Plodding Along

Oakee 1992-2008

I miss her beyond words.  Oakee, my companion and best friend of 16 years passed away on Saturday. 

Prepared, I was not.  When I awoke Saturday am, I never thought in a million years that my baby would take her last breath in my arms later that evening. 

We made the heart wrenching decision to allow her to pass in dignity and grace.  I'm grateful I was able to hold her as she crossed over. I can only hope this gave her a sense of comfort. I hope she has nothing but fond memories of her time spent with me. 

She's been with me through the best of times and the worst of times.  By my side always, extending her paw to touch me when I was feeling down.  Curling up in my lap as I read cuz she wanted to be close.  Sprawling out on my chest when she she was an itty-bitty kitten...sprawling out on my chest when she was 16, thinking she was still an itty-bitty kitten.  Walking across my keyboard when she wanted my attention.  Head butting me when she was feeling affectionate.  Just a few things I'll miss.  I wish I could have had another 16 years with her.

I know that she'll always be with me.  She's left an everlasting imprint on my heart, she's part of me. I know that I am part of her.

 There will never be another quite like my Oakee.  I miss you and love you.  

Making amends

The other week, I vowed that I would try to lead a more compassionate life. Sure, I consider myself a good person. I would never knowingly do anything to hurt or harm another. I try to be nice and treat people how I would like to be treated.

There are times though, where I know I could have extended myself further. Really reached out to someone in need, but didn’t for whatever reason. Maybe I was too wrapped up in myself , too preoccupied with whatever I was going through at the time. Well, I was going to change that, or so I thought.

The day before yesterday, I had just checked into my hotel in Atlanta. Starving to death, I ventured out on the streets hoping to find something quick to eat. As I rounded the corner, I heard, “Can you spare some change?” Without skipping a beat,  I glanced at the man and stated ,“Sorry bud, I’ve got nothing.” In actuality, I did have something…

Eventually, I happened across a sandwich joint. As I’m sitting there, filling my stomach, my thoughts turned to that man on the corner. I‘m ridden with guilt. Why didn’t I stop and give him something? Was it because I didn’t have any small change? Was I threatened by his looks? Was I so wrapped up in satisfying my needs that I ignored someone who had greater needs?

All I know was that I had to make amends. I went back into line so I could buy him some lunch, hopeful that he would still be at the same corner. I figured a sandwich and chips might hit the spot , along with a few bucks. As I was waiting to place my order, he entered the restaurant and got some water from the fountain. I know he saw me, then he was gone.

I wasn’t able to track him down and was beyond disappointed. My mission then changed to finding a soul that could use a bite to eat. Funny thing , now that I wanted to give, there was no one to give to. I was almost back to my hotel and still had the sandwich in tow.

I approached an intersection, my hotel was to the left. I meandered to my right and far off in the distance, I saw a figure sitting on a ledge. I headed in that direction and as I got closer, I could see he was a street person. His shoulders were slumped, head down, and surrounded by bags. I got within a couple feet of him and said, “Sir, you look like you could use I a bite to eat."  Visibly startled, he looked up at me, a bewildered look in his eyes. I repeated myself and told him I had a sandwich and chips that I couldn’t finish. I asked if I could give the food to him.  He looked at me with the most appreciative look I’ve ever seen in my entire life and nodded yes. He then told me he was just saying a prayer. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes.

He extended his hand to shake mine. I reached out to grasp his hand and at that moment, made one of the most intense connections with a stranger that I’ve ever made.

As I walked away, he thanked me yet again. That moment will forever live with me. I know I will never be able to solve the homeless issue.  I’ll never be able to end world hunger. What I can do is show some compassion and make a difference, one person at a time.

Happy 2008

Happy 2008!  It boggles my mind that 2007 has come and gone.  We spent a nice quiet evening watching movies and of course the ball drop.  I promptly fell asleep at 12:01.  Exciting, I know!

I'm still feeling soreness in my legs and left foot from the 17 mile run on Sunday.

It's quite the confidence builder knowing that I was able to run this distance outdoors even if it did take me 3 hours and 16 minutes.  My average pace was 11:34.  Fast I am not.  People assume I am fast because of my build.   I'm a back of the pack runner and don't think I'll ever eclipse a 10:00 mile.

My goal for the marathon is 5:30.  I think it's doable but will not be too disappointed if it takes longer. 

Been thinking about other events to tackle in 2008 and this is what I've come up with:

• AngelRide (130 Mile bike ride) in May
• Philadelphia Women's Duathlon in July
• Hartford Marathon in Oct

I just need to stay healthy, injury free and most importantly have fun. 

Week 15

Training continues even though the blogging flounders. 

The Shamrock Marathon is no longer just a fantasy.  I finally registered for the event so there's no turning back now.

My running has been consistent. I've been sticking to the training schedule and logging in the miles, both inside and out. I have 17-18 miles on my schedule for Sunday. The thought of it makes me wanna burst out in tears.  I plan on running outdoors so that adds to my stress level.

