February was a HUGE month for me. I only missed 7 workouts. As a runner, that's like a whole week. But as a triathlete, that's like 3-4 days. I had a great month and am feeling faster, stronger, and fitter.
Swim = 16,150 meters (just over 10 miles of swimming!!!)
Bike = 180.26 miles
Run = 52.9 miles
Other = 1.5 hours
March is starting out with a rest week (hallelujah) and a race. Yes, a race!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
My friends made up a word in college: "not-a-girl". A "not-a-girl" is a girl who is somewhat tomboy and not really girly-girl at all. My college friends all claimed themselves to be "not-a-girls" but claimed me to be girly-girl. What? Their explanation, I was the only girl in the group who wore lip gloss or any makeup at all. Since that time, they've all gone on to have babies and I've gone on to pursue athletics. I would like think this definitely makes me a "not-a-girl" but in their eyes I'm still girly-girl. With Facebook as our form of communication now, my friends are finding out things about me like I like to blow snot rockets while running and yes I have talent enough to pee on myself while competing.
Just this week I had dinner with a friend from college who always thought of me as a girly-girl. He said, Meredith, I thought you were the one who always needed to shower and be made up. I think so differently of you now. :)
What's something about yourself that would shock your friends?
Just this week I had dinner with a friend from college who always thought of me as a girly-girl. He said, Meredith, I thought you were the one who always needed to shower and be made up. I think so differently of you now. :)
What's something about yourself that would shock your friends?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday Adventures
Yesterday was full of crazies and Dave and I were included.
The locker room at our gym has a digital scale. A woman got on the scale yesterday and stood for one minute or more staring at it. Now, I don't think she was in disbelief at the weight, she was waiting on the tenths to stop moving. The funny part was, she did this three different times. What cracked me up is that it looked like she was waiting on the weight to jump off her. Dude, those tenths aren't going to stop moving. You're breathing!!!
Dave and I got in the pool about 5:20pm. As soon as we got in the lifeguard put the sign out that our lane and the lane beside ours would be unavailable starting at 6:00 for water aerobics. I knew I could get my workout done, but Dave wasn't so sure. I finished my workout with about 10 minutes to go and Dave said he thought he was going to make it. As soon as I got out of the pool, however, the lifeguard was over undoing the lane lines and the class began moving into the pool with Dave. I approached the lifeguard and told her that Dave was almost done and that he was going to be done by 6:00. I said, if the lane was only available until 5:50 that the sign should have reflected it. She said not to worry. That Dave would be able to finish his workout. But, the class moved in and Dave splashed around them (and splashed them purposely too). What made me mad after all this was that this class not only pushy, only had three people in it and they took up two lanes. I kid you not, there were nearly 12 people waiting on a lane when Dave finished.
I went into the locker room and it was packed. I opened my locker and began to dry off and change. Let me do a little explaining. There are upper and lower lockers, which are pretty sizable. I always choose a lower locker because, well, I'm too short to reach the hooks in the upper lockers. As I'm disrobing this gigantor woman walks into my row and opens the upper locker two down from mine. She decides she doesn't like that one and opens the one right above mine. Now, I know I'm short, but I'm not invisible. She decides she doesn't like that one and then opens the upper one right beside me. She then looks at me and says, "I'm sorry." What the hell? Did you not notice me standing there? She then left all three of those lockers open and then went to another row to find another one. Wow!
Finally, Dave and I finish off the crazies. As much of the midwest and east coast this winter we have had a TON of snow. We have had snow on our lawn for the entire month of February which is just unheard of in Columbus. Yesterday we got some rain which began to melt the snow. Being that everything is frozen, Dave and I worried a little about our sump pump and our basement. Monday morning Dave did a little digging around the curbs to find the drain that goes from our sump pump to our street. He didn't find it before he went to work. When we came home from the gym we checked the basement and the walls were damp and the floor was changing colors. Despite our sump pump running, we needed to find that drain. After dinner (say around 9:30pm) Dave headed outside and began digging the snow again. By 10:00pm he still hadn't found the drain and he had almost gone the length of our yard along the curb. With my pajamas on, I put on my boots, hat and gloves and headed out to help. I took the flashlight and continued to help Dave look. At 10:30, I called my dad and asked for some help. He told us exactly where it should be, we dug there and nothing. With my dad on the phone we dug around our whole house and found nothing. NOTHING!! What? We were (and still are) completely stumped. Luckily, despite us being in the street, digging in the middle of the night, no one called the cops. :)
Maybe it was a full moon last night?
