!! Tri-als Of The Day !!

Questions

2009-01-03T20:00:00.001-05:00

Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themnselves. Do not now seek the answers which cannot be given because you would not be able to love them and the point is to live everything. Live the questions now.

~~~ Ranier Maria Rilke

Test

2009-01-03T19:35:00.001-05:00

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Goodbye 2008, and Welcome 2009!

2009-01-03T19:16:00.001-05:00

2008 was the follow-up to the year of no sleep, with almost as little sleep as in 2007. The CPAP didn't work, the mouth guard didn't work, what *will* work? Somehow, mid-summer, sleep started returning again -- helped in part by new allergy free bedding (oh yes, I am now officially an "itchy" girl -- peanut gallery, please leave that alone), silk eyeshade, and ear plugs. Getting some sleep helped me get going again, and I managed my first double digit weight-loss in a couple of years. The fall, work stress, and less sleep all conspired against me, and the struggle returned. What will 2009 bring? Acceptance -- that I will get less sleep than I want, but maybe, as the Stones sing, it's what I need. Persistence -- that I can find my inner athlete again. Dedication -- to training, exercise, healthy whole foods, and honoring my body and my mind. Quiet -- on the yoga mat, in my busy brain, when I need to sleep. Strength -- to manage it all. Love -- from my fabulous family and friends.

Bring. It. On!

Pool time!

2008-11-11T11:20:00.002-05:00

Back in the pool after a 6-week absence. I wasn't fast, but I had a quality workout:

100 wo
1000 ladder: 100, 200, 400, 200, 100 or :30 rest
100 cd

Followed by the hot tub, which felt terrific!

Sister Challenge III (or, Deux Re-Deux)

2008-11-11T11:17:00.003-05:00

Sister Challenge III began on 11/1/08 and runs until the end of the year. New, simplified goals for the holiday season:

1 - daily journaling
2 - Exercise 4x/week
3 - weekly weigh-in

Thank you for Voting!

2008-11-05T01:23:00.000-05:00

GO SOX!!!!!

2008-10-18T18:26:00.001-04:00

Getting my running legs back!

2008-09-20T10:40:00.004-04:00

I'm cleared to s l o w l y start back running. Flat, soft surfaces to begin -- so why not the beach at low tide. I did 4/1 and 3/2 walk to run intervals after a walking warm up, and ended with a walking cool down. It felt really good to move at a pace slightly faster than a turtle!

09/20/2008 Route
Find more Runs in Hull, Massachusetts

Recipe Day: Parmesan Spinach Cakes

2008-09-15T19:37:00.000-04:00

It took me a while to actually make them because I thought processing the spinach would be a pain. And it was -- it went fast, but little spinach bits get everywhere during the transfer and the cleanup. Still, these are very tasty little buggers. They remind me of Dr. Praegers spinach cakes only they are better (and more filling)!

12 ounces fresh spinach, processed in 3 batches so its finely chopped

1/2 C part skim ricotta

1/2 C finely shredded parm, plus some for garnish

2 eggs, beaten

1 clove garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste (don't really need the salt if the parm is salty)

process spinach, add beaten eggs, ricotta, parm, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well. Place in 8 small muffin cups, well-coated with cooking spray (I used 6 large muffin cups). Bake in pre-heated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle with resereved parm and serve warm.

Serving, 2 muffins (using 8 muffin cups): 140 cals, 8 g fat, 13 g protein, 2 g fiber.

QOTD

2008-09-14T18:20:00.004-04:00

"When you're stuck sitting in a comfort zone, small problems become magnified. Get out of your comfort zone, touch the edge, and you come back with an appreciation for life."

- Barbara Warren, 1943-2008

Racing my first triathlon was *definitely* outside my comfort zone, and so has been treating myself like an actual athlete. I will continue to push myself to stay outside of the comfort zone, although what I really need to work on is getting to a place where treating myself like an athlete is the norm.

Not a whole lot to report this week. Work has taken over my life and I've been exhausted, but I got a lot of rest this weekend, some yoga, and I have a PLAN for this week. Plus a pre-packed gym bag, work clothes, and lunch. I've realized, if I'm not hyper-organized, the little stuff gets in the way of progress.

Sister Challenge, Part Deux

2008-09-12T08:34:00.001-04:00

Labor Day to Halloween - my goals:

- journal daily
- eat consciously
- make an attempt to eat dinner at the table
- exercise 3x/week
- more yoga

The first week I was -2, which made up for the short-term post-vacation flop/back to work gain. I ended up with 4/6 total points. Onward to more progress and crossing the double digit barrier!

Recipe of the Day: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Pasta

2008-09-08T19:53:00.004-04:00

Makes 4 servings, about 1 3/4 cups each

Ingredients
8 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups shredded, peeled sweet potato (about 1 medium)
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup diced plum tomatoes
½ cup water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (I used cilantro)
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar or lemon juice (I used 1/4 C white wine and a splash of apple cider vinegar)
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup crumbled goat cheese
fresh ground black pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until just tender, 4 to 5 minutes or according to package directions.2. Meanwhile, place 1 tablespoon oil and garlic in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is sizzling and fragrant, 2 to 5 minutes. Add sweet potato, bell pepper, tomatoes and water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper is tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and keep warm.3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot. Add the vegetable mixture, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, parsley, tarragon, vinegar (or lemon juice), salt and cheese; toss to combine.

Per serving: 402 calories; 12 g fat (3 g sat, 6 g mono); 7 mg cholesterol; 62 g carbohydrate; 12 g protein; 9 g fiber; 546 mg sodium; 738 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (140% daily value), Vitamin A (120% dv), Potassium (21% dv), Iron (15% dv).

I'm back!

2008-09-01T18:31:00.003-04:00

Vacation was wonderful, and I wish it could continue. I'm still gimpy and the achilles is affecting my running (none) and biking. But I'm practicing yoga, spinning and swimming, and working hard on weight loss. For the first phase on Sister Challenge, I lost 9 pounds -- my first significant weight loss in well over a year, probably closer to 18 months. The Tufts 10K next month is out, as we the Nantasket Seaside race this weekend, but I'm all about (1) healing and (2) getting lighter. And I *will* race again in 2009. The "tri" magnet is back on my car, too.

Gone to the Beach!

2008-08-14T17:30:00.000-04:00

Run!

2008-08-13T12:18:00.002-04:00

It will keep you healthy well into old age

And in other news, as Sally Edwards has been saying for years, yes you can be overweight but still metabolically healthy. BMI is *not* the end-all and be-all. Let me just say here I am *not* condoning obesity -- but I am encouraged that we are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating health.

Borrowing some yummy ideas!

2008-08-09T19:34:00.002-04:00

Sonoma-style Tapenade
(borrowed from my local farmer's market)
4 oz. dried mission figs
4 oz pitted kalamata olives
4 cloves garlic
2 tsp country mustard (dijon w/ seeds)
EVOO as needed (about 1/4 cup)
Throw together and process. Spread over crackers, bread, veggies, or however.

Gorgonzola Burgers
(borrowed from Whole Foods - instead of a huge $5.99 uncooked burger, I made my own, in an appropriate portion size, for less than half the price)
1/2 pound 93% leabn beef
1 TSP crumbled gorgonzola
1 tsp lite soy sauce
2 cloves chopped garlic
fresh ground pepper to taste
Mix it all up and form into two burgers. Grill until done to preference. Serve with fresh tomato slices and grilled corn on the cob.

Sister Challenge, Week 5

2008-08-08T06:44:00.000-04:00

Journal daily - Y +1
Exercise 3/week -Y +1
No alcohol - Y +1
More yoga - Y +1
Eat consciously - N (had a couple of bad days)
Weight - surprise -1.5 +1
Total: +5
Running total +24

Tropical Fruit Salsa

2008-08-06T19:53:00.003-04:00

Slightly modified from SMCHESLOCK's recipe:

1/4 vidalia onion
1/2 mango
1 kiwi
1/2 orange
juice of 1/2 fresh lime
handful chopped cilantro
sprinkle of cumin
pinch of ginger
pinch of salt

I served it over a grilled chicken breast that I sliced into strips. YUM!

Oh, sister challenge week four was terrific--I got ALL SIX points and lost another pound. I worked out every day for nine days in a row, and I have to say I crashed the next weekend. But I'm back on track and having a pretty good week five.

Status Report: No Wogging Until Labor Day (at least)

2008-07-29T09:57:00.003-04:00

Back from another visit with the chiro and he said I pretty much have to say goodbye to any wogging (that's running/jogging/walking) over the summer, and there is a good chance he won't want me to do the Tufts 10K in October. My achilles is still very inflamed and sore to the touch, and he says it can take 40-50 WEEKS for full healing from that point -- although therapy can cut that time down. He's willing to re-evaluate after Labor Day but in the meantime only swimming, cycling (avoid hills, HAH, like that's hard ;-)), spinning, yoga, and strength training.

He's right in that it doesn't make sense to re-injure it in a month and have a complete set-back, and really, I want to be ready to train for a return to tris in 2009, so I need to take the long view. My only gripe is that wogging is so much more convenient/efficient compared to cycling and swimming, but I guess I'll have to figure out how to figure it all out. No time like the present!

