Loyal Readers:
We know we promised to post more frequently over 3 months ago, but somehow the summer came and went and now our newest edition is 5 months old. Between adjusting to our new life and contestant #2's return to work, time has become more precious.
In any event, we will try to resume our posting on a more regular basis, especially as we enter the off season.
Contestant #1 did have a full summer of races - hopefully he'll fill everyone in on his experiences in the near future.
Contestant #2 returned to competition at the end of July with the Crystal City Twilighter - a 5k race in the evening. Fortunately it was at night because it was scheduled for literally the hottest day of the year - I think it was still 100 degrees at race time. Considering I had only been exercising for about a month, I felt really good and I ended up with a good time, even though my focus was just on running the race.
Fast forward to September and we were on track to participate in the Nation's Triathlon as a relay - contestant #1 on the 1 mile swim, contestant #2's dad on the 40k bike, and contestant #2 on the 10k run. All of us were on track and training well. About 2 weeks before the race, contestant #1 came off a flip turn awkwardly and injured his foot. Turns out the injury is either a healing stress fracture or tendinitis. Fortunately swimming was still on the approved list of activities for him, but his season was over in terms of full races.
For those of you in the DC area and who know about the race, the day before the race was beautiful and then on race day, it was torrential rain. We ended up making our way down to the race with our son, but ended up abandoning the race after all of us got wet and they delayed the start of the race by an hour. Too bad, but we had to make sure none of us got sick.
Last weekend we ventured to Onancock, VA for the Crystal Beach Triathlon. It's a nice, low key event run by a local. The competitors range from a few hard core competitors to first timers. The race organizer was nice enough to let us convert our entries to a two-person relay because of contestant #1's injury. So #1 did the swim and I, #2, completed the bike and run. The course is flat and fast and takes you through the neighborhoods of Onancock. People are very nice and supportive throughout the race. We really enjoyed our time and hope to make it an annual race.
Now the days are getting dark earlier and the mornings are cooler, but we are looking forward to a productive off season, where contestant #1 can recover from his foot injury and #2 can continue to return to form.
Hope to have more on our training soon.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
And we're back in action...
Argh! Contestant #2 here. We must apologize for yet another lag in posting. Yes, it's true, we haven't posted an entry in over 2 months, perhaps that's because we have been extremely busy with our newborn son! We welcomed him to the world on April 28 at 8:46 pm, weighing a proud 8 lbs, 7 oz. That is certainly much larger than anyone, including our doctors, expected. And he keeps growing - 95th percentile for both height and weight as we speak!
In any event, now that he's coming up on the 8 week mark, we're all getting back into gear. Contestant #1, aka new dad, has already had a busy month and has participated in two races. Overall he is pleased with his performances given the fact that he had limited training in the first few weeks of kiddo's life. But now he's got a good rhythm going as he prepares for a race over July 4th weekend near Buffalo, NY (contestant #2's hometown).
Contestant #2, aka new mom, got the all clear to resume all physical activity about 2 weeks ago. Although I was feeling okay, I limited myself to walking, ab work, and resistance bands until my doctor said I was good to go. I know a lot of women resume exercise much sooner, but I was too exhausted and too cautious to do so. Luckily we've got a lot of hills around us so the walks were of high quality.
I've started my comeback focusing on cardio. Given that our son is probably about 14 pounds already, I feel as though I'm getting a decent upper body workout every day and I know my strength will return once I start lifting weights again on a regular basis. But I really want to regain some endurance first. Even though I worked out literally until the day before the baby was born, which helped immensely during labor I must add, I feel like I've lost a lot of endurance from my pre-preggo days. Of course part of the issue is that I'm still getting used to not being pregnant and exercising without the 30 extra pounds on my body. I must say that I do feel quite light! Thus far in these first two weeks, I've run a few times (my legs do not have a memory of running hills), ridden the bike, used the arc machine, and gone swimming. The swimming is definitely the easiest, probably because I swam throughout my pregnancy and I stopped running about halfway through when the pressure and weight of my belly became too much.
Okay, that's probably enough for now. Any comments/suggestions about how to continue my comeback are much appreciated. Contestant #1 will publish his post-race reactions in the near future.
As always, thanks for reading.
In any event, now that he's coming up on the 8 week mark, we're all getting back into gear. Contestant #1, aka new dad, has already had a busy month and has participated in two races. Overall he is pleased with his performances given the fact that he had limited training in the first few weeks of kiddo's life. But now he's got a good rhythm going as he prepares for a race over July 4th weekend near Buffalo, NY (contestant #2's hometown).