The locker room at our gym has a digital scale. A woman got on the scale yesterday and stood for one minute or more staring at it. Now, I don't think she was in disbelief at the weight, she was waiting on the tenths to stop moving. The funny part was, she did this three different times. What cracked me up is that it looked like she was waiting on the weight to jump off her. Dude, those tenths aren't going to stop moving. You're breathing!!!
Dave and I got in the pool about 5:20pm. As soon as we got in the lifeguard put the sign out that our lane and the lane beside ours would be unavailable starting at 6:00 for water aerobics. I knew I could get my workout done, but Dave wasn't so sure. I finished my workout with about 10 minutes to go and Dave said he thought he was going to make it. As soon as I got out of the pool, however, the lifeguard was over undoing the lane lines and the class began moving into the pool with Dave. I approached the lifeguard and told her that Dave was almost done and that he was going to be done by 6:00. I said, if the lane was only available until 5:50 that the sign should have reflected it. She said not to worry. That Dave would be able to finish his workout. But, the class moved in and Dave splashed around them (and splashed them purposely too). What made me mad after all this was that this class not only pushy, only had three people in it and they took up two lanes. I kid you not, there were nearly 12 people waiting on a lane when Dave finished.
I went into the locker room and it was packed. I opened my locker and began to dry off and change. Let me do a little explaining. There are upper and lower lockers, which are pretty sizable. I always choose a lower locker because, well, I'm too short to reach the hooks in the upper lockers. As I'm disrobing this gigantor woman walks into my row and opens the upper locker two down from mine. She decides she doesn't like that one and opens the one right above mine. Now, I know I'm short, but I'm not invisible. She decides she doesn't like that one and then opens the upper one right beside me. She then looks at me and says, "I'm sorry." What the hell? Did you not notice me standing there? She then left all three of those lockers open and then went to another row to find another one. Wow!
Finally, Dave and I finish off the crazies. As much of the midwest and east coast this winter we have had a TON of snow. We have had snow on our lawn for the entire month of February which is just unheard of in Columbus. Yesterday we got some rain which began to melt the snow. Being that everything is frozen, Dave and I worried a little about our sump pump and our basement. Monday morning Dave did a little digging around the curbs to find the drain that goes from our sump pump to our street. He didn't find it before he went to work. When we came home from the gym we checked the basement and the walls were damp and the floor was changing colors. Despite our sump pump running, we needed to find that drain. After dinner (say around 9:30pm) Dave headed outside and began digging the snow again. By 10:00pm he still hadn't found the drain and he had almost gone the length of our yard along the curb. With my pajamas on, I put on my boots, hat and gloves and headed out to help. I took the flashlight and continued to help Dave look. At 10:30, I called my dad and asked for some help. He told us exactly where it should be, we dug there and nothing. With my dad on the phone we dug around our whole house and found nothing. NOTHING!! What? We were (and still are) completely stumped. Luckily, despite us being in the street, digging in the middle of the night, no one called the cops. :)
Maybe it was a full moon last night?
Friday, February 19, 2010
Foto Friday
Because my dog has the best smile...
Also, happy birthday to my nephew who turned 7 last week...
Also, happy birthday to my nephew who turned 7 last week...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
Dave and I are really enjoying watching the winter Olympics. I'm totally loving all the snowboard sports and all the crazy super fast, super daring stuff. So we were talking the other day how death defying the winter sports are. And we were wondering, are there any other sports, specifically summer Olympic sports, that are as fearless as the winter sports?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
I Ruined Valentine's Day
A few years ago I ruined my birthday present two months before my birthday. It was around Valentine's day and I had heard on the radio that Michael Buble was coming in concert. I wanted to go so badly. I asked Dave to get tickets and he kind of danced around the idea. Then I got an e-card from my mom that said, Happy Birthday. It wasn't my birthday. Not even close. As it turns out, my parents had already bought me tickets to the concert for my birthday.
This year instead of my birthday, I ruined Valentine's Day.
Dave and I decided to do a month of no spending. The only spending we would do would be bills, gasoline, and groceries. That meant, there would be no Valentine's presents for each other. We agreed on it and assumed that would be the case.
For the last year and a half, Dave and I have been sharing a Garmin 405. It hasn't really been a problem as Dave was training for Ironman and I was training for my marathons. Plus, I've always been kind of anti-Garmin. I like to think of myself as a purist runner...just shoes. But since we are now training Iron-distance together it's becoming increasingly obvious that we both need a Garmin. There are just too many heart rate zones to keep track of and WAY too many intervals than my watch will program. I've been eying the Garmin 310XT for a while, but it's mighty expensive and while I was saving my pennies, I just didn't have enough.
