King of Kings Learning Center
Taylor, the aspiring rock star, made her singing debut in her pre-school's Christmas program on December 17th. She did great after the great struggle to get her dressed. She's a very strong-willed 4-yr-old and wanted to wear last year's dress, not the one she HAD to have when she saw it in the store, which I bought for her, of course! I chose to pick this particular battle and won. Barely.
Anyway, here is what I remembered to film of the performance. I certainly don't have much of a future as a videographer :)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Cap Tex Tri Summary
Okay, so I'm WAY behind on my posting. Quick summary to bring us up to date:
I spent the second week of May down with bronchitis and it lingered for another two full weeks! ARGH! While I bounced back well on the bike and run workouts, the swimming was another story. The good news about this: My body rested well with a full week off and I remained injury free!
The day before the CapTexTri on Memorial Day, I picked up my packet, racked my bike and rested well. I awoke the next day at 5:00-ish, visualized the entire race in my head, got up, shaved my legs, then headed downstairs for breakfast. I was pumped and ready to go! Then I heard the sound from my cell: I had a text message. I neglected to realize it was POURING down rain outside. First msg. said, "Swim canceled. Race decision at 7:30am." Bummer. Actually, NOT a bummer - I would avoid facing my fear today! But it wasn't 15 minutes later that I received the second msg: "Race canceled." Bummer. Really.
So even though we didn't ever make it to the start, I did learn a few things.
1) Learn how to pump your tires properly before you head to rack your bike! I totally freaked out when I realized I didn't know how to use my hand pump attached to my bike, which is actually NOT the way to do it except in emergencies anyway. Now I know. I had to go by the bike shop and have them show me how... then they sold me an $80 pump. Ouch. Oh, and don't pump your tires until the day of the race, evidently. Something about the air being different that morning than the night before... want to make sure you have the proper air pressure to avoid a flat and to optimize your effort.
2) Tape. Take it with you to secure your number to your bike. They provided us with twisty-ties and that's it. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how that was going to keep in on there as I'm traveling FAST on my bike. ;) People were making clever use of athletic, duct and even masking tape. Also great for taping your chosen energy gel to your bike.
3) Plastic bags. Seeing as it was raining when I racked my bike, plastic bags would have been a nice touch to keep my seat and handle bars dry. Next time I'll know. I was in the minority with a full exposed seat!
4) Take something LARGE or unique to attach to the rack near your bike so you can find it. It was a SEA of bikes and following a visual marker would have been easier than trying to count racks.
So, even though I didn't get to learn from the actual event, I do feel better prepared for the Danskin, which is a longer distance sprint tri in two weeks.
I spent the second week of May down with bronchitis and it lingered for another two full weeks! ARGH! While I bounced back well on the bike and run workouts, the swimming was another story. The good news about this: My body rested well with a full week off and I remained injury free!
The day before the CapTexTri on Memorial Day, I picked up my packet, racked my bike and rested well. I awoke the next day at 5:00-ish, visualized the entire race in my head, got up, shaved my legs, then headed downstairs for breakfast. I was pumped and ready to go! Then I heard the sound from my cell: I had a text message. I neglected to realize it was POURING down rain outside. First msg. said, "Swim canceled. Race decision at 7:30am." Bummer. Actually, NOT a bummer - I would avoid facing my fear today! But it wasn't 15 minutes later that I received the second msg: "Race canceled." Bummer. Really.
So even though we didn't ever make it to the start, I did learn a few things.
1) Learn how to pump your tires properly before you head to rack your bike! I totally freaked out when I realized I didn't know how to use my hand pump attached to my bike, which is actually NOT the way to do it except in emergencies anyway. Now I know. I had to go by the bike shop and have them show me how... then they sold me an $80 pump. Ouch. Oh, and don't pump your tires until the day of the race, evidently. Something about the air being different that morning than the night before... want to make sure you have the proper air pressure to avoid a flat and to optimize your effort.
2) Tape. Take it with you to secure your number to your bike. They provided us with twisty-ties and that's it. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how that was going to keep in on there as I'm traveling FAST on my bike. ;) People were making clever use of athletic, duct and even masking tape. Also great for taping your chosen energy gel to your bike.
