Holy Crap it's Cold....and windy

Friday night....I decided to skip my swim.  It would have been nice to get it in, but we watched two episodes of Grimm for FMN and by the time they were done, it was 9:30.  Since the gym closes at 10p on Friday, there was no way I could have made it there for a swim.  I didn't beat myself up over it and, since I'm not worried about the swim, it was decidely okay to miss.....but lets not make a habit of this, I told my self. 

That afternoon I had dropped by bike off at the shop for a tune up, a freehub converter, and new cassette and chain to be put on my race wheels...and installed.  About an hour after I dropped it off, they called and said it was ready.  So after school, I picked J up and we went to get it.  Of course, she found some things in the Tri-Shop that she wanted....including an aero helmet for her "princess bike" and a pink carbon water bottle holder.  Helmet priced at $170 and the cage was $49.  LOL....she's already got "triathlete tastes".

C'mon daddy....I really want it.

Saturday morning, was up at 5:30am and ran 6 miles.  We had a lot going on and scheduled for the day....especially in the morning, so I wanted to get my run in.  Now THAT, I can't miss.  Running has been lacking in my plan as I'm focused on the bike...and the 112 mile sufferfest awaiting me.  I've done a marathon before (albeit very slow) so I know what it takes to get thru that.

On saturday night, I got everything prepared for Sunday's 4am alarm and 4:30am start time on the trainer.  Nutrition laid out, cages filled, extra water, clothes laid out for bike and run, shoes, headphones plugged in, Amazon Prime pulled up on the comuter and ready to hit play.  Start off with no stress or "looking for stuff" and it eliminates excuses.

 

The  ride was uneventful really, but the new components were great.  Could feel a hug difference in shifting and ease of peddling.  I got thru 5 episodes of Jericho, which was another recommendation.  Missed it the first time around on TV.  I ended up doing 3:40 on the bike....what I projected around 65 miles).

Then the run.....was planning on doing 10 miles and really felt good during the run.  I ended up with 6 miles and had some good times on the runs (9:45, 10, 10:18)......but the weather was Out Of Control.  A brisk northly wind that was whipping around.....like to the point of no matter how I was running, it was hitting me.  The temp was in the upper 30's and the winds were in the 30mph range....and that was sustained.  It was gusting up to 35-40mph.  I truly could have done more on the run, but was so miserable, that I stopped.

All in all....great weekend!!!!!

I'm a Brick.....Hooowwww-sssssss

This weekend was the first brick of the plan and the first real ride since the Retul fit.

On Satruday, the baby (of all days) decided that she would pick this day to sleep in until 7am.  While most would think this is a blessing, it's not on the day that you need to be up and running by 6:45.  She normally wakes up between 5:30 and 6, where she's fed, then she conks back out thus giving me perfect and ample time to change, run, and get back.  Well....becuase of her sleeping in, she wasn't done eating and back to the sleep until around 7:45, which means there was no time for me to change, run 8, and get back by 9:15 so I could get the 6 year old could get to gymnastics (as Annie had an appointment to get her hurr did).

Milled around the house, ate a light breakfast, 2 cups of coffee and got ready to take her.  After class, it was a beautiful 60-something degrees outside, so when Annie got home they ate lunch, baby down for a nap, and off I went.  The first 6 of my 8 (which actually ended up being 7.5) were great.  The last bit I fell apart, which due to hydration on the run (zero) and prior nutrition, was expected.  I did see my safety manager, who yelled at me....my Pastor on his bike....my VP of sales....and the mayor (who was getting into his car, but we chatted for 30 secs).  All-in-all....good run.

Then, on Sunday, the plan was for me to brick and get home before Annie and J went to horseback riding lessons....while I stayed home with the baby.  Then, I would take J to a birthday party, while Annie styed home with the baby (she got the better end of the deal, as the baby slept the entire time I was at the party.....but wanted to be held and played with when I had her - haha)

I can't stay mad at this....look at that face

The brick.....HOLY HELL IT WAS COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Notice the time?!?!  Yes...that was AFTER my ride.  It was in the upper 20's while I was out.

I managed to get through 18.5 then it happened.....the sound that no biker likes....the sound of rubber scrapping on the road.  I thought that it was getting tougher to peddle but it turns out I must have had a slow leak.  I managed to get through 19 (the last 6 was a small loop in the neighborhood....it it worked out perfect).  The ride felt great though, aside from the cold.  After the ride, I got in 3.7 miles running in 37 minutes....which is actually faster than I thought, as I've been struggling to maintain a 10 minute/mile pace.  Another success!!!  I felt really good on the run and probably could have gone the extra 1.3 miles but alas, there were responsibilites.  Maybe I should get faster on the bike....then I'll have more time.  :)

Today is an off day, which my legs will love.  Last night was Super Bowl Party....where the family ate a bunh of junk food, I had some beer, we watched the game (a good one) and the commercials.  Really liked the Farmer one by Dodge, the Oreo one (the fight/melee in the Library were everyone was whispering) and a few other ones......they, however, for the most part....weren't as good as past years.

I was Runn'ning

Still been chilly and somewhat crappy weather for DFW.  Did another run on the treadmill for 38 minutes.  The schedule called for 4 miles (40 minutes) but the movie I was watching got over and as the credits rolled, I thought....meh, this is good.

I hate the treadmill, but I guess (and here's the admission part)......I guess it will make me better.  Ouch - hurts to say and even type.

Tonight is another "lovely" (think positive, right) treadmill run. 

Tomorrow, Friday - for those keeping score at home - is a 45 minute triainer ride.  That may be done in the morning since it's Family Movie night at the house.  X-Men 2 "X2" is what's on tap for the main feature.  I love the time with the fam.

As my boy JFord said to enocurage me......... "Do Work, bro....Do....Work"

Maybe he isn't so much of a No Talent Ass Clown as I make him out to be.

Follow his blog....and follow mine, dammmnitttttt.