Last Friday I had a breakdown. I went to Dave's office and tried to convince him that we needed to go to the store that night and buy me a Garmin. The bike rides were just getting too complicated to not have one. He said no. We were doing too goo on our month of no spending to break our pact. But, I said, it's my money!!! He said no and I left without saying goodbye. As I was walking back to my car, he called me and told me he already got me one for Valentine's Day. Great! I didn't buy him anything. And what happened to the month of no spending? Turns out, he didn't spend anything.
What?!
Our bank gives us points and rewards for every dollar we spend on our credit card. Considering we don't use cash or debit, we earn A LOT of reward points. We reached a limit where we could cash-out and Dave was going to but found out he could order the Garmin through the bank's reward program for a HUGE discount. So he did. And therefore, didn't spend any money that we already had. Essentially, he got that Garmin for free. :)
It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm so excited for my new present.
This year instead of my birthday, I ruined Valentine's Day.
Dave and I decided to do a month of no spending. The only spending we would do would be bills, gasoline, and groceries. That meant, there would be no Valentine's presents for each other. We agreed on it and assumed that would be the case.
For the last year and a half, Dave and I have been sharing a Garmin 405. It hasn't really been a problem as Dave was training for Ironman and I was training for my marathons. Plus, I've always been kind of anti-Garmin. I like to think of myself as a purist runner...just shoes. But since we are now training Iron-distance together it's becoming increasingly obvious that we both need a Garmin. There are just too many heart rate zones to keep track of and WAY too many intervals than my watch will program. I've been eying the Garmin 310XT for a while, but it's mighty expensive and while I was saving my pennies, I just didn't have enough.
Last Friday I had a breakdown. I went to Dave's office and tried to convince him that we needed to go to the store that night and buy me a Garmin. The bike rides were just getting too complicated to not have one. He said no. We were doing too goo on our month of no spending to break our pact. But, I said, it's my money!!! He said no and I left without saying goodbye. As I was walking back to my car, he called me and told me he already got me one for Valentine's Day. Great! I didn't buy him anything. And what happened to the month of no spending? Turns out, he didn't spend anything.
What?!
Our bank gives us points and rewards for every dollar we spend on our credit card. Considering we don't use cash or debit, we earn A LOT of reward points. We reached a limit where we could cash-out and Dave was going to but found out he could order the Garmin through the bank's reward program for a HUGE discount. So he did. And therefore, didn't spend any money that we already had. Essentially, he got that Garmin for free. :)
It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm so excited for my new present.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I Love the UPS Man!
The UPS man brought me goodies this week. First it started with some EFS Liquid Shot from First Endurance. I used it on my ride today and I will be reviewing it next week.
Then yesterday I got some awesome stuff from another one of my sponsors, Tri-Swim. I got some shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, Foggle, and Tri-Slide. I'm looking forward to trying this stuff out next week after a swim.
And next week, there will be the best package of all. Tune in tomorrow for that story...
Then yesterday I got some awesome stuff from another one of my sponsors, Tri-Swim. I got some shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, Foggle, and Tri-Slide. I'm looking forward to trying this stuff out next week after a swim.
And next week, there will be the best package of all. Tune in tomorrow for that story...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I am sooo excited that the Olympics are starting tomorrow. I absolutely love the Olympics. I wish they were every year. Of course, they wouldn't be so special if they were every year. I have enjoyed being on the treadmill and trainer and watching the news with information leading up to Games beginning. It motivates me. I have always dreamed of going to the Olympics. Obviously, now it would be as a spectator.
The sports I'm looking forward to watching are speed skating (short and long track), alpine skiing, snowboarding, and hockey.
What sport are you anxious to watch and who will you be cheering for?
The sports I'm looking forward to watching are speed skating (short and long track), alpine skiing, snowboarding, and hockey.