3) Plastic bags. Seeing as it was raining when I racked my bike, plastic bags would have been a nice touch to keep my seat and handle bars dry. Next time I'll know. I was in the minority with a full exposed seat!
4) Take something LARGE or unique to attach to the rack near your bike so you can find it. It was a SEA of bikes and following a visual marker would have been easier than trying to count racks.
So, even though I didn't get to learn from the actual event, I do feel better prepared for the Danskin, which is a longer distance sprint tri in two weeks.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Week in Review: Re-commitment
Picking up where I left off (after being sick) turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. I had a great week of training. Felt great. Performed well. Other than some knee swelling and pain (but this is nothing new), all around I am physically and mentally back on track to win… errrrrrr… finish my fist triathlon. The week went like this:
Monday: Swim, 50 minutes. Boy, it was hard to get back in the pool after two weeks of staying dry. I had a REALLY rough start and was discouraged and ready to hit the shower after 30 minutes of sporadic swimming. Then I focused, determined to swim 100 meters consecutively. I concentrated on breathing and pacing, which I believe is the source of my endurance problem. I did it! Then I kept going… 200 meters to finish off the day! Doesn’t seem like much to veteran swimmers, but I tell ya, that’s HUGE for this land creature. I have a new attitude and can’t wait to get back in the pool!
Tuesday: Bike 45, Run 25. All at the gym b/c I had a child w/ me requiring the child care center. I did hills on the bike at level 10 of 20. Ouch. Then my jelly legs pumped out 2 miles running and a brief walking cool down. Knee was sore toward the end, but not bad.
Wednesday: Weight training, 60 minutes. We hit legs HARD today. Lots of squats, lunges and various torturous exercises. It still hurts to sit, even two days later! One issue after the workout on Wednesday: when I knelt down to pick up my daughter, a shooting pain went from my knee (in the original injured area) and shot up and to the outside of my quad. YOUCH, it made me fall down with a giggling two-year-old finding hilarity in the situation. Ortho doc warned me that lunges weren’t going to help my knee situation but I thought I had rested it long enough (from running) to give it a try. Maybe not…
Thursday: REST (if you call a mommy and me gymnastics class rest!)
Friday: Run, 30 minutes. Time to put this knee on the open road and see what it can do. Soreness from Wednesday’s incident subsided thanks to some ice and NSAIDs. BEAUTIFUL Austin morning, 61 degrees and clear. MAN it felt good to run. I didn’t realize how much I had missed it. Stupid knee, ARGH!!!! But, I made it 28 minutes before that all too familiar pain was back. But it was a great run. Lungs felt good, butt got loose after about ½ mile (still really sore from Wed.)
Weekend involved out of town guests so I completely slacked off. Back to it next week!
Monday: Swim, 50 minutes. Boy, it was hard to get back in the pool after two weeks of staying dry. I had a REALLY rough start and was discouraged and ready to hit the shower after 30 minutes of sporadic swimming. Then I focused, determined to swim 100 meters consecutively. I concentrated on breathing and pacing, which I believe is the source of my endurance problem. I did it! Then I kept going… 200 meters to finish off the day! Doesn’t seem like much to veteran swimmers, but I tell ya, that’s HUGE for this land creature. I have a new attitude and can’t wait to get back in the pool!
Tuesday: Bike 45, Run 25. All at the gym b/c I had a child w/ me requiring the child care center. I did hills on the bike at level 10 of 20. Ouch. Then my jelly legs pumped out 2 miles running and a brief walking cool down. Knee was sore toward the end, but not bad.
Wednesday: Weight training, 60 minutes. We hit legs HARD today. Lots of squats, lunges and various torturous exercises. It still hurts to sit, even two days later! One issue after the workout on Wednesday: when I knelt down to pick up my daughter, a shooting pain went from my knee (in the original injured area) and shot up and to the outside of my quad. YOUCH, it made me fall down with a giggling two-year-old finding hilarity in the situation. Ortho doc warned me that lunges weren’t going to help my knee situation but I thought I had rested it long enough (from running) to give it a try. Maybe not…
Thursday: REST (if you call a mommy and me gymnastics class rest!)