Danskin Webster Lake

2008-07-28T20:18:00.000-04:00

The Danskin New England race at Webster Lake, MA was my first tri and still one of the most special races around. Sunday, thousands of courageous women, in all shapes, sizes, and ages, became triathletes, and I was there to see it happen, and to cheer on the one woman who was there because while highlighting, washing, cutting, and drying my hair for the last nine years she has seen me release my inner athelete and became inspired to do it for herself.

I drove through pouring rain and thunderstorms to get to the race site bright and early, by 6AM, for my second year of duty as a swim angel. I love the angel program, and even if the idea of an angel isn't really kosher with the USAT, if I can help give a panicked woman a little confidence, its a good thing. This year I convinced several other WWFC tri-ers, Suzy and Cake, to join in the fun. Yes, Charlie's Angels of triathlon!

The rain stopped shortly after we all arrived, the races went on with minimal delay, and we had a fabulous day. CONGRATULATIONS Melissa, RebbyJ, and Carlee. You all ROCK!!

Facing my fears.

2008-07-26T18:37:00.005-04:00

Yep, that snazzy blue and white bike.

Yes, a triathlete, afraid of her bike. I don't know exactly how I got here, but I hadn't ridden at all this year, other than a few rides on the trainer in the late winter/early spring. Last year I had a tough year on the bike. I got repeated flats. I fell. A lot. I had a difficult time with the traffic, and encountered more than my share of rude and dangerous drivers. I never felt comfortable on any ride, and combined with the lack of sleep that year I never really had the mental toughness to just "get over" that particular hill.

The bike has always been the piece of triathlon I felt least comfortable with, and I doubt I'll ever do an Iron distance race because I just don't have the desire to spend that much time in the saddle. I hadn't really ever ridden a road bike, prior to 2005, and the few times I had were also bad experiences. So it took a lot of gumption for me to buy a road bike and start riding it, and even more to switch to clipless pedals and get locked into the metal monster. My very first ride I stole out before 6AM, to avoid the traffic, and my hands shook the entire time. Eventually I did learn to come to some peace with my bike, and enjoy the speed, the views, the comradeship. I even discovered the thrill of flying down a hill at 40 mph and came to grips with my cycling shoes and pedals. Still, a long long break from something you never felt entirely at home with, after more bad experiences than the two years prior, and you can see how the monster in my mind kept growing in size.

But, I do want to race again. Next year will be my return to tri-ing, which means cycling is mandatory. I also can't run right now and I am working hard on improving my base fitness and losing weight. As soon as the chiro gave me the no-running mandate I knew the time had come to face the bike.

And so, this morning around 7:30AM, after planning my pre-ride and ride with the detail and precision of a campaign, plus a small meltdown at 7 when I couldn't find my favorite cycling shorts, my bike and I got re-acquainted. It was a nice visit. I surprised myself with how comfortable I felt out and around, although my bike fitness is absolutely nil. My legs had nothing and my hammies made themselves known shortly into the ride. I am/was already a fairly slow cyclist, but with strong enough legs and enough fitness that I could make a good speed on flats, but really slowed down in any kind of terrain. That extra weight I'm hauling around made even the flats slow, and little rises slower.

I broke no land speed or distance records, and I needed to stop a couple of times, but I did it, and the next ride is scheduled in the calendar that is my head.

It's good to be making my way back.

Taped!

2008-07-25T20:59:00.003-04:00

I finally say my chiro and my painful achilles (did I mention I hurt my achilles being stupid 12 days ago) is still in the "acute inflammation" stage. No running for an indefinite period of time. Not even wogging or walking. And I'm taped, for extra support (and it really helps) just like a real jock. Somehow that makes it all worthwhile (sad, I know).

Meanwhile, Week 3 of the Sister Challenge went well. I made 5 of 6 possible points and lost 2 pounds.

On to Week 4!

Do More Yoga!

2008-07-23T10:54:00.003-04:00

That's one of my weekly goals in the sister challenge, and as i work more yoga back into my life, I remember and re-learn why it is so important to me. Yoga reminds me to honor my body, and make healthy choices. Yoga keeps my body flexible and supple, and helps reduce injuries. Yoga keeps my mind centered and aware and helps keep stress and distractions at bay.

This morning's practice was a new one from YJ's home practice section called "rise & shine." It combined some unusual takes on classic asanas, including the ending pose (before savasana) called "slumpy swami twist." Hmmmm, felt so good to start the day centered, focussed, healthy and aware.

It's Just A Hill: Get Over It

2008-07-21T13:28:00.001-04:00

Sign seen on a MS150 ride. Appropros to cycling, running, and more. I love it!

Sister Challenge Week 2 Results

2008-07-18T08:24:00.000-04:00

Journal daily - N - I missed 1.5 days - 0
Exercise 3x/week - Y - 1
Eat consciously - N - see point1, above - 0
Do more yoga - Y -1
No alcohol - Y - 1
Weight (+0.5 = hold) - 0

3/6 points. I can do better.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2008-07-12T07:35:00.002-04:00

JNephew (the one on the bottom): "Auntie, you're strong because you exercise a lot, right?"

Says the boy who was not even 2 at my first tri but who totally "got it,", who used to see my running shoes and say "Auntie Runs," who (with his Mom) coined the phrase "Auntie Rocks."

Yes, boo boo boy, I'm strong because I exercise, and I promise to get stronger. And fitter. And healthier. So I can be around to answer every question you and your brother have (especially those ones you don't want to ask Mama and Dada) for a long long long time.

Finished the 1st week of Sister Challenge!

2008-07-11T07:11:00.004-04:00

5/6 for points, which is perfectly fine.

Journaled daily
Ate consciously
Exercised 3x/week (did 5)
No sugar -- had a sno-cone and 1/2 a bran muffin. Thinking about switching this one out for Do more yoga. As long as I stay within my points and keep sugar limited, I'll be fine.
Drank no alcohol. I'm enjoying my diet tonic and tonic w/ lime instead. Sunday at the ball game I may try and find no-alcohol beer. I'm sure they sell it, and a game isn't a game without some yeasty, malty beverage!
Weight loss, down 2.0.

Overall I'm down 2.5 for the summer. Of course I wish it was more, but I've got 2+ more months before fall, and the scale and my motivation are heading in the right direction!

Walden!

2008-07-10T21:17:00.003-04:00

Yes, I guess I am obsessed with water, but I do love to swim. I greatly prefer it to the other two elements of triathlon -- although running is certainly more easily available, and lets not talk about the bike ( I'm in the middle of trying to re-learn confidence on that point). So, across the pond and back from the beach pictured above, into the waning sun, on a georgous summer night. Yes, I do love water, the outside, and New England.

The one little problem -- I got severe foot cramps near the finish. Tonight, my left foot cramped flexed up, so it was impossible to kick. I can't figure out why, but I'm beginning to think that my feet are too stiff, and I need to work on making them more flexible, and probably stonger. Does anyone out there have any good foot exercises?

Ahhhhh, beach run.

2008-07-08T09:06:00.002-04:00

What a nice way to start the day! Even when its hot and muggy, there is almost always a breeze to be found down by the water. I've got wet shoes, sandy legs, and I'm going to be late to the office, but I also have a smile as wide as the sand at low tide.

8PM = Kitchen Closed

2008-07-07T20:02:00.002-04:00

I know its an arbitrary rule, with no real basis for it, but shutting down the kitchen at 8PM seems to work for me. I'm done eating for the night by then, period. No snacking, no nibbling, no grazing. I also think that I sleep better, the longer the period between dinner and bedtime.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-06T21:05:00.004-04:00

Coming next to a blog near you --the Sister Challenge! That would be me and mine. We're each tracking some healthy goals between now and Labor Day, plus committing to weighing-in once a week. Each week we report to the other our "points" for the week (1 point per goal, plus 1 if weight lost, -1 if weight gained, 0 points for maintenance (+/- 0.5 lbs). Whoever has the higher point total on the Friday before Labor Day buys the other a massage. My goals for this first phase:

- eat consciously

- journal daily

- exercise 3x/week

- no alcohol

- no sugar (definition in progress, but no additional sugars, no sugary foods. Fruit is fine, muffins are not).

I'm still working towards fitting back into those Long & Leans, and hope to be fit enough to do my 3rd (or is it 4th) Tufts 10K in October -- either walk or run. I just want to be able to finish comfortably, and ahead of my Hyannis February time.

Friday is reconciliation day, and I did well over the weekend.

Another season already?

2008-06-08T19:39:00.005-04:00

Post-Memorial Day, multiple 90-degree days, lines of cars rolling into Hull (but yes I went into the less-than-60-degree water). Oh yes, summer is here. Gentlemen, start your engines -- here I go again -- yet another re-start.

I'm tired of telling everyone how busy I am, but this week was the confluence of building my practice, the campaign, and some other "stuff" just keeps me busier than I can manage. It's all good, but my priorities have had to shift. Eating isn't all that bad, but there has been little to no time for training.