What sport are you anxious to watch and who will you be cheering for?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Team Trakkers News
Every day I get a flurry of emails about the team that I'm on, Team Trakkers. As the season quickly gets under way, the sponsors are gearing up and things are falling into place. I'm both super excited and completely nerve-wracked to be on this team. I'm also super excited and completely nervous to be taking on the challenge of triathlon this year. Anyway, back on topic, here's a nice article about the team and it's members and sponsors. And here's another article about one of our sponsors, First Endurance. I have just ordered my first stuff from First Endurance, the EFS Liquid Shot. I'm going to give it a try on my bike ride this weekend and will write a review about it next week.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Staying on Task
I recently read "Born to Run". It's a book about ultrarunning, a true life story about a tribe in Mexico, some of the best ultra runners in the US, and a race between them. A lot of people have interpretted this book to be about barefoot running. That's not what I got AT ALL from this book. To me the book was about the simplicity of running and why we do it, how natural running is, and the absolute love for it. Between reading this book and reading the most recent Runner's World magazine, I realized how much I miss running.
One part of the book that really struck me was about how over time humans became sedentary and how hard it is to get back running or doing any exercise after time off. I work out 6 days a week and LOVE my one day off, but even just one day off makes it difficult for me to get back on track the next day. When marathons were my game, I could fake my way through workouts. I would switch things around to better suit me or blow off workouts when I didn't want to do them. Now that I'm training for Ironman, though, I feel like I just can't do that. I've really been working hard this month to stay on track, do all my workouts, and do them on the days they are assigned and as they are assigned. This has required EXTREME discipline for me.
No matter how many marathons I've done, the distance never scared me. Ironman scares me. Like, seriously scares me. Therefore, I'm really going to make it my goal to stay on task. Swim, bike, run, eat, sleep, rinse, repeat.
One part of the book that really struck me was about how over time humans became sedentary and how hard it is to get back running or doing any exercise after time off. I work out 6 days a week and LOVE my one day off, but even just one day off makes it difficult for me to get back on track the next day. When marathons were my game, I could fake my way through workouts. I would switch things around to better suit me or blow off workouts when I didn't want to do them. Now that I'm training for Ironman, though, I feel like I just can't do that. I've really been working hard this month to stay on track, do all my workouts, and do them on the days they are assigned and as they are assigned. This has required EXTREME discipline for me.
No matter how many marathons I've done, the distance never scared me. Ironman scares me. Like, seriously scares me. Therefore, I'm really going to make it my goal to stay on task. Swim, bike, run, eat, sleep, rinse, repeat.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Foto Friday
Dave and I have been playing around in our new home studio. Today we were taking self family portraits:
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I'm stepping on my soapbox for this one...
I have had acne for as long as I can remember. I started seeing a fantastic dermatologist right around the age of 15. I've tried every potion and lotion. When I was in college the acne got really bad and I went through two rounds of Accutane. That was torture. But, it cleared it up enough that I didn't need to see my dermatologist anymore. Unfortunately, about two years later the acne came back. I tried to clear it up with my own remedies, did 4 microdermabrasions and 4 chemical peels. That cleared it up for a while too. Inevitably my skin was still bad so I decided to consult the dermatologist again. My dermatologist only works part time and getting into her practice was next to impossible. The wait time was nearly 6 months. For someone who was embarrassed to go outside, 6 months was too long. So, I called another dermatologist on a recommendation.
A year ago I started seeing a new dermatologist who's practice did both dermatology and cosmetic procedures. Every time I had an appointment they would try to up-sell me on items I didn't need. Some I bought, some I just couldn't. After another round of antibiotics last spring the acne had cleared up again and I didn't need to go back for several months. This week I had a recheck appointment. Here's what happened (I'm on the soapbox now)...
So, I went back on birth control about 6 months again so there would be no woopses before Ironman. For most people, the pill clears up any acne problems. Unfortunately, I am not blessed that way, although I do think my skin is passable at this time. My dermatologist yesterday thought otherwise. She wants to put me on yet another antibiotic. Um, excuse me? Don't antibiotics and birth control counteract? I asked her about it and she said not to worry. If I wasn't taking my birth control properly then I would get pregnant anyway. Duh! Then she put me on another topical prescription and recommended to me two more expensive topical solutions including face wash. I mentioned I was already using an acne wash that had 2% salicylic acid but she felt I NEEDED the new face wash. So, I bought it. I brought it home, opened it up, and realized the main ingredient in it was 2% salicylic acid. WTF! That wash cost me over $36 when I was using the exact same thing from the drug store that cost maybe $4. I'm pissed! I really feel like I got taken for a ride. Frankly, as an athlete and someone who's had acne my entire life, right now my face looks pretty good. So, I've decided not to fill the antibiotic prescription and I'm really debating if I'll go back to this dermatologist when my next appointment comes up or if my acne breaks out again.
I bet you're wondering where the question of the day in all of this is? My question in, when was the last time you were taken for a fool and what were the circumstances?