Friday: Run, 30 minutes. Time to put this knee on the open road and see what it can do. Soreness from Wednesday’s incident subsided thanks to some ice and NSAIDs. BEAUTIFUL Austin morning, 61 degrees and clear. MAN it felt good to run. I didn’t realize how much I had missed it. Stupid knee, ARGH!!!! But, I made it 28 minutes before that all too familiar pain was back. But it was a great run. Lungs felt good, butt got loose after about ½ mile (still really sore from Wed.)
Weekend involved out of town guests so I completely slacked off. Back to it next week!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Let There Be Wetsuits by Monika
So--I'm taking an open water swim session next week. Yeah, 68 degree water in the evening-- let's just say, I may take heed and rent a wetsuit. My coaches were like-- do you get cold easy? Ummm... I'm cold all the time!! I hope it will warm up by May/June in Austin... but apparently companies will let you rent a wetsuit for like $30...the try it before you buy it strategy :) Just could see Jeff's face now... umm... can I buy a wetsuit? HA! I am seriously thinking of buying the bike my trainer has loaned me...$325, but it's quite new (ridden like 3 times) and man... my lungs were happy.
Anywho, swam 2100m today! I have not done that in like 10 years & I have so much energy this morning. Here's my deep thought for the day:
Swim with a group...training swims with a group just compels you to try harder than you would alone. Yeah, part of it is the competitive aspect, "I've got to keep up..." but mainly it's the encouragement and satisfaction in knowing that you have support. I wasn't alone & thinking about "...what lap am I on? what time is it? what stroke now?" Ok, my two cents of advice :)
Now-- check out this tri blog site in Texas: www.zentriathlon.com/blog
Anywho, swam 2100m today! I have not done that in like 10 years & I have so much energy this morning. Here's my deep thought for the day:
Swim with a group...training swims with a group just compels you to try harder than you would alone. Yeah, part of it is the competitive aspect, "I've got to keep up..." but mainly it's the encouragement and satisfaction in knowing that you have support. I wasn't alone & thinking about "...what lap am I on? what time is it? what stroke now?" Ok, my two cents of advice :)
Now-- check out this tri blog site in Texas: www.zentriathlon.com/blog
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Set Backs and Bounce Backs
It's been another two weeks since I posted but it's been an eventful couple weeks! Family in town, trips out of town, but of the most significance - a dreaded illness to set me back on my training mission. Ugh.
Set Backs
I once asked a personal trainer friend of mine what her recommendation was for exercising while sick. She said, "Go for it!" So, when I began feeling sick, I tried desperately not to slow down. But as a full-fledged sinus infection developed, I did find it hard to maintain my training, especially in the pool. I have enough trouble breathing in the pool without having to take a "cough break" every 25 meters.
So I took a week off. Detrimental to my goal? I don't think so. Beneficial and necessary for the recovery process? In my humble opinion - absolutely! However, my first day back after a week off, I decided to make it a "brick" workout, or combination of two or more tri events. I biked 30, ran 30, and to complete the trifecta, weight trained for 30. I was WIPED out - maybe it was a bad idea to try to make up for lost time in one workout! So I followed up with another day of rest.
Today was supposed to be my re-commitment effort to get back on track. However, one more minor setback - a reaction to the antibiotic I'm on for the sinus infection (which, by the way, still lingers). I'm nauseated and feel as if I just drank half a gallon of strong coffee. Coming from a person who is caffeine-sensitive, this would be a BAD thing.
Bouncing Back
So, now what? I'm feeling not only guilty for having missed out on so much training, but I'm anxious about the damage done and am eager to catch up. One bit of advice to myself: GET OVER IT. I can't expect to accomplish anything by focusing on the rough spots along the way. I may have a little re-ramping up time but am confident that my body won't forget the training I've already done. So my plan is simple: Pick up where I left off, backing off a bit if my body tells me to.
Once I have that first "good" bounce-back workout, I will have a renewed confidence. Hopefully that will be tomorrow (Friday) morning.
Set Backs
I once asked a personal trainer friend of mine what her recommendation was for exercising while sick. She said, "Go for it!" So, when I began feeling sick, I tried desperately not to slow down. But as a full-fledged sinus infection developed, I did find it hard to maintain my training, especially in the pool. I have enough trouble breathing in the pool without having to take a "cough break" every 25 meters.