So here I am, on the hottest day of the year, but I did manage 35 minutes of walk/run along the beach this morning, and another 15 minutes of walking later. I've tried to keep walking whereever I can -- even walking back from Fenway to the Boston Common on Thursday night (thats almost 2 1/2 miles).

I also bought myself a decent grill and have had some fun figuring out how to use it. I've discovered that the coals last a long time, well beyond whatever it is I've planned for that evenings meal, so I make sure to have some extra meat or veggies to grill for more meals. Tonight I grilled a couple of salmon steaks, yellow squash and zucchini, a potato in the coals (but don't rub it in olive oil -- it smokes and burns, even in foil), and some chicken italian sausage (forgot the onion and peppers). That should keep me going for much of the week!

My bag is packed for the pool tomorrow. That water will feel really good on a hot morning.

Oh, and in part of the "lightening" effort, I cut 6 inches off of my hair. It's a cute, flippy, professional, much easier to manage, just over shoulder-length cut now. I've been growing it out for almost 5 years, which I can't believe!

Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History

2008-06-07T13:43:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Hillary, for an exciting, thrilling, hard-fought, incredible campaign. It has been an honor to work with you, and for you, and I have loved every second. I will miss the energy and enthusiasm, and the fabulous new people I've met and worked with.

Together, we helped make those 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling. I hope sometime soon we can be part of the team that shatters it!

Happy Patriot's Day!

2008-04-21T19:52:00.001-04:00

Great races yesterday and today in the Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, and the Boston Marathon.

Now, don't forget to vote tomorrow, all you Pennsylvanians, and help yet another strong woman kick some azzhat!

Recipe of the Week: Salmon Chowder

2008-04-13T17:10:00.003-04:00

2 turnips, peeled and cubed
1 onion
1 stalk celery
1tsp dill
1 bay leaf
1C veggie broth
12 oz salmon (canned or cooked fresh) - my sister who I got the recipe from uses fresh. I used 2 Whole Foods lemon dill salmon burgers and didn't add any more salt, pepper, or dill.
1C buttermilk
1C fat free plain yogurt
2t tabasco
1/4t salt
1/2t pepper

Cook the vegetables in the broth until tender, add seasonings. Turn down to low, add salmon, buttermilk and yogurt. Heat through until hot.

Makes 4 generous servings.

210 calories, 8 g. fat, 2 g fiber (4 WW points each)

RE-Starting, AGAIN.

2008-04-12T18:16:00.004-04:00

What can I say, I'm not quitting, and I have to remember the mantra I've clipped from Tri-DRS member CathyM: "relentless progress forward."

So I haven't been relentless, nor have I moved forward, but I'm taking it on again. Balancing work and life and food and training and sleep and eczema has been very difficult, but I've got no excuses left. I also have a window coming up -- a chance to try out the PLAN (deets below) with less stress than typical. And to remind myself of the GOAL (jeans + fitness).

I'm sleeping so much better now, getting to bed at a sane hour, sleeping through the night most nights, and awake around 6. I finally feel like I've caught up on some of that lost sleep, so at 6, I can get out of bed and MOVE.

I have not been doing well with trigger foods, either. Thus, I'm doing something I don't like to do, but its necessary for a short time. I'm de-toxing: focussing on eating only lean protein, fruits and veggies, a little skim milk or FF yogurt in the morning, and a little good fat. To drink, water and de-caff or green tea. No sugars, No flour, No grains, No cheese, No coffee (not even de-caff). In two weeks I'll see how its going, and how I'm feeling. I have to admit, I had a serious jones for some baked goods this afternoon, but I worked through it, and dinner comes shortly, so I'll be fine.

I ran yesterday, for the first time in almost 2 weeks. I spent some time on core/strength training today. Tomorrow my lovely "long" run or a bike ride if I can get out early enough to beat the traffic.

Wow, more thunder. So the day began, so it ends. Today has been rainy, sunny, cool and foggy. Welcome to spring in New England.

Eat Food. Mostly Plants. Not Too Much.

2008-03-10T07:32:00.006-04:00

from Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food:

1. Eat Food.

Avoid food products containing ingredients that are unfamilar, unpronounceable, more than five in number, and include high-fructose corn syrup or transfats.
Avoid food products that make health claims.
Shop the periphery of the supermarket - stay out of the middle.
Get out of the supermarket where ever possible. (buy from farmers markets, CSA, local stands)

2. Mostly Plants.

Eat mostly plants, especially leaves.
You are what you eat eats too.
If you have the space buy a freezer.
Eat well-grown food from healthy soils.
Eat like an omnivore.
Eat wild foods when you can.
Be the kind of person who takes supplements.
Eat more like the french, or the italians or the japanese, or the indians or the greek. (i.e., eat traditional, non western, diets).
Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism. (Soy isoflavones are a good example).
Don't look for the magic bullet in traditional diets. (its not one thing, its the whole way of approaching eating)
Have a glass of wine with dinner.

3. Not Too Much.

Pay more, eat less. (quality is better than quantity)
Eat meals.
Eat at a table. (A desk or a couch is not a table).
Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does.
Try not to eat alone.
Consult your gut.
Eat slowly.
Cook, and plant a garden if you can.

Slow and steady progress.

2008-03-09T14:30:00.003-04:00

I've finally seen some progress in the scale, just a little but my body is starting to feel better, so hopefully it will start letting go of this excess weight. I really am trying -- although I can do more and make better choices. It *is* getting easier, and importantly, portion control is coming along well. Friday night at dinner and again this morning at breakfast (both times out in restaurants), I was unable to finish my meal (veggie pad thai, and multigrain blueberry pancakes). Good news for me, as I can, honestly, be a bottomless pit when it comes to good food. Friday I left the remnants on my plate and walked away. This morning, I packed up the left-overs for a breakfast one day this week.

Also today I had a pretty good "long" wog, on my "hilly" loop route (as hilly as it gets here on the beach). Over a 3.75-3.9 mile route (depending on how the footpod measures it that day), I was 1 minute/mile faster than last week. Definitely feeling like its easier to string together the running portions of the wog, and I feel like those running portions are actually a little bit faster than in the past. Still a long way to go, but I'm planning that my next event will be more of an actual race than Hyannis was.

Hyannis 10K RR

2008-02-25T07:29:00.003-05:00

Well I have my first race of the year under my belt, and the best I can say is that I perservered!

My first 5K went beautifully and as planned, but the second 5K the lack of training and miles showed. I was pretty footsore and tired by 5 miles, and felt every extra pound I'm dragging.
The second 5K ended up 10 minutes slower than the first 5K which is not the kind of split to put up. I ended up DFL for the 10K, first time that has ever happened to me in a race -- but it was no doubt deserved.

Still, it was a fun, lovely day. We had breeze and sun and around 30 degrees when we took off -- hard to tell what to wear and I had clothes coming off and going back on throughout the race. I'm happy its done, and ready to actually train for the next race -- probably a 5K, maybe even Groton in April. I'm also hoping to get my sister to join me for this race next year.

Recipe of the Week - Chickpea Hot Pot

2008-02-23T11:05:00.002-05:00

(as modified from 101cookbooks.com)

1 large yellow onion, chopped
a splash of olive oil
a couple pinches of salt
2/3 cup uncooked bulgur
1 14-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cup cauliflower, trimmed into small trees
2 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 1/2 cup fresh chopped asparagus
zest of one orange
salt and pepper to taste
1T bouquet garni
1 cup water (if necessary to thin)

In a large pot over medium-high heat saute the onion in the olive oil along with the salt - for a minute or until the onion begins to soften a bit. Stir in the bulgur. Stir in the chickpeas and the stock. Bring the ingredients to a simmer. Cook for another few minutes, it should start to thicken. Taste to see if the bulgur is cooked through, if so add the orange juice. If not, simmer for a couple more minutes before adding the juice. Stir in the cauliflower and the kale as well - simmer another few minutes, until the cauliflower is just tender. If the stew is on the thick side, thin with a bit more water or stock. Taste, and add salt if necessary. Serve garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and red onions.
Serves 4 - 6.

(Serving 6 = 3 points/serving)

Just enjoying a bowl now, after shoveling 8 inches of snow. I need to pack and then I'm off to Hyannis for my 10K. I'll be back tomorrow with a report!

Foot cramps

2008-02-20T07:01:00.004-05:00

I have always gotten them, mostly when swimming, but occasionally other times. I eat well balanced meals, with lots of fruits and veggies, so I feel like I get all the essential vitamins and minerals. I rarely wear heels. So why on Monday afternoon did I get such intense foot cramps in the pool that I had to quit my swim after only 900 yards? They came in *waves* which is a recent development in the word of my foot cramps. Any thoughts on what I need to add into my routine/do differently?

Welcome to the Grand Illusion (with apologies to Styx)

2008-02-17T19:04:00.003-05:00

I've been fooling myself. I cannot ignore the WW program and expect to lose weight. I cannot eat with impunity because I still cannot eat *properly.* I still have -- and will always have -- an eating disorder. For the rest of my life I will always have to weigh and measure. For the rest of my life I will have to think about every bite. For the rest of my life I will have to be accountable for what I put into my body.

