It was magical, I tell you. Simply magical.
Jess gave me some wonderful advice a few days ago: "Just don't ride 'er too hard, since she's new and you're all excited, you don't wanna get all sore :)" I read this advice, took it to heart, and then completely ignored it because, well, I was too excited.
The first time was just a quickie. I went out for a route which my map said was 10 miles out at Russell Cave. It was a nice route, wonderful scenery, and pretty low traffic. Garmin is claiming the route was only 8.3 miles. And now that I typed that (and checked my map), I just noticed I made a wrong turn. No wonder! I feel wonderfully intelligent! Not only was our first time a quickie, I also didn't know where I was going. Interpret that as you will.
Needless to say, I think I'm in love. This new bike makes riding a ton easier than the fifteen year old hybrid I had this summer. I started out with a little more gusto than I should have and averaged about 20 MPH the first three miles. All in all my average speed was 17 MPH, which I'm really happy with since I think my highest average speed this last summer was 15 or 16!
She's a good ride. Lets hope I'm not too sore to go at it again tomorrow!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Dead Week Cometh...
Next week is what we like to call "Dead Week" here at University of Kentucky. Every class has a final project due, and final exams are the following week. Everybody is stressed and is essentially a walking zombie for the entire week. But I'm not worried.
In fact, I don't plan to cut back on any of my swimming, biking, or running because of school. I have two large projects due, and a good amount of grading. However, its all under control. At least I think it is. In my classes, I'm one of the only ones who doesn't look completely and totally stressed out. And I'm also willing to bet I'm the only one who has been working out almost every day! Coincidence? I think not.
This entire week I haven't missed a workout, and I've been eating pretty well too. All in all, I think its actually helping me get things done, and resulting in having more energy. I feel like all my time has to be structured, and I need to get "x, y, and z" done before I go swim, etc. I have less time in the day to work than everybody else, but I'm getting much more done during my productive hours! Hopefully this trend continues!
Today my hip is feeling wonderful. Practically perfect. I really feel like getting out for a run, but I'm going to lay low today and follow my every other day rule. Plus I'm going swimming tonight anyways, and as tempting as it is to run there and back, I'm going to give my hip a break until tomorrow.
Tomorrow, my shiny new lady in red is going to lose her metaphorical virginity. Sure, I rode her yesterday morning, but that was just foreplay. Tomorrow is the real thing. Right now the plan (although not set in stone yet) is to ride in the evening after class for ~20 miles with Bryan and maybe Mike. If they aren't game, I'll head out on my own. I'm debating a run in the morning, an easy 2 miles; something I know my hip can handle. I might cancel it since I have the ride in the evening, but I haven't made up my mind yet.
In fact, I don't plan to cut back on any of my swimming, biking, or running because of school. I have two large projects due, and a good amount of grading. However, its all under control. At least I think it is. In my classes, I'm one of the only ones who doesn't look completely and totally stressed out. And I'm also willing to bet I'm the only one who has been working out almost every day! Coincidence? I think not.
This entire week I haven't missed a workout, and I've been eating pretty well too. All in all, I think its actually helping me get things done, and resulting in having more energy. I feel like all my time has to be structured, and I need to get "x, y, and z" done before I go swim, etc. I have less time in the day to work than everybody else, but I'm getting much more done during my productive hours! Hopefully this trend continues!
Today my hip is feeling wonderful. Practically perfect. I really feel like getting out for a run, but I'm going to lay low today and follow my every other day rule. Plus I'm going swimming tonight anyways, and as tempting as it is to run there and back, I'm going to give my hip a break until tomorrow.
Tomorrow, my shiny new lady in red is going to lose her metaphorical virginity. Sure, I rode her yesterday morning, but that was just foreplay. Tomorrow is the real thing. Right now the plan (although not set in stone yet) is to ride in the evening after class for ~20 miles with Bryan and maybe Mike. If they aren't game, I'll head out on my own. I'm debating a run in the morning, an easy 2 miles; something I know my hip can handle. I might cancel it since I have the ride in the evening, but I haven't made up my mind yet.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
I'm Sorry, Helen, but...
There's a new lady in my life. It just wasn't working between us. You're too needy. I've spent at least $400 on you in the past few months, and without insurance it would have been thousands! Don't even get me started on the emotional distress. Its over. I've found someone better.
Sure, she cost me a little more up front, but not by much. Plus she's really light weight, too. Oh, don't give me that, I wasn't calling you fat. Honest. Not to mention how grouchy you've been these past few months. You won't even let me do the things I enjoy. You're out of here. This new girl, well, I get to ride her several times a week if I want to.
Here she is:
Today has been a great day. I found out I could get my new bike for ~$200 cheaper than I originally thought I would, bought it, and got out for a 2.3 mile run!