So I took a week off. Detrimental to my goal? I don't think so. Beneficial and necessary for the recovery process? In my humble opinion - absolutely! However, my first day back after a week off, I decided to make it a "brick" workout, or combination of two or more tri events. I biked 30, ran 30, and to complete the trifecta, weight trained for 30. I was WIPED out - maybe it was a bad idea to try to make up for lost time in one workout! So I followed up with another day of rest.
Today was supposed to be my re-commitment effort to get back on track. However, one more minor setback - a reaction to the antibiotic I'm on for the sinus infection (which, by the way, still lingers). I'm nauseated and feel as if I just drank half a gallon of strong coffee. Coming from a person who is caffeine-sensitive, this would be a BAD thing.
Bouncing Back
So, now what? I'm feeling not only guilty for having missed out on so much training, but I'm anxious about the damage done and am eager to catch up. One bit of advice to myself: GET OVER IT. I can't expect to accomplish anything by focusing on the rough spots along the way. I may have a little re-ramping up time but am confident that my body won't forget the training I've already done. So my plan is simple: Pick up where I left off, backing off a bit if my body tells me to.
Once I have that first "good" bounce-back workout, I will have a renewed confidence. Hopefully that will be tomorrow (Friday) morning.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Training Update
So it's been a couple weeks since I posted my training progress. But I have actually been doing it!
Bike update:
I have the right size, believe it or not! It's been a while since I owned my yellow banana seat bike so it's just a new feel. I received affirmation from the bike-fitting expert at Performance Bicycles. My first ride was awesome, even if I felt a little out of control. I took "Suzy" (that's my bike's name) out for about a 9-mile trek last weekend. I was surprised at how hard I worked to keep it in motion. It might be worth noting that I can count on ZERO fingers the number of times I've ridden a bike in the last decade and a half.
So when I got off the bike, my first thought was, "hmmmm... now I'm supposed to run? Are you kidding me?" My legs felt as if the bones had been removed and replaced with taffy... but as I walked a little, the idea of running became a little more realistic. A LITTLE.
Swimming
I've still been swimming once or twice a week. My form feels better and I feel as if I'm moving faster through the water, but I am still having breathing issues. I get cramps from breathing too shallow (Hey, I remember this concept from running!!). I think there are two keys for me to be able to swim for any distance: 1) gain arm strength/endurance as my arms tire quickly and 2) learn to breathe more effectively.
Running again!
After a full six weeks out of my sneakers, I decided it was time to test the knee with a little run. Actually, I lied to myself and said I was just going to do a brisk walk, but once I got out there, I took off, back to old form! Well, almost. Running was awkward. This surprised me as I've logged hundreds of miles in the last year or two. I have no explanation for this awkwardness - maybe I was not loose enough? Maybe I was too focused on the feeling in my knee? Anyway, the good news is - my knee did feel great! A little tight toward the end, but MUCH better! I'm going to take another week off from running and continue to take every precaution not to piss-off the patella or its supporting cast.
Bike update:
I have the right size, believe it or not! It's been a while since I owned my yellow banana seat bike so it's just a new feel. I received affirmation from the bike-fitting expert at Performance Bicycles. My first ride was awesome, even if I felt a little out of control. I took "Suzy" (that's my bike's name) out for about a 9-mile trek last weekend. I was surprised at how hard I worked to keep it in motion. It might be worth noting that I can count on ZERO fingers the number of times I've ridden a bike in the last decade and a half.
So when I got off the bike, my first thought was, "hmmmm... now I'm supposed to run? Are you kidding me?" My legs felt as if the bones had been removed and replaced with taffy... but as I walked a little, the idea of running became a little more realistic. A LITTLE.
Swimming
I've still been swimming once or twice a week. My form feels better and I feel as if I'm moving faster through the water, but I am still having breathing issues. I get cramps from breathing too shallow (Hey, I remember this concept from running!!). I think there are two keys for me to be able to swim for any distance: 1) gain arm strength/endurance as my arms tire quickly and 2) learn to breathe more effectively.
Running again!