It's not all bad though. I know that the program *works* and that if I keep doing it properly, I will have success. I also know that I can do the program properly. So instead of fooling myself, I have to do what I know. Some days are going to be painful. Some days I'll be faced with choices I don't want to make. But in the end, I'll be healthier, fitter, faster, and more content with myself.

The plan is simple, really:

1. Back to veggie eating, with fish mixed in. I feel healthier doing this, for some reason.
2. Journal, journal, journal.
3. Don't give in to cravings -- grit my teeth, say no, and they will eventually be banished.
4. Figure out the balance between work/life/training. Know it may require constant adjustment as well as constant vigilance.
5. MOVE. I have a 10K next Sunday which I am walking -- but I will be out there moving. Once I get past that event, I need another goal, and a training plan I can live with.
5a. Become one with my bike. Its time to really put cycling in the forefront of my training, especially if I want to race at Pumpkinman in October.
6. Have Faith in myself.
7. Don't forget my various support networks.
8. Use visualization and mediation more.
9. Remember the skinny jeans!

Recipe of the Week: Chana Masala with Spinach

2008-02-17T18:47:00.002-05:00

1TB curry paste (Indian)
1 TB chopped garlic
1 sliced onion
2T tomato paste or 3T sauce
1 15oz can chickpeas with some of the liquid reserved (1/4C)
1T lemon juice
1t red pepper flakes
4C fresh baby spinach

Heat the curry paste with a little oil in a hot pan. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until onion is clear. Add tomato paste/sauce and stir. Add chickpeas, lemon, pepper and cook until heated through. Add spinach and slowly stir through the chickpeas until wilted and cooked.

Serve over rice, bulgar or plain.

Recipe of the Week: Middle Eastern Lamb Stew

2008-01-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

Middle Eastern Lamb Stew
Makes 8 servings, about 1 cup each
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless lamb stew meat (shoulder cut)
1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
¾ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (I used veggie)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 15- or 19-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
6 ounces baby spinach
Optional (my additions):
3/4C chopped, pitted, cured black (moroccan) olives
3/4C golden raisins

Place lamb in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Mix oil, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Coat the lamb with the spice paste and toss to coat well. Top with onion. Pour tomatoes, broth and garlic over the lamb and onion. Cover and cook until the lamb is very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours on high or 5 1/2 to 6 hours on low. Skim or blot any visible fat from the surface of the stew. Mash 1/2 cup chickpeas with a fork in a small bowl. Stir the mashed and whole chickpeas into the stew, along with spinach.

Per serving: 319 calories; 15 g fat (5 g sat, 6 g mono); 92 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrate; 30 g protein; 5 g fiber; 494 mg sodium; 238 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (30% daily value), Vitamin A (25% dv), Iron (20% dv).

Had this for dinner tonight over a cup of cooked bulgar and it was fabulous, warm, hearty and filling. I coooked it in the slow cooker overnight, and then stashed it in the fridge until dinner time. The flavors are delicious, and it was really quite simple to make.

Oh, and I finally made a morning swim today, and was rewarded with total KLN eye candy in the next lane. A hot male swimmer I've never seen before. Wow, see what you miss when you sleep through pool time. I *will* be back. Is tomorrow too soon?

Various Updates

2008-01-22T07:24:00.001-05:00

I've updated the Project Blue Jeans tally. After a off-course late December, the holidays, and January being more out of control than I planned/expected, and three days on prednisone for a recurring bout of excema, I'm up 1.5 from my early December low. I'll take it for now, be glad its not a larger number (especially since the average holiday weight gain is 3-5 pounds) and move onward and downward.

My goal is still to get into those jeans by spring, but Valentines Day doesn't appear to be realistic. No worries, I'll still get there!

The February 10K is 4 1/2 weeks away and I am sadly untrained. I'll keep on pushing but I intend to make the race a lovely energetic walk, with some run intervals thrown in. I know the course pretty well, and I know I can make it through.

The swimming I discovered imbalance mirrors my hip/leg/quad/glute imbalance. I'm stronger on the right than the left, and I overcompensate my using the right too much. I discovered I was pulling much more forcefully with right side, as well as gliding longer on that side. I breathe to the left, but if I train myself to get more comfortable breathing to the right, I hope I can even out my effort and improve the balance between the two sides.

Shiva Rea's Yoga Shakti DVD has a fabulous Lunar practice that is exactly right for calming your body and mind at the end of a long day.

Working on balance.

2008-01-20T20:15:00.001-05:00

It is never easy, but I keep on trying, and hopefully, learning. Today was a pretty good, very full day. I got up early and hit the office (yes, work is mostly insane again). After I finished what I needed to do, I went to the gym for my first swim of the year, and the first in ages. I am soooo out of swimming shape, but I had a good, productive workout, and noticed some things about my stroke I hadn't figured out before. After the swim a short sauna, linner at my favorite Indian place, and then home to watch the Pats (18-0, baby!) in between more house chores and some cooking.

New recipe of the week:
Curried Squash & Chicken Soup
Makes 2 servings, 1 3/4 cups each
Ingredients
1 10-ounce package frozen pureed winter squash
½ cup "lite" coconut milk
½ cup water
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced (I used 4 oz of sliced thai-spiced tofu instead)
1 6-ounce bag baby spinach
2 teaspoons lime juice
2 teaspoons brown sugar
½-1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
¼ teaspoon salt

Heat squash, coconut milk and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash defrosts, about 10 minutes. Add chicken, reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in spinach, lime juice, sugar, curry paste to taste and salt and continue cooking until the chicken/tofu is cooked through, about 3 minutes longer.

From Eatingwell.com

NOTE: Toast the curry paste in the bottom of the pot first, it improves the flavor. I also used the juice of one whole lime.

Looks and smells fabulous, how nice to have it tucked away in the fridge for later in the week. Tomorrow is another ambitious day. I'm considering hitting a 6AM yoga class, which means leaving by 5:20 AM. After that, more work, but hopefully out by lunch-time (It is MLK day, after all), and then maybe some x-country skiing before I head home to chill out a bit. I'm off to pack my yoga bag, and load my skiis, and then curl up in bed with a good book.

Wise Words About Starting Over

2008-01-02T06:17:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Yoga Journal

Practice, Practice, Practice!
First, establish a motivation to practice starting over by observing what happens when you waste time feeling discouraged, escaping, or indulging your restless mind. In the week ahead, notice how many times you get knocked off balance when something goes wrong at work or in your personal relationships. Don't judge yourself for getting lost. Just be mindful that this is what is happening to you. If anything, be compassionate with yourself. After all, getting caught in your reactive mind is painful. Once you're able to acknowledge how much emotional energy and time you waste, you start to realize that the starting—over practice matters and that it is worth the effort it requires. You will have the aspiration, motivation, and conviction to persevere. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, "Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over."

Second, select a couple of aspects of your daily life that you want to change and begin to practice starting over. . . .

Happy 2008!

2008-01-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

I hope 2008 is a GOOD YEAR for each and every one of you, and that your holidays have been peaceful, safe, and joyous!

And now on to business, or back to it, actually. Training sked for this week:

Week of 12/31/07
Mon: Rest
Tues: Run 3/Yoga

Wed: Swim 45
Thurs: Strength
Fri: Yoga
Sat: Run 4.5
Sun: Yoga/Cycle 45

Week 3: Are You Kidding Me?

2007-12-17T06:57:00.000-05:00

Between the back-to-back storms, 18 inches of snow and ice, and the last few days of work before the holiday, I'm under, er water (and not in the I finally made the pool way). Week 3 is going to be one of those do it when I can, but don't stress weeks. That's just how it is.

The scale was flat this morning, but I've upped my strength training and I feel good. My clothes are starting to fit just a teeny bit better. I'll take that!

Have a super week, and hang in there with me -- Christmas is a week away!

Project Blue Jeans: First Mini-Goal Achieved!

2007-12-10T19:42:00.000-05:00

I'm down 5.0 in the first 4 weeks. Wooowhooooo, if I say so myself. Now, to repeat that achievement and hit the next mini-goal. And the thing is, I know I can do better. I have been "pretty good" about journaling my food, but I can do better. I have been making "pretty good" eating choices, but I can do better (and there is a remarkable correlation between overeating days and non-journaling days). I've finally started moving my body, but that only occurred with any regularity this last week. I can *definitely* do better on that score.

A couple of reminders of non-tangibles that help:

(1) Support. God love my family, friends, and various support systems. Cutting myself off this spring and summer (including from you, my blogging pals), only made it tougher to succeed.

(2) Yoga. When it falls out of my life, I take much worse care of myself. I don't really know why, but it just is. I'm about ready to get an OM tattoo somewhere sublte, but visible to me, so I never ever forget what helps ground me.

(3) Talk. This relates to point No. 1 - if you let people know what you're doing, support appears out of the woodwork. My secretary knows I'm working hard again, and on occasion, she will remind me that its better not to get too many points via grazing from the various candy dishes around the office. No one pushes Girl Scout cookies on me, either (thank goodness).

