Plodding Along

Hitched and racked

Our vehicle is finally hitched and we're ready to ride!!

Day before yesterday our friendly neighborhood U-haul installed the hitch. I installed the bike rack yesterday without too much difficulty.

The once cute little CR-V now has a rugged look to her.  She's edgy.

This jumbo sized rack can accommodate 4 bikes.  More then enough for our purposes.

It will be so nice carrying the bikes the way they were meant to be carried.  For the past couple of months we've been carrying them in the back and have scuffed the interior quite a bit.  A more appropriate term is marred the interior.

Looking forward to testing the rack out tomorrow.  Just hope the bikes stay snug and secure.  Last thing we need are bikes flying off on I-95!

On a side note, last Sunday I completed the Fairfield 5k in 29:47.  I was happy to finish under 30 minutes. Trust me, this is a good time for me.

Overall, I came in 419 out of 606.  Not quite in the top half but I'm working on it!!

The ride that wasn't

It was supposed to be stress free 1 hour training ride.  The weather was perfect. The view was lovely, the breeze was refreshing.   I was feeling good.  Then it happened.  5 miles into my "perfect" ride, I noticed a change in the feel of my ride.

I pulled off the road and discovered my front tire was flat.  I knew exactly where it happened.  I was paying attention to the surroundings versus the road and sailed over a pot hole. It wasn't huge but it did send a jolt through the bike. An impact strong enough to pop my tire tube.  I just hope I didn't damage the wheel rim too.

I was about 2 miles from where Val was vegging on the beach.  I didn't want to disturb me lady but I didn't want to walk the 2 miles either.  I ended up interrupting her sun bathing and she came to my rescue.  Many thanks hun!!

If I was a true biker, I'd have known how to fix a flat.  Instead, I'm hauling the bike to the shop tomorrow so I can spend more money on this new found love.

Going to have to invest in a spare tube and some bike tools so next time around I can be somewhat self sufficient.

As a side note, I started my ride with a ladybug as a passenger.  Rather then flick her off my shorts as I normally would have done, I let her tag along.  I thought she'd bring me luck or at least keep me safe since I wasn't wearing my helmet.  So much for being a symbol of good fortune!

The nerves

Sigh.....there's only a few more weeks till the big race and I'm not feeling particularly confident.  I've been logging in running and biking miles but most of the running has been on a treadmill.

The only way I can get my ass running outside is if there's a race.  I don't mind so much running with crowds but I feel extremely self conscious when running on my own.

I registered for this Sunday's Fairfield 5k in order to guarantee that I log in some road miles.  There's a 1/2 marathon too but I don't want to totally wear my legs out. I also don't want Val to have to hang around waiting for me to finish.

My goal for this race is to finish under 30 minutes,,ideally around the 29 minute mark.  I just hope it's not too warm.

I wasn't ready

I made it to the gym tonight and am an official Black card member.

There was quite the crowd there when I arrived.  About 6:30ish the place was swarming with sweaty, slimy people.

The most amazing thing happened.....I started producing sweat just the like rest of em.

I actually broke out into a full sweat on the treadmill.  I had no I idea that could happen to me.  I was amazed, shocked,  even  disturbed.

It started about 30 minutes into my run and would not stop.  I wasn't prepared for the mess. No towels to blot my face.  Sweat was stinging my eyes.   Are you happy now hun??

I had to turn on the fan just to cool down.  I never knew treadmills came equipped with fans.  When did those come out??

Other then being a sweat ball, I've no real complaints.  I may need to go a little later to avoid the masses because I don't like having to wait for machines. 

Overall, it gets a higher grade then the JCC.  There are certainly more bodies at Planet Fitness versus the JCC.  I found it a bit comforting seeing all those people pushing themselves past their comfort levels. 

I'll have to try out a stationary bike on my next visit.  Wondering if they have fans too?   

 

Weekend fun and then some.....

I'm ready for work.  Weekends are burning me out these days. 

Yesterday we went to Val's parents house for brunch then off to the pool so the three musketeers could swim their afternoon away.

I completed my bike ride and run before joining the group at the pool.

By the time I was on the road, no amount of sunblock would protect me from the sun.  It was hot, yet,  I was comfortable on the bike.  The breeze kept my body temperature in check. 

I rode for an hour, all the while,  dreading having to transition into the run.  The run was not quite as pleasant as the bike ride. 

The run was only a half hour but I was spent.  Part of my problem is that I don't have a water bottle carrier.  On the treadmill, I can easily run without having to hydrate.  Running outside is another story and the lack of water affects my performance.

There's only one carrier that I like but I've been putting off the purchase. I've been eying the Fuel Belt for what seems like years but just never got around to buying it.  My future plans may require that I splurge on this little number.

I met up with the very happy gaggle of swimmers after my run and was content to sit back and rest a bit.  Val was brave and joined the little ones in the ice cold water.  Me, not so much.  I'd rather bask in the warmth of the sun then freeze in the pool.

Later in the day, I met up with my friend at Planet Fitness. I had hopes of getting a tour but apparently I wasn't in the system as I just signed up on Friday.  I did get to use some equipment and my plan is to pay them a visit tomorrow so I can become an official member.

As for today, Val and I biked a bit and spent some time at the pool.

She swam, I watched.  That's how I like it.

Weekend workout

Out with the JCC and in with Planet Fitness.

We cancelled our membership with the JCC this past week for a couple reasons.  Cost was a huge factor.

For almost $100/month we had access to the gym and the pool.  They have a limited assortment of equipment, for example, only two upright bikes.  They are either closed or open for a limited number of hours on Jewish holidays.  Unfortunately, training must still go on.