I ended up picking up a helmet, gloves, biking shorts, an extra tube, bottle cage, and a tire lever as well. All in all, the total was less than I was planning to spend on the bike alone! Pretty sweet deal, huh? I can tell you're jealous.
I ran into a guy I run with at the bike shop too; he's starting triathlons in '08 and just bought a bike last week. The same one, actually. He has good taste! Sounds like I have someone to ride with already!
Running was good today. I ran a little quicker than I planned, but so far I'm not paying for it. In fact, my hip is feeling wonderful! Hopefully it stays that way after the run 'sets in.' Tomorrow is an off day with regards to running, but I might be riding with Brian and then swimming in the evening. The every other day thing seems to be working now, as long as I keep the build nice and gradual.
And last but not least, I really want some name suggestions for the bike, not joking! I can't believe you passed up the chance to give something a trashy name earlier, Marcy, are you feeling ill?
Sure, she cost me a little more up front, but not by much. Plus she's really light weight, too. Oh, don't give me that, I wasn't calling you fat. Honest. Not to mention how grouchy you've been these past few months. You won't even let me do the things I enjoy. You're out of here. This new girl, well, I get to ride her several times a week if I want to.
Here she is:
Today has been a great day. I found out I could get my new bike for ~$200 cheaper than I originally thought I would, bought it, and got out for a 2.3 mile run!
I ended up picking up a helmet, gloves, biking shorts, an extra tube, bottle cage, and a tire lever as well. All in all, the total was less than I was planning to spend on the bike alone! Pretty sweet deal, huh? I can tell you're jealous.
I ran into a guy I run with at the bike shop too; he's starting triathlons in '08 and just bought a bike last week. The same one, actually. He has good taste! Sounds like I have someone to ride with already!
Running was good today. I ran a little quicker than I planned, but so far I'm not paying for it. In fact, my hip is feeling wonderful! Hopefully it stays that way after the run 'sets in.' Tomorrow is an off day with regards to running, but I might be riding with Brian and then swimming in the evening. The every other day thing seems to be working now, as long as I keep the build nice and gradual.
And last but not least, I really want some name suggestions for the bike, not joking! I can't believe you passed up the chance to give something a trashy name earlier, Marcy, are you feeling ill?
The decision is made!
I finally picked out the bike I'm getting.
I'm going with the 2007 Specialized Allez Triple. This is "last year's" model, and by "last year" I mean "not next year." Since they're trying to unload the 2007's, I'm getting it for 20% off. Cha ching!
This brought the choice down to a good bike for $650 +$70 for 3 years service or a great bike for $616 + free life time service. Tough choice, right?
I'll post a picture of MY lady in red tonight.
But she needs a name.
Any ideas?
I'm going with the 2007 Specialized Allez Triple. This is "last year's" model, and by "last year" I mean "not next year." Since they're trying to unload the 2007's, I'm getting it for 20% off. Cha ching!
This brought the choice down to a good bike for $650 +$70 for 3 years service or a great bike for $616 + free life time service. Tough choice, right?
I'll post a picture of MY lady in red tonight.
But she needs a name.
Any ideas?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Randomness
I just have a whole bunch of random stuff today. Enjoy.
Today was (probably) my last trip to the PT. I did schedule another appointment next week, but informed him I will probably call and cancel. I think the rest and strengthening exercises are what is bringing me back. I'm fairly certain the ultrasound and ASTYM aren't really making an impact at all, but if things fall apart, I'll go right back. Promise.
I'm doing more bike shopping again. Still looking at the same three bikes as before, with the exception of looking at the '08 Specialized Allez. I still have a little sticker shock going on, and am having a hard time bringing myself to drop almost a thousand dollars on the bike + accessories. Seriously. Thats a lot of money! I'm still leaning towards Specialized, though. The components are all around better than the other two bikes, and it is just a little bit more expensive. I'm going around later today and tomorrow to test ride all three bikes.
I stopped by and talked to one of the ride leader's from the local bike club to talk about different routes in the area. He busted out a folder that had at least 200 routes in it, and picked out the shorter ones for me to do. I picked his brain about a lot of biking stuff to try and balance out what would be the best choice.
My hip is feeling fantastic today, even after running yesterday! I'm feeling like this horrible road is almost over, as long as I'm patient in rebuilding my miles. Needless to say, I'm in the best mood in a long time!
Swimming tonight. I think I figured out my "sinking" problem from a few weeks ago, so it should go a whole lot better!
And.... some responses to various comments!
Bill -- I know exactly what you mean.
Marcy -- Since I MUST tell you, I weight 135 dripping wet. My metabolism is on crack, I exercise a lot, eat good, and haven't lifted weights for who knows how long. What do you expect?!
Nancy -- Don't get me started on this professor. I think "jerk" is very mild compared to what I could come up with!