(4) Moderation. Life would be no fun, and too spartan, without some indulgence, and I'm no Spartan, more Greek. Some things I just won't give up, but I will cut way back. Like red wine (which is almost a health food), chocolate (ditto), and pizza. All of which can be fit into a healthy life, in bites and sips and tastes and portion-controlled servings.

Week 2 Sked - Training my mind as much as my Body

2007-12-09T20:04:00.000-05:00

Week of 12/10/07 - Continued Re-introduction to Daily Workouts.

Monday: Rest/Yoga
Tuesday (Swim Day): Swim 30+
Wednesday (Tempo Day): Run 2.0
Thursday (Strength Day): Core training
Friday: Rest
Saturday (Long Run Day): Run 3.5
Sunday (Cycle Day): Yoga/Cycle 30+

Scheduling myself for 5 days this week, going with reality and increasing my chances for success.

My Legs Have Various Bike Grease Marks On Them.

2007-12-09T19:35:00.000-05:00

Which means I finally climbed up on the bike trainer today. Hello there, sitz bones ;-)

I do not know how or why, but somehow during the course of my trainer ride, or getting on or off, I end up with grease on my calves. It ALWAYS happens. And yes, I mount on the correct side, and I know how to get on and off a bike. Tonight, because I'm feeling a bit tight and clunky and clumsy, I even used a footstool to get up (the trainer lifts my bike 4+ inches off the ground). So how do I still have grease-marked legs? I'll have to attack the marks with the dishwashing soap later, so I don't scare people at the pool tomorrow.

So Week 1 of the 12-week plan is done. I missed both swimming workouts, but managed everything else. I'm somewhat satisfied, but I know I can do better. I'll post next week's plan shortly, I'm just trying to decide if I should move things around because it could be icy and snowy in the morning, and I don't like running outside when my footing is sketchy. I could swim instead, which means leaving early before the plows come out. Or I could run on the treadmill, which also means leaving early. Perhaps I'll wait and see what the morning brings.

I was more active than I've been in a long time, and while I feel the aches and creaks and a little soreness, I also feel GOOD. Something I need to BURN into my brain.

Some Days I am SOOOOO Blonde!

2007-12-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

I hadn't made a swim yet this week (had 2 on the sked, although I would have settled for 1). I switched things around, was very tired one morning, had an early meeting, etc., etc. So I planned I'd swim Friday night after work, when the pool opens up for laps a bit earlier than on most week nights (swim team hogs the pool unil 8PM and even 9PM most nights). Thursday I packed my bag, checked the schedule, and was all ready to go. I had an early meeting Friday morning, so I ended up flying out of the house, and even though it was right there, yep, I left the bag. I would have considered getting re-dressed in my work clothes, but because I only have a mini locker at the Y, I can't keep a bathing suit there, so I had nothing to swim in. What a bummer, but I'm all the more determined to get in a swim next week. I'll probably mix up the sked again and try for the pool on Monday AM, before the week gets away from me.

On another note, because the Austin Longhorn dumped their sprint and olympic distance races, the WW Tri-ers have decided to reschedule our annual get together to the Pumpkinman Triathlon, October 18 in Boulder City, NV. Has anyone out there raced Pumpkinman or the Las Vegas (NV) Tri (held in September, I think). We'd love your feedback -- the bike course looks scary (to me, anyway) -- for the sprint the last half is a long climb up, and 9.3 of the 12+ mile course is climbing. The only consolation is that the times are correspondingly slow, so I guess everyone is in the same boat.

Guess what I did last night?

2007-12-07T06:18:00.000-05:00

I slept, solidly, without waking up, from sometime before 10PM, until 5:15AM. That is the longest stretch of uninterrupted sleep I've had in probably 10+ months, and it felt soooooo good.

Now, lets hope I can repeat it. Sleep in general is really improving (I can usually go 10-4 without interruption), but I cannot use the CPAP. The machine itself just wakes me up with its noise and pressure, about every 2 hours, when I wear it. Not sure how that will resolve, so in the meantime, I'm taking the improved sleep and running with it.

Training is ok. Getting up and out in the morning to swim is still a problem, but I'm going to try for a post-work swim tonight, when the evening lap lanes open up a little earlier.

Week 1 - Re-introduction to Daily Workouts.

2007-12-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

Week of 12/3/07
Monday (Tempo Day): Run 2
Tuesday (Interval Day - alt swim/run): Swim 30 (speed)
Wednesday (Swim Day): Swim 30+
Thursday (Strength Day): Weights
Friday: Rest
Saturday (Long Run Day): Run 3.5
Sunday (Cycle Day): Yoga/Cycle 30

These are goals for the week. I think I've set very reachable milestones in terms of volume of the workouts. The difficult part is going to be getting back into the 6 days a week routine. I don't expect to hit 100% the first few weeks, but I want to at least try and see how I do. By January, I should be comfortably in the 6 days per week routine for this first phase of the year.

The Plan, aka 12 Weeks to Redemption

2007-12-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

Week of 12/3/07 Run 2 Swim 30 Swim 30 Strength Rest Run 3.5 Yoga/Cycle 30

Week of 12/10/07 Run 2 Hill repeats Swim 30 Strength Rest Run 3.5 Yoga/Cycle 30

Week of 12/17/07 Run 2 Swim 30 Swim 45 Strength Rest Run 4 Cycle 30

Week of 12/24/07 Run 2 Hill repeats Yoga Strength Rest Run 3 Yoga

Week of 12/31/07 Run 3 Swim 30 Swim 45 Strength Rest Run 4.5 Yoga/Cycle 45

Week of 1/7/08 Run 3 Hill repeats Swim 45 Strength Rest Run 5 Yoga/Cycle 45

Week of 1/14/08 Run 3 Swim 30 Swim 45 Strength Rest Run 5.5 Yoga/Cycle 45

Week of 1/21/08 Run 3 Hill repeats Yoga Strength Rest Run 3 Yoga

Week of 1/28/08 Run 3.5 Swim 30 Swim 45 Strength Rest Run 6 Yoga/Cycle 60

Week of 2/4/08 Run 3.5 Hill repeats Swim 60 Strength Rest Run 6.5 Yoga/Cycle 60

Week of 2/11/08 Run 3.5 Swim 30 Swim 30 Strength Rest Run 3 Yoga

Week of 2/18/08 Run 3 Hill repeats Yoga Strength Rest Rest RACE!

Weekend Homework Assignment: Training sked.

2007-12-01T07:28:00.000-05:00

If I want to get back into my sport and feel like a triathlete again, I should probably start training. You know, swimming, and biking, and, um, running. Along with Project Blue Jeans I want to be able to make myFebruary 10K. I may walk it, because I'm feeling so awful, but my goal is to get out there and get through the distance. I've been messing around, not doing much, and a schedule will give me the structure I desparately need. So, I hope to post the first week's regime, but no later than Monday AM.

Enjoy the weekend, I have a 4-year-old's birthday to celebrate!

Creamy Turkey Mushroom Soup

2007-11-29T08:22:00.000-05:00

(easy, filling, and delish, if I do say so myself)

1 1/2 cup cooked skinless light meat turkey
1 cup cooked skinless dark meat turkey
64 oz Fat Free Vegetable Broth
20 oz fat-free evaporated milk
3 cup cooked brown rice
1 large onion(s)
1 cup carrot(s)
1 cup celery
4 cup mushroom(s) (mix of baby bella and shitake)
Cooking spray
Salt and pepper to taste
2T fresh thyme
2T fresh sage

Sautee onions, celery and carrots (chopped medium to fine) in cooking spray until soft. Chop mushrooms and add to vooked vegetables. Add salt and pepper. When mushrooms are soft, ad herbs, vegetable broth, and chopped turkey. Heat to just below boiling. Add evaporated skim milk and cooked brown rice. Heat through.

Makes 10 1.5 C servings, 4WW points per serving.

Serve with cornbread and a tossed green salad for a wonderful meal!

Week Two of Project Blue Jeans Completed With Another Loss!!

2007-11-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

I survived Thanksgiving, and I managed to lose another pound. Mom, who has been staying with me for much of the last week, lost two (I force-fed her veggies and water and made her walk a little).

Don't you love it when a plan works! Mine was this - save up all my flex points for Thanksgiving, enjoy the day and eat what I wanted, but stop when I was full. I also didn't make or buy any pies or cakes for dessert, but got a couple of bite-sized pecan pumpkin cheesecakes, and one individual-sized chocolate raspberry tart. We all had one mini cheesecake, and shared the tart - which was just enough. And no leftover pie for breakfast (or lunch or dinner) the next three days, which I think was KEY. We also ate a healthy but low point breakfast, and had some appetizers for lunch. Instead of putting out a tray of everything, I put out some measured portions, and we stopped when they were gone, instead of mindlessly grazing all afternoon.

On to week three, and lots of turkey leftovers!

Happy Thanksgiving One and All!

2007-11-22T16:03:00.001-05:00

Week One of Project Blue Jeans

2007-11-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

And despite it being the week from heck at work, I'm down 3.0 pounds! It's amazing what can happen when you exercise a little self-restrain (and I was far from perfect), track and count what you eat, and roll in some physical work.