Contestant #2, aka new mom, got the all clear to resume all physical activity about 2 weeks ago. Although I was feeling okay, I limited myself to walking, ab work, and resistance bands until my doctor said I was good to go. I know a lot of women resume exercise much sooner, but I was too exhausted and too cautious to do so. Luckily we've got a lot of hills around us so the walks were of high quality.
I've started my comeback focusing on cardio. Given that our son is probably about 14 pounds already, I feel as though I'm getting a decent upper body workout every day and I know my strength will return once I start lifting weights again on a regular basis. But I really want to regain some endurance first. Even though I worked out literally until the day before the baby was born, which helped immensely during labor I must add, I feel like I've lost a lot of endurance from my pre-preggo days. Of course part of the issue is that I'm still getting used to not being pregnant and exercising without the 30 extra pounds on my body. I must say that I do feel quite light! Thus far in these first two weeks, I've run a few times (my legs do not have a memory of running hills), ridden the bike, used the arc machine, and gone swimming. The swimming is definitely the easiest, probably because I swam throughout my pregnancy and I stopped running about halfway through when the pressure and weight of my belly became too much.
Okay, that's probably enough for now. Any comments/suggestions about how to continue my comeback are much appreciated. Contestant #1 will publish his post-race reactions in the near future.
As always, thanks for reading.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sidetracked by Baby Preparations
We know we've been very quiet for the past month. First, it was the Olympics that occupied our time. Now, we're in nesting/baby planning mode as our newest addition is expected to arrive within a few weeks.
However, that hasn't stopped us from focusing on our sporting endeavors. Contestant #1 has been busy with his training for the upcoming tri season, although he's been nursing a bit of a sore calf for the last two weeks. But that seems to be improving as the days go by. On the contrary, contestant #2 has been slowed by an increasingly large belly, although she has remained quite active in anticipation of the post-natal recovery period that is to come.
Contestant #1 is still finalizing his summer race schedule, but we did sign up for The Nation's Triathlon located conveniently in our neck of the woods. We opted to do the relay - contestant #1 will undertake his specialty, swimming, in the Potomac River; contestant #2's father will do the bike; and contestant #2 herself will make a return to racing with the 10K run through the DC streets.
We'll keep you posted on our race schedule once we nail that down and of course other developments as they come up.
Thanks for reading.
However, that hasn't stopped us from focusing on our sporting endeavors. Contestant #1 has been busy with his training for the upcoming tri season, although he's been nursing a bit of a sore calf for the last two weeks. But that seems to be improving as the days go by. On the contrary, contestant #2 has been slowed by an increasingly large belly, although she has remained quite active in anticipation of the post-natal recovery period that is to come.
Contestant #1 is still finalizing his summer race schedule, but we did sign up for The Nation's Triathlon located conveniently in our neck of the woods. We opted to do the relay - contestant #1 will undertake his specialty, swimming, in the Potomac River; contestant #2's father will do the bike; and contestant #2 herself will make a return to racing with the 10K run through the DC streets.
We'll keep you posted on our race schedule once we nail that down and of course other developments as they come up.
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A slight lull in the action....
Loyal Readers:
We apologize for the lack of posts over the course of the last two weeks. We've been distracted by the Olympics, particularly the curling and the nordic combined.
On the curling front, was anyone else amazed by Canada's Kevin Martin aka K-Mart/The Old Bear? We found him to be a magician on the ice and gained a new appreciation for the sport. Now we need curling to take off in the USA!
And how about the American nordic combined athletes, especially Johnny Spillane and Bill Demong? It was certainly inspirational to see American athletes excel in a discipline previously dominated by other countries.
The only bit of disappointment stems from the ice hockey losses to the Canadians. Contestant #2 is a native Buffalonian, so today's loss in the men's hockey finale was tough to swallow as Team USA's goalie was the superb Olympic MVP Ryan Miller. Ryan, along with Buffalonians Patrick Kane and Brooks Orpik, made Buffalo proud during these Games. And in the grand scheme of things, a silver medal isn't too bad.
Contestant #2 also gives a shout out to bobsledder and Olympic gold medalist Steve Mesler, yet another Buffalo-born athlete.
We hope you all enjoyed the Games as much as we did and we'll attempt to resume our normal posting routine.
Thanks for reading.
We apologize for the lack of posts over the course of the last two weeks. We've been distracted by the Olympics, particularly the curling and the nordic combined.
On the curling front, was anyone else amazed by Canada's Kevin Martin aka K-Mart/The Old Bear? We found him to be a magician on the ice and gained a new appreciation for the sport. Now we need curling to take off in the USA!
