!
Yes, it’s a little hard taking Vince Vaughn seriously but he’s such a great actor. Last season was definitely amazing but I do like this season. I haven’t seen the latest yet but something tells me it’s going to continue being shocking!
Bummer about the sinus infection. I know a few people with these summer colds. Great job pushing through your workouts! Kick some ass Wednesday!
Thanks Kris! It’s been a rough week and now they’re calling for rain on Wednesday night. I’m calling “uncle!”
Uggh, so sorry you got sick!! Doc’s are so hesitant to give antibiotics these days and it can definitely be frustrating, although I kind of see the reasoning. But still we all know our bodies and I hate when they don’t listen!! Ok, you had me at Collin Farrell, hello hottie. Although I haven’t seen him in a while…what channel is that show on because I need to look it up asap!!
Sorry, if I had clicked on the link for the show I would have seen it was HBO 🙂 Oh, also, I prefer Nuun. Not a fan of coconut water. I did buy a thing of maple water to try but haven’t tried it yet.
LMK what you think of the Maple Water! And yes, HBO has some great shows lately!
Wait, there is actual ARTICHOKE water?! That just sounds… RAUNCHY! RAUNCHY I tell you! LOL! Can you be the taste tester? LOL! In fact, one of your blog posts – can you try ALL THOSE DANG WATERS and say which one you think tastes best? Or maybe I shall do it for you? LOL!
OMG that is such a great idea! One of us needs to do it!!!
I will allow you to do it!!!! Or what would ROCK is if we could COLLAB in some way on this!!!
You know that was my first thought!!!…but sounds like it would require technological skills I do not possess!!!
No video skills?? Do you have a MAC? you can easily film things through your Photo Booth 😉
Photo Booth you say? I hope it’s easier then iMovie!!!
TIMES 1 million!!! EMAIL ME if you’re for serious!! 🙂
Oh I am SERIOUS and I WILL!