On to week two, and Thanksgiving. I'm cooking this year, and still trying to figure out a menu that allows for a delicious holiday dinner as well as a healthy one. My biggest challenge -- what to do about dessert. It's only Mom and I this year, and do we really need an entire cake or pie for the two of us. We'll just end up eating it all. I'm trying to find some individual serving sized desserts, and leave it at that. One less thing to worry about making, too!

Cider Martinis

2007-11-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

2 oz good vodka
1 oz cognac
2 oz fresh cider
1t brown sugar

Shake with ice, strain, and pour into a martini glass. Enjoy on a lovely fall evening with a friend!

I need to become friends with my scale.

2007-11-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

We don't have to love each other, but we do need to talk on a regular basis. It's been since the summer that we've had any communication, so when I tried to open up the lines of conversation this morning, the result was horrifying. HORRIFYING (again in that "i've been only fooling myself a certain amount" kind of way).

We all know actions and decisions have consequences and repercussions. And so it is time to deal with the decisions I've made, and start making better ones.

I did have a very nice, surprisingly quick walk this morning. It is quite cool, about 35 degrees, grey and overcast, but no wind. The beach was busy -- it must be the holiday -- with lots of friendly walkers saying hello at every pass. I finished almost the full "beach loop" for a total of 2.58 this morning in a sub-17 pace. For walking, on my second day back, I'll take it.

So, I'm off to work for the rest of the day, but I've:
a. weighed myself
b. exercised
c. made a healthy breakfast and logged the results
d. planned for and made a healthy lunch and snacks

I still need a plan for dinner (out) this evening. I'll probably default to a piece of grilled fish and vegetables.

Project Blue Jeans

2007-11-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

Last night getting ready for dinner with friends, I realized precisely how far off track I've gotten. Ok, I do know, but I've purposefully ignored it, pushed it behind the sleep issues, the stacks of work, the personal life crap. Last night, trying to put on my beloved Long 'n Leans, it all came into focus. My jeans no longer fit. Its not that they are just a bit tighter than before. Or that when I zip them up, a little muffin top appears. This time, I couldn't get the snap closed without physically hurting myself. And that, my friends, it a situation that cannot continue.

No, I'm still not sleeping well, despite the CPAP (the dang machine is like torture). In fact, the last few nights have been one of the worst sleeping weekends I've had in months. But that's just how its going to be, I think. And I cannot let that stop me any longer. Nor can the piles of work be an excuse.

I've been slowly improving my eating (although its not yet where it should be). But I haven't really done much on moving my body. That ends today. It ended today in fact. Despite the work looming, the house chores undone, an attack of fall allergies, I did manage a 35 minute walk/run on my favorite trail this afternoon. According to my HRM, its been, well, a long time since I did any purposeful movement. I can't believe how long its been, but no use beating myself up over that.

So, today begins Project Blue Jeans -- I will get comfortably back into my favorite jeans, the ones I used to adore to wear, the ones that made me feel sexy, and fit, and curvy, and fabulous -- by Valentine's Day. That's a hair over three months. It's also, coincidentally, 10 days before the Hyannis 10K, a race I love, and which I plan on racing for the third straight year, in 2008. Given how difficult my August 10K ended up being, I have a lot of work ahead of me.

And oh yeah, tomorrow I have to step on the scale. Something I haven't done since September.

Keeping all the baseball stuff separate

2007-10-27T17:06:00.000-04:00

Check out my new blog (yeah, I know, do I really have time for two?): Kingdom of the Bloody Sox

These days, my life is work and baseball, so it seemed appropriate. My CPAP machine is arriving next week, and cross your fingers that the sleep will start to improve (I need to Sox to win the WS too, so I can stop staying up until 1AM on game nights), my energy will increase, and I get back on track. I know it will happen, I just have to be patient with myself and realize that I'm essentially starting all over again. But those are the breaks, ya know. If I did it before, I can do it again!

2007-10-25T08:13:00.000-04:00

Dear Colorado Rockies:

Welcome to New England. Enjoy the foliage.

Love,

Captain Joshua Kickass and the Boston Red Sox Brigands

Reminder to self: Never Give Up!

2007-10-22T07:03:00.000-04:00

These Sox are Red.

2007-10-20T12:14:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm still here -- I'm just busier than ever with work, and still not sleeping well. I've had a second sleep study and hope to get my CPAP shortly. Once I start sleeping better, I'll start moving more. In the meantime, just getting through my long days and long weeks is about as much as I can manage.

Fall has arrived in New England, and with that post-season baseball, leaves, and pumpkins. Despite the calenday saying October, the weather has bounced all over from 90 degrees to the 40s. I was in Vermont last weekend, and on Saturday morning at 9AM, it was 33 degrees out. During the ALCS game that night, temps dropped into the low 40s. Tonight at game time, it could be 70. Just more gloabl weirdness.

I everyone out there is well and healthy and happy! GO SOX!!!!

Crazy eights: a quick catch-up

2007-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

More to come this weekend, I promise (really).

1. My sleep has regressed the last couple of weeks, and I've been soooooo ridiculously exhausted lately. I'm UBER tired of this.

2. I've been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, so at least there is an answer. The solution - CPAP - which won't happen for another month or so (I need another sleep study to calibrate it).

3. The Red Sox are going to break my heart again. Sigh.

4. Work is busy, but good. But busy.

5. I haven't been to a meeting or on the scale in a month. Double sigh.

6. Today starts a new WW cycle, and I WILL journal, I WILL exercise, and I WILL make a meeting.

7. Got a cool new rack for my bike. Assuming I can assemble it an get it on the car, I can finally get my bike issues fixed, and get out for some good fall riding.

8. Tufts 10K on 10/8. To go or not? I hate to miss it, it would be my third year in a row, but the 10K I did in August kicked my backside. And I'm not in any better shape. Decisions, decision.

And I am certainly grinding.

2007-09-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

Or being ground.

Into little exhausted bits of lawyer-triathlete.

Lots (too much) going on, but I promise I'll get to an update this weekend.

Sweet New Year to one and all!

Back to the grind!

2007-08-21T15:14:00.000-04:00

Starting with weigh-in this morning.

Plus 1.4 total, which is probably a fair trade considering I ate lobster rolls, hot fudge sundaes, french fries, and birthday cake, and drank G&Ts, champagne, and hard lemondae (enjoying every last bite and swallow!).

Vacation, all I ever wanted! Vacation, gots to get away!

2007-08-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hmmmmm, beach. See ya on the flippy!

Another lesson about food, mood, and attitude.

2007-08-10T09:38:00.000-04:00

Last night I got home from work feeling stressed and cranky and in just an awful mood. Getting out before my vacation is never easy -- I don't like to tell people "no, I can't do that for you." A couple of collegues asked for last minute work (one motion I'm going to have to draft today), and one parter, when he realized I was going to be gone for 10 days said "Wow, I couldn't do that."

At the end of the work day we had a baby shower for another collegue, where I ate far too much crap - mostly sugar, some meat, and drink my first caffeinated diet coke in months (The "I'm on VACATION Diet"). The combination of the three had me, feeling shall we say, "edgy," as well as just plain physically sick. On top of that, a spat with my uptight and controlling landlord about my plants (a recurring theme of battle in the 8 years I've lived here), and some emotional hangover from a battle with another overly controlling male in my life at the beginning of the week all had me feeling about as cranky as I get -- which is UBERcranky -- but it doesn't happen very often.

I figured lots of water, and a good nights sleep would help a lot, but I woke up this morning still feeling out of sorts. I was lounging on the couch with my cat and I realized I was craving two things: (1) to go back to bed and make everyone go away for a few more hours; or (2) a really hard run where I pushed my body, and which might just get the good endorphins flowing. When it started raining while I was contemplating my options, I knew I had no choice -- time to run.

Just getting out of the house made me even crankier. There is construction going on here, and the contractors have re-arranged my sunporch so I couldn't find anything. Eventually I found what I was looking for, geared up, and hit the road. I went down the hill as fast as my chunky legs would move me, up along the sewall, in the quiet rain. The place was deserted, and so I just ran, for the feeling of running. I hit my first mile in about the fastest pace I've run all summer, at average of 81% HR (still slow, but hey, it was an improvement), took a short walk break, and then ran the second mile only a bit slower and still trying hard, 86% HR (I needed an extra walk break in the middle). Another quarter sprint and I'm at Dunkins. Ahhhh, I feel good, I need coffee. Iced decaf with skim, no sugar, no faux sugar, and no freaking comfort-food muffins. So the patrons stared at me, wet and warm, pink faced, in my running gear. I walked out feeling strong and so much better. Home in another 3/4 mile, coffee in hand, cooling down, average 72% HR.

It's interesting how many times in our various journeys we have to re-learn lessons that we already know. Of course I know that exercise will make me feel better, and how much I love post-run endorphins (even if I still don't love running all that much). I don't understand why these lessons don't get burned into our brains quickly or deeply enough. I can still recite the preamble to the Constitution (thank you School House Rock), I know who number 34 is on the Sox without thought, and I can walk you through the requirements of various rules of civil procedure without having to pick up the rules book. So why can't I (or my body) remember just as easily that bad food makes me feel bad, and good exercise makes me feel good? What about our wiring makes those choices so much more difficult than rote memory? I wish I knew, and making the good choice was more of a habit than it has become, even 4 years into this journey. The good news is that I *can* learn, and I can re-learn too, if necessary.