I have had acne for as long as I can remember. I started seeing a fantastic dermatologist right around the age of 15. I've tried every potion and lotion. When I was in college the acne got really bad and I went through two rounds of Accutane. That was torture. But, it cleared it up enough that I didn't need to see my dermatologist anymore. Unfortunately, about two years later the acne came back. I tried to clear it up with my own remedies, did 4 microdermabrasions and 4 chemical peels. That cleared it up for a while too. Inevitably my skin was still bad so I decided to consult the dermatologist again. My dermatologist only works part time and getting into her practice was next to impossible. The wait time was nearly 6 months. For someone who was embarrassed to go outside, 6 months was too long. So, I called another dermatologist on a recommendation.
A year ago I started seeing a new dermatologist who's practice did both dermatology and cosmetic procedures. Every time I had an appointment they would try to up-sell me on items I didn't need. Some I bought, some I just couldn't. After another round of antibiotics last spring the acne had cleared up again and I didn't need to go back for several months. This week I had a recheck appointment. Here's what happened (I'm on the soapbox now)...
So, I went back on birth control about 6 months again so there would be no woopses before Ironman. For most people, the pill clears up any acne problems. Unfortunately, I am not blessed that way, although I do think my skin is passable at this time. My dermatologist yesterday thought otherwise. She wants to put me on yet another antibiotic. Um, excuse me? Don't antibiotics and birth control counteract? I asked her about it and she said not to worry. If I wasn't taking my birth control properly then I would get pregnant anyway. Duh! Then she put me on another topical prescription and recommended to me two more expensive topical solutions including face wash. I mentioned I was already using an acne wash that had 2% salicylic acid but she felt I NEEDED the new face wash. So, I bought it. I brought it home, opened it up, and realized the main ingredient in it was 2% salicylic acid. WTF! That wash cost me over $36 when I was using the exact same thing from the drug store that cost maybe $4. I'm pissed! I really feel like I got taken for a ride. Frankly, as an athlete and someone who's had acne my entire life, right now my face looks pretty good. So, I've decided not to fill the antibiotic prescription and I'm really debating if I'll go back to this dermatologist when my next appointment comes up or if my acne breaks out again.
I bet you're wondering where the question of the day in all of this is? My question in, when was the last time you were taken for a fool and what were the circumstances?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Miscellany for Wednesday
Two weeks ago I ordered a grab bag swimsuit through Splish. They were super on sale and I just couldn't pass it up. But, I was super nervous to find out what it looked like. Let's face it. I've seen those suits on the website and some of the are downright scary. Well, I got my suit while I was in Florida. My mom called me and told me what it looked like it. It's Pepto Bismal pink. Yikes! It's TIGHT! Yikes! And it says YIKES! across the butt. YIKES! But, I swam in it yesterday and absolutely loved it.
I cute 6 inches off my hair yesterday. I have absolutely NO idea what I am going to do with it when I am working out, but it looks so much better. I think it looks a little '60s mod. Hopefully I'll have pictures very soon.
Dave and I went surfing while in Florida. I can't wait to blog about it. But Dave's dad took video on his own camera and we won't be able to get that video until at least the middle of the month. Unfortunately, the wetsuit I was wearing has caused me a huge rash on my knees. I love that I'm allergic to rubber!!!
Last week I mentioned 10 things that made me happy. I want to add another one: authentic people. Today I dealt with several "sales-type" of people. I was exhausted by mid afternoon. Thankfully I was able to take a break in the middle of the day to see my friend Gini from gymnastics. She's the most authentic person I know and can ALWAYS put a smile on my face.
Coming soon....more talk about triathlon. I promise.
I cute 6 inches off my hair yesterday. I have absolutely NO idea what I am going to do with it when I am working out, but it looks so much better. I think it looks a little '60s mod. Hopefully I'll have pictures very soon.
Dave and I went surfing while in Florida. I can't wait to blog about it. But Dave's dad took video on his own camera and we won't be able to get that video until at least the middle of the month. Unfortunately, the wetsuit I was wearing has caused me a huge rash on my knees. I love that I'm allergic to rubber!!!
Last week I mentioned 10 things that made me happy. I want to add another one: authentic people. Today I dealt with several "sales-type" of people. I was exhausted by mid afternoon. Thankfully I was able to take a break in the middle of the day to see my friend Gini from gymnastics. She's the most authentic person I know and can ALWAYS put a smile on my face.
Coming soon....more talk about triathlon. I promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