Today was (probably) my last trip to the PT. I did schedule another appointment next week, but informed him I will probably call and cancel. I think the rest and strengthening exercises are what is bringing me back. I'm fairly certain the ultrasound and ASTYM aren't really making an impact at all, but if things fall apart, I'll go right back. Promise.
I'm doing more bike shopping again. Still looking at the same three bikes as before, with the exception of looking at the '08 Specialized Allez. I still have a little sticker shock going on, and am having a hard time bringing myself to drop almost a thousand dollars on the bike + accessories. Seriously. Thats a lot of money! I'm still leaning towards Specialized, though. The components are all around better than the other two bikes, and it is just a little bit more expensive. I'm going around later today and tomorrow to test ride all three bikes.
I stopped by and talked to one of the ride leader's from the local bike club to talk about different routes in the area. He busted out a folder that had at least 200 routes in it, and picked out the shorter ones for me to do. I picked his brain about a lot of biking stuff to try and balance out what would be the best choice.
My hip is feeling fantastic today, even after running yesterday! I'm feeling like this horrible road is almost over, as long as I'm patient in rebuilding my miles. Needless to say, I'm in the best mood in a long time!
Swimming tonight. I think I figured out my "sinking" problem from a few weeks ago, so it should go a whole lot better!
And.... some responses to various comments!
Bill -- I know exactly what you mean.
Marcy -- Since I MUST tell you, I weight 135 dripping wet. My metabolism is on crack, I exercise a lot, eat good, and haven't lifted weights for who knows how long. What do you expect?!
Nancy -- Don't get me started on this professor. I think "jerk" is very mild compared to what I could come up with!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Rainy Run!
Woooo! Best run in ages! I just ran a rockin' 1.28 miles in the rain. No, a complete downpour. I was smiling the entire way. I got some pretty weird looks, but it was amazing!
Here's proof of the run:
Here's proof of the run:
I'll Call it Progress
These last several days have been absolutely crazy.
Its mostly been due to school. I had an assignment the professor claimed would take him about 40 hours to complete. Needless to say, my Thanksgiving break wasn't much of a break. But its finally over. The cold I caught last week is done too. I'm no longer blowing twice my body weight out of my nose every day, which I think is definitely progress!
My TFL was a little sore after my monumental 1.5 mile run on Friday, so I took a couple days off. No shame in that. I'm feeling great again today and am going to go out for another run this evening after class. As long as I can keep running a little bit and recover from it, I'll be able to say I'm on the road to recovery!
I did a little thinking on my drive back to Kentucky last night about what could be causing my TFL to get sore from minimal amounts of running. The TFL is on the side of the leg, so it shouldn't be used too much for propelling me forward. As far as I understand it is mostly designed to keep things stable, but correct me if I'm wrong. Then I started thinking about what could cause me to use my TFL more, what would make it wear out so fast?
The only answer I can come up with is that I'm pushing off at an angle. If my body or leg is rotated too much, I might engage my TFL more when pushing off. On my way to class this morning I noticed my left leg was turned in slightly, so I'm making a conscious effort to undo it. I know with runners who pronate they say NOT to try and reverse the pronation, because it will only cause more damage. Is this similar, or does it somehow fall in another category?
I'm hoping I'm onto something here, but it could just be my sleep deprived brain (3 hours of sleep last night, woohoo!) telling me stories. Either way, I'm going to try concentrating on this one detail during my run tonight, and we'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Here's to progress,
-Doug
Its mostly been due to school. I had an assignment the professor claimed would take him about 40 hours to complete. Needless to say, my Thanksgiving break wasn't much of a break. But its finally over. The cold I caught last week is done too. I'm no longer blowing twice my body weight out of my nose every day, which I think is definitely progress!
My TFL was a little sore after my monumental 1.5 mile run on Friday, so I took a couple days off. No shame in that. I'm feeling great again today and am going to go out for another run this evening after class. As long as I can keep running a little bit and recover from it, I'll be able to say I'm on the road to recovery!
I did a little thinking on my drive back to Kentucky last night about what could be causing my TFL to get sore from minimal amounts of running. The TFL is on the side of the leg, so it shouldn't be used too much for propelling me forward. As far as I understand it is mostly designed to keep things stable, but correct me if I'm wrong. Then I started thinking about what could cause me to use my TFL more, what would make it wear out so fast?
The only answer I can come up with is that I'm pushing off at an angle. If my body or leg is rotated too much, I might engage my TFL more when pushing off. On my way to class this morning I noticed my left leg was turned in slightly, so I'm making a conscious effort to undo it. I know with runners who pronate they say NOT to try and reverse the pronation, because it will only cause more damage. Is this similar, or does it somehow fall in another category?
I'm hoping I'm onto something here, but it could just be my sleep deprived brain (3 hours of sleep last night, woohoo!) telling me stories. Either way, I'm going to try concentrating on this one detail during my run tonight, and we'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Here's to progress,
-Doug
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