I've added yoga and core strength training to the mix.  The yoga routine is more bike specific but will definitely enhance my running.  Yoga reminds me just how out of shape I am.  It's challenging and leaves my muscles sore for days but it's a good pain.

Been using my new little GPS gadget, the Garmin 305.  I absolutely love this gizmo. I no longer have to plot out my course ahead of time and I love that I can now monitor my pace,,,as slow as it is.  I can even use it during treadmill runs with the foot pod accessory.

Hopefully I'll have a smile on my face at the end of my run on Sunday and still be able to walk.

Training update

Last time I posted my longest training run was 3 miles.  I'm now up to week 10 and 11 miles.

Long runs are done every Sunday.  Week 23 will have me running 23-26 miles and week 26 will end with the full marathon.  It's seems so far away and then again it doesn't.

I felt strong today.  In typical Linda fashion, I bundled up in cold weather gear that included gloves, tights, shorts, arm warmers, two shirts, skullcap, baseball cap and wind jacket (it's sub freezing somewhere). 

I completed 11 miles in 1:55.  Based on my treadmill times, I assumed I'd be out there for at least 2 1/4 hrs so I was happy with the time.

Surprisingly, running outside has been nothing but good.  This totally surprises me because I do not function well in cooler temperatures.  I always dread having to take that first step outside but when the alternative is to go to the gym and somehow maintain my sanity on a treadmill for 2 plus hours, running in the cold becomes much more appealing.

I've been doing the shorter weekday runs outside as well.  There is a certain element of danger because I've been running after sundown.  Between my headlamp, blinky cycling light attached to my baseball cap and reflector vest, I look like like a flashing neon sign.  I'm probably more noticeable at night then during the day.

Looking forward to running in the snow!

Still here

I'm two weeks into my marathon training program.  Why am I doing this again???  I have my reasons but sometimes I forget. 

Week one included running, walking & cross training. Week two, more of the same.

I love the cross training days because that's when I get to hop on my bike.  I love that bike.

Speaking of bike, I've participated in some organized events over the last couple of months.  The NYC Century Bike Tour was spectacular.  Did the 55 mile route that had me pedaling away on the Brooklyn Bridge bike path. Riding above traffic...quite a feeling.

The Triborough Bridge path was another perk.  Loved it. 

I saw two people fall. One went over her handle bars and luckily only sustained minor injuries.  I can't quite figure out how she managed that one but I was glad to see her on her bike again.

I fell over once trying to unclip.  No injuries, just a little embarrassed.

Val and I did a 40 miler for MS two weeks ago. We finally got her a hybrid and she was excited to test her limits on this ride.  She did really well except for one fall that left her with bruised ribs.  She was a trooper and finished the ride!

My hopes are to get in at least one or two long rides in October and possibly November.  Hint, hint hun ;-)

Training tidbits

Haven't been blogging but I have been training.  Running outdoors on a more frequent basis.  There's  a great outdoor track in Fairfield that Val introduced me to a couple weeks ago.

It's quite cushy and springy.  My feet, calves, and knees love this track.  My longest run has only been  a little over three miles. Eventually the runs will be longer and knowing that this track is always an alternative to the treadmill or pavement eases my nerves.

Still biking when possible.  I went on a 17 miler Saturday and loved every minute of it.  I was riding solo as Val had some things to tend to.  I saw some groups of pretty serious looking riders and was secretly envious of the whole group dynamic.  I rode with a much smaller group last month and had a blast.  Hopeful that we'll be able to get together again to ride.

Next month I'll be riding with a friend in the NYC century.  There's a 15, 35, 55, 75, and 100 mile route.  We're biking 35 miles.  I don't think I'm ready for 55 and certainly not the 75 or 100 miler.

The ride starts in Central park and ends there as well. I think I read somewhere that past rides have had 6,000 cyclists.  That's alot of bikes!

Unfinished business

Three years ago,  I trained for a marathon. I put in the work, the long runs, I lost toes nails.  I completed a 24 mile training run in pouring rain.  After that run, I came back to a flat tire.  Two weeks later, the Hartford marathon went on without me.

Rather then go into details of why I didn't complete my goal, I'll just summarize by saying life got in my way.  I wasn't strong enough (mentally & emotionally) for the challenge.  I was going through a difficult time and was completely overcome by a sense of helplessness, sadness, and numbness.  I lost all motivation and basically gave up.

Since then, I've trained for and competed in a number of events. I've done 5k's, 10k's, half marathon's and duathlons.  They were tough. None of them came easy for me.  Yet, I still have this nagging feeling of having failed to reach that one goal I set for myself three years ago.  It's been an albatross around my neck and I'm ready to remove it.

I've been floundering these days and it's not making me very happy.  Since the duathlon, my workouts have been inconsistent.

I've gone on some bike rides and have hit the gym a few times but overall,  I've been slacking.  I knew this was going to happen.  It always does after I've completed whatever event I was training for.

This means that I must always have something lined up.  It keeps me motivated and I just like the challenge.

