Relaxing on vacation and, having training days that last under an hour and half, have me feeling like I need to get up to speed!
I have only four weeks until Triathlon Nationals.
I got my new Cervélo P2 triathlon bike.
I have been training with my Garmin fenix 3 watch.
I just returned from five days of all things chocolate at Hershey Park and hotel.
I still have at least 1/4 of my mind left.
I think we’re in good shape so let’s get some speed going…
WEEK OF JULY 11, 2016
RUNNING
Although it was ridiculously hot and humid by 6am in Hershey, PA I woke up almost every morning and did a gorgeous little loop along the rolling farm country. The spacious land with rows of corn as far as the eye can see, comically surrounds a chocolate bar themed amusement park and gorgeous victorian hotel, which opened in 1933.
Good morning chocolate world!
But, out on the country roads with only the deer and some very large bugs, I felt like I was in another universe. Isn’t that why we run? It’s why I do!
All smiles when it’s over. It’s super HILLY in those parts!
Wednesday – 5k run easy after swim
Friday – 5.52 miles around Hershey, PA
Sunday – 5k speed work before land swim
Monday – 5K warm-up before core/strength work
Tuesday – 45 min run after bike
Total – 20.52
CYCLING
This past Tuesday was like Christmas morning all over again. I couldn’t hardly wait to get to Fit Werx in Peabody, MA to be introduced to my new Cervélo P2 triathlon bike.
There is definitely a learning curve from road bike to tri bike and, after a 40 mile ride I felt like I worked out a lot of the kinks. It’s funny how you get so used to your bike! My first ride on this baby was kind of awkward (as expected) and my water bottle, that used to be underneath me and is now behind my seat, flew off on a busy road and a very nice guy pulled over, grabbed it and helped me wipe all the sand and dirt off of it. Needless to say I spent a lot of time just taking my water bottle out and putting it back in. Yep, these are the things I do out there. Don’t get jealous.
Overall this new bike is so smooth and my speed increased dramatically. I cannot wait to see what I can do once I really get used to it!
Monday – 21 mile base build after swim
Tuesday (7/12) – VO2 max training (45 minutes) after swim
Tuesday (7/19) – 2 hour ride on new bike! 38.4 miles
Wednesday – 5 x 3 mile loop increasing speed
Total = 86 miles
SWIMMING
Since I was on vacation and the indoor pool was only four feet deep and not even 25 yards long, I opted to do what are called “land swims” where you work your core and upper body as you would in the water.
Swimming on the land in the hotel gym.
I have to say, I really missed real swims but, when I did get in a pool it was with my crazy kids. We had an absolute blast! The very first time we went to Hershey, these boys were only three and were still in swim diapers. It’s amazing to see how much they have grown and now are swimming all over the pool and going down the water slides as many times as possible. They also never take off their goggles.
Monday – 30 minute recovery swim | 1600 yards after 20 mile ride
Tuesday – 30 minute open water swim after 45 min ride
Wednesday – 2000 yards with 5K run
Sunday – land swim on vacation, after 10k run
Monday – land swim on vacation, after 5k run
GEAR
So, I obviously bought my beloved watch. A good friend of mine, after reading my plea for help here, told me to call Garmin and see if they have a buy back program. Turns out he is a genius because they DO have what they call an “upgrade” program. You simply send them your old watch and they give you 20% toward a purchase of a new one! I had the Garmin 220 so I shipped that off and am now in the process of selling my vivoactive.
Of course, about three days after I was feeling so clever and frugal, a 25% off coupon for the fenix 3 was sent out all over the internet like a mad pinball. Thanks to everyone who sent it to me and yes, I called Garmin and got my extra 5% thank you very much.
My first run with my new bling! And the new Brooks Victory shoes! Love them both.
The jury is still out on the fenix for me. There are some things I absolutely love and others I do not. So far the good outweighs the bad and I’m still watching demos on YouTube to find my way around it. After a few months of using it, I will be sure to give a full report.
Also, no less than four people asked me if it was waterproof when I was in the hotel pool. #ImSoFancy
FUEL
So obviously I have been eating nothing but chocolate.
Yeah right.
I can honestly say that I was not that tempted by the near constant push of Hershey’s chocolate at the hotel and the park. I did however, enjoy some chocolate kisses in my martini and a plum pie-in-a-jar dessert.
THINGS I LOVE
My husband owns his own business and, therefore, can work anywhere. I’m putting this under “things I love” because I do love his freedom however, we have never taken a vacation where he doesn’t work. And, not just during the week days but on the weekends as well. I know we would not be ON these vacations if not for his hard and constant work but, I was left to drink alone on Friday while he took calls and tapped away on his laptop in the pool cabana.
This sums up every vacation we have had since 2007.
It also astonishes me that he can work in the car, by the pool, during breaks on the rides at the park…pretty much anywhere. Thank you to all my Facebook friends who offered to keep me company. Next time.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
One of the reasons why we have so much hate and violence in this world is because people think something as absurd as Pokemon Go is life changing. I cannot express how ridiculous and dangerous I think the whole concept is and, when I read that Arlington National Cemetery (and other sacred places like the Holocaust memorial) have to tweet messages like this…
…it makes me insane.