And how about the American nordic combined athletes, especially Johnny Spillane and Bill Demong? It was certainly inspirational to see American athletes excel in a discipline previously dominated by other countries.
The only bit of disappointment stems from the ice hockey losses to the Canadians. Contestant #2 is a native Buffalonian, so today's loss in the men's hockey finale was tough to swallow as Team USA's goalie was the superb Olympic MVP Ryan Miller. Ryan, along with Buffalonians Patrick Kane and Brooks Orpik, made Buffalo proud during these Games. And in the grand scheme of things, a silver medal isn't too bad.
Contestant #2 also gives a shout out to bobsledder and Olympic gold medalist Steve Mesler, yet another Buffalo-born athlete.
We hope you all enjoyed the Games as much as we did and we'll attempt to resume our normal posting routine.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Not-so-Fairweather (Gym) Patriots - Observances from the NY Times
I saw this article while I was browsing the NY Times today in search of real news. It talks about how frustrated people get when all those people trying to make good on their New Year's work out resolution. The whole point, as I interpret these folks, is that too many people do nothing at the gym but listen to iPods, talk on cell phones and hoard their favorite dumbbells. And, not only that, they come and clog the gym during January and February with unrealistic visions of bikini bods dancing in their heads.
First, I think if people get to the gym, even if it's for a couple of months, give them credit. Tens of millions don't get off their couch every year. Also, as a person who takes a bit of hiatus after the tri season, I showed up in January to begin training for races in the spring. Since I'm not an Ironman-in-training, I think taking a couple of months off from October-December gives me some free time, which I look forward to.
Second, I don't use an iPod in training since most tris don't allow them during the race, but it's hard to occupy time on a treadmill or a stationary bike without sweet, sweet Barry Manilow. I definitely think it's fine to listen to whatever to get you moving, as long as I can't hear it.
I agree with the position of the authors on the whole commandeering equipment thing. Look, if your not using it, then don't claim it. I also can't understand why people have their favorite bike, treadmill, or "place" in the gym...my view is that we're all adults, so just deal if someone gets on that 20 year old Lifecycle.
I guess the gym I go to is huge, and when I go I'm focused on getting it done, not on what others are doing to waste their time or use it fruitfully.
Do these traits described in the NYT articles happen frequently, maybe I'm just not aware?
Thanks for reading.
First, I think if people get to the gym, even if it's for a couple of months, give them credit. Tens of millions don't get off their couch every year. Also, as a person who takes a bit of hiatus after the tri season, I showed up in January to begin training for races in the spring. Since I'm not an Ironman-in-training, I think taking a couple of months off from October-December gives me some free time, which I look forward to.
Second, I don't use an iPod in training since most tris don't allow them during the race, but it's hard to occupy time on a treadmill or a stationary bike without sweet, sweet Barry Manilow. I definitely think it's fine to listen to whatever to get you moving, as long as I can't hear it.
I agree with the position of the authors on the whole commandeering equipment thing. Look, if your not using it, then don't claim it. I also can't understand why people have their favorite bike, treadmill, or "place" in the gym...my view is that we're all adults, so just deal if someone gets on that 20 year old Lifecycle.
I guess the gym I go to is huge, and when I go I'm focused on getting it done, not on what others are doing to waste their time or use it fruitfully.
Do these traits described in the NYT articles happen frequently, maybe I'm just not aware?
Thanks for reading.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Get Outta My Lane! - Etiquette in the Pool
I had an interesting experience this during a morning swim at our local YMCA. I am fortunate enough to have President's Day off from work, so I took my time getting to the pool today. Arriving at about 11 am, I knew in advance that only 2 of the 4 lanes would be reserved for lap swim. I don't mind sharing a lane at all (as long as no one slams into me) and I find that most people think the same way.
The pool was really busy today, probably because of the holiday. I had to wait a few minutes to get in the pool because both lanes already had 3 people in them. No big deal in my mind.
I got in a lane with a two very different swimmers - one woman who doing breast stroke pretty leisurely while her husband and kids played in the recreational swim area (she's ID'd as breast stroker in this post) and another woman who was a good swimmer and clearly swam quite often during the week (ID'd as superior female swimmer from here on out). I would put myself in between these 2 in terms of ability.
The three of us seemed to be managing our circle swim quite well until a fourth person, a male swimmer, jumped into the lane with us. It definitely became a bit of rush hour and the superior female swimmer was clearly not happy that there were 3 other swimmers in the lane who were serving as barriers to the completion of her workout. The male swimmer was staying out of everyone's way because he was a very fast swimmer. At one point, female superior swimmer asked if she could go ahead of me on a lap and I said fine, but she then proceeded to literally swim into the breast stroker.