My next big event will be the Shamrock Marathon in Virgina beach on March 16th, 2008.

I've my training program all picked out but there is a problem.  It's a 26 week program so I don't officially start till Sept 17th. 

I will go out of my mind and if I don't have a structured program over the next month or so.  In order to maintain a happy household and my laid back persona,  I've decided to start early, as in today.

I'll start the 1st week of training and just repeat for 6 weeks till Sept 17th.  :-) 

I'm following Jeff Galloway's "To Finish" program.  Details to follow.

For now, I'm just thrilled to start!  I need to take care of some unfinished business.

Very late post

So I'm a month late!!

Our weekend in Philly was fabulous.  We arrived Saturday afternoon, quickly dropped off our bags at our hotel in central Philly and headed off to MLK Blvd for pre race festivities.

Finding the place was a challenge. Let's just say the directions were not clear and had us totally confused.  We ended up stalking some woman with a bike atop her car and she pointed us in the right direction.

As we headed down to the registration area I couldn't help but get excited.  We were surrounded by bikes and women.  All kinds of women including the serious athletic sort, the amateur, the newbie, old and young alike.

We made our way over to the registration area and picked up my gear that included a really nice mesh training shirt.  Gotta love freebies!

Most importantly, we made it in time to hear words from the race director as well as from the motivational speaker.  I just loved being there.  I was trying to take in everything, totally being in the moment.  My eyes were drawn to the bikes. sigh,,they were beautiful.

The following morning, we were up and out by 6:30 am.

Val dropped me off as close as possible to the race site and I nervously walked my bike down the winding road and joined the masses that gathered near the tents.

To say I felt intimidated would be quite the understatement. Let's just say that some most of the equipment I saw put my little bike to shame. 

Bikes were outfitted with toe clips, tri-bars, race wheels and multiple water bottles.  Some of the accessories cost more then my bike.

I got my body marked with my bib number, age,  and event and was off to the transition area to rack my bike.  I started chatting with a woman who helped ease my nerves as this was her first duathlon as well. 

After chatting with a couple others, I made my way up to the starting line.  Since I am the back of the pack runner/biker,  I positioned myself as far back as possible.  No need to slow the rabbits down with my slow ass self.

The first leg was a 2 mile run that I finished in 17:22.  My legs felt pretty good as I ran into the transition area.  As I started to put my gloves and helmet on I noticed the bike of the woman I was speaking to earlier was still on the rack.  Yup, I was happy I came in ahead of her.

As I exited I saw Val holding a sign cheering me on. This was very sweet. 

Time to hit the pavement for 17 miles, hopefully without incident.  There's something about being on a bike in a competitive environment that feels empowering. 

The crowd was just great.  They were hooting and hollering as the bikers took off.

It was a two loop course that was flat and fast.  I saw the aftermath of one accident as I approached a turn.  This poor woman was trying to get up after she had wiped out.  It was painful to see this woman struggling to get out from under her bike.  My first instinct was to stop and see if she needed help but then I remembered where  I was and what I was doing. 

Medical personnel were within feet of her so I just swerved out of the way and continued on.  About midway through the race when I started feeling a heaviness in my legs,  I started to repeat the mantra, "it's just me against the pavement."

I had no chance in hell against most of the bikers. This little mantra served as a reminder that I am not competing against those athletes but against the road that's ahead of me. 

It wasn't till the last mile or so that my legs really felt fatigued but I knew the end was near. To help me through the last mile, I inhaled a couple of sport beans.  The extra sugar seemed to do the trick.

I finally racked my bike and transitioned to the run.  The most dreaded part of the event for me.  Legs were feeling like jello and not wanting to move much.  I started with a shuffle and eventually was able to find a pace that was comfortable.   

The 5k was a killer but I tricked myself into finishing by using positive affirmations to help overshadow the negative self talk.  I was tired and hot and wanted to walk. I also knew how disappointed I 'd be if I didn't finish under 2 hours.  That was my motivation to keep on running and I crossed the finish line in 1:54:32.

I was beyond excited and am ready for the tri next year.  I think I want to tackle the swim.  I'm not sure how to go about it yet but I'm sure I'll find some swimming training program.

Val is inspired as well and I think she wants to train for the duathlon!  She's well on her way and training for her first 5k. 

It's that time

It's race time.

We're heading to Philly tomorrow for the main event! 

We'll get there in time for packet pick-up/registration and the pre-race pep rally. Jane Booth, author of Transformed by Triathlon: The Making of an Improbable Athlete, will be a guest speaker.  Inspiration for both the newbies and experienced. 

After all that excitement, we're going to check out the sights and maybe even go to Sisters, a lesbian bar.  Just a frenzy of activity awaits us!

Of course, I must be on my best behavior. Only water on the rocks and we must be in our room before midnight. Must get plenty of rest for Sunday.

I'm feeling a bit of the pre-race jitters.  I'm sure that this time tomorrow , I will be completely nauseas and ready to come home.

The post race celebration, now that's what I'm looking forward to.  I'm sure Val is too.