I cannot say that I’m astounded we’re in the middle of a major crisis in this country after seeing all this nonsense over a Pokemon game play out. Please put your asinine phone game down and try something called LOVE ONE ANOTHER GO! How many people would download that?
*end rant…for now…
READING
In the near constant outpouring from the media about what foods are healthy vs unhealthy, I really enjoyed the article in The New York Times basically stating that not even the experts can agree on what foods are actually healthy. There is a pretty fantastic flow chart depicting the discrepancy between what the public believes is healthy vs the experts. It’s fascinating stuff:
“The results suggest a surprising diversity of opinion, even among experts. Yes, some foods, like kale, apples and oatmeal, are considered “healthy” by nearly everyone. And some, like soda, french fries and chocolate chip cookies, are not. But in between, some foods appear to benefit from a positive public perception, while others befuddle the public and experts alike. (We’re looking at you, butter.)”
Source: The New York Times
Probably the most fascinating thing about the above chart is that SlimFast shake is even on there! Do people really still drink those?
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK
When making the six hour trek to Hershey, PA we saw a billboard with this message somewhere between here and there:
IRONICALLY, E.D. IS A GROWING PROBLEM.
In case you don’t know, E.D. stands for erectile dysfunction. I laughed for miles and only wish I was quick enough to have snapped a photo. Just another reason to get up to speed…
[Tweet “Get up to speed with #Hershey, @Garmin and #land #swims on The Rundown! #train4life”]
How was your week?
What do you need to get me up to speed on?
How do you feel about Pokemon Go?
Ugh! The Pokeman thing is crazy. Friday night I went on a sunset hike and there was a girl chasing Pokeman while hiking. Great idea right? And then there’s a daycare here that apparently is a hot Pokeman sight so they are getting people outside their door all day and all night. So weird! And btw – your bike is so pretty!!!! 🙂
Right off a cliff…I think that actually happened. Oy!!
Thank you. The bike is seriously too pretty. I’m treating it better than my car…
YOU ARE MY …. SOMETHING WHICH IS REALLY SIMILAR 🙂
I thought that same think about the slim fast mention in the article.
Thats still a thing?!
And something else I had no idea was a think is LAND SWIMMING.
It’s obvious and brilliant all at once.
LOL!! YES I AM!
Land swimming is so brilliant and I dare say I saw on FB that you and the child have already partaken in it’s awesomeness!!
This Pokemon craze is out of control. On one hand, I’m happy for people it gets out of the house and active. On the other hand, I’m sad for people because it’s caused so many accidents and dangerous events lately.
It’s funny you say that about the Slimfast shakes. I feel like we don’t see it (as much) in the athlete community but I do know a lot of woman who drink them as breakfast. (Not saying it’s a good idea or anything…).
Yes and yes. I suppose getting teenagers out of the house is good but not really if they’re just looking down at their phones and playing a video game!!
I seriously cannot believe you know people who drink SlimFast. Please Instagram that shit.
My oldest son (he’s 19) is playing Pokemon Go with his friends. I’m actually happy about it because he’s getting out on the bike and walking instead of sitting in his room on the computer. Seriously. Last night I made him take me to get more Pokeballs. No, I’m not really playing but it is kind of fun catching all the Pokemon in my driveway.
Don’t judge. A mom’s gotta do…
Haha on that billboard. Do the people who wrote that slogan realize what they said? LOLOLOLOL!
Yes, it’s definitely good to get people up and moving but, but, but…
I definitely do not judge. No way. Not ever. I just have very loud opinions 🙂
The billboard kills me. I wish I drove by it daily.
I can’t believe people are playing pokemon go in cemeteries!!! My boys were playing the first couple of days and asking to randomly go on walks (the only benefit I guess, since they never volunteer to take a walk), but they got over it after a few days…. I’m just tired of all the pokemon go in my Facebook newsfeed, but I’m sure that there are plenty of people tired of the running and yoga I put out in mine, so I guess this is payback.
I’m sure it will fizzle out quickly…like all video games, apps, etc. And I don’t think anyone would ever get tired of your social media streams of running and yoga…I mean, there’s so much wine to go along with it! 🙂
I seriously love all your new gear, the shoes, the bike, the watch … Smokin hot!! Wow I’m sooooo excited for you and can’t wait to read about your bike in the race. You totally gonna rock that race!
Oh gosh Pokemon go can totally go climb up my ass. I could care less. My favorite meme is of Bob Marley with a bowl of tuna poke saying “this is poke, mon!” I love it.
I’m three weeks out and managed a couple 2-3 mile jogs. I can’t sit still and admit I’m not great with downtime. No matter how crazy it sounds physical activity keeps me sane. Getting my daily dose makes me feel like I can be a much happier mommy!
My hubby is always working when we travel since he’s trying to start his own business so I can appreciate your perspective on this. I don’t mind drinking alone lol
HA!! I’m totally searching for the Marley meme!