Fortunately, the breast stroker and superior female swimmer ended up finishing their workouts shortly thereafter and the male swimmer and I were able to split the lane ourselves for the remainder of my workout.
Now I recognize that swimming is my weakest tri leg, which means I'm slower than many swimmers, and I have the added perk of being 7.5 moths pregnant. At this point I'm dragging 20 extra pounds through the water, so I am probably swimming slower than I had pre-pregnancy. But I don't got to the pool to break any world records; I was looking for a low impact, but high quality workout (which I talked about in my previous post about prenatal fitness).
My attitude is, if you're a faster swimmer than others in the lane, either figure out a way to pass them or discuss with them how you want to share the lane. It's no big deal and it's par for the course when you participate in a sport that is friendly to all ages and abilities, and you definitely get a wide range of swimmers at the Y. If you only want to be around fast swimmers, then join a swim club or a pool with more lanes. We were all doing our best to stay out of the way so we could all enjoy a swim.
I'm interested in others' perspectives on this issue. Thanks, as always, for reading.
The pool was really busy today, probably because of the holiday. I had to wait a few minutes to get in the pool because both lanes already had 3 people in them. No big deal in my mind.
I got in a lane with a two very different swimmers - one woman who doing breast stroke pretty leisurely while her husband and kids played in the recreational swim area (she's ID'd as breast stroker in this post) and another woman who was a good swimmer and clearly swam quite often during the week (ID'd as superior female swimmer from here on out). I would put myself in between these 2 in terms of ability.
The three of us seemed to be managing our circle swim quite well until a fourth person, a male swimmer, jumped into the lane with us. It definitely became a bit of rush hour and the superior female swimmer was clearly not happy that there were 3 other swimmers in the lane who were serving as barriers to the completion of her workout. The male swimmer was staying out of everyone's way because he was a very fast swimmer. At one point, female superior swimmer asked if she could go ahead of me on a lap and I said fine, but she then proceeded to literally swim into the breast stroker.
Fortunately, the breast stroker and superior female swimmer ended up finishing their workouts shortly thereafter and the male swimmer and I were able to split the lane ourselves for the remainder of my workout.
Now I recognize that swimming is my weakest tri leg, which means I'm slower than many swimmers, and I have the added perk of being 7.5 moths pregnant. At this point I'm dragging 20 extra pounds through the water, so I am probably swimming slower than I had pre-pregnancy. But I don't got to the pool to break any world records; I was looking for a low impact, but high quality workout (which I talked about in my previous post about prenatal fitness).
My attitude is, if you're a faster swimmer than others in the lane, either figure out a way to pass them or discuss with them how you want to share the lane. It's no big deal and it's par for the course when you participate in a sport that is friendly to all ages and abilities, and you definitely get a wide range of swimmers at the Y. If you only want to be around fast swimmers, then join a swim club or a pool with more lanes. We were all doing our best to stay out of the way so we could all enjoy a swim.
I'm interested in others' perspectives on this issue. Thanks, as always, for reading.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NBC, the Olympics, and "Live" sports
I've been watching the Olympics on NBC today and I've noticed that they're airing the sports about 30 minutes behind "live". The specific event I'm talking about is the men's moguls. They even posted the results on their facebook fan page before they aired it. I find this (not airing the event live) totally annoying, and I hope NBC fixes this. I'm an east coastie, only 3 time zones away from the games. There is no reason they can't air it live on one of their 4-5 networks, if they want to show the sport on TV. I get if they don't want to show some sports, but if they choose to show it, then show it LIVE!
The world can follow the results online, and most of the world can follow these sports live on television stations in their countries. Why can't the US media allow its viewers to do the same? I think there are $785 million (US) reasons why.
In a way, I think it's a tribute to the fact that NBC lost money on these Olympics. I think most Americans don't understand this broadcast model and are frustrated by it. Unfortunately, it's become a habit of US media since the late 1980s. I can't wait for the day the United States television networks choose to air Olympic events live, regardless of the time zone.
The world can follow the results online, and most of the world can follow these sports live on television stations in their countries. Why can't the US media allow its viewers to do the same? I think there are $785 million (US) reasons why.
In a way, I think it's a tribute to the fact that NBC lost money on these Olympics. I think most Americans don't understand this broadcast model and are frustrated by it. Unfortunately, it's become a habit of US media since the late 1980s. I can't wait for the day the United States television networks choose to air Olympic events live, regardless of the time zone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
