3 Strange Days

Hi it's Laura

I don't think “tired” quite covers what I am feeling this week.

I mentioned previously that The Husband was traveling for business. Under normal circumstances, I probably would have relished a little alone girl time. Unfortunately I didn't really get a chance to enjoy it. Time flew by in a flurry of dog walks, bike rides and long runs. I am in the last six weeks of training. This week is a building week in a series of four weeks. Next week is recovery week.

I think I covered Monday where the rain sent me inside to the bike trainer. I heard the weather forecast for Monday morning and thought maybe, just maybe, I would be able to get outside to ride later in the day. But I don't really have the patience to wait around. After I walked the dog in the morning, I was ready togo. With what seemed to be no end to the rain in sight, I headed to the gym and 1 1/2 hours on the trainer. As Murphy law wouldhave it, the minute I felt the gym, the sun came out and remained out for the better part of the day. Regardless, I had things to do and more dog walking on the agenda. No crying or second guessing my decisions this week. With the husband out of town, I am on a tight schedule. First things first, sneakers!

I head back to super runners world, my sneakers are ready to go, almost. The dog and I waited yet again for an hour for them to shave down the orthotic to fit the shoe. Most of the time, the guys in the store make me run outside to test them out. So far this method has failed so I didn't bother. I took them home and crossed my fingers.

With most of the day gone, I was relieved when my Monday night client rescheduled to Tuesday.

I had been moving nonstop since 5:30 AM and needed to be able to sit down and have dinner. Let's just say I was relieved.

I had no idea what that meant for my Tuesday.

Up and out by 6:00 with The Dog, home for breakfast and thenback out for a 9 mile run.

Success! The sneakers feel pretty good. By mile 4, I have only slight numbness which is normal for me. The 9 miler takes me about two hours in time. First the walk to the park is about 12 minutes. Adding anywhere from 1-5 minutes to get a signal on the GPS, the run itself takes approx. 90 minutes and another 12 minute walk back with at least 5 minutes of stretching before Igo back up stairs. I eat another breakfast.

I walk The Dog. The afternoon walk is less taxing. The walk tothe dog park is about 10 minutes. All I have to do is stand there and make sure he behaves himself. Oh yeah, throw the Frisbee, a lot. We spend just over an hour at the park. Normally we are there just about an hour but he was playing well. I was alsohaving some “mommy guilt" for having to leave him alone for so long with The Husband gone. Back home and then to the gym for strength training. I cannot skip strength training. You would think it would be something to skip but I will, lecture on the benefits of strength training when I get mine back. From the gym to home, late lunch, shower.

I sat for as long as it took to file my papers to incorporate project“Kick Start Alpha”. Now I am just waiting for them to arrive in the mail. Eeeeek so exciting.

I am scheduled to meet my client at pier 84. The best way to get there for me is to ride my bike. I know, seriously, like I have not moved enough. I promised myself that I would take the ride easy and not speed down to the location. There is no rush to get there.I will make in on time. I left the apartment with plenty of time and it only takes 12 min to get there. I get there with time to spare. We train. Or better yet, she trained, I coached.

I decided to skip the West Side bike paths. At that time of the day, they get very crowded and I will wind up nothing but aggravated. So I head out to 11th Avenue, again with the promise to myself that I will take it easy on the way home.

I come up the west side, hit 11th Avenue but not before beings passed by some guy on a hybrid bike. “Hey, why is he passing me. My bike is better than his.” I remind myself of the promise. Ok then, off Igo up 11th.

I was doing great, nice easy pace until I got passed by a little old lady. WTF. I am mostly reasonable but I can’t let that happen. I hit 61st street, which is a hill, blasted past her at the light and took off. Just as I crest the hill, she passes me! How on earth is this possible? She is old and she is on a bad bike. Then I see it.The bike has a motor. It only looks like she is pedaling. With my competitive spirit intact, I concede. I am sure she had no idea we were racing.

By the time I get home, I got text from The Husband that he is on his way and he will be home shortly. YIPPEE!

Normal life resumes on Wednesday, sort of. I am still in training with only six weeks to go. I still have to get through the workouts for the rest of the week.

Wednesday was a 90 minute ride. 90 minute somewhat translates in about 21 miles.

I again start in Central Park but the tourists on rental bikes once again proved to be too much. I head to Riverside Drive. I am trying to get in as much park time as I can. The terrain is so challenging. I really needed that to step up my game from last year. I hate The Big Hill and I love The Big Hill.

My ride on Wednesday is too late in the day. I just don't have the energy in late afternoons that I do uh the morning. I am trying to get out early but circumstances this week just didn't allow for it.

A late workout on Wednesday and an early 6 mile run Thursday morning followed by a 1200 meter swim and I am just about wasted. I need rest and I realize now that swimming on Sunday was a mistake. 13 days of training without a rest day is not helping my performance and it certainly is doing nothing form state of mind. I have been falling asleep almost immediately and sleeping like the dead. I cannot wait for Sunday.