Now I'm ready to face the errands, shopping, cleaning, laundry, and packing required to get me out the door tomorrow morning. And sandwiched in there will be a pedicure and a massage. It looks like its going to be a fabulous day!

Yoga catz

2007-08-09T14:52:00.001-04:00

Thank you Tri-Boomer!

2007-08-08T08:33:00.000-04:00

Please see his blog where he is collecting names and stories to take with him on his IMMoo journey in September. I happened upon it this morning, which just happens to be the 18th anniversary of my grandmother's death from breast cancer.

Add to his list, and honor someone who is struggling with cancer, or who has lost their battle.

Thank you so much for reminding me.

More thunder and lightning,

2007-08-08T07:26:00.000-04:00

so no swim this morning. I'll try again tomorrow, and meanwhile, I give myself permission for a quiet lazy morning. I'll hit the gym tonight after work (and will *not* forget my bag, like I did yesterday, oy).

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

Sleep Study Night.

2007-08-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

I had my sleep study last night, and it was not fun, and not easy to sleep. I had 25 different leads on my body, 15 just on my head, face, and neck. An O2 halter, plus another halter to measure temps on your face that looked like pieces of raw electrical wire, bands around my chest and hips, and a pulseox on the left forefinger that glowed red in the dark, so every time I rolled over and saw it, I thought "ET, Phone home." I also had to sign a waiver allowing them to video-tape me for the entire evening, as well as run sound-activated recording. Definitely an odd feeling. I really tried to relax and focus on sleeping, but I sure didn't get a good rest.

I'll get the results by the end of the month, but no one came in in the middle of the night to put a Cpap mask on me, so I'm hopeful!

I left the sleep center at 6AM (after getting untangled and unhooked from all the wires), went straight to the Y, and hit the pool with the lead goop all through my hair, a big dent under my left eye from one lead, the tape from the ones under my chin still visible, and apparently one of the leg leads still stuck to my leg -- which stayed there throughout the swim (I found it when I was in the hottub). I certainly wasn't really awake, and I can't imagine what the other swimmers and the lifeguard thought!

I was so exhausted I left work early today and napped from 5PM to 8PM. Now I'm staying up just a little past my regular bed time so I can still get a good nights sleep. I am so looking forward to my own bed, and some solid rest. Last night underscored for me how much improved my sleep has become, and I'm very thankful for the gains I have made in the last 2 months.

With a little more work, and a little more patience, I am hoping to retire the "insomnia" label from this blog. Wouldn't that be wonderful!

Six Days!

2007-08-05T08:53:00.000-04:00

Today marks the sixth day this week that I've moved my body -- the number of days that I need to move to lose weight, increase my fitness, stay sane, and be able to race in triathlons. Now that I've finally hit my magic number, I have to work at sustaining the frequency, and then increasing the intensity.

But I'm happy -- even on busy days, or days I've been tired, I've managed to do *something.* The mojo is returning . . .

Tonight is my sleep study. It is no cooincidence that as my sleep has significantly improved in the last 6 weeks, my body movement has increased. I'm still doing the study -- it will be interesting to see what they say -- but I think I've succeeded in re-training myself to get better sleep. Not that I don't still have occasional bad nights, but they are fewer and further between, and when they don't stack up on each other, they are survivable.

Four intense days of work this week, and then I'm off on vacation. Starting Saturday morning, I'll be here (my favorite little beach in the whole wide world, with my two of my most favorite little people):

Walden Pond!

2007-08-03T22:06:00.000-04:00

I had my first swim here (ever) last night with a couple of friends. We went out across to the little cove and back, about 1500 yards. It was totally cool to watch the triathletes rolling in and out of the water, and hey, it's *Walden Pond.*

I can't wait to go back!

Ten Thoughts on Whole Living (from Body & Soul, 7-8/07)

2007-07-30T19:18:00.000-04:00

I love these!

True power comes from internal strength, not muscular prowess.

Every interaction has an emotional impact. Handle each one with awareness.

A healthy diet is a vibrant, flavorful one.

Passion, like fire, requires stoking. Find new ways to intensify it.

Personal fitness emerges when you confidently inhabit your body.

Know your worth -- and accept nothing less.

Celebrate the milestones that mean the most to you, not someone else.

Simply being present is often the most valuable gift you can give.

Solitude feeds your soul, but that doesn't mean you always have to go it alone.

Misery may be contagious - but so is joy.

Thunder and Lightning, Go Away,

2007-07-30T08:03:00.000-04:00

I had a planned swim today.

Not to be, the Y's policy pulls everyone out of the water at the first rumble of thunder or bolt of lightning and keeps them out until 30 minutes after it all passes. It's still rumbling here, and morning swim ends at 9, so I'm "weathered-out" for the day.

I guess I'll run or walk later, and try to get in some more yoga. I got in a 50 minute practice last night, and wow, am I out of yoga shape. Actually, I'm out of everything shape, but at least I'm working on it now :-)

Webster Laker's, I'm so sorry I missed you all yesterday. The 4AM call ended up being too early for me. I tried, but ended up back in bed. These days, if I can sleep, I do it -- in the heirarchy of needs, its almost always at or near the top.

I went running today, and my back survived!

2007-07-28T11:19:00.000-04:00

I took it easy on myself - 1 mile walk warmup, then 4x .25 mile run/.25 mile walk intervals, then a mile run cool down. 4 miles in about 65 minutes, so walking pace. In the middle of the cool down I took a break to strip off my gear and shoes, and hop into the ocean to get wet. It's an incredibly heavy muggy day here, and the cool water felt fabulous!

Off shortly for another massage -- suggested by my doc, so who can quibble with that.

Tomorrow is swim angeling at Webster Lake for the Danskin Tri. Can't wait, its always a blast!

The Zen Mile

2007-07-27T14:48:00.000-04:00

easy and relaxed effort: 3x100- rest 30 seconds between 100s./

fast and relaxed effort: 6x50- rest 30 seconds between 50s./

faster and relaxed effort: 6x25 freestyle, fly, or backstroke- rest 30 seconds between 25s./

fast and relaxed effort: 10x75 freestyle swim- rest 30 seconds between 75s./

easy and relaxed effort: 3x50- rest 30 seconds between 50s.

key
easy and relaxed: 70% of your maximum
fast and relaxed: 80% of your maximum
faster and relaxed: 90% of your maximum
fastest and relaxed: 100% of your maximum

Ouch!

2007-07-24T09:12:00.000-04:00

The return to training is derailed by a very tight and achey lower back and right hip flexor. I'm pretty sure spending a lot of time Sat. eve and Sunday on my feet, then sacking out Sunday night because I'd had zero sleep the past couple of nights, is what did it. I woke up Monday with so much pain and tightness, I couldn't stand up straight. That I had cramps too, didn't help. It's a tad better today, but it still hurts.

And I've got a nasty rash under my left armpit -- I think caused by new deodorant, but I've stopped using it, relying on lots of washing and powder. Today its stinging like crazy, and I can't get into the derm for 2 more weeks.

At least I haven't been hungry for a couple of days.

I'm telling you, turning 40 has *not* been a piece of cake.

Good things come in threes!

2007-07-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

1). Last night was my third day of working out in a row.

B). At that workout, I did three different things - 30 mins bike, 10 min elliptical (for the first time ever, and that thing is tough), 15 mins treadmill.

III). Minus 3.0 at my first weigh-in this morning.

Hmm, maybe I'll actually be able to compete in a triathlon this fall, ya think?

The best easy simple dinner evah!

2007-07-17T14:39:00.000-04:00

Last night: broiled salmon steak rubbed in curry paste, doused in lemon; fresh spinach sauteed with garlic; yokon gold tater w/ a few sprays of ICBINB, sea salt and fresh pepper. I ate the spinach over the tater, too. YUM. A big handfull of sweet, juicy, delicious Ranier cherries (the glorious gold ones) for dessert.

Now, 364 more dinners like that, and I should get some more weight off.

I had a nice sleep too (11-5, then some tossing until 6ish), and made the pool this morning (1300 yards, felt good).

Baby steps.

2007-07-16T18:52:00.003-04:00

Tonight, it was 2.30 miles worth of them along the beach.

First mile out, actually running, no walk breaks. Slow, but steady.

Second mile, a brisk walk.

0.30 mile, mostly run, but I needed a walk break up the final hill.

I feel like I'm starting over again. I suppose in some ways, I am. And that wouldn't be so bad, if I could recapture the feeling of confidence, intent, focus, and purpose I had when I started this journey, almost 4 years ago. I'd love to find that feeling again. That, in a word, is my mojo.

Tomorrow, baby strokes, in the pool.

When your crotch pops, its time to re-join WW.