The staff is limited. There are two trainers, one of which does absolutely nothing but talk.  I come in and hear his voice before I even see him.  I leave and he's still chatting away.  God forbidd you ask him how to use a piece of equipment and make him work. I did this once and ever since then, he's never looked in my direction again. 

A good friend of mine told me to look into Planet Fitness.  Not only did I look, but I signed up today.  I haven't stepped foot in the place but from what I gather the space is huge and there's plenty of machines. 

It's $60.00 cheaper then the JCC and I have access to all 80 of their locations.

I'm meeting up with Kim at the gym tomorrow so I don't have to wander around all by my lonesome on my first day.

My first workout will be in the am.  I've an hour of biking followed by 1/2 hour of running. I'll be doing this around Val's parents house which happens to be near the water.   Later in the day, I'll do some light weights with Kim.

I'm tired thinking about it but with July 8th just around the corner, I can't afford to slack off.

Sunday, Val and I will attempt a semi long bike ride.  Most likey in the 12-25 mile range.

It's supposed to be a recovery day. Ideally, I'm to stay off my legs as much as possible but it's not often Val and I get the chance to go on these rides.   I'll try not to whine too much about how tired I am.

Happy Feet

I splurged on a new pair of running shoes yesterday.

I've been in a pair of New Balance for the past year or so.  They never felt quite right. They're on the colossal side. All that extra bulk slowed me down.  One of my many excuses for lumbering along!!

I decided it was time to pay Trail Blazers a visit.

After wandering the streets of New Haven looking for this store on Elm Street, I somehow stumbled across the store on the corner of Chapel and College.  Guess the listing I found was never updated.

I walked into the store and to my disappointment, I didn't see any running shoes.  I asked a sales associate if there were other stores close by that sold running gear and she promptly said no. 

She then asked a coworker where I could find running shoes and I was directed to the upper level.

How could a sales associate be so ignorant and not know what merchandise they carry??  She was completely clueless.

I ended up fitting myself.  Luckily, I have normal pronation. I don't think she could have fitted me otherwise.

I sold myself a fantastic pair of gel Asics.  They're light weight and feel wonderful on my feet.

I broke them in on the treadmill last night and my feet were feeling pretty agile. I don't think I'll ever run a 7 minute mile but I can always aim for 9. 

Looking forward to my next run!

Race day

Outdoor running is priority one over the next few weeks.  I need to get my legs road ready by July 8th.

I'm not doing anything close to the Iron Man but I do need some road miles under my belt if I even want to try to compete.

Val and I participated in the Black Rock Run For The Rock 5k.  Unfortunately, they didn't have timing chips. They used some type of antiquated timing equipment.  On paper,  I crossed the line in 30:05.  If I deduct the time it took me to cross the starting line, I am guessing I did a sub 30 5k.  Tortoise like for most but a new PR (personal record) for me.

I've always hovered between 34 - 36 minutes.  My goal coming into today was to come in under 30 and I finally did it.

Something switched in my brain over the past week.  When I first started running in these local races, my goal was to just finish.  I never really had a time goal in mind.  After the duathlon last week, the level of my competitiveness changed gears.

No longer happy with just finishing , I want better times.  I want to outrun more then a handful of people.  I want to push myself harder in training so when race day rolls around, I can finish in the top half. 

I didn't finish in the top half today but I did beat 75 people.  In previous races, I'd maybe surpass 20 -25 people on a good day.  I did take it up an extra notch and am happy with the results.

I will continue to push myself beyond my comfort zone and hopefully this extra effort will pay off!!

This was Val's first 5k and she did it in under her goal of 45 minutes. I'm so proud of her accomplishment. Her initial plan was to walk the entire distance but to my surprise she ran some as well.  She looked strong as she crossed the finish line.

I told her this could become addictive and she agreed and is ready to sign up for her second race.  July 4th is looking good!  With those long legs of hers, she's going to be leaving me in the dust!!

New toys

I fit in some biking this evening.  Rather then going to the gym,  I headed outdoors and did two loops for a total of about 14 miles. 

I didn't care so much for the traffic but overall it was a decent route.  A couple of hills that made my legs and lungs kick into overdrive.  One major pothole that could have caused some serious damage had I not managed to swerve around it. 

I'm seriously considering biking in the am.  Less traffic and what great way to kick off the day. 

My new favorite store is Breaking Away. Val and I both had our bikes assembled there. Seems as though I'm in the store at least once per week and I've a budding relationship with one of the guys that works there. 

Last week I picked up a helmet and tonight I treated myself to a mini bike pump and a bike computer.  I just installed it and can't wait to see just how accurate it is.  It measures distance, time, ave speed, and max speed. 

Next on my wish list are biking shorts, a jersey and bikes shoes!!  I'm partial to this pair of Shimano shoes.

I'm really enjoying this whole bike business.  It's a great workout and to top it off, it's just plain fun.

Monday ramblings

I'm so happy. A day of rest.  I was supposed to run today but I shall put it off till tomorrow.

Legs are slightly sore.  I thought they would've been worse off but not the case. :-)

Val and I enjoyed a free dinner courtesy of a mystery shop I had to do in Stamford. All I had to do was answer 1,000 survey questions.  OK, so I exaggerate a bit but they sure make you work for that free meal.

So many things to track. Names, times, cleanliness, decor, service, restrooms, food, condiments, and the list goes on and on.......

I just recently signed up for a few shops here and there.  Won't get rich doing these but will make an extra few bucks on the side, eat out for free, maybe catch a movie or two as well.

Tough getting back to work after vacation.  I miss sleeping in, going on long bike rides, wearing shorts and sandals.

Oh the misery of 9 to 5 or in my case 7:30 to 4:15.

Happy birthday to Val's Gram who would of been 99 today.