Love that you are able to get out and about post baby. Those first few runs can be a little weird but you’re probably just so happy to be OUT!…I know I was.
Good luck to your hubby and get ready for a lifetime of working vacations…and solo drinking 🙂
Okay, there’s so much stuff in this post to talk about. First of all, Andrew is a realtor and he worked non-stop during our entire Mexican vacation, even at the airport and as soon as we landed in each city! So I know what you mean about it being awesome and a pain all at the same time. Also, that Hershey hotel looks like so much fun. I wish we could go! And thirdly… I’ve got a huge girl boner over those hammies of yours!!!! YOU ARE QUEEN!!! Amaaaaazing.
OMG we seriously need to meet! You are cracking me up!!!!
All of your kids would absolutely love Hershey Park and they do a half and a marathon in October…just sayin’
As I told you in Instagram… you were in my hood!! About 5 miles from the Hotel Hershey, there is a runner/ bike trail that goes up to a beautiful park. It’s about 8 miles of paved road for runners and bikers. I should have told you the name too! We run and train there once a week.
We used to go to Hershey all the time when my son was younger, we had Hershey Passes and now we know every spot in the park. I know you and your family had an amazing time there!
I say Pokémon is a No-Go for me. I am just hoping and praying nobody is going to tell my son about it, because we already have enough “NO phone while walking” disagreements.
I saw the chart on top and wonder how is Slimfast anywhere near a “healthy” list? or American cheese?
I know! That is so cool you get to run there all the time and, even if I knew where the trails were, I probably wouldn’t have had time to get there!! Maybe in later years… I’ll have to give you a heads up next time.
So glad you agree with me about Pokemon Go and seriously have no clue on Slim Fast and American cheese even made the list.
I always finish reading your Rundowns with so much to talk about! I read that NYT article yesterday and loved the infographics but could not believe that people still drink Slimfast. Slimfast was popular in high school when all of us at my girls’ school were obsessed with wearing a size 00 to prom, but I thought for sure that had died down. I mean, is it even actually food?
I cannot even believe that people are going into Arlington or the Holocaust museum for Pokemon Go. But then again, with enough people in our country to somehow elect Trump as the Republican candidate, it makes sense sadly.
Holy awesome your workouts. So excited for you as race day gets closer!
The answer is “no” it is NOT actually food! So crazy.
I’m glad you made the correlation (as I did) of the insanity of Pokemon and Trump as nominee. Stop the madness!
Thanks so much for the encouragement Laura. The countdown is ON!
not a fan of pokemon go at alll, I think its more a bit irresponsible and crazy dangerous. I totally agree with you. and omg you got the fenix!! So curious about your real thoughts once you have gotten full use. That chart is super interesting, like slim fast?! My mom and aunt totally drank that in the 80s lol I had no idea it was still around!
So glad you agree with me and yes – it IS irresponsible. You nailed it.
I do really love so many things about the fenix but definitely some changes from the vivoactive so full report coming!!
And yes, my mom drank it too. I can still hear the commercials in my head!! So crazy it made the list!?
Pokemon go? WTF is that and who gives a rat’s ass? A sad statement on the mindset of today’s society and what really is important to the overwhelming majority prone to the cattle mindset.
At least, the ED issue can be taken on a lighter note as it only applies to the weaker subjects of the male species. Viagra and Cialis is for that self-inflicted and confused element of men who have retreated into their own insecurities and feel threatened by the Alpha Females and Males they wish they could emulate. It was called the ‘Napoleon complex’, so it’s been around for awhile. I’m all for these stupid placebo pills though, if it supplants ground Rhino horn as the ultimate aphrodisiac!
You know what I’m talking about, referring to the Alpha world, you commented on Daphne Schiffers on Tina’s last post.
TriBike, ChocolateWorld, Vacation, Fenix3, regenerated, relaxed, you are in Paradise:) You’re going to smoke this Triathlon! Can we track live?
I knew you would be with me on Pokemon Go and so glad to see you don’t even know what it is. Good for you!
Yes – so on the alpha male thing and Tina’s last post!!
Not sure about live tracking but will get you details as soon as I have them. I’m sure you will be able to! Thanks Claude!
I’ve never considered land swimming before but what a great concept! Hershey looks like so much fun. I think Cooper would love that pool! Actually I always think he is going to love these really cool slides and water features and he basically just loves filling up a bucket with water. Haha.
I’m sure Barre is good for “land swimming” as well 🙂 I miss my classes and hope they resume in the fall…
Just give Cooper a little time. He will be enjoying all the pool features in a few years!
I can’t believe you didn’t have more chocolate! I would probably make myself sick if I ever went there. Chocolate and red wine… I can’t give up either. Next time, ditch the hubs and let me come! I swear I’m super entertaining.
I’m still chuckling about the ED growing problem…
Oh I believe you!!! I so hope we can hook up when I’m in Vegas for the RnR Half in November! I’ll bring the chocolate 🙂