2007-07-12T21:16:00.000-04:00

Yep, my favorite white summer pants, pants I have had taken in at least twice, betrayed me on Monday night. I always feel good in this outfit, even if I knew those pants were getting too tight. I had promised myself I was going back to WW after my August vacation, I wasn't *really* ready yet, maybe I could get back on track on my own, I'm going to sleep through the night one night soon, for sure.

Yeah.

Right.

And then I got in my car Monday night. I heard a little rip, then a POP. I couldn't figure out what it was. I had NO idea. So off I headed to a Cornell Alumnae dinner. I dropped my directions along the way, and reached down, and saw a loose piece of cloth on my pants. Oh my lord, I figured out the noise.

So, no excuses, no waiting, who needs sleep. I'm back, I've paid my money, I stepped on that scale, and sat at the meeting. One day at a time. Today, actually, ended up being a good one. It feels good to exert some *control* over my life for a change. Maybe there is mojo out there for me, after all.

I just did something today I haven't done in months!

2007-06-09T10:31:00.000-04:00

(other than post on this blog)

I completed workouts on back to back days. AND, today I even did a bit of a double. Yesterday I swam 1400 yds, today I ran/walked 3.5 miles. After my run, I managed 30 minutes of core work.

I'm hoping to get on my bike tomorrow, and can't think why I wouldn't.

So, hello, friends, I am slowly making my way back to "normalcy." The sleeping *still* isn't great, and from that, so much else flows. I saw a specialist (finally) last week, and I'm trying to improve my "sleep hygiene" which essentially means a very strick sleeping schedule, no naps so as to consolidate sleep, no caffeine at all, no cat in the bed, no water 4 hours befor bed, no reading in bed, and a few other tips and tricks. I'm logging my sleep daily, and on a scale of A-E, A being the best, this week has been mixed. I had 1 A day, 1 B day, 3 Ds, and 2 Es. Six hours of sleep is still about the most I'm getting, when I was used to 7.5. I've stopped taking any sleep meds so I'm not groggy in the morning anymore, but the deficit definitely catches up with my by the end of the week.

Which is why today feels like a victory!

As my friend LBTEPA says, more anon, chicadees.

On hiatus

2007-04-19T17:14:00.000-04:00

Post 199 finds me still struggling. Sleep is better, but not great. Training is mostly non-existent. Eating is just plain terrible. And I'm not really having fun with any of it. The mojo continues to hide.

I don't know exactly why, but I do know I must do even more to stop this train before I go so far off course I can't get back. So here's the plan:

Take a HUGE step back and return to my early WW days, which means keep things simple. I'm going to re-teach myself to eat and journal, using my old paper journals which I used to love to fill out. No computer logs, for food or exercise. No "training" per se. Just get back to the body movement than I love, and whichs helps me feel like I'm taking good care of my body. That means swimming and yoga, as primary. Running/walking and cycling will be secondary.

I don't know what that means for my season -- but the season is moot anyway if I'm not training, getting fatter and unfit, and feeling guilty about it. I also feel like I'm spending more time on the computer than I should (even if I'm not providing evidence thereto), so I'm taking a break from the blog, my WWFC-Triers group, and my tri-drs list-serv, as well. You have all been WONDERFUL, AMAZING, GRACEFUL support, but it is the break from sitting on my backside reading, surfing, and NOT moving that I need. It is only temporary -- believe me, when I feel like I'm making progress again, and I am succeeding at re-re-training myself to good habits, I will be BACK.

See ya on the flippy, as they say :-)

Back to The Beginning

2007-04-05T12:47:00.000-04:00

From January 1, 2007 --- re-making a promise to myself to:

Eat high quality foods (CORE on WW) - fruits, veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean proteins, and tea instead of coffee, limiting sugar, fat, and white flour.

Log my food daily, and eat based on hunger, not desire.

Be consistent in my training. Make a plan and stick to it.

Work harder at my strength training, to help avoid injury.

Be persistent, and continue to work on mental toughness issues. If I can focus on, and buckle down for work, I can do the same for my own life.

Know when to say "no." Don't take on too much.

Stay organized, do a little every day if necessary.

Get enough sleep. Figure out the sleep issues, and get to a consistent 7.5 hours a night.

Never forget to have fun!

I think I slept through the night last night.

2007-04-05T09:17:00.000-04:00

10:30ish until 5ish. And I got up by 5:30 this morning for 20 minutes of yoga at home, and then 1000 yards in the pool. May I just say that I am *out* of swimming shape. My arms were tired after a few hundred yards. My legs were tired everytime I flipped over to the backstroke. Sheesh, people, this used to be my *best* of the three sports (relatively speaking, of course).

A word from my dermatologist.

2007-04-04T22:10:00.000-04:00

He tells me that the Neutrogena products with Helioplex are currently the best stuff on the market. Comes in SPF up to 45, and was also just reviewed in Tennis magazine as light and not sticky, as well as long-lasting.

Blondies (and everyone else), take note. For heavens sake, WEAR SUNSCREEN, all the time!

8 Days Later,

2007-03-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

and I've only had one solid nights sleep, a couple of "better" but still kind of restless nights, and the rest more mid-sleep insomnia. On to Lunesta. I'm not thrilled, but I'm so exhausted, I'm in no position to argue. I'd do just about anything for my old 7.5 hours, two nights in a row.

I need a plan.

2007-03-26T09:35:00.000-04:00

I've been in survival mode for so long now, I'm not sure where to start. First, I think, is getting a solid week of sleep under my belt. Second, get back to logging my food, no matter *what* I eat. Third, start moving regularly again. This week is the last week of my Q1 Training Plan. I'm not really capable of jumping in and doing it all with such a long slack period, but I can try to do something, every day of the schedule. Fourth, I have to bear down and *prepare.* I have a half marathon in about 9 weeks, and I am so so so *so* not ready. But maybe I can pull it out.

Chi Running!

2007-03-25T19:58:00.000-04:00

Despite only 4 hours of sleep last night (back to the Ambien, for sure), I made it out to the New England Multisport Expo for a 2-hour Chi Running training clinic this morning. The short version: having someone actually demonstrate the technique, and then help you position your body, is really essential to getting this. I've tried figuring out from reading the book, and I wasn't even close -- although I was at least conversant with some of the concepts. The leader, a NH certified Chi Running instructor from TriTek, is one of those guys who looks like he runs effortlessly, floating over the ground. He had awesome legs, too! His two assistants were also terrific, and I really enjoyed the class. I'm seriously considering signing up for one of their full day clinics next month.

My own notes, as to the steps to find the proper position and technique:

Open chest, under collarbone.
Pelvic tilt in and up.
Move hips back.
Align - ear/shoulder/hip/ankle.
Soften knees.
Lean from ankles.
Roll heels up, place feet gently down.
Lean into the stride and run.
Before shifting gears, re-check alignment.

Seven hours!

2007-03-24T07:54:00.000-04:00

10:30-5:30. I would have preferred to sleep longer, but it was solid, uninterrupted sleep for SEVEN hours.

I want to cry, I'm so happy.

Now, the trick is to do it again. Tonight. With*out* the ambien. Cross your fingers, chickens :-)

Off to breakfast and the never ending search for the "little black dress" for tonight's party for yet another TBTSNBN. I hope I will even get in a run, too!

Mourning Doves cooing around the open bedroom window this morning.

2007-03-23T09:55:00.000-04:00

'Vertible top *down* on the way to work.

Bright sunny skies.

And I slept! Not entirely through the night, I tossed and turned, but I didn't wake up to full consciousness. Cross your fingers gang, this might be helping.

Maybe I'll even be rested enough to go for a run tomorrow. I hope so!

The Vernal Equinox

2007-03-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

So caught up in my exhaustion, that I missed blogging about one of my favorite days! Thanks for the reminder,Tink, and good luck to you at IMAZ, you're going to ROCK!!!

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.

Robert Frost (1874–1963)Two Tramps in Mud Time (1936)

ARNICA / ABSOLUTION / AMBIEN

2007-03-21T18:56:00.000-04:00

(Poetry by Miranda Field)

No mortal ever learns to go to sleep definitively. No baby, animal or
vegetable, intends to sink his vehicle in so soundless a lake. In such
cloudy houses, shadows take the shape of something "put to sleep." Any
oblivion is a field or maze a creature grazes in for private reasons. The
edible flower taken from its bed to the table expires on your tongue, and
this is what we mean by sense of night and utterly internal to itself.

To go to sleep, I think of the bodies in their reservoirs, painstakingly
changing from opaque to phosphorescent. How all the while distracted
Nature pours a perfect solvent on their experiment. I take a half-pill, a
paradigm ignites, a moving sign in rain. I take a whole, the flame grows
lower. One and a quarter, it’s just a flicker. No sense asking who I am
then. Swinging from its dead twig in a bush, the aura-like cocoon, lit up
by winter sun— the least of its worries the worm.

My sleep issues have gotten worse, if you can believe it. I walked out of the Doc's office this evening with a script for Ambien. I hope it does its thing, and I can re-set my internal sleep clock. Wish me luck, if I don't start getting some complete sleep soon, I don't know what's going to happen to my training plan and goals for the year. It is virtually impossible for me to get up and out, when I haven't slept well.