Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Race Timing Wakefield - Computer help was excellent, so day was fairly low stress.

Long day after leaving the house at 6:40, first race at 8, second at 9, third at 11, and then the 1:30 race was canceled because of thunderstorms. Like some other AP readers lately, the lightening was a little close, hitting a nearby transformer.

Hot and humid - soaking wet just standing. Ugh!

Taped up my ankle and tackled David's Summer Series Training exercise - corridors only on the map. http://www.vmeyer.net/ostuff/rockville_ss.pdf

I realized I skipped #7 when I got to #8 (didn't even see it), and I wasn't going all the way back for it! Error to 9, relocated from 10, and relocated from 3 to find 12. Took a stupid way back to finish - climbing up, down, and way the heck up again. Apart form those things, I was pretty happy with my effort.

I didn't spend too much time worrying about what was a good route choice. I waste so much time heavy thinking during a meet, and often changing my mind partway through a leg. Today, I was seeing the terrain well, and with limited choices, I used my compass more, and picked off things along the way.

I didn't run much at all, and things are a little stiff with the ankle and elsewhere. I did my damnedest to try to hurt myself today, but I stayed on my feet, and no major damage was done.

I spent 4 hours today doing yard work, mostly trimming the holly bushes. I ran out of steam and time, so 2/3 of the cuttings still need to be picked up.

C • good training 2

IN: 2.5 miles 15:00
Mail run: 1.6 miles 9:00
Home: 4 miles 22:00 (forgot to take the hill split, but it wasn't a good one. Felt like I needed my inhaler on the way home today.)

Had intended to ride in yesterday, but there were storms in the forecast for most of the day, so I drove. Of course, it didn't rain until 8 PM.

Today's ride was a little hairy since I didn't leave the house until 7:15. Difficult to get past the school with all of the cars and buses, and the big van which blocks the sight line down the street. Then, there were tons of vehicles at the light, including buses, so I actually got off and walked in the crosswalk to the other side, then circled around to get the light from the other direction. The rest went fine.

My legs were pooped last night, so I passed on a run. I am still very tired today since I stayed up until almost 1 PM. After work, I watched movies on the laptop in the basement while I sorted out some stuff. Unfortunately, now I have a big pile which I need to get rid of. Most can go out with the trash tomorrow, but some things will require more effort to get rid of, like the ancient, heavy dehumidifier (it was in the house when we moved in 22 years ago).

In the evening, I moved to the upstairs and programmed and labeled control units.

Tonight, I need to get all of the recycling and trash to the curb.

Spent three more hours this evening tossing and recycling. An outsider might think it is a bit cluttered, but I see the improvement - like I am not tripping over things in the basement where I have my epunching stuff and bike.

C • Freecycle 4

A chubby deer tick found on my chubby dear side this morning. It was so full, that it exploded when I applied the tweezers to it.

I had an appointment in Reston for a bike fitting/review with Anne, the owner of the Bike Lane. The Bike Lane is one of the sponsors of the EX2 races I work, and they bring their mobile repair shop (a really cool Sprinter van) to the bike races. Though there are several bike stores closer than Reston, including the one I bought my bike from three years ago, I felt more comfortable asking Anne to work with me.

I have been frustrated that I never seem to go any faster. I know that part of this is the function of riding a hybrid bike, but it seems like I work really hard and don't improve much. I also had pain in my feet and my tail bone.

Goals were 1) make sure the bike was setup correctly, 2) try clipless pedals, 3) learn how to change a tire (Kissy, you and I can spend that lesson time doing something fun instead), and 4) try the sleeveless tops from SheBeest in 1X size.

And the results were 1) advice on a better riding posture, new seat and seat was raised higher, should strengthen the abs (umm, it has been a while since I did any of those), 2) Shimano shoes and pedals which I was able to clip in and out of them pretty easily in the store. Happily, my left ankle was not an issue, 3) "changed" the back tube (mostly by myself), and then had to do the front one also when the stem broke off while putting air in it, and 4) SheBeest 1X shirts work - looser than regular bike shirts, which I like, and the armholes aren't overly huge. I bought 2 sleeveless and one with sleeves.

I had a blast spending money :), I learned some stuff, and then I really enjoyed the bike ride which followed!

I hopped on the W&OD trail which is 2 blocks from the store and headed out to Leesburg. Maybe 12-15 stop signs or lights each way.

It was pretty warm - about 90. I am glad I had change on me for a cold sports drink at Smith's Station on the way back. The cold drink was much appreciated.

I did really well with the clipless pedals, so well, that I can't believe it is true! I unclipped at every stop sign and light, so I got lots of practice. I did almost fall at one stop sign because I didn't come off of the seat, and since I can't touch the ground anymore when I sit on the seat, this is not a good idea. But I recovered, so no bloodshed (today). ;) So, a very good day!

I was very happy with being able to toodle along at an average of less than 5 minutes per mile. I don't need to go any faster than that really. I just wanted to feel like I wasn't stuck/stagnant.

Thank you to Anne and the Bike Lane.

C • cycling 9

C • Getting Into Biking 4

Today's ankle picture. Maybe a little less swollen, but the bruising is prettier. Surprisingly, it is not very painful, just a little sore when I rotate it. Except when it stiffen up the first night, I have had no issues putting weight on it.



Hmmm, I see that I need to sweep the floor. :)