After a full six weeks out of my sneakers, I decided it was time to test the knee with a little run. Actually, I lied to myself and said I was just going to do a brisk walk, but once I got out there, I took off, back to old form! Well, almost. Running was awkward. This surprised me as I've logged hundreds of miles in the last year or two. I have no explanation for this awkwardness - maybe I was not loose enough? Maybe I was too focused on the feeling in my knee? Anyway, the good news is - my knee did feel great! A little tight toward the end, but MUCH better! I'm going to take another week off from running and continue to take every precaution not to piss-off the patella or its supporting cast.
Monday, March 19, 2007
New Bike Owner in Town!!
So bike buying ended up being an interesting experience. I got a babysitter for the occasion and headed to Performance Bicycles on Anderson Ln. in Austin. A 20 minute trek from Round Rock and my first bike shop experience, I learned that I have a LOT to learn about bikes!
Randy assisted me from the moment I walked in. He was quick to point out that he has done 6, count 'em SIX Ironman Triathlons in the past three years. He has each event tattooed on his leg. ANYWAY, I told him I was going to tri and wanted a hybrid bike b/c I was much more likely to use it on local trails, to haul kids to park, etc., beyond this event. He cringed. I mean, visibly cringed. Then he told me, "I usually cringe when triathletes want a hybrid or mountain bike to compete." Me? A triathlete? HA! Show me the hybrids and when I go pro in this sport, we can have this conversation again.
He fitted me in a not-so scientific way in a 2007 Fuji Absolute DX. ("Here, try this - I can lower the seat.") It was on sale to be conveniently at my price range, exactly. Honestly, I was hoping for more. I thought I'd be measured, poked, prodded, blood and DNA tested in order to be fitted for this bike. From what I've read, fit is EVERYTHING. I went in thinking I needed a 17 or 18 inch bike (based on fittting guids on manufacturer web sites) and left with a 21 inch bike which I now think is too big for me. I might return it this week. Plus, he took the front wheel off for me to fit it in the back of my Pathfinder, hence disconnecting the front wheel brake. For the LIFE of me, I cannot get it re-attached. While I'm pumped about getting started on the bike (other than the one in spinning class!), I'm still not convinced I've got the right one. Heck, it is currently front wheel-less! That's no good...
So I'm a bike owner, just not sure I've got the right size. Oh, and I'm going to buy a used stationary trainer. We have a deck that faces a lovely wooded greenbelt, with built-in speakers connected to TV, radio and i-pod. I can totally see rainy-days on the deck, pedaling to my heart's content to the sounds of my former "running" playlist. I just may have to consider renaming it the, "Lance Armstrong Wannabe" playlist.
Randy assisted me from the moment I walked in. He was quick to point out that he has done 6, count 'em SIX Ironman Triathlons in the past three years. He has each event tattooed on his leg. ANYWAY, I told him I was going to tri and wanted a hybrid bike b/c I was much more likely to use it on local trails, to haul kids to park, etc., beyond this event. He cringed. I mean, visibly cringed. Then he told me, "I usually cringe when triathletes want a hybrid or mountain bike to compete." Me? A triathlete? HA! Show me the hybrids and when I go pro in this sport, we can have this conversation again.
He fitted me in a not-so scientific way in a 2007 Fuji Absolute DX. ("Here, try this - I can lower the seat.") It was on sale to be conveniently at my price range, exactly. Honestly, I was hoping for more. I thought I'd be measured, poked, prodded, blood and DNA tested in order to be fitted for this bike. From what I've read, fit is EVERYTHING. I went in thinking I needed a 17 or 18 inch bike (based on fittting guids on manufacturer web sites) and left with a 21 inch bike which I now think is too big for me. I might return it this week. Plus, he took the front wheel off for me to fit it in the back of my Pathfinder, hence disconnecting the front wheel brake. For the LIFE of me, I cannot get it re-attached. While I'm pumped about getting started on the bike (other than the one in spinning class!), I'm still not convinced I've got the right one. Heck, it is currently front wheel-less! That's no good...
So I'm a bike owner, just not sure I've got the right size. Oh, and I'm going to buy a used stationary trainer. We have a deck that faces a lovely wooded greenbelt, with built-in speakers connected to TV, radio and i-pod. I can totally see rainy-days on the deck, pedaling to my heart's content to the sounds of my former "running" playlist. I just may have to consider renaming it the, "Lance Armstrong Wannabe" playlist.
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